An object of the present invention is to obtain an image that is more similar to a real ink-wash painting. An ink-wash painting conversion unit converts data of an original image into data of a painterly image. A characteristic region detection unit detects a characteristic region of the original image from the data of the original image. A conversion unit executes gradation processing of gradating the characteristic region detected by the characteristic region detection unit, and margin setting processing of setting a margin region to be added to the painterly image, as image processing of further converting the data of the painterly image that was converted by the ink-wash painting conversion unit.

Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and an image processing method as well as a storage medium.
Related Art
In recent years, image processing is executed on data of an original image to improve artistry for the purpose of enhancing the rendering effects.
For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, Publication No. 2011-139329 discloses painterly conversion processing, which is executed on data of an original image to be converted into data of a painterly image such as an image similar to an oil painting or a colored pencil drawing.
Moreover, in order to accomplish the aforementioned purpose, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, Publication No. 2006-114024 discloses image processing, in which an edge is detected in data of an original image that includes a person's face as a subject, thereby converting the data of the original image into data of an image that is similar to an ink-wash painting (suiboku-ga) (hereinafter referred to as an "ink-wash-painting-like image") that is a type of an image with high artistry.
However, in the image processing disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, Publication No. 2006-114024, only a width of a contour line is converted depending on a facial part, and for example, ink-wash-painting expression is not taken into consideration at all. As a result, a converted image may be an image being remote from a real ink-wash painting in some cases.

Image processing apparatus for converting image in characteristic region of original image into image of brushstroke patterns


There is disclosed a pin plug comprising a rod electrode and a cylindrical cap electrode encircling coaxially the rod electrode and a base body for supporting the rod electrode and the cap electrode. The base body includes a head section for supporting the bar electrode and a body section providing continuous axial and radial grooves for receiving the connecting cord with an annular space formed therebetween and with a stem portion coupling the head section with the body section.

Various types of the pin plug have heretofore been commercially available and example of such the pin plug may be found in the Japanese utility model publications Nos. 45-16025, 51-41192, 53-50071 and 53-50070.
A problem of the prior pin plug heretofore used in the audio equipment for example is that a connection between the plug and the connecting cord is unstable and the latter is apt to disengage from the former or to cause a defective contact because the plug is usually disengaged from a jack by pulling the connecting cord.


The disclosure is directed to a device for forming a post-receiving cavity in a solid material during the solidification thereof with the device including a clamping element having first and second side walls disposed in facing relationship to each other, with each of the side walls having a vertical extent, and a resilient wall which extends between the first and second side walls and interconnects the first and second side walls intermediate the respective vertical extent of each side wall to thereby divide each side wall into an upper end portion and a lower basal portion. The resilient wall is constructed and configured to cause the upper end portions of the side walls to move outwardly in response to application of an inward lateral force to the lower basal portions of the side walls and also to cause the upper end portions of the side walls to be maintained at a predetermined distance from each other in the absence of any inward lateral force being applied to the lower basal portions. The device also includes a post-receiving cavity from which is made of deformable material and which has at least one dimension that is greater than or equal to the predetermined distance which the resilient wall normally maintains between the upper end portions of the side walls and which is disposed between the upper end portions. The post-receiving cavity form is selectively disposed between the upper end portions so that the dimension of the post-receiving cavity form which is greater than or equal to the predetermined distance between the upper end portions so that the post-receiving cavity form is biasingly retained between the upper end portions by its engagement with the upper end portions.

This invention generally relates to a device for selectively forming a post hole cavity in a material during the solidification of the material with the hole or cavity being designed to receive a post or any other type of stanchion. In the past, post holes or cavities which were provided in a solid material such as a poured concrete slab were formed by core drilling the slab at appropriate locations after the slab had solidified. This procedure proved to be both time consuming and expensive. Accordingly, those in the art have attempted to obviate this problem by utilizing post hole forming devices which formed the post-receiving cavity or hole during solidification of the concrete slab as opposed to after solidification thereof. One such device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,255,913 to Poma. This patent discloses utilization of a hollow sleeve bracket member to form the post-receiving cavity by first positioning the bracket on the reinforcing rods or mesh upon which the concrete will be poured and then pouring the concrete into a retaining (or shaping) mold which is positioned on the reinforcing rods up to a height not to exceed the top of the hollow bracket. Upon solidification of the concrete the bracket defines a post-receiving cavity into which a L-shaped post is placed and bolted to the bracket. The patent also discloses that a plurality of the devices may be selectively positioned with respect to each other by connecting them to stringers or runners. While this system may perform adequately, it suffers from several drawbacks. One such drawback is that the workers utilizing the device must be careful not to pour the concrete material directly into the interior of a hollow bracket or, for that matter, to pour an amount of concrete into the concrete retaining mold, which would result in the concrete flowing over the top edge of the bracket and down into its interior. Another disadvantage is that a mechanism bolting operation to secure the post within the hollow bracket is necessary, and since this bolting operation must occur down inside the hollow bracket and by those in the field, it is time consuming and requires significant labor.
Another prior device which has been utilized to form a post-receiving hole or cavity within a concrete slab during its solidification is illustrated in FIG. 1. This device generally includes a support arrangement for positioning and holding a post-receiving cavity form which is selectively removable from the support arrangement. The post-receiving cavity form of this prior device maybe generally described as an inverted generally rectangular shaped cup the lower edge of which has been provided with two outwardly projecting tabs on the opposite sides thereof. The projecting tabs are configured to be inserted into two corresponding recesses in the sides of the support arrangement. Such insertion may occur either slidingly by laterally aligning the tabs and recesses and applying lateral force or by a "snap-fit" insertion by pressing the post-receiving cavity form downward into the support arrangement and between the side walls thereof with the outwardly projecting tabs passing downwardly along the inner surface of the side walls of the support structure until they snap into their respective recesses. In use, the thus assembled combination of the support structure in the post-receiving cavity form is selectively placed in a manner essentially equivalent to the above-described placement of the hollow bracket of the Poma patent wherever formation of a post hold is desired. A plurality of these devices may be selectively positioned with respect to each other by inserting a support channel of steel or other material into one of the retaining channels which project from the exterior surfaces of the side walls of the support structure. Thereafter, the concrete or other appropriate material is poured, as discussed above, into the mold up to a level not exceeding the top of the post-receiving cavity form. After the concrete has solidified, the post-receiving cavity form is forcibly disengaged from the support structure and the concrete generally by piercing the top of the support-receiving cavity form and pulling upwards to disengage the tabs from their respective recesses. While this device appears to be an improvement over the Poma device, it too is subject to certain drawbacks and disadvantages. One such drawback is that a relatively large number of post-receiving cavity forms having various depths must be maintained in stock due to the fact that the depth of the concrete slab will vary depending upon the application in which it will be utilized. That is, deeper post-receiving cavity forms will be necessary for applications requiring concrete slabs of increased depth since the top of the post-receiving cavity form must protrude out from the concrete after it has been poured. Another disadvantage of this device is that it is difficult to disengage the tabs from their respective recesses after the concrete has solidified when it is desired to remove the post-receiving cavity form from the support structure to reveal the post hole or cavity which has been formed within the concrete. Such difficulty can result in time delays and increased labor costs in removing each post-receiving cavity form from its respective support structure and the concrete slab.


A differential mechanism includes a housing portion having a generally annular wall with a generally annular inner surface. The annular wall defines an open end of the housing portion. The lid is affixed to the open end forming an enclosure with the housing portion. The opposing side bevel gears are in driving engagement with at least one bevel pinion assembly. The bevel pinion assembly includes at least one bevel pinion shaft with opposing axial ends, each supporting a side bevel gear. The bevel pinion assembly and the side bevel gears are disposed within said enclosure. The annular inner surface defines at least two receptors having ingress's, each receptorengaging one axial end of the pinion shaft independently of the lid.

Differential mechanisms are included in vehicle transmissions to transmit torque from a transmission output to opposing axle shafts allowing right and left wheels to rotate at different speeds, particularly important when negotiating a turn. While performing generally the same function, differential mechanisms have different dimensional requirements for rear wheel and front wheel drive vehicles. Specifically, differentials intended for use on front wheel drive vehicles require a beveled, and even annular shape in order to compensate for both the smaller packaging area available and to account for the steering characteristics of the front wheels of the vehicle. Rear wheel drive vehicles are typically larger and require more torque production than front wheel drive vehicles and include sport utility, pick-ups, and even heavy duty vehicles. Therefore, the rear wheel drive differential is typically dimensioned larger with heavier gauge steel than is a front wheel drive differential. Iron castings presently used to form the housing of a differential for a rear wheel drive vehicle requires a large number of machining operations to produce finished parts having the dimensions necessary to provide adequate tolerances to support the gears disposed within the housing. Dimensional accuracy is important to produce a vibration free motion of the differential in order to produce a smooth vehicle operation.
Given the high torque requirements that is typical of the rear wheel drive vehicle, it is believed that the differential housing should include a more dimensionally stable and durable configuration than what is required of a front wheel drive differential housing. Furthermore, many of the manufacturing drawbacks of cast differential housings have resulted in excessive cost of a typical vehicle transmission. U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,045,479, 6,061,907, 6,176,152, and 6,379,277 each disclose a method of forming a differential housing using a cold flow-forming process. While the housing formed by the process disclosed in these prior references are believed to be effective for use in a front wheel drive transmission, it is believed that the housings will not be as effective for use in a rear wheel drive vehicle. However, the dimensional improvements produced by the cold flow-forming process that enable sheet steel to be used to form the differential housing can also be used to form a differential housing for a rear wheel drive differential. Therefore, the cold flow-forming process disclosed in these prior art patents are included by reference herein.
Furthermore, improvements made to the cold, flow forming process and performance deficiencies of the prior art patents would also be desirable. For example, the prior art housings have not proven to withstand required durability testing due to the location of the shaft holding the pinion gears inside the housing. Specifically, sandwiching the shaft between two housing portions does not provide the durability required of a rear wheel drive differential.


