The present invention provides an image-forming apparatus containing an image bearing member, a latent electrostatic image forming unit, a developing unit, in which the developing unit contains an image developing unit, a developer supplying unit, and a developer container, the mass abundance ratio of the toner to the carrier is 80:20 to 95:5 in the developer container, the developer container contains a flexible pouched member which reduces its volume by reducing the internal pressure and a developer outlet to discharge the developer contained therein, the developer satisfies a relation of formula (1) where A denotes a percentage of voids calculated from a tap density of the toner and B denotes a degree of fluidity (sec/50g) of the developer at a toner coverage ratio of the carrier being 50%:A≦0.01×B−0.2  (1).

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image-forming apparatus such as copiers, facsimiles and printers, in which an image is formed by electrostatic copying process, a process cartridge which is provided in the image-forming apparatus, and an image-forming method which is used for the image-forming apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
The method for visualizing image information via latent electrostatic images, for example, electrophotography is now used in various fields. In electrophotography, a latent electrostatic image is formed on a photoconductor by charging and exposing, the image is developed with a developer containing toner, and visualized via transferring and fixing. The developers used herein are a two-component developer consisting of a carrier and a toner, and one-component developer consisting of a toner alone such as magnetic toner. The two-component developers have advantages of good controllability and are now used extensively, because a carrier takes charge of the functions of stirring, conveying and charging developers, and functions are separated as a developer. Especially, the developer containing a carrier coated with resin is excellent in charge control property and relatively easy to improve environmental dependency.
In a two-component developing apparatus, a toner and carrier contained in a developer container in a developing device. After the toner and carrier are stirred and frictional charged, a latent image on the latent image bearing member is developed by supplying a latent image bearing member such as conductor with the frictional charged toner and carrier by means of a developer bearing conveyer such as developing roll.
During the development of the latent image, the toner in the developer container in the developing device decreases in accordance with consumption, on the other hand, the carrier is not consumed and remains in the developer container. Therefore, the carrier is more frequently stirred in the developer container in comparison with the toner, and accordingly the ratio of the degraded carrier increases. If the ratio of the degraded carrier increases in the developer container, the charge amount of the toner will be unstable, and troubles occur, for example, image degradation is induced.
Conventionally, to suppress the image degradation due to carrier degradation as the above description, so called "trickle developing system" is proposed, that is, not only the toner but the carrier are appropriately supplied to the developer container, in addition, owing to supplying the carrier the excess two-component developer in the developer container is recovered (Japanese Patent Application Publication (JP-B) No. 2-21591).
The trickle developing system is that the degraded carriers are replaced by supplying new carriers in a developing device or a developer containing portion as well as the decreased toners are refilled. Refill and recovery of the two-component developer containing the carrier enable the degradation of the carrier in the developing device or a developer containing portion to be suppressed, and the constant developing properties of the two-component developer are maintained, and thus the image degradation caused by the fluctuation of the developing properties of the developer can be suppressed.
The developer, which is supplied to the developing device or the developer containing portion, is filled in a supplying device which is provided separately from each developing device. The developer is supplied to each developing device depending on the consumption of the developer in accordance with forming images.
In the above-described trickle developing system, the following systems are carried out: the system in which the toner and the carrier are independently supplied to the developing device, and the excess developer in the developer tank is recovered (for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (JP-A) No. 9-204105); and the system in which the toner and the carrier are preliminarily mixed, and the mixture of the toner and the carrier is filled in the supplying device, and this developer is supplied to the developing device (for example, JP-B 2-21591).
Among these developer supplying systems, in case of the former, there is a problem that the developer must be supplied after the mix ratio between the toner and the carrier is adjusted, thus the control is complicated.
On the contrary, in case of the latter, in the developer supplying device, the toner and the carrier are preliminarily in a mixed condition in the developer supplying device, the complicated process of the adjustment of the supplying ratio between the toner and the carrier is not needed, and moreover the device can be simplified.
However, in the latter system, a big difference in specific gravity between the toner and the carrier leads to the state that each of them tends to exist disproportionately when both are mixed and filled in the developer supplying device. In addition, as the toner and the carrier are different in flowability, the supplying properties are different between the toner and the carrier, when the developer is supplied from the developer supplying device to the developing device, the supplying ratio of the toner and the carrier fluctuates. If the supplying ratio of the toner and the carrier fluctuates, the charge amount of the carrier is variable in the developing device, and then the problem occurs that the stable developing property cannot be obtained.
To obtain the stable charge amount of the toner in the developing device, the developer must be supplied to the developing device with the ratio between the toner and the carrier therein at a constant rate.
As a unit which makes the toner and the carrier to be existed uniformly in the developer supplying device, for example, there is a method that the developer supplying device with a stirring member in the supplying device is used, and by the stirring member the toner and the carrier are stirred and mixed.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (JP-A) No. 2004-29306 discloses a developer supplying device, or a cylindrical developer supplying device in which a spiral projection along the surface of the inner circumference, contains a developer supplying container having an opening portion to discharge a contained developer, which contains at least a projected rim provided to project from the inner wall to inward and form spirally toward the opening portion, and the developer which is transported by the projected rim in accordance with the rotation of the developer supplying container is supplied from the opening portion to the developer receiving device.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (JP-A) No. 2004-264510 discloses a filling device providing a spiral screw by the name of auger. Specifically it discloses that the toner container in which a moving member such as a screw by the name of auger or a coil spring is provided, and a cylindrical toner container, so called screw bottle 15, in which a spiral projection 14 is formed along the surface of the inner circumference thereof.
In the filling device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (JP-A) No. 2004-264510, by driving rotationally the rotation axis of the moving member, the toner in the developer supplying device is transported to the direction toward the outlet, and discharged from the outlet then supplied to the developer supplying portion.
By using these supplying device with the moving member, or the developing device in which the supplying device itself rotates, the developer in the supplying device is discharged absolutely without the remaining amount thereof additionally, the discharged developer can be surely transported to the developing device, the developer in the apparatus can be adequately stirred and mixed, then the toner and the carrier can be in the state of uniformly dispersed.
However, in case that the developer is stirred and mixed in the supplying device, the carrier deteriorates before supplied to the developing device. Therefore, it fails to obtain sufficiently the effect of trickle developing system that is the developing properties of the two-component developer can be constantly maintained by supplying the carrier before deterioration to the developing device.
Recently, the developer supplying device with the system that discharging mechanism such as an auger and a screw bottle is not contained in a toner container is proposed.
For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (JP-A) Nos. 2001-324863 and 2002-72649 disclose that the system with the toner in the pouched flexible container is suctioned with the suction pump, and supplied to the developing unit and it is already commercially available. These inventions disclose that the container can reduce its volume, that is the state of deflating a container by suctioning the toner therein after the toner is discharged from the container.
As described above by using the supplying device which does not have a stirring unit therein, the problem such that the carrier is deteriorated before supplying the developing device will not occur. A small-footprint device body can be realized, and in addition, at the time of recovery the amount of recovery per unit volume can be reduced compared with using a hard bottle for disposal.
However, as described above, when the developer which consists of the toner and the carrier and is filled in the developer supplying device without containing a stirring unit is supplied to the developing device, for example, in case that the developer outlet is provided on the lower side of the supplying device body, the carrier with heavier specific gravity moves easily to the lower side. Thus the phenomenon is likely to occur that the toner and the carrier disproportionately exist in the developer supplying device. When the property of the flowability differs largely between the toner and the carrier, the supplying property between them differs largely and the problem occurs that the stable charge amount of the toner cannot be obtained in the developing device.

Image-forming apparatus, process cartridge and image-forming method


A system and method for providing playback of multiple video streams simultaneously is shown and described. A priority is assigned to individual windows of a plurality of windows used for playback of the video streams. A current window being accessed by a user is assigned a higher priority than nonactive, or background, windows. Playback characteristics, such as video resolution, transparency, and audio volume, are reduced in the playback of videos presented in nonactive windows in relation to video played in the active window. Accordingly, a user's attention may be drawn more to the active window than to the nonactive windows, while allowing the video and audio data in the nonactive windows to be provided to the user.

As the information age progresses, more and more information is available to users. In addition, technology advances have allowed data processing systems, such as personal computers, to be able to process and display more information simultaneously to a user. The increased display of information to a user can overwhelm the user, or become distracting. For example, it has been observed that when a system displays multiple windows of video simultaneously that the video associated with one or more of the windows can be distracting to the user. Therefore a method or system of displaying video to overcome these problems would be desirable.

System for displaying video and method thereof


One example provides a computing device including a first portion including a first display, a second portion including a second display and a camera, the second portion connected to the first portion via a hinge, a hinge angle sensing mechanism including one or more sensors, a logic device, and a storage device holding instructions executable by the logic device to execute a camera application and to receive sensor data from the one or more sensors, based at least in part on the sensor data received from the one or more sensors, determine a device pose, output the camera application to the first display when the device pose is indicative of the camera being world-facing, and output the camera application to the second display when the device pose is indicative of the camera being user-facing.

Some mobile electronic devices, such as smart phones and tablets, have a monolithic handheld form in which a display occupies substantially an entire front side of the device. Other devices, such as laptop computers, include a hinge that connects a display to other hardware, such as a keyboard and cursor controller (e.g. a track pad).

