A tube end formed of any suitable material having the shape of a truncated cylinder that is forced over the end of a polyethylene pipe and prior or post heat-treated to provide a THERMO LOCK-N-SEAL.TM. interface between the OD of the polyethylene pipe and the ID of the tube end by melting a portion of the OD of the polyethylene tube sufficient to cause thermal plastic flow of the polyethylene into conformity with the surface of the ID of the tube end.

It is well known in the art to have cylindrical tube ends containing grooves that are forced on the end of polyethylene tubes. Such tubes are then assembled end-to-end by means of clamps circumscribing the grooves and hydraulically sealed by means of O-rings and otherwise. It is difficult to mechanically lock the tube end in place on the polyethylene pipe and to provide a hydraulic seal between the tube end and the polyethylene pipe due to the property of polyethylene of being impervious to adhesives. Some of the methods known in the art to provide a hydraulic seal as well as to retain mechanical integrity between the tube end and the polyethylene pipe are: (a) drive screws are placed through the wall of the tube end into the pipe to provide mechanical rigidity; (b) machining a groove into the polyethylene pipe at the location under the groove and to dispose epoxy cement into the machined groove to prevent deformation of the OD of the polyethylene pipe and to provide a hydraulic seal between the polyethylene pipe and the tube end; or (c) drill a series of holes in an annular row near one end of the tube end before or after forcing the tube end onto the polyethylene pipe. After the tube end is pressed onto the pipe, multiple short poly plugs are heat-welded to the outer surface of the polyethylene pipe through the prepunched or predrilled holes previously disposed through the tube end. An O-ring is placed between the tube end and the polyethylene pipe to provide a hydraulic seal.
All of the above designs have experienced failures with either or both the hydraulic seal and the mechanical locked integrity of the tube end on the end of the polyethylene pipe. Sometimes these failures are catastrophic in that the tube end forcefully blows off the end of the pipe due to internal pressure or exterior mechanical strain causing rupture of the integrity of the pipeline and, sometimes, a danger to those in the nearby vicinity. Accordingly, it would be desirable to have a tube end that provides both a mechanical locked interface and a hydraulic seal with the outside diameter of the polyethylene pipe such that the need for O-rings are dispensed with and provide a mechanical integrity up to and exceeding the integrity test pressures of the polyethylene pipe.

Thermo lock-n-seal tube end for polyethylene pipe


An excavator for constructing an underground continuous wall includes an extensible guide post, an endless chain extending around a chain driving wheel provided at the upper portion of the guide post and a chain sprocket at the lower portion of the guide post, and a number of cutter bits and a number of agitator bars alternately arranged on the chain to form an endless chain cutter and a jet pipe provided in the guide post to be connectable to a fluid supply source and having a number of nozzles branched from the jet pipe. The endless chain cutter is detachably fixed to the end of the boom extending from a vehicle traveling on the ground. The endless chain cutter may be vertically movably mounted on the boom so as to be vertically driven by a driving device. The cutter bits are changeable with harder cutter bits according to obstacles in the ground.

This invention relates to an excavator for excavating ground to construct an underground continuous wall and a construction method using the excavator in civil engineering and construction works.
In constructing such an underground continuous wall according to a prior art technique, first a hole of an elliptical section having a 2 to 3 m major axis is dug in the ground to a predetermined depth by a powerful bucket or a hole is dug to a predetermined depth by two or three series of auger drills. After the hole is formed slurry is sealed with a bentonite solution to prevent further penetration of slurry, a reinforcing bar cage is placed in the hole and a ready mixed-concrete is then poured into the hole to form a foundation column. Such a method is repeated to form an underground continuous wall.
With the underground continuous wall constructing method of the prior art described above, the processes are complicated and hence take much time for the completion of the continuous wall. Moreover, slurry or bentonite solution layers at joints between successive columns interrupts the formation of the continuous wall so that after completion of the wall, ground water tends to leak into the inside of the continuous wall through the joints. It is therefore very difficult to provide an underground continuous wall simultaneously having two functions, to serve as a foundations wall and a diaphragm wall.
Moreover, in order to improve the ground in connection with construction of the underground continuous wall in the past, there had been a ground improving method wherein the ground is excavated with earth augers or the like, and at the same time a stabilizer is forcedly mixed with the earth and sand by agitator blades or the like. However, the operations of the method cannot be continuously carried out but only intermittently performed and hence with inefficiency.
Furthermore, in constructing underground wall piles (referred to sometimes as "elliptical piles") having substantially rectangular cross-sections as seen in a plan view, in the past, rectangular holes were formed by excavating the ground by clam buckets or manually. However, such operations are inefficient and dangerous.
Moreover, in removing underground obstacles such as rocks, concrete blocks and the like in the past, rock augers or the like were used to crush them and thereafter they were removed. Such operations are inefficient because of involving extra processes using an additional apparatus other than that used in the construction method of the underground continuous wall.

Excavator for constructing underground continuous wall and construction method using the excavator


Methods and systems are disclosed for simulating a fabrication process based on real time sensor measurements obtained during the process. In one embodiment, a first simulation of the process computes a set of predicted physical responses based on a first set of assumed boundary conditions, and then, during the fabrication process sensor measurements are obtained and used to compute a second set of boundary conditions. A second simulation, based on the second set of boundary conditions, can then be performed to compute an updated set of predicted physical responses that can be compared to the previously computed set of physical responses. The difference(s) can be used to determine line, surface or volumetric response distribution from point, line or surface boundary conditions respectively, whether and how to modify the fabrication process (or other processes) and how to take additive and other manufacturing process decisions real-time using simulation. Other examples are also described.

Existing simulation methods have been used to simulate fabrication processes. For example, simulation software from ANSYS, Inc. has been used to simulate additive manufacturing (AM) processes. AM processes can be performed by a 3D printer, and a 3D printer can fabricate an object in a layer by layer process. In this process a layer of powder, such as a metallic powder, is applied through a nozzle to an object being fabricated, and then the powder is selectively melted by the 3D printer's laser (or other energy source) and then the melted material cools and solidifies into a shaped layer on the object that is being fabricated. The speed of the powder extruded through the nozzle can be controlled during the AM process. Then another layer of powder can be applied and the process can be repeated (for example, selective melting followed by cooling, etc.). Existing simulation methods and models allow an additive manufacturing process to be simulated from start to finish to reveal, based on the assumptions and inputs provided to the simulation models, the predicted properties of the finished object, such as shape, size of portions of the object, etc. If the predicted responses do not match a desired set of thermomechanical responses, the simulation can be repeated with different assumptions and inputs to produce another set of predicted properties, and this can be repeated until the predicted responses converge to an adequate match of the desired set of responses. The outputs from a simulation that produces an adequate match can be used to provide control parameters to a 3D printer. If the set of assumptions and inputs do not accurately reflect actual physical systems, many iterations of the simulation may be required.

Methods and systems for numerical prediction and correction of processes using sensor data


A PCB and an LCD device with the same are disclosed. The PCB and the LCD device force an LED to directly contact either a heat radiation member or a metal plate. As such, heat generated in the LED is directly transferred to the heat radiation member or the metal plate without passing through wiring and prepreg layers. Therefore, the heat is effectively discharged to the exterior through a bottom cover. In other words, heat generated in the LED can be effectively discharged because of passing through the shortened heat radiation path.

1. Field of the Disclosure
This disclosure relates to a printed circuit board (PCB) and a liquid crystal display (LCD) device with the same, and more particularly to a PCB with superior heat radiation property and to an LCD device including the same.
2. Description of the Related Art
Cathode ray tubes (CRTs), which correspond to one of widely used display devices, are mainly used as monitors for TVs, measuring apparatuses, or information terminals. However, the heavy weight and large size of the CRTs have been a major hindrance to the manufacturing of small, light electronic products.
To address this matter, LCD devices are gradually being used in a wide range of applications due to their advantages such as lightness, thinness, and low power consumption. Accordingly, LCD devices are being manufactured to have even larger screens, be thinner, and consume less power, in order to meet requirements of users. Such LCD devices display images by controlling the amount of light transmitted through liquid crystal.
LCD devices are not self-illuminating display devices, unlike CRTs. As such, an LCD device includes a backlight unit provided on the rear surface of an LCD panel. The backlight unit includes a separated light source providing light necessary to display an image.
The backlight unit can be classified as either an edge type or a direct type in accordance with the disposition of a light source. The edge type backlight unit includes a light source disposed at an inner side surface of it and applies light from the light source to the entire surface of an LCD panel using a light guide plate. On the other hand, the direct type backlight unit includes a plurality of light sources arranged directly under the LCD panel and allows light to be directly applied from the plurality of light sources to the LCD panel.
Recently, the LCD device employs light emission diode (LED) as a light source. Actually, the recent LCD device includes a PCB on which a plurality of LEDs are arranged. The PCB loaded with the plurality of LEDs is used for both the edge and direct type backlight units.
The LED has a serious problem of heat generating phenomenon. This results from the fact that the residual energy not being used in the generation of light is converted into heat. When the heat generated from the LED accumulates into the LCD device without being externally radiated, the LCD device can be deteriorated and decreases its display quality. In addition, if the heat generating phenomenon is continued, durability and reliability of the LED can be deteriorated.
To address this matter, a PCB of the related art is configured to include a copper thin film, a prepreg layer, and a metal layer. In this case, heat generated in LED can be externally radiated through a LED chip, a LED lead frame, the copper thin film of the PCB, the prepreg layer of the PCB, the metal layer of the PCB, and a bottom cover of the LCD device.
However, such a heat radiation path forces heat to pass through many steps. As such, the pregreg layer must function as a critical factor. Therefore, heat radiation characteristic of the LCD device must depend on thermal conductivity of the prepreg layer. More specifically, costs of the LCD device increase as the thermal conductivity of the prepreg layer becomes higher. In view of this point, it is necessary for the PCB and the LCD device to effectively radiate heat generated by the LED toward the exterior.

