A method to render a medical article antithrombogenic and/or anti-infective includes coextruding a base polymer with a hydrophilic laminating polymer having dispersed therein a quarternary salt complexing agent and steeping the extruded article in an aqueous solution of an antithrombogenic and/or anti-infective reagent whereby the reagent is absorbed along with water by the hydrophilic polymer and reacts with the complexing agent.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to biomedical devices, and more specifically relates to a method for coating a substrate with an antithrombogenic and/or an anti-infective agent.
2. Background of the Invention
Extensive investigations have been undertaken over many years to find materials that will be biologically and chemically stable toward body fluids. This area of research has become increasingly important with the development of various objects and articles which can be in contact with blood, such as artificial organs, vascular grafts, probes, cannulas, catheters and the like.
Synthetic plastics have come to the fore as preferred materials for such articles. However, these materials have the major drawback of being thrombogenic. Thrombogenicity has conventionally been counteracted by the use of anticoagulants such as heparin. Various procedures for attachment of heparin to otherwise thrombogenic polymeric surfaces have been disclosed.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,521,564 to Solomon et al. discloses coating a polymeric article with an amine-rich surface and covalently conjugating aldehyde-actuated heparin to the amino groups thereof. Leininger et al., in U.S. Pat. No. 3,617,344 discloses a method in which a polymeric surface is chemically modified to include a chloromethyl group. Amination of the chloromethyl group provides a quarternary ammonium halide. Reaction of the halide with sodium heparin results in ionic bonding of the heparin to the surface.
A related approach has been described by Eriksson et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 3,634,123. An article having a plastic surface is heated to near or above its softening point in an aqueous solution of a cationic surface active agent, such as a long chain alkylamine or alkylenediamine hydrohalide. The solution is preacidified to a pH of 7.0 or lower. Subsequent digestion of the plastic article with an aqueous solution of heparin results in an article having about 0.1 International Unit of heparin thereon.
A further improvement is described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,810,781 to Eriksson et al., wherein heparinized plastic surfaces are stabilized with glutaraldehyde.
Williams et al., in U.S. Pat. No. 4,349,467 discloses a modification of the surface active agent-heparin method in which higher quantities of heparin are attached to a plastic surface by using more concentrated solutions of heparin. Likewise, Hu et al., in U.S. Pat. No. 4,865,870, discloses increased heparin attachment by performing the surface active agent heparin complexation at alkaline pH.
Solomon et al., in U.S. Pat. No. 4,713,402, modifies the surface active agent method by exposing the polymeric material to a solution of the surface active agent in a particular chlorofluorocarbon solvent and thereafter exposing the surface to a solution of an antithrombogenic agent, an antibiotic or a mixture thereof
McGary et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 4,678,660 discloses a polyurethane article having coated thereon a layer of polyurethane alloy containing a dispersed complex of a quaternary salt and a carboxy containing antithrombogenic agent or antibiotic. The article is prepared by immersing the substrate in a solvent solution of the complex and the polyurethane alloy.
Plastic tubing rendered antithrombogenic by a phosphonium salt distributed throughout the tubing or coated thereon is disclosed by Gajewski et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 3,759,788.
While the above disclosures have resulted in significant improvements in antithrombogenicity and anti-infectiveness of polymeric surfaces, further improvements are needed. In particular, a method which avoids the use of potentially toxic solvents is needed. It is toward fulfillment of this need that this invention is directed.

Method for rendering a substrate surface antithrombogenic and/or anti-infective


A cathode active material including a lithium metal oxide represented by Formula 1:Li[LixMeyM′z]O(2+d)  Formula 1wherein x+y+z=1, 0<x<0.33, 0<z≦0.1, and 0≦d≦0.1, Me is at least one metal selected from Mn, V, Cr, Fe, Co, Ni, Al, and B, and M′ is at least one metal selected from Sc, Y, and La.

1. Field
The present disclosure relates to cathode active materials, and cathodes and lithium batteries including the cathode active materials.
2. Description of the Related Art
As a cathode active material for a lithium battery, a transition metal compound or an oxide of these transitional metal compounds and lithium, such as LiNiO2, LiCoO2, LiMn2O4, LiFePO4, LiNixCo1-xO2 (0≦x≦1), or LiNi1-x-yCoxMnyO2 (0≦x≦0.5, 0≦y≦0.5), is used.
LiCoO2 is relatively expensive and has a limited capacity of about 140 milliampere-hours per gram (mAh/g). In addition, when a charging voltage of LiCoO2 is increased to 4.2 volts (V) or more, 50% of the lithium is removed to be present in the form of Li1-xCoO2 (x>0.5) in a battery. Li1-xCoO2 (x>0.5) is structurally unstable and during charging and discharging, a capacity thereof substantially decreases.
A cathode active material, such as LiNixCo1-xO2 (x=1, 2) or LiNi1-x-yCoxMnyO2 (0≦x≦0.5, 0≦y≦0.5), has low structural stability at high voltage.
Accordingly, there is a need to develop a cathode active material having high capacity and having improved structural stability at high voltage to prevent a decrease in discharging voltage, leading to an increase in lifetime characteristics.

Cathode active material, and cathode and lithium battery including the material


An improved lossless image compression technique involves adaptively selecting between spatial prediction and inter-component prediction techniques depending on which allows better results for any given component of a digital image pixel.

Digital images, especially when considered en masse, can utilize large amounts of data storage. In order to reduce the amount of storage needed, image compression may be used. Under certain conditions, it may be desirable to avoid losing any detail stored within an image when compresses. Under such circumstances, a lossless image compression algorithm may be used.
Various lossless image compression algorithms are known. One particular lossless image compression algorithm is the JPEG-LS algorithm. JPEG-LS uses prediction modeling in order to compactly encode prediction errors. The prediction modeling used by JPEG-LS is a form of spatial prediction which uses median edge detection. Another known image compression algorithm uses an inter-component prediction technique instead of spatial prediction. This known inter-component prediction technique takes advantage of decorrelation of similarities between color channels in an image.

Lossless color image compression adaptively using spatial prediction or inter-component prediction


A bed scale system includes at least one sensor frame having structure for generating a weight signal of a curved object such as a supporting wheel on a hospital bed or the like. The sensor frame includes a pair of spaced sidewalls defining a receiving area for the curved object, a bottom surface connected between the spaced sidewalls, and a deflection tab cooperable with the bottom surface. The deflection tab is deflected relative to the spaced sidewalls upon an application of weight to the sidewalls. A strain gauge is secured to the deflection tab and outputs a weight signal corresponding to the weight of the curved object according to a deflection amount of the deflection tab. The economical system provides patient weight without requiring removal of the patient from bed.

The invention relates to an accessory bed scale system and, more particularly, to a bed scale system that provides for accurate patient weighing without requiring a patient to be moved out of the bed.
Hospitals, certified nursing homes (or skilled nursing facilities), and the like use patient weight changes to monitor current medical condition and treatment progress. Additionally, Medicare requires certified nursing homes to weigh patients daily to detect dehydration, disease, and malnutrition. Typically, in order to weigh a patient, the patient must be taken out of bed and transported to a weighing scale. Every hospital and/or nursing home, etc., however, has patients too ill for removal from bed. Another category of patients includes those unsteady on their feet for which a daily weighing procedure runs the risk of falls and broken bones.
Bed scale systems and accessory bed scales exist on the market that purport to address this problem, but typically are too costly for the facilities to purchase. Current bed scale systems are engineered for heavy duty class 3 certification for absolute patient weight accuracy. Such prior art design and construction details lead to costs that are 10 times the amount that nursing homes can afford to devote to individual patients. It would be desirable to develop a cost effective design to monitor patient weight changes at a cost that will enable purchase for every needy patient. It would further be desirable to provide a design that meets this need and utilizes a minimum of parts and manufacturing costs to deliver a scale that accurately tracks patient weight changes from day to day.

