Detectable pipe and electric fence are formed of a conductive loaded resin-based material. The conductive loaded resin-based material comprises micron conductive powder(s), conductive fiber(s), or a combination of conductive powder and conductive fibers in a base resin host. The percentage by weight of the conductive powder(s), conductive fiber(s), or a combination thereof is between about 20% and 50% of the weight of the conductive loaded resin-based material. The micron conductive powders are metals or conductive non-metals or metal plated non-metals. The micron conductive fibers may be metal fiber or metal plated fiber. Further, the metal plated fiber may be formed by plating metal onto a metal fiber or by plating metal onto a non-metal fiber. Any platable fiber may be used as the core for a non-metal fiber. Superconductor metals may also be used as micron conductive fibers and/or as metal plating onto fibers in the present invention.

(1) Field of the Invention
This invention relates to pipe and fencing and, more particularly, to detectible pipe and electric fencing molded of conductive loaded resin-based materials comprising micron conductive powders, micron conductive fibers, or a combination thereof, substantially homogenized within a base resin when molded. This manufacturing process yields a conductive part or material usable within the EMF, thermal, acoustic, or electronic spectrum(s).
(2) Description of the Prior Art
Pipe is used in many applications for transport of fluids, such as oil or natural gas, or as a protective covering, or conduit, for electrical or telecommunications wiring. In many cases, the pipe is buried for improved safety or appearance. There are circumstances, such as during subsequent construction work, when it is necessary to precisely locate the path of the buried pipe. Location of metal pipes is typically performed using any of a variety of metal detection techniques. However, most buried natural gas pipe is constructed from a non-metal material such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Traditional metal detection techniques do not work for PVC pipes. To provide pipe tracing, a copper wire is typically wrapped around the PVC pipe prior to burial. The provision of this locator wire that is detectable by normal methods has at least two disadvantages. First, it is relatively easy for the wire to be broken during installation or during subsequent construction events. If the wire is broken, location techniques may not work properly. Second, the proper installation of the pipe is made more difficult due to the lack of ruggedness of the locator wire. Solving the above issues is an important object of the present invention.
Electric fence is applied mainly as a means to corral domesticated animals. In a typical application, the fence is charged with a relatively large, static voltage. When an animal contacts the fence, the voltage discharges through the animal and into the ground. The discharge shock is unpleasant for the animal but not sufficient to cause injury. The fence typically comprises conductive metal wiring that is run parallel to the ground. The prior art electric fence system has at least two disadvantages. First, depending on the type of metal wire used, corrosion of the wire surface can reduce shock capability or, in the worst case, create a risk of animal injury. Second, wire breakage will typically disable the electric shock function of an entire section of fence. Solving the above issues is an important object of the present invention.
Several prior art inventions relate to detectible or locatable pipe. U.S. Pat. No. 4,947,012 to Minarovic teaches an electro fusion marker which fuses two pipe sections together by means of an integrated heating coil. This invention also teaches that the heating coil, after it is buried, doubles as the inductor to a resonant LC circuit for locating purposes. U.S. Pat. No. 6,305,423 B1 to De Meyer et al teaches a thermoplastic or thermoset pipe that includes a conductive textile reinforcement layer for heating and leak detection purposes. U.S. Pat. No. 5,905,194 to Strong teaches a pipe line design with an integral fault detection method utilizing an inner electrically conductive layer, a layer of dielectric material, and an outer layer of a conductive coaxial element. This invention also teaches the use of time domain reflectometry (TDR) for leak detection which comprises applying a high frequency pulse to one end of the pipe line and measuring the time required for reflections of the pulse to return in order to calculate the location of the leak. In one embodiment, the inner conduit comprises PVC with a metallized outer coating. U.S. Pat. No. 5,177,996 to Sahakian teaches a coaxial liquid leak detection cable that comprises a wire conductor layer, an insulation layer impermeable by water or water vapor, a braided wire conductive layer, a second layer of water and water impermeable insulation, and an outer layer that is braided, woven, or netted in order to allow permeation by liquids. This invention also teaches that the cable be buried next to the pipe line so that any leaks in the line would permeate the cable and allow for TDR to determine its location.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,117,676 to Chang teaches a leak detector for natural gas pipelines comprising a plurality of acoustic microphones arranged along the exterior of the pipeline that are responsive to sounds generated by escaping gases through one or more holes in the pipeline. The outputs of the microphones are then monitored to determine if peaks in the acoustic spectrum occur at a predetermined wavelength of a standing wave of escaping gas. U.S. Patent Publication US 2002/0134448 A1 to Goodman teaches a locatable magnetic polyethylene gas pipe distribution system utilizing the mixing of ferrite particles into the polyethylene resin and magnetizing them during the molding process. This invention also teaches a method of directionally magnetizing the embedded ferrite particles in a distinctive spiral pattern that helps to distinguish it from background magnetic objects. U.S. Pat. No. 5,699,048 to Galloway teaches an omni-directional passive electrical marker for underground use comprising plural tuned circuits allowing for better transmission to the receiver regardless of the markers orientation in the ground. U.S. Pat. No. 6,246,328 B1 to Parkinson et al teaches an extended range passive marker comprising a wire wound planar spiral portion and a wire wound wall portion joined to the wire wound planar spiral portion and extending outward form the circumference. This invention also teaches of a hollow sphere filled with a liquid and a buoyant carrier that encases the circuits of the passive marker allowing it to orient itself for best reception and subsequent transmission underground.
Several prior art inventions relate to electric fences. U.S. Patent Publication US 2003/0066993 A1 to Chamove teaches the use of spots or stripes on an electric fencing tape to add a visual deterrent to the electric fence boundary. U.S. Pat. No. 6,710,253 B2 to Wildschut teaches an electric fence tape, rope or wire that utilizes two conductive elements with different electrical and mechanical properties woven together in a polymer fiber and a braided outer jacket. This invention also teaches the fencing will maintain a conductive ability longer than a fence that only has one conductive element. U.S. Pat. No. 6,519,131 B1 to Beck teaches an electric cattle guard comprising a first layer of non conductive flexible natural or synthetic rubber and a second layer of the same material that has a plurality of electrically conductive particles, fibers or a mixture thereof. This invention also teaches the conductive filler to be either carbon black or graphite or a metal such as aluminum, copper, nickel, tin or stainless steel in either fibers or powders.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,513,793 B2 to Bellon teaches an electric fence that utilizes two conductive elements with different mechanical and electrical properties. The first conductive element that is used has excellent mechanical properties against breakage and corrosion and the second conductive element is highly conductive and covered for most of the distance by a sheath to protect against breakage and corrosion. This invention then teaches that the two conductive elements are joined by a metal connector at intervals along the fencing to insure a strong conductive path. U.S. Pat. No. 6,341,550 B1 to White teaches an electric braided fence that utilizes a non conductive inner core of a high strength synthetic yarn and an outer conductive braided shell of either copper wire or copper coated wire or a copper alloy braided along with a highly visible polyester fiber. U.S. Pat. No. 6,472,602 B1 to Pokrandt teaches an electric fence line that utilizes a woven tape of electrically conductive stainless steel strands and a polyethylene monofilament yarn that run longitudinally along the tape and a stainless steel bonding strand that zigzags across the tape at intervals to insure a strong conductive path along the entire length of the tape. U.S. Pat. No. 5,096,162 to Cleveland teaches an electric fence wire construction that utilizes an elongated plastic strip folded over parallel conductive wires in order to have an electric fence that visually looks like a rail fence system. This invention teaches that the elongated plastic strip has a tooth like pattern on the edge so that the conductive wire element is exposed.

Low cost detectible pipe and electric fencing manufactured from conductive loaded resin-based materials


An infant support pillow for supporting an infant or small child in a lying or seated position comprising a pillow shell and a resilient fill material that defines a recessed center portion surrounded partially or fully by a raised perimeter portion. The pillow shell can comprise various features, including fabric types, attachments, appliqués and stitching, configured to represent an object or character. The recessed center portion and the raised peripheral portion are configured such that the infant is comfortably and stably supported at an incline.

Infants and young children can need support when lying in a supine or prone position or when sitting upright. It is also common that when a caregiver is nursing or bottle feeding an infant, they can have trouble supporting the weight of the infant on their arm. Known infant support pillows leave room for improvements in this area.
Accordingly, it can be seen that needs exist for an improved device which can support an infant lying in a supine or prone position or sitting up. There also exists a need for an improved device which can support an infant during feeding. It is to the provision of an infant support pillow meeting these and other needs that the present invention is primarily directed.


Devices dispense air treatment chemicals in response to heat generated by a candle. There is a support mounted on the candle that carries a substrate bearing the air treatment chemical. The support holds a heating plate with substrate thereon over the candle, and a chimney in the heating plate (and passage through the substrate) allow heated air to pass through when the candle wax is being combusted. Heat dispersal fins are formed along the chimney. A washer shaped substrate is provided that is made of fiberglass bound with polyvinyl alcohol and bears the air treatment chemical.

