Process for distillatively separating a mixture containing a vinyl ether of the general formula (I)R1—O—CH═CH2  (I)and alcohol of the general formula (II)R2—OH  (II)in which R1 and R2 are each independently a saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic or cycloaliphatic radical having from 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and in which the alcohol (II) has a boiling point which is at least 1° C. higher, measured at or extrapolated to 0.1 MPa abs, than the vinyl ether (I), by    a) passing the mixture into a first distillation column and withdrawing, as a top product, an azeotrope containing vinyl ether (I) and alcohol (II) and, as a bottom product, a stream enriched with the alcohol (II);    b) passing the azeotrope containing vinyl ether (I) and alcohol (II) from the first distillation column into a second distillation column which is operated at a pressure which is from 0.01 to 3 MPa higher compared to the first distillation column, and withdrawing, as a bottom product or gaseous sidestream in the stripping section, the vinyl ether (I) and, as a top product, an azeotrope containing vinyl ether (I) and alcohol (II); and    c) recycling the azeotrope containing vinyl ether (I) and alcohol (II) from the second distillation column into the first distillation column.

The present invention relates to a process for distillatively separating a mixture containing a vinyl ether of the general formula (I)R1—O—CH═CH2   (I)and alcohol of the general formula (II)R2—OH   (II)in which R1 and R2 are each independently a saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic or cycloaliphatic radical having from 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and in which the alcohol (II) has a boiling point which is at least 1° C. higher, measured at or extrapolated to 0.1 MPa abs, than the vinyl ether (I).
Vinyl ethers constitute an important compound class having a wide field of use. For instance, they find use, inter alia, as monomer building blocks in polymers and copolymers, in coatings, adhesives, printing inks and in radiation-curative coating materials. Further fields of use are the preparation of intermediates, fragrances and flavors, and also pharmaceutical products.
Vinyl ethers are generally prepared industrially by reacting the appropriate alcohols with ethyne in the presence of basic catalysts (see Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, 6th edition, 2000 Electronic Release, Chapter "VINYL ETHERS—Production" and W. Reppe et al., Justus Liebigs Ann. Chem., 601 (1956), pages 135 to 138). In addition to the catalyst and possible by-products, the reaction mixture formed comprises mainly the vinyl ether formed and the unconverted alcohol. The two latter components, apart from the C1 derivatives, methyl vinyl ether/methanol, cannot be separated by simple distillation into fractions of the desired purity as a consequence of azeotrope formation. This problem has hitherto been solved by the use of extraction and extraction distillation processes, in which one or more extraneous substances are added as auxiliaries and then removed again after separation into a vinyl ether- and an alcohol-containing fraction.
For instance, EP-A 0 415 334 describes the one- or multistage extraction of a vinyl ether- and alcohol-containing mixture with an aqueous solution of a base, in which a vinyl ether phse and an aqueous alcoholic phase are obtained and the alcohol is then obtained by distillation from the aqueous alcoholic phase.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,779,720 describes a process for separating a mixture which comprises an aliphatic vinyl ether and an aliphatic alcohol, in which this mixture is distilled together with water and a glycol or glycol ether. The top product formed in this case is an azeotropic mixture of the vinyl ether and water, from which the vinyl ether can be obtained in a further distillation. The bottom product remaining is a mixture comprising the alcohol and glycol or glycol ether, from which the alcohol can be obtained by a downstream distillation.
DE-A 1 000 804 discloses a process for working up a mixture which comprises a monovinyl ether of a polyhydric alcohol and a polyhydric alcohol, in which this mixture is distilled together with water in an alkaline medium or subjected to a steam distillation. The top product obtained in this case is an azeotropic mixture of the vinyl ether with water, and the residue remaining in the bottom is the alcohol. The top fraction obtained in the distillation may optionally be extracted with a water-immiscible solvent to transfer the vinyl ether to the organic phase, from which it can be obtained by distillation.
SU 1 616 888 describes the separation of a butanol- and butyl vinyl ether-containing mixture by extractive distillation with water. The azeotropic mixture formed as a top product which contains the butyl vinyl ether and water is subsequently distilled to obtain the butyl vinyl ether. The butanol-containing bottom product of the first distillation is worked up in a further distillation to obtain butanol.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,878,058 describes a process for obtaining alkyl vinyl ethers from a mixture containing the alkyl vinyl ether and an aliphatic alcohol, in which this mixture is distilled together with a glycol monoether. In this process, the top product removed is the alkyl vinyl ether and the bottom product obtained is an alcohol- and glycol monoether-containing mixture. This is separated in a subsequent distillation into the alcohol and the glycol monoether, and the latter is recycled to the first distillation stage.
A disadvantage of all of the abovementioned processes is the use of one or more extraneous substances as auxiliaries. This adds new compounds to the system which subsequently have to be removed again. This is associated firstly with corresponding cost and inconvenience relating to the apparatus and process, and secondly with the risk of contamination of the vinyl ether and/or of the alcohol by residual amounts of these extraneous substances. In addition, as a consequence of their intrinsic volume, the extraneous substances reduce the capacity of the distillation apparatus or require the use of larger distillation apparatus.

Method for the distillative separation of a mixture containing vinyl ether and alchol


A barrier operator comprises a first measuring apparatus for measuring a current used by a direct current (dc) motor to move a barrier and a second measuring apparatus for measuring a generated voltage of the dc motor. A controller is coupled to the first measuring apparatus and the second measuring apparatus. The controller is programmed to calculate a torque of the dc motor by using the current and to determine when an obstruction exists in the path of the barrier based upon the calculated torque.

Different types of moveable barrier operators have been sold over the years and these systems have been used to actuate various types of moveable barriers. For example, garage door operators have been used to move garage doors and gate operators have been used to open and close gates.
Such barrier movement operators may include a wall control unit, which is connected to send signals to a head unit thereby causing the head unit to open and close the barrier. In addition, these operators often include a receiver unit at the head unit to receive wireless transmissions from a hand-held code transmitter or from a keypad transmitter, which may be affixed to the outside of the area closed by the barrier or other structure.
Barrier operators sometimes include the ability to determine the torque of the motor. The torque may be used in a variable speed motor to determine whether the barrier has reached an obstruction. In previous systems, the operator received information related to the torque of the motor by using a tachometer (or some other type of sensor or sensing device), reading the speed of the motor, and deriving the torque from the amount of speed reduction of the motor.
Positional information concerning the barrier may also be determined and used in operator systems, for example, to determine when to slow down the barrier as the barrier approaches a limit such as the ground. In previous systems, tachometers (or other types of sensors or sensing devices) were used to determine the position of the barrier. In one example, the number of tachometer pulses was measured from a limit or a pass point, in order to determine the position of the barrier.
Unfortunately, the above-mentioned previous systems required the use of an extra component, the tachometer, which significantly increased the cost of the system. In addition, when a tachometer was used, other additional circuitry and/or software were frequently required to allow this additional component to operate. Another problem associated with previous systems was that only certain types of sensors or sensing devices could be used with certain types of motors, so that the user could not easily change motor types. This lack of flexibility added to user frustration, for instance, when a certain type of motor was not available or too costly for the user.

System and method for determining barrier motor parameters without using sensors


A memory controller receives memory operations via an interface which may include multiple ports. Each port is coupled to real-time or non-real-time requestors, and the received memory operations are classified as real-time or non-real-time and stored in queues prior to accessing memory. Within the memory controller, pending memory operations from the queues are scheduled for servicing. Logic throttles the scheduling of non-real-time memory operations in response to detecting a number of outstanding memory operations has exceeded a threshold. The throttling is proportional to the number of outstanding memory operations.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention is related to the field of memory controllers.
2. Description of the Related Art
Digital systems generally include a memory system formed from semiconductor memory devices such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate (DDR, DDR2, DDR3, etc.) SDRAM including low power versions (LPDDR, LPDDR2, etc.) SDRAM, etc. The memory system is volatile, retaining data when powered on but not when powered off, but also provides low latency access as compared to nonvolatile memories such as Flash memory, magnetic storage devices such as disk drives, or optical storage devices such a compact disk (CD), digital video disk (DVD), and BluRay drives.
The memory devices forming the memory system have a low level interface to read and write the memory according to memory device-specific protocols. The sources that generate memory operations typically communicate via a higher level interface such as a bus, a point-to-point packet interface, etc. The sources can be processors, peripheral devices such as input/output (I/O) devices, audio and video devices, etc. Generally, the memory operations include read memory operations to transfer data from the memory to the device and write memory operations to transfer data from the source to the memory. The term "transaction" may be used interchangeably with "memory operation" throughout this disclosure. Additionally, "read memory operations" may be more succinctly referred to herein as "read operations" or "reads", and similarly "write memory operations" may be more succinctly referred to herein as "write operations" or "writes".
Accordingly, a memory controller is typically included to receive the memory operations from the higher level interface and to control the memory devices to perform the received operations. The memory controller generally also includes queues to capture the memory operations, and can include circuitry to improve performance. For example, some memory controllers schedule read memory operations ahead of earlier write memory operations that affect different addresses.
In certain situations, as the amount of memory operations received by the memory controller increases, the latency experienced by the memory operations also increases. For real-time memory operations, increased latency may result in a significant degradation of performance.

