An electronic apparatus includes a body, a fuel cell capable of generating power by chemical reaction and supplying the power to the body, a sensor to sense a tilt of the fuel cell, and a notifying portion to notify a user of information of the tilt sensed by the sensor.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a technique of controlling an operation of an electronic apparatus operable using, for example, a direct methanol fuel cell as a power supply.
2. Description of the Related Art
Recently, portable electronic apparatuses of various types such as a digital camera and a portable information terminal called a PDA (personal digital assistant) have been developed and widely used. Such electronic apparatuses are capable of being driven by a battery.
Moreover, recently, the issue of environment has received great attention and the development of environmentally-friendly batteries has been increased. A direct methanol fuel cell (hereinafter referred to as DMFC) is well known as such a battery.
The DMFC generates electric energy by chemical reaction between oxygen and methanol provided as fuel. The DMFC has a structure in which an electrolyte is interposed between two electrodes made of porous metal or carbon. Since the DMFC produces no hazardous wastes, its practicality is strongly desired.
In using the DMFC, it needs to be kept in a fixed direction without being tilted in order to prevent drawbacks of leakage of liquid fuel, load to various pumps due to the leakage, heat generation, etc.
For example, Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 2002-063920 discloses a technique of preventing drawbacks from occurring when a fuel cell unit tilts. According to this technique, in order to prevent water from flowing backward to a fuel cell from a water tank even when the unit tilts, tubes are connected between outlets of the fuel cell and inlets of the water tank with their sleeves tucked up.
However, the above technique produces only the advantage of preventing water from flowing backward from the water tank and cannot overcome the other drawbacks due to a tilt of the fuel cell unit. Moreover, the internal structure of the fuel cell unit becomes complicated and accordingly the unit increases in size in its entirety.
In order to prevent the drawbacks due to a leakage of liquid fuel, it is considered effective that a tilt sensor should sense a tilt of the fuel cell unit.
However, only the sensing of a tilt of the unit by the tilt sensor cannot be regarded as measures enough to reliably avoid dangerous conditions. There is a possibility that the tilt sensor will be troubled for some reason.

Electronic apparatus and method of controlling operation of the same


A flame-retardant resin composition comprises a base resin (A), an organic phosphorus compound (B) having a unit represented by the following formula (1a), and a flame-retardant auxiliary (C).

Among thermoplastic resins, a polyester-series resin (such as a polybutylene terephthalate), a polyamide-series resin, or the like has excellent mechanical and electrical properties, weather resistance, water resistance, and resistance to chemicals and solvents. Therefore, the resin has been utilized for various purposes such as electric or electronic device parts, and automotive parts. While, these resins are required to have improved flame retardancy as the field of their uses expands.
Until now, there has been proposed a method for imparting flame retardancy to a thermoplastic resin by adding a flame retardant comprising a halogen-containing compound or an antimony-containing compound to the resin. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 150349/1988 (JP-63-150349A) discloses a resin composition to which flame retardancy is imparted by blending a glass fiber, an organic halogen-containing flame retardant, antimony trioxide, and a hydroxide of an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal to a mixed resin comprising a polyamide resin and a nylon 66. However, the halogen-containing flame retardant is not preferable for environmental reasons because the flame retardant sometimes generates a dioxin-series compound on resolution caused by combustion. Therefore, there is proposed a method for rendering a resin flame-retardant by using a nitrogen-containing compound or a phosphorus-containing compound as a flame retardant having no halogen atom.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 70671/1993 (JP-5-70671A) discloses a flame-retardant resin composition comprising (A) a polyalkylene terephthalate having an intrinsic viscosity of 0.3 to 1.5 dl/g, (B) a reinforcing filler, (C) an adduct of melamine and cyanuric acid, and (D) a resorcinol bisarylphosphate. Moreover, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 152402/1999 (JP-11-152402A) discloses a flame-retardant polyester composition comprising a reinforcing component and a polymer component, wherein the polymer component comprises a poly(butylene terephthalate), and a mixed flame retardant containing an aromatic phosphate oligomer, and a melamine pyrophosphate. Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 103973/2000 (JP-2000-103973A) discloses a flame-retardant resin composition comprising a thermoplastic resin, a phosphorus compound having a phosphonyl group (>P(═O)H), and a phenol resin.
The flame retardant having no halogen atom does not comprise harmful halogens, however, it is inferior to a halogen-containing flame retardant in flame retardancy, so that it is necessary to add a large amount of the flame retardant. The addition of a phosphate-series flame retardant or a phosphorus compound-series flame retardant having a phosphonyl group brings about bleeding out and deterioration in mechanical properties of a resin. Therefore, it is impossible to improve mechanical properties along with flame retardancy.
Thus, in conventional methods, it is difficult to render a resin high flame-retardant without deteriorating properties of the resin. Moreover, the above-mentioned flame retardant is capable of imparting flame-retardant to a specific resin, however, it is impossible to render a wide variety of thermoplastic resins flame-retardant.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a flame-retardant resin composition having no halogen atom which is rendered flame-retardant to a satisfactory level with the use of a small amount of a flame retardant, and a process for producing the same.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a flame-retardant resin composition in which mold deposit and bleeding out (or blooming) of a flame retardant is effectively inhibited and to which high flame retardancy is imparted without deteriorating properties of the resin, and a process for producing the same.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a shaped article having improved flame retardancy.

Abstract: Wherein Ar represents an aromatic hydrocarbon ring or a nitrogen-containing aromatic heterocycle; X1 represents an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom; Y1 and Y2 are the same or different and each represents a hydrocarbon group, an alkoxy group, an aryloxy group, or an aralkyloxy group; Z1 represents an alkylene group, or a nitrogen-containing bivalent group corresponding to an alkylamine; Y1 and Y2 may bind to each other, and Y1 and Y2 together with the adjacent phosphorus atom may form a ring; “a” denotes 0 or 1; and “b” denotes an integer of 1 to 6.


A battery-powered computer chassis intrusion detection circuit which stores the time and date that the chassis hood, components, or AC power was removed. When intrusion occurs, an alarm bit isolates the detection circuit oscillator from the circuit, effectively stopping a real time clock from incrementing the time and date. When the computer is powered back up, internal ROM checks to see if an alarm condition occurred. If so, the intrusion date and time is recorded and the user or administrator may be alerted.

This application is a Continuation of application Ser. No. 09/136,865 filed Aug. 19, 1998 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,289,456.
The present invention relates to a method of theft protection for computers and/or computer related hardware.
Background: Theft of Computer Components
As computers become more common in industry and at home, theft of the computers, of their components, and of information stored on them has become more prevalent. With advances in technology resulting in smaller and smaller components which may even be more expensive, theft becomes more widespread. Employees continue to be the primary source for losses due to theft. For example, employees who have compatible systems at home may be tempted to swap boards and input devices at work to repair or upgrade their systems at home. Employees are not the only threat. Repairmen, janitors, delivery-persons, other contractors, customers, invited guests, and even security people themselves may have an opportunity to take computer property.
The increasing use of plug-and-play and hot-swappable units has also been helpful for thieves, since these architectures have accelerated trends toward modular components which can be quickly attached or removed from a system.
In large companies with equally large computer data centers and inventories, it is a formidable task to keep an up-to-date inventory of the location of all computers and associated components. A major problem in computer asset control is the determination of when a system's hardware has been removed or stolen. Hard drives, memory, processors, and other expensive computer peripherals within the computer system can be easily removed and sold on the black market. Where a system may be used infrequently, or perhaps sits unattended for extended periods of time, a theft may be detected only when a person uses the system. If the thief is more adept, the theft may go undetected for quite some time, and only be discovered when the system undergoes routine maintenance by a technician. For example, it is very possible that a multi-processor system can have all except one of its processors stolen from the unit and the machine will still run. Similarly, unless the system is "smart" enough to indicate to an administrator that the memory configuration has changed, it is likely that it will take months before someone realizes the memory has been removed or stolen. The loss of these components are not only costly, but also impact productivity.
Background: High-Tech Equipment Theft
Computers and related peripherals, and intellectual property are not the only target of high-tech theft. State-of-the-art instrumentation and test equipment are also prime candidates and are usually more expensive per unit volume than a typical home computer. Although less "marketable" than computer equipment, the theft of this type of equipment can represent a sizeable loss to companies using such equipment.
Background: Current Detection Methods
Some intrusion detection methods incorporate hood intrusion detection architectures. Current hood intrusion implementations detect that the hood has been opened and alerts the system administrator during system Power-On Self Test ("POST"). If a system hood has been opened, regardless of whether the system is powered by AC power or not, a flag (alarm) will be set. This flag is then checked by the system's firmware during the next power-up. If the alarm bit is set, this indicates an intrusion has occurred and system integrity may have been compromised. Once the alarm bit is detected, the system administrator is notified and appropriate measures can be taken. Furthermore, the alarm bit can only be cleared via software which makes it more difficult to hack for even the most astute thief.
The main pitfall of the current hood intrusion implementation is that it only indicates to the administrator that the hood has been opened. It does not indicate when the hood was opened. So it is possible that a computer whose parts have been removed could be sitting for a couple of days or even longer before next power-up. Thus no one will know exactly when the theft occurred. This is problematic since without an accurate time, it becomes more difficult to narrow down a list of possible suspects.
Another problem associated with current intrusion detection implementations is logging. In current methods, the only indication of an intrusion is an alarm bit being set. It is possible that a power cycle of the system maintaining the alarm bit can be used to clear the bit. Such a security loophole can hide the evidence that an intrusion has taken place until physical discovery of the intrusion i.e., through missing parts. Some current implementations contain an embedded network interface that allows intrusion information to be sent to a server. However, network communications usually depend on a physical link which can easily be found and disabled. The inability to log an intrusion creates a problem in tracking the suspects and missing parts in that the time of the intrusion cannot be determined even if the alarm bit is not cleared.
Innovative Intrusion Detection and Time-Stamp Architecture
The disclosed architecture allows the system administrator to detect that a system hood has been opened. In addition, this invention accurately records the time and date of the hood intrusion, and allows the system administrator to correlate access to the system with other security measures (for example security code access to a computer room or surveillance camera data). By doing so, a theft occurrence can be narrowed down to some specific time frame (and hopefully, fewer suspects).
In the presently preferred embodiment, the innovative hood sensing circuitry essentially consists of a latch, a switch, an oscillator, decoupling circuits, and a real time clock ("RTC") chip. Because the circuitry is powered by a battery, the components used need to be capable of operating at a low voltage and also have low power dissipation. Additional circuitry can be used to recharge the battery or to enable the hood sensing circuitry to be powered by an outside source, including when the system itself is turned off. Thus conserving battery power and battery life.
Communication between the RTC and the system could be through, for example, a computer ISA bus interface. One general purpose output pin is used to allow software to clear the alarm condition. An additional general purpose input pin can be used for software interfacing where a program may be used to check the status of the hood alarm condition. Ideally, this circuitry can be implemented as part of an ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit) to reduce the cost of the feature.
Additionally, the components comprising the computer itself can be monitored for removal. Each component of the system e.g., power supply, memory, processor, hard drive, etc., can be connected to a dedicated detector circuit allowing tracking of the system the part level. Additionally, the intrusion detector circuit can be employed in for example, equipment such as routers or other costly network equipment, or rack-mountable instrumentation housing multiple insertable boards.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Hood intrusion and loss of AC power detection with automatic time stamp