The present invention relates to devices that dispense air treatment chemicals from a substrate mounted above a candle flame. More particularly, the invention relates to structures associated with such devices for rendering them more suitable for controlling flying insects outdoors.
A variety of devices are known for dispensing volatilizable air treatment chemicals such as pest control materials (e.g., insecticides, insect repellants, or insect growth control regulators), air scents or deodorizers (e.g. masks), allergen control ingredients, disinfectants, sanitizers or other materials. In some of these devices the air treatment chemical is mixed with candle wax and is dispensed during a candle burning process (where the chemical is released primarily from the heated wax surrounding the wick). While this is a common technique for dispensing a variety of fragrances, and even some materials such as citronella that have some insect control capability, typically it has been less successful when dispensing certain particularly desirable pest control materials.
There have been attempts to improve efficiency by placing some structures over the candle. However, most of these devices were focused on improving candle burning efficiency in a deep-cup type candle, rather than distributing air treatment chemicals from sources other than the wax.
Other attempts have been made to use the heat from a candle (or other heat source) to distribute air treatment chemicals from an adjacent impregnated pad or the like. See e.g. U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,742,342, 4,781,895, 6,482,365, 6,503,459, and 7,138,130. However, these devices required relatively expensive constructions to achieve their results, or suffered inefficiencies, or were not be optimally suited for use outdoors.
One particularly desirable type of candle dispenser was disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,047,837. There, a candle heated a chimney form of heating plate that was supported over the candle. A washer shaped impregnated substrate was positioned on the plate around the chimney and dispensed active when heated air passed through the chimney, warmed the plate, and thereby warm the substrate. However, the dispensing characteristics of this candle were not optimally controlled.
Thus, a need continues to exist for improved candle dispenser assemblies, particularly where the dispenser is primarily intended for outdoor use.


A patch panel includes a frame, a faceplate mountable to the frame, and at least one modular jack mountable into a rear side of the faceplate. The frame has a top flange, a bottom flange, and a plurality of faceplate opening, and the faceplate is mountable within the top flange and the bottom flange, and has a plurality of mounting openings. Each mounting opening has at least one modular jack retention latch protruding within the mounting opening.

The present invention is directed to a patch panel and, more particularly, a high density patch panel utilizing six, eight-position faceplates for housing a total of 48 ports in one EIA/TIA rack unit.
24-port and 32-port patch panels having frames that mount to any standard 19-inch network rack and utilize one rack space are known in the telecommunications industry. However, prior art devices, such as the connector mounting receptacles disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,672,074, require the connector to be rotated into engagement with the faceplate and, thus, require a significant amount of space between connector rows.
Moreover, 48-port patch panels having frames that mount to any standard EIA/TIA 19-inch network rack and utilize one rack space are known in the telecommunications industry. However, prior art devices, such as Hubbell's Premise Wiring's UDX Series Jack Panels, mount the jacks directly into the rear of the patch panel frame, and thus, do not have a faceplate mounted into the frame.
It would be desirable to provide an improved patch panel having a total of 48 ports in one EIA/TIA rack unit.
It would also be desirable to provide an improved patch panel having two rows of modular jacks mounted therein, with at least two modular jacks vertically aligned within the patch panel.
It would further be desirable to provide an improved patch panel having a plurality of modular jacks capable of being mounted straight into a faceplate to minimize the required distance between the two rows of modular jacks.


The present disclosure relates to an ink container to be received within a receiving station of an inkjet printing system. The receiving station has a fluid inlet having a compliant seal and a pair of guide slots extending along either side of the fluid inlet. The ink container includes a guide feature outwardly extending therefrom. The guide feature is disposed toward a trailing end relative to an insertion direction. The guide feature is configured to cooperate with the at least one guide slot to guide the ink container in a pivot motion to ensure the ink container engages the compliant seal forming a seal therewith.

The present invention relates to ink containers for providing ink to inkjet printers. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for inserting and removing ink containers from a receiving station within an inkjet printer.
Inkjet printers frequently make use of an inkjet printhead mounted within a carriage that is moved relative to a print media, such as paper. As the printhead is moved relative to the print media, a control system activates the printhead to deposit or eject ink droplets onto the print media to form images and text. Ink is provided to the printhead by a supply of ink that is either integral with the printhead, as in the case of a disposable print cartridge, or by a supply of ink that is replaceable separate from the printhead.
One type of previously used printing system makes use of the ink supply that is carried with the carriage. This ink supply has been formed integral with the printhead, whereupon the entire printhead and ink supply are replaced when ink is exhausted. Alternatively, the ink supply can be carried with the carriage and be separately replaceable from the printhead. For the case where the ink supply is separately replaceable, the ink supply is replaced when exhausted. The printhead is then replaced at the end of printhead life. Regardless of where the ink supply is located within the printing system, it is critical that the ink supply provides a reliable supply of ink to the inkjet printhead.
There is an ever present need for inkjet printing systems that make use of replaceable ink containers that are easy to install and remove. The installation of the ink container should produce reliable fluidic connection to the printer. These ink containers should be relatively easy to manufacture, thereby tending to reduce the ink supply cost. Reduction of the ink supply cost tends to reduce the per page printing costs of the printing system. In addition, these ink containers should be compact and configured to be inserted into the inkjet printing system to maintain a relatively small overall height of the printing system allowing a low profile printing system.
One aspect of the present disclosure relates to an ink container to be received within a receiving station of an inkjet printing system. The receiving station has a fluid inlet having a compliant seal and a pair of guide slots extending along either side of the fluid inlet. The ink container includes a guide feature outwardly extending therefrom. The guide feature is disposed toward a trailing end relative to an insertion direction. The guide feature is configured to cooperate with the at least one guide slot to guide the ink container in a pivot motion to ensure the ink container engages the compliant seal forming a seal therewith.
Another aspect of the present disclosure is an ink container for insertion into an inkjet printing system. The ink container includes an ink container housing defining a leading end and a trailing end relative to an insertion direction and a pair of sidewalls each extending between the leading and trailing ends. Included is a first pair of guide features, each of the first pair extending outwardly from each of the pair of sidewalls. Also included is a second pair of guide features, each of the second pair extending outwardly from each of the pair of sidewalls.

Replaceable ink container for an inkjet printing system

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.


The present invention has been made to judge the discharge state of each nozzle accurately at an appropriate timing. For this purpose, a printing apparatus using a printhead including a heater and a temperature sensor to detect a temperature of the heater has the following arrangement. A temporal change in a detected temperature is monitored upon driving the printhead. In the temperature dropping process, temperatures are extracted at plural points of a time interval including a timing at which a feature point of the temporal change in the detected temperature in normal discharge appears. The second derivative of the temperature is calculated and added to obtain a total sum. The total sum is compared with a threshold defined based on the characteristic of the temporal change in the monitored temperature in discharge failure, thereby judging whether to normally discharge ink.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a printing apparatus and, more particularly, to a printing apparatus that uses a printhead including a heating element (heater) to discharge ink.
2. Description of the Related Art
Some of inkjet printing methods of discharging ink droplets from nozzles and adhering them to a printing medium such as a paper sheet or a plastic film use a printhead including a heater that generates heat energy to discharge ink. For a printhead according to this method, for example, electrothermal transducers, a driving circuit thereof, and the like, can be formed using the same process as a semiconductor manufacturing process. Hence, the printhead has the advantages of facilitating high-density nozzle integration and achieving high-resolution printing.
In this printhead, an ink discharge failure may occur in some or all of the nozzles of the printhead due to nozzle clogging caused by foreign substances or high viscosity ink, bubbles trapped in an ink supply channel or a nozzle, a change in wettability on a nozzle surface, or the like. To avoid degradation of image quality caused by such a discharge failure, it is preferable to quickly execute a recovery operation of recovering the ink discharge state or a complementary operation by another nozzle. However, to quickly perform these operations, it is very important to judge an ink discharge state or a discharge failure occurrence accurately at an appropriate timing.
Hence, there have conventionally been proposed various ink discharge state judgment methods and complementary printing methods and apparatuses using them.
As a printing method of detecting a printed product and obtaining a faultless image, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-079956 discloses an arrangement for printing a predetermined pattern on a detection paper sheet, causing a reading apparatus to read it, and detecting an abnormal printing element. According to Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-079956, image data that should be used for an abnormal printing element is moved and superimposed on image data to be used by another printing element, and complementary printing is performed to obtain a faultless image.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-234636 discloses an arrangement using a full-line printhead corresponding to a printing medium width, in which a detection means (reading head) for detecting whether or not ink has been discharged is provided to uniform the discharge states of nozzles arrayed in the widthwise direction of the printing medium. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-234636 also discloses an arrangement for setting appropriate control based on a nozzle driving condition at the time of detection.
As a method of detecting ink droplet discharge, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-194967 discloses an arrangement for causing a detection means including a set of a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element which are arranged at one end and the other end of the nozzle array of a printhead to determine the ink droplet discharge state of each nozzle.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 58-118267 discloses a method of arraying heat conductors at positions affected by heat generated by heaters and detecting a change in the resistance value of each heat conductor, which changes depending on the temperature, that is, performing detection on the ink discharge source side, instead of directly detecting the ink discharge state.
As an arrangement for similarly performing detection on the ink discharge source side, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-28935 discloses an arrangement in which heaters and temperature detection elements are provided on a single support base (heater board) such as an Si (silicon) substrate. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-28935 also discloses providing temperature detection elements that have film-like shape and overlap heater array regions. In addition, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-28935 discloses an arrangement for judging ink discharge failure based on a change in the resistance value of a temperature detection element according to a temperature change. Also described is forming a temperature detection element having film-like shape on a heater board by a film forming process and connecting the temperature detection element to the outside via a terminal by a method such as wire bonding.
In the discharge state judgment method disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-079956, however, it is very difficult to quickly judge the discharge state because a nozzle with a discharge failure is detected based on the reading result of a check pattern printed on a paper sheet, assuming that the check pattern is printed prior to the judgment. In addition, a reading apparatus needs to be provided, and accordingly, the printing apparatus becomes bulky and expensive.
In the arrangements disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Nos. 3-234636 and 3-194967 as well, the apparatus has difficulty in downsizing and cost reduction. It is also difficult to quickly detect a nozzle having discharge failure.
In the arrangements disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Nos. 58-118267 and 2-28935, the problems of Japanese Patent Laid-Open Nos. 6-079956, 3-234636, and 3-194967 are supposedly relaxed. However, the arrangements are still insufficient for accurately judging the discharge state. Especially, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-28935, it is impossible to accurately specify a nozzle with discharge failure.


