An image information apparatus includes image input devices that read images on both sides of an original in parallel, a local memory that temporarily stores one or more image data read by the image input devices, and a hard disk device that stores the same image data that is stored in the local memory. A PCI bus, which serves as a transfer path for the image data on both the sides, and a PCI transfer controller, which controls communication via the PCI bus, are provided between the image input devices and the local memory. In addition, transfer units, which pass the image data on both the sides read by the image input devices to the PCI transfer controller in parallel and individually, is provided on the image input devices.

1) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to image information apparatuses such as digital copying machines, facsimile apparatuses, printers, scanners, network file servers, and digital multifunction products.
2) Description of the Related Art
Considerable progress has been made in recent years in the information processing related technology. Similarly, remarkable improvement has been made in the data transfer rates of large capacity storages, and the data compression ratios and the processing speeds of data compressing units.
It has become common to connect, as secondary storages, large and high-speed capacity storages to image information apparatuses. When such secondary storages are provided, it becomes possible to employ a configuration capable of inputting and outputting a plurality of image data in parallel. However, in this case, how efficiently the processing for storing (writing) image data in and reading image data from the secondary storage is performed becomes an important factor that decides the processing efficiency.
Assume that a variety of image inputting and outputting units are connected to an image information apparatus. In this case, it is difficult with the conventional memory control to maintain the processing efficiency by making the most of abilities of the secondary storage and the data compressing unit. One approach to solve this problem is to use a memory control system that employs a DMA for managing acquisition and release of resources for realizing maximum efficiency of use according to a processing ability of the secondary storage.
Precisely, in the conventional technique disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 2,950,962, images on a front side and a back side of an original are read in parallel, the image data of the front side and the image data of the back sides are connected by a unit of one line and stored in a buffer memory. The connected image data are separated into image data on the front side and image data on the back side when outputting the image data to the next stage. On the other hand, the image data can be output to the next stage as is, i.e., without separating.
Moreover, in the conventional technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2002-135544, images on a front side and a back side of an original are read in parallel, the image data of the front side and the image data of the back side are connected by a unit of one line. The connected image data is stored in a buffer memory (image memory), and simultaneously, read out and directly transferred to a hard disk. As a result, transfer of the image data to the hard disk can be started before writing of the image data in the buffer memory ends.
FIG. 10B is an example of a structure of a conventional digital multifunction product. In this digital multifunction product, image data on a front side and a back side of an original are respectively transferred to a secondary storage in parallel through, for example, a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus. Precisely, each of image input devices 133 and 134, which can be CCDs, read images on the front side and the back side of the original in parallel. The image data on the front side is stored in a frame memory 135a and the image data on the back side is stored in a frame memory 135b.
A transfer unit 162 reads out, via a selector 161, a predetermined amount of image data from the frame memory 135a with a delay of, for example, a predetermined time from the start of reading of the images by the image input devices 133 and 134, and passes the read image data to a PCI transfer controller 152. The PCI transfer controller 152 transfers the image data to a primary storage (which can be a semiconductor memory) 116 through a PCI bus. Next, the transfer unit 162 reads out, via the selector 161, a predetermined amount of image data from the frame memory 135b, and passes the image data to the PCI transfer controller 152. The PCI transfer controller 152 transfers the image data to the primary storage 116 through the PCI bus. Thus, the transfer unit 162 first transfers the image data from the frame memory 135a to the PCI transfer controller 152 and then repeats the processing for transferring the image data from the frame memories 135a and 135b to the PCI transfer controller 152 alternately.
Thus, in the conventional technique, the image data from the frame memory 135a is transferred first to the PCI transfer controller 152. Therefore, although the image data from the frame memory 135b is ready for transfer, if the image data from the frame memory 135a is not ready for transfer, transfer of the image data is not stated. In other words, although the PCI transfer controller can process transfer requests from plural request sources in parallel, the function is not fully utilized.
Thus, in the conventional techniques, most of the functions (parallel reading, reading speed, output speed, etc.) of the image input/output units are not fully used.
For example, when image reading units, which are capable of reading image data on both sides of an original in parallel, transfer the image data on the front and the back sides to a secondary storage side, the image reading units often transfer the image data read from the front and the back sides to the secondary storage sequentially for each side. This is because, although processing of image data is improved compared with that in the past, depending on a combination of image input/output units that execute processing for transferring image data to, storing image data in, and readout image data from the secondary storage side simultaneously, it is difficult to process plural image data in parallel because of a problem of speed.
However, taking into account freedom of structure, extension, and the like of an image information apparatus, a data transfer unit like a universal serial bus (USB) or a PCI is often used for a data transfer (transmission and reception) unit for inputting and outputting image data to and from the secondary storage side such that transfer of plural data can be executed by an identical transfer unit (e.g., the PCI transfer controller described above) simultaneously (in parallel). Under such circumstances, it is inevitable to transfer plural image data between the image information apparatus and the secondary storage in parallel.


An energy conservation diagnosis system manages electrical device K which consumes electricity to operate based on control schedule information, and includes acquiring unit 14a, rule information generation unit 14b, operating determination unit 14c and display unit 12. Acquiring unit acquires operating information obtained by relating an operating condition of electrical device to a clock time. Rule information generation unit generates rule information by relating a rule on use of electrical device to a clock time, based on one or more predetermined time slots depending on a benefit of electricity consumed by electrical device. Operating determination unit acquires control schedule information of electrical device, and generates an image data by superimposing acquired control schedule information and rule information onto operating information so that each clock time is fitted to a clock time of operating information. Display unit displays the image data.

Various kinds of conventional energy conservation systems have been provided for collecting data related to used amount of electricity (used amount of a resource) from electrical devices (devices to be monitored) located in buildings and facilities, and determining whether or not the used amount of electricity was wasted based on an objective index, and making too sharp a distinction between wasteful consumption and necessary consumption (for instance, see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-172406).
In the abovementioned conventional energy conservation system, "time slot that the use is allowed" is set as an objective index for determining whether or not the used amount of electricity is wasted. Then, the system asks a manager to be restrained in the use of devices to be monitored in time slots other than the "time slot that the use is allowed". However, the system does not attach importance to development (including making a new schedule and modifying a schedule) of a control schedule for the devices to be monitored by using the time slot to be set. Thus, such a control schedule is considered by a manager with specialized knowledge, and thereby final control schedule is determined.
That is, if a manager does not have sufficient specialized knowledge in energy conservation technology, it is difficult for him to develop a control schedule for devices to be monitored in order to conserve energy.

Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.


Examples disclosed herein relate to an antenna system in a radar system for object detection with a sounding signal. The antenna system includes a radiating array of elements configured to transmit a reference signal and an antenna controller coupled to the radiating array of elements. The antenna controller is configured to detect a set of reflections of the reference signal from an object. The antenna is configured to determine a location of the object and a mobility status from the set of reflections. The antenna controller is also configured to generate signaling indicating the location and mobility status of the object as output to identify a target object different from the object. Other examples disclosed herein relate to a radar system and a method of object detection with the radar system.

Wireless communications are used in an ever-expanding range of products with efficiency requirements. In a wireless transmission system, such as radar or cellular communications, the size of the antenna is determined by the transmission characteristics. With the widespread application of wireless applications, the footprint and other parameters allocated for a given antenna, or radiating structure, are constrained. In addition, the demands on the capabilities of the antenna continue to increase, such as, among others, increased bandwidth, finer control, and increased range. In these applications, there is a desire to reduce the power consumption, spatial footprint and computing power for operation of the antenna and transmission structure.


A method of calibrating an apparatus for measuring Radon and/or its progeny in an air sample, includes providing an apparatus for measuring Radon in an air sample that includes a preset offset voltage corresponding to a threshold conductivity value and a preselected reading value for indicating a concentration of Radon and/or its progeny, exposing the apparatus to a calibration area for measuring conductivity of the air therein, comparing the measured conductivity value of the air with the preset offset value for conductivity, and setting a lower threshold conductivity value and corresponding threshold reading value same as the preselected reading value, if the measured conductivity of the air is determined to be lower than the preset offset value for conductivity.