Sensor frame for generating a weight signal of a curved object


A method and device for transferring products in an equally-spaced manner to a wrapping line, whereby transverse columns of products traveling parallel to their axis on a first conveyor are fed successively in a first direction perpendicular to the axis of the product. Wherein the products, still traveling in the first direction, are compacted and equally spaced, and then fed parallel to themselves along a curved path extending over an arc of 90.degree., and are loaded on to a second conveyor traveling in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and extending parallel to the axis of the products.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method of transferring products in an equally-spaced manner to a wrapping line.
The present invention is especially suitable for use in the food industry, particularly for packing food products, to which the following description refers purely by way of example.
More specifically, the present invention may be used to advantage not only for packing elongated, preferably rectangular parallelepiped food products such as snacks or similar, to which the following description refers specifically, but also, as will be seen, for packing food products of any shape, e.g. round or square.
2. Discussion of the Background
Wrapping lines for snacks or similar normally comprise a packing machine on which the snacks are loaded axially, i.e. longitudinally, and wrapped inside a tubular wrapping.
Wrapping lines of the aforementioned type normally cooperate, via a transfer device, with the output conveyor on the production line, on which conveyor the snacks are normally arranged substantially randomly in columns perpendicular to both a first direction, corresponding to the traveling direction of the output conveyor, and to the longitudinal axis of the snacks themselves, and are picked up successively by the transfer device and fed successively in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction.
On known transfer devices, the snacks, initially traveling, as stated, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and in more or less random sequence, are brought into contact with one another to form an orderly sequence consisting of a continuous column, and are then accelerated to form an orderly sequence in which they are equally spaced.
At this point, the snacks, still traveling transversely and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, are fed successively on to a rotating device, normally consisting of a deflecting member, by which they are rotated 90.degree., so that the longitudinal axis is parallel to the traveling direction, and fed axially on to the wrapping line.
Due to the rotating device possibly affecting the spacing of the snacks, which must be accurately spaced on reaching the input to the wrapping line, the snacks downstream from the rotating device must again be compacted and equally spaced before being fed on to the wrapping line.
Consequently, in addition to subjecting the snacks to considerable stress, mainly due to the rotating device, known transfer devices of the aforementioned type are extremely cumbersome lengthwise, and to no advantage in terms of capacity in the sense that the device could also be employed as a store for compensating for any reduction in the operating speed of the wrapping line. In fact, over most of the length of known transfer devices of the above type, the snacks travel separately and parallel to the longitudinal axis, so that a relatively small number of snacks is sufficient for occupying substantially the entire path defined by the transfer device.
To at least some extent, the same also applies to known devices for transferring round or square products, which, though a 90.degree. rotating device is obviously not required, must nevertheless be repeatedly grouped, equally spaced and aligned, and also travel separately over most of the length of the transfer device, thus resulting in a drastic reduction in the operating capacity of the device.

Method and device for transferring products in equally-spaced manner to a wrapping line

Azionaria Costruzioni Macchine Automatiche A.C.M.A. S.p.A.


A device, and a container having such a device, is provided for permitting filling the container with a predetermined weight of the fluid. The device and container include a main channel to introduce the fluid into the container at a fill pressure; a detector mechanism to detect a "filled" condition based on fluid weight; and a fluid-weight control mechanism to automatically prevent introducing fluid into the container in excess of the "filled" condition. A spring offsets part of the weight of a pivotally mounted displacer mounted on a pivotally mounted lever having an arm configured to permit closure of a ball valve as the container becomes "filled" and the displacer becomes buoyant. The fluid-weight control device, which is substantially independent of the composition and temperature of the fluid and of inertial effects induced in an attempt to thwart the fluid-weight control safeguard, also prevents introduction of fluid into the container as the container is non-upright. A modified embodiment utilizes a pilot valve arrangement in conjunction with the ball valve. A method of practicing the invention is also provided.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to fill valves and containers for containing fluids and, more particularly but without limitation, to fill values and containers for containing fluids such as propane, butane, and the like.
2. Description of the Related Art
A common occurrence is the filling of containers with fuel or other fluids, such as portable propane tanks for barbeque equipment for example. A common procedure for filling such a tank, wherein the weight of the tank is generally visibly stamped on its outer surface, is to place the tank on scales set at a particular weight, such as twenty pounds plus the empty or tare weight of the tank. As the tank is being filled, someone watches the scales; when the balance indicates that the weight of the tank and its contents is equal to the setting on the scales, filling of the tank is terminated. Presumably, the tank then holds the desired twenty pounds of fluid. Unfortunately, that may not be the case. For instance, the weight stamped on the tank may not be equal to the weight that would be observed if the tank were totally empty. If the tank has mud or other debris adhering thereto such that the stamped weight is less than the empty weight of the tank at the time of filling, the patron will get less than his money's worth because he will be paying for propane that he is not receiving, namely the desired weight of propane less the weight of the debris. Further, the scales may not be properly calibrated or balanced, or the scales may be set at a reading of less than tare weight plus twenty pounds, particularly if the patron is not positioned whereby the filling attendant's activities can be closely observed. As a result, the patron may again be getting less than his money's worth.
Conversely, a careless or over-busy attendant may permit a patron to fill his own tank. In that situation, the patron may be tempted to get more than his money's worth and introduce more than twenty pounds of propane into the tank, which may present a serious safety problem. The volumes of many fluids, such as butane, propane, etc., are temperature dependent. For example, the volume of a given weight of propane increases approximately one percent for each temperature increase of approximately 5-6.degree. F. Thus, as the temperature of propane increases, the weight or mass of propane that can be placed in a given volume at a given pressure decreases. By the same token, the pressure of a given weight of a temperature-dependent fluid placed in a closed container at a given temperature may substantially increase as the temperature of the fluid increases.
As a more specific example, the pressure of liquid/vapor phase propane at -44.degree. F. is approximately zero psig and at 100.degree. F. is approximately 172 psig, or a pressure change of 172 psig for a temperature change of 144.degree. F. However, a temperature increase of 1.degree. F. in liquid-phase only propane may cause a pressure increase in excess of 500 psig.
Therefore, what is needed is a device and a container having such a device that determines a certain "filled" condition of the container as fluid is being introduced thereinto by detecting the containment of a predetermined weight of fluid in the container; that automatically prevents further filling of the container beyond such a "filled" condition; that prevents further filling of the container beyond such a "filled" condition even though conduct to thwart such a device is attempted by inducing inertial effects therein; that is substantially independent of the composition, pressure, and/or temperature of the fluid being introduced into and/or contained by the container; that is immune to errors in scales or tare weight of the container; that prevents introduction of fluid into the container unless the container has a essentially upright orientation; and that controls flow into the container by a pressure that has a substantially smaller magnitude than the pressure at which fluid is being introduced into the container.

Container having fluid-weight control device


A server determines whether a the stored on a computing device matches a file stored on the server by comparing hash values for a first portion of the files. Based on the comparing, the server determines whether to upload the first portion of the file. The server uploads second portion of the file. The server generates the file for download by appending the first portion of the file stored on the server to the second portion of the file uploaded from the computing device.

As users become acclimated to accessing their data via a variety of computing devices, it may be desirable to store a user's data files on a storage system that allows the files to be accessed from any of the user's devices and from any location via a network connection. Such distributed storage may be used to store relatively large media files, such music files or video files, that a user has an interest in accessing from multiple devices and/or locations, or has an interest in reducing the risk of file loss due to damage to localized storage. Consequently, the storage resources needed to store media and other files for a large number of users, and the network resources used to upload the files to distributed storage may be extensive.

File upload based on hash value comparison

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.


An aircraft check valve assembly where the fluid check valve is indexed in rotational position relative to a first duct flange and to a second opposed duct flange and to a clamping band where the check valve includes an annular check valve flange having at least one index tab extending therefrom. The index tab formed in the check valve annular flange engages a void area formed in an outer annular ridge formed in the first and second duct flanges. A clamping band holds the first duct flange to the check valve flange and to the second duct flange where the clamping band is rotationally indexed to the check valve by index fingers formed on the index tab which and extends to occupy a gap formed in a hinge point of the band clamp.

Fluid check valves are known and are commonly used in various types of aircraft fluid control systems such as for the engine bleed air system which supplies pressurized airflow to the cabin and auxiliary systems. The check valves allow the fluid being transported within the piping or ducting system to flow in one direction by opening the check valve. When the fluid starts to reverse flow direction, the check valve closes and thereby prevents the flow from reversing. This feature is especially important in aircraft applications where bleed air from the jet engine compressor is used to supply airflow to the aircraft auxiliary systems should an engine compressor stall occur. Immediately upon the onset of compressor stall, the check valve must close and prevent airflow in an opposite direction from the auxiliary system into the engine compressor. If this does not occur and air is allowed to backflow, re-start of the engine is compromised.
In certain applications, especially in aircraft applications, it is desirable to rotationally index the various system components such as the fluid ducts leading to and from the check valve. Still in some other applications and installations it is also desirable to index or "clock" the clamping band that is used to hold various parts joined to the check valve such as the fluid duct flanges. In some applications, it would also be desirable to prevent the use of a light duty clamping band when a heavy duty clamping band is required.

Aircraft fluid check valve assembly with indexing


Disclosed in the present invention is a dual-structured power output apparatus of an electric drive and power system that provides a means for outputting both mechanical power and electrical power. It comprises dual motor/generators having two stator assemblies, two rotor assemblies and a power transmission unit all integrated into a single housing for easy mounting. The power transmission unit is disposed adjacent to the two motor/generators and coupled on both ends to rotating shafts mechanically linked to the rotor assemblies such that they are rotatable relative to each other. It function is to change the rotational speed and torque of at least one of the rotors in order to reduce weight and physical size of the apparatus, and thus significantly improving the power density and capability. The structure of the apparatus is well-suited to improve the performance and fuel efficiency of the prior art hybrid powertrain.