Multi-layer printed circuit board and liquid crystal display device having the same


A flowmeter which is usually attached to a garden hose or a home shower installation is provided which includes a pipe section in which is mounted a ducted turbine type rotor whose speed of rotation is sensed by an associated coil. The rotor is magnetically polarized. Laminar flow through the rotor which has several blades is provided by a relatively thin flow control plate upstream which in addition to making the flow laminar provides jets which impinge against the rotor blades. A downstream spindle plate also has apertures which isolate downstream turbulence and which includes a spindle shaft on which the rotor is freely mounted. In practice, the flow of the liquid provides a lift to the rotor which allows it to freely float on the spindle shaft to minimize friction. Thus, the overall design has improved accuracy and is very simple in construction.

The most common flowmeters used today are Venturi, modified Venturi, orifice plate, magnetic, turbine and propeller, sonic, vortex, and averaging Pitot flowmeters. The present invention is directed to a turbine type flowmeter where the flowing liquid strikes the rotor blades which rotate at a speed proportional to the liquid flow rate. The rotor of the turbine meter generally fills the cross section of the liquid containing pipe and is mounted to spin freely between two central bearings supported in a pipe wall.
To obtain commercial levels of accuracy, for example, 0.5% to 2% over at least 10 to 1 flow rates, these types of meters generally require lengthy flow straighteners along the axis of the pipe to reduce liquid turbulence. In short, for home use, the present design of the turbine flowmeter is too expensive and sophisticated.


A spherical sealing body is to be inserted in a space defined by three of an end edge of an exhaust pipe on upstream side, a flange fixed on an outer periphery of the exhaust pipe on upstream side, and a concave spherical portion disposed on an end edge of an exhaust pipe on downstream side. The spherical sealing body comprises a wire mesh body obtained through weaving or knitting a fine metal wire, the metal mesh body has a cylindrical inner circumferential surface of the exhaust pipe on upstream side, a convex outer circumferential surface to be fitted in the concave spherical portion, and a bottom surface on large diameter side to be abutted against the flange. A refractory material is filled in meshes and clearances of a part of the wire mesh body corresponding to the convex outer circumferential face and the bottom face.

The present invention relates to a spherical sealing body used for exhaust pipe joints and a manufacturing method thereof.
Exhaust gas from an automobile engine is passed through an exhaust pipe disposed on a car body frame or the like from the engine and discharged into the atmosphere. However, the exhaust pipe is subjected to a repetitive bending stress due to the torque reaction force of the engine, force of inertia and so forth. Particularly in the case of a front wheel drive engine arranged transversely, the bending stress grows heavy as compared with that of an engine arranged longitudinally. Engine vibrations will therefore be brought into the car interior (along with noise) along an exhaust pipe suspension. Thus, not only noise is caused thereby but also a fatigue fracture may result in the exhaust pipe.
To solve such problem, a spherical pipe joint is disposed at a predetermined position along the exhaust pipe to absorb the stress.
A spherical sealing member has been used for conventional spherical pipe joints. It permits relative smooth angular motion between two of the exhaust pipes as the engine rotates relative to the automobile, prevents leakage of an exhaust gas from a pipe joint portion, and absorbs infinitesimal vibrations of the exhaust pipe arising as the automobile engine rotates.
As disclosed, for example, in Japanese Patent Publication (Kokoku) No. 58-21144, a wire mesh and a sheet-like refractory material (expanded graphite sheet, mica sheet or the like) are laminated with each other, wound cylindrically to obtain a preform body, and then the preform body which is compressed axially thereof has been used so far as the spherical sealing member.
The above-described sealing member consisting of a wire mesh and a refractory material has a structural integrity such that the refractory material is filled thoroughly in the wire mesh, thus both are entangled with each other. The refractory material exposed on a convex spherical surface of the sealing member is flexible and hence is easily conformed to the mating surface, therefore preventing leakage of an exhaust gas at the spherical joint. However, since the sealing member itself works as a rigid body to infinitesimal vibrations arising on the exhaust pipe, absorption of the vibrations can hardly be expected, thus leaving the problem of generation of noise due to the vibrations and sound in the car interior.

Spherical sealing body used for exhaust pipe joint and manufacturing method thereof


A two-step procedure for pattern assignment. The initial assignment is based on a heuristic criteria that like lines should be separated from one another to the greatest degree possible, but with a constraint that two "like" conductors should not be located in adjacent locations in the pattern if at all possible. The initial assignment pattern is then optimized by an iterative procedure to reduce Delta-I noise to a minimum. Assignments in a small sub-matrix (for example a 3x3-matrix) of the entire pattern are iteratively changed and the Delta-I noise for each iterative is determined to establish a pattern for the sub-matrix with the minimum Delta-I noise. Adjacent sub-matrices are examined in the same manner with this important criteria. Each sub-matrix after the first, overlaps at least one row or column of a previous optimized sub-matrix, and the pin assignments in the overlap portion remain frozen when optimizing the adjacent sub-matrix.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to a method for assigning power and signal locations in a three-dimensional wiring maze in order to minimize inductively coupled noise in the signal lines as a result of current changes, i.e. so-called Delta-I noise.
For ease and clarity of explanation, the invention will be described in terms of a method for assigning signal and power pins of an integrated circuit module in order to minimize Delta-I noise. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the method is generally applicable to the assignment of signal and power conductor locations in other applications where it is desirable to minimize Delta-I noise.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Delta-I noise can be a limiting factor in device switching speeds and/or the number of devices that can be switched simultaneously. In addition, it can induce false logic levels in the signal lines. Skilled engineers have developed heuristic criteria for the assignment of signal and power pins and have developed methods for the calculation of Delta-I noise for a given assignment pattern. Delta-I noise can be calculated as a function of conductor spacing, conductor diameter, conductor length, and the voltage level of a conductor relative to the voltage level of adjacent conductors.
Existing procedures for determining pin assignment patterns to limit Delta-I noise rely upon the skill and experience of the engineer and are limited by the relatively small number of Delta-I noise calculations that are practical to evaluate a proposed pattern relative to the number of possible patterns in a relatively large pattern. It will be appreciated that an array may have from five-hundred to two-thousand pins.