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.


A method and apparatus for context-sensitive exchange of electronic information, is provided. One implementation involves maintaining multiple signatures for a sender; associating each signature with a recipient address or communication content pattern described based on a rule; sending an electronic communication to a recipient address by automatically selecting a most appropriate signature among the multiple signatures based on the recipient address or content pattern in the communication; and including the selected signature in the electronic communication.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to exchange of electronic information and in particular to context-sensitive exchange of electronic information.
2. Background Information
Conventional collaboration tools provide the possibility to have often used phrases (or images) automatically included in a document or electronic mail (email). For example, email documents mostly always end with a signature, where the author provides his/her name, job title, contact information, etc. Such collaboration tools allow a signature to be stored, and automatically include the signature text at the bottom of any new email or when replying to, or forwarding, a received mail. However, a single signature is not always appropriate for all purposes. When sending a formal business email, it is appropriate to include job title and contact information, but when sending an informal email to a friend it would be considered overly formal. When sending email to a university or research organization, a signature that includes academic qualifications and achievements is appropriate, but that may be considered pompous in other contexts. With such limitations, the most often used signature is stored, and then it is modified manually each time an email is to be sent to a person or group for which that signature is not appropriate.

Method and apparatus for context-sensitive exchange of electronic information

International Business Machines Corporation


An apparatus is provided for facilitating bulk assignment of test cases to a test cycle. The apparatus may include at least one memory and at least one processor configured to enable selection, via a user interface, of test cases to assign the test cases to a designated test cycle. The test cases are designated for testing or execution of functions of at least one application. The processor is also configured to automatically calculate an estimated duration of time in which to complete the testing or execution of the functions in response to receipt of indications of selections of the test cases via the user interface. The processor is also configured to provide visible indicia in the user interface indicating the estimated duration of time in which to complete the testing or the execution of the functions of the application. Corresponding computer program products and methods are also provided.

Currently, test case management applications configured to manage testing processes for execution of applications suffers from many drawbacks. For example, at present, test case management applications, such as for example the Hewlett Packard™ (HP) Quality Center (QC) test case management tool, are lacking in facilitating test execution assignments that are capable of bulk assigning test cases to a predefined configuration setup which oftentimes presents problems due to the amount of resource time that may be needed to setup testing cycles.
For instance, on average 1,200-1,300 test cases may be assigned for a given test cycle that lasts on average 10 days. Currently, existing test case management applications lack a bulk assign feature for assigning multiple test cases for applications and as such may take twice as long (e.g., 8-10 days) as desired or necessary to complete all application testing assignments. The testing process typically involves a Test Lead to begin creating test assignments a week before the start of a next testing cycle. As such, in an instance in which there may be continuous test cycles occurring without a break, a Test Lead may not have sufficient time to complete assignments due to the inordinate amount of time needed for assigning the test cases which may cause the actual testing of the applications to start later than planned or desired.
In addition, at present, the interface in some test case management applications that allows a Test Lead to make assignments may pose usability problems by not providing full visibility of test case properties in a single easy to view screen. This may cause incompatible or missed assignments in which a test case assigned may not match an intended test strategy, which may result in unnecessary reconciliation of errors.
In view of the foregoing drawbacks, it may be beneficial to provide an efficient and reliable mechanism for bulk assigning tests for execution of applications.

Methods, apparatuses and computer program products for bulk assigning tests for execution of applications


A multi-speed transmission is provided for a motor vehicle and includes a housing, a drive shaft, an output shaft, at least four planetary gear sets, whereas each of the planetary gear sets comprises one sun gear, at least one planet, one planetary carrier and one ring gear. The transmission includes several shift elements in the form of at least four clutches and at least two brakes. The drive shaft is connectable through the second clutch to the sun gear of the first and second planetary gear sets. The sun gear of the fourth planetary gear set is connected to the housing. The ring gear of the fourth planetary gear set is connectable to the planetary carrier of the second planetary gear set. The planetary carrier of the fourth planetary gear set is connectable through the fourth clutch to the output shaft. The ring gear of the second planetary gear set is connected through the second brake to the housing. The drive shaft is connectable through the third clutch to the first brake. The first brake is connected to the housing. The invention also relates to a method for operating the transmission along with a motor vehicle with the transmission.

Such transmissions are known, for example, from WO 2012/052284 A1. In WO 2012/052284 A1, a multi-speed transmission with six forward gears and one reverse gear is shown, which comprises four planetary gear sets, seven rotatable shafts and five shift elements. The sun gear of the first planetary gear set is connected to the sixth shaft, which is attachable through a first brake to the housing of the transmission. The bar of the first planetary gear set is connected to the fifth shaft, which is connected to the sun gear of the second planetary gear set and is attachable through a second brake to the housing. The drive shaft is connected to the ring gear of the first planetary gear set and to the sun gear of the third planetary gear set, and is detachably connectable through a clutch to the seventh shaft connected to the bar of the third planetary gear set and the ring gear of the fourth planetary gear set. The fourth shaft is connected to the ring gear of the third planetary gear set and to the bar of the second planetary gear set, and is connectable through a third brake to the housing. The output shaft is connected to the ring gear of the second planetary gear set and to the bar of the fourth planetary gear set. The sun gear of the fourth planetary gear set is connected to the third shaft, which is attachable through a fourth brake to the housing.
The disadvantage here is that internal shift elements, such as multi-disk clutches or brakes, are hydraulically actuated. This hydraulic actuation leads to high hydraulic losses. In order to avoid such actuation losses, providing electromechanical or electro-hydraulic actuation has been proposed. In turn, the disadvantage here is that the shift elements, primarily clutches, are difficult to access, in particular if good gearing efficiency and low component stresses with low construction costs are desired.


