An extended hummingbird feeder tube is provided which has a tubular shaft length of at least about six times the length of the internal diameter of the tubular shaft, and which extends to substantially a bottom portion of an upright reservoir to facilitate efficient and effective feeding for hummingbirds. Preferably, the hanging, upright tube has an annular lip which can take the form of various flower blossoms in order to replicate the external and internal characteristics of a typical flower.

The present invention relates to hummingbird feeders, and more specifically to an extended hummingbird feeder tube adapted for use with an upright reservoir.
Hummingbirds have a fast breathing rate, a fast heartbeat, and a high body temperature. As a result, they must feed every ten minutes or so throughout the day, and consume as much as two-thirds of their total body weight in a single day. While they eat both nectar and insects, about a third of a hummingbird""s diet is sugar, which is obtained from flower nectar and tree sap.
Hummingbirds have bills that are long and tapered, perfectly suited for probing into the center of tubular flowers, such as trumpet vines, for the nectar. A hummingbird""s tongue is approximately one and one-half times the length of its bill, tube-like in nature, and is used to dart deep into the flowers for nectar, taking up liquid by a capillary action.
Various hummingbird feeders are known in the industry which attempt to replicate the flower feeding experience for a hummingbird. Feeders are made which hang vertically with feeder tubes extending downward. Other feeders are comprised of horizontal, hanging reservoirs with feeding tubes emanating therefrom. These feeding tubes often replicate flower blossoms and are colored in nature in order to attract the hummingbirds.
Three problems exist, however, with traditional feeding tubes. First, the tubes, as currently known in the art, do not replicate or encourage a true feeding experience for hummingbirds. The stem of a typical feeding tube does not extend for the full length of a hummingbird""s bill. The proportional dimension of the feeding tube diameter and length are not realistic. Consequently, when a hummingbird places its bill in such a stem, its tongue extends well beyond the stem, thereby negating the capillary action of the tongue and failing to replicate the sensation of feeding from a flower. As a result, these types of feeding tubes are not as effective for encouraging the feeding of hummingbirds.
Second, due to the shortness of the stem, the feeder becomes ineffective once the fluid contained therein falls below the bottom of the stem. When this happens, a hummingbird inserts its tongue past the stem and makes contact with air rather than fluid. As a result, the hummingbird believes that there is no more xe2x80x9cnectarxe2x80x9d in the feeder and leaves, even though this is not the case. The remaining fluid is wasted, based on non-use. While feeding tubes exist that are longer in nature, they typically are used in conjunction with downward-facing hummingbird feeders and are not inserted into the reservoir itself, but rather are suspended from the orifice of the reservoir. This configuration does not pose the problem of having fluid go unused because gravity continually draws fluid into the tube. However, leaking and the attraction of annoying insects such as wasps, bees, and ants are problematic with this type of inverted feeder tube.
Third, because typical feeder tubes do not substantially extend into the feeder reservoir, insects with short tongues, such as bees, are encouraged to feed on the xe2x80x9cnectar,xe2x80x9d thereby depleting the amount left for hummingbirds. A narrower, longer tube would discourage these insects from attempting to steal xe2x80x9cnectarxe2x80x9d from these feeders.
Thus, there is a need for an extended hummingbird feeder tube which is of sufficient length and a proportional internal diameter so that it replicates a tubular flower feeding experience while also discouraging insects and maximizing the use of the fluid contained in the feeder.
It is thus one aspect of the present invention to provide a more realistic feeding tube adapted for use with a hummingbird feeding reservoir in order to encourage more hummingbird feeding activity. It is a further aspect of the present invention to provide a hummingbird feeding tube which efficiently utilizes the fluid contained in an upright reservoir.
Thus, in one embodiment of the present invention a hummingbird feeding tube is comprised of a tube with an annular lip in the shape of a blossom, whereby the length of the stem extends substantially to the bottom of the upright reservoir and is at least about six times as long as the internal diameter of the feeding tube. This configuration more closely replicates a hummingbird""s feeding experience with a trumpet vine blossomxe2x80x94a hummingbird favorite. Due to a hummingbird""s ability to extend its tongue well beyond its bill, it is critical that the tongue be given the proper receptor in order to facilitate its capillary action. Shorter versions of the feeding tube allow a hummingbird""s tongue to wander freely, which negates this capillary action, thereby impeding a hummingbird""s ability to feed. By extending the length of the feeding tube, it assures that the majority of the fluid in the reservoir is accessible by the hummingbird.
Accordingly, in one aspect of the present invention, a feeder tube adapted for use with an upright hummingbird feeding reservoir with an aperture for receiving said feeder tube is provided, comprising:
(a) a tube having an internal diameter and a length defined by an upper end and a lower end, wherein said length of said tube is at least about six times the dimension of said internal diameter and extends to substantially a lowermost portion of the reservoir; and
(b) an annular lip integrally interconnected to said upper end of said tube and having a second diameter greater than an external diameter of said upright hummingbird feeding reservoir aperture.


A first insulating substrate is formed on a heat sink, and a semiconductor element is formed thereon. An insulating resin casing is formed so as to cover the first insulating substrate and the semiconductor element. A second insulating substrate is mounted inside the insulating resin casing apart from the first insulating substrate. On the second insulating substrate, a resistance element that functions as a gate balance resistance is fixed by soldering. The second insulating substrate on which the resistance element was thus mounted was made apart from the first insulating substrate on which the semiconductor element was mounted, and was mounted on the side of the insulating resin casing.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a semiconductor device, and specifically to a semiconductor device on which a resistance is mounted to even out the current distribution to semiconductor elements of the semiconductor device.
2. Background Art
In a semiconductor device used in the inverter/converter of electric railways or the like, a rated current of several-hundred to several-thousand amperes is required. Therefore, several to several-ten semiconductor elements are normally connected in parallel in a semiconductor device.
For example, in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2001-185679, the above-described semiconductor device, which has a plurality of semiconductor elements formed on an insulating substrate, is disclosed. On the insulating substrate, a resistance known as a gate balance resistance is disposed in the vicinity of each semiconductor element. The resistance is to even out the current distribution to each semiconductor device, and is fixed on the insulating substrate by soldering similarly to the semiconductor element. Furthermore, the insulating substrate is fixed on the heat sink by soldering.
When the above-described semiconductor element is in operation, a heat cycle occurs. Consequently, in the soldered portion, thermal stress caused by difference of coefficients of linear thermal expansion of each constituting member is generated, and the solder is gradually cracked. When the portion where the gate balance resistance is soldered is cracked, there has been a problem wherein the resistance value is elevated, and finally open-circuit defect is caused to generate withstand voltage defect.

Semiconductor device having a resistance for equalizing the current distribution


Techniques are generally disclosed for using an operating entity, including a method, apparatus, and/or system to control usage of the operating entity. In various embodiments, an in-use signal generator may be configured to generate at least one in-use signal, with the at least one in-use signal having a signal duration representative of at least one usage episode of the operating entity. An aging circuit may be coupled to the in-use signal generator and configured to output at least one age-affected signal in response to the at least one in-use signal. A metering module may be coupled to the aging circuit and, in response to the at least one age-affected signal, and configured to measure a signal characteristic of the at least one age-affected signal and translate the signal characteristic into a generated quantity of accumulative usage of the aging circuit.

Random threshold mismatches in an array of addressable MOSFETs have been recently used to identify integrated circuits (ICs). The technique leverages on process discrepancies unavoidably formed during fabrication. This technique can also be used for authentication, intellectual property (IP) tagging, and other applications.
Computational security has been the traditional field of study for IP management. IP protection such as software and hardware usage metering are among the problems studied in this field. Cryptography is the practice and study of hiding information and until recently it referred almost exclusively to encryption, such as confidentiality and data integrity. Computational security has an even more broad scope and includes privacy protection, password protection, denial of service, and content usage measuring. IP protection of audio and video artifacts and hardware and software components and systems has gained attention throughout the past few years. The two main methods for measuring the popularity of media channels are sampling and auditing. Sampling may be based on surveys among a representative group of users.
Web page access metering has been addressed by a number of researchers and companies. Techniques have been proposed to uniquely identify users and to compensate for the usage of proxies and caches. Mechanisms for metering the popularity of web-sites have been proposed. Some schemes measure the amount of service requested from servers by clients. Licensing has been the most popular method used for software protection among vendors. Licensing software ensures the vendor with a certain degree of control over the distributed software. For example, licensing software may prevent unauthorized duplication of software packages and licensing is a major enabling component for software distribution.
Currently, the dominating software licensing mechanism is based on the license key concept. A key may be encrypted by using a string of data that contains e.g., a software package identification (ID), its usage constraints (e.g., expiration date), and so forth. The invocation of the software package is done automatically when the appropriate key is provided. A large number of licensing protocols have been proposed. Some involves the using of smart cards.

