In one embodiment, an erasing apparatus stores a first feeder unit and an erasing device. A casing of the erasing apparatus supports the first sheet stack and the erasing device slidably in a direction perpendicular to a direction of supplying a sheet from the first sheet stack to the erasing device. The first sheet stack and the erasing device are movable into and out of the casing.

In the past, as an image forming apparatus, there are known apparatuses, e.g., MFPs (Multi-Function Peripherals), having a plurality of functions such as printing functions for printing images on sheets and reading functions for reading documents by using scanners.
The image forming apparatus includes a printer device for the printing function, a scanner device for the reading function, and the like. The printer device, the scanner device, and the like are stored in a main casing.
Further, the image forming apparatus includes a feeder unit that supplies sheets to the printer device. Examples of the feeder unit includes a regular feeder unit that supplies sheets stored in the paper cassette to the printer device, and a large-volume feeder unit capable of storing sheets more than the sheets stored in the regular feeder unit. The regular feeder unit and the large-volume feeder unit are stored in the dedicated casings independent of the main casing.
Depending on the type of usage, the dedicated casing of the feeder unit is connected to the main casing, and the feeder unit functions as a feeder of the image forming apparatus.
For example, the dedicated casing of the regular feeder unit is connected to the lower portion of the main casing. Further, the dedicated casing of the large-volume feeder unit is connected to the dedicated casing of the regular feeder unit of the lower portion.
Alternatively, in place of the dedicated casing of the regular feeder unit, the dedicated casing of the large-volume feeder unit is connected to the lower portion of the main casing.
Further, examples of the image forming apparatus having the plurality of functions include an apparatus having an erasing function. According to the erasing function, the apparatus heats an image printed on a sheet with an erasable toner or the like at a predetermined erasing temperature, for example, and thereby erases the image in order to reuse the sheet on which the image is printed.
The image forming apparatus having the erasing function includes an erasing unit for realizing the erasing function.
The erasing unit is also stored in a dedicated casing independent of the main casing.
The erasing unit is not capable of supplying an erased sheet to the printer device individually.
Because of this, even if the dedicated casing of the erasing unit is connected to the main casing of the image forming apparatus in place of the dedicated casing of the feeder unit, the erasing unit is not capable of supplying the sheet to the printer device.
So, according to a conventional image forming apparatus, even if the erasing unit is used, it is not possible to diversify means for supplying sheets to the printer device.
According to a conventional image forming apparatus, the dedicated casing of the erasing unit is connected to, for example, the lower portion of the dedicated casing of the feeder unit in order that the erasing unit may supply erased sheets to the feeder unit.
According to an another idea, the feeder unit including the paper cassettes and the like and the erasing unit may be embedded in one dedicated casing to thereby integrate the feeder unit and the erasing unit. However, if both the units are integrated, it is necessary to consider how to maintain the units when setting sheets in the paper cassette, when clearing a paper jam of the erasing unit, and the like.

Erasing apparatus and image forming apparatus that uses the erasing apparatus


On a carrier surface, a layer of S-layer proteins is produced as a carrier of functional molecules. A solution containing S-layer proteins in the form of monomers or oligomers is brought into contact with the carrier surface. Electrochemical conditions are produced in the solution such that the S-layer proteins (SU) have an electrical net charge by establishing an electrochemical potential difference between the solution and the carrier surface such that the S-layer proteins accumulate on the carrier surface. A two-dimensional crystalline structure is formed in the layer, and this can occur at a time separate from the deposition of the S-layer proteins, and under different electrochemical conditions.

