A frame with segments that are in flush with each other is disclosed. The frame of the present invention comprises a plurality of segments, a plurality of outer retaining units and a plurality of inner retaining units. The segments are connected together to form a frame. Each outer retaining unit is disposed on the rear outer side of the juncture of each pair of neighboring segments. Each inner retaining unit is disposed on the rear inner side of the juncture of each pair of neighboring segments. In this manner, each pair of neighboring segments may be tightly joined together and the segments of the frame may be in flush with each other.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention generally relates to a frame. More particularly, the invention relates to a frame formed by segments that are in flush with each other.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Frames may be used as photo frames, picture frames, door frames, window frames, etc. Photo and picture frames are used mainly for embellishment; they may be used to enable photos and pictures to be easier to carry around; sometimes, they are used to protect photos and pictures; they may even be used for the decorative purpose like a piece of furniture. Photo and picture frames may be made of wood, plastic, metal or glass. A rectangular photo or picture frame comprises four segments; a hexagonal picture frame comprises six segments. In particular, regarding photo and picture frames made of metal, their segments are not easily tightened together and are often not in flush with each other; some of them may become loose and fall apart easily. This adversely affects the appearance and utility of the frame.
Aluminum is often used to make frames, window frames and furniture. Regarding conventional aluminum frames, they are formed by straight segments, which are then joined by screws. Also, rollers are used to allow them to roll along door rails or window tracks. These aluminum-made frames have many disadvantages: junctions between the segments may become loose; cracks may form between the segments; areas near fasteners on a segment may deform.
From the aforesaid, we can see that these disadvantages need to be eliminated.

Frame with segments that are flush with each other


An electronic digital device for controlling or adjusting processes in a motor vehicle has several components, of which at least one arithmetic unit and a bus connecting the components are redundant. At least one component is not redundant. The electronic device can exhibit a preferably redundant monitoring device which compares the data arising in the redundant systems and outputs an error signal when the data deviate from one another.

The present invention discloses an electronic digital device and more particularly relates to electronic digital devices for controlling various vehicles brake or stability systems.
Complex and, in particular, safety-relevant functions of vehicles are increasingly controlled or adjusted by electronic digital devices. Such control or adjusting devices, for example, can be used in connection with the engine of the vehicle, the vehicle brake system, transmission, chassis etc. It is important that these kinds of control systems operate faultlessly so that such modem requirements as environmental friendliness, noise reduction as well as safety requirements can be fulfilled.
Generally, the electronic digital devices mentioned above exhibit an arithmetic unit (CPU), a read-write memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM) and more recently also a flash memory (FLS) and interface modules (ITF). These components are used for the internal operations of the electronic digital device as well as for its communication with the sensor means and actuator means.
When the electronic digital device is used in connection with safety-relevant areas, for example brake systems, engine or chassis, it must be ensured that faulty operation is prevented or that it is detected and linked to fail-safe strategies.
In the past, reliable performance of the electronic device was achieved by providing a redundant electronic device. This means that all of the control or adjusting devices are duplicated. The two devices operate on the basis of the same programs and algorithms as well as input values but independently of one another. By means of additional channels and through specially provided data, in particular data based interim results, were exchanged from time to time to determine whether the redundant control or adjusting system obtained the same results. If the results were the same, it was assumed that they were correct. Otherwise an error signal was generated. Although this complete redundancy solves the problem of preventing errors to a certain degree, it has the disadvantage of being extraordinarily expensive, since the same control or adjusting system must be duplicated. Moreover, the process of comparing the data is complicated since it must be ensured that, although the systems work relatively independently of one another, only the data actually corresponding to one another are compared.
DE-A-195 29 434 discloses a microprocessor system for safety-critical control systems. In this system, both a bus and a processor are provided redundantly. The data storage process is not redundant. Although each of these subsystems have a read-write memory and a read-only memory respectively, only the actual data are saved in one system, whereas the corresponding control data, e.g. parity bits, are saved in the other subsystem. When accessing the read-only memory, which is distributed over both subsystems, specialized transmitting devices transmit to the other subsystem those parts that are missing in it. Thus a specialized transmitting device transmits the parity bit from the parity read-only memory to the subsystem to which the parity read-only memory is connected. Also, the data from the data read-only memory are transmitted to the subsystem to which the parity read-only memory is connected via a specialized transmission device. Hence, the data on the two redundant busses are supplemented by a specialized transmitting device respectively and can be used in the same way. When the data of other non-redundant components are to be transmitted from one subsystem to the other, another transmitting device has to be provided which not only transmits the data or test signals but all data prevailing on a bus. Therefore, a complicated system of comparing the data between the two partially redundant systems is required. Furthermore, it has the disadvantage that the saved data themselves are not redundant.
The present invention discloses an electronic digital device for controlling or adjusting processes in a motor vehicle, which allows definite detection of faults and can be manufactured at less cost and in a simpler manner.
In the electronic digital device according to the present invention, hereinafter also referred to as xe2x80x9ccontrol languagexe2x80x9d or xe2x80x9cadjusting systemxe2x80x9d, not all components have to be redundant. The whole system can be partially redundant, with certain components, in particular an arithmetic unit and memory, being redundant and other components not being redundant. Due to a simpler design this reduces the cost and still maintains at least the same safety standard.
In a system that exhibits redundant components, a monitoring device designed as hardware may be provided. This monitoring device compares the data prevailing in the redundant components and generates an error signal if the data deviate from one another. Such a monitoring device may also be used in the partially redundant control or adjusting systems described above.

Electronic digital device employing fault detection


An image sensor comprising a plurality of pixels arranged in at least two sub-arrays; first and second delay areas respectively connected to each sub-array for respectively receiving charge from the sub-array; wherein a pitch of the first delay area is different from the second delay area and at least two readout mechanisms for respectively receiving the charge from the delay areas, wherein a same line from the first and second sub-arrays is received by each delay area at substantially the same time.

Typically, prior art charge coupled devices, such as that disclosed in EPO Patent EP0866502, discloses a sub-array of pixels respectively coupled to 4 intermediate registers. The four intermediate registers are respectively coupled to four horizontal register segments each of which is coupled to an output node structure.
Although the presently known charge-coupled devices are satisfactory, improvements are always desirable. A variety of multiple output designs permit design choices during manufacturing which is always desirable due to flexibility in layout, cost efficiencies and spatial considerations.
Consequently, a need exists for an image sensor with four readouts that permits alternative design choices.

Charge-coupled device having multiple readout paths for multiple outputs


A compressor casing for an exhaust gas turbocharger is disclosed. The exhaust gas turbocharger has a rotatable turboshaft, a compressor wheel mounted on the turboshaft, and a turbine wheel mounted on the turboshaft. The compressor casing includes a sensor for measuring a rotational speed of the turboshaft. The sensor is embedded in the compressor casing and forms an integral component of the compressor casing.