The present invention is generally directed to measuring Radon concentration, and more particularly to a method for calibrating an apparatus for measuring Radon and/or its progeny in an air sample.
The deleterious effects of Radon and its progeny on living beings are well known. In this regard, it is recognized that exposure to radiation from Radon and its progeny is the second biggest cause of lung cancer, after smoking. It is also the biggest cause of death from the built environment in which Radon gas can diffuse out of the soil or concrete where they are formed and collect in spaces where people live and work. Various prior art methods and apparatus are available for measuring Radon concentration. One method and apparatus for measuring the concentration of unattached Radon progeny is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,018,985 (the '985 patent), by the same inventor, which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. In the method disclosed in the '985 patent, the concentration of unattached Radon progeny in air is determined by measuring the conductivity of the air or the concentration of fast ions. A multiplying factor is used to convert the conductivity of air to obtain a value representing the concentration of the unattached Radon progeny in the air sample.

Method of calibrating an apparatus for measuring radon and/or its progeny in an air sample


The invention links or associates commands supported by application programs in the wireless device or by the platform itself to remote devices or to other application programs or similar processes by means of a software mechanism referred to as a bus. The commands can be any that a user could initiate manually or that the platform could receive from a remote device or an application program or other process.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to the execution of application programs on hand-held digital wireless data communication and computing devices of the types generally referred to as hand-held computers, personal digital assistants, cellular telephones, pagers and the like.
2. Description of the Related Art
A distinct category of electronic communication and computing devices increasingly referred to in the art simply as "wireless devices" is coalescing from the previously distinct fields of mobile computing and cellular telephony. The category includes devices commonly referred to as palmtop or hand-held computers, personal digital assistants, organizers, "smart" cellular telephones, pagers, and the like. Cellular and similar mobile telephones and telephone-like devices include computer application program-like functions, such as games, contact managers and e-mail. Personal digital assistants (PDAs) and other computer-like devices can include remote communication functions such as wireless networking for communicating e-mail and data. The convergence of wireless digital communication and mobile computing has given rise to wireless devices with substantial application program-like functionality.
There are presently few standards for wireless devices in the areas of operating systems and user interfaces. The operating systems of most wireless devices are proprietary to their manufacturers and thus not used in wireless devices produced by other manufacturers. Some wireless devices have user interfaces based upon a touch-screen display with which one can interact using a stylus or finger, while others have actual buttons a user can depress, and still others have a miniature alphanumeric keyboard on which a user can type. Wireless devices having various combinations of touch-screens and buttons are known. Display size and shape varies considerably among wireless devices. Of those having buttons, the style, placement and number of buttons varies considerably. In some devices, one uses directional buttons or joystick-like pucks to navigate among menu options or move a cursor on the screen, while in others one uses the touch-screen to perform such functions. Also, the mechanisms that wireless devices use to store and retrieve data in memory vary considerably. The differences among platforms are expected to increase, as new technologies emerge for user interfaces, data storage, communication and other functions. For example, wireless devices and similar platforms having a voice-based user interface instead of buttons and touch-screens have been suggested.
Differences among wireless device platforms (the term "platform" referring to the environment defined by the device hardware in conjunction with its operating system software) have frustrated third-party software developers' efforts to create application programs that are executable on more than one platform. To be executable on a specific platform, the program must properly interface with the buttons or other user interface inputs and the screen or other user interface outputs. For example, the application program must take into account the size and shape of the screen to ensure that information written to the screen appears in the intended position and format. Similarly, the program must properly interface with whatever mechanism the platform uses to store and retrieve information in memory and whatever mechanism the platform uses for network communication. An application program such as an e-mail client that is written to be executable on one platform will generally not be executable on another platform. Thus, if a software developer wishes to market an e-mail client application program, a different version must be written for each platform to whose users the developer wishes to market the program.
The advent of the JAVA language, promulgated by Sun Microsystems, Inc., has brought some limited uniformity to wireless devices. As illustrated in FIG. 1, a JAVA application program 12 can be written to execute on a wireless device having a JAVA virtual machine (JVM) software layer 14. JVM layer 14 resides on top of whatever native operating system software and hardware combination 16 characterizes the platform. Including JVM layer 14 that can execute JAVA application 12 can obviate writing a native application 18 that more directly executes on native operating system software and hardware combination 16. The difficulty of this approach to achieving cross-platform application program compatibility is that JVM layer 14 may not be the same across all platforms. The limitations on memory and power in wireless devices generally prevents including a full Java Virtual Machine implementation. Consequently, JVM layer 14 in some wireless devices may represent a more complete implementation of Sun Microsystems' JVM standard than in others. An application programmer cannot be certain that an application program written to take advantage of specific JAVA features will run on all platforms having JVM layer 14 because some platforms may support that feature and others may not. In an effort to remedy this problem, an industry standards committee developed the Connected Limited Device Configuration (CLDC) and Mobile Information Device Profile (MIDP) specifications. Including CLDC and MIDP layers 20 provides a limited but standardized JAVA environment for which programmers can write applications 22 that will work on all such devices.
Another limitation of wireless devices is that their operating systems do not provide mechanisms for readily switching from one application program to another or allowing application programs to share components. Wireless device application programs are generally self-contained in the sense that they do not share components. Operating systems for personal computers, such as MICROSOFT WINDOWS, include sophisticated methods such as the dynamically linked library (DLL) for juggling application programs, sharing software components, and similar interrelated operating system tasks, but the memory and power limitations of wireless devices generally inhibit use of such methods. Thus, wireless devices typically use the simplest of methods for launching and controlling the execution of programs. For example, activating a button (either an actual pushbutton or a graphical button appearing on a display) may cause a program to begin executing. The program may present output to the user in the form of screen displays and receive input from the user in the form of button activations. When the program has finished executing or at such other time as the user desires, the user can lauch and interact with another program in the same manner. Each program is, in essence, a self-contained block of software code, and only one program is executable at a time.
A user is not only limited as described above in the ways in which programs in a wireless device can be switched between, started and stopped, but a user is similarly limited in the ways in which programs can be installed, un-installed, updated, initialized and similarly managed in a wireless device. For example, a user can typically install new application programs only by connecting the wireless device to a network server or a personal computer through a network connection or other interface. It is common to download programs from an Internet server. In the case of most wireless devices, the user must perform the steps necessary to effect the download, installation, initialization or other task. In at least one case, a mobile telephone, a remote entity can initiate limited tasks such as enabling or disabling an application in the phone.
It would be desirable to free wireless device users from application management tasks such as installing, un-installing, initializing, enabling and disabling. The present invention addresses these problems and deficiencies and others in the manner described below.

System and method for remote application management of a wireless device


A vibration-isolating system for mounting a cathode ray tube monitor to an enclosed audio base includes an annular vibration-isolating grommet having an axial bore; a snap cap including an annular portion having a surface for supporting the grommet and an axial aperture, at least two legs extending substantially perpendicularly from the annular portion opposite the surface astride the aperture to distal ends, and a nub extending radially from the distal end of each leg; and an elongated member configured to fit about the legs, through the axial aperture and through the axial bore, and to attach to a cathode ray tube housing.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to cathode ray tube housings, and more particularly to attaching a computer monitor to a speaker-equipped base while isolating the monitor from vibrational noise caused by the speaker.
2. Description of the Background Art.
Designers of early desktop computers avoided developing sound capabilities of the computers because of their limited memory capacity and processor power. Instead, computers were equipped with low quality sound equipment such as "tinny" sounding two-inch tweeters.
Present increases in the processing power and memory of computers and the advent of multi-media techniques have led computer designers to incorporate high fidelity sound equipment into computers, and specifically into the base portions of computer monitor assemblies. However, speaker vibrations often disturb the operation of computer monitors.
Therefore, a system and method are needed for isolating vibrational noise caused by sound equipment in a computer monitor base from the monitor itself without increasing the difficulty of attaching the base to the monitor.

Audio enclosure assembly mounting system and method


An information system for storing, retrieving, processing and displaying information captured about objects passing an information capture system. The captured and processed object information may include, for example, a visual representation of the object, a height representation of the object, an identification code from the object, dimensional information about the object, chemical signature information from the object, temperature information, date and time information, and a three dimensional model of the object. The various types of information can be accessed by users via a software interface.

A. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to systems and methods for determining the dimensions of an object.
B. Description of Related Art
In systems that operate on large numbers of objects, it has been known to use imaging devices connected to a computer systems to automatically determine the characteristics of the objects. Uses of such systems include quality assurance visual inspection systems. In the manufacturing industry such systems are utilized to detect defects in the items being produced. The use of the automated defect detection systems compares the products being scanned against the desired characteristics to determine if the items being produced fall within allowable tolerances.
Another industry where such automated object characterization systems have become known is the package shipping industry. Packages are provided, for example, with bar codes, wherein various types of bar code scanners are used to read the bar code applied to a parcel. By decoding the information provided in the bar code, a computer connected to the bar code reader can determine, for example, the address to which the parcel is to be shipped. Such information can be used, for example, to route the package to the proper destination.
System have also been used to determine the dimensional weight of packages being shipped. Traditionally, shipping charges were determined based on the weight of a package handled by a shipper. The determination of shipping rates based solely on weight, however, leads to inefficiencies where, for example, the shipping charge for a large package containing lightweight articles fails to compensate the shipper for the volume taken by the package. By determining the dimensions of objects, shippers can allocate space more efficiently and charge rates that more accurately reflect the resources used. A number of systems have been used to automatically determine the dimensions of packages being shipped. Patent Cooperation Treaty No. WO99/49411 teaches the use of two light showers (linear arrays of sight sources opposed by linear arrays of light sensors) placed perpendicularly. The package dimensions are determined by analyzing the portion of each light shower that is blocked by the package. U.S. Pat. No. 5,815,274 for VOLUMETRIC MEASUREMENT OF A PARCEL USING A CCD LINE SCANNER AND HEIGHT SENSOR issued Feb. 17, 1998 to Reynolds et al. discloses a method of dimensioning using a linear CCD scanner positioned over a conveyor belt to determine the width and length of a parcel and a height scanner positioned adjacent to the belt to determine the height of the parcel. The height sensor projects light toward the parcel and receives light not blocked by the parcel at the other side to determine the height.

System and method for dimensioning objects


A luminous flux limit device, an optical scanning unit employing the luminous flux limit device, and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus are provided. The luminous flux limit device limits a luminous flux of the optical scanning unit and includes a light-blocking portion, a light transmissive region around the light blocking region, and a light blocking outer region around the light transmissive region.

1. Field
One or more embodiments relate to a luminous flux limit device, an optical scanning unit including the luminous flux limit device, and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
An electrophotographic image forming apparatus, such as a laser printer, a digital copy machine, or a multi-functional printer (MFP), has a structure configured to form an electrostatic latent image by scanning light on a photosensitive body via an optical scanning unit, develop the electrostatic latent image into a developed image by using a developer such as toner, and transfer the developed image onto a printing medium.
Optical scanning units for use in electrophotographic image forming apparatuses may be required to have a high-definition image formation property. Furthermore, a larger tolerance of an error of an arrangement of a photosensitive body disposed near an image-forming region may be required.
In optical scanning units for use in electrophotographic image forming apparatuses, a desired optical beam spot has been achieved in an image-forming region by arranging a luminous flux limit device having an appropriate-sized optical aperture in main and sub scanning directions before a luminance flux is incident on a deflector. An optical aperture of a general luminous flux limit device may have a circular, oval, or tetragonal shape, and may not have a structure that transforms a transmission amplitude and phase of a luminous flux. When a general optical aperture is used, a wavelength of an optical system may be reduced or a numerical aperture (NA) of the optical system may be increased to increase a resolution on an image-forming surface. However, since the depth of focus of the optical system is inversely proportional to the square of the NA, the depth of focus decreases when the NA increases. Thus, an allowed tolerance of the arrangement of a photosensitive body in a focal region decreases.

Luminous flux limit device, optical scanning unit employing the same, and electrophotographic image forming apparatus


A specimen holder for use in a charged particle beam device, notably an electron microscope, comprises a support and a resilient retaining element. The retaining element comprises a resilient ring which can be detached from the support or resilient tags which are attached to the support. A specimen is pressed against the support by the resilient retaining element. Such retaining of the specimen offers the advantage that the specimen can be readily disposed on the comparatively thin support and can be simply detached therefrom with a minimum risk of damaging.

The invention relates to a specimen holder for use in a charged particle beam device, comprising:
a support having a supporting face and a circumferential edge which extends transversely of the supporting face, and PA1 a resilient retaining element for retaining a specimen between the retaining element and the supporting face.
The invention also relates to a support and a retaining element suitable for use in a specimen holder of this kind, and also to a charged particle beam device comprising such a specimen holder.
A specimen holder of the kind set forth is known from U.S. Pat. No. 4,596,934.
The cited patent specification describes a specimen holder of a high-resolution electron microscope, which holder comprises a support having a supporting face on which a mesh-covered ring can be arranged. The ring is retained by means of a ring-shaped spring. The supporting face is recessed relative to a top face of the support, thus forming an upright edge which surrounds the ring. In the upright edge a slot is recessed above the mesh-covered ring, the ring-shaped spring fitting in said slot. Displacement of the mesh-covered ring in a direction perpendicular to the supporting face is prevented by expansion of the ring-shaped spring in the slot. Such a construction has the drawback that the removal of the resilient ring from the slot is difficult, the more so because the dimensions of the support amount to only a few millimeters.

Specimen holder for use in a charged particle beam device


A vehicle wheel assembly includes a hub adaptor that eliminates the need for a separate hub cap and gasket by providing wheel rim, wheel hub, and brake component attachment interfaces, as well as a lubrication chamber that can be visually inspected to monitor lubrication levels. The hub adaptor comprises a single piece body having an outwardly extending mounting flange with a first plurality of apertures that define a wheel rim attachment interface. The hub adaptor also includes an inner recessed area with a second plurality of apertures that define both the wheel hub and brake component attachment interfaces. The hub adaptor also includes an inner circumferential surface that provides a piloting and sealing interface between the hub adaptor and the wheel hub.

Conventional wheel assemblies include a separate hub cap that is mounted to an end of a wheel hub to provide a protective cover for wheel end components. The hub cap is mounted to the wheel hub with a plurality of mounting bolts. A gasket is also required to provide a sealed interface. With this conventional configuration, the hub cap and the wheel hub need to be removed in order to service a disc brake component, which is time consuming. Further, removal of these components also disturbs an inboard hub seal, which is undesirable.
Another disadvantage with this traditional configuration is that axle width is increased when the hub cap and associated gaskets are mounted to each wheel end on an axle assembly. For certain vehicle applications, the inclusion of the hub caps exceeds customer requirements.
Another disadvantage with using conventional hub caps is the resulting increase in weight, which adversely affects fuel economy. Further, the additional components required for assembly of the hub cap onto the wheel hub, such as the mounting bolts and gasket, add cost and increase assembly time, which is undesirable.
Thus, there is a need for a wheel component that can provide a sealed interface for lubrication, but which does not require a separate hub cap component. This wheel component should also allow a brake component to be serviced without removing the wheel hub or disturbing an inboard seal, as well as overcoming the other above-mentioned deficiencies in the prior art.


This application provides a method of manufacturing a case, a case and an electronic device. This method may include providing a metal case with a surface; applying a first oxidation treatment on the surface of the metal case to form a first oxidation layer; defining a first area on the surface; removing a portion of the first oxidation layer located within the first area; applying a second oxidation treatment on the surface within the first area to form a second oxidation layer, and forming a paint layer on the second oxidation layer by spraying.

Nowadays the common raw material for the case of electronic devices, such as smart phones and tablet, is aluminum, aluminum alloy for instance. The raw aluminum that is available on the market cannot be directly used for this purpose due to its stiffness issue. Therefore, the raw aluminum is required to undergo several treatments before being formed into the case. However, since the surface of aluminum is easily oxidized during utilization, it results that the aluminum case cannot satisfy the demand of the electronic devices.

Case, method of manufacturing the same and electronic device

GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP., LTD.


