Systems, methods and computer program products for determining a schedule for synchronizing a server and a client are described herein. The method operates by tracking user usage of the client to develop usage patterns. A sync schedule is generated using the usage patterns, where the sync schedule enhances at least one of sync usefulness and sync transparency. The server and client are synchronized according to the sync schedule. More particularly, a sync fitness measure for an interval t is determined. The sync fitness measure is based on at least one of (a) sync transparency; and (b) sync usefulness. It is determined whether the sync fitness measure satisfies a threshold. If the sync fitness measure satisfies the threshold, then the server and client are synchronized during interval t.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is generally directed to synchronization between clients and servers in a computing environment.
2. Background Art
FIG. 1 illustrates a computing environment 102 that includes a server 104 and a client 106 which communication via any known means, such as the Internet 110 (in practice, a plurality of servers 104 and clients 106 may operate in the computing environment 102). From time to time, client 106 synchronizes its state (data, applications, etc.) with server 104.
For example, according to the AVANTGO service (www.avantgo.com) available from iAnywhere Solutions, Inc., a Sybase company, client 106 receives content from one or more web sites 108 when it syncs with server 104. More particularly, server 104 retrieves data from web sites 108 corresponding to channels to which client 106 is subscribed. During a sync operation, server 104 transfers such data to client 106 via the Internet 110. (In an embodiment, as shown in the example of FIG. 1, server 104 and web sites 108 communicate with each other, and the client 106 and the server 104 communicate with each other, but the client 106 does not directly communicate with web sites 108. Instead, client 106 receives content from web sites 108 via server 104.)
In the past, sync operations usually took place when the client 106 was in a cradle connected to a computer via a wired connection, which was in turn connected to the Internet 110 via another wired connection.
Now, a multitude of well known client devices exist with functionality to wirelessly connect to the Internet. With such client devices, synchronizations can occur at any time.
Synchronization operations demand substantial computer and network resources, and often require a non-trivial amount of time to complete. A user's experience is diminished if a sync occurs while the user is trying to use the client device.
Also, by definition, synchronizations are performed to provide the user with up-to-date information when he is using the client device. The usefulness of a sync is diminished if the period between when the sync is performed, and when the user next uses the client device, is great.
Accordingly, what are needed are improved approaches for performing syncs between clients and servers.


Compositions are described which are formulated as emulsions of a hydrophilic nonionic surfactant and a hydrophobic nonionic surfactant, and which further comprise an effective amount of benzoyl peroxide. Preferred compositions further comprise hudrogen peroxide. The compositions herein are particularly useful for the bleaching of fabrics.

Compositions for the bleaching of laundry have been extensively described in the art. Bleaching compositions can be classified into peroxide bleaching compositions and hypochlorite bleaching compositions. Peroxide bleaching compositions have the advantage over hypochlorite bleaching compositions that they are generally considered as being somewhat safer to fabrics, specifically to colored fabrics. Peroxide compositions however have the inconveniency that they are often chemically unstable, which makes it difficult to formulate peroxide bleaching compositions which are sufficiently stable to be commercialized. A possible solution to this problem consists in formulating compositions with a high level of peroxide, to extend the "effective" period of the composition. A possible drawback of this solution is that compositions may reach the user which still comprise a high amount of peroxide, whereby possible skin itching may occur if the user's skin comes in contact with the peroxide composition. This itching phenomenon is quite moderate and fully reversible, but is does constitute potential discomfort for the user.
Also, peroxide species are poorly effective in bleaching at lower temperatures, so that it is required to formulate activated peroxide bleaching compositions for use across a wider range of temperatures. Activated bleaching compositions comprise a bleach activator, typically a peracid precursor, which will react in an aqueous medium with hydrogen peroxide to form the corresponding peracid. This peracid is more effective at lower temperatures.
It is thus an object of the present invention to formulate a peroxide bleaching composition which is stable, without having to resort to using higher amounts of peroxide, and which can be activated in a stable manner.
It is also an object of the present invention to formulate a bleaching composition with superior bleaching performance.
In response we have now found that this object can be met by formulating an aqueous emulsion of nonionic surfactants, in which benzoyl peroxide is incorporated. Benzoyl peroxide may constitute the bleaching peroxide specie alone, as it hydrolyzes in aqueous medium in neutral/alkaline pH so as to generate a peracid. But in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a composition is formulated which comprises hydrogen peroxide in one phase of the emulsion and benzoyl peroxide in the other phase of the emulsion.
Bleaching compositions formulated as emulsions have been disclosed in EP 598 170. The compositions in '170 are emulsions comprising hydrogen peroxide in one phase and a hydrophobic liquid ingredient in the other phase. This hydrophobic liquid ingredient can be a peracid precursor.


An interlayer film for a laminated glass includes a thermoplastic resin and a plasticizer. The ratio of a high molecular weight component with an absolute molecular weight of 1000000 or more in the thermoplastic resin is 7.4% or higher, or the ratio of a high molecular weight component with a polystyrene-equivalent molecular weight of 1000000 or more in the thermoplastic resin is 9% or higher. A first multilayer interlayer for a laminated glass includes an interlayer film for a laminated glass and an interlayer film for a laminated glass that contains it thermoplastic resin and a plasticizer, and is laminated on one face of the interlayer film for a laminated glass.

A laminated glass is a safety glass which, even when broken by impact from the outside, shatters into few flying glass fragments. For this reason, a laminated glass is widely used for cars, rail cars, aircrafts, boats and ships, buildings, and the like. The laminated glass is produced by sandwiching an interlayer film for a laminated glass between a pair of glass plates.
Patent Document 1 provides one example of the interlayer film for a laminated glass; that is, Patent Document 1 teaches an interlayer film containing 100 parts by weight of a polyvinyl acetal resin and 20 to 60 parts by weight of a mixture of triethylene glycol mono-2-ethylhexanoate and triethylene glycol di-2-ethylhexanoate.
Patent Document 2 teaches a sound insulation layer that contains 100 parts by weight of a polyvinyl acetal resin having a degree of acetalization of 60 to 85 mol %, 0.001 to 1.0 part by weight of at least one metal salt of alkali metal salts and alkaline earth metal salts, and at least 30 parts by weight of a plasticizer. This sound insulation layer alone can be used as an interlayer film.
Patent Document 2 also teaches a multilayer interlayer film in which the sound insulation layer and another layer are laminated. The another layer laminated on the sound insulation layer contains 100 parts by weight of a polyvinyl acetal resin having a degree of acetalization of 60 to 85 mol %, 0.001 to 1.0 part by weight of at least one metal salt among alkali metal salts and alkaline earth metal salts, and 30 parts by weight or less of a plasticizer.
Patent Document 1: JP 2001-097745 A
Patent Document 2: JP 2007-070200 A

Intermediate film for laminated glass, multilayer intermediate film for laminated glass, and laminated glass


