A batting practice device which comprises an elongated support arm having fastening means at one end for securing the support arm to the side of a post. The fastening means includes an elongated chain which may be wrapped around the post and has one end thereof releasably retained on the support arm against a sliding movement of the chain. The other end of the chain is connected to a bolt which may be drawn through a handle as the handle is rotated to tighten the chain against the post. A ball is suspended from the support arm by an eyelet containing cord to serve as a target for batting practice. A handle which is releasable by hand holds the ball on a reduced diameter stud member at a free end of the support arm.

Certain sports require the player to hit or strike a moving ball. Baseball and softball are the best known sports of this type. The batter is required to hit a pitched ball with an elongated bat. However, certain other sports, such as tennis or badminton, have similar skill requirements, i.e. a moving ball is struck by a racquet rather than a bat.
Certain machines are known which throw a ball at a batter standing some distance away, such as the batting machine known as The Casey. These batting machines are, in effect, mechanical pitchers. While they effectively simulate a thrown ball, they have a number of disadvantages which render them impractical for many applications. They are costly to purchase and bulky to transport. They require electricity to operate, and this is not always available at many locations, such as ball fields, where the device would often be used. In addition, the balls hit by the batter must be recovered or "shagged" for the machine to be refilled The machine is not suited for indoor use in a person's home.
Besides automated batting machines, batting skills are practiced using static "tees" which tee or hold the ball up above ground level. The batter stands next to the tee and attempts to strike the stationary ball held on the tee. Again, the balls must be continually shagged or recovered to allow practice to continue. This renders tees impractical for a single person to use since the task of recovering the balls quickly becomes tiresome. In addition, tees cannot generally be used indoors unless a net is positioned in front of the tee to catch the batted balls. Again, this it makes it impractical or inconvenient to use the device in restricted indoor spaces.
Thus, there is a need for a batting practice device which is simple and quick to install which is durable which may be easily adjusted, and which does not require shagging of batted balls. Most ball fields have numerous vertical posts or poles, i.e. the poles used as part of the backstop or the fence poles used in the chain link fences surrounding the fields. In addition many residential neighborhoods have similar poles. For example, there are poles supporting street signs, stop signs, etc. Thus a device which could be easily attached to a pole would be valuable and could be widely used if the ball were connected to it in a tethered manner.
Various batting practice devices comprise elongated arms attached to poles which suspend a ball from the arm in a tether type fashion. Such devices are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 2,976,040 to Bales and U.S. Pat. No. 4,793,612 to Hammond. In Hammond, the support arm is attached to a backboard having an elongated channel at its rear side for abutting against a post. U-shaped bolts pass around the post and through the backboard where wing nuts are tightened on each leg of the bolts to hold the device on the pole. Bales discloses using two radiator type clamping bands, i.e. clamping bands having overlapped ends and a screw tightener, which pass around the post and must be tightened to hold the device to the post.
The Hammond and Bales devices are relatively difficult and time consuming to mount. The Hammond device has to be held in place while the U-bolts are inserted from the back and the wing nuts tightened. This can be quite difficult for one person to do and, as a practical matter, may require two people. The Bales device requires one end of each clamping member to be removed from the threaded fastener to allow the clamping member to be looped around the post. Then, the clamping member has to be rethreaded back into the fastener and the fastener has to be tightened using a screw driver all while trying to hold the device in place at a selected height Again, this is very difficult for one person to do easily or properly. The same relatively cumber some procedures have to be followed to adjust the height of the device on the pole.
In addition, the Hammond and Bales devices both have relatively complicated systems for suspending the ball from the support arm. They both teach suspending the ball from rotary discs that are held on the end of the support arm by conventional nuts. These nuts have to be tightened using a wrench, and such wrenches may not always be at hand or be easily manipulable by a youngster who might be trying to in stall the device. In addition, if one desires to replace one ball with a ball of another type on the end of the support arm, the nut must be loosened every time a replacement is made and then retightened again. Hammond discloses using spring clips on the end of his rotary disc to engage an eyelet on the end of the ball supporting rope or cord to ease the task of changing balls. However, these spring clips can again be difficult for a youngster to unclip, especially if the device has been left outside and the clip has become corroded.


A slip having a passageway for installation of lines therethrough and associated anchoring device provides uniform gripping engagement with a wellbore without unduly stressing the slip or casing, and without requiring complex manufacturing and assembly. In a described embodiment, a slip has slip segment, transitional and C-ring axial portions. The slip segment portion includes multiple axially elongated and circumferentially spaced apart slip segments. Each slip segment is attached to an axial end of the C-ring portion by a transitional element. When the slip is extended into engagement with a wellbore, the transitional portion permits the slip segments to flex and uniformly apply a gripping force to the wellbore.

The present invention relates generally to anchoring devices utilized in subterranean wells and, in an embodiment described herein, more particularly provides a slip having a passageway for lines therethrough and an anchoring device including such slip.
Anchoring devices are generally utilized in subterranean wells to permanently or temporarily fix the location of an assembly relative to a wellbore of the well, and may be fitted with seal elements, such as packer rubbers, to provide a fluid tight seal against the wellbore or other tubular configuration, such as casing, segmented tubing, coiled tubing, liner, or other downhole tool having an inner tubular configuration, when the anchoring device is set. As used herein, the term "wellbore" is used to designate the axially extending bore formed through an earthen formation intersected by a well, as well as other tubular configurations in which an anchoring device may be set, including casing, segmented tubing, coiled tubing, liner, a downhole tool having an axially extending inner bore, etc.
Typical anchoring devices include plugs, packers, liner hangers, tubing hangers, locks, and others. In order to grip the wellbore, which may or may not be lined with protective casing, a typical anchoring device is fitted with one or more elements commonly referred to as slips, which extend radially outward from the anchoring device to bite into, or otherwise grippingly engage, the wellbore when the anchoring device is set. If the anchoring device is temporarily installed, or is intended to be later retrieved from the well, it may also be fitted with a mechanism which retracts the slips out of engagement with the wellbore when desired.
A common type of slip is an individual slip segment. Three or four of these types of slips are usually distributed circumferentially about the exterior of an anchoring device. The slips are typically axially elongated with serrated edges formed on their outside surfaces. Each slip is generally extended and retracted independently of the other slips on the anchoring device, although the same extension and retraction mechanisms may extend and retract all of the slips simultaneously.
When, however, individual slip segments are utilized in an anchoring device which must resist very large loads and/or fluid pressure, several problems with their use become evident. For example, it is difficult to ensure that all of the slip segments extend and grip the wellbore uniformly, so that the anchoring device is centered in the wellbore and is ideally positioned for resisting the loads placed on it. As another example, in order for the slips to adequately grip a wellbore lined with casing, each slip typically must be forced under great contact pressure at a discreet point against the inner surface of the casing, which frequently deforms the casing at that point and prevents subsequent sealing thereto.
Another type of slip used on anchoring devices is known as a barrel slip. This type of slip is typically formed from a tubular piece of material having a serrated or other gripping surface on its outer side surface. In order to make the barrel slip radially deflectable, multiple longitudinal slots are cut partially axially through the tubular material from each of its opposite ends, the slots from each end alternating circumferentially about the tubular material and laterally overlapping each other. In this way, barrel slips permit relatively uniform distribution of gripping force to the wellbore, prevent or reduce damage to casing, and aid in centering the anchoring device within the wellbore.
Unfortunately, typical barrel slips, being circumferentially continuous, do not permit the passage of lines, such as hydraulic, electrical, fiber optic and other control lines, instrument lines, etc., thereacross when an anchoring device is set within a wellbore. Such lines may be passed through a type of slip known as a C-ring slip, however. The C-ring slip is a generally tubular slip with one longitudinal slot extended completely axially through the slip, so that the slip is circumferentially parted and has a generally C-shaped cross-section. It is then possible to route external lines axially through the longitudinal slot.
However, by circumferentially parting a tubular slip to produce a C-ring slip, certain of the disadvantages of individually segmented slips are reintroduced, and certain other disadvantages are added. For example, a C-ring slip does not radially extend or retract uniformly. It is circular in cross-section only when at rest, and will tend to form an elliptical, oval, oblong or other nonuniform shape when radially extended. This results in nonuniform gripping of the wellbore, thereby reducing the load rating of the anchoring device and producing high localized stresses in the wellbore.
As another example, a C-ring slip is typically stressed greatest at a longitudinally extending area radially opposite its longitudinal split, that is, one hundred eighty degrees from the axial slot extending completely through the slip. This greatest stress often occurs at assembly of the anchoring device when the slip is expanded and installed over one or more wedges used to extend the slip, and the slip material yield stress is frequently exceeded, resulting in the slip taking a "set". Such stressing of the slip material will sometimes lead to stress corrosion cracking in service, and enhanced corrosion in the presence of common wellbore fluids, such as hydrogen sulfide.
In order to alleviate these effects of assembling a C-ring slip over the wedges on the anchoring device, some anchoring devices have been produced with helically formed wedges. The slip is likewise manufactured with a complementarily shaped helical inner profile, and the slip is, in essence, threaded onto the anchoring device. However, this increases manufacturing costs and increases assembly complexity, without resolving the problems of overstress of the slip and nonuniform extension and retraction of the slip.
From the foregoing, it can be seen that it would be quite desirable to provide a slip which is capable of uniformly applying a gripping force to casing lining a wellbore, minimizes damage to the casing, permits the passage of lines therethrough, and which may be assembled onto an anchoring device without undue stress and without requiring complex assembly and manufacturing techniques. It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide such a slip and associated anchoring device.

