A method for manufacturing a sheet having a fine shape transferred thereon, in which a sheet base made of a thermoplastic resin is placed between an imprint mold and an intermediate base and the sheet base is then pressed by a pair of pressing plates to imprint the fine shape of surface irregularity of the imprint mold to the sheet-like base. The sheet base is pressed such that, when pressing force of the pressing plates is maximum, an imprinting pressure difference is present in an imprinting surface of the imprint mold, a maximum imprinting pressure section is present in the imprinting surface, and a portion where the imprinting pressure is minimum is not present in the imprinting surface. The method achieves uniform and highly accurate shape transfer without trapping of air.

As a method for forming a three-dimensional shape such as fine texture at least on one surface of a resin sheet or the like, such a method has been known in which a heating plate is heated by joule heat, and an imprint mold is placed between the heating plate and a material, and by pressing these by using a pair of pressing plates, a three-dimensional shape with three-dimensional texture is transferred onto the material (Patent Document 1). In this device, however, it is very difficult to produce the heating plate, imprint mold and material with completely uniform thicknesses, with the result that unevenness in thickness is considered to be present. Consequently, problems are raised in which, due to forming pressure unevenness caused by this unevenness in thickness, it is not possible to obtain uniform formed products.
In order to prevent this forming pressure unevenness, a method has been known in which an elastic member is installed between the heating plate and the imprint mold so that the unevenness in thickness is absorbed (Patent Document 2). In this method, however, since the imprint mold is heated through the elastic member, much time is required for the heating process to cause degradation of the productivity.
Moreover, in both of Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, in order to prevent defects due to air trapping, an arrangement is made so that the resin sheet and the forming device are placed in a reduced-pressure chamber, and after reducing the pressure in the reduced-pressure chamber, the forming process is started. However, much time is required for the pressure-reducing process, and in particular, in the case of the material having a large area, the volume of the reduced-pressure chamber needs to be enlarged, resulting in a problem of serious degradation of the productivity.
Another method for preventing air trapping has been known in which, when a transfer plate and a resin plate start being made in contact with each other, the transfer plate is bent by a holding member utilizing springs having different repulsive forces so as to protrude toward the resin plate so that a forming process is carried out while air is being removed from the vicinity of the center of the transfer surface (Patent Document 3).    Patent Document 1: JP-A No. 2004-074775    Patent Document 2: JP-A No. 2007-230241    Patent Document 3: JP-A No. 2006-035573

Method and device for manufacturing sheet having fine shape transferred thereon


A method is provided for welding together a tubular member of a first metal and a tubular member of a second metal that is dissimilar to the first metal. The method includes making a transition attachment by friction welding together end-to-end a first end of a rod of the first metal with a first end of a rod of the second metal. An arc weld welds together a second end of the rod of the first metal with the tubular member of the first metal. And another arc weld welds together a second end of the rod of the second metal to the tubular member of the second metal.

It is known in the manufacture of automobile bodies to assemble together a large number of components that are manufactured of various dissimilar metals. For example, the longitudinal extending tubular frame rails of the vehicle may be made of aluminum in the interest of weight savings. Other components such as a tubular roll cage may be made of steel.
The attachment together of such components of dissimilar metals must meet stringent industry standards for corrosion resistance and strength, and accordingly, it would be desirable to provide new and improved methods for attachment of dissimilar metal components in a manner to provide both high strength and corrosion resistance.

Transition joint and method for attaching dissimilar metal tubes


A method for emulating a nexthop instruction in microcode with the assistance of dedicated hardware to extract read and write addressing from the nexthop instruction instead of performing this operation in microcode. A method for emulating a nexthop instruction in microcode with the assistance of dedicated hardware to compare a nexthop read address to a special value and to indicate whether the nexthop read address matches the special value, instead of performing this operation in microcode. A method for determining a network address by performing a single extraction of bit fields of a tree instruction to allow multiple tree search processes to be performed.

Network devices, such as routers, perform various operations to route packets to their destination. A centerpiece in network device design is optimizing performance. In this regard, the development of hardware and/or software embodiments of a network device can be critical with respect to various performance metrics associated the network device. For example, instruction set design and the number of instructions to perform a particular operation can impact the performance of the network device. Additionally, shared and dedicated access to various resources (e.g., memory, processing, etc.) can impact the performance of the network device.

Hardware support for instruction set emulation


Disclosed is a method and apparatus for reading mirrored data. In one embodiment, a node receives a read request for data, identical copies of which are maintained on a primary storage device and any number of corresponding mirrors. A read generator coupled to the node generates a number of read operations for smaller portions of the data. Preferably, the read generator then transmits the read operations in parallel to at least two storage devices on which identical copies of the data are maintained (e.g., a primary storage device and a corresponding mirror, two mirrors of a primary storage device, etc.). The read operations may then be processed in parallel by the storage devices to which the read operations were transmitted.

Mirroring involves the process of maintaining identical copies of data on separate storage devices. FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary data processing system 100 that employs mirroring. Data processing system 100 includes a node 102 coupled to clients 104-110 via a network 112. Node 102 is also coupled to a primary data storage device 114 and a mirror 116 via a network 118. A mirror is a data storage device on which an identical copy of data from a primary storage device is maintained (as such, primary storage device 114 may also be referred to as mirrored storage device 114).
Primary storage device 114 and mirror 116 store identical copies of data. In other words, at least a portion, if not all, of the data stored on primary storage device 114 is identical to at least a portion, if not all, of the data stored on mirror 116. Primary storage device 114 and mirror 116 are separate data storage devices. Each of primary storage device 114 and mirror 116 may include one or more magnetic or optical disk arrays and/or one or more redundant arrays of independent disks (RAID) and RAID controllers.
Node 102 may be a computer, such as server, that provides services to and/or manages resources of devices coupled to networks 112 and 118. Node 102 includes one or more processors 120 configured to execute instructions that reside on computer readable media (not shown). Node 102 also includes a data storage manager 122. Data storage manager 122 may be in the form of instructions residing on computer readable media which direct processor 120 to perform specific steps.
One example of data storage manager 122 is a volume manager. A volume manager operates to provide storage virtualization. For example, with storage virtualization, data storage manager 122 may present primary storage device 114 and mirror 116 to clients 104-110 as a virtual disk 124. From the viewpoint of clients 104-110, virtual disk 124 is equivalent to one physical data storage device (a virtual disk may also be referred to as a volume). In providing storage virtualization, data storage manager 122, rather than clients 104-110, handles the distribution of data across primary storage device 114 and mirror 116. Although data storage manager 122 may take the form of a volume manager, the functions of data storage manager 122 may be spilt between a volume manager and a file system (not shown) residing on node 102. The functions of data storage manager 122 may also be integrated into a file system residing on node 102.
Data storage manager 122 also enables mirroring within data processing system 100. For example, to create mirror 116, data storage manager 122 selects all or a portion of data on primary storage device 114 and copies the selected data to mirror 116, making sure to account for read and write requests from clients 104-110 during the copy process (e.g., by queuing the requests, processing the requests concurrently with the copy process, etc.).
In order to keep the copy of data stored on mirror 116 identical to the respective data of primary storage device 114, data storage manager 122 issues simultaneous write operations to primary storage device 114 and mirror 116 for each write request received from a client 104-110. For example, when data storage manager 122 receives a write request from a client 104-110 to write data to virtual disk 124, data storage manager 122 generates two write operations: one write operation to write the data to primary storage device 114, and a second write operation to write the data to mirror 116. Primary storage device 114 and mirror 116 receive their respective write operation and respond by writing the requested data. By issuing simultaneous writes in this manner, the data on mirror 116 is kept identical to respective data on primary storage device 114.
Data of mirror 116 may be synchronized with (i.e., maintained as identical) data of primary storage device 114 either synchronously or asynchronously. In synchronous operation, any data modification to primary storage device 114 will immediately be propagated to mirror 116. In, asynchronous operation, all data modifications to primary storage device 114 are logged and periodically transmitted to mirror 116 for updating the data on mirror 116 at a later time. The data modifications may be logged in a log file stored on node 102 or, alternatively, may be handled by a logging device integrated with, or coupled to, node 102. Asynchronous operation is typically implemented when primary storage device 114 and mirror 116 are a considerable distance apart from each other. The data of primary storage device 114 and mirror 116 may be substantially identical at times, recognizing that there may be a delay between the time data is written to primary storage device 114 and when mirror 116 is updated with the data.
Mirroring proves useful for employing redundant data storage devices within data processing system 100. With the use of redundant data storage devices, organizations such as financial institutions, data storage providers, insurance companies, etc., can minimize the downtime associated with a failure of one of the data storage devices on which their business data is stored. For example, should primary storage device 114 fail, a replacement primary data storage device may be hot-swapped in the failed device's place and data from mirror 116 may be copied over to the new primary data storage device. All the while, node 102 may satisfy read and write requests from clients 104-110 via data on mirror 116.
In addition to providing redundancy, mirroring also allows for the load balancing of data across multiple data storage devices, off-line analysis of production data, enabling off-line back-ups, and disaster recovery. Yet in spite of its many uses, traditional implementations of mirroring provide little, if any, benefit in the way of I/O performance.