The production of recrystallized S-layers from crystalline cell surface layers containing proteins (bacterial cell surface layers) on solid or liquid substrates is described, for example, in European Patent 0 154 620 B1 (=U.S. Pat. No. 4,752,395), which specifically relates to the production of multi-layer S-layers of prokaryotes and their use as ultra-filtration membranes.
S-layers are comprised of proteins that occur in prokaryotes as cell wall components, the amino acid sequence of an S-layer protein being generally type-specific or strain-specific; the S-layer proteins are usually simple proteins or glycoproteins. Currently, several hundred bacteria strains are known whose cell surfaces have crystalline structures. The lattice constants of these structures are within the range of approximately 3 to 35 nm, and the S-layers as monomolecular layers for the most part are 3 to 30 nm thick.
Isolated—split off from the original cell—S-layer proteins show the capability of assembling from a solution monomolecular crystal lattices (S-layers), which generally correspond to the crystal structures in the cell wall of an intact cell. Generally, a complete disintegration of S-layers in concentrated solutions of chaotropic agents is achievable by either lowering or raising the pH value. In the reconstitution of the S-layer proteins ("recrystallization"), flat layers, tubular structures such as cylinders and enclosed structures (vesicles) can form—so-called self-assembly products—and specifically as a function of the intrinsic properties of the S-layer proteins and the conditions in the S-layer formation, such as pH value, ion strength and ion composition of the solution; multi-layer S-layers can also form in addition to mono-layers. The formation of the S-layers occurs by self-assembly, because all information for the formation of the S-layer structure is contained in the individual monomers. The S-layers preferably form on boundary layers, for example, on the air/water boundary, on lipid films or on a solid substrate surface such as that of a silicon wafer, an electrode or a synthetic polymer. Due to the specific surface properties of the S-layer protein units, such as charge distribution, hydrophobia, specific interaction with components of the boundary layer, a defined orientation of the S-layer units (monomers, oligomers or small crystallites) occurs in the addition to the boundary layer and incorporation into the S-layer lattice.
S-layers represent highly porous membranes, wherein the pores as a part of the S-layer lattice have a uniform size and shape within the range of approximately 2-6 nm; the porosity can constitute up to 70% of the area. Using S-layer lattices for the immobilization of different molecules, because of the great thickness and defined position and orientation of functional groups that are arranged on the surface of the S-layer units, is known. In order to produce covalent bonds between the S-layer subunits and improve the stability characteristics, S-layer lattices were cross-linked with homobifunctional, amino-group-specific cross-linking agents of various lengths (for example, glutaraldehyde). Many enzymes that were immobilized on activated terminal groups of the S-layer proteins formed a monolayer of tightly arranged molecules on the outer surface of the S-layer lattice. The very specific morphological and biophysical characteristics of S-layer proteins, especially their capability of organizing themselves into monomolecular crystalline lattices that have on their surface a spatially defined arrangement of functional groups and pores of equal sizes and morphology, have led to a broad spectrum of applications in biotechnology, nanotechnology and biometrics.
For further details on S-layers, refer to the article, "Crystalline Bacterial Cell Surface Layers (S-Layers): A Versatile Self-assembly System" by U. B. Sleytr et al., Chapter 5 from "Supramolecular Polymers", ed. A Ciferri, Marcel Dekker Inc., New York 2000 (ISBN 0-8247-0252-2).
A use of S-layers for the production of sensor systems is described by A. Neubauer et al. in Sensors and Actuators B 40 (1997) 231-236. This article deals with deposition of a gold layer on an S-layer by means of the so-called PLD method ("pulse laser deposition", Deposition Using a Pulsed Laser under a High Vacuum Conditions), enzymes such as glucose oxidase having been immobilized on the S-layer beforehand. Additional methods for the deposition of metal layers on S-layers are addressed by, among others, D. Pum et al. in Ber. Bunsenges. Phys. Chem. 101 (1997) 1686-1689 and A. Neubauer et al. in PTB reports P-34 (1998), pp. 75-81. The latter article also discusses the electrochemical deposition of a metal layer (e.g. gold) on an S-layer but with less satisfactory success, because the deposited metal layer has a granular structure that does not correspond to the structure of the S-layer situated beneath it.
In the deposition of an S-layer from a solution that contains S-layer proteins, the S-layer units are deposited directly onto the substrate surface. They are first present unorganized on the surface; the formation of the crystalline structure occurs first in the course of the deposition process, starting in the usual way from crystallization nuclei. Especially if the density of the S-layer proteins on the substrate surface is not yet very large, the individual units can move around on the surface, the mobility being a function of, among other things, the type of the surface. The transition into an ordered structure frequently occurs spontaneously, if S-layer units are deposited in sufficient quantity on the substrate surface. Even after the formation of a crystalline S-layer, dissolved S-layer proteins can precipitate from the solution and attach to the S-layer lattice.
Already in known deposition methods, S-layer units in the solution assemble into S-layers and S-layer self-assembly products of undefined size that remain in solution or suspension or deposit onto the substrate. This operation thus enters into competition with the direct deposition of S-layer units onto the substrate. As a result, controlling the production process of an S-layer turns out to be difficult—especially if a mono layer is to be reliably deposited. Furthermore, the process of S-layer-unit deposition can result in the formation of crystalline double and multiple layers. This process is very disruptive for many applications, because the second (exposed) S-layer is for the most part bonded as a mirror image to the first S-layer (bonded to the substrate surface) and thus masks its functional S-layer domains that are needed for the application.
Moreover, the known methods are in need of improvement with regard to the long-trajectory ordering of the produced S-layer structures. Especially in the crystalline structures that are produced via the aforementioned method, the S-layer structures inevitably contain multiple domains whose expansion is thus rather small. In order to obtain domains of large area, it is desirable to limit the number of domains or the number of nuclei at which point the formation of the crystal structure of the S-layer starts.
European Patent 463 859 A2 describes the deposition of a biomolecular species (e.g. a protein such as glucose oxidase) on a biosensor electrode. In this context, starting from a solution in which the biomolecular species have the same electrical charge signs, a constant current is applied between the biosensor electrode and a counterelectrode, so that the biomolecules migrate between these electrodes to the biosensor electrode and collect there as a film. This publication is thus based on a galvanostatic method in which no consideration is given to a crystal-like ordering of the deposited biomolecules; moreover, the deposited layers, at approximately 1 μm or more, are relatively thick—unlike the actual S-layers in which one or a few (crytalline) monolayers are produced, each of which is 4 to 15 nm thick.
It is therefore the object of the present invention to be able to control the formation of an S-layer and the formation of the S-layer crystal structure in a manner that is an improvement over the known method.

Method of depositing S-layer proteins on a carrier to immobilize functional molecules


A false target distinguishing apparatus includes an image matching unit configured to match coordinate information about an acquired two-dimensional image with coordinate information about an acquired three-dimensional image, a target mapping unit configured to map sensed target information to a matching image matched with the coordinate information, a region-of-interest extraction unit configured to select a target mapped to the matching image as a region of interest and to extract the selected region of interest, and a determination unit configured to perform false target classification/learning by determining whether the extracted region of interest is a false target.

Generally, various systems are installed in a vehicle to protect the driver and the passengers, to assist in driving and to improve ride comfort. These systems are being improved by utilizing various sensors and information communication technologies.
Among such systems, a technique of recognizing a lane using an image sensor through a camera and performing automatic steering has been put into practical use.
An image recognition/processing apparatus provided in a vehicle may detect image information about a driving lane, image information about a following vehicle, and image information about left and right lanes, and then display the image information through a display means to allow the driver to conveniently recognize lanes and to provide situation information on a road along which the vehicle travels and travel information about nearby vehicles.
Also, a sensor fusion system capable of fusing image information and radar information collected through an image sensor and a radar and extracting necessary information from the collected information has recently been developed.
The sensor fusion system is used to provide an autonomous driving system configured to recognize lane information using a camera and control automatic steering of a vehicle or a smart cruise control function of the vehicle.
However, the sensor fusion system fails to distinguish between a guard rail and a road boundary on the road, thereby generating a false target in some cases. In other cases, the sensor fusion system generates a false target due to diffuse reflection of radar electromagnetic waves. Such false targets result in erroneous control of the vehicle.
In addition, in the case of radar data, it is rarely possible to distinguish between real obstacle data and false target data and thus it is difficult to identify a false target. In addition, it is difficult to discriminate the false target based on the radar data because image processing of the radar data is impossible.
Therefore, there is a need for a false target distinguishing apparatus capable of quickly and accurately distinguishing a false target from image information about a vehicle.

Apparatus and method for distinguishing false target in vehicle and vehicle including the same


Ignition apparatus 10 includes high tension ignition cable 56. The cable 56 is of low electrical resistance per unit length. A central core 100 of the cable 56 is formed of carbon fiber filaments. An insulating layer 110 is provided around the core 100. A semiconductor layer 120 is provided around the insulating layer 110. Another insulating layer 130 is provided around the semiconductor layer 120. A layer of yarn around the other insulating layer 130 forms a protecting layer 140. A protective layer 150 of a flame retardant material forms an outer layer of the cable 56. The ignition apparatus 10 also includes one or more of: a field stabilizer device 30 for stabilizing and regulating high tension voltage in the cable 56; resistor spark plugs 60; connectors fitted to ends of the cable 56 that include resistors therein, such as resistor spark plug boots.