1. Field of the Invention
2. Description of the Related Art
The power generated by an internal combustion engine depends on the air mass and the fuel quantity which can be made available to the engine for combustion. In order to increase the power of an internal combustion engine, the quantity of combustion air and fuel supplied must be increased. In the case of a naturally aspirated engine, this power increase is achieved by an increase in swept volume or by increasing the engine speed. However, an increase in swept volume leads in principle to heavier engines of larger dimensions, which are therefore more expensive. The increase in engine speed entails considerable problems and disadvantages, especially in the case of relatively large internal combustion engines, and is limited for technical reasons.
A much-used technical solution for increasing the power of an internal combustion engine is boosting. This refers to precompression of the combustion air by an exhaust gas turbocharger or by means of a compressor mechanically driven by the engine. An exhaust gas turbocharger consists essentially of a flow compressor and a turbine which are connected by a common turboshaft and rotate at the same speed. The turbine converts the normally uselessly discharged energy of the exhaust gas into rotational energy and drives the compressor. The compressor aspirates fresh air and conveys the precompressed air to the individual cylinders of the engine. An increased quantity of fuel can be supplied to the larger air quantity in the cylinders, whereby the engine delivers more power. In addition, the combustion process is influenced favorably, so that the engine achieves better overall efficiency. Furthermore, the torque curve of an internal combustion engine boosted with a turbocharger can be configured extremely favorably. Existing naturally aspirated engines in series production by manufacturers can be significantly optimized by the use of an exhaust gas turbocharger without major interventions in engine design. Boosted internal combustion engines generally have a lower specific fuel consumption and lower pollutant emissions. Moreover, turbocharged engines are quieter than naturally aspirated engines of the same power because the exhaust gas turbocharger itself acts like an additional silencer.
For internal combustion engines with a wide operating speed range, for example, passenger car engines, a high boost pressure is required even at low engine speeds. For this purpose a boost pressure control valve, a so-called waste gate valve, is introduced with these turbochargers. Through the selection of a suitable turbine casing a high boost pressure is rapidly built up even at low engine speeds. The boost pressure control valve (waste gate valve) then limits the boost pressure to a constant value as engine speed rises. Alternatively, turbochargers with variable turbine geometry (VTG) are used. In these turbochargers the boost pressure is regulated by changing the turbine geometry.
With increased exhaust gas quantity, the maximum permissible speed of the combination of turbine wheel, compressor wheel and turboshaft, also referred to as the rotor of the turbocharger, may be exceeded. Impermissible exceeding of the speed of the rotor would destroy the latter, which is equivalent to total loss of the turbocharger. In particular modern, small turbochargers with significantly smaller turbine wheel and compressor wheel diameters, which have improved rotational acceleration behavior through a considerably lower mass moment of inertia, are affected by the problem of exceeding the permissible maximum rotational speed. Depending on the design of the turbocharger, exceeding of the rotational speed limit even by approximately 5% causes complete destruction of the turbocharger.
Boost pressure control valves which, according to the prior art, are activated by a signal resulting from the boost pressure generated, have proved effective for limiting rotational speed. If the boost pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the boost pressure control valve opens and conducts a part of the exhaust gas mass flow past the turbine. Because of the reduced exhaust gas mass flow, the turbine absorbs less power and the compressor output is reduced proportionally. The boost pressure and the rotational speed of the turbine wheel and the compressor wheel are reduced. However, this regulation is relatively sluggish, because the pressure build-up in the event of the rotor exceeding a given speed occurs with a time offset. For this reason, regulation of turbocharger speed by monitoring boost pressure, especially in the high dynamic range (load change), must intervene by correspondingly early reduction of boost pressure, incurring a loss of efficiency.

Compressor casing for an exhaust gas turbocharger


A hydraulic safety valve adapted to cut or divert the flow of pressurized fluid A hydrau/sudden rupture occurs in the hydraulic system. The valve has a valve body with an inlet port, first and second outlet ports and a sump port. A first valve member controls the inlet port and directs fluid to one of the out let ports and a second valve member disposed within the valve which blocks the sump port when the valve is in operating position and directs the flow of pressurized fluid into the sump when the system pressure fails.

1. Field of the Invention
In one aspect this invention relates to hydraulic system components. In yet a further aspect, this invention relates to a safety relief valve for use in protecting hydraulic systems from catastrophic failures.
2. Prior Art
Hydraulic systems are useful in many environments which require a continuously variable source of power. As with any drive system, the possibility exists of a catastrophic failure in the system. Such failures can have lethal results as many industrial accidents have sprayed workers with hydraulic fluid which then burned and killed the workers. An even larger number of workers have been seriously injured.
Another use of hydraulic systems is on combat vehicles where the systems are-used to drive various components and functions. The threat of system rupture is particularly pronounced in combat vehicles which are subjected to attack by enemy munitions rupturing the system and resulting in sparks or flame increasing the possibility of ignition of flammable materials. In such a situation, it is particularly important to prevent the hydraulic fluid from entering into the passenger compartment or spraying nearby personnel. In the event of such a failure it is desirable to have the fluid shunted to an auxiliary line, a sump or other reservoir. This will protect the crew and surrounding personnel from fire hazards by safely containing any flammable fluids. It also protects the environment from contamination with toxic, corrosive hydraulic fluids.


A robotic cleaning device having an inertia measurement unit and a controller. The inertia measurement unit is arranged to sense a displacement of the robotic cleaning device and the controller is arranged to determine a characteristic of the displacement of the robotic cleaning device, and to set the robotic cleaning device in an operational mode being associated with the determined characteristic of the displacement.

In many fields of technology, it is desirable to use robots with an autonomous behaviour such that they freely can move around a space without colliding with possible obstacles.
Robotic vacuum cleaners are know in the art, which are equipped with drive means in the form of a motor for moving the cleaner across a surface to be cleaned. The robotic vacuum cleaners are further equipped with intelligence in the form of microprocessor(s) and navigation means for enabling an autonomous behaviour such that the robotic vacuum cleaners freely can move around and clean a space in the form of e.g. a room. Thus, these prior art robotic vacuum cleaners has the capability of more or less autonomously vacuum cleaning a room in which furniture such as tables and chairs and other obstacles such as walls and stairs are located.
Modern robotic vacuum cleaners are arranged with a user interface (UI) via which a user of the robotic cleaner may input instructions, such as selecting and scheduling a cleaning program to be performed or for entering data such as time and date. A problem with these ULs is that the types of input data which can be entered are rather limited. Further, the size of the UI to be operated by a user is small, making it cumbersome for a user to input data via the UI. Moreover, as with many electronic devices, the data to be entered may be perceived as non-intuitive for a user.

Robotic cleaning device and a method of controlling the robotic cleaning device


A nursing pillow with integrated privacy panels that provide privacy to mothers while breast feeding infants. The pillow is U-shaped having a soft filler material and a pillow case. A neck strap helps keep the pillow close to the mother. The infant is supported on the pillow and kept in close proximity to the mother's body. The pillow folds in on itself for ease of transport and storage.

Mothers with new babies are encouraged in books, by health care professionals and by local, state and federal agencies to breastfeed (nurse) their babies. Modest, yet health conscious, mothers who choose to nurse their infants find it problematical and perhaps socially unacceptable to feed their babies in public. It is often difficult to use a small blanket for this purpose because it may often fall down and may not be convenient for positioning the baby correctly.
In addition, breastfeeding often requires the nursing mother to sit and support the child being nursed for extended periods of time. If both the mother and baby are not comfortable during nursing, the nursing experience can be frustrating and unproductive for both.
There are many forms of blankets, coverings and pillows for use by a nursing woman. While traditional blankets and diapers have been used for privacy purposes, a blanket or diaper draped over the shoulder is cumbersome at best. To address physical comfort, women have resorted to the use of pads and pillows to "boost" the infant into a better position during nursing. There exists a need for a nursing pillow that provides the comfort and support for both the woman and child while also providing privacy protection options.

Nursing pillow with privacy panels and integrated carrying case


To provide a surround sound reproducing system capable of obtaining high realistic sensation even in the case where an integral surround speaker cannot be installed rearward of a listening position.

In recent years, a surround system is being practically used, in which each of a plurality of speakers such as a center speaker, right and left front speakers or right and left rear speakers (also called surround speakers) has the role of reproduction sounds, and addition of reverberant sound, change in the frequency characteristic, and the like is performed in each of the speakers, thereby amplifying sound such as voice and music.
A known representative surround system is a Dolby™ digital 5.1ch (channel) surround system constructed by a center speaker and front speakers installed on the right and left sides of the center speaker, which are provided forward of a listener, surround speakers installed on the right and left rear sides or right and left sides of the listener, and a sound woofer dedicated to amplify sound only in the lower audio frequencies of 120 Hz or less. There is also a known conventional method for use in such a 5.1ch surround system, in which right and left surround speakers are formed integrally and installed rearward of a listening position to amplify sound so that the surround speakers can be set easily.

Stereophonic sound reproducing system and stereophonic sound reproducing apparatus

Abstract: A surround system 100 is constructed by: a sound source output device 110 for outputting bit stream data of a predetermined format; a signal processor 120 for performing a signal process on every audio signal of each channel; and a speaker system 130 made of various speakers corresponding to various channels and including an integral surround speaker. The signal processor 120 has a signal processing unit 200 including: a switch control unit 203 for selecting one of right and left surround signals amplified from a surround speaker; a frequency correcting circuit 204 for correcting the frequency characteristic of the surround signal selected by the switch control unit 203; and an adder 205 for adding the surround signal whose frequency characteristic was corrected to a main signal.