In a semiconductor memory storing multivalue information, a sense section includes a first latch receiving an output of a first differential amplifier in a sense amplifier, a second latch receiving an output of a second differential amplifier in the sense amplifier and an output of the first latch, and a third latch receiving an output of a third differential amplifier in the sense amplifier and an output of the second latch. When a selected memory cell has the lowest threshold, the output of the first latch becomes a low level, and correspondingly, the output of the second latch is forcibly brought to the low level in response to the low level of the output of the first latch, and then, the output of the third latch is forcibly brought to the low level in response to the low level of the output of the second latch. Therefore, even if the output of the second and third differential amplifiers varies because of power supply voltage noises, the data can be correctly read out without being influenced by the power supply voltage noises.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a semiconductor memory, and more specifically to a multivalue memory including memory cells mainly composed of insulated gate field effect transistors and capable of storing information of three or more values. In this specification, the insulated gate field effect transistor will be called a "MOSFET".
2. Description of Related Art
Referring to FIG. 12, there is shown a block diagram of a prior art semiconductor memory storing multivalue information, which is disclosed by for example Japanese Patent Application Pre-examination Publication No. JP-A-62-257699, (the content of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety into this application, and also an English abstract of JP-A-62-257699 is available from the Japanese Patent Office and the content of the English abstract JP-A-62-257699 is also incorporated by reference in its entirety into this application).
In the prior art semiconductor memory shown in FIG. 12, a function block 10 includes a memory cell array, an address decoder, and a sense amplifier (not shown in FIG. 12) and has a power supply voltage terminal VCC1, an input terminal VCC2 for receiving a reference potential VC and a data output terminal D which is connected to a data input terminal D of each of a first latch circuit 22, a second latch circuit 24 and a third latch circuit 26. Further, the function block 10 has address input terminals A1 to An, which are connected to address lines A1 to An, respectively.
A control circuit 10 controls a voltage of the reference potential VC, and also controls an operation timing of the latch amplifiers 22, 24 and 26 and an outputting timing of a decoder 30 connected to receive respective outputs of the latch circuits 22, 24 and 26.
Clock output terminals for outputting clock signals CK1, CK2 and CK3 of the control circuit 40 are connected to clock input terminals CK of the latch circuits 22, 24 and 26, respectively. A terminal St of the control circuit 40 is a terminal for receiving a signal for controlling whether or not the control circuit 40 should be activated. This circuit St is connected to an output of a NOR circuit 50, receiving a chip enable signal CE and an output enable signal OE (here, the upper bar means that a low level is active). Therefore, when both of the chip enable signal CE and the output enable signal OE are at the low level, the NOR circuit 50 outputs a high level signal to the terminal St of the control circuit 40, so as to activate the control circuit 40.
The memory cell array included in the function block 10 is constituted of a matrix of memory cells each capable of storing information of three or more values. In the following, an example of storing four values in each memory cell will be described. For example, in order to store four values in each memory cell, it can be exemplified
(1) to set a threshold of a memory cell to four different levels; or PA1 (2) to set a gate length (L) or a gate width (W) of a memory cell to four different values, thereby to set four different current values.
Here, the first named example will be described.
In the above referred Japanese patent publication, the threshold of the memory cell is changed by controlling the amount of electrons injected into a floating gate of the memory cell, but it is well known that the threshold of the memory cell can be also changed by controlling the amount of ions injected into a region directly under a gate of the memory cell.
Here, it is assumed that the lowest one of four thresholds thus set is VT0 (0.5 V), a second lowest threshold is VT1 (1.3 V), a third lowest threshold is VT2 (2.0 V), and the highest threshold is VT3 (4.0 V).
The sense amplifier included in the function block 10 operates to discriminate which of the four thresholds VT0 to VT3 corresponds to the threshold set in the memory cell selected by a given address.
FIG. 14 shows a relation between the reference potential and a potential on an internal node in the sense amplifier by using as a standard potential the potential on the internal node in the sense amplifier when the memory cell having the threshold VT0 is selected.
(1) When the memory cell having the threshold VT0 is selected, the potential on the internal node in the sense amplifier becomes the standard potential, and it is detected that this potential is lower than a reference potential V3b, and it is discriminated to be data (KL)=(00). PA0 (2) When the memory cell having the threshold VT1 is selected, the potential on the internal node in the sense amplifier becomes V3, and it is detected that V3 is higher than the reference potential V3b and lower than a reference potential V2b, and it is discriminated to be data (KL)=(10). PA0 (3) When the memory cell having the threshold VT2 is selected, the potential on the internal node in the sense amplifier becomes V2, and it is detected that V2 is higher than the reference potential V2b and lower than a reference potential V1b, and it is discriminated to be data (KL)=(01). PA0 (4) When the memory cell having the threshold VT3 is selected, the potential on the internal node in the sense amplifier becomes V1, and it is detected that V1 is higher than a reference potential V1b, and it is discriminated to be data (KL)=11). PA0 (1) Time t.sub.1 to t.sub.2 PA0 (2) Time t.sub.2 to t.sub.3 PA0 (3) Time t.sub.3 to t.sub.4 PA0 (4) Time t.sub.4 to t.sub.5 PA0 (5) After Time t.sub.5 PA0 (1) time t.sub.4 to t.sub.5 PA0 (2) After Time t.sub.5
Referring to FIG. 15, there is shown a detailed circuit diagram of a part of the function block 10.
Reference Numeral 101 designates the memory cell array composed of the matrix of memory cells M11, . . . , Mn1, . . . , M1m, . . . , Mnm. X1 to Xn are an output of an X address decoder (not shown) for designating an X address of the memory cell array 101, and Y1 to Ym are an output of a Y address decoder (not shown) for designating a Y address of the memory cell array 101. Each memory cell is set to assume any one of the thresholds VT0 to VT3 mentioned above.
Reference Numeral 103 designates a Y selector for selecting digit lines d1 to dm of the memory cell array 101. This selector 103 is constituted of N-channel enhancement MOSFETs (each called "NE-MOSFET") QY1 to QYm. The outputs X1 to Xn of the X address decoder are connected to word lines, respectively, so that one memory cell is located at each of intersections between the word lines and the digit lines in such a manner that each memory cell is connected between a corresponding digit line and the ground, and a gate of the memory cell is connected to a corresponding word line.
Reference Numeral 102 designates the sense amplifier, which includes a biasing circuit composed of a P-channel enhancement MOSFETs (called "PE-MOSFET") QS111, an NE-MOSFET QS112, and a feedback inverter IS111. The biasing circuit detects a cell current which changes dependently upon the threshold of the selected memory cell.
VSA3 designates the internal node as mentioned above in the sense amplifier. The potential on the internal node VSA3 is determined by a ratio of the current flowing through the selected memory cell to a current driving capability of the PE-MOSFET QS111.
Accordingly, if the threshold of the selected memory cell is VT0, a large cell current flows so that the potential on the internal node VSA3 drops and then balances with the standard potential shown in FIG. 14.
On the other hand, if the threshold of the selected memory cell is VT3, even if the power supply voltage (3 V) is applied to the gate of the selected memory cell, a cell current does not flow, so that the potential on the internal node VSA3 balances with V1 shown in FIG. 14.
When the threshold on the selected memory cell is VT1 or VT2, the potential on the internal node VSA3 is determined by the value of the cell current and balances with V3 or V2 shown in FIG. 14.
The sense amplifier 102 also includes a differential circuit composed of PE-MOSFETs QS121 and QS122 and NE-MOSFETs QS123, QS124 and QS125, and so configured to compare the potential on the internal node VSA3 with the reference potential VC and to amplify a difference therebetween.
For example, if the potential on the internal node VSA3 is higher than the reference potential VC, a potential on a node fA becomes a low level, with the result that an output D of an inverter IS112 becomes a high level.
On the other hand, if the potential on the internal node VSA3 is lower than the reference potential VC, the potential on the node fA becomes the high level, with the result that an output D of an inverter IS112 becomes the low level.
Referring to FIG. 16, there is a timing chart illustrating an operation of the control circuit 40 and potential changes on the internal node VSA3 and the outputs A, B and C of the latch circuits 22, 24 and 26 when the threshold of the selected memory cell is VT1.
Now, an operation of the prior art semiconductor memory storing the multivalue information will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 16.
If the high level signal is inputted to the terminal St of the control circuit 40 from the NOR circuit 50, the control circuit 40 starts to operate. The control circuit 40 elevates the reference potential VC stepwise to three different levels in the order of V3b, V2b and V1b, and outputs the clocks CK3, CK2 and CK1 in the order of CK3, CK2 and CK1 and in time with corresponding reference potentials V3b, V2b and V1b. After this sequential operation, the control circuit 40 outputs an output request signal OE to a gate input G of the decoder 30.
Each of the clocks CK3, CK2 and CK1 is set to have a pulse width T giving a sufficient time for data read out in each reference potential to be outputted to the data output terminal D of the function block 10.
Next, explanation will be made on an operation of the sense amplifier, the latch circuits and the decoder when the threshold of the selected memory cell is VT1.