Camera and flashlight operation in hinged device


A multi-energy imaging system and method for selectively generating high-energy X-rays and low-energy X-ray beams are described. A pair of optic devices are used, one optic device being formed to emit high X-ray energies and the other optic device being formed to emit low X-ray energies. A selective filtering mechanism is used to filter the high X-ray energies from the low X-ray energies. The optic devices have at least a first solid phase layer having a first index of refraction with a first photon transmission property and a second solid phase layer having a second index of refraction with a second photon transmission property. The first and second layers are conformal to each other.

The invention relates generally to optics, and more particularly to multilayer optic devices and methods for making the same.
Numerous applications exist that require a focused beam of electromagnetic radiation. For example, energy dispersive X-ray diffraction (EDXRD) may be used to inspect checked airline baggage for the detection of explosive threats or other contraband. Such EDXRD systems may suffer from high false positives due to weak diffracted X-ray signals. The weakness of the X-ray signals may stem from a variety of origins. First, the polychromatic X-ray spectrum used in EDXRD is produced by the Bremsstrahlung part of the source spectrum, which is inherently low in intensity. Second, X-ray source collimation may eliminate more than 99.99 percent of the source X-rays incident on the baggage volume under analysis. Third, some of the materials being searched for, e.g., explosives, may not diffract strongly as they are amorphous. Fourth, the diffracting volume may be small. The last two limitations arise from the type of threat materials being searched for in baggage, making all but the second limitation unavoidable. Although discussed in the context of explosives detection, the limitations described above are equally applicable to medical situations.
At lower X-ray energies, such as 80 keV and below, increasing the polychromatic X-ray flux density at the material being inspected has been addressed by coupling hollow glass polycapillary optics to low powered, sealed tube (stationary anode) X-ray sources. An example of hollow glass polycapillary optics may be found in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,192,869. The glass is the low index of refraction material, and air filling the hollow portions is the high index of refraction material. These types of optics typically do not provide much gain at energy levels above 80 keV, since the difference in the indices of refraction between air and glass becomes increasingly small as energy levels approach and surpass 80 keV.
Further, such optics use a concept of total internal reflection to reflect X-rays entering the hollow glass capillaries at appropriate angles back into the hollow capillaries, thereby channeling a solid angle of the source X-rays into collimated or focused beams at the output of the optic. As used herein, the term "collimate" refers to altering the divergence of beams of electromagnetic (EM) radiation from the intrinsically divergent EM beams. Only about five percent of an EM source's solid angle typically is captured by the input of such known optics.
In addition, the use of air in known optics as one of the materials prevents such optics from being placed within a vacuum. Thus, known optics are limited in their potential uses.
The shaping of an X-ray spectrum to optimize it for particular applications is a common procedure. The change in the spectral shape, for example, reducing either the relative proportion of low-energy X-rays or the relative proportion of high-energy X-rays, can in some cases provide for optimum imaging of a sample. One common artifact in radiographic and tomographic imaging arises from the fact that the lower energy X-rays in a typical Bremsstrahlung (polychromatic) spectrum are attenuated preferentially as the beam penetrates material. This effect, which leads to an increase in the mean energy of the beam as it penetrates the sample, introduces a biasing in the relationship between the strength of the transmitted beam and the amount of material penetrated. This biasing manifests as artifacts in any images reconstructed from the attenuation data, such as those attributed to beam hardening in computed tomography. Utilizing an X-ray beam that has a reduced spread of energies can mitigate some of these artifacts. Particularly where beam intensity, with respect to the intensity in that same range of the original spectrum, has been held constant or augmented by the use of the optic, the use of a limited range of energies can provide a desired degree of attenuation for a particular application and can produce an optimum image in terms of spatial resolution and contrast sensitivity. The shaping of a spectrum from a polychromatic energy distribution to a more monochromatic distribution can enable such improvements in X-ray image sets.
Spectral imaging also includes a single energy distribution as well as multi-energy distributions. Multi-energy X-ray imaging, sometimes referred to as dual-energy imaging or energy discrimination imaging, has been shown to furnish information on specific material compositions in scanned objects for security, industrial, and medical applications. Such energy discrimination imaging can be achieved in several ways, including the use of two or more different X-ray spectra, which is often the most feasible approach. A challenge lies in the sequential nature of such an examination, where image data are generated, for example, first with one spectrum and then with another spectrum. In one technique, an object of interest is scanned twice. A first complete projection data set is produced in the first scan for one energy and then a second complete projection data set is produced in the second scan for the second energy. For many applications where high throughput is critical, sample composition is dynamic, and/or sample positioning may preclude repetitive scanning, the logistics of physically scanning an object twice may be unacceptable.
Conventional multi-energy X-ray imaging applications have used source filtration and/or high voltage modulation for rapidly altering the spectral characteristics on a time scale comparable to the view-by-view sampling time in a typical CT scan. Such filtration consists of rapidly and sequentially inserting filters of appropriate composition to preferentially attenuate relatively low X-ray energies. Such methodologies are limited in the degree to which attenuation can produce cleanly separated energy intervals, severely restricting the sensitivity of this approach for analyzing different materials. High voltage modulation to produce different spectral characteristics also has been implemented in some cases with limited success. There is a challenge in both approaches to mitigate registration differences in the image reconstruction projections that result from sample movement between data sets acquired at different energies, as well as a slight misalignment of the X-ray paths that traverse the object, as is incurred with modulating the X-ray beam on a sub-view basis.