A work string and method of performing a downhole operation is disclosed. The work string includes a first tool having a first ball seat configured to activate when a first activation pressure is applied to a plug seated at the first ball seat, and a second tool having a second ball seat configured to activate when a second activation pressure is applied to the plug when seated at the second ball seat, wherein the first activation pressure is different than the second activation pressure. A plug is dropped through a string in a wellbore. The first activation pressure is applied when the plug is at the first tool to activate the first tool. The second activation pressure is applied when the plug is at the second tool to activate the second tool.

In the resource recovery industry, a tool string disposed within a wellbore in a formation can include multiple tools, each tool having a device that is activated by a ball seat (or more generically, a profile). A ball seat operates by dropping a plug through the tool string to land on the ball seat, thereby plugging a channel of the ball seat. Applying a fluid pressure on the plug moves the ball seat from an original position to an activation position. Increasing the fluid pressure on the plug above a selected pressure threshold then forces the plug through the channel of the seat, thereby relieving the pressure on the seat and allowing the seat to return to its original position. When different tools have different activation pressures, a different plug is typically required to be dropped through the tool string for each tool. This also requires that the plugs be dropped in a particular order.

Extrudable ball for multiple activations


An encoder includes a cylinder configured to be rotatable in a circumferential direction, a scale attached to the cylinder, and a detector configured to detect a position of the cylinder by using the scale, and the cylinder includes a fixed holder holding the scale, a scale holder configured to be movable in the circumferential direction of the cylinder and holding the scale, and a scale biasing portion configured to bias the scale via the scale holder toward a side of the fixed holder so that the scale is attached to an inner wall of the cylinder.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an encoder that detects a position of an object.
2. Description of the Related Art
Previously, there is an optical apparatus such as a lens apparatus or a camera that has an autofocus (AF) function. The AF function is achieved by a focus detection system that detects an in-focus state of an object, a lens drive system that moves a focus lens so as to form an object image on an image pickup element, and an AF control system that controls the focus detection system and the lens drive system. The focus detection system performs focus detection by a phase difference method, a contrast method, or the like. The lens drive system is provided with an encoder that detects a position of the focus lens. The AF control system controls a motion of the focus lens based on an output of the encoder.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open Nos. 2011-99869 and 2007-47652 disclose an optical encoder including a reflection scale. This reflection scale is adhesively fixed on an inner surface of a scale supporting body (or, a roller ring) by using a double-faced tape.
Recently, the demand of a higher-accuracy AF is increasing in order to obtain an image which is focused on an object with higher accuracy, and therefore an encoder capable of performing position detection with higher accuracy and higher resolution is required. However, in each of the configurations of Japanese Patent Laid-Open Nos. 2011-99869 and 2007-47652, it is difficult to perform the position detection with high accuracy and high resolution. In other words, the accuracy to be ensured by the reflective pattern is limited since there is a variation of a partial thickness of the double-faced tape, a strain of the scale that is generated when attaching the scale, a strain that is generated by the expansion and contraction of the scale in accordance with a temperature change or a humidity change, or the like.

Encoder, lens apparatus, and camera capable of detecting position of object


Measurement with satisfactory sensitivity in a low-pressure range, and accurate measurement in a wider pressure range, are realized by a pressure sensor that includes a diaphragm layer and a pressure receiving region formed on the diaphragm layer. The pressure sensor includes a first piezostrictive element, a second piezostrictive element, a third piezostrictive element, and a fourth piezostrictive element. In addition, the pressure sensor includes a first magnetostrictive element, a second magnetostrictive element, a third magnetostrictive element, and a fourth magnetostrictive element. A switching function unit outputs a pressure value calculated by a second calculation function unit until a pressure value calculated by a first calculation function unit exceeds a set threshold value, and outputs the pressure value calculated by the first calculation function unit when the pressure value calculated by the first calculation function unit exceeds the threshold value.

The present disclosure relates to a pressure measurement device.
For example, in petroleum, petrochemical, and chemical plants, a pressure measurement device using a piezoresistance-type pressure sensor is used to measure a flow rate, a pressure, a liquid level, or specific gravity of a process fluid (PTL 1). The piezoresistance-type pressure sensor is excellent in response linearity, but has low sensitivity in a low-pressure region. In this type of the pressure sensor, in order to improve the sensitivity, a countermeasure is to provide a thinner diaphragm. However, when the diaphragm is thinner, problems arise in that a body pressure is lowered and an upper limit value of a measurable pressure is lowered.
On the other hand, a strain detection element having a gauge factor 50 times or greater that of the piezoresistance type has been proposed (PTL 2). The element includes a detection magnetic layer and a reference magnetic layer whose magnetization is changed due to a strain, and has a magnetic tunnel junction structure in which the detection magnetic layer and the reference magnetic layer are subjected to tunnel junction via a barrier layer (magnetic tunnel junction element).

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Pressure measurement device having piezostrictive and magnetostrictive measurement units


An example printer or method involves recognizing artifacts in a digital image of at least a part of a nozzle plate, and triggering a nozzle plate cleaning routine if the recognized artifacts cover more than a predetermined threshold.

During printing amounts of print fluid may be left behind on the nozzle plate, sometimes forming unwanted artifacts near the nozzles. In some printers, the nozzle plate is cleaned during printing at a predetermined frequency. A cleaning routine may involve passing a wiper over the nozzle plate. In some instances, the cleaned off artifacts are collected by an exchangeable cassette.

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.


A method for toning mapping high dynamic range (HDR) video for display in low dynamic range display comprises accessing the HDR video; producing a luminance information for the individual frames; partitioning different consecutive groups of frames into segments responsive to the luminance information; classifying the segments into static luminance segments and transient luminance segments; producing a tone mapping parameter set for the static luminance segments; producing a tone mapping parameter set for at least one of the transient luminance segments responsive to the tone mapping parameter set of an adjacent static luminance segment; and tone mapping the static luminance segments and transient luminance segments according to the respective tone mapping parameter sets.

Currently, most display devices have a limited dynamic range which is lower than that in real world scenes. HDR scenes shown on low dynamic range (LDR) display devices usually turn out to be either saturated which corresponds to overexposure in photography or extremely dark which corresponds to underexposure. Either case is undesired as numerous details can be lost.
The amount of visual content in HDR video format has been greatly increasing. Hence, tone mapping for HDR video has drawn much attention in academia as well as in industry. However, compared with the tone mapping of still images, relatively very little effort has been put on HDR video tone mapping.
For video scenes with relatively static lighting conditions, known parameter estimation methods have performed well. In such cases, generally a set of fixed parameters are applied to all frames in the same video segment with static lighting condition.
However, for varying lighting conditions within a scene of video, the application of a fixed set of parameters to frames has produced poor tone mapping results, because the tone mapping parameters can change from one frame to another. As such, a need exists for a tone mapping process that can properly and effectively perform tone mapping in scenes with varying lighting.

Parameters interpolation for high dynamic range video tone mapping


A system and method for processing an image of a document is disclosed. The method includes receiving at least one predetermined document parameter of the document. An image of the document is previewed on a display using a camera. The display provides a visual indication of a defect in the image based on the preview. A processor proposes a procedure to minimize the defect in the image. A user adjusts the camera in response to the proposal. The processor processes the image of the document.

Successful document capture using a hand held equipment requires that the document being imaged must be imaged with a minimum of image capture errors. Image capture errors are any errors which would preclude the document from being properly captured, or that would otherwise degrade the visible quality of the image to be captured.