Pressing device for relative axial displacement of two parts arranged coaxially with one another and displaceable towards one another only by means of high pressure, such as, for example, collet chucks or clamping sleeves, into corresponding bores of tool or collet chuck holders. The device has an outer housing which coaxially encompasses the parts to be pressed and is hinged along an axial plane. Insert halves which in each case comprise two fixed plates having engaging edges for engaging one of the parts to be pressed and an axially moveable press plate having an engaging edge for engaging the second part to be pressed can be inserted into the housing.

Pressing processes of this type are used, for example, in the pressing of pipe ends or shaft connections. High pressure is required because the friction of a tight fit has to be overcome and in many cases additional material deformation must be effected. A typical example is the pressing in and pressing out of collet chucks or clamping sleeves in corresponding tool holders or collet chuck holders for machine tools.
For certain embodiments of tool receptacles, in particular those having little or no conicity of collet chuck and receptacle cone, as are preferred for machines with very high speeds, the collet chucks or clamping sleeves with the inserted tool shaft cannot readily be inserted into the receptacle of the collet chuck holder and fixed with a clamping nut or, conversely, removed again after loosening of the clamping nut but must be pressed in and also pressed out again with high pressure. There are various solutions for this pressing in and pressing out but they are associated with disadvantages.
A pressing device which performs these tasks is described in Swiss Patent No. 896/06. To avoid requiring a complete pressing device for each different tool size, the tool receptacles are designed as changeable inserts which can be inserted into a corresponding recess in a housing. These inserts consist of lower and upper fixed plates and press plates displaceable in between by rams. The fixed plates and the displaceable press plates have engaging edges for placing on corresponding grooves or flanges on the parts to be pressed.
A disadvantage of this arrangement is that the inserts with the rams are relatively complicated to produce and therefore expensive.


The present invention is drawn to a valve control accessory for use with a dual balloon stent delivery catheter. The accessory device includes a bifurcated fluid line adapted to connect to an inflation device using a proximal luer connector. Additional luer connectors at the distal ends of the main fluid line and branched fluid line are engaged to connect to the proximal ends of a bifurcated catheter shaft, allowing the fluid lines to be in fluid communication with a parent and sidebranch balloon respectively. In one embodiment, stopcocks are formed in both the main and sidebranch fluid lines to allow independent or simultaneous expansion of each balloon. A pressure indicator may be placed on either fluid line to indicate which line is under pressure.

The present invention relates to a system for use in the treatment of vascular disease. Vascular disease is a common condition which causes the development of a stenosis, or narrowing, of the vasculature. The resulting reduction in blood circulation in the stenotic vessel may cause a variety of medical problems.
A common treatment of stenosis involves the delivery of a stent via a delivery device, such as a catheter, to the region of the stenosis. Stents are typically a tubular device which can be expanded from a first collapsed state to a second expanded state. The stent may be crimped down over a balloon which is disposed about a distal region of the catheter. The stent delivery catheter advances the stent to the delivery site, at which time the balloon is inflated, causing the stent to expand to its deployed state in which the stent engages the inner walls of the blood vessel, thereby maintaining the vessel in an unrestricted state.
Stenotic lesions may also form at a bifurcation, which is a region of the vasculature where a parent vessel is bifurcated into at least two branch vessels. Bifurcated lesions pose additional challenges for medical treatment. Such cases may require the deployment of two stents in the bifurcated region or, alternatively, a single stent have a first diameter portion for deployment in the parent vessel and a second diameter portion for deployment in the branch vessel.
To assist in the deployment of a bifurcated stent device for treatment of a bifurcation lesion, a specialized catheter can be used which may include a dual balloon stent deployment system. A parent balloon can deploy a first diameter portion of the stent in the parent vessel, while the sidebranch balloon can deploy a second stent diameter portion in a branch vessel. Each of the two balloons is in fluid communication with its own lumen. The lumens are connected to separate inflation devices which deliver inflation fluid through the lumens to inflate the balloons.
What would be desirable is a stent delivery catheter system in which the user could inflate both balloons separately and/or simultaneously without having to disconnect or reconnect the inflation device. It would also be desirable to have a means for indicating to the user which of the dual balloons is deflated at any given time.

Dual balloon valve control with pressure indicator


Disclosed herein are a camera module for a vehicle and a monitoring system provided with the same capable of conveniently identifying circumstances around a vehicle by photographing the circumference of the vehicle in various directions.

Technical Field
The present invention relates to a camera module for a vehicle and a monitoring system provided with the same, and more particularly, to a camera module for a vehicle and a monitoring system provided with the same capable of conveniently identifying circumstances around a vehicle by photographing the circumference of the vehicle in various directions.
Description of the Related Art
Generally, there is a need to pay attention to other vehicles positioned at the front, rear, sides, and the like, of a vehicle or obstacles for careful driving of the vehicle.
Recently, a system for monitoring the surrounding environment of a vehicle by photographing the surrounding environment of the vehicle using cameras each attached to the front, rear, left, and right of the vehicle and a system for detecting a blind spot have been proposed.
However, since a viewing angle of a camera module which is used in the system for monitoring the surrounding environment of a vehicle and a viewing angle of a camera module which is used in the system for detecting a blind spot are different from each other, there is a need to use the camera module capable of securing different viewing angles for each system.
Further, there is a limitation in providing a system conforming to circumstances to a driver due to a problem of a vehicle structure in which several cameras may not be mounted at the front, rear, and sides of the vehicle.

Camera module for vehicle and monitoring system provided with the same

Abstract: According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the camera module includes a camera module including a plurality of lenses which is mounted in different directions to form each image, one image sensor unit which is mounted to be movable to corresponding positions of each image formed by the plurality of lenses, a guide part which selectively moves the image sensor unit, and an image processor which processes an image signal output from the image sensor unit.


Provided is a DC motor capable of eliminating a DC current reverse rectification performed in a conventional DC motor and enabling rotation of maximum torque at all rotation angle and having a shape and a function for facilitating a combination with a speed change gear mechanism. Also provided is a planetary gear dynamo using the shape and the function of the present invention and capable of reducing inverse torque when the function is used as a generator.

In conventional technology called a geared motor, a rotation shaft of a motor and a gear mechanism are connected, and housings thereof are secured to each other by screws, as shown in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2001-5425.
Alternatively, a motor part and a gear mechanism part are arranged separately and connected by rotation shafts of a motor, and the motor part and the gear mechanism part are divided and held in one housing in the technology, as shown in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2003-314634.
Since a permanent magnet of the motor part rotates such that a north pole and a south pole alternately approaches an iron core slot to cause a magnetic flux of the permanent magnet to pass through an iron core, a counter-electromotive force is generated in a coil in addition to cogging torque, whereby reverse torque is applied.
Since rotational force is generated by alternately switching the north pole and the south pole at both ends of the coil, it is necessary to reverse the direction of electric current flowing in the coil, whereby the coil generates a self-induced counter-electromotive force. The electric current flowing in the coil is interrupted at each reversal of the electric current, a high surge voltage is generated at each on/off thereof, and a stronger electromagnetic wave is generated with faster rotation. For each reverse rectification of the DC current, a dead point in which the rotation force is not generated is formed to cause uneven rotation and accordingly limit the starting position. The surge voltage, the cogging torque, and the dead point are causes of electromagnetic noise generated from an armature of a DC motor.
In the conventional motor, since the positional relation of a rotor and a stator is limited and fixed, a rotation shaft cannot be designed in a free position and angle inside a motor mechanism, whereby the function, shape, and connection application method of an entire mechanical device requiring rotational torque of the motor are accordingly limited.
As shown in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2003-314634, the technology called the geared motor is a mechanism which adjusts the rotational speed of the motor to perform torque transmission for the purpose of adjusting the torque of the motor by varying the rotational speed with a combination of a motor rotation shaft and the gear mechanism in order to increase the torque, and accordingly requires a volume of both of the motor part and a gear part.
As shown in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2005-287215, conventional technology called an electric generator utilizing a planetary gear utilizes a planetary gear mechanism as an increaser and has a purpose of increasing the induced voltage by increasing the rotational speed of the electric generator, whereby reverse torque due to an armature reaction as the rotational load of the electric generator increases in direct proportion to a speed rotational ratio in the case where an induced electromotive force is generated by applying electric current.