Multi-energy imaging system and method using optic devices


A dipole permanent magnet structure having a rectangular gap about a longitudinal axis, in which tapered pole pieces form opposing sides of the rectangular gap to permit establishing a magnetic field in the gap. Permanent magnets having a rectangular shape are coupled to the rear, or base, of each pole piece, and have a magnetic field oriented in the same direction as the pole pieces, perpendicular to longitudinal axis, thereby establishing a magnetic field between the pole pieces. Additional permanent magnets, including a pair of blocking magnets, are coupled to the aforementioned permanent magnets to form a magnetic circuit. The orientation of the magnetic field of each permanent magnet is generally aligned in the direction of the lines of flux in the magnetic circuit to maximize the flux density within the air gap created by formation of the permanent magnets. Moreover, the pair of blocking magnets each form an opposing side of the rectangular gap adjacent to the pole pieces to prevent fringing. The pole pieces and blocking magnets are tapered along the longitudinal axis such that the rectangular gap narrows from the proximate end to the distal end of the gap. The structure is thus capable of generating a magnetic field having a linear range of flux densities from a relatively low flux density to a flux density greater than the residual flux density of the magnet material. Indeed, the gap flux density is limited only by the saturation flux density of the pole pieces. Thus, the permanent magnets can be made of magnet material having high coercivity and high saturation magnetization level. An embodiment of the magnet structure is capable of generating a magnetic field in the air gap having a flux density range of 0.5 Tesla or less to 2.0 Tesla or more.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the field of permanent magnets. More specifically, the present invention relates to the field of multipole or dipole permanent magnet (PM) structures for generating an intense magnetic field in a gap using a minimal volume of magnet material for the permanent magnet structure, wherein the magnetic field intensity in the gap varies according to a substantially linear gradient along the longitudinal axis of the gap.
2. Description of the Related Art
Introduction
The present invention relates to a configuration of a plurality of permanent magnets to produce a permanent magnet (PM) structure capable of generating in an aperture or gap formed by the permanent magnets a magnetic field having a high flux density that varies in a substantially linear manner along the longitudinal axis of the gap.
The performance of a permanent magnet depends on the magnet itself and the environment in which it operates. Advances in permanent magnetism have had a large impact on the number of applications for which permanent magnets may now be used or considered. Advances in such areas as magnet material (for example, rare earth magnet materials), magnet size, and magnet structure have combined to produce permanent magnets having internal magnetic fields with very high flux densities, for example, above 1.4 Tesla (14,000 Gauss). Indeed, today the properties exhibited by permanent magnets offer compelling reasons to use permanent magnets over electromagnets.
Electromagnets can produce quite large magnetic fields by driving electrical current through a coil of electrically conductive wire. However, the size and expense of such electromagnets, as well as power supply requirements and heat dissipation problems, make electromagnets unattractive for applications requiring an intense magnetic field in a physically small space.
Permanent magnets are used in applications that exploit the permanent magnet's unique capability to provide a force, or perform work of some kind without contact. In order for a permanent magnet to perform work, it must generate a magnetic field external to itself. Typically, the object upon which the permanent magnet operates is placed or passes through an aperture or air gap, or simply, gap, in the magnetic circuit formed by the permanent magnetic structure. The greater the strength of the magnetic field capable of being generated by the permanent magnet structure in the gap, the greater the permanent magnet's ability to perform work. To that end, research has focused on techniques to improve the efficiency of the magnetic circuit formed by the permanent magnet structure so as to maximize the strength of the magnetic field in the gap while minimizing the volume of magnet material required.
There are many prior art permanent magnet structures, from the ubiquitous C-shaped dipole permanent magnet to complex multipole permanent magnet structures designed for highly specific applications, for example, synchrotron radiation, or the operation of free electron lasers. Yet some applications, such as spectrometers based on exploiting the Zeeman effect, or the field of power generation known as magnetohydrodynamics, require magnetic field intensities unattainable within the design limitations imposed by such applications using prior art permanent magnet structures due substantially to leakage flux and fringing flux, as briefly described below.
Leakage and Fringing Flux
A brief overview of prior art permanent magnet structures and their limitations with respect to leakage flux and fringing flux is beneficial for understanding the present invention.
An efficient design of a permanent magnet should minimize the effects of leakage flux and fringing flux. Minimizing leakage flux and fringing flux can be accomplished by recognizing and accommodating in the design of the permanent magnet structure the following principles:
1. Magnetic lines of force (flux lines) follow the path of least reluctance (the reciprocal of permeance). Thus, for example, flux lines will generally flow more easily through ferromagnetic materials than air because, as is well known, ferromagnetic materials have a higher permeance than air. PA0 2. Flux lines flowing in the same direction repel one another. Thus, magnetic lines of force tend to diverge as they move away from a magnetic pole rather than converge or remain parallel. PA0 3. Flux lines always form closed loops and cannot, therefore, intersect. PA0 4. Flux lines represent a tension along their length which tends to make them as short as possible. Thus, given that flux lines also form closed loops, they always form curved lines from the nearest north pole to the nearest south pole in a path that forms a complete closed loop. It should be noted that flux lines do not necessarily pass from the north pole to the south pole of the same magnet, but may go from the north pole of a first magnet to the south pole of a second magnet that is either physically closer to the north pole of the first magnet or there is a lower reluctance path from the north pole of the first magnet to the south pole of the second magnet than the path from the north pole to the south pole of the first magnet. PA0 5. In a magnetic circuit, any two points of equal distance from a neutral axis essentially function as poles, wherein flux lines exist between them.
Keeping the above principles in mind, and with reference to FIG. 1, a permanent magnet structure 100 is illustrated in which permeable pole pieces 102 and 103 (which may be made of, for example, mild steel), permanent magnet 101, and air gap 104 form a magnetic circuit. Fringing flux near air gap 104 passes around the air gap, as illustrated by flux lines 105, primarily because of principles (1) and (2) above, rather than directly through the air gap, as illustrated by flux lines 107. Leakage flux, as illustrated by flux lines 106, flows between pole pieces 102 and 103 and across the back of the magnetic circuit from the north pole to the south pole of magnet 101, primarily because of principles (1), (4) and (5) discussed above.
As illustrated in FIG. 1, the total flux directly through the air gap is less than the total flux in the magnetic circuit formed by permanent magnet structure 100 because of the effects of fringing flux and leakage flux. The magnetic field intensity (H) present in air gap 104 is directly related to the number of lines of flux, i.e., the flux density (B), within air gap 104, based on the equation: EQU H=.mu.B
where .mu. is the permeability of, in this case, air (a constant). Thus, the greater the number of lines of flux passing directly through the air gap, i.e., the greater the flux density (B) in the air gap, the greater the magnetic field intensity (H) in the air gap.
Techniques that minimize fringing flux and leakage flux improve the efficiency of the magnetic circuit formed by a permanent magnet structure by increasing the magnetic field intensity (H) in the air gap where it is desired in order to perform work. FIGS. 2(a), (b), (c), and (d) illustrate four prior art methods of minimizing leakage flux. FIG. 2(a) illustrates optimizing the shape of the permanent magnet. Magnet 201 is optimized to minimize leakage flux occurring in magnet 200. FIG. 2(b) illustrates optimizing the location of permanent magnets within a magnetic circuit. While magnet 211 is an improvement over magnet 210, magnet 212 is the best configuration for reducing leakage flux. FIG. 2(c) demonstrates using blocking poles or blocking magnets to reduce leakage flux in the area in which the blocking pole is placed. The use of blocking poles is based on the principle that flux lines from like poles repel each other. Thus, leakage that may occur across the inside area of horseshoe magnet 220 is minimized by inserting a bar magnet 221 (having, importantly, a magnetic orientation opposite to magnet 220, with like poles abutting, thereby providing a counter magnetomotive force) in the inside area formed by magnet 220. The same principle applies to the placement of blocking magnets 223 and 224 about bar magnet 222--the presence of properly oriented permanent magnets at the appropriate position in the magnetic circuit reduce leakage flux and, as a result, increase flux density where desired, e.g., in an air gap. Finally, FIG. 2(d) illustrates optimizing the magnetic field orientation, i.e., aligning the magnetic lines of force with respect to the physical dimensions of the permanent magnet 231 to achieve a more efficient magnetic circuit than in the case of magnet 230.
Notwithstanding the above methods for reducing leakage flux and fringing flux, the flux density of the external magnetic field in the air gap is still limited by the leakage of flux to some fraction of the intrinsic flux density of the magnet material used. To increase the flux density in the gap, it is well known to those of skill in the relevant art to collect and concentrate the available flux in the circuit by using permeable pole pieces, which may be tapered in the direction of the air gap. Generally, the permeance of an air gap is directly proportional to the area of the gap and inversely proportional to the length of the gap. Increasing the air gap area or, more preferably, reducing the length of the gap will increase the permeance of the gap. The tapering of the pole pieces, in contrast, increases the length of the path along the edge of the gap, where the fringing flux passes.
Tapering the pole pieces decreases the permeance at the edge of the air gap and, as a result, decreases the fringing flux. However, this increases the magnetic potential at the pole piece edges, and much of the available flux is lost to intramagnet leakage, as illustrated in FIG. 3 at 306. In FIG. 3, a prior art H-shaped dipole permanent magnet structure 300 is comprised of a yoke 301 made of, for example, a permeable steel alloy, and two permanent magnets 302 and 303. To each of the permanent magnets is coupled a tapered pole piece 304 and 305, respectively, made of high permeability alloy. Air gap 308, through which flux lines 307 directly pass, completes the magnetic circuit. Because the pole pieces are made of high permeability alloy, and due to the reluctance of the air gap, the flux density along the beveled sides of the pole pieces increases. For example, the increase in flux density along a beveled side of pole piece 304 increases the magnetic potential across the magnet 302 and causes flux to leak back over the surface of magnet 302, as illustrated by flux lines 306. Thus, it can be seen that tapered pole pieces may not provide as much of an increase in gap flux density as desired due to intramagnet leakage.
With reference to FIG. 4, a prior art H-type dipole permanent magnet structure 400 improves upon the structure of FIG. 3 by placing blocking magnets (403, 404, 405 and 406) between pole pieces (407, 408, 409 and 410) and the yoke 401. In so doing, flux from the blocking magnets prevents leakage from the pole pieces back to the permanent magnets (402 and 403), or from the pole pieces to the yoke, thereby contributing to the total flux available (flux lines 412) at the gap 411. Leakage due to fringing flux is not entirely prevented due to the open areas to the side of air gap 411 into which the magnetic field in the air gap expands, reducing flux density in the air gap.
Although the flux density (B) of the external magnetic field in the air gap of the permanent magnet structure in FIGS. 3 and 4 is greater than the flux density in the air gap of the structures illustrated in FIGS. 2(a), (b), (c), and (d), B is still limited by the leakage of flux to some fraction of the intrinsic flux density of the magnet material used. The prior art permanent magnet structure of FIG. 5(a) further increases the flux density in an air gap through the superposition of the magnetic fields of each of the trapezoidal-shaped permanent magnet segments.
With reference to FIG. 5(a), a cross sectional view of a prior art dipole permanent magnet structure is illustrated. A plurality of trapezoidal shaped permanent magnet segments 502 are arranged about a longitudinal axis within a cylindrical yoke 501, forming a cylindrical air gap 503 along the center of the axis. The orientation of the magnetic field 504 of each segment 502 is positioned with respect to the orientation of the magnetic field of an adjacent segment to complete a magnetic circuit through the segments, thereby forming a uniform dipole magnetic field 505 in air gap 503 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. FIG. 5(b) illustrates the effect of superpositioning the magnetic field 504 of each segment 502.
The permanent magnet structure 500 illustrated with reference to FIG. 5(a) forms a ring geometry with concentric inside and outside diameters in which the magnetization vector continuously rotates from pole to pole. In practice this geometry is approximated by an assembly of trapezoids 502 cut from generally rectangular or square blocks of magnet material. The blocks, before being cut, have a magnetic orientation straight through the block as induced during manufacturing or during the magnetization process for isotropic materials. With planning, the resulting trapezoids will have a magnetic orientation such that the magnetic vector components of each trapezoid will, by superposition, add to create the desired gap flux density 505 (FIG. 5(b)) in the round aperture or cylindrical air gap 503.
The prior art permanent magnet structure in FIG. 5(a) provides a very uniform magnetic field in the central two-thirds (2/3) of the interior diameter of air gap 503. However, a gap flux density greater than the residual flux density (B.sub.r) of the magnet segments 502 may cause the inside corners of the segments to be exposed to a magnetic field whose intensity is greater than the intrinsic coercivity of the magnet material used in the segments. Such exposure can reverse the direction of magnetization in the corners of the segments, limiting the maximum flux density of the air gap. Furthermore, unlike the prior permanent magnet structures shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, ferrous material cannot be used in the permanent magnet structure of FIG. 5(a). Coupling permeable pole pieces to segments 502 in gap 503 would cause flux to be shunted through the pole pieces situated around the air gap rather than through the gap, lowering the flux density of the gap rather than increasing it. Thus, the maximum flux density of the air gap is proportional to the residual flux density of the magnet material used in the segments times the natural log of R.sub.o /R.sub.i, and factors for the number of segments used and the proximate length of the structure, where R.sub.o is the outside radius of the structure and R.sub.i is the inside radius of the structure.
Yet another limitation of the prior art permanent magnet structure shown in FIG. 5(a) is that the geometry is not well suited to applications requiring a rectangular aperture. When a square or rectangular gap is required for a given application involving a permanent magnet structure, the inner diameter of the structure of FIG. 5(a) must circumscribe the square or rectangular aperture. To generate a magnetic field in the air gap having a very high flux density of, e.g., 2 Tesla, the magnet structure of FIG. 5(a) needs approximately 35% more magnet material than a corresponding structure such as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7.
It is evident from the above discussion that an external magnetic field in a rectangular or square gap having a very high flux density or a flux density greater than the residual flux density (B.sub.r) of the magnet material employed generally cannot be produced economically with the prior art dipole permanent magnet structures discussed thus far. The dipole permanent magnet structure illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,635,889, assigned to the assignee of the present invention, and incorporated herein by reference, can achieve high magnetic field intensities, for example, flux densities above 2 Tesla (20,000 Gauss).
The dipole permanent structure illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7 is a dipole magnet structure capable of generating an external magnetic field in an air gap whose flux density is greater than the residual flux density of the magnet material employed in the dipole magnetic structure. According to the prior art permanent magnet structure illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the flux density of the external magnetic field in the air gap is limited by the saturation flux density of the permeable material used in the pole pieces rather that the residual flux density of the magnet material used in the permanent magnets. However, the prior art permanent magnet illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7 is limited in that the air gap is suitable only for certain applications requiring a rectangular or square aperture.
Additionally, the prior art dipole permanent magnet structure illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7 is limited in that it can only provide a very limited range of flux densities in the rectangular gap. Some applications need a permanent magnet structure capable of providing a range of flux densities, from relatively low flux densities to very high flux densities. For example, in bolometers utilized in plasma diagnostics, or cryogenically cooled detector systems for detecting infrared and millimeter-wave frequencies, and other types of wideband instrumentation, it is beneficial to offer superior sensitivity, in terms of the operating frequency range. The frequency range is set, in part, by positioning a detector crystal in a specific magnetic field density ranging from 0.5 to 2.0 Tesla. In the prior art, dipole permanent magnet structures provide a very limited range of flux densities. Thus, a different dipole permanent magnet structure must be utilized for each desired frequency. What is needed is a single dipole permanent magnet structure capable of providing a magnetic field in a gap having a range of magnetic flux densities.

