A transducer assembly including a sensor housing, a heater shell located in the sensor housing, a heater operatively coupled to the heater shell, a sensor received in the heater shell, and an electronics assembly positioned within the sensor housing, outside of the heater shell, and adapted to receive signals from the sensor. The assembly also includes a mounting plate positioned within the sensor housing, outside of the heater shell. The mounting plate has arms extending therefrom and at least one attachment point where the electronics assembly is secured to the mounting plate. The arms are secured to the sensor housing, and the mounting plate includes apertures adjacent to the arms for impeding thermal conduction between the arms and the attachment point.

Various vapor deposition processes are known to be useful, for example, in the production of semiconductor products. These processes are typically used to deposit very thin layers of various substances including conductive, semiconductive and insulative materials onto a substrate. Vapor deposition processes typically require each deposited material to be transported to the deposition chamber in a gas state or vapor phase where it is condensed onto the work in process.
Efficient operation of such a deposition process requires precise control of the pressure of the gases or vapors used in the process. Where the deposit material in its vapor phase has a relatively low condensation temperature (i.e., well below room temperature), the pressure of the material may be controlled using pressure transducers operating at room temperature. However, where the gas state or vapor phase of a deposit material has a relatively high condensation temperature, i.e., above room temperature, to avoid condensation, such materials are heated and maintained above their condensation temperatures, and thus heated transducers are usually required for measuring the pressures of these hot gases and vapors. Heated pressure transducers are also often heated to prevent sublimation or precipitation of solid material. For example, as is well known, ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) is a chemical by-product of processes for depositing layers of silicon nitride (Si3N4), and if the pressure and temperature drop too low the NH4Cl sublimates so that a solid salt forms on any exposed cool surfaces. To prevent such sublimation of NH4Cl, these processes are often conducted at 150° C.
FIG. 9 shows a sectional view of a portion of a prior art heated pressure transducer assembly 100 of the type that is typically used in connection with relatively high temperature, vapor deposition processes. The transducer 100 includes several major components such as an external shell 110, a heater shell 120, a heater 130, a capacitive pressure sensor 140, a front end electronics assembly 160, a heater control electronics assembly 170, and an input/output (I/O) electronics assembly 180. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the transducer 100 generates an output signal indicative of a pressure measured by sensor 140.
For convenience of illustration, many mechanical details of the transducer 100, such as the construction of the sensor 140 and the mounting of the sensor 140 and the electronics assemblies 160, 170, 180, have been omitted from FIG. 9. However, heated capacitive pressure transducers such as transducer 100 are well known and are described for example in U.S. Pat. No. 5,625,152 (Pandorf); U.S. Pat. No. 5,911,162 (Denner); and U.S. Pat. No. 6,029,525 (Grudzien).
Briefly, the external shell 110 includes a lower enclosure 112, an upper electronics enclosure 114, and a joiner 116 that holds the enclosures 112, 114 together. The heater shell 120 is disposed within the lower enclosure 112 and includes a lower enclosure or can 122 and a cover 124. The sensor 140 and the front end electronics assembly 160 are disposed within the heater shell 120, while the heater control electronics assembly 170 and the I/O electronics assembly 180 are disposed within the upper electronics enclosure 114.
The heater 130 includes a barrel heater 132 wrapped around the can 122 and an end heater 134 that is secured to a bottom of the can and is electrically connected to the barrel heater 132 via wires 136. A temperature sensor (e.g., a thermistor) 190 is fixed to an internal surface of heater shell 120.
The sensor 140 includes a metallic, flexible, diaphragm 142 and a pressure tube 144 that extends from an area proximal to the diaphragm through the heater shell 120, and through the lower sensor enclosure 112. The lower, or external, end of tube 144 is generally coupled to a source of fluid (not shown). Pressure of fluid in the source is communicated via the tube 144 to the lower surface of diaphragm 142 and the diaphragm 142 flexes up or down in response to changes in pressure within the tube 144. The diaphragm 142 and a reference conductive plate of the sensor 140 form a capacitor, and the capacitance of that capacitor varies in accordance with movement or flexion of the diaphragm. Accordingly, that capacitance is indicative of the pressure within the tube 144. The front end electronics assembly 160 and the I/O electronics assembly 180 cooperatively generate an output signal representative of the capacitance of sensor 140 which is, of course, also representative of the pressure within the tube 144. The I/O electronics assembly 180 makes that output signal available to the environment external to transducer 100 via an electronic connector 182.
FIG. 10 shows one example of how a capacitive pressure sensor 140 can be constructed. Capacitive pressure sensors of the type shown in FIG. 10 are discussed in greater detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,029,525 (Grudzien). The sensor 140 shown in FIG. 10 includes a circular, conductive, metallic, flexible diaphragm 142, a pressure tube 144, and an electrode 246. The electrode 246 and the diaphragm 142 are mounted within a housing 248. The electrode 246 includes a ceramic block 250 and a conductive plate 252. The ceramic block 250 is rigidly mounted to the housing 248 so that a bottom face of block 250 is generally parallel to, and spaced apart from, the diaphragm 142. The bottom face of block 250 is normally planar and circular. The conductive plate 252 is deposited onto the bottom face of block 250 and is also generally parallel to, and spaced apart from, the diaphragm 142. The conductive plate 252 and the diaphragm 142 form two plates of a variable capacitor 254. The capacitance of capacitor 254 is determined in part by the gap, or spacing between, the diaphragm 142 and the conductive plate 252. Since the diaphragm flexes up and down (thereby changing the spacing between diaphragm 142 and conductive plate 252) in response to pressure changes in tube 144, the capacitance of capacitor 254 is indicative of the pressure within tube 144.
FIG. 10 shows only one of the many known ways of configuring a capacitive pressure sensor 140. However, capacitive pressure sensors 140 generally include one or more conductors that are held in spaced relation to a flexible, conductive, diaphragm. The diaphragm and the conductors form plates of one or more variable capacitors and the capacitance of those capacitors varies according to a function of the pressure in tube 144.
Returning to FIG. 9, ideally, the output signal of transducer 100 varies only according to changes in the pressure of the fluid in tube 144. However, changes in the temperature of the transducer 100, or temperature gradients within the transducer 100, can affect the output signal. This is primarily due to the different coefficients of thermal expansion of different materials used to construct the sensor 140. A secondary effect relates to the temperature sensitive performance of the front end electronics 160. Accordingly, the accuracy of transducer 100 can be adversely affected by temperature changes in the ambient environment.
To minimize the adverse effect of changing ambient temperature, the temperature sensitive components of the transducer 100 (i.e., the sensor 140 and the front end electronics 160) are disposed within the heater shell 120, and in operation the heater 130 heats the heater shell 120 to a controlled, constant temperature. The heater 130 and the heater shell 120 essentially form a temperature controlled oven that maintains the temperature of the temperature sensitive components at a constant pre-selected value.
In operation, the heater control electronics assembly 170 applies an electrical signal to the heater 130 via wires 172. The heater control electronics assembly 170 normally includes components for monitoring the temperature of the heater shell 120 via temperature sensor 190 and adjusting the signal applied to the heater 130 so as to maintain the shell 120 at a constant temperature.
While it is necessary to heat the sensor 140, it is preferable to keep at least some, if not all, of the electronics assemblies 160, 170, and 180 at a relatively low temperature to decrease their failure rate. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the heater control electronics assembly 170 and the I/O electronics assembly 180 are kept at a relative low temperature. Therefore, the joiner 116 that holds the lower enclosure 112 to the upper enclosure 114 is made from a thermally conductive material, such as aluminum, to dissipate heat from the heater 130 and the heater shell 120 and away from the heater control electronics assembly 170 and the I/O electronics assembly. Alternatively, or in addition, the transducer may be provided with vents and thermal shunts to enable convective cooling between the lower enclosure 112 and the upper enclosure 114. Examples of vents and thermal shunts are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,625,152 (Pandorf et al.). Another method of cooling the upper enclosure 114 includes physically spacing, or separating, the upper enclosure 114 from the lower enclosure 112. Active cooling can also be employed using fans or thermoelectric coolers.
What is still desired is a new heated pressure transducer assembly having improved thermal characteristics which allow the electronics assemblies to be kept at a relatively low temperature to decrease their failure rate. Preferably, the transducer will be relatively compact, with the housing enclosures closely coupled. In addition, the transducer will preferably not require the use of active cooling devices or vents allowing direct airflow over electronics assemblies contained in the housing enclosures.