Exemplary embodiments provide a grasping and lifting device for moving a plurality of different-sized containers. The dimensions of the grasping device do not have to be adjusted prior to engaging a container which allows an operator to move a variety of different-sized containers in a short period of time. A hoisting device with a counter weight provides lift and motion assistance to the operator so that the risk of repetitive motion injury is reduced.

In large assembly plants, the movement of materials and subassemblies around the plant can be a critically important task to the overall function of the plant. Each station on the assembly line must have an adequate supply of materials so that the line is not stopped in order to re-stock any individual stations. If the line must be stopped, the plant is losing efficiency, and with a loss of efficiency ultimately comes a loss of money.
However, a large volume of parts cannot be stored at each station for a number of reasons. First, there may be a lack of space within the assembly area of the plant to store any parts. Secondly, purchasing and storing a large back-stock of assembly materials may be a waste of precious capital, especially when parts may sit in storage for several weeks before actually being assembled. The demands of the modern assembly plant have created several streamlined material distribution methods. One method of note is 'just in time' (JIT) manufacturing. When practicing this type of distribution method, parts must move quickly from the supplier's factory to the final assembly line with little time and space wasted in between. In a large assembly plant which produces a high volume of outgoing products, moving thousands of parts around to hundreds of different workstations can be a daunting task.
In order to accomplish this, new ways of packaging parts to be assembled must be developed and corresponding methods for quickly sorting and moving these packaged parts must also be realized. Several problems exist however with current distribution systems. First, the size of assembly parts may vary widely, thus necessitating a different size and shaped container for each group of parts. For example, a day's supply of 3 mm nuts for attaching a small component may be much smaller than a day's supply of motor subassemblies. Thus, any distribution and sorting system must be able to accommodate a variety of different-sized containers. Secondly, when a plurality of different-sized containers move along a guided rail or roller system, the spacing between the containers may vary widely. Gaps between the containers may vary between several feet and several inches, and some containers may abut against one another leaving no gap whatsoever.
Modern assembly plants also pay close attention to the stress and strain that is put on the plant workforce. Most notably, injury from repetitive motions must be reduced or eliminated to ensure that a trained workforce may continue to work and not be forced to miss work due to a repetitive motion injury. Therefore, any distribution system must account for these concerns and place the smallest amount of stress on a worker as possible. Lift-assist devices have become popular, allowing a worker to lift and move a heavy object with very little bodily stress or risk of injury.
The exemplary embodiments herein allow a worker to grasp a variety of different containers, whether they are immediately next to one another or spaced widely apart. The device allows a plurality of containers to be used, from somewhat small to awkward and large, which allows the suppliers to package their parts in the most appropriate and efficient container for the application. Further, exemplary embodiments allow a worker to quickly grasp, lift, and move large containers with very little stress on their body.
The exemplary embodiments herein disclosed are not intended to be exhaustive or to unnecessarily limit the scope of the embodiments. The exemplary embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles so that others skilled in the art may practice the embodiments. Having shown and described exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will realize that many variations and modifications may be made to affect the described invention. Many of those variations and modifications will provide the same result and fall within the spirit of the exemplary embodiments. It is the intention, therefore, to limit the embodiments only as indicated by the scope of the claims.


Disclosed are hyaluronate-containing hydrogels having angiogenic and vascularizing activity and pre-gel blends for preparing the hydrogels. The hydrogels contain a cross-linked matrix of a non-angiogenic hyaluronate and a derivatized polysaccharide material, in which cross-linking is effected by free-radical polymerization. Kits for preparing the hydrogels are also disclosed.

The present invention relates polymeric hydrogel blends, and more particularly to polymeric hydrogel blends that exhibit angiogenic and vascularizing activity.
Hydrogels are usually formed by chemical and physical cross-linking reaction between molecules using for example light energy and light-activated free radical initiators to promote chemical cross-linking (U.S. Pat. No. 4,957,744 to della Valle). Photo cross-linkable polymers are typically chemically modified (activated) to provide reactive groups for the crosslinking reaction. Successful examples include photocurable hydrogels made from synthetic materials, such as polyethylene glycol (Sawhney, et al., Bioerodible Hydrogels Based On Photopolymerized Poly(Ethylene Glycol)-Co-Poly(A-Hydroxy Acid) Diacrylate Macromers, Macromolecules, 26(4):581-587 (1993)), and also from macromolecules of biological origin. Hydrogels made of derivatized polysaccharides are formed using such a procedure (U.S. Pat. No. 5,763,504 to Takehisa Matsuda, et al.).
In the field of medical research, hydrogels are used to provide scaffolds to support cell growth in tissue replacement and regeneration applications, or to serve as drug delivery vehicles by adding drugs to the hydrogel. The drug may either be entrapped in the gel, or the molecules can be ionically or covalently bound to the backbone of the hydrogel (U.S. Pat. No. 5,677,276 to Dickerson, et al.). Hydrogels can also be implanted without the addition of cells or drugs, and serve some space filling cosmetic or anatomical purposes, such as tissue augmentation (Marler, et al., Soft-Tissue Augmentation With Injectable Alginate And Syngeneic Fibroblasts, Plast Reconstr Surg, 105(6):2049-58 (2000)). Bioactive hydrogels intrinsically elicit a specific host response, such as promoting the migration of certain cells or tissue ingrowth (Agren, M S., An Amorphous Hydrogel Enhances Epithelialisation Of Wounds, Acta Derm Venereol, 78(2):119-22 (1998)).
Host reactions of interest, angiogenesis and neovascularization, entail the formation of new blood vessels sprouting from the vascular bed surrounding the hydrogel implant and their growth into the hydrogel implant, respectively. Several angiogenic substances have been identified, including small fragments of the tissue matrix polysaccharide hyaluronate, ranging between 4 and 25 disaccharides in length (D C West, et al., Angiogenesis Induced By Degradation Products Of Hyaluronic Acid, Science, 228(4705):1324-6 (1985)). Hyaluronate, a tissue extracellular matrix glycosaminoglycan of approximately 1 million Daltons molecular weight, is naturally broken down into smaller fragments by the action of an enzyme, hyaluronidase, or by hydrolysis. Fractionation of hyaluronate may be accomplished in vitro using the enzyme hyaluronidase (Turner, et al., Self-Association Of Hyaluronate Segments In Aqueous NaCl Solution, Arch. Biochem. Biophys., 265(2):484-95 (1988)). However, to isolate the desired fragment size, time and manipulation are required.
In view of the art, there is a need for angiogenic hyaluronate-containing hydrogels that avoids the time-consuming and costly fractionation methods associated with the production of small hyaluronate fragments. Accordingly, it is an object to provide angiogenic hyaluronate-containing hydrogels that avoids these time-consuming and costly production methods.
The present invention provides hydrogels having angiogenic activity and pre-gel blends for synthesizing the hydrogels. The pre-gel blend includes a mixture of a polysaccharide material at least partially substituted with an unsaturated, cross-linking moiety, and a non-angiogenic hyaluronic acid or salt thereof. Preferably, the polysaccharide material has an average molecular weight of at least about 10,000 Daltons, with at least about 40,000 Daltons being more preferred. Classes of polysaccharide material to be used are starch or starch derivatives, water-soluble gums, or mixtures thereof. Examples of starch or starch derivatives are dextrans, curdlans, succinoglycans, pullulans, cellulose derivatives, cyclodextrins, or mixtures thereof Examples of water-soluble gum are alginates, carageenens, xanthans, galactomannans, or mixtures thereof. In a particular embodiment, the starch or starch derivative is dextran. Preferably, the unsaturated, cross-linking moiety is selected from the group consisting of acrylates, esters, ethers, thioethers, amides, enamides, sulfonyl esters or mixtures thereof, with acrylate being particularly preferred. The non-angiogenic hyaluronic acid or salt preferably has an average molecular weight of at least about 500,000 Daltons, with at least about 1,000,000 Daltons being more preferable.
The hydrogels of the present invention are a reaction product prepared by a process which includes: admixing the polysaccharide material that is at least partially substituted with the unsaturated, cross-linking moiety, and the non-angiogenic hyaluronic acid or salt thereof, with a free-radical initiator in a solvent; and cross-linking the mixture to form the hydrogel. The free-radical initiator is either a chemical initiator and a non-chemical initiator, with a non-chemical initiator (e.g., UV initiator) being preferred. A preferred class of UV initiators are acetophenone derivatives. The solvent is preferably water, a water-based solvent, a water-miscible organic solvent, or mixtures thereof. The other components are as described above.
The present invention also provides kits for preparing the hydrogels. In one embodiment the kit includes: a first container containing a mixture of the partially substituted, polysaccharide material and the non-angiogenic hyaluronic acid or salt thereof; and a second container containing a free-radical initiator. In another embodiment the kit includes: a first container containing the partially substituted, polysaccharide material; a second container containing the non-angiogenic hyaluronic acid or salt thereof; and a third container containing the free-radical initiator. Preferably, the kits further include an instruction pamphlet for preparing the hydrogel.
Advantageously, the pre-gel blends and hydrogels of the present invention omit the use of angiogenic hyaluronate fragments as a starting material while providing angiogenic hyaluronate-containing hydrogels. These and other advantages of the invention will become more readily apparent from the detailed description set forth below.