System and method for reading mirrored data


A flexure device comprising an interior flexure member having first and second interior flexible blades each formed with an interior end portion and separate interior body portions. An exterior flexure member can have first and second exterior flexible blades each formed with separate exterior end portions and an exterior body portion. The first interior end portion and the first exterior end portion form a first flexure end portion, the second interior portion and the second exterior portion form a second flexure end portion. The interior and exterior body portions are coupled to form a flexure body portion, such that the first interior and exterior flexible blades form a first flexure that facilitates rotation between the first flexure end portion and the flexure body portion. The second interior and exterior flexible blades form a second flexure that facilitates rotation between the second flexure end portion and the flexure body portion.

Mechanisms requiring two-axis pivot capability with large angles and high load transfer typically utilize a universal joint coupler with ball bearings or bushings to allow the pivot motion between moving bodies. In some applications (e.g., a high-precision mechanism like a steering mirror or scan mirror), however, the wear, slop, and limited life typical of bearings or bushings can be very expensive to overcome.
Flexural pivots are often utilized as a substitute for bearings or bushings in precision applications. Flexural pivots are devices that permit mechanical members to pivot about a common axis relative to each other through a limited angle range. Because angular motion is accomplished through flexing of elastic flexural elements, rather than contact surface displacement, flexural pivots operate without friction, and thus without a need for lubrication. Flexural pivots can therefore be a substitute for bearings in applications where friction and/or the need for lubrication are concerns.
Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated, and specific language will be used herein to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended.


An encoding device and method, a decoding device and method, and an image information processing system and method, which can speed up encoding processing and/or decoding processing, are proposed. There is provided a first storing unit which, when an encoding unit or a decoding unit applies encoding processing or decoding processing to image information, stores state quantity information representing a predetermined state quantity which is used while being sequentially updated according to a processing state of the encoding processing or the decoding processing. The encoding unit or the decoding unit reads out only a necessary part of the state quantity information from the first storing unit and changes the state quantity information according to the processing state of the encoding processing or the decoding processing with respect to the image information, and then writes back the state quantity information to the first storing unit. In addition, plural kinds of encoding processing with respect to the image information are performed in parallel with a predetermined first phase difference according to processing contents of respective kinds of encoding processing.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an encoding device and method, a decoding device and method, and an image information processing system and method. The present invention is preferably applied to an encoding device and a decoding device which abide by, for example, the Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) 2000 standard as well as an image information processing system which is constituted by the encoding device and the decoding device.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, a compression method called a JPEG 2000 standard has been standardized as a new data compression system.
FIG. 1 shows a structure of an encoding device 1 abiding by such a JPEG 2000 standard. Image data D1 to be supplied is subjected to predetermined input image processing such as DC level shift processing and color conversion processing in an input image processing unit 2. Then, obtained signal processing image data D2 is sent to a Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) unit 3.
The DWT unit 3 applies wavelet conversion processing to the signal processing image data D2 to be supplied. More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the DWT unit 3 passes the signal processing image data D2 through a filter divided into a low frequency pass filter and a high frequency pass filter to thereby subject an image, which is based upon the signal processing image data D2, to band (sub-band) division to divide the image into a horizontal direction and a vertical direction, for example, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B.
Note that FIGS. 2A and 2B show the number of divisions of three levels. In the figure, reference sign 'LL' denotes a component on a low frequency side both in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction in the signal processing image data D2; 'LH', a component of a low frequency side in the horizontal direction and of a high frequency side in the vertical direction in the signal processing image data D2; 'HL', a component of a high frequency side in the horizontal direction and of a low frequency side in the vertical direction in the signal processing image data D2; 'HH', a component of a high frequency side both in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction in the signal processing image data D2.
Further, the DWT unit 3 sends a wavelet coefficient obtained by such wavelet conversion processing to a quantization unit 4 as DWT data D3.
The quantization unit 4 sequentially quantizes the DWT data D3 to be supplied, divides an obtained quantization-coefficient into code blocks of a predetermined size, and sends the DWT data D3 to a bit model unit 6 of an Embedded Block Coding with Optimized Truncation (EBCOT) block 5 as code block data D4 by a unit of code block.
The bit model unit 6 changes the code block data D4 to be supplied to a coefficient bit model according to (Coefficient Bit Modeling (CBM) processing while scanning the data for each bit plane. Then, the bit model unit 6 sends respective data D5 and D6 of a symbol and a context obtained in this way to an arithmetic coder unit 7.
The arithmetic coder 7 executes predetermined arithmetic encoding operation processing with the symbol data D5 and the context data D6 to be supplied as inputs to thereby generate an encoding column. The arithmetic coder 7 sends this encoding column as encoded data D7 to a packetize stream generation unit 8.
A packetize stream generation unit 8 packetizes the encoded data D7 to a packet format according to the JPEG 2000 standard.
Consequently, encoded packet data D8 complying with a syntax of the JPEG 2000 standard can be obtained.
On the other hand, FIG. 3 shows a structure of a decoding device 10 abide by the JPEG 2000 standard.
In this decoding device 10, encoded data D11, which is an image information part, is extracted from the coded packet data D10 complying with the syntax of the JPEG 2000 standard generated as described above, and the encoded data D11 is sent to an arithmetic decoding unit 13 of the EBCOT block 12.
The arithmetic decoding unit 13 executes predetermined arithmetic decoding operation processing with encoding data D11 and context data D12, which is given from a bit demodel unit 14 in a later stage, as inputs and sends symbol data D13 obtained in this way to the bit demodel unit 14.
The bit demodel unit 14 changes the symbol data D13 to be supplied to a coefficient bit model according to CBM processing and sends decoded code lock data D14 obtained in this way to an inverse quantization unit 15. In addition, the bit demodel unit 14 sends a contax, which is obtained at this point, to the arithmetic decoding unit 13 as contax data D12.
The inverse quantization unit 15 applies inverse quantization processing to the decoded quantization data D14 to be supplied to obtain a wavelet coefficient and sends this wavelet coefficient to an IDWT unit 16 as decoded DWT data D16.
The IDWT unit 16 applies wavelet inverse converted image data D16 obtained in this way to an input image processing unit 17.
Then, the input image processing unit 17 applies predetermined signal processing to this wavelet inverse converted image data D16. Consequently, image data D17 obtained by decoding the image data D1 (FIG. 1) encoded by the encoding device 1 (FIG. 1) can be obtained.
Note that, as a prior art document concerning an encoding device and a decoding device abiding by the JPEG 2000 standard, there is Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-159009.
However, there is a problem in that encoding processing and decoding processing according to such a JPEG 2000 standard are complicated in contents of the processing, and speedup of the processing is hardly realized.

Encoding device and method, decoding device and method, and image information processing system and method


In certain aspects, a system for out-of-band configuring BIOS setting data (BIOSSD) includes a host computer and a service processor (SP). The SP stores a BIOSSD collection and a human interface data (HID) collection. The HID collection includes questions for data of the BIOSSD collection and corresponding options for each question. When a remote management computer sends to the SP an information request, the SP retrieves the HID collection and transmits the questions and the corresponding options to the remote management computer. In response to a command indicating a selected corresponding option, the SP changes corresponding data of the BIOSSD collection according to the command. When the BIOS executed at the host computer issues a BIOSSD update request to the SP, the SP transmits a copy of the BIOSSD collection to the BIOS chip of the host computer to replace the BIOSSD collection stored in the BIOS chip.

The background description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventors, to the extent it is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure.
The Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) is one of the most crucial components on a computer motherboard. The BIOS software is preloaded into a memory (the BIOS memory) of the BIOS, and typically is the first code run by a computer when powered on. When the computer starts up, the first job for the BIOS is the power-on self-test, which initializes and identifies the system devices such as the CPU, RAM, video display card, keyboard and mouse, hard disk drive, optical disc drive and other hardware. The BIOS then locates a boot loader software held on a peripheral device (designated as a "boot device"), such as a hard disk or a CD/DVD, and loads and executes that software, giving it control of the operating system (OS). This process is known as booting, or booting up, which is short for bootstrapping.
Generally, the BIOS may have a number of settings that can be configured by a user of the computer. The BIOS provides console access for a user to modify the configuration of the BIOS settings during the startup of the host computer. The host computer may provide with applications to update the BIOS settings from the operating systems. For example, the host computer may include an application to switch the CPU of the host computer from a protected mode, which is a normal operation mode, to a system management mode (SMM), which is a special management mode.
However, in certain occasions, there is a need for the user of the host computer to configure the BIOS settings without entering the management mode. For example, when the user connects to the host computer from a remote client device and attempts to change the BIOS settings remotely, the user may not want to interrupt the operation of the host computer.
Therefore, an unaddressed need exists in the art to address the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies.