Thermal mounting plate for heated pressure transducer


A method and system for design and development of financial instruments which enables businesses to benefit from the economic value of risk management. First the system develops a methodology, for specific sector, to extract root products. A database is designed to continually update the technical specifications of root products to ensure the uniformity of defined generic specification. Next the system database continually monitors, stores and analyzes the market intelligence required for determining the products relative market strength. Finally, a flexible contract product is designed transforming these products to financial instruments. Such financial instruments are continuously updated, added and deleted as the technical and market conditions change.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to developing risk management tools for manufacturing environment to achieve market efficiency
2. Related Field
The globalization of market economies is changing the way business in general, and manufacturing in particular, are conducted. In addition to the usual supply and demand factors, the huge inflows (and outflows) of capital from one market to another are creating a much larger market swing than the predictable seasonal or cyclical changes that occur from time to time. This stems from significant inter-manufacturing trades that take place routinely around the world. In a given environment there are risk elements that in normal circumstances are assumed to be known among the parties involved in the line of supply chain. Buyers and sellers in manufacturing sector expect a fixed price once an order is placed. They assume that the market conditions including currency and interest rates remain static during that period or if not each party is responsible for the risk involved.
In today's practices purchases and sales are made between any two parties in the old fashion way. A handshake. Such arrangements, known as forward contracts, bear a fixed price and promised delivery. A vast majority of these contracts remain exposed to risk; its significance has recently come to light mainly due to globalization of business activities. The manufacturing community has not yet addressed the question of shifting risk from tangible assets (the inventory) to paper trading (securities).
Manufacturers are aware of the risk involved in building up inventory if the market goes soft because an untimely liquidation can be costly. Those who do not maintain inventory assume a similar risk. A sudden increase in the price of raw materials may cut into their profit. Minimizing the cost of storage or inventory, however, provides a strong and logical economic justification, considering the cost of money alone. The application of risk management will accommodate the manufacturers' inventory dilemma as well as stabilizing prices. It will end the boom and bust cycle by creating price stability in basic commodities. It also provides price transparency which helps market to become more efficient. Most significantly it lowers the cost to consumer by creating more competitive business environment
The Risk Factor
Risk is an element of uncertainty. Generally risks are typified as speculative or inherent; they are either static or dynamic. Risk management is a tool for removing the lack of knowledge about the type of risk. Risk is normally reduced or avoided by shifting it from, say, consumer to risk taker. A major risk in business is market risk. The market risk may generally be perceived as price, interest rate and currency exchange rate. Any movement in a price or rate will be undesirable to some market participants. Financial market innovations have sharply reduced many liquidity risks in recent years. Risk management, as a tool, can help minimize possible financial losses resulting from price changes. This technique is extensively used in futures industry. In all these cases formal exchanges facilitate the risk management by allowing the producer and consumer to transfer their business risk to risk takers.
Present Practices in Risk Management
Risk management has been, of course, addressed in some businesses through traditional commodity exchanges. The mechanism of risk management is generally based on certain products representing a broad spectrum of industries ranging from agricultural to mining and financial. At present a limited number of products traded in such exchanges serve as bench mark for pricing the underlying commodity of a given industry. Crude oil is an example for petroleum industry. The market liquidity is then largely dependent on such selected product It should be noted that the specific product selected even though fully researched does not guarantee of being the right one and many tries are made before a successful launch of a product is proven. This interpretation of product selection is generally based on criteria practiced in traditional commodity exchanges. The criteria for product selection, presently tailored for floor trading model, include size, volatility, source of public information (such as supply and demand), existence of dealer community and most important, the liquidity factor which is considered an essential element for risk management.
Based on such products financial instruments are designed. They are then used as the medium to shift financial risks. This implies that certain physical assets should be translated to financial instruments. The economic value of commodity trading, therefore, lies in its ability to transfer risk from the hedger (producer and consumer) to investors or risk takers. This is the basis for stabilizing price which accommodates a smooth supply chain within, say, the manufacturing community. The greatest achievement of financial instruments is to free, for example, manufacturer or supplier from commitment to holding contract until the goods are delivered or received at the expiration date. They can be traded as any other traditional securities
Problem of Developing Products
The extension of random product selection to other industries, as means of risk management tool, is difficult and costly due to several factors. Firstly, the number of products become limitless in, say, manufacturing as the value-added products continue to expand. Secondly, the dynamics of industry cause continuous changes in product specification and most important, the global trade requirements will render the existing rigid exchanges impractical for handling large number of products effectively. In contrast to standard contracts, non-standard contracts pose a higher risk for exchanges than standard contracts. Risks include those with bad credit (e.g., due to bankruptcy or foreclosure), non-performing contracts (e.g., late or non delivery of goods or non payment).
In view of the above; therefore what is needed is a system, method and computer program product for flexible products and contracts adaptable to risk management. Such a system would create a "marketplace" in which producers and consumers of these financial instruments as a means for managing their risk.

Method of tradeable financial instrument from value-added manufactured product by pareto market analysis


A plug-flow operated, horizontal fermenter for anaerobic fermentation of biogenic waste includes a fermenter tank having an inlet and an outlet that is configured to be filled with a biomass material. The fermenter also includes an agitator having a shaft passing through the fermenter tank in its longitudinal direction, wherein the shaft is mounted in end regions of the fermenter tank and is designed as a closed, hollow shaft having an inner space filled with gas or air. A plurality of agitator arms are arranged on the shaft. The inner space of the shaft is monitored with respect to a gas or air pressure to ensure that a buoyancy of the shaft in the filled fermenter tank at least approximately compensates for a sagging of the shaft.

The present invention relates to a plug-flow operated fermenter for anaerobic fermentation of biogenic waste, with an inlet and an outlet, and with an agitator which consists of a shaft passing through the fermenter in its longitudinal direction, on which a multitude of agitator arms are arranged, wherein the shaft is mounted in the region of the fermenter ends.
The applicant is the worldwide leader in providing installations for producing biogas from biogenic waste. The basic construction of such installations is to be deduced from the European patent document EP-0'476'217-A. The installations operate according to a method according to the European Patent EP-B-621'336. The firstly mentioned patent document discloses a plug-flow operated, horizontal fermenter which is suitable for the anaerobic fermentation of biogenic waste. The fermenter is an elongated, horizontal tank with an inlet provided at one end, and with an outlet present at the oppositely lying end. The biogenic waste, reduced in size, is fed in at the inlet side and is inoculated with fermented material and/or press water from the processing. The material to be fermented is enriched with methane bacteria by way of this. The biogenic waste, amid controlled thorough mixing, is decomposed while forming biogas, and subsequently led through the outlet for aerobic decay after the exit.
The worldwide demand for installations of systems of the type mentioned above to have increasing capacities also leads to ever-larger fermenters being built. In order to render this possible, the fermenter tanks must be set up on location, wherein this may be effected either by way of a segmented joining-together into a steel tank, or, as is known from EP-770'675-A, the horizontal fermenter tank may be set up on location from concrete. Nowadays, horizontal fermenter tanks are realized with a total length of over 50 meters and a diameter of over 10 meters for increasing the capacity. In previous systems, the shaft of the agitator was designed as a solid steel shaft. This is possible without any problems with lengths below 20 meters. If greater lengths are required, then the intrinsic weight of the shafts leads to a sagging, which is a problem. The agitator indeed must not only thoroughly mix the biogenic waste in order to achieve a certain homogeneity, but one must simultaneously also ensure that heavy solid matter, in particular such as sand and stones, do not sediment at the bottom of the fermenter tank and as a result may no longer be carried away. Although the fermenter is operated in plug-flow, the through-flow is not capable of carrying away the sinking heavy substances, since the plug-flow movement only has a low flow speed. The throughput time of the biogenic waste through the fermenter from the inlet to the outlet, in fact, is several days. The agitator as a result of this, apart from thoroughly mixing, likewise contributes to conveying this heavy matter upwards from the base again, in order afterwards to be transported with the subsequent sinking movement in the plug-flow, in the direction of the fermenter outlet. Accordingly, the agitator consists of a shaft passing through the fermenter, with a multitude of agitator arms, which at their end distant to the shaft are provided with suitable blades.
With greatly dimensioned fermenters, the sagging of the shaft has led to the blades practically brushing along on the fermenter wall, and accordingly the occurrence of defects of the fermenter after a few years of operation. In the most obvious solution, the shaft is mounted by way of intermediate supports. This solution however has not proven itself suitable, since the supports upset the plug-flow operation.
Finally, a fermenter is known from DE-A-31'49'344, which comprises an agitator which is provided with tank-like agitator arms. These agitator arms are designed such that gas may be pumped into these amid the displacement of fluid components from these tank-like agitator arms, so that their buoyancy effects a rotational movement of the agitator, without a driven shaft being required.
It is therefore the object of the invention to provide a solution which avoids a sagging of the shaft, and rules out damage resulting from this.


In a method and apparatus for reading a logic state stored in an 8 transistor memory cell (8TMC), a differential sense circuit includes a differential input circuit having a pair of differential inputs and an output. An output signal is provided at the output and is indicative of a difference between two signals received at the pair of differential inputs. The difference is in accordance with the logic state read from the 8TMC. A sense amplifier is coupled to the output, the sense amplifier being operable to amplify the output signal that is greater than a threshold and switch the output signal to a voltage level corresponding to the logic state. The difference between the two signals measurable over a configurable time period is greater than a corresponding change in any one of the two signals measured over the same period, thereby improving the performance of the 8TMC.

