In one example, a plastic product such as a plastic bag includes one or more seals. One of the seals includes respective portions of first and second plastic films that are arranged one on top of the other. The respective portions are joined together and are aligned generally parallel to a direction of elongation associated with the plastic films, where the direction of elongation is a direction in which the plastic films elongate when under load. As well, the respective portions extend along a length of the joined plastic films and have a length that is greater than a length of the plastic films.

Products such as plastic bags require one or more seals, such as side seals and/or hem seals for example, to prevent leakage or other egress of materials from the interior of the plastic bag and/or for other purposes. In such products, the side seals are typically created by melting, or welding, the plastic layers, or films, of the bag together. The resulting seal is strong, but static. That is, the seal performs well in use so long as there is no significant elongation of the plastic bag material in the direction of the seal. However, some applications require plastic bags that are able to elongate, possibly substantially, during use. For example, because trash bags are expected to be used with materials that may be heavy and/or wet, such trash bags should be able to undergo some degree of elongation during use.
Considerations such as these have led to the development of plastic bags constructed of web materials, such as those disclosed in the related patents referred to herein, that possess the ability to elongate to some extent during use while also substantially maintaining their strength and integrity. While such properties have proven to be useful and effective in many cases, problems have arisen where stretchable plastic products such as trash bags employ a seal that is static in nature and that extends in generally the same direction, or directions, along which either temporary or permanent elongation is expected to occur during normal use.
In particular, a few different failure mechanisms relating to the seal are known to exist. These failure mechanisms may appear singly or together in any given product. As noted above, plastic bags constructed of web materials may include seals that are formed by a melting and fusing, i.e. welding or ultrasonic, process. This process produces a relatively strong seal that is resistant to elongation or other deformation. Because the seal is relatively stronger than the web material, especially in the localized portions of the web material adjacent to the seal, the web material and seal may respond differently to loading. For example, the web material may deform around the seal region when a load is applied to the plastic bag. In this failure mechanism, the strength and integrity of the web material can be compromised, even if the seal is largely unaffected by the applied load. In some cases, the failure of the plastic bag is indicated by the formation of pin holes in the web structure in the vicinity of the seal. Such pin holes can become noticeable to consumers when they lead to a catastrophic side seal failure or when fluid leaks out of the bag through the pin holes. Such failure or leakage is of great concern to consumers.
Another example of a failure mechanism involves the seal itself. In particular, application of a load to the material of the plastic bag not only causes elongation of the bag material, but also causes elongation and/or other deformation of the seal. However, the seal of the plastic bag is not designed or intended to undergo any significant elongation when a load is applied. Thus, application of a sufficiently large load can cause elongation and/or other deformation of the seal that can compromise, or destroy, the strength and/or integrity of the seal. Such damage to the seal can be manifested as tears and leaks.
As the foregoing accordingly makes clear, there is a need for products such as flexible plastic bags that include one or more seals configured and constructed to maintain their integrity and performance, as well as that of the adjoining bag material, even when the bag elongates in response to loading.


In an infrared analysis instrument, a fiber optic probe, designed to be inserted into a particulate sample, is formed from distal ends of transmitting and receiving optic fibers. The distal ends of the transmitting fibers are located centrally in the probe and the distal ends of the receiving fibers are formed in a ring around the distal ends of the transmitting fibers. The distal ends of the receiving fibers are set back from the distal ends of the transmitting fibers. The receiving fibers carrying diffusely scattered light reflected from and transmitted through the particulate sample to a spectrophotometer housing containing fixed grating and an array of silicon photodetectors arranged to detect the spectrum dispersed by the grating in the range of 500 to 1100 nm.

This invention relates to near infrared analysis instruments and more particularly to instruments of rugged design for field use for analysis of particulate material.
A powerful technology for analyzing or identifying material involves measuring the reflectance from or the transmission through the material to be analyzed at narrow wavelength bands in the near infrared range, known as NIR. A typical analyzing instrument comprises a spectrophotometer employing a grating to disperse the infrared light into a spectrum to enable the absorption of the matter to be measured at narrow wavelength bands. In one type of instrument, broad band NIR is dispersed into a spectrum by an oscillating grating. As the grating oscillates, the wavelength of the dispersed light passing through an exit slit is scanned through the spectrum. The infrared light passing though the exit slit irradiates a sample of material to be analyzed. The light transmitted through the sample or reflected from the sample is detected to obtain a measurement of the absorption spectrum of the sample. Alternatively the broad band NIR may irradiate the sample, in which case the light reflected from the sample or transmitted through the sample is directed to the grating to be dispersed to obtain the absorption spectrum measurements. In another type of spectrophotometer, a fixed grating is used to disperse the infrared light into a spectrum, which is detected by an array of photodetectors each positioned and shaped to detect a narrow band of the dispersed spectrum. In this kind of instrument, the sample is irradiated with broad band NIR and the light transmitted through or reflected from the sample is dispersed by the fixed grating into the spectrum detected by the array of photodetectors.
An instrument with a fixed grating array would be preferred for field use because it is more rugged than an instrument employing an oscillating grating and also it is less expensive than an oscillating grating instrument. In an instrument with a fixed grating, it is preferable to use silicon photodetectors in the detector array in order to achieve the desired resolution in the detection. However, silicon detectors are effective to detect light only below 1100 nm and accordingly the array silicon photodetectors should be arranged to detect this portion of the spectrum dispersed by the fixed grating.
When a conventional fiber-optic probe such as that shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,166,756 or that shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,351,322 is used to apply infrared light to a particulate sample and receive light reflected back from the sample in the range of 500 nm to 1100 nm, an excessive amount of spectrally reflected light will be received by the optic-fibers of the probe arranged to received the reflected light. This excessive spectrally reflected light travels from the transmitting fibers to the receiving fibers at or near the interface between the probe and the sample. The transmission of this excessive spectrally reflected light from the transmitting fibers to the receiving fibers is called the light pipe effect. The excessive spectrally reflected light in the 500 to 1100 nm range washes out or overwhelms the received light diffusely reflected from the sample and prevents accurate measurements of the absorption of the sample.
This problem may be overcome by using a probe which transmits the light through a sample instead of detecting the light reflected from the sample wherein the sample is made sufficiently thick that all of the light passing through the sample constitutes diffusely reflected forward scattered light. However, a probe designed to measure light transmitted through a particulate sample is much more difficult to use in the field than a probe designed to measure reflected light because a sample holder must be carefully filed with a sample for each measurement to ensure that the sample through which the light is transmitted is of a consistent density for each measurement and so that no air pockets exist in the sample. In contrast, it is much easier to use a reflectance measuring probe which can be simply inserted into the sample and reflectance measurements taken.
Accordingly, there is a need for an infrared analysis instrument with a fixed grating which can make measurements from a particulate sample by a simple insertion of the probe into the sample without the measurements being adversely effected by spectrally reflected light.
In accordance with the invention, the problems described above are overcome by using a probe in which the central fibers of the probe are used to transmit light into the sample and a ring of receiving fibers surrounding the central transmitting fibers receive light reflected back from the sample. In accordance with the invention, the distal ends of the ring of receiving fibers are set back from the distal ends of the transmitting fibers so that light transmitted into the sample from the transmitting fibers and reflected by the sample must travel through a substantial amount of the sample to get to the ring of receiving fibers. As a result, all the spectrally reflected light will be attenuated to zero and all of the light received by the receiving fibers will be diffusely reflected light, which will be attenuated at each wavelength in accordance with the absorbance of the sample.
In the instrument of the invention, the light received by the ring of receiving optic fibers is transmitted through an entrance slit of a housing to irradiate a fixed grating contained by the housing. The grating disperses the received light into a spectrum and an array of silicon photodetectors are positioned to detect narrow wavelength bands of the spectrum in the range of 500 to 1100 nm. From the signals generated by the silicon photodetectors, the material of the particulate sample can be precisely identified or accurately analyzed by mathematical processing.
Because of the design of the probe, which can be simply inserted into the sample to make a measurement, the received light analyzed by the instrument is devoid of spectrally reflected light and an accurate analysis or identification of the particulate material can be made. Because the instrument employs a fixed grating to disperse the light, the instrument is rugged and is relatively inexpensive.

Infrared analysis instrument with offset probe for particulate sample


A fluid transport system is provided. The fluid transport system may include a vessel closure assembly including one or more conduits, a vessel, and a container. A conduit terminus may be engaged with the conduit and received in the vessel. The conduit terminus may include a body with a head portion and an engagement portion, wherein an aperture extends therethrough. The engagement portion may be configured to engage the conduit. The head portion may taper to a tip defining a first opening to the aperture having a contour that is non-planar.

During certain manufacturing processes, vessels containing various fluids are used. Often it is necessary to transfer fluid into or out of a vessel during the process and do so in a manner that eliminates or substantially eliminates the possibility of leakage or contamination. In particular, the need to transfer fluid in such a manner often arises in the manufacturing and processing of pharmaceuticals, biopharmaceuticals, or other biotechnology applications where processes are conducted in vessels of varying shapes and sizes. The need for fluid transfer into and out of a vessel arises in other applications and industries as well, including but not limited to, the production of food, cosmetics, paint, chemicals, including hazardous chemicals, and the transfer and handling of semiconductor fluids.
Regardless of the industry, during transfers or sampling, it may be desirable to transfer the entire contents, or substantially the entire contents, of the vessel. However, conduits employed to transfer fluids into and out of vessels may not be configured to reach the lowest point in the vessel. Thereby, some fluid may typically remain in the vessel during an attempted transfer of the contents thereof, which may increase operational expenses and/or skew analyses regarding the removed fluid.
Thus, what is needed is a conduit terminus configured to access and receive substantially all of the fluid in a vessel during a fluid transfer operation without requiring significant user input.

