A multipath (MP) carrier phase detector is disclosed that uses phase differences in the output of Early/Prompt/Late (EPL) correlation for MP detection. Embodiments may take coherent integrations of EPL correlator outputs and determine the respective carrier phase of each output. Phase differences can then be computed, and integer cycles and biases can be removed. MP can then be identified if a maximum phase difference of the EPL correlator outputs are determined to be above a certain threshold. According to some embodiments, false positives may be reduced by averaging phases and/or phase differences over a plurality of samples, and/or if a threshold number of consecutive MP detections have been made.

Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) positioning can provide accurate positioning of a GNSS receiver in open sky scenarios. However, the performance of GNSS drastically degrades if large parts of the sky are obstructed. This occurs, for example, in so-called "urban canyon" scenarios, where GNSS-based estimated positions may be off by as much as a few hundred meters. These large positioning errors can be prohibitive in various applications, such as vehicular automation and/or navigation.
One cause for these large positioning errors in GNSS-based positioning is measurements from satellite signals suffering from multipath (MP). MP signals comprise one or more reflected signals that may travel a path up to hundreds of meters longer than signals traveling a direct path between the satellite and the GNSS receiver. Accordingly, when used, MP signals can result in significant inaccuracies in the positioning of the GNSS receiver. Thus, detecting and excluding such multipath signals can drastically increase positioning performance.

Carrier phase based multipath (MP) detection


Briefly, in accordance with one aspect, a method of binarizing an image is provided. The method includes partitioning the image into a plurality of image segments, each image segment having a plurality of image pixels and partitioning each of the image segments into subsegments, each image subsegment having a plurality of image pixels. The method also includes estimating a grey membership parameter for each image pixel for each of the plurality of image segments and subsegments, combining the grey membership parameter for each of the plurality of image pixels from each of the plurality of image segments and subsegments to estimate a net grey membership parameter for each image pixel and assigning black or white color to each of the plurality of image pixels based on the estimated net grey membership parameter of the respective pixel.

Image binarization is a process of converting a grey scale image to a black and white image. A traditional way of image binarization involves selecting a global pixel threshold for an entire image and classifying all pixels above the threshold as white and all other pixels as black. However, use of a global threshold for binarization of an entire image may result in suppression of local variations within the image that may contribute towards the information content within the image.
Certain image binarization techniques determine a local threshold using a window or region around each pixel of the image. Further, depending on whether the threshold is to be used for the center pixel of the window or for all the pixels in the window, the image binarization may be performed on a pixel-by-pixel basis where each pixel may have a calculated threshold value, or on a region-by-region basis where all pixels in a region or window have same threshold value.
Typically, local thresholds are determined for specific areas of the images based upon certain assumptions such as size of objects in the image, noise levels and other image properties. However, it is difficult to accurately estimate local thresholds for different areas of the image. Furthermore, local thresholds may work well only for specific types of images for which they are designed.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Image binarization based on grey membership parameter of pixels


Angular position detection sensors include a capacitive sensor embodiment and an inductive sensor embodiment. A non-rotating excitation element is electromagnetically coupled to a non-rotating receiver element. The electromagnetic coupling is varied by an electrically passive, rotating element disposed between the non-rotating excitation element and the non-rotating receiver element. Excitation signals applied to the non-rotating excitation element are electromagnetically coupled to the non-rotating receiver element, producing a single output signal directly indicative of the angular position of the rotating element.

The present invention is directed generally to the detection of angular position, and in particular to the use of reactance sensors to indicate the angular position of the rotary elements of rotational devices.
Control of rotational electromechanical devices, including electrical motors, requires determining the position and speed of their axes and rotors. There are several ways to determine such parameters. First, the position of the rotor may be determined by an array of photo-transistors and a special shutter coupled to the rotor shaft, or by using Hall-effect sensors. Such systems are described in T. Kenjo, Electrical Motors and Their Controls, Oxford University Press (1994), pp 176 and following. Second, the speed informative signal may be obtained by using a small permanent magnet tachometer generator, attached to the shaft, or by using magnetic or optical sensors for generating pulses for each angular increment of the rotor. Such systems are described in W. Leonhard, Control of Electrical Drives, 2nd ed., Springer Verlag (2001), pp 420 and following. Third, a resolver may be used to determine the position of the rotor by a two-phase (sine/cosine) signal at a carrier frequency modulated sinusoidally by the rotation of the rotor. Such a system is described in J. R. Hendershot, Jr. and T. Miller, Design of Brushless Permanent—Magnet Motors, Magna Physics Publishing (1994), pp 1-19. All these methods require precise mechanical placement of sensors, or galvanic contact between moving parts.
Conventionally, the moveable element of a rotary device is the informative element that indicates rotational (angular) position; i.e., the information signal (an electrical signal) is generated on the moveable element. It is therefore necessary to have some means for transferring the information signal from this moveable element to external processing circuitry. This is usually accomplished by the use of rings and brushes, flexible connectors, and so on. The use of brushes can introduce noise into the information signal. Brushless solutions exist, but they suffer from low signal to noise ratios, and can be mechanically cumbersome. More significantly, brushes create problems with reliability and require constant maintenance. It is highly desirable to form and deliver signals to and from the rotating parts of mechanical or electromechanical devices without the use of mechanical or galvanic contact and a complex sensor supporting system.

Brushless reactance sensors for indicating angular position


A method, arrangement and network entities for controlling supplementary subscriber services in first (1) and second (12) operatively connected, overlayed telecommunications networks. Supplementary subscriber services available to a subscriber (4) in the first telecommunications network (1) may be executed in the second telecommunications network (12). These supplementary subscriber services are controlled by the subscriber (4) from the first telecommunications network (1). The first telecommunications network (1) is provided with a supplementary subscriber services handling indicator (20), indicating in which one of the first (1) and second (12) telecommunications network a supplementary subscriber service of a subscriber (4) is to be executed. Based on this supplementary subscriber services handling indicator (20), while maintaining a user control interface in the first telecommunications network (1), supplementary subscriber services control messages are processed in the respective network (1; 12) in which a particular supplementary service is to be executed.

To provide mobile subscribers having a subscription supported by a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), such as operating under the Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) standard, with multimedia telecommunications services, such as Internet, Voice-over-IP (VoIP), and many other existing and future services, separate multimedia subsystems have been developed.
The IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) is a standardised Next Generation Networking (NGN) architecture for telecommunication operators wishing to provide mobile and fixed multimedia services to their subscribers. IMS may operate as overlay network for existing mobile and fixed telecommunications networks and is a computer network which is built on top of another network. The term "overlay" entails that calls established in a first telecommunications network are "overlayed" to a second telecommunications network. Nodes in the overlay network can be thought of as being connected by data transfer links, each of which corresponds to a path, through many physical links, in the underlying network. IMS merges the internet with the cellular world; it uses cellular technologies to provide ubiquitous access and internet technologies to provide appealing services.
IMS provides network operators and service providers the ability to control and charge for individual services. In addition, users will be able to execute all their services when roaming as well as from their home networks.
To achieve these goals, IMS uses open standard IP protocols, defined by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). A multimedia session between two IMS users, between an IMS user and a user on the internet, and between two users on the internet is established using exactly the same protocol. Moreover, the interfaces for service developers are also based on IP protocols.
When a mobile subscriber is subjected to service control in IMS, supplementary subscriber services such as, for example, Call Forwarding (CF) and Call Barring (CB), may be executed by IMS. That means that these supplementary subscriber services are no longer provisioned in the mobile telecommunications network of the subscriber, i.e. in the Home Location Register (HLR) in the case of an GSM network, for example, but only in IMS.
A mobile subscriber, for example, whose call forwarding and call barring services (and call control services) are moved to IMS, is accustomed to set, change and query his/her call forwarding and call barring services as specified by the mobile telecommunications system supporting the mobile subscriber. However, although the execution of these supplementary services is now provided by IMS, the control commands are still exchanged with the mobile telecommunications system, such as the HLR in the case of a GSM system, for example. However, the HLR does no longer hold the subscription data for the call forwarding and call barring services, because these subscription data have moved to IMS. This may result in annoying service unavailability messages or the like, providing confusion with the subscriber and may lead to unsatisfactory subscriber experience, which may give rise to a negative attitude towards a telecommunication operator and/or the services provided.
Hence, the operator is impaired in his capability to offers seamless user experience when migrating GSM call control and GSM supplementary service control to IMS, for example. Seamless user experience is considered vital for the success of GSM-IMS overlay.