Method and apparatus for enhanced document capture


A marking machine for marking cable markers has a frame bearing a plurality of strips of ring shaped marking elements, a tab mounted on a reciprocating carriage, and devices for positioning a ring-shaped marking element of each strip in the travel path of the tab. The tab automatically seizes the selected element and introduces it in a recess of a cable marrier.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to an automatic marker system for positioning of codes consisting of ring-shaped marking elements inside a recess of a support for such marking elements.
The marking system may be used for any product or product wrap, but is particularly suitable for marking of cables.
2. Description of Related Art
Several marking systems are known for marking cables, both wire and on electrical equipment, among which is a system using a support to be fitted on the cable or on the equipment, provided with a tubular external recess in which ring-shaped alphanumerical marker elements are introduced with the aid of tab shaped devices. These marking elements together form the complete code of the cable or equipment.
Usually, the ring-shaped elements are glued on flat rectangular cardboard or plastic strips, each of which bears several elements all having the same code. Strips with different codes are normally mounted in tray-codes of various type, so that the marking elements can be progressively removed and introduced in the recess of the support to form the required code.
Obviously, this manual composition and installation of the code, though functional, takes much time especially for cable marking in larger electric installations.

Automatic marking machine for the introduction of ring-shaped marking elements into recessed supports


An amorphous silicon thin film transistor array substrate is formed on an insulating substrate with a gate insulating layer, a gate wiring interconnecting gate electrodes and source wiring interconnecting source electrodes. The gate insulating layer is provided in a lower layer of a terminal part of the source wiring. In the process for forming the array, the gate insulating layer is formed in a portion of the structure other than the terminal part of the gate, and the terminal part of the source wiring is formed on the gate insulating layer.

The present invention relates to an amorphous silicon thin film transistor array utilized in an active matrix type liquid crystal display device or the like, and a method for producing the same.
In recent years, a liquid crystal matrix display device, especially a liquid crystal display device of the so-called active matrix type provided with a switching element per each pixel has been under research and development in various places for a thin type picture image display device. An MIS type thin film transistor (hereinafter referred to as TFT) using amorphous silicon (hereinafter referred to as a-Si) has been primarily utilized for the above switching element.
FIG. 8 shows an example of the construction of an active matrix type liquid crystal display device using TFT. In this Figure, when Xi is selected, for example, in the gate wiring 8, the gates of respective TFT 21-a connected thereto are turned on all at once, and through the sources of these TFTs turned on, the signal voltage corresponding to the picture information is transmitted from respective signal lines 12 to the drains of the respective TFT 21-a. A pixel electrode (not shown in the Figure) is connected to the drain, and due to the voltage difference between this pixel electrode and the counter electrode 23 formed on the substrate, which is on the other side, putting the liquid crystal layer 22 therebetween, the optical transparency of the liquid crystal layer 22 is changed to effect picture image display.
When Xi is in a non-selective state, the gate of each TFT 21-a connected thereto is off, and successively, Xi+1 is selected, and the gate of each TFT 21-b connected thereto is turned on, and a process similar to that as described above is effected. Since the voltage difference between both the pixel electrode and the counter electrode 23 is preserved by the liquid crystal layer 22 until the same gate wiring 8 is selected in the next time, the liquid crystal corresponding to each pixel is statically driven, and a display of high contrast can be obtained even after the gate has been turned off.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the a-Si TFT used in the above-described TFT 21-a and 21-b. Numeral 1 denotes an insulating substrate such as glass or the like, numeral 2 a gate insulating layer, numeral 3 an amorphous silicon layer, numeral 4 a protective insulating layer, numeral 9 a gate electrode, numeral 12 a source wiring, numeral 13 a pixel electrode, numeral 15 a source electrode, and numeral 16 a drain electrode. As shown in this Figure, a gate electrode 9, a source electrode 15 and a drain electrode 16 are formed putting the gate insulating layer 2 and the amorphous silicon layer 3 therebetween, and the gate electrode 9 is formed on the side nearer to the substrate than the source electrode 15 and drain electrode 16. A TFT having the structure explained above is called a reverse staggered type TFT.
In an active matrix type liquid crystal display device, since the terminal part of the gate wiring should effect the connection to the external circuit at the peripheral part of the substrate, the gate insulating layer 2 or the like must not be formed on the gate wiring terminal part in the peripheral part of the substrate. In usual cases, as shown in FIG. 10, when a gate insulating layer or the like is formed, a metal.. mask 14 is used to mask the peripheral part of the insulating substrate 1 such that a gate insulating layer or the like is not formed at this masked part.

Amorphous silicon thin film transistor array substrate and method for producing the same


A method for preventing photomask contamination includes generating a first electric field from an electrostatic chuck to attract a charged particle onto the electrostatic chuck, controlling the first electric field to detach the charged particle from the electrostatic chuck, and generating a second electric field below the electrostatic chuck to attract the charged particle.

As the trend in the semiconductor manufacturing industry continues to reduce the sizes of various semiconductor devices, optical lithography using conventional transmission photomasks would no longer suffice as a viable technique for printing advanced devices on semiconductor wafers. However, the still shorter wavelengths desired for printing even smaller device structures are readily absorbed in transmission materials. An alternative technological means, i.e., the extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUVL), is introduced to replace the conventional optical lithography. Further, the extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUVL) includes utilizing an all-reflective technology, in which a reflection-type photomask is applied to substitute for the conventional transmission photomask.

Semiconductor apparatus and method of operating the same for preventing photomask particulate contamination

TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.


The present invention relates to a method for screening and discovering bioactive materials using specifically selected protein domains interacting with specific intracellular proteins, and more particularly, to (1) a screening method including confirmation of changes in biological activities by introducing a specific protein domain into microorganisms or animal and plant cells and (2) a screening method including confirmation of changes in biological activities after introducing the specific protein domains into a number of microorganisms or animal and plant cells. Via this method, according to the present invention, it is possible that the selected protein domains can be used to develop novel antibiotic agents with antimicrobial activity effective on bacteria resistant to conventional antibiotics while requiring less genetic information compared with a conventional drug which targets specific genes.

Most proteins function by interacting with other proteins or acting sequentially. The interactions between proteins play critical roles in various biological phenomena such as controlling enzymatic activities, molecule signaling, and gene expression, specificity determination of bacterial and viral infection, immune response and the like in living organisms. Therefore, it is crucial to understand interaction between proteins to clarify biological functions of novel genes and therefore discover novel drug candidates. The interaction between proteins or sequential action of proteins takes part in metabolism for survival of a living body by forming a network in an organism (FIG. 1). FIG. 1 shows a view of protein network modeling for E. coli or H. pylori [1]. The modeling method of the protein network is disclosed in Korean Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 10-2003-48974.
The interaction network between proteins existing in a living body is very complicated, even in relatively simple organisms such as bacteria. Some network factors are not critical and thus, even when they are interrupted, do not affect the viability of the organism. However, other factors existing in the center of the protein network are associated with various metabolisms and thus, when they are interrupted, the survival of the organism can be threatened [2˜4]. For example, when the protein network and various metabolisms related to the growth of an organism is operated normally through normal protein interaction, i.e., between the growth hormones and the growth hormone receptors, the organism may show normal growth patterns. However, if interference within the network is present, various problems including abnormal growth patterns can be induced. Also, in case of arthritis, for example, due to excessive expression of TNF protein, the interaction between the TNF receptor and TNF activates a protein network related to inflammation response, which develops arthritis symptoms.
It is possible to predict the protein network through bioinformatics. By experimentally validating the predicted results, it is possible to identify essential proteins or essential network factors of the subject organism [5˜7]. For this purpose, the biological change of an organism was observed after the protein network was blocked by mutation induction of the subject protein at gene level to knock-out the function of the protein.
Meanwhile, it is possible to identify an essential protein and its function by introducing a protein in an organism and examining the growth pattern through observation of morphological changes and cell spectroscopy [8˜10].
It is known that specific sites within the protein called domains, rather than the whole protein molecule, are involved in the interaction between two or more proteins [11˜14]. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, for the interaction between protein A and protein B, domain a1 and domain b1 should bind. Therefore, if a protein has domain b1 which can bind to the domain a1, it can bind to protein A. In FIG. 2A is a schematic view of a specific domain for protein interaction and FIG. 2B is a schematic view of two proteins bound through domain interaction.
Conventionally, attempts were made to use a product obtained by chemically simulating an active part of an enzyme or antibody. However, many cases have shown that the simulated structures seldom performed the same function as the actual protein itself [15˜17].
As a reference, RNAi (Ribonucleic acid interference) technology which is similar to this has been applied in development of new drugs [18˜20]. In this technique, RNA oligomers designed to complementarily bind to a specific type of RNA molecules are introduced into an organism to nullify the function of a specific RNA. Therefore, the specific protein is not produced as a result. Based on this property, the method of removal of a protein required for pathogenic bacterial activity or possible induction of a disease is applied in treatment of the disease.
If a method for understanding the protein network and interrupting the important network factor of a microorganism or animal and plant cell system is provided, it is possible to develop bioactive substances such as novel antibiotic agents targeting a specific protein.
Accordingly, the present inventors have made efforts to develop a method for screening drug candidates and found that if a protein domain interacting with a specific protein can block the action network of the specific protein, the protein domain can be utilized as a bioactive substance such as a drug candidate. Based on this finding, the present invention has been completed.