Proportional memory operation throttling


Disclosed is a method for processing digital broadcasting data in a portable terminal having a digital broadcasting receiver. The method includes, when the digital broadcasting data is received, charging the received digital broadcasting data in a buffer, and outputting the charged digital broadcasting data at a first output speed, when the subsequent digital broadcasting data is received, charging the subsequent digital broadcasting data in the buffer, and checking a capacity of the digital broadcasting data charged in the buffer, and when the capacity of the digital broadcasting data charged in the buffer is less than a threshold capacity, outputting the subsequent received digital broadcasting data at a second output speed slower than the first output speed, and when the capacity of the digital broadcasting data charged in the buffer is greater than the threshold capacity, outputting the subsequent received digital broadcasting data at the first output speed.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a supplementary service method for a portable terminal, and in particular, to a method for receiving and processing broadcasting signals.
2. Description of the Related Art
In general, current portable terminals show a tendency to mount a dedicated multimedia processor or strengthen a multimedia function. Research regarding technologies for mounting a television function, and a digital broadcasting receiver function to the portable terminals is ongoing.
In this manner, the portable terminals equipped with the television function, and the digital broadcasting receiver function will make it possible to process data received from each equipment, synchronize audio data and video data, and output the synchronized data.
Currently, standards for digital broadcasting are intensively established all over the world. Digital broadcasting is largely divided into a Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB) scheme in the USA and a Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) scheme in Europe. The portable terminals having the digital broadcasting receiver function include a tuner, a demodulator, and a decoder, respectively in order to receive the digital broadcasting. Here, the tuner, the demodulator, and the decoder for receiving the digital broadcasting make use of a frequency different from a communication frequency in the portable terminal, as well as demodulating and decoding techniques different from those of the portable terminal.
As for operation of outputting digital broadcasting data in a conventional portable terminal having the digital broadcasting receiver function, when a digital broadcasting channel is first selected, the Radio Frequency (RF) tuner down-converts the frequency of a broadcasting signal of the selected channel to produce an intermediate frequency (IF) signal. The demodulator demodulates a modulated digital broadcasting signal into an original signal. The decoder separates the broadcasting signal demodulated by the demodulator into audio and video signals, as well as decodes and outputs the separated audio and video signals.
As for a more detailed description of the processing operation of the decoder, the decoder receives a Transport Stream (TS) packet from the digital broadcasting signal, demultiplexes the TS packet, and separates the demultiplexed TS packet into audio and video data. The audio data together with the video data are charged in an audio buffer and a video buffer, respectively. At this time, because no data is first charged in the buffers, the buffers are on standby until the data is charged up to a set threshold or more in the buffers. Thereafter, when the data is charged up to the set threshold or more in the buffers, the data is output.
In the conventional portable terminal, a predetermined time is required until the data is charged up to the set threshold or more in the buffers. This time functions as a delay time that it takes to first output the audio and video data after a user selects a specific channel. Further, when the threshold is great, an initial regeneration time of the audio and video data becomes long. In contrast, when the threshold is small, the initial regeneration time becomes short, but a capacity of the data charged in the buffers is not sufficient. In other words, an underflow takes place, thereby causing a sleep state to be entered.

Method for processing data in a terminal with digital broadcasting receiver


An integrated circuit wafer is formed as a monolithic focal plane array having signal processing circuitry formed upon a first surface thereof and infrared detector elements formed upon a second surface thereof. A process for forming the same is also disclosed. The wafer has an array of waffle-like hollows formed upon one surface. The floor of each hollow has a dense array of small diameter vias formed thereon. The vias extend through the wafer to the second surface thereof. Conductive conduits are formed through the hollows and vias to connect infrared detectors on the second side of the wafer to their associated signal processing circuitry formed upon the first side of the wafer.

Infrared detector modules are used for a variety of purposes including space surveillance. In view of the stringent environmental and performance demands of such systems, as well as space limitations relating to launch and orbit, substantial needs have developed to miniaturize the modules while retaining high performance and high reliability of operation.
For example, in order to provide accurate resolution in infrared imaging it may be necessary to space infrared detector elements by 4 mils or less. It is also desirable to provide some form of focal plane signal processing in order to limit the need to communicate raw data to remote processors. Signal processing may comprise such functions as filtering, gain normalization, and amplification. Consequently, there has developed a need to provide an improved module structure which not only satisfies the dense connectivity problems but also permits on-focal plane processing of the raw input signals.
The use of Z plane stacked layer substrates for signal processing circuitry is common in the art, particularly for area detector arrays. Z Plane structures satisfy the requirements for detector array miniaturization and on-focal-plane signal processing. However, it does not by itself remedy problems involving mechanical and electrical interconnection to the detector array, and where detector operation of a cryogenic temperature is required, refrigeration of the larger mass of material is more difficultly obtained. In Z plane structures a plurality of devices such as semiconductor substrates or printed circuit boards are mechanically and electrically connected to the detector array. Each Z plane stack of substrates extends perpendicularly from the back surface of the detector array along an axis commonly designated as the Z axis in the art. The plane upon which circuitry is formed in Z plane mounting is perpendicular to the plane upon which detectors are formed. Many Z plane layer substrates can extend from a single detector array, thereby greatly increasing the available surface area for signal Processing circuitry. The Z plane structure is used because of the limited real estate, or surface area, available for integrated signal processing circuit fabrication upon the front and back surfaces of the detector array. The Z plane structure can extend a substantial distance beyond the plane of the detector array, thereby providing a significant increase in the surface area available for integrated circuit fabrication. Highly sensitive infrared detecting focal plane arrays typically employ different substrate materials, one for the detector array and another for the signal processing circuit. Z plane structures have been designed with ceramic layer substrates, silicon integrated circuits and CdTe detector array substrates. Assembly of the focal plane array then requires mechanical and electrical connections or bonds to be made between these different substrates. This method of assembly is often called a hybrid integrated circuit, as opposed to a monolithic integrated circuit, where a single substrate is used for the entire assembly. All the components are then totally integrated at a single unit. Since there are no mechanical or electrical bonds to be made, a higher degree of miniaturization can be obtained and many array elements and processing channels can be made by one set of fabrication processes. Such is the advancing state of the art for silicon monolithic integrated circuits.
The monolithic substrate in this invention is a large area, single crystalline wafer, such as readily available silicon. Graphotaxy, which is a form of epitaxy, where single crystalline films of the desired material so crystalline site laterally over polycrsytalline or amorphous structures. Detector arrays can then be made from single crystalline films of the desired material so formed on one side of the wafer and processor circuits on the other side. Stacked graphotaxially layers of silicon, for example, can then be used to provide sufficient areas for integrated circuit fabrication. The thickness of this processor stack made of thin film semiconductor layers separated by insulator films is many orders of magnitude less massive than stacked Z plane layers, which makes it far more acceptable for space borne applications.
Electrical connections between layers in the processor stack are readily made through windows in the insulator films. Electrical connections from the detector array to the processor circuits by an array of small diameter vias or electrical conduits through the wafer substrate. Prior art vias with diameters of 1/5 to 1/6 of the substrate thickness are common. Such vias are typically made by ether etching or laser drilling the substrate and then metalizing the resulting aperture. The use of vias having diameters in the range of 1/5 to 1/6 of the substrate thickness greatly reduces the available wafer surface area upon which detectors and signal processing circuitry can be fabricated. This is particularly true since the thickness of the wafer must be great enough to withstand the processing steps required to form the detector elements and signal processing circuitry. This prevents the use of a thin wafer which would permit correspondingly narrow vias.
The state of the art in both etching and laser drilling technology makes it extremely difficult to form long, thin vias. Sub-micron vias can be formed by either technique as long as they do not extend more than a few microns in length. Attempting to form vias having lengths in excess of a few microns results in flaring or misrouting of the vias due to inherent limitations in both the etching and laser drilling processes. Therefore, vias must have diameters proportional to the thickness of the substrate on which they are being formed in order to be formed true and parallel to their intended axes.
A monolithic focal plane array design having an array of extremely dense vias, with diameters in the one to twenty micron range is desirable. This permits the vias to be concentrated, thereby enabling a high density of detector elements. The vias must pass through wafers which are at least an order of magnitude thicker than the diameter of the vias. Such wafer thickness is required to maintain the mechanical integrity of the wafer through the detector and circuit fabrication Processes. The ability to form a dense array of such small diameter vias through a substrate which is at least an order of magnitude thicker than the via diameter is not present in the prior art.
As such, although the prior art has recognized the desirability of using a monolithic design for a focal plane array, the prior art has to date been unable to provide a means of fabricating a dense array of small diameter vias in a wafer which is at least an order of magnitude thicker than the diameter of the vias.


