A mechanically sealed insulation displacement connector includes a contact and a wire holder. The wire holder has a channel for receiving an insulated wire and a slot for receiving the contact. One end of the channel has a conical shaped region which provides a positive stop for an inserted wire. The positive stop causes the insulation of the inserted wire to press against the inside surface of the conical region when the wire is inserted into the channel. The insulation is slightly deformed providing an inexpensive and effective seal for the wire's conductor without the use of gelled oils and greases. As the insulation is pressed against the conical shaped region, the wire holder is rotated enabling the contact to move into the slot where it pierces the insulation and grips the conductor of the wire, thereby making an electrical connection and holding the insulation against the conical shaped region.

Electrical connectors have become widely accepted as a preferred mechanism for interconnecting the circuitry components of electrically operated products and equipment. In these applications, providing for the easy connection and disconnection of wires through the use of connectors allows convenient assembly and maintenance as well as versatility of design.
Although the construction of today's connectors may vary, one type of connector known as an insulation displacement connector is generally preferred for interconnecting wires having conductors surrounded by an insulating layer. Generally, an insulation displacement connector includes a slotted conductive contact which receives an insulated wire. The contact severs the insulation covering as it receives the wire and establishes an electrical connection with the conductor of the wire. Therefore, an electrical connection can be achieved without stripping away the insulation from the wire or crimping a contact to a bare wire.
Insulation displacement connectors are used in a wide variety of applications, such as telecommunication applications, wherein the wire within the connector must be sealed from the environment or the surroundings within which the connector is used. Some connectors, particularly in telecommunication applications, for example, must be waterproof in order to seal off and protect the exposed wire within the connector from moisture. It is also important to seal out dirt, plant life and other potential corrosion deposits from the wires. Most of the connectors used in these devices include covers to partially protect the contact and wire from these harmful elements.
A network interface device is one application where insulation displacement connectors are commonly used. A network interface device serves as a junction for numerous electrical connections and can be used to provide limited access to the wiring of a telecommunications device. Network interface devices generally reside outside and are exposed to harmful environmental conditions, but are expected to maintain their electrical and mechanical characteristics for a service life of approximately 10 to 30 years. The connectors within the network interface device must be kept free from moisture. Moisture can cause corrosion resulting in a malfunctioning electrical circuit and service interruption.
It is well known to use grease or gelled oils to seal exposed wires within insulation displacement connectors. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,574,257 (Brauer et al.) refers to a gelled oil composition used to protect the wires within terminal blocks. U.S. Pat. No. 5,102,347 (Cote et al.) refers to an insulation displacement terminal for a telecommunication device also using a gelled oil sealant. The problem with gelled oils and grease is that they add expense and additional steps in the assembly process of the device utilizing the insulation displacement connector.
In addition, most network interface devices require that the wires within the insulation displacement connectors be easily removable for maintenance and replacement purposes. Removing and reinstalling wires coated with grease and gelled oils can lead to unreliable seals since many gels and greases do not restore to their original consistency after the first use. Subsequent installations or connections may be interfered with by a build up of the existing grease or gelled oils. Therefore, there is a need to provide an insulation displacement connector providing sealing means for the wire within the connector that is both inexpensive, reusable and reliable under removal and reinstallation conditions.

Mechanically sealed insulation displacement connector


A print media receiving unit is disclosed. In one embodiment, the print media receiving unit comprises a platform that includes a surface adapted to receive a print medium comprising a spine. The spine may be disposed in a spine receiving portion in the platform. A location detection system capable of determining a location of a selected region of the print medium may be associated with the platform.

There are a variety of interactive electronic book devices in which a book is placed on a platform. The platform includes a detection system where a generated response depends upon the portion of the book the user points to with a stylus or other pointing device. Such interactive books are sometimes known as "talking books," although more generally an interactive book may use audio and visual outputs to interact with a user. Commonly, an interactive book device is configured to provide an audio output related to a stylus position. For example, an interactive book device for children may speak the names of words which are pointed to or play games when the child points at a picture. Although interactive books are commonly sold as children's toys, they also have numerous other potential applications as well.
One form of interactive book device utilizes an electronic proximity detection system to detect the position of a stylus relative to a support surface, with the book resting on the support surface such that the stylus is used to point to a region on an open page of the book. This permits a microprocessor or other control element to determine the location of the book to which the user pointed with the stylus. There are several technologies commonly used to electronically sense the position of a stylus. In one approach, the support surface is a conventional graphics tablet and the stylus is a conventional graphics tablet pen. For example, the support surface of an interactive book may comprise a conventional graphics pad having an array of sensing elements that are capacitively or inductively coupled to the stylus. In another approach, the support surface may contain a grid-like array of radiating antennas that are sequentially operated, such that the position of a stylus may be determined by analyzing which of the antenna elements produces the strongest signals in the stylus. Still another approach is an electrographic sensor in which the support surface includes a conductive layer having three or more contacts, with the contacts being pulsed in pairs with an RF signal such that the stylus receives signals traversing at least two different paths, thereby permitting the position of the stylus to be determined using a triangulation algorithm. An electrographic sensor using a triangulation algorithm is described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,686,705 and 5,877,458, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional prior art interactive book device similar to that of U.S. Pat. No. 5,575,659. As can be seen in FIG. 1, a support surface 2 has a graphics tablet 1 upon which a book 3 having open pages 4 and 5 is disposed. A graphics tablet pen 6 is used to point to regions on the open pages of the book. An electrical cable 7 couples graphics tablet pen 6 to graphics tablet 1. The position of the graphics tablet pen 6 relative to the graphics tablet 1 is transmitted via cable 8 to an electronic control element 9 and associated audio device 10 for producing an audio output 12 related to the position of the pen 6. For example, a user may use the pen 6 to point to a region 20 or 22 on an open page. In turn, the electronic control element 9 and audio devices may play a message related to region 20 or 22, i.e., control element 9 utilizes the position data of the graphics tablet to determine a corresponding message or sound to be presented. For example, region 20 or 22 may contain a picture of a cow such that when a user points the pen to region 20 or 22, the control electronics directs the audio device to play a recording of a cow's moo.
In an interactive system of this type, high resolution is desirable so that the user can touch or point a pen to a large number of different pictures, symbols, or words in the book. However, conventional interactive book devices have poor resolution between neighboring regions. There are several physical limitations on the accuracy with which a pointer may be used to point to an area of interest. One limitation is the accuracy of the detection system used. For example, if the graphics tablet has a 3 millimeter resolution, interactive symbols must be more than 3 millimeters apart.
One factor that limits the resolution of conventional interactive book systems is the accuracy with which the pages of a book are positioned relative to the detection system. Conventional devices allow the booklet or document to shift slightly from side to side, thus interfering with resolution. Further, in a conventional system, the pages do not lie flat and evenly on the surface where detection takes place, for example, because the book binding constrains the pages of the book, as shown in prior art FIGS. 1 and 2.
As shown in the illustrative side view of the prior art, in FIG. 2, conventional interactive book devices are limited by the accuracy of using a pointer 240 to point to a specific region on a booklet page because of the inherent flexure of the pages 210, 212, 214, 216, 220, 222, 224, and 226 relative to a binding 230. Each page is slightly curved relative to the underlying support 250. Moreover, the page curvature will depend, at least partially, on how hard and the angle with which a user presses down upon an open page with the pointer. When a user points to, say, point P, the variable curvature of page 210 may result, for example, in point P shifting from a position directly over detector 268 to one between detector 266 and 268 or to a position between detectors 270 and 268. For example, if a user presses the pointer hard upon the page, it will flatten and point P will move transversely towards detector 266. Conversely, if the user applies no pressure, the page will have its maximum curvature and point P may lie closest to detector 270.
In addition to the above problem, in conventional systems, the entire booklet may shift position as the user turns the pages of the book. Referring again to FIG. 2, forces are transmitted to binding 230 from the act of turning the open pages. These forces can act to move binding and shift the entire book relative to the support and detection system it houses.
Another drawback with conventional interactive books is that the user must remember to point to particular location indicia or symbols on each page of the book so that the audio signals can be correctly associated with the symbols and text on a particular page. For example, the symbol may be a fish on one page, a bird on another, and a tiger on another page. Each location indicia or symbol is placed on a different sub-region along a border region of each page. However, if the user forgets to touch the pointer to the required location symbol, the control electronics may be confused regarding which page is open. Other than a written instruction, there is no way to remind the user of the need to touch the page-noting symbol with the pointer so a child who forgets to turn the page is only confronted with the audio signals that do not correspond to the images.
Embodiments of the invention address these and other problems.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Print media receiving unit including platform and print media


A safety adapter for hypodermic needles and, in particular, double-ended needles of the type used in dental procedures. The adapter comprises two sections coupled together as a unitary device. One section is arranged to receive and house one of the projecting needles and the other section houses and protects the oppositely directed needle.