An apparatus for accurately infusing fluids into a patient at specific rates over an extended period of time and the method for making same. The apparatus includes one or more dispensers of a low profile, laminate or layered construction each having a stored energy source in the form of a distendable membrane or an elastomeric cellular mass, which in cooperation with the base, defined a fluid chamber having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The apparatus further includes, in lieu of a rigid ullage, a high novel, conformable ullage made of yieldable materials. The conformable ullage uniquely conforms to the shape of elastomeric membrane as the membrane returns to its less distended configuration. This arrangement will satisfy even the most stringent delivery tolerance requirements and will elegantly overcome the limitations of materials selection encountered in devices embodying the rigid ullage construction. Additionally, with the novel ullage construction, the ullage can be located either between the base and the fluid to be delivered, or alternatively, can be located between the elastomeric membrane and the fluid to be delivered. Further, a plurality of subreservoirs can be associated with a single ullage thereby making it possible to incorporate a wide variety of delivery profiles within a single device.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to fluid delivery devices. More particularly, the invention concerns an improved apparatus for infusing medicinal agents into an ambulatory patient at specific rates over extended periods of time.
2. Discussion of the Invention
Many medicinal agents require an intravenous route for administration thus bypassing the digestive system and precluding degradation by the catalytic enzymes in the digestive tract and the liver. The use of more potent medications at elevated concentrations has also increased the need for accuracy in controlling the delivery of such drugs. The delivery device, while not an active pharmacologic agent, may enhance the activity of the drug by mediating its therapeutic effectiveness. Certain classes of new pharmacologic agents possess a very narrow range of therapeutic effectiveness, for instance, too small a dose results in no effect, while too great a dose results in toxic reaction.
In the past, prolonged infusion of fluids has generally been accomplished using gravity flow methods, which typically involve the use of intravenous administration sets and the familiar bottle suspended above the patient. Such methods are cumbersome, imprecise and require bed confinement of the patient. Periodic monitoring of the apparatus by the nurse or doctor is required to detect malfunctions of the infusion apparatus.
Devices from which liquid is expelled from a relatively thick-walled bladder by internal stresses within the distended bladder are well-known in the prior art. Such bladder, or "balloon" type, devices are described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,469,578, issued to Bierman and in U.S. Pat. No. 4,318,400, issued to Perry. The devices of the aforementioned patents also disclose the use of fluid flow restrictors external of the bladder for regulating the rate of fluid flow from the bladder.
The prior art bladder type infusion devices are not without drawbacks. Generally, because of the very nature of bladder or "balloon" configuration, the devices are unwieldy and are difficult and expensive to manufacture and use. Further, the devices are somewhat unreliable and their fluid discharge rates are frequently imprecise.
The apparatus of the present invention overcomes many of the drawbacks of the prior art by eliminating the bladder and making use of recently developed elastomeric films, expandable foams and similar materials, which, in cooperation with a base defines a fluid chamber that contains the fluid which is to be dispensed. The elastomeric film membrane or the expandable foam member controllably forces fluid within the chamber into fluid flow channels provided in the base.
The elastomeric film materials used in the apparatus of the present invention, as well as various alternate constructions of the apparatus, are described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,205,820 issued to the present inventor. Therefore, U.S. Pat. No. 5,205,820 is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety as though fully set forth herein. Co-pending U.S. Ser. No. 08/129,693 filed by the present inventor on Sep. 29, 1993 also describes various types of expandable cellular elastomers and elastomeric foams used in making the expandable member of various physical embodiments of the invention. This co-pending application is also hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety as though fully set forth herein.
The apparatus of the present invention can be used with minimal professional assistance in an alternate health care environment, such as the home. By way of example, devices of the invention can be comfortably and conveniently removably affixed to the patient's body and can be used for the continuous infusion of antibiotics, hormones, steroids, blood clotting agents, analgesics, and like medicinal agents. Similarly, the devices can be used for I-V chemotherapy and can accurately deliver fluids to the patient in precisely the correct quantities and at extended microfusion rates over time.
One of the embodiments of the invention described in Continuation-In-Part application Ser. No. 08/129,693 comprises a generally circular base assembly and a stored energy means provided in the form of a thin, generally circular shaped, pre-stressed distendable elastomeric membrane which cooperates with the base assembly to form a fluid reservoir. Superimposed over the base assembly is a rigid, distendable membrane engagement means which provides an ullage within the reservoir.
The embodiments of the invention described herein comprise improvements to the devices described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,205,820 and in U.S. Ser. No. 08/129,693. More particularly, the inventions described herein are directed toward providing novel fluid delivery devices which are extremely low profile and are eminently capable of meeting the most stringent of fluid delivery tolerance requirements. In this regard, medical and pharmacological research continues to reveal the importance of the manner in which a medicinal agent is administered. The delivery device, while not an active pharmacological agent, may enhance the activity of the drug by mediating its therapeutic effectiveness. For example, certain classes of pharmacological agents possess a very narrow dosage range of therapeutic effectiveness, in which case too small a dose will have no effect, while too great a dose can result in toxic reaction. In other instances, some forms of medication require an extended delivery time to achieve the utmost effectiveness of a medicinal therapeutic regimen.
By way of example, the therapeutic regimens used by insulin-dependent diabetics provide a good example of the benefits of carefully selected delivery means. The therapeutic object for diabetics is to consistently maintain blood glucose levels within a normal range. Conventional therapy involves injecting insulin by syringe several times a day, often coinciding with meals. The dose must be calculated based on glucose levels present in the blood. If the dosage is off, the bolus administered may lead to acute levels of either glucose or insulin resulting in complications, including unconsciousness or coma. Over time, high concentrations of glucose in the blood can also lead to a variety of chronic health problems, such as vision loss, kidney failure, heart disease, nerve damage, and amputations.
A recently completed study sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) investigated the effects of different therapeutic regimens on the health outcomes of insulin dependent diabetics. This study revealed some distinct advantages in the adoption of certain therapeutic regimens. Intensive therapy that involved intensive blood glucose monitoring and more frequent administration of insulin by conventional means, i.e., syringes, throughout the day saw dramatic decreases in the incidence of debilitating complications.
The NIH study also raises the question of practicality and patient adherence to an intensive therapy regimen. A bona fide improvement in insulin therapy management must focus on the facilitation of patient comfort and convenience as well as dosage and administration schemes. Basal rate delivery of insulin by means of a convenient and reliable delivery device over an extended period of time represents one means of improving insulin management. Basal rate delivery involves the delivery of very small volumes of fluid (1-3 mL.) over comparatively long periods of time (18-24 hours). As will be appreciated from the discussion which follows, the apparatus of the present invention is uniquely suited to provide precise fluid delivery management at a low cost in those cases where a variety of precise dosage schemes are of utmost importance.
In those embodiments of the invention described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,205,820 issued to the present inventor and incorporated herein by reference, the fluid delivery apparatus components generally included: a base assembly; an elastomeric membrane serving as a stored energy means; fluid flow channels for filling and delivery; flow control means; a cover; and an ullage, which comprised a part of the base assembly. The ullage in these devices typically comprises a semi-rigid structure having flow channels leading from the top of the structure through the base to inlet or outlet ports of the device.
In the rigid ullage configuration, the stored energy means of the device must be superimposed over the ullage to form the fluid-containing reservoir from which fluids are expelled at a controlled rate by the elastomeric membrane of the stored energy means tending to return to a less distended configuration in a direction toward the ullage. With these constructions, the stored energy membrane is typically used at high extensions over a significantly large portion of the pressure-deformation curve (FIG. 1A).
Elastomeric membrane materials suitable for use as the stored energy means must possess certain physical characteristics in order to meet the performance requirements for a fluid delivery apparatus. More particularly, for good performance, the elastomeric membrane material must have good memory characteristics under conditions of high extension; good resistance to chemical and radiological degradation; and appropriate gas permeation characteristics depending upon the end application to be made of the device.
Once an elastomeric membrane material is chosen that will optimally meet the desired performance requirements, there still remain certain limitations to the level of refinement of the delivery tolerances that can be achieved using the rigid ullage configuration. These result primarily from the inability of the rigid ullage to conform to the shape of the elastomeric membrane near the end of the delivery period. This nonconformity can lead to extended delivery rate tail-off and higher residual problems when extremely accurate delivery is required. For example, when larger volumes of fluid are to be delivered, the tail-off volume represents a smaller portion of the fluid amount delivered and therefore exhibits much less effect on the total fluid delivery profile, but in very small dosages, the tail-off volume becomes a larger portion of the total volume. This sometimes places severe physical limits on the range of delivery profiles that may easily be accommodated using the rigid ullage configuration.
An acceptable elastomeric membrane material candidate for the rigid ullage configuration must also be drug compatible as is typically in contact with any drug containing fluid disposed within the reservoir. Many currently available elastomeric membrane materials, due to their chemical composition or means of manufacturing, are not drug compatible. This compatibility restriction, combined with strict physical requirements, results in further limitation of available selections for the candidate elastomeric material for use in devices embodying a rigid ullage structure.
As will be better appreciated from the discussion which follows, the apparatus of the present invention provides a unique and novel improvement for a disposable dispenser of simple but highly reliable construction that may be adapted to many applications of use. A particularly important aspect of the improved apparatus is the incorporation of a conformable ullage made of yieldable materials, the conformable ullage uniquely conforms to the shape of elastomeric membrane as the membrane returns to its less distended configuration. This novel construction will satisfy even the most stringent delivery tolerance requirements and will elegantly overcome the limitations of materials selection encountered in devices embodying the rigid ullage construction. Another significant advantage of the novel ullage construction is that the ullage can be located either between the base and the fluid to be delivered, or alternatively, can be located between the elastomeric membrane and the fluid to be delivered. Further, a plurality of subreservoirs can be associated with a single ullage thereby making it possible to incorporate a wide variety of delivery profiles within a single device.
Although the infusion devices described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,205,820 and in U.S. Ser. No. 08/129,693 are very low profile devices, the devices of the inventions described herein are designed in a manner so that they can be of even a lower profile thereby making them ideally suited for use in dispensing medicinal agents such as insulin and the like.


