The present invention is directed to calendaring an electrode active admixture, such as of a transition metal oxide, and particularly silver vanadium oxide, into an electrode structure. To obtain electrode structures of a desired low basis weight requires calendaring a paste of the active material into a first sheet tape, which is subsequently subjected to secondary and ternary calendering steps. Secondary calendaring is performed in a direction reverse or orthogonal to that used to form the initial sheet tape. The final calendaring step is performed in a third direction aligned 180° with respect to the first direction, but with the second structure rotated bottom over top with respect to the orientation that formed the first and second structures. The ternary calendaring step provides for fibrillation of the fluoro-polymeric binder in a direction reverse to the initial direction to form the product low basis weight electrode active structure.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the conversion of chemical energy to electrical energy, and more particularly, to an alkali metal electrochemical cell having a positive electrode preferably comprising a transition metal oxide calendered into electrode blanks or plates for subsequent processing into an electrode.
2. Prior Art
Related U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,435,874 and 5,571,640, both to Takeuchi et al., which are assigned to the assignee of the present invention and incorporated herein by reference, are directed to a process for manufacturing a freestanding sheet of cathode material. The process involves first adjusting the particle size of the cathode active material to a useful size, followed by mixing with binder and conductivity enhancing additives suspended in a solvent to form a paste. The paste is fed into a series of roll mills that calender it into the freestanding sheet having a thickness in the range of about 0.004 inches to about 0.020 inches. Alternatively, the paste is first pelletized before being subjected to the calendering step. The resulting cathode sheet material is dried and punched into blanks that are subsequently contacted to a current collector to form an electrode.
The step of calendering or compacting the paste or, alternatively, calendaring the pelletized cathode active material, is performed by two to four calender mills that sequentially press the active admixture into the freestanding sheet in the form of a tape. Sequential calendering is performed by running the tape from one roll mill to the next with the roll mills contacting the cathode active material along a single direction of travel or direction of contact. Electrode blanks are then punched from the freestanding sheet.
The preferred cathode active materials described in the Takeuchi et al. patents are silver vanadium oxide (SVO) and copper silver vanadium oxide (CSVO). These materials are coupled with a lithium anode and activated by a nonaqueous electrolyte to provide a cell. Such high energy density cells are particularly useful as power sources for implantable medical devices, such as cardiac defibrillators.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,174,622 to Thiebolt, III et al., which is assigned to the assignee of the present invention and incorporated herein by reference, describes the production of low basis weight electrode structures by subjecting an electrode active mixture to a secondary calendering step performed in a direction reverse or orthogonal to that used to form the initial sheet tape. Calendaring in an orthogonal or reverse direction fibrillates the fluoro-polymeric binder in other than the initial direction. This lets the binder spread in transverse directions to lower the basis weight of the electrode active structures or blanks in comparison to electrode blanks produced by the previously discussed Takeuchi et al. patents.
However, there is a need to further lower the basis weight of electrode structures incorporated into high energy density electrochemical cells, such as of the type having lithium as an anode active material. Lowering basis weight is important for increasing the surface area of the electrode admixture. A greater electrode active surface area means that thinner electrodes can be produced, which results in more electrode plates per unit volume for an electrochemical cell. It is believed that a greater surface area results in improved discharge performance, such as increased energy density and rate capability and greater cycling efficiency for rechargeable cells.

Process for fabrication of low basis weight electrode active blanks


The invention relates to a detection values determination system, especially for photon-counting CT scanners, comprising a detection pulse providing unit for providing detection pulses for an array of detection pixels 17, which is provided with an anti-charge-sharing grid 15 for suppressing charge sharing between different clusters 14 of the detection pixels, wherein the detection pulses are indicative of the energy of photons incident on the detection pixels. Charge-sharing-corrected detection values are determined based on the provided detection pulses, wherein for determining a charge-sharing-corrected detection value for a detection pixel of a cluster only detection pixels of the same cluster are considered. This allows for a relatively high detective quantum efficiency, wherein the technical efforts for providing the charge sharing correction can be relatively low.

Detection values determination systems are used, for instance, in photon counting computed tomography systems. The spectral performance of the detection values determination system used in a photon counting computed tomography system is often limited by a so called charge-sharing effect, wherein charge, which is caused by a single photon, is shared between neighboring detection pixels of the detection values determination system accompanied by a complete loss of the energy information of the original photon. For example, the detection values determination system may comprise a conversion material for converting the photons into electrical pulses, wherein the conversion material is arranged between a cathode and a pixilated anode formed by an array of anode pads. If a photon is incident on a region between two neighboring anode pads, the photon causes two detection pulses, because the charge generated by the photon is shared between these two neighboring anode pads with a stochastic distribution of the total charge depending largely on the exact location of the photoelectric event having caused the charge. When the photoelectric event takes place well within a sensitive volume within the conversion material belonging to a single anode pad, the entire charge is collected at this anode pad and no degradation of spectral performance is noticeable. However, if this is not the case, charge sharing occurs, resulting in a reduced quality of the determined detection values.
In order to reduce the charge sharing effect, an anti-scatter grid can be provided, which is mounted such that the regions between the anode pads are covered. This covering of a part of the detection surface has the disadvantage that it leads to a significant loss in detective quantum efficiency (DQE) such that the quality of the determined detection values is still reduced.


A multi-phase power system including a plurality of Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) controllers is provided, including a first PWM controller and at least one second PWM controller. The first PWM controller is configured to generate at least one first output signal based on a first clock signal, and to insert at least one synchronizing pulse into the first clock signal, the synchronizing pulse having a predetermined characteristic differing from pulses of the first clock signal, and to provide the first clock signal including the synchronizing pulse to the second PWM controller. The second PWM controller is configured to generate at least one second output signal based on the first clock signal, and to synchronize the generation of the first and second output signals using the synchronizing pulse within the first clock signal, thereby maintaining a predetermined phase relationship between the first and second output signals. The synchronizing pulse may be, for example, a skinny pulse or a pulse having a magnitude larger than the pulses of the first clock signal.

The switching power supply, sometimes referred to as the switching regulator, is a well known type of circuit that is used widely in the electronics industry. The switching power supply ("SPS") is a power supply that provides the power supply function through low loss components such as capacitors, inductors and transformers, using switches. An advantage is that switches dissipate very little power, and thus power conversion can be accomplished with very little power loss. That is, they are high efficiency power sources.
A certain class of SPS circuit uses multiple phase clocks controlling respective multiple controllers, for example by way of a "master" controller controlling multiple "slave" controllers, with numerous advantages. One such advantage is that for circuits that demand a source of power having a high current and fast response time, slave SPS controllers may be placed in parallel with a phase shift of their control signals to cancel output current ripple, while providing a suitably fast response. An example of such an SPS controller is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,819,577, which issued on Nov. 16, 2004, to Stefan Wlodzimierz Wiktor et al., which is commonly assigned, and which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
The SPS controller described in the '577 patent is an excellent solution to prior art demands, and provides a relatively small and inexpensive multiple phase SPS circuit, while still maintaining high efficiency. However, further improvements are desirable.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Distributing time slots in parallel configured, switching power supplies


An exemplary proton exchange membrane fuel cell includes a light-pervious first end plate, a second end plate, a light-pervious first bipolar plate, a second bipolar plate, and a membrane electrode assembly. The light-pervious first bipolar plate is arranged adjacent to the first end plate and capable of transmitting light having a given wavelength therethrough. The second bipolar plate is capable of having oxidant fed therein. The membrane electrode assembly includes a proton exchange membrane, and an anode and a cathode arranged at opposite sides of the proton exchange membrane. The anode is capable of having fuel fed therein, and includes a first catalyst layer containing photo-catalyst and noble metal such that the light is capable of activating the first catalyst layer to dissociate the fuel thereon.

1. Technical Field
The present invention generally relates to fuel cells, and particularly to a proton exchange membrane fuel cell having high electric conversion efficiency.
2. Description of Related Art
A proton exchange membrane fuel cell is an electrochemical apparatus converting chemical energy into usable electric energy. The energy conversion occurs as a result of combination of a fuel (such as hydrogen or methanol) with an oxidant (such as pure oxygen or air containing oxygen). The proton exchange membrane fuel cell generally includes a membrane electrode assembly, two bipolar plates arranged at opposite sides of the membrane electrode assembly, and two end plates arranged at opposite sides of the bipolar plates. The membrane electrode assembly is comprised of an anode, a cathode, and a proton exchange membrane. In operation, a fuel is fed through one of the bipolar plates to the anode to be split into positive hydrogen ions (protons) and negatively charged electrons. The negatively charged electrons are forced to travel through a circuit, thus creating an electric current.
However, many proton exchange membrane fuel cells have low efficiency in splitting the fuel, which results in a low electric conversion efficiency.
What is needed, therefore, is an improved proton exchange membrane fuel cell which can overcome the limitations described.