International Business Machines Corporation


An image pickup device picks up an image. An image signal in association with the image is filtered in a time axis direction using a digital low-pass filter to generate an image signal having a reduced dynamic resolution power, which is equivalent to an image signal that would be obtained at a longer exposure time. The filtered signal is then subjected to frame skipping processing to generate an output image signal having a preferred frame period. The resultant signal is equivalent to one obtained by a slow shooting.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an apparatus and a method for processing an image signal, and imaging equipment.
2. Description of Related Art
In the field of conventional movie production, film cameras have been used. This type of film camera has a mirror 81 mounted on a rotary disk shutter 80 off the open area of the shutter, and an imaging lens 70 and a ground glass 82 of an optical viewfinder aligned on the optical axis of the mirror 81 as shown in FIG. 1. When the rotary disk shutter 80 is positioned in the open area, photographed object images are formed on a film 83, exposing the film 83. Then this stops displaying the photographed object images on the optical viewfinder. When the rotary disk shutter 80 is positioned in the non-open area, frame stepping is carried out for the film 83, with the photographed object images reflected by the mirror 81 and displayed on the ground glass 82 of the optical viewfinder.
Regulation of the period of opening the shutter allows exposure time to be regulated. Changing the frame-stepping rate allows special effects to be obtained. For example, by replaying a high-speed motion picture (i.e. pictures taken at a high frame-stepping rate) at a normal speed, a high-speed motion of an object such as a water droplet dropping on the surface of water can be easily observed in detail. Replaying a low-speed picture (picture taken at a low frame-stepping rate) at a normal speed can enhance the reality of, for example, a fighting scene or a high-speed car chase.
In the field of TV program production, filming (or shooting), editing, and shipping of programs are in the process of digitalization. This is also the case in the field of movie production. That is, owing to the developments of digital techniques for extended definition pictures and to recent price-reduction of digital equipment, the digitalization is also promoted in the world of movie production.
When a video camera utilizing a solid-state image pickup device such as a charge coupled device (CCD) is used to shoot an object, control of shutter opening period of a film camera can be emulated by controlling exposure time using the electronic shutter function of the solid-state image pickup device. Also by controlling the read time required for retrieving a signal from the solid-state image pickup device, film-feeding speed of the film camera can be emulated. Further, since, unlike an optical viewfinder, an electronic viewfinder displays an image based on the signal retrieved from the solid-state image pickup device, the image can be displayed without any break.
Exposure time of a solid-state image pickup device is controlled using the electronic shutter function of the device as shown in FIG. 2A. Thus, a slow shooting (or low-speed shooting) can be obtained by prolonging the time intervals of images to be obtained, which can be done by extending the read time required for reading image data as shown in FIG. 2B. However, if a slow shooting is made in this way, images displayed on the electronic viewfinder are refreshed at a longer interval. As result, when panning the camera to a desired object in motion such that the image of the object is displayed at the center of the electronic viewfinder according to the displayed image on the electronic viewfinder if the object is fast one, the actual position of the image of the object on the imaged picture differs from the displayed position of the object in the viewfinder. Thus, the camera cannot correctly follow the shooting object.
On the other hand, when exposure time is extended while shooting a moving object, a resolution power for object in a time axis direction (hereinafter referred to as "dynamic resolution power") decreases in the shot picture due to an increased movement of the object during one exposure time, making the displayed image blurred on the electronic viewfinder.
In a solid-state image pickup device, noise component called dark current is generated in photo-sensor for performing a photoelectric conversion. It is known that the dark current increases with exposure time. Hence, dark current increases when exposure time is increased to enhance the imaging signal. As a consequence, the margin of the dynamic range of the photo-sensor decreases with exposure time, as shown in FIG. 3. For example, when the object is bright, there are too many of imaging signals for processing to obtain an image having steady reproduction of halftones so as to cause a halation on a bright part thereof. If, in an attempt to increase the margin of the dynamic range, illumination is dimmed or an amount of light entering the solid-state image pickup device is reduced by decreasing the aperture of the object lens, a level of the dark current will not vary but only the intensity of the image signal decreases, thereby resulting in deterioration of the S/N ratio. Hence, a noiseless clear image cannot be obtained in this way.
In a CCD, noise components such as dark current and smear generated in the transmission lines for reading electric charges generated by the photoelectric conversion in the photo-sensor, increase with the read time required for reading signals. Hence, if the read time is increased, the margin of the dynamic range is further decreased according to the noise components, resulting in further deterioration of the S/N ratio.

Imaging apparatus and method for lowering resolution power of an image and modifying the frame period


In an electrical circuitry a sinusoidal wave to and an associated wave with the same frequency are represented by square waves which are combined to form pulsed time signals representing a phase difference for each half cycle. A pair of analog switches are receptive of the control voltage and responsive to the respective time signals, to feed a switched output to an integrating capacitor such that successive voltage levels are effected in proportion to the time signals and the control voltage. Sample hold modules receptive of the voltage levels effect a steady voltage output representative of average phase shift independently of operating frequency and any time-varying DC level in the associated wave. The sinusoidal wave is generated by combining a triangular wave with an alternating wave equal in magnitude to about half of the square of the triangular wave. The triangular wave is generated with a control voltage proportional to the operating frequency. The associated wave is amplified by an active filter circuit with corner frequencies approximately equal to each other and proportional to the operating frequency to process the wave independently of frequency.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,589,167 (Hill), which issued to the assignee of the present invention, discloses a thermomechanical analysis apparatus. The apparatus includes a probe assembly which is suspended in nearly weightless contact with a sample material. Weightlessness is achieved by means of a fluid reservoir and a float which is submerged in the fluid and coupled to the probe. Weights are added manually to the probe assembly to just offset the buoyancy of the float. As the height of a sample under test changes, the nearly weightless probe moves up or down in response.
Vertical movement of the probe assembly of the Hill device is sensed by a conventional linear variable differential transformer (LVDT). The magnetic core of the LVDT is mounted on a non-magnetic rod which supports the probe. In this prior art device, a rack and pinion are provided for moving the LVDT coil assembly to achieve a null prior to beginning a measurement. The rod member which supports the probe passes through a pair of roller bearings. The entire assembly is suspended from a frame at a pair of spaced support points.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,354,764 (Ackermann et al) discloses a similar system in which electromagnetic means is utilized for compensation of the weight of the probe assembly. The electromagnetic means may be adjusted to apply a desired force to the sample, for example for hardness testing. It is further suggested in the Ackermann patent that a force may be applied in a cyclic fashion from which, e.g., the elasticity of the specimen can be determined.
The requirements for the electronic circuitry associated with dynamic oscillatory mechanical analysis apparatus are quite specialized. It is particularly desirable to measure the phase difference between the oscillatory force applied to a test sample (specimen) and the oscillatory dimensional response and, also, to measure changes in the magnitude or amplitude of the response. These determinations are to be effected over a period of time as the test sample is subjected to a varying temperature. Problems associated with the circuitry are related to the very low frequencies of interest, e.g. 0.01 to 100 hertz, and include low signal to noise ratio, drift, and sympathetic oscillations in the sample. There are potentially large and unpredictably variable changes in the DC component due to temperature induced changes in dimension and softness of the sample. There particularly is a need to process the low frequency signals for phase and amplitude independently of frequency, which conventional circuitry does not effect suitably.
Therefore an object of the present invention is to provide electronic circuitry suitable for generating and processing low frequency signals such as for oscillatory mechanical analysis apparatus. A more specific object is to measure phase of a signal relative to a reference signal independently of frequency and independently of a drifting DC component in the signal. A further object is to amplify and filter a low frequency weak signal independently of frequency. Another object is to provide a wave generator for generating a sine-type wave at relatively low cost and with a tunable wave form. Yet another object is to generate an oscillatory wave that has an operating frequency proportional to a control voltage and that may be utilized in a circuit for measuring phase independently of the operating frequency.

Circuitry for measuring phase difference between two oscillatory signals


An application or terminal emulation program, which is being executed on an information processing system, is represented by the display of a first icon on a display device. If during the execution of the application or terminal emulation program, a virtual display buffer associated with the application program, is updated, a second icon is displayed on the display device to indicate to a user of the system that a change in the status of the program has occurred.

In multitasking operating systems, an end user may execute several application programs simultaneously. The user interacts with only one of the application programs at a time. Windowing systems have been utilized with multitasking operating systems wherein each of the application programs is associated with a respective window and is displayed on a portion of the user's display unit. The user may size and move a selected window. Additionally, all or a portion of several windows may be visible at a given time. The user may choose to change the appearance of the application program from a window to an icon which pictorially represents the associated application program. This procedure is called "minimizing" an application. The icon generally remains visible on the display while the user operates in an active or a primary window. Moreover, the execution of the application continues even though the application program is being represented by the icon. A plurality of icons may be utilized to represent respective application programs. When a selected application program has been minimized, the application program maintains, in a virtual buffer, an internal representation of the data which would have normally appeared in the window associated therewith.
Oftentimes, the user desires to know when a selected minimized application program has completed a desired task or requires the attention of the user. In this case, the user must restore the appearance of the application to the window associated therewith. If the application has not completed the desired task or does not require attention, the user generally, minimizes the application in order to perform additional work in primary window or to check the status of another minimized application program. This process is tedious and time consuming. Moreover, the process is extremely time consuming when there are a plurality of icons representing respective application programs. In this case the user must restore and then minimize each of the applications to determine if any or all have completed their respective desired task or needs the attention of the user.
Consequently, what is needed is a method of monitoring an application whereby the user can determine the status thereof without restoring the application.

Methods of monitoring the status of an application program


The invention provides a method for detection of mutant-type DNA or/and wild-type DNA by contacting at least one of a single-stranded DNA having a substituted nucleotide, a deficient nucleotide region, or an inserted nucleotide region (mutant-type DNA), or/and a wild-type single-stranded DNA corresponding to the mutant-type DNA (wild-type DNA) with a probe hybridizing with both single-stranded DNAs, to form a hybrid with the mutant-type DNA (mutant-type hybrid) or/and a hybrid with the wild-type DNA (wild-type hybrid) (at least one of the obtained mutant-type hybrid and wild-type hybrid has a loop structure), (2) contacting the obtained mutant-type hybrid or/and wild-type hybrid with an intercalator, and (3) detecting the presence or absence of the mutant-type DNA or/and the wild-type DNA by separating the conjugate of mutant-type hybrid and intercalator or/and the conjugate of wild-type hybrid and intercalator.

In recent years, the presence or absence of a mutation in a particular gene has been emphasized in various fields. For example, in DNA testing in forensic medicine, confirmation of the presence and absence of single nucleotide substitution by mutation or polymorphism in DNA has already been well known as a method for individual identification. Also, in the field of medicine, correlation between specific genetic polymorphism and drug sensitivity has been known, and trials to reduce the risk of drug-induced health disaster have been carried out by investigating specific genetic polymorphism. In addition, the detection of mutation in the gene is also employed for detection of a mutant-type DNA holder of hereditary disease, and is gaining importance than before.
And, as a method for detecting gene mutation, a loop hybrid method (LH method) in which single-stranded oligo DNA is added to the reaction solution after the PCR reaction of DNA fragment and hybridized with objective DNA fragment, and the obtained hybrid is separated by electrophoresis based on the structural differences, and discriminate the separated mutant gene by reacting with intercalator as needed, has been known (Patent Literature 1, Non-patent Literature 1).