This invention relates to ignition apparatus. More particularly, this invention relates to ignition apparatus for a spark-ignition internal combustion engine.
A spark-ignition internal combustion engine conventionally includes a number of spark plugs situated in a cylinder head of the engine for creating a spark in each cylinder thereof. Each spark plug is connected to a respective terminal of a distributor by a respective high tension ignition lead. The phrase "high tension", is used to differentiate electrical components that are used to conduct charge at comparatively high potential from those components that conduct large at comparatively low potential. In the case of a typical automobile engine, high tension components can have a potential difference thereacross measured in kV, such as 25 kV, whereas low tension components would be raised to a potential of tens of volts. In operation, the distributor connects a high voltage across each ignition lead, and hence the respective spark plug, rapidly in succession. This high voltage is sufficient to produce a discharge arc, that is to say a spark, across a respective air gap of each spark plug. During the short-lived existence of the spark, charge flows in an associated ignition lead. The nature of the spark is that high frequency current exists in the lead. This is sometimes referred to as "high frequency noise" and tends to result in radio frequency radiation being emitted by the ignition lead. This radiation is sometimes referred to as radio frequency interference (RFI) as it may interfere with nearby electrical apparatus and thus be problematic. For example, in the case of an automobile, such radiation may interfere with audio equipment of the automobile, such as an in-car Hi-Fi, and may also interfere with computer processing apparatus of the automobile, such as engine management computers.
In an attempt to address this problem, engine and automobile manufactures have sought to use ignition leads with a high electrical resistance. For example, it has been found that use of ignition leads with a resistance of 16 kΩ/m acts to suppress high frequency noise. A drawback of increasing the resistance of ignition cables, however, is that the intensity of the spark may be reduced, resulting in incomplete combustion which in turn leads to reduced power output and increased emissions from the engine. The heating of the ignition leads brought about by their high resistance may also shorten their useful life. There is therefore a trade-off between high frequency noise suppression on the one hand and engine performance and ignition lead life on the other. In attempt to strike the correct balance, at least some international standards limit the resistance of ignition leads to 16 kΩ/m. Thus, the tendency has been for manufacturers to favour leads of high resistance but which are within this limit, for example leads with a resistance of 16 kΩ/m. Such leads, however, still give rise to the drawbacks set out above.
It is an object of at least one embodiment of this invention to address this problem.
Currently-available ignition cables tend to be of one of three different types of construction. The first type includes a highly electrically conductive metal wire, such as copper, to form an electrically conductive core. The second type includes electrically insulating fibres, such as glass or aramid, that are coated with an electrically conductive compound to form the conductive core. The third type also includes electrically insulating fibres, but these are surrounded by a ferrite layer, with a conducting metal wire being wound helically around both the fibres and the ferrite layer to form a core. The wire can be of Ni—Cr alloy, Cu—Sn alloy or stainless steel.
However, each of these types of construction suffers from drawbacks. Drawbacks of the type of construction that uses a copper core include poor resistance to corrosion and poor high frequency noise suppression, together with the resulting cable being rigid and heavy. The second construction type that includes a core formed of insulating fibres coated in a conductor exhibits the undesirable characteristic of an increasing resistance with use. This leads to a worsening of the problems associated with high resistance as set out above. The ferrite layer of the third construction type has poor mechanical properties and is prone to cracking, especially under dynamically varying and tensile forces.
It is an object of at least one embodiment of this invention to address these problems associated with currently-available cables.


The present technology relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, a program, and a mobile body that make it easy to acquire information regarding a convoy of mobile bodies such as vehicles. The information processing apparatus is disposed in a first mobile body, and includes a convoy information detection section, a convoy information generation section, and an output control section. The convoy information detection section detects, based on a first optical signal outputted from a second mobile body preceding the first mobile body, convoy information regarding a convoy of mobile bodies including up to the second mobile body. The convoy information generation section updates the convoy information by adding information regarding the first mobile body to the convoy information. The output control section controls an output section in such a manner as to output a second optical signal to rearward of the first mobile body in accordance with the updated convoy information. The present technology is applicable, for example, to a vehicle designed for autonomous driving.

A previously proposed technology obtains an identification number ID included in optical data received from a preceding vehicle, increments the obtained identification number ID by one, uses the incremented identification number ID as the identification number ID of a host vehicle, and transmits optical data including the identification number ID of the host vehicle to a succeeding vehicle (refer, for example, to PTL 1).

Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and mobile body


Disclosed is an image pick-up device which uses a charge transfer type solid state image pick-up device, and further is provided with a shutter so as to form a high quality picture signal in such a manner that the smear is prevented by prohibiting the incidence of the light on the device while the charge is transferred in the device. Further, the device is driven by a clock signal for still photographing in order to obtain a high quality picture information for one frame surely. Further, the photographing parameter is automatically changed over or the monitor is changed over between the motion picture photographing mode and the still photographing mode.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image pick-up device suited for one shot image pick-up, particularly a picture recording device with improved efficiency and able to provide improved picture quality by use of a solid image sensor in combination with a shutter.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Until now in the case of video cameras using a solid state image sensor, such as the CCD the storage, the transfer and the reading out of the image are carried out at a certain predetermined period.
Consequently, the storage time is constant so that the quality of the picture degrades depending on adverse conditions of an object, such as when the object has a quick motion or high brightness.
Further, even in the case of the conventional frame transfer type CCD, for example, a strong light falls incident on the light sensing part while the charge formed in the light sensing part is transferred to the storage portion, the light is superposed on the charge during the transfer as the noise over a wide range, which causes the smear phenomenon and degrades the picture quality.
Further, in the case of an interline transfer type CCD, although the vertical shift register is shaded, whereby the light of long wave length falls obliquely incident upon the substrate under the vertical shift register so as to produce minority carries so that there is a possibility of the smear in the same way. Particularly the in case of the interline transfer type, the charge in the vertical register is normally transferred by 1 bit at every horizontal period of the TV siganl so that the above problem is very likely to take place.
Further, the device in which the overflow drain gate is provided beside each picture element so as to cut the charge in the light sensing part in order to control the storage timing and the storage time of the photo electron and to transfer the stored charge periodically is known.
In this way, it is possible not only to read out the signal at the TV rate but also to optionally set the storage time. However, if the storage time is shortened in this case, the S/N becomes remarkably inferior as described above in case the smear takes place during the charge transfer.
Further, the conventional video camera is designed for continuous photographing and a satisfactory image signal cannot be obtained if only one shot is desired to be photographed.
Further, when the image pick-up device is provided with a video monitor, it is impossible to confirm the one shot picture image.


A motor for use in a disk drive is disclosed. The motor includes a stator and a rotor. The rotor is rotably coupled to the stator and has an axis of rotation. The rotor includes a disk mounting hub. A plurality of bendable balancing tabs is attached to the rotor. The plurality of bendable balancing tabs includes at least three bendable balancing tabs disposed about the axis of rotation.