The present invention relates generally to a safety adapter for hypodermic needles, and specifically to an anti-stick adapter for hypodermic needles. The device is capable of housing a hypodermic needle of the type used in dental procedures, such that a person handling the needle will not be accidentally stuck by it.
The present invention addresses the concern for an improved and safe handling of a hypodermic needle. We live in an era of increased awareness to infectious diseases. In handling sharp medical instruments, such as hypodermic needles, there is always a chance that the user, or persons situated in the proximity of the medical instruments, may be exposed to cuts or stings. Therefore, an urgent need exists for safety measures and adapters designed to prevent accidental injury and infection due to contaminated medical instruments.
Several inventions and designs have addressed the issue of a safety adapter for guarding a needle. It has long been known in the prior art to provide pivotable safety adapters connected to the syringe and guarding the needle. However, these adapters appear to involve mating with the ejection end of the syringe and do not solve the additional problems created by a hypodermic needle used in surgical dental procedures. In this regard, the hypodermic syringe assembly frequently used by dentists comprises a luer and two needles, located on each side of the luer, opposite to one another. The first needle is longer and its end passes through the patient's tissue to deliver medication. The second needle is shorter and its end pierces a canister located within a syringe which contains the medication. The luer is used to attach the two needles to the syringe.
As an example of the prior art, U.S. Pat. No. 4,982,842 to Hollister teaches a safety adapter having two sections and a housing flexibly connected to one of the sections. The first section is adaptable to be mated with the hub of a needle assembly, while the second section is adaptable to different types of syringes. The pivotable housing surrounds the needle and a retainer mechanism in the housing prevents movement between the needle and the housing. However, when the needle assembly is removed for disposal, there is no readily available protection for the second needle hidden inside the syringe. Therefore, there still remains a need for an anti-stick adapter that is adaptable to be used with different types of needles, including needles used by dentists.
It is an object of this invention to provide an anti-stick adapter adaptable to hypodermic needles used by dentists in dental procedures. It is another object of the present invention to provide such an adapter that is safe and easy to use.

Anti-stick adaptor for hypodermic dental needles


Waste management for people with an ostomy (ostomists), and who therefore find it necessary to wear an ostomy bag, is accomplished simply through processes, systems and ostomy tools involving versatile latent tubes. Such tools include ostomy bags, filters, connectors and conveyance vessels. The tools are particularly helpful, for example, in controlling the location and disposition of ostomy wastes (and their odors) when the ostomist performs challenging routine to unusual tasks associated with ostomy care and maintenance. The tools also help to instill confidence in the users' ability to carry on normal daily business and social activities without creating embarrassment or discomfort for themselves or others.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to systems, processes and tools for management of human body solid, liquid and gaseous wastes, including collection bags and other tools used for minimizing personal negatives for people who must use collection bags of the kind having an inlet aperture for connection of the bag directly or indirectly to a person's skin surrounding a surgically established waste outlet commonly referred to as a stoma.
2. Background Art
A stoma, an outlet through the abdominal wall, is created, for example, during surgery for an intestinal disorder, such as colon cancer, in which it had been necessary to remove or otherwise incapacitate the patient's rectum, leaving the patient without the natural means for controlling waste discharge. Collection bags for attachment to the human body for collecting body wastes are often referred to as ostomy bags (or as ostomy pouches). People who have had an ileostomy or colostomy find it necessary to use the bags to help manage their uncontrolled discharge of flatus gas, liquid and fecal solid material.
Several different designs of ostomy bags are commercially available. Many are pictured in miniaturized outline form and described in detail in commercial catalogs, for example, from Edgepark Surgical, of Twinsburg, Ohio, a company that sells ostomy products from several different manufacturers. Commercially available ostomy bags come in various sizes and shapes generally ranging from about 10 to 15 cm (4 and one half to 6 in.) wide, and about 10 to 25 cm (6 to 10 inches) long, or even longer if the bag has a discharge channel. Such bags usually comprise a body-side wall (i.e. intended to face, be nearer to, the user's body, sometimes referred to herein as the proximal wall or rear wall) and an opposing frontal-side wall (sometimes referred to herein as the distal wall or frontal wall). Each of these walls normally has a base that is a gas- and liquid-impermeable, heat sealable thermoplastic material. The internal surfaces of the frontal-side and body-side wall materials are sealed to each other at or near their perimeters, thus defining an interior chamber of the bag between the walls. The proximal walls of commonly used bags have near the top of each bag (as it is worn by the user) a circular stomal aperture. In a bag referred to as a two piece bag, that aperture is circumscribed by a relatively firm plastic ring, for attachment to a mating ring of an ostomy wafer that is adhesively attached to the skin surrounding the stoma. The attachment of the two rings is intended to provide a liquid and gas impermeable junction. One of the most common attachments uses a protruding, male circular ring member on the ostomy wafer and a female circular recess on the ostomy bag. As the rings are mated with pressure applied the rings snap into mating connection with the plastic protruding ring surrounding the proximal wall stomal aperture. In a corresponding "one piece bag" the means for attachment of the bag directly to the body is an integral part of the bag. But for the thickness of the ring member or other attachment means, most currently available ostomy bags as viewed from an edge are approximately the thickness of a fine line drawn by a fine line pen. Accordingly, even though such bags are described in recent art as having "chambers," until something enters the bag the chambers really are two face-to-face flat pieces of plastic sealed around their perimeter. From a word precision standpoint such bags could be said to be a "latent chamber" or have a "chamber precursor." That is, (except where and to the extent the walls are sealed together and where appropriate port closure is provided) such bags have opposing walls that are readily separated from each other, for example, when gas, liquid and/or solids enter the bag. The result of the material entering the bag is to develop the three-dimensional character of the "chamber", i.e. convert the chamber precursor into a chamber. This distinction has importance that will be discussed further below. For purposes of clarity, when the term "chamber" is used herein (unless otherwise indicated) the term is intended to include both "chamber precursor" and "chamber".
The art generally refers to ostomy bags as one piece or two piece, and drainable or closed. Drainable ostomy bags usually have a narrowed, elongated portion ending in a discharge opening at the bottom of the bag. The narrowed, elongated portion accommodates closure members such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,336,918. Such bags are normally closed by folding the narrowed portion over a blade of a removable closure device and forcing the blade and folded portion into a mating crevice in the device to form a gas and liquid impermeable closure. Closed bags have no opening at the end of the bag and are normally used in situations where the bag is either discarded after use or removed temporarily for washing.
Prior art devices have attempted to make the use of ostomy bags more comfortable to users, referred to herein as ostomists. One improvement that has been made, for example, is to include a comfort layer, a thin external layer of flexible, "breathable" fabric or thermoplastic covering the external surface of the proximal wall that would routinely come into contact with the body of the ostomist. Such a comfort layer reduces the discomfort of the plastic against skin feeling.
Many ostomists try to live a normal lifestyle and can, indeed, be very active. Nonetheless, even for those who are justifiably optimistic because they have beaten a deadly disease like colon cancer, problems persist. For example, for ostomists there is a whole new definition for the term "waste management!" Some of the most significant challenges ostomists face are associated with handling their personal day-to-day waste management chores and situations. Shortly after becoming one, an ostomist is quickly slapped in the face with first hand knowledge that some "natural products" are not pleasant, and that the smog index is not their most important air quality problem. The ostomist in public life has to be aware of his or her ostomy bag and the extent to which it is leaking its vile odors to the surrounds. Odor control or avoidance is still a major air quality challenge facing the ostomist, whether the ostomist is in a car pool, an office, an all day business meeting, a dinner party, or at home with the family! Controlling the problems associated with flatus gasses can be a particularly difficult challenge for those who still have a major portion of their small intestine but have had a significant portion of their large intestine removed. Evidently, because of the increased probability of flatulence and because the smell of the gas is extraordinarily foul, a number of attempts have been made to provide the ostomist confidence and comfort in controlling emission into and out of the ostomy bags. U.S. Pat. No. 6,135,986 ('986), for example, describes a number of prior art attempts to include filters and venting systems to deal with these problems. The patent (986) also outlines shortcomings of those prior art attempts. Those prior art attempts offer some improvements for both drainable and closed ostomy bags. The proposed solutions come in a wide variety of alternatives, for example, of filtering devices. However, problems still exist. Convenience, comfort, confidence and reasonable cost are extremely important for the ostomist. Filter mechanisms get clogged, resulting in bags becoming precariously expanded or, the filters get bi-passed. Even filters placed in the upper extremity of bags tend to get clogged. When ostomists are lying down or even in a sitting position, fecal emission collects around the stoma and can plug tiny holes used in a number of prior art filter systems. Those using gas permeable membranes are particularly susceptible to this type of clogging. If the filters do not operate effectively to allow the gasses to pass through them and deodorize that gas, the filters either emit their horrible odors or inhibit gas flow causing the bag to inflate. The latter can cause leakage of gas through the otherwise reasonably secure ring "seal" connecting the bag to the wafer, or can even cause the ring seals to disconnect, and the bag to pop off the wafer. The result is the release of foul smelling flatus gas, or worse! In addition, the solutions offered in the prior art (including in the '986 patent) tend to be relatively expensive. This is a critical factor to most ostomists and their insurers.
Even though a major ongoing concern for the ostomist is associated with flatus gasses, using an ostomy bag with no filter is still the option of choice of many less than content ostomists. As indicated above, the no filter or plugged filter alternatives leave the ostomist with an uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassing need, that of manually venting (deflating) the bag. Manual venting systems described in the prior art, for example, those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,693,035, and 2,054,535 tend to be somewhat cumbersome and costly, thus limiting their acceptance. Accordingly, manual venting is routinely accomplished by many ostomists through the sequential steps including: (a) seeking and finding a private location; (b) opening or raising a garment (thereby exposing the top of the wafer/bag ring connection); (c) opening the connection partially (thereby breaking the original seal between the bag ring and the wafer ring; (d) applying slight pressure on the bag to release the gas into the atmosphere; (e) snapping the connection into complete closure; and, then (f) flapping the garment to fan the odor away. However, the odor is not one to release in a friend's bathroom! Even very strong bathroom ventilators are inadequate to deal with the penetrating and lasting odor. "Experts" have suggested lighting matches or candles. They help, but not adequately, and not at all in "no smoking" public toilet areas. Then there is the problem with the odor being retained in or on an undergarment, or the flapped garment. Also, periodically breaking the seal between the wafer and bag rings can result in a weakened seal or fecal material finding its way into the seal junction thereby increasing the risk of odor leak through the seal. Odor control agents (odor counteractants) applied in the bags tend to be messy and insufficiently effective and, therefore, do not solve the problems. Thus, many ostomists choose the no filter option with no built in vent system simply because there is not an attractive cost- or functionally-effective alternative. Some ostomists even choose fasting before a social event and/or avoidance of socialization to avoid creating uncomfortable situations for others and personal embarrassment. That, too, is not practical in the real, everyday work world.
One of the more distasteful, regular routines that many ostomists are confronted with is that of emptying the ostomy bag. This procedure puts the ostomist's nose in much closer proximity to his or her waste than any would like, and closer than most any non-ostomist would tolerate. There is a need to pay close attention to what one is doing in the emptying process, or such waste can find its way to many more places than anyone would like. There have been apparatus and techniques for facilitating bag cleaning disclosed in the prior art, which would help increase the nose/waste distance. (See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,470,325 and references cited therein.) However, these have tended to add significant additional cost, and prior art cleaning devices (such as are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,532,971, 5,083,580 and 5,037,408) generally would be cumbersome to make available outside the ostomist's home bathroom and/or add distasteful steps to the ostomist's routine. Some of the smell is associated with the emptying of drainable bags and especially the cleaning of the drainage channel after emptying.
The ostomist in need of deflation is pushed by the above challenges in the direction of interrupting normal activities and finding seclusion to go through the steps indicated above to minimize, and hopefully avoid, discomfort and embarrassment from escaping odors, fluids, and/or solids. Ostomists are left wanting for an ideal system for handling their ostomic environment (that is, the odors, the discharges, the discomfort, the appearance, the inconvenience, and the health issues) to minimize the negatives for their friends, family and associates, while being thankful that the surgery that created their ostomy likely saved their life.