Conduit terminus and related fluid transport system and method


An electronically correcting electronic timepiece is provided having indicating hands for indicating the time of day or the passage of time. At least one step motor is provided for driving the indicator. A correction signal forming circuit produces drive pulses for driving the step motor to correct the indicator. A control circuit controls the correction signal forming circuit to accelerate and decelerate the indicator in a step manner during correction of the indicator.

The present invention relates to electronic correction or resetting of an electronic timepiece, and in particular, to electronically correcting or resetting the timepiece displays in a multishaft multifunctional analog timepiece.
Multishaft multifunctional analog watches have been corrected or reset electronically by electrically driving the hands at a constant fast speed to correct the alarm setting or the reference position of the chronograph hands. This is generally done by driving the hands at a constant speed by continuously actuating a push button switch which would drive the hands to be corrected at an accelerated constant speed.
These prior art electronically corrected electronic timepieces have been less than satisfactory. When the hands are driven at a constant fast speed, it is difficult for the user to stop the hands at the exact intended correction position. Accordingly, exact correction is not easily obtainable. If the correction speed is set at a slower constant speed, then a great deal of time is required to drive the hands to the intended corrected position when the hands are far from the intended position. In view of these disadvantages, users believe that electronically corrected timepieces are difficult to use and provide a disincentive for using such timepieces.
Accordingly it is desired to provide an improved electronically correcting electronic analog timepiece which may be corrected quickly and easily.

Apparatus for electronically correcting an electronic timepiece


A cosmetic composition includes a carrier, a skin-whitening agent, and sodium magnesium silicate. The sodium magnesium silicate is present in an amount effective to slow decomposition of the composition. A method of slowing the decomposition of a cosmetic composition containing a skin-whitening agent includes adding an effective amount of a sodium magnesium silicate to the composition.

The present invention relates to a cosmetic composition for external use containing a carrier, a skin-whitening agent, and sodium magnesium silicate.
Certain skin-whitening agents in cosmetic compositions oxidize over time, causing the cosmetic composition to decompose. The decomposition causes the cosmetic composition to darken and to develop an intense, undesirable odor. Certain skin-whitening ingredients are known to be worse than others for premature oxidation. For example, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate and botanical whiteners such as bearberry extract and others have been especially prone to premature oxidation. For this reason, cosmetic compositions containing these whitening agents tend to decompose, turn brown, and develop a foul odor. As a result, cosmetic compositions containing certain skin-whitening agents have very limited shelf lives.
Nevertheless, skin-whitening compositions are still in high demand, especially in Asian markets. For this reason, a method is needed to slow the decomposition of skin-whitening compositions and the resulting darkening and foul odor of the skin-whitening compositions. Surprisingly, adding sodium magnesium silicate to skin-whitening compositions dramatically slows the darkening of these compositions as well as the development of the undesirable odor. Accordingly, cosmetic compositions that contain skin-whitening agents susceptible to oxidation have longer shelf lives if those cosmetic compositions also contain sodium magnesium silicate.
In one aspect of the invention, a composition for topical use that has a melanin synthesis-inhibiting activity is provided. The composition comprises a carrier, a skin-whitening agent, and sodium magnesium silicate, wherein the sodium magnesium silicate is present in an amount effective to slow decomposition of the composition.
In another aspect of the invention, an improvement in a skin-whitening composition comprises an effective amount of sodium magnesium silicate to slow the decomposition of the composition.
In still another aspect of the invention, a method of slowing the decomposition of a cosmetic composition containing a skin-whitening agent comprises adding an effective amount of a sodium magnesium silicate to the composition.
It is noted that, unless otherwise stated, all percentages given in this specification and the appended claims refer to percentages by weight.
The present invention provides the foregoing and other features, and the advantages of the invention will become further apparent from the following detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments. The detailed description is merely illustrative of the invention and does not limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.
In accordance with the present invention, a skin-whitening cosmetic composition is provided that comprises a carrier, a skin-whitening agent, and sodium magnesium silicate. The present invention also concerns preventing the premature oxidation of skin-whitening agents in cosmetic compositions, which causes the compositions to brown and to develop an odor over time.
Certain skin-whitening agents are especially prone to premature oxidation. These skin-whitening agents include, but are not limited to, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate and botanical extracts such as bearberry extract, lemon extract, cucumber extract, mulberry extract, licorice extract.
The cosmetic composition may contain other skin-whitening agents, whether or not those agents are prone to premature oxidation. Such skin-whitening agents may include all the known whitening agents and those that may be developed in the future. Although it is not possible to identify and list all known skin-whitening agents, the following skin-whitening agents may be included in the cosmetic composition of the present invention: tyrosinase inhibitors, free radical scavengers, chelating agents, and mixtures thereof.
Some tyrosinase inhibitors include, but are not limited to, arbutin, bearberry extract, orange extract, lemon extract, cucumber extract, mercaptosuccinic acid, mercaptodextran, kojic acid, derivatives of kojic acid, vitamin C, derivatives of vitamin C, hydroquinone and derivatives of hydroquinone, glutathione, cysteine and its derivatives such as N-acetyl-L-cysteine and those described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,296,500, the relevant portions of which are incorporated herein by reference, mulberry extract and its derivatives, licorice extract and its derivatives, rosemary extract and its derivatives, and mixtures thereof.
The kojic acid or its esters are represented by the formula:
wherein R1 and R2 are the same or different, and each is hydrogen atom or an acyl group of 3 to 20 carbon atoms.
Non-exclusive examples of the esters are, for instance, kojic acid monoesters such as kojic acid monobutyrate, kojic acid monocaprate, kojic acid monopalmitate, kojic acid monostearate, kojic acid monocinnamoate and kojic acid monobenzoate; kojic acid diesters such as kojic acid dibutyrate, kojic acid dipalmitate, kojic acid distearate and kojic acid dioleate. A preferred monoester is an ester in which an OH group at 5-position of kojic acid is esterified. Esterification can improve stabilities against pH or sun light, while maintaining a melanin synthesis-inhibiting activity equal to that of kojic acid.
The free radical scavengers may include, but are not limited to ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and its derivatives, vitamin E, superoxide dismutase, acerola cherry extracts, acerola cherry fermentates
The vitamin C and its derivatives may be present in any isomeric form. For example, they can all be in cis configurations, they can all be in trans configurations, or they can be in a mixture of cis and trans configurations.
Non-exclusive examples of the vitamin C derivatives are, for instance, the alkyl esters of L-ascorbic acid where the alkyl portion has from 8 to 20 carbon atoms. For example, such esters include, but are not limited to L-ascorbyl palmitate, L-ascorbyl isopalmitate, L-ascorbyl dipalmitate, L-ascorbyl isostearate, L-ascorbyl distearate, L-ascorbyl diisostearate, L-ascorbyl myristate, L-ascorbyl isomyristate, L-ascorbyl 2-ethylhexanoate, L-ascorbyl di-2-ethylhexanoate, L-ascorbyl oleate and L-ascorbyl dioleate, tetrahexyl decyl ascorbate; phosphates of L-ascorbic acid such as L-ascorbyl-2-phosphate and L-ascorbyl-3-phosphate; sulfates of L-ascorbic acid such as L-ascorbyl-2-sulfate and L-acorbyl-3-sulfate; their salts with alkaline earth metals such as calcium and magnesium. A preferred whitener is magnesium ascorbyl phosphate. The vitamin C derivatives can be used alone or in a mixture of two or more.
Other skin-whitening agents may include gingko extract, carob extract, rose fruit extract, geranium herb extract, Perilla extract, cinnamon extract, sweet marjoram extract, Arnica extract, Concha Blanca extract, cola ed Caballo, Piri-Piri, Pinon Negro, Pinon Blanco, extracts of clove, alfalfa, Baliospermum montanum, Melia azadirachta, convolvulus arvensis, Gaiyo, Sansonin, Syuroyo, Seimkko, Soukyo, Taiso, Hakusempi, Woodfordia fructosa, Lagerstroemia speciosa, passiflorine, tepezcohite, amoule, Hobiyu, Baffalo Uri, Achote, Guayule, Adhatoda, Cymbopogon nardus, Desmodium gangeticum, Murraya koenigii, Smilax zeylanica, Gastrodia elata, Karukeija, Biota orientalis, Kichiascoporia, Arecatachu, Phyllostachys Nigra leaves, Atractylodes japonica, Koidzumi, Tila, Camotede Azafran, Jamaica, Poleo verde, Navo negro, Cyperus, Kanzo, Broussonetia, Karojitsu, Trichosanthis Radix, Dioscorea Phizoma, and Aquilliaria.
Other skin-whitening agents may include teprenone, dihydroxy-isoquinoline, indomethacin, 3-hydroxymanule, vitamin K (such as vitamin K1-K7, its homologues, salts, and derivatives), thiazolidinone derivatives, and kynurenine and its derivatives and salts.
The skin-whitening agent may be used in the cosmetic composition of the present invention in an amount of from about 0.001% to about 99%. Preferably, the skin-whitening agent is present in the composition in an amount of from about 0.01% to about 20%. More preferably, the amount ranges from about 0.1% to about 10%.
Sodium magnesium silicate is commercially available under the trade name LAPONITE. It is a synthetic silicate clay with a composition mainly of magnesium and sodium silicate.
Surprisingly, sodium magnesium silicate has the unexpected and beneficial effect of reducing the time and temperature-induced darkening effect of the skin-whitening agent in the cosmetic composition. In other words, sodium magnesium silicate prevents the premature darkening of the cosmetic composition. The results are especially impressive when the cosmetic composition includes skin-whitening agents prone to oxidation such as magnesium ascorbyl phosphate and botanical extracts.
Surprisingly, sodium magnesium silicate also improves the odor of the composition by reducing the time and temperature-induced development of foul odors as the skin-whitening agents oxidize. In other words, sodium magnesium silicate prevents the premature development of a foul odor. The results are especially impressive when the cosmetic composition includes skin-whitening agents prone to oxidation such as magnesium ascorbyl phosphate and botanical extracts.
Sodium magnesium silicate may be used in the whitening composition in an amount from about 0.001% to about 99%. Preferably, sodium magnesium silicate is present in the composition in an amount of from about 0.01% to about 10%. More preferably, the amount ranges from about 0.1% to about 5%.
The cosmetic compositions of the present invention may be prepared in various forms. For example, they may be in the form of a cosmetic preparation such as an emulsion, liniment or ointment lotions, creams, (both oil-in-water, water-in-oil, and multiple phase), solutions, suspensions (anhydrous and water based), anhydrous products (both oil and glycol based), gels, sticks, surfactant systems (cleansers, shampoos, facial washes, etc.), powders, masks, pack or powder, or the like.
The cosmetic compositions of the present invention generally include a cosmetically acceptable or pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The terms xe2x80x9cpharmaceutically acceptablexe2x80x9d and xe2x80x9ccosmetically acceptablexe2x80x9d means those drugs, medicaments, or inert ingredients which are suitable for use in contact with the tissues of humans and lower animals without undue toxicity, incompatibility, instability, irritation, and the like, commensurate with a reasonable benefit/risk ratio.
The carrier usually forms from about 1% to about 99.9%, preferably from about 50% to about 99% by weight of the composition, and can, in the absence of other cosmetic adjuncts, form the balance of the composition.
Other optional ingredients can be included in the cosmetic composition of the present invention. As a non-limiting illustration, the optional ingredients can include UV absorbers, fragrances, preservatives, thickeners, ph adjusters, etc, so long as they do not interfere with the function of the skin-whitening agent and the sodium magnesium silicate.