Out-of band configuration of BIOS setting data


A laser projection device (LPD) suitable for displaying color images is disclosed. The LPD is used to excite various photoluminescent materials located on a display screen so as to produce multi-color displays. Additionally, the screen may be movably mounted so as to reduce laser speckling.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to electronic displays, and, more particularly, to a multi-color Laser Projection Display (LPD).
2. Description of the Related Art
Single-color or monochrome LPDs have been implemented using a raster-based scanning system. A raster-based LPD uses a laser and oscillating mirror(s) that move in horizontal and vertical directions to scan the laser light over a viewing screen in a raster pattern. By controllably modulating the laser in time with the movements of the mirror(s), a two-dimensional image can be produced. In fact, the LPD can produce a high quality image, such as VGA or higher resolution by modulating the mirrors at frequencies in the range of 10's and 100's of MHz.
Monochrome displays, however, have limited utility, whereas full color displays are in wide use and are desired and accepted by the general public. Full-color LPDs may be produced by controllably combining red, blue and green laser light to produce a wide spectrum of colors. Generally, red, blue and green lasers are commercially available, but not in small-form factors, such as semiconductor laser diodes, and modulating these lasers with image data has proven to be difficult.
The present invention is directed to overcoming, or at least reducing, the effects of one or more of the problems set forth above.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Method and apparatus for controllably producing a laser display


An advanced brake light signalling apparatus utilizes an output from a potentiometric position sensor, buffers the output, differentiates the buffered signal, compares the differentiated signal with a reference, and depending upon the results of the comparison activates the brake lights of a vehicle for a minimum time period. The position of the accelerator at the time of initiation of motion may be utilized to adjust the reference to which the differentiated signal is compared.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to early warning brake lighting systems and specifically to a system which utilizes a signal from a throttle position sensor.
2. DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
Automobiles have developed through time from the original models which were barely able to exceed human walking speed to where relatively enormous velocities are attainable and commonplace. Accompanying this development of faster cars has been a requirement for better notification of relative changes of movement between vehicles to reduce the likelihood of collisions therebetween. Perhaps the most basic of these systems is the turn signal in which a driver is able to activate a flashing amber light to signal to surrounding drivers an intention to make a change in the direction the vehicle is taking.
Additional lighting systems have evolved which are more automatic due to the nature of the change being signalled. The present standard brake lights are exemplary. In operation a driver will apply pressure to the brake pedal and activate some type of switch which in turn energizes tail lights on the vehicle. Observance of the tail lights provides a signal to all following motorists that the vehicle is braking.
While the brake light provides warning to following motorists, with increasing velocities and greater congestion on the thoroughfares, CTS-641, Throttle Position Sensor Advanced Brake Light Device there is not always sufficient warning provided to trailing motorists of the braking of a leading vehicle. The time required for response by a trailing motorist includes reaction time of the leading motorist, travel time by the leading motorist's foot from the accelerator pedal to the brake pedal, and reaction time of the trailing motorist. In an environment where numerous rear-end collisions are occurring daily, including some of extremely serious consequence, anything which can be provided to reduce the total time for response by the trailing motorist is beneficial.
Currently, the automotive industry is providing rear window (third) brake lights which improve visibility of the light and allow for viewing from a trailing car not only to an immediately leading vehicle, but often to a second or further leading vehicle. Studies have illustrated a reduction in rear-end collisions with the utilization of the third light However, in view of the large number of rear-end collisions where time was insufficient for braking by a trailing vehicle, clearly there exists a need for a product which will increase that warning time.
Prior art systems to automatically provide more advanced warning of deceleration have included accelerometers which sense the acceleration of the vehicle and light the brake lights responsive to deceleration. Other systems have included switches mounted onto or in the proximity of the accelerator pedal and linkage to sense rapid movement of the accelerator in a decelerating manner. Some other prior art systems have sensed pressure or force applied to the accelerator pedal to detect rapid reduction in force, as might be experienced in an emergency movement away from the accelerator.
Each of the prior art systems suffer from disadvantages which are too substantial to elicit widespread acceptance of the devices in spite of the statistically significant safety enhancement available CTS-641, Throttle Position Sensor Advanced Brake Light Device from implementation. The prior art accelerometers tend to be sensitive to random road vibration, and in some instances, to the incline of the roadway upon which the vehicle is traveling. Additionally, the response time gained from the prior art accelerometers is questionable, since the vehicle must be already decelerating beyond a minimum threshold to activate the device. If this threshold is too great, no advance warning is provided since the brakes must already be applied to activate the device. If the threshold is too low, transmission shifting and road irregularities will activate the device.
Prior art pressure and force sensors offer advanced warning through the necessary time required for a lead motorist to release pressure from the accelerator and then apply a pressure to the brake pedal sufficient to activate the brake light. This is the travel time of the lead motorist's foot referred to earlier. However these prior art sensors suffer from complications occurring around the accelerator pedal and linkage. Many accelerator pedal sizes and shapes are available. Many different methods of applying pressure to the accelerator pedal are utilized, varying between individual motorists. Finally, many different installation methods may be utilized for the sensors. In view of the varying pedal sizes and shapes, a manufacturer must make either custom models for each pedal resulting in high cost of manufacture, or the manufacturer must design a single sensor which is adaptable for custom installation by the end user. The concept of a single adaptable sensor is limiting throughout the prior art in that the sensor will disrupt the accelerator pedal to motorist connection to the significant dissatisfaction of the consumer to whom the product is being sold. Additionally, connection between the sensor and the brake lights introduces potential problems related to entanglement of the sensor with the pedal and linkage, wearing of the parts subjected to motion, and difficulty of proper installation in view of the nonCTS-641, Throttle Position Sensor Advanced Brake Light Device standard mechanical configuration of accelerators and linkages.
The prior art devices which overcome many of the aforementioned problems utilize connection to or within the accelerator linkage. These devices create new hazards for the motorists which are potentially more hazardous than the original early warning problem. Binding or lock-up of the accelerator linkage during operation will potentially take the vehicle out of control of the motorist with serious consequence. This can occur due to improper installation, mechanical wear, unintentional disruption of the device relative to the linkage, loosening with age of mechanical fasteners, and other reasons too numerous to mention.

Throttle position sensor advanced brake light device


A computer-implemented network communication method includes receiving, by a network access stratum device, an uplink message sent by a terminal device, in which the uplink message is sent over a persistent connection between the network access stratum device and the terminal device; encapsulating, by the network access stratum device, the uplink message and a session identifier of the persistent connection into a target message; transmitting, by the network access stratum device, the target message to a message forwarding device over a short-term connection between the network access stratum device and the message forwarding device; receiving, by the network access stratum device, from the message forwarding device, a downlink message corresponding to the target message, in which the downlink message includes the session identifier; identifying, by the network access stratum device, the terminal device as a receiving device of the downlink message based on the session identifier; and sending, by the network access stratum device, the downlink message to the terminal device.

In an Internet of Things service system, because of service needs such as message pushing, a large quantity of terminal devices in the Internet of Things need to maintain a persistent network connection to a server.
In current Internet of Things service solutions, a persistent network connection is maintained between terminals and an Internet of Things HUB (IoT HUB). Maintaining a persistent network connection causes relatively large resource overheads on the server. Heartbeat processing, memory overheads on the server, etc. cause performance downgrading of an IoT HUB system responsible for message processing. As such, memory overheads and heartbeat maintenance overheads of the IoT HUB are excessively high, especially in hundreds of millions of IoT scenarios. Therefore, in the Internet of Things service field, a device connection solution needs to be more stable and consume fewer resources on the server.


Methods of forming a semiconductor device using a photoresist additive and methods of making a photoresist composition using the photoresist additive are disclosed. The photosensitive additive includes a polymer; at least one photo-acid generator (PAG); and at least one additive compound comprising a base and an acid-labile group (ALG). The at least one additive compound undergoes intramolecular cyclization to from a cyclic amide compound in the presence of acid. The at least one additive compound also neutralizes acid generated by the PAG without consuming the acid and does not absorb much light in the exposure areas.

The semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) industry has experienced rapid growth. Technological advances in IC materials and design have produced generations of ICs where each generation has smaller and more complex circuits than the previous generation. In the course of IC evolution, functional density (i.e., the number of interconnected devices per chip area) has generally increased while geometry size (i.e., the smallest component (or line) that can be created using a fabrication process) has decreased. This scaling down process generally provides benefits by increasing production efficiency and lowering associated costs. Such scaling down has also increased the complexity of processing and manufacturing ICs and, for these advances to be realized, similar developments in IC processing and manufacturing are needed. For example, conventional photoresist layers comprise a base, which is not photosensitive. Thus, after an exposure process, exposed areas of a photoresist layer may exhibit less than desirable acid distribution contrast and base distribution contrast. This leads to lower pattern contrast, resulting in poor pattern profiles and/or poor resolution, particularly as pattern features continue to decrease in size.
Conventional methods for improving resolution usually include using a quencher, photo decomposable base (PDB), and a photo-acid generator (PAG) in the photoresist layer. The PAG generates an acid after exposure. The quencher is a base molecule that can neutralize the acid to quench a chemically amplified reaction (CAR) in the exposure area. The quencher can neutralize excess acid and prevent acid from diffusing to unexposed areas. However, bases in the exposure area are typically not favored because they can consume protons that are needed in the CAR. The PDB displays a base in the unexposed area and decomposes to a neutral species or a weak acid when exposed in the exposed area. The PDB can maintain the concentration of acid in the exposed areas. However, a PDB can compete with the PAG and increase the dose energy.
Accordingly, what is needed is a method and photoresist material for manufacturing an integrated circuit device that addresses the above stated issues.