Method for screening drug candidates by using domain protein

Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science


A poppet valve assembly is structured divided into a seat portion and a seat retaining portion. A spring is contained within an interior space between the seat portion and the seat retaining portion, where a poppet valve is held between the seat portion and the seat retaining portion in a state biased by the spring. The poppet valve is provided with a through hole for connecting a chamber that contains the spring and a discharge air duct of a spool, and a fine connecting duct for connecting the through hole and an output air pressure chamber. The chamber that contains the spring is separated from a supply air pressure chamber by an O-ring.

Conventionally, positioners have been used in controlling the driving of valves and in controlling the driving of process automation and other common industrial equipment, enabling the control of the degree of opening of a valve through attaching the positioner to the valve.
FIG. 20 illustrates the structure of the critical portions of a positioner that enables the control of the degree of opening of a valve. In this diagram, 100 is a positioner, where this positioner 100 is structured from an electro-pneumatic converting portion 101 for converting to a pneumatic signal Pn a valve opening signal that is sent in an electric signal from a higher-level controller 200, and a pilot relay (pressure signal amplifying device) 102 for amplifying the air pressure signal (input air pressure) Pn, converted by this electro-pneumatic converting portion 101, and outputting it to a valve 300 as an output air pressure signal (output air pressure) Po.
The pilot relay 102 used in such a positioner 100 may be of the single-action type, wherein a single output air pressure Po is outputted for a single input air pressure Pn, or a double-action type, wherein two output air pressures Po1 and P-o2 are outputted in relation to a single input pressure Pn. The double-action pilot relay 102 has two output ports, where the output air pressure Po1 of the first output port is higher than the output air pressure Po2 of the second output port when the valve 300 is operated in the forward direction, and the output air pressure Po2 of the second port is higher than the output air pressure Po1 of the first port when operated in the reverse direction.
FIG. 21 illustrates a structure of a single-action pilot relay. In this figure, 401 is a housing, where an input air pressure chamber 402, a supply air pressure chamber 403, an output air pressure chamber 404, and a discharge air chamber 405 are provided within the housing 401. Moreover, a diaphragm 406 that is displaced by the input air pressure (the nozzle back pressure) Pn that is directed into the input air pressure chamber 402 is provided within the housing 401, where a valve driving member (a movable body) 407 is provided on the diaphragm 406 so as to be able to move in the direction of the arrow A and the direction of the arrow B. The valve driving member 407 has an opening 407a located at the output air pressure chamber 404, and a discharge air duct 407b that connects the opening 407a to the discharge air chamber 405. Moreover, the output air pressure chamber 404 and the discharge air chamber 405 are separated by a diaphragm 408, where this diaphragm 408 is provided between the housing 401 and the valve driving member 407.
A dividing wall 409 is provided between the supply air pressure chamber 403 and the output air pressure chamber 404. A connecting hole 409a, for connecting between the supply air pressure chamber 403 and the output air pressure chamber 404, is formed in this dividing wall 409. Moreover, a poppet valve 410, that can move to the left and the right, is provided through this connecting hole 409a. The poppet valve 410 has, integrally, a discharge air valve 410a for opening and closing the opening 407a of the valve driving member 407, and a supply air valve 410b for opening and closing the connecting hole 409a of the dividing wall 409. Moreover, the output air pressure chamber 404 is provided with a spring 411 for biasing the poppet valve 410 in the direction of the arrow B, that is, in the direction wherein the supply air valve 410b closes the connecting hole 409a.
In this pilot relay supply air pressure Ps is supplied through an air supplying pipe 412 to the supply air pressure chamber 403, and the input air pressure Pn is directed to the input air pressure chamber 402 through a nozzle back pressure injecting pipe 413. Moreover, the output air pressure Po is outputted to the valve 300 from the output air pressure chamber 404 through an air outputting pipe 414. Note that the discharge air chamber 405 is connected to atmosphere.
In this pilot relay, when the input air pressure Pn is increased, the diaphragms 406 and 408 move to the side of the arrow A, and, concomitantly, the valve driving member 407 that is supported on the diaphragms 406 and 408 moves to the side of the arrow A. As a result, the valve driving member 407, in accordance with this movement, pushes the poppet valve 410 downward against the biasing force of the spring 411, and, accordingly, the supply air valve 410b of the poppet valve 410 opens the connecting hole 409a. At this time, the opening 407a of the valve driving member 407 is closed by the discharge air valve 410a of the poppet valve 410.
As a result, the air that is supplied to the supply air pressure chamber 403 through the air supplying pipe 412 is introduced into the output air pressure chamber 404 through the connecting hole 409a, to be supplied to the valve 300 through the air outputting pipe 414.
On the other hand, when the input air pressure Pn is decreased, the diaphragms 406 and 408 move to the side of the arrow B, and, concomitantly, the valve driving member 407 that is supported on the diaphragms 406 and 408 moves to the side of the arrow B. At this point, the poppet valve 410 is pushed upward by the biasing force of the spring 411, and, accordingly, the supply air valve 410b of the poppet valve 410 closes the connecting hole 409a. At this time, the opening 407a of the valve driving member 407 is opened by the discharge air valve 410a of the poppet valve 410. As a result, the air within the output air pressure chamber 404 enters into the discharge air duct 407b through the opening 407a of the valve driving member 407, to be discharged to the discharge air chamber 405.
In this way, the valve driving member 407 and the poppet valve 410 are actuated by the input air pressure Pn that is directed into the input air pressure chamber 402, where the action thereof causes the amplified output air pressure Po to be outputted to the valve 300 through the air outputting pipe 414. In this case, the output air pressure Po can be adjusted through adjusting the pressure of the input air pressure Pn.
In this pilot relay, the input pressure is expressed by An×Pn, the product of the input air pressure Pn and the effective surface area An of the diaphragm (the input diaphragm) 406, and the output pressure is expressed as Ao×Po, the product of the output air pressure Po and the effective surface area Ao of the diaphragm (the output diaphragm) 408.
When the input pressure An×Pn is in equilibrium with the output pressure Ao×Po, then the supply air valve 410b is seated in the connecting hole 409a of the dividing wall 409, and, at the same time, the discharge air valve 410a is seated in the opening 407a of the valve driving member 407, and both the supply air and the discharge air is stopped. That is, when the input pressure and the output pressure are in equilibrium, the equation of An×Pn==Ao×Po is satisfied.
In this pilot relay, the ratio of the output air pressure Po to the input air pressure Pn is defined as the gain G (CG=Po/Pn). Because the equation An×Pn=Ao×Po is satisfied, this gain G is Po/Pn=An/Ao, so the gain C can be expressed as C=An/Ao. The higher this gain G, the higher the output air pressure Po, depending on the input air pressure Pn, making it possible to increase the responsiveness of a positioner. Given this, in order to achieve an increase in gain in the pilot relay, either the effective surface area An that bears the input air pressure Pn must be increased, or the effective surface area Ao that bears the output air pressure Po must be decreased.
In this case, when the effective surface area An that bears the input air pressure Pn is increased, this leads to a decrease in responsiveness. Moreover, this is undesirable because it leads to an increase in the size of the pilot relay area. Because of this, rather than increasing the effective surface area An that bears the input air pressure Pn, preferably the effective surface area Ao that bears the output air pressure Po is decreased.
Moreover, in this pilot relay, a force that is determined by the difference between the supply air pressure Ps and the output air pressure Po, and by the diameter of the supply air port, acts on the supply air valve 410b of the poppet valve 410, given the structure thereof. This acting force is because of a dead band wherein there is no switching between supplying air and discharging air in relation to a change in the input air pressure Pn (See, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication 2001-75651 ("JP '651") (Paragraphs 0021 through 0023)).
Given this, in order to ameliorate the non-linear properties of the supplying air and discharging air due to the dead band, in the pilot relay set forth in JP '651 a relatively large-diameter bleed hole is provided, so that the output air pressure can escape to atmosphere. Moreover, in the pilot relay set forth in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication 2004-360805 ("JP '805"), a bleed hole with a relatively large diameter is provided so that the supply air pressure is introduced into the output air pressure chamber, to escape to atmosphere.
However, in the pilot relays set forth in JP '651 and JP '805, in order to quickly settle the output air pressure after a discharge operation it is necessary for the bleed rate to be large, and there is a problem in that this increases the steady-state air consumption rate.
The present invention is to solve this problem, and the object thereof is to provide a pilot relay wherein it is possible to increase the speed of settling of the output air pressure, without increasing the bleed rate.


A method for embedding a heat pipe into a slot of heat-conducting seat is disclosed. The method has the exposed portion of the heat pipe be flat and coplanar with the surface of the heat-conducting seat after the heat pipe is embedded into the slot of the seat. The method utilizes a power press machine with multiple stamping dies to progressively press the heat pipe.