Controlling supplementary subscriber services in overlayed IMS-based telecommunications network


A switching power supply circuit includes a full-wave rectification circuit that performs full-wave rectification of an AC input voltage so as to generate a primary voltage, a transformer that transforms the primary voltage into a secondary voltage utilizing electromagnetic induction between first and second isolated windings, a rectifying and smoothing circuit that generates a DC output voltage from the secondary voltage so as to supply the DC output voltage to a load, a primary current control circuit that performs on/off control of primary current based on a result of comparison between a primary current detection voltage corresponding to the primary current flowing in the first winding and a first reference voltage, and a reference voltage correction circuit for monitoring an on-duty ratio of secondary current flowing in the second winding so as to correct the first reference voltage.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a switching power supply circuit, a semiconductor device used for the same, and an LED lighting device using the same.
2. Description of Related Art
Conventionally, in the field of switching power supply circuits, there is disclosed a technique for stabilizing output current with respect to load change, including the steps of detecting time period during which secondary current of a transformer is flowing, and setting a ratio of the time period to a switching period, namely an on-duty ratio of a switching element (see JP-A-2009-11073, which is referred to as Patent document 1 hereinafter).
FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a conventional example of a switching power supply device (FIG. 1 of Patent document 1). A switching power supply device X of this conventional example includes a semiconductor device X100, a transformer X110, diodes X121 and X141, capacitors X122 and X142, and resistors X151 and X152, which constitute a flyback-type switching power supply circuit generating a predetermined DC output voltage Vout from an AC input voltage Vin so as to supply the DC output voltage Vout to a load X130. The transformer X110 includes a primary winding X111, a secondary winding X112, and an auxiliary winding X113.
In the semiconductor device X100, there are integrated a switching element X1, a drain current detection circuit X2, a drain current limiter circuit X3, an error amplifier X4, a pulse frequency modulation (PFM) control circuit X5, a secondary current on-period detection circuit X6, a secondary current detection delay time correction circuit X7, a secondary current on-duty control circuit X8, a clock signal selection circuit X9, a flip-flop circuit X10, a NAND circuit X11, a gate driver X12, a on-time blanking pulse generation circuit X13, an AND circuit X14, and a regulator X15.
FIG. 12 is a circuit diagram illustrating a principal part of the semiconductor device X100 (FIG. 2 of Patent document 1). The secondary current on-period detection circuit X6 includes one-pulse signal generation circuits X21 and X23, a comparator X22, and a flip-flop circuit X24. The secondary current detection delay time correction circuit X7 includes a constant current source X31, a capacitor X32, an inverter X33, and a switch X34. The secondary current on-duty control circuit X8 includes switches X41 and X42, a capacitor X43, a constant current source X44, N-channel metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) field effect transistors X45 and X46, a comparator X47, a reference voltage source X48, an AND circuit X49, and a one-pulse signal generation circuit X50.
FIG. 13 is a timing chart illustrating voltage waveforms and current waveforms of individual portions of the switching power supply device X, which includes in order from the upper, an auxiliary winding voltage VTR obtained by dividing a voltage at an end of the auxiliary winding X113, primary current Ids flowing in the switching element X1, and secondary current I2p flowing in the secondary winding X112. Concerning symbols in FIG. 13, T1 denotes a first period during which the secondary current I2p is flowing, T2 denotes a second period during which the secondary current I2p does not flow, T3 denotes a third period as a sum of the first period T1 and the second period T2, Ipk1 denotes a peak value of the primary current Ids, and Ipk2 denotes a peak value of the secondary current I2p.
Average output current Tout supplied from the switching power supply device X to the load X130 is an average value of the secondary current I2p. The average value of the secondary current I2p in the first period T1 is ½ of the peak current Ipk2 of the secondary current I2p. The average value of the secondary current I2p in the third period T3 is a value obtained by multiplying the average value of the secondary current I2p in the first period T1 by an on-duty ratio of the switching element X1. Therefore, when the number of turns of the primary winding X111 is denoted by N1, and the number of turns of the secondary winding X112 is denoted by N2, the average output current Iout is expressed by the following expression (1).Iout=(½)×(N1/N2)×(T1/T3)×Ipk1  (1)
The conventional switching power supply device X controls the peak current Ipk1 of the switching element X1 to be constant using the drain current limiter circuit X3 so that T1/T3 in the expression (1) becomes constant, and hence controls the average output current Tout to be constant.
The comparator X22 included in the secondary current on-period detection circuit X6 sets an comparison output signal to a high level (logical level when the secondary current is detected to be off) when the auxiliary winding voltage VTR applied to an inverting input terminal (−) becomes a reference voltage or lower applied to the non-inverting input terminal (+). A waveform of the auxiliary winding voltage VTR gradually drops as time passes after the switching element X1 is turned off as illustrated in FIG. 13. Therefore, there is a delay time ΔT1 from time when the secondary current I2p becomes an actual off state (zero value) until the auxiliary winding voltage VTR becomes lower than the reference voltage of the comparator X22. As a result, in the secondary current on-period detection circuit X6, there occurs the delay time ΔT1 until detection of the off state of the secondary current I2p.
Therefore, in the conventional switching power supply device X, a delay correction period ΔT2 corresponding to the delay time ΔT1 is subtracted from an on-period of the secondary current I2p detected by the comparator X22 in advance. Thus, the on-period of the secondary current I2p is corrected so that accuracy of the average output current Tout is enhanced.
Here, as illustrated in FIG. 13, when an on-period of the switching element X1 is denoted by T4, in one period of switching drive, an average input current Iin flowing into the switching power supply device X is expressed by the following expression (2).
                                                        Iin              =                                                                            (                                      1                    /                    2                                    )                                ×                Ipk                                                                                1                ×                                  (                                      T                                                                                4                      /                      T                                                                                3                                    )                                                                                =                                                                            (                                      1                    /                    2                                    )                                ×                Ip                                                                                1                ×                                  (                                      T                                                                                1                      /                      T                                                                                3                                    )                                ×                                  (                                      N                                                                                1                      /                      N                                                                                2                                    )                                ×                                  (                                      Vout                    /                    Vin                                    )                                                                                (        2        )
Here, it is supposed that the input voltage Vin of the switching power supply device X is changed. As described above, the conventional switching power supply device X controls the peak current Ipk1 of the switching element X1 to be constant using the drain current limiter circuit X3 so that T1/T3 in the above expression (1) is constant, and hence controls the average output current Tout to be constant. In addition, N1/N2 is also constant. Further, because the average output current Iout flowing in the load X130 is constant, the output voltage Vout is also constant. Therefore, it is understood that if the input voltage Vin of the switching power supply device X is changed, the average input current Iin of the switching power supply device X changes inversely proportional to the input voltage Vin.
However, in a power supply circuit supplied with AC power, a power factor thereof is important. In order to obtain a high power factor, it is desirable that the power supply circuit should look like a pure resistance viewed from the AC power supply side. In other words, it is necessary that input current of the power supply circuit is proportional to the input voltage.
In view of the above discussion, the conventional switching power supply device X has a problem that the power factor is bad when the AC power is input, and hence power loss in a power supply system from a power station to a terminal product (load) is increased, and further noise jamming occurs in other devices.

Switching power supply circuit, semiconductor device, and LED lighting device


A doctor blade for scraping printing ink from a surface of a printing plate, comprising a flat and elongated main body having a working edge area formed in a longitudinal direction, the working edge area being coated with at least one first coating on the basis of a nickel-phosphorus alloy, and is characterized in that the first coating contains at least one additional component for improving the wear behavior of the doctor blade.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a doctor blade, in particular for scraping printing ink from a surface of a printing plate, which comprises a flat and elongated base element having a working edge region formed in a longitudinal direction, where the working edge region is coated with at least a first coating based on a nickel-phosphorus alloy. The invention further relates to a process for producing a doctor blade.
2. Description of the Related Art
Doctor blades are used in the printing industry, especially for scraping excess printing ink from the surfaces of printing cylinders or printing rollers. Particularly in the case of gravure printing and flexographic printing, the quality of the doctor blade has a critical influence on the printing result. Unevennesses or irregularities in the working edges of the doctor blade which are in contact with the printing cylinder lead, for example, to incomplete scraping of the printing ink from the ridges of the printing cylinders. This can result in uncontrolled release of printing ink on the printing carrier.
The working edges of the doctor blade are pressed against the surfaces of the printing cylinders or printing rollers during scraping-off and are moved relative to these. The working edges are therefore, particularly in the case of rotary printing presses, subjected to high mechanical stresses which result in corresponding wear. Doctor blades are therefore basically consumables which have to be replaced periodically.
Doctor blades are usually based on a base element of steel having a specially shaped working edge. To improve the life of the doctor blade its working edges can additionally be provided with coatings or surfacings of metals and/or plastics. Metallic coatings often contain nickel or chromium which are optionally present in admixture or alloyed with other atoms and/or compounds. The nature of the coatings in terms of materials has a critical influence on, in particular, the mechanical and tribological properties of the doctor blade.
WO 2003/064157 (Nihon New Chrome Co. Ltd.), which is equivalent to U.S. Patent Publication 2005/0089706, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,152,526, which applications are incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof, describes, for example, doctor blades for printing technology which have a first layer of chemical nickel containing particles dispersed therein and a second layer having a low surface energy. The second layer preferably comprises a coating of chemical nickel containing fluorine-based resin particles or a purely organic resin.
However, doctor blades which have been coated in this way are still not fully satisfactory in respect of the life and wear resistance. In addition, it has been found that when such doctor blades are used, uncontrolled streaking can occur, especially in the running-in phase, which is likewise undesirable.
There is therefore still a need for an improved doctor blade which, in particular, has both a longer life and also allows optimal scraping-off.