Ostomy tools, and systems and processes for their use


This invention relates to a novel compound which has a cytotoxic activity and TGF-β like activity for human cancer cells and is useful as an antitumor agent and to a pharmaceutical composition which contains the same.

It is known that mitomycin C, bleomycin, adriamycin or the like compound derived from a microbial metabolite shows cytotoxic activity for human cancer cells, and these compounds are conventionally used as antitumor agents in the clinical field. Also, a depsipeptide compound is disclosed as an antitumor substance (European Patent Publication No. 352646).
Even at present, creation of antitumor agents having an unconventional chemical structure and novel skeleton is under examination.
On the other hand, TGF-β is first drawing attention as a factor which accelerates proliferation of cells and also accelerates transformation, it was now revealed that TGF-β acts as a factor which inhibits growth of various animal cells by the studies on its mechanism of actions (Cell, vol. 63, pp. 245–247, 1990). In addition, a large number of reports have been published regarding its relation to tumor cells (Br. Med. J., vol. 296, pp. 1621–1624, 1988; Br. J. Cancer, vol. 61, pp. 612–617, 1990; Br. J. Cancer, vol. 69, pp. 1006–1009, 1994; J. Cell Physiol., vol. 172, pp. 1–11, 1997; Growth Factors, vol. 7, pp. 207–213, 1992; J. Biol. Chem., vol. 272, pp. 3967–3972, 1997; Nature, vol. 360, pp. 361–364, 1992). Also, it has been reported that TGF-β receptor acts as a tumor suppressor gene in various tumors (International J. Hematology, vol. 65, pp. 97–104, 1997). In consequence, a compound-exhibiting TGF-β like activity has a possibility of becoming therapeutic agents for diseases related to said activity, such as an antitumor agent.


The present disclosure provides in some embodiments an array substrate, a method for manufacturing the same, and a display device. The array substrate includes a base substrate, an insulating layer, a via hole and a first blockage pattern; wherein the insulating layer is arranged on the base substrate, the via hole runs through the insulating layer; and an orthographic projection of the first blockage pattern on the base substrate partially or entirely covers an orthographic projection of the via hole on the base substrate.

In a current array substrate, usually, an electrical connection between two film layer patterns, for example, a connection between a source-drain metal layer and an active layer, and a connection between the source-drain metal layer and a pixel electrode layer, is implemented by a via hole. Due to an influence by the via hole, compared with other flat positions, liquid crystal molecules in an area of the via hole are arranged irregularly, which affects a luminous consistency of a whole display panel. In order to avoid the influence by the via hole, it needs to block a light leak at the via hole.
In a related art, a black matrix is arranged at a position of an opposed substrate corresponding to the via hole, for blocking the light leak at the via hole on the array substrate. Based on the influence of an alignment accuracy of the array substrate and the opposed substrate, in order to entirely block the via hole, it tends to make the black matrix bigger than necessary in size, which affects an aperture ratio of the display panel, thereby adversely affecting display quality.

Array substrate, method for manufacturing the same, and display device

ORDOS YUANSHENG OPTOELECTRONICS CO., LTD.


A method, system and program product for balanced workload distribution in a plurality of networked computing nodes. The networked computing nodes may be arranged as a connected graph defining at least one direct neighbor to each networked computing node. The method comprises determining a first workload indicator of the i-th computing node, at a first stage before a new task may be started by the i-th computing node, determining an estimated workload indicator of the i-th computing node, assuming that the new task is performed at a second stage on the i-th computing node, determining estimated workload indicators of each direct neighbor assuming that the new task is performed at the second stage, deciding whether to move the new task to another computing node, and moving the new task to one of the direct neighboring computing nodes of the i-th computing node such that workloads are balanced.