The present invention is related in general to integrated circuits (ICs), and more particularly to an apparatus and method for bit line sensing in memory devices.
A static random access memory (SRAM) is a well-known memory device that is capable of storing millions of bits of information. Unlike the dynamic random access memory (DRAM) which requires a periodic refresh, the SRAM memory typically does not require a periodic refresh, thereby making it faster. The bits of information are stored in individual memory cells organized as an array of rows and columns to make efficient use of space on a semiconductor substrate used in the fabrication of the SRAM.
A well-known architecture in the design of a memory cell uses six metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) transistors, e.g., a 6T memory cell. Four transistors defining an SRAM cell core are configured as cross-coupled inverters, which act as a bistable circuit, retaining the state imposed onto it while being powered. Each inverter includes a load transistor and a driver transistor. The output of the two inverters is complementary to one another, except during transitions from one state to another. Two additional transistors known as "pass" or "access" transistors provide access to the cross-coupled inverters during a read operation (simply referred to as read) or write operation (simply referred to as write). The gate inputs of the pass transistors are typically connected in common to a "word line", or WL. The drain of one pass transistor is connected to a "bit line", or BL, while the drain of the other pass transistor is connected to the logical complement of the bit line, bit line bar, BLB, or BL_.
The 6T memory cell may be vulnerable to stability problems since the read and the write operation share some of the devices. Trend towards lower operating voltages and adoption of deep submicron technologies (e.g., below 65 nanometers) may exacerbate the problems. The stability problems often arise when stored charges on the internal storage nodes of the cell core are disturbed. In standard 6T memory cells, this may arise, for example, during a read operation in which an access transistor is connected to an internal node having a stored logical "0" (e.g., ground potential) associated therewith is activated with a logical "1" (e.g., high logic value) being present on the corresponding bit line. In this instance, the internal node is pulled above ground potential through the corresponding access transistor, which may unintentionally flip the logical state stored in the 6T memory cell. The stability of the 6T memory cell may be improved by adding two transistors, which generally results in an increase in the silicon area. An 8 transistor (8T) memory cell generally provides separate mechanisms to read data from the cell and write data to the cell, thereby enabling optimized performance and optimized sizing for the separate (or decoupled) read and write operations.
FIG. 1 illustrates an architecture of a traditional 8 transistor (8T) memory cell 100, according to prior art. In the depicted embodiment, a read circuit 102 for the 8T memory cell 100 includes a read access transistor 110, a read pull-down transistor 120 (also referred to as a read drive transistor), and a read bit line bar (RBLB) 130. A word line WL 104 is coupled to the gate of the read access transistor 110, thereby controlling its operation. The core cell 150 includes a first node T 152 to store a bit value, with a second node C 154 storing a complementary value relative to the first node T 152. The first node T 152 is coupled to the gate of the read pull-down transistor 120, thereby controlling its operation. A drain of the read pull-down transistor 120 is coupled to a source of the read access transistor 110, a source of the read pull-down transistor 120 is coupled to a ground level bias supply Vssm 160, e.g., 0.3 volts, and a drain of the read access transistor 110 is coupled to the RBLB 130.
The RBLB 130 is precharged to a logic high, e.g., 1.1 volts prior to the read operation. When a bit value stored at the first node T 152 is a logic high and when the word line WL 104 is asserted to a logic high, the read access transistor 110 and the read pull-down transistor 120 provide a low resistance path between RBLB 130 and Vssm 160, thereby pulling the RBLB 130 voltage below the precharge logic high voltage. When a bit value stored at the first node T 152 is a logic low or when the word line WL 104 is de-asserted to a logic low, at least one of the read access transistor 110 and the read pull-down transistor 120 is open, thereby electrically cutting off the conductive path between RBLB 130 and VSSM 160. This results in substantially retaining the voltage at RBLB 130, which is equal to the precharge logic high voltage (assuming negligible leakage current).
However, supply voltage improvements such as increasing supply voltage from a ground reference (not shown) Vss=0 volts to Vssm 160=0.3 volts (for providing increased forward bias) or increasing WL 104 from 1.1 volts to 1.4 volts, which may have been made to improve writability to the 8T memory cell or to reduce power consumption, often cause level shift problems (e.g., between periphery and the memory cell array) during sensing of voltage at RBLB 130. In addition, a low level voltage (e.g., Vssm=0.3 volts) at RBLB 130 is comparable to a threshold voltage (Vt) of a transistor and may not be easily differentiated from a high logic level across corners of an array or other reduced power voltages during the sensing operation. As a result, the performance of the traditional 8T memory cell may be reduced and may result in increased read errors.

High performance, area efficient direct bitline sensing circuit


A new and distinct plum tree variety bearing fruit which are high in antioxidants and anthocyanins that makes it distinct from other Japanese-like plum trees that bear red fleshed fruit. The fruit is characterized by its attractive dark red to black skin color and its intense blood red flesh color ripening in mid February in the Granite Belt of southern Queensland, Australia. The trees are precocious with regular high annual fruit production.

This invention relates to the discovery and asexual propagation of a new and distinct variety of plum tree, Prunus salicina Lindl cv. 'Queen Garnet', as herein described and illustrated.
The new plum tree variety originated from the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries stone fruit breeding program at the Applethorpe Research Station from an open pollination of 'Blackamber' (unpatented) plum and 'Amber Jewel' (unpatented) plum. Seeds were collected, germinated and planted as seedlings on their own roots at the Applethorpe Research Station in October, 1998. The new plum tree variety was selected in 2001, and has been tested as 'GB 403-39' (hereinafter to be referred to as 'Queen Garnet'). The new plum tree variety 'Queen Garnet' was first asexually propagated by budding onto 'Nemared' and 'Golden Queen' (unpatented) peach rootstocks in 2001 in an experimental orchard at the Applethorpe Research Station for two succeeding generations, which shows that characteristics of the tree are established and uniformly transmitted.
The new and distinct variety of plum tree is characterised by a medium-large tree that is precocious and productive. The new plum tree variety 'Queen Garnet' is self-unfruitful and blooms early to mid-season with 'Blackamber' and 'Santa Rosa' (unpatented), both of which are adequate pollinisors. Fruit of the new plum tree variety 'Queen Garnet' are medium to large, black skinned with extremely dark red flesh that is firm, almost non-melting in texture, and moderately sweet flavour. The fruit of the new plum tree variety 'Queen Garnet' mature in Stanthorpe, Queensland, Australia in mid February, about two weeks later than 'Friar' (unpatented) and 'Amber Jewel' plum depending on seasonal conditions. Further, the fruit of the new plum tree variety 'Queen Garnet' are extremely high in anthocyanins that make it distinct from other red fleshed plums.
Contrast is made to 'Donsworth' (unpatented) plum for reliable description and contrast.
The new plum tree variety 'Queen Garnet' is distinct from its seed parent 'Blackamber' inter alia by producing fruit having flesh that tends to be a dark red. In contrast, 'Blackamber' produces fruit having flesh that tends to be amber. The new plum tree variety 'Queen Garnet' also resembles 'Mariposa' (unpatented) but it is distinguished from 'Mariposa' inter alia by producing fruit having high total antioxidant capacity. In contrast, 'Mariposa' produces fruit having low to moderate antioxidant capacity.
The new plum tree variety is moderately vigorous and large, and semi-spreading in growth with adaptation to high chill stonefruit production regions producing annual crops of good flavour and eating quality fruit of medium to large size, semi-freestone fruit with full dark red to black skin and dark, blood red flesh with extremely high levels of anthocyanin compounds which ripen about 2 weeks later than 'Friar' in mid-February and having firm flesh with good shipping characteristics for its intended fresh market use.

State of Queensland through its Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries


There is provided a communication apparatus including: a device detecting unit detecting devices capable of establishing a wireless connection; a user input unit selecting, based on a user operation, a combination of sync devices to carry out a pairing process out of a plurality of sync devices detected by the device detecting unit; a message transmitting unit transmitting an autosetup request message to one sync device out of the selected sync devices; a message receiving unit receiving an autosetup response message from a transmission destination of the autosetup request message; a wireless connection unit establishing a wireless connection with each of the selected sync devices; and a reproduction starting unit wirelessly transmitting, as a source device, data to be reproduced to each of the sync devices after establishment of the wireless connections.

The present disclosure relates to a communication apparatus and a communication method for operating as a source device simultaneously transmitting data to a plurality of sync devices that reproduce data, to a communication apparatus and a communication method for operating as a sync device that receives data transmitted from a source device and carries out a reproduction process, and to a communication system composed of one source device and a plurality of sync devices. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a communication apparatus and a communication method for operating as a source device and transmitting data to a plurality of sync devices that have been subjected to a pairing process, to a communication apparatus and a communication method for carrying out a pairing process with other sync devices and receiving and reproducing data transmitted from a source device, and to a communication system composed of one source device and a plurality of sync devices subjected to a pairing process.
Due to the spread of communication technology, data can now be transferred between devices such as personal computers (PCs) or the like using a wireless network such as a wireless LAN (Local Area Network). For wireless LAN technology, the main standards are IEEE 801.11 and the Wi-Fi Alliance. The technical specification of a wireless LAN is standardized according to IEEE802.11 and the Wi-Fi Alliance sets the method of testing for interoperability and certifies products.
Wireless LAN technology can be used in various applications. As one example, it is possible to use wireless LAN technology when video data and audio data are transmitted from one source device, such as a personal computer or a tuner device, respectively to two sync devices in the form of a video reproduction sync device (such as a TV set) with a video reproduction function and an audio reproduction sync device (such as a speaker) with an audio reproduction function.
Various applications of this technology have already been proposed. Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2010-166481 discloses a sync device capable of determining, when reproducing AV (audio-video) data transferred wirelessly according to wireless multicast transmission from a source device, the wireless connection state of other sync devices that reproduce AV data from the same source device. Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2010-166609 discloses a source device capable of transmitting, when AV data transferred wirelessly from the source device according to wireless multicast transmission is reproduced, sync device information on each sync device to enable the respective sync devices to determine the wireless connection states of the other sync devices that reproduce AV data from the same source device. Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication Nos. 2010-166610 and 2010-166611 disclose a source device capable of transmitting, when AV data transferred wirelessly from the source device according to wireless multicast transmission is reproduced, sync device information to enable the respective sync devices to determine the wireless connection states of the other sync devices that reproduce AV data from the same source device. Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2010-166612 discloses a sync device capable of determining, when AV data transferred wirelessly from a source device according to wireless multicast transmission is reproduced, the wireless connection state of other sync devices that reproduce AV data from the same source device and also a source device that transmits AV data to such sync device.
In a communication system composed of a source device that transmits AV data, a video reproduction sync device, and an audio reproduction sync device as described above, once the video reproduction sync device and the audio reproduction sync device have been subjected to a pairing process, during subsequent connecting operations, by merely selecting the video reproduction sync device, it is possible to have the corresponding audio reproduction sync device automatically selected. By doing so, in a case where the communication system is frequently used, it is possible to reduce the burden placed on the user. Normally, the pairing process for pairing sync devices together is carried out by the user operating the video reproduction sync device and the audio reproduction sync device.
To use a connection scheme with a source device that transmits AV data and a video reproduction sync device and an audio reproduction sync device, it is normally necessary for the user to carry out the operation described below, which is troublesome for the user.                (1) The user operates both the video reproduction sync device and the audio reproduction sync device to perform a pairing process for the two devices.        (2) The user operates both the source device and the video reproduction sync device to connect such devices.        (3) The user operates both the source device and the audio reproduction sync device to connect such devices.