A technique is disclosed for optimizing performance of a pump-turbine unit while operating normally in the pumping mode by identifying gate positions resulting in optimization of certain parameters of interest. Influences of gate positions on the optimized parameters is determined and used to evaluate the combined effect of the gate position on the parameters. Weighting coefficients may be used to alter the relative importance of each parameter in the gate position ultimately selected. Gate positions are optimized for each location in a multi-dimensional virtual cam matrix as conditions defining the locations are encountered. A parameter error or evaluation routine is provided for evaluating the consistency of monitored parameter values and for identifying trends that may require reconfiguration of the virtual cam matrix or alterations in the optimization routine, such as changes in the weighting of various parameters. The technique may be used to identify gate positions for one parameter of interest, such as pumping efficiency, or a number of parameters simultaneously to improve productivity of the facility and avoid or delay maintenance costs caused by degradation influenced by gate settings.

The present invention relates generally to improving performance of a pump-turbine unit. In particular, the invention relates to a technique for optimizing performance of pump-turbines by identifying wicket gate settings optimizing one or more operating parameters such as efficiency during a pumping mode of operation, cavitation, vibration and the like, capable of adversely affecting profitability or long term operation of the unit. The invention also permits optimal gate settings or data from which such settings may be determined to be associated with operating parameters defining the operating condition of the unit in a multi-dimensional virtual cam matrix for subsequent use when similar conditions are encountered.
Pump-turbine power generation techniques have become well established over recent decades as an alternative or complement to conventional turbine power production arrangements. Generally, pump-turbine machines include a set of wicket gates and a runner/impeller which can operate as a Francis-style turbine in one direction of rotation and as a centrifugal pump in an opposite direction. A motor-generator coupled to the pump turbine functions both as a power generator during a turbining mode of operation and as a motor or prime mover for the pump during a pumping mode.
Pump-turbine installations provide energy storage systems by utilizing excess electric capacity on power distribution grids in times of reduced energy demand to pump water, previously used to generate power, back into an upper reservoir. The water is then again used to generate electricity when needed, such as during peak demand periods. Pump-turbine units are presently in use over a wide range of heads and power output levels. The overall efficiency of pump-turbine units depends not only on the ability of the equipment to effectively produce power from water flow from the upper reservoir during the turbining mode of operation, but equally on its ability to efficiently move water back to the upper reservoir during the pumping mode. To maximize the cost effectiveness of the pump-turbine installation, it is therefore necessary to generate power as efficiently as possible during turbining, while utilizing as little power as possible for the needed water displacement during pumping.
Various techniques have been proposed and are currently in use for regulating operation of pump-turbine units during turbining and pumping modes of operation. In the pumping mode of operation, older governors position the wicket gates in a fixed, predetermined position to let water through the pump to the upper reservoir. However, because the pumping efficiency of the unit is influenced by the wicket gate position, the flow rate and the head across the unit, a single wicket gate position will generally not provide optimal efficiency for different flow rate and head conditions.
Other techniques are known that attempt to improve operation of the pump-turbine in similar manners for both phases of operation. For example, it is known to estimate desired wicket gate positional settings from test data generated on a small scale model for the installation. Such model test data may be used to establish a mechanical or computerized ("virtual") cam surface relating head, flow and power in such a way as to identify desired wicket gate settings. Surfaces, real or virtual, of this type are typically referred to as "3D CAMs." In the pumping mode of operation the power parameter represents the power input needed to drive the pump and thereby displace water at particular head and flow rates to the upper reservoir. It is also known to identify certain preferred wicket gate positions for the pumping mode of operation through special test sequences, such as index tests.
While model-based 3D CAM techniques are generally preferable to the fixed wicket gate approach, they fail to account for differences between model test performance and that of actual equipment. Where index testing is used to identify preferred wicket gate positions, such testing typically requires at least temporary interruption of normal service of the facility, and generally does not identify desired settings over a broad range of operating conditions. Moreover, model testing and index testing do not typically account for the impact of other parameters such as cavitation or vibration during pumping. Because modest improvements in performance can result in considerable gains in revenue for the installation, such drawbacks may amount to large real or opportunity costs for the plant.
There is a need, therefore, for an improved method of controlling pump-turbine installations that allows optimal wicket gate positions for pumping mode operation to be determined for actual operating equipment and during normal operation of the facility. In addition, there is a need for techniques of this type that can account for factors other than head, flow and power input in evaluating the desired gate positions.

Method and apparatus for optimizing performance of a pump-turbine


A mobile communication terminal enabling the user to select or change the transmission method (bearer) during or after the edit of message data when the terminal transmits data to the party communication terminal of the same model. The mobile communication terminal has a bearer changing function of changing the bearer during or after the edit of message data and a bearer automatic judging function of automatically judging an appropriate bearer after the edit. In an embodiment, if the quantity of character data (input with keys) exceeds a predetermined value (for example 128 bytes) during the edit of message data or if a file is attached, the user is prompted to change the communication method to the DAS bearer. At the next step, if the user issues an instruction to change the bearer to the DAS bearer, the mobile communication terminal operates to make a transition to the destination setting and message data creation according to the DAS bearer.

Along with recent improvements on network services and high performance of mobile communication terminals, communication terminals are prevailing which can transmit and receive data by selecting a proper communication protocol (transmission/reception method) from a plurality of communication protocols.
Under such circumstances, a mobile communication terminal proposed in JP Laid-Open Gazette No.11-136751 has the functions as shown in the block diagram of FIG. 8.
Referring to FIG. 8, a memory unit 6 has a message storage area 6a, first and second code conversion table storage areas 6b and 6c. The message storage area 6a stores a message written by predetermined text codes converted from character data input from a key input unit 63. The first code conversion table storage area 6b is used for converting character data into numerical data to be transmitted to a pager. The second code conversion table storage area 6c is used for converting character data into data to be transmitted to a PHS terminal.
A control unit 5 has a personal computer communication control means 5a, a pager call control means 5b and a mobile station message communication control means 5c. The personal computer communication control means 5a controls the transmission of character data stored in the memory unit 6 as an email. The pager call control means 5b controls the transmission of character data to a pager by converting the character data by using the first code conversion table storage area 6b. The mobile station message communication control means 5c controls the transmission of character data to a PHS terminal by converting the character data by using the second code conversion table storage area 6c.
Message data created by the mobile communication terminal is converted in accordance with the type of a communication destination terminal. The above-cited publication does not teach data conversion for terminals of the same type having a plurality of transmission methods.
A mobile communication terminal is known which has a plurality of different communication methods called "bearers" and can communicate by selectively using one of the methods.
For example, such a mobile communication terminal has two different transmission methods, an SMS bearer and a DAS bearer. FIG. 2 shows sequences of data transmission/reception services using the SMS bearer and DAS bearer.
FIG. 2(a) shows a sequence of the SMS bearer (Sky Walker). During an SMS communication process, a wireless channel is established between a mobile communication terminal MS and a network NW, and after the SMS communication process is completed, the wireless channel is disconnected.
FIG. 2(b) shows a sequence of the DAS bearer (J—Sky Walker). During a DAS communication process, a non-voice channel is established between a mobile communication terminal MS and a network NW, and after the DAS communication process is completed, the non-voice channel is disconnected.
The largest difference between the SMS and DAS bearers in terms of an NW access sequence is whether or not the non-voice channel is used. In the SMS bearer, the non-voice channel is not used, but data transmission/reception is performed by placing data on a message at the L3 level stipulated in RCR-STD27. In the DAS bearer, data transmission/reception is performed by using the non-voice channel.
The DAS bearer has a larger data size capable of transmission/reception of data of one session than that of the SMS bearer, and can attach a file. The SMS bearer can set only one message data destination site, whereas the DAS bearer can set five message data destination sites at the maximum. However, the communication cost of the DAS bearer becomes correspondingly higher than that of the SMS bearer.
A conventional mobile communication terminal is required to determine which bearer is used before the edition of message data. The bearer once determined cannot be changed during or after the edition of message data.
The length of message data is variable so that there is a high possibility that the length of message data may become longer or shorter during the edition. Therefore, for example, if the SMS bearer is selected and the length of message data becomes longer than expected and exceeds 128 bytes, then the message data once created cannot be used and it becomes necessary to create new message data.
Conversely, if the DAS bearer is selected and the length of message data becomes shorter than expected and shortens smaller than 128 bytes, then the communication cost of the higher DAS bearer fee is incurred, although the SMS bearer fee can otherwise be used.
The present invention has been made considering the technical disadvantages in the prior art as stated above, and has two main objectives.
A first objective of the present invention is to provide a mobile communication terminal capable of selecting or changing a transmission method for transmitting message data to a destination terminal of the same kind, during or after the edition of message data.
A second objective of the present invention is to provide a mobile communication terminal capable of automatically judging a transmission method for transmitting message data to a destination terminal of the same kind, after the edition of message data.

Mobile communication terminal and method for controlling the same


The invention provides a mammalian cDNA which encodes a mammalian MAPOP-3. It also provides for the use of the cDNA, fragments, complements, and variants thereof and of the encoded protein, portions thereof and antibodies thereto for diagnosis and treatment of breast adenocarcinoma. The invention additionally provides expression vectors and host cells for the production of the protein and a transgenic model system.