Provided is a lighting device, comprising: a light source module comprising: at least one light source disposed on a printed circuit board; and a resin layer disposed on the printed circuit board so that the light source is embedded; a light reflection member formed on at least any one of one side surface and another side surface of the resin layer; and a diffusion plate having an upper surface which is in contact with an upper part of the light source module, and a side wall which is integrally formed with the upper surface and formed to extend in a lower side direction and which is adhered to the light reflection member, whereby flexibility of the product itself can be secured, and durability and reliability of the product can be also improved.

Field of the Invention
Embodiments of the present invention relate to the technology field of a lighting device.
Description of the Related Arts
An LED (Light Emitted Diode) device is a device which converts an electrical signal to infrared rays or light using a composition semiconductor property. Unlike a florescent lamp, since the LED device does not use harmful substances such as mercury and the like, it has a low possibility to cause environmental pollution and a long life span compared to a conventional light source. Also, it is advantageous that the LED device spends low electricity compared to the conventional light source and has excellent visibility and low brilliantness due to a high color temperature.
Accordingly, a current lighting device has been developed from a structure, in which a traditional light source such as a conventional incandescent lamp or a florescent lamp is used, to a structure, in which the aforesaid LED device is used as a light source. In particular, by using a light guide plate as disclosed in Korean Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 10-2012-0009209, the lighting device which performs a surface light-emitting function has been provided.
The aforesaid lighting device is composed in a structure in which a flat light guide plate is disposed on a substrate, and a plurality of side view type LEDs is disposed on a side of the light guide plate in an array shape. Here, the light guide plate is a kind of plastic molding lens which functions to uniformly supply light emitted from the LEDs. Accordingly, in the conventional lighting device, the light guide plate is used as an essential component. However, due to a thickness of the light guide plate itself, there is a limitation to make the thickness of an entire product thin. Furthermore, as a material of the light guide plate is not flexible, it is disadvantageous that it would be difficult to apply the light guide plate to a part in which a bend is formed, and thus a product plan and design cannot be easily changed.
Also, as the light is partially emitted to the side of the light guide plate, light loss is generated. Thus, it is problematic that light efficiency is reduced. Furthermore, as a temperature of the LEDs increases at the time of light emission, it is also problematic that the LEDs' characteristics (e.g. luminous intensity and wavelength transition) are changed.
Prior Art Reference
Patent Reference
Korean Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 10-2012-0009209


A method of forming a fine pattern of a semiconductor device using a fine pitch hard mask is provided. A first hard mask pattern including first line patterns formed on an etch target layer of a substrate with a first pitch is formed. A first layer including a top surface where a recess is formed between adjacent first line patterns is formed. A second hard mask pattern including second line patterns within the recess is formed. An anisotropic etching process is performed on the first layer using the first and the second line patterns as an etch mask. Another anisotropic etching process is performed on the etch target layer using the first and the second hard mask patterns as an etch mask.

1. Field of the Invention
Embodiments of the invention relate to a method of fabricating a semiconductor device. More particularly, embodiments of the invention relate to a method of forming a fine pattern on a substrate using a fine pitch hard mask.
This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2005-0032297 filed on Apr. 19, 2005, the subject matter of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
2. Description of Related Art
Large scale integration of semiconductor devices has generally required the use of micronized patterns. Individual devices must be micronized in order to integrate a great multiplicity of devices within a limited area. As a result, it is commonly necessary to scale down the pitch of various patterns used to form the devices. As the design rules for semiconductor devices have rapidly shifted towards micronization, it has become increasingly difficult to form sufficiently fine pitch patterns due to the resolution limitations of conventional photolithography processes used to form the patterns. However, such very fine line and space patterns (hereinafter referred to as "L/S patterns") are necessary to the implementation of contemporary and emerging semiconductor devices on various substrate materials.
Among the various methods proposed to improve the resolution of conventional photolithography processes, one method suggests patterning an etch target layer using a hard mask spacer pattern. In particular, the spacer pattern may be formed using a specific method, such as the one disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,603,688, which is adapted to the formation of a spacer having small feature sizes.
However, if this type of spacer pattern is used as the hard mask, the thickness of each one of a paired set of spacers formed on sidewalls of a particular pattern will generally be non-uniform. Hence, it is typical to form a spacer thicker than its intended pattern thickness in order to obtain uniformity of the thickness for paired spacers. This thickened spacer also makes it difficult to remove the spacer pattern after the spacer pattern is used as the hard mask. Since the aforementioned hard mask is formed by encompassing both sidewalls of the aforementioned particular pattern by the pair of spacers, when forming line patterns using the spacers, an additional trimming process is generally required to separate the spacers into an individual line pattern.
When patterns must be formed in one region having a relatively high pattern density—for instance, a cell array region in a semiconductor substrate, and in another region having a relatively low pattern density—for instance, a peripheral or core region it may be necessary in view of the foregoing limitations to form these respective patterns separately. That is, when it is necessary to form desired patterns having very different pitches, as between different regions of a substrate, it is often necessary to form these different pattern pitches separately. This requirement further complicates the process of fabricating semiconductor devices on substrates and tends to drive up the associated costs and risks of patterning errors.

Method of forming pattern using fine pitch hard mask


New polypropylene composition which combines low sealing initiation temperature (SIT), high hot-tack and good mechanical properties, like high dart drop strength (DDI), and its use especially for film applications.

Polypropylenes are suitable for many applications
For instance polypropylene (PP) is applicable in areas where sealing properties play an important role, like in the food or medical packing industry.
Heat sealing is the predominant method of manufacturing flexible and semi-rigid packages. An important indication of good sealing performance is inter alia a low seal initiation temperature (SIT), which is needed to support high speed on packaging machines. To ensure fast sealing, a low SIT is of advantage. By operating at lower temperature there is the benefit that the article to be sealed is not exposed to high temperatures. There are also economic advantages since lower temperatures are of course cheaper to generate and maintain.
There are further advantages by avoiding high sealing temperatures, especially when temperature sensitive goods are to be packed.
Particularly demanding applications of films, like form and fill packaging require, besides low seal initiation temperature, good hot-tack properties. Hot-tack is the bonding strength measurable while the polymer in the heat sealed portion of a film is in a semimolten/solidifying state.
This bonding strength is expressed here and hereafter in the hot tack force (N) needed to tear apart sealed layers. The hot-tack is generally an important factor to improve the efficiency of a packaging production process.
Furthermore packaged goods, like packaged food or medicals, needs to withstand a sterilization step, like steam sterilization. Steam sterilization is normally operated under a temperature of more than 120° C., like 121° C. This means that the melting temperature of the packaging film needs to be significantly higher, like more than 125° C., preferably more than 130° C.
All film manufacturers, whether making multilayer or monolayer films are looking to maximise the properties of the film it produces. Maximisation of properties is normally easier with multilayer films as each layer can be tailored to provide a particular attribute of need. It is common for example to use an outer layer which can give rise to good sealing properties whilst a core layer might be used to provide mechanical strength to a film. Moreover, when using a multilayer construction, incompatibility between film components can be avoided by placing these in separate layers.
When a film is mono-layered however, the options available to the film manufacturer are much more limited. It is currently very difficult to prepare monolayer films having optimal properties, e.g. good mechanical and processing properties and the person skilled in the art is therefore looking for new films which can provide improvements to these. Especially problematic are optical properties as the more components used in a monolayer film, the higher the haze value of the film tends to be.
The problem faced by the film manufacturer is that by trying to improving one property, another equally important property tends to be detrimentally affected. There are also real problems of compatibility between different polymers in a monolayer construction where all components are extruded together as a blend. If polymer components are not compatible, inhomogeneity is evident in the formed film which is unacceptable for the manufacturer and consumer. This limits still further the parameters which the film chemist can manipulate.
Additional important properties are mechanical properties. Film manufacturer are generally looking for a combination of high stiffness and high impact strength, which provide the potential of light weight solutions, meaning less material at similar performance not only for cos saving but also for environmental protection.
Several attempts have been made to solve the problems mentioned above.
US 20050142367 proposes to use a blend of a propylene-1-butene-ethylene terpolymer with a metallocene catalyzed ethylene polymer for a heat sealable skin layer of a three-layer BOPP film to provide low seal initiation temperature (SIT) and good hot-tack properties.
The metallocene catalyzed ethylene polymer can have a melt flow rate (MFR2; 190° C., 2.16 kg) in the range of from 2.0 to 7.5 g/10 min and a density in the range of from 0.878 to 0.900 g/cm3.
The propylene-1-butene-ethylene terpolymer used in the examples contains a relatively high amount of comonomers, namely 1.1 wt % (i.e. 1.7 mol %) of ethylene and 20.0 wt % (i.e. 16.2 mol %) of 1-butene.
The melting point of such compositions will be by far too low in order to withstand steam sterilization at >120° C. In addition the SIT is too low as well (71-93° C.), which also creates problems in steam sterilization.
Optical properties like haze are not mentioned.
According to WO 2011064119 the hot tack strength values obtained in the Examples of US 20050142367 are lower than about 2.5 N (i.e. 250 g/in) and at about 99° C. the hot tack strength is lower than 2.0 N (i.e. 200 g/in).
That is why WO 2011064119 proposes polyolefin compositions useful in the preparation of heat-sealable films, containing propylene copolymers and other polyolefin components, in particular polyolefin compositions comprising, all percentages being by weight:
a) from 60 to 94% of one or more copolymers of propylene with one or more comonomers selected from ethylene, a C4-C8 alpha-olefin and combinations thereof, where the comonomer, or comonomers, content in (a) is from 5 to 25%, preferably from 7 to 20%;
b) from 2 to 20% of one or more homo or copolymers of butene-1 and
c) from 1 to 20% of an elastomeric or plastomeric polyolefin or polyolefin composition.
The films produced are again bi-axially oriented 3-layer films.
Disadvantages of the compositions of WO2011064119 are that the hot-tack which is achieved with at least 3 components in the composition is too low and the melting points of such compositions will be by far too low in order to withstand steam sterilization at >120° C. In addition the SIT is too low as well (<70° C.) which creates problems in steam sterilization as well.
WO 2016091923 discloses films based on a blend of a propylene copolymer and an ethylene based plastomer with sealing initiation temperature (SIT) of at most 140° C. The Examples shown in WO 2016091923 use propylene-ethylene copolymers and ethylene based plastomer with a melt flow rate (MFR2; 190° C., 2.16 kg) up to 10.0 g/10 min. The films prepared with these blends after surface treatment using a Corona Generator G20S show a sealing initiation temperature (SIT) at which the seal strength has reached 1.5 N in the range of from 127° C. to 138° C. This is by far too high.
No values for hot-tack and haze are indicated.
Also EP 3031849 discloses films based on a blend of a propylene copolymer and an ethylene based plastomer, the films having a haze according to ASTM D1003 for a film thickness of 50 μm of at most 2.0%.
The examples shown in EP 3031849 use propylene-ethylene copolymers and ethylene based plastomer with a melt flow rate (MFR2; 190° C., 2.16 kg) up to 10.0 g/10 min, the films are again after surface treated using a Corona Generator G20S.
No values for hot-tack and sealing initiation temperature (SIT) are indicated, but based on the compositions shown in the examples, SIT is expected to be by far too high (>130° C.).
However, although much development work has already been done in the field of films suitable for different kinds of packaging, the films as disclosed in the prior art still do not provide a sufficient balance of low sealing initiation temperature (SIT) in combination with high hot-tack and improved optics, which are in addition suitable for sterilization, so that there exists a need for novel and improved film structures, providing films with improved sealing behaviour, i.e. lower sealing initiation temperature (SIT) and higher hot-tack force, in combination with improved optics and high melting temperature.
Surprisingly the inventors found, that the above problems can be solved with the use of a polymer blend comprising a specific propylene polymer and an ethylene-based plastomer.