Modern computing centers typically operate with a network of computers, computing nodes, or computing systems. In many cases, the hardware systems are abstracted to operating systems by means of a virtualization layer. This typical set-up of cloud computing centers—even without virtualization—satisfies the requirement of users or customers of computing centers to distribute workloads among different systems in order to have a higher total throughput because of a better utilization of individual systems. For the computing center management it means to organize a meaningful distributing of workloads among the computing systems in order to achieve a balance of workloads among the different computing systems. This may make best use of available resources.
There are several disclosures related to a balanced workload distribution. For example, Document U.S. Pat. No. 8,122,132 B2 discloses a technique for operating a high performance computing cluster (HPC) having multiple nodes (each of which includes multiple processors), wherein the technique includes periodically broadcasting information, related to processor utilization and network utilization at each of the multiple nodes, from each other of the multiple nodes to remaining ones of the multiple nodes. Respective local job tables, maintained in each of the multiple nodes, are updated based on the broadcast information. One or more threads are then moved from one or more of the multiple processors to a different one of the multiple processors (based on the broadcast information in the respective local job tables).
In another document, US201122706A1, a method is disclosed which provides an automatic and optimized selection of the network topology for distributing scheduling of jobs on the computers of the modified network topology. The automatic and optimized selection of the network topology starts from the current topology and a desired number of additional connections. In this way, the method of the present invention provides a higher convergence speed for the modified consensus algorithm in comparison, e.g., to a simple ring network. The method exploits the so-called small-world networks.
However, the current approaches to realize a workload distribution are based on splitting the workload between servers using a centralized approach. This may have some limitations in terms of scalability, adaptability and optimization of resources utilization. In addition, it may be quite complex to adapt the resource utilization when the workload is randomly generated by the computing nodes within the network itself.
Thus, there may be a need to overcome the above-mentioned limitations of a centralized approach for workload distribution in a network of computing nodes, and to provide a balanced workload distribution which is more dynamic and adaptable.

Collaborative method and system to balance workload distribution

International Business Machines Corporation


A new and improved dual nested liquid container includes an outer container assembly which includes an outer vessel and an outer dispensing valve assembly which projects outward from the outer vessel. An inner container assembly is nested within the outer vessel. The inner container assembly includes an inner vessel and an inner dispensing valve assembly which projects outward from both the inner container assembly and the outer vessel. A lid assembly includes an inner lid portion and an outer lid portion. The inner lid portion provides coverage for the inner vessel, and the outer lid portion provides coverage for the outer vessel. The inner lid portion is nested within the outer lid portion. An outer connector assembly is connected between the outer container assembly and the outer lid portion for removably connecting the outer lid portion to the outer container assembly. Similarly, an inner connector assembly is connected between the inner container assembly and the inner lid portion for removably connecting the inner lid portion to the inner container assembly. The inner lid portion includes an inner vent hole for venting the inner container assembly when liquid is dispensed from the inner container assembly through the inner dispensing valve assembly. Similarly, the outer lid portion includes a first outer vent hole for venting the outer container assembly when liquid is dispensed from the outer container assembly through the outer dispensing valve assembly.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to beverage containers, and more particularly, to a beverage container especially adapted for containing two beverages.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Containers for beverages are well known in the prior art. Among those containers, coolers for beverages are also well known in the prior art. For example, the following U.S. patents disclose devices employed for keeping beverages cool: U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,225,059; 4,878,363; 5,009,083; U.S. Pat. No. Des. 259,320; and U.S. Pat. No. Des. 309,238. More specifically, U.S. Pat. No. 4,225,059 discloses a road traveling trailer that includes two kegs of beer placed side by side in the trailer. The beer is cooled before being dispensed. Placing containers side by side uses up a considerable amount of space. In this respect, it would be desirable if a beverage container device were provided that enabled cooling of two beverages without employing two containers placed side by side.
More specifically, U.S. Pat. No. 4,878,363 discloses a hand-carrier cooler that includes an insertable inner chamber that contains ice. The ice keeps a beverage in an outer container cool with diluting the beverage in the outer container when the ice in the inner chamber melts. The inner chamber is not disclosed as containing a consumable beverage. No access is provided to the inner chamber for dispensing a liquid. In this respect, it would be desirable if a beverage container device were provided that had an inner chamber and an outer chamber, both of which contained cooled beverage and both of which had spouts for dispensing the respective cooled beverages. The other patents also disclose beverage containers that do not provide two beverage compartments for cooling two beverages and two spouts for dispensing two respective beverages.
For a liquid container that would contains two liquid storage and dispensing compartments, it would be desirable if a single lid were provided to cover both compartments at the same time.
When liquids are dispensed from a container, to assure a steady flow of liquid, air must replace the liquid that is dispensed. Most times air can freely enter a container when the lid is removed. However, it would be desirable if air can replace liquid dispensed from a container without removing the lid of the container.
There are times when it would be desirable to heat up a beverage that is stored in a container. In this respect, it would be desirable if a beverage container device were provided which included means for heating up a liquid in the container.
There are times when a liquid container is taken to a location where musical entertainment is also desired. In this respect, it would be desirable if a liquid container were provided that included provisions for carrying a compact disk (CD) player and speakers.
Thus, while the foregoing body of prior art indicates it to be well known to use containers for cooling beverages, the prior art described above does not teach or suggest a dual nested liquid container apparatus which has the following combination of desirable features: (1) enables cooling of two beverages without employing two containers placed side by side; (2) has an inner chamber and an outer chamber, both of which contain cooled beverage and both of which have spouts for dispensing the respective cooled beverages; (3) include means for heating up a liquid in the container; (4) has a single lid to cover both compartments at the same time; (5) permits air to replace liquid dispensed from a container without removing the lid of the container; and (6) carries a compact disk (CD) player and speakers. The foregoing desired characteristics are provided by the unique dual nested liquid container of the present invention as will be made apparent from the following description thereof. Other advantages of the present invention over the prior art also will be rendered evident.


A drag system for use on a fishing reel includes a shaft and a drag unit rotatably located on the shaft and including at least one pawl that extends beyond an outer diameter of a cover of the drag unit. The drag system also includes a housing with an internal gear wherein the housing is connected to the shaft and covers the drag unit such that the at least one pawl interacts with the internal gear to restrict rotation of the housing about the shaft in one direction.

Fishing reels, and in particular, fly fishing reels typically include drag systems that limit or restrict the rotational speed of a spool of the fishing reel. Drag systems are often used on fishing reels to vary the force required to pull fishing line off of a spool of a fishing reel as the line unwinds from the spool. The drag system also allows the user to rotate the spool in the opposite direction so that a user can retrieve the fishing line by winding the line back onto the spool.
It is also desirable that fishing reels, including fly fishing reels, can be configured for a right-handed user or a left-handed user. In order to provide this versatility in a single reel, the drag system needs to be reversible in that the direction of rotation that the drag system allows and restricts should be configurable according to the needs of the user. A right-hand retrieve configuration is a reel that is configured for retrieval of fishing line by a user that winds the spool using his right hand and a left-hand retrieve configuration is a reel that is configured to allow retrieval of fishing line by a user using his left hand.
One type of drag system includes the use of a one-way bearing. One-way bearings, however, have several disadvantages. One-way bearings can freeze in cold weather and can become brittle when exposed to environmental conditions and contaminants. This, in turn, can lead to failure of the drag system. Drag systems that include one-way bearings also typically require that the one-way bearing be removed from a shaft on the reel, turned 180 degrees and reinstalled on the reel. This can lead to contamination of the bearing or even loss of the bearing if it is dropped during the process of reconfiguration. In addition, one-way bearings can be expensive and difficult to package within the space limitations of a fishing reel.
An improved fishing reel is needed that solves the problems discussed above and provides a reliable, adjustable and configurable drag system. It is, therefore, an object of the present disclosure to provide an improved drag system. Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide an improved drag system that allows for reconfiguration of the reel from right-hand retrieve to left-hand retrieve with fewer parts needing to be removed from the drag system. Still further it is an object of the present disclosure to provide an drag system that is economical to manufacture while providing reliability and ease-of-use.


Antibiotic penem compounds are represented by the following formula: ##STR1## wherein R represents a group of the general formula: ##STR2## in which R.sub.1 is a hydrogen atom or linear or branched C.sub.1 --C.sub.6 alkyl group, R.sub.2 is a particular substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, aryl or aralkyl group, n is an integer of 1-6, Y is a 5- or 6-membered heterocyclic aliphatic group having 1 or 2 oxygen atoms in the ring thereof, and Z is a specific 5-substituted 2-oxo-1,3-dioxolen-4-yl group. Antibiotic compositions for oral administration are also described.