A mailing machine comprising a device for feeding an envelope having a width in a path of travel; a device for determining the width of the envelope; and a control device in operative communication with the determining device for using the width of the envelope to ascertain a proper amount of postage to be applied to the envelope. According to a first embodiment, the determining device includes a sensor array located transverse to the path of travel for detecting the presence of the envelope where the sensor array includes an inner plurality of sensors and an outer plurality of sensors located further away from a registration wall than the inner plurality of sensors. According to a second embodiment, the determining device includes a first sensor for detecting a lead edge of the envelope and a sensor line located downstream in the path of travel from the first sensor and at an angle to the path of travel so as to detect a lead corner of the envelope.

Mailing machines are well known in the art. Generally, mailing machines are readily available from manufacturers such as Pitney Bowes Inc. of Stamford, Conn. Mailing machines often include a variety of different modules which automate the processes of producing mailpieces. The typical mailing machine includes a variety of different modules or sub-systems where each module performs a different task on the mailpiece, such as: singulating (separating the mailpieces one at a time from a stack of mailpieces), weighing, moistening/sealing (wetting and closing the glued flap of an envelope), applying evidence of postage, accounting for postage used and stacking finished mailpieces. However, the exact configuration of each mailing machine is particular to the needs of the user. Customarily, the mailing machine also includes a transport apparatus which feeds the mailpieces in a path of travel through the successive modules of the mailing machine.
Various postal services throughout the world have developed rating systems which are used to determine the fee associated with the delivery of a particular mailpiece. Generally, the rating systems utilize a variety of different parameters or factors which influence the fee structure, such as: desired class of service (as examples, first class or third class in the United States), weight of the mailpiece, destination of the mailpiece and size of the mailpiece. The postal services generally communicate the rating systems in the form of tables or charts which are updated periodically to reflect new pricing or changes in the rating parameters.
A number of different devices and systems have been developed to assist mailers in determining the proper amount of postage for each particular mailpiece. For example, a scale may be utilized for determining the weight of the mailpiece which is used as one input to the rating system to calculate the proper amount of postage. As another example, a ruler may be used to measure the width of the mailpiece which is used as another input to the rating system to calculate the proper amount of postage. Generally, the fees of the various postal services are higher for heavier and larger mailpieces due to extra costs incurred in handling and transportation.
Such simple devices such as a scale and a ruler may be suitable for low volume conscientious mailers who send few mailpieces over a given period of time. However, such simple devices are not suitable for all mailers. For example, if the mailer employs operators who are not conscientious, then human error will result in incorrect readings from the scale and the ruler. If the incorrect readings lead to insufficient postage being applied, then the mailpiece will be returned to the mailer causing delays. If the incorrect readings lead to excess postage being applied, then the mailpiece will be delivered, but the mailer will have wasted money. Either scenario is undesirable to the mailer. As another example, the mailer who sends a significant number of mailpieces on a regular basis will experience increased costs and delays due to the inefficiencies of handling large volumes of mailpieces manually.
Some prior art mailing machines have been developed which have the capability for feeding mailpieces of different sizes, commonly referred to as mixed mail. An example of such prior art mailing machines is the Paragon.RTM. mail processor available from Pitney Bowes in Stamford, Conn. Although this mailing machine generally works well by applying proper postage to mailpieces of different thicknesses and weights, it suffers from some limitations. The Paragon.RTM. mail processor employs a single sensor spaced at a distance of 15.56 centimeters (cm) (6.125 inches) from the registration wall. Thus, whether a mailpiece is under or over 15.56 cm can be determined, but the precise width of the mailpiece cannot be determined. Since the United States has a single price point for determining rating according to mailpiece width which is located at 15.56 cm, this single sensor is generally sufficient for applying appropriate rating to envelopes in the United States. However, it is not adequate for applying appropriate rating in other postal markets.
For example, the postal services of several countries (Germany, Italy, etc.) have established a plurality of price points relating to mailpiece width in their rating system, respectively. Moreover, the various postal services have not established these price points in the same location. As a result, mailpieces must be manually sorted according to their widths and according to the applicable postal service rating system prior to processing because the mailing machine does not have any capability to detect the precise width of the mailpieces. Therefore, the mailing machine can only properly handling mixed mailpieces which are all within the same range or width category within the applicable rating system.
Therefore, there is a need for a mailing machine including dimensional rating capability so that the need for presorting is reduced.

Mailing machine including dimensional rating capability


The present invention relates to an anode for lithium secondary battery and a lithium secondary battery comprising the same, the anode for lithium secondary battery comprising a current collector; and an anode active material layer which is formed on one surface of the current collector, and comprises an anode active material and a cellulose-based compound which has a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of 500,000 g/mol to 700,000 g/mol and a substitution degree of 0.9 to 1.0, wherein the anode for lithium secondary battery has a loading level (L/L) of 13 mg/cm2 or greater.

A lithium secondary battery has recently drawn attention as a power source for small portable electronic devices, and the lithium secondary battery uses an organic electrolyte solution and thereby, has twice or more as high a discharge voltage as a conventional battery using an alkali aqueous solution and accordingly, has high energy density.
As for a positive electrode active material of a lithium secondary battery, a lithium-transition metal oxide having a structure capable of intercalating/deintercalating lithium ions, such as LiCoO2, LiMn2O4, LiNi1-xCoxO2 (0<x<1), and the like has been mainly used.
As for negative electrode active materials, various carbon-based materials capable of intercalating/deintercalating lithium ions such as artificial graphite, natural graphite, and hard carbon have been used, and recently, a non-carbon-based negative electrode active material such as a silicon-based or tin-based material has been researched in order to obtain high capacity.
In particular, as it is recently required to more increase capacity of the battery, the research for thickening the active material layer are actively has studied.

Anode comprising cellulose-based compound for lithium secondary battery and lithium secondary battery comprising same


A dosing device for at least one medium includes a casing part connectable to a medium reservoir, having a pumping device located in the casing part and an applicator connected to the pumping device. The pumping device is provided with at least one inlet valve, as well as at least one outlet valve associated with the applicator and a stroke-movable pumping body. The casing part, applicator and all parts of the pumping device are provided coaxially to a pumping axis with plug connection sections. The casing part, applicator and the parts of the pumping device can be functionally assembled along the pumping axis to form the dosing device.

Such a dosing device is generally known for pharmaceutical or cosmetic media such as liquids, gels, etc. The known dosing device is firmly connected to a medium reservoir by means of a casing part, which is provided with a closing cap. The dosing device has a pumping device in the form of a manually operable thrust piston pump. With the thrust piston pump is associated an applicator constructed as a nose olive provided with a finger support for the manual operation of the pumping device.


A method and system for providing advertising to a moving target vehicle. Vehicle data is determined by one or more devices namely at least one sensor device and/or a global positioning system (GPS) device. At least one processor in communication with the one or more devices receives the vehicle data. The at least one processor initiates display of video data of advertising content data on a display device on a moving advertising vehicle to display the video data to the moving target vehicle in accordance with at least one display parameter that is based on the received vehicle data and initiates play of the audio data of the advertising content data by an audio device disposed within the display device in the moving advertising vehicle. The audio data played is configured to be heard as sound by the moving target vehicle, and the audio data relates to the video data.

The present invention relates generally to targeted advertising to individuals based on known interests and purchasing history. This is well recognized as a very powerful marketing tool. Many ways of such advertising are in practice today, one of which is placing an advertisement on a vehicle, and having that vehicle traverse a populated route. Individual businesses often practice this advertising method by attaching a magnetic or otherwise attached sign to a business vehicle while it is in operation of the business. Common examples of this include real estate agent vehicles with signs, pizza and food delivery vehicles with signs, and the like. These signs can usually be manually removed and replaced periodically with new signs. Also, some businesses decide to actually paint the advertisement on the vehicle. Another such method employed does not use a corporate vehicle, rather, uses a for-pay vehicle designed to carry such advertising signs. The most common example of this would be a municipal or private bus with one or more advertisements unrelated to the bus service attached to the vehicle for the purposes of advertising.
While these advertising delivery methods do effectively display the advertisements to a relatively large audience, sign content is static and limited to a small amount of space. Additionally, such advertisements can only be targeted in a very broad sense, for example, targeting everyone in a city or section of a city. This lack of targeting makes the advertising ineffective, in that, while many people may see the advertisement, only a small percentage of those people may have any interest in the ad content.
What is needed is a device and method that is a more effective means of mobile advertisement that is capable of targeting consumers with dynamic and custom ad content based on target identifying methods outlined below.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Presenting advertising to moving vehicles

International Business Machines Corporation


A disposable dental waste filter device has a body having a tube receiving end having an outlet and a cap receiving end, a cap portion having an inlet and an end for insertion into the cap receiving end, a valve insert assembly for insertion into the body and the cap portion, and a filter assembly positioned within the body.