Patterning methods and methods of making a photoresist composition using a photoresist additive

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.


New lamellarins are provided of the general formula III or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, derivative, prodrug or stereoisomer thereof

The lamellarins are polyaromatics alkaloids originally isolated from marine sources and comprising a fused polyaromatic framework. The family of lamellarins are constituted by two basic structures:

Both structures have a pyrrolic ring substituted with aryl units. The hexacyclic structure 1 is a 14-phenyl-6H-[1]benzopiran[4′,3′,4,5]pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolin-6-one. Depending of the substituents and the presence of a double bond between C8-C9 the members of this family are designed with different letters.
 R1R2R3R4R5R6R7R8AOCH3CH3CH3HCH3CH3HOHCOCH3CH3CH3HCH3CH3HHEOHCH3CH3CH3HCH3HHFOHCH3CH3CH3CH3CH3HHGHHCH3CH3HHCH3HIOCH3CH3CH3CH3CH3CH3HHJHHCH3CH3CH3CH3HHKOHCH3CH3HCH3CH3HHLHHCH3CH3HCH3HHSHHCH3HHHHHTOCH3CH3CH3CH3HCH3HHUHCH3CH3CH3HCH3HHVOCH3CH3CH3CH3HCH3HOHYHCH3HCH3HCH3SO3NaHZHHCH3HHHCH3HβHHHCH3HHHH
 R1R2R3R4R5R6R7BOCH3CH3CH3HCH3CH3HDHHCH3HCH3CH3HHHHHHHHHMOHCH3CH3HCH3CH3HNHHCH3CH3HCH3HWOCH3CH3CH3CH3HCH3HXOHCH3CH3CH3HCH3HαHCH3CH3CH3HCH3SO3Na
R. J. Anderson et al, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1985, 107, 5492, describes the isolation and characterization of four polyaromatic metabolites, the lamellarins A-D, obtained from a marine prosobranch mollusc Lamellana sp. The structure of lamellarin A was determined by an X-Ray crystallographic study and the structures of lamellarins B-D were assigned by interpretation of spectral data.
N. Lindquist et al, J. Org. Chem. 1988, 53, 4570, describes the isolation and characterization of four new lamellarins: E-H from the marine ascidian Didemnum chartaceum obtained from the Indian Ocean. The structure of lamellarin E was determined by an X-Ray crystallographic study.
A. R. Carroll et al, Aust. J. Chem. 1993, 46, 489, isolated six new lamellarins: I, J, K, L, M and the triacetate of the lamellarin N, and four known of this type: A, B, C, and the triacetate of lamellarin D, isolated from a marine ascidian Didemnum sp.
S. Urban et al, Aust. J. Chem. 1994, 47, 1919 and Aust. J. Chem. 1995, 48, 1491, described the isolation and characterization of four new lamellarins, O, P, Q, R, with the substructure type 2 from the marine sponge Dendnilla cactos. Later S. Urban et al, Aust. J. Chem. 1996, 49, 711, described the structure of lamellarin S from the ascidian Didemnum sp.

M. V. R. Reddy et al, Tetrahedron 1997, 53, 3457, isolated five new lamellarins: T, U, V, W, and X, and the first example of sulfated lamellarin, Y, isolated from the marine ascidian Didemnum sp obtained from the Arabian sea.
R. A. Davis et al, J. Nat. Prod. 1999, 62, 419, described one new lamellarin, Z, and various examples of sulphated lamellarins isolated from the marine ascidian Didemnum chartaceum.
M. V. R. Reddy et al, J. Med. Chem. 1999, 42, 1901, isolated a new lamellarin, α, isolated from the marine ascidian Didemnum sp.
Finally, J. Ham et al, Bull. Korean Chem. Soc. 2002, 23, 163, described the isolation and characterization of the lamellarin β obtained from a marine ascidian Didemnum sp.
Lamellarins C and D have been shown to cause inhibition of cell division in a fertilised sea urchin assay, whereas lamellarins I, K, and L all exhibit comparable cytoxicity against P388 and A549 cell lines in culture. Recently, lamellarin N has been shown to exhibit activity in lung cancer cell lines by acting as a Type IV microtubule poison.
Furthermore, J. L. Fernández-Puentes et al, PCT Int. Appl WO 97/01336, describe that these compounds have also cytotoxic activity on multidrug resistant cells as well as efficacy as non-toxic modulators of the multidrug resistant phenotype and, therefore, afford an attractive potential source of chemotherapeutic agents.
The limited availability of natural material has resulted in the search for alternative synthetic methods being sought for the natural compounds and related analogs. M. G. Banwell et al, Int. Patent Appl. WO 98/50365 and Int. Patent Appl. WO 99/67250 described the synthesis of lamellarin K via 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition between an alkyne and an N-ylide of isoquinolin.
Lamellarin G trimethyl ether was also synthetised by S. Ruchirawat et al, Tetrahedron Lett. 2001, 42, 1250. The synthesis involved the formation of the core pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinoline, followed by the formation of the lactone ring.
Lamellarins I and K (1) were obtained by L. Castedo et al, Synlett 2001, 7, 1164, by a new approach based on the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of a nitrone to an alkyne. The key cycloaddition yield an isoxazoline which rearranged to afford the central pyrrole ring.
F. Albericio et al, Org. Lett 2003, 5, 2959, has described a total solid-phase synthesis of Lamellarins U and L.
Ishibashi F. et al., J. Nat. Prod., 2002, 65, 500-504 describe the synthesis and structure activity relationship for some lamellarin derivatives.
The discovery of the main target for an anticancer agent is an essential element to better understand its mechanism of action and to guide the development of clinically useful analogs. To illustrate this, one can refer to camptothecin (CPT) discovered in the early 1960s but successfully developed only a quarter of a century later when its main, and perhaps unique, molecular target was identified: topoisomerase I. The observation in 1985 that CPT stabilizes DNA-topoisomerase I complexes provided the starting point for the rational development of safe CPT analogs which culminated in the mid 1990s with the approval of topotecan and irinotecan for the treatment of ovarian and colon cancers.
The search for non-CPT topoisomerase I poisons has been very active for the past ten years but only a limited number of potent topoisomerase I poisons has been discovered.


An engine ECU executes a program including the step of controlling a driver motor which operates a TCV (tumble control valve) such that the TCV in the full-open state closes to a predetermined opening position (S106), the step of detecting the electric current value of the driver motor (S108), and the step of determining that the TCV is abnormal (S112) in a case where the electric current value of the driver motor is smaller than a determination value S (I) (YES in S110).

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an abnormality determination apparatus and an abnormality determination method for a valve, and particularly to a technique of determining abnormality of a valve provided to an intake passage of an internal combustion engine.
2. Description of the Background Art
A tumble control valve (also referred to as TCV hereinlater) that strengthens a tumble flow in a cylinder has conventionally been known. The tumble flow strengthened by the TCV can gather fuel around a spark plug for example. Therefore, by operating an internal combustion engine under a considerably lean air-fuel ratio condition, the emission property can be improved. Since the TCV has a great influence on the emission property, it is necessary to determine, using an OBD (On Board Diagnostic system), whether or not the TCV is abnormal.
Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 10-121991 discloses a fault diagnostic apparatus for an engine intake control system that controls the intake airflow by opening/closing an intake control valve provided to an engine intake system based on the engine operating state and that corrects the quantity of injected fuel by increasing or decreasing the fuel quantity for acceleration or deceleration. The fault diagnostic apparatus for the engine intake control system disclosed in the above-referenced patent document includes diagnostic means for determining that the intake control system fails when the air-fuel ratio has, in the period during which the fuel quantity is corrected by increasing it or the period during which the fuel quantity is corrected by decreasing it, any value that it never has during normal operation of the intake control valve.
The fault diagnostic apparatus disclosed in the patent document determines that the intake control system fails when the air-fuel ratio has, in the period during which the fuel quantity is corrected by increasing it for acceleration or the period during which the quantity is corrected by decreasing it for deceleration, a value that it never has during normal operation of the intake control valve. Under the conditions that the intake control system fails and the intake control valve is closed at the time of acceleration at which the operation changes from low-load operation to high-load operation, the charging efficiency is decreased due to the intake air resistance resultant from the fact that the intake control valve is closed so as to cause the quantity of fresh charge taken into the combustion chamber to decrease as compared with normal operation. At this time, the air-fuel ratio is rich and has any value that never occurs while the intake control valve normally operates. In contrast, under the conditions that the intake control system fails and the intake control valve is opened at the time of deceleration at which the operation changes from high-load operation to low-load operation, the charging efficiency is increased due to the fact that the intake control valve is opened to cause the quantity of fresh charge taken into the combustion chamber to increase. At this time, the air-fuel ratio is lean and has any value that never occurs while the intake control valve normally operates. Therefore, by determining the air-fuel ratio in the period during which the fuel quantity is increased for acceleration or the period during which the fuel quantity is decreased for deceleration, failure of the intake control system can be diagnosed.
The internal combustion engine of the common automobile has a plurality of cylinders. In such an internal combustion engine, each cylinder is provided with at least one TCV. The air-fuel ratio sensor detecting the air-fuel ratio does not detect the air-fuel ratio of each cylinder but detects the air-fuel ratio of the internal combustion engine as a whole. Therefore, if only one of a plurality of TCV is abnormal, there is a small influence on the air-fuel ratio detected by the air-fuel ratio sensor. Therefore, in the case where the failure of the TCV is determined from the air-fuel ratio as done by the failure diagnostic apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 10-121991, abnormality of any one of a plurality of TCV may not be detected in some cases.