In this period of time, an address is set, and the selected memory cell is determined. In accordance with the threshold (VT1 in this example) of the selected memory cell, a cell current flows, and this cell current is sensed by the sense amplifier so that the potential on the internal node VSA3 balances with V3.
In this period of time, the clock CK3 is brought to the high level so that the latch circuit 26 is activated. The value of the reference potential VC balances with the first reference potential V3b.
At this time, since it becomes VSA3<V3b, the potential of the output D of the sense amplifier becomes the high level. In this condition, since the latch circuit 26 is activated, the potential of the output D of the sense amplifier is transferred to the output of the latch circuit 26, with the result that the input C of the decoder 30 is brought to the high level as shown in FIG. 16. Here, for simplification of the description, it is assumed that the inputs A, B and C of the decoder circuit are set to the high level in an initial stage.
In this period of time, the clock CK2 is brought to the high level so that the latch circuit 24 is activated. The value of the reference potential VC elevates from the V3b and then balances with the second reference potential V2b.
At this time, since it becomes VSA3<V2b, the potential of the output D of the sense amplifier becomes the low level. In this condition, since the latch circuit 24 is activated, the potential of the output D of the sense amplifier is transferred to the output of the latch circuit 24, with the result that the input B of the decoder 30 is brought to the low level from the high level as shown in FIG. 16.
In this period of time, the clock CK1 is brought to the high level so that the latch circuit 22 is activated. The value of the reference potential VC elevates from the V2b and then balances with the third reference potential V1b.
At this time, since it becomes VSA3<V1b, the potential of the output D of the sense amplifier becomes the low level. In this condition, since the latch circuit 22 is activated, the potential of the output D of the sense amplifier is transferred to the output of the latch circuit 22, with the result that the input A of the decoder 30 is brought to the low level from the high level as shown in FIG. 16.
The output request signal OE is brought from the low level to the high level, so that the decoder 30 is put in an output enable condition. In this condition, since the data inputs A, B and C of the decoder are set to {001} until the time t.sub.5, it is discriminated that the selected memory cell is set to have the threshold VT1 as shown in a logic value table of FIG. 13.
In the circuit shown in FIG. 12, since the decoder 30 has the output O of one bit, the data is outputted in a time-division manner. For the data of (KL)=(01) corresponding to the memory cell having the threshold VT1, first, a signal E applied to an input E of the decoder 30 is brought to "0", so that the data of "0" is outputted to the output O of the decoder 30, and then, the signal E is brought to "1", the data of "1" is outputted to the output O of the decoder 30. However, the decoder 30 can have a construction of outputting an output of two bits. In this case, it is possible to output the data of (KL)=(01) as O1 and O2.
Referring to FIG. 17, there is a timing chart illustrating an operation of the control circuit 40 and potential changes on the internal node VSA3 and the outputs A, B and C of the latch circuits 22, 24 and 26 when the threshold of the selected memory cell is VT1, similar to FIG. 16, but when the voltage VCC of the power supply CC varies because of noises in the period of time t.sub.4 to t.sub.5.
In general, in semiconductor memories, when each of various circuits switches, noises occur on the power supply voltage so that a potential of the power supply voltage varies.
Now, an operation in this situation will be described with FIGS. 15 and 17 to 19. Since various waveforms in an operation until time t.sub.4 are the same as those shown in FIG. 16, explanation will be omitted.
In the period of time t.sub.4 to t.sub.5, noises occur on the power supply voltage as shown in FIG. 17, so that the potential of the power supply voltage varies.
First, if the power supply voltage VCC elevates as in a period of time t.sub.41, a power supply voltage of the feedback inverter IS111 in the sense amplifier 102 in FIG. 15 elevates. At this time, a number of Y selectors 103 is connected to a node SC, and therefore, a capacitance associated to the node SC is large (for example, 5 pF). Accordingly, the potential on the node SC is stable. As a result, the feedback inverter IS111 amplifies the potential variation of the power supply voltage VCC, so that the potential on a node SB, which is the output of the feedback inverter IS111, greatly elevates, with the result that QS112 is turned on, and therefore, the potential of the node SA3 greatly drops as shown in the waveform VSA3 in FIG. 17.
To the contrary, if the power supply voltage VCC drops as in a period of time t.sub.42, the power supply voltage of the feedback inverter IS111 in the sense amplifier 102 in FIG. 15 drops. At this time, because of the reason mentioned above, the feedback inverter IS111 amplifies the potential variation of the power supply voltage VCC, so that the potential on the node SB greatly drops, with the result that QS112 is turned off, and therefore, the potential of the node SA3 greatly elevates as shown in the waveform VSA3 in FIG. 17. Thereafter, if the variation in the power supply voltage subsides, the potential of the node SA3 returns to the balanced level.
Here, if the potential of the node SA3 drops, the node SA3 is charged through QS111. However, since the current driving capacity of QS111 is determined taking the value of the cell current into consideration, the current driving capacity of QS111 is ordinarily small, and therefore, the charging speed of the node SA3 is low.
Referring to FIG. 18, there is shown a circuit diagram of one example of the reference potential generating circuit. Reference Numeral 81 designates a circuit for generating the first reference potential V3b. This circuit 81 is composed of NE-MOSFETs QR11 and QR12 series-connected between the power supply voltage VCC and the ground, a connection node between the NE-MOSFETs QR11 and QR12 being connected the terminal VC through a transfer gate composed of a PE-MOSFET QR13 and an NE-MOSFET QR14 connected in parallel to each other and controlled by a pair of complementary pulses .phi..sub.1 and .phi..sub.1B. Therefore, the first reference potential V3b is determined by a threshold of the NE-MOSFET QR12, as shown in the following equation (1). EQU V3b=VTN (1)
Here, for simplification of description, it is considered that the threshold of all NE-MOSFETs is the same and expressed by VTN.
In addition, in order that the value of V3b does not have a dependency upon the power supply voltage as shown in FIG. 19, it is designed that the current driving capacity of QR12 in sufficiently larger than that of QR11.
Reference Numeral 82 designates a circuit for generating the second reference potential V2b. This circuit 82 is composed of NE-MOSFETs QR21, QR22 and QR23 series-connected between the power supply voltage VCC and the ground, a connection node between the NE-MOSFETs QR21 and QR22 being connected the terminal VC through a transfer gate composed of a PE-MOSFET QR24 and an NE-MOSFET QR25 connected in parallel to each other and controlled by a pair of complementary pulses .phi..sub.2 and .phi..sub.2B. Therefore, the second reference potential V2b is determined by a threshold of the NE-MOSFETs QR22 and QR23, as shown in the following equation (2). EQU V2b=2.multidot.VTN (2)
Here, in order that the value of V2b does not have a dependency upon the power supply voltage as shown in FIG. 19, it is designed that the current driving capacity of QR22 and QR23 is sufficiently large than that of QR21.
Reference Numeral 83 designates a circuit for generating the first reference potential V1b. This circuit 83 is composed of NE-MOSFETs QR31, QR32, QR33 and QR34 series-connected between the power supply voltage VCC and the ground, a connection node between the NE-MOSFETs QR31 and QR32 being connected the terminal VC through a transfer gate composed of a PE-MOSFET QR35 and an NE-MOSFET QR36 connected in parallel to each other and controlled by a pair of complementary pulses .phi..sub.3 and .phi..sub.3B. Therefore, the third reference potential V1b is determined by a threshold of the NE-MOSFETs QR32, QR33 and QR34, as shown in the following equation (3). EQU V2b=3.multidot.VTN (3)
Here, in order that the value of V1b does not have a dependency upon the power supply voltage as shown in FIG. 19, it is designed that the current driving capacity of QR32, Q33 and QR34 is sufficiently larger than that of QR31.
Since the reference potential generating circuit is designed as mentioned above, even if the power supply voltage varies as shown in FIG. 17, the reference potential almost never varies.
In the period of time t.sub.4 to t.sub.5, accordingly, VSA3 should be smaller than VC, but if the power supply voltage noise occurs, VSA3 becomes larger than VC, with the result that the output A of the latch circuit 22 changes from the low level to the high level. Namely, an erroneous operation occurs.
Thus, the input data (ABC) of the decoder 30 is set to (101) until time t.sub.5. As seen from the logic value table of FIG. 13, this condition is not allocated in the logic table, and therefore, it is not possible to correctly discriminate that the selected memory cell is set to have the threshold VT1.
The above mentioned example is that the selected memory cell has the threshold VT1 and the power supply voltage noise occurs in the period of time t.sub.4 to t.sub.5. However, when the selected memory cell has the threshold VT0, if the power supply voltage noise occurs in the period of time t.sub.3 to t.sub.4 or in the period of time t.sub.4 to t.sub.5, the potential of the node SA3 varies as the waveform of VSA3 in FIG. 17, and an erroneous operation occurs. Therefore, a data reading cannot be normally performed when the selected memory cell having the threshold VT0 is selected.
In order to overcome this disadvantage, it is considered to elongate the high level period T of each clock. However, this results in delay of the timing where the output request signal OE changes from the low level to the high level. Therefore, the reading speed becomes slow.
As mentioned above, a first problem of the prior art is too sensitive to the power supply voltage noise, because, if the power supply voltage noise occurs, the internal node potential VSA3 of the sense amplifier greatly varies to become higher than the reference potential VC, with the result that the erroneous reading occurs.
A second problem of the prior art is that the reading speed becomes slow if an attempt is made to eliminate the first problem of the prior art. Because, it is necessary to elongate the high level period T of each clock.