A question answering system includes a question answering unit, an analysis unit, a tree structure generation unit, a feature extraction unit, an evaluation unit and a re-ranking unit. The question answering unit executes search processing based on an input question and acquires answer candidates to the question. The analysis unit executes syntactic analysis processing or syntactic and semantic analysis processing on a passage obtained as a result of the search processing. The tree structure generation unit generates a tree structure based on an analysis result. The feature extraction unit extracts a relation between a search word applied in the search processing and each acquired answer candidate as a feature corresponding to each answer candidate from the tree structure. The evaluation unit determines an evaluation value of each answer candidate based on the feature extracted. The re-ranking unit re-ranks the answer candidates based on the evaluation values.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a question answering system, a data search method, and a computer program, and more particularly to a question answering system, a data search method, and a computer program, which can provide a more precise answer to a question in a system wherein the user enters a question sentence and an answer to the question is provided.
2. Description of the Related Art
Recently, network communications through the Internet, etc., have grown in use and various services have been conducted through the network. One of the services through the network is search service. In the search service, for example, a search server receives a search request from a user terminal such as a personal computer or a mobile terminal connected to the network and executes a process responsive to the search request and transmits the processing result to the user terminal.
For example, to execute search process through the Internet, the user accesses a Web site providing search service and enters search conditions of a keyword, category, etc., in accordance with a menu presented by the Web site and transmits the search conditions to a server. The server executes a process in accordance with the search conditions and displays the processing result on the user terminal.
Data search process involves various modes. For example, a keyword-based search system wherein the user enters a keyword and list information of the documents containing the entered keyword is presented to the user, a question answering system wherein the user enters a question sentence and an answer to the question is provided, and the like are available. The question answering system is a system wherein the user need not select a keyword and can receive only the answer to the question; it is widely used.
For example, JP 2002-132811 A discloses a typical question answering system. JP 2002-132811 A discloses a question answering system configuration including a question analysis section, an information inspection section, an answer extraction section and a ground presentation section. The question analysis section determines a search word (search keyword) set and the question type from a question sentence presented by the user. The information inspection section makes a search based on the search word (search keyword) set to extract a passage as a sentence including the search word. The answer extraction section extracts several answer candidates from the passage. The ground presentation section presents the ground of the answer candidates.
In such a question answering system, the answer extraction section performs a processing of extracting an answer corresponding to the user question from among the search results; it is not easy to precisely extract only the answer corresponding to the user question from among a large number of search results obtained from the information inspection section.
Then, a technique of inspecting the extracted answer candidate based on hypothesis that a positional relationship between the search word and the answer candidate appearing in a sentence in a passage has a feature is developed. For example, "Is Question Answering an Acquired Skill?" (Ganesh Ramarkrishhnan, Soumen Chakrabarti, Deepa Paranjpe, Pushpak Bhattacharya, in proceedings of the 13th international conference on World Wide Web, pp. 111-120 (2004)) discloses the processing configuration wherein the nearness of a distance between the clauses of the search word and the answer candidate contained in the passage is learned with a decision tree and an answer candidate is selected.
"Question Answering System with Graph Structure from Dependency Analysis" (KURATA Gakuto, OKASAKI Naomi, ISHIZUKA Mitsuru, Information Processing Society of Japan Report NL-158, pp/69-74 (2003)) discloses the processing configuration wherein the results of conducting syntactic analysis on sentences in a passage are graphed and the calculation result of the distance between the search word and the answer candidate contained in the graph is used for ranking the answer candidates.
As described above, if the knowledge sources to be searched, such as a database and a Web page, are searched based on a user question and the extracted passage (sentence group containing search keyword) contains an answer fitted to the question, it is difficult for the question answering system of the related art to efficiently extract an appropriate answer required by the user.
As described above, each of "Is Question Answering an Acquired Skill?" and "Question Answering System Using Graph Structure Based On Modification Relationship" discloses the processing configuration for selecting the answer candidates. Of the related art, in "Is Question Answering an Acquired Skill?", if a sentence has a complicated structure made up of compound sentences, complex sentences, or a large number of modifiers, the clauses containing the search word and the answer candidate tend to be at a distance from each other; this is a problem. In this case, if measurement of the distance between clauses is learned, the appropriate relationship between the search word and the answer candidate is not extracted, and thus an erroneous learning result is output; this is a problem.
In "Question Answering System Using Graph Structure Based On Modification Relationship", the sentence set in the corresponding passage is graphed collectively and the distance is calculated and thus it is impossible to take out the precise relationship between the search word and the answer candidate in comparison with distance calculation in sentence units and it is difficult to appropriately rank the answer candidates; this is a problem.

Question answering system, data search method, and computer program


A signal processing module includes an input module electronically coupled to a sensing probe of a nerve integrity monitoring system. The probe senses electrical signals from a patient during operation of an electrosurgical unit. The input module receives an input signal from the probe. An EMG detection module is coupled to the input module and is adapted to detect conditions in the input signal. The conditions are classified as a function of a level of electromyographic activity. An output module, coupled to the EMG detection module, provides an indication of electromyographic activity in the input signal based on the detected conditions.

The present disclosure relates to a nerve monitoring system. More particularly, it relates to monitoring nerve activity during electrosurgery or in the presence of electrical artifacts from metal surgical instruments.
Electrophysiological monitoring assists a surgeon in locating nerves within an obscured surgical field, as well as preserving and assessing nerve function in real-time during surgery. To this end, nerve integrity monitoring is commonly employed to monitor electromyographic (EMG) activity. During nerve integrity monitoring, sensing or recording electrodes are coupled to appropriate tissue (e.g., cranial muscles innervated or controlled by the nerve of interest, peripheral nerve, spinal cord, brainstem, etc.) to sense EMG activity. Stimulation, for example electrical stimulation or mechanical stimulation, can cause excitement of the tissue. During electrical stimulation, a stimulation probe applies a stimulation signal near the area where the subject nerve may be located. If the stimulation probe contacts or is reasonably near the nerve, the applied stimulation signal is transmitted through the nerve to excite the innervated tissue. In mechanical stimulation, direct physical contact of the appropriate tissue can cause excitement of the tissue. In any event, excitement of the related tissue generates an electrical impulse that is sensed by the recording electrodes (or other sensing device). The recording electrode(s) signal the sensed electrical impulse information to the surgeon for interpretation in the context of determining EMG activity. For example, the EMG activity can be displayed on a monitor and/or presented audibly.
Nerve integrity monitoring is useful for a multitude of different surgical procedures or evaluations that involve or relate to nerve tissue, muscle tissue, or recording of neurogenic potential. For example, various head and neck surgical procedures require locating and identifying cranial and peripheral motor nerves. In some instances, an electrosurgical unit is used to perform these surgical procedures. Current electrosurgical units include a conductive tip or needle that serves as one electrode in an electrical circuit which is completed via a grounding electrode coupled to the patient. Incision of tissue is accomplished by applying a source of electrical energy (most commonly, a radio-frequency generator to the tip). Upon application of the tip to the tissue, a voltage gradient is created, thereby inducing current flow and related heat generation at the point of contact. With sufficiently high levels of electrical energy, the heat generated is sufficient to cut the tissue and, advantageously, to simultaneously cauterize severed blood vessels.
Due to the levels of electrical energy generated by electrosurgical units, systems for nerve integrity monitoring experience a large amount of electrical interference when used during electrosurgical procedures. The electrical interference can create incorrect signals of EMG activity (e.g., false positives) as well as introduce a significant amount of noise in the nerve integrity monitoring system. As a result, current techniques involve using a probe to mute all channels of the nerve integrity monitoring system during an electrosurgical procedure. As a result, monitoring of EMG activity is suspended during operation of the electrosurgical unit. In order for a surgeon to prevent cutting a nerve with the electrosurgical unit, the surgeon will cut for a brief period and then stop cutting such that nerve integrity monitoring can be restored. If no EMG activity is detected, the surgeon can then cut for another brief period, while pausing intermittently to restore nerve integrity monitoring so as to prevent from cutting a nerve. This process is repeated until the surgeon is completed with the electrosurgical procedure. Without being able to monitor EMG activity during an electrosurgical procedure, the electrosurgical procedure can be cumbersome and time consuming.


A tank valve for installation at a pressure gas tank has a base body including a first base body section, which in the assembled state projects into the pressure gas tank and is sealingly connected with the same, and includes a second base body section, which in the assembled state remains outside the pressure gas tank. The tank valve further has a plurality of functional sub-groups for refueling the pressure gas tank via a refueling path, for the extraction of gas from the pressure gas tank via an extraction path, and for implementing safety and operating functions.