Abnormality determination apparatus and abnormality determination method for valve


A catheter intended for the administration of an anesthetic into a body space and methods of use such as introduction within the interpleural space are disclosed. According to the disclosure, the catheter is constructed so that only a soft distal portion resides within the body space. A relatively stiff portion joined to the relatively soft portion is intended to extend from the relatively soft portion through the dense body tissue to the proximal end of the catheter. A bio-compatible resin providing a softness of about 80A to 100A Rockwell is used for the relatively soft distal portion. A bio-compatible resin providing a catheter portion having a durometer value of about 65D to about 75D Rockwell is used for the relatively stiff portion. The relatively soft portion avoids damage to the delicate body tissue bounding the space whereas the relatively stiff portion resists kinking or collapse, both within the relatively stiff body tissue and outside the body. Spaced apart reference markings are provided on the relatively stiff portion of the catheter in position to provide a visual indication of the amount of the relatively soft distal portion that is within the body space.

Catheters of the kind referred to are particularly useful for the administration of medicaments, more particularly for the continuous administration of anesthesia within the epidural or intra-pleural (interpleural) spaces. In each application, the space involved is relatively long and narrow and is relatively inaccessible except in a direction which is at an angle relative to the long axis of the space. In each instance, nerves and relatively delicate body tissues are involved which are subject to trauma, producing paresthesia and in some cases considerable discomfort and permanent injury due to disturbance of the relatively delicate tissue bordering the space. In extreme cases, puncture, irritation or erosion of the tissue can result.
In the use of intra-vascular catheters, relatively short, soft distal tips for catheters for venous and arterial use have recently come into use as a means of avoiding vessel puncture and the dislodgment of plaque with the vessel. In these applications, substantially all of the catheter dwelling within the vessel must be relatively stiff due to the need to guide and turn the catheter tip within the vessel. Because of this limitation, the soft tip employed on an intra-vascular catheter has at most been about one to one and one half centimeters in length. Catheters of this type have not been recognized or considered to be adaptable for use within the epidural or intrapleural spaces because the relativelY stiff material comprising the major part of the catheter may damage the delicate tissues within the space. Further, the restlessness of patients to whom anesthesia is administered by intra-pleural and epidural techniques increases the risk that the soft tip will become separated from the body of the catheter, particularly since the catheter may reside within the space over a period of many days or even weeks.

Arrow International Investment Corporation


A solar cell device and a method of fabricating the device is described. The solar cell is fabricated by providing a substructure comprising an absorber over a back contact having a P1 line therein and scribing a P2 line in the absorber by mechanical scribing and laser scribing after the mechanical scribing. The scribing can be performed with an integrated scriber, including a scribing tip and a light source mounted adjacent the scribing tip and operable concurrently with the scribing tip.

This disclosure relates to fabrication of photovoltaic solar cells.
Monolithic solar cell fabrication processes includes layering solar cell materials with an absorber material between front and back contacts and forming line patterns in the solar cell materials to isolate and connect the solar cells. The first line pattern (P1) is formed through the back contact material. The second line pattern (P2) is formed through the absorber material (and in some embodiments a buffer layer). The third line pattern (P3) is formed through the front contact and absorber materials (and the buffer layer, if present). However, patterning of the P1, P2 and P3 lines can damage and introduce impurities into the solar cell layers.
Such damage from patterning processes is a factor affecting solar cell performance. Due to the growing demand for clean sources of energy, various types of solar cell devices, tools and processes exist and continue to be developed in efforts to improve the performance of solar cells.

Solar cell interconnects and method of fabricating same


An improved volume of map, chart, or large image data, constructed of two complimentary books in which a comprehensive data region (10) is divided into a plurality of rectangular segments (22). The segments are separated into two groups as if a checkerboard pattern of alternating light and dark rectangles (34), (54) existed. The segments are further divided in half and made into facing pages or leaves (90), with each book (82), (86) containing generally half the sum of the data segments of the comprehensive map. The facing leaves are further ordered by two-dimensional coordinate based on row (98), and column (94) of the segments. The two-dimensional facing leave coordinate (130) is clearly printed on facing leaves.. An oversized cover (118) contains applicable coordinate scales or measure rules (110) on the inner sides of the visible area (122) of oversizement when the book is open. The scales are aligned to and applicable to the facing leaves. Leaves containing the detail segment data contain only data (106) extending to the leave edges and the facing leave coordinate reference. Both books contain a key map (102) of the comprehensive data with a checkerboard tinted grid overlay (114) matching the segments to indicate which book the segment is in. It also displays the two-dimensional coordinates of the facing leaves within each grid or by column and row on outer scales. Leaves are ordered within each book in a row and column manner. Both books also contain comprehensive indexes which reference points of interest by the two-dimensional facing leave coordinate indicating segment or facing leaves address and then an additional two-dimensional coordinate for location on the facing leaves.

1. Field of Invention
This invention relates to cartographic and large image printing and publishing in book form, specifically the need to view adjacent data leaves in a side by side, panoramic manner with two-dimensional navigation and geographic positioning.
2. Description of Prior Art
Map, chart, or image data such as satellite photography, unlike text, is typically reproduced on comparatively large stock whether in book, sheet, or folded sheet form. This is primarily because visual information has no beginning or end. It contains a middle only in a geometric sense. The way one views such data is both unpredictable and random. The viewer typically has a single point of high interest with interest declining to low based inversely on the distance from that point. This creates a primary region of interest, highest at the single point and then diminishing in all directions from the point. In cases of navigation between two points, similar logic applies to the line or course between those points rather than a single point.
Books, in any form or binding, have been used mostly to include a collection of independently produced maps. The leaves of books being comparatively smaller than large sheet maps impair use if the point of interest is positioned not toward the middle of the leave but towards an edge. The region of interest often extends onto two leaves. When the point of interest is near a leave edge the user desires to view two or more leaves within the book simultaneously, which cannot be done.
In single books, facing leaves some times offer adjacent map information. Pocket Atlas--METRO BOSTON--Eastern Massachusetts, Arrow Map, Inc., Bridgewater, Mass., 1997, demonstrates a single book with facing leaves containing adjacent map data in its book and no attempt is made to indicate true geographical position information. A key map is provided on a single leave with a uniform grid of the area and the segments equate to leaves within the book. Leaves are ordered numerically and serially by row/column and no logical or intuitive relationship exists between these leave numbers and adjacent leave data except that the leave to the left or right may be at a number of one higher or lower than the current leave number.
The street/town index for these leaves lists an alpha sequence character representing an up/down orientation and a numeric sequence number representing a sideways orientation and the numeric leave number. Both are needed because the alpha/numeric reference has no relationship to leave number. The alpha/numeric reference indicates in x-axis/y-axis coordinate terms where on the leave a point of interest exists as if the key map was a large wall map rather than a book with leaves. An individual leave therefore might have coordinate scales that begin with P and end with T while the numbers start with 15 and end with 26. The letters and numbers themselves do not indicate a specific location relative to the leaves. The letters and numbers on each of the leave scales are always different.
Reference or navigation is primarily by town name and street name via indexes printed at the end of the book. A specific leave reference number is printed toward the outer edges of each leave indicating where the adjacent data for that edge is located within the same book. Without such reference, there would be no way to find the adjacent data without returning to the key map.
In another conventional approach, NEW HAMPSHIRE ATLAS & GAZETTEER, Tenth Edition, DeLorme, Freeport, Me., 1996, the key map with grid by uniform geographical size is placed on the back cover and on the inside cover for the entire area covered by the book. Facing leaves consist of adjacent map data and a marginal, consistent amount of map data overlap exists on the outer leave edges. This redundant data makes the book larger but affords the user some continuity when the point of interest is close to the edge. If this point is close to the edge on one leave, it will also be close to the edge on an adjacent leave. The user is still unsatisfied viewing either leave individually.
If one places two copies of this publication side by side with adjacent data across leaves in order to gain a near seamless, panoramic view, one would still be frustrated. Now the map data overlap on individual leaves is a visual impairment rather than an asset. This redundant data, coupled with alpha/numeric coordinate scales along the outer edges and white outer collar or margin space, makes using two books compiled in such a manner (and not in the two-book map volume manner) non-functional. A true geographic location number is fine printed on the four outer corners of facing leaves but the geographical referencing method is independent of and not related to the key map, indexes, or leave coordinate scales.
The town/street index is improved in that the x-y coordinate system scale, imprinted on the leaves, references a location on the leave rather than a non-existent larger wall map. Unlike the previous example, all leaves contain the same scales with numbers starting at the beginning number one and letters with beginning character A. This enables a more intuitive and cognitive means of leave navigation. One can presume, for instance, a reference with a low number and character to always be in the same general place on the leave, such as the upper left corner.
The key map grid is again ordered numerically however, thus it suffers the disadvantages of the previous book. Detail map data leaves begin with the number 18 and end at 53 because this publisher chose to include 17 pages of other data ahead of the detail map leaves within its book. This illustrates more clearly that one cannot logically process such a number to find adjacent data or any data. One still cannot view the key map leave and the detail data leaves at the same time or be assured of a panoramic view of a particular region of interest.
Folded maps, such as New Hampshire Road & Recreation Guide, Arrow, Map Inc., Taunton, Mass., 1994, offer the user the advantage of both detailed and incrementally larger panoramic views simultaneously, as it is unfolded. They are also analogous to paper napkins in that they will last forever as long as you do not use them. Paper, once folded, does not unfold well thus impeding use as well as useful life. Numerous patents such as U.S. Pat. No. 4,289,333 to Gaetano (1979) attempt to improve upon the method of folding. All accept the limitations of folded paper and that the map information is limited by the practical constraints of maximum sheet size. It is additionally impractical to maintain view of accurate position information. The outer edges of the sheet, where such grid scales are printed, are not visible if used in a mostly folded manner.
Unfolded or wall maps are expensive to produce and distribute because of their size. They usually require a special costly container tube if the user wishes to store or transport them. Multiple unfolded maps require even more costly maintenance in the form of special purpose cabinetry. Unfolded maps are appropriate for permanent locations such as walls or special map rooms but have limited field or every day utility.
Additional approaches attempt to provide a book with foldout leaves or single books with pivots that allow leaves to fanout such as U.S. Pat. No. 4,030,218 to Stockwell (1977). Stockwell provides increased ability to view adjacent leaves but failed to point out that in one in four cases it does not provide such function because one of the adjacent data segments is physically on the back of the leave being viewed. Another approach, U.S. Pat. No. 5,419,586 to Golson (1995) recognizes the value of viewing the key map and detail data leaves at the same time by providing a fold out panel as a front cover within a single book. Still others view the computer as the source of all improvement to map, chart, and large image viewing such as U.S. Pat. No. 5,030,117 to DeLorme (1991).