Method for slowing the decomposition of a cosmetic composition


A motorized window treatment system controls a plurality of motorized window treatments to maximize daylight autonomy, while minimizing cognitive dissonance. The system may include motorized window treatments, window sensors, and a system controller. Each motorized window treatment may be operable to adjust a respective covering material to control the amount of light entering a space. Each sensor may be mounted adjacent to at least one of the motorized window treatments, and may be configured to measure an amount of daylight shining on the sensor. The system controller may receive sensor readings from the sensors and may control the motorized window treatments in response to the sensors to keep the covering materials aligned when the sensor readings are within a predetermined amount. The system controller may dynamically group and re-group the sensors into subgroups based upon the sensor readings and may control the motorized window treatments based upon the subgroups.

Motorized window treatments, such as, for example, motorized roller shades and draperies, provide for control of the amount of sunlight entering a space. Some prior art motorized window treatments have been automatically controlled in response to various inputs, such as daylight sensors and timeclocks, to control the amount of daylight entering a space to adjust the total lighting level in the space to a desired level. For example, the load control system may attempt to maximize the amount of daylight entering the space in order to minimize the intensity of the electrical lighting in the space. In addition, some prior art load control systems additionally controlled the positions of the motorized window treatments to prevent sun glare in the space to increase occupant comfort, for example, as described in greater detail in commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No. 7,950,827, issued May 31, 2011, entitled ELECTRICALLY CONTROLLABLE WINDOW TREATMENT SYSTEM TO CONTROL SUN GLARE IN A SPACE, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
While automated control of motorized window treatments are performed, the present systems for performing automated control of a motorized window treatment fail to consider the current status of other motorized window treatments in the building when performing control of the motorized window treatment. For example, the present systems fail to consider the status of other motorized window treatments to enable alignment of the position of the window treatments within the system. The present systems also fail to consider the amount of light being received at the other motorized window treatments when performing automated control of the system as a whole.

Controlling motorized window treatments in response to multiple sensors


A hydrodynamic torque converter (1), comprising a turbine wheel (9) driven by an impeller (8) and connected to an output part, and comprising a housing (34), in which a torsional vibration damper (19) having several damper stages (17, 20) and a centrifugal force pendulum (11), and also a converter lockup clutch (18) connecting a housing and an output part (3), are accommodated. In order to avoid any striking of the pendulum masses of the centrifugal force pendulum in internal combustion engines having large oscillating angles driving the torque converter, a turbine damper is connected in the power flow upstream of the centrifugal force pendulum.

Torque converters are familiar in drive trains of motor vehicles and are preferably disposed between an internal combustion engine and a transmission. Thereby, the converter's function with excessive torque increase is preferably utilized for starting the motor vehicle, in that the torque from the housing that is driven by the internal combustion engine is transmitted via the impeller that in turn drives the turbine that transmits torque via an output part with the support on a stator for torque increase to a transmission input shaft of the transmission unit. At higher speeds, the lock-up clutch is closed so that torque is transmitted directly from the housing via the output part to the transmission input shaft, bypassing the converter components, and the deteriorating efficiency of converter components at higher speeds is inhibited.
The internal combustion engines finding application, particularly 4-cylinder diesel engines, feature high rotational irregularities so that torsional vibration dampers are provided in the housing of the torque converter, which can be disposed effectively in the closed lock-up clutch between the housing and the output part and/or for an open lock-up clutch, between turbine and the output part of the torque converter. Thereby, a torsional vibration damper in the known manner is understood as an arrangement with an input- and an output part, which, for instance, contrary to the effect of energy accumulators disposed over the circumference, are limitedly rotatable relative to one another. Such torsional vibration dampers can contain several damper stages that are disposed in series and/or in parallel to one another.
For improved vibration insulation of torsional vibrations of the internal combustion engine, the application of centrifugal force pendulums in the housing of the torque converter has been disclosed, which can also be integrated effectively in the housing in connection with torsional vibration dampers. Such an arrangement of damping units may not be adequate in internal combustion engines of the above-mentioned type, so that pendulum weights on the centrifugal force pendulum are possible. The design of the centrifugal force pendulum can therefore be difficult, particularly at low speeds with high swivel angles of the internal combustion engine. Limit stops of pendulum weights or masses act, particularly, on the drive train of a motor vehicle, through a humming sound that causes discomfort.


The present invention relates to methods for the treatment and the prognostic assessment of malignant pleural mesothelioma.

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a relatively infrequent disease, whose incidence is estimated in western countries between less than 1 case/million/year among persons non exposed to asbestos and 100 cases/million/year among individuals professionally exposed to asbestos. The incidence of disease is expected to continue to increase in the next years, with a peak between 2015 and 2020.
Prognosis of MPM is generally poor: a recent study showed that in a comprehensive unselected population, median survival was 8.9 months. Reports from referral institutions concerning patients participating to clinical trials showed a slightly better outcome. A randomized study comparing mono-chemotherapy with cisplatin to the association cisplatin-pemetrexed (an antifolate drug) showed a median survival of 9.3 months and 12.1 months in the two arms, respectively, this later drug association is now considered the standard of care. Nevertheless, these results are globally discouraging because of the very low rate of long term survival. More recently, a treatment strategy based on the association of induction chemotherapy and radical surgery by extrapleural pneumonectomy resulted in 5-year survival rate of approximately 40% in patients with epithelioid mesothelioma, complete (R0) resection, and no mediastinal nodes involvement. However, only a minority of patients with MPM can benefit from this aggressive therapeutic strategy, because of advanced disease, histological type, advanced age or co-morbidities. In current practice less than 40% of patients with MPM receive chemotherapy and the remaining ones are offered only supportive cares. Identification of new prognostic factors would help in the understanding of disease progression and thereby patient management.

Methods for the treatment and the prognostic assessment of malignant pleural mesothelioma

Inserm (Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale)


Methods and apparatus are provided for acoustic echo cancellation in a speech signal. Acoustic echo is cancelled by inserting at least one tone in the speech signal, wherein the at least one tone is substantially inaudible to a listener; determining a clock skew between two sampling clocks based on a frequency shift of the at least one tone; re-sampling the speech signal based on the determined clock skew; and performing the acoustic echo cancellation using the re-sampled speech signal. The provided acoustic echo cancellers can be implemented, for example, as terminal-based and/or network-based acoustic echo cancellers. The tone optionally comprises an inaudible tone or multiple tones. The tone generation can be limited to only when a speech power in the vicinity of the tone frequency is larger than a pre-determined threshold, or to the beginning of a call. A level of the tone can optionally be controlled so that the tone is masked by the speech signal.