FIG. 1 shows a U-shaped heat pipe pressed. The heat pipe 1a has an evaporation section 10a. The bottom of the evaporation section 10a must be pressed to form a flat heated surface 100a for directly and planarly touching a heat source. During the pressing process, the stamping die must have a flat plane. When a plane of the stamping die initially meets a curved surface of the heat pipe 1a, the touch portion will be linear and then become planar. However, the initially linear touch tends to invite a problem of stress concentration. Therefore, a recess 101a often forms on the heated surface 100a of the heat pipe 1a. When once the recess 101a appears, an additional grinding procedure after pressing will be necessary for effacing the recess 101a.
This problem can be solved by adopting a multi-stroke progressive pressing procedure. This procedure can progressively press the pipe to be flat, but it must use various stamping dies with different recessing depth or shapes. Meanwhile, only one stamping die can be used to press the pipe at some time. Thus, during the pressing process those stamping dies must be changed one by one in order to ensure the flatness of the pipe being pressed. It is very inconvenient and uneconomical for the manufactures.

Method for embedding heat pipe into heat-conducting seat


A massaging device includes a base part, vibrators configured to be brought into contact with target parts of a user and to massage the target parts with vibration, and springs each including a first end fixed to the base part and a second end attached to the corresponding one of the vibrators. The spring constants of the springs are set based on skin stress of the target parts.

There exist massaging devices for relieving stiffness in the shoulders, the back, and the legs. Also, acupressure or massage of pressure points on a face has been practiced as a method of facial treatment. Generally, a massager or a patient him/herself presses or vibrates pressure points or stiff parts of the body (hereafter referred to as "target parts") with fingers to massage the target parts. Massage improves the flow of the blood and the metabolism at the target parts, and thereby improves symptoms at the target parts.
However, it is not possible to press a large number of pressure points at the same time using the fingers of the massager or the patient. Also, acupressure with human fingers involves a heavy workload by the massager or the patient. To solve these problems, massaging devices with plural vibrators have been proposed (see patent documents 1 and 2). The proposed massaging devices can massage multiple target parts at the same time. Therefore, compared with the method of applying acupressure with fingers, the proposed massaging devices make it possible to reduce the workload of a massager or a patient.


The invention relates to a circuit arrangement (K) comprising a low-temperature circuit (NK) for cooling charge air (13) that is fed to a motor (8) in a motor vehicle equipped with a turbocharger. According to the invention, the charge air (13) is compressed in two stages in a first low-pressure turbocharger (1) and a second high-pressure turbocharger (2). To cool the charge air (13) a first cooler (3) is provided downstream of the low-pressure turbocharger (1) and upstream of the high-pressure turbocharger (2) and a second cooler (4) is provided downstream of the high-pressure turbocharger (2) and upstream of the motor (8). The invention also relates to a method for operating a circuit arrangement (K) of this type.

The invention relates to a circuit arrangement for cooling charge air in a motor vehicle equipped with a turbocharger, and to a method for operating a circuit arrangement of this type. According to the prior art, to increase the power of engines, turbochargers are used in order to increase the throughput of air in the engine. In the compression needed for this, the air, designated below as charge air, is heated because of the compression in the turbocharger. To compensate for the loss of density associated with the heating of the charge air, i.e. in order to increase the air density, air coolers are used which are arranged at the front of the cooling module and serve for cooling the charge air. The charge air in this case flows through a heat exchanger, through which ambient air flows and which is consequently cooled. It is thereby possible to cool the charge air to a temperature which is approximately 15 K above the temperature of the ambient air.
It is furthermore known that the cooling of the charge air takes place via a coolant circuit, for example a low-temperature circuit, in which the coolant is cooled to very low temperatures. By means of this cold coolant, the charge air is cooled down to a predetermined cooling temperature in a charge air/coolant cooler. For the connection of the low-temperature circuit, there are two variants, namely an integration of the low-temperature circuit into a secondary circuit of the engine cooling system or a design in the form of a separate circuit.
If the engine output is to be further increased, the known supercharging systems have their limits, with respect to supercharging rates and response characteristics, at low load.
The object of the invention is to improve a circuit arrangement of the type mentioned in the introduction.

Circuit arrangement for cooling charge air and method for operating a circuit arrangement of this type


An illumination apparatus is disclosed in which its efficiency as an optical system can be improved by effectively utilizing the luminous flux that was not used in conventional illumination apparatuses, and the positional relationship between a light source and an optical member can be set with accuracy. The illumination apparatus comprises a light source, and an optical member having a refractive surface on a side closer to an irradiation range than the light source. The optical member includes a holding portion which holds the light source.

This kind of illumination apparatus has a structure in which a holding member made of a material having elasticity and heat resistance, such as a white or ivory yellow silicone rubber, holds glass tube portions near the terminals of a flash discharge tube that is a light source. This is for preventing a breakage of the flash discharge tube caused by the direct transmission of external force (impact strength) acting on the illumination apparatus to the flash discharge tube when the holding member is not an elastic member but a rigid member. This is also for avoiding troubles caused by deformation or alteration of the holding member made of a material with a low heat resistance when the portions near the terminals of the flash discharge tube have high temperatures due to continuous emission of light.
On the other hand, an illumination optical system requires maintenance of optical characteristics even if its orientation is changed and external impact strength acts on it. For this, it is necessary to keep the positional relationship between the light source and the optical member with accuracy, and the elasticity of the holding member plays an important role in keeping this positional relationship. In other words, keeping the positional relationship is generally performed by bringing the flash discharge tube in contact with positioning dowels formed on a reflector and using pressing force or repulsive force generated by the silicone rubber. This intends to properly keep the positional relationship between the light source and optical member to maintain the optical characteristics by utilizing the elastic force generated in the silicone rubber (see Japanese Patent Laid-Open application No. 2003-222941).
The method for holding the light source in the conventional illumination apparatuses is thus devised to satisfy mechanical requirements such as holding structures preventing breakages of the light source, measures against heat generating from the light source, and accurate positioning between the light source and the optical member.
However, in the conventional illumination apparatuses, though light rays from the light source directly impinge on the holding member, these light rays are not used positively as illumination light. In other words, since the luminous flux from the light source includes many unused components, the conventional illumination apparatuses are not necessarily efficient.
Furthermore, since the positional relationship between the light source and the optical member is kept not by the direct contact thereof with each other, but by the intervention of the holding member having a manufacturing tolerance, the setting of the positional relationship is not necessarily accurate.
Moreover, using the holding member that is a member separate from the optical member increases the number of constituent members of the illumination apparatus.

Illumination apparatus and image-taking apparatus


Disclosed are various embodiments of a workflow or method for petrophysical rock typing of carbonates in an oil or gas reservoir or field comprising determining a Data Scenario (DS) for the reservoir or field, determining a plurality of Depositional Rock Types (DRTs) for the reservoir or field, determining a Digenetic Modification (DM) from a plurality of diagenetic modifiers or primary textures associated with the plurality of DRTs, selecting a Reservoir Type (RT) corresponding to the plurality of DRTs, determining at least one pore type, and determining, on the basis of the plurality of DRTs, the Diagenetic Modification (DM), and the at least one pore type, a plurality of Petrophysical Rock Types (PRTs) associated with the RT.

Much of the known reserves of oil and gas around the world are found in carbonate formations. To optimize the production of these reserves, petroleum engineers seek to understand the physical properties of these formations, including their porosity and permeability. For many geologic formations, their physical properties are determined primarily as they are deposited, and modified to some extent by pressure and heat. Therefore it is possible to describe and classify such geologic formations in terms of their depositional environments, with some acknowledgement of subsequent changes to the physical properties.
Carbonates, however, present an unusual challenge in that their properties may be greatly modified, and the rock type changed completely, by a process of diagenesis. In particular, the pore system may be very different from that found in the original depositional environment. Carbonates also exhibit larger pores, so-called secondary porosity, where diagenetic processes create larger scale pores or "vugs". In some carbonates these vugs are connected, and in other carbonates they are not. These additional factors greatly influence the flow of fluids through the geologic formations. If the carbonates have not been modified by diagenesis, the dynamic or flow properties are those of the rocks as deposited and are controlled largely by the pore types related to the initial texture of the rocks. If the carbonates have been modified by diagenetic processes, their dynamic properties are controlled by a combination of primary porosity determined by the pore types, which may differ from that of the originally deposited rocks, and the secondary porosity with its associated pore types.
Incorporation of rock typing in carbonate workflows is dictated by inherent heterogeneity, variation of pore types and significant impact of diagenetic processes. However, existing methods have significant gaps in: (1) incorporating diagenetic processes; (2) accounting for multi-modal pore throat distributions in pore typing; (3) accounting for fractures; (4) integrating dynamic data; (5) accounting for different scales and (6) providing the appropriate geostatistical tools to properly distribute PRTs in the static reservoir model.
Among other things, what is required is a method of rock typing for carbonates that incorporates diagenetic processes, accounts for multi-modal pore throat distribution in pore typing, takes into account the influence of fractures, and integrates dynamic data.

Integrated workflow or method for petrophysical rock typing in carbonates


A non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM) is used in a computer system to provide instant responses to sleep state transitions. The computer system includes a processor coupled to an NVRAM, which is accessible by the processor without passing through an I/O subsystem. The NVRAM is byte-rewritable and byte-erasable by the processor. In response to a request to enter a powered sleep state, the computer system converts the powered sleep state into a powered-off sleep state with system memory context stored in the NVRAM. The powered sleep state is defined as a state in which power is supplied to volatile random access memory in the computer system, and the powered-off sleep state is defined as a state in which power is removed from the volatile random access memory. In response to a wake event, the computer system resumes working state operations using the system memory context stored in the NVRAM.