The present invention relates to a tank valve. Moreover, the present invention relates to the use of such a tank valve.
A tank valve for installation at a pressure gas tank is generally known from the prior art. Such a tank valve is also often referred to by the English term on tank valve or its abbreviation OTV. The tank valve is a structure including a base body, having at least two sections, a first base body section in the assembled state projecting into the pressure gas tank and being sealingly connected thereto. Typically, this first base body section is screwed via an external thread into an internal thread of a corresponding receptacle of the pressure gas tank. In addition to this first base body in the assembled state positioned within the pressure gas tank or its connection thread, the base body typically has a second base body section, which in the assembled state is located outside of the pressure gas tank. One or typically both of the base body sections have so-called functional sub-groups, which are necessary for realizing the functionality of the tank valve. Such functional sub-groups may be, for example, an extraction valve, a check valve in a refueling line, a safety valve, a (manual) shut-off valve, a filter, a connection socket for a fueling and/or extraction line or the like.
As an example for such a tank valve, JP 2009-168165 A shall be noted, which shows such a tank valve under the designation of high-pressure valve. Additional such valves, for example, are known from US 2009/0146094 A1 or, in the embodiment as a pilot valve, which is also known from EP 1 682 801 B1.
Pressure gas tanks having such tank valves are frequently used in motor vehicles for the storage of gaseous fuels, such as natural gas or hydrogen. In automotive applications, the safety and crash protection always play a crucial role in this instance. In conventionally constructed tank valves, a plurality of functional sub-groups is located in the second base body section positioned outside of the pressure gas tank, in particular, because the installation volume for the first base body section is typically limited by the diameter of the thread of the pressure gas tank. In the event of an accident involving the vehicle or another type of impairment of the gas cylinder in an accident, which can in principle also occur outside of a vehicle, safety-critical situations may thus result, in which the pressure gas tank may be emptied uncontrollably, or in which, owing to sheared safety valves or the like, the pressure gas tank can no longer empty itself. If extreme temperatures develop in such a situation, for example due to a fire, then the pressure gas tank equipped with the damaged tank valve can explode.
The object of the present invention is now to prevent the mentioned disadvantage and to indicate a secure construction of a tank valve.
Similar to the tank valves according to the prior art, the tank valve according to the present invention has a base body, in which a plurality of functional sub-groups is integrated for the refueling of the pressure gas storage tank, for removal of gas from the pressure gas storage tank and for the implementation of security functions. For this purpose, a first base body section projecting into the interior of the pressure gas tank and in the assembled state is, in particular via a thread, connected to a corresponding receptacle in the pressure gas tank. According to the present invention, it is now such that individual functional sub-groups are situated in or at the first base body section. In this instance, the functional sub-groups are in particular security-relevant functional sub-groups. Owing to their positioning in the first base body section or to being installed at the first base body section in the direction of the interior of the pressure gas tank, the functional sub-groups in the case of damage to the pressure gas tank are comparatively secure having the screwed-on tank valve. This is in particular advantageous if the pressure gas tank having the screwed-on tank valve is, for example, used in a vehicle and is negatively impacted in an accident. In this instance, the pressure gas tank itself is typically very stable, in particular the receiving device, to which the tank valve is connected, in most cases screw-connected. The first base body section, which is located within the pressure gas tank and to a large extent of its expansion within the receiving device of the pressure gas tank for the tank valve, is correspondingly well protected so that, even in the event of damage to the tank valve and, for example, a shearing of the second base body section of the tank valve from the first base body section, the functional sub-groups disposed in the first base body section remain undamaged. This good protection is, in particular in automotive applications, a decisive advantage for security.
In principle, a plurality of functional sub-groups can be disposed in the first base body section. On account of the typically constricted space in the interior of the receiving device and the necessary material of the first base body section to ensure a sufficient stability of the tank valve, the available installation space in the first base body section is limited. For this reason, in particular the security-relevant functional sub-groups can be disposed in this area of the first base body section.
According to an advantageous further refinement of the idea, it is therefore provided that in the first base body section at least one nonreturn valve is provided in the refueling path or in a refueling line forming the refueling path within the base body. Such a nonreturn valve in a refueling line ensures that the refueling line, when not used, is closed by the gas pressurized in the pressure gas storage tank. For this purpose, typically a nonreturn valve having an additional spring support against the direction of flow is provided during refueling. This security-relevant component can now be disposed in the first base body section so that it is safely accommodated.
According to a further very advantageous embodiment of the idea, it now can further be provided that the functional sub-groups in the first base body section include a pipe burst protection in the extraction path. Such a pipe burst protection ensures that, in the event of a burst or a failure of the pipe, the pipe will be closed. The pipe may in particular be made of a valve device, which as a function of a differential pressure between the side facing the interior of the pressure gas tank and the other side facing the downstream side of an extraction line. If on the side of the extraction path no pressure is present or if the pressure rapidly decreases, for example because the pipe or a valve disposed in the pipe is damaged or sheared off, then the pipe burst protection closes the pipe by a valve body, and thus prevents the outflow of gas from the pressure gas tank. These safety-relevant components also can now be disposed, in particular, in the interior of the pressure gas tank, and, for this reason, can be disposed on or in the first base body section of the tank valve.
According to a further very advantageous embodiment of the idea, it can be furthermore provided that the functional sub-groups in the first base body section include a rigid cover in a line segment leading to or from a safety valve. Typically, tank valves have safety valves, for example thermally actuated safety valves. Via these safety valves, for the case that these safety valves respond, gas is discharged from the interior of the pressure gas tank to prevent an extreme overpressure and the risk of an explosion of the pressure gas tank. For example, this can be the case when a fire occurs. In order to prevent an uncontrolled outflow also in the case that the tank valve itself is damaged and for example the safety valve, which can be disposed in the second base body section, is separated from the first base body section, according to this advantageous further refinement of the idea, a rigid cover can be provided in the first base body section. By design, the volume of the outflowing gases is limited via this rigid cover so that the gas outflows from the interior of the pressure gas tank by a comparatively controlled volumetric flow and so that the gas does not uncontrollably escape into the surroundings.
In a further very advantageous variation of the tank valve according to the present invention, it may now be provided that a safety valve, in particular a thermally actuated safety valve, as described in the previous paragraph, is integrated in the first base body section or it is installed at the first base body section in the direction of the tank interior. The safety valve important with regard to safety, in particular the thermally actuated safety valve, provides a further advantage with regard to safety in the case of damage to the tank valve, for example by shearing of the second base body section, which in the assembled state of the tank valve is located outside of the pressure gas storage tank. Since the base body according to an ideal embodiment is configured from a highly heat conductive metallic material, for example aluminum, in the case of increased temperature, for example owing to a fire, the heat is reliably conducted via the base body into the area of the thermally actuated safety valve so that its integration into first base body section results into advantages with regard to safety and does not have disadvantages with regard to triggering.
According to a further very advantageous idea of the present invention, it may now be provided that further functional sub-groups are disposed in the second base body section. For this purpose, it may be provided that all functional sub-groups located in the second base body section, thus the section of the base body in the assembled state located outside of the pressure gas tank, are disposed in one plane. In this instance, this positioning in one plane refers to the primary axial alignment and the direction of actuation of the individual functional sub-groups. In particular, the functional sub-groups can be configured in such a way so that they can be screw-connected to the base body. The central axes of the bores in the base body having the threads for accommodating such functional subgroups are disposed in the tank valve according to the present invention in a single plane of the base body. The integration of all functional sub-groups in the second base body section within a single plane enables a very compact construction of the second base body section. For example, the second base body section can, when used in a pressure gas tank for storing hydrogen at a nominal pressure of 70 MPa, be configured in such a way that it has a thickness of only about 25 to 35 mm. As a result, an extraordinarily compact construction of the tank valve according to the present invention is possible.
According to a very advantageous further refinement of the idea, the plane in this instance is disposed in a perpendicular manner to a central axis of the first base body section and, in particular, to a central axis of the pressure gas tank. Typically, the first base body section has a central axis, which typically coincides with the central axis of the pressure gas tank because the first base body section is typically screw-connected to a central intake of the pressure gas tank. The plane having the functional sub-groups of the second base body section, is situated in a perpendicular manner to this central axis, thus to the rotary axis of the tank valve, when it is screw-connected to the pressure gas tank. As a result, an extraordinarily compact construction is possible, in which the axial length of the pressure gas tank having the installed tank valve is extraordinarily small. In particular when used for the storage of fuel in a vehicle, this is a significant advantage because the available installation space can be used in such a way that the maximum storage volume of the pressure gas tank can be realized. In so doing, a corresponding high operating distance of the vehicle can be achieved. In particular, the operating distance can, vis-à-vis the use of conventional tank valves for an unaltered installation space available in the vehicle, be increased by increasing the volume of the pressure gas tank.
According to a very advantageous further refinement of the idea, the functional sub-groups in this instance are situated in parallel and/or arranged in a star formation in the second base body section. Within the plane, the functional sub-groups are thus situated in parallel and/or in a star formation in the second base body section. This enables, also with regard to the available installation space in the radial direction in relation to a central axis of the plane, a very compact system. This reduces the required installation space also in this direction and serves in particular also weight savings since the base body can be realized in a correspondingly compact manner and with less material. Furthermore, this positioning serves a very simple and efficient drilling of the intakes for the functional sub-groups and for the channels necessary in the second base body section.
As already mentioned, the functional sub-groups can be configured to be screw-connected to the base body, as it is also provided according to an advantageous further refinement of the tank valve according to the present invention.
A further very advantageous embodiment of the valve tank according to the present invention furthermore provides that the base body is made of an aluminum alloy. According to an advantageous further refinement, the base body in particular can be forged. Such fabrication of the base body made of an aluminum alloy, in particular as a forged component, is simple, inexpensive and allows the production of a high strength and yet lightweight component. The functional subgroups made from a stainless steel material then can typically be screw-connected.
According to a further very advantageous embodiment of the tank valve according to the present invention, for this purpose, at least some of the following functional sub-groups can be integrated in the second base body section:                extraction valve, in particular in the form of a pilot valve, which preferably is electromagnetically actuatable;        a safety valve, in particular a thermally actuated safety valve, provided that this safety valve is not already disposed or installed at the first base body section;        a shut-off valve, preferably a manually actuatable shut-off valve;        a drain valve, in particular a manually actuatable drain valve;        a filter, in particular an inlet filter;        a gas connection for refueling with gas and/or extracting gas;        a discharge connection, which in particular is connectable to a line segment, which serves the discharge of gas escaping via the safety valve and/or the drain valve.
Further functional sub-groups known per se, which in principle are known to those skilled in the art, can also be configured in an integrated manner in the second base body section.
As already mentioned multiple times, the decisive advantage of the tank valve is its very high safety, also for the case that the tank valve is damaged, for example, as result of an accident. This advantage is correspondingly advantageous in particular in automotive applications. For this reason, a use of the tank valve at a pressure gas tank for the storage of hydrogen or natural gas as a fuel, and here in particular for a nominal pressure of more than 65 MPa, is provided in a vehicle.
Further advantageous embodiments of the tank valve according to the present invention and its use moreover result from the exemplary embodiments, which subsequently are described in greater detail in reference to the figures.