A control method for an electronic device such as a digital camera, having a mechanical driving member comprising a collapsible barrel, a lens barrier and the like, which performs mechanical operations, and a system controller which controls the overall device including the mechanical driving member is provided. In accordance with turning on of power supply to the system controller, the mechanical driving member is driven until the device enters a main-operation stand-by status, in parallel to start of an OS by the system controller.

The present invention relates to an electronic device which uses an OS (Operating System) to perform control, including mechanical operations, on the overall apparatus, such as a digital camera having a collapsible image sensing lens and a barrier to protect the image sensing lens.
A controller of an electronic device such as a digital camera performs various controls for image sensing and the like, and performs various processing such as file management, communication with an external device, image processing and image compression. To realize the above processing, an OS is installed in a controller which controls the overall apparatus. In addition, in a digital camera, as downsizing is seriously needed, the lens is collapsible to be housed within the camera main body, to improve portability. Further, a lens-protective barrier is provided to protect the lens.
However, in the above-described conventional art where the OS is installed in the controller that controls the overall electronic device, it takes relatively long time to start the OS when the power of the electronic device is turned on.
Further, in the digital camera, it takes time for mechanical operations to open the lens-protective barrier and extend the lens to an image sensing initial position. Accordingly, as it takes considerable time for the mechanical operations in addition to the above OS starting time before the camera enters an image sensing stand-by status, a user of the camera may miss a shutter release opportunity.

Electronic device using operating system for overall apparatus control including mechanical operation


A burglarproof lamp includes a lamp head part with a lamp head shell, a center contact bolt, a center contact insulation fixing base, a center contact insulation fixing sheet, a location post and a connection part fixing base. The center contact bolt is connected to a conductive pole after passing through the center contact insulation fixing base, the lamp head shell and the center contact insulation fixing sheet. The connection part fixing base has a boss and a containing cavity where a spring and a center conductive shaft are located. A conductive fixing ring is connected to the lamp head shell for limiting the position of the connection part fixing base via the boss. The center contact insulation fixing sheet has a location hole, into which the location post can be inserted when it is driven to the position corresponding to the location hole by the connection part fixing base.

E27 screw bulbs and B22 bayonet bulbs are commonly used for lamps and lanterns. Stealing of bulbs in public places impacts public lighting but is hard to prevent as such bulbs can be easily removed by bare hands without any special means. Thus, an anti-theft feature is required, especially for those of higher value like LED bulbs.


A spraying apparatus for spraying agricultural chemicals over shrubbery and small size arborous trees and plants in early stages of their growth positioned in arrays with empty areas therebetween, the spraying apparatus has a storage for an agricultural chemicals to be sprayed, a spraying assembly having the shape of an upside down U and provided with a plurality of spraying nozzles, a detector for detecting the presence of a plant, and an activator for activating the spraying nozzles, after the detector detects a plant to spray the plants inside the spraying assembly.

The present invention generally relates to agricultural equipment, and more particularly to a spraying apparatus for spraying agricultural chemicals on shrubby and/or small size arboreous crops or other types of plants during the early stages of their growth when the plants are disposed in lines or arrays with empty areas between them.
It is widely known to spray shrubbery and/or small size arboreous trees, or even bigger trees in the early stages of their growth with a spraying apparatus which may or may not be provided with means for detecting the presence of a plant in the area to be sprayed. The known spraying apparatuses are usually adjusted to the plants to be sprayed. This procedure, however, brings about a number of drawbacks, starting with the inadequate dimension of the machines which therefore spray volumes of agricultural chemicals much greater than necessary. As a result, when a spraying apparatus is not provided with detecting means for detecting the presence of a plant in a spraying area, huge amounts of chemicals are wasted, resulting in loss of the chemicals and environmental pollution, since the chemicals are continuously sprayed even in the areas between the plants.
When the spraying apparatus is provided with a detecting means to spray the chemicals only when a tree is detected in a spraying target area, such machines are designed for use with grown up plants. The drawbacks of these machines are that they are not efficient due to the fact that the machines are positioned away from the plants as they pass along the center of the passages defined by the arrays of plants. Also, such machines provided with the detecting means usually have speed sensors in order to compensate for the distance between the detecting means and the spraying nozzles along the spraying apparatus. Thereby there is a high probability that the chemical can be wasted. Due to the small size of the shrubbery and/or arborous trees, it is possible that the delayed activation of the spraying nozzle in response to the detection of a tree in a spraying target area may happen before the tree has reached the target area or after it has already passed it. Thereby the chemicals will be sprayed into the air and not on the plant, and only a part of the chemical reaches the plant.
Another alternative which is used for spraying of shrubby and/or small size araborus trees is to manually spray the chemicals with spraying guns. However, this solution goes against the present tendency of mechanisiziation of agricultural works. In addition, it is a very difficult, dangerous and in some places forbidden process.