A drummer seating system inclusive of a drum seat and one or more drum holders attached to the seat which lift their respective drums off the floor and position them in front of the percussionist. The percussionist remains free to rotate the drum seat clockwise or counter-clockwise 360 degrees while the drum(s) remain in a normal playing position.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to instrument racks and, in particular, to a drummer seating system inclusive of a drum seat and one or more drum holders which can be attached thereto to lift the drums off the floor and position them in front of the percussionist while still allowing the percussionist to rotate the drum seat with the drum(s) remaining in position.
2. Description of the Background
Drummers typically play their instruments while sitting on a stool. Each different drum and accessory is separately mounted on the stage as a stand alone device. This conventional drum arrangement has been less than satisfactory in a number of respects.
In a normal drum set environment, the drummer sits on a stationery seat straddling a snare drum mounted on a stationary stand supported by the floor. The normal drum setup for a right handed drummer will have the left foot playing the hi-hat pedal, and the right foot playing the bass drum pedal. There is normally at least one tom-tom mounted over the bass drum and another to his right mounted to legs and supported by the floor. This simple arrangement does not pose a large problem for the drummer utilizing the traditional method of supporting the snare drum because all drums and pedals are within comfortable proximity.
However, in larger drum setups, having the snare drum on a stationary holder supported by the floor can impede the drummer's ability to comfortably access all drums using both hands and both feet. For example, in a double-bass drum setup the left foot would control the hi-hat and one bass drum (pedals to the left of the snare drum), and the right foot would control the other bass drum only (pedal to the right of the snare drum). As bass drum and hi-hat pedals are added to the drum kit, it becomes very limiting as to which foot can access which pedals. If a third bass drum is added, it will have to be placed either to the right or the left of the snare drum, and can be accessed by only the right or left foot respectively. Also, as more tom-toms are added to the kit, the drummer has to twist his torso to access the toms with the snare stationery between his legs. This twisting will cause more rapid fatigue to a drummer while playing a larger drum setup.
Similarly, a percussionist in a normal orchestra environment stands behind a snare drum mounted on a stationary stand supported by the floor. This results in fatigue for the percussionist after hours of standing and playing during an orchestra performance.
There has long been a need for a versatile seat for use by musicians while playing their instruments which eliminates fatigue by making the components more accessible. There have also been a few prior efforts to improve the situation.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,073,999 to Crane shows a drum stand for an African drum including a rigid frame that is connected to a seat. The frame includes at least two legs and an opening to accept the drum wherein the drum rests in the frame and wherein the drum is suspended above the ground whereby an arcuate portion of the lower opening of the drum contacts the ground.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,030,045 to Hoshino shows a holding structure which supports a seat of a drum chair, in order to permit the seat to be rotated and preventing its undesired rotation, without loosening of the seat.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,744,738 issued to Gatzen shows a rigid frame for musical drums and cymbals as well as a seat for a drummer. The seat is adjustable and accommodates the drummer in a recumbent position.
Unfortunately, none of the foregoing or any other known references provide a drum seat and support system in which the seat can be rotated, and each of the attached drum supports can be rotated uniformly with the drum seat in either direction 360 degrees. A drum setup of this type would allow access to all bass drum and hi-hat pedals, by either foot, and all tom-toms, hi-hats, cymbals, etc., by either hand, while maintaining the snare drum in a comfortable playing position.


A high-frequency composite component for selectively switching a GSM-system signal path and a DCS-system signal path for a signal transmitted to or received from an antenna terminal by a diplexer. Transmission-side input terminals and reception-side balanced output terminals to be switched by high-frequency switches are included in the GSM and the DCS systems. Matching elements include inductors and capacitors that are inserted between the reception-side balanced output terminals and the output side of surface acoustic wave filters.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a high-frequency composite component, and more particularly, to a high-frequency composite component for use in a plurality of different mobile communication systems.
2. Description of the Related Art
Presently, in Europe, as a mobile communication device, a dual-band portable telephone has been proposed which can operate in a plurality of frequency bands, for example, in the DCS system using a 1.8 GHz band and the GSM system using a 900 MHz band.
FIG. 18 shows a portion of the structure of a general dual-band portable telephone which includes an antenna 1, a diplexer 2, and two signal paths of a DCS system 3 (1.8 GHz band) and a GSM system 4 (900 MHz band).
The diplexer 2 selects a transmission signal from the DCS system 3 or the GSM system 4 in transmission and selects a reception signal to the DCS system 3 or the GSM system 4 in reception. The DCS system 3 includes a high-frequency switch 3a for separating a transmission portion Txd and a reception portion Rxd and a filter 3b for allowing the fundamental frequency of the DCS system to pass through and for attenuating the second and third harmonics. In the same manner, the GSM system 4 also includes a high-frequency switch 4a for separating a transmission portion Txg and a reception portion Rxg and a filter 4b for allowing the fundamental frequency of the GSM system to pass through and for attenuating the third harmonics.
In recent years, a balanced-type (balanced-output type) high-frequency composite component having two signal terminals in the reception portion has been proposed and, in such a balanced type, the impedance matching to a low-noise amplifier (LNA) is required.
In Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2003-142981 (Patent Document 1), as shown in FIG. 19, an inductor 6 is disposed in parallel between the balanced output terminals Rx of a bandpass filter defined by a balanced-output type surface acoustic wave filter. However, it is difficult to set a desired impedance (complex impedance, in particular). According to the knowledge of the present inventor, in order to lower the impedance, a capacitor must be inserted in series to each of the balanced output terminals, and, to increase the impedance, one more inductor must be inserted in parallel between the balanced output terminals in addition to the above-described capacitors. However, when capacitors and inductors as separate components are added between such a high-frequency composite component and an LNA, the number of components and the mounting area increase which increases the size of the equipment, and the matching between the bandpass filter 5 and the LNA becomes more complicated.


For the representation of information mon a data display device with picture elements with different side ratios, the speed of readout from the picture information store is changed such that the different kinds of picture elements (A) and (A') are geometrically similar to each other.

Data display devices have a screen area which possesses a side ratio which is usually 4:3. As the picture element resolution corresponds to this ratio, each picture element information displayed on the screen has a corresponding side length or expansion in x-direction and y-direction. Thus, in the corresponding picture information storage, a true-to-picture pattern of the picture information elements is stored. By the thus obtained square form of the picture elements it is rendered possible to electronically manipulate the stored content in the picture information storage such that on the screen rotary movements of figures, for example, can be displayed without distortion.
Information can also be displayed in the form of pictures with picture elements which differ from the above-described standards of data display devices, as for example, by the video text method. For this method, picture elements are used which have a side ratio of 3:2, i.e. a rectangular form. Then the picture information elements, when displayed on the area of these picture elements, do not have the form of a circular dot but of an ellipse. When, according to the video text method, a square area is displayed, the latter does not consist of the same number of picture information elements in x-direction as in y-direction, but of, for example, 30 picture information elements in the x-direction and 20 in the y-direction.
If such a video text picture is displayed on the screen of a usual data display device, picture distortion occurs which results in the representation of a square as a rectangle with a side ratio which corresponds to the circular picture dots or to the display areas of the picture elements, which have a square form due to the other kind of scanning. This distortion has hardly any influence on the readability of alphanumeric characters when displayed. There is, however, a falsification of the information content in the representation of geometrical figures, as the information will appear more depressed in the y-direction than in the x-direction.