Single dipole permanent magnet structure with linear gradient magnetic field intensity


A security system and display module therefore protects an item of merchandise mounted on the display module in a retail environment. The item of merchandise is electrically and mechanically connected to a sensor which is removably mounted on the display module by a first power cord. A second power cord connects the display module to the sensor and a third power cord connects the display module to a source of electricity for supplying electric power to the sensor through the display module and then to the displayed item for maintaining the charge on a battery of the displayed item. The display module contains an alarm unit having an audible alarm which is actuated if the integrity of either of the first or second power cords is compromised. A plunger switch and LED may be contained in the sensor and in a base of the display module and connected to the internal alarm to provide additional security for the protected item of merchandise. The alarm is powered from the source of electricity but is automatically switched to the battery upon interruption of this power source.

1. Technical Field
The invention relates to security systems for the display of items of merchandise in a retail establishment. More particularly, the invention relates to a security system which supplies power to a product displayed in a secured condition on a sensor supported on a display module for charging the internal battery of the product or supplying electricity for controlling other features of the displayed product. The invention furthermore relates to an individual display module which contains an internal alarm dedicated to protecting a single product secured to a sensor supported on the display module.
2. Background Information
Retail stores have had a difficult time protecting items of merchandise which the potential customer wishes to visually inspect and handle prior to making the decision to purchase the items. Often such items have been keep in a glass case under lock and key which does not allow a customer to handle the item without assistance of store personnel. In addition, while such items may be secured to a display shelf or base by a cable or the like, this does not necessarily prevent the theft of the item by cutting of the cable or detaching the product from the cable.
Therefore, various security systems and devices have been developed which include a unique display module secured to a support surface such as a display shelf, which supports a sensor that is attached to an item of merchandise and which is mechanically and electrically connected by a lanyard or power cord to the display module. This enables a potential customer to pick up and handle the item such as a cell phone, camera, mini DVDs, MP3 players and the like, prior to purchasing the item, while the item is maintained connected to the display module. These display modules and sensors are provided with switches which will actuate an alarm contained in the display module if the item is removed from the sensor, or the module removed from its support surface, or if a connecting power cord is severed or tampered with in an unauthorized manner. These security systems utilizing such display modules and sensors have proven satisfactory for many retail security applications.
However, one problem has developed in the display of various items of merchandise which require a source of power, usually provided by an internal battery, such as digital cameras, music players, cell phones, mini DVD players, MP3 players etc. After the product has been displayed for a period of time, the battery will loose charge resulting in the product being inoperable requiring constant recharging of the battery by store personnel.
Another problem with prior art security systems is that multiple display modules are connected to a central alarm system and power supply which makes it difficult to rapidly determine which display module or attached product caused the central alarm to be actuated. Furthermore, the alarm system has to be deactivated each time one of the display modules or product displayed thereon is being replaced or modified.
Therefore, the need exists for a security system, and in particular a display module therefore which contains its own alarm system and power supply, and which supports a security sensor which is attached to an item of merchandise, and in which electric power can be supplied to the protected item from a remote source of power to maintain a charge on the internal battery of the item or supply electric power to other components of the item of merchandise. Furthermore, there is a need for a display module which has a self-contained alarm which protects the product secured thereon enabling the display module to be placed at various locations without being attached to a central alarm system or remote source of electric power.

Security system with product power capability


A semiconductor memory chip includes: a reception interface section for receiving external data, command, and address signals in form of serial signal frames; an intermediate data buffer for intermediately storing write data and, optionally, write data mask bits to be written to a memory cell array; a memory core having a bank organized memory cell array; a decoder section for decoding an address derived from a signal frame received from the reception interface section for writing/reading data in/from one or more memory banks of the memory cell array in accordance with a write/read command within one or more received signal frames; and a frame decoder provided as an interface between the reception interface section and the memory core for decoding one or more commands included in one or more frames and outputting data addresses, command, and read/write access indication signals to the memory core and to the intermediate data buffer.

To date, conventional semiconductor memory chips such as DRAMs neither employ frames for data transfer nor include a frame decoder. Moreover, conventional semiconductor memory chips widely are operated asynchronously, which results in a number of disadvantages.
In future memory systems and semiconductor memory chips, it is expected that data will be transmitted at very high frequency. The data transfer will likely be ruled by a protocol, and data bits will be organized in frames in accordance with the protocol. After several alignment procedures, for exempla, a data stream is demultiplexed in the memory chip to a lower frequency and ready for evaluation. Such a novel semiconductor memory chip must include a frame decoder to decode the signal frames to: (a) memory relevant commands; (b) system commands; and (c) write data to be intermediately stored in an intermediate data buffer.
In such a system, each frame can contain one or more memory relevant commands. Commands dedicated to the same memory bank can be placed in different frames. For special command types, one frame may even contain commands to different banks which are called interbank commands. Moreover, data has to be synchronized with decoded commands provided from the frame decoder to the memory core. In order to reduce latency, the frame decoder unit is operated at a frequency higher than the actual memory core's operating frequency. This implies a potential risk of data collision when using the same busses.
For such a frame decoder unit several requirements exist. Handling of complex functionality is one such requirement. Compared to conventional semiconductor memory chips such as DRAM chips, the functionality of the proposed semiconductor memory chips is greatly increased. Main building blocks have to be arranged in such a way that safe handling of functional complexity is possible. Further, there is a need for a detailed specification. Interfaces, especially internal ones always represent a potential design risk. A synchronous frame decoder containing major parts of the conventional asynchronous memory chip logic is easier to specify and therefore safer. Verification requirements are another consideration. Higher functional complexity goes along with special verification methods that are beyond transistor level oriented methods. However, the opportunity to employ such methods depends on certain arrangements.
Further, from a plan layout perspective, that is, the arrangement within the chips area of the main memory blocks, namely the memory banks, for the frame decoder which forms a link between the memory banks and the reception interface section a number of restrictions exist: memory banks can be arranged in a split and a grouped manner; and control signals to the memory banks must be placed in such a way that wire length, timing, power consumption and area impact are optimized jointly.


A light bar may include a body, a battery housed inside the body, a lighting element housed inside the body, a switch operably coupled to the lighting element and the battery to enable control of lighting intensity of the lighting element based on a position of the switch, a first fixing assembly formed at opposing longitudinal ends of the body, and a second fixing assembly. The first fixing assembly may be configured to enable the light bar to be removable and rotatable relative to a case. The second fixing assembly may be disposed at a portion of the body that is between the opposing longitudinal ends, the second fixing assembly being configured to enable the light bar to be affixed to an object when the light bar is removed from the case.