Usage metering based upon hardware aging


A device for aligning a syringe with a vessel having a variable internal volume and containing an injectable solution. The device includes one section for removably retaining a vessel of an injectable solution, one section for allowing insertion and extraction of a syringe, and another section adjoining the two aforementioned sections for accurately aligning the needle of the syringe with the opening of the vessel. The alignment device further includes a clip for both releasably retaining the vessel in the device and for enabling the device to be clipped to a shirt pocket.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to devices for securely aligning a syringe with a vessel containing an injectable medication.
2. Description of the Related Art
The treatment of conditions requiring frequent injections of medications, such as insulin for the treatment of diabetes, has traditionally demanded that a user purchase vial of medication, often 10 ml in volume, draw a dosage from the vial using a syringe, and store the remaining medication in a refrigerated environment until a subsequent injection is needed.
Alternatively, a user can purchase a variable volume cartridge, typically 1.5-3.0 ml in volume, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,334,162, assigned to the assignee of the present invention. Such cartridges typically contain only a few dosages, and are sold pre-enclosed in an injector pen which is disposed of after the medication is dispensed.
In certain locations throughout the world, both of the aforementioned alternatives present difficulties. In locations where access to refrigeration is scarce or simply unavailable, a 10 ml vial is not a viable option because medication remaining in the vial cannot be properly maintained. Moreover, the purchase of the larger, 10 ml vial, itself, is often beyond the economic means of the potential user.
Given the expense of vials, as well as the unavailability of adequate refrigeration in many locations, the less expensive and smaller variable volume cartridge is especially desirable. However, since such cartridges are typically sold encased in a disposable injector pen, the cost of the unit as a whole is often too great for many potential users.
Not only are vials relatively expensive and difficult to maintain, but vials also require a user to hold the vial in one hand and insert the needle of a syringe into the vial with the other hand during the dosing process. This procedure, while adequate for some, is subject to mistakes such as needle pricks or inaccurate dosages and is particularly a problem for patients having unsteady hands, persons who are visually impaired, or for children.
The prior art has attempted to address this problem by providing a tool which guides the syringe needle directly into the opening of the vial. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,240,047, issued to Hedges, discloses a one-piece needle guide and bottle holding device in which one channel of the device is adapted to receive a portion of the bottle or vial such that the opening of the vial is exposed to the needle guide channel.
While a device such as Hedges is adequate for aligning a syringe with a vial, variable volume cartridges are much smaller and differently shaped than vials, and therefore the Hedges design will not function with variable volume cartridges. The aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 5,334,162 does disclose a device which can be attached to a variable volume cartridge and receive a syringe therein, but the device is designed for injecting fluid into a cartridge, and not inexpensively and accurately aligning a syringe with a cartridge for subsequent extraction of fluid from the cartridge.


Furfural is produced by mixing an aqueous feedstock solution containing C5 sugar and/or C6 sugar with a heated, high boiling, water-miscible solvent, such as sulfolane, and a soluble acid catalyst. Furfural product and water are distilled off through a multistage distillation column, leaving non-volatile solvent behind. Typical furfural yields with sulfolane as the reaction solvent are about 80% at as high as 99% conversion. Also, certain by-products (e.g., humins) solubilized in the reaction solvent can be precipitated by addition of water or aqueous feedstock solution and then removed by filtration, thereby providing a convenient and effective way of removing these undesirable byproducts from the reaction mixture.

Furfural and related compounds are useful precursors and starting materials for industrial chemicals for use as pharmaceuticals, herbicides, stabilizers, and polymers. The current furfural manufacturing process utilizes biomass such as corn cob, sugar cane bagasse, switchgrass or wood waste as a raw material feedstock for obtaining glucose, glucose oligomers, cellulose, xylose, xylose oligomers, arabinose, hemicellulose, and other C5 and C6 sugar monomers, dimers, oligomers, and polymers.
The hemicellulose and cellulose are hydrolyzed under acidic conditions to their constituent sugars, such as glucose, xylose, mannose, galactose, rhamnose, and arabinose. Xylose, which is a pentose (i.e., a C5 monosaccharide) is the sugar present in the largest amount in hemicellulose. In a similar aqueous acidic environment, the C5 sugars are subsequently dehydrated and cyclized to furfural. Under similar conditions, C6 sugars can be hydrolyzed and converted in low yields to furfural.
In a process disclosed by John W. Dunning et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 2,559,607, aqueous pentose (1.5-10%) was converted to furfural under pressure using sulfuric acid (1.5-5 wt %) and temperatures from 140° C. to 165° C. Three different methods were used to separate the furfural product from the pentose solution. In the first two, furfural was removed by extraction into toluene; in the third method, the furfural was removed by steam stripping. Dunning et al. claimed yields as high as 80% using the first two methods and slightly lower yields using the third method. These yields were based on the amount of xylose converted in the process, which typically required reprocessing the soluble xylose stream several times to get up to only about 50% xylose conversion.
In a process disclosed by Andrew P. Dunlop (U.S. Pat. No. 2,536,732), furfural was produced in yields of up to 82% where aqueous xylose solutions were fed to solvents substantially insoluble in water (restricted to the class of solvents alkylated benzenes, polyhalogenated benzenes, and chlorinated biphenyls), wherein the reaction pot was a biphasic reaction mixture of aqueous xylose and solvent as separate phases. Yields of 82% were obtained at 0.39 parts of xylose per 100 parts of water solution, but only 49% yield was obtained at higher concentrations of xylose feed (9.38 parts of xylose per 100 parts of aqueous solution).
In a process disclosed by David J. Medeiros et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 4,533,743, aqueous pentose solution was reacted at high temperature and pressure in the presence of a mineral acid catalyst to maximize furfural yield and selectivity. The process utilized a plug flow reactor and a combination of four conditions: The concentration of pentose in the pentose-aqueous feed solution before entry into the reactor was between 1 and 10 percent by weight of the aqueous solution before the addition of acid; the concentration of the mineral acid in the reactor was between 0.05 and 0.2 normality before entry into the reactor; the reactor was operated at a temperature between 220° C. and 300° C.; and the residence time of the pentose in the reactor was between 0.5 and 100 seconds. The reactor pressure was high enough to prevent vaporization of the aqueous solutions at the high temperatures used, between about 1000 and 2000 psi (6.895 and 13.79 MPa). In one configuration of the process, furfural produced from a xylose stream was separated with a water immiscible extraction solvent. The yield of furfural was 66% after one pass. Because incomplete conversion of the xylose took place, the aqueous solution could be recycled for additional yield. The selectivity of the xylose converted was 73%. Faster flow rates increased selectivity at the expense of lowered conversion, suggesting that maximum yields using multiple cycles would reach 80-85%. In a second configuration, the aqueous xylose solution was mixed with an immiscible solvent, toluene, before reaction. The conversion was 98% and the yield was 71%.
In a process disclosed by Takeshi Suzuki, et al. (Applied Catalysis A: General, 2011, Vol. 408, pp 117-124), solid acid catalysts were employed to convert xylose to furfural; solid acid catalyst processes described in the art require high reaction temperature and pressure and/or supercritical solvent to attain the selective production of furfural with a high yield, and are often deactivated by collection of humins on the catalyst.
In a process disclosed by Haruo Kawamoto, et al. (J. Wood Science, 2007, Vol. 53, pp 127-133) pyrolysis of the C6 sugar oligosaccharide cellulose in sulfolane with an acid catalyst at 200° C. and with steam yielded furfural in ca. 27% yield; without steam or water added yields of furfural were ≦20%.
There remains a need for a process to produce furfural at both high yield and high conversion, capable of operation in a batch or continuous mode, and which allows for removal of soluble humin byproduct in a batch or continuous mode. It is also desirable that such a process be carried out without the need for high pressure equipment.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


A wrench has an S-shaped body with a first end, a second end, a first slot, and a second slot. A virtual ground plane is substantially perpendicular to walls of the slots. A first virtual reference plane is perpendicular to the virtual ground plane and abuts the S-shaped body at first and second points on a first side. A second virtual reference plane is perpendicular to the first virtual reference plane and to the virtual ground plane and abuts the S-shaped body at a third point proximate the first end. A third virtual reference plane is perpendicular to the first virtual reference plane and to the virtual ground plane and abuts the S-shaped body at a fourth point proximate the second end. A fourth virtual reference plane is perpendicular to the virtual ground plane and abuts the S-shaped body at fifth and sixth points on a second side.