An MSK signal demodulating circuit including a carrier reproducing circuit for reproducing a carrier phase-synchronized with a component of a mark frequency or a space frequency of an MSK signal, a detector for performing synchronous detection of the MSK signal by means of the reproduced carrier, an identification circuit for converting an analog output from this detector into serial digital data, and a serial-parallel conversion circuit for converting the serial digital data into I, Q parallel data.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an MSK signal demodulating circuit for demodulating an MSK (Minimum Shift Keying) signal.
2. Description of the Related Art
One of the digital modulation systems recently adopted in radiocommunication is MSK modulation system which means a continued phase FSK (Frequency Shift Keying) system having a modulation index of 0.5, transmitting a mark frequency (fm) and a space frequency (fs) in response to transmission data 1, 0. The MSK modulation system has an advantage of resisting non-linear distortion because of constant amplitude in modulation carrier. A conventional method for demodulating an MSK signal typically involves orthogonal synchronous detection by reproducing a carrier synchronized in phase with a carrier f0 at the sending end.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a conventional MSK signal demodulating circuit by means of such method. In this drawing, an MSK signal inputted to an input terminal 10 is subject to orthogonal synchronous detection by detectors 12 and 13 on the basis of an output signal of a carrier reproducing circuit 21, which reproduces a carrier phase-synchronized with carrier f0 at the sending end, and of another signal which is 90.degree. phase-shifted from the said signal by 90.degree. phase shifter 14. Then, the bands of the detected analog signals are limited by low-pass filters 15 and 16 respectively, followed by conversion of the respective analog signals into digital ones by identification circuits 17 and 18. While the clock reproduced by a clock reproducing circuit 30 is subject to 1/2 frequency demultiplication by a 1/2 divider 31 to use it as a timing pulse for the identification circuits 17 and 18 in which A/D converters are used in general.
Such a demodulation system is called a parallel demodulation system in view of the separate detections for a common component (axis I) and an orthogonal component (axis Q). Data I and Q converted into digital signals are inputted to an error correcting circuit 40 for error correction, and then outputted from an output terminal 50. Error correction codes are used in general to assure high quality of transmission performance, while the error correcting circuit 40 is often provided as an LSI. For example, in case of using a convolutional code as an error correction code, the error correcting circuit 40 is provided as Viterbi decoding LSI which receives data I and Q.
The above MSK demodulation system is on a parallel demodulation basis, requiring an identification circuit, each for axis I and axis Q, while such a type of circuit is expensive in general, resulting in higher costs.
On the other hand, in using an A/D converter for an identification circuit, an AGC (automatic gain control) amplifier is often installed at the front of the A/D converter in order to prevent the error rate from being degraded by variation in input level of the A/D converter, while an AGC amplifier is needed each for axis I and axis Q also in this case, complicating the construction and resulting in higher costs again.
Moreover, to make a dual system, the identification circuits of axis I and axis Q are required to have the same identification performance, while it is actually pretty difficult to mass-produce such circuits working stably over the whole range of operating temperature.

MSK demodulator using one synchronous detector


Systems and methods are disclosed measuring the turn-on and turn-off times of an optoelectronic transceiver's transmitter circuitry. The method includes generating a two bit sequences from separate bit sequence generators using the same controlling pattern. The first bit sequence is transmitted through an optoelectronic device and compared with corresponding bit groups in the second bit sequence. The optoelectronic device is disabled and a count of compared bit groups is kept until the comparison indicates that the optoelectronic device is completely off. Using the count and one or more of the bit groups, a turn-off time is calculated. Alternatively, the method is used to calculate a turn-on time. The optoelectronic device is enabled and a count is kept from the time the device is enabled to when the comparison of the corresponding bit groups indicates that the optoelectronic device is completely on.

1. The Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to optical devices in high-speed communication networks. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for measuring the turn-on and turn-off times of optical circuitry in an optoelectronic device.
2. The Related Technology
Devices such as optoelectronic transceivers include lasers and electronic elements that must be turned on and off rapidly in order to, for example, be used effectively in passive optical networks. Passive optical networks are described in Applicant's U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 10/188,575, filed Sep. 5, 2002 and entitled "SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING BIAS CURRENT IN LASER DIODES WITH IMPROVED SWITCHING RATES," which is incorporated herein by reference.
Passive optical networks enable optoelectronic transceivers to share optical fibers while transmitting and receiving data in an optical form. Generally, a transceiver may not use all the bandwidth available on a fiber because data transmission is intermittent. As a result, transmitting and receiving data on optical fibers using more than one optoelectronic transceiver helps maximize the use of the network's bandwidth.
A passive network system utilizes the bandwidth available on a fiber by turning on a second transceiver when the first transceiver stops transmitting. Likewise, when the second transmitter finishes transmitting, another transmitter transmits data and so forth. Typically, passive optical networks employ a time division multiplexing access (TDMA) scheme to make this possible. In such schemes, the data transmission capabilities of the optoelectronic transceivers are operational only during separate, non-overlapping periods of time. Overlapping transceiver signals can cause unacceptable transmission errors in the passive optical network.
Because transceivers cannot transmit overlapping data, it is useful to ensure that a particular transceiver is completely off before the next transceiver begins transmitting data. However, when an optoelectronic transceiver receives a command to disable its optical transmitter circuitry, the response is not instantaneous. Instead, a measurable amount of time passes before the command is effectuated and the optical transmitter circuitry is turned off. Similarly, when an optoelectronic transceiver receives a command to enable its optical transmitter circuitry, the response time is also measurable. The amount of time required for turning optical transmitter circuitry on and off determines when a subsequent transmitter should be enabled to transmit data without causing an overlap in transmission with the first transceiver.
One method for ensuring that data does not overlap is to wait a predetermined period of time that is long enough to ensure that the first transceiver is not transmitting data when the subsequent transceiver begins transmitting data. However, this approach will likely result in unnecessarily long periods of time where the network is not transmitting data while it waits to ensure that the first transceiver has stopped. This approach fails to accomplish the object of utilizing as much of the network's bandwidth as possible.
Transceivers can make better use of network bandwidth by causing the subsequent transceiver to begin data transmission as soon as possible following the termination of data transmission by the first transmitter. Knowing the delay time for turning the transceiver on and off is useful for determining when a transceiver can be enabled without causing overlap in data transmission. By accounting for delay in the transceiver's turn-on and turn-off time, the transceiver can be configured to transmit data with much less delay between multiple transceiver transmissions than would otherwise be possible.

System and method of measuring turn-on and turn-off times of an optoelectronic device


Disclosed is an optimized energy interconnection system for an urban railway train in the technical field of urban railway transportation power supply, for addressing the technical problem that distribution of regenerative braking energy flows cannot be accurately determined. The system includes a DC intermediate bus and a multi-port flow controllable energy router. The multi-port flow controllable energy router can comprehensively control a source and a load connected in parallel on the DC intermediate bus and thus can accurately determine the distribution of regenerative braking energy flows, thereby forming a well-developed system for evaluating usage of the braking energy.