The present disclosure relates to communication methods. One example method includes determining a first bandwidth part (BWP) and a second BWP, determining an association relationship between the first BWP and the second BWP, and at least one of determining a first quasi co-location (QCL) relationship based on the association relationship, and receiving a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) in the second BWP based on the first QCL relationship, or determining a second QCL relationship based on the association relationship, and receiving a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) in the second BWP based on the second QCL relationship.

Dynamic switching of a bandwidth part (bandwidth part, BWP) is supported in a current standard. BWP switching may be performed on a same carrier or between different carriers. How a terminal receives, after the terminal switches from a BWP to another BWP, physical downlink control information (physical downlink control channel, PDCCH) and a physical downlink shared channel (physical downlink share channel, PDSCH) in the BWP that is after the switching is not involved in the prior art.

Communication method and communications apparatus


A video dance game apparatus for displaying an image of at least two dancers on a screen and controlling the dancers to play various dance performances in accordance with an external operation to thereby offer a dance game, is provided with: an image displaying device for displaying the image of the dancers; a dance music output device for outputting a music signal indicating a dance music; a beat information generating device for generating beat information on the basis of the music signal; a dance performance data selecting and reading out device for selecting and reading out one of the dance performance data pieces stored in a dance performance data memory device; an image control device for controlling the image displaying device to change the image of the dancers such that the dancers play a dance performance corresponding to the read out dance performance data piece; an operation device by which the external operation is inputted, for operating the dance performance data selecting and reading out device in accordance with the external operation to select and read out the one of the dance performance data pieces; and a score calculating device for calculating a game score on the basis of a time lag between a read-out timing of the dance performance data piece and a generation timing of the beat information.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a video dance game apparatus, which displays at least two dancers on a screen and controls the dancers to play various performances on the screen by an external operation or drive to thereby allow a dance game, and also relates to a program storage device readable by the apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
There is a fighting game apparatus as one kind of a television game apparatus, in which two characters (i.e. two persons or fighters) are displayed on a screen. This is intended to control one character to play a performance by an external operation or drive to thereby defeat the other character. That is, two game players compete with each other or one game player competes with a computer by inflicting a damage to the competitor's character or defending one's own character from the competitor's character by a timing of playing the performance and a selection of the kind of the performance.
However, in such a conventional game apparatus, the timing of playing the performance may be a timing when an effective damage can be inflicted on the competitor's character. In other words, there is no game apparatus which involves competing for superiority or inferiority of sense of rhythm, such as moving a character on the screen in harmonization with or in time to a constant musical rhythm.
Moreover, in not only the fighting game but also most of the conventional game apparatuses, one game player competes against the other game player or the computer as for the operating or driving skill. There is no game of competing for the cooperation or harmonization between two game players.

Video dance game apparatus and program storage device readable by the apparatus


A system and method of initializing a virtual machine within a secure hybrid cloud is disclosed. One method includes transmitting service mode credentials to a cloud broker from a cloud-based virtual machine, receiving a service mode community of interest key from a credentialing service based on the service mode credentials, and establishing a secure service mode connection based on the service mode community of interest key. The method also includes receiving role VPN credentials at the cloud-based virtual machine and establishing a secure role connection to the cloud broker using the role VPN credentials, thereby providing, in response to the role VPN credentials, a role VPN community of interest key to a virtual data relay dedicated to the cloud-based virtual machine. The method further includes receiving role cloud credentials at the cloud-based virtual machine and establishing secure communications at the cloud-based virtual machine based on the role cloud credentials, including receiving a role cloud community of interest key at the cloud-based virtual machine used for secure communication among the cloud-based virtual machine and other cloud-based virtual machines within a common community of interest with the cloud-based virtual machine.

Increasingly, it has become more common for organizations to use computing systems managed by the organization, as well as to utilize public cloud resources, to implement that organization's computing infrastructure. For example, many organizations opt to use public cloud computing infrastructures, such as Amazon's public cloud offering or Azure from Microsoft Corporation, alongside a private cloud arrangement, such as is available from VMware or based on Unisys's fabric computing (Forward!) solutions. This allows the organization to blend the security of a private domain network with the flexibility of a cloud-based, computing on demand arrangement in which computing systems can be commissioned and used on an as-needed basis.
Existing networked systems utilize a variety of security architectures that allow for distribution and association of computing systems in different ways to allow for different levels of data access and controlled computing system intercommunication. However, such networked system security architectures are not readily employed, in a hybrid cloud environment in which portions of a networked computing arrangement may be located in a cloud environment and other portions or computing systems may be located, within a private domain portion of the environment. This is because, if encryption keys or other security constructs are used, it may be deemed unsafe or not secure to provide those keys or security contructs to the cloud-based systems that form portions of the network. Accordingly, organizations that utilize such hybrid cloud systems often store most critical data within a private domain portion of that organization's network, and store less secure information in a cloud-based portion of the network. Even in such situations, organizations may opt to limit the interactivity between such cloud-based and private domain systems, to limit the probability of compromise of the organization's critical data.
Although such arrangements are possible, they are sub-optimal with respect to flexibility and administration. First, because this effectively creates classes of trusted and untrusted computing systems, two different authentication or communication standards may be used, complicating administration. Further, because this effectively requires all sensitive data to be maintained within the private domain, it limits the extent to which such cloud-based computing systems can be used, because of the limit to which sensitive data can be stored in cloud-based systems.
For these and other reasons, improvements are desirable.

Remote credential management for hybrid clouds with enterprise networks


Disclosed is a height adjustable seat pan assembly such as for use in an aircraft cabin attendant seat. The assembly includes a seat pan supported between spaced frame members defining guide tracks including successive pivot positions each corresponding to a different seat pan height. The seat pan is movable between a deployed condition and a stowed condition in which the seat pan stows generally vertically below a backrest to provide a low profile seat in the stowed condition. Features provided on opposing sides of the seat pan interact with the successive pivot positions in the guide tracks, and the seat can be repositioned to a different pivot position to change the seat pan height. Pivoting motion of the seat pan between the stowed and deployed conditions locks or unlocks the seat pan relative to its aligned successive pivot position.

Modern aircraft are typically equipped with cabin attendant seats for use by the cabin crew during taxi, takeoff and landing of the aircraft. Cabin attendant seats are typically located near the aircraft exits to position the cabin crew to assist passengers exiting the aircraft during an emergency event. Most cabin attendant seats include a fixed backrest and a pivoting seat pan coupled to a frame, wherein the seat pan is configured to stow against the backrest between uses to position the seat pan out of the aisle ways.
While most vehicle seats have provisions for adjustability for improving seat comfort (e.g., backrest angle, seat pan tilt, headrest level, lumbar, etc.), conventional cabin attendant seats implementing a hinged seat pan have a fixed seat pan height accommodating a general physique of a particular demographic. Considering an ergonomic seating posture requires the occupant's knees to be either at the same level as their hips or slightly lower, a fixed seat pan height can cause discomfort to an occupant of either very tall or very short stature.
Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a repositionable seat pan that overcomes the aforementioned and other disadvantages associated with hinged seat pans.

Cabin attendant seat with height adjustable seat pan


A shift device for an inline transmission, comprising a shift shaft which is rotated during selection movements and is offset axially during shift movements, a plurality of shift members each of which being mounted movable or pivotably in the axial direction, for the actuation of at least one assigned shift clutch, a plurality of shift fingers which are secured to the shift shaft and extend in each case towards one side, each shift finger being assigned to one of the shift members and being arranged in such a way that, in a defined rotary selection position of the shift shaft, the shift finger is coupled axially to its assigned shift member, in order to drive the shift member during an axial movement of the shift shaft, and a blocking device for preventing two or more gears of the transmission from being shifted simultaneously, the blocking device having a plurality of individual blocking elements mounted fixedly with respect to the casing.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a shift device for an inline transmission, with:                a shift shaft which is rotated during selection movements and is offset axially during shift movements;        a plurality of shift members which each are mounted movably or pivotably in the axial direction, for the actuation at least one assigned shift clutch;        a plurality of shift fingers which are secured to the shift shaft and each extend towards one side, each shift finger being assigned to one of the shift members and being arranged in such a way that, in a defined rotary selection position of the shift shaft, the shift finger is coupled axially to its assigned shift member, in order to drive the shift member during an axial movement of the shift shaft; and        a blocking device for preventing two or more gears of the transmission from being shifted simultaneously, the blocking device having a plurality of individual blocking elements mounted fixedly with respect to the casing.
2. Description of the Related Art
A shift device of this type is known from DE 43 42 957 A1.
The invention relates, in general terms, to a shift device for the actuation a manual shift transmission of the in-line form of construction. (including in-line transaxle), with a device for preventing a situation where a plurality of gears can be shifted simultaneously, and with latching for the individual shift rockers/forks.
In the field of shift devices for transmissions, in particular of transmission for motor vehicles, the individual shift members (shift forks or shift rockers) are often actuated by means of a plurality of shift rods. This is known, for example, from DE 29 35 590 C2.
It is known, as a blocking device for the plurality of shift rods, to move a blocking slide transversely to the extent of the shift rods (DE 37 30 230 C1).
DE 199 51 683 A1 discloses a shift device for a motor vehicle transmission, in which a central shift shaft has provided on it a plurality of shift fingers which can be positively coupled axially to respective shift members.
A blocking plate which is arranged parallel to the shift shaft and overall is mounted so as to be displaceable in a direction transverse to the shift shaft, serves as a blocking device. For this purpose, the blocking plate is connected to a coupling lever which is secured fixedly in terms of rotation to the shift shaft. The shift members have provided on them respective blocking elements which, in a blocking position, engage into respective grooves of the blocking plate. When a shift member is selected as a result of the rotational movement of the shift shaft, the blocking plate releases the blocking element of the shift member, so that the shift member can be displaced axially or pivoted. In that rotary position of the shift shaft, the blocking elements of the other shift members each engage into an assigned groove of the blocking plate and are consequently fixed axially, so that shifting-in the assigned gears is prevented.
Disadvantages of this prior art are the complicated coupling between shift shaft and blocking plate and the complicated mounting of the blocking plate.
Two embodiments of blocking devices are known from DE 43 42 957 A1 mentioned in the introduction.
In one embodiment of this prior art, individual blocking elements in the form of blocking beans are mounted on the shift members. In a blocking state, the blocking members are pressed into recesses in the transmission casing, counter to spring prestress, by means of respective coupling members on the shift shaft. Insofar as one shift member is selected, the assigned coupling member is brought into a rotary position such that the blocking element can penetrate into a recess of the coupling member by means of the spring prestress, in order thereby to release the positive coupling between transmission casing and shift member.
In a second embodiment of this prior art, a plurality of individual blocking elements are mounted on the transmission casing and are prestressed elastically in a direction towards the shift shaft. Each of the shift members is assigned a coupling member on the shift shaft. The coupling member has, on the one hand, a shift finger for engaging to a shift fork of the respective shift member. On the opposite side, the coupling elements each have an axial groove and a depression emanating from the axial groove. In a blocking state, the blocking elements each engage into the depressions and thus fix the coupling elements. As a result of the rotation of the shift shaft, assigned driving parts on the shift shaft press the blocking element to be released out of the depression, so that the blocking element is freely movable in the axial groove. At the same time, the driving part drives the selected coupling element during an axial movement, so that the shift member assigned to the coupling element is driven axially by the shift shaft.
In both embodiments, the coupling elements are complicated to produce and the transmission casing has to be prepared specially for the mounting of the blocking elements.
DE 199 01 056 A1 discloses a shift system similar to the second embodiment of DE 43 42 957 A1. In contrast to this, the axial grooves of the coupling elements are provided with latching depressions, so that the blocking elements not only serve for blocking, but also for latching in the respective shift positions.
Overall, the prior art, in each case, has at least one of the following disadvantages:                A complicated mechanism for blocking;        Friction between shift element and blocking element, in addition to the friction of the latching;        The necessity to link together a positive connection with the shift rockers/forks into one plane;        Casing bores for blocking elements;        Casing bores for latching elements;        Additional blocking/latching contours on the shift rockers/forks necessary;        Depending on the system, blocking can take place only during the shift or selection movement;        Gears which have been selected as a result of the action of external forces (for example, during transport) and are not selected by the shift shaft can no longer be shifted out.