The present invention pertains to power-assist parallel hybrid vehicles. More specifically, the present invention pertains to a dual-structured power output apparatus that provides a means for outputting both mechanical power and electrical power with high efficiency and is capable of improving fuel efficiency of the prior art hybrid vehicle, as well as to an electric drive and power system and a method of controlling the power output apparatus.
In recent years, the trend in the development of fuel-efficient and low emission hybrid vehicle powertrain technologies that combine a conventional combustion engine (ICE) with an electric propulsion system has increased significantly. Among the roughly four main categories: series, parallel, series-parallel and mild hybrid vehicle technologies on the market today, the mild hybrid technology is the least expensive and affordable. The technology is relatively less complex and can be readily retrofitted into an existing conventional vehicle with little or no modifications. It involves replacing the conventional alternator with an over-sized belt-driven electric motor that is commonly referred to as a Belt Alternator Starter (BAS). The motor is coupled to the engine via a serpentine belt so that it serves as both a generator and starter. This permits a low-cost method of adding hybrid capabilities to a conventional vehicle, such as start-stop function as well as mild levels of torque assist and regenerative braking efficiency-improvement technology, that achieves about 15-20 percent improvement in fuel economy in urban driving.
However, the authors of the present invention have recognized a number of functional drawbacks with the current state-of-the-art in belt-driven electric motor as typically utilized in mild hybrid vehicle powertrain technology on the market today. One functional drawback is that using a single electric motor makes it necessary for frequent mode reversals because it can operate only in one mode (motoring or generating) at a time, and this results in reduced powertrain performance and fuel efficiency. Typically, the electric motor operates in a limited mechanical torque- and power-assist modes for shorter durations and generating mode producing electrical power for longer durations in order to avoid depleting the onboard energy storage devices (super-capacitors and battery bank) of a hybrid vehicle. This operating limitation results in smaller improvement in fuel efficiency.
Another functional drawback of the current state-of-the-art in belt-driven electric motors as utilized in mild hybrid vehicle powertrain technology is that they are typically optimized for one of the operating modes than the other. Therefore, in a hybrid powertrain that has such an electric motor mounted thereon, in a time period when the power demand requires the electric motor to operate in its less optimized mode, a reduced powertrain performance and fuel efficiency are achieved.
Yet another functional drawback of the current state-of-the-art in belt-driven electric motors as utilized in mild hybrid vehicle powertrain technology is that the electric motors are typically sized based on the peak power. As a result, they are relatively over-sized, heavier and less efficient in the power range corresponding to the average power demand of the drive cycle. This is done in order to be able to support start-stop features during engine idle, regenerative braking during stopping and coasting, and engine mechanical power boosting and augmentation for transient power requirements. Therefore, in a vehicle that has such an electric motor mounted thereon, in a time period when the vehicle power demand in accordance with the driving conditions requires the electric motor to operate close to the average power demand, a reduced electric motor performance and fuel efficiency are achieved.
A number of prior arts, for example U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,412,396, 5,943,918, 8,225,608, US2005/0,107,198, US2004/0,040,810 A1, U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,753,147, 7,914,416, and US2013/0,005,529 A1, have described a variety of hybrid vehicles comprising single and dual electric motor-generators. However, all of these prior art patents do not address any of the drawbacks discussed above in order to improve fuel efficiency of a belt-driven parallel hybrid vehicle. The apparatus disclosed in the present invention differs significantly from those disclosed in the prior arts in terms of its characteristics and method of control.
Furthermore, no prior art in hybrid vehicle powertrain technologies and conversion of conventional vehicle into hybrid that use belt-driven electric motors coupled to the engine crankshaft via a special belt has provided solutions that address the functional drawbacks discussed above in order to achieve improvement in fuel efficiency.
Accordingly, there is a need for a simple, cost-effective and affordable hybrid vehicle powertrain technology solution that provides further improvement in fuel efficiency of the prior art mild hybrid vehicle.

Dual-structured electric drive and power system for hybrid vehicles

Altigreen Propulsion Labs Private Limited


A dynamic telephone-call screening system detects indications of the character for incoming calls as a basis to determine acceptance. Calls that are identified and indicated to be undesirable, as from a facsimile machine, may be categorically screened on the basis of character. Calls identified to be from an undesired terminal also are recognized and screened. Indications of undesired character calls and undesired calling terminal are stored for reference testing. Upon receiving an undesired call, its character and source may be stored for future reference.

Over recent years, the applications and uses for telephone service have expanded at an accelerated pace. Automated telephone operations have enabled telephone promotions and campaigns that reach vast numbers of telephone lines. Also, expanded telephone operations now serve a variety of apparatus that is foreign to traditional telephonic voice communication, for example, facsimile machines. With the continuing expansion of telephone activity, the number of erroneously placed calls ("wrong numbers") has greatly increased. Generally, for various reasons, a typical telephone line can be expected to receive many calls that are simply unwanted, perhaps several per day. Such calls not only are an inconvenient annoyance, but also may actually concern or intimidate the recipients, particularly when such calls occur during the night.
Some unwanted telephone calls simply are accidental, for example calls in which the called number is erroneously entered, either manually or automatically. Other unwanted calls are deliberate as in the case of mass calling promotions. Generally, as the numbers of unwanted calls have steadily increased, various solutions have been proposed. For example, some people have adopted a practice of using a telephone answering machine to screen calls. Also, caller identification units are in widespread use for screening. However, in spite of various proposals, the problem continues to exist, perhaps even intensifying. Consequently, a need exists for developments to mitigate the problem of unwanted telephone calls.

Comprehensive telephone call screening system


In one embodiment, a packet in a network is classified. A header of the packet includes various fields. Single-dimensional lookups are performed for each header field, based on a plurality of packet-classification rules. The results obtained from the single-dimensional lookups are merged to obtain a Resultant Bit Vector (RBV). Thereafter, the RBV is processed using a Finite State Machine (FSM), based on the plurality of packet-classification rules.

1. Field of Invention
Embodiments of the present invention relate, in general, to networking. More specifically, the embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and systems for fast and scalable implementation of packet-classification rules in a network based on meta-rules.
2. Description of the Background Art
In a typical network, packets are classified, in part, to ensure Quality of Service (QoS), and to provide differentiated services to classified flows. Information relevant for classifying a packet is contained in a plurality of distinct header fields in the packet. The header fields are the portion of the packet that precedes the body, which contains the data. The header fields also contain data, such as source and destination addresses User Datagram Protocol (UDP), destination port, payload type, sequence number, timestamp, and other such details about the packet as well as control and timing information that are needed for successful transmission across the network. Examples of header fields include, but are not limited to, version, traffic class, flow label, payload length, next header, hop limit, source address, and destination address.
Routers that provide service differentiation functionality use packet classification as one of the primary methods for identifying packet flows. Upon receipt of a packet, the router uses packet-classification rules to analyze the information available in packet header fields. Other network devices, such as firewalls, use packet classification to determine packets that can pass and packets that are blocked.
In one conventional classification method, an Access Control List (ACL) format is used for packet classification. The ACL format classifies a packet on the basis of the Internet Protocol (IP) header typically relying on multi-dimensional lookup algorithm. The ACL format comprises an ordered list of Access Control Entries (ACEs) with the header fields forming an ACE that is bound by logical operator 'AND'. The process of using the ACL format is simple, as all the header fields forming the ACE are bound only by the logical operator 'AND'.
In other classification methods, the header fields that define the packet-classification rules are bound by the logical operators AND, OR and NOT. Moreover, the header fields may not have a fixed position and may only be recognizable by keywords that precede header field values. This leads to an undefined structure with no pre-determined logical relation. The undefined structure of the packet-classification rules requires additional router resources to identify and to classify packets.
In another conventional classification method, rules used for classification are based on multiple header fields across the OSI layers and provide flexibility to the packet classification process. These complex packet-classification rules, often referred to as meta-rules, include rules that may have an undefined structure and can use any other rule as a variable. With meta-rules, it is possible to have multiple levels of nested rules. Regardless of the levels of nesting, the innermost rules are referred to as leaf rules that are typically structured rules in the ACL format. Other nested meta-rules may have an undefined structure and take the shape of arbitrary complex logical expressions on the header fields. The use of the meta-rules requires yet more router resources to identify and to classify packets thereby slowing down the packet classification process. This computational burden reduces the transfer rate of network traffic.
Some packet-classification languages support multiple levels of nested rules or meta-rules. Algorithms that are known in the art for solving logical expressions are generic and do not meet the speed requirement of packet classification algorithms in present-day network applications. What is required is a method for solving arbitrary logical expressions for fast and scalable packet classification in a network environment.

Method and system for classifying packets in a network based on meta rules


The invention is directed to a process for the production and recovery of chemicals, in particular hydrocarbons, from a fermentation medium, wherein solvent impregnated carriers are used. Accordingly, the invention provides a process for the production of hydrocarbon from a fermentation liquid comprising: —forming said hydrocarbon from said fermentation liquid using a biocatalyst;—contacting said fermentation liquid with a solvent impregnated porous carrier, which solvent impregnated porous carrier has a density that is different from said fermentation liquid, whereby said formed hydrocarbon is sorbed by said solvent impregnated carrier; —regenerating said solvent impregnated carrier, whereby a stream of said hydrocarbon is obtained; and optionally, recycling said regenerated solvent impregnated carrier.

The invention is directed to a process for the production and recovery of chemicals, in particular hydrocarbons, from a fermentation medium.
Production of hydrocarbon starting materials by fermentation is an alternative to production from petroleum. Fermentation uses renewable resources and creates much less hazardous waste. The fermentative production of a few chemicals has been reported. Unfortunately, this is not a commercially feasible alternative for a great many desirable compounds because the compound of interest is produced in small amounts by the biocatalytic organisms. Even organisms that are genetically engineered to produce enhanced amounts of the desired compound often do not produce concentrations of the product high enough to justify the investments necessary to develop a commercial biofermentation process. This can be particularly true when the product is toxic to the cells or is regulated by a negative feedback mechanism, thereby limiting the potential concentration of the product in the fermentation medium.
WO-A-00/18942 describes a process wherein 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (PHB) is produced by fermentation. According to this process, the product PHB is removed from the fermentation during at least a portion of the fermentation by passing the fermentation medium through an anion exchange resin which binds PHB. Subsequently the anion exchange resin is extracted to remove bound PHB. Although this known process is said to result in improvements in recovery of the product and higher production of the product by the biocatalyst, there remain a number of disadvantages. First, the ion exchange resin needs to be applied in the form of a packed bed, which may result in considerable pressure drop and fouling of the bed. Moreover, ion exchange resins may have a negative influence on the biocatalyst (i.e., the microorganisms), since these resins can be poisonous to these biocatalysts. It is also possible that these resins bind essential nutrients for the biocatalyst. Also ion exchange resin particles are susceptible to biofouling. For these and other reasons, the extraction of product from the medium is carried out by contacting the medium in-stream (viz. outside the fermentor) with the resin, so that contact between resin and biocatalyst is minimized. Furthermore, because of fouling (viz. attachment of biocatalyst to the resin surface, resulting in decreased sorption capacity of the resin) of the resin, amongst others, it is not possible to carry out this process in a continuous fashion. For these reasons, the product yield of the process of WO-A-00/18942, like the product yield of other known processes, is limited.
Furthermore, WO-A-00/73485 describes a process for the extraction of a fermentation product from a broth, using a solvent that is encapsulated in a membrane. However, this process, as well as other membrane based processes for the recovery of products from fermentation processes, are hampered by slow absorption kinetics, as a result of the mass transfer barrier posed by the membrane. In addition, regeneration of these capsule absorbentia is generally difficult. Furthermore, the preparation of the encapsulated solvent is cumbersome.
Alternatively, liquid-liquid extraction by directly contacting the broth with a solvent for the product generally is also not an option, since this generally does not result in the desired suspended droplets of solvents which subsequently coalesce so that they could be separated by gravity, but rather this leads to the formation of an emulsion. These emulsions may be very stable and consequently it is very difficult or impossible to obtain the product from the solvent.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a process for the production of hydrocarbons, such as 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and benzaldehyde, which process, at least in part, overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages. Other examples of hydrocarbons that may be produced according to the present invention are catechols (e.g. 3-methylcatechol), benzylalcohol, cinnamic acid, as well as mixtures of these and other hydrocarbons. In general, each compound (of commercial value) that can be extracted using a suitable solvent.
It has been found that by using solvent impregnated porous carrier particles, which particles may either float or sink in the broth, to perform the separation of the product from the broth in the fermentation process, this object can be met.

Process for the production and recovery of hydrocarbons

Nederlandse Organisatie voor toegepast-natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek TNO


A capacity of a frame memory is reduced in an apparatus that performs image processing using the frame memory. An image processing apparatus includes a cutout processing unit, a frame memory, and a synthesis processing unit. Each time an input frame is imaged by an imaging unit, the cutout processing unit cuts out a part of the input frame as a current cutout frame on the basis of motion of the imaging unit. The frame memory holds the current cutout frame as a past cutout frame. The synthesis processing unit synthesizes the current cutout frame and the past cutout frame, and outputs a result as a synthesis frame.

Conventionally, image processing such as electronic camera shake correction or image synthesis processing is performed for the purpose of improving the image quality of an image in an imaging apparatus that images an image. Among these processes, the electronic camera shake correction is processing of previously defining a size of a region to be cut out within a frame, moving the area from an initial position along a camera shake direction, and cutting out the region. Furthermore, the image synthesis processing is processing of synthesizing a plurality of frames for the purpose of expanding a dynamic range and reducing noise. As an apparatus for performing such image processing, for example, an image processing apparatus that synthesizes a frame delayed by a frame memory and a frame before delay so that a synthesis frame is generated, and further performs electronic camera shake correction on the synthesis frame, is proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Image processing apparatus, imaging apparatus, image processing method, and program


A method of making a microelectronic package includes providing a first substrate having a top surface, providing a second substrate having a top surface including a plurality of conductive pads, a bottom surface remote therefrom and an opening extending between the top and bottom surfaces, and securing the second substrate over the first substrate so that the bottom surface of the second substrate confronts the top surface of the first substrate, wherein the first and second substrates have coefficients of thermal expansion that are substantially similar to one another. The method also includes placing a microelectronic element having a front face with contacts and a back face remote therefrom in the opening of the second substrate and securing the microelectronic element over the first substrate so that the back face of the microelectronic element confronts the top surface of the first substrate, and electrically interconnecting the contacts of the microelectronic element with the conductive pads of the second substrate.

Complex microelectronic devices such as semiconductor chips typically require numerous connections to other electronic components. For example, a complex device including a semiconductor chip may require hundreds of electrical connections between the chip and one or more external devices. These electrical connections may be made using several alternative methods, including wire bonding, tape automated bonding and flip-chip bonding. Each of these techniques presents various problems including difficulty in testing the chip after bonding, long lead lengths, large areas occupied by the chip on a microelectronic assembly, and fatigue of the connections due to expansion and contraction of the chip and substrate during thermal cycling.
When a semiconductor chip is mounted to a circuit board, thermal expansion and contraction of the chip and circuit board can cause the contacts on the chip to move relative to contacts on the circuit board. This movement can occur during operation of the device or during manufacturing operations (e.g. when soldering the chip to the circuit board). Thus, in many microelectronic devices, in order to minimize the effects of thermal cycling, it is desirable to provide an electrical connection between components that can accommodate relative movement between the components.
One structure that has been used to successfully address thermal cycling problems is commonly referred to as a connection component such as the structures disclosed in certain preferred embodiments of commonly assigned U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,148,265, 5,148,266 and 5,455,390, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. Connection components typically include a flexible sheet having a plurality of terminals thereon and flexible leads that are used to electrically interconnect the terminals with contacts on a microelectronic element, such as a semiconductor chip. The flexible leads permit thermal expansion of the microelectronic element and connection component while maintaining the electrical connection between therebetween. The terminals of the connection component may be used to test the package, and/or permanently attach the package to another microelectronic element, such as a printed circuit board. A compliant layer may be disposed between the microelectronic element and the connection component. The compliant layer typically encapsulates the leads and facilitates connection of the terminals to a test device and/or to the final electronic assembly by compensating for variations in component flatness and the heights of the terminals.
In certain preferred embodiments of commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 5,518,964 ("the '964 patent"), the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein, a microelectronic package is made by first connecting flexible leads between microelectronic elements, such as a chip and a connection component, and then moving the elements away from one another through a predetermined displacement so as to bend the leads. The leads may have first ends permanently attached to the connection component and second ends releasably attached to the connection component. During assembly, the connection component may be juxtaposed with a semiconductor chip having contacts and the second ends of the leads may be bonded to the contacts on the chip. Following bonding, the connection component and chip are moved away from one another, thereby vertically extending the leads. During or after movement, a curable liquid material, such as a silicone elastomer, may be introduced between the elements. The curable material may be cured, such as by using heat, to form a compliant dielectric layer surrounding the leads. The resulting semiconductor chip package has terminals on the connection component which are electrically connected to the contacts on the chip, but which can move relative to the chip so as to compensate for thermal expansion and contraction of the elements during thermal cycling. The package may be mounted to a circuit board by solder-bonding the terminals of the connection component to conductive pads on the circuit board.
In other embodiments of the '964 patent, the package-forming process can be conducted on a wafer scale, so that all of the semiconductor chips in a wafer may be simultaneously connected to connection components. The wafer and connection components may then be moved away from one another so as to vertically extend all of the leads of the wafer in a single step. The resulting package is severed to provide individual units, each including one or more chips electrically interconnected with a portion of a dielectric body. The above-described flexible leads may be formed on the chip or wafer, rather than on the dielectric body. In further embodiments of the '964 patent, a dielectric body having terminals and leads is connected to terminal structures on a temporary sheet. The temporary sheet and dielectric body are moved away from one another so as to vertically extend the leads, and a curable liquid material is introduced around the leads and cured so as to form a compliant layer between the temporary sheet and the dielectric body. The temporary sheet is removed, leaving tip ends of the terminal structures projecting from a surface of the compliant layer. Such a component, commonly referred to as a connection component, may be used between two other components.
In certain preferred embodiments of commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 5,688,716, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein, a microelectronic package includes a chip and a package element, such as a heat sink. The chip has contacts electrically interconnected with terminals on a dielectric element, such as a sheet or plate. The dielectric element and chip are then moved away from one another to vertically extend the leads, and a curable liquid material is injected between the package element and dielectric element and around the leads. The dielectric element and the package element extend outwardly beyond the edges of the chip and physically protect the chip.
In certain preferred embodiments of commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 6,117,694, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein, a microelectronic package is made by connecting leads between a pair of microelectronic elements and then moving the elements away from one another so as to vertically extend the leads. After vertically extending the leads, a curable encapsulant may be injected between the microelectronic elements. The encapsulant may be injected under pressure for both moving the microelectronic elements away from one another and vertically extending the leads. Alternatively, the leads may be formed by retaining the microelectronic elements against respective platens by vacuum, and then moving the platens away from one another for vertically extending the leads. A curable liquid encapsulant may be injected while the platens maintain the microelectronic elements in their displaced positions.
Despite these and other advances in the art, still further improvements would be desirable. Specifically, there is a need for improved chip packages having high input/output or fine pitch contacts that may be made more easily and more economically.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Methods of making microelectronic packages


A ring oscillator includes a plurality of ring-connected delay circuits. At least one of the plurality of delay circuits has an SRAM cell and a path circuit connected in parallel to the SRAM cell. The SRAM cell outputs an output signal from a second node to the delay circuit in the next stage within the plurality of delay circuits in response to one of rise transition and fall transition of a signal to be input to a first node from the delay circuit in the previous stage within the plurality of delay circuits. The path circuit outputs an output signal to the delay circuit in the next stage in response to the other transition of the one of transitions.

It is known to adjust the electrical characteristics of an SRAM cell by changing etc. the body potential of the well of a transistor, which is a component of the SRAM cell, or the potential of the word line in order to suppress the influence of the manufacture variations of the semiconductor device on which the SRAM cell is mounted on the electrical characteristics. It is possible to measure the electrical characteristics of the transistor, such as the on-current and the threshold voltage, used when adjusting the electrical characteristics of the SRAM cell as analog signals using an electric probe etc. However, in such measurement, analog signals are measured, and therefore the measurement is vulnerable to various kinds of measurement noises, and thus it is not easy to perform measurement with high precision.
On the other hand, it is known to use a ring oscillator in order to evaluate the speed characteristic of various kinds of elements to be mounted on the semiconductor device. A ring oscillator is formed by ring-connecting a single or a plurality of non-inversion elements and an odd number of inversion elements.
Further, there is known a semiconductor device having a logic part forming a logic circuit and a memory part formed by a plurality of SRAM cells arranged in the form of an array. In such a semiconductor device, various kinds of logic elements of the transistors arranged in the logic part are arranged based on the same layout wiring rules. On the other hand, the SRAM cells arranged in the memory part are arranged, in many cases, based on layout wiring rules different from those of the transistors used in the logic part forming the logic circuit. Since in general, a six-transistor configuration is adopted for the SRAM cell, layout wiring rules in which the layout intervals are narrowed as much as possible are adopted in order to prevent the layout wiring area from increasing.
It is known to use a ring oscillator formed by ring-connecting a plurality of SRAM cells in order to evaluate the speed of the SRAM cells to be arranged based layout wiring rules different from those of the logic part. For example, a ring oscillator formed by ring-connecting a plurality of SRAM cells in which the gate terminals and the drain terminals of a pair of transmission transistors are connected to each other is used. Delay circuits configured to output an inverted signal are ring-connected, by connecting the output terminal of an inverter element inside the SRAM cell and the drain terminal of the transmission transistor of the SRAM cell.

Ring oscillator and semiconductor device


A data sampling circuit samples radio signal data made up of plural successive sets of data, each set of data having a given number of data bits. A first shift register holds and shifts the data bits of the radio signal data to successively obtain sampled radio signal data for each set of data of the radio signal data. A data holding section successively receives and holds each set of the sampled radio signal data held by the first shift register. Also, a processor successively receives, bit by bit, each set of sampled radio signal data held by the data holding section, and processes each set of sampled radio signal data in accordance with a given processing procedure. The data holding section completes reception of each set of sampled radio signal data from the first shift register before the first shift register holds a first data bit of each next set of data of the radio signal data.

The present invention relates to a data sampling circuit which deals with a radio signal, and to a portable radio terminal device such as a pager which incorporates the data sampling circuit. In particular, the present invention relates to a data sampling circuit for a decoder of a pager which receives a radio signal and detects a user specific number contained therein to initiate a given processing procedure.
A radio paging operation takes place with respect to a small size radio receiver such as a pager carried by a person who is off his or her office or desk to let him or her know the occurrence of a need of communication by a calling tone, a vibration or a displayed message.
A radio paging system in the pager includes POCSAG (Post Office Code Standardization Advisory Group) coding scheme. A code word used in the POCSAG coding scheme has four types including a synchronization (sync) code word, an address code word, a message code word and an idle code word, each consisting of 32 bit data.
In general, a conventional data sampling circuit includes a 32 bit shift register, namely, a shift register having 32 stages, and an output from each stage is connected to a preamble detector and a sync code word detector, respectively. When a thirty second bit data is sampled by the shift register in accordance with a receiving timing of the address code word or the message code word which consists of 32 bit data, the 32 bit data contained in the shift register is transferred in a serial manner to the error correction unit in synchronization with a system clock before the sampling of a next 32 bit data is started.
However, with the above-mentioned conventional data sampling circuit as used in a digital portable radio terminal device, if the system clock has 32 clocks or less in an interval corresponding to a data length of a single bit of the radio signal, the sampling of a next 32 bit data will begin before the reception of the 32 bit data is completed. With the result that, there is a problem of a misalignment occurring in the data sampling in unit of 32 bits.

Data sampling circuit and portable radio terminal device


A method for manufacturing the CMOS image sensor comprising forming an epitaxial layer provided with a plurality of photo diodes on a semiconductor substrate, coating a first photo resist on the epitaxial layer and performing a patterning process on the first photo resist using a predetermined reference value in order to form a first photo resist pattern, coating a second photo resist on the epitaxial layer and first photo resist pattern and performing a patterning process for the second photo resist in order to form the second photo resist pattern on the first photo resist pattern; and forming a well area of a pixel area by performing a dopant implantation process using a mask pattern including the first photo resist pattern and the second photo resist pattern.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image sensor. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a CMOS image sensor using a photo resist mask pattern with a more accurate size.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
An image sensor is a device which is capable of converting an optical image into an electrical signal. Typically, image sensors are either complementary metal-oxide-silicon (CMOS) image sensors or charge coupled device (CCD) image sensors. The CCD image sensor has excellent photo sensitivity and noise characteristics, but are difficult to use in highly-integrated devices and have high power consumption rates as compared to the CMOS image sensor. In comparison, the CMOS image sensors have simpler processes, are more suitable for highly-integrated devices and have a lower power consumption than the CCD image sensor. Because of these advantages, various techniques for manufacturing a CMOS image sensor for semiconductor devices have been developed.
Generally, the pixel of the CMOS image sensor comprises photodiodes capable of receiving light and transistors capable of receiving image signal input from the photodiodes. The CMOS image sensors are either three T types or four T types, depending on the number of the transistors. Typically, a 3 T type CMOS image sensor includes one photo diode and three transistors, while the four T type sensor has one photo diode and four transistors.
One important aspect of the CMOS image sensors of the related art is a pixel area capable of receiving light in order to generate a signal. As shown in FIG. 1A, the pixel area includes a well (not shown) that is formed in an implantation process using photo resist mask patterns 2 and 3.
Ideally, as shown in FIG. 1B, a butterfly-shaped mask pattern 2 is fabricated and used so that the well is formed to a predetermined size of, for example, 0.25 μm, while an island-shaped mask pattern 3 is formed with the width of, for example, 0.76 μm.
However, in the manufacturing processes of the related art the distance between portions of the butterfly-shaped mask pattern 2 which are used to form the well and the size of the island-shaped mask pattern 3 are properly correlated. Specifically, the well is first formed with a width that is equal to the predetermined width of the well. This distance is modified during the subsequent implantation process, resulting in a well area is not properly formed. Because the final well area has the incorrect size, there are problems properly driving the transistor of the pixel area.
Specifically, in the related art the size of the butterfly-shaped mask pattern 2 and the size of the island-shaped mask pattern 3 are not accurately correlated to account for the difference in the pattern types, since one is typically implemented as a positive pattern while the other is a negative pattern. Thus, if the butterfly-shaped mask pattern 2 is sized to create a well of 0.25 μm, the resulting island-shaped mask pattern 3 is approximately 0.46 μm, rather than 0.76 μm as desired.
Accordingly, in order to form a well so that the transistor of the pixel area is accurately driven, it is necessary to implement a photo resist mask pattern of an accurate size.

Method of manufacturing CMOS image sensor


A passive millimeter wave system of this invention is comprised of; human body detector sensors which detect human bodies passing a scanner; passive millimeter wave image sensor modules arranged horizontally or vertically to acquire millimeter wave images radiated from human body in horizontal and vertical axes at certain time intervals; amplifier which amplifies the DC voltage from passive millimeter image sensor modules to a certain level; analog-digital converter which transforms the amplified DC voltage to digital signals; mobility detector which detects movement of human body passing predetermined position to acquire millimeter wave signals from human body; digital signal processor which interlinks and reconstructs signals with the time and position of the object obtained from mobility detector and the signals obtained by passive millimeter image sensor modules; monitor which displays the image of the signals processed with digital signal processor.

The conventional imaging systems using millimeter wave (approximately 25 GHz˜300 GHz) acquire signals by scanning the images of objects obtained with lenses or other methods using image sensors and construct the signals into images. Such systems may invade privacy by providing clear images of human bodies under clothes and affect human health by scanning human bodies with X-rays.

Real time imaging expandable passive millimeter wave system for detecting concealed objects


A continuous breakdown tilt hoist having an overhead rotatable secondary hoist where the overhead rotatable secondary hoist is selectively rotatable about a pivot, selectively rotatable between an elevated non-engaging position into a lowered lumber stack translating position when primary hoist arms reach a raised position, the secondary hoist being selectively translatable between a lumber stack engaging position to a lumber stack discharging position, secondary hoist arms cantilevered outwardly of the secondary hoist so as to support a first lumber stack when the secondary hoist is in the lumber stack translating position, the secondary hoist arms being selectively translatable so as to translate the first lumber stack over a tier shearing edge, the primary hoist returnable from a reclined position to a lumber stack receiving position and the primary hoist arms returnable to a lower position for receiving a second lumber stack from a lumber stack conveyor, and elevating the second lumber stack to the tier shearing edge as the secondary hoist arms complete translating the first lumber stack over the tier shearing edge.

As known in the art, to breakdown a stack of stacked and stickered lumber (hereinafter referred to as a lumber stack), a lumber stack arrives on an infeed transfer chain, which places the lumber stack over a rotatable hoist frame which has been rotated up-right to receive the lumber stack, where once the lumber stack is positioned over the hoist arms, the hoist is rotated back to an incline, where the hoist then lifts the lumber stack up the inclined surface formed by the inclined hoist frame, so as to discharge under the force of gravity rows or tiers of individual pieces of lumber from the top of the lumber stack, as the top of the lumber stack is pushed beyond the uppermost end of the frame.
It is also known to assist lifting the lumber stack towards the uppermost end of the frame so as to discharge tiers of lumber from the stack by providing secondary lumber stack support arms which at some intermediate transfer point take over the upward translation of the lumber stack from the primary lumber stack support arms on the rotatable frame.
In particular, applicant is aware of U.S. Pat. No. 4,838,748 which issued on Jun. 13, 1989 to Johnson for a device entitled "Hoist and Accumulator Anm Apparatus". Johnson teaches a rotatable hoist frame for rotating a lumber stack, from an upright position into an inclined position flush with an accumulator arm apparatus. Hoist frame hoisting support members translate up the incline to slide the load of tiered material upwards onto a similarly inclined frame surface on the accumulator arm apparatus. Retracted accumulator arms in the accumulator arm apparatus extend upwardly from under the inclined frame surface, once the load of tiered material has been slid from the hoist frame onto the accumulator arm apparatus. The accumulator arms take over from the hoist frame horizontal supports and slide the partial lumber stack further upwards to a discharge point at the uppermost edge of the accumulator arm apparatus. The accumulator arms then retract and are repositioned ready to accept the next partial lumber stack which has been transferred up the hoist frame.
Also, applicant is aware of Swedish Patent 392,453 which issued on Mar. 28, 1977 to Hellstrom, for a device entitled "Arrangement for Feeding of a Package of Goods Such as a Package of Lumber". This apparatus is similar in operation to the Johnson apparatus. However, the secondary accumulator apparatus is mounted above the inclined face, and extends down under the partial lumber stack to take over the translation from the lower hoist frame.
Also, applicant is aware of U.S. Pat. No. 5,249,915 which issued on Oct. 5, 1993 to Ritola for a device entitled "Dual Independent Hoist Breakdown Station". This apparatus accomplishes similar lumber stack breakdown operation as the above devices, with accumulator arms being used for both primary and secondary hoists. There is also an additional tilting frame needed, that rotates up to receive the lumber stack and then rotates back against the inclined face where the primary accumulator arms are extended under the lumber stack to begin translating of the lumber stack up the inclined face.
It is also known in the industry that some long loads of lumber (particularly long thin lumber) can hang up on the unsupported end causing the lumber to come off the tilt hoist skewed and then bunched up, where the operator would then have to shut down the tilt hoist and the outfeed transfer and then unscramble the lumber by hand before restarting the outfeed transfer and tilt hoist.

Continuous breakdown tilt hoist with overhead rotatable secondary hoist


A tensioning assembly for connecting an outer component to a shaft. The tension assembly includes a double conical ring with a cylindrical circumferential surface and two oppositely inclined conical surfaces, and also includes two further conical clamping rings with each conical clamping ring having a conical circumferential surface which interacts with one of the conical surfaces of the double conical ring. Axial tensioning screws and axial forcing screws are uniformly distributed over the circumference of a pitch circle, such that the forcing screws are located at the same spacings and instead of the tensioning screws. At one location, a tensioning screw is provided outside the uniform spacings in order to ensure the correct alignment of the conical rings on the double conical ring in the circumferential direction.

The invention relates to a tensioning assembly for connecting an outer component having a cylindrical aperture to an inner component having a cylindrical outer surface and arranged concentrically in the aperture.
A first tensioning assembly of this type is known from German patent 23 29 940 A 1. Each individual conical ring disclosed therein has a conical surface and a cylindrical circumferential surface, the cylindrical circumferential surface resting directly against the opposite circumferential surface of the hub or shaft. A tensioning assembly in accordance with German patent 24 58 229 A 1, discloses conical rings having two conical circumferential surfaces wherein each conical ring is assigned a further conical ring which has a conical surface and a circumferential surface. The conical rings which interact with the tensioning screws thus exert their radial force on the adjacent cylindrical circumferential surface of the shaft or of the hub via the further conical rings.
The common feature of the two embodiments is that the conical rings and the circumferential webs of the double conical rings have the bores for the tensioning screws and the forcing screws on a common pitch circle and at the same spacings. As a consequence, at some locations on the circumference bores for forcing screws are arranged in the positions in which tensioning screws would normally be located. This design considerably simplifies the production on a drilling unit with corresponding dividing apparatus.
The uniform spacings, while providing advantages in terms of production, nevertheless involve problems regarding the correct installation of the front conical ring, the front conical ring being directed toward the caps of the tensioning screws. The problem of misalignment can occur whether assembly takes place at the factory or on site, e.g. when fastening belt-drive drums for conveying belts in mining or the like. Incorrect installation can easily occur because it is not easy to see, from the front, whether the conical ring is in the correct angular position with respect to the double conical ring. When in the correct position, the various types of bores coincide precisely. In the event of careless installation, sometimes the threaded bores in the front conical ring, (the front conical ring being directed toward the caps of the tensioning screws), and the threaded bores for releasing the front conical ring from the double conical ring, are located opposite and in alignment with threaded bores in the circumferential web of the double conical ring which are provided for the release of the conical ring directed away from the caps of the tensioning screws. Since the numbers of forcing screws for releasing the front conical ring and the rear conical ring are equal and the forcing screws are distributed uniformly over the circumference, all the threaded bores in the front conical ring may be located opposite the threaded bores in the circumferential web. No indication of this misalignment is given by insertion of the tensioning screws.
After the relative positions of the rings have been set, the forcing screws are screwed into the threaded bores of the front conical ring and come into contact with the threaded bores in the circumferential web. As a result, it is more difficult to force off the front conical ring because there is no real abutment to effect the necessary leverage. In addition, the threaded bores in the circumferential web are destroyed such that, in some circumstances, it is no longer possible to force off the rear conical ring and consequently the entire conical tensioning assembly can no longer be released.
It may be a number of years before this situation arises, when release of the tensioning assembly is already made difficult enough by corrosion and dirt. Accordingly, when such a case does occur, the damage is considerable.


The present invention describes various methods and apparatus to increase efficiency and sales of a Newspaper Rack. Several sensors are positioned throughout the Newspaper Rack to monitor when the remaining inventory reaches a predetermined quantity or is depleted. A logic circuit monitors the sensors and when the sensors change state, a signal is transmitted to a central location. The central location may add time-stamping, reference the location, and compile the information into a database. The central location notifies the proper party to service the Newspaper Rack. The Newspaper Rack can include various mechanisms to stimulate customers into purchasing a Newspaper, such as a visual display or audible means. The stimulating information can be obtained and/or changed using wireless transmission to a receiver. The Newspaper Rack can include external monitoring devices to gather information for traffic flow, weather, or other desirable information. This can offset the service costs for monitoring the inventory levels. Power consumption and replenishment are considered by the inclusion of solar cells to recharge the battery, placement of the battery under the platform for ease of replacement, and the inclusion of a battery monitoring circuit for optimizing replacement.

This invention relates in general to a method and apparatus for an automated inventory monitoring system for a Newspaper Rack using wireless transmitters, the internet, and other automated notification means.
The present invention is generally related to the use of remote automated apparatus for monitoring of inventory of Newspaper Racks. Newspaper racks are unique in that they are generally located where it would not be conducive to provide utilities such as power or telephone. Newspaper racks further utilize an honor system for purchases, whereby a consumer would insert change into a payment mechanism, the payment mechanism would allow the access door to open, and the consumer would honorably withdraw a single copy of the Newspaper.
Newspaper racks do not distribute change. They do not have sensors. They normally do not support portable power such as batteries.
Newspaper racks are desired to be manufactured of low cost materials and able to withstand harsh environments, including extreme variances in temperatures, extreme variances in humidity, salt spray (for corrosion), physical abuse, and the like.
The Newspaper companies print a predetermined quantity of Newspapers referred to as a draw. The draw is then distributed to the fleet of Newspaper Racks. The Single Copy Sales Manager uses very limited information to assist in the distribution process.
It is desirable for the Single Copy Sales Manager to obtain verification that each Newspaper Rack is filled and the time in which each Newspaper Rack is filled as well as when the inventory of each of the Newspaper Racks is depleted. This can aid in the distribution of the draw and further re-distribution of the draw upon depletion of the inventory. This will result in optimizing profits.
Newspaper Racks are normally located adjacent Newspaper Racks of competing companies. The optimal sales period for Newspapers is generally considered between 6 AM and 1 PM. Should the inventory of a Newspaper Rack become depleted prior to the end of the optimal time period, it would be desirable to replenish the inventory of the Newspaper Rack.
It would be desirable for a Single Copy Sales Manager to obtain demographics pertaining to the deployed number of Newspaper racks in order to predict an optimal distribution pattern.
Currently a consumer can enjoy the convenience of purchasing fuel without waiting to interact with an attendant through the implementation of automated payment systems at the fuel pumps, as taught by Wostl, et al (U.S. Pat. No. 3,786,421) and Gentile, et al (U.S. Pat. No. 3,931,497). Wostl, et al teaches the use of a credit card reader for the distribution of goods using an automated article dispensing system. Gentile, et al teaches similar to Wostl, with the focus on dispensing fuel. Both Wostl and Gentile teach the use of dispensing products from one of the specified dispensing machines.
The automated payment system receives the customer""s payment information from any of several known methods such as reading a magnetic strip coupled to a plastic card, reading a coding from a Radio Frequency signal for a device such as a proximity card, direct interface to an integrated circuit card such as a smart card, or any other derived automated payment system recognized by one skilled in the art.
Upon authorization of the customer""s provided automated payment system, the automated payment system allows the customer to dispense fuel into the customer""s fuel storage device. Upon completion, the system records and communicates the transaction to the customer""s payment institution. The automated payment system signals the customer for a receipt. Optionally, the automated payment system inquires the customer about including a car wash in the transaction. The automated transaction system provides a code to where the consumer enters the code into a keypad at the car wash to enable the car wash. Once a response to the inquiry is entered, or the automated transaction system completes a time out cycle, the automated transaction system completes the transaction.
Fuel stations have trended to include convenience marts at the same location, where the convenience marts provide sales of beverages, snacks, vehicle supplies (oils, fluids, etc.), newspapers, cigarettes, and even fast food retailers. Should the customer desire to purchase fuel and other items, the customer must complete two separate transactions and wait to interact with an attendant for servicing. Alternatively, the customer may purchase some convenience items through dispensing/vending machines, which require currency. The use of credit cards for a single dispensing machine purchase is normally cost prohibitive, as the cost of the purchase does not justify the incurred cost of the transaction. These reasons may deter the customer from making additional purchases. Alternatively, Vayda (U.S. Pat. No. 4,169,521) teaches a drive in, single stop shopping facility, using an attendant to service the vehicle and the customer.
Drive through systems are becoming an institution within several industries, including fast food, drugstores, and the like.
Selective call receivers, such as paging devices, wireless personal data assistants, and the like, are known to remotely control devices such as lawn sprinkling systems for golf courses.
Selective call receivers, such as paging devices, wireless personal data assistants, and the like, are known to have two way signal transmission capabilities.
Liquid Crystal Displays (LCD""s) and video monitors are known technologies that are used as customer interface devices at fuel pumps.
Automated teller machines (ATM""s) are known to have flexible, soft menus using each entry point for multiple functions.
Newspaper dispensers are preferred to be low cost, free standing, and located in remote locations. Additionally, the newspaper dispensers are generally placed at locations that are not conducive to wired facilities, such as power, communications, and the like.
Vending machines and more specifically newspaper sales required that the automated vending machine have inventory. Newspapers have a shelf life of 24 hours, thus increasing the need for inventory control. Excess inventory must be scrapped; shortages limit the potential sales.
Automated dispensing or vending machines are known. Signal transmissions or other means to interface between two electronic circuits are known.
What is desired is a method and apparatus to provide for the customer to acquire goods through an automated dispensing machine and using a remote financial transaction system.
The present invention addresses the deficiencies in the present state of optimizing Newspaper Sales, including monitoring inventory, providing capabilities to pay via credit card, debit card, and other via a remote payment system, providing visual and audible signals to influence consumers, and changing sales prices.
A first aspect to the present invention is the ability to monitor a Newspaper Rack and identify when the Newspaper rack is filled.
A second aspect to the present invention is the ability to monitor a Newspaper Rack and identify when the inventory of the Newspaper rack is depleted.
A third aspect of the present invention is the ability to transmit a signal from a Newspaper Rack to identify when the inventory of the Newspaper Rack is filled or depleted.
A forth aspect of the present invention is the ability to receive the transmitted signal, determine the location of the rack.
A fifth aspect of the present invention is the ability to identify the time in which the signal is transmitted or received.
A sixth aspect to the present invention is the ability to further transfer the information received via the internet to electronically transfer and record any desirable information.
A seventh aspect to the present invention is the ability to monitor a Newspaper rack for any unwarranted motion, such as vandalism. One such means would be a mercury switch.
An eighth aspect of the present invention is the ability to monitor external activities such as traffic, weather, and the like using sensors proximate the Newspaper Rack.
A ninth aspect of the present invention is the ability to transfer information to a Newspaper Rack to change the price of the Newspaper.
A tenth aspect of the present invention is the inclusion of an LED display and respective circuitry to visually attract consumers.
An eleventh aspect of the present invention is the inclusion of a speaker and respective circuitry to record and play an audible message to attract consumers.
A twelfth aspect of the present invention is the ability to transfer a message to a Newspaper Rack to attract consumers, whereby some examples would be to flash a specific headline across an LED display to visually attract consumers, a sound transmission to audibly transmit a signal to attract consumers, and the like.
A thirteenth aspect of the present invention is the inclusion of solar power panels for power sourcing and optionally recharging of batteries.
A fourteenth aspect of the present invention is the inclusion of a charging system that utilizes the process of opening and closing the access door on a Newspaper Rack to power the charging system.
A fifteenth aspect of the present invention is the inclusion of a means to identify when a newspaper is placed within a door of a Newspaper Rack.
A sixteenth aspect of the present invention is the inclusion of an electro-mechanical switch to identify when a newspaper is placed within the door of a Newspaper Rack.
A seventeenth aspect of the present invention is the inclusion of a means to identify when a newspaper is placed upon a platform of a Newspaper Rack.
An eighteenth aspect of the present invention is the inclusion of a electro-mechanical switch to identify when a newspaper is placed upon the platform of a Newspaper Rack.
A nineteenth aspect of the present invention is the inclusion of an adjustable platform, whereby the present invention includes a means to identify when the platform moves beyond a predetermined position within the Newspaper Rack.
A twentieth aspect of the present invention is a Newspaper Rack that includes a battery holder positioned on the underside of a platform.
A twenty-first aspect of the present invention is a Newspaper Rack that includes a battery holder whereby the battery contains two terminals located at one end and whereby when the battery is inserted into the battery holder, the two battery terminals make electrical connectivity with two respective receiving battery contacts.
A twenty-second aspect of the present invention is the inclusion of a means that a service person can cause the system to transmit a signal identifying a service completion.
A twenty-third aspect of the present invention is the use of a remote means to change the price of respective goods.
A twenty-forth aspect of the present invention is the ability to monitor the inventory of a Newspaper Rack whereby the Newspaper Rack is a shelf, rack, and the like positioned proximate a sales counter for retail sales. The shelf, rack, and the like does not automatically sell or use the honor system to sell newspapers.
A twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention is the ability to monitor the status of the battery.

Newspaper rack automated inventory monitoring request apparatus and method


A training manikin for use in teaching students to perform cardio-pulmonary resuscitation includes a head, a neck, and a torso molded integrally of a resilient material allowing flexure of the neck and providing realistic resistance to compression of the torso in simulating external heart massage. A tubular airway passage includes a restrictor and can receive obstructors. A cavity in the torso holds a smaller, infant-size similar manikin. The manikin may have a tough watertight skin surrounding a core of resilient microporous foam of lesser density.

The present invention relates to training individuals to perform cardio-pulmonary resuscitation and relates particularly to a manikin useful in providing such training.
Manikins have been used for years for training individuals to perform mouth-to-mouth artificial respiration and closed chest heart massage, known as cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, and for instruction in rescue breathing where heart failure is not a factor. In the past such manikins have been built in several pieces often including hollow shells of somewhat flexible and resilient materials, with various tubes, bellows, air bladders, valves, and pressure sensors housed within the shells. Articulation of head and neck portions has been accomplished through use of various swivel or hinge joints interconnecting separate parts. Such complexity of manikins provides some realism in the simulation of performing rescue breathing and CPR using such manikins, but adds considerably to the initial cost and to the cost of maintaining such manikins.
The complexity of such previously available manikins thus makes such manikins undesirably expensive, and creates an undesirable limitation on the availability of CPR training.
While the sensible feedback provided by complex CPR and rescue breathing training manikins available in the past may be instructive and reassuring, it is not essential to providing useful and valuable training in CPR. What is essential is merely that an opportunity be available to practice mouth-to-mouth breathing techniques and chest compression methods, without danger of injury or disease. While Kohnke U.S. Pat. No. 4,801,268 discloses a manikin capable of such function, it, too, is more complex than is necessary.
A common reason for performing rescue breathing and CPR is the so-called "cafe coronary" where a person chokes on a piece of food, and so it is desirable to teach techniques, such as the Heimlich maneuver, for clearing a person's airway to permit breathing. It is therefore desirable for a CPR training manikin to be useful for instruction in proper use of the Heimlich maneuver.
What is needed, then, is a CPR training manikin, on which mouth-to-mouth rescue breathing and closed chest heart massage can be practiced, which is inexpensive, durable, easily cleaned, and low in requirements for maintenance and repairs.

Training manikin for cardio-pulmonary resuscitation having nested infant-size manikin


A method for processing an accelerometer data set generated from an operating internal combustion engine is disclosed. The processed accelerometer data is cepstrally filtered and a heat release trace is pulled from the accelerometer data set. That heat release trace is then used to estimate combustion quality and combustion phasing within the engine and control future combustion events using this information. Misfire and knock sensing is also incorporated into the engine controls. The method provides controls for an engine to allow it to adjust combustion from cycle window to cycle window generally without the need for expensive and less durable direct pressure measurement devices as compared to accelerometers. The resulting fuel injection speed results in the fuel passing through shock waves within the combustion chamber, which, in turn, promotes combustion of the fuel by promoting mixing of the fuel and intake charge within the combustion chamber.

Internal combustion engines benefit from real time estimation of combustion quality and start of combustion (SOC). Knowing when combustion commences can help provide a control strategy that adjusts the SOC in future engine cycles to allow for improved performance of the engine. One engine that benefits substantially from SOC monitoring or estimation, is an engine that relies on the auto-ignition of a pre-mixed fuel and air charge. The auto-ignition of a pre-mixed fuel and air charge is referred to here as pre-mixed charge compression ignition, or PCCI. There tends to be emissions and efficiency benefits with PCCI combustion modes over typical diffusion or flame propagation combustion modes. An additional combustion strategy that benefits from SOC estimation is an engine that supplements the energy provided by a PCCI combustion event with a directly injected quantity of fuel generally provided once SOC has commenced. This type of engine is known as a premixed charge direct injection (PCDI) engine.
In general, various fuels or mixtures of fuels can be used to drive a PCCI or PCDI engine. By way of example, gaseous-fuelled high compression ratio engines can operate effectively where a small amount of pilot fuel is introduced into a pre-mixed charge containing gaseous fuel early in the compression stroke of an engine. The pilot fuel changes the auto-ignition properties of the premixed gaseous fuel. The injection timing and quantity of the pilot fuel can be manipulated such that the charge auto-ignites when the piston is at or near top dead center. However, the pilot fuel timing and quantity needed to auto-ignite the charge at the desired time of the engine cycle depends on many variables that can change over time and between cylinders. For example, one cylinder may run hotter than others (due to less cooling through the cylinder walls, or more trapped residual gases), thereby needing a smaller pilot fuel quantity to auto-ignite the charge at the desired time as compared to the other cylinders. Similarly, variations in fuel quality or intake manifold temperature over time forces the pilot fuel quantity and timing to be adjusted to maintain a fixed SOC. Preferably, an accurate estimate of the SOC in each cylinder is used in a feedback control loop, where a control lever such as pilot fuel timing or quantity is used to adjust the SOC to a target value. In this way, the PCCI/PCDI application is run in an efficient and robust manner.
Currently, SOC control is generally provided by algorithms that rely on a direct measurement of a signal indicative of pressure within the combustion chamber. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,598,468 and German Patent 4341796.5 use techniques to correlate a measured parameter indicative of pressure to SOC. The estimated SOC value is then used to adjust levers available to the controller to influence the SOC in future engine cycles. That is, a feedback control loop is used to minimize the error between the measured SOC and a target SOC. An operator specifies the target SOC. A sensor that measures the deflection of a diaphragm in contact with the in-cylinder pressure using optical methods is an example of such a pressure sensor. An optical sensor of this type could provide sufficiently accurate pressure measurements from the combustion chamber for the techniques taught in the art. Optical sensors, or other direct pressure measurement instruments, can be expensive and may lack the reliability and robustness (due to the harsh environment within a combustion chamber) required for the application.
An alternate sensor that can be used to estimate pressure in the combustion chamber is an accelerometer. The techniques taught above are used to estimate an SOC from the measured accelerometer data: see U.S. Pat. No. 6,408,819 and Lyon, "Cepstral analysis as a tool for robust processing, deverberation, and detection of transients", Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing, (Academic Press: 1992), 6(1), p 1–15. Such techniques are valuable, as accelerometers tend to be less expensive, and currently more reliable and more robust than direct pressure measuring sensors. However, the drawback with U.S. Pat. No. 6,408,819 is that this technique relies on a method of reconstructing a pressure signal that is unlikely to be sufficiently accurate. Cepstral filtering taught by Lyon can also be used to provide a pressure signal for use with U.S. Pat. No. 6,408,819. However, the cepstral filtering taught by Lyon reconstructs the combustion pressure. It may be possible to develop a method to extract parameters from the combustion pressure that would correlate with SOC. However, one of these parameters is magnitude. Where cepstral analysis is used, the magnitude varies in a non-linear fashion with load. A standard reconstruction technique results in a linear variation in magnitude with respect to load; see DE 43 41 796.5. The non-linearity introduced by cepstral filtering creates complexities when correlating parameters to SOC. The result can be higher errors in the estimated SOC for a given cycle of the engine. The combustion control technique taught in U.S. Pat. No. 6,598,468 relies on a measure of the in-cylinder pressure prior to the on-set of combustion, and a second measure after the combustion has begun. Relying on a standard pressure reconstruction technique would result in a relatively inaccurate picture of the in-cylinder pressure prior to combustion. Cepstral filtering improves the reliability of the measured pressure, but in doing so provides a measure of the combustion pressure. That is, the use of an accelerometer may not give an accurate measure of the in-cylinder pressure prior to combustion, and hence can lead to problems in applying the technique proposed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,598,468.
The applicant has addressed these problems by developing a method and apparatus using accelerometer data that delivers an SOC estimate that is comparable to estimates provided by directly measured pressure indicative signals.

Method and apparatus for controlling an internal combustion engine using accelerometers