Polysaccharide-based hydrogels and pre-gel blends for the same

Arizona Board of Regents Arizona State University


One primary aspect of the present disclosure is a method of remotely identifying operating system of a remote network element, wherein the remote network element has a plurality of ports and an Internet connection, the method comprising: scanning the ports of the remote network element for determining which ports are open of the plurality of ports; sending, by a processor, a sequence of packets to the remote network element over the internet, and wherein packets in the sequence of packets are different from one another; receiving reply-packets from the remote network element, wherein the reply-packets are the reply of the remote network element to the packets, and analyzing a signature of the reply-packets; and identifying the operating system of remote network element by comparing the signature with documented signatures of existing operating systems.

Operating System (OS) fingerprinting is the procedure of determining the operating system of any IP based system. This can be accomplished passively by "sniffing" (analyzing and intercepting passing log traffic) of network packets traveling between hosts, actively by sending carefully crafted packets to the target machine and analyzing the response, or through non-technical means. OS fingerprinting is typically used by security professionals (known as "white-hats") and hackers (known as "black-hats") alike for mapping of remote networks and determination of vulnerabilities that might be present to exploit.
Remote OS fingerprinting is a recent development, with the ability to remotely determine with high accuracy, the operating system of a any IP based system. The implications of this technology are perhaps not yet fully understood; however, it is seen as enough of a threat that strategies are currently being developed to prevent and spoof OS fingerprints.
The ease with which exploit tools can be scripted and used en masse to find vulnerable hosts largely trivializes the benefits of OS obscurity in today's world. This may change over the coming years as the larger software companies put an emphasis on network security and more specialized attacks are required to exploit systems. The general trend towards increasing penalties for getting caught as the world's cyber laws improve may also serve as a driver towards more refined attacks in the future.
The following is an overview of different approaches to OS fingerprinting, and some currently available tools:


A camera module includes a lens holder (10), a lens module (20), a position detecting mechanism (30), and an image pick-up module (50). The lens holder has a recessed portion axially defined in an inner periphery thereof adjacent one end thereof. The lens module is axially movably received in the lens holder. The position detecting mechanism includes a light source (32) disposed in the periphery of the lens holder opposite to the recessed portion to emit a light, and a photo-detector (34) securely received in the recessed portion, and a processor (36). The photo-detector has a plurality of photo-detector components (342) arranged in the recessed portion parallel to each other so that each can separately receive the lights from the light source and transform the light into an electrical signal. The processor is electrically connected with each photo-detector component for transforming the electrical signal into an output signal.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to camera modules and, more particularly, to a camera module which can detect a position of a lens module in real-time.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
There are many camera modules with auto-focusing function or vari-focus lens built into cameras and camcorders. For camera modules with an auto-focusing function, the camera lens projects an image onto an image sensor, an AF module retrieves a portion of the image for a CPU to process the contrast information, the CPU then activates an auto-focus motor to move the lens into focus. This process repeats until the object is accurately focused on. For camera module with vari-focus lenses, the camera module generally includes at least two lens modules received in a lens holder. One of the two lens module is driven to moves back and forth to change a distance between the two lens modules so as to vary the focal length of the camera module.
The lens module may move back and forth a distance in the camera module in the above-described camera modules. To precisely control the movement of the lens module in the camera module, it is necessary to detect a position of the lens module in the camera module. Nowadays, it is common to evaluate a movement value for the lens module, and the lens module is driven to travel through this movement value by a step motor. However, since the moving of the lens module is not monitored in real-time, the moving of the lens module cannot be precisely controlled. Therefore, there is a difference between a desired movement and a real movement, and there may be cases where a required focus cannot be achieved properly.
What is needed, therefore, is a camera module, which overcomes the above-described problems.

Camera module with a position detecting mechanism


A product and method of making thereof for the consumption of smokable substances such as tobacco or herbs. The product is comprised of tobacco, homogenized tobacco and/or natural leaf materials and has a hollow conical shape that allows for the easy insertion of smokable substances. Additionally, the conical or frustoconical shape of the product provides for larger amounts of smokable substances in the end of the product the consumer lights, resulting in an initial slower prolonged burn and more even distribution of nicotine. Additionally, placement of a supporting insert into the interior of the product supports the conical shaped of the product when packaged along with supporting during the process of being filled.

The present invention relates to smoking articles such as cigars. More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved cigar, cigar shell and method of making a cigar shell wherein a conically or frustoconically shaped form of a cigar shell with an interior and longitudinal centerline is preserved where the cigar shell is packaged for sale in an unfilled state as a set of plurality of nested cigar shells in flexible packaging such as a foil pouch which cigar shell's conical or frustoconical shape is generally preserved in the packaging using a combination of at least one conical or frustoconically shaped supporting insert, and at least one conically or frustoconically shaped cigar shell, and wherein the at least one supporting insert can also be used to support the conical or frustoconical shaped of the cigar shell during filling, wherein during the filling process the smokable filler both passes through the interior of the support insert, and the support insert is longitudinally relative to the cigar shell in a direction opposite of the direction that the smokable filler passes through the supporting insert.
Many cigar smokers prefer to use their own tobacco product as opposed to purchasing cigars that are already constructed and filled with tobacco. These users of fine, custom tobacco prefer to start with an empty shell which they prefer to purchase and then fill with their own custom tobacco filler material or other smokable material after the shell has been removed from its package.
Patents have issued for cigar products or smokable products that begin with an empty shell that is packaged in an empty or less than filled condition, thus enabling a smoker to later add his or her custom tobacco filler. For example, the Sinclair U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,321,755; 6,357,448; 6,526,986; and 7,717,119, each hereby incorporated herein by reference disclose tobacco shells that are packaged empty of contents so that a user can add his or her custom tobacco or other fill material to the shell after opening the package.

Nested packaged cones with supporting shape inserts packaged in a pouch


A system is provided for secure data transmission. The system stores a public master key, private decryption key and secure messaging module for securely transmitting and receiving a digital model data file for transmission via a work order message. For transmitting and receiving the work order message, the system generate public encryption keys using a key generation algorithm in which each of the public encryption keys are unique to a designated message recipient and generated using an input including the public master key, a validity period, and an identifier of the designated message recipient. The system may also store a revocation list that includes identifiers of message recipients that have revoked access to the public master key or private decryption key, and based thereon determine whether or not to encrypt and transmit the work order message, or receive and decrypt the work order message.

Significantly delayed and disrupted data transmissions are common within many environments such as those involving space, unmanned aerial vehicles, unmanned submarine vehicles and the like. In these environments, data being transmitted from a data source to a destination is further delayed when prior external communications (e.g., an exchange of cryptography keys) are required before successful transmission of the data.
Currently, two common techniques are utilized for cryptography key distribution. In one technique, a source queries a third-party device or a destination for the destinations key; and in another technique, the third-party device pushes keys for all authorized destinations to all of the senders. While the latter technique requires less interaction than the former, both techniques require at least one communication before the source can securely transmit data to the destination. As previously indicated, these techniques are not ideal for use in environments having significantly delayed and disrupted data transmissions. Moreover, the latter technique is not useful in opportunistic or ad-hoc networks in which access to data transmissions is highly intermittent.
Therefore, it may be desirable to have a system and method that take into account at least some of the issues discussed above, as well as possibly other issues.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Secured data transmission using identity-based cryptography


Provided is a chromium-free chemical conversion treatment technique that makes it possible to form a conversion layer excellent in corrosion resistance and appearance without using fluorine and hydrogen peroxide. The chemical conversion treatment liquid is for forming a conversion layer on zinc or zinc alloy and free of chromium, hydrogen peroxide and fluorine, includes 0.5 g/L to 38 g/L of magnesium, 0.5 g/L to 3.5 g/L of silicon, and 0.36 g/L or more of nitrate ion, contains the silicon as a water-soluble silicate, optionally further includes cobalt at a concentration of 5 g/L or less, and has an aluminum content of 0.08 g/L or less.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a chemical conversion treatment technique, and more specifically, to a chemical conversion treatment technique for forming a conversion layer on a surface of zinc or zinc alloy.
2. Description of the Related Art
A chromate treatment is a classical chemical conversion treatment for preventing a surface of zinc or zinc alloy from rust. The chromate treatment has been widely used in industry due to low cost and easy-to-use.
However, since hexavalent chromium is a hazardous substance, a restriction on its use is becoming more widespread. For this reason, studies on a chemical conversion treatment using trivalent chromium instead of hexavalent chromium and a chromium-free chemical conversion treatment are carried out vigorously.
For example, Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 11-181578 describes a chemical conversion treatment liquid containing aluminum, silicon and one or more of organic acids or inorganic acids. This patent document also describes that addition of fluorine into the chemical conversion treatment liquid makes it possible to obtain an excellent appearance.
Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 2007-177304 describes a chemical conversion treatment liquid containing at least one of a water-soluble inorganic salt of magnesium and a water-soluble inorganic salt of lithium; another water-soluble inorganic salt or a inorganic silicate or colloidal silica; and hydrogen peroxide. This patent document also describes that using the chemical conversion treatment liquid makes it possible to form a chromium-free layer having a sufficient corrosion resistance.