Drivable components such as drill bits, drivers and/or the like, have long been sold in sets that include different shapes and sizes. These sets would typically be sold in, or otherwise be capable of storage in cases that were made large enough to handle the entire set. Before the advent of standard-sized hex shanks, the diameter of straight drill bit shanks might vary with the diameter of the bit itself. Thus, the case would have a plurality of slots, each sized to hold a corresponding diameter of drill bit when the bit was secured in its respective slot. Case structures and layouts were therefore strictly dictated by the manufacturer of the cases. Although case structures were defined for numerous combinations and numbers of bits and/or drivers, the structures tended (regardless of how complex) to be relatively inflexible in relation to any ability to rearrange the locations of bits and/or drivers within the case.
However, with hex shanks becoming common, not only can many different sizes (and types) of drill bits all have a common shank size and shape, but many different sizes and types of drivers can also share the common shank size and shape. In particular, a quarter inch hex shank is fairly standard for use with bits and drivers of all types, shapes and sizes. Thus, the same receptacle can be used to hold each and every bit and driver within a case. This may enable the user to mix and match locations of the individual bits and drivers to any desirable set of selected locations within a case that is configured to include a plurality of hex shaped receptacles.

Rotating and removable light bar and case for transport/storage of the same


A lighting fixture is provided that includes a flat elongated base having opposing longitudinal marginal slots and a pair of upright walls inboard of the longitudinal slots, and a pair of end caps engaging opposing ends of the elongated base. A gasket extends along a longitudinal surface of each of the upright walls. A lens extends between opposing end caps and conforms to the curved marginal edges of the end caps and edges and upright walls. The lens has two opposing longitudinal grooves that align with a pair of side rails extending between the end caps. Each side rail has a longitudinal cam projection extending into the associated lens groove. When the side rails are tightened against the lens, the cam projections tighten the lens into contact with the gasket to form a water tight seal between the lens and the base.

Lighting fixtures are an important part of any home, commercial or industrial setting. Without adequate light from such fixtures, people could not work or live as conveniently as we do today.
However, some environments are hostile to conventional lighting fixtures. One example is any area where water impinges on the lighting fixture. In such cases, water may impinge on the lighting fixture because of wind blown rain or some sort of industrial or commercial process that requires the use of a high pressure water spray.
In general, the risk inherent in such cases relates to the fact that electricity and water are incompatible. Where water penetrates a lighting fixture the moisture may cause a fire. Alternatively, incident moisture may corrode the fixture, rendering it inoperative.
The protection of enclosures against the ingress of dirt or against the ingress of water is defined in IEC529 (BSEN60529:1991), promulgated by the International Electrotechnical Commission. The degrees of protection are commonly expressed as "IP" followed by two numbers, e.g. IP65, where the numbers define the degree of protection. The first digit (Foreign Bodies Protection) shows the extent to which the equipment is protected against particles, or to which persons are protected from enclosed hazards. The second digit (Water Protection) indicates the extent of protection against water. In this example, for a rating of "IP 65," the first digit "6" indicates that the enclosure is dustproof, and the second digit "5" indicates that the enclosure protects against high-pressure jets from all directions. IP65 is the rating required for satisfactory protection in car washing facilities and similar environments.
Prior efforts to exclude water from lighting fixtures have primarily been limited to incandescent or compact fluorescent light (CFL) fixtures. This has proved to be the most practical because of the compact nature of such devices and because the compact nature of such devices makes it easy to construct a globe that may be used to easily cover such devices. In these cases, the globe may be provided with a set of threads that engages a socket disposed around the incandescent or CFL socket.
However, many applications require the use of fixtures that accept 2-foot, 4-foot and 8-foot long fluorescence bulbs. This is the case because of the need for high levels of illumination at a work surface, because of a high ceiling or because of the need to achieve a uniform illumination level at the work surface. However, in the past, it has not been possible to produce a fixture that accepts such light sources because it was not possible to seal such fixtures against moisture. Accordingly, a need exists for better ways of constructing such fixtures.


A method (10 or 40) or system (200) of predictive sensing of periodic intermittent interference (PII) can include the measuring (12) of energy on a channel for an indication of PII, determining (14) if a channel is currently in a PII on-cycle, and adjusting (16) a clear channel assessment threshold to a new threshold for improved sensitivity of the PII on-cycle. If a current energy level on the channel is below the new threshold and if a previous on-energy characteristic suggests that the current energy level will remain below the new threshold for a predetermined minimum period of time, then a clear channel indication can be provided (20). A busy channel indication is provided (45) when either the current energy level is above the new threshold or the previous on-energy characteristic suggests the current energy level will not remain below the threshold for predetermined minimum period of time.

End users of voice over WiFi systems may experience poor audio quality or even a dropped call when using a handheld device that is unable to receive and decode voice and control packets on a noisy channel. For example, the periodic intermittent interference (PII) emitted by microwave ovens may disrupt or impair communications between an access point and a handheld device implemented according to the IEEE 802.11 standard (and operating in the 2.4 GHz band) and the access point with which it is associated to obtain network connectivity. Household microwave ovens use a magnetron tube that generally operates with about a 50% duty cycle over 16.67 ms ( 1/60 Hz) periods in North America (20 ms, 1/50 Hz in the rest of the world). In other words, the timing characteristics of the emitted energy can generally be described as a square wave, cycling on for about 8.33 ms, then off for about 8.33 ms (on/off for about 10 ms in the rest of the world). A means of avoiding on-channel interference from other devices is desired to improve the audio quality experience of the end users who own and operate voice over WiFi services.
Consider a Voice over WLAN (VoWLAN) handset using the access methods defined by IEEE 802.11. The access methods utilize a collision sensing mechanism referred to as the clear channel assessment (CCA) algorithm that senses the energy level on the channel. Since this algorithm is used to defer channel access while energy is above some threshold, the existing scheme may already seem well-suited to sensing microwave interference. Detection performance can, however, still suffer in certain scenarios. A major shortfall of this scheme is when the interference level is below the CCA threshold (particularly at one end of the link) but still high enough to result in a low C/I, and hence lost or corrupted packets, at one or both ends of the link.
With 802.11a/g, the CCA threshold is −62 dBm for an invalid Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) frame, 20 dB higher than that for a valid frame, so this scenario is much more likely to occur with periodic intermittent interference (PII) than with another 11a/g device. When this scenario occurs, the CCA algorithm signals that the channel is clear and frame deliveries (both payload and any subsequent acknowledgements (ACKs)) are attempted while interference is present. The result is that initial delivery attempts are not likely to be successful. Retransmissions can occur based on the 802.11 distributed coordination function (DCF) mechanism which specifies exponentially longer maximum back-off lengths. However, since these are maximum lengths, there is the possibility that all retransmissions are attempted during a PII on-cycle. When this occurs, the frame is dropped. For VoWLAN applications, retransmissions are usually initiated at the MAC layer, and are usually limited to 6 retransmissions or so. The back-off periods between retransmissions are randomly drawn between zero and the contention window lengths that are specified for each retry in the standard. Taking into account the IEEE 802.11 Distributed Coordination Function, the cumulative back-off time is uniformly distributed between 0.238 ms and 27.5 ms for an initial delivery attempt followed by up to 6 retransmissions. So if a microwave oven is not detected (by the CCA algorithm), and an initial packet delivery attempt occurs during the magnetron tube's on-cycle, all retransmission attempts can occur (and fail) before the on-cycle ends.
Even when the CCA algorithm is successful at detecting PII on the channel, the channel may be sensed as being clear during a brief absence of PII only to have the interference return and corrupt the subsequent transmissions (data and/or ACKs) that are initiated. This is especially an issue for rapidly varying PII (relative to frame lengths).
Several published patent applications propose various means for avoiding transmitting on those frequencies/channels where intermittent interference is detected. None of these publications teach how to implement a detection mechanism, but a common theme is that each relies on knowledge of electromagnetic characteristics of the PII such as on/off timing and center-frequency. Even if detection is successful, some PII sources (such as certain microwave ovens) emit interference with significant spectral content across all WLAN channels. In this case there is no "clear" channel available to select.

Method and system for predictive sensing of periodic intermittent interference


A standpipe assembly including a pair of elongated, side-by-side chambers each including a first end and a second end, a Y-valve including an inlet and two outlets, each outlet in fluid communication with a respective one of the first ends of the pair of chambers, a hose connection snoot in fluid communication with the second ends of the pair of chambers, and a valve handle operatively connected to the Y-valve, wherein the valve handle is positionable between a first position and a second position, in the first position, the valve handle is spaced apart from the pair of chambers by at least two inches, in the second position, the valve handle is spaced apart from the pair of chambers by less than two inches.