The typical hard disk drive includes a head disk assembly (HDA) and a printed circuit board (PCB) attached to a disk drive base of the HDA. The head disk assembly includes at least one disk (such as a magnetic disk, magneto-optical disk, or optical disk), a spindle motor for rotating the disk, and a head stack assembly (HSA). The printed circuit board assembly includes electronics and firmware for controlling the rotation of the spindle motor and for controlling the position of the HSA, and for providing a data transfer channel between the disk drive and its host.
The head stack assembly typically includes an actuator, at least one head gimbal assembly (HGA), and a flex cable assembly. Each HGA includes a head for reading and writing data from and to the disk. In magnetic recording applications, the head typically includes an air bearing slider and a magnetic transducer that comprises a writer and a read element. The magnetic transducer's writer may be of a longitudinal or perpendicular design, and the read element of the magnetic transducer may be inductive or magnetoresistive. In optical and magneto-optical recording applications, the head may include a mirror and an objective lens for focusing laser light on to an adjacent disk surface.
During operation of the disk drive, the actuator must rotate to position the heads adjacent desired information tracks on the disk. The actuator includes a pivot bearing cartridge to facilitate such rotational positioning. One or more actuator arms extend from the actuator body. An actuator coil is supported by the actuator body opposite the actuator arms. The actuator coil is configured to interact with one or more fixed magnets in the HDA, typically a pair, to form a voice coil motor. The printed circuit board assembly provides and controls an electrical current that passes through the actuator coil and results in a torque being applied to the actuator. A crash stop is typically provided to limit rotation of the actuator in a given direction, and a latch is typically provided to prevent rotation of the actuator when the disk dive is not in use.
The spindle motor typically includes a rotor including one or more rotor magnets and a rotating hub on which disks mounted and clamped, and a stator. If more than one disk is mounted on the hub, the disks are typically separated by spacer rings that are mounted on the hub between the disks. Various coils of the stator are selectively energized to form an electromagnetic field that pulls/pushes on the rotor magnet(s), thereby rotating the hub. Rotation of the spindle motor hub results in rotation of the mounted disks.
Excessive imbalance of the disk mounting hub, disk clamp, disk(s), and spacer rings (if any), can cause undesirable disk drive vibrations and associated customer complaints. In extreme cases, such vibrations might even degrade the ability of the actuator to position the heads adjacent desired information tracks on the disk. Therefore, it is advantageous to balance the hub, clamp, disk(s), and spacer rings (if any) while or after they are assembled together. Adding, removing, or moving mass in a single plane normal to the axis or rotation of the hub can counteract a net radial imbalance force on the rotor (i.e. a net imbalance force that would tend to dynamically translate the axis of rotation). Such single plane balancing can be accomplished, for example, by a balancing ring of appropriate size and mass affixed to the top of the disk clamp.
However, balancing in at least two planes is required to counteract both a net radial imbalance force on the rotor and a net tilting moment acting upon the rotor (i.e. a moment that would tend to dynamically tilt the axis of rotation). Such dual plane balancing is often cumbersome and expensive because it requires adding, removing, or moving mass in a second plane that is not easily accessible from the top of the motor hub after assembly of the disk(s), clamp, and spacer rings (if any). If a second balancing ring were placed lower on the hub, there would be insufficient access from the top to conveniently move (i.e. rotate) the second ring after disk drive assembly, for balancing purposes. Moreover, attempting to remove mass deep within the hub after disk assembly is generally impractical because of the likelihood of unacceptable particle generation and/or component damage while removing sufficient mass (especially if the hub is fabricated from a low mass density metal such as aluminum). Therefore, most conventional attempts at dual plane balancing of disk drive rotors have relied upon adding selected masses at different depths within receiving holes pre-bored into the hub. Such methods, although effective, are costly and cumbersome in a high-volume manufacturing environment because of the necessity to track inventory and part numbers for various masses having different desired characteristics (e.g. different mass and/or different center of gravity offset from the bottom of the receiving hole).
Thus, there is a need in the art for an improved balancing structure for a disk drive motor that is suitable for use in a high-volume manufacturing environment.

Disk drive motor having a rotor with at least three bendable balancing tabs


A signal is queued (150) for transmission on a spectrum. An energy level of interference on the spectrum is sensed and, depending on a signal type of the signal (150), a threshold is determined. Then, a threshold comparison between the sensed energy level and the determined threshold is performed, and depending on the threshold comparison, the signal is selectively transmitted on the spectrum.

A spectrum can be accessed by multiple terminals for transmission of signals. In a scheduled system resources on the spectrum are pre-allocated to a certain terminal. Sometimes, however, resources on the spectrum are not pre-allocated to a certain terminal seeking to transmit the signal. Then, collision between multiple terminals attempting to transmit in the same resource can occur. An example is the unlicensed operation of wireless communication.
To mitigate interference, listen before talk operation can be employed. Here, a terminal that intends to transmit a signal on the spectrum first conducts a procedure of channel sensing to conclude whether the spectrum is already used by one or more other terminals. Channel sensing typically includes sensing an energy level of interference on the spectrum. Since a certain energy level will always be sensed, e.g., due to thermal noise, ambient noise, etc., typically, a threshold comparison is performed between the sensed energy level and a threshold. This enables to judge whether the sensed energy level should be considered as an interfering—i.e., currently transmitting—further terminal or not. Sometimes, this threshold is referred to as energy detection threshold.
If the sensed energy level exceeds the energy detection threshold, transmission of the signal can be postponed (back-off procedure). If the sensed energy level does not exceed the threshold, transmission of the signal can commence.
It has been observed that conventional techniques of listen before talk operation tend to suffer from increased latency and/or poor transmission reliability, in particular if the spectrum is accessed by many interfering terminals.

Listen before talk operation with variable threshold


A method and apparatus for playing a trick-taking card game for two or more players that includes two decks of playing cards: a numbered character card deck and a modifier card deck. Each player's goal is to play a card, or combinations of cards, that is/are higher in numerical rank value than their opponents' cards in order to win the trick in each round of play. Players can improve their chance of winning the round by playing, in their turn and in conjunction with one character card, one or more modifying cards that they possess in their hand to increase the numerical rank value of their played character card or decrease the numerical rank value of the other players' cards. Tricks are collected for points in multiple hands comprising a game. The player with the greatest number of points at the end of the game is declared the winner.

Card games have entertained people through the ages. Among their greatest attributes are their highly versatile nature and compact size. In addition, card games are relatively inexpensive to purchase, typically, because play does not usually require additional equipment, such as a game board, token markers, and dice that can contribute to the overall production cost of the game.
A seemingly endless variety of card games have been created over the years; however, most are played with a standard deck of 52 cards that is divided into four different suits, each of which includes cards that rank from Ace (1) to King (13). Cards ranking from Jack (11) to King are considered "face cards" because they are commonly illustrated with people's faces; these cards are sometimes impressed with special value in a game that transcends their high rank value. A standard deck of cards also includes two or more so-called "joker" cards that are awarded special purpose specific to a game—one such purpose being "wild cards" to which any rank value may be applied.
One of the most prolific forms of card games is "trick-taking" games, which have a distinct and common play structure. They are characterized by the concept of a "trick" that is usually a single round of play in which each player contributes one card from her/his hand. Typically, players are only entitled to play one card in their turn and no player is allowed to abstain from playing a card. Once all players have contributed a card to the trick, these cards are removed from play with the points accumulated in the trick being attributed to the player who has played the winning (usually highest value) card. After each trick, one player will be obligated to play the first card of the next trick and, as such, the game continues until all cards have been played and all tricks collected. Although trick-taking games are comparatively simple in structure—hence, relatively straightforward to learn—their immense popularity likely stems from their innate mathematical and strategic components that add considerable complexity to the game; consequently, mastering a trick-taking game can be quite challenging.