Spraying apparatus for agricultural chemicals


An end-user or administrator is allowed to couple portlets in a portal through user interface events taking place on the portal display itself. When the portal is displayed, if the user actuates a control corresponding to a property in a portlet, a menu of actions that can be performed with that data by other portlets is provided to the user. In addition to this “conventional” manner, an alternative manner of actuating the component is provided to the user such that if the user actuates the control in this alternative manner, the user is provided the option of making the chosen action “persistent,” so that the next time the control is actuated by the user, or the associated property is otherwise produced, the chosen action is performed automatically, without requiring the user to choose an action.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates in general to a system and method for integrating applications based upon a user's actions. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system and method of integrating portlets so that source portlets are able to automatically provide data to target portlets.
2. Background Art
The portal market is one of the fastest growing markets of computer software. A portal, in the context of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, may be defined as an application that provides a secure, single point of interaction with diverse information, business processes, and people, personalized to a user's needs and responsibilities. A portal, or "Web portal," is a Web site or service that offers a broad array of resources and services, such as e-mail, forums, search engines, and on-line shopping malls. Portals are typically accessed by a user on the Internet using a software application, such as a Web browser. A Web browser, or "browser," is a software application used to locate and display Web pages. Two popular browsers are NETSCAPE NAVIGATOR™ and MICROSOFT INTERNET EXPLORER™. Both of these are graphical browsers, which means that they can display graphics as well as text. In addition, most modern browsers can present multimedia information, including sound and video, though they often require plug-ins in order to handle some formats.
The demand for portals drives rapid development of new technologies by different portal vendors in order to place their products in advantageous market positions. Not surprisingly, portals have evolved to their current state from a more primitive beginning. Originally, portals were mainly used as access points to different information sources with content being chosen by the portal operator. Next, portal customization provided users with the ability to choose the content that was displayed on the user's view of the portal using a Web browser. In this phase, the user was able to select information according to the user's interests and retrieve information related to his or her interests more expeditiously. Customized information delivery led to the introduction of business, or corporate, portals. Business portals were introduced to provide intra-business data within an organization.
The ongoing evolution of portals also left its footprint in the architecture of portal products. At first, portal-like products were delivered as pre-packaged applications that could be installed out of the box and included standard applications, which provided the portal functionality. As new applications were needed, vendors extended their products in order to satisfy requirements of the new applications. Due to the use of proprietary designs, portal vendors added exclusive functionality to their portals, tying the success of a portal to the applications that the portal included. This led to the decomposition of monolithic portal structures and the creation of portal frameworks.
Portal products offered today employ architectures whereby the portal itself only implements standard functionality, such as security, authorization, authentication, aggregation, caching, user management, enrollment, rendering, and the like. The portal provides the infrastructure to integrate other application components. A typical embodiment of this type of architecture includes APIs for integrating applications so that applications from different vendors can be used so long as they match the portal product's API. According to current computing jargon, these applications are commonly called "portlets." Other synonyms for "portlets" in current use in the art include 'iViews' (a term utilized by SAP AG of Walldorf, Germany) or 'web parts' (a term utilized by Microsoft, Inc. of Redmond, Wash.).
Portlets are components that can be added to portals and are designed to run inside a portal's portlet container. Portlets may provide different functions ranging from simple rendering of static or dynamic content to application functions such as e-mail, electronic calendaring, and the like. Portlets are invoked indirectly via the portal infrastructure and produce content that is suited for aggregation in larger pages.
While portlets allow separation of application components from each other and from the underlying portal, a challenge of using portlets is the difficulty in transmitting data that appears on one portlet to another portlet. For example, if one portlet displays orders for an organization and another portlet displays details for orders, vendors would have to "couple" the portlets to allow the user to send data from one portlet to another. In a business system, many portlets may be driven from the same pieces of information, such as order numbers, account numbers, and customer numbers. Closely coupling portlets to one another increases development requirements and maintenance of each portlet. In addition, coupling portlets may require activation of each of the coupled portlets even though the user only wants to view a subset of the coupled portlets.
In commonly assigned and copending application U.S. Ser. No. 10/448,968 (CHOUDHARY, ET AL.) May 30, 2003, entitled "System and Method for User Driven Interactive Application Integration," a manner of using information from a first portlet in performing an action in a second portlet, referred to as "Click-to-Action" is disclosed. When a user selects one of the "Click-to-Action" icons or controls displayed in a Source portlet, he or she sees a menu of actions invocable with respect to target portlets on the page that can process the properties (i.e., data items) that the icon or control is associated with. The user selects one of the actions from the menu, which results in a request being delivered to a Target portlet to perform the given action. The "Click-to-Action" feature described in the CHOWDHURY, ET AL. patent application, however, does not provide a way to persistently couple portlets.
In another commonly-assigned copending patent application, U.S. Ser. No. 10/292,074 (DUNNE, ET AL.) Nov. 12, 2002, a tool for allowing a user or administrator to couple portlets through a web-based interface was described. The DUNNE, ET AL. application describes the creation of "wires." A wire, as the term is used in the DUNNE, ET AL. application and herein, is a persistent association between a property in a source portlet and an action in a target portlet. When an event occurs that affects the property of a wire, the action associated with that property is triggered.
Although DUNNE, ET AL. tool significantly enhanced a user's ability to custom-configure a portal interface, one drawback to the tool was that a user would have to first interact with the portlets on the portal page itself, or in complex cases read additional documentation, then navigate to a separate tool interface display in order to couple or de-couple portlets. In a moderately complex portal, a user might have to switch back and forth between the portal and the tool interface a number of times in order to complete the user's configuration of the portal, which can be inconvenient.
What is needed, therefore, is a system and method for allowing a user to couple portlets without having to switch back and forth between a tool interface display and the portal itself.

Persistence of inter-application communication patterns and behavior under user control

International Business Machines Corporation


A master brake cylinder for use in a braking system of a vehicle, which contains pistons, having seals molded thereon. Overmolding the elastomer directly onto the pistons forms the seals. Also disclosed are improved master brake cylinder pistons having seals for automotive and other vehicles, and master brake cylinders which comprise brake fluid resistant, synthetic elastomer seals molded directly onto the piston of the master brake cylinder.

The invention relates to improved master brake cylinders for vehicles, such as automobiles, vans, and trucks.
The hydraulic brake system of vehicles, such as automobiles, vans, and trucks (hereinafter and in the claims referred to collectively as, xe2x80x9cvehiclesxe2x80x9d) consists of a master brake cylinder and pistons. The system is interconnected by pipes and hoses to disk brake calipers or wheel cylinders, located on each wheel of the vehicle. The master brake cylinder and its associated parts are filled with special high temperature resistant brake fluid. When the brake pedal is applied, its force is transmitted to the pistons of the master brake cylinder, which develops hydraulic pressure, which is then transmitted to the disk brake calipers or wheel cylinders.
To more fully understand the operation and design of a master brake cylinder, a typical master brake cylinder configuration is detailed in FIG. 1. In FIG. 1, there is illustrated a master brake cylinder 10. It is composed of a brake fluid reservoir 12, having primary port 14, and secondary port 16, as well as primary piston compensating port 18, and secondary compensating port 20, with all of these ports being in fluid communication with the interior of master brake cylinder 22.
Master brake cylinder 22 has positioned within its interior primary piston 24, having a front end 26, and a back end 28. Fitted to the front end 26 is primary seal 30. This seal is engaged by and partially held in position by its being urged against the concave side of spring retainer 32, which is attached to the piston by extension screw 36, described below. Spring retainer 32 has its non-concave side in contact with piston spring 34, which assists in holding the spring retainer 32 in place. Emanating from front end 26 of primary piston 24 is piston extension screw 36, which is attached to primary piston stop 38. The back end 28 of primary piston 24 is fitted with O-ring seal 40.
The back end 42 of secondary piston 44 is fitted with a secondary seal 46. The front end 48 of secondary piston 44 is fitted with primary seal 50, which is urged against the front end 48 by spring retainer 52. The front of spring retainer 52 engages one end of secondary piston spring 54, with the other end of secondary piston spring 54 being positioned along the end of master brake cylinder 22.
Two lines (not shown) deliver fluid from the master brake cylinder 22. The action of the brake is actuated by the driver of the vehicle depressing brake pedal (not shown), which is connected to output rod 60, which engages the back end 28 of primary piston 24.
When the brake pedal is depressed, it causes output rod 60 to move primary piston 24 and secondary piston 44 forward, compressing piston springs 34 and 54. As the pistons move forward, brake fluid is displaced into rear and front brake lines (not shown), which causes the front and rear brakes to engage the drums or calipers (not shown). Upon retraction of the output rod 60, brake fluid returns into the master brake cylinder 22, and primary piston spring 34 and secondary piston spring 54 urge the primary and secondary pistons 24 and 44 back to the status of the brake pedal not being applied. Primary and secondary piston compensating ports 18 and 20 prevent a vacuum from forming as the brake fluid returns. The seals on the primary and secondary pistons 24 and 44 prevent fluid from leaking beyond the pistons 24 and 44.
Seals for the pistons of master brake cylinders, particularly primary seals, have typically been retained on the pistons by mechanical spring retainers. These seal retainers increase the tolerance of the piston assembly stack and, therefore, the tolerance of the entire master brake cylinder assembly. A reduction in tolerance directly contributes to the improved travel to close performance of the master brake cylinder assembly. Travel to close is a vehicle performance parameter for pedal travel and pedal feel. Any elimination of parts also results in cost savings for the master brake cylinder assembly.
When seals are assembled over a piston and retained in a groove of the piston, only certain materials could be used. These materials had to be capable of being stretched for assembly and still retain enough elasticity to return to their original configuration once in the groove to seal against the piston. The assembly process for attaching the seals to the pistons requires the strenuous handling of the pistons. Because of this, the use of high temperature plastics as a material for producing pistons has not been fully exploited by the art. For instance, phenolic resins that are characteristically brittle would be damaged if dropped during the master brake cylinder assembly process, and, typically, seals become cut when assembled over the phenolic surface.
It would be beneficial to solve the above-described problems relating to the seals and at the same time reduce the cost of production and reduce the number of parts necessary in the master brake cylinder.
One aspect of the invention provides an improved master brake cylinder used in the braking systems of vehicles. These master brake cylinders comprise a cylinder, having a reservoir for supplying brake fluid to the cylinder. Within the cylinder, there are a primary piston and a secondary piston. Brake fluid resistant elastomeric seals are mechanically retained onto the primary and secondary pistons. The improvement made to these master brake cylinders resides in having the elastomeric seals molded directly onto the primary and secondary pistons.
Another aspect of the invention is an improved piston for master brake cylinders of vehicles that comprise a piston, having a front and a back, and having channels about their circumferences. Directly molded into the channels is a brake fluid resistant, synthetic elastomer seal. It should be understood that the present invention contemplates the use of commonly used brake fluids.
Another aspect of the invention resides in that the channels described above are U-shaped.
Another aspect of the invention has the channel in the back end containing a circumferential rib.
Another aspect of the invention involves the use of the pistons being made of metal, preferably a non-ferrous metal.
Another aspect of the invention allows plastics to be used to fabricate the pistons, with a preferred plastic being a phenolic resin.
Another aspect of the invention resides in molding to the pistons elastomers, which are chemically resistant to brake fluids. One such group of elastomers is the ethylene propylene elastomers, which includes terpolymers of these copolymers.
Another aspect of the invention utilizes as the brake fluid resistant elastomers such elastomers as chloroprene neoprene elastomers, fluorosilicone elastomers, sulphonate polyethylene elastomers, and chlorinated polyethylene elastomers.
Another aspect of the invention utilizes with phosphate ester brake fluids metal pistons, particularly, non-ferrous metal pistons, as well as plastic pistons, such as phenolic resin pistons.
The invention provides the foregoing and other features, and the advantages of the invention will become further apparent from the following detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments, read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The detailed description and drawings are merely illustrative of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