Circuit arrangement for controlling the raster-like pictured representation of information


An optical information recording/reproducing apparatus for stably recording, reproducing, or erasing the information by a laser beam with respect to different kinds of optical disks is represented. This apparatus includes a processor to record, reproduce, or erase the information for an optical disk, a disk sort detector to detect the sort of optical disk, and a controller to control the processing parameters of the processor in response to an output signal from the disk sort detector. The disk sort detector reads the disk sort identifying information preliminarily recorded on the optical disk by the processor to detect the sort of disk. Or, this detector irradiates light onto labels having different reflection factors or transmission factors preliminarily provided on the optical disks by the processor and detects the reflected light amounts or transmitted light amounts from the labels, thereby detecting the sort of disk. The optical disks include disks of the type only for use of reproduction, the rerecordable type, and the writable type.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an optical information storing apparatus which can handle different kinds of recording media.
2. Description of the Prior Art
As means for optically storing information, there have been known a writable optical disk of the DRAW type, a rewritable optical disk of the E-DRAW type, and an optical disk of the ROM type only for use of reproduction. For the DRAW type optical disk, the pits corresponding to the information to be stored are formed on the disk surface by a laser beam and the stored information is read out on the basis of a change in reflected light amount. For the E-DRAW type optical disk, flux reversal is caused on the disk surface due to the laser beam to record and erase information, and the recorded information is read out due to a magnetic Kerr effect or the like. For the ROM type disk, on one hand, the pits corresponding to information are preliminarily formed and the information signal is read out by use of a change in reflected light amount due to a laser beam.
Either one of those disks is selected in accordance with the purpose of information to be recorded. The ROM type disk is used in the case wherein information is preliminarily determined and mass production is needed and the disk must be preserved for a long time. The DRAW type disk is used in the case wherein the necessary number of disks is small and the disk must be preserved for a long time. The E-DRAW type disk is used in the case wherein there is a possibility such that the recorded information is erased later and the disk is used as a temporary buffer.
In this manner, the disks can be efficiently used. Even as for different kinds of disks, on the other hand, their fundamental constitutions for recording and reproducing information are substantially the same; therefore, it is desired to use a common driving apparatus.
In this case, however, depending on the kinds of disks, there are differences in reflection factor or transmission factor of the disk surfaces and in readout principle, so that the output level of the reproduced signal in the signal readout system, particularly, the information signal output component or the like changes by at least tens of times. In the case of reproducing information by the same reproducing system, there are problems such that an extensive dynamic range will be needed if the smaller reproduced signal is used as a reference, while noise will increase and the signal level will become too small for a small signal if the larger reproduced signal is used as a reference, and the like.
In addition, differences in reliability and error rate of the reproduced information signals occur dependent on the respective disks.
Namely, in the case of using the same error correction circuit for the respective disks, if the error correction circuit is constituted in accordance with the disk in which the error rate before correction is the highest, the over specification could be derived for the disk in which the error rate before correction is low. That is, since the error correction codes increase more than is needed for the information signal, the redundancy also increase more than is needed, resulting in poor coding efficiency.
A number of recording disks of various sizes (diameters) such as 30, 20, and 12 cm, or the like are used at present.
Those disks are used in accordance with the use object. The disk of a large size is used in the case of recording information of a large capacity. The recording disk of a small size is used in the case wherein easy handling property and portability of the recording disk are required.
Hitherto, the same recording/reproducing apparatus can use only one size of recording disk.
This is because of the following reasons. In the case of recording predetermined information in the recording disk using light, if the rotating speed of the recording disk is fixed to make constant the recording speed of the signal to be recorded, the diameter of this recording disk is proportional to the linear velocity, so that the length per unit (bit) of the information to be recorded is proportional to the diameter of the recording disk. Thus, the energy of light to be irradiated onto the unit area of the recording disk is inversely proportional to the diameter of the recording disk and the recording density in the disk is also inversely proportional to the diameter thereof.
Therefore, when the recording disk, having a diameter larger than that of the recording disk which is to be ordinarily used is used by the same optical information recording/reproducing apparatus, the light energy density on the recording disk is reduced, so that it can be difficult to properly record the information.
As described above, conventionally, only a single size of recording disk can be used in the same recording/reproducing apparatus. Therefore, in the case of using a plurality of recording disks of different sizes, there occurs a problem that a plurality of recording/reproducing apparatuses must be possessed corresponding to the sizes of the recording disks.

Optical information recording/reproduction apparatus including means for detecting the type of recording medium


A communication system is provided that includes a mechanism for recognizing various communication protocols. That is, the communication system employs a packet processor which can adapt to sent and receive numerous protocols. The packet processor forms a part of a network adapter card or router associated with a LAN or a WAN. The packet processor includes subsystems which can be selectively re-configured so that the processor can dispatch and recognize differing protocols. More specifically, the reconfigurable processor can dispatch and recognize differing packet and field formats associated with various communication protocols. Re-configuration is performed on select subsystems using at least a portion of a field programmable logic cell if not portions of numerous logic cells confirmed within defined areas on which the integrated processor is fabricated. As such, the logic cells can be programmed at the user site and, after program, function at a high performance level.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a communication system architecture and more particularly to a packet processor employed within a communication network. The packet processor is variably configurable to handle different protocols forwarded over the network.
2. Description of the Relevant Art
A recent trend in the modem workplace is for individuals to work at remote sites and periodically connect to an office or central data site. Those individuals are often termed "telecommuters", and are defined as workers or employees who work from a remote site within their home, that site being connected to the central, corporate office. Another recent trend in the workplace is that of remote small offices or branch offices, wherein a group of workers or employees are situated in a location remote from the corporate headquarters. Those individuals are also electronically connected to the corporate office/headquarters. This movement away from the corporate or central site, and the benefit gained by avoiding a physical commute appears to be a trend which is here to stay. In all likelihood, this trend will continue given the transient nature by which most moderm workers operate.
Remotely situated workers require transparent connectivity not only to the corporate office but also to the office's local area network (LAN). As corporations move away from mainframe based systems to personal computer (PC) systems linked together by LANs, the options for remote connectivity have improved. In general, PCs and LANs facilitate remote access to the computing resources of the corporate office or corporate headquarters. Remote connectivity is also made possible with the arrival of affordable, reliable, digital telecommunication services and inexpensive network hardware.
Currently there is a wide variety of digital telecommunications services available. Those services must somehow be linked into an infrastructure in order for PCs to communicate with one another and for a PC to communicate with a remote LAN. A computer communication network is therefore defined as either a wide-area network (WAN) or a local area network (LAN) connected together by possibly numerous digital telecommunications services. The collection of applications hosted on different PCs and the interconnection of those PCs presents a challenging task. For example, there are numerous applications which can be implemented on hosts manufactured by possibly different vendors, each of which may be managed by a variety of operating systems. Networking capability is provided by software systems that implement standardized interfaces specifically designed for the exchange of information among heterogeneous PCs.
In an effort to bring compatibility to the various operating systems and PC architectures, the international standards organization (ISO) developed an open systems interconnection (OSI) reference model. The OSI reference model defines various layers ranging from the lower physical layer (network cables and host adapter hardware) to the upper application layer (software needed to send communication messages over the network). Between the physical layer and application layer are various other layers used to format (i.e., organize) various dialogues or "protocols" between a source PC and destination PC. More specifically, a data link layer adjacent the physical layer is used to establish activation, maintenance and deactivation of data link connections, character and frame synchronization, and grouping of bits into characters and frames. The data link layer is thereby used to establish flow control of frames of communication messages sent between PCs. A network layer established at a layer above the data link layer provides common software interface and is transparent to differences in the underlying hardware of various PCs interconnected to the network. Software of higher layers can run on any lower layer hardware due to the compatibility afforded by the network layer.
The data link layer and the network layer, in combination, defines the basic protocol used in the communication network. A communication message transmitted under a given protocol is divided into a number of sub-messages called protocol data units or "packets." Packets are established to contain all the information required for the receiving communication entity (i.e., PC) to provide the called upon service. Thus, a packet is a block of data that is strictly formatted to include both the communication submessage as well as control data needed to effectuate connection between a transmitting and receiving entity. All communication messages are therefore divided into one or more packets, the length of which is carefully controlled. Dividing communication messages into multiple packets enables the network to be shared without interference and interminable waits for access.
Service primitives associated with the data link layer include both connection-mode primitives and connectionless-mode primitives. For connection-mode primitives, a connection must be established between two PCs within the network before they can exchange a packet. However, for connectionless-mode communications, connection is established by placing addressing information within a "field" associated with each packet. Placing addressing information, and attributing that information to a particular packet is often referred to as datagram service. Datagram networks have the advantage of not having to establish connections before communication takes place. However, they have the disadvantage in that every packet must contain a field. The field is attributed to each packet, for example, as a header or a footer to that packet. The field defines destination and source identification as well as error-correction information. Accordingly, the field contains a plurality of bits needed to perform those functions.
A field associated with a particular packet is dependent upon the protocol used in forwarding that packet. Obviously, if the communication protocol changes, the field must also change, otherwise the destination PC will not recognize that which the source PC has transmitted. There are numerous protocols currently being used in WANs and LANs to effectuate communication among PCs. A skilled artisan in moderm communication systems generally recognizes all these various protocols. For example, protocols which are currently popular, but certainly not inclusive of all protocols, include TCP/IP, Ethernet, frame relay, DDS, ATM, X.25 and Sonet. Communication protocols allow use of, and are designed to recognize, various topologies (i.e., linear, ring and star topologies), various hierarchies (i.e., client/server, peer-to-peer, Ethernet, AppleTalk, token ring, ARCnet and FDDI).
In many instances it is necessary to interface one protocol to another protocol and possibly to change protocols along various communication links. For example, there may be one protocol used between a PC and a switching node, while another protocol is used between switching nodes. More specifically, one protocol may be used to transmit packets along an access line between PCs or between a PC and a switching node. Further, another protocol may be used to transmit packets along a trunk.
It would be beneficial to derive a communication system which can be adaptive to various protocols. For example, the desired communication system could recognize fields of one protocol during one instance and then be re-configured to recognize fields of another protocol during another instance. Re-configuration is a problem which must be solved in order to allow a packet processor to send and receive different protocols. Essentially, the desired re-configurable packet processor must be one associated with network cards associated with a LAN as well as a router which can link a LAN to another PC possibly via the public switched telephone network (PSTN).