Shift device for manual field transmission

Abstract: Further, the blocking elements each act between an assigned shift member and a blocking member connected fixedly to the shift shaft.

Getrag Getriebe- und Zahnradfabrik Hermann Hagenmeyer GmbH & Cie KG


An entrance device for placement in a facade of a building includes at least two revolving doors. Each of the revolving doors has an input section and an output section. A sliding door provides closure of the input and output sections of the two revolving doors. The sliding door is disposed between the two revolving doors.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to an entrance device according to the preamble of claim 1.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Such an entrance device is known from European patent application 0 296 134. This document discloses the application of a revolving door having at its output and input sections sliding doors designed to move in cooperation with the movement of the revolving door. The movement or position of the revolving door and the respective sliding doors can also be switched to independent operation whereby the revolving door is put in a stationary position in parallel with the passage through the revolving door assembly. The sliding doors may or may not move to and fro in their path in order to either provide a full and restricted passage or to provide a pure sliding door operation. In normal use, the entrance device of EP 0 296 134 requires a rather complicated cooperation of said sliding doors and the revolving door assembly.


A method of securing a network from vulnerability exploits, including the steps of a traffic analysis engine receiving a plurality of packets destined for an internal operating system; the traffic analysis engine selectively forwarding the packets to at least one virtual machine emulating the internal operating system; the virtual machine processing each forwarded packet; a rapid analysis engine identifying a malicious packet from the processed packets; and the rapid analysis engine creating a new signature to identify the malicious packet.

The present invention relates generally to the useful art of computer software programming and more specifically to software relating to computer networks.
Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) are used to protect computer networks against malicious incoming traffic. However, the effectiveness of an IPS is limited due to the fact that an IPS only blocks traffic for which it has a "signature." A signature is a specific rule used by a content filtering system to detect electronic threats. Accordingly, an IPS may not block an exploit for a vulnerability the vendor is not aware of, or for which there is no patch available. A zero-day exploit is one that takes advantage of a security vulnerability before the vulnerability becomes generally known, or before a signature has been developed, thus leaving the exploit in circulation.
Zero-day protection is the ability to provide protection against zero-day exploits. Because zero-day attacks are generally unknown to the public, it is often difficult to defend against them. Zero-day attacks are often effective against networks considered "secure" and can remain undetected even after they are launched.
Several techniques exist to limit the effectiveness of zero-day memory corruption-type vulnerabilities, such as buffer overflows. These protection mechanisms exist in contemporary operating systems such as SUN MICROSYSTEMS SOLARIS, LINUX, UNIX, and UNIX-like environments. Versions of MICROSOFT WINDOWS XP Service Pack 2 and later include limited protection against generic memory corruption-type vulnerabilities. Desktop and server protection software also exists to mitigate zero-day buffer overflow vulnerabilities. Typically, these technologies involve heuristic determination analysis, stopping the attacks before they cause any harm. However, this type of analysis is prone to a high incidence of false positive results.
Another approach to limiting effectiveness of zero-day exploits is the use of a honeypot. A honeypot is a trap set to detect, deflect, or in some manner counteract attempts at unauthorized use of network or information systems. Honeypots are generally designed to give an administrator the ability to track malicious activity for investigation purposes. However, honeypots have a major disadvantage in that they require heavy user interaction and administration. The investigation consists of manually capturing a packet entering the honeypot and either making a custom signature within an IPS, or waiting for the IPS vendor to create one.
The standard IPS approaches have the significant flaw of missing signatures for zero-day attacks. Second generation IPS devices attempted to fill this void by performing heuristic behavior analysis on the inspected traffic. While this analysis assists in building an improved signature-based system, such approaches are under heavy scrutiny due to the number of false positives generated and the general lack of reliability in catching zero-day attacks.

System and method for securing a network from zero-day vulnerability exploits

HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT LP


A wire coil forming station to be arranged following a coiler with cooling line includes a rotatable shaft extending with an inclination of 45.degree. relative to a horizontal base and mandrels mounted at equal circumferential distances and at an angle of 45.degree. relative to the shaft axis on the free end of the shaft. The shaft is rotatable for moving each mandrel successively into an approximately vertical coil forming position and into an approximately horizontal position in which the transfer of a coil to a longitudinally moveable and raisable and lowerable hook of a hook-type conveyor takes place. Each mandrel is composed of a U-shaped section which is open toward the shaft axis. The free end of each mandrel has a support for a cap to be placed on the support, wherein, seen in the axial projection, the diameter of the body of the cap determining the wire coil diameter protrudes with a radial distance to all sides beyond the approximately square cross-section of the mandrel. The section of each mandrel is selected in such a way that lifting of a coil from the mandrel by a hook of a hook-type conveyor takes place without further contact of the rolling stock with the mandrel.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a wire coil forming station to be arranged following a coiler with cooling line. The wire coil forming station includes a rotatable shaft extending with an inclination of 45.degree. relative to a horizontal base and mandrels mounted at equal circumferential distances and at an angle of 45.degree. relative to the shaft axis on the free end of the shaft. The shaft is rotatable for moving each mandrel successively into an approximately vertical coil forming position and into an approximately horizontal position in which the transfer of a coil to a longitudinally moveable and raisable and lowerable hook of a hook-type conveyor takes place.
2. Description of the Related Art
Various types of constructions of wire coil forming stations following a coiler with cooling line are known in the art. DE 35 25 089 C2 discloses a wire coil forming station following a coiler with cooling line which includes several receiving mandrels which are arranged at the end of a shaft in equal angular distances from each other and at equal angles relative to the axis of the shaft, wherein the mandrels can be pivoted by rotating the shaft successively into an approximately vertical coil forming position and into an approximately coil transfer position, wherein segments of the receiving mandrels can be moved in such a way that the circumference of the receiving mandrels changes.
This change in circumference is achieved by coupling the segments through a mechanical forced control to the shaft, so that the segments are moved during the rotation of the shaft in such a way that the circumference of the receiving mandrel changes.
This configuration requires a kinematic construction of the segments with a plurality of joint arrangements which are highly susceptible to trouble because the coil forming station produces large quantities of scale, dust and metal abrasion, so that the unit requires a lot of maintenance work and occasional interruptions in the operation of the unit occur because of failures.
DE 31 09 110 C2 discloses a device for forming rolled wire coils of a different operational and structural type. This device includes a vertical drop chute with two intermediate floors moveable in the chute, at least one cutting device arranged below and outside of the drop chute and moveable into a position for cutting a wire winding hanging from an intermediate floor, and a coil forming chamber located below the drop chute, wherein the coil forming chamber is provided with at least two coil plates with raisable and lowerable mandrels, wherein the coil plates are raisable and lowerable within the coil forming chamber. In this device, the invention resides in that the coil plates and the mandrels are arranged with their lifting drives on a carriage moveable underneath the coil forming chamber and that a two-part table plate fixedly arranged in the area of the coil forming chamber is provided between the coil forming chamber and the lowermost position of the coil plates.
For transferring the formed coils to a transport device for further conveyance, an upender of conventional construction is provided following the coil forming chamber as seen in rolling direction, but on the same level as the coil forming station, wherein the distance between the center of the upender and the center of the coil forming chamber corresponds to the distance between the two mandrels.