This invention relates to a mammalian cDNA which encodes a mammalian T cell death-associated gene and to the use of the cDNA and the encoded protein in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.
Phylogenetic relationships among organisms have been demonstrated many times, and studies from a diversity of prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms suggest a more or less gradual evolution of molecules, biochemical and physiological mechanisms, and metabolic pathways. Despite different evolutionary pressures, the proteins of nematode, fly, rat, and man have common chemical and structural features and generally perform the same cellular function. Comparisons of the nucleic acid and protein sequences from organisms where structure and/or function are known accelerate the investigation of human sequences and allow the development of model systems for testing diagnostic and therapeutic agents for human conditions, diseases, and disorders.
Apoptosis is the genetically controlled process by which unneeded or defective cells undergo programmed cell death. Apoptotic events are part of the normal developmental programs of many multicellular organisms. Selective elimination of cells is as important for morphogenesis and tissue remodeling as is cell proliferation and differentiation. Lack of apoptosis may result in hyperplasia and other disorders associated with increased cell proliferation. Apoptosis is also a critical component of the immune response. Immune cells such as cytotoxic T-cells and natural killer cells prevent the spread of disease by inducing apoptosis in tumor cells and virus-infected cells. In addition, immune cells that fail to distinguish self molecules from foreign molecules must be eliminated by apoptosis to avoid an autoimmune response.
Apoptotic cells undergo distinct morphological changes. Hallmarks of apoptosis include cell shrinkage, nuclear and cytoplasmic condensation, and alterations in plasma membrane topology. Biochemically, apoptotic cells are characterized by increased intracellular calcium concentration, fragmentation of chromosomal DNA into nucleosomal-length units, and expression of novel cell surface components.
The molecular mechanisms of apoptosis are highly conserved, and many of the key protein regulators and effectors of apoptosis have been identified. Apoptosis generally proceeds in response to a signal which is transduced intracellularly and results in altered patterns of gene expression and protein activity. Signaling molecules such as hormones and cytokines are known to regulate apoptosis both positively and negatively through their interactions with cell surface receptors. Transcription factors also play an important role in the onset of apoptosis. A number of downstream effector molecules, especially proteases, have been implicated in the degradation of cellular components and the proteolytic activation of other apoptotic effectors.
The rat ventral prostate (RVP) is a model system for the study of hormone-regulated apoptosis. RVP epithelial cells undergo apoptosis in response to androgen deprivation. Messenger RNA (mRNA) transcripts that are up-regulated in the apoptotic RVP have been identified (Briehl and Miesfeld (1991) Mol Endocrinol 5:1381-1388). One such transcript encodes RVP.1, the precise role of which in apoptosis has not been determined. The human homolog, hRVP1, is 89% identical to the rat protein (Katahira et al. (1997) J Biol Chem 272:26652-26658). hRVP1 is 220 amino acids in length and contains four transmembrane domains. hRVP1 is highly expressed in the lung, intestine, and liver. Interestingly, hRVP1 functions as a low affinity receptor for the Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin, a causative agent of diarrhea in humans and other animals.
Apoptosis also plays a critical role in the developing immune system and in the down-regulation of the immune response. Immature T-cells in the thymus are subjected to negative selection, a process that eliminates self-reactive T-cells which would otherwise mount an autoimmune response. Negative selection occurs through apoptotic mechanisms triggered by activation of the T-cell receptor (TCR) on the T-cell surface. A similar mechanism exists for the elimination of mature, antigen-activated T-cells when down-regulation of the immune response is required. This activation-induced apoptosis is mediated by another cell surface receptor, Fas, which is a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor family. Fas expression is up-regulated in a mouse T cell hybridoma cell line in response to TCR stimulation and requires the activity of yet another gene, T cell death-associated gene 51 (TDAG51; Park et al. (1996) Immunity 4:583-591). TDAG51 encodes a novel 261-amino acid protein, which may be a potential transcription factor. Expression of TDAG51 is dependent on protein kinase C activation and is required for induction of Fas expression (Wang et al. (1998) J Immunol 161:2201-2207). The discovery of a mammalian cDNA encoding a new molecule associated with apoptosis satisfies a need in the art by providing compositions which are useful in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.
The invention is based on the discovery of a mammalian cDNA which encodes MAPOP-3 which is useful in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancers, particularly adenocarcinoma.
The invention provides an isolated mammalian cDNA or a fragment thereof encoding a mammalian protein or a portion thereof selected from the group consisting of an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1, a variant having 45% identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1, an antigenic epitope of SEQ ID NO:1, an oligopeptide of SEQ ID NO:1, and a biologically active portion of SEQ ID NO:1. The invention also provides an isolated mammalian cDNA or the complement thereof selected from the group consisting of a nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2, a variant having at least 84% identity to the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2, a fragment of SEQ ID NOs:3-33, an oligonucleotide of SEQ ID NO:2. The invention additionally provides a composition, a substrate, and a probe comprising the cDNA, or the complement of the cDNA, encoding MAPOP-3. The invention further provides a vector containing the cDNA, a host cell containing the vector and a method for using the cDNA to make MAPOP-3. The invention still further provides a transgenic cell line or organism comprising the vector containing the cDNA encoding MAPOP-3. The invention additionally provides a mammalian fragment or the complement thereof selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:9-33. In one aspect, the invention provides a substrate containing at least one of these fragments. In a second aspect, the invention provides a probe comprising the fragment which can be used in methods of detection, screening, and purification. In a further aspect, the probe is a single stranded complementary RNA or DNA molecule.
The invention provides a method for using a cDNA to detect the differential expression of a nucleic acid in a sample comprising hybridizing a probe to the nucleic acids, thereby forming hybridization complexes and comparing hybridization complex formation with a standard, wherein the comparison indicates the differential expression of the cDNA in the sample. In one aspect, the method of detection further comprises amplifying the nucleic acids of the sample prior to hybridization. In another aspect, the method showing differential expression of the cDNA is used to diagnose breast cancer. In another aspect, the cDNA or a fragment or a complement thereof may comprise an element on an array.
The invention additionally provides a method for using a cDNA or a fragment or a complement thereof to screen a library or plurality of molecules or compounds to identify at least one ligand which specifically binds the cDNA, the method comprising combining the cDNA with the molecules or compounds under conditions allowing specific binding, and detecting specific binding to the cDNA, thereby identifying a ligand which specifically binds the cDNA. In one aspect, the molecules or compounds are selected from aptamers, DNA molecules, RNA molecules, peptide nucleic acids, artificial chromosome constructions, peptides, transcription factors, enhancers, repressors, and regulatory molecules.
The invention provides a purified mammalian protein or a portion thereof selected from the group consisting of an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1, a variant having 45% identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1, an antigenic epitope of SEQ ID NO:1, an oligopeptide of SEQ ID NO:1, and a biologically active portion of SEQ ID NO:1. The invention also provides a composition comprising the purified protein or a portion thereof in conjunction with a pharmaceutical carrier. The invention further provides a method of using the MAPOP-3 to treat a subject with a cell proliferative disorder comprising administering to a patient in need of such treatment the composition containing the purified protein. The invention still further provides a method for using a protein to screen a library or a plurality of molecules or compounds to identify at least one ligand, the method comprising combining the protein with the molecules or compounds under conditions to allow specific binding and detecting specific binding, thereby identifying a ligand which specifically binds the protein. In one aspect, the molecules or compounds are selected from DNA molecules, RNA molecules, peptide nucleic acids, peptides, proteins, mimetics, agonists, antagonists, antibodies, immunoglobulins, inhibitors, and drugs. In another aspect, the ligand is used to treat a subject with a cell proliferative disorder.
The invention provides a method of using a mammalian protein to screen a subject sample for antibodies which specifically bind the protein comprising isolating antibodies from the subject sample, contacting the isolated antibodies with the protein under conditions that allow specific binding, dissociating the antibody from the bound-protein, and comparing the quantity of antibody with known standards, wherein the presence or quantity of antibody is diagnostic of breast cancer.
The invention also provides a method of using a mammalian protein to prepare and purify antibodies comprising immunizing a animal with the protein under conditions to elicit an antibody response, isolating animal antibodies, attaching the protein to a substrate, contacting the substrate with isolated antibodies under conditions to allow specific binding to the protein, dissociating the antibodies from the protein, thereby obtaining purified antibodies.
The invention provides a purified antibody which binds specifically to a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NO:1 and fragments thereof. The invention also provides a method of using an antibody to diagnose breast cancer comprising combining the antibody comparing the quantity of bound antibody to known standards, thereby establishing the presence of breast cancer. The invention further provides a method of using an antibody to treat breast cancer comprising administering to a patient in need of such treatment a pharmaceutical composition comprising the purified antibody.
The invention provides a method for inserting a marker gene into the genomic DNA of a mammal to disrupt the expression of the endogenous polynucleotide. The invention also provides a method for using a cDNA to produce a mammalian model system, the method comprising constructing a vector containing cDNA selected from SEQ ID NOs:2-33, transforming the vector into an embryonic stem cell, selecting a transformed embryonic stem, microinjecting the transformed embryonic stem cell into a mammalian blastocyst, thereby forming a chimeric blastocyst, transferring the chimeric blastocyst into a pseudopregnant dam, wherein the dam gives birth to a chimeric offspring containing the cDNA in its germ line, and breeding the chimeric mammal to produce a homozygous, mammalian model system.