The present subject matter relates generally to a water valve and hose connection for fire protection standpipe hose systems. More specifically, the present invention relates to water valve and hose connection for fire protection standpipe hose systems that improves compliance with regulatory requirements by reducing the depth of the valve and connection assembly in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) while remaining in compliance with standards and requirements for these types of valves and hose connections as established by various regulatory authorities.
Accessible building standards as described within, but not limited to, the United States Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), ANSI A117.1, and ICC A117.1, limit the protrusion of any object to four inches, if the bottom leading edge of the object is located in a range greater than twenty-seven inches and below eighty inches from the finished floor. The protruding object rule's primary purpose is to protect those who are blind and low vision, and those who use a cane to detect protruding objects within a path of travel.
Presently, the NFPA design guidelines, while using the present technology, are not compliant with the protrusion limits as described within the ADA and other accessibility codes.
National Fire Protection Association 14, Standard for the Installation of Standpipes and Hose Systems, provides guidance on the placement and clearances required for standpipe hose connections. These dimensions are intended to make access to and use of the standpipe system easier for firefighters. According to NFPA 14:                Hose connections and hose stations should be unobstructed and located not less than 3 feet (0.9 meter) or more than 5 feet (1.5 m) above the floor measured from the floor to the center of the hose station valve. This provides easy access to the hose station so firefighters do not have to overly stretch or bend to attach the hose and operate the outlet.        Hose connections should be located so there is at least 3 inches (76.2 millimeters) of clearance between any adjacent object and the handle of the valve when the valve is in any position ranging from fully open to fully closed.
Using the current art and technology, NFPA 14 compliant standpipe hose connections violate the Accessible Building Standards, namely the four inch protrusion limit for objects located between twenty-seven and eighty inches above the finished floor. Also within the current art, a detectable barrier is sometimes, yet rarely, installed beneath standpipe hose connections.
Protrusion limit violations, created by standpipe hose connections, commonly occur in retail stores, stairwell landings of mid-rise and high-rise buildings, Areas of Rescue Assistance (mostly, but not always, stairwell landings), and hotel corridors.
Accordingly, there is a need for a standpipe valve system which allows both a standpipe valve and hose connection fitting to protrude less than four inches from the structural element to which the valve and/or hose connection fitting has been mounted to, as described herein.

Regulatory compliant standpipe hose valve and connection


In a printer, when a cover is closed, a paper issuing path, and a paper setting path are formed downstream from a cutter mechanism in a paper transport path. The paths are switched over by a movable guide. During a normal printing process, the movable guide is swung by its own weight to close the paper setting path, and guides a paper to the paper issuing path. By contrast, during a process of setting paper, the movable guide is swung by the rigidity of the paper itself toward the paper issuing path, whereby the paper is prevented from being deformed with respect to the cutter mechanism.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a printer in which a paper is pulled out from a roll paper, and which applies a printing process on the paper, cuts the paper, and issues the printed paper. The invention relates more particularly to a printer of a type which includes a printer body where the roll paper is to be accommodated, and a cover, and in which, when the roll paper is set, an excess paper end portion protruding from the boundary between the closed cover and the printer body is cut away, and the printed paper is then transported and issued through a paper discharge path that is different from a paper discharge path where the excess paper end portion exists.
2. Description of the Related Art
As a printer of this type, proposed is a printer in which, when a paper is set, an excess paper end portion protruding to the outside from the boundary between the closed cover and the printer body is cut away, a driving roller for the roll paper is then rotated in the direction opposite to the usual transporting direction to once pull back the paper end portion, and the driving roller is thereafter forward rotated to guide the paper end portion into a paper discharge path for issuance (see Japanese Patent No. 2,909,302 (Paragraphs 0007 to 0012, FIG. 2, etc.)).


An image processing apparatus 10 includes a first generation unit 11 which generates a plurality of lower-resolution images having different row-direction resolutions by changing a resolution in a row direction of an image to be processed to a plurality of lower resolutions, a second generation unit 12 which generates a differential image by taking a difference between two of the plurality of lower-resolution images, and a computation unit 13 which computes a correction amount for the pixel values of a predetermined column of the image to be processed by use of a statistical quantity of the pixel values of a predetermined column of the differential image.

Techniques for suppressing noise included in an image are used, not only to allow an imaged object to be reproduced more clearly in the captured image, but also to prevent noise emphasis in various image processing. That is to say, the noise suppression technique is a most indispensable technique among the image processing techniques.
Correction processing called non-uniformity correction (NUC) is a kind of noise suppression technique which suppresses fixed pattern noise (FPN) caused by non-uniformity of sensitivity among image pickup elements.
In the NUC widely used, a shutter is disposed in front of the sensor in a camera. The shutter surface is imaged periodically to estimate FPN, and the estimated FPN is subtracted from the captured image. That is to say, when known values such as setting values are used as the pixel values of the shutter surface, imaging the shutter surface just one time enables the FPN to be estimated with high accuracy.
However, the above-described method poses problems that no scene information can be obtained during several frames in which the shutter is closed, that the chassis becomes large due to implementation of the mechanical structure, that the production cost increases, and that the breakdown increases. Therefore, research and development have been promoted on a way of estimating the FPN by using a captured image alone.
Patent Literature (PTL) 1 describes an exemplary way of estimating the FPN by using only a captured image. The method described in PTL 1 is a method of estimating FPN occurring in a column direction or a row direction of an image by using only one image captured, and suppressing the estimated FPN.
Column noise is noise that has a same offset value in the column direction of the image. When a true value of scene information is represented as x and a pixel value of the captured image as y, the pixel value y(i,j) in a position (i,j) within the image including column noise is expressed by the following expression (1) by using the offset value βcol(j) in the j-th column of the image.y(i,j)=x(i,j)+βcol(j)  Expression (1)
It should be noted that row noise is expressed by replacing the "column" in the definition of the column noise with "row". That is to say, the pixel value y(i,j) in a position (i,j) within the image including row noise is expressed by the following expression (2) by using the offset value βrow(i) in the i-th row of the image.y(i,j)=x(i,j)+βrow(i)  Expression (2)
The method described in PTL 1 performs noise suppressing processing for each column independently. Firstly, a column to be processed is selected from an input image. Next, a row within the target column is selected arbitrarily, and a differential value between the pixel at the center and its neighboring pixel in the row direction is computed. Such computation of the differential value between the pixel at the center and its neighboring pixel is performed repeatedly for all the rows in the target column.
Subsequently, the method described in PTL 1 obtains a statistical quantity of the obtained differential values, and estimates the obtained statistical quantity as the column noise in the target column. The statistical quantity obtained is a median, for example.
The method described in PTL 1 performs the above processing repeatedly on all the columns in the input image. Lastly, the method described in PTL 1 subtracts the estimated column noise from the input image to correct the image in the target column. The column noise suppressing processing is finished once the images in all the columns are corrected.
Further, the method described in PTL 1 can suppress column noise at various frequencies by repeatedly performing the above processing while changing the reference range (hereinafter, referred to as reference pixel range) of neighboring pixels for which the differential computation is to be performed.
It should be noted that row noise suppressing processing performed by the method described in PTL 1 corresponds to the above-described column noise suppressing processing with "column" and "row" being replaced with "row" and "column", respectively.

Image processing method, image processing apparatus and image processing program


A method for opening a browser includes: receiving a signal for starting up a browser and opening the browser; judging whether a locally stored first splash screen image is valid at the current time; if yes, displaying the first splash screen image, if not, displaying a local default second splash screen image; after the opening the browser, further including: sending first information to a server, wherein the first information includes client basic information and image information of the first splash screen image, wherein the client basic information includes a screen size of the client and a client attribute; receiving second information returned by the server according to the first information; and updating the locally stored first splash screen image according to the second information.

With the improvement of mobile phone functions, browsing web pages has become a necessary function on a mobile phone. When opening and entering into a homepage, conventional browsers perform in several different ways:
1. Remain a black screen till the browser homepage is entered;
2. Present a loading progress bar till the browser homepage is entered;
3. Present a state welcome image till the browser homepage is entered.
After a study on the prior art, the inventor discovers that the prior art has at least the following defects:
The user gets a small amount of information when the browser is opened with one single image and, therefore, the user experience is poor.

Method and apparatus for opening a browser and method and server for sending a splash screen image

TENCENT TECHNOLOGY (SHENZHEN) COMPANY LIMITED


This invention provides for a compound of formula (I):