With the wide-spread use of speakerphones and teleconferencing, acoustic echo cancellation has become increasingly important. In particular, an acoustic echo canceller (AEC) aims to reduce or eliminate undesired echoes. An undesired echo is generated when the loudspeaker signal feeds back into the microphone, usually by a direct path due to loudspeaker-microphone coupling and by an indirect path due to acoustic reflections of the loudspeaker signal on objects and walls. For example, in voice communications over telephone or the Internet, a speaker will hear a delayed and filtered version of his own voice, if acoustic echo is not sufficiently reduced by the terminal associated with the other party to the telephone communication.
For an effective application of an AEC in a terminal, the sampling rates in a digital-to-analog (D/A) convertor that reconstructs the analog signal to be sent to the loudspeaker and an analog-to-digital (A/D) convertor that samples the speech signal picked up by the microphone should match exactly. It has been found that even a small clock skew between the sampling rates can significantly degrade the performance of an AEC. Generally, the reliability of the AEC degrades as the sampling rate offset between the loudspeaker and microphone signals increases. Clock skew in the sampling rates of a terminal is a frequent problem, for example, in PC-based software terminals. Sampling rate skew can always be assumed, if, e.g., an external USB camera is used with its built-in microphone and A/D convertor for audio recording in conjunction with a separate soundboard for audio playback. In this case, the A/D and D/A convertors do not derive their clock from a common reference (quartz clock), and therefore are not synchronized.
Clock skew compensation methods exist for deployment in terminals. Such terminal-based methods typically make use of read and write pointer locations in buffers associated with the D/A and A/D convertors. For example, when the receive (RX) buffer read-pointer increments faster than the transmit (TX) buffer write-pointer, the sampling rate of the D/A convertor is greater than the sampling rate of the A/D convertor. Therefore, the difference between the read-pointer increments per specified time for the receive buffer and the write-pointer increments for the transmit buffer can be used to estimate the clock offset or sampling rate offset. The resulting offset can then be used to control a re-sampling rate of one of the signals in order to achieve the same sampling rate for the loudspeaker and microphone signals. See, for example, M. Pawig and G. Enzner, "Adaptive Sampling Rate Correction for Acoustic Echo Control in Voice-Over-IP," IEEE Trans. on Signal Processing, Vol. 58, No. 1 (January 2010); or D. Miljkovic et al., "Clock Skew Compensation by Speech Interpolation," IEEE Int'l Conf. on Digital Telecommunications (2006), each incorporated by reference herein.
When acoustic echo is insufficiently suppressed or cancelled in a terminal, acoustic echo cancellation can be attempted remotely in the network. A number of technical problems exist, however, for network-based acoustic echo cancellation. For example, the above-described terminal-based clock skew compensation technique cannot be applied in the network, since the read-pointer and write-pointer positions are not accessible from a remote location such as the network.
Thus, existing network services provide only acoustic echo suppression (AES). The perceptual performance of an acoustic echo suppressor, however, is significantly inferior to the perceptual performance of an AEC. A particular drawback of AES is the lack of transparency in a call, apparent when both ends attempt to talk simultaneously. In its rudimentary form, an AES allows only one end to talk (similar to a half-duplex communication mode) by inserting a loss in one signal path. Even though enhancements such as comfort noise insertion can improve the perceived communication quality, the performance of an acoustic echo suppressor is still significantly inferior to the performance of a true AEC.
A need therefore exists for improved techniques for compensating for clock skew arising in a terminal, to allow for an effective application of an AEC. A further need exists for clock skew compensation techniques that can be employed in a terminal or in the network.

Clock skew compensation for acoustic echo cancellers using inaudible tones


A method of retrofitting a wind turbine having a tower and a first energy generating unit with a second energy generation unit is disclosed. The wind turbine has been operated for a first period of time at a first tower life rate and has a first tower life expectancy design value. The method includes determining the tower life of the wind turbine tower used during the first period of time; determining the remaining tower life of the wind turbine tower; replacing the first energy generating unit with the second energy generating unit; and operating the retrofitted wind turbine at a second tower life rate less than the first tower life rate so as to extend the life expectancy value of the tower beyond the first tower life expectancy design value.

Wind turbines are used to produce electrical energy using a renewable resource and without combusting a fossil fuel. Generally, a wind turbine converts kinetic energy from the wind into electrical power. A horizontal-axis wind turbine includes a tower and an energy generating unit positioned atop of the tower. The energy generating unit typically includes a nacelle to house a number of mechanical and electrical components, such as a generator, and a rotor operatively coupled to the components in the nacelle through a main shaft extending from the nacelle. The rotor, in turn, includes a central hub and a plurality of blades extending radially therefrom and configured to interact with the wind to cause rotation of the rotor. The rotor is supported on the main shaft, which is either directly or indirectly operatively coupled with the generator which is housed inside the nacelle. Consequently, as wind forces the blades to rotate, electrical energy is produced by the generator.
Wind turbines are large electromechanical machines, and therefore are subject to wear and fatigue that diminishes the structural integrity of the wind turbine over time during operation of the wind turbine. Accordingly, wind turbines typically have an overall life expectancy design value. By way of example, current wind turbines typically have a life expectancy design value of about twenty years. Thus, the major wind turbine components, such as the tower, the foundation, and the energy generating unit, are individually designed to each last about twenty years. More particularly, each of these major components includes a total life based on cumulative fatigue damage. The concept of total life is not significantly time dependent, but primarily dependent on the loads applied throughout the life of the component. During operation, each component may be characterized by a life rate, which is the rate at which the component total life is being used up during operation. Unlike the total life, the component life rate depends on the loads (forces, moments, cycles, etc.) imposed on the particular component. Thus, for example, if the loads on a specific component are relatively low, then the component life rate is low and the component will typically last for a relatively long time. On the other hand, if the loads on the same component are relatively high, then the component life rate is correspondingly high and the component will last for a shorter period of time. Accordingly, wind turbine components may be designed such that at the expected loads during operation, the components will have a life rate such that the life expectancy design value is about twenty years. In this regard, and as applied to a wind turbine tower, at the expected loads on the tower during operation, the material type, the diameter of the tower, the thickness of the tower wall, and other parameters of the tower, for example, may be selected such that the life expectancy design value of the tower is about twenty years.
In some wind turbine installations, various wind turbine components, such as those associated with the energy generating unit, may have reliability issues such that regular maintenance and/or replacement must be performed in order to keep the wind turbine operational. The regular maintenance and/or replacement of these components results in higher than expected operating costs. Additionally, due to the wind turbine being taken offline during the maintenance or replacement operations, there is a corresponding reduction in actual power production from the wind turbine. In short, the wind turbine costs more than expected to operate and produces less power than expected. In severe cases, the return on investment in the wind turbine may be negatively impacted in such a scenario. More particularly, if the profit margins associated with the wind turbine unexpectedly decrease (i.e., well below expectations), then the wind turbine operator may not have sufficient time to recoup the original investment in the wind turbine in the amount of time allotted by the life expectancy design value and the financial viability of the wind turbine may be jeopardized.
In other wind turbine installations, the loads acting a component of the wind turbine may deviate from the expected design values, such that the component life rate is higher than anticipated and the wind turbine component's life expectancy decreases. In this case, the life expectancy of the various components may not be the same and the wind turbine will reach the end of its service life prior to all of the components having reached their respective life expectancy design values. Similar to the above, depending on the severity of the deviation between the actual loads and the design loads, the return on investment in the wind turbine may be negatively impacted in such a scenario. By way of example, it is believed that some wind turbines in operation today have energy generating units that impose higher than expected loads on their wind turbine towers such that the towers are aging at a rate significantly higher than expected. Consequently, the wind turbine towers are expected to reach the end of their service life long before their life expectancy design value. Thus, the wind turbine operator may not have sufficient time to recoup the original investment and the financial viability of the wind turbine may be jeopardized.
Wind turbine manufacturers and operators are seeking methodologies for addressing these and other problems in wind turbine operation. More particularly, wind turbine operators seek a solution to wind turbines that have higher than expected operating costs (e.g., due to low component reliability) and reduced power production. Wind turbine operators further seek a solution when the component life rates are higher, and perhaps significantly higher, than the design component life rates such that the service life of the wind turbine is significantly shortened.

Method of retrofitting a wind turbine with an energy generating unit


A multi-group call setup method and device are disclosed. The method includes determining, by a first MCPTT server, to set up a multi-group call involving N MCPTT groups, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2, and sending, by the first MCPTT server, a call message to first UE, where the call message is used to add the first UE to the multi-group call, where a first MCPTT user is an associated user of the first UE, and where the first MCPTT user is an MCPTT user in the N MCPTT groups.