In a method for channel estimation of an OFDM signal transmitted via a channel, an initial channel transfer function is calculated by channel estimation. A channel impulse response is calculated on the basis of the initial channel transfer function. Values of the channel impulse response or of a filtered channel impulse response are classified as noise or as a signal as a function of the level of the values of the channel impulse or of the level of the values of the filtered channel impulse response. A noise-reduced channel impulse response is calculated on the basis of the channel impulse response using the classification, and a noise-reduced channel transfer function is calculated on the basis of this noise-reduced channel impulse response.

The OFDM modulation format is used in many communication standards. The OFDM technique is used in particular for mobile communication, since it represents an effective measure against selective signal fading.
In OFDM systems, the available frequency spectrum is subdivided into a large number of narrowband orthogonal subcarriers. An OFDM symbol is transmitted via a plurality of these subcarriers (possibly all of these subcarriers). In order to demodulate the received OFDM symbols in the receiver, the receiver continuously estimates the channel transfer function (CTF). The CTF is estimated using pilot information which is embedded in the time/frequency lattice covered by the OFDM symbol stream.
Conventional channel estimators measure the CTF associated with an OFDM symbol using the pilot information transmitted via the channel, and equalize the OFDM symbol using the determined CTF. Furthermore, it is already known for the determined CTF to be transformed to the time domain, for the channel impulse response (CIR) obtained by the transformation to be processed in such a way that signal components occurring after more than a maximum delay time are removed from the CIR, and for the CIR which has been "cleaned" in this way to be transformed back to the frequency domain.
A channel estimate should produce the least possible mean square error (MSE) over a multiplicity of possible channel scenarios (different delay profiles, Doppler shifts and signal-to-noise ratios). It has been possible to show that the optimum channel estimator for OFDM systems is a Wiener filter. However, Wiener filters involve a high degree of computation complexity and, in consequence, a high level of receiver complexity. Sub-optimum channel estimators allow the complexity to be reduced at the expense of loss of performance in the channel estimation process. In practice, the channel estimate is therefore a compromise between MSE performance, receiver complexity, latency, robustness and, possibly, further influencing variables.
For these and other reasons, there is a need to develop new algorithms and apparatuses for channel estimation in OFDM systems.


The disclosure describes new compositions of matter that are analogs of DNA and RNA containing heterocyclic bases that can form base pairs that fit the Watson-Crick geometry in that they involve a monocyclic six membered ring pairing with a fused bicyclic heterocyclic ring system composed of a five member ring fused with a six membered ring, with the orientation of the heterocycles with respect to each other and with respect to the backbone chain analogous to that found in DNA and RNA, but where these base pairs are joined by a pattern of hydrogen bonds different from that found in the AT and GC base pairs (a "non-standard base pair").

1. Field of the Invention
These compositions of matter have multiple uses, including as components of libraries that are the starting point for in vitro selection experiments. Therefore, this invention also relates to methods for preparing ligands that bind tightly to a preselected biological receptor using a process of in vitro selection. More particularly, the present invention pertains to compositions and methods for generating libraries of oligonucleotide analogs built from a combination of natural nucleotides, natural nucleotides bearing functionalized side chains, and at least one nucleotide building unit with a non-standard hydrogen bonding pattern, either bearing or not bearing a functionalized side chains. The library can be enriched in those oligonucleotide analog sequences that have an affinity for the preselected biological receptor, these sequences can be amplified by those oligonucleotide analog sequences that are bound to the receptor using DNA and RNA polymerases by the methods already covered by claims in U.S. Pat. No. 5,432,272, mutating the amplified products, and repeating the cycle of enrichment, amplification, and mutation to obtain libraries of oligonucleotides with improved affinity for the preselected receptor. Also, the method of this invention may be applied to the generation of oligonucleotide analogs with catalytic activity against a preselected substrate.
2. Description of the Related Art

Oligonucleotides with non-standard bases and methods for preparing same


An endoscopic visualization apparatus has a first imaging system and at least one second imaging system, a first image field being covered by the first imaging system, and a second image field being covered by the second imaging system. The first imaging system and the second imaging system are arranged in a common housing. The first imaging system and the second imaging system are significantly different with regard to at least one optical parameter, and the first image field and the at least one second image field overlap one another only partially.

The invention relates to an endoscopic visualization apparatus having a first imaging system and having at least one second imaging system, a first image field being covered by the first imaging system, and a second image field being covered by the second imaging system, and the imaging systems being arranged in a common housing.
An endoscopic visualization apparatus of the type mentioned at the beginning is used, for example, as an observation system for medical purposes in what is termed minimally invasive surgery. In the case of standard operations such as, for example, laparoscopic cholecystectomy, access is usually made to the abdominal cavity via three small incisions artificially created in the abdominal wall. One of the three openings serves for introducing the visualization apparatus, for example an endoscope, while the operating instruments, for example tubular shaft instruments, are introduced into the abdominal cavity via the two other openings. The surgical operation is executed by the instruments guided by the surgeon, under visual control via the monitor on which the image supplied by the endoscopic visualization apparatus is displayed. The endoscopic visualization apparatus itself is operated by the assistant staff and controlled in terms of position such that the operating area of the operating instruments is always located in the image field of the visualization apparatus.
There is often the wish to display the operating area on the monitor in an enlarged fashion or from another viewing angle. In order to be able to display the operating area in an enlarged fashion, it is known to use a zoom objective which can be set from the proximal end or distal end, or the endoscope is displaced axially for this purpose. In order to display the operating area from another viewing angle, it is necessary to make consecutive use of various endoscopes with different directions of view. Both the setting of a zoom objective, the axial displacement of the endoscope and the changing of various endoscopes constitute additional manipulations, and thus an additional outlay, and so the operating times are lengthened and the costs of operations are raised because of additional visualization apparatuses.
However, there are known in the prior art arrangements which offer multiple display of the operating area, and thus a remedy with regard to the disadvantages mentioned above.
DE 38 06 190 A1 discloses an electronic endoscope device which comprises an elongated insertion part, two imaging optical systems in the form of two objectives at the distal end of the insertion part, and an imaging apparatus in the form of an electronic imager which is assigned to the two objectives. A stereo view can be obtained with the aid of this known endoscopic visualization apparatus. This endoscopic visualization apparatus therefore comprises two imaging systems which respectively cover an image field. The image fields covered by the two imaging systems are, however, substantially identical and overlap one another essentially completely. The two objectives of the two imaging systems, and thus the latter themselves, are identical for this purpose with regard to their optical properties. The two imaging systems differ from one another only slightly in their directions of view, something which is also necessary so that the two juxtaposed imaging systems cover the same image field in order to obtain a three-dimensional impression of this image field.
An endoscopic visualization apparatus comparable thereto is disclosed in DE 42 41 938 A1, which describes an endoscope with stereo side-viewing optics. In the case of this known visualization system, as well, the image fields of the two imaging systems overlap one another virtually completely, and the imaging systems do not differ from one another with regard to their imaging properties, in order precisely to convey a stereo image or a three-dimensional impression of an observed object. Apart from this stereoscopic information, it is not possible in the case of the two known visualization apparatuses previously mentioned to obtain further image information relating to the operating area.
Furthermore, U.S. Pat. No. 5,166,787 discloses a video endoscope which, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, has two imaging systems comprising in each case an objective and an electronic imager. In accordance with a variant of this known endoscope, the two imaging systems are capable of producing a stereoscopic effect in which the two imaging systems are pivoted into a position in which the two imaging systems cover two image fields which, once again, overlap one another virtually completely. In accordance with a further alternative, two imaging systems are present in the endoscope, their directions of view differing by 180° such that the image fields covered by the two imaging systems are completely disjunct. Although an overall image field which is larger as a whole is thereby achieved, it is not possible to obtain any additional image information from one and the same observed area. Apart from this, in the case of this endoscope the undesired manipulations already previously mentioned are required in order to move the two imaging systems into the appropriate active position.
It is therefore the object of the invention to develop an endoscopic visualization apparatus of the type mentioned at the beginning to the extent that it is possible to obtain more image information with one and the same visualization apparatus without the need for this purpose of manipulations of the visualization apparatus or even a change of the visualization apparatus.