At present, an energy feedback device of an urban railway train (for example, a subway train) usually feeds back braking energy of the train to a 35 kV medium-voltage AC bus or a 400V low-voltage AC bus. The above manner mainly has the following problems.
Since urban railway transportation adopts a DC traction power supply mode, the energy feedback device of the train is activated in accordance with a voltage threshold of a DC traction power grid. As a result, the energy feedback device may be triggered before regenerative braking energy is adequately cycled among trains in adjacent routes, and at this time the braking energy is forcibly fed back to an AC power grid. Furthermore, the regenerative braking energy is cycled between adjacent energy feedback systems and multi-pulse rectification systems, so that a train to be started does not absorb the braking energy but absorbs energy from the power grid, which causes extra electric energy consumption of a traction system. In addition, after the regenerative braking energy is fed back to the AC power grid, flows are not controllable. The flows may be transferred to a started train through multi-pulse rectification, or may be consumed by an auxiliary grid load. Hence, it is difficult to evaluate energy conservation of the energy feedback system.
Besides, most of existing energy systems are connected to the AC power grid via a power transformer. The power transformer has no-load loss and has a large volume, and meanwhile there may be extra reactive power consumption when energy is transferred in the AC power grid.
From another aspect, although the urban railway transportation is a manner of green traveling, electric energy consumed by the urban railway transportation is mostly electric energy generated from coal. With the strengthening of national environmental protection efforts, the subway, as a major consumer of power in cities, will surely increase its proportion of green electric energy. Therefore, some people have proposed a concept of green station, i.e., solar panels are arranged on a roof of a station or a vehicle depot to perform photovoltaic power generation. Currently, photovoltaic power is mainly used in two ways: self-use and transferring surplus power to a grid. However, considering the policy of retreating subsidies for photovoltaic power generation and the reduction of costs for photovoltaic power generation, self-use has become the main form of photovoltaic power utilization. With the expansion of the scale of photovoltaic power plants, it is difficult for an auxiliary system to absorb all the photovoltaic electric energy and the photovoltaic electric energy can be integrated into a traction power grid. Through reasonable capacity configuration and site selection, a designed (overload) capacity of a transformer for a traction power supply system can be reduced to a certain extent.
There are two ways to integrate the photovoltaic electric energy into the traction power grid:
1. a photovoltaic array undergoes a DC-DC conversion and a DC-AC conversion, and is integrated into a 35 kV medium-voltage grid via a power transformer; and
2. a photovoltaic array undergoes a DC-DC boost conversion, and is integrated into a 1500V DC traction power grid.
For the first integration manner, transfer efficiency is high during long-distance energy transfer, but a grid-connected inverter and a grid-connected power transformer are required. The photovoltaic electric energy needs to go through multiple conversion stages (a grid-connected inverter, a grid-connected transformer, a phase-shifting transformer and a multi-pulse rectifier) before being used by a train. Hence, conversion efficiency of a system is greatly reduced.
For the second integration manner, only the DC-DC boost conversion is required, and many intermediate conversion stages are saved. However, for the same amount of photovoltaic power, transmission loss in this line would be larger than in a line of the first integration manner.
Therefore, the existing two ways to integrate the photovoltaic electric energy into the traction power grid have defects of reduced conversion efficiency and large transmission loss.
In addition, an existing urban railway transportation system has relatively stable loads and lacks adjustable loads, and it is difficult to realize optimized scheduling of energy of a subway system.

Optimized energy interconnection system for urban railway train

CRRC ZHUZHOU ELECTRIC LOCOMOTIVE RESEARCH INSTITUTE CO., LTD.


A frame member miter guide or brace has first and second legs configured for insertion and engagement with adjoining frame members at a mitered joint, the miter guide having a stop with stop edges which accurately position intersecting walls of the frame members for precise alignment of the mitered joint. Stop edges of the stop correspond with the correct positions of the frame members, so that the members are held in place for final attachment and installation. Positive engagement of edges of the frame member walls with the stop edges insures highly accurate orientation of the mitered joint. A fracture line for welded installation of the frame members, and a leg profile which minimizes damage in handling and installation is also described.

In architectural applications and building construction there are frame structures for doorways, windows or other openings formed by frame members which must be assembled at right angles. Precise angles are required whereby the mating edges provide a hairline joint having a permanent neat and trim appearance. Many of the fastening devices currently being used at the junction of the members are generally inadequate to provide proper alignment or positive engagement with one another.
One example of such a fastening device is described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,552,085, which includes a corner clip which works in cooperation with jamb anchors to establish a frame miter. For example the use of a triangular piece at the intersection of right angle frame pieces allows the ends of the pieces to move along the angled surface of the insert piece, so that there is no fixed orientation of a mitered joint as is required in most frame assemblies prior to installation. This is particularly problematic in that it requires extra time, care and skill during installation by the workmen in achieving the common right angle joint for proper fit appearance when complete.


The present invention aims to provide a system, which can prevent unauthorized copying of information in a society covered by a network and can exclude distribution and diffusion of information in the network or package media. In a system comprising a receiving unit connected to broadcasting and/or communication network, there are provided a transmitting unit, a writing unit to a package medium, a reading unit, a reproducing unit for displaying and reproducing the information, and a management unit including a filing unit, each of these units has an ID to define a space to which that unit belongs, and by comparing it with a space ID, which defines a space where the information can be utilized and is added to the information transferred within the system, the compatibility of the utilization, i.e. whether the information is being utilized in an authorized space or not, is checked and unauthorized utilization of information or unauthorized copying are prevented.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a copy preventing system for preventing unauthorized copying or utilization of copyrighted multi-media digital information when such information is provided to a multi-media equipment owned by a user in form of communication or broadcasting media or package media.
2. Description of the Related Art
With development and progress of digital information technique in recent years, various types of multi-media information such as audio information or visual information are digitalized and offered to users. Because the information is not deteriorated even when it is repeatedly copied, the infringement of copyright by copying is a serious problem. In particular, digital ROM information such as the information on a compact disk (CD) is widely propagated and large capacity media are now used in practical application, by which the user can record digital information. This creates a situation where unauthorized copying of the information can be carried out in a relatively easy manner.
However, the conventional type multi-media equipment as described above is not provided with the function to restrict copying of the information or to limit copying beyond a certain extent. For this reason, when copyright information is offered, importance is now put on information protective system to prevent unauthorized copying and to maintain security of the offered information. At present, a relatively simple copy preventing system such as SCMS (serial copy management system) is used in practical application, which permits second-generation copying, i.e. re-copying, but not the third generation copying, i.e. re-re-copying, in digital audio tape (DAT) and the like. This is merely to restrict copying of information recorded on a recording medium DAT, and does not provide a security guard on the information itself, which is the content of the recording. It is currently expected that there will be more demand on the system, which can cope with the diversified requirements of the copyright information providers or the users. More advanced digital information providing means is expected to appear in near future, and large capacity digital information recording medium writable by the users will be used in practical application.
In particular, to the propagation of high-speed information network aiming at home or private users or of large capacity digital medium such as digital video disk (DVD), systematic measures should be taken for the prevention of illegal or unauthorized copying.

Copy preventing system for multi-media equipment

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.


To enhance in-building location determination of an electronic device, described is a system and a method that uses a blip access point to transfer location assistance information to the electronic device. The location assistance information may contain a map of dummy beacons that serve as reference points (e.g., landmarks) from which the electronic device may determine its location relative to the map information.

The location of a portable electronic device may be determined using a global positioning system (GPS). As is known, a GPS-capable device determines its terrestrial location by triangulating its position relative to GPS satellites in orbit around the earth. This process includes receiving signals transmitted from the satellites, measuring the travel times of the signals from the satellites to the receiver, and then calculating the distances of the satellites from the receiver based on the travel time to derive a location value. The location value may be coordinates expressed using a standard reference system, such as the world geodetic system (WGS).
In another approach, assisted-GPS (or A-GPS) may be used to determine the location of the electronic device. A-GPS uses an assistance server to process location related data and access a reference network to speed location determination and to transfer processing tasks from the electronic device to the server. For instance, the assistance server may perform tasks to make range measurements and calculate position solutions that would otherwise be carried out by the electronic device.
Another location determining approach that is used in cellular telephone networks is to determine the identities of communications access points (e.g., "cell towers") that are within communication range of the electronic device. Each cell tower may have an identifier (e.g., "cell ID") and the identifier is communicated to the electronic device or a server. Each identifier, or cell ID, in a particular servicing network may be assumed to be unique and, therefore, may be used to indicate relative proximity to a certain location. In one embodiment, the cell ID and any related radio parameters may be used to generate a coordinate value through a radio network service. For example, under global system mobile communications (GSM) and universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS) protocols, the position could be estimated through a mobile originated location request (MO-LR) to the network so that the electronic device position could be estimated using the network's knowledge of tower locations and antenna directions.
While GPS receivers are generally very accurate in determining position, they can become unreliable in indoor environments and, therefore, are not desirable for identifying a location of an electronic device within an indoor location, such as a home, office building, factory, etc. In addition, basing location on cell tower information is generally not accurate enough to distinguish relatively small differences in location that may occur when moving within a building.
The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) has proposed a technique for determining in-building location. In this proposal, a network of Bluetooth stations is deployed and the electronic device ranges on the stations as if the network were a miniature GPS system. However, this involves coordination among the stations, achieves an unnecessarily high degree of accuracy, and requires the electronic device to carry out steps that are not present in standard Bluetooth application specific integrated circuits (ASICs).