In practical application, there is a requirement that an authorized mission critical push to talk (MCPTT for short) user may need to initiate a group call involving multiple MCPTT groups. For example, in some emergencies, fire brigades and police forces cooperate with each other. Because an on-site commander may need to coordinate actions of multiple MCPTT groups to deliver a same instruction and task, a call involving the multiple MCPTT groups is initiated. In the prior art, such a function of a multi-group call cannot be supported yet.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Multi-group call setup method and device


A communication system for transmitting (T1) digital communication signals between a transmit site and a receiver site includes an M:1 multiplexer, coupled to a rate 1/N convolutional encoder, which is operative to output an encoded output signal modulated in quaternary phase shift keyed (QPSK) space having a prescribed symbol rate. The receive site has a rate 1/N Viterbi decoder which is operative to decode the encoded output signal output by the rate 1/N convolutional encoder, and a 1:M demultiplexer having an input coupled to the Viterbi decoder and M plurality of outputs, and being operative to demultiplex the decoded signal from the Viterbi decoder into a plurality of M time division multiplexed digital communication signals. For any selected values for of M and N, the product of M and N is constant.

FIG. 1 diagrammatically illustrates the overall configuration of a conventional multi T1 radio at a transmit site 1, and comprising a multiplexer 10 to which a plurality of T1 channels (e.g., 4 in the illustrated example) are applied. For the sake of simplicity, let it be assumed that each channel is a 1.544 Mbps channel. The output of multiplexer 10 is coupled to a rate ½ convolutional encoder 12, the output of which is encoded into IQ space (QPSK) and coupled through a convolutional interleaver 14 for application to an RF unit 16, from which the encoded data stream is wirelessly transmitted to a receiver site 2. At the receiver site 2, the wirelessly transmitted modulation is downconverter to baseband by an RF front end 21 and then supplied to a deinterleaver 23 for application to a rate ½ Viterbi decoder 25. The output of the Viterbi decoder is coupled to a demultiplexer 27 from which the T1 data is demultiplexed.
In the example, convolutional encoder 12 being a rate ½ encoder implies that two bits are transmitted for each input bit, so that in the QPSK constellation space, there is an effective symbol rate of 6.44 M symbols/sec. At the receive end of the link, the output of the rate ½ Viterbi decoder 25 is a 6.44 Mbps data stream that is coupled to demultiplexer 27, from which the four original T1 channels are recovered. Where it is desired to transmit a different number of T1 channels, it has been traditional practice to employ a different radio whose parameters are defined for the purpose, and which contains the appropriate replacement filter set.

T1 radio having coding gain adjustable for number of channels


A imaging device 1-D nanomaterials is provided. The device includes: a first light source, a second light source, a microscope with a liquid immersion object, and a carrier. The first light source is configured to provide a first incident light and the second light source is configured to provide a second incident light, the first incident light and the incident light are not parallel to each other. The carrier is configured to contain a 1-D nanomaterials sample and a liquid, both the 1-D nanomaterials sample and the liquid immersion object are immersed in the liquid.

1-D nanomaterial, such as carbon nanotubes, obtained by conventional methods is usually a mixture with different chiralities and different lengths. Carbon nanotubes with different chiralities have different properties, such as thermal, electrical, optical and mechanical properties. The chiralities of carbon nanotubes cannot be assigned easily and effectively in prior art.
Therefore, a device for imaging and chirality assignment of 1-D nanomaterials, especially of carbon nanotubes is highly desirable.


Some embodiments of the invention include a vehicle having a chassis and an engine supported by the chassis, the engine coupled to a drive train useful for propelling the vehicle. The vehicle may include a steering indexing assembly useful for positioning a steering control between a first steering position having the steering control positioned generally along the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle and a second steering position having the steering control positioned laterally of the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle.

Typically, all terrain vehicles (ATVs) are generally suitable for accommodating a single rider. ATVs that have been adapted to accommodate more than one rider generally allow for the additional rider to sit in tandem with the driver. In such arrangements, the passanger's view is obstructed by the driver. Therefore, if a consumer wants to ride with friends or family, even occasionally, the consumer must purchase two ATVs.


The ignition system for a four-cycle gasoline engine having at least one cylinder includes a spark plug for each cylinder and an ignition coil for each spark plug so that each spark plug has its own ignition coil with a primary and secondary side as well as a control device for controlling the timing of the firing of the spark plugs via the individual ignition coils according to a predetermined firing sequence connected to each of the ignition coils. To satisfy strict requirements regarding exhaust emission by monitoring operation of the individual cylinders while avoiding additional sensors, the control device includes a circuit for analyzing and storing the ignition voltages on the primary side of each ignition coil measured at a number of different times for successive ignition events in each cylinder and a comparator device which compares the dependencies of the ignition voltage on time for two successive ignition events and a phase signal generating device which produces a phase signal from the results of the comparison of the ignition voltages mmade by the comparator device for control of the fuel injection and spark timing for each cylinder.

The present invention relates to an ignition system for internal combustion engines.
More particularly, it relates to an ignition system for a four-cycle gasoline engine with a static ignition distribution in which a spark plug, an ignition coil and a final stage of a control circuit of the ignition system for individual spark operation is associated with each cylinder. To satisfy the requirements governing harmful exhaust emissions, especially the strict requirements in the U.S., efforts have been made to develop ignition controls ensuring the lowest possible harmful emissions in four-cycle gasoline engines.
An ignition system which can be used for this purpose is known, for example, from the Japanese Patent 56-50263 A.
Methods for monitoring the operation of ignition systems are already known. For example, a method for obtaining the phase signal by means of a Hall sensor is described in DE-OS 36 34 587.
It is possible to detect ignition and explosion with the aid of a pressure sensor or optical sensor in the combustion chamber of every cylinder.
These known ignition controls have the disadvantage that additional sensors must be installed in the ignition system for monitoring operation. This makes the necessary signal detection very costly because of the cost of the sensors themselves on the one hand and because of the manufacturing costs for installing the sensors in the cylinders on the other hand. Moreover, the satisfactory functioning of these additional sensors must be monitored.

Ignition system for internal combustion engines


In a plug connection assembly for a moisture-protected electrical plug connection having at least one plug which has a main body (1) having a fastening flange (4) on the front side and a resilient sealing element (7) arranged on said flange and an electric line cable (2) emerging rearward from the main body (1), a contact carrier (5) which receives electric contacts (6) is inserted into the main body (1) in a form-fitting manner. The fastening flange (4) can have a rigid contact area (14) for contact with a socket (9), and the sealing element (7) can have a surface seal (17) and a raised molded seal (27) on a partial surface thereof.

The invention concerns a plug connection assembly for moisture-protected electrical plug connections or a corresponding plug that comprises a base body with a front-side fastening flange and an elastic sealing element that is arranged thereat as well as an electrical cable that exits at the rear from the base body.
Such a plug is disclosed in DE 197 37 884 A1. Here, the elastic sealing element forms the plug head in which the electrical contacts are guided and supported by means of a special guide. Depending on which type of plug is to be produced and how the electrical contacts are arranged accordingly, different sealing elements and different guides are required. Since in the known plugs the sealing element is a main component, a multitude of different parts must be kept in stock in order to build different plug variants.
Such plug systems are used in particular for control of complex water fountains and must therefore have a high standard with regard to seal-tightness. Preferably, they should even satisfy class IP 68 and be usable under water.

Plug connection assembly for a moisture-protected electrical plug connection


Developing cartridges for use in image forming apparatuses having an image carrier, include: (a) a case; (b) a developer carrier supported by the case (for holding developer thereon); and (c) a conductive member engaged with or provided on the case and being electrically connected to the developer carrier. The case may be configured to allow the developer carrier to be pressed against the image carrier at a designated pressing position in a pressing direction, and the conductive member may be configured to be supplied with electrical potential while being pressed by an electrical connection member in a direction parallel to the pressing direction. Alternatively, in some structures, the conductive member may be configured to be supplied with electrical potential while being pressed by an electrical connection member in a direction parallel to a line extending from the designated pressing position to a developer carrier and image carrier contacting position.

A photosensitive member cartridge, which is configured to set with a developing cartridge, is provided with an urging device for pressing a developing roller of the developing cartridge to a photosensitive member of the photosensitive member cartridge, via the developing cartridge, as disclosed in, for example, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2000-250310 or its counterpart U.S. Pat. No. 6,101,350. When the developing cartridge set with the photosensitive member cartridge is installed in an image forming apparatus, the developing cartridge is pressed by the urging device, so that the developing roller may be pressed against the photosensitive member, via the developing cartridge.
Developing bias needs to be applied to the developing roller of the developing cartridge. As disclosed in, for example, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2005-258344 or its counterpart U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0201772, a conductive bearing member that rotatably supports a developing roller shaft, is provided in the developing cartridge. A power supply terminal provided in an image forming apparatus contacts a lower rear end of the bearing member.
As disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2005-258344 or its counterpart U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0201772, when the power supply terminal provided in the image forming apparatus contacts the lower rear end of the conductive bearing member, the developing roller may be unstably pressed against the photosensitive drum, leading to deterioration of the formed image quality.

Providing electrical potential to a rotatable developer carrier in an image forming apparatus


Method for the detection and enumeration of viable microorganisms. A liquid that comprises one or more markers incorporated in a liquid sol-gel precursor, is provided. A transparent slide is coated with a thin uniform layer of the liquid sol-gel precursor composition. The microorganisms are separated from liquid sample to be analyzed by passing the sample through a filter, and then bringing the filter into close contact with the sol-gel coated slide. The filter is co-incubated with the sol-gel coated slide for a period of time and at a temperature suitable to promote uptake of the markers by the microorganisms. The gel-coated slide irradiated with an external energy source, so as to generate detectable signals emitted from the markers uptaken by the microorganisms. Image of the detectable signals emitted from the microorganisms are acquired, and analyzed using a computer system, in order to provide the identification and enumeration of the microorganisms.