Certain fasteners are designed for use with a corresponding purpose-built (as opposed to general-purpose) tool. For example, hex head fasteners (e.g., hex head bolts, hex nuts, hex head screws, hose clamps with hex head worm drives) may have a hexagonally shaped head that mates with a wrench having a corresponding size and shape. However, other fasteners are commonly tightened or loosened without tools or without purpose-built tools. For example, a fastener may have a head designed for gripping by hand or between a user's thumb and forefinger (e.g., a wing nut, a thumb screw, a hose clamp with thumb screw worm drive), referred to herein as "hand-tightened fasteners". Heads of hand-tightened fasteners are generally designed to provide adequate torque while maintaining user comfort. For example, the head of a hand-tightened fastener may be relatively broad and flat or knurled.
Although hand-tightened fasteners may be tightened at least partially by hand, some may also need to be tightened using general-purpose tools (such as pliers). For example, in a particular application, a hand-tightened fastener may be specified to be hand-tightened and then further tightened a specified number of turns. When the hand-tightened fastener is in a hard to reach area or is visually obscured, it may be difficult for the user to apply a general-purpose tool (e.g., pliers) to perform the further tightening due, for example, to work space constraints or difficulty with mating the general-purpose tool to a head of the hand-tightened fastener. Moreover, additional effort by the operator may be required to maintain the grip of the general-purpose tool, such as pliers, on the fastener, possibly resulting in operator fatigue and/or inadequate tightening or the inability to loosen the fastener.


A compound having the formula Li.sub.q Cr.sub.x-y Ni.sub.y Mn.sub.2-x O.sub.4+z where q.gtoreq.2, 1.0.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.1.25, 0<y<0.9, and z.gtoreq.0. The invention also features an electrode composition containing this compound and processes for preparing a compound having the formula Li.sub.q Cr.sub.x-y Ni.sub.y Mn.sub.2-x O.sub.4+z where q.gtoreq.2, 1.0.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.1.25, 0<y<0.9, and z.gtoreq.0.

This invention relates to preparing compounds useful as electrode compositions for lithium-ion batteries.
Lithium-ion batteries typically feature a pair of electrodes, at least one of which contains lithium in the form of a lithium-transition metal oxide. These batteries offer the advantages of high energy storage capacity and rechargeability. For optimum performance, it is desirable to maximize electrode capacity between cutoff voltages in the range of about 2.5V to about 4.2V versus lithium metal.

Nickel--containing compounds useful as electrodes and method for preparing same

Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company


A method for operating a disk drive having timing marks (TMs) on the disk that are chosen to reduce the probability of misidentification of a TM in the presence of read errors. The disk drive searches for TMs within a fixed TM search window which extends past the TM on the disk. A TM preferably maximizes the post-shift sliding distance for m post-shifts of the TM pattern, where m corresponds to the TM search window boundary. In this manner, the probability of a misidentification of the TM due to a post-shift having a small distance from the TM pattern is reduced. The TM pattern also provides pre-shift error resistance.

Data is recorded on magnetic disk drives in radially spaced tracks on the surface of one or more rotating disks. Typically, a single recording head, which may be an inductive read/write head, or an inductive write head in combination with a magnetoresistive read head, is associated with a corresponding magnetic recording surface of each disk. Each recording head is moved by an actuator in a generally radial direction toward and away from the center of rotation of the disks, to align the head to a desired track.
It is necessary to know the precise radial and circumferential location of the recording heads relative to their associated disk surfaces. For conventional fixed-block architecture disk drives, position information is typically recorded onto the disk as servo information in angularly spaced servo sectors interspersed among the data sectors.
Each of the servo sectors contains a servo timing mark (STM), which is a defined bit pattern. A servo timing mark is also known as a servo identification (SID) or a servo address mark (SAM) in the art. When an STM is identified in reading the disk, subsequent detection of servo information (e.g., track identification and position error signal bursts) is initiated. This servo information is used by servo electronics to determine the radial position of the head and to provide feedback to the actuator to ensure the head remains positioned over the centerline of the desired track. In some cases, the STMs are also used to assist in locating specific data sectors where user data is to be read or written (e.g., as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,500,848).
Accurate detection of STMs is crucial to proper disk drive operation, since such detection is required in order to correctly recognize subsequent servo information. If a servo sector is not recognized due to failure to detect the STM, the servo electronics will rely on less recent servo information (e.g., from the most recent recognized servo sector), and servo tracking and timing accuracy will be diminished. Also, if an STM is incorrectly detected at the wrong location, subsequent servo information will be missed and/or incorrectly interpreted and acted upon. Incorrectly recognizing an STM and acting incorrectly as a result tends to be more problematic than failure to recognize an STM.
Detection of an STM pattern within a servo sector can be reformulated as detection of a known bit pattern (i.e., the STM bit pattern) embedded within an input stream subject to error (i.e., the sequence of bits read from the disk). A known approach for locating the STM bit pattern within the input stream is to compare an n-bit STM bit pattern to a window consisting of n consecutive bits in the input stream, and successively shifting the window, one bit at a time, until a match is found between the window and the STM bit pattern.
How well two bit sequences of equal length match each other is conveniently described by the Hamming distance, which is the number of bits which differ in the two sequences. A perfect match corresponds to a Hamming distance of zero. It is also convenient to define the above shifts as pre-shifts, where pre-shift 1 corresponds to a window position starting 1 bit before the start of the STM pattern in the input stream, pre-shift 2 corresponds to a window starting 2 bits before the STM pattern, etc. Accordingly the above procedure can be expressed as calculating the Hamming distance for pre-shifts k, k−1, k−2, . . . , 2, 1, 0 in succession, for a suitably chosen integer k, and identifying pre-shift 0 (i.e., the STM) when a Hamming distance of 0 is found.
In the absence of errors, a perfect match will occur between the STM pattern and the window when the window is aligned to the STM pattern in the input stream, and this perfect match indicates detection of the STM on the disk, provided there is no other perfect match to the STM pattern in the input stream. Naturally, it is necessary to restrict the search for an STM to regions of the disk which are substantially free of user data, since user data may coincidentally contain the same bit pattern as the STM bit pattern.
In the presence of errors, a perfect match is not to be expected, even when the window is aligned to the STM pattern in the input stream. However, it is known in the art to select an STM pattern that provides generally large Hamming distance for pre-shifts 1 through n for an n-bit STM pattern. Such an STM pattern minimizes the chances of misidentification of the STM pattern based on a low Hamming distance between the STM pattern and a pre-shifted position of the window. Since the pre-shifted window includes bits from the input stream before the STM pattern, a preamble bit sequence having at least n bits is typically prepended to the STM pattern on the disk. Inclusion of the preamble fixes the pre-shifted bit patterns, and renders them independent of any data or other information on the disk. A commonly used preamble pattern is all ones, but any other bit pattern may be used as well. If the minimum Hamming distance between the STM pattern and pre-shifts 1 through n is d1, then d1 is referred to as the pre-shift sliding distance.
However, this prior art approach has some drawbacks. Essentially, a search for the presence of an STM within an STM search window on the disk is performed, since this search cannot go on indefinitely. If the STM is not found within the search window, some alternative correction action is taken. If the STM search window does not extend past the STM, then the probability of missing the STM is undesirably increased (e.g., if the STM window is set incorrectly by only 1 bit so that it does not include the entire STM, the STM will be missed in the search). However, if the STM search window extends past the STM, then erroneous recognition of the STM is possible, because the prior art STM patterns are optimized only with respect to pre-shifts. Erroneous recognition of an STM pattern is typically a much more severe problem than not finding an STM pattern, since erroneous recognition may lead the disk drive to take further erroneous decisions (e.g., misidentifying the track).
Accordingly, it would be an advance in the art to provide an STM search window which extends past the STM on the disk while avoiding the erroneous recognition problem identified above. It would also be an advance to provide STM patterns compatible with this STM search window.

Method for operating disk drive having improved timing marks

Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Netherlands B.V.


A verification system for an interchangeable component configured to be mated with a receiving system. The system includes a key device supported by the interchangeable component. The key device includes a transmitter configured to transmit a signal comprising component identification characteristics. The system further includes a lock system having a signal receiver and a verification component. The signal receiver is configured to receive the signal from the key device transmitter and pass the signal to the verification component. The verification component is configured to use the signal to determine whether or not the component should be admitted to the receiving system, and to generate an authorization signal if the component should be admitted.