This disclosure relates to a disposable dental filter device for use during a dental procedure and more particularly to a disposable dental waste filter device for capturing debris and other matter from a mouth of a patient during a dental procedure.
During a dental procedure it is important to be able to remove saliva, blood, water, tooth fragments, metals, and other debris or fluids from the mouth of a patient. Removal of this matter allows a dentist to be able to perform a procedure in an unobstructed manner. Various systems or devices have been developed to remove liquid and solid materials from a mouth during a dental procedure. One device that is capable of removing saliva is known as a saliva ejector or a low volume ejector. A saliva ejector typically comprises a plastic flexible tube or straw for placement in the mouth of a patient. The saliva ejector tube is connected to a valve which in turn is connected via suction tubing to a source of vacuum. In this manner, saliva is passed through the ejector tube, the valve, and the tubing to be disposed of in a sanitary manner. Once the procedure is completed, the ejector should be discarded and the valve should be sterilized by autoclave to be used again. Although it is suggested to autoclave the valve after each use, it is known that the autoclave procedure is hardly ever done. Another device that is capable of removing solid materials is a high volume evacuator system. A high volume evacuator system generally consists of a rigid tube or straw that may be inserted into a mouth of a patient with the tube connected to a valve which is connected via a tubing to a source of vacuum. Again, in this manner, debris may be removed from the mouth of the patient. After the dental procedure, the tube is disposed of and the valve should be sterilized for reuse. However, although it is suggested to sterilize the valve after use, it is known that this suggested procedure is hardly ever followed.
As can be appreciated, the saliva ejector and the high volume evacuator are used to remove liquids and debris from a mouth of a patient to prevent a patient from swallowing or aspirating liquids and debris produced during a dental procedure. One such dental procedure is when dental fillings are removed or replaced. Dental fillings are used to fill cavities in teeth caused by tooth decay. The fillings may consist of a mixture of materials or metals that may include silver, mercury, copper, zinc, tin, or palladium. The fillings typically consist of half mercury and the other half some other metal or metals that form an amalgam. As is known, mercury is a poison that should be prevented from contaminating the environment. When drilling out the amalgam from a tooth, the amalgam should be captured or collected to prevent the mercury and other metals from entering into the environment such as waste water. Also, some of the metals, such as silver, are valuable and can be captured to be recycled for money.
In view of this, various separator systems and devices have been developed to capture the amalgam before it is introduced into waste water. One system is a vacuum system that has a collecting tank for collecting amalgam. The amalgam is suctioned from a mouth of a patient through a line into the collecting tank by a vacuum pump. Various problems exist with this type of system. In particular, such a system is expensive to purchase, to operate, and to maintain, takes up space in a dental office due to its size, and has a number of mechanical parts that can fail. Further, after collecting the amalgam, the amalgam must still be disposed of in an environmentally safe manner. The dental office typically sends the amalgam to a recycle center which is a time consuming proposition. Also, collection tank need to be cleaned by hand. Cleaning requires an individual to manually clean the tank and any other ancillary equipment which is an unpleasant experience and exposes the individual to hazardous material.
Another device that has been developed to capture or separate the amalgam is a disposable hand held amalgam separator device that is used to capture amalgam at the mouth of the patient. The disposable hand held amalgam separator device has a unitary body having an internal filter that is used to separate amalgam from other materials, such as saliva, water, tissue, or blood. After the dental procedure is completed and the device is filled with amalgam, the device is sent to a recycle center to retrieve any valuable or recyclable metals captured within the device. Although such a device is useful, when attempting to retrieve the recyclable metal from the interior of the device, the device must be cut open. Cutting the device open may result in the hazardous material being dispersed into the atmosphere and unto the individual cutting open the device. This may require that the room in which the device was opened to be cleaned resulting in added expense. This also may require the individual to wear a suit to prevent from coming into contact with the hazardous waste.
Therefore, it would be desirable to have a disposable dental waste filter device that captures any metal or other debris produced during a dental procedure for being able to properly dispose of the metal or other debris. It would also be desirable to have a disposable dental waste filter device that is easy to install on or remove from a dental valve attached to suction tubing connected to a source of vacuum. Further, it would be advantageous to have a disposable dental waste filter device that is easy to open to retrieve any valuable or recyclable material captured within the device.


From profiles of an input color space and an output color space, the specific color data on respective color spaces are obtained, and a color space compression parameter is set based on each specific color data obtained. In other words, the color space compression parameter for appropriately converting data within the input color space into data within the output color space is derived from each specific color data. The color space compression processing (color matching) is performed on an absolute color space using the derived color space compression parameter so that it becomes possible to perform at a higher speed an appropriate color matching that takes into account the characteristics of the input color space and the output color space.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a color matching method, a color matching device, a color matching program, and a computer readable record medium that stores the color matching program, and more specifically, to a color matching method, a color matching device, a color matching program, and a computer readable record medium that stores the color matching program, which are used for converting digital image data reproducible by a device such as a CRT (cathode ray tube) into image data reproducible by an output device such as a printer.
2. Description of the Background Art
In general, the color reproducible range of a CRT or a scanner is different from the color reproducible range of a printer. Thus, where the color reproduction ranges (Gamut) of two devices differ, matching of colors, i.e. color matching, is required between the two devices when an image reproduced by one device is to be reproduced by the other device. A general color matching method of the conventional art will be described briefly below.
In FIG. 14, the flow of image data is shown for the description of a color matching method between an input device 1401 and an output device 1407. Here, the image data reproduced by input device 1401 such as a CRT or a scanner is RGB data represented in the RGB color space, whereas the image data reproduced by output device 1407 such as a printer is CMYK data represented in the CMY color space. As shown in FIG. 14, the RGB data is ultimately converted into the CMYK data via various conversion processes in a color conversion processing portion 1403.
First, the RGB data in input device 1401 is input to color conversion processing portion 1403 and is converted into data of a color space independent of the device. The color space independent of the device is, for instance, the L*a*b* space, the XYZ space, and the like. Here, it is assumed that the conversion is made into data (L*a*b* data) represented in the L*a*b* space. A conversion using an LUT (Look Up Table) or a masking technique is employed for the conversion processing.
Then, the converted L*a*b* data is further converted in a Gamut mapping portion 1405 into the L*a*b* data of a range reproducible by output device 1407. Thus, it is in this Gamut mapping portion 1405 that the color matching between input device 1401 and output device 1407 is performed.
The data after color matching is also data of a color space independent of the device (L*a*b* data) so that it is again converted into CMYK data. Here also, a conversion using an LUT or a masking technique is employed for the conversion processing.
In this manner, the image data reproduced by input device 1401 is first converted into data of a color space independent of the device, and then, color matching is performed so as to allow the data to be reproduced by output device 1407.
FIG. 15 is a flow chart representing the flow of a conventional color conversion processing in color conversion processing portion 1403 shown in FIG. 14. As shown in FIG. 15, first, the profile of the color space reproducible by input device 1401 (hereinafter referred to as an "input color space") and the profile of the color space reproducible by output device 1407 hereinafter referred to as an "output color space") are respectively obtained (step S1501).
Then, a pixel value (image data) of an input image to be the target of data conversion is obtained ("yes" at step S1503). Then, the image data dependent on the color space of input device 1401 is converted into image data represented in the absolute color space (step S1505). Specifically, the input image data represented in the RGB space is converted into image data represented in the L*a*b* space, the XYZ space, or the like which is the absolute color space independent of a device.
Thereafter, color space compression processing (color matching processing) is performed on the converted absolute color space (step S1507). In other words, here, various conversion processes are performed for converting the image data in the input color space into the image data within the output color space. Specifically, the processes include correction of white point, conversion of lightness (compression/expansion in the direction of lightness), conversion of chroma (compression/expansion in the direction of chroma), correction of hue, and the like. A conversion parameter used in each conversion (or correction) processing is a fixed value derived empirically.
When the various conversion processes in the absolute color space are completed, the image data represented in the absolute color space, in turn, is converted into image data dependent on the color space of output device 1407 (step S1509), and output image data after conversion is obtained in a desired format (step S1511).
Above is a general outline of a common and conventional color matching processing. In this manner, a conversion parameter for performing the color conversion is fixed in advance in the conventional color matching method.
In addition to the above, for instance, a method is proposed in which color conversion tables are created in advance according to the degree of color space compression and the color conversion tables are switched appropriately. Even this method, however, has a fixed conversion parameter for performing the color space compression and the like, and does not change the conversion parameter for performing the color conversion according to the characteristics of the input color space and the output color space.
On the other hand, a color matching method in which a conversion parameter in the color conversion is changed has been conventionally proposed. For instance, such method involves calculating, for each color within the input color space, a conversion parameter while observing the shape of the output color space, and performing a color space compression processing based on the calculated conversion parameter. In such a method, there is a need to refer to many colors within the output color space so that a long period of time is required for the computation.
Thus, from the viewpoint of reduction of the processing time, a technique is proposed in which the conversion parameter is to be calculated on a separate mainframe computer. Specifically, the technique involves calculating the conversion parameter at a high speed, creating a table that allows direct conversion from the input color space into the output color space using the calculated conversion parameter, and performing the color conversion by utilizing this table. FIG. 16 is a flow chart representing the flow of processing when color matching is performed using such a method.
Referring to FIG. 16, when the respective profiles of the input color space and the output color space are obtained (step S1601), an output color corresponding to each color in the input color space is calculated using the conversion parameter calculated by the separate mainframe computer (step S1603). Then, using the result of calculation, a color conversion table for converting the input color space into the output color space is created (step S1605).
When a pixel value (image data) of the input image is obtained ("yes" in step S1607), using the created color conversion table, the image data within the input color space is directly converted into the image data within the output color space (step S1609). Then, the image data of the output image is obtained (step S1611).
In this manner, the color conversion processing is performed using the conversion parameter that is set by referring to the input color space and the output color space, it becomes possible to perform an appropriate conversion that takes into account the respective color space characteristics.
The conventional color matching method described above involved the following problems. In the conventional technique that utilizes a fixed value for a conversion parameter used in the color conversion processing, while the conversion processing is performed at a high speed, an appropriate and precise color conversion that takes into account the characteristics of the input color space and the characteristics of the output color space cannot be performed.
On the other hand, in the conventional technique in which the conversion parameter used in the color conversion processing is changed, the conversion parameter is calculated by taking into account the input color space and the output color space so that a precise color conversion is made possible. Yet, this technique caused the problem of complex processing and longer computation time being required.
In this manner, in the conventional color matching method, the improvement in the precision of color matching led to lower processing speed, while higher processing speed resulted in lower precision of matching. Thus, it was difficult to achieve both effects of improved precision and higher processing speed.