A major goal of microorganism detection research is to develop inexpensive, fast, reliable, and sensitive detectors. Standard laboratory procedures are currently available for the detection of microorganisms. The vast majority of procedures are based on the use of agar media on which specific microorganisms grow over a period of time. The normal incubation period is between 24 to 48 hours. After the microorganisms multiply their presence can be identified and quantified.
The main drawback of the existing tests is the time required for obtaining their results. Bacterial contamination in water sources results in the shutdown of water sources and systems and requires the use of more expensive water supply alternatives. Fast detection of microorganisms is needed to allow for shorter shutdown periods. In the medical sector, bacterial identification and antibiotic sensitivity tests are required in any medical situation in which antibiotics are to be administrated. The time required for obtaining test results is between 72 to 96 hours. Reducing this time period will produce better results and faster patient recovery. In the food and beverage industry, raw materials and manufactured goods are routinely inspected for bacterial contamination. The required incubation period for test results does not allow for immediate process treatment and causes delays both in the manufacturing and supplying of goods. Reducing the taking time period can result in savings in infrastructure and labor.
In the last few years several methods were developed in order to identify and enumerate bacteria in 1.5 to 11.0 hours. Methods that are relatively simple require a large amount of bacteria (above 104 in 1 ml sample), while methods that can detect small numbers of bacteria are expensive and cannot be used as large scale systems.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,811,251 discloses a system for counting the number of viable microorganisms based on a CCD system. However this system cannot differentiate between different types of bacteria and provides only a total number of bacteria. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,972,641 and 5,518,894 disclose a rapid coliform detection systems using a statistic methods for determining the number of bacteria. Said methods require up to 11 hours for obtaining the results in low number of bacteria. Other patents disclose a method for detection of microorganisms using fluorescence and laser light source (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,891,394, 5,858,697, 5,763,203, 5,751,839 and 5,663,057). The disadvantages of said methods is the use of an expensive laser light source and the detection of microorganisms directly from the filter which is not smooth and causes problems during analysis. In addition, these systems are not portable and are relatively expensive.
Immunoassay methods are also used for detecting certain types of microorganisms (Lee et al., App. Environ. Microbiol., Vol. 56, pp.1541-1546). In these methods, specific antibodies labeled with a fluorescent or radioactive dye are used to detect the microorganism. However, immunoassay methods are limited in that they require the production of antibodies against each microorganism of interest, which is time-consuming and expensive.
"Sol-gel" is the term used to indicate inorganic glass manufactured at room temperatures based on metal oxides. A certain process involving ceramic materials in which the sol (solution) is transformed to a gel phase through hydrolysis, condensation and polymerization. The common starting materials for the sol-gel preparation are ormosils or metal oxides. In recent years sol-gel has been applied to organosilanes to create "glass at room temperature". Sol-gel type materials comprise pores ranging from tens of angstroms to tens of nanometers, and exhibit a large area to mass ratios e.g., hundreds of square meters per gram. Sol-gel materials are transparent even at UV wavelengths, and are simple to prepare in different shapes, such as powders, monolithic blocks, thin sheets, fibers etc.
The use of sol-gel-based materials to entrap various organic molecules in a matrix media was described in the art. (Avnir et al., Supramolecular architecture in two and three dimensions Bein T. (ed.) American Chemical Society Symposium Series XXX, 1992). Using said technology, organic molecules are entrapped at room temperatures within the sol-gel matrix without impairing the structure of the relatively sensitive organic molecule. In addition, the entrapped molecule retains almost all of the original physical and chemical characteristics, and is available to outside reactants as a result of the massive pore system inside the sol-gel.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,022,748 discloses a method for the direct detection of analytes using color changes in response to selective binding of analytes to a surface. Said detection occurs in immobilized biopolymeric material encapsulated into metal oxide glass using the sol-gel method. The disadvantages of this method are that only large amounts of bacteria can be detected or enumerated, since only high counts are able to cause a visible color change in the sol-gel. Furthermore, said method cannot differentiate between viable and non-viable microorganisms, since it is based on the binding of the microorganisms to the sol-gel surface, independent whether said microorganisms are viable or not.
Armon et al. (J. of Biotechnology 51, 279-285) disclose a method for detecting large quantities of E. coli bacteria by spreading them on sol-gel doped with specific compounds, said compounds being uptaken into the bacteria, which consequently causes the bacteria to glow at specific wavelengths. However, this method does not provide a method suitable to count bacteria present in a given sample. In addition, detection of low number of microorganisms is not possible using said method.
The art has so far failed to provide a fast method for the enumeration of microorganisms, which is sensitive enough to provide a reliable count at low microorganism concentrations.
It is a purpose of this invention to provide a fast and sensitive method for the detection of viable microorganisms.
It is another object of the invention to provide a method and compositions useful in providing an enumeration of microorganisms found in low-count samples.
Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the description proceeds.

Method for the detection of viable microorganisms


An injection device (110) comprises a housing (112) adapted to receive a syringe (116) having a discharge nozzle (118) and dispensing piston (114) movable in the syringe to expel the contents of the syringe through the discharge nozzle. There is also a drive (130) adapted to act on the syringe to advance it from a retracted position in which the discharge nozzle is contained within the housing to an extended position in which the discharge nozzle extends from housing. A drive coupling (134) extends from the drive to the dispensing piston of the syringe so as to transfer movement of the drive to the piston. The drive coupling comprises a fixed-length drive-coupling and an interchangeable drive coupling. There is also a method of manufacturing an injection device by assembling a first sub-assembly (210) and second sub-assembly (220).

Known injection devices are shown in WO 95/35126 and EP-A-0 516 473 and tend to employ a drive spring and some form of release mechanism that releases the syringe from the influence of the drive spring once its contents are supposed to have been discharged, to allow it to be retracted by a return spring.
Generally, such injection devices require a high force drive spring in order to reliably empty the syringe in the time before retraction of the syringe. When the drive spring is first released, the spring first takes up clearance in the syringe, then extends the syringe and needle and then delivers the drug. The spring force is significantly higher than that required for these initial steps and excess energy is liberated in the form of noise and vibration resulting from recoil of the spring.
An injection device can generally operate with a range of syringe fill volumes. When the fill volume is low, there can be substantial clearance to be taken up and hence louder noise and higher recoil on actuation.
It is therefore desirable to minimise the noise and recoil to avoid startling the patient for a range of syringe fill volumes.


A closure assembly for a pressurized, plastic beverage container having an upper end opening comprising: an annular container neck defining the container upper end opening comprising a radially extending top surface, an axially extending surface, and a lower, generally radially extending surface; a gasket positioned on top of the annular container neck; and a container cap comprising a flat central body positioned in covering relationship with the container opening and in abutting engagement with the gasket; and an annular flange includinngn an axially extending portion positioned in parallel, adjacent, noncompressive relationship with the axially extending surface of the container neck, and a generally radially inwardly extending portion positioned in abutting, compressive contact with the lower, generally radially extending surface of the container neck whereby upwardly directed axial force on the container cap produced by pressurization of the container is resisted by downwardly directed axial force applied by the lower, generally radially extending surface of the container neck to the generally radially inwardly extending portion of the flange of the cap.

The present invention relates generally to pressurized, plastic beverage containers and, more particularly, to a closure assembly therefor.
Recently, a pressurized beverage dispensing container known in the industry as a "party ball" has been commercialized in the United States. This beverage dispensing container comprises a generally spherically-shaped container constructed from PET plastic which has a fluid capacity of approximately 5.16 gallons. The container has a single opening at an upper end portion thereof which is sealingly covered with a cap. The cap has a gasket associated therewith which is adapted to be resealingly penetrated at two different regions during the insertion of a pressurization conduit and a beverage discharge conduit.
A prior art closure assembly 11 for such a pressurized, plastic beverage container 13 is illustrated in FIG. 1. The beverage container 13 comprises an upper cylindrical end opening 15 circumscribed by an annular neck 17. The annular neck comprises a top radially extending surface 19 which typically has an outer diameter of approximately 2.23 inches and an inner diameter of 1.960 inches. The annular neck 17 further comprises an axially extending outer surface 21 which is integrally connected to a inwardly and downwardly sloping surface 23 which slopes approximately 30.degree. from a vertical plane and which has a length of approximately 0.055 inch. A radially extending lower surface 25, typically having a length of approximately 0.034 inch, is integrally connected to sloping surface 23 by a shoulder surface which may have a radius of about 0.010 inch. An outwardly and downwardly extending surface 27 is connected to surface 25 through a 0.015-inch-radius surface 27. Surface 27 has a approximately 10.degree. with respect to a vertical plane. Surface 27 is connected to an axially extending surface 29. Axially extending surface 29 terminates at a flange portion 31 which has an outer diameter of approximately 2.625 inches.
A cap 35 which is adapted to be crimpingly attached to neck 17 to seal the opening 15 comprises a flat, radially extending portion 37 and an annular flange portion 39. Cap 35 has a gasket 33 positioned on the interior side thereof which sealingly engages the top surface 19 of the neck 17. The cap flange portion 39 may have a total surface length, measured perpendicular to its direction of annular extension, of approximately 0.373 inch. Flange portion 39 comprises an axially extending portion 41, a radially inwardly and downwardly extending portion 43, and an outwardly concave, arcuate portion 45. During installation of the cap 35, a crimper tool (not shown) urges portion 43 into abutting contact with inwardly and downwardly sloping surface 23 of the annular neck.
The axial force which tends to remove cap 35 after container 13 is pressurized is resisted through the coaction of neck surface 23 and flange diagonal portion 43. Due to the fact that neck 17 is constructed from PET plastic, there is a tendency for neck 17 to flex or creep inwardly 37 due to the continuous force applied thereto by cap flange portion 43. This condition becomes especially pronounced at elevated temperatures. Such inward deflection of neck 17 may cause loss of the seal between cap gasket assembly 35, 33 and neck 17.