Many systems include a plurality of modules configured to perform designated functions within the system. The modules are supported in one or more chassis, and the modules are interconnected in the system, typically through a central controller. While the modules are frequently electronic modules, they can also include hydraulic and pneumatic modules, as well as optical modules in a fiber optic system. One example of a system utilizing electronic modules is a mass computer memory storage array. FIG. 1 depicts such a system 2, which includes a first memory array "A", a second memory array "B", and a central controller "C". The system 2 depicted in FIG. 1 is a simplified diagram of a mass computer memory storage system, and is used for illustrative purposes only. The system 2 can, for example, be a computer server used to store Internet content, in which case the controller "C" is configured to send and receive large amounts of data to and from a telecommunications communications network. Another example of a use of the system 2 of FIG. 1 is to store large quantities of data used for analysis purposes, such as in imaging complex structures. Array "A" of the system 2 is connected to the controller "C" by cable 4, and array "B" is connected to the controller "C" by cable 18. Each array comprises a chassis (not shown) which supports the modules within the array. In one variation on the system depicted in FIG. 1, the system can comprises a single array "A", and the control functions performed by the central controller can be incorporated within the cabinet 12 of array "A". The system 2 can be further expanded by adding more arrays in communication with the central controller "C".
The array "A" of FIG. 1 comprises a plurality of memory modules 5, 6 and 7, as well as auxiliary modules 8, 9, 10 and 11, which can comprise such things as power supplies, cooling fans, and local control modules. Array "B" of FIG. 1 can comprise similar modules, such as memory modules 15, 16 and 17. The controller "C" is configured to direct data to, and retrieve data from, any of the modules within either array. Consequently, the controller "C" contains a computer readable "map" of the overall memory array system, which identifies to the central controller the array and the module within the array where particular data is stored. This "map" allows the central controller to access stored data, to know where data can be stored without overwriting in-use sectors, and to "remember" where it has stored data. The specific methods for configuring such large memory array systems for the storage and retrieval of data are generally well known in the art, and will not be discussed further. However, some general features leading to shortcomings with the current state of the art will now be discussed.
The various modules in each array are removably supported within slots in the array. Removability allows a module to be removed for servicing or upgrades, and allows an operator to reconfigure the system by moving modules from one location to another. However, such removability introduces the opportunity for human error. For example, an operator can accidentally remove the wrong module from an array, can insert a module into the wrong slot within an array, or can insert a module into the wrong array. Since some systems have thousands of modules placed in hundreds of arrays, the opportunity for inserting the wrong module into the wrong slot is not unlikely. In many systems a particular slot in an array is dedicated to a particular module, which reduces, but does not eliminate, the chance for human error. However, in more advanced systems the central controller can be configured to automatically select a slot within an array, or within any array in the system, to perform a particular function, or to receive a particular module. This variability allows the system greater flexibility and operating efficiently, but greatly increases the opportunity for operator error.
By way of example, typically memory modules are actively backed-up using a dedicated module to back up two primary modules. For example, with respect to FIG. 1, a "data stripe" S1 can consist of two primary memory modules 5 and 6, and a back-up module 7. A single back-up module 7, when used in conjunction with a back-up algorithm and a computer processor, can be used to back-up the contents of two primary modules 5 and 6. For example, the back-up module 7 can store the binary sum of the modules 5 and 6. In this way, if memory is lost from module 5, it can be restored merely by processing the contents of modules 6 and 7 using the back-up algorithm to calculate the lost data in module 5. If one of the three modules is determined to be defective by a diagnostic program, a fourth available module can be put into service in the capacity of a back-up or a primary module. After the defective module has been repaired, it can be replaced into the slot from which it was removed or into another slot configured to receive the module, and the fourth module put into other service. However, if an operator were to accidentally reinstall the repaired module into the wrong slot, then any data which is lost in the first or second module cannot be restored. For example, let us assume that module 7 in data stripe S1 is defective, and module 20 in data stripe S4 is defective. Both modules 7 and 20 are then removed for service and repaired. If module 7 is subsequently and accidentally installed in an open slot not configured for back-up service of modules 5 and 6, then loss of data can occur due to the system configuration.
The system can be further complicated by advances in memory arrays, for example where the back-up module is selected by a controller, rather than being the third module in a memory stripe. In this instance, the back-up module can be one of any of the modules in the array in the system. Additionally, in some configurations the memory stripe consists of five or more memory modules, and so it is not always obvious that the third module down is the back-up module.
In addition to the risk of accidentally installing a module in the incorrect slot for that module, there is a risk that a defective module can accidentally be re-installed into the system prior to having been serviced, or having been improperly serviced. In this instance, using the defective module can lead to loss of data or other problems.
What is needed then is a way to decrease the risk that a module in a system will be installed into the wrong position, or that the module will be installed when it should not be.

Methods and apparatus for verifying the installation of components in a system


A new lid resting device for resting lids thereon, in particular, pot and pan lids. The device includes a base plate and at least one resting member mounted to the front surface of the base plate. The resting member includes a pair of elongate arms. A cross member is extended between the arms. The arms are pivotally coupled to the front surface of the base plate so that the arms are pivotable between a raised position and a lowered position. In the raised position, the lengths of the arms are generally parallel with the front surface of the base plate. When the arms are in the lowered position, the lengths of the arms are generally perpendicular to the front surface of the base plate.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to devices for resting lids on and more particularly pertains to a new lid resting device for resting lids thereon, in particular, pot and pan lids.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The use of devices for resting lids on is known in the prior art. More specifically, devices for resting lids on heretofore devised and utilized are known to consist basically of familiar, expected and obvious structural configurations, notwithstanding the myriad of designs encompassed by the crowded prior art which have been developed for the fulfillment of countless objectives and requirements.
Known prior art devices for resting lids on include U.S. Pat. No. 5,038,945; U.S. Pat. No. 4,790,503; PCT Pat. No. WO 92/04848 (inventor: Carney); PCT Pat. No. WO 91/01107 (inventor: Meneghello); U.S. Pat. No. 5,396,993; U.S. Pat. No. 2,165,654; and U.S. Pat. No. 2,987,193.
While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, the aforementioned patents do not disclose a new lid resting device. The inventive device includes a base plate and at least one resting member mounted to the front surface of the base plate. The resting member includes a pair of elongate arms. A cross member is extended between the arms. The arms are pivotally coupled to the front surface of the base plate so that the arms are pivotable between a raised position and a lowered position. In the raised position, the lengths of the arms are generally parallel with the front surface of the base plate. When the arms are in the lowered position, the lengths of the arms are generally perpendicular to the front surface of the base plate.
In these respects, the lid resting device according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of resting lids thereon, in particular, pot and pan lids.