Method and apparatus for a trick-taking card game


A robotic welding method for making a heat exchanger having tubes and inlet and outlet headers is disclosed. The headers have planar tubesheets and covers. The planar tubesheets are welded to the inlet and outlet ends of tubes. The tubesheets have two co-linear edge portions and a third edge intersecting a line through the two co-linear edge portions. The tubesheet has interior edges defining holes through which the ends of tubes extend. A robotic welding system is provided, with a sensor, a welding apparatus and a controller for controlling the movement and operation of the welding apparatus. The tubesheet is scanned to find the first and second co-linear edge portions, the third intersecting edge portion, and the face of the tubesheet. An actual origin is defined at the intersection of a first line through the first two co-linear edge portions found through scanning and a second line perpendicular to the line through the co-linear edge portions and extending through the third intersecting edge portion found through scanning and lying on the plane of the tubesheet face. The welding apparatus is moved to weld the tubesheet and tubes together. The positions of the welds are based upon the location of the actual origin of the tubesheet relative to the robotic system. After the tubesheet has been welded to the tube ends, the cover is welded to the tubesheet. The robotic welding system uses the same coordinate system that it has defined and performs additional scans of the cover to determine two points on each of the side faces of the cover and one point and each of the cover's end faces. The welding apparatus then welds the cover to the tubesheet along the edges of the cover faces.

Heat exchangers and other devices typically include a stack of bent tubes connected at their ends to flat tubesheets that are welded to another sheet metal product to form a fluid header. The tube ends and flat tubesheets must usually be welded, and the welds must not only provide a joint with sufficient structural strength to join the pieces, but must also provide a water or fluid-tight seal so that the fluid may transfer between the header and the individual tubes without leaking.
In a typical coil for a heat exchanger, there may be more than fifty tubes to be welded to the tubesheet. Considering that there are typically two similar headers for each coil, there may be well over one-hundred welds to be performed. Manual welding of so many joints is time consuming and therefore potentially expensive. However, implementation of robotic welding has been difficult. Given the need for fluid tight seals, it is necessary that each weld completely surround each junction of a tube end and the tubesheet. Given the size of the coils, manipulation of the coil for accurate welding has been problematic, and it is difficult and expensive to attempt to make a fixture that would hold such bulky workpieces repeatedly and consistently in the same position with respect to a welding machine so that such fluid-tight welds could be produced.
Attempts to achieve consistent, reproducible welds in mass production through use of commercially available robotic systems have also met with problems. It has remained difficult to achieve acceptable fluid-tight welds in successive combinations of tubes and tubesheets.


Sag of a power signal delivered to of an amplifier is controlled. The maximum amount of sag is limited to limit crossover distortion. A measuring circuit monitors an observed signal to generate a measured signal. A sag control circuit receives the measured signal and one or more input control signals, and in response generates a sag control signal. A regulator circuit receives the sag control signal and a raw power supply signal and in response generates a regulated DC power supply signal for the amplifier. The regulator circuit decreases the maximum power available to the amplifier as the sag control signal magnitude increases, so as to increase distortion and compression in the output signal (e.g., and achieve a "warm", "airy" or "forgiving" sound quality resembling or improving the sound of a vacuum tube amplifier).

This invention relates to electronic power supplies, including power supplies used in amplifiers for musical instruments and sound reproduction, and more particularly to the variable control of the static operating point and dynamic behavior of power supplies for electronic amplifiers.
Musical instrument amplifiers function to not only increase the power of an input signal presented to the amplifier in order to drive a speaker or other load but also to modify the signal through the introduction of distortion and compression. The usual method of introducing distortion and compression is to configure the amplifier to produce so much gain that one or more of the amplification stages within the amplifier are driven beyond the limits of linear operation. Simply making an amplifier with exceeding amounts of gain, however, ignores the intricate dynamics that occur when an amplifier is driven to and beyond the limit. In particular, the power supply's interaction with the amplifier's operation has a substantial impact on the sound coloration produced by the amplifier.
Audio amplifiers, for both musical instruments and sound reproduction, have power supplies that usually include a transformer having its primary winding connected to AC line voltage supplied by a power company. The transformer's secondary usually consists of three windings. The first winding is used to produce the high positive DC voltage, and it is normally considered the amplifier's main power supply. The second winding, which may either be a completely separate winding or a section of the first winding, is used to create a negative DC bias voltage for the power tubes in the amplifier. The third winding is used to supply power to the tube heaters. The present invention is concerned with the amplifier's main power supply which is referred to herein as the "power supply."

Variable control of electronic power supplies


In one embodiment, the quality of experience for a multi-part conference call is determined. Values for network characteristics for a conference call between at least three parties is captured using a multi-party conference call system. The network characteristics encompasses at least parameters expressed in an E-Model R-Factor equation. A quality of experience (QoE) is determined that accounts for degradation effects. The determined QoE is represented as a corrected mean opinion score (MOS) perceived by the receiving party. A controllable parameter of the conference call is dynamically and automatically modified to positively affect the determined QoE of the receiving party when the QoS is below a designated minimal QoE threshold.

The present invention relates to the field of conference calls and, more particularly, to the quality of experience (QoE) determination for multi-party VoIP conference calls that account for focus degradation effects.
In recent years, the use of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) for voice communications has proliferated in both the private and corporate sectors. The success achieved by basic two-party VoIP communication, in terms of reliability and cost-savings, has encouraged multi-party (i.e., three or more party) VoIP conferencing products like SKYPE. Maintaining a good quality of experience (QoE) for the participants of the conference call is a priority and a challenge for multi-party VoIP conference call systems, as the QoE is typically directly related to use and revenue.
Conventional approaches to monitoring the QoE of a multi-party conference call utilize the same processes as two-party or peer-to-peer conference calls. Thus, conventional approaches fail to address differences in degradation factors between the multiple connections. That is, the network connection between User A and User B is subject to a first set degradation factors; the connection between User A and User C a second set of degradation factors; and so on.
Further, in multi-party conference call systems that utilize a centralized connection topology, these conventional approaches fail to take into account negative effects of the focus (e.g., the central point of control that all communications pass through) upon the QoE of the conference call. This centralized focus component transcodes a received signal before re-encoding and distributing the signal to the other parties. The transcoding process, therefore, affects the signal provided to a user, and, by extension, the QoE perceived by that user.