Chemical conversion treatment liquid, method of producing the same, and method of forming conversion layer


A four-group zoom lens system that achieves satisfactory brightness and zoom ratio for practical applications and yet is compact and can be manufactured at low cost. The lens system includes in order from the object to the image side, a positive first lens group, a negative second lens group, a negative third lens group, and a positive fourth lens group composed of a positive front lens unit (4.sub.f) and a positive rear lens unit (4.sub.r), the first to third lens groups being capable of moving independently of one another along the optical axis. The front lens unit (4.sub.f) includes in order from the object to the image side, a positive first lens element (4.sub.1) having a convex surface on the image side, a positive second lens element (4.sub.2), a positive third lens element (4.sub.1) having a convex surface on the object side and a negative fourth lens element (4.sub.4) having a concave surface on the object side. The rear lens unit (4.sub.r) includes at least two lens elements which are a positive fifth lens element (4.sub.5) having a convex surface on the object side and a negative meniscus sixth lens element (4.sub.6) having a concave surface on the image side and which are arranged in order from the image to the object side.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a zoom lens system, and more particularly to a zoom lens system that is suitable for use with cameras such as a hand-held video camera.
2. Background
As hand-held video cameras have recently gained increasing popularity, a demand has arisen for a suitable zoom lens that is bright, that permits a high zoom ratio, that is compact and that can be manufactured at low cost.
For practical purposes, zoom lenses suitable for use with hand-held video cameras are required to have a brightness on the order of 1.2-1.4 in terms of F number and a zoom ratio of about 10. Zoom lens systems of a four group type including a positive, a negative, a negative and a positive lens group have been proposed as systems that are capable of satisfying the above requirements (see Unexamined Published Japanese Patent Application Nos. 17042/1979, 24652/1979, 157118/1988 and 157119/1988). However, the zoom lens systems described in Unexamined Published Japanese Patent Application Nos. 17042/1979 and 24652/1979 comprise an excess amount of lens elements resulting in an inevitably high production cost. In addition, the geometry of such a system is not compact. The basic concept of the zoom lens system described in Unexamined Published Japanese Patent Application Nos. 157118/1988 and 157119/1988 is to achieve compactness and a high zoom ratio by using new types of optical devices that are capable of changing their radius of curvature. However, it would be difficult to fabricate such a new class of optical devices and the cost of manufacturing a zoom lens system utilizing such optical devices would increase.


A computing platform may receive a primary model corresponding to one or more features of an application. The computing platform may populate, using a processing engine and based on the primary model, a secondary model indicating an object definition corresponding to the one or more features. The computing platform may generate, using a pre-deployment engine and based on the primary model, a script corresponding to the one or more features. The computing platform may generate one or more commands directing a production server to execute, in a production environment, the script corresponding to the one or more features. The computing platform may transmit, to the production server and via the communication interface, the one or more commands directing the production server to execute the script. The computing platform may receive, based on the one or more commands, an error corresponding to the one or more features.

Aspects of the disclosure relate to data processing, software development, and software program development tools and techniques including processes and apparatuses for controlling data processing operations pertaining to the development, maintenance, and installation of software programs. In particular, one or more aspects of the disclosure relate to software development tools that utilize intelligent databases in a pre-deployment validation system.
For various reasons, enterprise organizations may need to increasingly update and add new features to both internal-facing and external-facing software applications. For example, a programmer may create an update for a particular application, which may include code implementing a new feature. However, testing the new feature in a lab environment may be different from implementing the new feature in a production environment. For instance, an object may compile and run smoothly during the testing phase. But, when the object is deployed into the production environment, the object may be missing certain attributes that may cause the application to crash. As such, a technical solution may be needed for and useful in preventing downtime of an enterprise software application when new features are being introduced.

Pre-deployment validation system using intelligent databases


The invention relates to a plate which is intended to produce either an anode or a cathode of an electrolytic condenser. The plate is in the form of an electricity conducting substrate coated with an aluminium based deposit constituted of grain agglomerates where more than 50% by weight of the total deposited aluminium is in oxide state and forms a porous matrix of aluminium oxide containing metallic aluminium crystallites. The invention enables plates to be obtained which have an increased output, and the invention thus enables the condensers which will be associated with them to be of reduced size.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a plate for an electrode of an electrolytic condenser with an increased electrical output which can reach a value above 300,000 microfarads/dm.sup.2, and the invention also relates to a process for the manufacture of said plate.
The person skilled in the manufacture of electrolytic condensers, in particular those constituted of aluminium plates, knows that in order to obtain an increased output it is necessary to increase the surface area of the electrodes. This results in the application of all types of engraving to said plate.
Most frequently, the engraving is obtained by chemical or electrochemical attack which makes the surface of the plate rough and/or porous.
More recently, another technique has been used which consists in physically depositing a metal film on the plate in order to produce said porosity. This allows for an improvement in the output, whilst avoiding recourse to attack baths which use chemical products which are toxic or corrosive to varying degrees, or which are harmful to the environment.
In this coating process, as in the process for engraving, the plate obtained then undergoes a treatment known as chemical or electrochemical formation and/or stabilisation which uses an electrolyte and which is intended to prevent degradation of the surface state by the action of external agents, and which thus aims to preserve the output of the condenser over the passage of time.
In the coating domain, it is possible to cite, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,309,810 which discloses an electrolytic condenser in the form of a metal or plastics substrate coated by evaporation under vacuum with a deposit of either aluminium or tantalum or an alloy of several metals. The deposit obtained is porous and formed of a series of metal crystal columns; however, when a trace of oxygen is introduced into the deposit chamber under vacuum the deposited crystals decrease in size, and crosslinkage to a certain extent of said crystals results.
To be more exact, this patent claims: "A process for obtaining a condenser, comprising three stages:
implementation of a substrate with a surface, PA0 supply of a heat source with an anodisable metal coming from a thread spool, PA0 evaporation of said metal to form a metallic vapour, PA0 depositing said metallic vapour over the surface of said substrate at an angle of incidence of less than 60 degrees and in the presence of oxygen at a partial pressure not in excess of 10.sup.-4 Torr (0.0133 Pascal) in such a way as to obtain a porous metallic coating, PA0 anodising the surface of the porous coating, PA0 providing an electrical contact on said anodised surface, PA0 and winding said substrate bearing said anodised porous coating in the form of the condenser." PA0 from the point of view of composition, the deposit is not in the form of pure aluminium, but of a mixture wherein more than 50% by weight of the aluminium is in the form of oxide; PA0 from the point of view of structure, the deposit is constituted of grain agglomerates which form a porous matrix of oxide, and aluminium crystallites are dispersed in the grains unlike in the prior art where the deposit was constituted of an assembly of purely metallic crystals.
In one example of application, it is stated that an aluminium plate of thickness 10 micrometers is coated with a porous film which is 6 micrometers in thickness by evaporation of aluminium in a chamber under vacuum. After anodisation of the porous film in a solution with 4% by weight boric acid, and at 200 V formation voltage, the output of the aluminium plate per unit of surface area is 96 microfarads per dm.sup.2.
The constant problem in the domain of electrodes of electrolytic condensers, whether for the anode or cathode, is that of their electrical output per unit of surface area. In fact, the greater the specific output, the greater the possible reduction in size of the electrodes, even with total output.
In addition to reducing the cost, this makes it possible for the condensers to be reduced in size and for them to be used in applications where a reduction in bulk and weight is desirable.
Since the method of coating a substrate with aluminium and then following it by formation and/or stabilisation has made progress from the point of view of electrical output, the Inventor thought that by using this same method it would be possible to make considerable improvements and to reach output values far in excess of those reached hitherto, in particular by using much thinner coatings, thus at a much lower cost.
The Inventor found that this improvement necessitated the presence of a deposit of a special composition and structure which adheres properly to the substrate, this deposit also having to be suitably stable with the passage of time, in particular to external agents in such a way that the output is preserved with the passage of time.