Slip having passageway for lines therethrough


An internal combustion engine valve actuator apparatus for operating an intake valve or an exhaust valve of an engine. The valve actuator apparatus operates by selectively allowing fluid from a pressure source to flow into a valve actuator causing either an opening or a closing of the associated valve. The fluid is directed through a spool valve and solenoid arrangement which is controlled by a computer. The valve actuator apparatus also includes a solenoid powered actuator which operates by direct mechanical communication with the associated valve.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to valves and more particularly pertains to internal combustion engine valves which may be operated by means other than a conventional cam and follower arrangement.
2. Description of the Prior Art
An internal combustion engine utilizes valves for controlling a flow of an engine's intake and exhaust gases. Conventionally, a camshaft is mechanically coupled to a crankshaft of the engine by a timing belt and pulley arrangement. The camshaft has a plurality of lobes which are utilized to engage and operate respectively positioned valves.
However, since intake and exhaust valves are opened and closed by the camshaft as described above, valve timing is determined solely by a profile of the camshaft. Utilizing a conventional camshaft, it is impossible to vary the valve timing depending upon an engine's rotational speed. An engine's valve timing requirement for optimum performance and efficiency varies as a function of engine speed. Therefore, it is desirable that a valve be provided with a means for selectively operating the valve depending upon the engine's speed and other factors.
Valve actuators operable for providing variable valve timing are known in the prior art. More specifically, the devices heretofore devised and utilized for the purpose of actuating internal combustion engine valves are known to consist basically of familiar, expected and obvious structural configurations, notwithstanding the myriad of designs encompassed by the crowded prior art which have been developed for the fulfillment of countless objectives and requirements.
For example, a valve control system for an internal combustion engine is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,076,222 which utilizes an electromagnetic actuator for operating intake and exhaust valves of an engine.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,009,202 describes an electromagnetically operated valve assembly for use in an internal combustion engine that includes a ceramic valve with an increased magnetic cross section area.
In view of the prior art, it can be appreciated that there exists a continuing need for new and improved internal combustion valve actuator apparatuses which can be utilized to provide variable valve timing on an internal combustion engine. In this regard, the present invention substantially fulfills this need.

Internal combustion engine valve actuator apparatus


A hydration monitoring device and system for recording and controlling an individual's hydration includes an improved fluid flow sensor configured to measure a quantity of fluid transferring from a reservoir to a user in a first fluid flow direction only.

Accurate monitoring of personal fluid consumption is vital for health. A variety of physiological and medical problems can arise with inappropriate fluid intake. For example, dehydration may increase the risk of cardiovascular strain, reduce heat tolerance, and reduce physical exercise performance. In addition, overhydrating may result in hyponatremia (low blood sodium levels) or other medical problems in some patient groups.
Quantifying the pattern and amount of fluid consumed over time by an individual is often fraught with inaccuracies. One approach is to ask individuals to only drink from a given personal container, to keep track of the fluid consumed from that container, and to carefully record the date, time, and amount of liquid consumed. The volume consumed is determined by reading the liquid level from graduations on a fluid container before and after drinking, and then calculating the difference. This approach is difficult under low-light conditions, and incorrect logbook entries are common. Inaccurate or inconsistent measurements often occur with prior art hydration devices, particularly at very low flow rates. At low flow rates, similar to rates produced by small sips, the amount of fluid consumed is often insufficient to fully engage a measurement sensor.
In U.S. Pat. No. 6,212,959, issued to Perkins, and incorporated herein by reference, a system for insuring proper human hydration is disclosed that includes an oral-suction-activated flow meter which measures and displays the volume of fluid withdrawn from a reservoir. Perkins suggests that a check valve, to prevent return flow of fluid from the user's mouth to the reservoir, is often adequate. In particular, Perkins' check valve is suggested as only allowing the flow of fluid in one direction. In use, the fluid flows from a bladder or fluid container, through the check valve and a fluid monitoring unit, and to the user through an outlet tube and mouthpiece. The check valve is meant to prevent the flow of fluid in the opposite direction, i.e., from the fluid monitoring unit back through the check valve. However, in practice, this arrangement appears to trap fluid in the top of the outlet tube (straw or mouthpiece) and requires a bite valve to prevent spillage. This bite valve may be problematic for elderly users or those with oral conditions that impair the user's ability to bite with sufficient force to actuate the bite valve.
In many prior art hydration devices, even if a one-way check valve is placed above the metering device and functions appropriately, there will still be a volume of liquid located within the flow measuring device, but below the check-valve, that will flow back toward its source and through the metering device actuating the metering device and generating erroneous fluid flow data. As a consequence, the check valve may allow fluid to flow in a reverse direction through the impeller thereby diminishing accuracy by allowing the impeller to rotate in an opposite direction.

Fluid flow sensor for use in a hydration monitoring system


A method for forming a phosphor pattern on a panel of a cathode ray tube to prevent the peeling of a black matrix from the glass panel when treated with an inversion solvent which involves forming a protective film of a transparent photosensitive material on a glass panel on which a black matrix is formed and using the so-called outer surface exposure method to produce a color cathode ray tube having high definition.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method for the manufacture of a phosphor pattern on a panel of a color cathode ray tube having ultra fine definition, and more particularly, to a method for preventing peeling of a black matrix (carbon stripe) using the outer surface exposure method.
2. Description of the Prior Art
For reproducing an ultra fine definition picture on a color cathode ray tube, it is necessary that the respective phosphor stripes or dots of ultra fine definition of the three primary colors be clearly separated on the phosphor screen by a black matrix as the light absorptive layers. If the separation is not perfect, the effect of mislanding of electron beams becomes strongly exhibited in the actual operating state, when various errors are considered, resulting in marked deterioration of the picture quality. Thus research has been conducted into finding a method for forming the phosphor screen having clear edges of the respective phosphors and a high packing density.
The most customary method for the manufacture of color cathode ray tubes is the so-called inner surface exposure method according to which a phosphor slurry with a pigment dispersed in a light reactive resin is coated onto a glass panel on which carbon stripes of a predetermined pattern are formed and then exposed to light through an optical mask. The non-cured portions are removed by development, and the above sequence of operations is sequentially repeated for the red, green and blue colors in the production of the stripe type color phosphor surface.
The assignee of the present invention has also proposed a so-called outer surface exposure method according to which the admixture of colors between adjoining stripes is prevented by using two kinds of photosensitive agents having differential inversion capabilities, as disclosed in Japanese Laid-open Patent Application No. 119055/1985. According to this method, the phosphor surface is prepared by coating and curing in a predetermined sequence, on the glass panel on which carbon stripes have been previously formed, a resist layer using a first sensitizer which can be inverted by aqueous hydrogen peroxide and a phosphor slurry obtained by dispersing a phosphor dyestuff in a second photosensitizer which is not inverted by hydrogen peroxide.
In the above described inner surface exposure method, the phosphor stripes are printed through an optical mask, which presents a problem because of a half shadow. In addition, due to the problem of insufficient adhesiveness between the phosphor stripes and the inner surface of the glass panel, it is difficult to form phosphor stripes having finely defined, clear edges.
In the outer surface light exposure method, the above defect of the conventional inner surface light exposure method has been eliminated but one problem remains to be solved. In the outer surface light exposure method, one inversion is caused to occur necessarily when forming the phosphor stripes of each color, so that three of the inversions are required to complete forming stripes of the three colors. However, with the repetition of the inversion of the resist layer, that is, solution and removal, the carbon stripe containing the resist layer is eroded a little by little until it is peeled off to lower the quality of the produced phosphor screen surface.

Method of manufacturing a cathode ray tube


A card edge connector is used for connecting an electronic card to a printed circuit board and includes an insulative housing and a plurality of conductive terminals retained in the insulative housing. The insulative housing defines a front face, a mounting surface and a receiving slot running through the front face and extending along a longitudinal direction with a key disposed therein. Each conductive terminals defines a contacting arm extending into the receiving slot along a mating direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and a soldering portion extending outside of the insulative housing. Each contacting arm defines a free end portion located in the receiving slot and with a contacting portion disposed thereon, the thickness of the free end portion in a vertical direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction and the mating direction is smaller than the thickness of other parts of the contacting arm.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a card edge connector, and more particularly to a lower profile card edge connector.
2. Description of the Related Art
China Pat. No. 202217811U issued on May 9, 2012 discloses a card edge connector including an insulative housing. The insulative housing defines a receiving slot and a first sidewall and a second sidewall located on opposite sides of the receiving slot, and the first and second sidewalls each has a plurality of terminal slots. A plurality of first and second terminals are receiving in the terminal slots of the first and second sidewalls, respectively, and the first and second terminals each defines a retained portion fixed to the insulative housing, an elastic contacting arm extending from the retained portion and a contacting portion located on a free end of the elastic contacting arm. The elastic contacting arm of the second terminal each extends from the retained portion to the contacting portion of the second terminal along a non-fold line and the retained portion is fixed to the terminal slot of the second sidewall. However, the free ends of the contacting potions of the first and second terminals speed a certain space in the receiving slot so that it is not suitable for miniaturization.
Therefore, an improved card edge connector is highly desired to meet overcome the requirement.