Color matching method and device, color matching program, and computer readable record medium that stores color matching program allowing appropriate color matching at high speed


A semiconductor device includes: a first semiconductor layer of p-type AlxGa1-xN (0≦x≦1); a second semiconductor layer of n-type AlyGa1-yN (0<y<1, x<y) formed on the first semiconductor layer; a control electrode formed on the second semiconductor layer; a first main electrode connected to the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer; and a second main electrode connected to the second semiconductor layer. An interface between the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer has a surface orientation of (1-101) or (11-20).

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a semiconductor device, and more particularly to a semiconductor device based on a nitride semiconductor.
2. Background Art
A nitride semiconductor device based on a gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductor has a larger bandgap than devices based on silicon (Si), and hence it is easier to realize a compact device with high critical electric field and high breakdown voltage. Its application to a power control semiconductor device can lead to a device with low ON resistance and low loss. Among nitride semiconductor devices, a heterostructure field-effect transistor (HFET) having an AlGaN/GaN heterostructure is promising for good characteristics with a simple device structure, where a GaN layer is provided as a channel layer and an aluminum gallium nitride (AlGaN) layer is provided as a barrier layer (electron supply layer).
In conventional GaN-based HFETs, the heterojunction interface between the GaN layer and the AlGaN layer is the (0001) crystal plane. Thus a two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) at approximately 1×1013 cm−2 is generated at the AlGaN/GaN heterointerface by piezoelectric polarization. This polarization-induced 2DEG accounts for a large share of the 2DEG existing at the heterointerface. In such a semiconductor device where a 2DEG is generated by piezoelectric polarization, advantageously, carriers are generated without implantation of impurities. However, unfortunately, because piezoelectric polarization determines the sheet concentration of the 2DEG, the sheet concentration of the 2DEG varies with the surface potential of the AlGaN layer depending on the passivation material and process, and consequently the ON resistance varies.
Thus it is contemplated to prevent a polarization-induced 2DEG from being generated at the heterointerface. Prevention of polarization-induced 2DEG generation can be realized by setting the surface orientation of the crystal plane forming the AlGaN/GaN heterostructure to (1-101) or (11-20) (see, e.g., Masayuki Kuroda et al., "Normally-off Operation of Non-polar AlGaN/GaN Heterojunction FETs Grown on R-plane Sapphire", Extended Abstracts of the 2005 International Conference on Solid State Devices and Materials, Kobe, 2005, pp. 470-471; and JP-A 2003-347315 (Kokai)). In this case, the GaN layer serving as a channel layer or the AlGaN layer serving as a barrier layer needs to be doped with n-type impurities for generating a 2DEG to serve as carriers. For achieving 2DEG sheet concentration comparable to that induced by polarization, the sheet concentration of n-type impurities needs to be approximately 1×1013 cm−2. However, if the sheet impurity concentration in the channel layer or the barrier layer is increased like this, the electric field distribution is varied by impurity ions, and the electric field concentrates on the edge of the gate electrode, unfortunately failing to achieve high breakdown voltage.


A direct-current converter has an electronic switch which can be made conductive by switch-on pulses and has current limiting by suppression of switch-on pulses. In order to make do with a low-loss current sensor which is easy to realize, a direct voltage corresponding to the peak value of the current is obtained with the aid of an additional switch, in phase with the electronic switch, which is preferably a reverse-operated field-effect transistor. The converter is particularly suitable for applications in which low-impedance short circuits at the output of the converter have to be taken into account.