Plate including a coating of aluminium, within aluminium oxyde agglomerates for an electrode of an electrolytic condenser


A frost-proof fire hydrant of the type wherein the valve is biased to its closed position by the fluid pressure in the shoe. The fire hydrant includes improved means disposed in the bonnet and cooperating with the valve stem for maintaining the valve in the closed position in the event of decreased water pressure in the shoe.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to fire hydrants, and more particularly to improvements in fire hydrants of the frostproof type.
2. Statement of the Prior Art
Fire hydrants of the type including a valve stem and a connected valve supported for reciprocating movement in a vertical barrel are, of course, well known. Typically, such hydrants include a bonnet secured to the barrel, the bonnet having an internally threaded aperture which receives the externally threaded upper end of the valve stem. In such hydrants, the valve stem is reciprocated by rotating the valve stem relative to the bonnet. Generally, the valve stem is rotated by a wrench or the like which fits about a suitably shaped projection at the top of the valve stem which protrudes through the bonnet. Fire hydrants fitting this general description may be found in sales brochures distributed by Waterous, South St. Paul, Minnesota; Kennedy Valve Manufacturing Co., Inc., Elmira, New York; United States Pipe and Foundry Company, Smith Valve and Hydrant Division, East Orange, New Jersey; and Clow Corporation, Eddy-Iowa Division, Oskaloosa, Iowa.
The desirability of relying on the water pressure in the shoe connecting the barrel to the water supply line to bias the valve to the closed position to prevent flooding in the event of traffic damage has also been recognized. Hydrants operating according to this principle are also disclosed in the above-mentioned literature.
Still others have recognized that the accumulation of water and subsequent freezing thereof between the mating threads of the bonnet and the valve stem can block reciprocating movement of the stem to open the valve. Based on this, fire hydrants using means other than mating threaded members to accomplish reciprocating movement of the valve stem and connected valve have been suggested. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,532,108 and 3,532,109, wherein the valve stem is reciprocated by a detachable mechanism securable to the bonnet for engagement with the top of the valve stem protruding therethrough. In both patents, the hydrant disclosed is of the type wherein the valve is biased to the closed position by the water pressure in the shoe.
Because of the absence of a threaded connection between the valve stem and the bonnet, the hydrants disclosed in these patents include coil springs for holding the valve stem in the closed position in the event of reduced water pressure or vacuum in the shoe. In U.S. Pat. No. 3,532,108, one end of the coil spring is seated on the bottom of the shoe and the other end is secured about a projection on the bottom of the valve. In U.S. Pat. No. 3,532,109 the coil spring is disposed about the valve stem and has one end seated on a shoulder in the bonnet and the other end seated on a flange on the stem. In arrangements of this type, it is apparent that the coil spring is compressed each time the hydrant is operated to reciprocate the valve stem. Thus, after a period of time, these springs lose their elasticity and may even break. Moreover, the spring may be difficult to replace when it is located in the valve shoe as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,532,108.


A pump which is designed to be mounted within a recirculating water system where a portion of the recirculating water is diverted (bypass water) and cause to flow through the motor chamber with this recirculating water to absorb heat that is produced during the operation of the motor. The heated bypass water is then added back to the recirculating water. The pump includes an electric motor which is mounted within a pump motor chamber of a motor housing and is completely enclosed therein. The pump motor chamber is filled with oil thereby submerging of the electric motor in oil. A water conducting tube is mounted within the pump motor chamber and surrounds the electric motor. The tube inlets water from the pressure side of the pump impeller, conducts this bypass water entirely through the tube and then discharges the bypass water into the inlet of the recirculating water to the pump impeller. The heat that is produced in the operation of the motor is absorbed by the oil which in turn is conducted through the tube to be absorbed by the bypass water prior to being added back into the recirculating water.

1) Field of the Invention
The field of this invention relates generally to heat exchangers and more particularly to a heat exchanger in conjunction with a pump which is mounted within a recirculating water system where the heat of the motor is utilized to raise the temperature of the recirculating water.
2) Description of the Prior Art
The structure of the present invention is designed primarily to be used in conjunction with a bathtub which includes a plurality of water jet nozzles used to create a turbulent action of the water within the bathtub for reasons of therapy and/or relaxation to a human. However, it is possible that this invention could be used with a spa, hot tub or therapy tub all of which utilize jet nozzles to force jets of water within the tub with the tub being occupied generally by a single human. It is normal for a plurality of humans to be located within a spa, hot tub or therapy tub. However, within a bathtub there is generally only a single individual. It is possible that the pump of the present invention could be used for liquids other than water.
The bathtubs which have water jet nozzles have a recirculating water system which utilizes a pump which has a motor causing rotation of a centrifugal impeller which functions to cause the water to move through the recirculating water system. It is desirable to heat the water within these bathtubs with generally this water being heated between 100 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit. A heater is sometimes included in conjunction with the bathtub with the heater functioning to raise the temperature of the recirculating water to the desired temperature level. During the time that the bathtub is being used, the heat from the water is quickly lost to the ambient atmosphere. Therefore, this heat needs to be replaced. In the past, it has been common to add additional hot water from the tap or activate a heater, if available, that is mounted in conjunction with the bathtub to reheat the water. However, it has been discovered that the electric motor of the pump of the recirculating water quickly becomes quite hot. It is desirable to have the motor temperature as low as possible to maintain an efficient operation of the motor. Therefore, it is beneficial to remove as much heat from the motor as possible.
It has been known to take some of the water that is being recirculated through the system and pass that bypass water through the motor with the idea that the bypass water is used to extract the heat produced by the motor with this heat being added back to the recirculating water. The advantage of such a heat exchange arrangement is that it increases the efficiency and longevity of operation of the motor of the pump and the heat that is normally wasted is now utilized therefore either eliminating or decreasing the requirement for an additional heater for heat to be added to the recirculating water.
In the past, it has been known to wrap a tubular coil about a pump motor and then conduct bypass water through that tubular coil to extract the heat that is produced from the motor. This prior art water bypass arrangement has been known to extract the water from the outlet side of the pump, move the water through the bypass tube and then reinject it back into the inlet side of the pump. The disadvantage of this type of an arrangement is that there is very little heat transfer between the motor and the tubular coil. The surface of contact between the tubular coil and the motor surface is almost nil. The heat transfer relies on convection rather than conduction which is the most efficient way of exchanging heat.

Heat exchanging means for a pump motor using a bypass tube within a recirculating water system


A cage for an hourglass roller bearing includes an annular ring having a first axial face and a second axial face. A plurality of first rails extend from the first axial face and a plurality of second rails extend from the second axial face. The cage includes a plurality of pockets. Each of the plurality of pockets is defined by opposing circumferentially facing walls of at least one of adjacent pairs of the first rails and adjacent pairs of the second rails. The circumferentially facing walls are arcuately formed so that each of the plurality of pockets is cylindrical.

Known roller bearings include various means for guiding and positioning rollers. Such roller bearings typically include an inner ring that provides a substantially spherical inner race surface, a pair of outer race surfaces having convex curvatures, and a pair of oppositely inclined rows of symmetrical hourglass-shaped rollers. This type of bearing may be referred to as an hourglass roller bearing.
Hourglass roller bearings may be used in oscillatory applications, such as in aircraft flight control surfaces. In such applications, for example, rotation of the outer ring relative to the inner ring may be limited within a window or rotation for example 45 degrees. In such applications it may be desired that the rollers precess or index, so that they are each cycled through the load zone. Cycling the rollers results in use of the entire race surface of each of the rollers to extend rolling contact fatigue life. Cycling the rollers also redistributes grease for improved lubrication of the bearing unit which in turn reduces fretting damage and improves the bearing unit's resistance to raceway corrosion. Typical cages can inhibit the precessing or indexing of the rollers.


A method for preparing a propylene (co)polymer having a substantially high syndiotactic structure and a desired molecular weight which comprises the step of (co)polymerizing propylene or propylene and a small amount of another olefin by the use of a transition metal compound catalyst having asymmetric ligands in the presence of a specific internal olefin.

(a) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method for preparing syndiotactic polypropylene and propylene copolymers. More specifically, it relates to a method for preparing syndiotactic polypropylene and propylene copolymers having a desirable molecular weight and a high tacticity.
(b) Description of the Prior Art
Syndiotactic polypropylene has been known for a long period of time. However, such polypropylene prepared by polymerization at a low temperature in the presence of a conventional catalyst comprising a vanadium compound, an ether and an organic aluminum compound was poor in syndiotacticity. Therefore, it was scarcely considered to have characteristic properties as syndiotactic polypropylene.
A polypropylene having a good syndiotacticity, i.e., a syndiotactic pentad fraction (rrrr) of more than 0.7 in accordance with .sup.13 C-NMR has been discovered for the first time by J. A. Ewen et al. which can be obtained by polymerizing propylene by the use of a polymerization catalyst comprising a transition metal (Hf or Zr) compound having asymmetric ligands and methylaluminoxane (J. Amer. Chem. Soc., Vol. 110, p. 6255-6256, 1988).
According to the above-mentioned J. A. Ewen et al. method, the above-mentioned catalyst has good activity per transition metal, and syndiotactic polypropylene having a good syndiotacticity can be obtained. In addition, when propylene is copolymerized with another olefin in accordance with the above-mentioned method, a propylene-olefin copolymer having a substantially syndiotactic structure can be obtained.
In the aforesaid polymerization or copolymerization, the molecular weight of the obtained polymer or copolymer depends upon a polymerization temperature. However, there is the problem that the control of the molecular weight cannot be achieved sufficiently by hydrogen which is used for molecular weight control in manufacturing the polypropylene or propylene copolymer by the use of a conventional Ziegler catalyst.

Method for preparing syndiotactic polypropylene


A method comprises recognizing a need for an additional resource to be made available to a target computer workload. A determination is made whether said target workload is licensed for additional resource. If the determination is positive, the resource is transferred to the target workload. If the determination is negative, a license is transferred from a source workload, and then the resource is transferred to the target workload.