Quality of experience determination for multi-party VoIP conference calls that account for focus degradation effects

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION


The present invention provides a nanospray means and method for use in mass analysis instruments. Specifically, a nanospray assembly is composed in part of a base, union, retainer, and nanospray needle, and an entrance cap, first capillary section, and union. Adjustments to the position of the nanospray needle within this assembly are made independent of the remainder of the ion source. The nanospray assembly is integrated with the remainder of the source by joining the first capillary section (of the nanospray assembly) with a second capillary section which is fixed in the body of the source.

The present invention relates to electrospray devices for use in mass spectrometry. Mass spectrometry is an important tool in the analysis of a wide range of chemical compounds. Specifically, mass spectrometers can be used to determine the molecular weight of sample compounds. The analysis of samples by mass spectrometry consists of three main steps—formation of ions from sample material, mass analysis of the ions to separate the ions from one another according to ion mass, and detection of the ions. A variety of means exist in the field of mass spectrometry to perform each of these three functions. The particular combination of means used in a given spectrometer determine the characteristics of that spectrometer.
To mass analyze ions, for example, one might use a magnetic (B) or electrostatic (E) analyzer. Ions passing through a magnetic or electrostatic field will follow a curved path. In a magnetic field the curvature of the path will be indicative of the momentum-to-charge ratio of the ion. In an electrostatic field, the curvature of the path will be indicative of the energy-to-charge ratio of the ion. If magnetic and electrostatic analyzers are used consecutively, then both the momentum-to-charge and energy-to-charge ratios of the ions will be known and the mass of the ion will thereby be determined. Other mass analyzers are the quadrupole (Q), the ion cyclotron resonance (ICR), the time-of-flight (TOF), and the quadrupole ion trap analyzers.
Before mass analysis can begin, however, gas phase ions must be formed from sample material. If the sample material is sufficiently volatile, ions may be formed by electron ionization (EI) or chemical ionization (CI) of the gas phase sample molecules. For solid samples (e.g. semiconductors, or crystallized materials), ions can be formed by desorption and ionization of sample molecules by bombardment with high energy particles. Secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), for example, uses keV ions to desorb and ionize sample material. In the SIMS process a large amount of energy is deposited in the analyte molecules. As a result, fragile molecules will be fragmented. This fragmentation is undesirable in that information regarding the original composition of the sample—e.g., the molecular weight of sample molecules—will be lost.
For more labile, fragile molecules, other ionization methods now exist. The plasma desorption (PD) technique was introduced by Macfarlane et al. in 1974 (Macfarlane, R. D.; Skowronski, R. P.; Torgerson, D. F., Biochem. Biophys. Res Commoun. 60 (1974) 616). Macfarlane et al. discovered that the impact of high energy (MeV) ions on a surface, like SIMS would cause desorption and ionization of small analyte molecules, however, unlike SIMS, the PD process results also in the desorption of larger, more labile species—e.g., insulin and other protein molecules.
Lasers have been used in a similar manner to induce desorption of biological or other labile molecules. See, for example, VanBreeman, R. B. : Snow, M.: Cotter, R. J., Int. J. Mass Spectrom. Ion Phys. 49 (1983) 35; Tabet, J. C.; Cotter, R. J., Anal. Chem. 56 (1984) 1662; or Olthoff, J. K.; Lys, I.: Demirev, P.: Cotter, R. J., Anal. Instrument. 16 (1987) 93. Cotter et al. modified a CVC 2000 time-of-flight mass spectrometer for infrared laser desorption of involatile biomolecules, using a Tachisto (Needham, Mass.) model 215G pulsed carbon dioxide laser. The plasma or laser desorption and ionization of labile molecules relies on the deposition of little or no energy in the analyte molecules of interest. The use of lasers to desorb and ionize labile molecules intact was enhanced by the introduction of matrix assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) (Tanaka, K.; Waki, H.; Ido, Y.; Akita, S.; Yoshida, Y.; Yoshica, T., Rapid Commun. Mass Spectrom. 2 (1988) 151 and Karas, M.; Hillenkamp, F., Anal. Chem. 60 (1988) 2299). In the MALDI process, an analyte is dissolved in a solid, organic matrix. Laser light of a wavelength that is absorbed by the solid matrix but not by the analyte is used to excite the sample. Thus, the matrix is excited directly by the laser, and the excited matrix sublimes into the gas phase carrying with it the analyte molecules. The analyte molecules are then ionized by proton, electron, or cation transfer from the matrix molecules to the analyte molecules. This process, MALDI, is typically used in conjunction with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOFMS) and can be used to measure the molecular weights of proteins in excess of 100,000 daltons.
Atmospheric pressure ionization (API) includes a number of methods. Typically, analyte ions are produced from liquid solution at atmospheric pressure. One of the more widely used methods, known as electrospray ionization (ESI), was first suggested by Dole et al. (M. Dole, L. L. Mack, R. L. Hines, R. C. Mobley, L. D. Ferguson, M. B. Alice, J. Chem. Phys. 49, 2240, 1968). In the electrospray technique, analyte is dissolved in a liquid solution and sprayed from a needle. The spray is induced by the application of a potential difference between the needle (where the liquid emerges) and a counter electrode. By subjecting the emerging liquid to a strong electric field, it becomes charged, and as a result, it "breaks up" into smaller particles if the charge imposed on the liquid's surface is strong enough to overcome the surface tension of the liquid (i.e., as the particles attempt to disperse the charge and return to a lower energy state). This results in the formation of fine, charged droplets of solution containing analyte molecules. These droplets further evaporate leaving behind bare charged analyte ions.
Electrospray mass spectrometry (ESMS) was introduced by Yamashita and Fein (M. Yamashita and M. B. Fein, J. Phys. Chem. 88, 4671, 1984). To establish this combination of ESI and MS, ions had to be formed at atmospheric pressure, and then introduced into the vacuum system of a mass analyzer via a differentially pumped interface. The combination of ESI and MS afforded scientists the opportunity to mass analyze a wide range of samples, and ESMS is now widely used primarily in the analysis of biomolecules (e.g. proteins) and complex organic molecules.
In the intervening years a number of means and methods useful to ESMS and API-MS have been developed. Specifically, much work has focused on sprayers and ionization chambers. In addition to the original electrospray technique, pneumatic assisted electrospray, dual electrospray, and nano electrospray are now also widely available. Pneumatic assisted electrospray (A. P. Bruins, T. R. Covey, and J. D. Henion, Anal. Chem. 59, 2642, 1987) uses nebulizing gas flowing past the tip of the spray. needle to assist in the formation of droplets. The nebulization gas assists in the formation of the spray and thereby makes the operation of the electrospray ionization (ESI) easier. Nano electrospray (M. S. Wilm, M. Mann, Int. J. Mass Spectrom. Ion Processes 136, 167, 1994; and M. Mann & M. S. Wilm, U.S. Pat. No. 5,504,329) employs a much smaller diameter needle than the original electrospray. As a result the flow rate of sample to the tip is lower and the droplets in the spray are finer. However, the ion signal provided by nano electrospray in conjunction with MS is essentially the same as with the original electrospray. Nano electrospray is therefore much more sensitive with respect to the amount of material necessary to perform a given analysis.