The present inventors previously found that a group of penem compounds represented by the following formula (V): ##STR3## wherein R.sub.3 is a hydrogen atom or allyl group, --A-- represents an oxygen or methylene group, and --B-- represents a methylene, ethylene or carbonyl group, and their salts have excellent antibacterial activities on both gram-positive and gram-negative, aerobic or anaerobic bacteria (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 207387/1986).
High safety of these compounds has been confirmed by a safety test in which laboratory animals were used. Their development as medical drugs is now expected.
In the meantime, it has been found by the study on the correlation between structure and antibacterial activities of these compounds J. Antibiotics, 41, 1685 (1988)! that, among 2-substituents of penem, (R)-2-tetrahydrofuryl group provides the highest antibacterial activities while (S)-2-tetrahydrofuryl group, a diastereomer at its 2-side chain group, and (R) or (s)-3-tetrahydrofuryl group, a position isomer, provide weaker activities particularly against gram-negative bacteria.
From these reasons, compounds represented by the following formula (VI): ##STR4## wherein R.sub.4 represents a hydrogen atom or a group capable of forming a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt, have drawn interests as antibiotics. These compounds are also interested in that they do not require any special chemical modification for oral absorption and they themselves can be developed as both injections and oral drugs.
The bioavailability of the above-described compounds per se in laboratory animal (rats) has been found by no means inferior to commercial drugs which are used clinically.
However, from the viewpoint of safety and economy, further enhancement of their bioavailability upon oral administration is apparently more advantageous. As far as the above compounds are concerned, there is yet room for further improvement in this regard.
Regarding improvements on the absorption upon oral administration, active studies have been conducted on penicillin and cephalosporin antibiotics so that many of these antibiotics are used as curative medicines. There are, however, only a few study reports of this type on penem and carbapenem antibiotics J. Antibiotics, 36, 983, (1983); Japanese Patent publication No. 67287/1990!. It has therefore been interest in determining whether or not the approaches used for penicillin and cephalosporin antibiotics are equally applicable to penem compounds.


A modular storage apparatus having a base member comprised of an outer shell and an interior support frame. The outer shell has a bottom surface configured to attach to the tie down bolts of a rear seating support of a typical Sports Utility Vehicle. A top surface may be reversibly inset within lateral support walls to serve as a base for cargo contained in various attachments. One or more compartments contained within the outer shell may be actuated between an open and closed position by sliding each compartment along an opposing pair of interior support frame members. The outer shell, in combination with moveable magnets and threaded engagement means, provides support for various cargo containing attachment members.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to a modular storage apparatus. More particularly, the present invention relates to a modular storage apparatus configured for engagement with a vehicle seat support and cargo "tie down rings," and further configured to be arranged or fitted together in a variety of ways.
2. Background Information
The use of storage devices is known in the art. More specifically, storage devices heretofore devised and utilized are known to consist basically of familiar, expected and obvious structural configurations, notwithstanding the myriad of designs encompassed by the crowded prior art which have been developed for the fulfillment of various objectives and requirements. While these devices may fulfill their respective, particularly claimed objectives and requirements, the aforementioned devices do not disclose an improved modular storage apparatus such as Applicant's present invention.
One of the several benefits provided by the Sports Utility Vehicle ("SUV") of today is its ability to accommodate several passengers while providing ample storage space for various cargo. Common SUV's offer multiple rows of seating while providing storage space below and behind each row of chairs. Further, these vehicles commonly allow its driver and passengers the option of arranging combinations of seats between an upright and folded position to provide distinct seating and storage configurations. Despite their accommodations, vehicles have yet to provide a means whereby cargo contained therein can be secured or organized in an efficient and secure manner.
While the notion of unsecured cargo in a vehicle may seem trivial at first glance, upon further examination its nature as a problem needed to be solved becomes clear. For example, it is well documented that thousands of accident-related deaths occur each year, not caused by the collision with other vehicles, but instead caused by unsecured cargo being propelled from its resting area to persons within the vehicle.
The absence of a viable way to secure cargo within a vehicle presents other problems as well. It is well known that more often than not, a vehicle is broken into not with the objective to steal the vehicle itself, but to take the valuables contained therein. As such, one does not have to look hard to see that if valuable cargo could be effectively concealed and secured within a vehicle, the likelihood of such crime would necessarily decrease.
More frequently occurring problems, although less severe in nature, cause significant problems on a daily basis. All to often, someone stows moveable items such as tools, groceries, or work supplies in the rear of their SUV only to have those items jostled and thrown about while in transit. Without a secure apparatus to anchor stored items, cargo is free to move about the vehicle storage area. These problems are exaggerated where fluids stored in the rear of the vehicle present the potential for leaks and spills. Further, in the event dangerous items such as heavy machinery or sharp tools are stored, the movement of these items is likely to cause damage to other cargo, the vehicle, or persons riding in the vehicle.


An information entry apparatus and an information entry system provided with that apparatus which enable the efficient entry of required information in real time in a plurality of corresponding fields of a screen by an information entry operation of a level of simplicity equal to that of writing a memo about a case, the information entry apparatus provided with an alphanumeric entry unit for entering alphanumeric string information, a display unit for displaying keywords comprised of predetermined alphanumeric strings in a plurality of corresponding fields on a display screen, a word dictionary for storing a plurality of keywords corresponding to the plurality of fields and a plurality of similar words for deducing those keywords linked with each of those keywords, and an alphanumeric information processing unit for cutting out predetermined word strings from the entered alphanumeric string, searching through the word dictionary by the cut out words, extracting corresponding group of keywords from a dictionary column for which matches are obtained by comparison with keywords of the dictionary or similar words, and displaying these all at once in the plurality of corresponding fields of the display unit.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an information entry apparatus and an information entry system provided with that apparatus, more particularly relates to an information entry apparatus and an information entry system provided with that apparatus suitable for services requiring quick and accurate entry and use of information in a plurality of fields (receiving calls reporting emergencies at fire or ambulance centers and police headquarters, taking reservation for use of public facilities or ticket sales, etc.)
As one example of an information entry system requiring urgency in information entry, there is the command and control system (emergency call) system for receiving emergency calls from subscribers, monitoring and interrupting operations of consoles, issuing instructions to stations, communicating by radio with dispatched ambulances, fire engines, patrol cars, and other vehicles, etc. Such an emergency call system must be quick to process emergency calls and issue instructions due to its social importance.
2. Description of the Related Art
FIG. 18 and FIG. 19 are views for explaining the related art. FIG. 18 shows an outline of an emergency call (command and control) system of the related art. In the figure, reference numeral 1 represents a subscriber telephone (TEL), 100 a public network, 3 a line circuit (LC) terminating the subscriber line, 4 a public network exchange (NW), 5 an emergency call trunk (FPT), 20 a fire or ambulance center, 300 police headquarters, 6 an emergency call receiving trunk (FPI), 7 an instruction line trunk (LDS), 8 a private branch exchange (PBX), 9 an emergency call receiving console, and 10 an instruction receiver at a fire station, police station, etc.
When a subscriber dials a fire or ambulance emergency number by the telephone 1, the call goes through the exchange 4 and the fire or ambulance emergency call circuit of the public network and reaches the private branch exchange 8 of the fire or ambulance center 200 where it is received by the call receiving console 9. The processor processes the received call as required and quickly issues instructions (mainly by voice) to the station in charge. These instructions are sent through the private branch exchange 8 and the instruction line to the instruction receiver 10 of the station in charge. The person receiving it then dispatches an ambulance, fire engine, or other vehicle to the scene in accordance with the information of the oral instructions so that the subscriber can quickly receive emergency services in the case of illness, fire, etc.
When a subscriber dials the police emergency number by the telephone 1, the call goes through the exchange 4 and the police emergency call line of the public network and reaches the private branch exchange 8 of the police headquarters 300 where it is received by the call receiving console 9. The processor processes the received call as required and quickly issues instructions (mainly by voice) to the police station in charge. These instructions are sent through the private branch exchange 8 and the instruction line to the instruction receiver 10 of the station in charge. The person receiving it dispatches a patrol car or policeman etc. to the scene in accordance with the information of the oral instructions so that the subscriber can quickly receive emergency services in the case of a crime or accident.
Note that the communication between the dispatched vehicles and the receiving console 9 is conducted through a not shown radio line. Below, the explanation will focus on a command and control system of a police headquarters of the related art, in particular, the call receiving console, but the same applies to the command and control system, that is, call receiving console, of a fire or ambulance center.
FIG. 19 is a block diagram of a call receiving console of the related art. In the figure, 11 is a CPU for controlling and performing processing for the receiving console, 12 is a main memory (MM) for storing the programs and information to be used by the CPU 11, 13 is a CRT or other display device for displaying several fields of information relating to the case, 14 is a call routing operation panel for manual control of the exchange line system (receipt of emergency calls, monitoring and interruption of voice conversations between consoles, ending calls, etc.), 15 is a circuit interface (CIF) for connecting with the private branch exchange 8, 16 is a headset (HS) for voice use used by the person at the receiving console (processor), 17 is an alphanumeric information entry keyboard (KBD), 18 is a mouse or other pointing device (PD), 19 is a secondary information entry apparatus (digitizer/pen computer entry device/plasma display panel entry device, etc.) for assisting the entry of the alphanumeric information, 20 is a hard disk drive (HDD) used as a secondary memory for storing the program files or information files used by the CPU 11, 22 is a common bus of the CPU 11, and 23 is a paper memo ledger placed on the receiving console.
In addition, while not shown, provision is made of a monitor speaker for monitoring radio calls from the radio vehicles (patrol cars etc.) as they come in, a tape deck for recording the information obtained, etc.
Due to the above configuration, in the past, the processor would write the information obtained from the caller by hand in the memo ledger 23, then sometime after obtaining it would pick out the necessary information while checking the information written in the memo ledger and would use the keyboard 17 to successively enter the name of the case and various other matters identifying the case such as the time of occurrence, location of occurrence, station in charge, etc. using keywords in use in the station in corresponding display fields on the information screen.
Summarizing the problems to be solved by the present invention, in the related art, as described above, it was necessary for the processor to write down the information obtained on paper on a memo ledger, pick out the necessary information from the memo ledger, successively select the display fields and enter the information (keywords), and go through several other troublesome steps. Therefore, not only was time lost from writing the information in the memo ledger to the start of the keyboard entry, but also considerable time was taken for the work of selecting the display fields and entering the information there by a keyboard. In this way, considerable time and effort were required for preparing the case information. Further, the issuance of instructions and dispatch of help to the scene (initial investigation) were delayed and the caller sometimes was not able to receive speedy assistance. Further, if the processor was not yet skilled, he would not notice that certain information was missing at the time of writing the memo and would only find that information was missing when entering information from the keyboard.
Note that in the related art, a system is also known of using a digitizer 19 instead of the memo ledger 23. The memo information entered into this digitizer 19, however, is only recorded as it is electronically. Therefore, after the memo is written, it is necessary to enter the information from the keyboard 17 in the same way as above.
Further, in the related art, a system is known of writing the information in a memo ledger 23 (or entering it in a digitizer 19), then using a pen computer or plasma display panel or other touch entry device (secondary information entry device) 19 to enter information in the corresponding display fields by touch. In this case as well, however, after writing the memo, it is also necessary to extract the necessary information and select the information on the touch panel. Skill and time are required for this work. Further, there are limits as to the information of the fields which can be displayed on a touch panel at one time.