Computer communication network having a packet processor with an execution unit which is variably configured from a programmable state machine and logic


Novel fluid logic devices are disclosed. Certain examples of the fluid logic devices include two or more fluid logic gates that are each operative to select and/or direct analytes in a sample into one or more fluid flow channels in communication with the fluid logic gates. The fluid logic device can be part of a larger system, such as a chromatography system, or can be stand-alone device.

Systems for biochemical, chemical, and molecular analysis can be miniaturized as substrates with multifunctional capabilities including, for example, chemical, optical, fluidic, electronic, acoustic, and/or mechanical functionality. Miniaturization of these systems offers several advantages, including increased portability and lower production costs.
There exists a need in the art for fluid logic devices with separation and analytic capabilities, and for methods for manufacturing such devices. It is a general object of the present invention to provide fluid logic devices including at least two fluid logic gates and particularly micro-fluidic fluid logic devices comprising at least two fluid logic gates. These and other objects of the invention will be more fully understood from the following disclosure and detailed description of certain examples.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


A method of driving a display device including a plurality of pixels, the method including transmitting a plurality of data signals to first group pixels during a first scan period, simultaneously emitting light through the first group pixels according to a programmed data signal during a first light emitting period adjacent to the first scan period, transmitting a plurality of data signals to second group pixels, different from the first group pixels, during a second scan period, and simultaneously emitting light through the second group pixels according to a programmed data signal during a second light emitting period adjacent to the second scan period. A first field including the first scan period and the first light emitting period and a second field including the second scan period and the second light emitting period are temporally divided.

1. Field
Embodiments relate to a display device and a driving method thereof.
2. Description of the Related Art
A display device displays 60 pictures in a case of an NTSC method, and 50 pictures in a case of a PAL method, during one second. When the display device displays a stereoscopic image according to the NTSC method, the display device must alternately display 60 left eye pictures 60 right eye pictures during one second. Accordingly, the driving frequency of the display device to display the stereoscopic image must be at least double compared with a case that the display device displays a plane image.
One frame of the active matrix type of display device includes a scan period (for programming image data) and a light emitting period (for emitting light according to the programmed image data). The data writing must be finished within at most 1/120 second to display the stereoscopic image, such that a driver scans the entire display panel during the scan period and operates with a high driving frequency for programming the image data. The driver of the high driving frequency increases production cost. Furthermore, as the size of the display panel is increased and the resolution thereof is increased, an RC delay of the display panel is increased such image data programming is difficult.
The above information disclosed in this Background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the background of the invention and therefore it may contain information that does not form the prior art that is already known in this country to a person of skill in the art.

Display device and driving method thereof


A cellulose/silica composite useful as a filter material is highly selective towards a solute that has been molecularly imprinted upon an inorganic gel coating formed on the cellulose. The filter material provides dual filtering functionality, as both a selective molecular sieve and as a particulate filter. A unique method for making the filter material is also set forth that imparts these attributes and performance capabilities.