Communication apparatus, communication method, and communication system


An antiperspirant compositions and corresponding methods of application wherein the compositions comprise a) a skin-adhering system comprising i) a skin-adhering polymer, ii) one or more volatile solvents; b) antiperspirant active; c) thickening agent; and d) an anhydrous carrier in an amount sufficient to provide enhanced substantivity of antiperspirant actives.

Many topical antiperspirant products are commercially available in a variety of formulations and product forms. These products typically contain a solid and/or liquid carrier in combination with an antiperspirant active. Antiperspirant actives help to reduce or eliminate perspiration on the underarm or other areas of the skin. It is believed that these antiperspirant actives work by dissolving in sweat after application, diffusing as a dissolved material into the sweat ducts, and then precipitating in the sweat ducts to form a plug that inhibits the flow of perspiration. Although the antiperspirant actives are capable of providing this function, the actives are not able to achieve optimum performance due to their inability to adhere to the skin. After application, most of the actives flake off or are transferred from the skin onto clothing or other material thereby leaving only a minimal amount of active available to inhibit the flow of perspiration.
The present invention provides alternative antiperspirant compositions to those that are currently available or otherwise known in the art. The present invention also provides such alternative compositions through the use and application of skin adhering polymers contained by or within a suitable volatile anhydrous carrier. Further, the present invention provides such alternative compositions with improved antiperspirant efficacy.


An optical pickup apparatus comprises a semiconductor laser output controller for emitting laser beam, a photodetector for detecting the emitted laser beam, a sampling processor for performing a sampling process, an averaging processor for performing an averaging process, a pulse current generator for generating erase current pulses, write current pulses, and read current pulses, and a controller 200 for controlling the above components. The apparatus adds averaged values and sampled values and controls the semiconductor laser output controller based on the result of the addition and on the current pulses.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to the technical field of a laser output control unit, which controls output of a light beam such as a semiconductor laser.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, as CDs (Compact Discs) and DVDs (Digital versatile Discs) have spread widely, and a recording and reproducing device used to reproduce information recorded on those optical recording medium have been developed. Then, there is a demand for technology for recording data stably on the optical recording medium and technology for reproducing data recorded on the recording medium stably.
In particular, semiconductor leaser used to record and reproduce data on optical on optical disc drive is also used as light source in other technical field such as technical field of optical communications systems and image forming apparatus. In using semiconductor laser, these apparatus are generally equipped with a laser output control unit to control laser output appropriately.
One of typical control methods for the laser output control unit is an average APC (Automatic Power Control) method that performs negative feedback control of laser output based on as average value of the laser output.
For example, according to average APC method, in a case of controlling the output of laser beam to record data on a DVD disc and reproduce data recorded on the DVD disc, the laser beam emitted from a semiconductor laser based on write data to be written on the DVD disc is detected by a monitoring photodetector. Then, average value of light beam intensities is calculated over a certain period of time based on the light beam intensity of the detected laser beam, and negative feedback control is performed with respect to output level of the laser beam emitted to the DVD disc based on the calculated average value of light beam intensities and a preset target light beam intensity of laser beam (see for example, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. H 11-339398).
However, in the case of performing negative feedback control as the described above, the conventional average APC method is not capable of independently setting intensity levels and irradiation times of different laser beam. In other words, the conventional average APC method is not capable of maintaining independence of individual intensity levels.

Light beam output control apparatus, optical pickup apparatus, light beam emission control method and computer-readable recorded medium in which light beam emission control program is recorded


A new type of airbag inflator that may be used in an airbag system is disclosed. The inflator will generally include a housing and two initiators. Accordingly, the inflator is a “dual-stage” inflator. The two stages are disposed within the housing. The second initiator is disposed within a second stage generant cup. A cap is also used to engage the second stage cup. The cap maintains seated engagement with the second stage cup, even during deployment of the second stage. The second stage will also include one or more perforations, which constitute openings through which gas may flow. When the second initiator is in the unactuated state, these perforations will be isolated from the generant by the cap. Actuation of the second initiator unseals the one or more perforations but does not unseat the cap from the cup, due to constraints put in place to prevent such unseating.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to airbag inflators. More specifically, the present invention is a new type of airbag dual-stage inflator that may be used with vehicle airbag systems.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Vehicle airbag systems are known in the art and have been credited with greatly increasing the overall safety of motor vehicles. Specifically, these airbag systems are designed such that during an accident, one or more airbags will be rapidly inflated and will be positioned between the vehicle occupant and the hard surfaces of the vehicle interior. These inflated airbags will inhibit the vehicle occupant from impacting the interior surfaces of the vehicle and will thus greatly reduce the likelihood that the occupant will experience significant injuries in the crash.
As is known in the art, airbag systems will generally include an inflator that is capable of rapidly producing a large quantity of gas. As its name implies, the purpose of the inflator is to "inflate" the airbag. When an accident occurs, the inflator will rapidly produce a large quantity of gas that is then channeled into the airbag. In turn, such rapid influx of gas inflates and expands the airbag and causes the airbag to become positioned in front of one or more of the interior surfaces of the vehicle. As accidents occur quickly, this inflation of the airbag must occur very rapidly—i.e., generally within approximately 100 or 150 milliseconds.
Many currently known inflators are referred to as "dual-stage" inflators in that these devices contain two separate chambers that contain generant to be ignited separate from each other. Examples of these types of dual-stage inflators are disclosed in the followings patents (which patents are expressly incorporated herein by reference): U.S. Pat. No. 6,364,353; U.S. Pat. No. 6,142,515; U.S. Pat. No. 6,315,322; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,701,849. As explained in these patents, these dual-stage inflators are designed such that if the vehicle experiences a less-severe, less-dangerous crash, the initiator in the first chamber will be signaled and will be used to inflate the airbag. However, if a more serious crash is experienced such that the airbag needs to be inflated at a more rapid rate and/or to a greater peak pressure, then both the first chamber and the second chamber will be used to inflate the airbag.
Unfortunately, there are significant problems associated with currently known dual-stage inflators (such as the type disclosed in the above-referenced patents). Specific types of pyrotechnic dual-stage inflators are designed such that the second stage contains a supply of gas generant that is combusted to form a quantity of inflation gas. However, at the time that this combustion occurs in the second chamber, the internal pressure within the inflator has already been dissipated and brought back down to ambient (atmospheric) pressure (or near atmospheric pressure).
The combustion of the second initiator's gas generant at atmospheric pressure creates significant disadvantages. For example, such combustion at atmospheric pressure generally results in incomplete combustion/reaction of the gas generant. This incomplete combustion is undesirable in that it results in the formation of undesirable effluents or side-products. Vehicle manufacturers have determined that inflators producing such undesirable effluents may not be used in certain airbag applications. Likewise, in this situation, the late second chamber combustion will not produce gas rapidly enough to provide late event restraint of the occupant (which may be desirable in certain applications).
Accordingly, it would be an advancement in the art to produce a new type of dual-stage inflator that addresses these problems. More specifically, it would be an advancement to create a new dual-stage inflator that does not produce these undesirable effluents and may be used in all types of airbag applications. Such a device is disclosed herein.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Inflator second stage combustion control


Compositions and methods for planarizing or polishing a surface, particularly a semiconductor wafer surface. The polishing compositions described herein comprise (a) a liquid carrier; (b) purified clay; and optional additives, such as (c) a chemical accelerator; and (d) a complexing or coupling agent capable of chemically or ionically complexing with, or coupling to, the metal and/or insulating material removed during the polishing process. The complexing or coupling agent carries away the removed metal and/or silicon dioxide insulator particles, during polishing, to prevent the separated particles from returning to the surface from which they were removed. Also disclosed are methods of planarizing or polishing a surface comprising contacting the surface with the compositions.

Compositions for planarizing or polishing the surface of a substrate are well known in the art. Polishing slurries typically contain an abrasive material in an aqueous solution and are applied to a surface by contacting the surface with a polishing pad saturated with the slurry composition. Typical abrasive materials include silicon dioxide, cerium oxide, aluminum oxide, zirconium oxide, and tin oxide. U.S. Pat. No. 5,527,423, for example, describes a method for chemically-mechanically polishing a metal layer by contacting the surface with a polishing slurry comprising high purity fine metal oxide particles in an aqueous medium.
Conventional polishing compositions typically are not entirely satisfactory at planarizing semiconductor wafers or integrated circuits having alternating layers of conductive metal and insulating material, e.g., silicon dioxide, that require planar surfaces. In particular, polishing slurries can have less than desirable polishing rates, and their use in chemically-mechanically polishing semiconductor surfaces can result in poor surface quality. Because the performance of a semiconductor wafer is directly associated with the planarity of its surface, it is crucial to use a polishing composition that has a high polishing efficiency, uniformity, and removal rate and leaves a high quality polish with minimal surface defects.
The difficulty in creating an effective polishing composition for semiconductor wafers stems from the complexity of the semiconductor wafer. Semiconductor wafers are typically composed of a substrate, on which a plurality of transistors are formed. Integrated circuits are physically connected into the substrate by patterning metal and insulating layers while interconnecting desired metal regions through intermediate insulating, e.g., SiO2, layers. To produce an operable semiconductor wafer and to maximize the yield, performance, and reliability of the wafer, it is desirable to polish selected surfaces of the wafer without adversely affecting underlying structures or topography. Various problems in semiconductor fabrication can occur if the process steps are not performed on wafer surfaces that are adequately planarized.
There have been many attempts to improve the polishing efficiency and uniformity of conventional polishing agents, while minimizing defects in the polished surface and damage to underlying structures or topography. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,340,370 describes a polishing composition comprising an abrasive, an oxidizing agent, and water, which purportedly yields an improved removal rate and polishing efficiency. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,622,525 describes a polishing composition comprising colloidal silica having an average particle size of 20-50 nm, a chemical activator, and demineralized water.
A need remains, however, for compositions and methods that will exhibit desirable planarization efficiency, uniformity, and removal rate during the polishing and planarization of substrates, particularly semiconductor wafer surfaces, while minimizing defects, such as surface imperfections and damage to underlying structures and topography during polishing and planarization.

Chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP) slurry and method of planarizing computer memory disk surfaces


An image qualification method. A movements-determining method utilizes the image qualification, the image qualification method of which requires only an image frame to determine if the image frame is qualified. Thus, the image qualification proceeds in real time. The image qualification counts peaks of images of the frame to determine if a number of the peaks exceed a certain number, depending on application.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image qualification method, and particularly to methods for optical navigation sensor.
2. Description of the Related Art
An optical navigation sensor determines movements by comparing correlation of images captured at different times. Thus, quality of image affects movements determined by the optical navigation sensor. The quality of image results from noise, blurring out of focus, illumination, etc. The LED (light emission diode) in the optical navigation sensor is constantly illuminated to prevent error in determining movements resulting from variation of illumination. When the optical navigation sensor is exposed to illumination from a fluorescent light driven by 60 Hz or 50 Hz AC power, however, there are periodical variations in illumination resulting in flickers in images captured by the optical navigation sensor and subsequent errors in determining movements.
The disadvantage of conventional image qualification is that several image frames are needed to calculate correlations there between to determine if the optical navigation is out of focus. Therefore, several buffers are required and time delay is unavoidable. There is a need to provide an image qualification for optical navigation sensor, which requires only an image frame.

Image qualification for optical navigation sensor


Improvements in a box and conduit hanger support that creates a unitary support bracket that allows for central mounting of an electrical junction box to said support bracket for suspended installations. Holes and slots located in extended portion of support bracket allowing for support of conduits connected to junction box using conduit clamps. In addition, bent tabs on perimeter of support bracket provide openings for a threaded rod to pass through, thus allowing for installation of support bracket in perpendicular alignment with ceiling. The features of this plate facilitate installation and maintenance of a hanging junction box, notably for applications with inadequate spacing between ceiling and floor.

Field of the Invention
This invention relates to improvements in a box and conduit hanger support. More particularly, to the hanging installation of an electrical junction box and conduit installed with a threaded rod or similar support from a ceiling.
Description of Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98
Typically when installing wiring in a building, junction boxes and conduits are used to route and protect electrical wiring. Electrical code requires both the box and the conduit be adequately mounted to a structure or support to resist movement. For routing and protecting wires on the ceiling, junction boxes are suspended using rods anchored from concrete material. The junction boxes provide access for maintenance that may be required in the future. In addition, conduits connected to junction boxes must be sufficiently supported within specified spacing as noted in Electrical Code.
There have been several methods for supporting hanging junction boxes using an arrangement of brackets, rods, and conduit clamps. One method of support uses threaded rods anchored to the ceiling to support an electrical junction box. Each conduit is then subsequently supported with additional rods. An alternative method uses brackets extending outward from the central portion of a junction box. Conduit clamps at the end of each bracket are used to support conduit connected to the junction box. Both methods require numerous parts and steps for installation, thus increasing labor costs. An alternative method requires only one rod and greatly reduces parts and steps needed for installation. Reference to this method can be seen in U.S. Pat. No. 5,883,332 issued Mar. 16, 1999 to Bobby Collard for a unitary plate that provides support for both the junction box and conduit. However, there are cases of inadequate space from the ceiling to the floor, making it difficult to provide maintenance for conventional methods. The present invention will solve this problem while still accommodating the aforementioned methods.
Other patents and or publications have been made to address these issues. Exemplary examples of patents and or publication that try to address this/these problem(s) are identified and discussed below.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,699,283 issued Apr. 20, 2010 to Peter A. Vrame et al., discloses a Support Bracket for Electrical a Box. In this patent the connecting conduit must be placed through the supporting arm. This arrangement requires fixed dimensions between the arms and conduit and does not allow for adjustment or re-positioning of the conduit or support bracket.
U.S. Publication Number 2010/0155105 was published on Jun. 24, 2010 for Cong Thanh Dinh and discloses a Cable and Box Support Plate. The plate in this publication supports flexible conduit that relies upon gravity to hold flexible conduit within slots formed in the plate. While this patent allows for connection with an electrical junction box and conduit, the location of the supports are fixed and do not allow for adjustment of the position of the conduit to the junction box.
What is needed is a box and conduit hanger support that can be mounted in a vertical or horizontal orientation and further allows for ridged conduit to join the hanger for adjustable locations and directions. The present box and conduit support found in this disclosure provides the solution.


A communication system comprising a multi-protocol, multi-bearer sub-system is described herein. The sub-system is a universal platform module that can transmit and receive one or more information signals in one or more protocols using one or more bearer services. In one embodiment, the sub-system may form a portion of a transceiver that is composed of a transmitter and a receiver, and which is a gateway server between a personal area network (PAN) and the global wireless network.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is generally related to multi-mode communications devices, and more particularly, to multi-mode communications devices implemented using universal frequency translation technology.
2. Related Art
Recent developments in computing and communications systems seek to enhance the performance and interoperability of devices. These devices, which include personal digital assistants (PDAs), mobile phones, set-top boxes, handheld personal computers, pagers, laptop personal computers, as well as home and office appliances, are being constructed to handle the tasks of traditional systems. These systems are currently constructed for receiving information signals for only a few platforms. Typically, the platforms available for a given device are predetermined. These systems can suffer from the disadvantage of being obsolete within a year or so of production, as well as being relatively expensive in terms of cost and power consumption. Conventional wireless communications circuitry is complex and has a large number of circuit parts. This complexity and high parts count increases overall cost. Additionally, higher part counts result in higher power consumption, which is undesirable, particularly in battery powered units.
Consequently, it is desirable to provide a method and apparatus for a universal platform module (UPM) for devices.

Universal platform module and methods and apparatuses relating thereto enabled by universal frequency translation technology


A clad aluminum alloy material having high strength and high corrosion resistance for a heat exchanger, which is composed of a core material made of an aluminum alloy consisting of 0.3 to 2.0% of Mn, 0.25 to 0.8% of Cu, 0.05 to 1.0% of Si and 0.5% or less of Mg with the balance consisting of Al and unavoidable impurities; a sacrificial anode material bonded to one surface of the core material, the sacrificial anode material being made of an aluminum alloy consisting of 1.0 to 2.5% of Mg and 0.05 to less than 0.20% of Si with the balance consisting of Al and unavoidable impurities; and a cladding bonded to the other surface of the core material, the cladding being made of a brazing filler metal consisting of an Al-Si-base aluminum alloy. In the clad aluminum alloy materials, the core material may further include 0.35% or less of Ti and the sacrificial anode material may further include 3.0% or less of Zn or at least one member selected from the group consisting of 0.2% or less of In, 0.2% or less of Sn and 0.2% or less of Ga.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a clad aluminum alloy material having a good brazability and high strength and corrosion resistance after brazing and suitable for use as a tube material, a header plate material, etc., which are structural members used in the production of an Al heat exchanger, such as a radiator or a heater core, by brazing in an inert gas atmosphere by using of a fluoride flux or brazing in vacuum, particularly suitable for the fabrication of tubes having a small wall thickness.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A clad material having a three-layer structure, comprising a core material consisting of an Al-Mn-base alloy, such as 3003, clad on one surface with an Al-Si-base brazing filler metal and on the other surface with a sacrificial anode material of an Al-Zn-base alloy or Al-Zn-Mg-base alloy, has been used as tube materials or header plate materials for automobile radiators, heater cores, etc. Throughout the specification, aluminum alloy numbers represent the designations by JIS (Japanese Industrial Standards). The Al-Si-base brazing filler metal is used for joining a tube to a fin and joining a tube to a header plate. In many cases, the brazing is conducted in an inert gas atmosphere by using of a fluoride flux or vacuum brazing. The other surface of the core material clad with the sacrificial anode material is located inside (on the side of water) during use to exhibit a sacrificial anode action which prevents the occurrence of pitting corrosion of the core material or crevice corrosion.
In recent years, there is an ever-increasing demand for a reduction in the weight of radiators, heater cores, etc., which requires a reduction in the wall thickness of the tube materials or header plate materials. An increase in the strength, particularly an improvement in the strength after brazing, is necessary for this purpose. This has led to a tendency that Mg is added to the core material for the purpose of increasing the strength. However, Mg lowers the corrosion resistance and, at the same time, is detrimental to the brazability. Specifically, in the case of brazing using a fluoride flux, Mg diffuses into the surface during brazing and reacts with the fluoride flux, so that a flocculent product (a fluoride of Mg) is formed, which brings about deposition or joining failure. In the vacuum brazing as well, Mg is detrimental to brazing. For this reason, the amount of addition of Mg to the core material is limited to 0.5% at the maximum, practically 0.2 to 0.3%, which is obstacle to an increase in the strength.
There is a possibility that the strength of the tube material or header plate material can be increased also by adding Mg to the sacrificial anode material. Several proposals have hitherto been made on clad materials wherein Mg was added to the sacrificial anode material.
Specifically, the following proposals have been made on the addition of Mg to the sacrificial anode material of header materials or tube materials for radiators:
(1) a method wherein Mg and Zn or the like are incorporated (see Japanese Patent Publication No. 28704/1988);
(2) Zn and Mg are added (see Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 89498/1986);
(3) Sn and Mg are simultaneously added (see Japanese Patent Laid-Open Nos. 16646/1981 and 89641/1988);
(4) Mg and Zn are added in relatively large amounts (see Japanese Patent Publication No. 45301/1987); and
(5) Mg or a combination of Mg with Zn or the like is added (see Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 175093/1990).
In the methods (1) and (2), Mg is added in an amount as small as 1.1% or 1.5% or less for the purpose of preventing pitting corrosion or crevice corrosion. In these methods, no improvement in the strength is attained.
In the method (3), Mg is added for the purpose of inhibiting the intergrannular diffusion of Sn to prevent the occurrence of cracking during hot rolling. In the method (4), Mg is added for the purpose of improving the pitting corrosion resistance. In all the methods, there is a possibility that, when the Mg content is high, Mg diffuses to attain the effect of improving the strength to some extent. In the method (5), the strength is improved through the diffusion of Mg into the core material. When a thin-walled tube material (a clad material) is prepared, although the strength of the core material can be increased by virtue of Mg diffusion from the sacrificial anode material, mere addition of Mg alone causes the strength of the sacrificial anode material to be unsatisfactory, so that the strength of the clad material as a whole cannot be increased. That is, in a reduction in the wall thickness, the contribution of not only the core material but also the sacrificial anode material to the strength becomes large, which makes it necessary to increase the strength of the sacrificial anode material as well.
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a clad material which can attain a high strength after brazing with the amount of addition of Mg to the core material being limited to 0.5% at the maximum and prevents the thickness of the sacrificial anode layer from becoming excessively large.
The present inventors have made studies on a method to ensure a high strength even after brazing while limiting the amount of addition of Mg to the core material to 0.5% at the maximum and, as a result, have found that an addition of large amounts of Mg and Si to a sacrificial anode material causes a part of the Mg in the sacrificial anode material to diffuse into the core material during brazing and, thereby, to strengthen the core material, that the sacrificial anode material per se is strengthened by Mg and Si, and that although an increase in the Si content of the sacrificial anode material brings about intergranular corrosion when the cooling rate after brazing is small, the intergranular corrosion can be prevented by appropriately regulating the Si content to a suitable value, which has led to the completion of the present invention.
Specifically, Mg is allowed to exist in the sacrificial anode material together with Si in such an amount as will not be detrimental to the corrosion resistance in order for the Mg to contribute to the strengthening of the core material and, at the same time, for the purpose of strengthening the sacrificial anode material through solid solution strengthening by Mg and Si and age hardening strengthening by the precipitation of Mg.sub.2 Si.