A drive circuit for a fluorescent display that can prevent generation of reactive power in a Zener diode used to generate a cutoff bias voltage. In one embodiment, the drive circuit operates as a single ended primary inductor converter (SEPIC) circuit and includes an input side closed circuit, an output side closed circuit, and a coupling capacitor connecting the two closed circuits. The input side closed circuit includes an input power source, a first inductor and a switching element. The output side closed circuit includes a second inductor, a diode and a second capacitor. A filament of the fluorescent display is connected to the second capacitor. One end of a Zener diode is connected to a negative potential side of the filament and the other end of the Zener diode is connected to an input power source.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a drive circuit for a fluorescent display.
2. Description of the Related Art
A drive circuit 10 for a conventional fluorescent display 12 is illustrated schematically in FIG. 4. The fluorescent display 12 includes a filament F, a plurality of anode electrodes A1-An, and a plurality of grids G1-Gm. The filament F emits thermoelectrons into a vacuum case, not shown. Each of the anodes A1-An are covered with a fluorescent substance. The grids G1-Gm control the thermoelectrons emitted from the filament F. A control circuit 11 selectively applies a first direct current (DC) input voltage HV1 to the anodes A1-An through anode lines a1-an. The control circuit 11 also selectively applies a second DC input voltage HV2 to the grids G1-Gm through grid lines g1-gm. A third DC input voltage HV3 is applied to the filament F through a first switching element Tr1. A first pulsed control voltage Vc1 is applied to the first switching element Tr1.
Generally, the same voltage is used for each of the input voltages HV1, HV2, HV3. The first switching element Tr1 is switched ON and OFF by the pulsed control voltage Vc1, to chop the third input voltage HV3 into a pulsed DC voltage that is applied to the filament F.
The anodes A1-An are arranged opposed to the grids G1-Gm. When an opposed anode A1 and grid G1 are selected at the same time (i.e., when input voltages HV1 and HV2 are simultaneously applied to A1 and G1), the fluorescent substance on the anode A1 emits light. However, the fluorescent substance covering the non-selected anodes A2-An may also emit a slight amount of light due to leakage emission. To prevent leakage emission, the drive circuit 10 applies a cutoff bias voltage to the non-selected anodes A2-An and/or grids G2-Gm. To generate the cutoff bias voltage, a Zener diode ZD is used in the conventional fluorescent display 12. See, e.g., Japanese patent publication Nos. 02-190893 and No. 2007-72323, the contents of which are fully incorporated herein.
In operation, when the first switching element Tr1 is turned ON, a filament current flows into the filament F. The filament current also flows through the Zener diode ZD and generates reactive power therein. For this reason, a second switching element Tr2 is connected to the Zener diode ZD in parallel. The second switching element Tr2 is controlled by a second pulsed control voltage Vc2 from the control circuit 11 and can be switched ON and OFF. When the filament current flows into the filament F (i.e., while the first switching element Tr1 is ON), the second switching element Tr2 is turned ON by the pulsed control voltage Vc2 and the Zener diode ZD is shorted.
Therefore, when the filament current flows through the filament F, no current flows through the Zener diode ZD and as a result, no reactive power is generated. The drive circuit 10 is needed to connect the second switching element Tr2 to the Zener diode ZD. However, ON-OFF control of the second switching element Tr2 needs to be coordinated with the first switching element Tr1. As a result, the control of the second switching element Tr2 becomes complex.
In view of the above problem, it would be desirable to have a drive circuit for a fluorescent display in which the filament current does not flow through the Zener diode used to generate the cutoff bias voltage, thus eliminating the need for a switching element connected in parallel to short the Zener diode.


A method and system for determining a load exerted on a tyre fitted on a vehicle during the running of the vehicle on a rolling surface. The tire has an equatorial plane. A concave upward function Fz=Fz(PLc) of the tire load versus the length of a contact region is provided between the tire and the rolling surface. The length (PLc) is estimated substantially at the equatorial plane and the tire load corresponding to said estimated length is derived from the function.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method and a system for determining a vertical load to which a tyre mounted on a vehicle is subjected, during running of the vehicle.
2. Description of the Related Art
Inflation pressure is a convenient measurement to make on a tyre fitted on a vehicle wheel and it is becoming a standard by which tyres are monitored. Tyre load, i.e., the supported weight, is a more difficult measurement but, unlike pressure, is a direct measurement of tyre stress. Tyres are selected for a particular vehicle based on the physical strength of their structure and/or material, as well as on the normal range of vehicle weight that they should support at specified nominal temperature and pressure. If the vehicle applies a load to a tyre in excess of the load range for which the tyre has been designed, the tyre is subjected to excessive stress and may fail or have its expected lifetime shortened.
Furthermore, it has to be considered that tyre maintenance is mainly based on the duty, by the vehicle driver, of maintaining tyre pressure near a nominal value, defined by the vehicle and tyre manufacturers. Although it is well known by the tyre industry that the requisite pressure is dependent on the supported load, this load-dependent pressure information is not provided to the driver, since real-time load is unknown. As a result, should the load vary from that assumed by the manufacturer, the tyres may be improperly inflated. Since the requisite pressure increases with load, the only option left is to assume the maximum load and specify a pressure accordingly. However, this maximum pressure can: 1) give a very hard ride; 2) reduce the tyre-to-road contact area available for braking; 3) wear out the center of the tyre tread prematurely. Thus, tyre load information is needed to properly inflate tyres.
Moreover, vehicle electronic control systems, such as for example a vehicle brake control system, a traction control system, an anti-lock braking system, an electronic braking system, a steering control system, an active roll control system, a vehicle stability control system, may use information related to the tyre load, in order to control actuators that move, control and stop the vehicle.
This tyre information may be used within the vehicle, or it can be used remotely, i.e. outside the vehicle. As the telematic capability of vehicles increases, they are capable of wirelessly communicating with a remote facility for monitoring the vehicle health (diagnostics), for prediction of maintenance (prognostics), and to monitor the vehicle as it passes on the road. The information may be also historically important to understand the cause of accidents.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,793,285 discloses a method and apparatus for monitoring tyres on a vehicle, by continuously measuring the distance between the associated vehicle axle (or a vehicle body part rigidly connected thereto) and the road, while the vehicle is in operation. From this measurement, the tyre deflection is determined. According to the authors, the measured tyre deflection represents a comparatively exact measure of the respective tyre load. When the tyre deflection determined leaves a predetermined desired range, a warning signal is transmitted.
PCT patent application no. WO 03/016115 discloses a method for determining the charge or load exerted on a tyre of a motor vehicle and/or for monitoring tyre pressure, wherein the pressure in each tyre is detected during operation of the vehicle and the rotational behavior of the individual wheels is observed. Load distribution parameters are also determined by comparing the rotational behavior and/or changes in said rotational behavior of the individual wheels during given driving states, taking into account preset and/or predetermined and/or learned variables. Tyre pressure and load distribution parameters are used to determine the load or charge exerted on the tyres and/or pressure loss. In one example, a pressure-measuring system based on the use of pressure sensors (such as TPMS=Tyre Pressure Measuring System), is used to determine the tyre pressure, whilst characteristic variables representing the load distribution are determined using a system based on an evaluation of wheel speed data operating in the manner of a system (Deflation Detecting System=DDS) used to determine conditions relating to the dynamic rolling circumferences of the individual tyres. Consequently, the function of detecting capacity utilization can be set up using existing systems. In another example, the number of revolutions of a front wheel is compared with the number of revolutions of a rear wheel at the same vehicle speed or at approximately the same vehicle speed (e.g. vehicle reference speed), evaluated to obtain a load distribution characteristic variable, and the value and/or the change in the load distribution characteristic variables in defined driving situations is/are used as a means of calculating the capacity utilization or load of the tyres and/or the pressure loss.
U.S. patent application no. 2003/0058118 discloses a vehicle and vehicle tyre monitoring system, apparatus and method for determining the load-induced deflection or deformation of a vehicle tyre. Based thereon, deflection-related information, such as tyre load, molar air content, total vehicle mass and distribution of vehicle mass, are provided. The tyre deflection region or contact region of the loaded tyre is detected by sensing the acceleration of the rotating tyre by means of an accelerometer mounted on the tyre, preferably on an inner surface such as the tread lining thereof. As the tyre rotates and the accelerometer is off of the contact region, a high centrifugal acceleration is sensed. Conversely, when the accelerometer is on the contact region and not rotating, a low acceleration is sensed. The deflection points delimiting the contact region are determined at the points where the sensed acceleration transitions between the high and low values. From a measurement of the rotation rate of the tyre, of the time between detections of the deflection points and from the tyre radius, the contact length (contactLength) can be determined. In order to determine the tyre load, the following formula is suggested:load=a×treadWidth×contactLength×pressure+forceSidewall
where treadWidth is the width of the tread, treadWidth×contactLength is the area of applied pressure, forceSidewall is the effective resiliency of the tyre sidewall to collapse, and a is a proportionality constant near to 1. Alternatively, the load can be determined from a disclosed relationship between air moles, pressure, temperature and contact length, derived from the Ideal Gas Law.
According to the Applicant, the methods disclosed in the above U.S. Pat. No. 5,793,285 and in the above PCT patent application no. WO 03/016115 may not give reliable real-time determinations of the tyre load, since they are not based on measurements performed directly on the tyre. Thus, they may suffer from an "averaging effect", which can cause a loss of important tyre load data, especially in rapidly varying conditions.
On the other hand, the approach disclosed in the above US patent application no. 2003/0058118 is quite theoretical and could not fit with a complex system such as a tyre. For example, considering the rectangle treadWidth×contactLength as the area of applied pressure is a strong approximation, as the contact area between the tyre tread and the road is quite different from a rectangle. Furthermore, the value forceSidewall is generally not determined with high precision, so that a further approximation would be included in the tyre load determination.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,538,566 describes a process for the in-service monitoring of the condition of a tire of a wheel riding on a ground, the tire having a tread, the process comprising the steps of: providing in the tire, near the tread, a miniature sensor for sensing radial acceleration; monitoring the variations in the measurement from the sensor; detecting a decrease in the radial acceleration, said decrease corresponding to a zone of the tread in contact with the ground; and measuring a period of low radial acceleration phases and a fraction of this period during which the radial acceleration is low, said fraction within each period being related to a length of said zone where the tread is in contact with the ground, and thereby to the condition of the tire.
EP-0 887 211 relates to pneumatic tires for vehicles and in particular to a system for monitoring tires by monitoring their deflection. The system comprises: a sensor device operatively arranged with respect to the tire to create an electrical pulse during the footprint pass corresponding to a deformation of the tire; means for calculating a ratio of the duration of said electrical pulse to the duration of one tire revolution; means for transmitting said ratio to an evaluating unit placed in the vehicle; wherein said sensor device is placed within the tread area of said tire in order that said electrical pulse presents a first maximum at the entrance and a second maximum at the leaving of said footprint pass.