FIG. 1 shows a direct current changer with instantaneous value current limiting which is also known as pulse by pulse limiting and is known from DE-PS 26 13 896.
In the single-ended forward converter shown in FIG. 1, the input voltage U.sub.E is applied to the capacitor 1 and the output voltage U.sub.A to the capacitator 13. A series circuit formed from the primary winding 91 of the transformer 9, the drain-source junction of the field-effect transistor 6 and the measuring resistor 3 is connected in parallel with the capacitor 1. The Z diode 5 which serves to limit the voltage is connected in parallel with the series circuit comprising the measuring resistor 3 and the source-drain junction of the field-effect transistor 6. The rectifier diode 10 is connected between the secondary winding 92 of the transformer 9 and the capacitor 13. The freewheeling diode 1 is arranged in a shunt arm following the rectifier diode 10. The inductor 12 is located in a longitudinal branch between the freewheeling diode 11 and the capacitor 13.
The control electrode of the field-effect transistor 6 is connected to the control device 8 which contains a driver, a clock generator and a pulse-width modulator. The control arrangement 8 is controlled both by the comparator 4 and by the voltage controller 14. The comparator 4 is connected by its negative input via the reference voltage source 2 to one terminal of the measuring resistor 3 and via its positive input directly to the other terminal of the measuring resistor 3. The voltage controller 14 serves to control the output voltage and is therefore connected by its actual value input to the output of the converter.
With a circuit arrangement of this kind, adequate current limiting can be achieved in many cases. However, in the case of converters with a relatively high output voltage, for reasons based on the principle of a so-called "running-out of the characteristic" occurs; that is to say, the limiting effect is reduced or eliminated in the case of a short circuit. This can ultimately lead to the destruction of components. The cause for behavior of this kind lies in the remaining minimum pulse width of the switch-off and on pulse which is produced by a series of dead times in the control chain. If an LC element with an inductor in the longitudinal arm and a capacitor in the shunt arm is arranged in the output circuit and if--due to the aforesaid minimum pulse width--the positive voltage-time area applied to the output inductor during switching on is greater than the negative one in the switch-off phase, the magnetic energy rises and thus the current rises in an unlimited fashion from period to period. This is also confirmed by the following inequality which applies in the case of a terminal short circuit: EQU U.sub.E .multidot.E.multidot.t.sub.Emin >U.sub.DF .multidot.(T-t.sub.Emin)(1)
where
U.sub.E =Input voltage PA1 u=Transformation ratio of the transformer PA1 t.sub.E min =Minimum switch-on period PA1 U.sub.DF =Conductive-state voltage of the freewheeling diode PA1 T=Duration of period. In FIG. 2, the typical operating states are illustrated: PA1 a=Onset of current limiting PA1 b=Threshold case in which the minimum switch-on period still just permits the limiting effect. PA1 c=Reduced limiting effect in the short circuit due to the condition (1)
As FIG. 2 shows, the problem described cannot be solved with pure instantaneous value limiting.
It is therefore expedient to provide an additional circuit for current limiting in the case of a short circuit.
The invention relates to a direct-current converter with current limiting.
A current converter of this kind is already known from DE-B1-28 38 009.
In the case of the known converter, a power switching transistor is driven by a clock generator with switch-on pulses at a constant operation frequency. In order to control the output voltage, the pulse duty cycle, that is to say the quotient of the switch-on time of the power switching transistor divided by the duration of the period, is changed. In the case of overloading at the output of the direct-current converter, the current in the power circuit is limited in order to protect the components. This is achieved by shortening the switch-on time. Here, the switching transistor is inhibited with the aid of a current measuring circuit as soon as the instantaneous value of the current flowing through the switching transistor, which current is measured with the aid of a current transformer, exceeds a predetermined limiting value.
Since the storage time of the switching transistor requires a minimum switch-on time and this minimum switch-on time would require an economically unacceptable over-dimensioning of the power circuit components in the case of a short circuit, in the known converter a further current measuring circuit, which is connected via a diode to the load of the current transformer, intervenes when the minimum switch-on time of the switching transistor ought to have been undershot and the voltage at the load of the current transformer has therefore risen by more than the threshold voltage of the diode. It interposes--if appropriate, repeatedly--switching pauses lasting for several periods so that the current in the power circuit does not rise above a predetermined limit. In this way, a larger degree of current limiting can be achieved.
The additional circuit ensures that the output inductor remains in magnetic equilibrium and the limiting effect is also maintained in the short circuit, but is associated with very high expenditure.

Direct-current converter with current limiting


A radiopaque structure and an implanted medical instrument having the radiopaque structure. The radiopaque structure includes at least one radiopaque unit, and each radiopaque unit includes at least one radiopaque object. In at least one incidence direction of a light source, all the radiopaque objects in the radiopaque structure are divided into n regions according to the thickness in the incidence direction, and a projection area Sm of m regions of the n regions and an effective thickness dm of the m regions meet Sm−0.0136(dm)a≥0, wherein −0.95≤a≤−0.85 and 1≤m≤n. The radiopaque structure has good or excellent visibility.

Interventional radiology, also called interventional therapeutics, is an emerging discipline that has been developed rapidly in recent years and integrates imaging diagnosis and clinical therapy. The interventional radiology is a general term of a series of technologies of leading a specific implanted device (hereinafter referred to as "implant") into a diseased portion of human body through a natural orifice or a tiny wound of the human body for minimally invasive therapy with a puncture needle, a catheter and other intervention equipment under the guide and monitoring of imaging equipment such as Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA), Computed Tomography (CT), ultrasound and magnetic resonance. The existing implant substrate are made of metal-based and non-metal-based materials, such as non-absorbable metal materials: stainless steel, a nickel-titanium alloy, a cobalt-chromium alloy and the like, or absorbable metal materials: a magnesium base, an iron base, a zinc base and the like, and degradable polymer-based materials such as polylactic acid, polycaprolactone or its copolymer and a blend.
When the radiation density of the material of the implant substrate is greater than the density of a human tissue or organ around an implanted position, a contrast image may be formed for diagnosis or clinical treatment via X-ray irradiation. A implant with a certain thickness made of the stainless steel, the nickel-titanium alloy or the cobalt-chromium alloy, has a relatively high radiation density, and may have relatively high X-ray radiopacity after being implanted. For example, a stainless steel vascular stent with a thickness more than 80 microns may form a distinct image by itself in the medical imaging equipment DSA, so that the position and the shape may be easily identified, or the stent has good visibility, wherein the thickness is the wall thickness of the implant.
For a vascular stent, the smaller the thickness, the better fitting with the blood vessel wall, thus lower shear interference of a stent strut to blood flow in a blood vessel would be caused, which is more favorable for avoiding thrombosis. Therefore, for a medical application, it tends to adopt a relatively thin vascular stent. However, when the thickness of the stainless steel stent is less than 70 microns, the image of the stent displayed under the DSA equipment is not clear enough, and the position and the shape of the stent are hard to visually identify, so that it is necessary to improve the visibility.
As the density of an implant made of the magnesium-based alloy and a polymer such as polylactic acid, polycaprolactone or its copolymer, and the like is very low, the obtained implant may have thickness reaching the hundred-micron level, but its visibility under the DSA equipment in the prior art is still very poor. For example, a vascular stent which is made of the polymer and has the wall thickness of 120 to 220 microns is nearly invisible in the medical imaging equipment DSA, which leads to a fact that a doctor cannot accurately position the stent in a surgical procedure.
Therefore, for a polymer-based implant with extremely poor visibility, as well as a relatively thin metal-based implant, it is necessary to dispose an extra radiopaque structure at a proper position on the implant and enable the radiopaque structure to be identified by the doctor under the DSA to assist the doctor in accurately positioning the implant.
Generally, it is desirable that the smaller the size of the radiopaque structure the better to avoid the influence on the design and the relevant mechanical property of the implant. However, if the size of the radiopaque structure is not properly set, particularly when the adoption of the radiopaque structure with a relatively small thickness (20 to 100 microns) is the only option because of the limit of designs of some thin-wall implants (20 to 70 microns), the extremely small size of the radiopaque structure may cause poor visibility, and the aim of assisting in judging the position and the shape of the implant may not be achieved.

Radiopaque structure and implanted medical device having radiopaque structure


A housing as part of a clothes dryer's gaseous fluid exhaust system containing components for maintaining an open restriction-free airflow channel for maintaining the dryer's efficiency and sized to fit within a typical wall cavity of a building. A removable airflow filter for filtering and removing excess clothes lint, preventing entry of lint particulate into the upper exhaust vent pipe that may block exhaust airflow or blend with down falling condensate, which is generated from a clothes dryer's warm moist exhaust airflow. A diverter constructed to direct the exhaust airflow to a primary exterior location or to a secondary interior location. A condensate drain to separate falling condensate from exhaust airflow and dispose the condensate into an exclusive disposal system. The elements of this invention combine to secure the efficiency, longer life and safety of a clothes dryer and its exhaust system by removing lint particulate, separating exhaust airflow from falling condensate produced by a clothes dryer into the clothes dryer exhaust system.

In 2010 an estimated 16,800 reported U.S. non-confirmed or confirmed home structure fires involving clothes dryers or washing machines (including combination washer/dryer) resulted in 51 civilian deaths, 380 civilian injuries, and $236 million in direct property damage.
A clothes dryer works by forcing hot moist air through a turning drum. Wet clothes placed in the drum are then dried by moving hot air. It is possible for a full load of wet clothes to contain as much as one and a half gallons of water. Lint, consisting mostly of small fibers from the clothes and debris in or on the clothes, is created as the clothes tumble in the drum.
While much of the lint is trapped by the dryer's filter, it is also carried through the vent system along with the moist air. Lint is a highly combustible material that can accumulate in the dryer vent. Accumulated lint leads to reduced airflow and can pose a potential fire hazard.
When the warm, moist dryer air reaches an unheated space such as a garage, attic or the outside atmosphere, colder temperatures cause the relative humid air to condense back to liquid form of water within the exhaust pipe. This water can drain back into the clothes dryer or settle in a low point of a dryer vent hose causing blockage and overheating of the dryer, which can result in fire.
Clothes dryer vent pipes are mostly installed with little consideration to problems of condensate water flowing down from the dryer vent exhaust pipe into the clothes dryer or filling up the flexible dryer vent hose at its low point with water. The low point can unintentionally create a water trap which blocks the airflow from the dryer causing the dryer to overheat, loose efficiency or cause a fire.
Another issue with typical clothes dryers is that their filters generally catch less than 80% of the lint produced, this means that over many drying cycles huge amounts of lint can accumulate in the dryer exhaust pipe system. Blending the excess lint from the dryer with the condensate water falling from the exhaust pipe can produce a water/lint blend or a slurry, which can expand inside the exhaust pipe. Over time this slurry can solidify into a firm mass creating even more blockage problems.
Additionally, since most of the dryer vent piping is hidden inside a wall, and many dryer vent systems suffer from poor installation standards and/or the use of improper duct material plus the lack of maintenance it is estimated that there are thousands of house fires annually associated with clothes dryers.
Another issue with current clothes dryer exhaust systems is the in ability to separate the excess lint from the condensate water before they blend together within the exhaust system or being unable to efficiently dispose the lint and water separately.
Still another problem with existing dryer vent systems is the inability for a homeowner to monitor the internal conditions and temperatures of the dryer exhaust system, many problems such as dryer damage or house fires could be reduced if a homeowner could monitor the airflow performance in a simple and convenient way.
According to U.S. Customer product Safety Commission research, a 75% blocked dryer exhaust duct elevates the exhaust air temperature of the average electric clothes dryer 89% more than its normal temperature with an unblocked duct.
Why now?
Laundry rooms are located further from outside walls resulting in longer concealed runs. Given the tightness of modern homes, proper handling of clothes dryer exhaust has become even more critical than it was in older homes that had more breathability. This invention solves these problems and more.
This apparatus includes an enlarged double lint filter to supplement the clothes dryer lint screen. The double filter is easily accessible for removing and replacing. Once removed it can be easily cleaned for the next dryer cycle. Its enlarged double screen feature provides an unrestricted airflow passage through the filter, allowing better dryer efficiency.
This apparatus removes downward flowing condensate water from the exhaust system before it can blend with lint or flow into the clothes dryer. The condensate water is filtered with an easily accessible and removable filter to prevent containments when disposed of into a waste drain. The condensate water drainage system includes water traps to prevent entry of toxic sewer gasses.
The unique combination of embodiments prevents the blending of upward flowing lint with downward flowing condensate water and removes each individually to separate destinations outside the exhaust system.
The easy removable double airflow filter provides more filtering surface resulting in a lint free airflow and a lint free outlet vent pipe for a cleaner environment. Only after the lint has been removed, is the airflow directed to a chosen exit destination. Additionally, the lint does not come in contact with condensate water.
The lower open compartment of the housing provides unique storage for the dryer flexible vent, keeping it up off the floor and well organized for maximum efficiency and for multiple connections and configurations.
The unique condensate water removal system prevents the condensate water from blending with the lint free airflow.
The compact design allows the housing to be installed within a typical 2×4 inch stud wall behind a typical clothes dryer and organize the dryer vent hose to be neatly stored in the lower compartment of the housing.
Another feature of the apparatus are the clear removable viewing windows for interior visual inspections while the system is operational without comprising the airtightness of the upper sealed compartment.
Additionally, the viewing windows can be easily removed to reveal access openings for internal maintenance and diagnostic testing. The access opening and viewing windows are positioned on the housing for easy access and use.
The upper compartment of the apparatus is substantially water tight and air tight to provide a sealed system for high efficiency operations.
An additional feature of the apparatus is an airflow monitor/alarm, strategically located for easy reading and maximum operational efficiency. The monitor indicates to the operator if there are issues with the airflow quality and alert the operator if conditions are critical. Located within the housing is an airtight diverter to direct the filtered airflow to a desired location outside or optionally to an inside destination, and simultaneously direct the falling condensate water away to a different exit port for disposal in a sealed system.
The filters, windows, access openings and airflow monitor represent the operational components and are strategically positioned in the operational zone above the dryer top wall for easy access by the operator of the dryer.

Condensate and lint separator within a gaseous fluid exhaust system of a clothes dryer


Compositions and methods for preparing mesoporous and/or mesostructured materials from low Si/Al zeolites. Various embodiments described herein relate to preparation of mesoporous and/or mesostructured zeolites via a framework modification step followed by a mesopore introduction step.

1. Field
One or more embodiments of the invention relate to compositions and methods for preparing mesoporous and/or mesostructured materials from low Si/Al zeolites. More particularly, embodiments described herein relate to preparation of mesoporous and/or mesostructured zeolites via a framework modification step followed by a mesopore introduction step.
2. Description of Related Art
Previously, methods have been described to introduce mesoporosity into zeolites, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0244347. These zeolites, namely CBV 720 provided by Zeolyst International, have a high silicon-to-aluminum ratio ("Si/Al") and a low non-framework aluminum content. As previously described, this zeolite can be treated in the presence of a pore forming agent (e.g., a surfactant) at a controlled pH under a set of certain time and temperature conditions to introduce mesoporosity into the zeolite. Thereafter, the mesostructured material can be treated to remove the pore forming agent (e.g., by calcination or chemical extraction). Although advances have been made in the art of introducing mesoporosity into zeolites, improvements are still needed.


The present disclosure provides methods and compositions for determining whether a patient exhibiting acute gastroenteritis will benefit from treatment with therapeutic agents that inhibit Norovirus genogroup I (GI) or Norovirus genogroup II (GII). The methods disclosed herein are based on detecting Norovirus genogroup I (GI) and Norovirus genogroup II (GII) in a stool sample without extracting viral nucleic acids from a clinical specimen prior to performing real-time reverse transcription PCR. Kits for use in practicing the methods are also provided.

The following description of the background of the present disclosure is provided simply to aid the reader in understanding the disclosure and is not admitted to describe or constitute prior art to the present disclosure.
Norovirus is a non-enveloped, single-stranded RNA virus in the Caliciviridae family and is responsible for 60% to 80% of all human gastroenteritis outbreaks worldwide. Human Noroviruses are responsible for approximately 21-23 million gastroenteritis cases and 800 deaths in the USA and over 218,000 deaths in developing nations annually, mostly in children less of 5 years of age.
Human Noroviruses have an incubation period of approximately 24 hrs and a disease length of approximately 24-72 hrs. The most common symptoms are nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, but can also include abdominal cramps, fever, headache and dehydration. Noroviruses are primarily transmitted via the fecal-oral route, but can also be transmitted via aerosolized vomitus droplets, contaminated food or water and fomites. Human Noroviruses are highly contagious and can cause large outbreaks in a wide variety of settings, including healthcare facilities, cruise ships, restaurants and schools.
Rapid and accurate detection of Norovirus infections is important in preventing the spread of the virus in healthcare and non-healthcare settings. Noroviruses are divided into six genogroups (GI-GVI). GII genotype 4 (GII.4) Noroviruses account for approximately 60-90% of all human Noroviruses gastroenteritis annually. The GI and GII genogroups are the most prevalent in terms of human infection, but are believed to lack common neutralization epitopes due to major antigenic differences between them. The tremendous viral diversity makes the development of broadly protective human Norovirus vaccines very challenging.
Thus, there is a substantial need for more robust and sensitive methods that can rapidly detect and discriminate between multiple Norovirus genogroups, such as Norovirus genogroup I (GI) or Norovirus genogroup II (GII) in clinical stool samples.


The invention relates to a mass flow meter for flowing media, which operates according to the Coriolis principle. At least one oscillator and at lest one sensor that detects Coriolis forces and/or oscillations based on Coriolis forces are mounted on a Coriolis measuring tube. As evaluation unit determines a measured flow valve from the measurement signal of the sensor. Means are provided which make it possible to detect zero flow in the measuring tube regardless of the detection of Coriolis forces and/or oscillations based on Coriolis forces and generate a corresponding measurement signal. Said means can comprise a sensor for measuring a flow according to a magnetic-inductive measuring method, the method for measuring the difference in propagation time or the Doppler method with the aid of noise signals, a differential pressure method, a calorimetric method, and/or a float-type measuring method, for example, whereby the problem or a measuring error caused by zero displacement is resolved in mass flow meters operating according to the Coriolis principle.