Herein, related art may be discussed to put the invention in context. Related art labeled "prior art" is admitted prior art; related art not labeled "prior art" is not admitted prior art.
Servers, e.g., web servers, database servers, are computers that provide services to other computers. License fees for server software are often based on the hardware resources available to run the software. Thus, the fees for running software restricted to an 8-CPU partition of a 32-CPU server can be much less than software permitted to run on the full system.
Virtualization and other technologies provide for software-controlled reallocation of hardware resources to partitions. This means that restricting software to a partition does not restrict it to a fixed amount of resources. Accordingly, software licenses may have to provide for the maximum number of resources that can be allocated to a partition, which can lead to wasteful over-provisioning on the licensee's part. As is apparent from the detailed description below with reference to the following drawings, the present invention addresses the problem of license over-provisioning in servers that allow software-controlled reallocation of resources to partitions.

Reallocating hardware resources among workloads in accordance with license rights

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.


A receptacle for storage and disposal of potentially injurious implements, is adapted to receive implements in a compact side-by-side horizontal configuration for maximum storage capacity. Such receptacle substantially prevents implements stored therein from falling out after closure of the receptacle container which can be conveniently discarded in an appropriate disposal facility. In addition, the receptacle also prevents a person's hand from contacting such implements within the receptacle.

The present invention relates generally to receptacles, containers and the like, and, more particularly, to receptacles for safe storage and ultimate disposal of potentially injurious or contaminated implements such as used scalpel blades, hypodermic needles and like devices which pose a risk of causing infection or even disease by exposure to such implements.
With the advent of disposable medical implements such as surgical tools, hypodermic needles, scalpel blades and other sharp implements, a need has developed for a receptacle to safely store, and safely handle for disposal, such implements after use without risk of exposing people to injury, infection or disease by improper handling, until proper disposal can be made. The tragic outbreak of the highly contagious AIDS disease has dramatically highlighted the need for safer handling, storage and disposal of such implements.
In the case of disposable hypodermic needles, it had been common practice to break or cut the needles prior to discarding the needle and syringe in order to reduce the size of the overall needle/syringe device and to eliminate the sharp point from the needle to reduce the risk of injury which might otherwise result from handling. In breaking or cutting the needles, however, a substantial danger exists of accidental puncture during the breaking or cutting operation, thus exposing the holder to possible injury and, further, to possible infection or disease as a result of such puncture. In addition, any residual medication in the needle can splatter onto the person or his clothes and there is a further danger that potentially harmful fumes can be inhaled. The blades of the cutting tool also become a breeding ground for germs, bacteria and other disease-causing micro-organisms to which the unsuspecting person cutting the needle is unnecessarily exposed.
Recently, an even greater danger has been recognized in connection with the handling and dismantling of used needles and other sharp medical implements. It is now recognized that certain diseases, most notably Hepatitis B, can be transmitted by covert percutaneous--i.e., by merely contacting the contaminated needle or implement.
As a result of the foregoing dangers, the preferred current practice is to dispose of such devices intact, without dismantling them. Often, hypodermic needles are re-capped after use with the protective sheaths used during shipment from the manufacturer, in order to prevent injury while carrying the device to a suitable disposal unit. This practice itself, however, often results in puncture wounds suffered while re-capping the needle point. Because of this danger it is now recommended that needles not be re-sheathed after use.
Although certain proposals have been advanced for eliminating some of the risks involved in the handling, storage and disposal of hypodermic needles and other sharp medical implements, they generally do not overcome all of the dangers. In fact, they themselves can become the source of other problems. For example, there are several specially designed containers for storing used hypodermic needles, including some made of all plastic and some made of all cardboard, as identified, for example, in my two earlier-filed co-pending Pat. applications (application Ser. No. 513,616, filed July 14, 1983, and application Ser. No. 746,047, filed June 17, 1985 the disclosures of which are both hereby incorporated by reference herein).
Although such specially designed devices provide adequate results under certain circumstances, they do suffer certain disadvantages as explained in my aforesaid copending applications. Of particular concern is the fact that in virtually all of these containers, either the entire syringe/needle or the syringe with the needle stub is dropped vertically into the containers, thus creating a haphazard distribution of needles in the container. Such distribution usually results in an inefficiently filled container and can be the cause of possible injury to the user who may attempt to reach into the receptacle to rearrange the implements and make room for additional implements. Furthermore, the containers will likely end up in a dangerously overfilled condition wherein personnel will attempt to "stuff" more devices than can be safely handled and thereby result in a serious risk of puncture.
As set out in my aforesaid co-pending applications, the receptacles and containers disclosed therein (also sold under the mark "D.D.BOX" by D.D.Box Inc. of Paterson, N.J. and Highland Beach, Fla.) overcome virtually all of the foregoing drawbacks. However, even with the advantages achieved by my previous containers and receptacles, some hospital administrators and other medical personnel still express a desire for a self-contained, all-plastic storage/disposal container which will provide protection against injury from or contact with discarded implements and still allow horizontal drop of implements as in my previous containers and receptacle assemblies.
One all-plastic container which attempts to provide a unitary, all-plastic, horizontal drop container is sold by Frontier Plastics under the designation "Sharpsafe". Although the "Sharpsafe" device provides generally adequate results in certain applications, it does suffer some notable drawbacks. For example, although it includes a slanted-wall chute at its opening to permit horizontal deposit of used needles, it provides no means for ensuring that the needles will remain in a horizontal orientation as they fall into the container. In addition, there is no means for preventing a person either from inserting a needle in a vertical or other non-horizontal orientation or from reaching into the container so as to risk possible puncture or injury. Moreover, a person has to rely on his or her visual depth perception when looking into the opening to determine whether the container has reached a filled or overfilled condition, and, it is not difficult to try to remove implements from the container by reaching into it especially when filled or overfilled. It also involves three separate parts that are assembled by a somewhat complicated interfitting arrangement.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved receptacle for storage and disposal of hypodermic needles, scalpels and other sharp or pointed implements which pose a health risk by reason of injury, puncture or even mere contact (hereinafter referred to collectively as "potentially injurious implements", or simply "disposable implements"). It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved receptacle for storing potentially injurious implements, which is sturdy and resistant to puncture by the implements retained therein, yet permits convenient and complete disposal of the implements together with the receptacle.
It is also an object of the invention to provide a new and improved receptacle for storage and disposal of potentially injurious implements, which is adapted to receive implements in a compact side-by-side horizontal configuration for maximum storage capacity. It is another object of the invention to provide such a receptacle which substantially prevents implements stored therein from falling out after closure of the receptacle, and which provides a permanently sealable disposable container which can be conveniently discarded in an appropriate disposal facility. In addition, it is an object of the invention to provide such a receptacle which prevents a person's hand from contacting such implements within the receptacle.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a new and improved receptacle for storing potentially injurious implements, which is compact, and can be conveniently mounted to any wall or other desired structure, yet can also be decorated for producing an attractive receptacle which can be installed in doctor offices, patient rooms or other hospital areas.
It is still another object of the invention to provide a new and improved receptacle for storing potentially injurious implements, which remains open and accessible for deposit of implements, yet passively prevents hand entry into the receptacle without requiring any moving parts such as a door, lid or like closure member which must be opened and closed each time it is used.
It is still a further object of the invention to provide such a receptacle which permits simply placing the potentially injurious implements at the opening of the receptacle and ensures that each implement will be deposited in a horizontal orientation into the receptacle for efficient side-by-side stacking of implements, and prevents a person from depositing such an implement in a vertical or other non-horizontal orientation. In addition, it is an object of the invention to permit such simple deposit of the implements while substantially preventing a person's hand from reaching inside the receptacle.
It is yet another object of the invention to provide such a receptacle which facilitates a person's ability to easily recognize when the receptacle has been filled to its intended capacity or has reached an overfill or dangerous overfill condition. Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide a small compartment which allows the receptacle to be safely overfilled with a few additional implements when, for example, there may be insufficient time to dispose of a filled receptacle and locate a fresh one.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a new and improved receptacle of the foregoing type which includes mounting means adapted to provide further resistance to hand entry into the receptacle, yet still permits easY visual detection of the overfill condition.
It is also an object of the invention to provide a receptacle of the foregoing type which is adapted to permit relatively simple but secure closure of the receptacle when filled. Further, it is an object of the invention to provide such a receptacle which is adapted to permit full closure even if the receptacle has reached the overfilled or dangerously overfilled condition.
The foregoing specific objects and advantages of the invention are illustrative of those which can be achieved by the present invention and are not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of the possible advantages which can be realized. Thus, these and other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description herein or can be learned from practicing the invention, both as embodied herein or as modified in view of any variations which may be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the present invention resides in the novel parts, constructions, arrangements, combinations and improvements herein shown and described.