Dictionary apparatus for preparing and displaying form with keyword entries from entered word string


A plurality of stator-side electrodes disposed in a stator is vertically disposed so as to face a plurality of mover-side electrodes disposed on a mover in a protruding manner. Wide areas facing each other can be secured between the electrodes on the stator and the mover-side electrodes even at a narrow space in three dimensions. Great electrostatic attraction force can be generated between both electrodes, and the mover 30 can be driven with greater driving force.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an electrostatic suction driving apparatus that is driven by electrostatic force, and more particularly to an electrostatic suction driving apparatus in which higher driving force can be generated through higher electrostatic force (Coulomb force).
2. Description of the Related Art
Prior art technical documents in associate with a conventional electrostatic suction driving apparatus can include, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2001-346385 or the like. FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a schematic block diagram of an electrostatic suction driving apparatus as shown in FIG. 1 of Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2001-346385. FIG. 11 is a timing chart illustrating an electrical signal as shown in FIG. 2 of Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2001-346385.
In the electrostatic suction driving apparatus, a first stator 2a and a second stator 2b face each other in a state in which they are spaced apart at a predetermined distance, as shown in FIG. 10. A mover 3 for sliding to move is disposed between the first stator 2a and the second stator 2b.
Three lines of electrodes A, B and C (a firs electrode) sequentially mounted on a predetermined direction are mounted on the first stator 2a. One line of an electrode D is mounted on the second stator 2b. The mover 3 further includes electrode portions 3a respectively disposed corresponding to electrode pitches of the electrodes A, B and C on one of surfaces of the first stator 2a, and a flat electrode portion 3d facing the second stator 2b on the other surface. Both of the electrode portions 3a and 3d form one line of an electrode E (a third electrode D) which is maintained under a voltage as same as that of the portions.
As shown in FIG. 11, electrostatic force (Coulomb force) that acts between the electrodes A and the electrode E causes the mover 3 to be sucked toward the first stator 2a, when a voltage is applied to the electrodes A disposed on the first stator 2a and a voltage on the electrodes A becomes higher than that of the electrode E disposed on the mover 3. In that case, a state where the electrodes A and the electrode portions 3a exactly overlap with each other is the most stable state, whereby force to the mover 3 is applied from the electrodes A so that the electrodes A and the electrode portions 3a overlap with each other. Then, the mover 3 is sucked toward the second stator 2b, when an electrode for applying a voltage is switched to the electrode D disposed in the second stator 2b. Further, force to the mover 3 is applied by the same mechanism as that at a time when a voltage is applied to the electrodes A from the electrode B such that the electrode B and the electrode portions 3a overlap with each other, when an electrode for applying a voltage is switched to the electrode B disposed in the stator 2a. A series of those operations, i.e., a voltage is sequentially applied from a voltage source 6 to the electrodes A→the electrode D→the electrode B→the electrode D→the electrode C→the electrode D→the electrode E, . . . , through a switching circuit 5 (while a voltage is alternately applied to the electrodes A to C disposed on the first stator 2a and the electrode D disposed in the second stator 2b, and at the same time the electrodes E disposed on the first stator 2a are sequentially switched in a predetermined direction). As described above, while the mover 3 vibrates up and down microscopically, it is driven in an arranged direction (the right side in the drawing) of the electrodes mounted on the first stator macroscopically.
In case that the aforementioned electrostatic suction driving apparatus is used as a driving apparatus for moving a lens for auto focusing with it mounted in a camera or the like. It is necessary to obtain driving force to a degree for moving the lens, and to increase the moving speed, the response speed or the like. To this end, there is a need for an electrostatic suction driving apparatus capable of obtaining high driving force by generating high electrostatic force (Coulomb force).
In this case, the electrostatic force has the property that it is proportional to the square of a voltage applied and areas facing each other on electrodes, but it is inversely proportional to the square of a gap size. It is therefore possible to obtain high electrostatic force by setting these factors as an optimal value.
There is, however, a limitation to an increased application voltage due to problems caused by a battery capable of being mounted in a camera, such as breakdown voltage, . . . . There is also a limitation to a narrowed gap size due to problems caused by accuracy in machining.
Moreover, the conventional electrostatic suction driving apparatus has a structure in which surface on respective electrodes E on the first and second stators 2a and 2, and surfaces on respective electrodes on the mover 3 face each other. For this reason, in order to widen the opposite area between the electrodes, it is necessary to increase the area on each of the electrodes disposed on the first stator 2a, the second stator 2b and the mover 3 in the aspect of their surfaces. In this case, however, the electrostatic suction driving apparatus itself becomes bulky. In addition, the weight of the mover 3 increases. This results in a lowered moving speed or a slow response speed of the mover 3.
An advantage of the invention is that it provides an electrostatic suction driving apparatus which can be compact and can generate high driving force.
As another problem, electrostatic suction force generated by the electrostatic suction driving apparatus is minute, whereby it is necessary to enhance the efficiency of electrostatic suction force generated needs. To this end, it is necessary to lower friction which may be generated in sliding between the mover and the stator as less as possible.
With Regard to this point of view, in the electrostatic suction driving apparatus disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2001-346385, a stopper 10 disposed on one of the stator 2a or the mover 3, and an area 8 disposed at opposite ends of the electrode E on the other one of the stator 2a or the mover 3 is designed to simply come in contact with each other to slide, as shown in FIGS. 14, 16 to 18 or the like. As described above, a part of electrostatic suction force is susceptible to loss due to friction heat or the like. This causes the driving efficiency of the mover not to be increased.
Another advantage of the invention is that it provides an electrostatic suction driving apparatus in which frictional resistance between a stator and a mover can be lowered to move the mover in a stable manner.
Moreover, in the conventional electrostatic suction driving apparatus, a static charge is generated in the first electrode on the first stator 2a when a relatively high voltage is applied to the first electrode (one of the electrodes A, B and C) on the first stator 2a, and a negative charge is thus induced in the third electrode (the electrode E) on the mover 3. In a similar manner, a static charge is generated in the second electrode of the second stator 2b when a relatively high voltage is applied to the second electrode (the electrode D) of the second stator 2b, and a negative charge is thus induced in the third electrode (the electrode E) of the mover 3.
As described above, the mover 3 is charged with a negative charge when a negative charge is kept induced in the third electrode (the electrode E) on the mover 3. Thus, in case that the mover 3 is not discharged, the movement of the mover 3 becomes slow. As described above, problems may be caused when the moving speed or the response speed is likely to be slow.
Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2001-346385 discloses that the electrode portions 3a disposed on one of surfaces of the mover 3 and the electrode portion 3d disposed on the other one of surface of the mover 3 are maintained as same voltages. FIG. 6 in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2001-346385 shows that the electrode F disposed on the mover 3 is grounded. As described above, if all the electrode portions on the mover 3 are set as same voltages, i.e., the ground potential, the above described problems do not occur.
In Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2001-346385, however, in case that the mover 3 is formed of a conductor or material having a low resistance, it is likely that the first electrode on the first stator 2a and the second electrode on the second stator 2b may be shorted through the mover 3 when external force is applied to incline the mover 3. Therefore, in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2001-346385, it is necessary to form the mover 3 as an insulator. For this reason, in order for the electrode portions 3a disposed on one of surfaces of the mover 3 and the electrode portion 3d disposed on the other one of surface of the mover 3 to have same voltages, dedicated pattern lines or the like for connecting the electrode portions 3a and the electrode portion 3b should be formed on the surface of the mover 3. Accordingly, a charge eliminating cable for connecting the movers 3 and the ground potential must be connected to the pattern lines, and the degree of freedom for connecting the charge eliminating cable to the mover 3 capable of being movable is likely to be limited. As a result, it is likely that the assembly of the entire device becomes difficult.
Meanwhile, the conventional electrostatic suction driving apparatus has a structure in which the mover 3 is sequentially driven in a direction in which the first electrodes mounted on the first stator 2a are arranged (a moving direction) macroscopically, while vibrating up and down microscopically.
That is, an amount of movement (displacement X) in a direction in which the mover 3 is arranged increases when the mover 3 moves upwardly in a direction in which it is sucked toward the first electrode, but decreases when the mover 3 moves downwardly in a direction in which it is sucked toward the second electrode. Therefore, the mover 3 moves upward and downward between the first stator 2a and the second stator 2b, whereby it is not smoothly driven.
Still another advantage of the invention is that it provides an electrostatic suction driving apparatus in which the degree of freedom for connection to a charge eliminating cable is increased to improve assembly of the apparatus.
Still another advantage of the invention is that it provides an electrostatic suction driving apparatus in which a mover is smoothly driven.