Method for identification and detection of mutant gene using intercalator

KANAGAWA PREFECTURAL HOSPITAL ORGANIZATION


This invention relates to a function switch on handle of motorcycle, in which a light transmissive zone is formed on the housing thereof. A light emitting source is provided at the interior of the function switch which is coupled to the switches for small light and large light. In this manner, when driver turns on small light or large light, the light emitting source can also be energized to radiate light and the light beam emitted from the light emitting source can be projected out through the light transmissive zone of the housing so as to highlight the pattern of the light transmissive zone.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a function switch on handle of motorcycle, more particularly to a novel function switch on handle of motorcycle in which a light transmissive zone formed on the housing of the function switch and a light emitting source installed in the interior of the function switch are provided in such a manner that the light beam, when generated from the light emitting source, can be displayed on the light transmissive zone so as to highlight the pattern on the light transmissive zone.
2. Brief Description of the Prior Art
In order that driver can make distinction between the functions of the switch mounted on the handle of motorcycle, indication patterns are usually printed on the surface of the function switch. However, as the indication patterns printed on the surface of the function switch often loses the action as function indicator at dim light place or at night, driver of motorcycle can only judge the position of each function switch according to his direct sense. Certainly, this often causes inconvenience and persecution in usage.
Hence, related industry has developed a function switch enabling to emit light for display at dim light place or at night, which can be referred to a new utility model disclosed in the Taiwanese Patent Gazette No. 553134 entitled "Motor switch having a light emitting body served as indication lamp", in which a groove is provided in the interior of a control switch assembled on a mounting seat, a light emitting body lamp being disposed within the groove, and a closure cap made of transparent material having indication patterns provided thereon being fitted over the groove, a power cord being connected from the light emitting body lamp to the battery and headlight switch so as to control the ON-OFF of the light emitting body lamp by the headlight switch. In this manner, when the headlight is turned on in dim light condition, the light emitting body lamp is simultaneously energized to illuminate the indication patterns provided on the closure cap so as to allow the driver see clearly the position and function of each control switch to guarantee the safety in driving.
However, inasmuch as the fitting between the closure cap and the groove is accomplished by adhesive, supersonic welding or snap-fit, gap is easily produced on the joint seam between the closure cap and the groove so that a fully hermetic space cannot be formed in the groove. In this case, rain is liable to permeate into the groove to cause short circuit or even damage of the light emitting body lamp disposed in the groove. Furthermore, in the case of replacing the damaged light emitting body lamp, if the fitting between the closure cap and the groove is accomplished by adhesive or supersonic welding, the closure cap cannot be removed from the top of the groove such that maintenance becomes hindered and difficult. In addition, the indication patterns printed on the surface of the closure cap is easily peeled off in the course of time and the indication patterns are opaque or at most transmissive in some periphery, the indication effect and quality feeling are not that good.


A laminating machine has at least one material source, configured as a sheet feeder, for sheets of a material to be laminated. The laminating machine also has at least one imbricating device for arranging un-laminated sheets in an imbricated manner with respect to one another. The laminating machine further has at least one laminating unit for producing a laminated material web from the sheets. At least one thickness control device is arranged in a transport path which is provided for the laminated material web downstream of the at least one laminating unit. A control region of the thickness control device intersects, at least partially, with the transport path which is provided for the laminated material web.

A device in which individual sheets are placed in a shingled arrangement and are provided together with an additional coating is known from WO 2015/147262 A1.
DE 10 2009 058 334 A1 discloses a laminating machine that includes a separating device.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,536,497 B2 discloses a laminating machine that can be used to laminate sheets on both sides. One roll of laminating material is provided for each side.
A device for laminating paper webs is known from EP 0235790 B1. Said device comprises a simple roll unwinder with web tension control for the laminating material.
A laminating machine that has a sheet feeder is known from DE 10 2010 037592 A1. Said document discloses either singulating the sheets or placing them in a shingled arrangement. Based on this arrangement, a corresponding material web is then produced.
EP 2383117 A1 discloses a laminating machine having a sheet feeder. Said document discloses arranging the sheets either end to end or in a shingled manner. Based on this arrangement, a corresponding material web is then produced.
A laminating machine for laminating sheet-type material is known from WO 01/87599 A1. Said document discloses producing a laminated material web from individual sheets by using a web-type laminating material, and then producing individual sheets from the material web by separations of said material web over its entire width.
DE 10 2015 221 91 9 A1 discloses a processing machine that may be a laminating machine, for example. Said machine comprises a material source, which is configured as a roll changer and is used for processing, i.e., optionally laminating, web-type material. DE 10 2015 221 91 9 A1 involves essentially the possibility of rewinding the processed material web and for this purpose provides a webbing-up device for said material web.
DE 298 07023 U1 and EP 2322329 A1 each disclose a laminating machine that uses an optical sensor and an image evaluation device to detect a layer of laminated sheets or image features and thereby controls a laser beam device or some other separating device to perform particularly precise separation processes.
EP 2095945 A1 and DE 101 23521 C1 each disclose a laminating machine in which one or more sensors detect an edge of a sheet. EP 2095945 A1 discloses a laminating machine that comprises a shingling unit for placing non-laminated sheets in a shingled arrangement and a laminating unit for producing a laminated material web from the sheets. Sensors detect the upper trailing edge of under-shingled sheets, in order to properly control a cutting device. EP 2095945 A1 discloses a separating device for separating sections from a material web, in which two sensors are arranged spaced from one another in the axial direction, specifically downstream of the laminating zone and upstream of the operating zone of the blade of the separating device along the transport path of the laminated material web. DE 101 23521 C1 discloses a laminating machine and a separating device for separating sections from a material web by means of a blade. A respective blade cuts through web-type laminating material when the leading or trailing end of laminated workpieces passes by a corresponding point. Two rollers can clamp the laminated workpieces. A roller pair is used to clamp and transport the plain laminating material.
The subsequently published DE 10 2015 221665 A1 discloses a laminating machine and a separating device for separating sections from a material web by means of a blade, wherein the separating device has forward and rear clamping points and at least one stretching element and can be switched between a traversing mode and a separation mode. A sensor detects the arrival of an already separated section at a reference point.
From EP 1282510 B1 a separating device for separating sections from a material web by means of a blade is known. One sensor detects the leading edge of a section. Another sensor detects the trailing edge of sheets that have not yet been laminated, in order to control the separation function. EP 1282510 B1 discloses a laminating machine that comprises a shingling unit for placing non-laminated sheets in a shingled arrangement and a laminating unit for producing a laminated material web from the sheets. Sensors detect the upper trailing edge of under-shingled sheets, in order to properly control a cutting device.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Laminating machine, and a method for laminating sheets of a material