Method and system for determining a tyre load during the running of a vehicle


The production method is a method for producing a positive electrode active material for a lithium ion secondary battery which contains at least nickel and lithium, the method including: a firing process in which a mixture of a nickel compound powder and a lithium compound powder is fired; and a water washing process in which a lithium-nickel composite oxide powder obtained in the firing process is washed with water, wherein the firing process is performed under conditions such that a value obtained by dividing a ratio of an amount-of-substance of lithium to a total amount-of-substance of transition metals other than lithium in the lithium-nickel composite oxide powder after the washing with water by a ratio of an amount-of-substance of lithium to a total amount-of-substance of transition metals other than lithium in the lithium-nickel composite oxide powder before the washing with water exceeds 0.95.

Along with a recent rapid expansion of production of compact information terminals such as smartphones and tablet terminals, demands for lithium ion secondary batteries as high-capacity secondary batteries have rapidly increased. Since lithium ion secondary batteries are compact and have a high energy density, they have already been widely used as power sources for compact information terminals, and research and development of their application as large power sources to be installed in hybrid cars and electric cars are under progress.
As positive electrode active materials for use in lithium ion secondary batteries, lithium-transition metal composite oxides are widely used. Particularly, a lithium-cobalt composite oxide (LiCoO2) that can relatively easily be synthesized has heretofore been mainly used. However, since a rare and expensive cobalt compound is used as a raw material to synthesize the lithium-cobalt composite oxide, the cost of the raw material of positive electrode active materials increases, which eventually increases prices of lithium ion secondary batteries. A reduction in the raw material costs of positive electrode active materials in order to achieve the production of less-expensive lithium ion secondary batteries is thus highly significant from an industrial viewpoint because this leads to a reduction in the costs of secondary batteries now commonly used for compact information terminals or cars, and further makes it possible to install lithium ion secondary batteries in future large power sources.
Under the circumstances, a lithium-nickel composite oxide (LiNiO2) has attracted attention as another lithium-transition metal composite oxide that can be used as a positive electrode active material for a lithium ion secondary battery. A lithium-nickel composite oxide has advantages that it has a larger charge and discharge capacity per mass than a lithium-cobalt composite oxide that is now dominantly used and that it is made from a nickel compound which is less expensive and stably available as compared with a cobalt compound. Therefore, a lithium-nickel composite oxide has been expected as a next-generation positive electrode active material and thus it is under active research and development.
However, a lithium-nickel composite oxide has the following problem: a lithium-nickel composite oxide is poor in productivity in industrial mass production because it is decomposed by elimination of oxygen from a crystal at a lower temperature than a lithium-cobalt composite oxide, and therefore the temperature of a synthesis reaction between a lithium compound and a nickel compound cannot be increased, and firing time needs to be increased to allow the reaction to sufficiently proceed to form organized crystal.
Patent Literatures 1 to 4 disclose methods for producing the lithium-nickel composite oxide, in which a lithium compound and a nickel compound are mixed and subjected to thermal treatment in order to improve battery characteristics. These Literatures 1 to 4 propose optimization of the time and temperature of a synthesis reaction and the composition of an atmosphere gas for the synthesis reaction. Further, Patent Literatures 5 to 7 propose various synthesis methods including firing of a lithium-transition metal composite oxide. Further, Patent Literature 8 discloses a method including a water washing process to improve the properties of a positive electrode active material.

Positive electrode active material for lithium ion secondary batteries and method for producing same


A gypsum board support device with two opposite right angle locking support arms attached to an adjustable standard used temporarily when mounting gypsum board to ceiling members.. The standard is of knockdown construction for ease in transporting to various construction sites.

The purpose of the "Handy T" is to assist one (1) or two (2) persons in the installation of 3/8", 1/2" and 5/8" gypsum board to ceilings as a temporary support devise during installation only and until permanent attachment to ceiling members can be made.
The "Handy T" can be made of several materials, not limited to steel, fiberglass and aluminum. It will function with two (2) detachable vertical hinges attached to the Upper In-Line Support Beam with all upper connecting points to the Right/Left Support Arm Hinge being detachable. This feature was added to allow the user to exchange the 211/2" support arms for a longer size support arm.
The Extension Safety Overlap will prevent damage to the Support Arm Hinges when the machine is being closed.
The Support Spring and Load Bearing Support Pin are designed with such tension that they can easily be depressed with minimal force. They are used to lock the machine at varying heights.
The inner chamber of the unit has a Guide Track System designed to allow the Upper In-Line Support Beam smooth retraction into the Lower In-Line Support Chamber. The Upper and Lower In-Line Support Beams also have a Safety Extension Bar which helps to stabilize the Upper and Lower Beams when they are in their fully extended position.
The Height Adjustment Holes allow the Spring and Pin System to lock in place at varying heights.
The Lower Support Chamber shall house the Upper In-Line Support Beam and the Lower In-Line Support Beam. The Lower In-Line Support Beam will also function with a Spring and Pin System allowing for further height adjustments at one inch increments.
The Lower In-Line Support Beam shall be attached to the Rubber Grip and Support Shoe, which will help prevent the machine from slipping.


A floating basket and clutch are applied to a top loading washing machine. More particularly, the basket floating (1) and clutch (2) are applied to top loading washing machines (M), equipped with a motor (M) and a drive system which includes a drive shaft (E), a pulley (P), a belt (Cr) and a sealing device (V), assembled between the shaft (E) and the base of the tub (T). More precisely, the clutch (2) is responsible for commanding the operation of the oscillating movement of the agitator or impeller (AG), during the washing operation (OPL) and operating the high-speed spinning of the agitator (AG) and basket (1), when operating in centrifugation operation (OPC). The floating basket (1) is coupled and fixed to the tube (5) of the upper sector (S1) of the clutch (2) and the tub (T) is fixed to the female lower crown (4) of the lower sector (S2) of the clutch (2). The floating basket (1) has vertical displacement (x) in relation to the tub (T), along the drive shaft (E) according to presence or absence of water (A) in the tub (T) of the washing machine (ML). The upper sector (S1) of the clutch (2) is made up of a male upper crown (3) and fixed in the stationary end (E1) of the drive shaft (E) and an female upper crown (6) is fixed to the tube (5) with screws (P2). The lower sector (S2) of the clutch (2) comprises the male lower crown (7), fixed to the tube (5) with screws (P3) and the female lower crown (4) fixed and stationary in the tub (T) by screws (P).

It is known that "top loading" washing machines are devices with a top door that includes a tub, a basket and an agitator or "impeller", mounted on a vertical shaft. Most models of "top loading" washing machines have a vertical shaft that is coupled to a drive system consisting of a motor, transmission (gearbox) and clutch.
In general, the clutch work of a washing machine is that of allowing the motor and the transmission to operate, as programmed, within certain variations in the output rotational speed of the vertical shaft, to which the agitator and basket are bound in order to carry out, on its program, the washing operation, i.e., the oscillating movement of the agitator in relation to the basket, and where soap and water are stirred between fabrics, removing the dirt from them. After some periods of stirring, the agitator and basket are stopped, which allows the washing water to be drained, so that in a final operation the agitator and basket are driven in a manner that they spin together, and at high speed, characterizing the operation of centrifugation that expels the excess water retained in clothes and fabrics.
Most of conventional clutches use a gear mechanism and springs for changing the transmission of the motor power between the washing and dewatering steps. The conventional clutch springs provide a way of carrying out power transmission among the motor and the agitator and the basket.
Each conventional clutch spring requires high precision in their laps, and depends on calculations relating to its inner diameter, among others. In addition, to control the movement of the clutch springs, electro-magnet, actuators, lever arms and other components are required. Therefore, the conventional clutch mechanism has a complicated construction, resulting in an increased production cost.
Currently there are several types of clutches for different types of "top loading" machines and most of them are somewhat complex, even for simpler applications.

Floating drum and clutch for top-loading washing machine