Closure assembly for pressurized plastic beverage container


A method, apparatus, and system are provided for performing compare and exchange operations using a sleep-wakeup mechanism. According to one embodiment, an instruction at a processor is executed to help acquire a lock on behalf of the processor. If the lock is unavailable to be acquired by the processor, the instruction is put to sleep until an event has occurred.

1. Field of the Invention
Embodiments of this invention relate to processors. More particularly, one embodiment relates to performing compare and exchange operations using a sleep-wakeup mechanism.
2. Description of Related Art
Typically, a multithreaded processor or a multi-processor system is capable of processing multiple instruction sequences concurrently. A primary motivating factor driving execution of multiple instruction streams within a single processor is the resulting improvement in processor utilization. Multithreaded processors allow multiple instruction streams to execute concurrently in different execution resources in an attempt to better utilize those resources. Furthermore, multithreaded processors can be used for programs that encounter high latency delays or which often wait for events to occur.
Typically, computer systems have a single resource setup that is to be shared by all threads or processors. Not having adequate resources may result in significant contention between processors (or threads) because, for example, processors share bus and memory bandwidth. This contention is particularly evident when one or more processors wait for a semaphore or lock (which refers to the data structure often used to allow a single processor exclusive access to other data structures) to become available. This causes bottlenecking of resources, waste of memory bandwidth, compute bandwidth, microarchitectural resources, and power. The "busy waiting" of processors can also have an adverse effect on the performance of other processors in the system. wakeup FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary computer system 100 having processors 102-106 accessing a shared memory space 114. The semaphore (lock) 110 is a particular location in memory 108 that is assigned to contain a value associated with obtaining access 112 to the shared space 114. In order for one of the processors 102-106 to access the shared space 114, it first accesses the lock 110 and tests the state (value) of the data stored in the lock location 110 and, in the simplest format, either of two values are assigned to the lock 110. The first value indicates the availability of the shared space 114 for access and the second value indicates the current utilization of the shared space 114 and thus, it is not available for access. Also, bit states 1 and 0 can be used for the locked and unlocked states for the lock 110.
The accessing of the memory 108 by the processors 102-106 for data transfer typically involves the use of load and store operations. The load operation transfers memory content from a location accessed in the memory 108, while the store operation transfers data to a memory location accessed in the memory 108. Thus, load/store operations are used to access the memory 108 and the lock 110 for data transfer between the processors 102-106 and the memory 108. The load and store accesses are also referred to as read and write accesses, respectively. When performing a read, the cache line is present in the processor's cache in either "shared unmodified" or "exclusive" or "modified" according to a protocol, such as the Modified, Exclusive, Shared, Invalid (MESI) protocol. If the cache line is not present in one of these states (e.g., invalid) the processor 102-106 retrieves the line from the memory 108 and places it into "shared unmodified" or "exclusive" state. In order to perform a write, the processor 102-106 has the line in its cache in "exclusive" or "modified" state, or it retrieves it and places it into its cache in "exclusive" state. The "shared state" is available for concurrent reading, but only one processor 102-106 can have the line in "exclusive" state for reading or writing.
An example of a technique for examining the availability of and making the semaphore busy is the use of an atomic read-modify-write sequence (e.g., "test & set" (TS) mechanism). One mechanism for implementing synchronization is the "compare and exchange instruction," which is relatively efficient, but not efficient enough as it requires exclusive ownership of the cache line of the memory location. This prevents other processors from reading the memory location concurrently.
Another example includes the "test & test & set" (TTS) mechanism. The TTS mechanism is relatively more efficient because the processor accesses a local cache copy in shared state of the variable for the first test, while the semaphore is not free. However, when one processor has acquired the lock and other processors are contending (e.g., simultaneous attempted reading to check if the semaphore is free) for the lock, the TTS mechanism fails to prevent the blocking or bottlenecking of other processors. The lock acquiring processor obtains the cache line of the lock in "exclusive" state forcing it out of all other caches. When it is done writing the lock, the other processors attempt a read, which causes the acquiring processor to write its modified lock value back to memory and forward the now shared data to the other processors in a sequence of bus transactions.

Compare and exchange operation using sleep-wakeup mechanism


An inductive sensor includes an inductor comprising conductive loops and at least one hinge mechanically coupling the loops. Operation of the hinge changes the position of the loops and causes a change in the inductance of the sensor. A sensor material may be oriented with respect to the loops so that a dimensional change of the sensor material operates the hinge and causes the change in the position of the loops.

A sensor translates a change in an external stimulus into a change in a detectable or measurable sensed parameter. In various implementations, sensors may be formed using passive electronic devices, such as inductors, capacitors and/or resistors. The circuit value of these sensors (e.g., inductance, capacitance, or resistance value) varies with a parameter of interest. These sensors may be incorporated into a sensor circuit so that the variation of the circuit value caused by the changing parameter of interest alters the sensor circuit output.
It is often desirable to remotely acquire sensor information. Radio frequency identification (RFID) circuitry has been used to detect the presence and movement of articles of interest. The remote access capabilities of RFID technology may be combined with sensor technology to provide remote sensing capability. The present invention fulfills these and other needs, and offers other advantages over the prior art.


A wipe down method for use on web wrapping devices used to unitize a multiple unit wrapped load. The wipe down method has multible steps including an extensible wiper support and a wiper element having one or more strips, one of which is doubled back along a portion of its length to form a load engaging loop. The strips being flexible along focal points when in contact with a load and moving parallel with the load wiping the wrapped load as it passes the wiper support.

1. Technical Field
This invention relates to a wipe down method for a unitized web wrapped load. The web wrapped load is common in the use of stretch wrapping machines that envelop a predetermined load with a plurality of overlapping film webs and are generally known in the art. The free end of the film web is wiped down after cutting to secure same to the wrap load which requires a flexible element that will adapt to the contours of the load which may vary from load to load.
2. Description of Prior Art
Prior Art devices of this type have relied on a variety of different wipe down engagement elements and associated support and control structures, all in attempt to achieve an efficient and durable wipe down device.
Examples of such are U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,779,396, 4,735,033, and 4,563,863.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,779,396 a wipe down arrangement for a wrapping apparatus disclosed that uses a plurality of vertically aligned wipers with each wiper comprising at least one strip of a length greater than its width having oppositely disposed ends, one of which is secured to a wiper support while the free end is engageable against a load.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,735,033 discloses a wipe down device that utilizes a plurality of vertically aligned wipers with each wiper comprised on one strip doubled back along its length to form an elongated loop. Both ends of the strip are secured to a common wiper support element that can be pivoted on a predetermined arc to engage the loop on the load to wipe down same.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,563,863 a device is directed towards an automatic stretch wrapping machine that uses a multiple filamented wipe down element. A support arm and activation arm advance the wipe down element against the load.
A number of other prior art devices are noted that utilize flexible loop configurations used in different art areas, such as U.S. Pat. No. 3,808,739 for a golf course water collector and U.S. Pat. No. 4,083,163 on a package forming machine and U.S. Pat. No. 2,023,021 on a self-wringing mop.