System and method for in-building location determination


In one embodiment, at least one of number of times a frame is paused by a plurality of users (users) and attention-activity of the users for the frame is tracked for each frame of an asset (video etc.). An interactive version of at least one frame is pre-generated based on the tracking. The interactive version is stored to enable playing of the interactive version of the at least one frame. In another embodiment, pausing of a currently playing frame (frame) of the asset is determined. A determination to replace the frame is made based on at least one of attention-activity of a user in the frame, and detecting metadata, of the frame, specifying that the frame is to be replaced. An interactive version of the frame is generated, based on at least one of the attention of the user and the metadata, to replace the frame with the interactive version.

Often, it happens that while watching a video, a user is interested in exploring content displayed in a currently playing video frame. Currently, for exploring the content, the user pauses the video and varies zoom level of the video frame. However, varying the zoom level deteriorates visibility of the content and results in bad engaging experience for the user. Further, no additional information regarding the content is provided to the user. Lack of any further information is unfavorable when the user is also a prospective buyer of an object displayed in the currently playing video frame. Lack of any further information also results in a lost opportunity for a marketer or author of the video to engage the user and take user experience to next level. Therefore, there is a need for enhancing the video to deliver better engaging experience to the user.

Method and apparatus for providing engaging experience in an asset


A binder for storage of sheet materials, particularly large sheet materials, such as maps, blueprints and the like, in a flat configuration. An elongated frame element, which supports the sheet materials along a marginal edge in a hanging orientation, is provided with a pivoting hand grip mounted on the frame and movable between vertical and horizontal orientations. The hand grip, of which there may be more than one, enables the binder and its contents to be conveniently removed from a storage rack and re-positioned for use.

Blueprints, maps and similar large documents may be stored in binders which releasably hold one or more of the sheets along a marginal edge, allowing the bound sheets to be folded back for observation of underlying sheets without removing the sheets from the binder. The binders are stored upon a rack, with the sheets hanging from the binders within the rack.
Typical construction for such binders does not provide for any hand support or gripping means other than the binder itself. While a binder can generally be removed from a rack by the mere grasping of the binder itself, subsequent positioning of the binder, such as placing the binder on an easel, table, or the like may require twisting and turning of the binder, resulting in awkward positioning of the hands and wrists, and placing undue strain thereon. In addition, sharp edges and corners of the binder are capable of inflicting injury if sufficient care is not exerted. While the binders themselves may be of relatively light-weight construction, the addition of a substantial set of large documents can materially add to the binder's weight, making movement and carriage more cumbersome.
It is accordingly the purpose of the present invention to provide a binder having improved handgrips to facilitate removal of the binder from a storage rack and further transport and positioning thereof. In accordance with such and further objects and purposes, the binder of the present invention includes a pistol grip-type handle mounted in a vertical orientation upon an end of the binder. The grip may be pivotable from a vertical to a horizontal position. One or more handles are also provided along the top of the binder. The handles are exposed for access and use as the binder is removed from the rack, permitting the user to obtain an alternative, secondary grip on the binder to facilitate complete removal of the binder from the rack and subsequent positioning of the binder as required.


To design an integrated circuit, input data defining an integrated circuit are received, and a plurality of load standard cells having different delay characteristics are provided in a standard cell library. Placement and routing are performed based on the input data and the standard cell library and output data defining the integrated circuit are generated based on a result of the placement and the routing. Design efficiency and performance of the integrated circuit are enhanced by designing the integrated circuit with delay matching and duty ratio adjustment using the load standard cell.

Example embodiments relate generally to semiconductor integrated circuits, and more particularly to an integrated circuit including a signal-load cell and a method of designing the integrated circuit.
Standard cells having fixed functions may be used in the design of integrated circuits. The standard cells have predetermined architectures and are stored in cell libraries. When designing integrated circuits, the standard cells are retrieved from the cell libraries and placed into desired locations on an integrated circuit layout. Routing is then performed to connect the standard cells with each other and with other cells. A standard cell has a predetermined (or set) architecture that may include a cell width, a cell height, a power rail width, positions and numbers of pin points, etc. Design efficiency of an integrated circuit may be determined according to configurations of standard cells.

Integrated circuit including load standard cell and method of designing the same


A measurement device relates to a Halios system for measuring an optical transmission path, in which at least one receiver and a compensation transmitter are optically separated from each other by an optical barrier in such a matter that a direct irradiation of said receiver by said compensation transmitter is not possible. Said compensation transmitter and a transmitter are of the same type and/or have at least a common electric optical working point in an optical working point. Said optical barrier has a compensation path, characterized by a compensation window, which attenuates the light of the compensation transmitter before it hits the receiver in such a manner that the compensation transmitter and said transmitter are operated at least in an optical working point by a controller in said identical electro-optical working point.