Endoscopic visualization apparatus with different imaging systems


A filter for a washing machine is disclosed. The filter includes a waterfall discharging portion. The waterfall discharging portion has a penetrating hole formed at upper portion of a front panel of a pocket type filter and discharges the washing water introduced via a guide passage into the interior of a dehydrating tub. The waterfall discharging portion includes a first protrusion protruded from lower portion of the penetrating hole having a semi-spherical shape and a second protrusion extended from rear upper portion of the penetrating hole. Accordingly, a part of the washing water discharged from the pocket type filter is guided upwardly by the guide passage and discharged into the interior of the dehydrating tub to strike the laundry in the dehydrating tub after the flow speed of the washing water is increased by the first and second protrusions. The washing efficiency against the laundry is enhanced.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a washing machine, and more particularly to a filter for a washing machine for filtering foreign matters such as fluff from washing water.
2. Description of the Prior Art
FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional washing machine. Referring to FIG. 1, in the conventional washing machine, a washing tub 120 is suspended by a suspension 130 into inside of a case 110.
A dehydrating tub 170 and a pulsator (or an agitator; hereinafter refer to "a pulsator") 180 selectively driven by a clutch assembly 160 which is connected to a motor 150 by means of a belt 140, are disposed in the inner side of washing tub 120.
An impeller 182 as a pump is integrally formed to the lower side of pulsator 180, and a filter 190 is provided around the upper end of dehydrating tub 170. A guide portion 172 for guiding the washing water pumped by impeller 182 toward filter 190 is formed between impeller 182 and filter 190.
In the washing machine constructed as above, once pulsator 180 is rotated by motor 150 and clutch assembly 160 during a washing or rinsing cycle, the washing water pumped by impeller 182 at the lower portion of pulsator 180 is guided to filter 190 along guide portion 172 to be dropped into the interior of dehydrating tub 170 via filter 190. During this process, foreign matters intermingled in the washing water are filtered by filter 190.
However, according to the conventional washing machine constructed as above, filter 190 is arranged around the upper end of dehydrating tub 170. For this reason, when a small amount of articles is washed in a small quantity of cleaning water, the washing water cannot reach filter 190. That is, the foreign matters intermingled in the washing water cannot be sufficiently filtered by filter 190 to lower washing efficiency.
FIGS. 2 to 4 show other example of a filter for a washing machine proposed to overcome the above described problems as a example.
As illustrated, the filter for a washing machine is attached to the inner lower portion of dehydrating tub 170, which includes a filter case 300 and a pocket type filter 200 for filtering fluff by being inserted into filter case 300.
Filter case 300 is attached to the inner lower portion of dehydrating tub 170 to form a predetermined space with dehydrating tub 170, which includes an attachment portion 310 for attaching itself onto dehydrating tub 170, a front plane portion 320 formed with a plurality of discharging holes 322 and inserting guide portions 330 formed to both rear sides of front plane portion 320 while having the upper portion opened.
Pocket type filter 200 includes a front panel 210, a rear panel 230 and a check valve 250. Front panel 210 and rear panel 230 are coupled to be opened/closed by a hinge shaft 232 formed to rear panel 230, and attached with mesh nets 220 and 240 for filtering the fluff. Check valve 250 for opening/closing the space between front panel 210 and rear panel 230, is fixed to the lower side of rear panel 230 and made of a material such as a rubber.
Pocket type filter 200 as described above is inserted into the interior of the space between filter case 300 and dehydrating tub 170 by being slidably moved along inserting guide portions 330 from the upper portion of inserting guide portions 330 of filter case 300.
According to the filter as described above, the washing water pumped by impeller 182 flows into pocket type filter 200 via the space between dehydrating tub 170 and filter case 300 during the washing or rinsing cycle. Check valve 250 is upwardly pushed away by means of the washing water thereby the washing water is introduced into the interior of pocket type filter 200.
The washing water introduced into inside of pocket type filter 200 is discharged into dehydrating tub 170 via mesh nets 220 and 240 of front panel 210 and rear panel 230. At this time, the fluff within the washing water is filtered by mesh nets 220 and 240 attached to the front panel 210 and rear panel 230. Also, the washing water exhausted out of pocket type filter 200 is discharged into the interior of dehydrating tub 170 via discharging holes 322 formed in front plane portion 320 of filter case 300.
Under the state that the rotation of a pulsator is stopped after completing the washing or rinsing cycle, check valve 250 returns to its original position by means of gravity. Consequently, the filtered fluff is accumulated into the interior of pocket type filter 200 without getting away from pocket type filter 200.
The fluff accumulated on the interior of pocket type filter 200 is closely attached toward rear panel 230 due to a centrifugal force exerting upon the fluff by dehydrating tub 170 which is rotated at high speed during a dehydrating cycle. By doing so, the washing water pumped by impeller 182 can be easily introduced into pocket type filter 200 during the initial period of the next washing or rinsing cycle.
Meanwhile, as the amount of the fluff accumulated within pocket type filter 200 is increased, user grasps the upper portion of the pocket type filter and moved pocket type filter 200 in upper direction along inserting guide 230 of the filter case so as to separating pocket type filter 200 from the space between filter case 300 and dehydrating tub 170, then opens pocket type filter 200 and removes the fluff.
However, according to the filter of the prior art, there are drawbacks as followed.
As shown in FIG. 1, the washing water is fallen down toward pulsator 180 in dehydrating tub 170 from nearby the upper end of dehydrating tub 170 and the potential energy is high. Thus, the washing water is discharged into dehydrating tub 170 through filter 190, fallen down toward the laundry within dehydrating tub 170, and strikes the laundry so that may enhance the washing effect of a washing machine. Hereinafter, the washing water to be fallen down toward the laundry is referred to "a waterfall".
However, according to the filter of the other example of the prior art as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the kinetic energy of the washing water which is discharged into dehydrating tub 170 via pocket type filter 200, is reduced during passing through mesh nets 220 and 240 of front panel 210 and rear panel 230. Since the discharging position of the washing water into dehydrating tub 170 is low, the potential energy of the washing water is low. Thus, there are disadvantages that the washing water discharged through pocket type filter 200 does not form the waterfall and the washing water is not hoped for enhancing washing effect of the laundry within dehydrating rub 170.


The image three-dimensional recognition apparatus is an apparatus for making it possible for an observer to recognize a planar image as a three-dimensional image, and has a first mirror, a second mirror and a mirror fixing part. The mirrors have the mirror planes, respectively. The mirror fixing part fixes the mirrors, and has a base and two support members arranged on the base. The mirrors are fixed at a position sandwiched between the support members by attaching the side faces of the mirrors to the support members. The first mirror is located directly below the second mirror. The mirror plane of the second mirror is directed toward the planar image displayed in a screen of a display device, and is inclined obliquely downward. The mirror plane of the first mirror is directed toward the observer and is inclined obliquely upward.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image three-dimensional recognition apparatus for making it possible for an observer to recognize a planar image as a three-dimensional image, and especially relates to an image three-dimensional recognition apparatus with a simple structure.
2. Description of the Related Art
Conventionally, as a way of making it possible for an observer to recognize a planar image as a three-dimensional image, the way using binocular parallax is known. Further, as an apparatus for making it possible for an observer to recognize a planar image as a three-dimensional image on the basis of binocular parallax, a three-dimensional vision apparatus is proposed, in which an image for the left eye and an image for the right eye are projected on the rear face of a screen by projectors so as to be arranged alternately in the vertical direction in the form of a stripe, and an observer can see the image for the left eye with his/her left eye and the image for the right eye with his/her right eye, through an optical member arranged in front of the screen, so that the observer can see a three-dimensional image without a polarization glasses.
In the three-dimensional vision apparatus, polarization members are arranged on the rear side of the screen in the form of a stripe. The pitch of the polarization members are set so as to match the pitch of the stripe formed of the arrangement of the images. The polarization direction of each polarization member is orthogonal to the polarization direction of the adjacent polarization member. Projection light for the left eye and projection light for the right eye, each having the polarization direction coincident with the polarization direction of the corresponding polarization member, are projected by the projectors (see patent document 1).
[Patent Document 1] Publication of Japanese Patent Application No. 08-186849 (FIG. 1)
However, the above-described three-dimensional vision apparatus needs to have the two projectors and the polarization members, and therefore is complex in constitution. Further, the three-dimensional vision apparatus needs to have the two projectors and the polarization members, and therefore is expensive in production cost of the apparatus.

Image three-dimensional recognition apparatus


A semiconductor memory device comprises a plurality of memory cells, and each of the memory cells includes a transistor region in which one or more transistors included in the memory cell are formed and a high-resistance element region in a resistor layer overlying the transistor region in which one or more high-resistance elements are formed. The high-resistance element region has a shape different from that of the transistor region and occupies an area not larger than that of the transistor region.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to semiconductor memory devices, and more particularly to improvement in a memory device in which each memory cell comprises one or more high-resistance elements.
2. Description of the Background Art
Referring to FIG. 1, a circuit diagram of one example of a memory cell comprising one or more high-resistance elements is shown. The memory cell is one of the known SRAMs (Static Random Access Memories) and comprises four transistors T and two high-resistance elements 3a. The memory cell is connected to a supply potential Vcc and a ground potential GND, and information is written into the memory cell or read therefrom through a bit line pair BL, BL in response to a signal on a word line WL.
FIG. 2 shows a top view of a part of a memory device comprising a plurality of memory cells of FIG. 1. These memory cells are arranged in a matrix on a semiconductor substrate. Four transistors in each memory cell are formed in one of rectangular transistor regions 1 on the semiconductor substrate. Two high-resistance elements 3a in a memory cell are formed in a high-resistance element region 2a of the same rectangular shape as transistor region 1 in a resistor layer overlying transistor region 1. Illustration of interconnecting lines is omitted in FIG. 2 for clarity of the drawing.
In a conventional high-resistance-load-type SRAM device having a memory capacity of less than 1 megabit, a high-resistance element region 2a has the same area and the same shape as those of a transistor region 1. The fact that high-resistance element region 2a has the same shape as that of transistor region 1 offers great advantage to designing of a SRAM device and particularly to designing of a pattern layout.
In a highly integrated high resistance load-type SRAM device having a memory capacity of more than 1 megabit, however, it is necessary to make transistor region 1 further smaller and to make high-resistance element region 2a also smaller in accordance with it. However, it is difficult to form a small high-resistance element with high precision in comparison with the case of forming a small transistor.
On the other hand, it is desired to form a high-resistance element 3a with high precision from the standpoint of the data holding characteristics, power consumption during waiting or the like of a SRAM device. For example, in a SRAM device having a memory capacity of more than 1 megabit, while one high-resistance element 3a is designed to have one target resistance value within a range of 3 to 30T.OMEGA., the resistance value of an actually formed high-resistance element 3a must be controlled so as not to include an error exceeding approximately .+-.20%.
A high-resistance element 3a is normally formed of polycrystalline silicon film. The resistance value of high-resistance element 3a is controlled mainly by controlling its thickness, length, width and so on. However, the following problems (1)-(3) arose in the case of forming a high-resistance element 3a having a high resistance value within the range of 3-30T.OMEGA. with high precision.
(1) If the thickness of polycrystalline silicon is made smaller in order to increase the resistance value, variations in the resistance value increase suddenly.
(2) If the length of high-resistance element 3a is increased in order to increase the resistance value, high-resistance element region 2a becomes larger, and the area occupied by one memory cell becomes larger.
(3) Reduction in the width of high-resistance element 3a for increasing the resistance value is limited by precision of pattern transcription.