An elevator controller 7 is provided with logic 48 which automatically calculates a proportional gain (K.sub.P), an integral gain (K.sub.I), and an overall gain (Gc) for a current regulator/motor drive 20 by injecting a sinewave having a predetermined test frequency (F.sub.OL, F.sub.CL) into a reference current I.sub.qREF, measuring the open and closed loop transfer functions and adjusting K.sub.P and K.sub.I until the desired open and closed loop responses are achieved with Gc set based on F.sub.OL. First, with the test frequency at F.sub.OL, K.sub.I is set to zero and K.sub.P is varied until the open loop gain response at F.sub.OL is equal to one. Then, with the test frequency at F.sub.CL and K.sub.P set per the previous step, K.sub.I is varied until the closed loop gain response at F.sub.CL is equal to one. The procedure is performed with the rotor locked.

It is known in the art of motor drive circuits to use a current regulator (or current controller) to control motor current. It is also known to use proportional-plus-integral (P-I) closed loop control of motor current to provide synchronous control of motor currents. However, such current regulator must be accurately tuned to the electromagnetic dynamics of the motor to provide precise control of motor currents and, therefore, precise control of torque generated at the motor shaft. In particular, for a P-I controller, the proportional gain K.sub.P and the integral gain K.sub.I should be matched to the motor dynamics to provide optimal performance.
One technique to accurately determine such control parameters is to analyze the motor/drive system in an engineering laboratory using expensive test equipment and several engineering man-hours. However, in modernization or retrofit applications, where a new drive replaces an older drive in an existing elevator system, it is not convenient or cost effective to remove the motor from the elevator system for evaluation of the control parameters.
Another technique to determine the regulator control parameters involves dispatching a highly skilled engineer to the job site to tune the drive to the motor using special test equipment. However, such a technique is costly and time consuming and, as such, makes modernizing elevator motor drives unattractive for building owners.
Also, various techniques have been described for tuning current regulators, such as is described in: A. M. Khambadkone, et al, "Vector-controlled induction motor drive with self-commissioning scheme", IEEE Trans. Ind. Electronics, Vol. 38, No. 5, October 1991, pp. 322-327; H. Schierling, "Self-commissioning--a novel feature of modern inverter-fed induction motor drives", 3.sup.rd Int'l Conference On Power Electronics and Variable Speed Drives, IEEE Conf. Pub. No. 291, pp. 287-290; M. Summer, et al, "Autocommissioning for voltage-referenced voltage-fed vector-controlled induction motor drives", IEEE Proceedings-B, Vol. 140, No. 3, May 1993; and T. Kudor, et al, "Self-Commissioning for vector-controlled induction motors", IEEE Pub. ID# 0-7803-x/93, pp. 528-535.
Such techniques attempt to measure the motor parameters and then calculate current regulator gains according to an algorithm based on those estimates. In particular, Khambadkone and Schierling teach applying voltage pulses to the motor, and use the rate of rise of current to estimate the motor transient inductance. Summer teaches applying a pseudo-random binary sequence of voltage pulses to the motor and uses a recursive least-squares calculation to estimate the motor parameters. The current regulator parameters are determined by a pole-placement algorithm using the estimated motor parameters. Kudor teaches applying a step input to the current regulator, and computes a performance index based on step response. Fuzzy logic rules are employed to adjust the regulator gains to achieve optimum tuning. However, the foregoing techniques are costly and complex to implement.

Automatic calibration of current regulator control compensation for an elevator motor drive with locked rotor


Fibers are disclosed which include a polymeric nanocomposite material. The nanocomposite material includes a polymeric resin matrix and a plurality of nanosized platelet particles dispersed therein.

The present invention is related to polymeric fibers, and more particularly to polymeric fibers formed of a nanocomposite material.
Synthetic polymers have been widely used in the production of fibers, films, molded articles, and the like. Common thermoplastic polymers used in the production of these and other products include polyolefins, polyesters, and polyamides, among others.
Typically one or more additives can be added to the polymer melt prior to extrusion to improve specific properties. For example, an anti-oxidant is typically added to polypropylene prior to extrusion to minimize degradation. As another example, fire retardant fillers can be added to control polymer flammability. Other fillers used in the production of polymeric articles include titanium oxide (TiO2), kaolin, pigments, carbon black, and the like.
While the addition of these and other fillers can improve a particular property of the resultant product, there can be problems associated with the use of such fillers. For example, the presence of a filler may improve one property of the end product while concurrently diminishing or adversely impacting another property. As an example, certain fillers can improve the flame retardant property of a polymeric article. However, high levels of loading are typically required to impart the desired degree of flame resistance. This in turn can alter the mechanical properties of the product, such as mechanical robustness.
Still further, use of fillers in the production of polymeric articles can cause processing problems. For example, fillers present in an extruded polymer can pose filter and capillary plugging hazards. In addition, the surface properties of the end product can be compromised, creating a rough, abrasive surface, instead of a smooth surface.
The present invention provides fibers formed of a polymeric nanocomposite material. Nanocomposite materials generally include a polymer having nanosized inorganic platelet particles dispersed therein, e.g., platelet particles having a nanometer size range in at least one dimension thereof.
The size of the particles can vary depending upon the material used to make the same. Generally the platelet particles can be described as modified clay materials with very high aspect ratios (the ratio of the object""s width to its thickness). Thus the particles may also be described as having a very minimal thickness relative to their length. Generally such particles have an average diameter between about 10,000 xc3x85 and about 50 xc3x85, and an aspect ratio length/thickness ranging from about 1000 to about 1. The particles typically have an average thickness of less than or about 20 xc3x85, and preferably an average thickness of less than or about 10 xc3x85. This is in contrast to conventional filler materials, such as kaolin, titanium dioxide, carbon and the like, which have much larger sizes and typically are roughly or substantially spherical in shape.
The resultant fibers can be monocomponent fibers. Alternatively the fibers of the invention can be multicomponent fibers, which include at least two structured polymeric components. For multicomponent fibers of the invention, generally at least one polymer segment includes a nanocomposite material, while at least one other polymeric segment includes a different nanocomposite material and/or other fiber forming polymeric material, which may or may not include nanoparticles.
The inventors have found that the fibers of the invention can exhibit several advantageous properties, as compared to conventional fibers formed without a nanocomposite material and/or formed with conventional fillers. Further, these benefits can be achieved at relatively low loading levels of the nanosized platelet particles. For example, the resultant fibers can exhibit enhanced strength, e.g., tensile yield strength and flexural modulus, as compared with fibers which are free of the nanocomposite material, or which contain conventional powdered fillers such as unexfoliated clay, silica or carbon black. Indeed, in contrast to the present invention, the use of such conventional fillers in fiber production typically degrade fiber properties such as tensile strength, tensile modulus and the like. The fibers of the invention can also exhibit improved stiffness and heat resistance, and decreased moisture absorption, flammability, and permeability, as compared to fibers prepared without filler and/or with conventional fillers.
Still further, the present invention can provide processing advantages. The nanosized nature of the platelet particles can reduce processing problems associated with the extrusion and spinning of conventional filled polymers into fibers, such as filter and capillary plugging.

Fibers including a nanocomposite material


A method and apparatus for stacked waveguide horns using dual polarity feeds oriented in quadrature have been disclosed.

Communication systems are pervasive in modern society. One of the most common is a wireless communications in the current form of cell phones. Geographic features, natural, as well as, man-made can cause issues with wireless communications. Distance, noise, signal strength, fading signals, multi-path signals are but a few of the issues challenging the wireless communications system designer. Designers must also contend with antenna placement, polarization, possible antenna height restrictions, as well as small transmitters with poor antennas, limited battery power, low Effective Radiated Power (ERP), etc. This presents a problem.
Cellular communications presents additional challenges in addition to those mentioned above because of the multitude of personal handsets, their variation, differing simultaneous communications, and many varying locations.
One approach that has been tried is to just use a medium gain omni-directional (omni) antenna to send and receive in all directions. The gain of the system is limited by the gain of the omni. From a transmission perspective, the omni may not present much of a problem if the system is running maximum Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP). A possible problem with an omni is that when transmitting equally in all directions, some of the signal can bounce off nearby objects and still be strong by the time they arrive at the receiver. This can create multipath distortion. Multipath can be a major source of poor data reception. Additionally, the polarity of the receiving antenna may not be of the same orientation as the omni (vertical for most omnis), so some signal may not be picked up. From the receive perspective, an omni suffers since it has low to medium gain and it is receiving noise and interference from all directions. So for example, if the signal arriving at the omni is not purely vertical polarity, then some signal is lost to polarity mismatch. This can be as high as a 20 dB loss. This presents a problem.
Yet another approach tries to account for this polarity mismatch by using circular polarization (CP) on transmit and receive. However if on receive, a signal is linearly polarized, then there is a 3 dB loss. If circularly polarized antenna(s) are directional, then they must be combined somehow. Using an isolating combiner, any signal out of phase with the main strongest receiving port will be sent to a termination and be lost. Additionally, the classic combining of several antennas pointed in different directions will bring in noise and interference that is not cancelled out due to phase mismatch. On transmit, the power will be transmitted in all directions in CP wasting all but the wanted direction and wasting another 3 dB if the antenna receiving the signal is linearly polarized. This presents a problem.