The present invention provides antibodies immunospecific for human CD147 capable of blocking bioactivity of CD147 associated with malignant disease such as the stimulation of MMPs from fibroblast cells by tumor cells, the release of VEGF, and the promotion of angiogenesis. The antibodies of the present invention of are useful in treating malignant disease and those diseases in which CD147 activity is plays a pathogenic role, such as diseases of the eye, lung, and cardiovascular system.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to anti-CD147 antibodies and their use as therapeutics.
2. Related Art
CD147 is a member of the immunoglobulin (Ig) superfamily that is expressed on a large number of different cells in a variety of tissues. It was originally named human Basigin (for basic immunogloblin superfamily) and was first cloned in about 1991. (Miyauchi et al. J Biochem (Tokyo) 110:770-774 (1991); Kanekura et al. Cell. Struct Funct 16:23-30 (1991); Miyauchi et al. J Biochem (Tokyo) 110:770-774 (1991)). The bsg gene product, CD147, also known as EMMPRIN (Extracellular Matrix Metalloprotein Inducer") isoform II (NCBI Accession No. NP—940991) is a propolypeptide 269 amino acids in length (SEQ ID NO: 1, FIG. 1), having a signal peptide 22 or 24 amino acids in length, a 183 amino acid extracellular domain, a transmembrane domain from residues 208-228, and an intracellular domain from residue 229 to the 269th residue. According to the curated NCBI record, the extracellular domain (ECD) is comprised of two immunoglobulin-like domains: a C2-type domain from residue 22 to 103 and a V-like domain from residue 105-199 (FIG. 1). A number of splice variants have also been reported.
CD147 is a pleiotropic molecule playing a role in fetal development, retinal function, and in T-cell maturation. It has been shown to be a cell-surface receptor for cyclophilins. It is expressed in areas of tissue remodeling: tumors, endometrium, placenta, skin and regions undergoing angiogenesis (See Iacono et al. 2007. Exp Mol. Path 83:283-295) and stimulates matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and VEGF production. CD147 is induced upon monocyte differentiation and is expressed in human atheroma (Major T C, Liang L, Lu X, Rosebury W, Bocan T M. 2002. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 22: 1200-1207). It has been shown that CD147 promotes invasion and metastasis in different tumor types via the induction of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and the urokinase-type plasminogen activator system by peritumoral stromal cells. CD147 is also involved in angiogenesis, anoikis resistance, lactate efflux, multidrug resistance, and cell proliferation in cancer cells. CD147 overexpression and/or function has been associated with other pathological processes such as inflammatory responses, pulmonary fibrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosus, heart failure, Alzheimer's disease and the infectivity cycle of the human immunodeficiency virus and coronaviruses in lymphocytes. (see Ruiz et al, J. Biol. Chem., Vol. 283, (9), 5554-5566, 2008). In addition, cleavage of CD147 and shedding of CD147 fragments may be involved in CD147 regulation or release of active fragments (Egawa et al. 2006 J Biol Chem 281(49): 37576-85).
Anti-CD147 antibodies have been reported. A murine antibody IgM mAbs, CBL1 (Billings et al. Hybridoma 1:303-311, 1982, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,330,896 and 5,643,740), was tested in steroid-refractory acute graft-versus-host disease (Heslop et al. The Lancet 346: 805-806; Deeg et al. 2001 Blood 98:2052-8). Human equivalent mAbs binding to epitopes overlapping that of CBL1 (aka ABX-CBL), near the transmembrane domain of the ECD were also developed (US2007048305A1). Koch et al. (Internat Immunol 11(5) 777-786, 1999) mapped CD147 epitopes associated with T- and B-cell activation, reporting that only the highest affinity monoclonal antibody (MEM-M6/6) of a group of antibodies made to CD147 was effective in preventing human T-cell activation and proliferation by the mAbs against CD3, OKT3. A murine antibody to tumor cell derived human CD147, EIIF4 (Ellis, 1989 Cancer Res 49:3385-91; Biswas et al. Cancer Research 55, 434-439, 1995), demonstrated the ability to block lung carcinoma CD147 induced collagenase (matrix metalloproteinase-1 or MMP-1) activity from human fibroblasts. Binding of EIIF4 antibody to CD147 was shown to be abolished when a mutant ECD missing the N-terminal Ig domain was prepared (Biswas, C. et al., Cancer Res 55, 434-439, 1995). Ku et al. (Scan J Immunol 65(5) 435-443, 2007) identified mAbs described as inhibitory for the CD147 associated MMP axis and, by using truncated CD147 sequences, identified key residues at the N-terminus (22A to 50V—SEQ ID NO.: 1) for CD147 MMP induction activity.
Thus, while certain antibodies and other antagonists of CD147 are known, how the complex nature of the protein, including the two immunoglobulin domains, influences the myriad biological activities has not been thoroughly illucidated. Domain specific antagonists may prove to be useful therapeutic candidates for treating various of the pathologies associated with CD147 display and/or activation on various tissues. For example, therapeutic agents capable of blocking production MMPs or VEGF activity induced by CD147 could be advantageous in cancer therapy.
Accordingly, there is a need to provide human antibodies specific for human CD147 for use in therapy to diminish or eliminate symptoms of CD147-dependent diseases, as well as improvements over known antibodies or fragments thereof.


An engine system includes an engine such as a compression ignition internal combustion engine, including a heat exchanger in an exhaust system thereof. The heat exchanger including at least one carbon foam block for cooling exhaust gas with cooling air. An exhaust system segment includes a carbon foam based heat exchanger configured to exchange heat between exhaust gas and cooling air at least in part via the carbon foam.

Operation of engines such as internal combustion engines produces a variety of exhaust gas emissions, including carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, unburned hydrocarbons and various nitrogen-oxygen compounds, known in the art collectively as "NOx." In recent years, certain jurisdictions have implemented plans to reduce allowable limits on the relative amounts of certain exhaust gas emissions of particular concern. The present and upcoming restrictions have prompted engineers to further research known engine and exhaust systems, and have driven a search for new strategies for exhaust gas treatment and engine operation showing promise for a reduction in certain emissions.
Control over the relative amounts of various compounds in engine exhaust gas has been attempted in numerous different ways. In some four-cycle engines, for example, the relative timing of intake, exhaust, compression and expansion strokes are varied to control combustion phasing within the engine cylinders and therefore affect the relative amounts of certain emissions. In other designs, combustion exhaust is treated by chemical means in an aftertreatment system to generate a desired emissions profile.
One technology that has received increasing attention involves recirculation of exhaust gas back into the engine intake pathway, known in the art as "EGR." In such an approach, a portion of the relatively inert exhaust gas from the engine's exhaust manifold is returned to the intake manifold. Among other things, the addition of exhaust gas to the fuel and air mixture in an engine cylinder can provide an inert gas heat sink that allows combustion to proceed at a relatively cooler temperature than might otherwise be practicable. EGR-related technologies have become increasingly prevalent in diesel engines in particular.
The exhaust gas recirculation apparatus, commonly known as an EGR loop, may include a valve-controlled passage extending between an exhaust system of the engine and the intake manifold. In certain instances, it has been found to be desirable to cool the recirculated exhaust gas prior to supplying it to the intake manifold. In turbocharged engines, it may be desirable to combine exhaust gas with combustion air upstream from the compressor. When the exhaust gas and air mixture is compressed via the turbocharger compressor, it will increase in temperature. Cooling the exhaust gas prior to compression allows the temperature of the mixture ultimately delivered to the intake manifold to be maintained at more manageable and more desirable levels than would occur where the exhaust gas arrives at the compressor without first being cooled.
Various exhaust gas cooling devices are known which are disposed within the EGR loop. One common device includes an apparatus known in the art as a "tube-in-shell" heat exchanger. A conventional tube-in-shell heat exchanger includes a passage for exhaust gas, which is thermally coupled with one or more passages carrying cooling water or engine coolant. The engine coolant/water is circulated through the heat exchanger, exchanging heat with the exhaust gas passing therethrough, and thenceforth returned to the engine radiator for cooling in a conventional manner.
While designs similar to those above have experienced a certain level of technical and commercial success, there are limitations to the efficacy and durability of conventional heat exchangers. For instance, a coolant or water-cooled heat exchanger requires a relatively complex plumbing system connecting with the main radiator assembly of the engine. In addition, a typical engine radiator can be limited in its capacity to dissipate heat from the engine. Adding a subsystem such as an exhaust gas cooler can increase the heat load of the radiator above that which is desirable. Heightened emissions regulations have further compounded this problem, as in certain operating strategies it is actually desirable to reject more heat from the engine than was traditionally required. While some manufacturers have attempted to increase the size of engine radiators to provide more heat rejection capacity, engines and associated cooling systems are commonly sized and positioned in such a way that they cannot readily be reconfigured to accommodate larger radiators. Moreover, increasing the size of radiators, as well as using overly large and heavy conventional exhaust gas coolers adds undesirable weight to a work machine using such an engine as its power source.
Yet another problem plaguing engineers is the tendency for conventional exhaust gas coolers to suffer degradation due to corrosive, condensed exhaust gases. As exhaust gases are cooled, a certain proportion of the gases may actually condense to an acidic liquid. Such liquids are known to be corrosive to metals, and can reduce the effectiveness of a conventional exhaust gas cooler as well as reduce its operating life.
Another problem with engine coolant based EGR coolers are limitations on exhaust gas exit temperatures which may be imposed by the engine coolant. The engine coolant will often be maintained at a minimum temperature by an engine coolant thermostat, often in the range of 85° C. to 90° C. This effectively limits the temperature of exhaust gas exiting the exhaust gas cooler to a range above about 90° C. An air based EGR cooler can provide lower temperatures for exhaust gases leaving the cooler and entering the turbocharger, which can result in greater air density, and hence better engine performance. Typical air cooled exhaust gas heat exchangers, like an air to air aftercooler, depend upon a cooling flow of 5 lb or more per 1 lb of hot gas to provide the required cooling function.
Still another problem with engine coolant based EGR coolers is the potential for engine coolant to leak into the exhaust gas passages, or for exhaust gases to leak into the engine coolant passages. In either case, leakage of one fluid into another passage can be detrimental to the life of the engine.
The present disclosure is directed to one or more of the problems or shortcomings set forth above.

Engine system having carbon foam exhaust gas heat exchanger


A device displays a text entry area with an insertion point and detects activation of a first physical key in a physical keyboard. In response to a determination that the activation of the first physical key lasts more than a first predefined time period, the device displays a character selection area; while displaying the character selection area, the device detects activation of a second physical key in the physical keyboard; in response to a determination that the activated second physical key is an arrow key, the device moves a current character focus in accordance with a direction of the arrow key; and, in response to a determination that the activated second physical key is the first physical key, the device enters in the text entry area a single instance of a character that has the current character focus, and ceases to display the character selection area.

Text entry is a common activity on computers and other electronics devices. Whether it be composing a document, entering identifying information, or typing a message, text entry is an inescapable part of a user's computing experience. For text input via a physical keyboard (as opposed to a soft or virtual keyboard), the physical keyboard is limited to showing a default set of characters on the physical keys for text input. Various methods have been developed to allow physical keyboards to enter alternate characters rather than the default characters shown on the physical keys.
But existing methods for entering alternate characters via physical keyboards are cumbersome and inefficient. For example, entering alternate characters that include diacritical marks is tedious and creates a significant cognitive burden on a user. In addition, existing methods take longer than necessary, thereby wasting energy. This latter consideration is particularly important in battery-operated devices.