Field of the Invention
Embodiments of the invention relate generally to the field of computer systems. More particularly, embodiments of the invention relate to the improvement of the responsiveness of sleep state transitions using non-volatile random access memory.
Description of the Related Art
A. Current Memory and Storage Configurations
One of the limiting factors for computer innovation today is memory and storage technology. In conventional computer systems, system memory (also known as main memory, primary memory, executable memory) is typically implemented by dynamic random access memory (DRAM). DRAM-based memory consumes power even when no memory reads or writes occur because it constantly recharges internal capacitors. DRAM-based memory is volatile, which means data stored in DRAM memory is lost once the power is removed.
For many computer systems, especially mobile platforms, power utilization is a critical issue in terms of cost and performance. Generally, users have higher expectations on modern platforms with respect to immediate user-perceived responses to ON transitions, application starts, etc., in addition to a long-lasting battery life. To implement instant responsiveness, these platforms keep application state active in fast volatile DRAM, while maintaining the power on the DRAM even when the system is unused. DRAM power is a significant drain on battery life. Thus, many conventional platforms have to reduce the memory capacity in order to prolong its battery life.
B. Phase-Change Memory (PCM) and Related Technologies
Phase-change memory (PCM), also sometimes referred to as phase change random access memory (PRAM or PCRAM), PCME, Ovonic Unified Memory, or Chalcogenide RAM (C-RAM), is a type of non-volatile computer memory which exploits the unique behavior of chalcogenide glass. As a result of heat produced by the passage of an electric current, chalcogenide glass can be switched between two states: crystalline and amorphous. Recent versions of PCM can achieve two additional distinct states, effectively doubling memory storage capacity.
PCM provides higher performance than flash because the memory element of PCM can be switched more quickly, writing (changing individual bits to either 1 or 0) can be done without the need to first erase an entire block of cells, and degradation from writes is slower (a PCM device may survive approximately 100 million write cycles; PCM degradation is due to thermal expansion during programming, metal (and other material) migration, and other mechanisms).

Method and system for providing instant responses to sleep state transitions with non-volatile random access memory


A power source circuit includes a first converter, a second converter, a switch and a controller. The switch is configured to switch between a first state and a second state, in which in the first state, a first voltage is not supplied to the second converter whereas in the second state, the first voltage is supplied to the second converter. The controller controls the switch to change the first state to the second state in response to detection of the change in a first current flowing in a first load. The second converter is configured to convert a battery voltage of a battery to a second voltage lower than the battery voltage when the switch switches to the first state and convert the first voltage to the second voltage lower than the first voltage when the switch switches to the second state.

A power source circuit for producing a plurality of different level voltages from an output voltage of a battery (hereinafter referred to as "battery voltage") has been proposed for use in a battery-driven electrical equipment. Japanese Patent Application Publication No. HEI-6-54457 discloses a power source circuit including a DC-to-DC converter, a series-connection voltage adjusting unit, a voltage detector, and a change-over device. The DC-to-DC converter operates to boost the battery voltage to a first voltage (for example, 12V). The series-connection voltage adjusting unit operates to selectively lower the battery voltage or the first voltage whichever is applied thereto to a second voltage (for example, 5V). The voltage detector operates to detect the battery voltage. The change-over device changes over the voltage applied to the series-connection voltage adjusting unit to either the battery voltage or the first voltage. The voltage detector operates the change-over device to change the voltage applied to the series-connection adjusting unit to be the battery voltage when the battery voltage is larger than a predetermined level, whereas the voltage detector operates the change-over device to change the voltage applied to the series-connection adjusting unit to be the first voltage when the battery voltage is equal to or smaller than the predetermined level.

Power loss suppressed power source circuit and thermal printing device using the same


The disclosure relates to techniques for maintaining minimum quality of service (QoS) communication sessions with a wireless communication device (WCD) over a data-based communication network during a hard handoff between access networks for the WCD. More specifically, the techniques determine whether a closed connection between the WCD and a first access network during a minimum QoS communication session is due to a hard handoff between the first access network and a second access network. In the case of a hard handoff, the techniques maintain open QoS reservations associated with data flows included in the minimum QoS communication session for a predetermined period of time to enable a new connection to be established between the WCD and a second access network. The techniques described herein may especially useful when performing a voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) call over an Evolution-Data Optimized (EVDO) communication network.

Evolution-Data Optimized (EVDO) is a wireless radio broadband data standard evolved directly from the cdma2000 single-carrier Radio Transmission Technology (1xRTT or simply 1x) standard that operates over the Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) network infrastructure. EVDO comprises an Internet Protocol (IP)-based network and Quality of Service (QoS) mechanisms to support applications that rely on quick set-up and low-latency transmissions over packet-based networks. A recent revision of the EVDO standard, EVDO Revision A, offers higher data rates and higher system capacity, and provides additional QoS support that significantly reduces latency and improves performance of delay-sensitive applications. EVDO RevA may be particularly useful to support minimum QoS communication sessions, such as voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) calls, and data uploads and downloads with QoS specifications.
A VoIP call over EVDO RevA requires certain minimum QoS guarantees at a traffic channel established between an access terminal (i.e., a wireless communication device) and an access network for the call to sound at least as good as a circuit switched voice call over the 1x standard. QoS guarantees may include limits on the amount of packet loss, delay, and jitter that each data flow within the VoIP call may experience. For example, a VoIP call may include a signaling data flow and a media data flow associated with respective Radio Link Protocol (RLP) flows.
At a particular time or place, if the access network does not have enough resources to guarantee the minimum QoS for a VoIP call with an access terminal, a communication application on the access terminal may get a notification from the protocol stack software that QoS is suspended. The communication application may then drop the VoIP call and may instead try a circuit switched voice call over the 1x standard. In addition to resources on the access network, the QoS for a VoIP call is also dependent on the state of the connection between the access terminal and the access network. If the connection at the radio layer is down, the communication application gets the same notification that QoS is suspended and drops the VoIP call. The reasoning for this is that an access terminal that is not even connected at the radio layer should not unnecessarily take up radio resources of the access network.
A hard handoff of the access terminal between a first access network and a second access network during a VoIP call may cause the connection at the radio layer to go down momentarily while the communication session is being transferred from the first access network to the second access network. Therefore the communication application receives notification that QoS for the VoIP call is suspended, and drops the VoIP call. However, the connection at the radio layer is typically down only temporarily and, if the hard handoff is successful, the connection may be up again with the second access network in a short time.

Wireless communication device for maintaining minimum quality of service (QoS) communication sessions during hard handoffs


The invention concerns a process and a device for splitless vaporizing injection of samples into equipments of gas chromatographic analysis.. The technique is applied specially when liquid samples generate volumes of vapors which cannot be housed inside the vaporizing chamber.. Inside the vaporisation chamber, kept at high temperature, evaporation of the sample solvent forms a cool zone where the solutes are retained while the solvent vapors expand out of the vaporizing chamber and leave the injector. The sample liquid is kept in place within the vaporization chamber by suitable obstacles or by a packing material. At the end of solvent evaporation, i.e. when cooling ceases, the injection zone returns to the regulated injector temperature and the compounds to be analysed are transferred to the column by the carrier gas.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a process and a device for the vaporisation injection of samples in equipment for gas chromatographic analysis, in particular in absence of splitting of the compounds dissolved in the solvent, specially but not exclusively for samples having volumes exceeding 5 microliters and to be analyzed in capillary columns.
2. Description of the Prior Art
As it is well known, two main methods for sample injection in gas chromatographic analysis are presently used, well defined between one another and generally alternatively applied according to the analytical modes foreseen: vaporisation injection and non vaporising direct on column injection, the so-called "cold on-column injection".
In the vaporisation injection two different injection modes are in turn used, i.e. the split injection and the splitless one, namely in absence of splitting. The sample injection is generally performed by means of a syringe. The syringe needle injects the sample through an elastomeric membrane (septum) into a glass liner positioned inside the vaporisation chamber. In split injections, an even considerable percentage of the whole injected and vaporised sample is eliminated to the atmosphere; this kind of injection is used for relatively concentrated samples in order to avoid to introduce into the gas chromatographic column enormous amounts of sample; in the split injection glass liners filled with glass wool or a packing are commonly used.
When on the contrary the concentration of the compounds to be analysed is low, it is necessary to use the other injection mode, the splitless one, that allows to transfer into the column all the vapors of the components to be analysed in order to achieve the required sensitivity.
The conventional splitless injection takes place at a constant temperature, such as to allow the vaporisation of all sample components, and therefore at a temperature definitely higher than the solvent boiling point.
The vapors of the sample components, solvent included, are conveyed to the column during a preset time period called splitless time. During this period the sample compounds are quantitatively transferred to the column.
Once this time is over, the splitting valve is opened (located in the lower portion of the injector) and the excess of solvent, that has not been transferred into the column, is discharged to the atmosphere.
The splitless injection is usually performed by using empty glass liners. However, the use of glass liners with a glass wool cap was mentioned (Wylie et al.--Journal of High Resolution Chromatography 649-655--Vol. 14, October 1991). According to said publication, the glass wool "seems to reduce discrimination, but can give rise to active sites that catalyse the decomposition of labile molecules".
In order to avoid processes of discrimination of the heaviest components that take place in the conventional splitless injection, an injection technique with vaporisation at programmed temperature (PTV) has been developed.
By this technique the sample injection is carried out under cold conditions, at a starting temperature below the solvent boiling point and under a flow of carrier gas. Once the injection is performed, the injector body is heated in a programmed way to allow vaporisation and transfer to the column of the sample components.
It is thus possible to partially eliminate the solvent through a multi-step heating of the vaporiser (PTV solvent splitting technique) . To eliminate the solvent, the vaporiser is heated to an intermediate temperature near the solvent boiling point before heating it to higher temperatures.
At this intermediate temperature the solvent is eliminated thanks to the carrier gas through the splitting valve, or in backflush, through another valve (PTV solvent splitting or PTV solvent backflushing).
The PTV solvent splitting technique was used for injection of large volumes of sample (solvents) by Vogt et al. J. Chromatogr. 174 (1979) 437 and by Termonia, Lacomblez and Munari (HRC & CC 11/1988) 890.
Another PTV injection system for the injection of larger amounts of sample is based on the solvent vaporisation by "overflow" principle, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,859,209 and more recently, with different features in EP-A 461 438. In this technique the injector (of PTV type in the recent embodiment) is packed with a suitable material and heated to a starting temperature slightly above the solvent boiling point at the working pressure. The sample injection is performed in presence or in temporary absence of carrier gas and in splitless configuration.
Under said conditions the solvent vapors escape to the atmosphere while the higher boiling components of the sample remain on the packing. After completion of solvent evaporation the vaporiser temperature is increased to allow vaporisation of said components and their passage to the chromatographic column by means of the carrier gas. During this transfer the vaporiser is kept in splitless configuration.