An interlocking construction block having a predefined finish, suitable for the construction of buildings and featuring elements that allow the passage of pipes, ducts or iron rods inside it, enabling construction to be carried out more efficiently, with the consequent reduction in labor and material requirements.

Labor accounts for a large part of the costs of traditional building construction. For example, traditional construction with bricks or blocks attached to pillars and beams requires a significant amount of labor, both for the mounting of materials as well as for the subsequent placement of elements such as internal ducts and pipes.
To reduce costs, various builders have sought to develop construction elements that could be assembled more efficiently. Among such construction elements, blocks have been developed that can be interlocked and that allow for less labor.
Application ES2354091 shows a construction block that comprises a half-round cavity that allows the passage of ducts, pipes and cables, and which also allows cutting out sections to enable the placement of built-in boxes. The block, however, is intended for traditional construction.
Application EP0320745 shows a modular block that can be interlocked with pillars and beams built for such purpose. The block comprises modules that allow pouring the material but does not feature a channel structure for the introduction of ducts or pipes. A similar solution is described in patent U.S. Pat. No. 5,706,620.
The number of different pieces needed to construct the building increases with the presence of pillars and beams, with the consequent logistical complexity at the time of carrying out the construction.
Application WO9428262 shows a block that is an improvement of that shown in application EP0320745. The block has, in addition to modules, a series of circular holes that allow the introduction of ducts and pipes before filling the block. However, this solution also requires the use of pillars and beams, in the same way as shown in applications EP0320745 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,706,620. Therefore, WO9428262 requires, in addition to blocks, a series of joining parts to assemble the structure, especially in the junctions with corners.
The presence of pillars and beams requires that the wall built with these blocks must be erected in situ.
There is then the need for a construction block that allows interlocking without requiring pillar- or beam-like pieces in such a way that the block is self-supported and allows the passage of pipes or ducts within it.


A gaming machine including a modular cabinet system is described herein. The modular cabinet system includes a cabinet stand assembly, a control unit housing mounted on the cabinet stand assembly, and a display unit support assembly mounted to the control unit housing. The control unit housing defines an interior cavity enclosing a game control unit assembly of the gaming machine. The display unit support assembly includes a primary display support member and a primary bracket assembly slidably coupled to the primary display support member. The primary display support member defines an interior equipment cavity configured to receive the primary bracket assembly therein. The primary bracket assembly is coupled to a primary display unit of the gaming machine to support the primary display unit from the primary display support member and to allow the primary display unit to move with respect to the primary display support member.

A gaming machine represented by a slot machine is highly popular among casino customers as a device that provides gaming that is easy to enjoy, and recent statistics report that sales from gaming machines account for the majority of casino earnings. At least some known gaming machines include a gaming cabinet enclosing a game control unit and supports a button display and one or more display monitors. Known gaming cabinets are designed to support predesigned display monitor configurations. As such, changes to the display monitor configurations are difficult and expensive. A gaming machine that enables changes in display monitor configurations is desired. The present invention addresses one or more of the aforementioned challenges.

Gaming machine and modular cabinet system for use with gaming machines


In a mobile phone having a liquid crystal display unit, the entire liquid crystal display unit is displayed in a simple display mode at lest in a non-operating standby mode. In the simple display mode, the entire liquid crystal display unit is driven by reducing the number of gradation levels or by decreasing a liquid crystal driving voltage. By using such a controlling method, the power consumption of the liquid crystal display unit can be reduced in the non-operating standby mode. On the other hand, necessary information such as time and the amount of remaining battery is displayed such that the information can be read.