Device, method, and graphical user interface for entering alternate characters with a physical keyboard


The present invention relates to a pulse generation apparatus for generating a pulse signal having a pulse width controlled, and a pulse signal having a pulse width controlled with high precision is generated by a circuit suitable for conversion into LSI. The pulse generation apparatus comprises: a polyphase clock generating unit for generating polyphase clocks having different phases; a clock selecting unit for selecting one clock from among polyphase clocks on the basis of a pulse width indicating signal; a counting unit for counting clocks selected to output a pulse end signal at timing at which a counted value based on the pulse width indicating signal has been reached; a pulse output unit for starting the generation of a pulse signal on the basis of a pulse generation trigger signal to terminate the generation of the pulse signal on the basis of a pulse end signal; and a delay unit for delaying a pulse generation trigger signal by an amount of delay based on the pulse width indicating signal to thereby generate a count starting signal for instructing to start the counting of clocks in the counting unit.

1. Detailed Description of the Invention
The present invention relates to a pulse generation apparatus for generating a pulse signal having pulse width controlled, and an image recording apparatus for recording an image on an image recording medium by adopting the pulse generation apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
In order to record a high-quality gray-scale image, it is necessary to accurately form dots having a predetermined exposure at a predetermined position. Further, by handling a plurality of dots as one half tone cell, it is possible to record a beautiful image without unevenness by increasing a number of gradation levels.
In an image recording apparatus using a light source comprising a multiplicity of light-emitting points arranged across the recording area, there is adopted a method of recording an image by appropriately repeating pulse light emitting in response to the image, and therefore, control factors for the exposure are the following three:
1. a pulse number PA1 2. pulse width PA1 3. pulse light-emitting intensity
and such a conventional image recording apparatus has performed gradation depiction and exposure stabilization by using these three control factors.
When, for example, the pulse number is adopted as a control factor, a number of times for an optical pulse irradiated per predetermined area will be increased or decreased. The predetermined area here often means, when a square having the width of a scanning line as the length of one side is defined as one dot, the area of this one dot normally. For example, in a system designed so that the optical pulse can be generated four times while the beam irradiation position moves by an amount corresponding to one dot, the exposure can be adjusted in four stages.
Also, when the pulse width is adopted as a control factor, the width of the optical pulse will be increased or decreased, and actually the width of the driving pulse for the electric circuit is to be adjusted. For example, in a system designed so that the width of the optical pulse can be increased or decreased in four stages, the exposure can be adjusted in four stages.
Also, when the pulse light-emitting intensity is adopted as a control factor, the intensity of the optical pulse will be increased or decreased to adjust the current amplitude or voltage amplitude of a driving pulse in the circuit. In a system designed so that the intensity of the optical pulse can be increased or decreased in four stages, the exposure can be adjusted in four stages.
As an example of an image recording apparatus having a light source comprising a multiplicity of light-emitting points arranged across the recording area, a printer (hereinafter called "LED printer") using a LED print head will be taken up for explanation. The apparatus which is popularly used currently is the one having resolution of 600 spi (Scan Per Inch), and when the process rate is set to 120 mm/sec, and the main scanning width is set to 300 mm (number of light-emitting elements is about 7,000 pieces), each control factor often adjusts so that the pulse number has about two stages, the pulse width has about 16 stages, and the pulse light-emitting intensity has about 16 stages because of constraints of the driving LSI. Each control factor has few control steps like this. This is because a multiplicity of light-emitting points are caused to pulse-emit light at the same time, the shift register for transferring modulation data, the latch unit, the current or voltage control circuit for controlling the exposure and the pulse width control circuit are required in the same number as at least a number of the light-emitting elements which are caused to light once, and are subject to constraints in respects of the circuit area, that is, the chip area of the driving LSI and power consumption.
Next, citing an example in which gradation depiction is performed while the exposure is being stabilized using these control factors, when gradation using pulse number control is set to two steps, gradation using pulse width control is set to 16 steps and the size of a half-tone cell is set to four dots (2 dots each long and wide), the number of gradation steps which can be expressed becomes 2.times.16.times.4=128, and the stabilized exposure is to be performed by the remaining control factors (16 stages of pulse light-emitting intensity). Normally, variations in the light-emitting amount occur about .+-.20% with the LED print head, and therefore, one stage for adjusting the pulse light-emitting intensity is 2.5% even if an adjusting range, in which there exist 16 stages of pulse light-emitting intensity, is skillfully set, and only rough adjustment can be performed.
In order to improve such deficiency of the number of gradation depiction and the exposure stabilization precision, it is necessary to finely adjust those three control factors.
(1) In the pulse number, it takes time to transfer modulation data, and the transfer circuit for the modulation data must be made faster. To the end, the driving LSI must be made faster, the LSI fabrication process must be replaced with a process corresponding to the higher rate, and a significant increase in cost is demanded.
(2) In the pulse light-emitting intensity, it is necessary to increase the resolution of the D/A converter for controlling the driving current or driving voltage, and it is necessary to further make the analog circuit larger, which accounts for the greater part of the area and the power consumption of the driving LSI.
(3) In the pulse width, the counter circuit for controlling the pulse width must be made faster. To the end, it is necessary to replace the fabrication process for the driving LSI with a process corresponding to the higher rate, and a significant increase in cost is demanded. Also, as regards a method of finely controlling the pulse width without the aid of any high-speed clock, by combining a delay element having a finer amount of delay than the clock period with the counter circuit for use, there have been proposed several ones, but all of them have problems, and cannot be used.
Under the above-described circumstances, it is not easy to further divide the control step.
As regards a conventional method (above-described (3)) for finely controlling the pulse width by the delay element without the aid of any high-speed clock which has been proposed, the problems will be described in detail.
Such a high resolution pulse width control method has been proposed in detail in, for example, Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application Nos. 1-138809, 4-223667, 5-091274, 5-096780 and 8-146328.
These can be roughly divided into two, and the first of them (for the Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application Nos. 1-138809, 4-223667, 5-091274, and 8-146328, see the official gazettes) is constructed such that a clock of a comparatively low frequency is counted by a counter to generate a pulse, this pulse is delayed by a desired time period by a delay-time variable type delay unit, and thereafter the original pulse and logical OR or logical product are taken. The pulse width control resolution of this method is determined by the delay time control step of the delay unit.
Considering, for example, a case where a 20 MHz clock is counted by a number indicated by high-order four bits of a pulse width control signal to generate a pulse, and this pulse is delayed by a time period indicated by the low-order four bits to take logical OR of the both finally, the delay unit is constructed so that its control step becomes about 3.1 ns. Thus, the same pulse width control can be performed as a pulse created by counting a 320 MHz (period=about 3.1 ns) clock.
In order to ensure the linearity during carrying (for example, 5 F and 60 in hexadecimal) of the pulse width control signal, it is necessary to set the control step of the delay time accurately to 3.1 ns in the delay unit used here. For example, when the control step changes from 3.1 ns to 3.2 ns, each step such as 50 to 5 F and 60 to 6 F is fixed at 3.2 ns, but 2.0 ns is reached between 5 F and 60, between 6 F and 70, and the like, and the linearity is lost. In order to complement this defect, an expensive high-precision element is normally used for the delay unit in this method. Even in the case of converting this control circuit into an LSI, no high-precision delay element can be fabricated within the LSI, and therefore, it is necessary to externally add an expensive high-precision element for use.
Considering the application of this method to an image recording apparatus having a light source comprising a multiplicity of light-emitting points arranged across the recording area, it becomes necessary to provide high-precision delay elements at least in the same number as the number of light-emitting elements which are lighted at the same time. Moreover, those high-precision delay elements must be externally provided for the driving LSI, and it is actually impossible to construct the driving circuit by this method. Next, the description will be made of the second high resolution pulse width control method (see Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application No. 5-096780). Polyphase clocks, which are delayed a fixed time period at a time, are created from clocks with a comparatively low frequency by the delay unit, and one clock with an optimum phase is selected from these polyphase clocks for counting. The generation of a pulse signal is started at predetermined timing, and the generation of the pulse signal is stopped according to an instruction from this counter, whereby the pulse width can be finely controlled in response to the phase of the clock.
Even in this method, the pulse width control resolution is determined by phase differences of the polyphase clocks. In the case of such structure that after 16-phase polyphase clocks are created from, for example, 20 MHz clocks, clocks having a phase indicated by the low order four bits of the pulse width control signal are selected, and the generation of the pulse signal is stopped at timing at which this clock is counted in a number indicated by the high order four bits, the same pulse width control as a pulse created by counting a 320 MHz clock can be performed in principle if the phase difference of polyphase clocks is about 3.1 ns.
Actually, however, a case where timing, at which the counter starts counting, is close to the phase of a clock selected frequently occurs, and at this time, there is a critical defect that a malfunction in which the counter counts or does not count the first clock is caused.
This method is the same as the first method in that in order to ensure the linearity of the pulse width control, it is necessary to use an expensive high-precision delay element.
As described above, the conventional method for finely controlling the pulse width by the delay element without the aid of any high-speed clock which has been proposed, cannot be adopted for the LSI for simultaneously driving a multiplicity of elements.