Method and apparatus for stacked waveguide horns using dual polarity feeds oriented in quadrature


A specific manual for configurable electronic equipment is produced by providing at least one generic manual; obtaining configuration information relating to the equipment (23); selecting parts of the generic manual applicable to the configuration (28); assembling the selected parts of the generic manual and at least some of the configuration information (24,30,31); and outputting the assembly as the specific manual (25).

Transmitter receiver radio equipment commonly includes a keypad and configurable buttons by means of which the equipment may be operated. The equipment usually has the capability to be used for a number of applications for example, conventional applications, where a user selects a transmit and receive channel, or trunked radio applications, where the communication channel is automatically selected from a pool of available channels. The same equipment may be configured to provide either type of application prior to delivery to a user.
It is also usual for such equipment to be programmed to offer the precise functionality that the user requires, for example, a user may wish for depression of certain buttons of the keypad to result in the equipment operating in a particular way. That is to say, the buttons are configured to control certain functionality.
A problem experienced by users of configurable equipment is that the equipment is often accompanied by a user manual which is generic in nature. The manual is designed to cover operation of the equipment in all of the possible different applications. Thus, the user is presented with information much of which may be irrelevant to the way in which the equipment is to be used. Because of this, users are often inhibited from reading the manual and hence, do not discover all of the features that are available on the equipment.
Further, since the equipment is configurable in a number of ways, there will be little if any information in the manual concerning a particular configuration.
Thus, a manual which is provided with the intention of assisting the user too often remains unused and the user does not exploit the full potential offered by the equipment. Therefore, there is a need for a method to generate a specific manual for configurable electronic equipment.

Method and apparatus for producing a specific manual for configurable electronic equipment


Apparatus and method for selectively executing a resident terminal application and an information provider-specific application stored in a digital entertainment terminal adapted to decode broadband data signals from a video dial tone network. The digital entertainment terminal stores the resident terminal application related to native operations including network communications in a nonvolatile memory, and stores the information provider-specific applications used for accessing the information provider's services in a dynamic memory. The digital entertainment terminal is adapted to suspend execution of one of the resident application and the information provider-specific application and begin execution of the other application in response to a toggle input from a user's remote control, and resume execution of the suspended application in response to a second toggle input from the user's remote control. Decoding of received broadband signals from the video dial tone network is based upon stored connection block descriptors, and is thus independent of the suspension of one of the applications. Thus, a user may pause an interactive session to scan broadcast channels, or to initiate a second interactive session.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a programmable digital entertainment terminal (DET) for use in digital video program distribution networks providing dynamic programming of such a terminal to offer a variety of broadcast and interactive services.
2. Description of the Related Art
Set top terminal devices are interface devices used to process broadband signals received at a customer premises before being supplied to a user's television set for viewing. Such set top terminal devices are commonly supplied by cable television companies to their subscribers and are used to receive the RF signals from the cable television distribution systems.
Despite their popularity in the cable television industry, these cable television terminal devices have a number of limitations. For example, the cable television terminal devices are limited to processing of analog television signals. In addition, cable television terminal devices are generally "dumb" devices having a limited set of functionalities constrained by the hard wired programming of the internal micro-processor controlled device. Essentially all cable television terminal devices respond to a selection input from the subscriber, tune to a selected channel available on the cable television network, decode the video program material if scrambled, and provide output signals compatible with a standard television receiver.
Enhanced cable television terminals do provide some additional features, such as graphics overlay capability and two way communication of control signaling to and from headed terminal devices. Although such improved terminals facilitate some enhanced services, such as home shopping and purchasing, the performance of these cable television set top terminals is still limited to analog decoding. Further, the range of services remains limited by the hard wired capabilities of the microprocessor within the set-top terminal devices.
Proposals have been made to download computer executable code over cable television networks. In particular, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,051,822 and 5,181,107 both to Rhoades disclose a terminal device connectable to a cable television network and a telephone line. A subscriber requests a video game or other software stored in a remotely located software storage center by operating the terminal to establish a bidirectional telephone link with the remote storage center. The center transmits the encoded software program together with the terminal identification code as a digital bit stream over a Television broadcast channel. The terminal requesting the software monitors all digital bit streams on the broadcast channel but receives only the software program addressed to it, i.e. only after identification code validation occurs. Once reception of all the software data is complete, the terminal acknowledges receipt to the remote storage center and drops the telephone line. The encoded software program is decoded, and the terminal provides a display informing the subscriber that the game or other program is ready for use. The terminal also offers the subscriber the means to interact with the software, e.g. play the game, using contemporary gaming control or input devices.
While the Rhoades terminal structure does provide enhanced capabilities, such as video games and home shopping, the display functionality controlled by the downloaded software is limited to computer displays generated in response to the software. Hence, there is no direct interaction of the received software with any video program carried on the cable network, nor does the downloaded software control any further instructions with the storage center. Since the video transmissions on the cable system are analog, a separate telephone connection is required for selection inputs to the central storage facility. Furthermore, the terminal device apparently can receive software from the storage center of only one service provider.
While some prior art systems permit downloading into the cable television decoder itself, this downloading of information into the decoder has apparently been limited to information controlling the decoding of the television program signals, e.g. a key word used in a descrambling algorithm. For example, Dufresne et al., in U.S. Pat. No. 4,623,920 each a specific scheme for addressing data transmissions over a cable television network to groups of terminals or to individual terminals. The addressed data sent from the head end can include an option table of signals for controlling descrambling of available television programs, data to enable operation of a cable TV converter, or software for operating a peripheral microcomputer separate from the cable television terminal device. The Dufresne et al. terminal is limited to reception of data from only one service provider, i.e. the provider operating the cable TV network. Also, the services provided through the terminal are limited in that the downloaded data apparently does not alter or control the terminal functionality for further interactions with the provider through the network.
Recently, several different wideband digital distribution networks have been proposed for offering subscribers an array of video services, such as Video On Demand. These services, also referred to as video dial tone services, are designed to enable users to select desired programs from multiple video information providers (VIPs). The following U.S. Patents disclose representative examples of such digital video distributions networks: 5,253,275 to Yurt et al., 5,132,992 to Yurt et al., 5,133,079 to Ballantyne et al., 5,130,792 to Tindell et al., 5,057,932 to Lang, 4,963,995 to Lang, 4,949,187 to Cohen, 5,027,400 to Baji et al., and 4,506,387 to Walter. The terminal devices in these digital networks are still limited functionality devices. In these networks, the digital terminal devices still only receive selection inputs, transmit selection signals upstream to the source of the video materials, receive downstream video transmissions, decompress the digitized video materials and convert to analog form, and provide appropriate signals to a television receiver.
One such digital video distribution network and the terminal device for such a network, is disclosed in Litteral et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,247,347, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated in its entirety into this disclosure by reference. Litteral et al. discloses an enhanced public switched telephone network which also provides a video on demand service to subscribers over the Public switched telephone network. A menu of video programming information is displayed at the subscriber's premises by a set-top terminal and a TV set. The subscriber may transmit ordering information via the Public switched telephone network to the independent video information providers. Video programming may be accessed and transmitted to the subscriber directly from a video information provider (VIP) or through a video buffer located at a central office (CO) serving the subscriber.
The above detailed discussion of the Litteral et al. system shows that prior art digital distribution networks offer enhanced video services, but the terminal device functionality is still limited to program selection, decoding and display. Also, the interactive services provided require a full wideband channel to each DET, dedicated entirely to that DET, for the entire session.
A number of suggestions have been made in the press regarding arrays of different services which will become available through broadband digital networks now popularly referred to as the "Information Super Highway". If a different VIP were to offer a different service, the VIP can limit the service to an interactivity with the subscriber essentially corresponding to the functionality available in the terminal device. This approach, however, limits the functional capabilities the new VIP may choose for the different service. Alternatively, the subscriber must buy another terminal device programmed or wired to function in accord with the VIP's new service. This second approach, however, forces the subscriber to purchase and connect a different terminal device for each subscribed service.
An additional problem of the known terminal devices is that the terminal device is limited in compatibility to the functions specified by the information provider during hard-wiring of the terminal device. Moreover, the conventional terminal devices are dedicated in functionality to support the interactive session until the session is terminated by the user or the information provider. Since the interactive session typically requires a large amount of bandwidth to download interactive video data, the interactive session will usually occupy the entire downstream bandwidth allotted to a user, thereby preventing the user from accessing other video dial tone services during the interactive session. Thus, the user is "locked into" the interactive session and unable to access other video dial tone services. This problem may be a substantial annoyance to users when the interactive sessions are extremely lengthy.