Many other ion production methods might be used at atmospheric or elevated pressure. For example, MALDI has recently been adapted by Victor Laiko and Alma Burlingame to work at atmospheric pressure (Atmospheric Pressure Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization, poster #1121, 4th International Symposium on Mass Spectrometry in the Health and Life Sciences, San Francisco, Aug. 25–29, 1998) and by Standing et al. at elevated pressures (Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry of Biomolecules with Orthogonal Injection+Collisional Cooling, poster #1272, 4th International Symposium on Mass Spectrometry in the Health and Life Sciences, San Francisco, Aug. 25–29, 1998; and Orthogonal Injection TOFMS Anal. Chem. 71(13), 452A (1999)). The benefit of adapting ion sources in this manner is that the ion optics and mass spectral results are largely independent of the ion production method used.
An elevated pressure ion source always has an ion production region (wherein ions are produced) and an ion transfer region (wherein ions are transferred through differential pumping stages and into the mass analyzer). The ion production region is at an elevated pressure—most often atmospheric pressure—with respect to the analyzer. The ion production region will often include an ionization "chamber". In an ESI source, for example, liquid samples are "sprayed" into the "chamber" to form ions.
The design of the ionization chamber used in conjunction with API-MS has had a significant impact on the availability and use of these ionization methods with MS. Prior art ionization chambers are inflexible to the extent that a given ionization chamber can be used readily with only a single ionization method and a fixed configuration of sprayers. For example, in order to change from a simple electrospray method to a nano electrospray method of ionization, one had to remove the electrospray ionization chamber from the source and replace it with a nano electrospray chamber (see also, Gourley et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,753,910, entitled Angled Chamber Seal for Atmospheric Pressure Ionization Mass Spectrometry). In a co-pending application, entitled, Ionization Chamber For Atmospheric Pressure Ionization, this problem is addressed by disclosing an API ionization chamber providing multiple ports for employing multiple devices in a variety of combinations (e.g., any type of sprayer, lamp, microscope, camera or other such device in various combinations). Further, any given sprayer may produce ions in a manner that is synchronous or asynchronous with the spray from any or all of the other sprayers. By spraying in an asynchronous manner, analyte from a multitude of inlets may be sampled in a multiplexed manner.
Analyte ions produced via an API method need to be transported from the ionization region through regions of-differing pressures and ultimately to a mass analyzer for subsequent analysis (e.g., via time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOFMS), Fourier transform mass spectrometry (FTMS), etc.). In prior art sources, this was accomplished through use of a small orifice or capillary tube between the ionization region and the vacuum region. An example of such a prior art capillary tube is shown in FIG. 1. As depicted, capillary 7 comprises a generally cylindrical glass tube 2 having an internal bore 4. The ends of capillary 7 include a metal coating (e.g., platinum, copper, etc.) to form conductors 5 which encompass the outer surface of capillary 7 at its ends, leaving a central aperture 6 such that the entrance and exit to internal bore 3 are left uncovered. Conductors 5 may be connected to electrical contacts (not shown) in order to maintain a desired space potential at each end of capillary 7. In operation, a first electrode (one of conductors 5) of capillary 7 may be maintained at an extreme negative potential (e.g. −4,500V), while the other electrode (the other of conductors 5), which may form the first stage of a multi-stage lensing system for the final direction of the ions to the spectrometer, may be maintained at a positive potential (e.g., 160 volts).
It is often observed that the capillaries used in MS analysis acquire deposits over time. One major consideration in this respect is the formation of large droplets as part of the electrospray process of analyte solution at the spray needle. Such droplets do not readily evaporate. If these droplets enter the capillary, they may cause the capillary to become contaminated with a residue of analyte molecules and salts. Therefore, through normal operation the capillaries need to be regularly cleaned or even replaced. To do so, the MS system must be turned off before the capillary can be removed—requiring the pumps to be shut down and the vacuum system to be broken—thereby rendering the system unavailable for hours and even days at a time.
Recently, Lee et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,965,883 attempted to solve this problem in the manner shown by FIG. 2. Shown in FIG. 2 is capillary 8 which comprises an outer capillary sleeve 9 surrounding an inner capillary tube 10. Sleeve 9 has substantially cylindrical inner surface 11 and outer surface 14. Similarly, tube 10 has substantially cylindrical inner surface 12 and outer surface 13. The innermost channel, or bore, of capillary 8 is substantially formed by inner surface 12 of tube 10. Capillary 8 is substantially radially symmetrical about its central longitudinal axis 15 extending from an upstream end 16 to a downstream end 17. At each end, capillary 8 has a conductive end cap 18 comprising the unitary combination of a tubular body 19 having cylindrical inner 20 and outer 21 surfaces and an end plate 22 having inner 23 and outer 24 surfaces with a central aperture. The body of end cap 18 encompasses and is in circumferential engagement with a reduced diameter portion 25 of the sleeve 9 adjacent the end of the capillary 8. The external diameter of external cap surface 21 is substantially the same as the external sleeve surface 14.
In order to remove tube 10, end cap 18 at the upstream end of capillary 8 is first removed. A removal tool (not shown) is inserted into the tube as to engage the tube's inner surface 12. It is further suggested by the prior art that in order to remove tube 10 it may be necessary to apply a slight torque orthogonal to axis 15, or other appropriate means such as bonding a removal tool to the tube using an adhesive. Once the tube is withdrawn, a replacement tube may be inserted into sleeve 9. However, this too is difficult and cumbersome, requiring tools to remove and replace the inner capillary tube.
In a co-pending application, the design and use of a multiple part capillary is described. With reference first to FIG. 3, shown is multiple part capillary 35 according to the preferred embodiment of the co-pending application. As depicted in FIG. 3, multiple part capillary 35 comprises: first section 28 having capillary inlet end 26 and first channel 27; union 29 having o-ring 31; second section 33 having second channel 32 and capillary outlet end 34; and metal coatings 30A and 30B. First section 28 is connected to second section 33 by union 29. In the preferred embodiment according to the co-pending application, union 29 is substantially cylindrical having two coaxial bores, 60 and 61, and through hole 62 of the same diameter as channels 26 and 32. Section 28 and union 29 are preferably composed of metal (e.g., stainless steel). The inner diameter of bore 60 and the outer diameter of section 28 are chosen to achieve a "press fit" when section 28 is inserted into bore 60. Because the press fit is designed to be tight, union 29 is thereby strongly affixed to section 28 and a gas seal is produced between union 29 and section 28 at the surface of bore 60.
The inner diameter of bore 61 is of slightly larger diameter than the outer diameter of section 33 (including metal coating 30A) so as to produce a "slip fit" between union 29 and section 33. A gas seal is established between bore 61 and section 33 via o-ring 31. Electrical contact is also established between metal coating 30A, union 29, and section 28 via direct physical contact between the three. Through hole 62 allows for the transmission of gas from entrance end 26 through to exit end 34 of the capillary. Ideally, union 29 and sections 28 and 33 are formed in such a way as to eliminate any "dead volume" between these components. To accomplish this, the ends of sections 28 and 33 are formed to be flush with the inner surface of union 29. Note that the body of section 33—excluding metal coatings 30A and 30B—is composed of glass in the preferred embodiment. As a result, metal coating 30A—together with union 29 and section 28—can be maintained at a different electrical potential than metal coating 30B.