The delivery of biologically active agents (including therapeutically relevant compounds) to subjects is often hindered by difficulties in the compounds reaching the target cell or tissue. In particular, the trafficking of many biologically active agents into living cells is highly restricted by the complex membrane systems of the cells. These restrictions can result in the need to use much higher concentrations of biologically active agents than is desirable to achieve a result, which increases the risk of toxic effects and side effects. One solution to this problem is to utilize specific carrier molecules and carrier compositions which are allowed selective entry into the cell. Lipid carriers, biodegradable polymers and various conjugate systems can be used to improve delivery of biologically active agents to cells.
One class of biologically active agents that is particularly difficult to deliver to cells is a bio therapeutic (including nucleosides, nucleotides, polynucleotides, nucleic acids and derivatives, such as mRNA, RNAi, and self-replicating RNA agents). In general, nucleic acids are stable for only a limited duration in cells or plasma. The development of RNA interference, RNAi therapy, mRNA therapy, RNA drugs, antisense therapy, gene therapy, and nucleic acid vaccines (e.g., RNA vaccines), among others, has increased the need for an effective means of introducing active nucleic acid agents into cells. For these reasons, compositions that can stabilize and deliver nucleic acid-based agents into cells are of particular interest.
The most well-studied approaches for improving the transport of foreign nucleic acids into cells involve the use of viral vectors or formulations with cationic lipids. Viral vectors can be used to transfer genes efficiently into some cell types, but they generally cannot be used to introduce chemically synthesized molecules into cells.
An alternative approach is to use delivery compositions incorporating cationic lipids which interact with a biologically active agent at one part and interact with a membrane system at another part. Such compositions are reported to provide liposomes, miscelles, lipoplexes, or lipid nanoparticles, depending on the composition and method of preparation (for reviews, see Felgner, 1990, Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, 5, 162-187; Felgner, 1993, J. Liposome Res., 3, 3-16; Gallas, 2013, Chem. Soc. Rev., 42, 7983-7997; Falsini, 2013, J. Med. Chem. dx.doi.org/10.1021/jm400791q; and references therein).
Since the first description of liposomes in 1965 by Bangham (J. Mol. Biol. 13, 238-252), there has been a sustained interest and effort in developing lipid-based carrier systems for the delivery of biologically active agents (Allen, 2013, Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, 65, 36-48). The process of introducing functional nucleic acids into cultured cells by using positively charged liposomes was first described by Philip Felgner et al. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., USA, 84, 7413-7417 (1987). The process was later demonstrated in vivo by K. L. Brigham et al., Am. J. Med. Sci., 298, 278-281 (1989). More recently, lipid nanoparticle formulations have been developed with demonstrated efficacy in vitro and in vivo. (Falsini, 2013, J. Med. Chem. dx.doi.org/10.1021/jm400791q; Morrissey, 2005, Nat. Biotech., 23, 1002-1007; Zimmerman, 2006, Nature, 441, 111-114; Jayaraman, 2012, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 51, 8529-8533.) Lipid formulations are attractive carriers since they can protect biological molecules from degradation while improving their cellular uptake. Out of the various classes of lipid formulations, formulations which contain cationic lipids are commonly used for delivering polyanions (e.g. nucleic acids). Such formulations can be formed using cationic lipids alone and optionally including other lipids and amphiphiles such as phosphatidylethanolamine. It is well known in the art that both the composition of the lipid formulation as well as its method of preparation affect the structure and size of the resultant aggregate (Leung, 2012, J. Phys Chem. C, 116, 18440-18450).
The encapsulation of anionic compounds using cationic lipids is essentially quantitative due to electrostatic interaction. In addition, it is believed that the cationic lipids interact with the negatively charged cell membranes initiating cellular membrane transport (Akhtar et al., 1992, Trends Cell Bio., 2, 139; Xu et al., 1996, Biochemistry 35, 5616). Further, it is believed that the molecular shape, conformation, and properties of the cationic lipids provide enhanced delivery efficiency from endosomal compartments to the cytosol (Semple, 2010, Nat. Biotech, 28, 172-176; Zhang, 2011, 27, 9473-9483) Although the use of cationic lipids for cellular delivery of biologically active agents has been shown to have several advantages, there still remains a need for further cationic lipids that facilitate the systemic and local delivery of biologically active agents such as mRNA and RNAi agents to cells. There is also a need for cationic lipids that, relative to those cationic lipids that are known in the art, improve the systemic and local delivery of biologically active agents to cells. There is a further need for lipid formulations that have optimized physical characteristics for improved systemic and local delivery of biologically active agents to specific organs and to tumors, especially tumors outside the liver.
In addition, there is a need for further cationic lipids that provide decreased toxicity (or improved therapeutic index), relative to those cationic lipids that are known in the art.
Traditional cationic lipids have been employed for RNA and DNA delivery to the liver or tumors but suffer from non-optimal delivery efficiency along with tissue and organ toxicity at higher doses. One method of reducing exposure and increasing biocompatibility of cationic lipids is to incorporate chemically or biochemically degradable functionalities, (such as ester, amide, acetal, imine, etc.), which can lead to enhanced in vivo clearance (Maier, 2013, 21, 1570-1578).

Lipids and lipid compositions for the delivery of active agents

Abstract: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R1-R3, n, p, L1 and L2 are defined herein. The compounds of formula (I) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof are cationic lipids useful in the delivery of biologically active agents to cells and tissues.


A connection mechanism is used for rotatably connecting a first object and a second object. The connection mechanism includes a positioning member capable of being inserted in a first fixing hole defined in the first object and the engaging hole defined in the second object for connecting the first object and the second object. The positioning member is slidable in the first fixing hole and in the engaging hole to interchange between a first position and a second position, the positioning member is received in the first fixing hole and the engaging hole to restrict the first object from rotating relative to the second object in the first position, and at least move out of the first fixing hole or the engaging hole to allow the first object to rotate relative to the second object in the second position.

1. Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to support apparatuses.
2. Description of Related Art
Many hand-held electronic devices, such as mobile phones or tablet computers, can be supported by some mechanisms in an upright position on a support surface. However, many support mechanisms are not adjustable and so may not provide the best viewing angle in various circumstances for users.
Therefore, there is room for improvement in the art.

Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.


Systems related to threaded connections whereby off-center axial alignment of connected components is maintained. In one embodiment, threads on one connection component are timed to match the timing of the threads on the other connection component. The one component has a connection sleeve screwed thereon. Once the one component and the other component are mated in the desired axial alignment such that the threads on each joint form a continuous, unbroken thread, the connection sleeve is screwed onto the other component to form the threaded connection.

Typical oilfield connections rely on rotation to screw individual threaded components together. The make-up of these relative rotation connections requires that one or both components undergo rotational movement while the components are screwed together. This rotational movement does not prohibit axial alignment along the centerline of the components during make-up, but it does prohibit axial alignment at any off-center location during the make-up process. This severely limits the number of separate ports/passages into the adjoining components available for wireline or hydraulic communication use. For example, consider the use of a relative rotation based threaded connection between two components, each of which includes a wireline port that passes continuously therethrough at a location 2.54 cm (1 inch) off-center, and through which a wireline is disposed. During the make-up process, relative rotation between the two components causes the wireline ports to rotate in opposite directions along a circular path relative to each other, thus shearing the wireline. Although relative rotation type threaded connections provide high strength with minimal use of a cylindrical cross-section, off-center axial alignment is not possible during make-up.
Typical down-hole connections such as rotary shouldered connections, e.g., API numbered connections, AMERICAN MT, HUGHES H-90, and REED FULL HOLE, all of which are familiar to those skilled in the art, utilize a pin and box connection requiring relative rotational movement.
Stab type pin and box connections which rely on some type of retaining pins or screws to hold the connection together, as is familiar to those skilled in the art, allow for a rotation free connection but lack the strength needed for many down-hole applications, and take up much needed cross sectional area.
Connections are available that do not use relative rotation threaded connections, and thus allow axial alignment during the connection make-up process. In these connections, axial alignment is typically enabled by using a collar that screws onto only one of the mating components. The other mating component has a non-thread type connection that allows the collar to spin freely during the make-up process. Consequently, the non-threaded end requires a sub-optimal connection that necessarily requires a larger fraction of the available cross-sectional area to provide the required strength. This limits the available cross-sectional area for non-connection related engineering purposes, and thus requires a larger diameter design to accommodate the required engineering features, i.e., uses a large footprint design. In most cases a large footprint design dramatically decreases the utility of the engineered component in down-hole applications, and in many cases renders the component unusable.
A need exists for threaded connections that can be made-up while off-center alignment of connected components is maintained. An objective of this invention is to provide such threaded connections and methods of making same.

Threaded connections and methods for forming threaded connection


A fuel system for an internal combustion engine includes a nozzle, a fuel pump, a spill valve assembly, and a pumping control unit. The spill valve assembly includes a first spill valve and a second spill valve fluidly in parallel between a plunger cavity in the fuel pump and a low pressure space. A pumping control unit commands closing of the first spill valve and then the second spill valve to adjust the spill valve assembly to start pressurization in the fuel pump, and commands opening the first spill valve to end pressurization in the fuel pump. A pumping duration is determined based on a timing of the commanded closing of the second spill valve and a timing of the commanded opening of the first spill valve.

Fuel systems in internal combustion engines, notably compression ignition engines, can be one of the most complex parts of the machinery. In a typical diesel compression ignition configuration, a plurality of fuel injectors are associated one with each of a plurality of cylinders. Fuel is supplied to each of the individual fuel injectors, and nozzle outlet checks actuated to controllably spray a metered quantity of fuel into the corresponding cylinder. Such fuel injectors commonly have a number of rapidly moving internal components related to valve actuation and fuel pressurization. These internal components are often machined to tight tolerances and subjected to harsh operating conditions.
Individual fuel injector components, and those in related subsystems such as fuel pumps, may be optimized for operation under a relatively narrow set of conditions, and as a result may perform less than optimally outside of the window of conditions for which they are optimized. For example, certain valves can be sized, actuated, controlled or otherwise adapted for best performance in only one part of a range of fluid flow rates or amounts through the valve. When the valve is used outside of that operating range, performance can be limited.
Some fuel systems utilize a so-called spill valve to control pumping duration of a plunger in or associated with a fuel injector, or in a pump supplying fuel to a common pressure reservoir. In general, the plunger is allowed to more or less passively reciprocate, drawing fuel in and discharging fuel out through a spill passage without increasing a pressure of the fuel. When the spill passage is closed, spilling of the fuel becomes unavailable, and instead advancing of the plunger pressurizes the fuel for injection or delivery to a fuel reservoir. A spill valve optimized for operation at one end of a range of flow rates or amounts may not perform as well at the other end of that range, for example. U.S. Pat. No. 6,173,699 to Kasen sets forth one example fuel system utilizing a spill valve.