Digital entertainment terminal providing dynamic execution in video dial tone networks


Disclosed is a capacitive car jump starter. The capacitive car jump starter includes a storage capacitor configured to store electrical energy to start an engine of a motorcar, a standby power supply device configured to input electrical energy to the storage capacitor, a test and indication device configured to test and indicate a power storage condition of the storage capacitor, and a control and protection device configured to control and protect an operation of a connection circuit from overload when the storage capacitor discharges to start the engine of the motorcar. The standby power supply device and the control and protection device are electrically connected to the storage capacitor, and the test and indication device is electrically connected to the control and protection device.

When starting a motorcar, a common failure is that the motorcar can not be started due to an insufficient capacity of a storage battery. Methods that use a hand-held lithium battery (commonly referred to as a "Charge Pal" or a "Power Bank") to jump-start a motorcar have been known. However, it is not safe to directly start an engine of the motorcar using a Charge Pal due to a overlarge electrical current generated; and if the motorcar is started after the storage battery is charged by the Charge Pal, a long-time wait would be required and it would not necessarily be effective.


The present invention relates to a harmful material remediating agent comprising a metal oxide and a reducing material, and it can remediate environmental pollutants such as harmful organic compounds and nitrate or nitrite nitrogen-containing compounds efficiently and at low cost.

Highly volatile organic compounds, e.g., halogenated hydrocarbons such as trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene, aromatic compounds such as benzene, xylene and toluene, and aldehydes such as acetaldehyde and formaldehyde are industrially widely used as solvents, detergents, etc., and organic agricultural chemicals such as organic chlorine compounds and organic phosphorus compounds are used as insecticides, fungicides and herbicides in agricultural fields. Some of these organic compounds have toxicity or carcinogenicity for men or cause inhibition of growth and induction of malformation for animals and plants, and preparation, use and disposition of them are severely regulated. However, many of the above organic compounds are hardly decomposable, and those which have been abandoned or leaked under no severe control or those which have been used before issuance of regulations, such as DDT and BHC, remain in the environment. These compounds have polluted soil or underground water over a long period of time, and, furthermore, highly volatile matters discharged into atmosphere have polluted the atmosphere, which have caused serious social problems. Furthermore, recently, it has been reported that a part of organic compounds act as so-called endocrine disturbing substances (or environmental hormones) which inhibit generative power of animals and plants.
On the other hand, since nitrate and nitrite nitrogen-containing compounds have carcinogenicity, recently, discharge of them is severely controlled as water pollutants, and chemical industries and fertilizer industries are demanded to cope with the problems. Moreover, in agriculture, organic nitrogen compounds contained in fertilizers produce nitrate and nitrite nitrogen-containing compounds by biodegradation or oxidative decomposition in the fertilized soil, which not only pollute underground water and agricultural waste water, but also cause formation of acidic soil to inhibit rearing of crops. These are also serious problems.
As a method for remediating organic compounds in soil, it has been known to carry out the airlation of soil and collect gaseous components, followed by carrying out reduction decomposition using hydrogen as a reducing agent and platinum or palladium as a catalyst (for example, Isao Joko, "Environmental Catalyst Handbook", (p. 134-138, the first edition, published from NTS Co., on Nov. 20, 2001, hereinafter referred to as "Non-Patent Document 1"). Moreover, there is known a method of directly introducing reducing agent or oxidizing agent into polluted soil to carry out reduction decomposition or oxidation decomposition of organic compounds, which is so-called in-situ remediation method. According to this method, metallic iron (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 3,079,109 (pages 1-2), hereinafter referred to as "Patent Document 1") or a composite compound of magnetite and metallic iron (e.g., JP-A-2002-317202 (page 1), hereinafter referred to as "Patent Document 2") is used as a reducing agent, and potassium permanganate or hydrogen peroxide (e.g., JP-A-7-75772 (page 1), hereinafter referred to as "Patent Document 3") is used as an oxidizing agent.
For remediating nitrate or nitrite nitrogen-containing compounds in waste water, there are known a method of reducing with hydrogen as in the treatment of the organic compounds, ion exchange method, reverse osmosis method, electrodialysis method, and biodegradation method using bacteria (e.g., pages 89-91 of Non-Patent Document 1). Furthermore, there is known a method of remediating nitrate nitrogen contained in waste water using a solid catalyst containing a metal compound such as titanium oxide or iron oxide and a noble metal catalyst such as platinum, palladium or nickel in the presence of a reducing agent with keeping waste water in liquid phase at a temperature of 120-370° C. under a pressure at which the waste water keeps liquid phase (e.g., JP-A-9-70589 (pages 1-8), hereinafter referred to as "Patent Document 4"). In the case of remediating nitrate or nitrite nitrogen-containing compounds in soil, the above in-situ remediation method is also applied, and metallic iron or sulfide is used as the reducing agent introduced into soil.

Method of making harmful material remediating agent and for using the same


This disclosure describes a system for sending control signals and receiving sensor signals over cables at long distances. Electric currents and signals traveling down long cables can undergo phenomenon that are not present in relatively short cables. Therefore, this disclosure contemplates solutions for overcoming or compensating for these phenomenon to enable control of an electric machine using long cables. The solutions can include a signal conditioning circuit, configured to output a DC current corresponding to the sensed voltage associated with the sensor, a first conductor, that transmits the DC current from the signal conditioning circuit to the controller, and a signal generator, configured to receive the command signals and generate pulse width modulated (PWM) actuating signals based on the command signals.

Certain control applications require high frequency, low latency signals to be transmitted from a controller to an actuator. In instances where the controller is located remotely from the actuator, the length of a conductor used to transmit the control signals can have a negative effect on the control signal itself.

Electric machine control using long cables


A discharge-lamp lighting apparatus includes a control circuit that determines electric power supplied to a high-pressure discharge lamp after the high-pressure discharge lamp is started by an igniter. The electric power is determined in accordance with a voltage corresponding to a lamp voltage detected by a voltage detection circuit and a drive current detected by a current detection circuit. When the determined electric power is less than predetermined electric power, the control circuit causes a down chopper to control the drive current such that an amount of increase in the electric power per unit time becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a discharge-lamp lighting apparatus and a projector including the discharge-lamp lighting apparatus, and more particularly, to an operation of controlling a drive current at the start of the lamp.
2. Description of the Related Art
A discharge-lamp lighting apparatus is suggested in, for example, Japanese Patent No. 2942113 (claim 1). In this discharge-lamp lighting apparatus, while a lamp voltage is low in an initial stage of lighting, constant current control is performed in which a current supplied to the discharge lamp is controlled by a switching operation. Then, after the lamp voltage is stabilized, constant power control is performed in which electric power supplied to the discharge lamp is controlled by a switching operation. In this apparatus, a ratio of "on" period to "off" period of switching elements is controlled by changing a switching frequency of the switching elements. In addition, in an abnormal state, the switching frequency is set to a predetermined lower limit and the "on" period of the switching elements is reduced.
In the above-described known discharge-lamp lighting apparatus, after a high-voltage discharge lamp (hereinafter also called a lamp) is started, a constant drive current is supplied until a lamp voltage is increased and the lamp power reaches a rated power. Then, after the lamp power reaches the rated power, constant-power control is performed such that the lamp power is maintained constant. The lamp voltage depends on a pressure in an arc tube, and the pressure in the arc tube is increased as the temperature is increased due to light emission of the lamp and as the number of molecules is increased due to evaporation of mercury caused by the temperature increase. If the lamp has a secondary mirror, the temperature is further increased since the emitted light is returned by the secondary mirror, and therefore the pressure in the arc tube is rapidly increased. In this case, since a constant drive current is supplied, when the lamp voltage is rapidly increased, the lamp power is also increased rapidly. The rapid increase in the lamp power causes a rapid increase in a collision load placed on electrode tips by electrons in the arc tube, which leads to melting of the electrode tips. When the electrode tips melt, discharge arc is increased and the illumination is reduced.

Discharge-lamp lighting apparatus and projector


The present disclosure relates to a high-voltage (HV) bushing comprising a condenser core configured for surrounding a HV electrical conductor. The condenser core comprises an insulation material comprising wound layers of a permeable solid material impregnated with a thermo-reversible gel. The gel comprises an oil and a thickener, the oil comprising iso-paraffinic oil in an amount within the range of 0.1-100 wt % of the oil and the thickener comprising at least one copolymer in an amount within the range of 0.1-10 wt % of the gel.