Clad aluminum alloy material having high strength and high corrosion resistance for heat exchanger


Diagnostic methods are described for using the concentration of a cytokine present in serum or other biological fluids in order to predict the predisposition of an individual to post-trauma infectious and or inflammatory complications. Also described are diagnostic kits that are particularly suitable for use in such diagnosis.

I. Cytokines and the Acute Phase Response
Infection, injury, trauma, and a variety of other immunological disorders provoke a basic immune system defense response known as the "acute phase response." (Van Snick, J., Annu. Rev. Immunol. 8:253-278 (1990); Akira, S. et al., Immunol. Rev. 127:25-50 (1992); Koj, A. In: The Acute Phase Response to Injury and Infection, Elsevier, Amsterdam, vol. 10, p139 (1985)). The acute phase response is part of the general inflammatory host defense mechanism. The acute phase response is characterized by fever, leukocytosis, negative nitrogen balance, increased vascular permeability, alterations in plasma meta and steroid concentrations, and by an increase in the synthesis of hepatic acute phase proteins (such as .alpha..sub.1 -antitrypsin, (.alpha..sub.1 -antichymotrypsin, and other protease inhibitors, serum amyloid A, and C-reactive proteins) (Van Snick, J., Annu. Rev. Immunol. 8:253-278 (1990)).
Various proteins (termed "cytokines") are involved in mediating the acute phase response. These cytokines include tumor necrosis factor ("TNF"), transforming growth factor-.beta. ("TGF-.beta."), Interleukin-1 ("IL-1"), Interleukin-2 ("IL-2"), Interleukin-8 ("IL-8"), Interleukin-10 ("IL-10") and Interleukin-6 ("IL-6") (Bauer, J. et al., Ann. Hematol. 62:203-210 (1991); Kishimoto, T., Blood 74:1-10 (1989); Akira, S. et al., Immunol. Rev. 127:25-50 (1992); Van Snick, J., Annu. Rev. Immunol. 8:253-278 (1990)).
IL-6 plays a central role in inducing the acute phase response. Its release produces multiple effects. IL-6 induces B cells to synthesize immunoglobulins; it induces fever, promotes the synthesis of corticotropin by the pituitary, stimulates hepatocyte production of the acute phase proteins, and acts as a growth promoter of mesangial cells and keratinocytes. IL-6 exerts its control on acute phase proteins at least in part at the transcriptional level (Morrone, G. et al., J. Biol. Chem 263:12554-12558 (1988)). IL-6 also is believed to play a role in inducing the proliferation of hematopoietic cells, and particularly, cytotoxic T cells.
IL-6 is produced by a large number of cell types, including fibroblasts, endothelial cells, keratinocytes, monocytes-macrophages, T-cells, mast cells, and a variety of tumor cell lines (Van Snick, J., Annu. Rev. Immunol. 8:253-278 (1990); Bauer, J. et al., Ann. Hematol. 62:203-210 (1991)). Accessory cells appear to produce the major source of IL-6, however, significant amounts of IL-6 are also produced by lymphocytes (Hirano, T. et al., Eur. J. Immunol. 18:1797-1801 (1988)).
IL-6 is a protein of 21-28 kD which exhibits extensive post-translational modification. cDNA encoding IL-6 has been cloned, and predicts a precursor protein of 212 amino acids including a hydrophobic signal sequence of 28 residues (Hirano, T. et al., Nature 324:73-76 (1986)). Recombinant human IL-6 can be obtained from Genzyme Corp., Boston, Mass.
IL-6 is secreted into the serum. Normal serum levels of IL-6 are less than 5 pg/ml (Nachbaur, D. M. et al., Ann. Hematol. 62:54-58 (1991)). The protein is not generally produced constitutively by normal cells (Akira, S. et al., Immunol. Rev. 127:25-50 (1992)). Indeed, constitutive expression is a characteristic of a number of pathologic conditions (such as psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiac myxoma, multiple myeloma, Castleman's disease, and HIV infection. The level of IL-6 is regulated by positive or negative stimuli. For example, liposaccharides induce cells to produce IL-6; the secretion of glucocorticoids represses IL-6 expression (Akira, S. et al., Immunol. Rev. 127:25-50 (1992)). Other positive inducers of IL-6 production include viruses, interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-3 (IL-3), granulocyte/macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), .beta.-interferon, and platelet-derived growth factor. IL-6 production is induced during acute inflammatory processes, and is produced by cells that have been injured.
IL-6 induction rapidly follows injury or trauma. Plasma levels of IL-6 can be detected as early as 30 minutes after incision in patient's undergoing elective surgery (Shenkin, A. et al., Lymphok. Res. 8:123-127 (1989)). Maximal levels of IL-6 are found between 90 minutes and 6 hours post surgery (Pullicino, E. A. et al., Lymphok. Res. 9:2-6 (1990); Shenkin, A. et al., Lymphok. Res. 8:123-127 (1989)). In contrast, upon exposure to an infectious agent, elevated plasma levels may persist for days (Bauer, J. et al., Ann. Hematol. 62:203-210 (1991)). Maximal IL-6 plasma concentrations after sterile trauma, such as elective surgery, are about 100 pg/ml, which is orders of magnitude less than the level (up to 500 ng/ml) associated with bacterial infection (Fiedler, W. et al., Leukemia 4:462-465 (1990); Helfgott, D. C. et al., J. Immunol. 142:948-953 (1989)). Elevated serum levels of IL-6 have been observed in transplant rejection, and inflammatory bowel disease (van Oers, M. H. J. et al., Clin. Exper. Immunol. 71:314-319 (1988); Bauer, J. et al., Ann. Hematol. 62:203-210 (1991)).
II. Assays for Interleukin-6
A. Biological Assays
The observation that a pulse of increased IL-6 synthesis can be observed in the normal response to many kinds of traumatic or infectious events has led to the development of assays for detecting and quantifying serum or urine IL-6 levels.
Since IL-6 has a hybridoma growth promotant activity, the capacity of a patient's serum to support hybridoma growth provides a biological assay for IL-6. Other biological assays exploit the capacity of IL-5 to stimulate the growth of B-cells (Hirano, T. et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. (U.S.A.) 82:5490-5494 (1985); Yoshizaki, K. et al., Blood 74:1360-1367 (1989)). Indeed, certain B-cell lines require IL-6 as an essential growth factor, and have been used to define sensitive bioassays of IL-6 concentration (Akira, S. et al., FASEB J. 4:2860-2867 (1990); Lansdorp, P. M. et al., Curr. Top. Microbiol. Immun. 132:105-113 (1986); Matsuda, T. et al., Eur. J. Immunol. 18:951-956 (1988); Nijsten, M. W. N. et al., Lancet 2:921 (1987); Van Snick, J. et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. (U.S.A.) 83:9679-9684 (1986); Nachbaur, D. M. et al., Ann. Hematol. 62:54-58 (1991); Ershler, W. B. et al., Lymphok. Cytok. Res. 12:225-230 (1993)).
Sensitivity for assays of IL-6 in the range of 20-100 pg/ml have been reported (Brozik, M. et al., J. Rheumatol. 19:63-68 (1992)). The bioassays require significant incubation times (e.g., 4 days) in order to provide a final result (Nachbaur, D. M. et al., Ann. Hematol. 62:54-58 (1991); Brozik, M. et al., J. Rheumatol. 19:63-68 (1992)).
B. Immunoassays
The availability of antibodies that are capable of specifically binding IL-6 has permitted the development of sensitive immunoassays of IL-6 concentration. Such antibodies can be obtained from Genzyme Corp. (Boston, Mass.), or from R&D Systems, Inc. (Minneapolis, Minn.).
Immunoassays are assay systems that exploit the ability of an antibody to specifically recognize and bind to a particular target molecule. Immunoassays are used extensively in modern diagnostics (Fackrell, J. Clin. Immunoassay 8:213-219 (1985)). A large number of different immunoassay formats have been described (Yolken, R. H., Rev. Infect. Dis. 4:35 (1982); Collins, W. P., In: Alternative Immunoassays, John Wiley & Sons, NY (1985); Ngo, T. T. et al., In: Enzyme Mediated Immunoassay, Plenum Press, NY (1985)).
Corcoran, K. A. et al. (Clin. Chem. 37:1046 (1991)) discuss an enzyme immunoassay for the quantification of IL-6 in serum. The assay is stated to be capable of detecting 2.6 pg/ml. A double antibody enzyme-linked immunoassay for IL-6 has been used to determine IL-6 concentrations in synovial fluids (Brozik, M. et al., J. Rheumatol. 19:63-68 (1992)). The assay required only a 1 hour incubation period, however, its sensitivity was 80-fold lower than that of bioassays (i.e. the level of detection was 80 pg/ml). As stated, normal serum levels of IL-6 are less than 5 pg/ml (Nachbaur, D. M. et al., Ann. Hematol. 62:54-58 (1991)). Thus, the double antibody enzyme-linked immunoassay could not be used to evaluate IL-6 serum levels (Brozik, M. et al., J. Rheumatol. 19:63-68 (1992)).
Alternate IL-6 immunoassay protocols have been described by Buyalos, R. P. et al. (Fertil. Steril. 57:1230-1234 (1992)), and by Thavasu, P. W. et al. (J. Immunol. Meth. 153:115-124 (1992)). The assay of Buyalos, R. P. et al. was used to measure IL-6 levels in follicular fluids. The assay's detection limit was 50 pg/ml. The assay of Thavasu, P. W. et al. was used to assay IL-6 in blood, and had a detection level of 70 pg/ml. The assay exhibited problems of stability and irreproducibility (Thavasu, P. W. et al., J. Immunol. Meth. 153:115-124 (1992)).
A commercially available immunoassay tests for IL-6 (IL-6 EASIA, Medgenix Diagnostics) has been described (Soderquist, B. et al., Scand. J. Immunol. 24:607-612 (1992)). The test is based upon an oligoclonal capture antigen system in which several monoclonal antibodies directed against distinct epitopes of IL-6 are used. A solid phase monoclonal immunoassay for IL-6 has also been described (Helle, M. et al., J. Immunol. Meth. 138:47-56 (1991)).
Elevated IL-6 plasma levels have been found in patients in sepsis (Hack, C. E. et al., Blood 74:1704-1710 (1989); Waage, A. et al., J. Exper. Med. 169:333-338 (1989)). However, efforts to correlate the kinetics of IL-6 levels with the severity of septicemia have not yielded clear results. One study, involving S. aureus -induced indicated that the diagnostic value of IL-6 analyses depended upon the availability of other information, such as the C-reactive protein levels in a patient (Soderquist, B. et al., Scand. J. Immunol. 24:607-612 (1992)). A second study of the relationship between IL-6 kinetics and septicemia noted high levels of IL-6 were found in patients experiencing septic shock, but not in patients experiencing both septic shock and meningitis (Waage, A. et al., J. Exper. Med. 169:333-338 (1989)). Even in patients experiencing septic shock, a 1,000-10,000 fold range of IL-6 levels was encountered (Waage, A. et al., J. Exper. Med. 169:333-338 (1989)). A third study of the relationship between IL-6 kinetics and septicemia noted that higher levels of IL-6 were seen in those patients who died from sepsis relative to those who survived, however, no correlation was observed between survival time and IL-6 plasma level (Hack, C. E. et al., Blood 74:1704-1710 (1989)). Indeed, IL-6 levels became undetectable in one patient who ultimately succumbed to sepsis (Hack, C. E. et al., Blood 25 74:1704-1710 (1989)).
As indicated, IL-6 levels rise after elective surgery. The extent of the rise can be correlated to the duration or severity of the surgery (Cruikshank, A. M. et al., Clin. Sci. 79:161-165 (1990)). IL-6 levels for all types of surgery evaluated fell to baseline levels within 4-5 days (Cruikshank, A. M. et al., Clin. Sci. 79:161-165 (1990)). Investigations of the relationship between the change in IL-6 levels and post-surgical trauma have also been conducted. No correlation was found between IL-6 levels and hematopoietic recovery of patients who had received peripheral blood stem cell autographs (Kawano, Y. et al., Blood 81:856-860 (1993)).
Thus, despite the significance of IL-6 in acute inflammatory diseases, and the existing methods for assaying IL-6, such assays have been considered to be of limited diagnostic value (Bauer, J. et al, Ann. Hematol. 62:203-210 (1991)). In particular, IL-6 levels are elevated for only a short period of time, and IL-6 synthesis may be associated with a large number of disease states. Thus, the art indicates that both the absence and the presence of IL-6 levels in serum may be unrelated to a particular injury or trauma (Bauer, J. et al., Ann. Hematol. 62:203-210 (1991)).
As will be appreciated, the capacity to diagnose septicemia or other inflammatory process prior to the onset of life threatening clinical manifestations would be highly desirable. Previous efforts to correlate IL-6 levels with such complications have suggested that changes in IL-6 levels are too transient, and too variable to permit a definitive correlation. A method for using IL-6 levels in serum or other biological fluids in order to diagnose the predisposition of an individual to post-trauma complications would, however, be highly desirable. The present invention provides such a method.