Master brake cylinders having overmolded seals


A device for holding a plurality of dispensing packages enables the packages to be independently removed and replaced. In one embodiment, the holding device includes a rear wall and a pair of sidewalls extending at an angle from said rear wall. The sidewalls each include a plurality of retaining elements, with each retaining element on one of said sidewalls being uniquely associated with a retaining element on the other sidewall. The rear wall of the holder may be selectively adjusted to vary the distance between opposing retaining elements. Each retaining element may separated from adjacent retaining elements so that each retaining element is independently flexible. Each retaining element may also include a retention hook that angles from the retaining element to hold a box behind the hook. The hook may additionally include a ramped surface that facilitates flexing of the retaining element as a box is inserted into the holder.

The present invention relates to dispensing package holders, and, more particularly to a device for holding one or more boxes or packages that are designed for dispensing articles.
Devices for holding packages are particularly common in the medical services industry, for instance, for holding multiple boxes containing medical accessories. One specific example found in many hospital rooms is a device for holding multiple boxes of examination gloves, such as a box of small size gloves, a box of medium size gloves and a box of large size gloves. A common configuration of such a glove box holder includes a C-shaped receptacle with an opening at the upper end. Multiple boxes can be inserted through the opening so they are stacked on top of each other within the receptacle. The boxes are oriented within the receptacle such that the openings in the boxes face the gap in the C-shaped receptacle to allow users to remove gloves from the boxes through the gap.
Difficulties arise in the common glove box configuration when attempting to replace an empty glove box. All of the boxes in the receptacle above the empty box must be removed in order to access and remove the empty box. If the bottom box is empty, the top two boxes must therefore unnecessarily be removed in order to remove and replace the empty box. This often creates extra work for already overworked hospital staff members. In addition, removing and replacing boxes from a top-load style holder can be inconvenient for users, because of the need to reach over the top of the holder to remove each box. This can be particularly difficult for shorter users, or in situations where the holder must be mounted high on a support structure. Further problems arise because of the limited amount of available space in many environments, including hospital rooms. The space above the glove box holder may become cluttered with a variety of items, such as hoses or additional instruments, that can prevent easy removal of the packages from a top-loading holder.


A paper feeder of a label printer makes printing successively on a continuous printing paper on which a multiplicity of label papers are affixed. The paper feeder includes a control device for moving back the continuous printing paper by a length obtained by adding a fixed length capable of continuously making the next printing subsequently to a final printing position of the printing paper upon resumption of the printing operation when the movement of the printing paper is stopped by completion of the printing operation to an adjustment length for settling a printing position and makes printing successively from a fixed position of the label paper upon resumption after the printing operation is stopped. In this case, the adjustment length is set to a sum of a length from the printing start position of the printing paper upon resumption of the printing operation to a label position detection sensor disposed ahead in the backward direction and a length required to cause the printing paper to reach a constant speed upon resumption of the printing operation.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a paper feeder of a label printer using an electronic photographic system which makes printing on a continuous printing paper on which a multiplicity of label papers are successively affixed.
2. Description of the Relative Art
There is known a label printer which can make printing successively on a continuous printing paper on which a multiplicity of label papers are successively affixed. When an electronic photographic system is adopted to this kind of label printer, toner attached on the label paper is thermally pressed by a fixing device using a heat roller. Accordingly, when the printing operation is stopped on the way, it is necessary to feed the printing paper forward by a predetermined length until a final printing position passes through the fixing device. Thereafter, when the printing operation is resumed, a process for the printing is made newly so that a blank portion is formed between the final printing position and the next printing start position on the printing paper, resulting in unused portion of the printing paper from the position of the heat roller to the position of the main charger being left blank.
A paper feeder of a non-impact transfer type printer disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 56-5993 comprises a photosensitive drum which is applied with information to be printed, a retractor mechanism which causes the photosensitive drum to be brought into contact with the printing paper or be separated from the printing paper, a control circuit which controls to make equal the rotational speed of the photosensitive drum to the feeding speed of the paper when the photosensitive drum is in contact with the paper, and control means for moving back the printing paper by a predetermined distance in order to make the distance between the transfer completion end and the next transfer start end of the printing paper to a predetermined value when the photosensitive drum is separated from the printing paper, whereby the occurrence of blank printing paper is avoided when the printing is resumed.
In the label printer which makes the printing on the label paper having a fixed length in the longitudinal direction of the printing paper, it is a matter of course that it is necessary to move back the printing paper to a target position to eliminate blank paper and it is further necessary to set the printing resumption position to a predetermined position of the label paper exactly. In addition, since many functional portions including a roller mechanism for moving the paper, a fixing device, a transfer charger and the like are disposed in the traveling path of the printing paper and a length of the paper to be moved back is relatively long, it is very important to control the backward movement of the paper to a target position stably and exactly.
However, in the paper feeder of the non-impact transfer type printer disclosed in the above publication, since it is merely performed that the paper is moved back by a predetermined value in order to eliminate the vain paper, it can not be adopted in the label printer requiring high accuracy, reliability and stability.


A process and apparatus which can be packaged in a warhead for disseminat a finely divided high explosive by means of a burster charge into the atmosphere as an high explosive dust-air cloud bomb. By interposing a damping means between the explosive burster charge and the load of particulate high explosive, the explosion of the HE explosive inside the container by the burster charge is prevented.

This invention relates to a novel process and apparatus for explosively dispersing particles of high explosives into the atmosphere to form a high explosive-air bomb.
Devices for explosively dispersing non-explosive substances into the atmosphere, such as pesticides, anti-personnel agents, etc., are well known. Such devices usually contain a tubular burster charge positioned on the axis of a cylindrical container and surrounded by the powdered substance to be dispersed, which on firing of the burster charge is forced outwardly to rupture the thin container walls and is dispersed into the atmosphere. A similar arrangement is also employed in liquid fuel filled munitions for dispersing the fuel, e.g., propylene oxide, into the atmosphere as an aerosol cloud of fine liquid droplets to produce a fuel-air explosive (FAE) bomb, which is detonated by a second, delayed initiator in known manner. If a similar arrangement is attempted for dispersing a particulate high explosive (HE), e.g., RDX (1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazocyclohexane), the high explosive will explode inside the container rather than being dispersed into the atmosphere to form an aerosol bomb. The basic reason for the failure is that the particulate high explosive charge is detonated by the severe conditions resulting from the explosion of the central burster charge required for dispersing the particulate high explosive.
A high explosive dust-air bomb would be advantageous as compared to a conventional liquid fuel-air explosive (FAE) bomb, due to the much higher energy output of the high explosive. There are no known devices which employ the technique of explosive dissemination for the dispersal of HE dust. At present HE dust must be dispersed into the atmosphere by spraying or impulsively loading a holder having a thin layer of HE material. These techniques cannot be readily packaged into a warhead.

High explosive disseminator for a high explosive air bomb

The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army


Photodynamic devices for replacement of an articular head of a bone are provided. In an embodiment, a photodynamic device includes a photodynamic support member and an articular member attachable, either fixedly or removably, to the photodynamic support member and having a bearing surface. In an embodiment, the articular member includes a recess designed to receive the photodynamic support member. In an embodiment, the photodynamic support member includes an opening into which a shaft of the articular member can be inserted to attach the articular member to the photodynamic support member.

Bones form the skeleton of the body and allow the body to be supported against gravity and to move and function in the world. Bone fractures can occur, for example, from an outside force or from a controlled surgical cut (an osteotomy). A fracture's alignment is described as to whether the fracture fragments are displaced or in their normal anatomic position. In some instances, surgery may be required to re-align and stabilize the fractured bone. But proper positioning of a bone, particularly in a joint, is difficult to achieve. It would be desirable to have an improved device or method for repairing and positioning a fractured or weakened bone.

Photodynamic articular joint implants and methods of use