In the field of mobile phones, new models of multifunction are being developed one after another. Multifunction is a requirement of the time. On the other hand, extending a continuous operation time without charging has been a fundamental requirement. In this circumstance, various power-saving measures are proposed, some of them being conducted.
In a mobile phone, power is consumed not only during a phone call but also in a standby mode. The power-consuming part of a mobile phone includes a control unit (CPU) for controlling the entire mobile phone, a radio communication unit for performing transmission/reception, and a display unit.
For example, in a folding mobile phone, in which the display unit cannot be seen when folded, the display unit is not driven so as to save power when the mobile phone is folded and is in a standby mode. Since the display unit cannot be seen when the mobile phone is folded, power-saving measures in which the display unit is not driven is very effective and practical.
However, in an ordinal mobile phone which cannot be folded, time and the amount of remaining battery should be displayed even in a non-operating standby mode. Therefore, most of commercially available mobile phones are configured such that time and the amount of remaining battery are displayed.
In response to such requirements, mobile phones including an STN-type liquid crystal display unit, which have the following function, have been proposed. That is, the entire liquid crystal display unit is not driven and only time and the amount of remaining battery can be partially displayed in a non-operating standby mode.
On the other hand, the display unit of mobile phones is expected to shift from an STN-type liquid display to a TFT-LCD in accordance with requirements of colorization, high-resolution, and moving image. Since power consumption will increase in accordance with colorization, high-definition, and adoption of a TFT-LCD, requirement for power saving will further increase. However, the TFT-LCD uses a different driving technique from that for the STN-type liquid crystal display. Thus, the above-described power-saving measures for the STN-type liquid crystal display unit cannot be applied to the TFT-LCD. Therefore, under present circumstances, only a method as disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 10-65598, in which the entire display unit is not at all driven, can be applied in order to save power in the TFT-LCD. In this method, however, time and the amount of remaining battery cannot be displayed in a non-operating standby mode.
Accordingly, the present invention provides a power-saving driving method for a TFT-LCD display device in which required information can be displayed while reducing power consumption in a TFT-LCD in a non-operating standby mode in a mobile phone or the like including a TFT-LCD.

Power saving driving method of mobile telephone


Thymidine kinase inhibitor of formula I ##STR1## in which R is C.sub.1-6 alkyl or AR(CH.sub.2).sub.n --, wherein Ar represents phenyl optionally substituted with one to five same or different halogen, C.sub.1-6 alkyl or C.sub.1-6 alkyloxy; and n equals one to six.. A further aspect of the present invention provides a method of inhibiting viral thymidine kinase. Yet another aspect of the invention relates to treating herpes simplex viral infections in mammals. Yet another aspect of the invention provides a pharmaceutical formulation.

This invention relates to inhibitors of viral thymidine kinases.
Herpes simplex viruses type (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2) induce unique virus-specified thymidine kinases (dthd kinase) in infected cells. While the activity of viral dthd kinase does not appear to be critical for virus replication in cell culture systems, studies have suggested that it is important for virus pathogenicity and reactiviation of latent virus from neural cells. Nutter et al., Demonstration of Viral Thymidine Kinase Inhibitor and Its Effect on Dexoynucleotide Metabolism in Cells Infected with Hempers Simplex Virus, Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, Vol 31, No. 3, pp d368-374 (1987). Thus it is the intention of this invention to provide novel thymidine kinase inhibitors for antiviral agents in mammals.

Thymidine derivatives and therapeutic method of use


An automated data storage library for storing and accessing a plurality of data storage media stored in a plurality of storage slots. A plurality of accessors access the data storage media between the storage slots and data recording device(s), an operator interface allows an operator to designate one of the accessors as active, and a library manager is interconnected with the accessors and with the operator interface to set operation modes of the accessors. The library manager sets the operation mode of one of the accessors to the active mode (A) in an initial decision, first (1), based on the relative conditions of the accessors, the conditions having three levels (a) fully available, (b) degraded, and (c) not available, and, if all the accessors are in the same level of condition, second (2), an arbitrarily selected one of the accessors, and (B) in an override decision, based on the active accessor if designated at the operator interface, or, if not designated, on the one of the accessors last in the active mode.

Automated data storage libraries are known for providing cost effective access to large quantities of stored data. Generally, data storage libraries include a large number of storage slots in which are stored portable data storage media. The typical portable data storage medium is a tape cartridge or an optical cartridge. An accessor typically accesses the data storage media from the storage slots and delivers the accessed media to a data recording device for reading and/or writing data on the accessed media. Suitable electronics both operate the accessor and operate the data recording devices to transmit and/or receive data from an attached on-line host computer system.
In a conventional automated data storage library, the storage slots are arranged in a planar orthogonal arrangement forming a "wall" of storage slots for holding data storage media. The plane may be a flat plane, or may be a cylindrical plane. To double the storage capacity, two "walls" of storage slots may be provided on either side of the accessor.
A number of different companies manufacture automated data storage libraries today, each model displaying various different features. One example is the IBM 3494 Data Storage Library. Some of the automated data storage libraries have dual or multiple accessors to provide a level of redundancy, in that, one accessor is the "active" accessor and the other is a "spare". Thus, if the active accessor fails, another may take over the accessor function and be the active accessor.
Conventionally, one of the accessors is always the active accessor, and the other(s) are always spare. For example, in a dual accessor automated data storage library, the accessors are typically located at opposite ends of an aisle (between the parallel walls of storage slots). One of the accessors is at the "A" end of the aisle and is typically the active accessor, and the other accessor is at the opposite "B" end of the aisle and is typically the standby accessor. The only time that the accessors are switched is when the active accessor fails.

Selection of an active accessor in a multi-accessor automated data storage library

International Business Machines Corporation


The present technology relates to a semiconductor device, a manufacturing method of a semiconductor device, a semiconductor wafer, and electronic equipment, which allow a semiconductor device, in which miniaturization is possible, to be provided. A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, a wiring layer that is formed on the semiconductor substrate, and a drive circuit that is provided in a circuit forming region of the semiconductor substrate. Then, the semiconductor device is configured to include a pad electrode that is electrically connected to the drive circuit and exposed from the side surface of the wiring layer, and an external connection terminal that is provided in side surfaces of the semiconductor substrate and the wiring layer, and is electrically connected to the pad electrode.

The demand of a solid state imaging device (image sensor) as a semiconductor device used in electronic equipment has been increasing. For the solid state imaging device, a structure of a so-called back-illumination has been proposed in which a drive circuit is formed on the surface of a semiconductor substrate and a back surface is a light receiving side, in order to intend to improve photoelectric conversion efficiency and sensitivity with respect to incident light. In the backside illumination type solid state imaging device, it is possible to increase a light receiving aperture ratio of the light receiving surface, and to increase an incident area of light in the same chip area.
Further, in the backside illumination type solid state imaging device, wiring and contact pads may be provided below a sensor, as compared to a front side illumination type. Therefore, the backside illumination type solid state imaging device has a structure in which the wirings are provided on the surface of a substrate, and thus the miniaturization of a device is possible, as compared to the front side illumination type solid state imaging device having the same light receiving area. Then, the device is miniaturized, such that it is possible to increase a chip yield in a wafer surface.
Meanwhile, in the backside illumination type solid state imaging device, since there are no contact pads on the upper surface, a method of connecting the contact pads from the outside is a problem. As a solution method, a method has been proposed in which an external connection terminal is provided in an outer peripheral portion of a circuit forming region of the semiconductor device in which various active elements and circuits are arranged (for example, see PTL 1). The external connection terminal is configured to be able to be connected from the surface on the light receiving surface side of the backside illumination type solid state imaging device.

Semiconductor device, manufacturing method of semiconductor device, semiconductor wafer, and electronic equipment