Polypropylene composition with improved sealing behaviour


2-(2-Fluoro-substituted phenyl)-6-amino-5-chloro-4-pyrimidine carboxylic acid and its derivatives are potent herbicides demonstrating a broad spectrum of weed control.

This invention relates to 2-(2-fluoro-substituted phenyl)-6-amino-5-chloro-4-pyrimidinecarboxylic acids and their derivatives and to the use of these compounds as herbicides.
A number of pyrimidinecarboxylic acids and their pesticidal properties have been described in the art. WO 2005/063721 A1, WO 2007/082076 A1 and U.S. Pat. No. 7,300,907 (B2) disclose certain 2-substituted-6-amino-4-pyrimidinecarboxylic acids and their derivatives and their use as herbicides. It has now been discovered that certain particular subclasses of the compounds disclosed in these references have greatly improved herbicidal activity and selectivity.

2-(2-fluoro-substituted phenyl)-6-amino-5-chloro-4-pyrimidinecarboxylates and their use as herbicides


A clip for forming an electrical and mechanical connection at the junction of two rods to afford cathodic protection for said rods. The clip is electrically conductive and can have a sacrificial metal coating or metal insert.

1. Field of The Invention
This invention relates to connecting clips which are used in the formation of junctions for elongate reinforcing members, such as metal rod and reinforcing members, to form extended grids. These grid may be provided with means for cathodic protection which restricts corrosion and increases the useful life of reinforced concrete structures by stabilizing the metal grid.
2. Description of The Related Art
Metal rods in the form of a grid structure have long been used as internal reinforcement for concrete structures, such as beams, girders, columns, support surfaces and the like. These concrete forms are frequently subject to weakening due to the gradual deterioration of the reinforcing metal grid. Deterioration of the grid occurs because most metals, exposed to natural environments without protection, enter into reaction with constituents in the environment. This reaction results in the formation of corrosion products typical of the ores from which the metals were originally formed. Thus constituents, present in concrete, will attack the metal reinforcing structure, especially in the presence of moisture and soluble salts. This phenomenon may also be referred to as electrochemical corrosion. Since moisture is readily absorbed by concrete, it is necessary to provide a means of protection for the metal reinforcement. Two such means are regularly practiced. The first involves the deposition or formation of a protective coating on the surface of the metal rod which is used to form the grid structure. Coatings applied to rods are effective in protecting them from environmental attack. Unfortunately, damage of the coating is common and results in voids, cuts or scratches which allow access to the metal causing it to dissolve via electro-chemical corrosion. The dissolution of a metal in a liquid environment occurs at discrete sites which act as anodes. A corrosion cell consists of an anode and a cathode in contact with each other and with a common electrolyte. The metal forming the anode will dissolve while the cathode remains intact. It is necessary, therefore, to provide means whereby the metal to be protected becomes the cathode under conditions of corrosion cell formation. There are several ways of doing this. The most commonly used method is to attach a sacrificial anode to the metal to be protected. This method relies upon a characteristic electromotive force (EMF) which controls the tendency of a given metal to corrode. If two metals are connected through an external conductor and there is provision for a continuous electrolyte, the metal with the lower EMF will corrode.
An alternate means of cathodic protection is impressed-current cathodic protection (ICCPS). In this case the negative terminal of a DC power source is connected to the metal grid and the positive terminal is connected to a suitable anode adjacent to the reinforced structure. This arrangement establishes an electrical bias by which the reinforcing grid becomes the cathode upon formation of a corrosion cell.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,553,094 (I. C. Scott Jr.) discloses a device which may be strapped onto a coated pipe to provide a metallic component which preferentially becomes the anode during electrolytic cell formation in the presence of moisture. Penetration of the protective coating of the pipe occurs during tightening of the device against the pipe. Sharp projections, in contact with the protective pipe coating, cut through the coating and penetrate the metal surface to provide metal-to-metal, electrical connection to the pipe. A sacrificial anode, attached to the device, will be preferentially consumed, via electrochemical action, leaving the metal pipe intact.
Another form of sacrificial anode is revealed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,855,024 (Drachnik et al). In this case the anode is produced in the form of a mesh. The mesh is constructed of elongate electrodes held together at points of intersection or junctions by resilient conductive clips which secure and electrically connect the elongate electrodes. When suitably connected to e.g. a reinforcing grid of steel the mesh anode will protect the steel grid from corrosion. Protection is achieved by connecting the steel grid to a mesh anode positioned at the surface of the concrete form or embedded in concrete closely proximate the grid.
The properties and form of the resilient conductive clips, used to develop and stabilize the mesh anode, are selected to provide long term, optimum connection at the junctions.
Methods involving the use of clips to form grid networks are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,778,951 and 3,863,416 (both by G. Oroshakoff). In neither case is consideration given to corrosion protection of the metal rods used to form grids of the invention.
Study of the prior art has not revealed any concept which provides protective coating and cathodic protection combined with ease of assembly of metallic grids using connecting clips of this invention.

Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company


A steering system (10) has a rack housing (12) formed of a first tube (14) and a pinion housing (16) formed of a second tube (18). A first opening (31) is provided in the first tube (14) and a second opening (33) is formed in the second tube (18). The first opening (31) and second opening (33) expose a respective fillet (32), (34). The relative position of first opening (31) and second opening (33) determine the position of the first tube (14) with respect to the second tube (18). A first bushing (40) and a second bushing (42) are used to support a rack (36) within first tube (14). A pinion shaft (60) positioned within second tube (18) has a pinion gear (62) for coupling with rack (36). Preferably a first bracket (26) and second bracket (28) are positioned on first tube (14) adjacent to first bushing (40) and second bushing (42), respectively.