Semiconductor memory device comprising one or more high-resistance elements


Disclosed are methods for the production of light stable hop products, useful for the brewing of beer or ale to be stored in clear or green glass containers, which beer or ale will not develop objectionable flavor as a result of exposure to light. Light stable hop products are prepared by double extraction of liquid/supercritical CO2 extracted hop solids with ethanol to remove alpha/iso-alpha-acids. Such alpha/iso-alpha-acids may be further removed from the ethanol extraction filtrate obtained in the double extraction process by subjecting such filtrate to an ion exchange medium, or precipitation by a metal ion, heavy metal ion, or alkali metal ion, or hydrogenation to provide an alpha/iso-alpha-acids free filtrate which may be added to the light stable double extracted hop solid residues obtained in the initial double extraction process.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is directed to the preparation of light stable hop products, containing little or no alpha/iso-alpha-acids, that can be used for providing hop flavor and character for beer products which may be packaged in flint, clear, or green bottles. This invention produces a hop product which imparts not only hop flavor and mouthfeel indistinguishable from original whole hops, but also provides light stability and flavor variations in malt beverages. Such treated hop solids can contribute hop flavor and mouthfeel to beer with low bitterness.
2. Description of the Related Art
Hops, in the form of either the ground dried plant or pellets, have been used in brewing to give malt beverages such as beer or ale their essential characteristics of aroma, flavor, mouthfeel, and bitterness, as well as contributing foam and anti-microbial activity to the brew. Hops comprise soft resins, hard resins, waxes, lipids, and carbohydrates. The soft resins include alpha-acids, beta-acids and hop oils. The hops are usually added to the boiling wort in the brewing kettle, and the wort is then fermented by yeast to produce the finished product. During boiling, alpha-acids in the hops are converted into iso-alpha-acids, which contribute the bitterness and foam in the finished product. Such iso-alpha-acids are, however, susceptible to a photochemical reaction which produces "skunk", an undesirable sulfur flavor characteristic resulting from the presence of 3-methyl-2-butene-1-thiol. This reaction is known to occur when the finished product including iso-alpha-acids is packaged in flint (clear white), clear or green bottles and exposed to light.
Hops may be separated into hop solids and hop soft resins, i.e. hop extract containing the extracted alpha-acids, beta-acids, and hop oils, by employing liquid/supercritical CO2 or less-polar organic solvent extractions. The hop extract contributes most of the bitterness flavor in beer. Beer brewed solely with the hop extract does not impart a complete hops flavor spectrum to the beer due to the absence of the water-soluble components, which apparently remain in the hop solids. The bitterness flavor can also be added as pure forms after fermentation or in the finished products. To integrate the full spectrum of hop flavor would thus require the addition of hop solids to the brew, but the hop solids have been found to contain trace amounts of alpha/iso-alpha-acids, which, due to lack of light stability, contribute to skunkiness in beer. Therefore, to obtain the full flavor of the hops while avoiding skunkiness in beer, light stable hop products that can be used to produce a beer would be of value.
It is known that there are a number of U.S. patents relative to this matter, such as Ting et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,783,235, which teaches the preparation of a hop flavored, less bitter fermented beverage by addition of the solid hop residue remaining after CO2 extraction (as the sole hopping agent) to the wort, boiling the mixture, removing the solids from the fermented mixture, and fermenting the remainder to obtain the final product. While this method does provide a brew having less bitterness but a comparable hop flavor to a brew prepared using whole hops, it does not fully address the issue of iso-alpha-acids present in the solid hop residue. In one embodiment of the Ting et al. '235 method, the solid hop residue and a hop character fraction (HCF, i.e., the residue of a hop extract remaining after removal of all alpha-acids and all beta-acids from the hop extract obtained from the CO2 extraction), are pelletized and added to the wort prior to or during boiling. After the mixture is boiled and fermented with yeast to convert the hop components and the wort, the solids are then separated to obtain the liquid product. Since the solid hop residue is present in the brewing kettle, iso-alpha-acids are present in the final brew, potentially leading to an undesirable skunk flavor.
Ting et al., in U.S. Pat. No. 5,767,319, teach conversion of iso-alpha-acids to light stable tetrahydroiso-alpha-acids, which are known bittering agents. While an improvement over previous conversion methods, the patent necessitates additional treatment steps to obtain specified metal salts of the iso-alpha-acids, dissolving the metal salts in an aqueous alcohol medium, and reducing the iso-alpha-acids by hydrogenation under specific conditions to form the tetrahydroiso-alpha-acids, which are then recovered from the reaction medium. Such a method clearly adds complexity to the desired goal of providing a light stable form of a hop product.
In addition, Ting et al. teach, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,020,019, a method for the hydrogenation of hop soft resins, wherein carbon dioxide is used as a reaction solvent, in liquid or supercritical fluid form, for the conversion of iso-alpha-acids or beta-acids to tetrahydroiso-alpha-acids (tetrahydroisohumulones), preferably using an acidic lower alcohol to act as a promoter for the beta-acids. As previously indicated, tetrahydroiso-alpha-acids are known light-stable FDA-approved bittering agents which may be used to add hop flavoring to beer. In this patent, it was noted that the tetrahydroiso-alpha-acids were previously generally not made from the alpha-acids for economical reasons. The hydrogenation method of this patent permits the use of alpha-acids as a source of tetrahydroiso-alpha-acid for use in brewing.
Additional patents to Ting et al. include U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,523,489, 5,874,633, and 5,917,093. In these patents, methods for the preparation and/or purification of tetrahydroiso-alpha-acids (tetrahydroisohumulones) are discussed. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,523,489, tetrahydroisohumulones are prepared from isohumulones by hydrogenation in ethanol. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,917,093, alpha-acids and beta-acids present in the hop oil fraction of CO2 hop extracts are purified by mixing with an absorbent to remove catalyst poisons, thereby reducing the amount of catalyst necessary for hydrogenation to tetrahydroiso-alpha-acids and tetrahydrodesoxy-alpha-acids. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,874,633, patentees teach a method of hydrogenating and formulating a starting solution of iso-alpha-acids to obtain concentrated solutions of tetrahydroiso-alpha-acids.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,972,411, Goldstein et al. teach the isolation and characterization of a group of odorless and non-volatile glycosides from extracted hops (hop solids which have previously been extracted with liquid/supercritical CO2 or less-polar solvents.) These glycosides are water soluble and consist of a group of aromatic compounds conjugated to mono-, di- and tri-saccharides. These glycosides are responsible for the formation of kettle hop flavor. Through both chemical and biological transformations, an essence and flavorant can be prepared for addition to an unhopped beer. These kettle hop flavor essences and flavorants provide economy, consistency, flexibility, quality and convenience to the brewing process because only one unhopped wort is required to brew a stock of unhopped beer, which can then be dosed with the desired amount of kettle hop flavor essence and flavorant.
In U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,013,571 and 5,013,572, Hay teaches methods for converting alpha acids to hop bittering flavors by exposing the alpha acids to an environment capable of isomerizing and reducing the alpha acids to form either tetrahydroiso-alpha-acids or hexahydroiso-alpha acids, and then steam stripping odor forming impurities from such to produce purified light stable hop bittering compounds.
In addition to the above, U.S. Pat. No. 4,002,683, of Todd, Jr., teaches a process for isomerizing alpha acids to iso-alpha-acids by contact with an aqueous solution of a metal ion to form materials suitable for use as bittering additives, wherein a water-immiscible organic solvent in which the alpha acid is soluble is employed. Todd, Jr., also teaches, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,666,731 and 4,844,939, the separation of the constituents of CO2 Hop Extracts employing aqueous alkali, followed by conversion of the separated alpha acid fraction into an iso-alpha acid or isohumulone fraction useful in the bittering of beer. Moreover, Todd, Jr. et al. teach, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,778,691 and 4,956,195, the removal of odor-forming impurities from hop flavors by extracting into water at a pH above 5, and separating the aqueous phase containing the impurities from the purified hop flavors, to recover a flavoring agent selected from unreduced and reduced alpha acids and iso-alpha-acids which is essentially odor-causing-impurity free. And, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,073,396, Todd, Jr. teaches the use of a non-acidic hop flavor fraction for production of beer, wherein the hop flavor fraction is made from CO2 hop extract to provide an extract essentially devoid of alpha and beta acids, by fractionation of the hop extract with an alkaline solution within controlled pH ranges. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,296,637, Stegink et al. teach production of odor-free tetrahydroisohumulates from alpha acids via the tetrahydrohumulates and subsequent isomerization.
Thus, there are a number of processes for the preparation, separation, purification, and use of hop bittering flavors for beer. However, a method for the production of light stable hop products containing little or no alpha/iso-alpha-acids, which also impart hop aroma and flavor to the brewing of beer equivalent to or comparable to the aroma and flavor attained from the use of conventional whole hops or hop pellets, has not previously been provided.