Use of an IL-6 assay for predicting the development of post-trauma complications


A system for mounting a fan shroud to a radiator assembly comprises a fan shroud having a general profile defining at least one fan shroud slot aligned along a first axis. A fan shroud mount is carried by the radiator assembly. The fan shroud mount has a general profile defining at least one fan shroud mount slot aligned along a second axis which is perpendicular to the first axis of the fan shroud slot. A cage nut is utilized for mounting the fan shroud with the fan shroud mount. The fan shroud slot and the fan shroud mount slot are designed for overlapping orientation. This overlapping orientation enables the fan shroud fastener to be simultaneously received within the fan shroud slot and the fan shroud mount slot. In operation, the fan shroud fastener may move along either the first axis or the second axis for positioning the fan shroud at a desired horizontal and vertical location with respect to the radiator assembly.

Heavy industrial machines including farm application systems are typically very large machines which operate under heavy loads. Such machines are typically constructed and assembled via separate subassemblies. One such subassembly is the motor which includes a front mounted fan for certain operation requirements. An additional subassembly is the radiator/cooling assembly. Both of these subassemblies are intended to be mated such that the fan facilitates in drawing air through the radiator assembly for facilitating in the cooling of the engine. Additionally, it is common to include a fan shroud which is part of the radiator/cooling assembly and which is intended for surrounding the fan for increasing the efficiency and reducing the sound of the operation of the fan.
A critical feature of the manufacturing of these subassemblies including the fan shroud is the tolerances which must be observed in the manufacturing. In order to maximize the performance of the fan, it is desirable to have the fan mounted very precisely within the shroud. However, it is typical to have the shroud fixedly attached to the radiator/cooling assembly. Consequently, if either the radiator/cooling subassembly or engine assembly are slightly off-centered on the chassis of the machine, it is extremely difficult to mate the fan within the shroud under the necessary tolerances.
Such tolerances are critical to the performance and reliability of the machine. Not only does the shroud facilitate in improving the fan's efficiency, but the clearance between the shroud and fan is necessary to compensate for any movement of the engine which may occur during operation of the machine. Since the fan is connected to the engine, movement of the engine results in relative movement of the fan blade relative to the shroud. Consequently, interference may exist which will damage the fan blades.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,623,893 provides one solution to integrating the respective subassemblies. However, such a design while suitable for its intended purpose utilizes one set of hardware to accomplish vertical adjustability and another complete set of hardware and a second plane of sheet material to accomplish horizontal adjustability. While such a design may work sufficiently, it appears to be complex and cumbersome for an installer to perform during manufacturing of the machine, and also would most likely be expensive to build.
Accordingly, there is a need to ensure that the fan is mounted accurately within the shroud during manufacturing utilizing a simple system which facilitates the ease of assembly for an installer during the manufacturing process and also requires limited parts to limit costs. The present invention is directed to overcoming problems associated with mounting the fan blades with respect to the shroud.

System and method for mounting a fan shroud


A system which allows multiple senders to asynchronously transmit identification codes via a common communication channel (e.g., RF) to enable a central monitor to identify the presence (or absence) of each sender within the monitor's detection zone. Each sender is configured to repeatedly transmit a uniquely encoded identification frame. A frame, in accordance with the invention, is comprised of pulses spaced to minimize pulse collisions and configured to tolerate occasional collisions without impairing the monitor's ability to separately identify each transmitting sender. Each sender is configured to repeatedly transmit a unique identification frame characterized by a pulse pattern comprised of active intervals spaced by inactive (or “quiet”) intervals. The inactive intervals have variable length durations which are preferably pseudorandomly selected so that each sender defines a unique sequence of inactive interval durations.

Various RFID systems are described in the patent and technical literature which are used to identify the presence of specially configured identification tags within a prescribed zone. Depending upon the system application, the tags can be affixed to a set of inanimate objects, or animals, or humans. Prior literature describes both passive tags which require interrogation and active tags which are powered and can initiate an identification signal transmission.