The present invention relates generally to steering systems for automotive vehicles. More specifically, the present invention relates to power and manual rack and pinion steering systems for automotive vehicles.
Rack and pinion power steering systems are commonly used in automotive vehicles. To prevent excessive noise during operation of the steering system, the pinion should be oriented in a desired direction so that upon rotation of the pinion, the rack moves in the desired manner. During operation that position should be maintained. If proper positioning is not maintained, undesirable noise may be generated.
Commonly, the rack and pinion housings are formed together in a single casting. The castings are typically formed in a foundry. One drawback to such systems is that steering systems are typically manufactured for use in a variety of vehicles. Each vehicle, however, may require a slightly different variation in the position of the rack with respect to the pinion. Therefore, new molds and new castings must be formed. Another drawback to this process is that it is very expensive to implement the additional mold to form the housing.
Also in conventional power steering systems, the pinion is positioned at one end of the rack while the other end of the rack is supported by a bushing. One problem with this configuration is that the unsupported end may cause mechanical noise due to the lack of support of the rack.
It would therefore be desirable to provide a power steering system that allows flexibility in manufacturing by allowing different positions of the rack with respect to the pinion without expensive processing.
It is therefore one object of the invention to provide a power steering system that is easily manufacturable and allows easy mechanical alignment of the rack with respect to the pinion. It is a further object of the invention to provide a steering system that reduces noise during operation.
In one aspect of the invention, a steering system comprises a first tube having a first end and a second end and a first opening positioned between the first end and the second end. A second tube has a second opening alignable with the first opening. The first tube and second tube are coupled together at the first opening and the second opening. A rack is positioned within the first tube and a pinion is positioned within the second tube. A first bushing is positioned within the first tube adjacent to the first end. A second bushing is positioned within the first tube adjacent to the second end. The first and second bushings support the rack within the first tube.
In a further aspect of the invention, a method of forming a steering system comprises the steps of:
cutting a first opening in a first tube between a first end and a second end to expose a first fillet;
cutting a second opening in a first tube to expose a second fillet;
positioning the first fillet against the second fillet so that the first tube is positioned in a predetermined orientation with respect to the second tube;
fixedly fastening the first fillet and the second fillet;
placing a rack within the first tube;
placing a pinion within the second tube; and
aligning the pinion with the rack.
One advantage of the invention is that a good return force may be provided by the present invention. Another advantage of the invention is that the configuration may be made for both manual and power assisted steering systems. Yet another advantage of the invention is that the system may be easily modified to provide different angles between the rack and pinion without having to form complex casting molds.
Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent when viewed in light of the detailed description of the preferred embodiment when taken in conjunction with the attached drawings and appended claims.

Steering mechanism for an automotive vehicle


A roll system for a roller hearth furnace for thin slab casters is disclosed. The roll system includes a plurality of fluid cooled rolls rotatably mounted in the furnace configured to contact and at least partially support a charge transported along a pass line through the furnace. An upper surface of each of the fluid cooled rolls is positioned along the pass line. A plurality of dry rolls is rotatably positioned within the furnace wherein at least one dry roll is positioned between each pair of adjacent fluid rolls. The upper surface of each of the dry rolls is positioned below the pass line.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to roll systems for roller hearth furnaces for thin slab casters and, more particularly, to roll systems including alternating rolls of dry rolls and fluid cooled rolls.
2. Background Information
In roller hearth furnaces for thin slab casters, a large number of rolls is required due to the relative thickness of the slab. Thin slabs cannot tread easily over large gaps between rolls. Conventionally, in roller hearth furnaces the rolls are either dry or fluid cooled. Dry rolls are conventionally made of a heat resistant cast alloy. Fluid cooled rolls generally have a water cooled shaft therein and may further include insulation and heat resistant, work supporting metal rings or tires. In these situations, the dry roll, as well as the tires of the water cooled rolls, have the tendency to pick up scale due to the high working temperature of the contact surface with the slab. The scale pickup leads to an associated marking or marring of the slab surface.
It is an object of the present invention to minimize the scale pickup problem and the associated marking problem of the slab surface and also minimize the heat losses due to the roll system.

Roll system for roller hearth furnaces for thin slabs


The present invention discloses a pseudo-random bit sequence (PRBS) generator which outputs the entire datapath, or entire pseudo-random bit sequence, over one single clock cycle. This is accomplished by removing redundancy, or any redundant exclusive-or gates from linear feedback shift registers; using logic to identify the critical path and optimal shift for the critical path; and dividing the datapath into several pipeline stages to increase the clock rate (i.e., transmission speed).

1. Technical Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the generation of Pseudo-Random Bit Sequences (PRBS).
2. Background of the Invention
The present invention discloses a method of generating a Pseudo-Random Bit Sequence (PRBS). The utility of such random numbers includes the creation of cryptography keys, the generation of bit stream ciphers and hash functions, and the testing of circuits and circuit simulations to detect and correct design errors.
A PRBS Generator is typically based on a Linear Feedback Shift Register (LFSR). An LFSR consists of a series of flip-flops connected by Exclusive-Or (XOR) gates, allowing for the output of one or more flip-flops to be input into a subsequent flip-flop. The PRBS Generator will cycle one bit location, or stage, to be output from the LFSR over each clock cycle or period, until each of bit locations 1 to n (where n=datapath width) is output and fed back into the first bit location. Because LFSRs vary in size (4-bits, 16-bits, 64-bits, etc), they will repeat themselves once each bit location or stage is fed back and input into the first bit location. FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art example, where a four-bit LFSR (3) receives input data (1) and cyclically shifts the data by outputting the information from the third bit location (6) and fourth bit location (7), XORing the data together, and creating a new state to be fed back into the first bit location (4). Therefore, in a four-bit LFSR, for each bit to be output from each bit location requires 4 clock periods, where one bit is output each cycle. The input bit is therefore a result of a linear function of the present state LFSR (the XORing of bits from the LFSR), with next state data shifting cyclically through the circuit through a feedback loop to generate a pseudo-random output (2). The LFSR generates a PRBS pattern, which may appear to be truly random but is actually pseudo random due to the deterministic nature of computer-based operations: each of the values produced by the LFSR are determined by the present and next states and because the LFSR is deterministic, the present state can be used to predict the next state.
A four-bit, PRBS Generating LFSR can be represented by the polynomial 1+x3+x4, where each clock cycle or period outputs one bit, and the four bit locations (or taps) of the LFSR are x1, x2, x3 and x4. In the first clock cycle, the latter two bit locations of the present state, x3 and x4, are XORed together and fed back into the first bit location, x1, so the new value (x3 XOR x4) is located in the first bit location and the x1 value is shifted into the second bit location (formerly x2). As illustrated in FIG. 2, as the circuit continues to XOR the last two bit locations and shift the new values back, the following feedbacks to the first bit location or stage occur:    Feedback [1]=x3 XOR x4    Feedback [2]=x2 XOR x3    Feedback [3]=x1 XOR x2    Feedback [4]=x1 XOR (x3 XOR x4)
After four full clock cycles, the value of the first bit location is (x1 XOR (x3 XOR x4)); the second bit location is (x1 XOR x2); the third bit location is (x2 XOR x3); and the fourth bit location is (x3 XOR x4). The LFSR then repeats itself and continues to shift data through the circuit to generate a PRBS pattern.
Several problems exist with this method of using LFSRs to generate PRBS patterns. First, there is a large amount of latency produced where the LFSR can only output one bit per clock cycle: to output 4 bits from a 4 bit LFSR requires 4 clock cycles; to output 16 bits from a 16 bit LFSR requires 16 clock cycles; etc. The speed of the output also depends on the number of XOR gates the data must travel through; the larger the size of the LFSR, the larger the size of the logic element required to accommodate it, and the larger the number of XOR gates needed.


In one embodiment of the invention, a server may send encrypted material to a client. The client processor may decrypt and process the material, encrypt the results, and send the results back to the server. This sequence of events may occur while the execution or processing of the material is restricted to the client processor. Any material outside the client processor, such as material located in system memory, will be encrypted.

In areas of technology such as Software as a Service (SaaS) and grid computing, numerous client machines may be asked to download or stream an application or applications from a server, execute code, and return data to the server for archiving and/or additional processing. However, while the majority of clients may have no malicious intent, if even a small number of clients are intentionally malicious or infected with malicious agents the impact can be detrimental to the organizations involved in the computing effort. For example, if a pharmaceutical company is using a distributed client base for a pharmaceutical simulation part of the distributed computing process may include sending sensitive material (e.g., code, data, and other information) to distributed client compute nodes. A compromised client may give undesirable parties access to this sensitive data. Additionally, a compromised client may tamper with the data and calculations thereby causing a negative impact on the pharmaceutical company's product development. Thus, sensitive materials may be compromised by malicious and/or malfunctioning applications and devices on the client computing platform.

Method and apparatus for protected code execution on clients


The present disclosure relates to a vital sign extraction method and system. The system comprises a receiving module for receiving at least one type of physiological information; a feature extraction module configured to extract a first feature and a second feature of the physiological information by using a first technique and a second technique; a processing module for performing a matching calculation on the first feature and the second feature, marking matching results, and identifying a noise result of the physiological information based on the matching results; and a calculation module for calculating a physiological sign of a living body.