Receptacle for storage and disposal of potentially injurious implements such as used scalpel blades, hypodermic needles and the like


A rack assembly for drying and warming fabric articles which includes an elongated tube having an interior chamber housing an electrical dryer for warming the air and directing the air through the tube and over a plurality of elongated slots formed in the elongated tube to expel the air onto the fabric article. The slots may increase in length preceding away from the dryer and cooperate with a divider wall angling down preceding away from the dryer to reduce the transverse cross-section of the interior chamber to provide a uniform forced air flow from the elongated tube onto the fabric article. The elongated tube may further comprise a plurality ribs on its exterior for spacing the fabric article from the elongated slots. The rack assembly may be mounted to an existing towel rack bar by having openings at each end and a removable cover to extend to bar of the existing rack through the assembly and out the openings. The rack assembly may also be mounted directly to a wall by using removable end caps and wall mount brackets.

A variety of racks have been developed for air drying damp fabric articles. Such racks are commonly found in kitchens and bathrooms. In conventional form, racks traditionally include a bar mounted to a wall with brackets for allowing damp fabric articles, such as towels, undergarments, hosiery and like, to be hung for drying. These conventional racks fail to facilitate rapid drying. As a result, fabric articles tend to pile up or compete for space on the conventional rack and remain on the rack until dried naturally by the surrounding atmosphere.. Thus, there is a need for a rack which increases drying time so that newly damp fabric articles can be hung for drying without waiting for previous damp articles to dry or without piling them on top of the previous hung damp articles
Conventional racks also lack the ability to warm fabric articles which may already be dry. Experience has revealed that it is desirable to have a warm towel after washing or showering. For instance, the touch of a freshly warmed towel is pleasant after washing or showering, especially so in cold weather climates. Thus, there in also a need for a rack assembly that not only facilitates enhanced drying of fabric articles, but that also warms them beyond ambient temperatures.
To accelerate the drying and to warm fabric articles, known solutions include blowing heated air across the fabric article while it hangs from the rack. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,094,076, issued to Baslow (Baslow '076), discloses a fixture serving as a storage holster for a portable hair dryer and also functioning as a rack for drying and warming towels and the like. More particularly, the fixture includes a vertical holster section having at one end an open socket for receiving the nozzle of a conventional portable hair dryer. The lower end of the holster section connects to a horizontal hollow rack section having perforations therealong. The interior of the holster section and the rack section communicate so that hot air from the hair dryer is eventually emitted from the rack section through the perforations onto the fabric article.
One known shortcoming with the fixture disclosed in Baslow '076 includes the standard hair dryer necessary to provide the warm air. It is desirable to provide an improved rack with enhanced drying and warming capability without requiring an external hair dryer. That is, the rack must be a self-contained unit having its own internal mechanical components.
Another known shortcoming is that the fixture disclosed by Baslow '076 consumes an undesirable amount of space in that it has both the holster section and the rack section extending perpendicular from one another. It is desirable that the rack only consume space similar to that necessary for a conventional rack. Thus, it is desirable that the means for providing warm air does not unduly enlarge the rack.
One attempt at alleviating the above shortcomings is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,668,368, issued to Jacobs (Jacobs '368). More specifically, Jacobs '076 discloses a rack having vertically spaced, parallel support bars mounted to the wall by housings at each end. One of the housings contains an electric motor and fan for directing air over heating elements and then into each of the bars. The bars include outlet openings enabling the air to exit the bars onto a fabric article supported by one of the bars.
One known shortcoming with the rack disclosed in Jacobs '368 relates to its undesirable size resulting from the housing units employed to support and attach the bars to the wall and to house the devices to provide warm air. As already mentioned, it is desirable that the rack assembly be a self-contained compact unit with virtually a conventional rack-like silhouette.
A further shortcoming of the rack disclosed in Jacobs '368 pertains to the bars for supporting the fabric article. The bars disclosed in Jacobs '368 are narrow and do not spread the fabric article portions draped over each side of the bar sufficiently to allow for drying or warming of the lower portions of the fabric article. Only the portions of the fabric article at the rack bars and the bars immediate vicinity are ensured to be dried or warmed. In order to ensure complete warming and drying, the fabric article would have to be left for an undesirable length of time. This is especially the case with a longer fabric article, such as a bath or beach towel. Thus, it is further desirable that the rack provide sufficient spacing between the towel portions draped over each side of the rack bar to ensure that the lower portions are affected.
Another even further known shortcoming of the rack disclosed in Jacobs '368 rack pertains to the flow of the air in the bars and out the perforations. The disclosed perforations and internal chamber of the bars do not facilitate forced air flow at the remote ends of the bars under certain conditions. For instance, under certain air supply flows to the bar, the air emitting from the perforations at the remote bar ends will be less than that at the perforations at the near end. As a result, the fabric article will not dry uniformly. Thus, it is desirable that the rack dry the fabric article uniformly in the transverse direction as well as longitudinally.
It is the primary object of the present invention to provide a rack assembly with a conventional rack-like silhouette, but further providing enhanced drying and warming capability in a single, self-contained unit.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a rack assembly which is easily mountable to either a wall or other structure or directly to an existing conventional rack.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a rack assembly having enhanced drying and warming capability which uniformly drys and/or warms the fabric article in a more efficient and effective manner than previous devices.
An overall object of the present invention is to provide a rack assembly having all the above-mentioned objects which is highly durable, efficient and cost effective to manufacture, install and operate.

Fabric article drying rack assembly mountable to a support assembly utilizing heated air flow


A computer-implemented method of estimating selectivity of a query may include generating, for data stored in a database in a memory, a one-dimensional value distribution for each of a plurality of attributes of the data. A multidimensional histogram may be generated, wherein the multidimensional histogram includes the one-dimensional value distributions for the plurality of attributes of the data. The multidimensional histogram may be converted to a one-dimensional histogram by assigning each bucket of the multidimensional histogram to corresponding buckets of the one-dimensional histogram and ordering the corresponding buckets according to a space-filling curve. One or more bucket ranges of the one-dimensional histogram may be determined by mapping the query conditions on the one-dimensional histogram. The selectivity of the query may be estimated by estimating how many data values in the one or more bucket ranges will meet the query conditions.

This disclosure relates generally to query execution planning in a database, and more specifically, techniques for estimating selectivity.
Before query execution, most database management systems employ an optimizer engine to determine the most efficient method to access requested query data. The optimizer thus generates the best execution plan, which is the plan with the lowest cost among all other candidate plans in cost-based optimizers. The estimator is a component of the optimizer that estimates the overall cost of each candidate execution plan so as to allow the optimizer to choose the query execution plan with the lowest estimated cost. One measure of the estimator to help achieve the cost estimation objective is selectivity estimation, which internally calculates the percentage of rows that will be selected in a row set based on the query request.
Selectivity is particularly important when queries are multidimensional (have multiple attributes/data columns), as accurate estimates are increasingly more difficult to achieve when the query task becomes more complex. Inaccurate estimation may result in the selection of a plan that is very costly, leading to an inefficient database management system. Estimating selectivity based on multidimensional queries may still not be used in many products due to the calculation complexity and bad results.

Selectivity estimation for query execution planning in a database

International Business Machines Corporation


Technologies are generally described herein for extracting a representative motion flow from a video. Technologies are also generally described herein for retrieving a video utilizing the representative motion flow. The representative motion flow may be extracted utilizing a sliding window approach to generate interesting motion flows. The representative motion flow may be generated based on the interesting motion flows.

Unless otherwise indicated herein, the materials described in this section are not prior art to the claims in this application and are not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section.
Some content-based video retrieval ("CBVR") systems can extract content features from video in order to characterize the video. When a user submits a query containing desired features, the CBVR systems can retrieve relevant videos having extracted content features that match the user-submitted desired features. These extracted content features may include low-level static features that are extracted from one or more frames in the video. Some examples of low-level static features may include colors, textures, and shapes of objects within the video. In addition to the low-level static features, the extracted content features may also include motion features, which describe the movement of objects within the video. However, conventional approaches for extracting motion features may not be effective or efficient for video retrieval applications.

Representative motion flow extraction for effective video classification and retrieval


An organic electroluminescent device and a manufacturing method thereof, a display apparatus are provided. The organic electroluminescent device includes a plurality of pixel units in an array form. Each of the pixel units includes a light emitting region and a transparent region, and each of the pixel units includes: a base substrate (1); a thin film transistor switch (2); a planarizing layer (3), a first electrode (4), a pixel defining layer (5), an organic layer (6) and a second electrode (7), disposed at a side of the thin film transistor switch (2) facing away from the base substrate (1) in this order. The first electrode (4) is positioned in the light emitting region (A) of the pixel unit; and at least one of the planarizing layer (3) and the pixel defining layer (5) is only disposed within the light emitting region (A) of the pixel unit. With the above organic electroluminescent device, transmittance of the transmissive region of each pixel unit is enhanced.

The transparent display, as a new display technology, allows a viewer to see the background behind a screen through the screen of a display device. An organic electroluminescent device is such a display device that it is convenient for it to realize the transparent display.
In the organic electroluminescent device, for facilitating realization of the transparent display, each of pixel units in the organic electroluminescent device has a light emitting region and a transparent region. An electroluminescent structure is formed within the light emitting region of each pixel unit, and the transparent region of each pixel unit is configured to realize the transparent display.

Organic electroluminescent device and manufacturing method thereof, each having a display apparatus