Electrostatic attraction driving apparatus


Chemical method of cleaning metallic residue from forming tools utilizing the application of a caustic material including base or mild acid to the tool for a short period of time. The caustic material is held in substantially fixed relation for a period of time to dislodge the metallic residue followed by neutralization or removal.

It is well known that steel tools used for extruding metals such as aluminum can collect substantial amounts of aluminum or other work piece metal within the cavities after the completion of the extrusion process. These tools are typically cleaned by immersing them in warm caustic solutions for several days to dissolve the aluminum without affecting the steel tooling. While this method works well for the aluminum extrusion industry, it is impractical with stamping tools due to the length of time required for cleaning and the relatively small amounts of aluminum and/or other metals remaining in localized regions on the stamping tools after use. Currently, tooling used for stamping at room temperature is hand wiped to remove buildup. An alternative approach is to cool the tool to room temperature and then polish with sandpaper and diamond paste. The problem with this approach is that some of the ferrous tooling material in the vicinity of the aluminum that is built up is also removed which can locally change dimensions or deformation conditions like friction, both of which are critical for part forming and dimensional control. Additionally, if the tool is coated for some desirable characteristics, there is a danger that some of this coating could get damaged or removed.

Simplified method for cleaning production tools used for metal forming


A system for constructing data tag based on a concept relation network is disclosed. A tagging module collects input tags from users to create a tag table accordingly. A count of each tag used is calculated and compared with a predefined threshold value to generate two tag count tables. Relations between each tag and others are calculated. Additionally, an incremental concept is applied to maintain tags in the concept relation network.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a data constructing method and system, and more particularly to a method and system for constructing data tag based on a concept relation network.
2. Description of the Related Art
With the popular application of communication networks and information technology, digital documents are being produced and accumulated at a much faster pace, resulting in increased issues and requirements for management, organization, access, and utilization of the digital documents. As a result, "Automatic Information Organization and Subject Analysis for Digital Documents" and "Text Knowledge Discovery" are provided, comprising information retrieval, natural language processing, machine learning, and the like.
Knowledge discovery (KD) technology empowers development of next generation database management and information systems through the abilities to extract new, insightful information embedded within large heterogeneous databases and to formulate knowledge.
Knowledge discovery comprises data mining and text mining due to different data characteristics. Data mining is used for structured data, wherein each piece of data comprises a common field to be recorded in a database. Text mining processes unstructured data, which have no applicable structures between each piece of data. Knowledge discovery collects data, sorts the data, transforms the data, performs the mining processes, and represents and analyzes results using association, classification, clustering, summarization, prediction, and sequence analysis.
Based on the different data characteristics, data mining and text mining provide different steps and process details. Data mining is the principle of sorting through large amounts of data and picking out relevant information. It is usually used by business intelligence organizations, and financial analysts, but it is increasingly being used in the sciences to extract information from the enormous data sets generated by modern experimental and observational methods. It has been described as "the nontrivial extraction of implicit, previously unknown, and potentially useful information from data" and "the science of extracting useful information from large data sets or databases". Text mining, sometimes alternately referred to as text data mining, refers generally to the process of deriving high quality information from text. High quality information is typically derived through the dividing of patterns and trends through means such as statistical pattern learning. Text mining usually involves the process of structuring the input text (usually parsing, along with the addition of some derived linguistic features and the removal of others, and subsequent insertion into a database), deriving patterns within the structured data, and finally evaluating and interpreting of the output. 'High quality' in text mining usually refers to some combination of relevance, novelty, and interestingness. Typical text mining tasks include text categorization, text clustering, concept/entity extraction, production of granular taxonomies, sentiment analysis, document summarization, and entity relation modeling (i.e., learning relations between named entities).
Data mining and text mining can be further applied to construct data tags, for example, browsing tags for the Internet search, which is hierarchical concept space construction. The hierarchical concept space construction is applied to collaborative tagging of Folksnomy classification, constructing hierarchical concept space by estimating the relation intensity between tags.
Convention tag construction methods comprise drawbacks described as follows. "Tag Organization Methods and Systems" result in more maintenance cost. "Visual Tags for Search Results Generated from Social Network Information" does not provide a weighting concept, resulting in difficult searches. With respect to "Improving Search and Exploration in The Tag Space for Automated Tag Clustering", the numeric is not normalized such that maintenance cost for a tree structure is greater.
As described, the invention provides a method and system for constructing data tag based on a concept relation network, maintaining concept space by increment to reduce cost time and system resource of recalculation of tag count values, relations, and weightings.

Method and system for constructing data tag based on a concept relation network


An imaging apparatus, such as useable in a digital camera or input scanner, comprises a first photodiode and a first integrating amplifier associated therewith. A first reset capacitor, selectably associated with the first photodiode, flushes charge on the first photodiode through the first integrating amplifier. A first CDS capacitor is downstream of the first integrating amplifier. A hold capacitor forms a hold node downstream of the first CDS capacitor. A pixel amplifier reads out a signal from the hold node at a predetermined time. The pixel amplifier is selectably controllable between a standby mode and a power mode.

Image sensor arrays, such as found in digital document scanners and digital cameras, typically comprise a linear array of photosites which raster scan a focused image, or an image bearing document, and convert the set of microscopic image areas viewed by each photosite to image signal charges. Following an integration period the image signal charges are amplified and transferred to a common output line or bus through successively actuated multiplexing transistors.
Currently there are two generally accepted basic technologies for creating such linear arrays of photosites: Charge-coupled devices, or CCD's, and CMOS. In CMOS, the photosites include photodiodes, which output a charge in response to light impinging thereon. In the scanning process, bias and reset charges are applied in a predetermined time sequence during each scan cycle. Certain prior art patents, such as U.S. Pat. No. 5,081,536 assigned to the assignee hereof, disclose two-stage transfer circuits for transferring image signal charges from the photosites in CMOS image sensors.
In practical applications of photosensitive devices, two key sources of noise, which can affect the integrity of the output image signals, are "fixed pattern noise" and "thermal noise." The first of these types of noise relates to the fact that, within any device, individual photodiodes and sets of circuitry associated with the various photodiodes will have some variation in performance, and the variation in performance among the different sets of circuitry will result in a fixed pattern of noise effecting the signals, resulting in a consistent pattern of distortions in the output signals, depending on which specific set of circuitry a particular subset of the video signals passes through. Thermal noise is created by the fact that the output of a particular set of circuitry is likely to change over time, due to the random thermal movement of electrons in conductors.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,105,276 and 5,654,755 describe the principle of using a "dark signal" at some point in the operation of a CCD or CMOS image sensor system, respectively, to isolate noise of various types from a useable signal. A dark signal is, broadly speaking, a signal derived from a photosensor when it is known that no light is impinging on the photosensor. Typically the dark signal is subtracted from a total signal output from a photosensor, thus leaving the pure signal as a remainder.
U.S. Patent Publication Serial No. US 2005/0094222-A1 discloses an image sensor in which dark signals and total signals from a photosensor are, through a system of switches, directed to separate holding capacitors with each readout of the photosensor. During a readout process, the dark signal is subtracted from the total output signal.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,148,268 discloses an overall architecture for a CMOS-based full-color photosensitive chip.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,493,423 discloses the use of a "standby mode" for an amplifier used with a "fat zero" transfer circuit associated with a photosensor.