A gas sensor includes a sensor element. The sensor element has a solid electrolytic member, a measurement electrode, and a reference electrode. The measurement electrode is provided on the solid electrolytic member, and is exposed to a measurement gas. The reference electrode is provided on the solid electrolytic member, and is exposed to a reference gas. A heater operates for heating the sensor element. A portion of the heater contacts a portion of the sensor element. The temperature of the sensor element is increased to 300xc2x0 C. by the heater in ten seconds after the start of activation of the heater.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention generally relates to a gas sensor. This invention relates to, for example, a gas sensor located in an exhaust system of an automotive internal combustion engine for measuring a specific-component concentration such as an oxygen concentration in an exhaust gas produced by the engine.
2. Description of the Related Art
The exhaust system of a typical internal combustion engine for an automotive vehicle is provided with a gas sensor to detect an oxygen concentration in an exhaust gas produced by the engine. The gas sensor includes a sensor element. In general, the sensor element has a solid electrolytic member, and a pair of a measurement electrode and a reference electrode extending on surfaces of the solid electrolytic member. The gas sensor outputs an electric signal representing the detected oxygen concentration in the exhaust gas. An engine control system adjusts conditions of the burning of an air-fuel mixture in the engine in response to the output signal of the gas sensor to implement fuel economy and exhaust emission control.
The sensor element within the gas sensor is active only when its temperature is equal to or higher than a given value. It is known to provide a heater in the gas sensor. The sensor element is heated to the given temperature or higher by the heater so that the gas sensor can operate from a moment immediately after the start of the engine.
In the case where high power is fed to the heater, the output signal from the gas sensor tends to contain considerable noise components immediately after the start of the engine. Such noise components cause wrong control of conditions of the burning of an air-fuel mixture in the engine.
Japanese published unexamined patent application 4-157358 discloses an oxygen sensor for detecting an oxygen concentration in an exhaust gas produced by an automotive internal combustion engine. The oxygen sensor includes a solid electrolytic member having a hollow cylindrical shape or a cup-like shape. A pair of electrodes are provided on inner and outer surfaces of the solid electrolytic member, respectively. A heater is disposed in the solid electrolytic member. An end of the heater contacts the inner surface of a bottom of the solid electrolytic member. The oxygen sensor is designed to fall into a correctly operating state in a short time after the start of the activation of the heater. In the oxygen sensor, a ratio Rh/Rs is equal to or greater than 0.8 where Rh denotes the outside diameter of the heater and Rs denotes the inside diameter of the solid electrolytic member. A ratio L/Rh is equal to or smaller than 2 where L denotes the axial length of a heating member in the heater. A ratio D/Rs is equal to or smaller than 0.6 where D denotes the distance between a lower end of the heating member and the inner surface of the bottom of the solid electrolytic member.
Japanese published unexamined patent application 8-122297 discloses an oxygen sensor including a solid electrolytic member having a cup-like shape or a hollow cylindrical shape. Inner and outer electrodes are provided on inner and outer surfaces of the solid electrolytic member, respectively. A heater is disposed in the solid electrolytic member. A high-emissivity layer is provided between the heater and the inner surface of the solid electrolytic member (or the inner electrode). The high-emissivity layer efficiently transmits heat from the heater to the solid electrolytic member.
It is an object of this invention to provide a gas sensor which can output a noise-free signal even at an initial operation stage.
A first aspect of this invention provides a gas sensor comprising a sensor element including a solid electrolytic member, a measurement electrode, and a reference electrode, the measurement electrode being provided on the solid electrolytic member and being exposed to a measurement gas, the reference electrode being provided on the solid electrolytic member and being exposed to a reference gas; a heater for heating the sensor element, wherein a portion of the heater contacts a portion of the sensor element; and means for enabling a temperature of the sensor element to be increased to 300xc2x0 C. by the heater in ten seconds after a start of activation of the heater.
A second aspect of this invention is based on the first aspect thereof, and provides a gas sensor wherein a leak resistance RL between the heater and the sensor element, and an internal resistance Ri of the sensor element have a relation as follows:
LOG(RL/Ri)xe2x89xa72
A third aspect of this invention is based on the first aspect thereof, and provides a gas sensor wherein the reference electrode faces the heater and contains a high-emissivity material.
A fourth aspect of this invention is based on the first aspect thereof, and provides a gas sensor wherein the heater has a blacked surface facing the sensor element.


Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are used to determine whether specific electronic pen gestures with respect to pen-based computing systems should be processed as “press-and-hold” gestures (e.g., to activate right mouse button click actions). Such methods may include: (a) measuring two different parameters associated with pen interaction or orientation with respect to a digitizer during a pen-down event; and (b) determining whether the pen-down event constitutes a press-and-hold gesture based, at least in part, on the measured parameters. In some instances, if the systems and methods cannot immediately determine whether a press-and-hold gesture is intended, measurements may be made again (as many times as necessary or until a time-out occurs) such that the determining step can be performed one or more additional times taking into consideration the additional parameter measurement data collected since the original parameter measurements. Additionally, standards for determining whether a dwell gesture constitutes a press-and-hold gesture may be set and/or adjusted, taking into consideration features associated with a specific user's use of the pen-based computing system (e.g., customization of standards based on model user input and/or a user's past performance of press-and-hold actions).

Typical computer systems, especially computer systems having graphical user interface (GUI) systems, such as a WINDOWS® operating system available from Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Wash., are optimized for accepting user input from one or more discrete input devices, such as a keyboard for entering text, and a pointing device, such as a mouse with one or more buttons, for operating the user interface. The ubiquitous keyboard and mouse interface provides for fast creation and modification of documents, spreadsheets, database fields, drawings, photos, and the like.
Recently, however, pen-based computing systems (also called "stylus-based computing systems" or "tablet PCs" in this specification) have become increasingly popular. At least some of these systems have eliminated the need for the traditional keyboard and mouse interface by allowing users to input all data into the system, including all data used to control the interface (e.g., tasks typically performed using the mouse in a conventional interface), using an electronic pen (also called a "stylus" in this specification).
While using only a pen to input data into a computer may sound somewhat restrictive, in practice, systems and methods have been developed that allow users great flexibility in interacting with pen-based computing systems using only the pen as an input device. For example, the pen may be equipped with one or more buttons or other features to augment its capabilities. As a more specific example, one or more buttons may be provided on the pen to mimic and/or activate the functions of the left and right buttons of a conventional mouse. As another example, the pen may be implemented as a typical "pencil" or "pen" in which one end constitutes a writing element (that adds electronic ink to an electronic document) and the other end constitutes an "eraser" end that, when moved across the digitizer screen, indicates portions of the display to be erased. Features such as these have greatly increased the flexibility and acceptability of modern pen-based computing systems.
For some users, however, one or more buttons on an electronic pen to mimic and/or activate the functions of a mouse's left and/or right buttons can be difficult to use. For example, the pen's buttons typically are small and may be difficult for some users to locate and/or accurately activate. Additionally, the presence of the buttons in some instances may result in inadvertent and undesired activation of a button and its associated functions, which can interrupt and adversely impact the desired input data flow. As another factor, the inclusion of one or more buttons on an electronic pen adds additional hardware to the system that may become damaged or inoperative by accident and/or through normal wear-and-tear. These factors can lead to substantial frustration and costs for pen-based computer users.
Because of the various difficulties described above, some pen-based computing systems avoid the use of buttons on the pen by allowing the pen to activate and access the functions of the left and right mouse buttons in different ways. As an example, in some pen-based computing systems, simply tapping or placing the pen tip on or near the digitizer screen is used to activate or access the conventional left mouse button functions. In some such systems, tapping on an electronic document with the pen can be used to mimic a left mouse button click to place the cursor at that location in the document, and tapping on a user interface element (such as a toolbar item) can be used to mimic a left mouse button click to allow performance of the function(s) associated with that interface element (e.g., to activate a pull down menu, to switch documents or applications, to activate and/or perform a specific function, etc.). Holding the pen slightly above the digitizer surface without touching it (also known as a "hover" action because the pen "hovers" above the digitizer surface) can be used, in at least some pen-based computing systems, to function in the same manner as moving a mouse on a conventional user interface without clicking a button, which may result, for example, in display of a shadow cursor, in a change in appearance of information directly under the pen tip, in display of additional information associated with the information directly under the pen tip, or the like.
In some systems of this type, the functions of a mouse button "right click" can be activated or accessed using only a pen by pressing the pen tip onto the digitizer screen and/or hovering the pen tip slightly above the digitizer screen and then holding it in place for a predetermined amount of time. This action (also called a "press-and-hold" in this specification) may be used, in at least some pen-based computing systems, to activate or access the functions associated with a conventional right button click on a conventional mouse (e.g., display of a drop down menu with various available functions, etc.).
A press-and-hold action, however, also can be difficult for some users to perform because it can be difficult, for at least some, to hold a pen perfectly steady for a predetermined time period (in some systems, about one second). To remedy this problem, some pen-based computing systems determine whether a press-and-hold action is intended by determining whether the pen stays within a relatively small predetermined space (e.g., 8×8 digitizer pixels) for the duration of a press-and-hold determination time (e.g., 750 to 1000 ms in some examples). FIG. 1 illustrates an example of this situation. If, after bringing the pen tip 10 to the digitizer surface 12, the pen tip 10 remains within a predetermined area 14 surrounding its initial contact point for a predetermined time, the gesture is considered to be a press-and-hold gesture, and it is processed in this manner. If, at any time during the press-and-hold determination time, the pen tip 10 strays outside the predetermined area 14, the gesture is determined to not constitute a press-and-hold.
While the above procedure allows users to more easily activate or access functions of a right mouse button click using only a pen in a pen-based computing system, there are some difficulties associated with this procedure as well. For example, if the predetermined press-and-hold area 14 is defined too small (see FIG. 2), it is easy for the pen tip 10 to inadvertently drift outside the predetermined area 14 (particularly for some users), shown at reference number 16, resulting in non-activation of press-and-hold processing. This feature can make it difficult for some users to activate press-and-hold processing. On the other hand, if the predetermined area 14 is defined too large (e.g., see FIG. 1), press-and-hold processing may be activated too easily, and at some times when it is not intended. For example, an attempt to draw a small stroke (such as a bullet point and the like) or make a small block selection or scratch out of a small area, may be inadvertently interpreted as an attempt to activate or access a press-and-hold action, resulting in undesired firing of press-and-hold processing. Both of these situations can adversely affect data input, resulting in errors and/or user frustration.
Accordingly, at least some aspects of the present invention seek to overcome the various difficulties identified above and to make press-and-hold processing easier, quicker, and more reliable to activate.