For three dimensional gesture recognition, e.g. the recognition of wipe and approximation gestures, sensors are required that are capable to detect the position, the movement and the orientation of hands.
Besides the use of cameras, the use of simple LED and photo diode-based concepts is of special interest due to the related cost.
A significant problem known from the state of the art is the available assembly space. Different methods have been developed to improve the robustness against external light and other disturbances.
State of the art systems are known to have a generator (G) producing a transmitter signal (S5), through which a transmitter (H) is fed. The transmitter (H) transmits into a receiver (D) having passed the transmission path to be measured, which consists of a first partial transmission path (I1) and a second partial transmission path (I2). The receiver output signal (S0) of the receiver (D) is converted to a compensation signal (S3) by a controller (CT), through which a compensation transmitter (K) is fed, which transmits typically in a linear superimposing manner into the third transmission path (I3) as well as into the receiver (D).
Thereby the compensation signal (S3) is generated in such a way by the controller (CT) out of the receiver output signal (S0) and the transmitter signal (S5), that the receiver output signal (S0) contains no remaining components of the transmitter signal (S5), with the exception of system noise and a control error. These types of systems, called HALIOS systems in the following sections, are especially robust towards sources of interference, such as sun light, while simultaneously being robust towards dirt and the drift of a receiver (D). One such HALIOS system is for example known from the DE102010014462A1 or the EP2418512A1.
Overall there are two basic versions known of the HALIOS system from the state of the art, which can for example also be combined by switching between them or by smooth transitions between the different controller properties. Because the first claim refers to Halios systems in general, in following the definition for such state of the art Halios systems is given, to be able to keep the claims short and compact.
A Halios system in the sense of this disclosure is characterized hereby, that
i. either in the first version
                a. it possesses at minimum one signal generator (G) able to generate at minimum one transmitter signal (S5), driving at minimum one transmitter (H), that irradiates into at minimum one receiver (D) and        b. it possesses at minimum one controller (CT), which puts out at minimum one compensation signal (S3), by which at minimum one compensation transmitter (K) is driven, which also transmits in a superimposing manner into the at minimum one of the said receivers (D) and        c. that the said controller (CT) generates the minimum of one said compensation signal (S3), of at minimum one of the receiver output signals (S0) of said receiver (D), and of at minimum one of the said transmitter signal (S5), and        d. and that the controller (CT) drives the minimum of one compensation transmitter (K) by way of said compensation signal (S3), that said receiver output signal (S0) of said receiver (D) contains no remaining components of the transmitter signal (S5) except for a control error and system noise.or in the second version        e. it possesses a minimum of one signal generator (G), capable of producing the minimum of compensation signal (S3), by which the minimum of one compensation transmitter (K) is controlled, which at minimum transmits into one receiver (D) and        f. it possesses the minimum of one controller (CT) emitting the minimum of one transmitter signal (S5) which drives the minimum one transmitter (H), which also transmits in a superimposing manner into the at minimum one receiver (D), and        g. that said controller (CT) generates the at minimum one of said transmitter signal (S5) out of a minimum of a receiver output signal (S0) of one of the said receivers (D) and at minimum one compensation transmitter signal (S3), and        h. and that the controller (CT) drives a minimum one transmitter (H) by way of a minimum of one said transmitter signal (S5) in such a way that the receiver output signal (S0) of said receiver (D) contains no remaining components of the compensation transmitter signal (S3) except for a control error and system noiseor        i. that it is a combination of the first and second versionand            ii. that at minimum of said optical transmitters (H) it is able to transmit at minimum into a first transmission path (I1) which is only a partial component of the device, and    iii. which terminates at minimum one object (O), which is not part of the device, located at the end of the first transmission path (I1), and able to transmit light into at minimum of a second transmission path (I2), which is only a partial component of the device, and which terminates at minimum one of the said receivers (D), which is part of the device, and    iv. that at minimum one of these receivers (D), which is able to receive the transmitter signal (S5) modified by the transmission through the first transmission path (I1) and/or the second transmission path (I2) and/or the reflection by the object (O) and to transform the transmitter signal (S5) at minimum into one receiver output signal (S0) and    v. that one of said controllers (CT), which is part of the device, outputs the minimum of one signal (S4), which may be used outside the device and    vi. that this signal (S4) represents the measure of a minimum of one feature, at minimum of one first transmission path (I1) or one second transmission path, or representative reading at minimum for one property at minimum for one object (O) at the end of one of the said first transmission paths (I1) or at the beginning of said second transmission path (I2), and over an output signal (S4) at minimum, emitted upon request and    vii. that this compensation transmitter (K) transmits into at minimum one third transmission path (I3), which is entirely a component of the device and    viii. that at minimum one of the third transmission paths (I3) terminates at the minimum by one said receiver (D) and    ix. that at minimum this receiver (D) is capable of picking up at minimum the signal in said compensation transmitter (K), superimposed with the signal at minimum by one transmitter (H)
If such a Halios system is to be installed into a single SMD housing, there are several challenges to be met, in reference to optics and workability.
This problem is not resolved by DE102010014462A1, as this document does not reveal the optics. A series of optical components and potential arranging of optical elements may be taken from the document DE102010028967A1, in reference to such Halios systems. In conjunction with the elaboration of the disclosure at hand, it was noticed that the backscattering of the light of the compensation transmitter (K) to the receiver (D), typically by a photodiode, and from there to the object (O), and from there again back into the receiver (D) results in a disturbance signal in the receiver (D). The problem made itself noticed as an environment-dependent basic coupling. This problem is not mentioned nor resolved in DE102010028967A1. The semitransparent mirror (e.g. FIG. 9, reference sign 192 of DE102010028967A1) listed there still results in a continued radition of light from the compensation transmitters, which then might be scattered towards the object. Also, typically an overloading of the receiver (D) occurs caused by the compensation transmitter (K). It was also noticed, that the known state of the art devices, despite all diligence, show a temperature dependency of the test reading, which could be explained and corrected within the framework of the invention, and could be ascribed to the problem of the differing dampening from the transmission path and compensation path.
A model of the state of the art housing, which addresses the problem of an environment-dependent basic coupling, is known from the published patent application DE102012210891A1.
Generally there are the transmitter (H) the object (O), each within the transmission paths and the receiver (D): The actual transmission path (I1 & I2, I3) and a parasitic transmission path.
The light of the transmitter (H) may be transmitted from the transmitter (H) to the object (O) first and from there it may be reflected to the photodiode, the receiver (D). In this way the light of the transmitter (H) should initially be sent from transmitter (H) to object (O), and from there reflected back to the photo diode, the receiver (D). The light of the transmitter (H) should not directly fall on to the photo diode (D). In reference to the light of the compensation transmitter (K) it is the opposite: It should fall directly on the photodiode (D), and if possible not be dispersed onto the object (O). Hereby a maximum of the transmitted energy should reach the object to be detected, and a maximum of the reflecting light of the object is to be captured by a receiver. For this, for example in the state of the art DE102012210891A1, a lens is proposed which is arranged coaxially to the center point of the transmitter or receiver. (FIG. 3 of DE102012210891A1). A problem of the technology disclosed by DE102012210891A1 is that the illumination of the space is significantly lower than that of the device which is part of the invention. The lenses (reference numbers 218 and 312 of DE102012210891A1) are lowered around a low rim relative to the top cover (reference numbers 219 and 319 of DE102012210891A1). It further limits the illumination. The necessary spatial illumination is achieved through a complex three-dimensional arrangement of several sensor modules in accordance with DE102012210891A1 (FIG. 6 of DE102012210891A1). The patent application DE102010027499A1 resolves this illumination problem similarly (FIG. 1 of DE102010027499A1) by use of multiple modules corresponding to DE102010027499A1.
The described illumination problem is similarly resolved in the European patent application EP2549652A2. However the three-dimensional assembly is not carried out on module level but on component level. This complex three-dimensional assembly of transmitters and receivers already achieves an improved spatial illumination in comparison to DE102012210891A1 (FIGS. 5a and 5b of EP2549652A2). Thereby the lenses are always arranged coaxially to the transmitters and receivers (FIGS. 2 and 4 of EP2549652A2) as disclosed in DE102012210891A1. Here as well a u-shaped housing (reference number 130 of EP2549652A2) causes shadowing on the receiver (reference number 200 of EP2549652A2) whose receiver beams are limited through the trough walls.
In the text WO20131134456A1 an assembly is disclosed in which a HALIOS system is taking advantage of glass fibers within a PCB. The transmission diode (reference number 102 of WO20131134456A1) is marked in FIG. 1 of said patent application in conjunction with a lens, which is in turn arranged centrically. Said shadowing problem is caused by the walls of the mounting hole. (reference number 109 of WO20131134456A1). Therefore the illumination is also not optimal here.
This problem is solved significantly better in patent application DE102006020570A1. It is not, however, the objective of the system to supervise the entire open space above the system, but only a limited space immediately above the sensor system. As previously, the central lens (reference numbers 21 and 53 of DE102006020570A1) is arranged centrically relative to the receiver (reference number E of DE102006020570A1). A symmetrical illumination is not possible in this solution. The transmitters do not feature lenses.
A significant problem in the integration of such HALIOS systems in one housing is the suppression of parasitic couplings. The miniaturization accentuates the problem, identified as cross-talk in the following paragraphs. Especially the exposure of the measuring object to scattered light from the compensation transmitter (K) changes hereby the basic coupling dependent on the usage situation which was already described in the European patent application EP2418512A1.
And finally, in the state of the art the problem of temperature dependency is neither recognized nor does it give solutions for it. There will be responses to this problem and additional writings from the state of the art in the following description of the invention for the distinction of this disclosure towards the state of the art. It is stated in advance, that none of the state of the art publications, mentioned previously and in following, address the problem of the situation-dependent basic coupling of scattered light from the compensation transmitter.


An improved catalyst system that includes a metal support structure and an anti-corrosive layer on the metal support structure, and has improved resistance to corrosion and other degradation under corrosive environments. Typically, a catalyst supporting layer is applied over the anti-corrosive layer.

The present invention pertains to catalyst systems having improved resistance under a corrosive environment, and more particularly to catalyst systems including a metal support structure with an anti-corrosive coating.
In chemical industry reactors, metallic catalyst support structures are preferred over inorganic (e.g., ceramic) catalyst supports because they exhibit high intrinsic thermal conductivity. Preferred metallic catalyst supports are comprised of copper. One problem which still remains is corrosion and degradation of the metallic catalyst support under certain chemical reactions.
For example, reactions involving oxidizing acids, such as nitric acid and sulfuric acid, and acids containing Fe(III), which come into contact with the copper catalyst supports cause the copper to dissolve. Copper is also subject to oxidation when it is contacted with solutions containing Fe(III), Hg(II), Sn(IV), Cu(II), and other ions that are readily susceptible of reduction, as well as ammonia ions or substituted ammonia ions. As another example, chloride, cyanide, and ammonia can form complexes with copper. Hydrogen chloride, hydrogen fluoride, as well as many halogenated hydrocarbons, can also react with copper to cause corrosion.
Contacting of a metallic support structure with corrosive agents in a thermal chemical reactor will result in the eventual destruction of the catalyst system, deterioration of production yields, and may require frequent replacement of the catalyst system, which could be prohibitively expensive. Additionally, exposure of highly conductive metallic supports to certain chemical reaction conditions can lead to undesired side-reactions because the metal support may have catalytic activity for by-product formation.
Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a catalyst system having a metallic support that has a high intrinsic thermal conductivity, but which is not susceptible to corrosion and/or other deterioration due to contact with the chemical reactants, or that contributes to undesirable side reactions.

Catalyst system with improved corrosion resistance


Systems and methods are disclosed for selecting an emergency descent rate for an aircraft based on the rate of depressurization in the cabin of the aircraft. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of detecting a depressurization warning for the cabin of the aircraft, and determining a rate of depressurization inside the cabin. The method further includes selecting a rate for an emergency descent for the aircraft in response to the depressurization warning based on the rate of depressurization inside the cabin, and initiating the emergency descent at the selected rate.

Some passenger aircraft are pressurized to enable the aircraft to fly at high altitudes. Pressurization of the cabin protects the crew and passengers on the aircraft from suffering from conditions caused by lack of oxygen. A typical aircraft includes a cabin pressure system that monitors the cabin pressure to make sure it is maintained at a safe level. If the cabin were to become depressurized while the aircraft was at a cruising altitude, then the cabin pressure system or a warning system will trigger a warning to the flight crew. The flight crew will initiate emergency descent procedures so that the aircraft descends down to 10,000 feet or a minimum safe altitude. According to traditional procedures, the emergency descent is designed to get the aircraft to a safe altitude as soon as possible. In some cases, it may be necessary to perform a more rapid emergency descent to protect the crew and passengers to minimize exposure to elevated cabin altitudes. However, an emergency descent that is more rapid can be uncomfortable and stressful to the passengers on board due to the inherent changes in airplane attitude, accelerations, and buffeting that can occur when performing a rapid emergency descent maneuver.