A living body produces and releases a lot of life information all the time. The life information may be summarized into two categories: chemical information (chemical components that constitute the living body and information relating to its changes) and physical information (shapes, locations, relative relationships of organs in the living body, and force, heat, sound, light, and other related information generated by movement of the living body). A circulatory system formed by Heart and vessels of some animals may constitute a blood circulation and may be one of the most important organs and components for the animals. The chemical information and physical information of a cardiovascular system contains a large amount of information about health of the animals. Among them, one of the main techniques applied to diagnosing heart conditions and performances is electrocardiogram (ECG). The ECG records the surface potential difference produced during the beating of the heart. In 1903, Einthoven, a professor of physiology in Leiden University in the Netherlands, measured the ECG using a string electrometer manual. In addition, an animal body pulse system is an important component of the cardiovascular system and an important way to transport nutrients and transfer energy. A pulse comes directly from the heart and is a fluctuation caused by the contraction of the heart. A left ventricle injects blood into an aorta through an aortic valve, causing a pulsation of flow, pressure, and diameter in the arterial tree. One of the important life information generated by the pulse system is photoplethysmography (PPG). The propagation characteristics of the PPG are closely related to the changes of mechanical parameters in the cardiovascular system and the PPG includes a lot of physiological information of the animal body. In 1860, Vierordt, a Frenchman, developed the first spring lever-type pulse tracer to obtain a pulse wave waveform.
The measurement of the PPG or the measurement of the ECG may be effected by noises, artifacts, and data loss, which may result in a wrong analysis result. Generally, the following common noise interference may exist in collected signals: baseline drift, power frequency interference, electromyographical interference, and motion/vibration interference. The baseline drift is caused by a poor contact of clicks and impedance changes on the electrode-skin interface of a subject. The baseline drift is a low frequency interference signal and the frequency is generally less than 1 Hz. The power frequency interference is generated because that a distribution capacitance on human body and a lead loop of click electrode are affected by an alternating current and a magnetic field. The frequency of the power frequency interference is 50 Hz frequency and its harmonics. The electromyographical interference is caused by body jitter and muscle tension. The frequency of the electromyographical interference is relatively large. The motion/vibration interference may refer to that during the signal input process, a signal generator (e.g., a transmission distance of a light source, a transmission angle of the light source) may change due to movement or vibration of the subject, the light source, or the sensor, and therefore, the signal characteristics are affected and the signal may be disturbed, distorted, or submerged.

Physiological sign information acquisition method and system


A system, method and device may be used to monitor conditions in a borehole. Energy is transmitted to a pulse generator located proximate a position to be interrogated with a sensor. The pulse generator stores the energy, then releases it in a pulse of electromagnetic energy, providing the energy to resonant circuits that incorporate the sensors. The resonant circuits modulate the electromagnetic energy and transmit the modulated energy so that it may be received and processed in order to obtain the desired measurements.

1. Field
The present invention relates generally to remote sensing and more particularly to passively communicating remote conditions by modulated reflectivity.
2. Background
In resource recovery, it may be useful to monitor various conditions at locations remote from an observer. In particular, it may be useful to provide for monitoring conditions at or near to the bottom of a borehole that has been drilled either for exploratory or production purposes. Because such boreholes may extend several miles, it is not always practical to provide wired communications systems for such monitoring.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,766,141 (Briles et al) discloses a system for remote down-hole well telemetry. The telemetry communication is used for oil well monitoring and recording instruments located in a vicinity of a bottom of a gas or oil recovery pipe. Modulated reflectance is described for monitoring down-hole conditions.
As described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,766,141, a radio frequency (RF) generator/receiver base station communicates electrically with the pipe. The RF frequency is described as an electromagnetic radiation between 3 Hz and 30 GHz. A down-hole electronics module having a reflecting antenna receives a radiated carrier signal from the RF generator/receiver. An antenna on the electronics module can have a parabolic or other focusing shape. The radiated carrier signal is then reflected in a modulated manner, the modulation being responsive to measurements performed by the electronics module. The reflected, modulated signal is transmitted by the pipe to the surface of the well where it can be detected by the RF generator/receiver.

Telemetry apparatus and method for monitoring a borehole


Linked aromatic compounds found to act as potent soot dispersants in lubricating oil compositions; lubricating oil compositions containing such soot dispersants and precursor compounds from which the soot dispersants are derived.

Global Heavy Duty Diesel (HDD) engine emission legislation requires stepwise reductions in NOx and particulate emissions between 1989 and 2009. Many diesel engine manufacturers are now incorporating into HDD engines an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system that is operated in a condensing mode for at least a portion of the time the engine is operated (e.g., at least 10% of the time the engine is operated), and retarding engine timing to reduce NOx and particulate emissions. In engines provided with a cooled EGR system, the EGR stream is cooled below the dew point of NOx and SOx and injected back into the engine under positive pressure. Under such conditions, water vapor condenses with the NOx and SOx to produce high levels of nitric and sulfuric acids in the recirculated exhaust gas stream. Under such conditions, unacceptable increases in the kinematic viscosity (kv) of lubricating oil compositions have been observed, even in the presence of relatively low levels of soot (e.g., 3 mass % soot).
Lubricating oil compositions comprise a major amount of base oil and additives that improve the performance and increase the useful life of the lubricant. Nitrogen-containing dispersants are commonly used lubricant additives. The function of a dispersant is to maintain in suspension within the oil, insoluble materials formed by oxidation and other mechanisms during use of the oil, to prevent sludge flocculation and precipitation of the insoluble materials. Another function of the dispersant is to reduce the agglomeration of soot particles, thus reducing increases in the viscosity of the lubricating oil upon use. In the severe environment of an engine provided with a cooled EGR system, it has been found that soot induced viscosity increase, as measured in a "Mack T-11" test cannot be controlled by conventional dispersants, even when the amount of such conventional dispersants are increased. Therefore, compounds providing potent soot dispersing properties and crankcase lubricants providing improved soot dispersing performance, have been continuously demanded.
U.S. Pat. No. 1,815,022 to Davis (1931) discloses condensates of naphthalene and essentially linear chlorinated waxes formed by Freidel Craft alkylation of the naphthalene. Such compounds are described as functioning as wax crystal modifiers or lube oil flow improver (LOFI) additives and were added to oil to improve the cold flow characteristics thereof. These compounds have not been used for a number of years and, due to the high chlorine content, these compounds would be considered unsuitable for use in a modern passenger car, or heavy duty diesel motor oil formulations. In modern formulations, these compounds have been supplanted by fumarate/vinyl acetate copolymers or polymethacrylate-based LOFIs.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,708,809 to Davis describes a lubricating oil composition containing a phenolic compound of the formula:(R)a—Ar—(OH)bwherein R is a saturated hydrocarbon group having 10 or more aliphatic carbon atoms; a and b are each independently 1 to 3 times the number of aromatic nuclei present in Ar; and Ar is a single, fused or linked polynuclear ring moiety that is optionally substituted. It is alleged that the addition of a minor amount of such a compound to a lubricant composition that is mixed with fuel will lead to a reduction in piston ring sticking in a two cycle engine.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,495,496 to Gutierrez et al. describes nitrogen-containing low molecular weight Mannich base condensates of hydroxy aromatic compounds, an aldehyde and an amine that are useful as soot dispersants in lubricating oils.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,750,183 to Gutierrez et al. discloses certain oligomers useful as soot dispersants, which oligomers are defined by the formula:
wherein each Ar independently represents an aromatic moiety optionally substituted by 1 to 6 substituents selected from H, —OR1, —N(R1)2, F, Cl, Br, I, —(L—(Ar)—T), —S(O)wR1, —(CZ)x—(Z)y—R1 and —(Z)y—(CZ)x—R1, wherein w is 0 to 3, each Z is independently O, —N(R1)2 or S, x and y are independently 0 or 1 and each R1 is independently H or a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, optionally substituted, hydrocarbyl group having from 1 to about 200 carbon atoms; each L is independently a linking moiety comprising a carbon-carbon single bond or a linking group; each T is independently H, OR1, N(R1)2, F, Cl, Br, I, S(O)wR1, (CZ)x—(Z)y—R1 or (Z)y—(CZ)x—R1, wherein R1, w, x, y and Z are as defined above; and n is 2 to about 1000.

Soot dispersants and lubricating oil compositions containing same


A storage device for storing perishable plant matter and a system for monitoring and accessing the device and plant matter. A storage device for storing a plant product includes a housing. The housing has a sidewall that defines an opening and a lid coupled to the sidewall and movable to a closed position in which the opening is closed off. The lid, in cooperation with the sidewall, defines a storage space in the housing wherein at least one container that receives the plant product and may be removably received. A storage and monitoring system includes a locking mechanism, at least one scale, and a relative humidity sensor, and an app operable on a mobile device and configured to operate and monitor the storage device. The app is configured to operate the locking mechanism.

Pharmaceutical and recreational plant products are usually purchased in a quantity larger than is consumed during any single use. For example, each of cannabis (a.k.a., pot or marijuana) and tobacco is a plant product. Once purchased, the initial quantity is reduced through periodic consumption. The initial, purchased quantity and any residual portion remaining after consumption should be stored in a safe location. At the time of purchase, these plant products are fresh but, because they are organic, they are perishable. That is, they decay. Over time they may lose inherent properties that are important to the consumer.
The rate of decay can be largely influenced by the storage environment. At an extreme, if improperly stored, the rate of decay may be high. A fresh plant product that decays rapidly may become unusable after a few days. In such case, mold may grow on the product rendering it unusable. At a slower rate of decay, the freshness of the product gradually fades so that if not consumed quickly enough, the product loses its desirable properties, such as flavor and entourage effect. While decay is inevitable, storage of such products plays a significant role in slowing the rate of decay and thereby maintaining desirable product qualities until the product is consumed. Advantageously, in a proper storage environment, larger quantities may be purchased and stored with a lesser concern as to long-term quality.
Perishability aside, purchase, storage, and use of these plant products can be complicated by government regulations. For example, there are legal and regulatory frameworks surrounding all aspects of cannabis, from production to personal storage and consumption. Government regulations also apply to tobacco. For cannabis, some state laws seek to regulate the location of stored cannabis at a person's residence. These regulations often require a locked and hidden residential storage location. So, not only is the perishability of plant products of importance to the consumer, the residential storage and consumption be compliant with state and federal regulations.
While storage devices for plant products have had some success in addressing these issues, there remains a need to improve the storage of plant products, such as cannabis, to facilitate long-term medical treatment or recreational use while abiding by all governmental regulations.