Preparation of light stable hop products


A sound pitch converting apparatus for shifting a pitch of a sound signal, the apparatus utilizes a first windowing device for dividing the sound signal into a series of multiple frames and shaping an envelope of the frames, a pitch frequency detecting device for detecting a pitch frequency within each frame, a Fourier transform device for transforming each frame signal into a frequency domain, a frequency shift device for shifting all frequency components in the Fourier transformed frame signal higher or lower by a desired degree, a harmonics level controlling device for controlling levels of harmonics contained in the frequency shifted frame signal responsive to a detected pitch frequency, an inverse Fourier transform device for transforming the harmonics level controlled frame signal back into a time domain, and a second windowing device for shaping an envelope of frame signal outputted from the inverse Fourier transform device and for combining the respective frames into a pitch changed sound signal.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a sound pitch converting apparatus such as a KARAOKE (sing along a melody) player and a sound and image editor for shifting sound pitch or an original frequency of the sound and particularly to an apparatus which can easily shift a sound pitch maintaining the original sound characteristics without causing sound deterioration.
2. Description of the Related Art
A conventional sound pitch converting apparatus such as a conventional karaoke player has a function called a key control for shifting a pitch of accompanying sound to adjust it to a singing player's register. This key control shifts the musical sound pitch by changing a reproducing speed of the accompanying sound of analogue signal.
Recently, a communication karaoke system has been developed, in which a music provider stores a wide variety of songs and delivers them to a plurality of terminal users in response to their requests.
Digital data of such a delivered song consist of character data for displaying and changing colors of characters synchronously with an accompaniment music, a MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) signal for driving terminal synthesizer to reproduce the accompaniment music, and a compressed sound signal for reproducing natural voices of male or female accompaniment chorus.
The MIDI signal of this karaoke system can be changed in their sound pitches by controlling settings of the synthesizer to be higher or lower in frequency than the original pitch, without changing the original tempo.
However, it is difficult to change the sound pitch of the natural voices of male or female accompaniment chorus without alterations of its tempo and characteristics of the original voices, and without causing deterioration of the sound quality, because it is not a MIDI signal but an analogue signal without having a pitch control information.
Recently, an audio/video editing apparatus is developed which edits digital sound signals, however, it fails to change sound pitches without losing high quality of original sounds.
There are mainly two conventional methods which change sound pitch but keep an original tempo.
One of them is a method of sampling and processing a sound signal in a time domain. When the sound pitch is intended to be raised two times the original for example, the sound signal is divided into predetermined segments, and data of these divided sound signals are read out at two times of the original readout speed to obtain a doubled pitch signal. Or, a pitch frequency (the lowest frequency exhibited when a divided signal segment is analyzed in its frequency spectrum, "pitch frequency" is also called "fundamental frequency") of each of the divided sound signal segments is detected and doubled to obtain the doubled pitch signal. In either case, a divided time period corresponding to the predetermined segment is filled up by using the doubled pitch signal repeatedly. Thus, the pitch frequency is doubled without changing the original tempo of the sound. A problem in this method is smooth connection of the doubled pitch signal segments. In fact, the reproduced sound is deteriorated because of an imperfect connection, and the characteristics of the original sound is distorted.
Another method uses a Fourier transform which deals with the sound signals in a frequency domain. The sound signal is divided into a plurality of predetermined segments.
Amplitude and phase components of the divided signal segments in the frequency domain are extracted by a Fourier transform, and are shifted by desired amounts respectively.
Then, the shifted amplitude and phase components are reformed back to the time domain by inverse-Fourier transform. After that, the pitch changed sound signal segments are connected each other. However, this method has been evaluated by the present inventors that the reproduced sound is unnatural and unacceptable.
Japanese patent Laid-Open Application No. 59-204096/1984 by the present applicant discloses another method using a Fourier transform. The sound signal is divided into a plurality of predetermined segments, which are then transformed by Fourier transform. A pitch frequency of the transformed sound signals is detected. Only components around this detected pitch frequency are shifted by a predetermined value.
The method disclosed in Japanese patent Laid-Open Application No. 59-204096/1984 has a problem that harmonic sounds left without shifting remind a listener of their original pitch. As a result, the listener hears both of the original and the shifted pitch sounds.
There is a similar pitch change requirement in other systems, such as tape recorders or VCRs, than the KARAOKE players, in those tape recorders or VCRs, the original sound pitch is desired to be kept when such apparatuses play in higher speed than the standard one.


A novel tool and process, primarily useful for assisting ice climbers in creating a “V-thread” anchor.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to tools and processes useful in the field of climbing, and more particularly to a pocket tool and process useful for creating a "V-thread" anchor in ice.
2. Background Information
Ice climbers are faced with the need to create a secure anchor at various points of their climb or descent. One method of creating such anchors is to create a so-called "v-thread" anchor by creating two holes in the ice, angled toward each other so as to intersect at a point sufficiently deep in the ice to remain secure in use, passing one end of a cord in one hole and out the other, then knotting or otherwise securing that end of the cord, thereby forming a loop suitable for attaching a climbing rope, carabiner or other device.
Because the two holes are straight and intersect at an angle, and the cord is flexible, it is difficult to push the cord in one hole and have it bend and emerge through the second hole.