Selection of emergency descent rates for an aircraft due to cabin depressurization


A natural cheese having at least 210 milligrams of calcium per 28 grams of said natural cheese. The calcium enriched natural cheese comprising: a calcium material suspended in a natural cheese by dispersing the calcium material generally throughout a cheese milk and processing the cheese milk into a natural cheese. The natural cheese has at least 0.0075 grams of calcium material per each gram of natural cheese. The method of producing a predetermined natural cheese enriched with a dispersible calcium material includes the steps of adding the calcium material to a predetermined processing liquid to form a slurry, agitating the slurry for a predetermined period of time, dispersing the slurry in a cheese milk prior to setting the cheese milk, and completing a cheese manufacturing process.

The present invention relates generally to cheese and specifically to the calcium enrichment of natural cheese product. Natural cheeses are cheeses that are produced by combining various ingredients to produce a resultant cheese. Natural cheeses are distinct from processed cheeses, which are a cheese product manufactured by combining a natural cheese with other ingredients. Processed cheeses are produced by processing, e.g., grinding up, or preparing in some manner, natural cheese and then mixing the prepared natural cheese with emulsifying agents, e.g., emulsifying salts, and other materials. Usually, other work, such as heating the resulting mixture to produce a homogenous mass of processed cheese, is also subsequently performed. Accordingly, a processed cheese is literally a natural cheese which has subsequently been processed.
The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a natural cheese, as opposed to a processed cheese, with enhanced calcium levels. The present invention is a novel and unique process and the resulting product addresses the production of cheese having the desirable qualities of natural cheese plus an enhanced calcium level.
Because calcium is already present in dairy products such as natural cheese it is not, upon initial consideration, apparent why it would be desirous to increase the level of calcium. Cheese is a natural source of calcium and people eat cheese, among other reasons, to get calcium. However, even people who eat cheese do not necessarily eat sufficient quantities to obtain some or all of the calcium they may require. The present invention makes it easier for a person to eat a sufficient quantity of cheese to obtain some or all of the calcium they may require.
Some people may have a special need for additional calcium in their diet. For example, it is well established that many women in our society do not get sufficient levels of calcium from their normal diet. This may lead to debilitating conditions such as osteoporosis. Enhancement of the calcium level of natural cheese allows consumers to eat a good natural cheese product, which provides them with a substantially higher level of calcium than natural cheeses which have been heretofore produced. Consumers are thereby provided with a product which has more of the mineral that they desire from natural cheese than they previously could receive.
The inventors know of no prior art that teaches the present invention. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,784,871 (Park), U.S. Pat. No. 4,609,553 (Zboralski), and U.S. Pat. No. 5,573,806 (Farkye) are all related to the addition of calcium to cheese.
Park discloses a method for producing a calcium fortified yogurt wherein an acid-soluble calcium salt is added to fruit flavoring which is then subsequently combined with the yogurt base. It is questionable whether Park may be applied to cheese making; however, even if Park were considered analogous, the process disclosed in Park is clearly related to the manufacture of a processed material. In other words, the calcium is added to a yogurt base, which has already been produced and then undergone further processing.
Farkye discloses a method wherein anhydrous calcium chloride is dissolved in a small volume of water to form slurry. This slurry is added to milk containing approximately 3% fat (pH 7.5) at a rate of approximately 0.02% (wt./wt.). The milk is then heated at the rate of 1.3.degree. C. (2.3.degree. F.) per minute to a temperature of 80.degree.-90.degree. C. and is held here for 10-60 minutes (30 minutes is indicated or preferred). A 2% solution of food-grade organic acid at a temperature of 55.degree. C.-80.degree. C. (79.degree. C./175.degree. F.) is added to the milk to reduce the pH to 4.2 to 5.0 (pH 4.4 is preferred) and to form the curd. The curd-whey mixture is held at a temperature of 73.degree. C.-75.degree. C. for about 10 minutes under quiescent conditions whereupon the whey is drained. The curd is trenched to facilitate complete whey removal. Salt (NaCl) is added to the curd at 50.degree.-70.degree. C. at a rate of 2%(wt./wt.) of curd in three approximately equal applications. The salted curd is hooped into stainless steel hoops and pressed for about 30-40 minutes at about 40 psi. The hoops are cooled for 30 minutes-2 hours to about 26.degree. C. (80.degree. F.). The hoops are then transferred to a cold room at 7.degree.-10.degree. C. (45.degree.-50.degree. F.) where they are held overnight. The cheese is then vacuum-packaged. The cheese formed has the following characteristics: moisture 48-55%; protein 20-22%; fat 18-21%; pH 5.1-5.5; and calcium 348-587 mg/100 g cheese. Farkye cheese has a mild flavor, excellent sliceability, is melt resistant and remains fresh for at least 9 weeks of refrigerated storage. A calcium level of about 300-600 mg/100 g of cheese is taught. However, the natural cheese product of the present invention is not melt resistant and has the good melting characteristics of natural cheese and approximately 72.4% more calcium content than the maximum level of calcium content taught by Farkye.
Also, the cheese product produced by Farkye is essentially heat stable and, unlike the present invention, will not melt at temperatures below about 400.degree. F. Additionally, the cheese produced by Farkye is always a soft or semi-soft white cheese.
Zboralski discloses the use of tricalcium phosphate to raise the levels of calcium in process cheeses. However, Zboralski indicates, in the context of soft cheeses, that very precise levels of calcium and only specific types of calcium may be used. Zboralski indicates that straying from the calcium levels specified in his patent caused the resultant cheeses to be unpalatable. Further, it is apparent that Zboralski teaches application of its process to the creation of process cheeses; see Examples 1-6 of Zboralski. Zboralski also teaches application to a spreadable soft processed cheese and requires a CaO/P.sub.2 O.sub.5 ratio of 2.5:1 to 3.1:1, and a beta-tricalcium phosphate content from 50 to 100 percent. The present invention does not fall within these parameters.
Also, the present invention is a unique and simple process and does not require the use of special or additional structures to microencapsulate the calcium material used. The present process produces a cheese having enhanced levels of calcium and a good flavor without having to provide special steps for coating or encapsulating the enriching mineral used.


There is provided an apparatus for sorting arthropod larvae and pupae and in particular, although not necessarily, to sorting arthropod pupae on the basis of size, especially in mosquitoes. The apparatus can contain two parallel bars pivotally mounted in a frame such that the distance between the bars is adjustable. Insect larvae and pupae may be inserted into a chamber with one side formed by the grid of bars and inserted into water to separate the different forms.

The use of sterile insects to control an insect population, such as that of the mosquito, requires millions of insects to be reared, sterilised and released. In order to release insects on the scale required the process of rearing has to be as automated as possible in order to be cost effective.
For some insect types there is no need to sort the insects on the basis of sex before they are released. However, for other insects it is essential to remove the females, for example, because they transmit disease or damage crops. As in mosquitoes the females transmit disease the sorting process for mosquitoes should be optimised to reduce to the minimum level possible the number of female mosquitoes released whilst minimising any loss of male mosquitoes.
Due to the differing life cycles of male and female mosquitoes two main stages of sorting are generally required for a release program. First, larvae need to be sorted from the pupae and then male pupae must be sorted from the female pupae. This may be achieved on the basis of differing sizes of larvae and pupae, for instance if male pupae and female pupae are different sizes (i.e. on average (mean) at the same time period in development). For example, in Ae. aegypti, larvae are smaller, of a different shape and thinner than male pupae. Moreover, pupae tend to float whilst larvae are prone to sink. Male pupae are smaller than female pupae.
In mosquitoes there have been several large scale rearing programs which have attempted to automate the rearing and separation of mosquitoes in their different life stages. Examples of known devices and methods which have been developed to automate sorting mosquitoes will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.
One example of a sorting machine which was first described in Focks, D. (1980). "An improved separator for the developmental stages, sexes, and species of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae)." J Med Entomol, 17, pp. 567-568 is illustrated in FIG. 1. The machine includes an aluminium plate which supports two glass plates. The distance between the glass plates is manually adjustable using 4 control knobs and is set to form a downward-pointing wedge-shaped space such that when aquatic insect culture is poured between the plates the larger specimens are captured higher up the plates and the smaller specimens are captured lower down the plates. However, in an experiment it was estimated that for An. albimanus the sorting efficiency of this machine was about 85% which meant that 15% of females were present after sorting. This is not sufficient efficiency to be of use in sterile insect techniques. In addition, use of the instrument is relatively labour-intensive as the spacing needs to be adjusted in use and therefore re-adjusted for each new batch of specimens to be sorted.
Another device is illustrated in FIG. 2 and is described by Evans F. D. S. and Evans H. T. in "A simple separator for mosquito larvae and pupae" in Mosquito News 28(4); 649-650. The device has three tubes, two placed in a horizontal plane with each other and being fixed. The third tube is placed underneath the two tubes and is moveable to provide an adjustable gap for sorting larvae from pupae.
In order to sort a sample the sample is poured between the two cylinders so that it flows over the third cylinder. Whilst the larger pupae are caught in the gap between the upper two cylinders and the lower third cylinder, the smaller larvae pass through the gap and can be collected. However, as the pupae get caught between the cylinders they impede the passage of the larvae and therefore the device cannot be used for high throughput sorting.
Cold water separation is a technique for separating larvae from pupae. In cold water separation larvae and pupae are immobilised in cold water (3-4° C.). At this temperature pupae float in water and larvae sink so the pupae and larvae automatically separate. The pupae can then be separated from the larvae, for example, by decanting or use of a vacuum picker. In experiments cold water separation has been found to cause damage and cold shock to the pupae. Additionally, the technique can only sort to around 80-90% efficiency meaning that the remaining larvae have to be sorted by hand. Furthermore, its efficiency is dependent upon the species of mosquito to be sorted.
Finally, the McCray sorter illustrated in FIG. 3 was developed to sort larvae from pupae. The sorter includes a plurality of slots present in a chamber. Larvae and pupae are poured into the device and a stream of water washes the larvae and pupae onto the slots. The larger female pupae are trapped by the slots but the male pupae and larvae wash through the slots and in this way the female pupae are separated from the male pupae and larvae. However, as with the device described by Evans and Evans the pupae trapped by the slots prevent impede the passage of larvae through the slots meaning the McCray sorter is not suitable for high throughput sorting as the pupae have to be removed from the slots periodically. Additionally, there is no method for removing the larvae from the male pupae.
There is, therefore, no device which appears to efficiently sort larvae from pupae and male pupae from female pupae.