Storage devices and monitoring systems for plant products and methods for using same


The invention integrates hardware and software for sensing, communications, data storage and control into a protection module that is sufficiently small and inexpensive to be attached directly to individual objects, such as musical instruments, and the inventory of stores and museums. Sensors monitor environmental factors, such as temperature and humidity, and accelerometers alert owners to unwanted motion, such as theft or misuse. Sensed data is stored locally and transmitted wirelessly to nonproprietary data receivers, such as smart phones or tablets that generate alerts. In some embodiments the data is forwarded to cloud servers for storage and analysis. Bluetooth communication between the attached module and the data receiver allows large spaces, such as stores and showrooms containing many attached modules to be protected. In some embodiments accelerometers enable finger-tap-controlled recording of musical performance and tuning of the instrument relative to tonal frequencies stored in the module.

Monitoring of the environment can occur in spaces, such as homes, greenhouses or humidors; and the remote control of environment altering equipment, such as air conditioners are available. Products sold by LaCrosse Technologies and Sensorcon monitor environmental conditions, such as temperature and humidity, in spaces. Focused as they are on spaces, as opposed to individual moveable objects residing in spaces, such sensor/warning systems do not include motion detectors.
Independently, existing monitors, because they are too large and heavy, cannot be attached to musical instruments without altering the musical performance of the instrument. Further, in order to offer practical protection of individual objects in a store or in a museum, the monitoring sensor system must be significantly less expensive than the object itself. This is not the case.
Independently, patent application CN 203149795 describes a single-chip system that monitors temperature and humidity; it does not address motion detection.


Data packets received at network traffic distribution device are analyzed to determine whether they include unwanted information, and, if so, the network traffic distribution device removes the unwanted information and then transmits the data packets, absent the unwanted information, to an assigned egress port (e.g., a monitor port communicatively coupled to a monitoring device). The flow of data packets may be received at the network traffic distribution device from a mirror port resident on a source of the captured data packets and/or a traffic capture point located along a communication link between two communicating devices within a network. In addition to analyzing the data packets and removing unwanted information therefrom, the network traffic distribution device may perform additional operations on the data packets as well.

In order to facilitate communication of data packets through complex communication networks, infrastructure equipment supporting the communication network, such as routers, frequently insert information (e.g., routing information) into data packets flowing through the communication network in order to assist in the routing and/or tracking of the data packets as are they are transmitted through the communication network. Only the infrastructure equipment responsible for transmitting the data packets through the communication network typically understands the information added to data packets. Interception or capture of these data packets for network communication monitoring or analysis purposes can therefore be problematic, as the monitoring and analyzing devices have difficulty understanding the additional information inserted into the data packet by the computer networking infrastructure. This confusion leads to inefficiency, latency, and decreased throughput in the processing of data packets by network monitoring and analysis equipment.

System, apparatus and method for removing unwanted information from captured data packets


A duty cycle measurement circuit obtains differential duty cycle measurements corresponding to the duty cycle of a signal at two or more different locations along a propagation path. The differential duty cycle measurements may include measurements of an input duty cycle and measurements of an output duty cycle. The duty cycle measurements may be acquired by use of duty-cycle-to-voltage converter circuitry. The duty cycle measurements may be used to determine a measure of the duty cycle deterioration of the propagation path, and an adjustment factor to compensate for the measured duty cycle deterioration.

Memory interface circuitry may be susceptible to duty cycle distortion. As used herein, "duty cycle distortion" refers to a change in the duty cycle of a signal as the signal propagates through the circuitry (e.g., as the signal propagates along a path). Duty cycle distortions may cause input/output errors. For example, duty cycle distortion may cause input/output errors, such as high and/or low pulse signal pulse widths that fail to satisfy high pulse width (tQSH) and/or low pulse width (tQSL) timing requirements. Increasing input/output clock speeds and lower input/output (I/O) voltage potentials and/or currents may result in less tolerance, such that even small duty cycle distortions can result in I/O errors.
Conventional duty cycle calibration circuitry may not be capable of scaling down to operate at required clock frequencies, and may not be capable of detecting internal duty cycle distortion created by the circuitry itself. Moreover, conventional duty cycle calibration circuitry can be required to periodically recalibrate, which can adversely impact performance. Internal duty cycle distortion can be caused by a number of different factors, which may not be known at design time (e.g., manufacturing defects, process variations, and the like). Therefore, the internal duty cycle distortion may have to be measured through in situ testing of the manufactured device at frequencies that exceed the capabilities of conventional built-in test circuitry. Measuring internal duty cycle distortion may be further complicated since duty cycle distortion in input signals may be reflected in such measurements. Therefore, what are needed are systems and methods for duty cycle measurement, analysis and/or compensation to accurately quantify and compensating for duty cycle distortions resulting from internal signal propagation, that are not susceptible to input signal distortion, do not adversely impact high-speed timings, and impose minimal size, performance, and/or power consumption overhead.

Systems and methods for duty cycle measurement, analysis, and compensation


The present disclosure provides a backlight module and a display apparatus. In one embodiment, the backlight module includes: a frame body defining a cavity therein and having an opening communicated with the cavity; and a light strip disposed at the opening of the frame body and detachably connected to the frame body, wherein the light strip comprises a lamp bead that is disposed toward the cavity through the opening.

In the backlight module in the related art, the light strip is placed inside the cavity of the backlight module, and the light strip is the most easily damaged part in the backlight module, so the light strip will often need to be replaced or repaired.
At present, when the light strip needs to be replaced or repaired, the cavity of the module needs to be disassembled in the dust-free workshop before the light strip can be replaced or repaired. This method is more complicated and has lower efficiency.
Therefore, how to improve the efficiency of replacing or repairing the light strip has become an urgent problem to be solved.


A parallel ski training or exercise apparatus is described. The ski training device provides the combination of parallel motion, edging, and weight shifting that characterizes downhill parallel skiing. Two foot platforms are mounted on a base, on independent rotation axes centered about the balls of the user""s feet. The foot platforms are constrained to rotate together, i.e. their longitudinal axes remain parallel. The foot platforms can tilt from side to side to simulate the edging motion of downhill parallel skiing. Varying amounts of resistance to rotation and to tilting can be obtained by changing the springs or other devices that bias the foot platforms to straight-ahead and level alignment. The base of the parallel ski training device can be tilted to an angle by a support having a circular arc or hemispherical shape. With the front of the base raised, the user""s ankles assume the leaning forward attitude that is used in parallel skiing. Rocking of the base from side to side simulates the change in attitude that occurs as a skier changes direction on a downhill slope.