The use of electrically insulating thermo-reversible gels are known for impregnating power cable insulation.
WO 97/04466 relates to a High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) power cable comprising an insulation of a plurality of permeable tapes wound around the conductor. An impregnating compound fills all voids among the tape layers. The impregnating compound has a very steep slope of change of viscosity characteristics, the viscosity being high with a solid gel type structure at temperatures equal to and below the maximum operating temperature of the cable and being low with a thin liquid type structure at higher temperatures at which impregnation takes place. Preferably, 95% of the impregnating compound consists of alkane chains with chain lengths above 15 carbon units but no more than 2% of the chains have chain lengths above 28 carbon units.
WO 99/33066 discloses a dielectric gelling composition, exhibiting a thermo-reversible liquid-gel transition at a transition temperature, wherein the gel comprises an oil and a gelator with a block copolymer. The gelling composition is used as an impregnant in an insulated direct current (DC) cable having at least one conductor and an impregnated insulation system. The insulation system comprises a solid electrically insulating dielectric part with a porous, fibrous and/or laminated structure impregnated with the dielectric gelling composition.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,391,447 relates to a method for manufacture of an electric device having at least one conductor and a porous, fibrous and/or laminated electrically insulating dielectric system comprising a solid electrically insulating part impregnated with a dielectric fluid, wherein the method comprises impregnating with a dielectric fluid, wherein a gelling additive is added to impart a high viscosity and elasticity to the fluid at conditions for which the device is designed to operate under.
However, for a power cable it is important that the gel is soft and fluid enough to be bendable during ambient and operation temperatures in order not to crack or otherwise introduce voids or deformations in the insulation which would be detrimental to the insulating ability of the insulation material.


A gas turbine engine casing includes a plurality of coaxially interconnected ring members each provided with a flange at each of their axial extents to facilitate interconnection of the ring members by bolts; each ring member is provided with an integral array of inwardly directed stator vanes and carries an abradable sealing material to cooperate with the tips of rotor blades of the engine.

Gas turbine engine casings are each commonly in the form of a hollow, open-ended container whose circular cross-section varies axially. The many separate non-rotatable components contained within the casing are directly or indirectly attached to the internal surface of the casing. Consequently, complete gas turbine engine modules, that is, casings containing all of their working components, are highly complicated assemblies that are costly to produce.


A method is disclosed for generating images of a human or animal body on the basis of 3D-reconstructions from 3D-XRAY or 3D-Computer Tomography measurements, which bodies comprise both natural tissue and one or more high-density objects. The method comprises the steps of executing the measurements, distinguishing the one or more high-density objects and executing a separating procedure thereon for generating an improved image of regions of the natural tissue. In particular, the method comprises the following steps: applying a ramp filter on the various projection measurements to single out the one or more high-density objects; segmenting the singled-out one or more high-density objects into a separate 3D reconstruction; suppressing the reconstructed one or more high-density objects from the original projection measurements; and segmenting said projection measurements without the suppressed one or more high-density objects.

The invention relates to an apparatus for generating images of human or animal bodies on the basis of 3D-reconstructions from 3D-XRAY or 3D-Computer Tomography measurements, which bodies comprise both natural tissue and one or more high-density objects. A principal category of such objects is represented by intentionally introduced objects for maintaining or improving the quality of human or animal life, such as objects being in the form of surgical implants made from metal or other substances, reconstruction screws, plugs filled into teeth, coils introduced into blood vessels, and various others. A secondary category is without limitation formed by high-density markers used for allowing a registration to match various different data sets. The 3D reconstructing methods recited supra, and possibly others as well, are suffering from the visual artifacts that such high density objects may cause in their neighbourhood, and which artifacts will lessen the quality of the eventual image, and thereby diminish its value for diagnostic, curative and other purposes. In consequence, it would be advantageous to have an approach for suppressing such artifacts. The inventors have recognized the advantage of suppressing the high-density object(s) from the processing in an early stage of the latter.

Method and apparatus for generating an improved image of natural tissue in reconstructing body images from 3D-measurements


A testing device is provided which is able to distribute a liquid sample to a plurality of reaction sections by a simple operation without using a tip dispenser, and also achieves individually independent reaction systems without causing reaction sections to be in communication with each other due to a liquid sample. The testing device has a transparent molded body which includes: a storage chamber for injecting/holding a liquid sample; a reaction chamber for causing a reaction of the sample; a receiving chamber for sucking and receiving the sample, with the storage chamber and the reaction chamber being in communication with each other via a distributing flow path, and the reaction chamber and the receiving chamber being in communication with each other via a sucking flow path; and a liquid reservoir between the reaction chamber and the receiving chamber.

A microplate or the like is a widely known testing device having a plurality of reaction sections, and in using the microplate, usually, a sample is distributed to each of the reaction sections by dispensing the sample using a tip or the like. In recent years, more compact testing devices have been developed, which provide a system for distributing a liquid to each reaction section by using centrifugal force (see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 7-260774) or forming a negative pressure in the device (see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 9-196852), without using a tip or the like.
The system which uses the formation of a negative pressure for distribution provides an advantage that a dispensation is easier and takes less time as compared to the method using a tip, but in the system, a sample is left in flow paths through which the sample is distributed to each reaction section, and the reaction sections get in communication with each other due to the left sample, thereby it was impossible to establish completely independent systems.
In addition, the system which uses the formation of a negative pressure for distribution requires a special pressure reduction apparatus (container) to maintain the entire device under a negative pressure, and the system which uses centrifugal force also requires a centrifugal apparatus, and both of the apparatuses are complicated in operation.


A method is provided for recording metadata elements using a predetermined portion of a photographic filmstrip. The method comprising the steps of recording a primary data field including the entire set of data elements using a first share of the predetermined portion; and recording at least two secondary data fields on a second share of the predetermined portion; wherein at least one of the secondary data fields contains less than all of the metadata elements associated with an image.