Climbing and rappelling accessory and method


A network comprises a plurality of interconnected switches. At least one pair of switches is interconnected by a trunk formed from a plurality of individual links. A cost value is assigned to the trunk that is equal to the cost of one of the trunk's individual links. As such, a trunk is considered the same as an individual link when shortest path calculations are made. When multiple paths are computed as having the same lowest cost, the system balances load traffic between such lowest cost paths in a way that takes advantage of the higher bandwidth capabilities of trunks.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to computer networks. More particularly, the invention relates to electronic switches through which communications pass from one point in a network to another. Still more particularly, the invention relates to load balancing in a switch-based fabric.
2. Background Information
Initially, computers were most typically used in a standalone manner. It is now commonplace for computers and other types of computer-related and electronic devices to communicate with each other over a network. The ability for computers to communicate with one another has lead to the creation of networks ranging from small networks comprising two or three computers to vast networks comprising hundreds or even thousands of computers. Networks can be set up to provide a wide assortment of capabilities. For example, networks of computers may permit each computer to share a centralized mass storage device or printer. Further, networks enable electronic mail and numerous other types of services. Generally, a network's infrastructure comprises switches, routers, hubs and the like to coordinate the effective and efficient transfer of data and commands from one point on the network to another.
Networks often comprise a "fabric" of interconnected switches which are devices that route data packets from a source port to a destination port. FIG. 1 exemplifies a switch fabric having five switches 20, 22, 24, 26, and 28. The switches 20-28 are interconnected by links 30-38, as shown. One or more devices can be connected to any of the switches. In FIG. 1, four devices 40 are connected to switch 20 and two devices 42 connect to switch 24. The devices may be any desirable types of devices such as servers and storage devices.
A device 40 connected to switch 20 may need to send a data packet to a device 42 connected to switch 24. The packet can be routed from switch 20 to switch 24 via one of two paths in the exemplary architecture of FIG. 1. One path comprises switches 20-22-24 and the other path comprises switches 20-28-26-24. In many networks, the path that will be used between pairs of switches is determined a priori during system initialization or when the fabric configuration changes such as the addition or removal of a switch. Various path selection algorithms have been suggested and used. One such conventional path selection algorithm is often referred to as the "shortest path" algorithm. According to this algorithm, the shortest path is selected to be the path for routing packets between switches. The shortest path takes into account the bandwidth of the various links interconnecting the switches.
Referring still to FIG. 1, a "cost" value is assigned to each link. The numbers shown in parentheses adjacent each link represents the cost of each link. The cost values are generally arbitrary in magnitude, but correlate with a system criteria such as the inverse of the bandwidth of the links. That is, higher bandwidth links have lower costs. For example, links 30 and 32 may have the same bandwidth (e.g., 1 gigabits per second ("gbps")) and may be assigned a cost value of 1000. Links 34, 36, and 38 may have twice the bandwidth of links 30 and 32 (2 gbps) and accordingly may be assigned cost values of 500 (one-half of the cost of links 30 and 32). The shortest path represents the path with the lowest total cost. The total cost of the path is the sum of the costs associated with the links comprising the path. In the example of FIG. 1, the 20-22-24 path has a total cost of 2000, while the total cost of the 20-28-26-24 path is 1500. As the lowest cost path, the 20-28-26-24 path will be selected to be the path used for routing data packets between devices 40 and 42. It should be understood that the cost values may be related to other system criteria besides bandwidth. Examples include the delay in crossing a link and a monetary cost an entity might charge for the ISL.
A complication to the lowest cost path selection algorithm is introduced when "trunks" are implemented in a switching fabric. For additional information regarding trunking, please refer to U.S. Pat. No. 09/872,412, filed Jun. 1, 2001, entitled "Link Trunking and Measuring Link Latency in Fibre Channel Fabric," by David C. Banks, Kreg A. Martin, Shunjia Yu, Jieming Zhu and Kevan K. Kwong, incorporated herein by reference. For example, FIG. 2 repeats the fabric architecture of FIG. 1, but also includes a trunk 48 interconnecting switches 20 and 22. In general, a trunk comprises a logical collection of two or more links. In FIG. 2, trunk 48 comprises four links. Although the trunk is actually four separate parallel links, the trunk appears as one logical "pipe" for data to flow between switches. Hardware (not specifically shown) in switches 20 and 22 selects one of the various links comprising the pipe when sending a data packet across the trunk, thereby alleviating the higher level logic in the switch from controlling the operation of the trunk.
Because the links comprising the trunk can be used simultaneously to send data packets, the trunk effectively has a bandwidth that is greater than the bandwidth of the links comprising the trunk. In FIG. 2, if the bandwidth of each link comprising trunk 48 is the same as the bandwidth of separate link 30 (i.e., 1 gbps), the effective bandwidth of trunk 48 with four 1 gbps links is 4 gbps. In the context of each path having a cost associated with it, the system might assign trunk 48 a cost of one-fourth the cost of link 30, which would be a cost of 250. Then, the lowest cost path from devices 40 to devices 42 would be the 1250 cost path comprising switches 20-22-24 and including trunk 48 between switches 20 and 22.
In some situations, this will be a satisfactory implementation. However, this implementation may be less than satisfactory in other situations. Because traffic from devices 40 will be routed from switch 20 to switch 22 through trunk 48 to the exclusion of link 30, trunk 48 will carry all of the traffic and parallel link 30 will carry no traffic and thus be underutilized. This is acceptable if the bandwidth of the data does not exceed the capacity of trunk 48. If the data does exceed the bandwidth of the trunk, then performance is reduced despite link 30 being available to carry traffic, but not being used in that regard.
Referring still to FIG. 2, devices 40 and 42 connect to ports 46 and 44, respectively, contained in their associated switches 20 and 24. The speed of the links connecting devices 40, 42 to their ports 46, 44 may vary from device to device. Some devices, for example, may connect via a 1 gbps link, while other devices connect via 2 gbps links. The conventional shortest path selection algorithm typically does not take into account the speed of the peripheral links connecting the peripheral devices to the switches when assigning the source ports (e.g., ports 46) to the paths determined to be shortest, thereby possibly resulting in less than optimal path assignments.
Accordingly, a solution to these problems is needed. Such a solution preferably would efficiently merge together tank implementations in the face of a network fabric based on a shortest path selection algorithm and take into account peripheral link speeds.

Load balancing in a network comprising communication paths having different bandwidths


An apparatus for delivering a material into a wellbore comprises a body adapted to be translated along a conduit within a wellbore, with a cavity formed in the body for containing a material to be delivered. The body defines an outlet adapted to be selectively opened to permit the material to be released from the cavity at the required location within the wellbore. In one arrangement the material includes swellable particles which expand upon contact with an activator.

The general procedure of forming a wellbore, such as an oil and gas wellbore, includes drilling a bore into the earth until the surrounding formation requires support or where the characteristics of the formation requires it to be sealed-off from the drilled bore. At this stage a length or string of tubing, conventionally called casing, is run into the formed bore and is cemented in place. The casing and cement are therefore utilized to support and seal the bore. If the bore is to be advanced then a smaller diameter drilling assembly is run through the cemented casing and the procedure is repeated until the required or total depth is reached. The resulting cased wellbore therefore has a stepped profile with the final casing string having a significantly reduced diameter.
Conventionally, a cement or casing shoe is mounted on the lower end of each casing string, wherein the shoe defines a rounded end which assists smooth running of the casing into the bore, and also incorporates flow passages which permit cement delivered through the casing to exit and flow into the annulus formed between the casing and the bore wall. A float collar is positioned one or two joints above the bottom of the casing string and contains a check valve to permit fluid to pass downward but not upward through the casing.
When the casing string is fully run into the drilled bore, a calculated volume of cement is displaced downwardly through the casing, through the cement shoe and into the annulus. Typically, the volume of cement is contained between lower and upper cement plugs and is displaced by a fluid, such as drilling mud, pumped from surface. The lower plug prevents contamination of the cement from fluids ahead of the cement, and the upper plug prevents contamination of the cement from the displacing fluid. During a cementing operation, the lower cement plug will eventually land on top of the float collar and increasing pressure will burst a disk in the lower plug opening a passage therethrough, permitting the top plug to displace the cement through the lower plug, float collar and cement shoe and into the annulus.
Following a cementing operation the internals of the float collar and cement shoe must be drilled through to advance the depth of the bore. However, such drilling imparts vibration and other mechanical forces into the cement surrounding the cement shoe which may therefore be adversely affected.
In certain cases, such as in offshore deepwater areas, for example in the Gulf of Mexico, the formation is particularly weak and requires many casing strings to be run in to ensure sufficient bore support and sealing. However, if many casing strings are required then the reduction in bore diameter will be significant, which is undesirable. In order to minimize significant bore size reductions attempts are made to utilize casing strings which are as close to the drilled bore diameter as possible, resulting in a reduced annulus area between the casing and the bore. However, a reduced annulus area creates higher circulating pressures that can break down the formation in view of the low formation fracture pressure and formation strength, which creates losses and adverse well control situations. It is known in the art to address this problem by underreaming the bore to make it larger to thus lower the circulation pressure. However, this action makes it more difficult to create a good and strong cement job, particularly around the casing shoe.
Further concerns in the oil and gas exploration and production industry relate to the delivery of materials, such as chemicals and the like, to specific regions of a wellbore. In many cases it is preferred that the material to be delivered is isolated from wellbore fluids, at least until the required location in the wellbore is reached. This may be achieved in the art by utilizing coiled tubing, for example, which is run into the wellbore to create an uncontaminated flow-path. However, running in coiled tubing and subsequently delivering fluid through the tubing is time consuming and requires a significant amount of dedicated space on a rig platform, which is at a premium.


The present disclosure relates to a method for producing trifluoroiodomethane (CF3I) from iodine (I2) and trifluoroacetic anhydride (TFAA) under photochemical conditions using ultraviolet (UV) light.

Trifluoroiodomethane (CF3I) is a useful compound in commercial applications, as a refrigerant or a fire suppression agent, for example. Trifluoroiodomethane is an environmentally acceptable compound with a low global warming potential and low ozone depletion potential. Trifluoroiodomethane (CF3I) can replace more environmentally damaging materials.
Few methods for its preparation are known in the art; for example, trifluoroiodomethane (CF3I) may be prepared from iodine (I2) and various trifluoromethylated materials: CF3H (see U.S. Pat. No. 7,132,578 and references therein, and Journal of Fluorine Chemistry, 2009, Volume 130, page 231); trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) (CF3CO2H) (see Hwahak Konghak, 2001, Volume 39 Number 2, pages 144-49); and various trifluoroacetate salts (CF3CO2M), where M may be sodium, potassium, lithium, silver, copper, etc. (see Journal of the American Chemical Society, 1950, Volume 72, page 3806; Journal of Organic Chemistry, 1967, Volume 32, page 833). U.S. Pat. No. 7,132,587 describes the preparation of trifluoroiodomethane (CF3I) from many other starting materials, such as trifluorochloromethane (CF3Cl), trifluorobromomethane (CF3Br), trifluoromethyltrifluoromethylsilane (CF3SiMe3), trifluoromethyl ketones (RCOCF3), and trifluoroacetaldehyde (CF3CHO). Hazeldine et. al report the formation of trifluoromethyl iodode (CF3I) as a minor product (15-22%) along with hexafluoroethane (C2F6) as the major product by passing a nitrogen diluted mixture of trifluoroacetyl chloride (CF3COCl), iodine (I2) and hydrogen iodide (HI) through hot tube at 550° C. to 600° C. for 8 hours (see Journal of the Chemical Society, 1951, pages 584-587). The formation of trifluoroiodomethane (CF3I) was also reported from the reaction of trifluoroacetyl chloride (CF3COCl) and potassium iodide (KI) at 200° C. for 6 hours in an autoclave (see Journal of Organic Chemistry, 1958, Volume 23, page 2016).
The above examples for making trifluoroiodomethane (CF3I) are either difficult to scale up commercially or not cost effective due to poor yields, formation of undesired by-products and expensive raw materials. Thus, there is a need to develop a cost-effective process that can be scaled up to produce commercial quantities of trifluoroiodomethane (CF3I) from relatively inexpensive raw materials.

Process for producing trifluoroiodomethane (CF3I) from trifluoroacetic anhydride (TFAA)