Spill valve assembly for improved minimum delivery capability in fuel system


The invention relates to a system for distributing and dispensing liquids, the system comprising a plurality of re-usable containers, each container comprising a removable closure arranged to engage with a neck of the container, the closure comprising a liquid flow passage extending through the closure; and a dip tube fluidly connected to or forming the liquid flow passage of the closure and extending into the container. The system further comprises a dispensing assembly comprising a dispensing pump, a dispensing tube fluidly connected to the dispensing pump, and a connector arranged to releasably engage with the closure so as to fluidly connect the dispensing tube to the liquid flow passage of the closure. The removable closure is a tamper-proof or tamper-evident closure, arranged to deter or prevent removal of the closure by an unauthorised person. A method for distributing and dispensing liquids using the inventive system is further provided. A further aspect relates to a hand-held displacement pump for use with the system and method of the present invention.

The supply of liquids for industrial and/or commercial applications, such as concentrated chemical cleaning systems, requires the liquid to be stored in appropriate containers for distribution from the supplier to the user. Reusability of such containers is becoming an increasingly pressing issue, as the supplier (or whoever is responsible for placing the container into the market) is becoming increasingly responsible for the entire lifecycle of the container. Thus, it is desirable for the supplier to retrieve empty containers from the user, such that the container can be refilled and redistributed. This reduces the number of used containers being sent to landfill or being recycled and thus has obvious environmental benefits.
A problem arises from the fact that the supplier has little or no control over how a container is used whilst in the possession of a user. It is possible that the container may be used for other purposes, such as to store and/or transport liquids other than the liquid originally supplied in the container. Furthermore, the container may be used carelessly leading to contamination of the container. For example, the container may be left uncovered (e.g. with a cap of the container removed), thus introducing the possibility of liquids or other contaminants entering the container.
Since the supplier has little or no control over the use of the container, when processing the container for reuse the supplier must decontaminate the container by washing, rinsing or otherwise removing residual liquid from the container before the container can be refilled and redistributed. This creates a significant burden on the supplier and increases the costs involved with reusing containers. Furthermore, the necessary processing can be energy intensive, and thus the environmental benefits of reusing containers are diminished. Still further, when decontaminating container, the supplier must ensures that waste chemicals are appropriately disposed of. These factors reduce the motivation for suppliers to reuse containers.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a system and method for distributing and dispensing liquids, in which containers used to store and transport the liquids can be returned to a supplier after use, and subsequently refilled and redistributed by the supplier within minimal processing of the containers by the supplier being required before reuse, and with minimal wastage of material.

System and method for distributing and dispensing liquids


A compensator is used with a machine frame having a pair of ends, a first mold half secured to one of the frame ends, a second mold half movable along an axis toward and away from the first mold half, and an actuator braced against the other frame end and having an outer end operatively engageable with the second mold half for pressing the second mold half axially against the first mold half. The compensator has an element secured on the second mold half and another element secured on the actuator outer end together forming a substantially closed chamber. The two elements are displaceable axially and tippable relative to each other. A multiplicity of relatively displaceable and substantially incompressible metal balls fills the chamber.

A standard press, used for instance to hold together two mold halves during an injection-molding operation, has a relatively massive frame, typically of C-shape. One of the mold halves is mounted on one arm of the frame and an actuator braced against the other arm of the frame can press the other mold half toward and away from the one mold half. As such machines can be used to exert enormous pressures (see "Druckgie.beta.maschine mit 2200t Schlie.beta.druck" by E. Brunhuber) it is not uncommon for the frame and mold halves or pressure plates carrying these halves to deform during a pressing operation.
As a result of this deformation the mold halves can deform and/or get canted or tipped. The result can be leakage out one side of the mold, excessive formation of flashing between the mold parts, or even damage to the machinery.
It has therefore been suggested in German patent documents 2,028,009 of Mnilk and 4,317,476 of Krell to provide a liquid-filled closed chamber between one of the mold parts and its support element. While such a system has some effectiveness in making pressure uniform over the surface of the mold, it cannot readily adapt to relatively tipped mold halves. In addition leakage is a problem under the extreme pressures used and such an arrangement must be cooled or insulated if it is to be used in a typical heated molding apparatus where temperatures are encountered that could vaporize the liquid.

Pressure and alignment compensator for a press


A flat panel display stand has a base, a post, a resilient assembly and a holding bracket. The post is securely mounted perpendicularly on the base and has a channel defined inside the post and two guide slots formed through the post opposite to each other. The resilient assembly is mounted slidably in the channel of the post and has two friction feet and a coil spring. The friction feet are mounted respectively in the guide slots and generate adequate friction to hold the resilient assembly in place. The coil spring has an end secured in the channel and provides a resilient force to hold the resilient assembly in position. The holding bracket is connected to a flat panel display and is attached to the resilient assembly through the guide slots. The flat panel display stand is compact and facilitates adjustment of the position of the flat panel display.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a stand, and more particularly to a flat panel display stand that is compact in structure and facilitates adjustment of the position of a flat panel display mounted on the stand.
2. Description of Related Art
Flat panel displays have virtually replaced traditional cathode ray tube displays as standard equipment for personal computers because of the advantages of the flat panel displays like low radiation, small volume and light weigh. Generally, a flat panel display is mounted rotatably and movably on a flat panel display stand that allows the angle and possibly the height of the flat panel display to be adjusted.
Conventional flat panel display stands make using flat panel displays convenient, but improvements still need to be made to overcome disadvantages such as those that follow.
1. Many components of flat panel display stands protrude from the surface of the flat panel display stand and adversely affect the appearance of the flat panel display stand.
2. Adjusting the flat panel display stand is difficult, because friction to hold the flat panel display is usually excessive.
3. A large cover is required to cover all of the components of the flat panel display stand, which causes the flat panel display stand to have large volume and be troublesome to carry.
To overcome the shortcomings, the present invention provides a flat panel display stand to obviate or mitigate the aforementioned problems.


The present invention is drawn to methods and architecture for depositing one or more self-assembled monolayer(s) onto a print nozzle orifice plate surface. In particular, the servicing fluid includes a self-assembled monolayer-forming agent and is applied using a wiper. The wiper is configured to service and maintain an orifice plate surface having a pre-existing self-assembled monolayer, or for initial application of a self-assembled monolayer to an orifice plate.

Ink-jet printing involves the placement of small drops of a fluid ink onto a media surface in response to a digital signal. Most ink-jet printers create printed images using print architecture, also commonly referred to as pens, which eject or jet small ink droplets through a printhead orifice onto a print media surface without physical contact between the printhead and print media surface. Some ink-jet printers contain a plurality of pens, each of which are dedicated to jetting a specific color of ink, and thus, in combination can provide a full color image. Generally, with one type of ink-jet printer, there is provided a pen having an ink reservoir which travels along a printing path with the pen in order to supply the pen with appropriate ink at appropriate times. Alternatively the ink reservoir is stationary the ink is fluidly coupled to moving printheads via delivery tubes. In either case, usually, a printer includes a single pen which is typically dedicated for jetting a black ink colorant, while a separate pen(s) is utilized for jetting cyan, magenta, yellow, and/or combinations or variations thereof.
As noted above, ink-jet pens typically include a printhead which has a plurality of tiny nozzles which displace or jet the ink onto the media surface. The nozzles are typically arranged in one or more linear or patterned arrays. For example, the nozzles (or orifices) can be a multi-linear array located side-by-side, parallel to one another, and substantially perpendicular to the printing direction. The printhead of a pen will also include an orifice plate which helps provide a smooth surface to aid in the printing performance. However, as the printhead passes over a print zone, the orifice plate tends to attract and pick-up contaminants, such as dust, paper fibers, paper debris, etc. The ejection of the ink through the orifice plate often causes ink accumulation which results in uncontrolled ink puddling. Ink puddling can result from misdirected drops, significant ink accumulation on the orifice plate, and pen servicing difficulties. As ink accumulation on the orifice plate can lead to print quality degradation, many methods have been developed to resolve these disadvantages and to improve print quality.
Of these methods, servicing print stations have been placed near the general printing mechanisms to aid in the ink and debris accumulation removal. However, servicing stations generally include cleaning the printhead with a wet and dry apparatus which in turn wears and/or damages protective layers that are sometimes applied to the printhead, thus diminishing the longevity and print quality exhibited by the printhead.
Another more complex approach to remedy the issue of ink accumulation is to apply a self-assembled monolayer onto the orifice plate surface. However, this approach provides only a temporary solution, as these materials are often easily damaged and are difficult to repair. For example, a single application of the self-assembled monolayer can be worn away or damaged after several cleaning installments, thus degrading the print quality once again. Part of the difficulty of repair comes from the fact that these materials are usually applied by dipping the orifice into an anti-wetting solution or spraying the anti-wetting solution onto the orifice. These approaches are difficult when an ink-jet pen is installed within a printer.

Methods and architecture for applying self-assembled monolayer(s)

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.