Pulse generation apparatus and image recording apparatus


When inserting a tube into a borehole in the ground for extracting minerals, tube parts are successively added to the proximal end of the tube while the tube reaches into the borehole. Thereafter, the tube is inserted further into the borehole. As the addition of the tube part is carried out by welding, each time an eminently sealing and slender joint between the tube parts is obtained. As the tube parts are successively added to the tube only when this is necessary for inserting the tube further into the ground, winding up the tube to store it prior to insertion is not necessary and the use of a tube-carrying reel which is difficult to handle is thus rendered redundant. Further, an installation for carrying out the proposed method is described.

This invention relates to a method for inserting a tube into a borehole in the ground according to the introductory portion of claim 1. This invention further relates to an installation for inserting a tube into a borehole in the ground according to the introductory portion of claim 18.
Such a method and installation are known from U.S. Pat. No. 3,677,345.
In the use of such a method and installation, for instance for drilling or lining a drilling well for extracting minerals, tube parts are successively coupled through a screw coupling to the upper end of a tube reaching into the borehole. As the tube is introduced further into the ground, tube parts are successively added by coupling them to the tube.
An inherent disadvantage is that the couplings occupy space, so that the outside diameter of the pipe adjacent the couplings increases while the inside diameter remains the same, or the inside diameter decreases while the outside diameter remains the same. Moreover, the couplings are fragile and sensitive to wear, and must be tightened with accurately controlled couples, on the one hand to ensure a proper joint and sealing and, on the other, to prevent overloading of the coupling halves.
It is also known first to form a tube by rolling a strip of material lengthwise into a tubular form and welding it along a longitudinal seam. The tube is wound onto a reel. When installing the thus obtained tube, the reel is unwound. A disadvantage of this method is that in order to obtain a reel that can be handled at all, the tube needs to be bent strongly, whereby it is subjected to strong plastic deformation when being wound onto the reel. This has an adverse influence on the mechanical properties and the geometry of the tube. Nor is this method suitable for installing concentric tubes.


A method and one or more network nodes for use in a wireless communication network to determine whether a wireless device is aerial. The one or more one or more network nodes communicate with the wireless device to instruct to report one or more metrics of wireless device parameters. The one or more network nodes receives from the wireless device a report of the metrics and then compares the reported metrics to terrestrial metrics to determine whether the wireless device is aerial.

Communication devices such as wireless communication devices, that simply may be named wireless devices, may also be known as e.g. user equipments (UEs), mobile terminals, wireless terminals and/or mobile stations. A wireless device is enabled to communicate wirelessly in a wireless communication network, that alternatively e.g. may be named cellular communication network, wireless communication system, radio communication system, cellular radio system, cellular network or cellular communication system. The communication may be performed e.g. between two wireless devices, between a wireless device and a regular telephone and/or between a wireless device and a server via a Radio Access Network (RAN) and possibly one or more core networks, comprised within the cellular communication network. The wireless device may further be referred to as a mobile telephone, cellular telephone, laptop, Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), tablet computer, just to mention some further examples. Wireless devices may be so called Machine to Machine (M2M) devices or Machine Type of Communication (MTC) devices, i.e. devices that are not associated with a conventional user. The wireless device may be, for example, portable, pocket-storable, hand-held, computer-comprised, or vehicle-mounted mobile device, enabled to communicate voice and/or data, via the RAN, with another entity, such as another wireless device or a server. The wireless communication network covers a geographical area in which radio coverage is provided and enables wireless devices to connect and communicate in the network. The area may be divided into subareas, e.g. cell areas, wherein each subarea is served by at least one base station, or Base Station (BS), e.g. a Radio Base Station (RBS), which sometimes may be referred to as e.g. "eNB", "eNodeB", "NodeB", "B node", or BTS (Base Transceiver Station), gNB, depending on the technology and terminology used. The base stations may be of different classes such as e.g. macro eNodeB, home eNodeB or pico base station, based on transmission power and thereby also cell size. The base station at a base station site typically provides radio coverage for one or more cells. A cell is typically identified by one or more cell identities and may be associated with a geographical area where radio coverage for that cell is provided by the base station at the base station site. Cells may overlap so that several cells cover the same geographical area. By the base station providing or serving a cell is meant that the base station provides radio coverage such that one or more wireless devices located in the geographical area where the radio coverage is provided may be served by the base station in said cell. When a wireless device is said to be served in or by a cell this implies that the wireless device is served by the base station providing radio coverage for the cell. One base station may serve one or several cells. Further, each base station may support one or several communication technologies. The base stations communicate over the air interface operating on radio frequencies with the wireless device within range of the base stations.
UMTS is a 3G, or third generation, mobile communication system, which evolved from Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) that belongs to the so called 2nd generation or 2G. UMTS provides improved mobile communication services based on Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) access technology. UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN) is essentially a radio access network using wideband code division multiple access for wireless devices. High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) is an amalgamation of two mobile telephony protocols, High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) and High Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA), defined by 3GPP, that extends and improves the performance of existing 3G mobile telecommunication networks utilizing the WCDMA. Such networks may be named WCDMA/HSPA.
The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) has further evolved the UTRAN and GSM based radio access network technologies, for example into evolved UTRAN (E-UTRAN) used in Long Term Evolution (LTE) that is a 4G, i.e. 4th generation, mobile communication system.
3GPP is also involved in standardizing yet another new generation wide area networks, which may be referred to as fifth generation (5G). 5G New Radio (5G NR), or simply NR, is the new radio air interface being developed for 5G. However, NR may also be used to denote 5G in general. Another acronym being used to denote 5G is Next Generation (NG).
In the field of aerial devices, wide-area connectivity is viewed as a means to significantly enhance control and safety during in-flight missions. With the increased interests of drone technology, there is a concurrent increase interest in using cellular networks for offering wide-area connectivity to drones that are flying. As a result, in March 2017, 3GPP had approved a study item on enhanced LTE support for aerial vehicles.
While cellular connectivity of a flying drone is technologically feasible, the capacity in which the drone, and, as extended, an aerial UE, i.e. an aerial wireless device, consumes would displace the overall network by a substantial degree. This is due, in part, to signal interference and performance reduction of network cells when an aerial UE is placed at a high altitude, thus resulting in line-of-sight links to many network nodes.

Methods of identifying aerial user equipment in cellular networks


A mount plate for mounting a display system to a monitor support surface. The display system has a wedge member. The mount plate has a bottom wall comprising top and bottom faces. The bottom face of the bottom wall is configured to be secured to the monitor support surface. A ramp member is joined to the bottom wall. The ramp member has an opening configured to slidingly receive the wedge member of the display system. The ramp member is configured to engage the wedge member to secure the display system to the monitor support surface.

This invention relates generally to apparatus used to mount a display system to a surface, and more particularly, to mounting apparatus which is mountable to a front side of a surface without having to access a back side of the surface.
Display systems are used in many different public use applications. Point of sale (POS) display systems, such as in a department store for completing sales transactions, may provide a touch screen on the monitor for entering sale data. Point of information (POI) display systems are used to provide information, such as an electronic directory in an office building, airport check-in, maps, or other information. For POS, the display system is often mounted on a table or counter, while a POI may be mounted to a wall.
Several considerations are made concerning display systems available for public use. It is desirable to securely mount the display system to a surface to prevent theft and to prevent the display system from moving even with vigorous use from multiple users. It is also highly desirable to have a display system which is attractive to users.
Some display systems are mounted to the surface by accessing the back side of the surface. However, it is often difficult, cumbersome, or even impossible to access the back side of the surface. For example, the table or desk top may not be accessible from underneath due to its construction or thickness. In the case of the wall, only the front or outer surface of the wall is available. Additionally, if the back side of a surface is visible, it is undesirable to mar the visible surface with fasteners attached to an item on the other side of the wall.
Previous display systems have been mounted by providing mounting holes in the outer cover of the stand through which a fastener is inserted. The holes may be left as is, leaving the fastener visible to the user and easily accessible and/or vandalized should one desire to remove the display system. The fastener is also unattractive and is often a different color than the outer cover. Alternatively, plastic plugs may be inserted or screwed into the holes in the cover. The plastic plugs are not permanently attached to the cover and thus may be easily removed and lost. As the plugs necessarily extend outward from the cover, the plugs become worn and disfigured over time. In addition, holes and plugs in the cover visibly mar the surface of the cover by breaking the line of the surface, providing a less attractive presentation to the user.
Therefore, a need exists for a mounting apparatus that allows for mounting a display system from the front side of a surface without sacrificing the security or attractiveness of the display system. Certain embodiments of the present invention are intended to meet these needs and other objectives that will become apparent from the description and drawings set forth below.