Detection of a dwell gesture by examining parameters associated with pen motion


Compressive sensing based video rate imaging techniques are presented. Rather than scan the entire image, the imaging system only scans part of the topography of the sample as a compressed scan. After the data has been collected, an algorithm for image reconstruction is applied for recovering the image. Because compressive sensing is used, the imaging rate is increased from several minutes per frame to seconds per frame. Non-vector space control techniques are also presented. No-vector space control use image or compressive data as the input and feedback to generate a closed-loop motion control. Compressive sensing technique provides an efficient data reduction method to retain the essential information in the original image. The non-vector space control method can be used as motion control method with compressive feedback without or with noise.

Visual servoing involves using visual information to control a system to move from an initial position to a desired position. This may be accomplished by moving an imaging device such that the image produced by the imaging device converges to a predefined desired image. This method requires extraction and tracking of geometric features in the image. Example features include points, lines, image moments, etc. In reality, reliable feature extraction and tracking is difficult. In fact, it is one of the most difficult problems in computer-based vision. Thus, there is a need for direct visual servoing that does not involve extraction and tracking.
Scanning (probe) microscopy has been playing an important role in the research and development of nanotechnology. Nanotechnology refers to the study of matter on an atomic and/or molecular scale. Structures that fall within the realm of nanotechnology generally have one or more dimensions that are between one and one-hundred nanometers.
One type of scanning microscopy is atomic force microscopy (AFM). AFM may also be referred to as scanning force microscopy (SFM). Another type of scanning microscopy that is a predecessor to AFM is scanning tunneling microscopy. Other types of scanning microscopy include, but are not limited to, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy.
In AFM, a probe having a tip is suspended at the end of a cantilever. The tip is generally moved (scanned) over the entire surface of a subject. Forces between the tip and the subject cause the tip to move toward or away from the surface of the subject. Based on signals received from the probe by the AFM system, an image of the surface of the subject can be generated and displayed.
The background description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventors, to the extent it is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure.

Non-vector space sensing and control systems and methods for video rate imaging and manipulation

Board of Trustees of Michigan State University


Provided is a recycling process for preparing sertraline, which may be carried out on an industrial scale.

Sertraline hydrochloride, (1S-cis)-4-(3,4 dichlorophenyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-N-methyl-1-naphthalenamine hydrochloride, having the formula:
is approved, under the trademark Zoloft®, by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, as a serotonin re-uptake inhibitor for the treatment of depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder and post-traumatic disorder. Only S-cis sertraline is therapeutically active.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,536,518 describes a synthesis of sertraline hydro chloride from sertralone having the following formula:

The process for synthesizing sertraline from sertralone has two steps. First, sertralone is condensed with methyl amine in the presence of an acid catalyst, to yield the Schiff base of sertralone, "sertraline-1-imine":

The imine is then reduced to sertraline. The reduction process of U.S. Pat. No. 4,536,518 involves the hydrogenation of sertraline-1-imine concentrate at room temperature for two hours over 10% Pd/C catalyst in an atmosphere of hydrogen (1 atm pressure). The product is a racemic mixture of the cis and trans diastereoisomers ("(±)-cis/trans-sertraline") in the ratio of approximately 3 to 1. The '518 patent discloses that reduction with NaBH4 gives a cis:trans ratio of about 1:1.
As illustrated in the process of the '518 patent, a problem with synthesis of sertraline is the formation of useless stereoisomers which decrease the overall yield. Due to presence of two chiral centers, at C-1 and C-4 (C-4 refers to the carbon next to the dichlorobenzyl group), four different stereoisomers are produced during the synthesis process. Of these, one is sertraline (cis-1S, 4S), and its enantiomer (cis-1R, 4R). The other are trans stereoisomers (1R, 4S) and (1S, 4R).
Sertraline may be isolated in two ways from the other stereoisomers. Isolation of sertraline from the its trans stereoisomers may be done in a classical way by crystallization since distereoisomers have substantially different characteristics. Isolation of sertraline from its enantiomer 1R, 4R-Sertraline may be done by selective precipitation with a chiral entity such as mandelic acid.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,082,970, according to its abstract, discloses a process for converting trans-isomeric sertraline to cis-isomeric sertraline by contacting trans-sertraline, or a mixture of same with up to about an equal part by weight of the corresponding cis-isomer, with a basic equilibration agent like potassium t-butoxide in a reaction-inert polar organic solvent to ultimately afford a cis/trans-mixture wherein the amount of cis-amine present in the mixture achieves a constant value of about 2:1 on a weight-by-weight basis.
WO 01/49638, according to its abstract, discloses a process for converting the cis (1R, 4R), trans (1S, 4R), and trans (1R, 4S) stereoisomers of sertraline into sertraline, starting with an initial reaction mixture which contains at least one of these stereoisomers and converting the sertraline stereoisomers into an imine form of sertraline. The imine form of sertraline is then reduced so that sertraline and at least one sertraline stereoisomer byproduct is produced in the reaction mixture. The sertraline is then recovered from the reaction mixture, e.g., by fractional crystallization (followed by resolution of sertraline from the cis (1R, 4R) stereoisomer, if necessary). The reaction mixture is then recycled through the same steps so that sertraline is produced from its stereoisomers in an asymptotic yield. The reaction scheme of WO 01/49638 requires conversion to an imine before isomerization.
WO 97/21662, according to its abstract, provides a process for racemising an optically-enriched chiral amine of the formula: R1-CH(NR3R4)-R2, wherein R1 is aromatic or unsaturated alkyl; R2 is aromatic or alkyl; and R3 and R4 are independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl and aryl; and wherein any combination(s) of two of the R groups may form a ring; comprises treatment of the optically-enriched amine with a metal hydroxide in an aprotic polar solvent. However, the present Applicants could not isomerize sertraline stereoisomers when carrying out the process of WO 97/21662.
There is a need in the art for recylcing processes which produce sertraline economically on an industrial scale.

Recycling process for preparing sertraline


A system described herein may provide a technique for the generation of a node map using contraction hierarchy techniques in a manner that accounts for constraints that apply to nodes or links between nodes in the node map. Candidate shortcut links, that represent paths through multiple links in the node map, may be evaluated to determine whether such candidate shortcut links are less restrictive than less costly paths having the same starting and ending nodes as the candidate shortcut links. Candidate shortcut links may be added to the node map in situations where less costly paths are available, but are more restrictive than the shortcut links. At query time, the shortcut links may apply to certain queries having parameters that violate constraints associated with the less costly paths but do not violate any applicable constraints of the shortcut links.

Navigation systems may have the ability to generate turn-by-turn navigation directions from arbitrary starting points to arbitrary destinations. Some systems may precompute directions for commonly traveled routes using contraction hierarchies or other similar techniques, in which a set of turns, paths, or the like are contracted into a single "shortcut" that represents the turns, paths, etc. Such precomputed shortcuts may be used when generating particular navigation instructions at "query" time from a particular starting point to a particular destination, thus saving time and processing resources that would be expended after the query is received.

Systems and methods for optimal path determination using contraction hierarchies with link constraints


An improved and simplified anchor line shock absorber to protect an anchor line, the hoisting or lifting device gearing and motor attached thereto, from excessive shock forces. A tubular member, having a compression spring and located vertically, is arranged to fit within (a prior art) an anchor (shell) to absorb the shock forces. A (prior art) lifting line is attached to the terminal end of the spring assembly located within (the) an anchor. (shell.) This arrangement provides for free retrieval of the lifting line through and around guides, fair-leads, spools and drums when retrieved (by mechanical means.) mechanically.