Identification system for monitoring the presence / absence of members of a defined set


An integrated power device includes a semiconductor body of a first conductivity type comprising a first region accommodating a start-up structure, and a second region accommodating a power structure. The two structures are separated from one another by an edge structure and are arranged in a mirror configuration with respect to a symmetry line of the edge structure. Both the start-up structure and the power structure are obtained using MOSFET devices. Both MOSFET devices are multi-drain MOSFET devices, having mesh regions, source regions and gate regions separated from one another. In addition, both MOSFET devices have drain regions delimited by columns that repeat periodically at a fixed distance. Between the two MOSFET devices there is an electrical insulation of at least 25 V.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an integrated power device having a start-up structure. More specifically the invention relates to the integration of a start-up structure in a power device.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
The invention relates, in particular, but not exclusively, to a multi-drain (MDmesh) MOSFET power device, and the ensuing description is made with reference to this field but only for the purpose of simplifying the explanation.
In the course of the last few years, particular interest has been directed to semiconductor power devices for switched-mode power-supply (SMPS) applications, which include control circuits. Power devices in which control functions are integrated, which enable, for example, self-protection of the power device in all operating conditions, are referred to as SMART-Power devices. For these devices, studies have been conducted on the integration also of the start-up part, for the purpose of increasing the efficiency of the power devices. In fact, the integration of the start-up function in the SMPS application enables a reduction in the dissipation of the devices in stand-by conditions, a reduction in the start-up times and a reduction in the number of external components.
According to the prior art, in smart power devices, the start-up function is currently integrated by inserting, within the IC control device, a high-voltage device, for example a MOSFET made up of just a few cells. However, in the majority of cases, this entails substantial problems in the fabrication of the IC control device. For example, integration of the IC device, which must be a high-voltage one, entails high production costs, in so far as it must be obtained on a high-voltage epitaxial thickness capable of supporting the inhibition voltage required and enable introduction of the necessary edge structure.
In addition, the fabrication of the IC control device on a high-voltage epitaxial thickness causes problems linked to the production of the IC device. In fact, when this is inhibited, if a voltage is applied from the outside which is higher than the breakdown voltage of the IC device, a process of avalanche multiplication is triggered therein and produces a current (avalanche current) that can destroy the IC device. If the inhibition voltage of the IC device is higher than the inhibition voltage of the MOSFET power device, the avalanche current will traverse the MOSFET power device, preventing problems to the IC device. Consequently, its inhibition voltage must be always higher than that of the MOSFET power device. On the other hand, the variability of the production process in the fabrication of the MOSFET power device and of the IC device requires that the inhibition voltage of the IC device should be much higher than that of the MOSFET power device. When this does not occur, there is destruction of the entire SMART-Power device.
Consequently, it is of particular importance to identify new and readily implementable strategies of integration of the start-up function, for the purpose of increasing the efficiency of the device and eliminating the risk of destruction of the SMART-Power device on account of the variability of the process.

Integrated power device having a start-up structure


A signal processing circuit has two types of filters: an IIR filter 11 and an FIR filter 12 having an equivalent transfer function at all times. In an adjustment mode in which the signal processing circuit is adjusted to have an arbitrary transfer function, the signal processing circuit makes a configuration setting to use the IIR filter 11. When completing the adjustment or in a signal processing mode, the signal processing circuit makes a configuration setting change to switch to the FIR filter 12 having the equivalent transfer function.

As digital filters, the following two types of filters: an IIR (Infinite Impulse Response) filter and an FIR (Finite Impulse Response) filter are usually known. A signal flowchart showing an algorithm of signal processing by an IIR filter is shown in FIG. 3, and a signal flow chart showing an algorithm of signal processing by an FIR filter is shown in FIG. 4.
As shown in FIG. 3, the IIR filter is comprised of an IIR coefficient output unit 30 which outputs a filter coefficient corresponding to the transfer function of the IIR filter, adders 31 and 32, multipliers 33 to 37, and delay units 38 and 39. The IIR filter has a feature of making it easy to set an arbitrary frequency characteristic thereto, and provides a low level of arithmetic precision since the IIR filter has a feedback loop, as shown in FIG. 3, and therefore operation errors are accumulated therein.
In contrast with this, the FIR filter is comprised of an FIR coefficient output unit 40 which outputs a filter coefficient corresponding to the transfer function of the FIR filter, an adder 41, multipliers 42 to 44, and delay units 45 and 46, as shown in FIG. 4. Because the FIR filter completes a set of multiplication and addition only once per each filter coefficient for each signal, the FIR filter provides a high level of arithmetic precision with no accumulation of errors, though the FIR filter has a feature of having difficulty in adjusting its frequency characteristic, such as changing only apart of the frequency characteristic, and hence having unease of adjustment.
Conventionally, in order to reduce quantization noise occurring in a D/A (Digital/Analog) converter, a hybrid FIR/IIR filter configuration, which is a combination of an IIR filter function and an FIR filter function, for filtering the quantization output of the D/A converter is known (for example, refer to patent reference 1). Furthermore, a design method of calculating an FIR filter coefficient by measuring an impulse response of an IIR filter without carrying out a complicated arithmetic operation, such as an arithmetic computation of a polynomial or an inverse DFT, is also known (for example, refer to patent reference 2).


A technique is presented for controlling behavior tracking by mobile apps executing on a mobile computing device. A set of profiles are managed by a privacy manager, where each profile represents a different isolated execution environment on the mobile computing device and defines a set of privacy rules governing an application while executing in an associated execution environment. Prior to launching the app, a user of the app is prompted by the privacy manager to select a profile for the app from the set of profiles. The privacy manager in turn applies the set of privacy rules associated with the selected profile to the app during execution of the app on the mobile computing device.

Smartphone applications have become increasingly important and popular in our daily lives and businesses. In 2013 alone, mobile app downloads surpassed 100 billion globally and the overall app usage grew by 115%. Users are spending an average of 2.5 hours every day on their smartphones, 80% of which is spent inside mobile apps. The popularity of mobile apps on smartphones makes them an attractive channel to collect user demographics, interests and other private information such as location.
There have been numerous studies on how to stop a malicious party (an app or third party within the app) from accessing the information it shouldn't access. Orthogonal to these previous attempts, this disclosure focuses on an emerging privacy threat imposed by a curious party who covertly links and aggregates a user's personal information—across sessions and apps—without his consent or knowledge. In the current smartphone ecosystem, curious parties can be:                Mobile applications. For example, a user follows political news and religious articles using the same news app like CNN or NYTimes. By aggregating both the user's political and religious interests, the app can deliver him personalized news content, such as "The END Of Anti-Gay Religious Rhetoric in Politics." However, if the user is sensitive about what he reads; he may not want this type of unsolicited correlation across his interests in different subjects.        Advertising agencies. For example, a user downloads two ad-powered apps and exposes his age to the first one and his gender to the second. However, since these apps include the same ad library, the advertising agency can associate both the age and the gender with him and send him targeted advertisements. The user, on the other hand, has no knowledge of this covert aggregation.        Network sniffers. As recently publicized widely in the news media, government agencies such as NSA and GCHQ often conduct public surveillance by sniffing network traffic and aggregating personal information leaked by smartphone apps and ad libraries. A recent study shows that a similar sniffer is able to attribute up to 50% of the mobile traffic to the 'sniffed' users, on top of which detailed personal interests, such as political view and sexual orientations, can be extracted.
The severity and prevalence of this threat is rooted at the lack of unlinkability across each user's app usages in the smartphone ecosystem. By exploiting various levels of consistency provided by device identifiers, software cookies, IPs, local and external storages, an adversary can easily correlate app usages of the same user and aggregate supposed-to-be 'isolated islands of information' into a comprehensive user profile, irrespective of the user's choice and (dis)approval.
However, from the user's perspective, only functionally-dependent app usages should be linkable. For example, for GTalk, app usages under the same login should be linkable to provide a consistent messaging service. For Angry Birds, usage of the same app should be linkable to allow the user to resume from where he stopped earlier. In contrast, for most query-like apps, such as Bing and Wikipedia, which neither enforce an explicit login nor require consistent long-term 'memories', app usages should be anonymous by default.
Based on these insights, a practical framework is presented that allows users to opt out unregulated aggregation of their app usages by various curious third parties, including but not limited to mobile apps, advertising agencies and network sniffers. This framework is referred to herein as MASK. Specifically, MASK introduces a set of private execution modes which provide different levels of unlinkability across app usages. Upon invocation of each app, a user can apply one of the following modes to the current app session (from the start to termination of the app), according to his functional needs:                Identifiable Mode: in which the user executes this app with an explicit real identity. App sessions sharing the same login are linkable.        Pseudonymous Mode: in which the user depends on persistent storage (consistent local states) for his current activity. App sessions within the same app are linkable.        Anonymous Mode: in which the user executes the current session statelessly, without leaving any persistent trace. App usages are unlinkable by default.
The app usages collected by a network sniffer and/or an ad agency all come from the mobile apps, either directly or indirectly. By applying the aforementioned execution modes, Mask splits these app usages into unlinkable profiles each associated with an isolated runtime environment regarding various kinds of identifying information. Specifically, Mask creates an isolated runtime environment with stripped personal identifiers, such as account information, anonymized device IDs, such as IMEI number, and isolated persistent storage. App usages that are supposed to be unlinkable are assigned to different runtime environments to ensure their unlinkability. For the identifiable mode, a persistent runtime environment is applied. For the pseudonymous mode, MASK allows the user to maintain multiple context-based runtime environments for use at home, office or during travel, etc., mitigating the influence of quasi-identifiers, such as IP and location. For the anonymous mode, a new runtime environment is applied whenever an app is invoked.
This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

Controlling unregulated aggregation of mobile app usage

The Regents Of The University Of Michigan