This invention relates generally to data communication using a photographic filmstrip. More particularly, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for recording data on a photographic filmstrip.
It is recognized that images provide a superior means for exchanging information quickly and efficiently. However, there is a vast array of data that is associated with an image that can be used to increase the quality and utility of the image. For example, image processing algorithms exist that use data concerning the image such as camera settings, the distance between the camera and the subject, and/or whether a flash was discharged, to improve the appearance of an image. In addition, data concerning the image can be used to facilitate communication between a photographer and a photofinisher allowing the photographer to identify the number and type of prints of the image to be produced by a photofinisher. Further, the image itself becomes more useful to the user when the image is associated with data indicating the date, time, location and subject of the image, thus permitting the user to more quickly locate an image of interest. The image can also be made more useful to the consumer where the image is associated with multimedia data such as audio and other information.
Information of this type is known as metadata. Metadata is a term that is used to describe data that is associated with an image but may not necessarily visually appear in the image. The most convenient and effective way to gather and associate metadata with an image is to automatically associate metadata with the image at the time the image is captured and processed. For the full benefits of metadata to be realized, a method is needed to efficiently define metadata, to associate metadata with an image, and to later access and update the metadata.
A number of systems for accomplishing this result have been developed. Two of these systems have involved recording metadata magnetically on a magnetic recording layer of a photographic filmstrip and recording metadata optically on a photosensitive layer of a photographic filmstrip.
1. Magnetic Recording
In the early 1960s, an innovation in data communication for motion picture film was introduced. A thin layer of magnetic oxide, referred to as a DATAKODE Magnetic Control Surface, was coated across the entire back surface of a roll of motion picture film to provide the capability to magnetically record digital data on the film without interfering with normal photographic use of the film. The DATAKODE Magnetic Control Surface permitted recording of different types of digital data at different stages of production of a motion picture. Such data could range from camera lighting and filter data at the time of exposure, to printer exposure control information in the laboratory, to theatre automation control signals during exhibition. The DATAKODE Magnetic Control Surface was specifically applied to the recording of time code on motion picture films.
During the 1980s, film information exchange systems using dedicated magnetic tracks were developed for use in still photography. In these systems, a virtually transparent magnetic layer on the still photography filmstrip facilitates the magnetic recording of metadata in one or more longitudinal tracks of each film frame. With a virtually transparent magnetic layer, metadata recording may be done everywhere on the film including in the image area, so that metadata could be recorded with each frame of the film. In order to provide quick access to particular metadata at any stage of film use, related metadata is preferably grouped and recorded in specific predetermined tracks. In one of these systems for example, camera metadata, for example, is recorded in several dedicated longitudinal tracks along the filmstrip edges. The camera data, as well as other data, is preferably recorded in pulse position encoded form in order to be independent of film transport velocity.
Commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 5,204,708 describes an approach for recording metadata on a filmstrip using a simple, low cost camera, in which metadata is incorporated into metadata fields that are recorded in magnetic tracks on the film. This approach is used in the recently introduced Advanced Photographic System (APS). In APS, redundant copies of important metadata fields are recorded on a magnetic recording track associated with the image. Each track has a track start sentinel and a track end sentinel.
APS specifications limit the types of metadata that can be recorded to a predefined set of metadata elements. This set includes a minimum set of elements known as required metadata elements, and an optional set of metadata elements known as selectable metadata elements. Required metadata elements include, for example, the date and time that an image is captured and the format of the image. Selectable metadata includes, for example, a title that is associated with an image.
APS cameras that record metadata on film must record at least the required metadata in association with each image. Selectable metadata elements can be recorded where the camera that captures the image is adapted with features that generate the selectable metadata. The existing APS metadata recording architecture does not accommodate metadata types that are not within the pre-defined set of required and selectable metadata elements.
2. Optical Metadata Encoding Systems
Optical metadata encoding systems have been known for many years. Such systems have permitted a camera user or a camera to optically encode words, symbols, or other markings onto a photographic image. Typically, the principal use of such systems has been to provide user readable markings. In commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 5,666,186, an apparatus and method are shown for automatically extracting data from user readable markings on a filmstrip and for modifying the portion of the image containing the user data to improve the appearance of the image.
In another recent system for optically recording data in an image, it has been proposed to hide or embed information within an image using a technique known as watermarking. In this technique, metadata is embedded in the picture itself using a random phase carrier. The random phase carrier is designed so that the embedded metadata is encoded in the image in a visually transparent manner so that while the picture is modified, it does not appear to have been modified. This technique permits data to be optically encoded onto a filmstrip and later extracted from the processed image. In such optical metadata encoding systems, the requirement that the data is encoded in a visually transparent or visually pleasing manner can limit the amount of metadata that can be recorded in the image. Further, there exists a risk that optically encoded metadata can be lost or misinterpreted. Accordingly, a preferred architecture metadata is redundantly recorded in metadata fields that are optically recorded in the image.
As photographic technology continues to improve, new camera and image processing capabilities are introduced and existing capabilities are enhanced. Many of these capabilities require new forms of metadata that must be communicated using the filmstrip. Further, as existing camera features are enhanced, new and enlarged types of metadata are required. However, photographic film has a fixed capacity to store metadata recorded in either the magnetic or optical format. Thus, a need exists for a method for recording metadata that can accommodate an increased variety and volume of metadata using the same fixed amount of storage space on the film.
A further need exists for a method and camera to record new metadata elements in a manner that will permit existing metadata reading equipment to extract metadata from a filmstrip having new and enlarged types of metadata recorded on it.
A method is provided for recording metadata elements using a predetermined portion of a photographic filmstrip. The method comprises the steps of recording a primary data field including the entire set of data elements using a first share of the predetermined portion; and recording at least two secondary data fields on a second share of the predetermined portion; wherein at least one of the secondary data fields contains less than all of the metadata elements associated with an image.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for recording a variable number of metadata elements associated with an image using a predetermined portion of photographic filmstrip is provided. The method comprises the steps of forming a primary data field including the entire set of metadata elements for recording on a first share of the predetermined portion. A determination is made as to whether there is sufficient recording capacity to record all of the metadata elements in each of the secondary metadata fields on a second share of the predetermined portion. At least two secondary metadata fields including the entire set of metadata elements are recorded on the second share where it is determined that there is sufficient recording capacity and at least two secondary data fields are recorded in a second share of the predetermined portion and, wherein at least one of the secondary data fields contains less than all of the metadata elements associated with an image where it is determined that there is insufficient recording capacity.
In another aspect of the present invention, a camera is provided for communicating metadata elements associated with an image using a predetermined portion of a photographic filmstrip. The camera comprises a writing head for recording metadata elements onto a filmstrip. The camera further comprises a controller adapted to compose a pattern of more than two metadata fields including a primary metadata field having all of the metadata elements for recording on a first share of the predetermined portion and at least two secondary metadata fields for recording on a second share of the predetermined portion where at least one of the secondary metadata fields contains less than all of the metadata elements associated with an image, and further adapted to cause the writing head to record the primary and secondary metadata fields on the filmstrip.
In still another aspect of the present invention, a camera is provided for communicating metadata elements associated with an image using a predetermined portion of a photographic filmstrip. The camera comprises at least one camera input, wherein the number of metadata elements associated with the image varies in accordance with the status of the at least one camera input and a writing head for recording metadata elements onto a filmstrip. The camera further comprises a controller adapted to sense the status of the at least one camera input and to compose a pattern of more than two metadata fields including a primary data field including the all of the metadata elements associated with an image for recording on a first share of the predetermined portion; and further composing secondary metadata fields by determining whether there is sufficient recording capacity to record all of the metadata elements in each of the secondary metadata fields on a second share of the predetermined portion and composing at least two secondary metadata fields including the entire set of metadata elements in the second share where it is determined that there is sufficient recording capacity; and composing at least two secondary data fields in the unused share of the predetermined portion, wherein at least one of the secondary data fields contains less than all of the metadata elements associated with an image, where it is determined that there is insufficient recording capacity. The controller is further adapted to cause the writing head to record the composed primary and secondary metadata elements on the photographic filmstrip.
In another aspect of the present invention, a method for recording a set of metadata elements using a predetermined storage capacity of a memory associated with photographic filmstrip is provided. The method comprises the steps of recording a primary data field including the entire set of metadata elements using a first share of the predetermined capacity, recording at least two secondary metadata fields in a second share of the predetermined storage capacity wherein at least one of the secondary data fields contains less than all of the metadata elements.
In another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for extracting metadata from a photographic filmstrip is provided. The apparatus comprises a read head engaging with the filmstrip and a controller operating the read head to read metadata recorded on the filmstrip, wherein the controller operates the read head to read each metadata field recorded on the filmstrip and to extract metadata from the metadata field having the greatest number of metadata elements.

Method and apparatus for magnetic communication via a photographic filmstrip


The present invention provides nanostructures that are particularly well suited for delivery of bioactive agents to organs, tissues, and cells of interest in vivo, and for diagnostic purposes. In exemplary embodiments, the nanostructures are complexes of DNA strands having fully defined nucleotide sequences that hybridize to each other in such a way as to provide a pre-designed three dimensional structure with binding sites for targeting molecules and bioactive agents. The nanostructures are of a pre-designed finite length and have a pre-defined three dimensional structure.

Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the fields of molecular biology and medicine. More specifically, in exemplary embodiments the invention relates to fully engineered nucleic acid superstructures that are engineered to bind and deliver bioactive molecules to target cells or target bioactive molecules to effect medical or clinical treatment.
Description of Related Art
Nucleic acid scaffolds having defined structures are known in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,561,043 to Cantor et al. discloses self-assembling nucleic acid aggregates that comprise (1) a first construct comprising a plurality of first single-stranded nucleic acids bound to a first coupling agent forming a first multimer; (2) a second construct comprising a plurality of second single-stranded nucleic acids bound to a second coupling agent forming a second multimer, at least one of the second single-stranded nucleic acids hybridizing with a complementary sequence of one of the first single-stranded nucleic acids; and (3) a plurality of third single-stranded nucleic acids, each of the third single-stranded nucleic acids being attached to a functional group, and each of the third single-stranded nucleic acids hybridizing with a complementary sequence of a single-stranded nucleic acid attached to the aggregate, wherein the first coupling agent and the second coupling agent each include a protein, a 5′-amino-containing oligonucleotide, a 5′-thiol-containing oligonucleotide, a polyamidoamine, or a divalent linker.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,255,469 to Seeman et al. discloses a periodic polynucleic acid structure comprising a lattice of adjacent coplanar repeating units, each repeating unit comprising at least two antiparallel nucleic acid multi-crossover molecules, each of the at least two antiparallel nucleic acid multi-crossover molecules comprising two or more adjacent double helical domains, at least two of the two or more adjacent double helical domains having a first and second cohesive ends, each of the adjacent double helical domains having helix axes in parallel and being connected to adjacent double helical domains at two or more crossover sites, with each antiparallel nucleic acid multi-crossover molecules being connected to an adjacent antiparallel nucleic acid multi-crossover molecule by complementary cohesive ends, thereby forming an extended double helical domain between a first double helical domain of an antiparallel nucleic acid multi-crossover molecule and a second double helical domain of an adjacent antiparallel nucleic acid multi-crossover molecule, wherein a second double helical domain of the antiparallel nucleic acid multi-crossover molecule is not colinear and connectable with a first double helical domain of the adjacent antiparallel nucleic acid crossover molecule to form an extended double helical domain, and wherein each repeating unit is connected to an adjacent repeating unit in the same plane by complementary cohesive ends to form at least one extended double helical domain between adjacent repeating units in the same plane. In addition, methods of making such structures are disclosed. Embodiments of the invention include those in which the structure can include chemically or biologically active molecules.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,814,964 to Virtanen et al. discloses a supramolecule comprising (1) a first supramolecular component having a binding effector molecule covalently joined to at least one first nucleic acid, (2) a second supramolecular component having a therapeutic effector molecule covalently joined to at least one second nucleic acid, wherein at least a portion of the at least one first nucleic acid is hybridized to at least a portion of the at least one second nucleic acid, and wherein the binding effector molecule and the therapeutic effector molecule are selected from the group consisting of proteins, polypeptides, lipids, and sugars. The patent also discloses that the supramolecule can be provided in the form of a pharmaceutical. The patent disclosure is focused on use of such molecules in methods of hydrolyzing viruses.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,223,544 and U.S. Pat. No. 7,799,903 to Luo et al. disclose a method of making a three-dimensional nucleic acid structure formed with a trimer, the method comprising combining a first, a second, and a third polynucleotide in a solution, wherein at least a portion of the first polynucleotide is complementary to at least a portion of the second polynucleotide, wherein at least a portion of the first polynucleotide is complementary to at least a portion of the third polynucleotide; and wherein at least a portion of the second polynucleotide is complementary to at least a portion of the third polynucleotide; and maintaining the solution at conditions effective for the first, second, and third polynucleotides to associate together to form a trimer, wherein each polynucleotide comprises a sticky end, and wherein the sequence of each sticky end is non-complementary. These documents further disclose that the invention described in them provides a solution for a need in the art for branched (Y-shaped) DNA molecules with precisely controlled sizes, which can be incorporated into dendrimer-like DNA (DL-DNA). The DL-DNA is disclosed as useful for, among other things, controlled drug delivery.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,598,363 to Seeman et al. discloses a polynucleic acid structure comprising a polygonal unit whose edges are parallel helices of connected nucleic acid multi-crossover domains along their helix axes, each of the edges having at least one free end with two parallel helices, wherein each of the two parallel helices at one free end of each of the edges terminate in a cohesive end to provide a double cohesive end on the one free end. The patent discloses that the invention described in the document differs from the prior art in that the structures include DNA double crossover (DX) molecules, rather than conventional DNA double helices. Further, the patent discloses that the structures are useful for, among other things, immobilizing enzymes and other catalysts.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,622,567 to Seeman et al. discloses a two dimensional polynucleic acid array of polygonal units linked together by complementary double cohesive ends, comprising a plurality of polygonal units, wherein each of the polygonal units has, as edges, parallel helices of connected nucleic acid multi-crossover domains along their helix axes; each of at least two of the edges of each of the polygonal units has ends with two parallel double helices; each of the two parallel double helices terminate in a cohesive end to provide a double cohesive end at each end of the at least two edges, whereby the double cohesive end of one edge of a polygonal unit is cohered to a complementary double cohesive end of an adjacent polygonal unit in the array to form an extended edge linking together two adjacent polygonal units; and at least one edge, which is different from the at least two edges, of a subset of said polygonal units has at least one end which is attached to a nanoparticle or pendant molecule. The patent discloses that the invention relates to new motifs for polynucleic acid arrays, which is stiffer or more rigid than prior art bulged-junction triangles.
U.S. patent application publication number 2009/0018028 to Lindsay et al., incorporated herein in its entirety by reference, discloses self-assembling, finite nucleic acid tiling arrays, and methods for their synthesis and use. The publication discloses that the invention provides a nucleic acid tiling array comprising a plurality of nucleic acid tiles joined to one another via sticky ends, wherein each nucleic acid tile comprises one or more sticky ends, and wherein a sticky end for a given nucleic acid tile is complementary to a single sticky end of another nucleic acid tile in the nucleic acid tiling array; wherein the nucleic acid tiles are present at predetermined positions within the nucleic acid tiling array as a result of programmed base pairing between the sticky ends of the nucleic acid tiles.
While numerous technologies and nucleic acid nanostructures have been developed to date in the art, none of those nanostructures has been disclosed that has a pre-selected, finite size and that is completely engineered to include specific binding sites for one or more substances that can function in targeting of the nucleic acid nanostructure to a desired target, and delivery of the nanostructure and the attached substance(s) to the target, where target refers to any bioactive molecule, bioactive complex, or biological cell.

Finite fully addressable nucleic acid nanostructures as nanocarriers for delivery of pharmaceuticals


Systems and methods are provided for determining a temperature of a thermal system that includes fluid conduits. A sensor monitors a current state of the temperature. A controller receives a signal from the sensor that is representative of the current state; determines a flow in the fluid conduits; determines a noise covariance of the thermal system; processes a thermal model of the thermal system; predicts a next-step state of the parameter at a time after the current state; and corrects the next-step state based, at least in-part, on the noise covariance resulting in a corrected next-step state.

In system control, the ability to make determinations is subject to limitations, for example because available inputs are less than perfect. When the preferred granularity is not achievable, determinations may result in control levels that are less than optimal. This may result because the measurement of parameters is subject to a number of limitations such as sensors offer varying degrees of accuracy. Also, in some applications parameter states are not practically measured. In some situations, it is not cost effective to obtain measurements, and in other situations sensors may not be practically positioned at an optimal location of interest for the applicable control scheme.
In applications involving internal combustion engines, coolant temperature sensors are typically available for providing inputs usable in making control determinations. However, the activity being controlled includes combustion within the cylinders of the engine. Coolant temperature only indirectly indicates the thermal conditions encountered by the combustion process taking place within the cylinder. The temperatures within the cylinder rapidly vary during a combustion cycle, which involves ambient air and fuel being drawn into the cylinder followed by compression, combustion and exhaust of the air/fuel mixture. Temperatures of the engine block and head mass defining the combustion chamber are typically not directly known. However, those temperatures have a greater influence on the combustion reaction than the temperature of the coolant in the cooling system. For example, in achieving the desired control response when engine operational changes such as cold start and changes between combustion modes are indicated, cylinder temperature is a significant factor. When determining the proportions and amounts of air and fuel delivery, ignition timing and other factors for optimal efficiency, more pertinent information would be useful.
Accordingly, it is desirable to provide methods and systems for determining more useful information when making control determinations. For example, improved temperature information for use in control of an internal combustion engine is desirable. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the foregoing technical field and background.

Method and system for determining thermal state


An endless track comprising a plurality of links which are releasably, rotatably coupled together to form an endless track, and wherein each of the links has a male linking end, an opposite female linking end, and an outwardly facing surface, and wherein the male linking end of a first link releasably couples and decouples from the female linking end of an adjacent second link when the angular relationship between the first and second links as measured between the outwardly facing surfaces thereof lies in a range of greater than about 45 degrees to less than about 110 degrees, and wherein the first and second links freely rotate one relative to the other when the angular relationship between the first and second links lies in a range of greater than about 110 degrees to less than about 270 degrees.

Endless tracks or belts comprising a plurality of movable links have many industrial, commercial, and consumer applications. For example, multiple links can form an endless belt for an industrial conveyer system, an endless track for a military vehicle or bulldozer, or even an endless track for toy tracked vehicles. The prior art is replete with variously designed links and linking mechanisms and arrangements. Most of these mechanisms and arrangements involve some form of a removable pivot pin which holds the links together. These prior art pivot pins make the addition or removal of a link (in order to increase or decrease the length of the track) a rather complex procedure. Additionally, the prior art also has many examples of far simpler pin-less linking mechanisms. However, these design have limitations which have detracted from their usefulness in certain environments.
In this regard, the office's attention is directed to U.S. Pat. No. 4,882,901 to Lapeyre and U.S. Pat. No. 6,732,856 to Maine, Jr. Both of these references disclose pin-less linking mechanisms which are suitable for conveyer belt applications. In the Lapeyre reference, a link with a post is shown and which engages a cavity. However, given the shape and relative angle of the cavity, the post will easily slide out of the cavity in many situations because there is no positive coupling action between the post and the cavity. In the Maine, Jr. reference, there is a more positive coupling action, but the need in this case for full rotation between the respective links at virtually all angles, and the need for relative movement between links when the links are on the same plane, makes the links difficult to quickly couple and decouple. These shortcomings are mostly due to the usefulness of these links for conveyer applications. The links and linking systems disclosed in the patents to Lapeyre and Maine Jr. do not appear useful for tracks which might be employed for tracked wheeled vehicle applications.
Multiple designs and configurations for endless tracks for tracked vehicles, such as tanks, bulldozers, and the like, are disclosed in the prior art. These systems involve complex mechanisms designed to accommodate substantial loads and stresses. These systems appear to be specifically designed not to be easily reconfigured, and the technologies do not appear to be useful for tracked toy vehicle applications.
Recently, toy manufacturers have provided various kits which permit a hobbyist to assemble rather complex moveable toys, some of which may be remotely controlled. Such kits often permit the user to assemble robotic vehicles which then may be employed for leisure pursuits and recreational activities. Hobbyists sometimes prefer to build these same kits with ground engaging endless tracks in order to increase the usefulness and recreational value of the remotely controlled vehicles. U.S. Pat. No. 4,105,259 discloses a simple endless track for a toy tracked vehicle which consists of a plurality of U-shaped wire links. Unfortunately, this design does not allow for the convenient removal or addition of links. Further, because the links are made of wire, there is typically little friction generated between the track and the surface on which the toy may operate. Consequently, the movement of the toy may be impaired when it is utilized on certain smooth or hard surfaces.
Therefore, there is a need for a endless track that can be applied to a toy tracked vehicle application, and that provides for positive, enhanced traction with the underlying supporting surface, and that further permits the easy removal and addition of links to accommodate hobbyists who may desire to assemble many different sizes of track, as might be required in a vehicle construction toy as described above.
An endless track which avoids the shortcomings attendant with the prior art devices utilized heretofore is the subject matter of the present application.