1. Field of Invention
This invention relates to Marine and Fishing Equipment and more particular to boat anchor line shock absorbing and cushioning.
2. Prior Art
Small boat anchors have, traditionally, been lowered and retrieved by hand or a hand operated winch. This worked well but was very slow and laborious. The hand operated winch gave way to power operated means, electric, hydraulic and such.
A means of absorbing the shock loading of the line and the resulting shock loading it imposed on the hoisting means, was desirable. Also desirable was the cushioning of the line due to wave action caused by weather, passing boats, and the act of retrieving the anchor line. This is particularly true as the anchor reaches the top of its travel and is suddenly stopped at high speed. It was imperative that the anchor line be free of any encumbrance while being retrieved. The prior art will confirm this need.
A search of the relevant prior art revealed the following U.S. Patents; Ciconne, U.S. Pat. No. 4,955,309; Besonen, Sr.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,307,753; Seiichi, U.S. Pat. No. 5,333,845; and Ropa, U.S. Pat. No. 5,524,566; Johnson Worldwide Associates, letters and DeckHand.TM. parts list.
All of the cited patents employ the use of coiled springs, compression and tension, to absorb the shock loads imparted on the lines attached to an anchor but mostly to moored boats at dock. The complexity of the cited devices are, by nature, difficult and very expensive to manufacture for the intended purpose. Any device operating in the marine environment should be kept as simple as possible. The fewer the parts contained in the assembly the less chance of a malfunction.
Besonen teaches the multiple use of his device to moor boats as well as anchor them. FIG. 1 in his drawings depict a boat at anchor with his device attached between the anchor and the boat. Multiple lines are attached to the device in order to moor the boat as well.
The dual use of this arrangement is awkward at best with the ever present danger of becoming entangled in the extra line . Mechanical means of retrieval is not possible due to the device being located within the anchor line. It cannot pass through line guides or be wound on a spool. Seiichi teaches the use of air as well as spring action to provide the damping action. It is not suited or intended for use under water or in the marine environment.
Ciconne, Besonen and Ropa, in the prior art, teach installation of their devices in-line between the boat and the attaching point or anchor. It, thus, becomes very difficult to quickly throw a mooring line over a cleat or piling. This docking operation should be performed quickly and accurately.


Photographic elements having at least one light-sensitive layer and at least one layer having polymeric matte particles surrounded by a layer of colloidal organic particles.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to silver halide photographic light-sensitive elements and more particularly to a method of forming images wherein the silver halide photographic light-sensitive element contains a matting agent.
Finely divided materials with a mean particle size of from about 1 to about 10 micrometers are commonly used as matting agents to provide a rough surface to photographic elements. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,855,219 and 4,022,622. Further, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,396,706 and 5,057,407 provide matte particles and techniques in order to increase the adhesion of the particles to the photographic element during processing of the element. In addition to the problems expressed in the previously recited references, printer dusting is also an objectionable problem associated with inadequate matte adhesion.


A portable misting system is disclosed for producing mist atomization in remote locations with or without pressurized water supplies. The system comprises an airtight water reservoir pressurized during filling by a pressurized water supply source. In the absence of a pressurized water supply, the system may be pressurized manually using an integrated pump.

Heat illness is associated with the cause of death of over 4,000 people annually in the United States. The human body operates with a core temperature between 36°-38° C. and if it is elevated, heat illness will occur. Heat illness can range from the minor (prickly heat) to the serious (heat exhaustion). Heat exhaustion can easily lead to heat stroke where a person will typically have a core body temperature of over 41° C., which can lead to death. The risk of heat illness, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke, are directly related to the temperature-humidity index. Temperatures greater than 80° F. and 80% humidity can lead to heat illness when combined with strenuous physical activity.
It is commonly known that the process of atomized water dispersed into the air provides a cooling effect. The atomization and dispersal of water into a fine mist can reduce the ambient temperature from 10° to 25° F. depending upon the relative humidity, and some outdoor misting systems claim temperature reductions of up to 35° F. In recent years, a number of water atomization or "misting" devices have been produced for pool and patio applications, restaurants, outdoor theme parks, zoos, greenhouses, and similar venues. Most of these applications utilize conventional water or plumbing lines to provide both a water source and the necessary system pressurization to create and disperse a cooling mist.
Many early atomization nozzles were actually designed for livestock and pesticide applications. This agricultural technology eventually was transferred and adopted into water atomization devices to provide a low energy cooling process for human comfort in various outdoor, non-climate controlled settings.
For many years, misting systems have been employed in outside commercial settings to provide a relatively cooler environment and continue to attract patrons even when daytime temperatures are at their highest. Mist cooling systems can be found in many patio restaurants and bars. They are a fairly standard fixture at amusement and theme parks such as the various Six Flags amusement parks, Disneyland, and Disney World. Misting systems are also seeing increasing popularity for residential use around patios in desert locations with very high temperatures and very low humidity such as Las Vegas and Phoenix, as well as other cities where high temperatures combined with medium to high humidity are common during summer months. Somewhat more sophisticated misting systems mated to a fan are used at outdoor events such as concerts and fairs.
When temperatures are high, outdoor entertainment businesses' patrons find other places to go. For example, the golfing industry suffers seasonal lows when the weather becomes hot. Conventional air-conditioning systems for golf carts and other open vehicles are impractical.
Many workers drive forklifts or otherwise engage in strenuous work outdoors. Other workers engage in strenuous work inside buildings without air conditioning systems or sufficient ventilation, such as warehouses. In addition to the inefficiencies associated with being uncomfortable while working, these workers are at risk of heat related illnesses. Misting systems attached to forklifts or other vehicles can substantially improve the attitude and productivity of the workers while reducing their exposure to the risks of heat-related illnesses. Other workers can benefit from personal, portable misting system.
Most active people also engage in physical activity outdoors lacking climate controlling air conditioning where temperatures are high enough for heat-related illness to develop. Personal, portable cooling systems also provide relief from the high heat stress these individuals can experience. Even if people are lounging in their backyard, a misting system can provide effective cooling to improve comfort.
To address the problem of heat-related discomfort and illnesses, misting devices have been developed that produce a cooling mist. Many of these misting devices are designed to be carried by hand, and lack the volume, and hands-free operation that some individuals prefer. Some designs require the introduction of pressurized air or water to provide a pressure source for forcing water through the atomization nozzles, or the device uses a battery-powered pump motor to force water through the atomization nozzle. These devices have inherent limitations as there use may be far from a pressurized water or compressed air source. Other variations require pumping air into the water reservoir to pressurize the system.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,622,056 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,535,951 disclose personalized atomization devices that are portable in nature. These devices have reservoirs divided into separate sealed sections by a flexible internal bladder, and quick-disconnect hose and nozzle couplings. These systems utilize the pressure of city water lines to fill an internal bladder while and have a secondary chamber pressurized with air that forces water out of an atomizer fitting. The disadvantages of these devices are that they incorporate the complex construction of a flexible bladder sealingly installed in a secondary containment reservoir and lack an effective distribution system for many activities.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,620,140 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,775,590 disclose a personal, portable cooling device utilizing a manual pumping chamber to achieve water atomization and provides for conductive cooling in addition to convective cooling, and allows for remote system pressurization. The disadvantages of this and similar devices are that they require separate operational steps to fill the reservoir and to compress the air in the reservoir and require the user to compress air in the reservoir and must do so by continuously pumping air into the reservoir by hand.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,371,388 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,216,961 disclose a misting device that includes an air flow directed toward a user. U.S. Pat. No. 6,371,388 claims a cylindrical misting device delivering a high velocity, laminar air flow with an atomizing nozzle discharging a mist into the air flow from a pressurized water tank. U.S. Pat. No. 6,216,961 claims a waist pack misting device delivering a 17 mph air flow at 18 inches from a fan directed toward a user's face with an atomizing nozzle discharging a mist into the air flow from a spray bottle. Both devices are designed to take advantage of the wind chill effect that occurs when air blows across a person's bare skin.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,613,371 discloses a system for providing water mist to the occupants of open vehicles such as golf carts. This system utilizes the power system of the vehicle to electrically pump water to atomizing nozzles. The system requires a relatively elaborate design of equipment, including an electrical water pump, accumulator, fuses, on/off switches, and a separate water tank. The disadvantages of these devices are that they are expensive, complex, and require electrical power to operate. Power supplied to accessory systems from electric carts is undesirable since it reduces the duration for which the vehicle can operate.
There is a need for a misting device that can passively produce a cooling mist that does not require an external pressurization or power source. Such a device would gain benefits of simplicity of design, use, and production. Such a device would not require any additional steps for use beyond filling the device with water.

Abstract: A flexible fluid conduit constructed from interlocking segments forming resilient ball-joints connections is used to manually position a nozzle in a desired orientation. The nozzle produces an atomized mist of water that will cool the area proximate to the nozzle. Water flow thought the nozzle is controlled with a control valve coupled between the flexible fluid conduit and the nozzle proximate to the nozzle. A locking adaptor connects the flexible fluid conduit to the control valve.