A data classifier classifies a plurality of input pattern data into one or more clusters. For each pattern data, a cluster to which the pattern data belongs is provisionally determined. For each cluster, a predetermined correlation value is calculated between one or more pattern data belonging to the cluster and observational pattern data which is a target to be classified into a cluster. A cluster to which the observational pattern data belongs is determined based on the correlation values.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a data classifier for classifying various data, such as sensory data including image and voice information.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, the amount of information people receive has rapidly increased with the spread and advancement of information devices. In this environment, in order to facilitate selection of desired information, there is a strong demand for techniques for recognizing and classifying information without any human intervention.
To address this demand, there is a known clustering method wherein data to be classified are compared and similar data are classified into groups of data. For the determination of similarity, various methods are known such as, for example, a maximum likelihood method, a K-means method, a merge method, and an MDS (Multi-Dimensional Scaling) method. These clustering methods all require human execution of processes such as parameter setting.
On the other hand, as a method for performing the clustering process relatively autonomously, a method is known wherein input image data which is one of pattern data is classified and sorted on a lattice space map. For this classification and sorting, for example, a self-organizing feature mapping (hereinafter abbreviated simply as "SOM") is used (T. Kohonen, Self-organizing formation of topologically correct feature maps, Biological Cybernetics, 1982). The SOM is a network having two layers consisting of an input layer in which data is input and a competitive layer of a lattice space map. The input is weighted and input to each lattice. A group of weights for the input components is called a weight vector.
At first, the weight vector is initialized through the following process. As described in the Kohonen reference described above, a number of input vectors are selected at random from among a plurality of input vectors (corresponding to a feature set at this point) which is a target for learning, the number being identical to a number of prototypes, and the weight vectors for the lattices are initialized. Also according to Kohonen, it is also possible to randomly set initial values for the weight vectors.
Next, a learning process is performed for the weight vectors. During the learning steps, a feature set for learning is generated and a predetermined measured value (for example, Euclid distance) is calculated from the learning feature set and the weight vectors of lattices in the lattice space. From among the lattices, a lattice having the maximum correlation (minimum measure) is found (this lattice is called a "winning node"). For lattices located in the neighborhood of this lattice (winning node) in the lattice space, the weight vector of each of these lattices is adjusted such that the measured value between the learning feature set and the lattice is reduced. After repeating the learning process while adjusting the weight vectors in such a manner, lattices having minimum values with respect to a feature set made of features that are similar to each other become concentrated in a particular area, so that a condition can be obtained which can be applied for data classification. In this process, the selection of lattices in which the weight vectors are to be adjusted is made depending on the distance on the map from the winning node. It is preferable that the amount of adjustment be variable depending on the distance from the winning node c and the magnitude of the amount of adjustment also be changeable. In general, the weight vector w is adjusted based on the following equation (1) so that the vector becomes more similar to the weight vector I of a neighborhood node:
[Equation (1)]wj(t+1)−wj(t)+hcj[I(t)−w(t)]  (1)wherein[Equation 2]
      h    cj    =            α                    (        t        )              ·          exp                    [                                                                                            r                  c                                -                                  r                  j                                                                    2                                2            ·                                          (                                  σ                                                        (                    t                    )                                                  )                            2                                      ]            in which α(t) represents a parameter known as a learning coefficient which controls the magnitude of the amount of adjustment and σ(t) represents a function referred to as a neighborhood function which determines the variation in the range for adjusting the weight vectors, both of which monotonically decreases with respect to time t. Adjustment according to equation (1) is performed for all lattices that belong in a range of an inter-node distance of Rmax on the map from the winning node whereinRmax≧∥rc−rj∥  [Equation 3]With repetition of learning, the value of Rmax decreases as a result of influence of the neighborhood function σ(t). As the neighborhood function σ(t), a function such as a triangular type function, a rectangular (quadrangular) type function, and a Mexican hat type function can be used. It is also known that the selection of the neighborhood function σ(t) also influences the learning results. The parameter "t" represents "time step" and is incremented every time a feature set is input. The factor ∥rc−rj∥ represents a norm (distance) between the winning node and the node in which the weight vector is to be adjusted.
Simple application of the above technique, however, does not allow immediate execution of autonomous data classification. In order to realize autonomous data classification, the appropriateness of the lattice space map must be determined after completion of the learning process. In other words, (1) a method for obtaining an optimum lattice space map is required. In addition, when data is to be classified using the lattice space map after the learning process, it is appropriate to create, in the lattice space, boundaries which form the basis for classification and to classify data given as the classification target based on where the lattice having the minimum measure with respect to the feature set corresponding to the data is located relative to the boundaries (regions in the lattice space separated by the boundaries will be referred to simply as "clusters" hereinafter). That is, (2) a method for determining the boundaries of clusters is also required.
Among these required methods, as (1) a method for obtaining an optimum lattice space map, Kohonen proposes a method for selecting a map in which the average quantization error is minimum. That is, from among a plurality of lattice space maps formed using different learning conditions, a map having the minimum average quantization error is selected and is used as an approximated optimum lattice space map. In this method, the topology of the space of the input feature set is not reflected in the topology of the map. In other words, the degree of preservation of topology is low. This may lead to erroneous classification depending on the method for clustering.
As a method which takes into consideration the preservation of topology, a technique for forming an appropriate map by monitoring a predetermined indication called a topological function (topographic function) to control the learning conditions (Auto-SOM) has also been developed. However, the calculation of the topographic function itself is a heavily loaded process, and therefore, there is a problem in that the learning time increases.
As (2) a method for autonomously determining the boundaries of clusters, a method known as a U-matrix method (Unified Distance Matrix Method) and a method known as a potential method are both under development. The U-matrix method is described in detail in A. Ultsch et al., "Kno ledge Extraction from Artificial Neural Networks and Applications", Proc. Transputer Anwender Treffen/World Transputer Congress TAT/WTC 93 Aachen, Springer 1993. In the U-matrix method, a sum of the absolute values of differences between the corresponding components of the weight vectors of the two lattices or the root-mean square of the differences is defined as the distance between two adjacent lattices on a map. With such a definition, the distance between adjacent lattices that are each strongly associated (that is, these lattices have weight vectors which are close to the feature set; these lattices will herein after be described as "prototyped to the feature set") with feature sets having a high similarity, that is, the distance between adjacent lattices that are prototyped to two feature sets having a high similarity, is small. In contrast, the distance between adjacent lattices that are each prototyped to two feature sets having a low similarity is large. Considering a three-dimensional surface with the height representing the magnitude of the distance, the height of a surface corresponding to a distance between lattices each prototyped to feature sets having a high similarity will be low and a "valley" is formed, whereas the height of a surface corresponding to a distance between lattices prototyped to feature sets having a low similarity will be high and a "hill" is formed. Therefore, by forming the boundaries along the "hills", it is possible to define a group (cluster) of lattices that are prototyped to feature sets having a high similarity. The U-matrix method can be considered as a method for compensating a disadvantage of the self-organizing map that the distance in the input space is not preserved.
The U-matrix method, however, suffers a problem in that although it is possible to define the boundaries when the height differences between the "hills" and "valleys" are significant, in many actual information processes, the height differences between the "hills" and "valleys" are not as significant as desired, and the height of the three-dimensional surface varies rather gradually. In such cases, manual setting of the boundaries is necessary. Therefore, the U-matrix method in some cases does not allow autonomous determination of boundaries.
The "potential method" is disclosed in D. Coomans, D. L. Massart, Anal. Chem. Acta., 5-3, 225-239 (1981). In the potential method, a probability density function of a population which approximately represents input data is estimated using a predetermined potential function and by superposing a value of a function corresponding to input data, and the regions where the amount of superposition is small are determined as the boundaries. As the potential function, a Gaussian type function is commonly used. More specifically, for a group of input data made of N input vectors each having K dimensions, average potentials received by first input data from the other input data (contribution of the first input on the overall input group) ψ1 is defined using the following equations (2) and (3).
[Equation 4]
                              Ψ          i                =                              N                          -              1                                                                    ∑                              g                =                1                            N                                                                                Φ                              l                .                g                                                                        (        2        )                                                                                Φ                                          l                      .                      g                                                        =                                                                                [                                                                                (                                                              2                                                                π                                                            )                                                                                K                              /                              2                                                                                ·                                                      α                            K                                                                          ]                                                                    -                        1                                                                                exp                        [                                                  -                                                                                (                                                              2                                                                α                                                            )                                                        2                                                                          )                                                                    -                        1                                                                                ∑                                                  k                          =                          1                                                K                                                                                (                                                                                x                              kl                              ′                                                        -                                                          x                              kg                              ′                                                                                )                                                2                                                                                ]                                                                                wherein                                                                                x                  kl                  ′                                =                                                      (                                                                  x                        kl                                            -                                                                        x                          _                                                k                                                              )                                                        σ                    k                                                              ,                                                                    x                    _                                    k                                =                                                      N                                          -                      1                                                                                ∑                                              l                        =                        1                                            N                                                                                x                      kl                                                                                ,                                                σ                  k                                =                                                      [                                                                  ∑                                                  l                          =                          1                                                N                                                                                (                                                                                x                                kl                                                            -                                                                                x                                  _                                                                k                                                                                )                                                    2                                                                                (                                                      N                            -                            1                                                    )                                                                                ]                                                        1                    /                    2                                                                                (        3        )            In these equations, xk1 represents a k-th component of the first input and α represents a smoothing parameter which affects the number of clusters to be classified. Therefore, in the potential method, optimization of distribution function for which the distribution shape is to be assumed and optimization of various parameters are required for each input vector group, that is, knowledge concerning the characteristics of the data to be classification is required in advance, and manual adjustment is therefore required. In addition, in the potential method, as the dimension of the feature set obtained from the input data becomes higher, more samples will be required for determining the appropriate probability density distribution, and therefore the potential method suffers from a problem in that it is difficult to apply the method to a map having only a small number of lattices. In other words, the potential method also does not always ensure autonomous determination of boundaries.
To solve the above-described problems, various techniques have been studied, such as the techniques disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. Hei 7-234854, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. Hei 8-36557, and "Unsupervised Cluster Classification using Data Density Histogram on Self-Organizing Feature Map", papers of the Institute of Electronics, Information, and Communication Engineers, D-II Vol. J79-DII No. 7, pp. 1280-1290, July, 1996. However, each of these techniques presumes that the features to be used for the classification are prototyped to lattices with sufficient distance either in the structure of the input data or in the mapping results. When there is variation in a difference between or an overlapping of distribution shapes for each feature to be classified or in the distance between center of masses of the positions on the map of lattices which are prototyped to the feature, which are common to image data classification, for example, the boundaries of clusters become mingled in a complicated manner on the map and appropriate clustering process cannot be performed.
In addition, in the related art methods, the number of lattices on the map is determined through research and experience in, and there has been no consideration regarding selection of an appropriate number of lattices suitable for actual usage. However, when the number of lattices is less than an appropriate number, there are some cases where the lattices in the section of the cluster boundaries become strongly associated with a feature set which should belong to another cluster, in which case classification error tends to occur more frequently. For this purpose, a technique for increasing or decreasing the number of lattices such that the average quantization error becomes lower than a predetermined number is disclosed in James S. Kirket al., "A Self-Organized Map with Dynamic Architecture for Efficient Color Quantization", IJCNN '01, 2128-2132. In this technique, however, lattices that image data distribution in the space of a feature set corresponding to the input data are added and the like, and there is no consideration for increasing, for example, the number of lattices in the neighborhood of the cluster boundaries, which is important in data classification. As such, it is also possible to increase the number of lattices from the beginning of the process, but this configuration inevitably leads to an increase in calculation time, and therefore, is not practical.
Similarly, when, for example, input data (pattern data) is to be directly classified into clusters without the use of prototypes, there is a method for classifying a group of pattern data into clusters based on statistical characteristics in the group of pattern data. Regarding the statistical characteristics, for example, various methods are known such as a method wherein the statistical distribution parameters are sequentially estimated through Bayes' learning and a method using a potential function. However, estimation of the statistical characteristics in this manner requires that information (for example, label) which acts as a hint for clustering be added to the input pattern data, because the pattern data must be provisionally classified for each hint information and the estimation for the statistical distribution is calculated for each classification.
To this end, it is also possible to calculate degrees of similarity between individual pattern data using a predetermined function, analyze the structure of pattern data space, and apply a clustering process according to the structure resulting from the analysis. As this type of method, a K-means method and a dividing and merging method (commonly referred to as the "ISODATA method") are known, but these methods require manual setting of parameters. More specifically, in the K-means method, a final cluster number indicating the number of clusters into which the group of pattern data is to be divided must be manually set. There is also a problem in that the clustering result is highly sensitive to the setting of a parameter known as a cluster center value and that the quality of the clustering results is determined based on the set values.
Similarly, in the dividing and merging method, parameter settings for a number of parameters such as a cluster removal threshold value, a cluster division threshold value, and a cluster merge threshold value are required and the clustering results are significantly affected by the setting of these parameters.
The present invention was conceived to solve the above-described problem and an advantage of the present invention is that a data classifier is provided in which autonomous clustering process can be performed.