Apparatus for mounting a display system to a front side of a surface


A light-emitting-diode driving circuit includes a current driving circuit configured to control current signals flowing through light-emitting-diode strings in response to a first signal that includes information of a light-emitting-diode current, a dynamic headroom controller configured to generate a third control signal that changes according to a change of the current signals flowing through the light-emitting-diode strings based on voltage signals of first terminals of each of the light-emitting-diode strings and a second control signal that includes the information of the light-emitting-diode current, and a power supply circuit configured to generate a light-emitting-diode driving voltage that changes in response to the third control signal, and provide the light-emitting-diode driving voltage to second terminals of each of the light-emitting-diode strings.

1. Field
Example embodiments relate to a light-emitting-diode driving circuit, and particularly to a light-emitting-diode driving circuit occupying a small area in a semiconductor integrated circuit, and a light-emitting-diode system having the light-emitting-diode driving circuit.
2. Description of Related Art
Research on various types of light emitting technology is in progress due to the market for eco-friendly and low-cost products. Among display devices now in use, there are plasma-display panels (PDP), liquid-crystal displays (LCD), light-emitting-diode (LED) display devices, etc. The LED display device is a self-emitting device that emits light in response to a voltage applied between two terminals, and gets the spotlight as a next generation technology because of its merits of stability, low heating value, and low power consumption. LED display devices are used as not only for lamp devices but also for back-light units of LCD devices.

Circuit and method of driving light emitting diodes, and light emitting diode system having the same


The position and orientation of the viewpoint of the observer are acquired (2030), the moving amount of a movable part is acquired (2032), a movable part of a virtual object is moved based on the moving amount of the movable part of a physical object, and an image which is observed from the viewpoint of the observer is generated (2040).

A mixed reality (MR) system provides, to the user, a mixed reality space image obtained by combining a physical space image and a virtual space image generated in correspondence with the viewpoint position, orientation, and the like of the user. The MR system can present to the observer as if a virtual object were existing on a physical space, and allows the observer to make an observation with a sense of actual dimensions and higher reality than a conventional virtual reality (VR) system.
On the other hand, designs (shapes and designs) using three-dimensional (3D) CAD have become mainstream in the design and manufacture fields. In this case, as a method of evaluating an object designed by the 3D-CAD, a method which displays data (solid format) created by the 3D-CAD on the screen of a computer as a 3D-CG and visually evaluates it, a method that produces a simple prototype (simple mockup) by a rapid prototyping apparatus or the like, and tactually evaluates it, and the like are popularly used.
However, with the method that displays 3D-CAD data on the screen of a computer as a 3D-CG, evaluation is made on the virtual space, and the object cannot be evaluated to have a sense of actual dimensions on the physical space. Also, the method that produces a simple prototype (simple mockup) by a rapid prototyping apparatus or the like is effective to recognize a rough shape, and the like, but this method cannot reproduce detailed information designed on the 3D-CAD such as details, colors, and the like of a design due to limitations on machining accuracy, materials, and so forth.
In order to evaluate design data in a situation closer to a completed product, the following method is proposed. That is, 3D-CG data created by converting 3D-CAD data is superimposed on a simple prototype (simple mockup) produced based on the 3D-CAD data by a rapid prototyping apparatus or the like using the MR system while matching the position and orientation. As a result, visual and tactual evaluations are realized at the same time, and the design data can be evaluated in a state closer to a completed product.
Furthermore, a method of arranging indices on a simple prototype, detecting the arranged indices from image information of the physical space input as image data, and correcting registration between the physical space and virtual space using the detected position and orientation information of the indices has also been proposed.
However, the conventional method can only handle a simple prototype which is a rigid body. More specifically, when a simple prototype has a movable part, it is impossible to superimpose the 3D-CG data on the simple prototype while moving the 3D-CG data in correspondence with the movement of the movable part. Also, it is impossible to use the position and orientation information of the indices arranged on the movable part so as to correct registration between the physical space and virtual space.

Image processing method and image processing apparatus


The invention relates to the use of nondendrimeric, high-functionality hyperbranched polyesters and polycarbonates which are obtainable by reacting    (i) at least one aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, araliphatic or aromatic dicarboxylic acid (A2) or derivatives thereof, or organic carbonates (A2′) with    (ii) at least one x-hydric aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, araliphatic or aromatic alcohol (Cx) which has more than two OH groups, where x is a number greater than 2, preferably from 3 to 8, more preferably from 3 to 6, even more preferably from 3 to 4 and especially 3, and    (iii) at least one fatty acid amide alkoxylate (D) of saturated or unsaturated C2-C30 fatty acid amides with an average of from 1 to 40 alkylene oxide unitsas demulsifiers for splitting crude oil emulsions.

When extracted, mineral oil is generally obtained as a relatively stable water-oil emulsion. According to the age and deposit, this may comprise up to 95% by weight of water. The water may firstly be water already present in the deposit, and secondly water which is injected into the deposit in the course of secondary and/or tertiary mineral oil extraction through injection boreholes. Generally even greater amounts of salts are dissolved in the water, for example alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salts, and the emulsion typically further also comprises solids which are discharged from the borehole with the oil-water emulsion. The water-oil emulsions are stabilized by natural emulsifiers which occur in the crude oil, for example naphthenic acids. They may also additionally be stabilized by emulsifiers which do not occur naturally, for example surfactants which have been introduced into the mineral oil deposit for tertiary mineral oil extraction and are now discharged again with the oil thus extracted.
Water, salts and solids have to be removed before the processing of the crude oil in the refinery. Refineries frequently require that the water content of the crude oil supplied must not be more than 1%. For economic reasons, the water and the further components are removed from the crude oil while still at the site of extraction in order to avoid the uneconomic transport of water and to prevent or at least to minimize corrosion problems.
The phase separation of the water-oil emulsion should be as rapid and as complete as possible. Only in this way, in view of the large conveying volumes, can the apparatus for phase separation, for example settling tanks, be kept at a minimum size. On extraction platforms at sea, the use of very small, compact apparatus for phase separation is a necessity in construction terms owing to the limited space, and small systems of course generally require lower capital costs than large systems. A requirement often made is that the phase separation should not take more than approx. 20 to 30 min.
It is known that emulsion splitters (demulsifiers) can be used to accelerate the phase separation of oil-water emulsions. Emulsion splitters are interface-active substances which influence the oil-water interfaces and thus contribute to more rapid phase separation. EP-A 0 264 841 describes the use of linear copolymers composed of hydrophobic acrylic esters or methacrylic esters and hydrophilic ethylenically unsaturated monomers as mineral oil emulsion splitters.
EP-A 0 499 068 describes the preparation of reaction products of vinylic monomers and alcohol alkoxylates or phenol alkoxylates and their use as demulsifiers for crude oil emulsions.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,460,750 describes reaction products of phenol resins and alkylene oxides as emulsion splitters for crude oil emulsions.
EP-A 0 541 018 describes emulsion splitters prepared from polyethyleneimines having a weight-average molecular weight of up to 35 000 g/mol and ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, and a second active component used additionally is an alkylphenol-formaldehyde resin.
EP-A 0 784 645 describes the preparation of alkoxylates of polyamines, especially of polyethyleneimines and polyvinylamines, and their use as crude oil emulsion splitters.
EP-A 0 267 517 discloses branched polyamino esters as demulsifiers. The branched polyamino esters are obtained by reacting alkoxylated primary amines with triols and dicarboxylic acids.
In addition, dendrimeric polymers have been described as demulsifiers for crude oil.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,507,466 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,857,599 disclose dendrimeric polyamido amines. U.S. Pat. No. 4,568,737 discloses dendrimeric polyamido amines and hybrid dendrimers formed from polyamido amines, polyesters and polyethers, and their use as demulsifiers for crude oil. The preparation of dendrimers is very costly and inconvenient (see below), and these products are therefore very expensive and hardly usable in an economically viable manner in industrial scale applications.
DE 103 29 723 describes the preparation of alkoxylated dendrimeric polyesters and their use as biodegradable emulsion splitters. The dendrimeric polyesters used are based on a polyfunctional alcohol as the core molecule and a carboxylic acid which has at least two hydroxyl groups as a structural component. Structural components which have both an acid function and at least two hydroxyl functions, known as AB2 units, are comparatively rare and therefore expensive. Moreover, the formation of dendrimers is inconvenient and costly (see below).
WO2006/084816 A1 discloses the use of nondendrimeric high-functionality hyperbranched polyesters which are obtainable by reacting at least one aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, araliphatic or aromatic dicarboxylic acid (A2) or derivatives thereof with glyceryl monooleate or glyceryl monostearate (B2) and at least one at least trifunctional alcohol (Cx) selected from glycerol, diglycerol, triglycerol, trimethylolethane, trimethylolpropane, 1,2,4-butanetriol, pentaerythritol, tris(hydroxyethyl) isocyanurate and polyetherols thereof based on ethylene oxide and/or propylene oxide as demulsifiers for splitting crude oil emulsions. The demulsifiers described there are still in need of improvement with regard to their splitting action.

Hyperbranched polyesters and polycarbonates as demulsifiers for cracking crude oil emulsions