Process and device for vaporization injections in equipments for gas chromatographic analysis


Provided is a compressor control unit with a high response ability to changes of gas condition of a compressor (compressor suction temperature, pressure, gas specific gravity, pressure ratio of suction pressure and discharge pressure). In the control unit for a compressor that supplies gas into a gas turbine through a header tank, an inlet gas condition is measured and a load command value from a gas turbine controller is corrected to be increased or decreased corresponding to the measured inlet gas condition.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a control unit of a compressor compressing gas and also relates to a gas turbine power plant comprising this compressor control unit.
2. Description of Related Art
Conventionally, there is known a gas turbine fuel gas supply utility comprising a control system for adjusting a fuel gas flow rate to be supplied into a gas turbine so that a discharge pressure of a fuel gas compressor is maintained within a set range, as proposed by Patent Document 1 mentioned below, for example. This control method comprises a PI (proportional and integral) controller and two function blocks. First, the PI controller calculates a manipulation value (MV) for a by-pass valve opening. If the discharge pressure is lower than a set value, the PI controller makes the by-pass valve opening smaller. And if the discharge pressure is higher than the set value, the PI controller makes the by-pass valve opening bigger. Next, the first function block receives the manipulation value which is calculated by the gas turbine speed governing valve controller based on the gas turbine speed, and adjusts the valve opening of the governing valve located on the fuel gas piping to the gas turbine.
The first function block calculates the manipulation value such that the more the first function hock opens the governing valve, the more the fuel gas flows. The second function block receives this manipulation value as an input signal and outputs a manipulation value to make the opening of the by-pass valve smaller with the fuel gas consumption rate becoming larger, as an output signal to be added to the by-pass valve manipulation signal.(Patent Document 1) Japanese Patent No. 3137498
Nevertheless, there are actually various condition changes in the fuel gas to be supplied, such as due to the kind of fuel gas supply source (gas well or gas tank), whether there are other gas-using plants connected in parallel to the fuel gas supply source or not and a gas-using condition thereof, temperature changes according to the season, day or night, etc. In the conventional compressor control units, a gas condition of the fuel gas to be supplied into the compressor (compressor suction temperature, pressure and gas specific gravity, differential pressure between the suction side and the discharge side) is not necessarily taken into consideration so as to correspond to these changes and there is a problem that a response ability as a fuel gas supply utility is not sufficient.

Compressor control unit and gas turbine power plant including this unit


A system is provided. The system comprises a first computer located in a first plant, a first memory, and a first object based process management application stored in the first memory. The system further comprises a second computer located in a location separate from the first plant, a second memory, and a second object based process management application stored in the second memory. When executed on the first computer, the first application invokes scripts in response to events and the scripts launch tasks. When executed on the second computer, the second computer invokes scripts in response to events and the scripts launch tasks, one of the events acted on by the second application is a message received from the first application.

Manufacturing has been the focus of extensive automation efforts. Various automated control equipment has been designed and installed in manufacturing plants to increase productivity and to improve production yields. In some instances, powerful computing technologies have been delivered to the shop floor for use by production line workers and/or managers. Computer based tools have been introduced throughout business enterprises and other organizations.

System and method for integrated workflow scaling


In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises a plurality of memory partitions, each memory partition comprising an array of 3D crosspoint memory, and a storage device controller comprising a memory comprising memory cells to store addresses of replacement memory partitions and addresses of unusable memory partitions and a partition address translation engine coupled to the memory, the partition address translation engine comprising logic to determine whether to redirect a memory access command received from a host computing device to a replacement memory partition based on the contents of the memory.

A computer system may include one or more central processing units (CPUs) which may communicate with one or more storage devices. A CPU may include a processor to execute an operating system and/or other software applications that utilize a storage device coupled to the CPU. The software applications may write data to and read data from the storage device.
Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements.

Method and apparatus for redirecting memory access commands sent to unusable memory partitions


The present invention relates to novel muteins of human fibroblast growth factor 21 with improved pharmaceutical properties. Both protein and the respective encoding nucleic acid species are disclosed. The invention also embodies vectors and host cells for the propagation of said nucleic acid sequences and the production of said muteins. Also disclosed are methods for treating type 2 diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and in reducing the mortality and morbidity of critically ill patients.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the identification of new muteins of fibroblast growth factor 21 that have improved pharmaceutical properties.
2. Description of the Related Art
Fibroblast growth factors are large polypeptides widely expressed in developing and adult tissues (Baird et al., Cancer Cells, 3:239-243, 1991) and play crucial roles in multiple physiological functions including angiogenesis, mitogenesis, pattern formation, cellular differentiation, metabolic regulation and repair of tissue injury (McKeehan et al., Prog. Nucleic Acid Res. Mol. Biol. 59:135-176, 1998). According to the published literature, the FGF family now consists of at least twenty-three members, FGF-1 to FGF-23 (Reuss et al., Cell Tissue Res. 313:139-157 (2003).
Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF-21) has been reported to be preferentially expressed in the liver (Nishimura et al., Biochimica et Biophysica Acta, 1492:203-206, (2000); WO01/36640; and WO01/18172) and described as a treatment for ischemic vascular disease, wound healing, and diseases associated with loss of pulmonary, bronchia or alveolar cell function and numerous other disorders. More recently, FGF-21 has been shown to stimulate glucose-uptake in mouse 3T3-L1 adipocytes in the presence and absence of insulin, and to decrease fed and fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, and glucagon levels in ob/ob and db/db mice and 8 week old ZDF rats in a dose-dependant manner, thus, providing the basis for the use of FGF-21 as a therapy for treating diabetes and obesity (WO03/011213). In addition, FGF-21 has been shown to be effective in reducing the mortality and morbidity of critically ill patients (WO03/059270).
A significant challenge in the development of protein pharmaceuticals, such as FGF-21, is to cope with their physical and chemical instabilities. The compositional variety and characteristics of proteins define specific behaviors such as folding, conformational stability, and unfolding/denaturation. Such characteristics must be addressed to stabilize proteins when developing pharmaceutical formulation conditions utilizing aqueous protein solutions (Wang, W., Int. J. of Pharmaceutics, 18, (1999).
Specifically, in pharmaceutical protein development, anti-microbial preservative agents such as phenol, m-cresol, methylparaben, resorcinol, and benzyl alcohol are necessary in parenteral pharmaceutical formulations that are intended to be a sterile, multi-use formulation. Unfortunately, these compounds often adversely affect the stability of the protein product, triggering association and aggregation, in particular (Maa et al., Int. J. of Pharmaceutics 140:155-168 (1996); Lam et al., Pharm. Res. 14(6):725-729 (1997)).
FGF-21 will likely be utilized as a multi-use, sterile pharmaceutical formulation. However, it has been determined that preservatives, i.e. m-cresol, have an adverse affect on its stability under these conditions. Clearly, there is a need to develop a stable aqueous protein formulation for the therapeutic protein FGF-21. The present invention overcomes the significant hurdles of physical instabilities with the invention of muteins of FGF-21 that are more stable than wild-type FGF-21 under pharmaceutical formulation conditions. Thus, the muteins of FGF-21 of the present invention provide stable pharmacological protein formulations that are useful for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and in reducing the mortality and morbidity of critically ill patients.