Image sensor and associated readout system


A main object of the present invention is to make it possible to supply current to electric field light emitting elements without decreasing the aperture ratio of pixels. In order to achieve the object, the present invention provides an image displaying device wherein: current driven typed light emitting elements and transistors for current driving are formed on a same substrate; comprising a plurality of display cells having such a structure that the current driven typed light emitting elements and transistors for current driving are connected in between a power supply line and a ground line; the transistors for current driving are selectively driven to conduct display; and a power supply electrode column for supplying currents to each display cell is formed on a power supply common electrode that is formed on a surface of a facing substrate parallel to the substrate.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an image displaying device using organic light emitting elements. FIG. 4A is a sectional view, and FIG. 4B is a top view.
Insulating layers 2 and 3 are laminated on a glass substrate 1, and an anode 4 made of a transparent conductive film which prescribes each light emitting area, is formed thereon. And further, on the entire surface thereof, an organic light emitting layer 5 and a cathode 6 are formed. Moreover on the glass substrate 1, a transistor for current driving 8 which current is supplied via a power supply line 7, a transistor 9 for ON/OFF control of the transistor for current driving 8, and a vertical electrode 10 and a horizontal electrode 11, for selecting display cells to emit light, are formed. The vertical electrode 10 and the horizontal electrode 11 are insulated by the insulating layer 2. Each transistor is protected by the insulating layer 3, and also a surface on the transistor is smoothed. In addition, the transistor for current driving 8 is connected to the anode 4 via a through hole of the insulating layer 3. Moreover, a facing seal plate 12 is provided so as to cover the entire cathode 6 for hermetically sealing the image displaying device.
In the image displaying device having such a configuration, when the transistor 9, of a display cell selected by the vertical electrode 10 and the horizontal electrode 11, turns on, the transistor for current driving 8 turns on, and a current flows from the power supply line 7 through the anode 4, the organic light emitting layer 5 and the cathode 6, thus the selected cell emits light. This light emitting state is continued until a signal for turning off is applied to the transistor 9. By thus selecting and driving each light emitting cell arranged in a matrix form by transistors, image display is conducted.
The current driven typed light emitting element such as the organic light emitting element emits light by applying current through it, so that, for maintaining the light emitting state, it is necessary to continue applying the current flow. Therefore, for active matrix driving of a current driven typed light emitting element, at least two active elements are needed, one is an element to keep applying the current flow and another is an element to control the former element. Furthermore, to keep applying the current flow, a dedicated current supply line is needed.
As shown in FIG. 4, the current driven typed light emitting element is connected to the transistor for current driving 8, and connected in between the common power supply line 7 and a common installed line (cathode). At least two transistors are required for one current driven typed light emitting element. As for the wiring, four electrodes of a data line for selecting a current driven typed light emitting element, a scanning line (the vertical electrode and the horizontal electrode), the power supply line, and a ground line are needed, resulting in a complicated structure. Especially, as the number of display pixels increases, the power supply line is required to have low resistance because higher current supply capability is required. There is a problem that the aperture ratio of pixels is decreased if the line width is increased in order to lower the resistance.
Furthermore, since the yield of the transistor circuit part and the current driven typed light emitting elements are different, there is also a problem that it is difficult to ensure a high yield and a high quality as the whole.
In some cases, a color conversion method is used in the current driven typed light emitting elements. In the color conversion method, light of a light emitting layer of a specific color is converted to light of another color by using a fluorescent dye. For example, apart of light of the blue color light emitting later is converted to green or red. In this case, the color conversion layer is formed so as to be connected to the light emitting layer. For active matrix driving of organic light emitting elements of such a color conversion method, the following two methods are conceivable.
(1) Thin film transistors are formed on a color conversion layer, and further, an organic electric field light emission layer is formed thereon.
(2) An organic electric field light emission layer is formed on thin film transistors, and further, a color conversion layer is formed thereon.
In the method of (1), the color conversion layer is formed, and thereafter the transistors are formed thereon. Therefore, the color conversion layer is required to have heat resistance of at least the process temperature 400° C. at the time of transistor fabrication, and it is extremely difficult. On the other hand, in the method of (2), the color conversion layer is formed on the light emitting layer. However, since the light emitting layer is extremely vulnerable to moisture, it is extremely difficult to form the color conversion layer directly on the light emitting layer.
As a countermeasure against them, application of, not the bottom emission method in which light is taken out from the glass substrate side as shown in FIG. 4, but the top emission method in which light is taken out from the cathode side is conceivable. This aims to implement active matrix driving of the color conversion method by individually fabricating a substrate having a light emitting layer using a transparent cathode formed thereon and a substrate having a color conversion layer formed thereon, and then putting the substrates together. In addition to a problem in reliability of the transparent cathode, there is a problem that the image quality is degraded because the light emitting layer and the color conversion layer are optically separated so that the occurrence of optical crosstalk is inevitable.


A sliding structure for high load and having high strength as well as sufficient lubricating performance, wherein a solid lubricating material is buried in a sliding surface, an oil reservoir of a predetermined capacity is formed on the reverse of the surface; oil supplying pores extend from the oil reservoir to the sliding surface; and a continuous pore material inserted into the oil supplying pore which provides a limited supply of oil to the sliding surface concerned.

1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to sliding structures for a high load, and more particularly to sliding parts working under a high load such as a bushing sleeve of a toggle type mold clamping apparatus of an injection molding machine or a die-casting machine.
2. DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
In a mold clamping apparatus of an injection molding machine or a die-casting machine, a guide mechanism for opening and closing a mold or a toggle mechanism for clamping a closed die with high pressure has previously been used.
In rotative sliding parts of the toggle mechanism or in reciprocating sliding parts of the guide mechanism, steel or cast iron bushing sleeves are used. Steel or cast iron is used to increase the bushing sleeves withstandability to a high load caused by the high pressure clamping of the mold. The above mentioned rotative sliding parts or reciprocating sliding parts are required to have increased lubricativeness to make the mold open/closed smoothly. To this end, not only lubrication by supplying oils and fats but also non-oil supply type lubrication by a solid lubricating material has been practiced in recent years. As with oil-supply lubrication, automatic oiling by the connection of the automatic oiling apparatus is practiced in addition to periodical greasing by hand work.
On the other hand, there are the non-oil supply type lubrication systems. Granulated solid lubricating can be used for non-oil supply type lubrication. For example, graphite, can be embedded in a metal material of the bushing sleeve.
However, the oil supply type lubrication described above has the problem that the lubricating oil leaks out of the sliding parts to stain their surroundings or adheres to the moldings to stain them.
Furthermore, as the troublesomeness of the periodical maintenance is unavoidable in the manual lubrication, there is a danger of shortage of the lubricativeness due to a limited of lubrication supply. Also, in the case of the automatic lubrication, there is a danger of insufficient lubricativeness if the supply of lubricating oil is inadequate due to incorrect adjustment. Such poor lubrication would cause abrasion or malfunction of the sliding surfaces.
In the non-oil supply lubrication described above, there is the problem that the lubrication is limited to the granular parts of the solid lubricating material. The bushing sleeve cannot get enough lubricating performance if the metal material exposed around the granular material is a material of low lubricativeness such as a steel material.
In the case of using a bushing sleeve made of copper or the like which has high lubricativeness, there is the problem that its strength is insufficient and the respective members of the mold clamping device cannot resist a high load up to 1000-1300 kgf/cm.sup.2.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a high load sliding structure, which has high strength, ensures sufficient lubrication, and is easy to handle and prevents staining of the surroundings.