This type of mass flow meter for flowing media, which operates according to the Coriolis principle, is known for example from DE 196 20 079 C2. This document describes mass flow meters of which the Coriolis measuring tube is embodied as a straight tube and also those with a curved, especially loop-shaped Coriolis measuring tube. A distinction is also made between mass flow meters which only feature one Coriolis measuring tube and those with two Coriolis measuring tubes. In the embodiments with two Coriolis measurement tubes, these can be positioned in series or parallel as regards flow technology. With mass flow meters with two straight or curved measuring tubes these tubes are mostly identically embodied in pairs and are arranged and made to oscillate so that they oscillate against one another. The position of the mass center point remains constant in this case and forces arising are compensated for. The positive consequence of this is that the oscillating system has no effect externally. No oscillations are therefore introduced into the pipework system into which such a mass flow meter is built and conversely oscillations in the pipework system do not influence the measurement result if the mass flow meter is of an appropriate design.


Disclosed is a system and method for using optical flow to detect objects moving past a camera and to select images of the moving objects. A shopping cart, for example, may be detected by subdividing an image into a plurality of image blocks; comparing the blocks to a preceding image to determine the motion of the portion of the object pictured; associating the most common motion with the shopping cart. The motion of the cart may also be integrated over time for purposes of tracking cart motion and selecting a subset of the captured images for object recognition processing. Detection of the cart and image selection improves computational efficiency an increase merchandise throughput.

The present invention generally relates to optical flow as it relates to pattern recognition and, more particularly, to systems and method for automatically using optical flow to select images of interest in order to detect objects, for example, in merchandise check out.
In many retail store environments, such as in grocery stores, department stores, office supply stores, home improvements stores, and the like, consumers use shopping carts to carry merchandise. A typical shopping cart includes a basket that is designed for storage of the consumer's merchandise. At times, a consumer will use the lower shelf space located below the shopping cart basket as additional storage space, especially for relatively large and/or bulky merchandise.
On occasion, when a consumer uses the lower shelf space to carry merchandise, the consumer can leave the store without paying for the merchandise on the lower shelf space. This may occur because the consumer inadvertently forgets to present the merchandise to the cashier during checkout, or because the consumer intends to defraud the store, steal the merchandise or collude with the cashier.
Recently, efforts have been undertaken to minimize or reduce bottom-of-the-basket (BoB) losses. Conventional systems, such as those marketed by Kart Saver, Inc. of Sacramento, Calif. and Store-Scan, Inc. of Scottsdale, Ariz. employ infrared sensors designed to detect the presence of merchandise located on the lower shelf of a shopping cart when the shopping cart enters a checkout lane. Disadvantageously, these systems are only able to detect the presence of an object and are not able to provide any indication as to the identity of the object. Consequently, these systems are, disadvantageously, relatively likely to give false positive indications. For example, these systems are unable to distinguish between, for example, merchandise located on the lower shelf of the shopping cart and a customer's leg or shoe. Further disadvantageously, these systems cannot be integrated with the store's existing checkout systems and instead rely on the cashier to recognize the merchandise and input appropriate associated information, such as the price of the merchandise, into the store's checkout system.
Video surveillance is another supplemental device that attempted to minimize or reduce bottom-of-the-basket losses. One example of a video surveillance device was formerly marketed by a company doing business as VerifEye, Inc. of Ontario, Canada. This system employed a video surveillance device mounted in the lane and directed at the bottom of the basket. A small color video display is mounted adjacent the register (or point of service) to aid the cashier in identifying if a BoB item exists. Again, disadvantageously, this system is not integrated with the point of service (POS), forcing reliance on the cashier to scan or key in the item. Consequently, the system productivity issues are ignored and collusions are not addressed. In one of VerifEye's systems, an option to log image, time and location is available. This configuration nonetheless does not recover the lost items.
As compared to mere object detection, object recognition requires image selection which represents the process of selecting a subset of from a sequence of images to be sent to the object recognition processing. The purpose of the image selection is to take the input of, for example, 30 images per second from the camera and select a small number of images so that the computer can process them fully. It is acceptable to queue-up a few images to be processed, but after about 10 seconds the data is no longer of any interest. Thus, there is a problem of balancing between selecting too many images and not selecting enough images.
A selection algorithm to perform the image selection should execute fast and select images with a high probability of seeing each item, for example, each item that is in the bottom of a shopping cart. Because typical object recognition may not always recognize items in the image due to several factors, including lighting and noise, using a single image may not suffice. On the other hand, if too many images get selected, then a point is reached where images must be dropped due to the lack of processing capacity or the fact that the images are no longer timely.
One image selection method proposed in the past is described in pp 84-90 of "An Invitation to 3-D Vision" by Y. Ma, S. Soatto, J. Kosecka, and S. S. Sastry, Springer-Verlag, New York, 2004). Some other conventional methods are summarized below.
The "blind" method simply selects images at the rate they can be processed. When the processing of one image is completed in the object recognition process, the next image captured from the camera is sent to the object recognition process. Under certain lighting conditions, this method works well where the object recognition process can process about 5 images per second. Thus, at every ⅕th of a second an image is processed, and with a reasonably slow moving item, enough images containing the item can be captured. However, at a processing rate of 1.5 Hz, which is about what should be expected, this method cannot process images at a rate sufficient to recognize all objects in a fast moving cart.
A method of motion detection by image subtraction uses a simple motion detector to compare each image to the one prior to it by subtracting the value of every pixel from the corresponding pixel in the other image. For very little CPU processing time, the computer can determine if the contents of the image have moved since the prior image (thus termed "motion detection"). When there is no motion in the image, there is no need to run the object recognition engine. When there is motion in the image, a sequence of images should be selected for processing based on the length (in time) of the motion. A simple motion detector is somewhat susceptible to noise and cannot determine the velocity or composition of the object in the image. Without the velocity information, it is impossible to determine the number of images or, more specifically, which images should be processed. In addition, this method cannot tell which direction the motion is in; thus, if someone drops something in front of the camera (vertical motion), the detector would falsely assume the item is passing by. Background motion in general, such as a cashier in the adjacent lane moving around, will also falsely set off the detector.
A method of use of an off-the-shelf motion detector to trigger the camera has the same problem as above of not being able to correctly select an appropriate set of images for the object recognition. The advantage is that the CPU sits completely idle while waiting for images to process, not using much power or generating heat in the meantime.
A method by use of external IR triggers or "trip sensors" provides an accurately-timed image to process, where the center of an item will be in good view. However, velocity information cannot be obtained due to the fact that there is only one measurement in this method. Without knowing the velocity of the item, it is impossible to select an appropriate set of images to process. This method, however, does not use the CPU until it is needed. Using more than one set of IR triggers may provide rudimentary velocity information, but it becomes expensive and prone to human intervention errors.
As can be seen, there is a need for an improved apparatus and method to select which images from a stream of images with which to recognize items, for example, when those items are located on the lower shelf of a shopping cart in the checkout lane of a retail store environment for the automated detection of merchandise.


A method and apparatus for protecting an electrical device using a non-volatile memory cell, such as an STRAM or RRAM memory cell. In some embodiments, a memory element is connected in parallel with a sensor element, where the memory element is configured to be repetitively reprogrammable between a high resistance state and a low resistance state. The memory element is programmed to the low resistance state when the sensor element is in a non-operational state and reprogrammed to the high resistance state when the sensor element is in an operational state.

Data storage devices generally operate to store and retrieve data in a fast and efficient manner. Such devices often incorporate memory elements that can store data in a volatile or non-volatile manner. Volatile memory generally retains data only so long as power continues to be supplied to the device, whereas non-volatile memory continues to retain data in storage even in the application of operational power.
Memory elements can include a wide variety of different types of storage media, such as rotatable storage discs, semiconductor arrays of memory cells, etc. Storage discs are often accessed by transducers which operate to write and/or read back storage patterns to tracks along the discs. Such patterns can be magnetic, optical, magneto-optical, etc.
Due to the complexity of these and other types of electronic devices, it is often desirable to increase device reliability, particularly with regard to the efficiency of testing various electrical components during manufacture.

Sensor protection using a non-volatile memory cell