1. Summary of the Prior Art
This invention relates to a training device, and more particularly to a parallel ski training device for conditioning and developing the muscles, balance and reflexes used in parallel skiing.
The parallel ski training device of the present invention has two foot platforms, each of which rotates about its own independent vertical axis, where the rotation angles of the two foot platforms are always congruent.
The ski training device of the present invention can be adapted so the foot platforms can independently tilt, to simulate xe2x80x9cedging.xe2x80x9d Whereas the two foot platforms are mounted to a base platform, further adaptations are to tilt the base platform and/or permit it to rotate about a near-horizontal axis. These adaptations simulate the forces caused by skiing at lateral downhill angles.
Exercise devices for parallel ski training are well known, and appear in a variety of embodiments. Various ski instruction and training devices have been proposed, having two foot platforms and where the two foot platforms have independent vertical rotation axes.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,834,693, to Poppenberger describes such a ski instruction apparatus; but the rotation angles of the two foot platforms are completely independent, and are not kept congruent.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,376,532 to Hunstad also describes an apparatus having two foot platforms, and includes a spring means that urges, but does not force, the two foot platforms to rotate in parallel. At column 2, lines 54 to 67 of Hunstad, the inventor describes the foot platforms as rotating in parallel relationship, and also describes a means for varying the resistance to rotating in non-parallel relationship by locating extension springs (24) at various positions on the foot platforms.
Other ski instruction devices have been proposed, also having two foot platforms, but where the foot platforms do not have independent vertical axes.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,429,869, to Eckstein describes an apparatus having two foot platforms, where both are mounted to a common platform, and the common platform has one vertical axis of rotation. At column 4, lines 20 to 33, the inventor notes that the foot platforms are kept parallel to each other. But the foot platform rotation of the present invention, being about two vertical axes, causes a training motion that is distinguishable from the training motion of Eckstein, which is about a single vertical axis.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,880,226 to Krantz describes another variation of the two foot platform style of exercise or training apparatus, but as with Eckstein, the rotation of the foot platforms about a near-vertical axis will occur about a single axis, common to both foot platforms. At column 3, lines 31 to 38, the inventor describes rotation of the sole plates about longitudinal axes; which simulates the edging motion noted above. In the skiing simulator of Eckstein, the edging angles of the two foot platforms are forced to be congruent.
Yet another variation of exercise device provides for a single foot platform, rather that two.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,787,630, to Watson et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,946,160 to Bertoletti; U.S. Pat. No. 4,953,858 to Zelli; U.S. Pat. No. 5,399,140 to Klippel; U.S. Pat. No. 5,545,115 to Corcoran; U.S. Pat. No. 5,643,164 to Teff; United Kingdom Patent Specification 1,372,342 to Simpson; UK Patent Application 2,004,190A of Dehan; and European Patent Specification 0,088,643 of Lie each describe a variation of exercise or training apparatus having a single foot platform.
2. Summary of the Present Invention
The parallel ski training device of the present invention accurately simulates the motions and forces of parallel skiing. It can be used by individuals of all sizes and ages. It can be used to teach the novice or condition the expert.
The use of the parallel ski training device of the present invention does not require the wearing of ski boots, or the use of ski bindings or other special equipment.
The distinguishing characteristic of the present invention over the prior art is the combination of independent rotation axes on two foot supports, in combination with mandatory parallel rotation of the foot supports.
The present invention can be adapted to further include tilting motions on each foot platform to simulates xe2x80x9cedging.xe2x80x9d The rotation and tilting motions can be biased to straight-ahead and level positions.
An additional adaptation is the raising of the front edge of the base platform. This causes the user""s ankles, knees, legs and body to adopt the same attitude that is adopted when leaning forward during downhill skiing activity.
Yet another adaptation of the present invention is to arrange the base platform in such a way that it can rock from right to left.
The adaptations listed above can be combined in various ways, i.e. a parallel ski training device of the present invention can be made with any combination of: independent rotation axes having mandatory parallel rotation; foot platform tilting; biasing of rotation to straight ahead; biasing of tilting to level; raising of the front edge of the base platform; and rocking of the base platform.
The present invention relates to a parallel ski training device that may be adapted to use various materials and methods of construction while providing the essential features. Specific features of the invention will be apparent from the above and from the following description of the illustrative embodiments when considered with the attached drawings and the appended claims.
In summary, and in accordance with the above discussion, the foregoing objectives are achieved in the following embodiments.
1. An exercise apparatus comprising:
a base platform having a bottom surface and a flat top face, front and rear edges, left and right edges, and a longitudinal centerline equidistant from the left and right edges;
first and second rotation members having top faces and longitudinal axes and, where the rotation members are rotatably mounted to the top face of the base platform; and
means to constrain the rotation of the rotation members so that their longitudinal axes always remain parallel.
2. An exercise apparatus as described in paragraph 1, further comprising:
first and second foot platforms tiltably mounted to the first and second rotation member top faces respectively, where the foot platform tilt axes and the rotation member longitudinal axes are parallel.
3. An exercise apparatus as described in paragraph 2, where the foot platform tilt axes are located between the rotation member top faces and the foot platforms.
4. An exercise apparatus as described in paragraph 1, further comprising means to bias the rotation members rotation angle to the position where the line connecting the two rotation axes is perpendicular to the rotation members longitudinal axes.
5. An exercise apparatus as described in paragraph 1, where the means to constrain the rotation of the rotation members comprises a tie bar having a longitudinal axis and where the tie bar is rotatably fastened to both rotation members.
6. An exercise apparatus as described in paragraph 1, where the means to constrain the rotation of the rotation members comprises:
a first gear or friction wheel fastened to the first rotation member and having a centerline that is coaxial with the first rotation member rotation axis;
a second gear or friction wheel fastened to the second rotation member and having a centerline that is coaxial with the second rotation member rotation axis; and
an idler gear or idler gear train or friction wheel or friction wheel train or toothed belt or belt arranged in communication with both first and second gear or friction wheel, so that both first and second gear or friction wheel rotate in unison.
7. An exercise apparatus as described in paragraph 5, further comprising:
first and second foot platforms tiltably mounted to first and second rotation member top faces respectively, where the foot platform tilt axes and the rotation member longitudinal axes are parallel.
8. An exercise apparatus as described in paragraph 7, further comprising means to bias each foot platform tilt angle to the position where the top face of the foot platform is parallel to the top face of the base platform.
9. An exercise apparatus as described in paragraph 1, where the base platform rear edge is curved; and further comprising:
a pedestal having a hemispherical or circular arc or semi-conical or semi-round shape; and
where the pedestal is located on the base platform bottom surface, on the base platform longitudinal centerline, closer to the base platform front edge than to its rear edge, so that the front edge of the base platform is raised and the base platform is rockable from right to left.
10. An exercise apparatus as described in paragraph 1, wherein the bottom surface of the base platform is shaped so that the front edge of the base platform is raised and the base platform is rockable from right to left.
11. An exercise apparatus as described in paragraph 9, further comprising:
first and second foot platforms tiltably mounted to first and second rotation member top faces respectively, where the foot platform tilt axes and the rotation member longitudinal axes are parallel.
12. An exercise apparatus as described in paragraph 11, where the foot platform tilt axes are located between the rotation member top faces and the foot platforms.
13. An exercise apparatus as described in paragraph 9, further comprising means to bias the rotation members rotation angle to the position where one line can be perpendicular to both rotation members longitudinal axes.
14. An exercise apparatus as described in paragraph 9, where the means to constrain the rotation of the rotation members comprises a tie bar having a longitudinal axis and where the tie bar is rotatably fastened to both rotation members.
15. An exercise apparatus as described in paragraph 14, further comprising:
first and second foot platforms tiltably mounted to first and second rotation member top faces respectively, where the foot platform tilt axes and the rotation member longitudinal axes are parallel.
16. An exercise apparatus as described in paragraph 15, further comprising means to bias each foot platform tilt angle to the position where the top face of the foot platform is parallel to the top face of the base platform.
17. An exercise apparatus as described in paragraph 3, further comprising compression springs interposed between the top faces of the rotation members and bottom faces of the foot platforms so as to bias each foot platform tilt angle to the position where the top face of the foot platform is parallel to the top face of the base platform.
18. An exercise apparatus as described in paragraph 4, where the means to bias the rotation angle comprises extension springs.
19. An exercise apparatus as described in paragraph 5, further comprising:
first and second foot platforms tiltably mounted to the first and second rotation member top faces respectively;
foot platform tilt axes, each comprising eyes fastened to the bottom face of a foot platform, eyes fastened to the top face of a rotation member, and a shaft passing through all of the eyes so that the longitudinal axes of the shafts are parallel with the longitudinal axes of the rotation members;
compression springs interposed between the top faces of the rotation members and bottom faces of the foot platforms so as to bias each foot platform tilt angle to the position where the top face of the foot platform is parallel to the top face of the base platform;
extension springs arranged to bias the rotation members rotation angle to the position where the line connecting the two rotation axes is perpendicular to the rotation member longitudinal axes; and
a pedestal having a hemispherical or circular arc or semi-conical or semi-round shape, where the pedestal is located on the base platform bottom surface, on the base platform longitudinal centerline, closer to the base platform front edge than to its rear edge, so that the front edge of the base platform is raised and the base platform is rockable from right to left.
20. An exercise apparatus as described in paragraph 19, where the rotation member rotation axes are located proximately below the balls of the user""s feet and further comprising:
rotation member support means located between the rotation member bottom faces and the base platform top face, and located proximately below the heels of the user""s feet.


The utilization of data services (such as web services) may involve the invocation of services, which may reduce performance and overburden the server. In some scenarios, the invocation may be specified in a language that does not support batch invocation, but it may not be feasible to re-code the invocations in a language that supports batching. Instead, the service invocations may be automatically translated into a batch logic specified in a batch-capable language and sent to the service as a batch. For example, a local proxy may receive a language-integrated query having two or more service invocations, compile the query into an expression tree including the two or more invocations, and send the expression tree to the service host to achieve the batch processing of the service invocations.

Contemporary computer servers now provide a wide variety of data services in order to fulfill requests from other computer systems on behalf of various clients. In one scenario, a server may be configured to provide data items representing information of interest, such as stock prices or weather forecasts. In another scenario, a server may perform various calculations and data manipulation at the request of other computer systems; for example, a high-performance, massively parallel supercomputer may evaluate mathematical models on behalf of client computer systems, such as multivariate linear algebra problems and molecular biology simulations. In a third scenario, a server may manage access to a physical component, such as a robot or a factory machine, and may accept requests for manipulating the physical component provided by users of other computer systems.
These scenarios involve the communication of data items, such as computer-executable instructions, between a server and at least one client computer system. The server is often configured to communicate with such clients by offering one or more services, where each service offers one or more service functions. Clients may then utilize the services by invoking the one or more service functions, which may involve providing parameters for use in the service functions. The server may respond to the invocation by (e.g.) validating the service function parameters, performing the operations involved in fulfilling the invoked service function, and returning one or more result data items produced by the performance of the service function. For example, a client may request a share price from a stock market database, and may provide a stock symbol identifying a publicly traded company. The server may respond by verifying that the provided stock symbol is valid and that the requested share price is available, by retrieving the share price (e.g., from a stock market database), and by notifying the client of the share price.

Automated translation of service invocations for batch processing