Data classifier for classifying pattern data into clusters


A rack drive assembly adapted for use in a vehicle electric power steering assembly includes a ball nut assembly operatively connected to a screw portion of a rack portion of a steering member of the power steering assembly for effecting axial movement of the steering member upon rotation of a vehicle steering wheel. According to one embodiment, the ball nut assembly includes a first bearing assembly disposed in the rack housing and carried by a ball nut, the first bearing assembly disposed on a first end of the ball nut adjacent a first side of the pulley; and a second bearing assembly disposed in the rack housing and carried by the ball nut, the second bearing assembly disposed on an opposite second end of the ball nut adjacent a second side of the pulley.

This invention relates in general to vehicle electric power steering assemblies and in particular to an improved rack drive assembly adapted for use in such a vehicle electric power steering assembly.
One known electric power steering assembly for turning steerable wheels of a vehicle includes a ball nut for transmitting force between an axially movable rack member and an electric motor. Upon actuation of the electric motor of the power steering assembly, the ball nut is driven to rotate relative to the rack member. The rotational force of the ball nut is transmitted to the rack member by balls to drive the rack member axially. The axial movement of the rack member by the balls effects turning movement of the steerable wheels.
The electric motor in the above-described electric power steering assembly can be coupled to drive the ball nut in various known methods. One such method includes a belt drive assembly wherein an output shaft of the electric motor is connected via a belt to a pulley assembly. The pulley assembly typically includes a pulley which is operatively fixed to the ball nut so that the ball nut rotates with the pulley when the electric motor is actuated. This type of electric power steering assembly has advantages over other known electric power steering assemblies. However, in this type of power steering assembly during operation there can be a misalignment of the associated rack member of the power steering assembly. Thus, it would be desirable to provide an improved structure for support of the rack member which reduces or minimizes such misalignment in the electric power steering assembly and yet is relatively simple and inexpensive.


By utilizing a mechanical backlash generated between an electric actuator and a shift range switching mechanism, a specific region is obtained, in which a variation in the output shaft angle is relatively small with respect to a variation in rotor angle. In this specific range, an actual shift range position is calculated, whereby the rotor angle that the motor controller recognizes is corrected so as to relate the actual shift range position. A deviation between the rotor angle and the actual shift range is corrected, so that the shift range switching is precisely performed.

JP-2002-310294A shows an electric driven shift range switching apparatus. In this shift range switching apparatus, an electric actuator is comprised of an electric motor and a reduction gear. An output shaft of the electric actuator is connected to a control rod of a shift range switching mechanism. The electric motor is energized to rotate the control rod to switch an actual shift range. A motor controller controls a rotation of the electric motor. The driving force of the motor is transferred from the output shaft to the control rod in order to change the actual shift range position. When the set shift range position is changed by use of a shift range set means (a manual set means), the motor controller controls the electric motor in such a manner that the recognized shift range position is consistent with the set shift range position so that the actual shift range position is switched.
The electric driven shift range switching apparatus is designed so that the shift range set means is not mechanically connected to the shift range switching mechanism and an operation (movement) of the electric actuator corresponds to an operation (movement) of the shift range switching mechanism. Specifically, it is designed that the rotor angle of the motor that the motor controller recognizes corresponds to the actual shift range position, or the output shaft angle that the motor controller recognizes corresponds to the actual shift range position.
However, since the electric actuator and the shift range switching mechanism have mechanical portions, the rotor angle (or output shaft angle) and the actual shift range may be not consistent with each other perfectly due to manufacturing errors and the like, which may cause a deviation therebetween. This deviation may deteriorate an accuracy of control of the shift range switching mechanism with the electric actuator.