Sorting apparatus for arthropods and method of use thereof


Scintillating optical fiber is used in a probe for detecting radiation. The scintillating optical fiber is fused to an extension fiber leading to optoelectronics such as p-intrinsic n-photodiodes or avalanche photodiodes. The fibers are housed in a durable probe body for penetration into the ground. When radiation is present, dopants in the scintillating fiber emit visible light through the extension fiber to the optoelectronics. Amplifiers are provided for monitoring the light intensity transmitted along the fibers and for triggering an alarm circuit signaling the presence of radiation at the probe.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates in general to the monitoring of nuclear waste, and in particular to a new and useful radiation detector using scintillating optical fiber.
2. Description of the Related Art
Monitoring of sites where high or low level nuclear wastes or nuclear materials are stored is becoming increasingly common. Due to the questionable integrity of storage containers, the frequent monitoring of soil and ground water at such sites is required. These monitoring methods usually involve drilling one or more test wells, and then instrumenting the test wells with laboratory radiation detection equipment adapted for field use, such as scintillation chambers and photomultiplier tubes. Drilling of the test wells is expensive and introduces the potential for cross-contamination of geological strata. The instrumentation after adaptation for drilling is expensive and requires high voltage lines for operation in the well, and thus is not generally suitable for applications requiring a large number of monitoring locations.
The use of optical fiber bundles to transmit light from scintillators to photomultiplier tubes is known in the art. This method is often used when the local environment at the scintillator location is too hostile for direct installation of the photomultipliers. Recently, optical fibers have been developed which incorporate scintillating dopants in the fiber structure. These fibers are sensitive to the same particles and types of radiation as conventional scintillators, and are used primarily as imaging detectors in radiographic systems for replacing phosphor screens and in detection applications such as neutron long counters.


The present invention relates to a method for producing a multi-layered foil laminate having at least two layers, both layer printed on the outer sides by conventional lithography offset halftone printing, one layer comprising a plastic material film, a second layer comprising a metal foil adhering securely to a plastic material film, the metal foil bonded to the plastic film material by a heat-acted dry bond adhesive. The two layer bonded together. The two-layer embodiment is over laminated with a plastic film material and severed into predetermined segments, which can be embossed and finished with a scratch off or ultra-graphic coating to enhance appearance and utility.

The present invention relates to a method for producing a multi-layered foil laminate having at least two layers, both layers printed on one side and serving as outside layers providing identifying indicia through an exterior transparent plastic film, the printing being by conventional offset half tone lithography printing. The invention is also directed to a novel multi-layered foil laminate having two outside layers fused together with over-laminating film and provided with printing on both sides of the foil laminate.
The use of foil laminates, which possess an external clear plastic surface to protect a printed surface and identifying indicia, is well known. The attractiveness of a metallic surface is generally recognized but such surfaces with printed indicia are subject to erosion with normal use without protective covering. Typical applications are credit cards, identification cards and similar uses.
The use of foil laminates, which possess an external clear plastic surface to protect a printed surface and identifying indicia, is well known. The attractiveness of a metallic surface is generally recognized but such metal surfaces with printed indicia are subject to smearing, smudging, or distortion of the wet ink as the printed metallic surfaces are handled during printing and further processing. In the prior art, metallic foil is taught as a laminate with an exterior plastic layer, which serves as the printing surface and as a protective outer layer. Reverse printing of the plastic layer which protects the metallic foil is used to provide print indicia on the inside of the plastic layer adjacent to the surface of the metallic foil, to avoid printing directly on the metallic foil.
Laminates with double-sided printing are known in the prior art. U.S. Pat. No. 5,653,844 teaches a method of double-sided printing on both surfaces of an outer layer of a foil laminate. The method of double-sided printing includes initially printing on the first side of an outer layer of a plastic film material wherein the printing is imparted to the side or surface of the plastic film material facing towards an underlying metallic foil to which it is to be adhered and the printing is applied to the plastic film material through the intermediary of either reverse or other suitable halftone color printing. Subsequently, the plastic material is bonded at the printed surface to the underlying metallic foil and a further printing is applied to the exterior surface of the outer plastic film layer. Thermal transfer printing is applied so as to not form any impressions on the foil laminate.
It is known to apply a clear vinyl film such as PVC over the printing on a vinyl core such as PVC under heat and pressure in a hydraulic laminating press. U.S. Pat. No. 4,897,533 teaches a method of preparing a credit card with a printed metallic surface protected by a transparent plastic film, which is bonded to the metal containing surface by a heat-activated adhesive, the metallic surface in the form of metal foil bonded to a plastic substrate under the application of heat and pressure in a hydraulic laminating press. U.S. Pat. No. 4,897,533 teaches the method of printing upon the metallic foil is by silk-screen printing with ultraviolet curable ink, the ink being cured immediately upon application of ultraviolet light. The use of conventional offset lithography printing is taught as not practical, especially in an automated process since the details of the graphics tend to blur and the processing of a plastic substrate with a metallized surface is problematical and unpredictable in results because the laminate in effect becomes a capacitor for storing static electricity generated during processing such as printing. U.S. Pat. No. 4,897,533 teaches that problems in breakage of the thin metalized surface and/or lack of clarity can be encountered in the application of a protective film over a metallic surface applied on the plastic core of a credit card.
It is an object of this invention to provide a double sided multiple layer double printed laminate which provides an attractive metal surface with printed indicia which printing is protected against erosion and normal usage by a transparent plastic film.
It is an object of this invention to provide a double sided multiple layer double printed laminate using conventional offset lithographic printing on a metal foilxe2x80x94plastic layered laminate and on a plastic film substrate, which are collated to form the double-sided multiple layer double printed laminate.
It is an object of this invention to provide a method for preparing a double sided multiple layer double printed laminate using conventional offset half tone lithography printing on a metal foil-plastic layered laminate and on a plastic film substrate, the metal foil-plastic laminate with printing on the metal foil and the printed plastic film substrate being collated and laminated together to form the double sided multiple layer double printed laminate.
This invention relates to a multi-layered foil laminate having at least two printed layers, one printed layer consisting of a printed metal foil upon a plastic film substrate, a second printed layer comprising a printed plastic film, the one printed layer consisting of a printed metal foil upon a plastic film substrate comprising a laminate, the two layers, one comprising a laminate, the second comprising a printed plastic film, being collated together and laminated together to form a multi-layered foil laminate. This invention relates to the process for preparing the multi-layered foil upon a plastic film substrate laminate with two printed layers, one layer comprising a printed metal foil upon a plastic film substrate and one layer comprising a printed plastic film, the printing by conventional offset half tone lithography printing, and to the multi-layered foil laminate prepared thereby.

Method of producing foil laminate with double-sided printing