There is a need for adsorbent filters that can be conveniently used as molecular sieves to selectively and stably eliminate undesired solutes from liquids. The solutes to be filtered out may include pollutants or materials considered unhealthy or otherwise undesirable by persons who intend to consume the liquids or other compositions in which the solute is present.
The practice in the past has focused on reacting the targeted molecule to be removed with another binding chemical followed by a separation step, such as precipitation, centrifugation, or co-crystallization, and so forth. The addition of other compounds or molecules to the media to react or complex with the target substrate is usually tedious, timely consuming, and can not fully remove all of the added reactant and substrates in the product media.
A porous membrane with molecular sieving characteristics based on matrices of cellulose has been described by Mintova et al. (Zeolites 16 (1996) 31). Cellulose-based soft membranes of Y and L zeolites (i.e., aluminosilicates) have been prepared by Vu et al. (Microporous and Mesoporous Materials 55 (2002) 93–101).
Cellulose/silica composites have found applications in cosmetics (e.g., tissue conditioner) (Nikawa et al., J. Oral Rehabil. 24 (1997) 350); fabric softeners (EPO Pat. No. 1,061,124 (2000)); medical fields (e.g., antibacterial materials and protection of denture plaque) (Nikawa, J. Oral Rehabil. 24 (1997) 350); and for removal of foul smells (e.g., NH3, H2S, and EtNH2) (JP Pat. No. 63,224,734 (1988); JP Pat. No. 86,241,059 (1988)).
These materials also can be used for filtration as ultra filtration membranes (Mara et al., J. Membr. Sci. 36 (1988) 277); tobacco smoke filters (U.S. Pat. No. 3,327,718); in water purification (JP Pat. 92,286,299 (1994)); and in air purification (JP Pat. 92,129,440 (1993)).
Prior methods for making adsorbent composites of fibers and absorbent mineral particles like zeolite, or silica, have involved the use of adhesive polymers. JP Pat. 2,000, 189, 793 (2000); Fujio, M., Hyomen Kagaku 19 (1998) 658; Sano et al., Proc. Int. Zeolite Conf., 9th (1993) 239–246. The adhesion method has several disadvantages. Mintova et al., Preparation of Zeolite-Covered Cellulose Fibers, 209th National Meeting Abstracts, American Chemical Society, (1995). The major disadvantages include the possibility of the adhesive dissolving, totally or partially during filtration, and/or might potential interference with the selective adsorption process.
Another prior method for making the fiber/absorbent particle types of composites has involved the use of electret technology, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,906,743 (1993). However, electret technology can pose an occupational hazard due to the use of high voltage to adhere inorganic solids onto charged cellulose fibers.
Molecular imprinting is a method used to design materials for special, highly selective separation processes. A benefit of imprinted materials is the possibility to prepare the sorbents to target a specific molecule or functional groups. Since molecular recognition is emerging as a potentially useful concept in biological and chemical processes, considerable efforts have been made to prepare such materials during the past decade. See, e.g., Lehn et al., Chem., Int. Ed. Engl. (1990), 29, 1304–1319; Fabbrizzi et al., Amer. Chem. Soc. Rev. (1995), 197–202. Silica is a well known as a high surface area heterogeneous catalyst support and sorbent. Silica gel prepared in the presence of specific dye molecule ("template") shows an increased affinity for the same dye after its removal from the silica matrix. Dickey, Proc. Natl. Acad. of Sci. (1949), 35, 227–229.
A "footprint" technique has also been developed using tailor-made catalysts specific for trans-acylation; the catalysts were prepared by imprinting hypothesized transition-state analogues onto alumina ion-doped silica gels. Morihara et al., J. Bull. Chem. Soc. Jpn. (1988), 61, 3991–3998; Morihara et al., T. Bull. Chem. Soc. Jpn. (1994), 67, 1078–1084. Polymerized organic silanes have been used on the surface of porous silica particles in aqueous solutions to provide a soft layer for imprinting. Glad et al., Chromatogr. (1985), 347, 11–23. Imprinted materials have found applications in the preparation of highly selective chemical sensors. Kriz, D., et al., Anal. Chim. Acta 336 (1997) 345A; Malitesta et al., Anal. Chem. 71 (1999) 1366; Kobayashi, Chem. Lett. 927 (1995). They also have been used in controlled transport membranes. Krotz et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 118 (1996) 8154; Yoshikawa et al., J. Membr. Sci. 108 (1995) 171; Wang, et al., Langmuir 12 (1996) 4850; Bartsch et al., Molecular and Ionic Recognition with Imprinted Polymers, in: ACS Symposium Series 703, American Chemical Society, Washington, D.C., USA, (1998) p. 188. They additionally have been used in radioimmunoassays. Vlatakis et al., Nature (London) (1993) 361 645–647.
Molecular imprinted silicas also have been used as catalyst in stereo selective and regioselective reactions. Shea et al., J. Org. Chem. 1978 43 4253–4255; Damen et al., Tetrahedron Lett. (1980) 21 1913–1916. In further developments, layers of cross-linked polysiloxanes were produced in the presence of template molecules on previously prepared silica gel particles. A somewhat different approach, which does not rely on such layer-by-layer techniques, consists of direct adsorption of the imprinting molecule. Morihara et al., J. Bull. Chem. Soc. Jpn. (1988), 61, 3991–3998; Morihara et al., J. Chem. Soc. Chem. Commum. (1992) 358–360. However, loose granulated silica materials are not convenient for handling, use, and/or disposal in filter operations involving filtration of solutes from hot fluids.
A need still exists for self-supporting stable filters having matrices that do not structurally degrade, nor suffer from loss of adsorbent, to the extent the filter function is impaired when the filter is used in the presence of hot liquid filtrates. A need also exists for an approach to making adsorbent filters that avoids the need for extraneous substances, such as polymeric adhesives, to integrate the adsorbent and matrix.
As will become apparent from the descriptions that follow, the present invention addresses these needs as well as offers other advantages and benefits.

Molecular imprinting of solute on cellulose/silica composite, and products and uses thereof


A color electrophotographic image forming apparatus which simplifies a configuration in which a rotary is rotated to change over respective developing devices to a development position to reduce the costs and save the space, and which simplifies the changeover operation to reduce an operating time. The image forming apparatus sequentially moves and changes over the respective developing devices supported by the rotary to the development position which faces a photosensitive drum by the rotation of the rotary. The rotary is rotated to move the developing devices. A cam is rotated integrally with the rotary, and thereby abutment portions of the cam are abutted against a regulating rotatable member so that the developing devices are spaced from a photosensitive drum. In a state in which the developing devices are abutted against the photosensitive drum, the cam is spaced from the regulating rotatable member by recesses of the cam.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a color electrophotographic image forming apparatus that uses a rotary supporting member (rotary) which supports plural developing devices and is rotatable.
2. Description of the Related Art
Up to now, there has been known a color electrophotographic image forming apparatus that uses a rotary supporting member (rotary) which supports plural developing devices and is rotatable. In the image forming apparatus, the rotary supporting member is rotated. With the operation, the plural developing devices that are supported by the rotary supporting member are sequentially moved to a development position that faces a photosensitive drum. Also, the rotary supporting member is pivotably disposed with respect to an apparatus main body. With the above configuration, the developing devices are brought in contact with or spaced from a photosensitive drum (refer to Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2005-148319).
In more detail, the rotary supporting member (rotary) is rotatably supported by a pivotably movable member that is pivotably movable with respect to the apparatus main body. Upon receiving a drive force from a drive motor, the rotary supporting member rotates. With the above operation, the developing devices (developing portions) are sequentially moved to the development position. A cam that rotates upon receiving the drive force is rotatably disposed in the pivotably movable member. The cam rotates and is engaged with an engagement portion that is disposed in the apparatus main body. With the above configuration, the pivotably movable member S pivotably moves, and the developing devices are spaced from the photosensitive drum.
As described above, the conventional art requires the cams and the drive transmission mechanism that rotates the cams in order to pivotably move the pivotably movable member. Under the above circumstances, a space in which those members are incorporated into the interior of the apparatus is required. This causes a factor that prevents the image forming apparatus from being downsized.

Color electrophotographic image forming apparatus


A one piece molded push on tamper resistant closure suited for reusable bottles such as rnilk bottles comprises a cap portion and a latch ring portion connected thereto by frangible tabs. Rupture of the tabs serves to detach the cap portion to permit its removal from the bottle, while simultaneously opening the latch ring portion to permit it to be removed laterally from about the neck of the bottle. The closure may also include a pull tab disposed on the cap portion to provide a levered fore for rupturing the frangible tabs.

Bottles in the nature of milk bottles have heretofore been closed with friction fitted cardboard disks, crimped on aluminium foil caps and crimped on paper caps, none of which are tamper resistant.
Tamper resistant closures are known for plastic bottles. One such proposal is advanced in British Patent 1,038,327 and includes a latch ring, a cap and a hinge band disposed between the cap and latch ring. This closure is required to be assembled onto the neck of the bottle and is not readily adapted for use with existing milk bottles and milk bottling machinery.
German Patent 3911537 describes a tamper resistant closure which includes a latch ring and screw cap, with frangible tabs and a seal therebetween. The latch ring is provided with radially angled teeth which are intended to coact with teeth on the bottle neck, to permit the latch ring to rotate on the neck in a clockwise direction, but which precludes its rotation in an anticlockwise direction.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,394,918 describes a one piece tamper resistant closure for screw bottles which includes a latch ring with axially angled teeth and frangible tabs which bridge between the latch ring and screw cap, and a hinge which interconnects the latch ring and screw cap. When the cap is initially unscrewed, the latch ring will pivot about the hinge, and a considerable mechanical advantage will be generated which will assist in rupturing the frangible tabs.
Re-usable glass bottles such as milk bottles have traditionally used push on type closures, and it would involve a major capital cost to convert to screw type bottles. Moreover, it is impractical to provide in these types of bottles expedients such as ratcheting teeth. The diameter of the necks of these bottles is relatively large, and given the relatively wide tolerances to which the bottles are manufactured, it has been generally thought necessary to use some type of crimping operation to provide an adequate seal. Generally speaking, the closures of the prior art milk bottles have been of a type whereby they provide an inadequate re-closing function following their initial removal from the bottle.
It will be appreciated that where a tamper resistant feature of a push-on closure involves the use of frangible tabs, reliance cannot be made on the mechanical advantage provided by screw threads to generate a force that is adequate for their rupture.
Where the bottles to which the bottle caps are to be fitted are returnable for re-use, it is undesirable that the latch ring remains firmly attached to the bottle following the removal of the bottle cap.
It is a primary object of this invention to provide a one piece molded tamper resistant push-on closure that is suited for closing glass bottles.
It is another object of this invention to provide such closures which do not necessitate assembly on the neck of the bottle, and which accordingly, are readily adaptable for use with existing closure machinery.
It is yet another object of this invention to provide such closures with frangible members that can be ruptured without the necessity of using excessive force.
It is still a further object of this invention to provide such closures that are easily removable to permit the re-use of the bottle.
It is a still further object of this invention to provide closures of the above type that provide a good re-closure following their initial removal.