A process and system for converting a high-pour-point organic feedstock to an upgraded product that exhibits good low-temperature properties (cloud point, pour point, and viscosity) and improved transportability. The high-efficiency process includes a continuous-flow, high-rate hydrothermal reactor system and integrated separation systems that result in low complexity, small footprint, high energy efficiency, and high yields of high-quality upgraded product. The system is specifically desirable for use in converting waxy feedstocks, such as yellow and black wax petroleum crudes and wax from the Fischer-Tropsch (FT) process, into upgraded crude that exhibits a high diesel fraction and, correspondingly, low vacuum gas oil (VGO) fraction.

Yellow wax and black wax petroleum crude oils exhibit high-pour-points (greater than 110° F.) and are semi-solid at ambient temperatures. While there are large waxy crude resources in the state of Utah, waxy crudes are produced in other regions of the United States and throughout the world. Waxy crude oils present severe transportation and logistics problems. Waxy crude oils can only be transported via insulated tank trucks to locations within a few hours of the oil field. Transportation to markets outside the local area requires heated trucks or rail cars, or heated pipelines. Heated waxy crude oils present a safety problem since they exhibit flash points close to their pour point. In Utah, waxy crudes are transported by insulated trucks to local refineries. This creates logistics, safety, and health issues due to the large volume of trucks required to travel over mountainous terrain, by secondary roads, near drinking water reservoirs, and through populated areas.
Solutions to transportation problems have focused mostly on the use of additives to reduce the pour point. However, these approaches have not been able to reduce the pour point sufficiently to permit use of conventional, unheated, transportation systems, such as tank truck, rail, pipeline, and the like. Dilution with other crude oils is another potential solution, but acceptable concentrations of waxy crude oils are very low, which creates logistic, production, and economic issues.
Refining waxy crudes present additional challenges and require changes in current refinery operations and equipment. A waxy crude usually consists of a variety of light and intermediate hydrocarbons and wax, which primarily consists of paraffin hydrocarbons (C18-C50+), known as paraffin wax, and a variety of other heavy organic compounds that include resins and asphaltenes. As used herein, hydrocarbon molecules may be defined by the number of carbon atoms. For example, any hydrocarbon molecule having eighteen carbon atoms is termed as a C18 and a hydrocarbon molecule having 50 carbon atoms is termed as a C50. Even though waxy crudes typically exhibit high API gravities, characteristics of light crude oils, the fraction of crude that boils higher than diesel, i.e., the fraction that distills at an atmospheric equivalent temperature (AET) greater than 650° F., is much greater than typical crude oils that exhibit much lower API gravity. The fraction that boils at 650° F. to 1000° F. is defined as vacuum gas oil (VGO) and the fraction that boils at greater than 1000° F. is defined as residuum (resid). The VGO fraction of waxy crude oils is typically greater than 60% of the crude. This presents a problem for conventional refineries designed to process crude oil that may only contain 30-40% VGO and resid. In conventional petroleum refining, the VGO fraction is the overhead fraction from a vacuum distillation tower. The VGO fraction may be cracked into distillate fuels (<650° F.) using conventional hydrocracking or Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) technology. As used herein, reference to a fraction by a temperature value or range. (such as "<650° F.") means that fraction boils at that temperature or range. However, the high VGO content of waxy crudes creates a severe bottleneck in the typical petroleum refinery. The conventional solution to this bottleneck is the addition of very expensive vacuum distillation and hydrocracking or FCC systems.
Due to the logistic, safety, and refining issues associated with waxy petroleum crude oils, the value of these crudes is depressed by as much as 20% relative to other benchmark crude oils, such as West Texas Intermediate (WTI). Large deposits of waxy crude oils are not considered "proven reserves" because they are not recoverable with existing equipment and under the existing conditions. If waxy crude oils could be upgraded to allow transportation by unheated trucks, railcars, and pipelines, and the VGO content was reduced to permit maximum throughput in typical refineries without modification, the value of these crude oils would exceed the value of WTI. In addition, as "proven reserves," financing for additional waxy crude production infrastructure would then become readily available.
In addition to waxy crude oils, other materials exhibit similar transportation problems. Heavy oils and bitumen-type materials exhibit high viscosities and must be processed near the field to reduce viscosity or be diluted with a light crude oil or naphtha to permit transportation by pipeline. Synthetic hydrocarbons, such as wax produced by the Fischer-Tropsch (FT) process, exhibit even higher melting and pour points than waxy crude oils. Wellhead gas and stranded gas represent problems to oil and gas production that can be addressed by conversion into FT wax in the field. However, the transportation of solid wax is cost prohibitive due to logistic and refining issues. The ability to convert FT wax into liquid hydrocarbons in the field would greatly improve the logistics, economics, and technical viability of FT wax production and conversion.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

High efficiency pour point reduction process


A tool that can be held and operated with one hand to attach a corner bead to an outside corner of drywall includes a substantially V-shaped member having a pair of interior surfaces disposed at an angle of less than 100° and a frame or handle attached thereto. The handle maybe sized and shaped to fit comfortably in the palm of a human hand. A lever is pivotally attached to the handle. A pair of opposed pincers having pointed tips are pivotally mounted relative to the V-shaped member so as to allow the tips to move in a converging direction. A mechanical linkage system translates force applied to the lever into a the converging motion of the pincers. The apparatus facilitates transmitting to the corner bead force applied to the frame in a first direction and deforming the corner bead with a second force applied to the frame/lever in a second direction, the second force having a component in a second direction substantially opposite the first direction, the second force having a magnitude correlating to the defamation force applied to the corner bead.

Drywall is used pervasively well commercial and residential construction because of its ease of handling and ability to be cut into various shapes sizes. When two pieces of drywall are joined to form a right angle, i.e. an outside corner, an elongate metal frame known as a corner beads is mechanically secured over the outside corner to provide support and to maintain the drywall pieces prior to application of a finishing materials for thereover. Prior devices for attachment of corner beads to drywall corners usually require the worker to use one hand to hold a forming tool against the corner bead, thereby pressing the corner bead against the drywall pieces, while the workers second hand is used to apply pressure to the forming tool, typically with a rubber hammer. Because drywall corners may occur not only vertically but horizontally, it is sometimes awkward to use both hands for attachment of corner beads, particularly when a worker must utilize both hands overhead to manipulate the forming tool and hammer. Also, when applying pressure to the forming tool with repeated blows from a hammer, loosening of another portion of the corner bead already attached is quite common.
Some attempts have been made to simplify and automate the process of attaching a corner bead to an outside corner. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,288,016; 4,989,438; 5,524,807; 5,667,126; and 5,950,902 disclose apparatus for automated attachment of a corner bead to an outside drywall corner and, although, some of these devices theoretically may be handheld, many utilize external sources of power such as pressurized air or electric current to operate pairs of fastening guns. As such, these apparatus are rather heavy and do not appear to be easily operated with only a single hand, particularly for overhead use. In addition, for externally powered devices the coupling to the external power source limits mobility of the operator during utilization of the tool. A further drawback fastening guns type apparatus is that the fastening element, whether a screw, staple or other device, oftentimes separates from the drywall any corner bead, i.e. "pops" overtime often due to environmental and stress factors.
Accordingly, a need exists for an apparatus that enables single-handed attachment of corner beads to drywall configurations.
A further need exists for an apparatus that enables single-handed attachment of corner beads to drywall configurations that is light and easily handled, particularly for overhead use.
A further need exists for an apparatus that enables single-handed attachment of corner beads to drywall configurations that uses only manual power to couple the corner bead to the drywall.
A further need exists for an apparatus that enables attachment of corner beads to drywall configurations without fasteners or other attachment devices.

Apparatus for single hand attachment of drywall corner beads