Wipe down method for stretch wrapping devices


Various devices for mounting circuit devices and methods of making the same are provided. In aspect, a device is provided that includes a member for holding an integrated circuit. The member contains a first plurality of carbon nanotubes to enhance the thermal conductivity thereof. At least one conductor member projects from the member. In another aspect, a method of fabricating an interface for an electronic component is provided that includes forming a member containing a first plurality of carbon nanotubes and forming at least one conductor on the member.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to semiconductor processing, and more particularly to apparatus for interfacing with integrated circuits and to methods of making the same.
2. Description of the Related Art
Many current integrated circuits consist of a chip or die enclosed within a package that is equipped with a plurality of connector pins for insertion into the socket of a circuit board. The die consists of a substrate composed of a semiconductor material such as silicon or germanium. One side of the substrate is provided with a plurality of circuit structures that makeup the integrated circuit and the other is left as relatively bare substrate material that is normally planarized via a polishing step.
Although packaging schemes for conventional integrated circuits are legion, many packages for individual die consist of mating halves of a ceramic or plastic material that are bonded together to form an enclosure. In some packaging schemes, the flat, non-circuit side of the die is secured to one half of the package and an electrical interconnections to the connector pins are made via a plurality of bonding wires soldered to bonding pads on the die and to portions of the connector pins. In other packaging schemes, the die is oriented in a so-called flip-chip fashion so that the die is oriented face down, that is, with the circuit structures of the integrated circuit facing downward and in contact with a plurality of minute solder bumps. The bumps are connected to the connector pins via bonding wires, metal traces, or the like. In still other packaging arrangements, multiple die are arranged in a multi-chip package and may be positioned in a flip-chip orientation or in other physical orientations.
As with most electrical devices, heat generation associated with processes such as I2R losses and capacitor charging and discharging presents challenges for the designer of die-based integrated circuits. Elevated chip operating temperatures impose constraints in several ways. To begin with, high operating temperatures restrict the types of materials that may be used to fabricate both the chip and the chip packaging. In addition, chip operating temperature has a direct impact on the maximum available switching speed and thus the overall speed performance of the integrated circuit. Furthermore, higher operating temperatures restrict the permissible operating voltage and ambient temperature environment of the chip. Lastly, chip life span is adversely impacted by higher operating temperatures. If the available mechanisms for integrated circuit heat dissipation cannot adequately handle the I2R heat propagation, compromises in the speed performance, the operating voltage, the applications and the design life span of the integrated circuit may have to be made.
In many conventional VLSI and ULSI circuit designs, engineers have turned to the use of heat sinks and forced convection in order to provide adequate cooling. A conductive heat transfer pathway is provided between the die and a heat sink that is coupled to the package. Many such conventional heat sinks consist of a plurality of metallic heat fins. The heat flow from the die to the die package is limited by the area of the die that is in contact with the package. In flip-chip packaging schemes, this contact surface area will normally be the area of the upward facing planar surface, that is, simply the area of the rectangular die. Since the contact area of the die is fixed, other means must be attempted to increase the heat flow therefrom, such as decreasing the temperature of the heat sink coupled to the package, either by increasing its size, by increasing the air flow across it to improve forced convective heat transfer, or by introducing a refrigerated fluid system to the package. Each of these solutions involves additional complexity and cost and may present space constraints on the placement of the integrated circuit in various products such as personal computers and other types of hardware.
The problems of heat dissipation are not limited to integrated circuit packaging. Indeed, various other structures used establish the requisite interfaces between integrated circuits and other devices form parts of the conductive heat transfer pathways to and from the integrated circuits. Two examples of these include circuit boards and sockets. Circuit boards provide a macro-level interface with devices, such as a computer. Various types of sockets are positioned on a typical circuit board to serve as plug-in sites for chips, other boards or devices. In both cases, the basic building material of the board or socket is generally electrically insulating and thus thermally resistive.
The present invention is directed to overcoming or reducing the effects of one or more of the foregoing disadvantages.

Thermally conductive integrated circuit mounting structures


An emulation mode for network devices is described as a means of isolating a defective network device from real network traffic, while continuing to transmit faux traffic to the defective network device, wherein the faux traffic is intentionally dropped. The emulation mode allows the defective network device to be tested in an environment that appears real, without impacting user traffic. A management server can control one or more neighbor network devices and place them in the emulation mode as a way to isolate and test the defective network device. In the emulation mode, the neighbor network device monitors for packets that, based on previous routing history, would be sent to the defective network device and, instead, routes them to functioning network devices using a current FIB. A virtual RIB/FIB can also be used to route the same packets to the defective network device.

Network switches play a critical role in large computer networks, such as those found in a data center. Server computers in the network can be divided into racks, and network switches can connect the server computers within a rack to routers in the data center. Data passed by switches is generally divided into a series of packets that can be transmitted between devices. Generally, network switches have two primary planes: a control plane and a data plane. The control plane is a management plane that configures the data plane. The data plane receives packets on input ports and transmits the received packets to output ports based on the configuration. Both the data plane and the control plane can become non-functional for a number of reasons. For example, a processor crash can occur, or other hardware or software malfunction. Any of these events can cause the entire switch to be offline for an extended period. For example, the control plane operating system may need to go through a boot operation before the switch can become operational again. As a result, neighbor routers that stop receiving announcements from the switch can remove the switch from their forwarding tables. Multiple users of the network can therefore be impacted by a switch outage if the users are executing software on a server computer that receives network traffic through the switch.
Before the switch is taken offline for servicing, the network traffic is diverted until the traffic to the switch is below a threshold level. However, any changes to the network switch, including changes of the data plane forwarding tables or the control plane state, can result in masking of a defect in the network switch making the switch more difficult to troubleshoot.

Debugging of a network device through emulation


Embodiments of the invention relate to a process for removing fluoride from a solution or suspension containing zinc, in particular a solution of zinc sulfate, a defluoridated solution of zinc sulfate obtainable by such a process, its use as well as processes for producing zinc and hydrogen fluoride or hydrofluoric acid. The process for removing fluoride comprises (i) providing a solution or suspension A containing zinc, wherein the solution or suspension A containing zinc further contains fluoride ions; (ii) adding a solution B containing a dissolved salt of a rare earth element to the solution or suspension A containing zinc, wherein a solid comprising a rare earth element fluoride and a solution C containing zinc are formed; and (iii) separating the solid from the solution C containing zinc, wherein the solution C containing zinc has a lower concentration of fluoride ions than the solution or suspension A containing zinc.

For the primary zinc industry, but also for the zinc sulfate industry, such as the fertilizer industry or feeding stuff industry, secondary raw materials, in particular having a low iron content and a high zinc content, become more and more important. A limiting factor in this connection is often the fluorine content of the secondary raw materials, for which reason the processing of secondary raw materials is generally limited and nevertheless these secondary raw materials usually have to be subjected to a thermal treatment, which in turn often leads to disadvantages, such as corrosive exhaust gases, as well as to difficulties in the selective recovery of lead as a byproduct. On the other hand, a too high fluorine content of the secondary raw materials leads to massive problems in the hydrometallurgical recovery of zinc which forms the basis of at least 85% of the global zinc production. Also in the agricultural chemistry, a drastic reduction of the fluoride contents is of great importance for the production of mineral fertilizers with additives of zinc sulfate because cultivated plants may tolerate in general only very low amounts of soluble fluorides.
Thus, there is a need to refine fluoride-loaded zinc secondary raw material, such as waelz oxides, in particular to defluoridate the same, such that they may be employed in the primary zinc industry or for the production of zinc sulfate without suffering from the above described limitations or disadvantages.

Method for removing fluoride from a zinc-containing solution or suspension, defluoridated zinc sulfate solution and use thereof, and method for producing zinc and hydrogen fluoride or hydrofluoric acid


A rear-wheel steering system is provided in a four-wheel steering vehicle having at least a front-wheel steering angle sensor, a vehicle speed sensor, a control unit for carrying out rear-wheel steering control in dependency on signals detected by these sensors, and an electric motor controlled by the control unit to steer the rear wheels. This rear-wheel steering system is provided with detecting means for detecting front-wheel steering force, front-wheel lateral force or lateral acceleration of the vehicle. The control unit is provided with a front-wheel neutral point correction means for determining the zero point of the front-wheel steering angle which causes the rear-wheel steering angle to be zero with respect to a signal indicating that the front-wheel steering force, the front-wheel lateral force or the lateral acceleration of the vehicle thus detected by the detecting means is substantially zero.

The present invention relates to vehicles having four-wheel steering system, more particularly, to a rear-wheel steering system for a four-wheel steering vehicle.
Four-wheel steering vehicles in which the rear wheels are steered depending on the steering operation of the front wheels have been variously developed. Many of these vehicles are of the type wherein rear-wheel steering is carried out in dependency on signals respectively from a steering wheel turning angle sensor for detecting a turned angle of the steering wheel and from a vehicle speed sensor for detecting a vehicle speed. One example of this type of vehicle is disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open Publication No. 73475/1986.
In a known four-wheel steering vehicle of the character described above, in general, a rear-wheel steering neutral position (rear-wheel steering angle zero) coincides with a point at which a signal from the steering wheel turned angle sensor is zero.
However, setting of the zero point of the signal from the steering wheel angle sensor is extremely difficult. The following example of the problems encountered will illustrate this difficulty more specifically. The zero point of the signal from the steering wheel angle sensor with respect to the neutral position of the front wheels (position for straight-ahead driving state) is initially set as the reference position Even when this is done, various factors cause this zero point to be inaccurate. For example, some deviation is caused by variation with lapse of time in the suspension alignment. As another example, an unbalance in the characteristics of the left and right tires are apt to arise. Examples of such tire characteristics are inflation pressure, abrasion loss, and tire uniformity. Due to such disturbing factors, some lateral force develops even when the front wheels are in the positions for straight-ahead driving state. Consequently, straight-ahead driving becomes impossible in this state. In such a case, a driver instinctively turns the steering wheel slightly, almost unconsciously, to restore the vehicle to its straight-ahead driving state. However, when the vehicle assumes this state, the point for sustaining the straight-ahead driving state by turning the steering wheel slightly becomes the actual steering wheel neutral position. This actual position is offset from the initially set zero point.
In such a driving state, while the front wheels are in their straight-ahead driving state, the steering wheel angle sensor generates signal indicating that the front wheels have been steered through an angle corresponding to the deviation from the initially set zero point. This signal causes the rear wheels to be steered according thereto. Thus, the straight-ahead driving is disrupted. As a result, a driver must further correct the steering wheel angle, so that the vehicle undergoes deviant running or bias running can be caused.

Rear-wheel steering system for four-wheel steering vehicle