Systems, devices, and methods of the present disclosure use discourse analysis and other techniques to form questions and answers from text. The questions and answers can be used for different applications, including providing a virtual dialogue or generating training data for machine-learning models. For example, a dialogue application generates a discourse tree that represents text and identifies a question from a satellite elementary discourse unit of the discourse tree. The dialogue application annotates the text by inserting the generated question and labeling the satellite elementary discourse unit as an answer.

Due to the greatly increased speed of processors and capacity of memory, computer-implemented applications of linguistics are increasing. For example, computer-enabled analysis of language discourse facilitates numerous applications such as automated agents that can answer questions received from user devices.
Autonomous agents often leverage available electronic textual documents to perform functions such as determining answers to questions, training machine learning models, or forming a dialogue. But existing solutions are unable to fully leverage textual content. Hence, new solutions are needed.

Generating desired discourse structure from an arbitrary text


The present invention relates to assays which can be used to identify inducers of plant resistance to pathogens. The assays use catalase and/or ascorbate peroxidase.

Perhaps the single best known medication is acetylsalicylic acid--aspirin. Aspirin has long been known to assist in the treatment of pain, swelling and fever. More recently, aspirin has been used to retard blood clotting and lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
While the therapeutic value of aspirin has been known for around 100 years, the therapeutic value of closely related compounds dates back far longer. See generally J. R. Cutt and D. F. Klessig, "Salicylic Acid in Plants--A Changing Perspective", Pharmaceutical Technology, May 1992, pages 26-33, the text of which is hereby incorporated by reference. For example, Hippocrates in the fourth century B.C. is believed to have prescribed the leaves of willow trees for the relief of pain during childbirth. These leaves contain salicylic acid (also referred to herein as "SA"), a naturally occurring relative of aspirin. Both can be considered part of a broader family of compounds, naturally occurring and synthetic, known as salicylates. While salicylates have long been known to exist in plants, the role that these compounds have played is only now becoming known. For many years, salicylates were classified as secondary metabolites which played no essential role in functioning of the organism. However, more recently, salicylates are gaining recognition as important factors in a number of important plant functions. An expansive, but by no means comprehensive list of plant processes which are affected by salicylates, and in particular, by the addition of salicylic acid thereto is found in Table 1.
TABLE 1 ______________________________________ Process Effect ______________________________________ Flowering + Thermogenesis + Alternative pathway + Glycolysis + Krebs cycle + Wound response - Disease resistance + Ethylene biosynthesis - Potassium ion absorption - Transpiration - Stomatal closure - Leaf abscission - Seed germination - Seed germination + Growth inhibition + Adventitious root initiation + Fruit yield + Somatic embryogenesis - Photonastic leaflet movement + Scotonastic leaflet movement - Gene regulation + ______________________________________ + = induces or enhances - = reduces or inhibits
It is interesting to note that salicylic acid has been shown to have effects on both the wound response and disease resistance of plants. In this way, plants and animals appear to share some similarities.
Although much remains to be learned about a plant's response to wounds, disease, and the attack by plant pathogens, two specific phenomena have already been observed. First, plants activate a number of a "local" responses in their attempt to restrict the spread of pathogens. This often results in the death of a very limited part of the plant immediately surrounding the site of infection. This is called the hypersensitive or local defense response.
In addition to the local defense response, many plants respond to infection by activating defenses in uninfected parts of the plant. As a result, the entire plant becomes more resistant to secondary infection. This phenomenon, sometimes termed systemic acquired resistance, can persist for some extended period of time and often confers upon the plant a resistance to unrelated types of pathogens.
It is known that adding salicylic acid to certain plants enhances their resistance to disease. It has also been shown that such additions of salicylic acid can induce the expression of the genetic material (genes) within plants to produce certain proteins related to disease resistance. Based on this information and the observation that salicylic acid is not directly toxic to most pathogens under normal conditions, it is believed that salicylic acid participates in a chain of biochemical events which ends in the production of disease combating proteins and possibly other factors or compounds. Salicylic acid may therefore be thought of as a signal molecule in the transduction pathway of plant disease resistance or a link in the chain of events leading to a plant's "immune" response. See Z. Chen and D. F. Klessig, "Identification of Soluble Salicylic Acid-Binding Protein That May Function in Signal Transduction in the Plant-Disease Response", Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 88, 8179-8183, (September 1991), the text of which is hereby incorporated by reference. The fact that when salicylic acid is added to plants, a broad number of plant functions are affected suggests that salicylates or related compounds may be effectors or signal compounds along the transduction pathway of a number of plant functions other than just disease resistance.
The present inventors have identified, purified and characterized a protein which is made by plants. This endogenous protein (endogenous meaning made by the plant) is capable of participating in the binding of salicylic acid in plants. Therefore, it is believed that the endogenous protein may be a link in the transduction pathway of various plant functions such as, for example, disease resistance. Furthermore, the inventors have cloned and sequenced a gene from tobacco which encodes this binding protein.
This discovery is important for a number of reasons. First, the identification of this binding protein, (referred to herein as either "Salicyclic Acid Binding Protein", or "SABP",), is important in gaining a further understanding of the various pathways through which disease resistance, flowering, and other normal plant biological processes function. Furthermore, because salicylates such as aspirin and salicylic acid appear to have advantageous properties in both plants and animals with regard to treatment and/or prevention of disease, it is possible that this discovery will provide information regarding the identification and characterization of parallel mechanisms of, for example, disease resistance in both plants and animals. This could lead to the discovery of new drugs and new forms of treatment for a list of maladies ranging from headaches to high blood pressure. Because of the discovery of this binding protein, the cloning of its gene and the growing understanding of its role in signal transduction, it may be possible to introduce into plants disease resistance mechanisms which might otherwise not be found in that species. It may also be possible to provide enhanced disease resistance, as well as other functions to plants which do use salicylic acid as a signal. The cause of world hunger could also be advanced by such discoveries because disease resistant crops could be generated with reduced incident of crop failure.
The present inventors have discovered that the binding protein that they have isolated and purified exhibits a quantitative and qualitative correlation between binding activities and the physiological activities of salicylic acid compounds. In other words, the more biologically active a salicylate is in a plant, the more tightly it will be bound by the native salicylic acid binding protein of the present invention and vice versa. Therefore, assays or tests can be developed and used as a first step in determining whether certain salicylates, either of natural or synthetic origin, might be biologically active and, therefore, agriculturally or pharmaceutically important,
The inventors have discovered that the identified salicylic acid binding protein has catalase activity which is inhibited by binding. Inhibition of catalase's H.sub.2 O.sub.2 -scavenging activity would result in an elevated level of H.sub.2 O.sub.2 and other reactive oxygen species ("ROS", also called active oxygen species--"AOS"). As used herein the term "catalase" refers to the family of enzymes known as catalases. The previously documented involvement of reactive oxygen species in host defense against microorganisms (Orlandi et al., Physiol. and Mol. Plant Pathol. 40: 173 (1992); Schwacke et al., Planta 187: 136 (1992); Apostol et al., Plant Physiol. 90: 109 (1989); Legendre et al., Plant Physiol. 102: 233 (1993); Baker et al., Plant Physiol. 102: 1341 (1993)) and the discovery that the salicylic acid binding protein is a catalase whose activity is inhibited by SA. binding suggest that the role of salicylic acid in defense may be through its modulation of the abundance of reactive oxygen species via the influencing of plant catalase activity.
This hypothesis is further supported by additional discoveries. First, the inventors have found that 2,6-dichloroisonicotinic acid (INA), which is a potent synthetic inducer of enhanced disease resistance and of proteins related to disease resistance (Uknes et al., Plant Cell 4: 645 (1992); Uknes et al., Mol Plant-Microbe Interact. 6: 692 (1993)), also inhibits catalase activity. Second, they discovered that both salicylic acid and INA also inhibit the activity of ascorbate peroxidase. As used herein "ascorbate peroxidase" refers to the family of enzymes known as ascorbate peroxidases. Since catalase and ascorbate peroxidase are the two principal enzymes in plants for destruction of H.sub.2 O.sub.2 (Bowler et al., Annu. Rev. Plant Physiol. Plant Mol. Biol. 43: 83 (1992); Jahnke et al., Plant Cell Environ. 14: 98 (1991)), their inhibition by salicylic acid, INA, or functionally similar compounds would result in elevated levels of H.sub.2 O.sub.2 and other reactive oxygen species. The fact that both a natural (salicylic acid) and synthetic (INA) inducers of disease resistance inhibit both key enzymes involved in the removal of H.sub.2 O.sub.2 illustrates that modulation of the level of reactive oxygen species is an important step in the development of disease resistance.

Assays to identify inducers of plant defense resistance

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey