This invention relates to disalt nitrogen-heteroaryl inhibitors of IL-12 production, and related methods and pharmaceutical compositions.

Interleukin-12 (IL-12) is a heterodimeric cytokine (p70) which plays key roles in immune responses by bridging innate resistance and antigen-specific adaptive immunity. Trinchieri (1993) Immunol Today 14:335. For example, it promotes type 1 T helper cell (TH1) responses and, hence, cell-mediated immunity. Chan et al. (1991) J Exp Med 173: 869; Seder et al. (1993) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 90: 10188; Manetti et al. (1993) J Exp Med 177:1199; and Hsieh et al. (1993) Science 260: 547. Interleukin-12 (IL-12) is a disulfide linked heterodimeric cytokine composed of two independently regulated subunits, p35 and p40. IL-12 is produced by phagocytic cells and antigen presenting cells, in particular, macrophages and dendritic cells, upon stimulation with bacteria, bacterial products such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and intracellular parasites. The well-documented biological functions of IL-12 are induction of interferon-y expression from T and NK cells and differentiation toward the TH1 T lymphocyte type. IFN-γ, expression of which is induced by IL-12, is a strong and selective enhancer of IL-12 production from monocytes and macrophages. The cytokine IL-23 is a heterodimer composed of a p19 subunit and the same p40 subunit of IL-12. IL-23, similarly to IL-12, is involved in type 1 immune defenses and induces IFN-γ secretion from T cells. IL-27 is formed by the association of EBI3, a polypeptide related to the p40 subunit of IL-12, and p28, a protein related to the p35 subunit of IL-12. IL-27 promotes the growth of T cells and is thought to play a role in the differentiation of TH1 cells. Pflanz et al., Immunity (2002), 16:779-790.
It has been suggested that, particularly in chronic diseases in which there is ongoing production of IFN-γ, IL-12 production is augmented by IFN-γ. It is presumed that after an infective or inflammatory stimulus that provokes IL-12 production, the powerful feedback loop promotes IL-12- and IL-23-induced IFN-γ to further augment IL-12 production, leading to consequent excessive production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, it has been suggested that IL-27 induces the expression of T-bet, a major TH1-specific transcription factor, and it's downstream target IL-12R β2, independently of IFN-γ. In addition, IL-27 suppresses the expression of GATA-3. GATA-3 inhibits TH1 development and causes loss of IL-12 signaling through suppression of IL-12R β2 and Stat4 expression. Lucas et al., PNAS (2003), 100:15047-15052.
IL-12 plays a critical role in multiple-TH1 dominant autoimmune diseases including, but not limited to, multiple sclerosis, sepsis, myasthenia gravis, autoimmune neuropathies, Guillain-Barré syndrome, autoimmune uveitis, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, pernicious anemia, autoimmune thrombocytopenia, temporal arteritis, anti-phospholipid syndrome, vasculitides, Wegener's granulomatosis, Behcet's disease, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, dermatitis herpetiformis, pemphigus vulgaris, vitiligo, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, interstitial pulmonary fibrosis, myelofibrosis, hepatic fibrosis, myocarditis, thyroditis, primary biliary cirrhosis, autoimmune hepatitis, Type 1 or immune-mediated diabetes mellitus, Grave's disease, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, autoimmune oophoritis and orchitis, autoimmune disease of the adrenal gland; rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, polymyositis, dermatomyositis, spondyloarthropathies, ankylosing spondylitis, Sjogren's syndrome and graft-versus-host disease. See, for example, Gately et al. (1998) Annu Rev Immunol. 16: 495; and Abbas et al. (1996) Nature 383: 787.
Inhibiting IL-12 overproduction, or inhibiting the production of cytokines such as IL-23 and IL-27 which promote IL-12 production and/or TH1 development is an approach to treating the just-mentioned diseases. Trembleau et al. (1995) Immmunol. Today 16:383; and Adorini et al. (1997) Chem. Immunol. 68: 175. For example, overproduction of IL-12 and the resultant excessive TH1 type responses can be suppressed by modulating IL-12, IL-23 and/or IL-27 production. Therefore, compounds that down-regulate IL-12, IL-23 and/or IL-27 production can be used for treating inflammatory diseases. Ma et al. (1998) Eur Cytokine Netw 9: 54.
IL-12 also plays a role in bone loss diseases, particularly those involving osteoclasts. Osteoclasts are unique multinucleated cells within bone that are responsible for bone degradation and resorption. These are the only cells in the body known to be capable of this function. Osteoclasts have a high capacity for the synthesis and storage of enzymes, including acid hydrolases and carbonic anhydrase isoenzyme II. Osteoclasts share phenotypic characteristics with circulating monocytes and tissue macrophages (N. Kurihara et al., Endocrinology 126: 2733-41 (1990); G. Hattersley et al, Endocrinology 128: 259-62 (1991)). These cells are derived from mononuclear precursors that are the progeny of stem-cell populations located in the bone marrow, spleen, and liver. Proliferation of these stem-cell populations produces osteoclastic precursors, which migrate via vascular routes to skeletal sites. These cells then differentiate. and fuse with each other to form osteoclasts, or alternatively, fuse with existing osteoclasts.
The regulation of osteoclastic formation and activity is only partly understood but it is known that excessive bone resorption by osteoclasts contributes to the pathology of many human diseases associated with excessive bone loss, including periodontal disease, non-malignant bone disorders (such as osteoporosis, Paget's disease of bone, osteogenesis imperfecta, fibrous dysplasia, and primary hyperparathyroidism) estrogen deficiency, inflammatory bone loss, bone malignancy, arthritis, osteopetrosis, and certain cancer-related disorders (such as hypercalcemia of malignancy (HCM), osteolytic bone lesions of multiple myeloma and osteolytic bone metastases of breast cancer and other metastatic cancers).


This is a method and apparatus for use in the "color-graphics board" of a computer having a pictorial output visualizable in color. It is particularly suitable for use with computers of the Macintosh type of configuration, but is by no means limited to computers of that type. The invention affords to the operator of the computer the ability to select various bit levels for the pixels which together comprise the display of the computer. The bit levels may be selected at will depending upon the necessary degree of resolution and color selectability that characterize the diverse possible uses of the visual display of the computer.

The cathode-ray tube is, of course, an analog device capable of displaying in a continuous fashion the data supplied to its electron guns and its deflection plates and governing respectively the intensity and the location of the illuminated spots which together constitute the display on the face of the cathode-ray tube. The intensity of the spots is a function of the voltages on the electron guns, while the location of the spots is a function of the voltage differences on the respective pairs of deflection plates. Although the cathode-ray tube is inherently capable of presenting a continuous display controlled by the aforementioned respective voltages, the computer circuitry which usually generates those voltages is digital in nature and hence produces discrete and discontinuous bits of data. Those bits of data are assembled in a large-capacity contiguous memory element called a "frame buffer." The frame buffer maintains available for "accessing" a large amount of address, intensity, and often color data. These data are arranged in the form of a matrix of memory cells, each of which represents the address, intensity, and possibly the color of a certain small elementary portion of the image to be displayed on the face of the cathode-ray tube. In view of the digital nature of the data so assembled in the frame buffer or similar memory element, the corresponding locations on the face of the cathode-ray tube may be considered as a "raster" of horizontal lines and vertical columns. At the intersection of each such horizontal line and vertical column of the raster, we may visualize a small element of area on the face of the cathode-ray tube called a picture element or "pixel." Thus, it becomes possible to employ the data stored in the frame buffer to control the address, intensity and color of each of the pixels included within the raster of the image on the face of the cathode-ray tube. In employing the digital data stored in the frame buffer to control the address, intensity, and color of each pixel, it is first necessary to convert the aforementioned data from digital form into analog form. This conversion is generally performed by a device known as a "digital-to-analog-converter." In the case of a color display, there is generally one digital-to-analog-converter ("DAC") for each of the primary colors (red, green, and blue) which are necessary in defining the color of every pixel to be displayed.
In some applications of computer graphics, it is not necessary to have a full-color display as produced by a cathode-ray tube having an electron gun for each of the aforementioned primary colors. For these applications, a single electron gun may suffice for the purposes of the display. If desired, the intensity of each illuminated spot on the face of the cathode-ray tube may still be controlled by supplying a modulated voltage to the single electron gun of the cathode-ray tube. An arrangement of this type permits the generation of a display having portions which are fully illuminated, other portions which are not illuminated at all, and still further portions which are illuminated to some controllable degree, thereby generating on the screen of the cathode-ray tube pixel images in shades of gray somewhere between black and white.
A still further variation, which may be satisfactory in some elementary applications, requires only that each pixel in the image on the face of the cathode-ray tube be either "on" or "off," i.e., that the pixel be either illuminated or not illuminated, as the case may be, in accordance with data derived from the frame buffer.
In the last-mentioned application, the data requirements for each pixel of image are very simple--only one bit of digital data is required in order to specify whether a pixel is to be activated or not activated. On the other hand, if various shades of gray between white and black are required in the presentation of pixels forming the image on the face of the cathode-ray tube, the data requirements may be as much as eight bits per pixel to be displayed. This amount of data permits display of a so-called "gray-scale" comprising 2.sup.8 (or 256) shades of gray.
One early computer-graphics system had a display which was in color, but the colors were drawn from a very limited "palette" of 16 possible hues. As in the case of the "gray scale," this system required eight bits of data for each pixel to be displayed.
An improved display, called "Chroma Vision Plus," required eight bits of digital data for each of the primary colors to be included in the resultant color characterizing each pixel to be displayed. Since eight bits were required for each of the primary colors, the total requirement of "Chroma Vision Plus" was 24 bits of digital data. This improvement, for the "high end" of the market, enabled the presentation of a color image in which each pixel could have a composite hue selected from a total of more than 16 million possibilities (2.sup.24).
In a computer-graphics electronic circuit, the computation of address, intensity and color data for each pixel to be displayed is usually performed in a microprocessor under the control of a program memory which is specially designed for that purpose. The microprocessor may be part of the "color-graphics board," which is a supplement to the computer. Alternatively, the microprocessor may be part of the central processing unit of the computer itself if the available time of the "CPU" microprocessor is sufficient for the purpose of specifying the intensity and color of individual pixels of the display. Conventionally, the address and color data developed by the microprocessor are furnished to a sub-assembly which may be called a "pixel-memory controller." The pixel-memory controller performs any further operations that are necessary to prepare the outputs of the microprocessor for entry in the frame buffer. The improvements in accordance with the present invention relate principally to a "pixel-data controller," i.e., all circuitry interposed between the frame buffer and the color circuitry (the "color-look-up table.")
Prior to the present invention, there has not been any pixel-data controller which efficiently implements the provision and selection of an appropriate number of bits of data to fulfill--but not overfulfill--the requirements of different types of display device. There have been various "jerry-built" assemblages of discrete semiconductor components that have enabled a choice to be made among different levels of address and color data that could be developed by a microprocessor. However, these prior-art approaches to the problem have been complex in design and expensive to manufacture, and have not embodied a single integrated circuit capable of selecting the data necessary to satisfy the requirements of the particular display device to be employed. In short, there has been no single "elegant" means for selecting the data that are immediately needed and for maintaining available the data which are not immediately needed but which will later be required. Until now, the difficulties of design, the expense of manufacture, and the power requirements of prior-art approaches to this problem have all been discouragingly high.

Method and apparatus for manipulation of pixel data in computer graphics


Method, apparatus and program products are provided for persistent cache synchronization for a first communication session and a concurrent second communication session over an external communication link between a client protocol conversion application executing on a first computer and a server protocol conversion application executing on a second computer located remote from the first computer. An active cache is established independently for each session with a corresponding cache for each session at the other computer for use with the first and the second communication session respectively. A checkpoint request is transmitted to the server application indicating one of the active protocol caches from either the first session or the second session to be used to provide a checkpoint. On receipt of the request from the server application, the active protocol cache for the indicated session is copied to provide a checkpoint cache of the second computer. Regardless of which session was indicated, the resulting checkpoint cache of the second computer is associated with both the first and the second session. A checkpoint confirmation message is transmitted to the client application with the first computer responsive to the copying operation. On receipt of the checkpoint confirmation message, the client application creates a checkpoint cache of the first computer as a copy of the indicated one of the first or second sessions protocol cache. The checkpoint cache of the first computer is associated with both the first session and the second session to provide a checkpoint. Operations to create new checkpoints are repeated as desired based upon checkpoint criteria.

Traditional mainframe computer configurations provided for user interface to the computer through computer terminals which were directly connected by wires to ports of the mainframe computer. An example of such a terminal is an IBM 3270 or IBM 5250 type terminal which may communicate with a mainframe (or host) using a Telnet protocol. A Telnet protocol for a terminal such as an IBM 3270 or an IBM 5250 typically provides for structured grouping of data stream transmissions with a series of control characters followed by a block of displayable characters with a data stream comprising a plurality of sequentially transmitted control character blocks followed by displayable character blocks.
As computing technology has evolved, processing power has typically moved from a more central computer model to a distributed environment with local area networks connecting individual work stations to wide area or internet networks linking a number of different local networks through devices such as, for example, routers. Furthermore, due to infrastructure limitations and cost, components of the "network" linking two devices wishing to communicate may include a low through-put component such as a wireless network link. Central mainframe computers continue to play a role in the networked environment. Accordingly, using structured protocols such as the Telnet protocol are still in use. These applications may communicate with users over the network to terminals such as an IBM 3270 or, alternatively, to microprocessor based work stations executing software applications which allow the computers to act as a terminal.
Communications from a terminal (or terminal emulator) to a host are typically disadvantaged particularly on lower through-put network legs, such as wireless legs (or highly congested legs which are effectively bandwidth limited), where bandwidth limitations result in slower response time for communications between the terminal emulators and the host application. In the extreme, protocol timeouts may even cause transmission errors and resulting retransmissions or even inability of the communication system to operate. Thus, utilizing wireless technology, or any low-speed communication technology, with terminal emulator or other structured type data protocols exacerbates the weaknesses of the wireless technology.
A further problem with terminal to host communications relates to session start up. Sessions may be intentionally discontinued and restarted later. Problems may also be encountered where random session failures occur; causing unplanned loss of connection to the host. Additional problems may be encountered with identification of sessions for start up where multiple sessions are active concurrently for a single client/server (terminal/host) pair.

Client/server system in which protocol caches for multiple sessions are selectively copied into a common checkpoint cache upon receiving a checkpoint request

International Business Machines Corporation


A method and apparatus are provided for configuring a VLAN on a node of a communication network. A graphical user interface (GUI) is provided at a network management system, through which an operator selects a node and a physical port on the node. The operator identifies which virtual ports associated with the physical port are to be included in each of the member set, the forbidden set, and the untagged set of the VLAN, up the GUI. The GUI is designed so that each virtual port can only belong to one of the member set and the forbidden set. In addition, the network management system ensures that a VLAN ID entered by the operator is unique, and that the maximum number of VLANs have not already been configured on the physical port. The configuration information is thereby validated, and sent to the node for configuration thereon.

Bridges between separate local area networks (LAN) allow customer premises equipment (CPE) within each LAN to communicate with each other. In accordance with the 802.1q VLAN standard, a Virtual LAN (VLAN) can be set up to allow CPEs in different LANs to communicate as if they were within the same LAN, using transparent bridging. The transparent bridging may be provided by Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) nodes within an ATM network. Each ATM node includes one or more Ethernet cards, each of which is physically connected to an Ethernet switch through a physical port on the Ethernet card or to an Ethernet card on a different ATM node. Each 802.1q Ethernet port allows VLAN configuration. Each VLAN is composed of a plurality of virtual ports, for example one dedicated virtual bridge port and 64 virtual ATM ports.
The ATM node stores a member set, a forbidden set, and an untagged set for each of a number of VLANs, each set containing zero or more virtual ports. The member set and forbidden set of each VLAN are exclusive of each other, in that each virtual port can belong to either the member set or the forbidden set of a given VLAN, but not both. A virtual port can however be associated with more than one VLAN, the set to which it belongs being generally independent for each VLAN. For example, a given virtual port may belong to the member set of a first VLAN, and to a forbidden set of a second VLAN.
When an ATM node receives a VLAN tagged frame from a CPE via an Ethernet switch, the ATM node notes that the frame is VLAN tagged and reads the VLAN identification (ID) of the frame. The ATM determines the virtual ports within the member set associated with the VLAN ID of the received frame, and sends a copy of the frame to each virtual port within the member set. The virtual ports effectively lead to a second LAN within the VLAN, via at least one other ATM node, and arrive at an Ethernet switch within the second LAN. The Ethernet switch then forwards the frame to destination CPEs.
VLANs must be configured at the ATM nodes, in order to identify the member set, forbidden set, and untagged set of each VLAN. VLANs are typically configured manually. An operator telnets into a node and opens a Node Terminal Management Interface session. Using command line interface commands, the operator selects a physical port by entering the shelf, slot, and port number. The operator enters a VLAN ID. The operator selects one of member set, untagged set, or forbidden set and enters the virtual ports to be associated with that set for the VLAN ID. The operator may repeat this for the other two sets. The operator repeats this for each physical port, and for each node in the network.
This manual configuration is a time consuming and tedious process. Furthermore, no error checking is done. As a result, invalid VLAN IDs may be inadvertently used, a VLAN may be inadvertently assigned on a physical port which can not support any additional VLANs, and invalid virtual ports may be inadvertently associated with the VLAN. A configuration method or system which removes the tedium of manual configuration and which performs error checking would allow more efficient and reliable configuration of VLANs on ATM nodes.


The invention relates to a method for securing a networked system comprising system components having hardware and software modules connected via a system bus. According to the invention, the system components each comprise an authentication feature for the hardware modules and/or a further authentication and/or integrity securing feature each for the software modules. Further, a central testing module attached to the system bus for testing the authenticity features and/or the integrity securing features is provided.

Such a system may for example be formed by the following scenarios:                system for remote inquiry of electricity meter readings over the power line or the power supply network,        database server with accesses via clients        client/server configuration comprising internal data exchange        remote setting of devices        remote inquiry of account balances        system in a vehicle having networked processors/microcontrollers, in particular motor control, alarm system or central door safety system,        etc.
Symmetric and asymmetric encryption methods are generally known, wherein a safe message channel between communication parties is formed. Further, symmetric and asymmetric methods, like for example a digital signature or a message authentication code (MAC) are generally used, wherein the authenticity and/or integrity of a message, a party, or a key may be tested by a reception unit. General basics are for example described in the book "Kryptographie" by W. Fumy and H. P. Rieβ, "Entwurf und Analyse symmetrischer Kryptosysteme", R. Oldenburg Verlag Munchen, Wien, 1988.

Method for securing the authenticity of hardware and software in a networked system


A ratchet tool includes a tool member rotatably engaged into a cartridge and having a gear, two pawls slidably received in the cartridge and each having one or more teeth biased to engage with the gear of the tool member, and a control ferrule may control the engagement of the pawls with the gear of the tool member, and the pawls each include a ball, a roller, or a rounded or rotary or smooth member engaged between the control ferrule and the pawls, for forming a reduced contact area between the control ferrule and the smooth member, and for allowing the pawls to be effectively moved relative to the cartridge, and to be disengaged from or to be engaged with the gear of the tool member by the control ferrule.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a ratchet tool, and more particularly to a ratchet tool having a rounded or smooth pawl engaging mechanism for allowing pawls to be smoothly actuated to engage with a gear by a control ferrule.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Various kinds of typical ratchet tools or ratchet mechanisms have been developed and each comprises a block or cartridge attached to a handle, a rod or gear rotatably engaged into the block or cartridge for coupling to a driving shank, and two pawls slidably engaged into the block or cartridge for being biased to engage with the rod or gear, in order to control the driving direction of the driving shank.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,523,093 to Lee, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,522,081 to Lin disclose two of the typical ratchet tools or ratchet mechanisms each also comprising a driving shank for coupling to a base cartridge of the handle selectively with two pawls, and the pawls each includes a number of teeth for engaging with the teeth of the rod or gear or driving shank, in order to determine or to control the driving direction of the driving shank relative to the handle.
Normally, a control ferrule is rotatably attached onto the handle or the base cartridge, and engaged with the pawls, for selectively urging or forcing the pawls to engage with the teeth of the rod or gear or driving shank respectively.
However, the control ferrule is frictionally engaged with the pawls and a frictional force may be occurred or generated between the pawls and the control ferrule, such that the pawls may not be easily and smoothly forced and moved to engage with the teeth of the rod or gear or driving shank by the control ferrule, and such that rubbing or wearing problems may be occurred or generated between the pawls and the control ferrule.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,227,077 to Chiang, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,250,183 to Chiang disclose two further typical ratchet tools or ratchet mechanisms each also comprising a driving shank coupling to a base cartridge of the handle selectively with two pawls, and the pawls each includes a number of teeth for engaging with the teeth of the rod or gear or driving shank, in order to control the driving direction of the driving shank relative to the handle.
Similarly, a control ferrule is also required to be rotatably attached or engaged onto the handle or the base cartridge, and engaged with the pawls, for selectively urging or forcing the pawls to engage with the teeth of the rod or gear or driving shank respectively.
However, similarly, the control ferrule is also frictionally engaged with the pawls, such that the pawls may not be easily and smoothly forced and moved to engage with the teeth of the rod or gear or driving shank by the control ferrule, and such that rubbing or wearing problems may be occurred or generated between the pawls and the control ferrule.
The present invention has arisen to mitigate and/or obviate the afore-described disadvantages of the conventional ratchet tools.

Ratchet tool having smooth engaging member


Provided is a resin composition comprising a polymaleimide compound (A) represented by the following general formula (1), a modified polyphenylene ether (B) having a terminal modified with a substituent containing a carbon-carbon unsaturated double bond, and a filler (C):

In recent years, high integration and miniaturization of semiconductors used for communication devices, communication instruments, personal computers, and the like have progressed. Along with this progress, various characteristics required for laminates (e.g., metal foil-clad laminates) for semiconductor packages used in printed wiring boards for use in them have become increasingly severe. Examples of the main characteristics required include peel strength, low water absorption properties, desmear resistance, flame resistance, low dielectric constant, low dielectric loss tangent, low thermal expansion rate, and heat resistance.
In order to obtain printed wiring boards for which these characteristics are improved, studies have been performed on resin compositions used as materials of printed wiring boards. For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a resin composition for printed wiring boards, comprising a combination of a specific bifunctional vinyl benzyl compound containing a polyphenylene ether skeleton (a), a specific maleimide compound (b), a specific cyanate resin (c), and a specific epoxy resin (d) as constituents at a predetermined ratio, for the purpose of achieving excellent varnish storage stability at low temperatures, and preventing reduction in characteristics, such as multilayer moldability, heat resistance after moisture absorption, electrical characteristics, and peel strength, even in a winter period and for a long period of time.
Patent Literature 2 discloses a resin composition comprising a combination of a specific cyanate compound (A), a specific polymaleimide compound (B), and a filler (C) as constituents, for the purpose of improving plating peel strength and low water absorption properties.

Resin composition, prepreg, metal foil-clad laminate, resin composite sheet, and printed wiring board

Abstract: wherein a plurality of R each independently represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, or a phenyl group; and n is an average value and represents 1<n≤5.


A sun visor arrangement for a motor vehicle is connected to at least one support of the motor vehicle and is configured to be moveable from a stowed position into a shading position. The sun visor arrangement has a sun visor and one or more screen parts connected to the sun visor. The screen part is configured to be moveable from a rest position into a position of use and back.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a sun visor arrangement for vehicles, preferably motor vehicles. The sun visor arrangement is moveable from a stowed position into a shading position and is secured on at least one support provided on the vehicle.
2. Description of the Related Art
Motor vehicles are generally provided in the area above the windshield with two sun visors, one for the driver and one for the front passenger. These sun visors are pivotably supported. When the driver and/or the front passenger are blinded by the sun, the sun visors are folded down from the stowed position into the shading position. Depending on the position of the sun, the shading action of the sun visor is often insufficient.
It is an object of the present invention to configure the sun visor of the aforementioned kind such that the driver and/or the front passenger are protected optimally against the impinging sun light.
In accordance with the present invention, this is achieved in that than the sun visor comprises at least one screen part which can be moved from the rest position into a position of use.
The sun visor arrangement according to the invention is provided with a screen part which provides additional shading protection for the driver and/or the front passenger when in the position of use. The screen part can be moved, like the sun visor itself, from its rest position (stowed position) into a position of use and vice versa.

Reitter and Schefenacker GmbH and Co. KG


A process for the manufacture of semi-plastic pharmaceutical unit doses using a rotary moulding machine and semi-plastic pharmaceutical dosage units obtained by this process.

Chewable pharmaceutical dosage units, such as soft chews, are known and have been commercialized for companion animals. Formulation of a drug into a chewable dosage form can increase (animal) patient acceptance of the medication that tend to resist swallowing hard tablets or capsules and even make the animals take up the dosage form free choice.
Texture is important for the acceptance of such oral dosage units by (animal) patients. One of the most commonly used form for chewable pharmaceutical dosage units is a chewable compressed tablet, whose ingredients, however, can make the tablet gritty or otherwise unappealing, especially to non-human animals. Thus, a preferred alternative dosage form for non-human animals is the "soft chew", generally a meat-like mass also widely found in consumable pet treats.
Soft chewable pharmaceutical dosage units (Soft chews) have been described in the prior art. U.S. Pat. No. 6,387,381 discloses an extrudate which is formed of a matrix having starch, sugar, fat, polyhydric alcohol and water.
WO 2004/014143 relates to compositions and processes for the delivery of an additive to an organism in a form suitable for consumption, and in particular, in the form of a soft chew.
US 2009/0280159 and US 2011/0223234, relate to palatable edible soft chewable medication vehicles. The processes described herein relate to the problem that heat generated during the extrusion process causes deterioration in the stability of the active ingredient in the mixture.
Machines for the production of moulded food patties have been described to be useful for the manufacturing of soft chews for administration to non-human animals. Such machines are moulding machines that have been originally developed for use in producing moulded food products, for example the Formax F6™ moulding machine made by the Formax Corporation or the moulding machines disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,486,186; 3,887,964; 3,952,478; 4,054,967; 4,097,961; 4,182,003; 4,334,339; 4,338,702; 4,343,068; 4,356,595; 4,372,008; 4,535,505; 4,597,135; 4,608,731; 4,622,717; 4,697,308; 4,768,941; 4,780,931; 4,818,446; 4,821,376; 4,872,241; 4,975,039; 4,996,743; 5,021,025; 5,022,888; 5,655,436; and 5,980,228.
Such machines are originally used to form e.g. hamburger patties from a supply of ground beef by forcing the ground beef under pressure into a multi-cavity mould plate which is rapidly shuttled on a linear slide between a fill position and a discharge position in which vertically reciprocable knock-outs push the patties from the mould cavities. A schematic drawing of such a machine is shown in FIG. 1.
However, it has been observed that with such forming machines there are limitations regarding the size and weight of soft chewable pharmaceutical dosage units that can be produced in the desired quality on large scale.
Accordingly, an alternative process for producing such soft chewable pharmaceutical dosage units and other semi-plastic pharmaceutical dosage units on an industrial scale would be desirable.
Rotary moulding machines are known for the manufacturing of confectionery such as marzipan, fondant, nut compositions, fruit compositions, fudge, caramel, nougat, coconut compositions and the like.
It has now been found that semi-plastic pharmaceutical dosage units, e.g. soft chews, that are formed with a rotary moulding machine have desirable properties and address the problems of the prior art.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Manufacturing of semi-plastic pharmaceutical dosage units


When an AC adaptor is removed and a power supply to a power node NP of a ROM writing apparatus is stopped, an analog switch which is controlled by a voltage at the power node NP is turned off. Thus, even if a power voltage VTG of a user board side is applied, a data signal DAT which is outputted from the user board is shut off by the analog switch and does not reach the power node NP via a diode. Therefore, a control terminal of a 3-state buffer is certainly set to “L”. There is not a risk such that a pass current flows in the 3-state buffer and a breakdown by heat is caused. When a power source is shut off, a breakdown of an interface circuit due to a wraparound of a power voltage from another apparatus is prevented.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to an interface circuit for transmitting and receiving a signal between two apparatuses which are driven by different power sources.
2. Related Background Art
FIG. 2 is a constructional diagram of a conventional ROM writing system including a ROM writing apparatus disclosed in Literature 1 (refer to "PW66K Flash Writer System—User's Manual", Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd., pages 6–8, May 19, 1999).
According to such a ROM writing system, a program or data which is sent from a host computer 1 is written into a flash memory built in a microcomputer 2a on a user board 2 and the system has a ROM writing apparatus 10. The host computer 1 and the ROM writing apparatus 10 are connected by, for example, a serial interface of the RS-232C standard. The ROM writing apparatus 10 is connected to a terminal on the side of the user board 2 by a probe via a probe cable.
The ROM writing apparatus 10 has a power unit 11 for generating a stable power voltage VCC of 5V (DC: direct current) from a voltage of 12V (DC) which is supplied from an AC (alternating current) adapter 3. An output side of the power unit 11 is connected to a power node NP. The power voltage VCC is applied from the power node NP to a control unit 12. Further, the ROM writing apparatus 10 has an interface unit (I/F) 13 for transmitting and receiving a signal between the control unit 12 and the microcomputer 2a on the user board 2.
The I/F 13 has 3-state buffers 13a, 13b, and 13c corresponding to the signals. The 3-state buffers 13a and 13b transmit a clock signal CK and write data WD which are outputted from the control unit 12 to the microcomputer 2a side. The 3-state buffer 13c receives data DAT which is read out from the microcomputer 2a and sends it to the control unit 12. When a signal which is inputted to a control terminal is at the high ("H") level, each of the 3-state buffers 13a to 13c sends the signal at an input terminal to an output terminal. When the signal to the control terminal is at the low ("L") level, each buffer sets the output terminal to a high impedance.
The control terminals of the 3-state buffers 13a to 13c are connected to the power node NP via pull-up resistors 14a to 14c, respectively, and controlled by the signal sent from the control unit 12. To prevent the control unit 12 from being broken by an abnormal input voltage, protective diodes 15 and 16 are connected to the output side of the 3-state buffer 13c so that they are connected to a ground voltage GND and the power voltage VCC in the opposite directions, respectively.
Further, to prevent an erroneous operation or the like that is caused by a difference between the power voltage VCC of the ROM writing apparatus 10 and a power voltage VTG (for example, 2 to 5 V) of the microcomputer side, the I/F 13 is driven by the power voltage VTG which is applied from a power unit 2b on the user board 2 side.
The power unit 2b of the user board 2 side generates the power voltage VTG which is necessary for the ordinary operation of the microcomputer 2a. As a high voltage VPP for writing data into the flash memory built in the microcomputer 2a, 12V (DC) which is supplied from the AC adaptor 3 to the ROM writing apparatus 10 is applied as it is.
In such a ROM writing system, the data which is written from the host computer 1 into the flash memory built in the microcomputer 2a is supplied to the control unit 12 of the ROM writing apparatus 10 via the RS-232C interface. The supplied data is converted into data in a format according to a writing procedure of the microcomputer 2a side by the control unit 12 and sent to the I/F 13 in accordance with a predetermined protocol. In the I/F 13, the supplied data is converted into a signal level corresponding to the power voltage VTG of the user board 2 side and outputted to the microcomputer 2a side via the probe cable. Thus, the data is written into the flash memory built in the microcomputer 2a.
To check the data written into the flash memory, the data DAT read out from the microcomputer 2a is sent to the control unit 12 via the 3-state buffer 13c. In the control unit 12, the written data is compared with the read-out data and whether the data has correctly been written or not can be discriminated.
However, the conventional ROM writing system has the following problems.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the problems in the conventional ROM writing system.
The ROM writing apparatus 10 and the user board 2 are connected by the probe cable. A power source of the user board 2 is inputted. When the power source of the ROM writing apparatus 10 is shut off (in a state where the AC adaptor 3 is removed) in a state where the data signal DAT at the "H" level is outputted from the user board 2, the I/F 13 generates heat and, depending on circumstances, a thermal breakdown occurs.
Such a phenomenon is caused because when the AC adaptor 3 is removed, the power voltage VCC is not applied to the power node NP, the protective diode 16 which is supposed to be connected in the reverse direction is connected in the forward direction, so that an output signal of the 3-state buffer 13c is fed back to the control terminal via the protective diode 16 and the pull-up resistor 14c.
As shown in an example in FIG. 3, the 3-state buffer 13c has a power terminal VD, a ground terminal VS, an input terminal I, an output terminal O, and a control terminal C and is constructed by inverters 21 and 22, an NAND 23, an NOR 24, a PMOS 25, and an NMOS 26.
The control terminal C of the 3-state buffer 13c is connected to an input side of the inverter 21. An output side of the inverter 21 is connected to an input side of either the inverter 22 or the NAND 23. An output side of the inverter 22 is connected to one of input sides of the NOR 24. The input terminal I is connected to the other input side of each of the NAND 23 and the NOR 24. Output sides of the NAND 23 and the NOR 24 are connected to gates of the PMOS 25 and NMOS 26, respectively. Drains of the PMOS 25 and NMOS 26 are connected to the output terminal O.
In the interface by such a 3-state buffer 13c, in a state where the power voltage VCC (for example, 5V) is supplied to the power node NP, the power voltage VTG (for example, 5V) is applied from the user board 2 to the power terminal VD, and the data signal DAT at the "H" level is further inputted to the input terminal I, the signal at the output terminal O becomes almost the power voltage VTG.
When the AC adaptor 3 is removed here, the power voltage VCC which is supplied to the power node NP is extinguished. Thus, the "H" signal at the output terminal O of the 3-state buffer 13c is supplied to the control unit 12 via the protective diode 16 and the power node NP. Thus, a load current flows in the control unit 12 and an electric potential of the power node NP drops.
Although the electric potential of the power node NP is applied to the control terminal C of the 3-state buffer 13c via the pull-up resistor 14c, when the electric potential of the control terminal C becomes equal to almost ½ of the power voltage VTG, a pass current flows in a PMOS 21a and an NMOS 21b which construct the inverter 21. Thus, the phenomenon such that the I/F 13 generates the heat and, depending on circumstances, it results in the thermal breakdown occurs.


Industrial printing systems, including systems and techniques relating to drop-on-demand (DOD) inkjet printing systems include an apparatus including: a receptacle defining a hold chamber to receive ink, the receptacle including a first portion configured to hold a first quantity of ink, and a second portion that is smaller than the first portion and configured to hold a second quantity of ink, the second portion including a first heat conducting surface, and a second heat conducting surface offset from the first heat conducting surface by a distance determined in accordance with a melting point of the ink, the second heat conducting surface defining a barrier between the first portion and the second portion and including at least one opening configured to allow flow of the ink from the first portion to the second portion; and at least one heating element configured to heat the receptacle.

This specification relates to industrial printing systems, including systems and techniques relating to drop-on-demand (DOD) inkjet printing systems.
Various industrial printing technologies enable the printing of important information (e.g., sell by dates) on packaging. DOD inkjet printing systems can be used to print images on commercial products using various types of inks, including hot melt inks. These images can include graphics, company logos, alphanumeric codes, and identification codes, and so forth. For example, such images can be observed on the corrugated cardboard boxes containing consumer products.
Hot melt inks (sometimes referred to as phase change inks) can include modified waxes and are usually solid at ambient temperature and liquid at temperatures above ambient temperature. Hot melt inks can be used, for example, in digital printing methods. During printing, the ink is typically heated until it becomes a liquid, which is then ejected through a printhead onto a substrate. The ink can solidify on the substrate at ambient temperature. The hot melt ink can be used with DOD inkjet printers having heating capabilities, which can eject droplets of ink through tiny nozzles to form small dots, which in turn form an image on a substrate. Some DOD inkjet printing systems that use hot melt inks may require at least 60 minutes after startup to allow the system to reach its operating temperature for printing (for example, DOD inkjet printing systems that use a large "single stage" aluminum reservoir such as a 1.5 liter single stage reservoir).

Systems and techniques for melting hot melt ink in industrial printing systems


A trimode fuze is provided which comprises a combination of a standard dual ode fuze with the addition of a void sensing mechanism. The modified fuze provides detonation of a warhead under three distinct scenarios: impact upon a hard target with detonation caused by the deformation of the warhead, displacing the hard target firing pin, penetration and continuous deceleration within a solid target with detonation caused by the expiration of a penetration delay timer, and penetration of a soft target with detonation caused by the transition from a target impact deceleration to the lower preset deceleration threshold.. The first two modes of detonation are similar to those found in prior art dual mode fuzes. The third mode is brought about when target impact deceleration causes compression of a spring. As the spring compresses, steel balls slide out of a locking mechanism. Once said deceleration reduces below a preset threshold, an additional set of steel balls is released, which allows the spring loaded firing pin to impact on the detonator.

The challenge of providing optimal explosive delivery to a multitude of different target types has long existed. Specifically, there are three main types of potential targets. The first are relatively impenetrable hardened targets such as heavily armored vehicles, brick walls and concrete reinforced bunkers and buildings. For this type of target, the penetration of the incoming warhead will generally be minimal, and the nose and fuze of the warhead will be crushed and deformed by the impact. In the event that the warhead strikes this type of hardened target, a mechanism is necessary to guarantee that the fuze activates the primary explosive despite this crushing and deformation.
The second type of target, a fortified but penetrable target, is one with a relatively dense and thick, but penetrable skin, such as sandbagged timber bunkers, earth covered structures, or light armored vehicles. With this type of target, the optimal explosion allows the warhead enough time after impact to generate substantial penetration before exploding.
The final type of target, a light structured soft target, is one with a relatively thin or easily penetrable skin, for instance, glass windows, thin wooden doors, or thin metal. With these targets, the optimal explosion is obtained by detonating the warhead immediately after the outer skin of the target has been breached.
Prior art efforts disclose dual mode technology. These types of fuzes deal with the first two target types. In the case of an extremely hardened target, a mechanical firing pin is driven into the detonator by the deformation of the warhead. Using this mechanism, the warhead detonates upon impact with a target sufficiently hardened that physical destruction of the warhead would occur prior to any significant penetration. In the second type of target, an inertial plunger is used to detect the sudden deceleration caused by the impact against a penetrable object. The inertial plunger senses deceleration and initiates a delay train which then detonates the weapon after a set period of time.
However, the dual mode technology has been relatively ineffective for light structure targets. In the case of these targets, the time elapsed before the explosion is sufficiently great that the warhead moves beyond the optimal explosive area before the time delay element initiates the explosive train. For instance, in the case of light structured vehicles including helicopters and airplanes, a hit by a standard dual mode fuze enabled missile typically results in the missile passing entirely through the target and exploding at a substantial distance beyond the target.
No prior art provides a weapon capable of automatically adapting to all three types of targets.
Further, any new enhancement to the prior art must also overcome the problem of detecting the penetration of an object. The inertial changes experienced by a weapon passing through a soft target are typically small and often outside the operating limits of current dual mode fuzes. As a result, a warhead may pass through a soft target without initiating the fuzing sequence at all.

The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy


A valve stem has a thickness of hardfaced material on its outer diameter in the area contacting the stem packing where the seal is formed which prevents corrosion, erosion and/or scratching of the valve stem, thereby preventing formation of leak paths. A valve packing comprises a vertically stacked array comprising alternating metal pressure rings and graphite seals.

The present invention relates generally to valves of the type used in the petrochemical, refining, and other industries, and more particularly to an improved valve stem which is resistant to chemical and mechanical deterioration, to a method of manufacturing the valve stem, and to an improved packing construction useful in conjunction with the valve stem.
Perhaps the most common valves used in the petrochemical, refining, and other industries are gate valves. Major components of gate valves include a body, a valve stem, a sealing member, and seat rings which are engaged by the sealing member to close the valve. Because the valve stem must extend from inside the valve body to outside the body, a stem packing must be installed to effectively seal between the body and the valve stem, thereby containing the product inside the piping system of which the valve is a part. To achieve the necessary dynamic seal to both contain the product within the piping system and allow the valve stem to actuate up and down, the area of the valve stem which makes contact with the stem packing must be smooth, round and have no taper on the outside surface of the valve stem.
When the valve is new, the foregoing conditions are met and product inside the piping system is prevented from leaking to the outside. As the valve ages, chemical corrosion from the product, galvanic corrosion from the packing, and erosion and corrosion from atmospheric conditions all combine to reduce the smoothness of the valve stem that is necessary to maintain the seal. Also, roughness of the valve stem can occur as the valve stem is pulled through the stem packing during normal cycling due to abrasive materials accumulating between the valve stem and the seal. Any of these factors, and particularly combinations thereof, can result in leak paths being created and leakage to occur. This is unsatisfactory for numerous reasons, the most important of which involves increasing enforcement of the federal Clean Air Act which makes prevention of leakage or xe2x80x9cfugitive emissionsxe2x80x9d essential.
Previous attempts at solving the foregoing problems have included the application of the material sold under the trademark xe2x80x9cHASTALLOYxe2x80x9d(copyright). Such material is partially effective in slowing valve stem deterioration due to chemical attack but is ineffective as to mechanical degradation of the valve stem surface.
While the prior art discloses a variety of valves, no prior disclosure shows a device where leakage is prevented by way of an overlay on the valve stem in the area of the stem packing. The improved valve stem of the present invention departs from the design of prior valve stems, and in doing so, provides a valve which prevents leakage and fugitive emissions as the valve ages.
The present invention provides an improved valve in which the valve stem has an overlay of hardfaced material that reduces the deterioration of the stem packing sealing surface. The hardfaced overlay is constructed of materials which resist corrosion, erosion, and scratching, thus eliminating the cause of most defects in the sealing surface of the valve stem. This in turn allows maintaining the original packing area finish, thereby preventing the creation of leak paths through the stem packing and fugitive emissions from the valve.
In accordance with more specific aspects of the invention, the portion of the valve stem that engages the sealing material has a nominal outside diameter which is first reduced, either during manufacture or modification of the valve stem. Hardfaced material is applied to the reduced diameter portion of the valve stem until the diameter thereof is increased beyond the nominal size. The diameter of the hardfaced material is next reduced to the nominal size, thus providing a valve stem that is smooth, hard, and resistant to chemical and mechanical deterioration.
The invention further comprises an improved valve packing useful in conjunction with the valve stem. The improved valve packing comprises alternating metal pressure rings and graphite seals. The improved packing enhances the performance of the improved valve stem by preventing leak paths through the packing which would otherwise result in fugitive emissions.

Valve stem and method of manufacture; improved stem packing


A fracture resistant friction stir welding tool includes a pin for plunging into one or more workpiece(s) to be welded and a shoulder for preventing plasticized material from flowing out of the joint being welded. The friction stir welding tool includes a tool body including a cavity for receiving the shoulder and exerting a compressive stress on the shoulder, and the pin is placed in compression by an axial tension member in the pin.

The Friction Stir Welding (FSW) process is a solid-state based joining process, which makes it possible to weld a wide variety of materials (Aluminum, Copper, Stainless Steels, etc.) to themselves and to weld various combinations (e.g. aluminum alloys 6xxx/5xxx, 2xxx/7xxx, etc.) to each other. The process is based on "plunging" a rotating FSW tool into the joining area. The rotating friction stir welding tool heats the workpiece(s) by friction, so the material becomes plasticized and flows around the axis of the tool due to shear caused by the rotating tool.
FIG. 1 shows a prior art friction stir welding tool 10. The tool 10 includes a pin 12 which, preferably, is threaded. The shank 18 is for gripping in a chuck or collet of a friction stir welding machine, so that tool 10 can be rotated. While tool 10 is rotating, pin 12 is pressed against the workpiece(s) which is/are to be welded. Friction between the workpiece(s) and pin 12 causes the material of the workpiece(s) to become heated to its softening temperature and thus plasticized.
Pressure between pin 12 and the plasticized workpiece(s) causes pin 12 to be plunged into the workpiece(s). Friction between the pin 12 and the workpiece(s) causes plasticized workpiece material to flow around the axis of pin 12 and thus welding occurs without melting. The shoulder 14, having workpiece engaging surface 16, is for preventing material from flowing upwardly, out of the joint being formed. The tool is rotated in the direction such that the threads 13 on pin 12 push plasticized material downwardly into the joint. Optionally, pin 12 further has flats 15 which reduce the torque required to rotate friction stir welding tool 10.
Preferably, workpiece engaging surface 16 of shoulder 14 has a spiral thread 17 which tends to move plasticized material inwardly, toward the proximal end of pin 12, when tool 10 is rotated in the direction for which the threads 13 on pin 12 push plasticized material downwardly into the joint.
Since the workpiece material(s) being friction stir welded is/are heated to such a high temperature by friction with the tool that the workpiece material(s) becomes softened or "plasticized", while the tool, to remain dimensionally stable, must not become plasticized, it is necessary for the tool to have a higher operating temperature range than the workpiece(s). The tool may be comprised of a very hard metal having good high temperature properties, or it may be comprised of a cement or a ceramic material. However, such materials are generally subject to failure by fracture.
Tool failure thus puts limitations on the materials which can be welded by friction stir welding, and also puts limits on the speed with which a friction stir welding tool can be caused to move along a joint being welded. It is desirable to increase friction stir welding speeds both from the standpoint of production, and also because faster welding results in a narrower and stronger heat affected zone in the weldment. There is thus a need for improved friction stir welding tools which are more fracture resistant than present day friction stir welding tools.

Fracture resistant friction stir welding tools


The present invention relates to storing electronic ink. Ink is stored in a data structure that permits later retrieval by applications. The ink includes stroke information and property information. Properties may be associated globally with the ink strokes and/or with each stroke individually. The disclosed embodiments include a data structure that supports ink for multiple applications. Using the disclosed storage system, method, and data structure, various applications may expand on ink to include additional attributes while permitting the ink to be used in applications not supporting the additional attributes. When encountering an unknown tag, the applications will skip past the end of the tag and its associated data to start reading the next tag.

Typical computer systems, especially computer systems using graphical user interface (GUI) systems such as Microsoft WINDOWS, are optimized for accepting user input from one or more discrete input devices such as a keyboard for entering text, and a pointing device such as a mouse with one or more buttons for driving the user interface. The ubiquitous keyboard and mouse interface provides for fast creation and modification of documents, spreadsheets, database fields, drawings, photos and the like. However, there is a significant gap in the flexibility provided by the keyboard and mouse interface as compared with the non-computer (i.e., standard) pen and paper. With the standard pen and paper, a user edits a document, writes notes in a margin, and draws pictures and other shapes and the like. In some instances, a user may prefer to use a pen to mark-up a document rather than review the document on-screen because of the ability to freely make notes outside of the confines of the keyboard and mouse interface.
Some computer systems permit a user to draw on a screen. For example, the Microsoft READER application permits one to add electronic ink (also referred to herein as "ink") to a document. The system stores the ink and provides it to a user when requested. Other applications (for example, drawing applications as known in the art are associated with the Palm 3.x and 4.x and PocketPC operating systems) permit the capture and storage of drawings. These drawings include other properties associated with the ink strokes used to make up the drawings. For instance, line width and color may be stored with the ink. One goal of these systems is to replicate the look and feel of physical ink being applied to a piece of paper. However, physical ink on paper may have significant amounts of information not captured by the electronic collection of a coordinates and connecting line segments. Some of this information may include the thickness of the pen tip used (as seen through the width of the physical ink), the shape of the pen tip, the speed at which the ink was deposited, and the like.
Another problem has arisen in the storage of electronic ink. While some applications permit the capture and subsequent rendering of ink, the ink can only be associated with the application in which the ink was captured. Thus, a user loses the portability of the ink. If a second application was to attempt to use the ink stored in conjunction with a first application, the second application will not be able to interpret non-standard properties associated with the ink.
Further, while data structures are known, the size of the data structure used to store information may become excessively large and cumbersome. An example of a data structure that permits the random storage of information is the interchange file format (IFF). While the IFF is a simple structure to compose, any data structure in IFF would be excessively large, as each separate element has to be separately defined. Redundant definitions for similar elements were repeated.
Accordingly, an improved system is needed for storing ink and its associated properties.

Serial storage of ink and its properties


A sub-unit is fitted with a resistor film which is changed in conductivity when exposed. This resistor film is exposed by, for-example, a laser scanner 3 when the sub-unit enters an operative state. When the sub-unit is attached to a main unit, the main unit detects a conductivity of the resistor film fitted to this sub-unit and then decides whether it is unused on the basis of the thus detected conductivity.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an electrophotographic apparatus in which consumables are collected into a sub-unit so that it may be replaceable, a main unit for the electrophotographic apparatus and a sub-unit thereof, and a method for identifying the sub-unit.
2. Description of the Related Art
Electrophotographic apparatuses such as a laser printer are well known. The electrophotographic apparatus includes many consumables such as a photosensitive drum and a developing device. For easy maintenance thereof by a user, the consumables are collected into a unit so that it may easily be replaced. That is, the electrophotographic apparatus is divided into a main unit and a sub-unit into which the consumables are collected so that the sub-unit may be replaced for easy replacement of the consumables.
The sub-unit expires in service life as it is used for a certain period and then cannot achieve the expected performance. The main unit, monitors the quantity of the sub-unit consumed to prompt the user to replace it before its service life expires. The consumed quantity of, for example, the sub-unit is monitored on the basis of the number of sheets of images formed using this sub-unit. That is, the consumed quantity of the sub-unit is monitored by counting the total number of printed sheets from the timing the sub-unit is attached. To correctly monitor the consumed quantity of the sub-unit, therefore, it is necessary that the unused sub-unit is attached. For this purpose, it has conventionally been decided whether the attached sub-unit is not used yet, when the sub-unit is attached.
As techniques for deciding whether or not the attached sub-unit is unused, there are known Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 6-118736 and Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 2000-29369.
According to the technology disclosed in Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 6-118736, the sub-unit is fitted with an electronic element such as a fuse so that whether the sub-unit is unused is decided on based on conduction/nonconduction of the electronic element. That is, first, each sub-unit is fitted with an electronic element capable of continuity, after the sub-unit is attached to the main unit, the electronic element is destroyed to provide discontinuity. By this, it is possible to decide that the sub-unit is unused if the electronic element is continuous. If it is not continuous, on the other hand, the sub-unit is decided to be already used.
According to the technology disclosed in Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 2000-29369, each sub-unit is fitted with a barcode label, whereby whether the sub-unit is unused is decided on based on the information carried by this barcode label. That is, the sub-unit is decided to be unused if the information of the bar code label read out from the sub-unit differs from that read out previously and, otherwise, it is decided to be used already.
There are known other similar examples of mounting a non-volatile memory for permitting the sub-unit to have identification information.
By the technology disclosed in Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 6-118736, however, the electronic element may not securely be destroyed depending on characteristics or fluctuations of the electronic element. In such a case, this electronic element is, when the sub-unit carrying it is attached to the main unit again, continuous electrically, so that the main unit may mistakenly decide that the sub-unit is unused.
By the technology disclosed in Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 2000-29369 or by a memory mounting technology, on the other hand, the relevant configuration and processing becomes complicated. Moreover, the number of the interface signals transferred between the main unit and the sub-unit is increased, thus increasing the costs and grading the reliability problematically.
It is an object of the invention to make it possible to securely decide whether a sub-unit is unused with a simple configuration.
One aspect of this invention provides such an electrophotographic apparatus as follows.
An electrophotographic apparatus, having a main unit and a sub-unit which is attachable, in such a way that it may be detached, to the main unit arbitrarily, for using the sub-unit in the main unit to thereby form an image, comprising: a resistive element which is fitted to the sub-unit and which is made of such a material that is changed in conductivity when exposed; an exposure section configured to expose the resistive element when the sub-unit attached to the main unit enters a predetermined operative state; a detection section configured to detect a conductivity of the resistive element fitted to the sub-unit attached to the main unit; and an identification section, provided on the main unit, configured to decide whether, as the attachment of the sub-unit is made, the attached sub-unit is unused on the basis of the conductivity detected by the detection section.
A main unit which, when a sub-unit fitted with a resistive element made of such a material that is changed in conductivity when exposed is arbitrarily attached thereto, constitutes an electrophotographic apparatus together with the sub-unit, comprising: a detection section configured to detect a conductivity of the resistive element fitted to the sub-unit attached; and an identification section configured to decide whether, as the attachment of the sub-unit is made, the attached sub-unit is unused on the basis of a conductivity detected by the detection section.
A sub-unit which is arbitrarily attached to a main unit and which constitutes an electrophotographic apparatus together with the main unit in order to enable image formation by the main unit, the sub-unit including a resistive element made of a material which is changed in conductivity when exposed.
An identification method for performing the identification of a sub-unit fitted with a resistive element made of a material which is changed in conductivity when exposed, by a main unit which forms an image by utilizing the sub-unit and also which constitutes an electrophotographic apparatus together with the sub-unit when the sub-unit is arbitrarily attached thereto, the method comprising: detecting a conductivity of the resistive element fitted to the sub-unit attached; and deciding, as the attachment of the sub-unit is made, whether the attached sub-unit is unused on the basis of the detected conductivity.
Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out hereinafter.

Electrophotographic apparatus, main unit and sub-unit, both for use in the electrophotographic apparatus, and method of identifying the sub-unit


A hand tool with a pivotal head portion includes a first manually rotatable collar which causes movement of a second slidable collar along a handle of the tool to secure the head portion at a desired angle with respect to the handle. Serrations on the tool head and slidable collar releasably engage each other to lock the head at the desired angle. The tool head is mounted on the handle using either ball and socket or tongue and groove configurations.

1. Cross-Reference to Related Applications
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/009,645, filed Dec. 4, 1995.
2. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to hammers, pry bars, and similar tools which have an adjustable head portion constructed to be positioned at a selected angle to enhance the striking power and purchase of the tool and particularly, to fully utilize the swing of the user, and to align the head portion to directly and accurately strike or grasp the object to be worked.
3. Description of the Prior Art
U.S. Pat. No. 2,804,109 to Fatica discloses a combination axe and adz with adjustable blade which includes a rack that coacts to move the angle of the head. Adjustment of the head is accomplished by unscrewing a poll to coact with a rack on the handle.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,399,978 to Moore discloses a hand tool with a variable inclined head consisting of a shaft extending from the butt of the handle through to the head and having a threaded portion proximate to the head to be threaded into position to secure the head in the desired angled position.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,280,738 to Liou discloses a hammer which includes a handle having two projections extending from one end thereof for receiving the head of the handle therebetween for pivotal movement. A lever arm and spring mechanism releasably engages the head for pivotal adjustment to a desired angle.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,935,889 to Derbyshire, and 5,058,862 to Schlegel disclose other adjustable tools.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,001,962 to Landes; 1,782,506 to Henderson; and 3,275,299 to Meshew, disclose hand tools each of which has a head portion with a wheel to drag the tool and the object being supported along an underlying surface.


A deep sludge dewatering method using electroosmosis with filter bags, including (1) placing a filter bag on a slope on which a cathode electrode is arranged; (2) injecting sludge into the filter bag, and after the filter bag is filled with the sludge, closing an inlet of the filter bag; and (3) laying an anode electrode on the filter bag filled with the sludge, and connecting the cathode electrode and the anode electrode to a DC power supply via an electric wire, and carrying out energization for electroosmosis so that water flows down the slope. The present invention can be used for recycling of the sludge produced in underground and tunnel excavation projects, and has the advantages of large processing capacity, simple process, good treatment effect and available resource recycling.

Due to the rapid development of undergrounds and tunnels in China, a large amount of sludge is produced in underground and tunnel excavation projects. The sludge has a water content of 75-95%, i.e., 75-95 parts by weight of water in 100 parts by weight of sludge. The sludge is usually transported and dumped to mountainous areas or abandoned mines by large filling trucks, causing environment pollution. As there is a higher requirement for environmental protection in China, the reduction, recycling and harmless treatment of construction sludge is an urgent problem to be solved at present.
Existing methods for treating mud from construction include a plate-frame pressure filtration method, a belt pressure filtration method, centrifugation, and electroosmosis. The plate-frame pressure filtration method is a batch treatment process with inefficient processing. The belt pressure filtration and centrifugation have the advantage of short processing time, but there is a high moisture content in the treated mud, and thus it is hard to meet the dewatering requirement.

Deep sludge dewatering method using electroosmosis with filter bags

PowerChina Huadong Engineering Corporation Limited


Systems and methods for verifying the eligibility of players attempting to participate in gaming events are disclosed. Communication objects having RFID tags and closed electrical circuits are individually assigned to and worn by players within a gaming player verification system, which can be administered by a casino desk, hotel concierge, or other operating entity. These RFID tags are adapted to communicate with associated player tracking units attached to gaming machines and other devices via radio frequency waves, and each communication object is adapted to alter its communication pattern in response to any break of its closed electrical circuit. Bracelets, wristwatches or collars can be used as communication objects, such that the removal of such an object from a player cannot be accomplished without breaking the closed electrical circuit contained therein, thereby disabling or de-authenticating the device. Communication objects, such as bracelets, may further include patterns, colors, designs, or other markings to indicate a player status. A computer server having a player verification program and database may also be used.

Radio Frequency Identification ("RFID") tags and systems have been widely adopted in recent years for the traceability and tracking of a wide variety of products and objects. Although these wireless systems are similar to UPC bar code type systems in that they allow for the non-contact reading of various products, items and devices, they are an effective improvement over UPC bar code systems in a variety of ways. In fact, RFID tags and systems can be vastly superior to bar code systems in many manufacturing and other hostile environments where bar code labels are inconvenient or wholly impractical. One advantage of RFID tags and systems is the non-line-of-sight nature of the technology, whereby tags can be read through a variety of substances such as snow, fog, clothing, paint, packaging materials or other conditions where UPC bar codes or other such technologies would be useless.
In most applications, an ordinary RFID system comprises three primary components: 1) a transceiver for transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals, 2) a transponder electronically programmed with data, preferably comprising unique information, and 3) at least one antenna. The transceiver is generally analogous to a bar code scanner, and controls communication within the system by restricting when and where data is written, stored and acquired. The transponder is analogous to a bar code label, and typically comprises at least a small integrated circuit chip, with this chip often being referred to as an RFID Integrated Circuit ("RFIDIC"). Antennae function as conduits between RFIDICs and transceivers, as RFIDICs are frequently too small to act as their own antennae and collect a sufficient level of emitted radio signals standing alone. Antennae can be attached to the transceiver, transponder, or both, and are generally used to emit and/or collect radio signals to activate an RFIDIC, read data from the RFIDIC and/or write data to it.
In general, the term "RFID tag" refers to the combination of the RFIDIC and any antennae attached thereto. An RFID tag is essentially a microchip with antennae that listens for a radio query and responds by transmitting an identification code that is usually unique to that RFID tag. In operation, the transceiver emits radio waves that usually range from a fraction of an inch to 100 feet or more, depending upon the power output and radio frequency utilized. When an individual RFID tag passes through an electromagnetic zone covered by the transceiver, it detects the activation signal of the transceiver and responds by emitting its individual recorded code. The "reader" or transceiver then collects this emitted code and passes this data along to a host computer or other like device for processing. Standard apparatuses and methods for manufacturing RFID tags are well known, and instances of such apparatuses and methods can be found, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,100,804 and 6,509,217, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
RFID tags come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, and are usually noted for their particularly small and unobtrusive nature. Large RFID tags include, for example, the hard plastic anti-theft devices attached to merchandise in stores, credit-card shaped tags for use in access applications, and screw shaped tags for use with trees or wooden items. In smaller versions, animal tracking tags inserted beneath the skin can be as small as a pencil lead in diameter and one-half inch in length. Applications and venues utilizing some form of RFID tags and systems vary, and can include, for example, package delivery, luggage handling, highway toll monitoring, livestock identification, and automated vehicle identification systems, among others. Other applications are thought to be possible as RFID tag and system technologies become further developed and refined.
It has become popular in recent years for many gaming (i.e., gambling) operators, such as casinos, Internet-based groups and other gaming establishments, to provide various ways of allowing players to engage in betting and wager type games from remote locations. In such instances, a player can generally participate in gaming activities from a remote gaming terminal that is at some location other than an established casino floor or other authorized and regulated gaming location. Various mediums that can be used for providing a remote gaming terminal include, for example, interactive television (iTV), personal computers, and established kiosks with customized controls and displays, among others. In addition, remote gaming can take place, for example, over a closed network, whereby patrons can engage in gaming activities from established kiosks or their private hotel rooms, as well as online, whereby players can participate in gaming activities on various Internet websites at virtually any location.
A number of problems have emerged, however, with respect to the advent of remote gaming. Many forms of gaming are highly regulated, albeit with wide variations in the rules and regulations existing from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, and it is particularly significant that the location of the player typically governs which set of laws apply. While many gaming operators are generally responsible in providing and running their closed gaming networks and/or Internet gaming websites from locations where gaming is legal, remote access to the gaming activities provided therein can sometimes problematically be had from locations where gaming is illegal, particularly in the case of Internet websites. Furthermore, virtually all jurisdictions that allow some form of gaming have strict laws and regulations with respect to the minimum age of any player that can participate in such games. While age verification and player restrictions can be easily and reliably made on a casino floor or at any other authorized and regulated gaming location, such measures tend to be more difficult and less reliable at remote gaming terminals. In fact, the control of underage gaming at environments such as hotel rooms, personal computers and other remote locations is a continuing problem that limits the growth of legitimate mobile or Internet-based gaming worldwide. The verification of who is trying to place bets from a remote gaming terminal and if such a person is underage is a well-known problem.
As a result of these and other related problems, many gaming operators and regulators have considered the impact of remote gaming and have started to implement various rules and procedures specific to remote gaming activities. In general, these added rules and procedures address some of the problems associated with the enforcement of existing laws and regulations, such as age limits, as well as issues related to the new potential availability of gaming activities to players located in jurisdictions where gaming is illegal. One example of such an added procedure is for the gaming system to require the verification of legitimate players whose identities have been previously confirmed before any remote gaming activities can commence. In some instances, players must enter individualized identification codes, such as PIN numbers, into the remote gaming terminal to identify themselves before gaming may begin. Other possible procedures involve the reading of a fingerprint or some other biometric indicator by a connected device at the remote gaming terminal to verify the identity of a player before gaming can begin.
Such verification procedures and systems can be readily defrauded or circumvented in many cases, however, as an underage child could learn the access code of a parent or other adult and then engage in gaming activities illegally. In addition, a legitimate player might properly log in to such a gaming system at a remote gaming terminal and then completely hand off control to another user or otherwise permit another player to play. Another disadvantage of such verification procedures and systems is that they are all a "one-time" process, such that gaming activities at the remote gaming terminal are allowed to continue on indefinitely after an initial verification procedure, despite the potential for changes that would result in the termination of gaming activities in a more closely monitored environment. Such changes could involve a significant reduction in the capacity in the legitimate player, a criminal interception or interference of a gaming session by unscrupulous third parties, or simply a handing off of the remote gaming terminal from the legitimate player to an underage or otherwise unauthorized user.
While existing systems and methods for providing player verification in remote gaming terminals may grant some protection against unauthorized or improper gaming activity, improvements and better systems and methods are usually welcomed and encouraged. In particular, there exists a need for such systems and methods to be more reliable in verifying players correctly and not allowing unauthorized players access to various gaming events.


An under bond pad structure is described for integrated circuit dice are that have active circuits located below at least some of the bond pads. The metallization layers interconnection structures within the die are arranged so that electrically conductive vias do not extend between the bond pads and any underlying metallization layer in a region that overlies an active circuit. In some embodiments, no conductive vias are provided between any of the metallization layers in regions that underlie the bond pads and overlie an active circuit. The described arrangements significantly improve the resistance to cracking in the dielectric layers beneath the bond pad (and particularly the topmost intermediate dielectric layer) when wire bonding is used to electrically connect such dice within a package.

The present invention relates generally to under-bond pad structures suitable for use in integrated circuit devices having active circuits located under the bond pads.
Integrated circuits typically have a number of I/O pads that facilitate electrical connection to external devices. When an integrated circuit die is packaged, the I/O pads may be electrically connected to other devices using a variety of conventional techniques. One popular electrical connection technique is wire bonding which contemplates thermosonically (or otherwise) bonding a very thin (typically gold) wire to the I/O pad (which is often referred to as a "bond pad"). Conventional wire bonding techniques impart a significant amount of stress to the bond pads and therefore cracks are often observed in dielectric layers that underlie the bond pads.
Because of the problems that may be caused by wire bonding, it is common to avoid placing active circuits in regions of the die that are positioned immediately below the bond pads. This helps reduce the risk of wire bonding causing significant degradation of active circuits within the die. However, since the bond pads occupy significant die "real estate" (i.e., a significant percentage of the total surface area of the die), prohibiting the placement of active circuits in regions below the bond pads has the undesirable side effect of increasing the required die size. Accordingly, a number of bond pad designs have been proposed and/or developed that permit active circuits to be placed below the bond pad structures. Although some of the existing structures work well for this purpose, there are continued efforts to develop improved bond pad structures for use in integrated circuits.

Under-bond pad structures for integrated circuit devices


A computer memory arrangement comprises a first plurality of input port facilities (17–19) that are collectively coupled through a first router facility (32) to selectively feed a second plurality of memory modules (20–24). It furthermore comprises an output port facility that is collectively fed by said second plurality of memory modules (20–24). In particular, the computer memory arrangement comprises a detection facility (36–40) conflicting accesses through more than one of the first plurality of input port facilities, and for thereupon allowing only a single one among said simultaneous and conflicting accesses whilst generating a stall signal for signalling a mandatory stall cycle to a request source that implies an access latency thereto. The computer memory furthermore comprises a programming facility for having the access latency be selectably programmable according to an actual processing application.

The invention relates to a computer memory arrangement, comprising a first plurality of input ports that are collectively coupled through a first router facility to selectively feed a second plurality of memory modules. Present-day computing facilities such as Digital Signal Processors (DSP) require both a great processing power, and also much communication traffic between memory and processor(s). Furthermore, ideally, both of these two performance aspects associated to the number of memory modules and processors, respectively, should be scalable, and in particular, the number of parallel data moves should be allowed to exceed the value of 2.
As long as a scale of 2 were sufficient, a possible solution would be to have two fully separate and fully functional memories, but then the selecting for a storage location between the two memories represents a complex task. Obviously, the problem will be aggravated for scale factors that are higher than 2. Moreover, the programs that will handle such separate storage facilities will often fall short in portability, such as when they have been realized in the computer language C. Therefore, in general a solution with a "unified memory map " will be preferred. In practice, each memory access is then allowed to refer to any arbitrary address.
A realization of the above with two-port memories is quite feasible per se, but extension of the number of ports above two is generally considered too expensive. Therefore, the providing of specific hardware configurations on the level of the memory proper is considered inappropriate. Now on the one hand, the providing of the stall signal represents a useful feature. On the other hand, the reducing of the stall penalty overhead associated with conflict resolving in such pseudo-multiport memories requires that an additional slack time is added to the read-write access latency of the pseudo-multiport memory. In many applications indeed, the resulting extended access latency has no severe impact on loop-pipeline parts of an application, where throughput is important, but latency is generally insignificant. However, for certain other applications, the impact of the slack on the performance of running control-dominated code can be very significant. Such applications may inter alia relate to compression and decompression of code strings. Therefore, the present inventor has recognized the need for having the access latency be programmable to allow for selecting the optimum setup for the actual application.

Programmed access latency in mock multiport memory


The invention is a unitary alpha, beta, and gamma scintillation detector and system for sensing the presence of alpha, beta, and gamma radiations selectively or simultaneously. The scintillators are mounted in a light-tight housing provided with an entrance window for admitting alpha, beta, and gamma radiation and excluding ambient light from the housing. Light pulses from each scintillator have different decay constants that are converted by a photosensitive device into corresponding differently shaped electrical pulses. A pulse discrimination system identifies the electrical pulses by their respective pulse shapes which are determined by decay time. The identified electrical pulses are counted in separate channel analyzers to indicate the respective levels of sensed alpha, beta, and gamma radiations.

A scintillator is a material (either phosphor or crystalline structure) which emits scintillations (light) when excited by radioactivity such as alpha, beta, and gamma radiation. The scintillator light is directed to a photosensitive device to produce electrical output signal pulses directly related to the different radiations.
It is known to use individual alpha, beta, and gamma scintillators to conduct separate surveys of an area, object, or person for the presence of alpha, beta, and gamma radiation. It is also known to use combined scintillators for sensing alpha/beta and beta/gamma radiation.
Typically, such scintillators are mounted in a light-tight housing and may be provided with an entrance window formed of an aluminized plastic material to prevent ambient light from entering the radiation admitting entrance window.
An object of the invention is to provide a unitary scintillation detector and system for sensing the presence of alpha, beta, and gamma radiations selectively or simultaneously.
Another object of the invention is to provide a unitary assembly of individual and coupled alpha, beta, and gamma sensitive scintillators having different decay constants.
Still another object is to provide unitary assembly of alpha, beta, and gamma scintillators in which the alpha and beta scintillators are combined in a monolithic structure.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide a scintillation detector and system in which the decay constants of alpha, beta, and gamma scintillators are selectively or simultaneously used to sense the presence of alpha, beta, and gamma radiations.

Unitary scintillation detector and system


A method of transmitting channel quality information (CQI) to an access network (AN) in a system having at least one carrier is disclosed. More specifically, the method includes receiving at least one packet from the AN, each of which includes an indicator, wherein the indicator provides buffer level information and ceasing transmission of the CQI of at least one non-anchor carrier to the AN if the buffer level information indicates that there is no more packet to be transmitted to an access terminal (AT).

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method of reducing signaling overhead, and more particularly, to a method of reducing signaling overhead and power consumption in a wireless communication system.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
In a multiple access communication system, communications between users are conducted through one or more base stations, also referred to as an access network (AN). Here, multiple access refers to simultaneous transmission and/or reception. Several multiple access techniques are known in the art, such as time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), amplitude modulation multiple access and code division multiple access (CDMA).
In general, multiple access communication system can be wireless or wired and can carry voice and/or data. An example of a communication system carrying both voice and data is a system (e.g., CDMA2000) in accordance with the IS-95 standard and a system conforming to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project 2 (3GPP2).
As a part of CDMA2000 digital wireless standards 1xEV-DO stands for 1x Evolution Data Only or 1x Evolution Data Optimized. 1xEV-DO provides significantly faster data rates with air interface speeds of up to 4.9152 Mbps in a forward direction and up to 1.8432 Mbps in a reverse direction. 1xEV-DO Revision 0 only address data—not voice, but now, 1xEV-DO Revision A and B can support voice. A system structure of 1xEV-DO is illustrated in FIG. 1. Further, FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate 1xEV-DO default protocol architecture, and 1xEV-DO non-default protocol architecture, respectively.
In the conventional system, signals that make up overhead are transmitted and received on a regular basis. By reducing unnecessary signals, the system can operate more efficiently, resulting in lower power consumption at each terminal.

Method of reducing signalling overhead and power consumption in a wireless communication system