Alternatively, union 29, and sections 28 and 33 may be composed of a variety of materials, either conducting or non-conducting; the outer diameters of the sections may differ substantially from one another; the inner diameters of the sections may differ substantially from one another; either or both ends or any or all sections may be covered with a metal or other coating; rather than a coating, the ends or capillary sections may be covered with a cap composed of metal or other material; the capillary may be composed of more than two sections always with one fewer union than sections; and the union may be any means for removably securing the sections of capillary together and providing an airtight seal between these sections.
In a preferred embodiment of the capillary according to the co-pending application, the length of first section 28 is less than (even substantially less than) the length of second section 33. More specifically, the dimensions of first section 28 and second section 33 are such that within a range of desired pressure differentials across capillary 35, a gas flow rate within a desired range will be achieved. For example, the length of second section 33 and the internal diameter of second channel 32 are such that the gas transport across second section 33 alone (i.e., with first section 28 removed) at the desired pressure differential will not overload the pumps which generate the vacuum in the source chamber of the system. This allows the removal (e.g., for cleaning or replacement) of first section 28 of capillary 35 without shutting down the pumping system of the mass spectrometer.
Turning next to FIG. 4, an alternate embodiment of capillary 35 is shown wherein capillary section 28 has a serpentine internal channel 64. That is, the geometric structure of the internal channel of the capillary section is sinusoidal. Of course, other geometrical structures (i.e., helical, varying diameter, non-uniform, etc.) may be used in accordance with the invention. Having sinusoidal internal channel 64 causes larger particles—such as droplets from an electrospray—to collide with the walls of the channel and thereby not pass completely through the capillary. On the other hand, smaller particles—such as fully desolvated electrosprayed ions—do not collide with the walls and pass completely through the capillary. The curved (or sinusoidal) geometry of channel 64 also increases the length of the channel, which provides the advantage of permitting a larger diameter channel. Such a larger diameter channel may be advantageous in that it may provide greater acceptance of sampled species (e.g., electrosprayed ions, etc.) at a given flow rate and pressure differential. Alternatively, a sinusoidal—or any other geometry—channel may be used in either first section 28 or second section 33, or both.
As discussed above, having such a curved channel tends to limit the passage of droplets through first section 28. As a result, the multiple part capillary according to the co-pending application limits the contamination to the first section. Although second section 33 might not be removable without shutting down the vacuum system, first section 28 can be removed for cleaning. Limiting contamination to section 28 is thus valuable in the maintenance and use of the instrument of which the capillary is a part. The multiple part capillary according to the co-pending application thus has advantages over prior art that it is easy to remove the first section of capillary, removal of the first section of capillary does not require that the vacuum system of the instrument be shut down, and most if not all contamination of the capillary can be limited to the first capillary section.
Prior art designs for the transfer capillary as discussed with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2 also have inherent limitations relating to geometry, orientation, and ease of use. The capillary according to these prior art designs is substantially fixed in the source. Only if the instrument—or at least the source—is vented to atmospheric pressure can the capillary be removed. The geometric relation of the capillary is therefore fixed with respect to the source and all its components. This implies that the ion production means (e.g., an electrospray needle, atmospheric pressure chemical ionization sprayer, or MALDI probe) must be positioned with respect to the capillary entrance. In order to change from one ion production means to another (e.g., from an electrospray needle to a nano electrospray needle) the first means must be removed from the vicinity of the capillary entrance and the second must then be properly positioned with respect to the capillary entrance. For any production means, there will be an optimum geometry between the means and the capillary entrance at which the ion current passing into the analyzer is maximized. To achieve this optimum, a positioning means must be provided for positioning the ion production means with respect to the capillary entrance. This might take the form of precision machined components, a translation stage on which the ion production means is mounted, or some other device.
This limitation is exemplified in the prior art design of Valaskovic et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,788,166. Valaskovic et al. disclose the prior art nanoelectrospray design shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a nanospray needle 63 is glued onto the end of the mount 65, which is turn is attached to an X, Y, Z stage 70 for fine positioning with respect to the capillary inlet 66 which leads to mass analyzer 68. Flow through the tip 72 of the ESI needle is monitored by a microscope 74 with assistance from an illuminator 76. Needle mount 65 includes an insulating portion 78, and an electrical contact 80. A positive or negative inlet potential is applied from a power supply 82 through the copper contact 80 to the needle tip 72 for effecting electrospray into the capillary inlet 66. To deliver analyte to distal end 84 of ESI needle 63, capillary 86 of glass or plastic is provided which is filled with analyte 88. This process is very difficult, requiring the needle to be prepared, then glued onto the end of a mount and positioned with the help of a microscope and illuminator.
The nanospray device and methods associated therewith typically employ single use nanospray needles. Such a nanospray needle is typically loaded with the sample solution from its distal using a micropipette. Because the capillaries employed are single use, each capillary has to be assembled into the setup and precisely positioned—using the X,Y,Z translation stage and set-up—with respect to capillary 66 after each sample loading. This also adds a significant amount of time to the analysis of any given sample. Also, because a new capillary is used for each analysis, and because each new capillary is independently positioned with the translation stage, experiment conditions are not reproducible with great accuracy from one analysis to another.
Applicant has recognized the need for a nanospray apparatus and method wherein positioning of the nanospray needle with respect to the capillary and experimental conditions in general are more reproducible and wherein the apparatus is easier to use than in prior art. This would result in more consistent and reproducible results.
A nanospray device according to the present invention includes the use of a multiple part capillary. The first section of capillary is integrated in the nanospray assembly. As a result the positioning of the nanospray needle with respect to the capillary entrance is easier to achieve reproducibly than in prior art nanospray devices and requires no lamp or microscope as detailed with respect to the prior art of FIGS. 5 and 6. Further, as a consequence of the use of the multiple part capillary, the nanospray assembly is easy to remove from the instrument and easy to clean.

Method and apparatus for a nanoelectrosprayer for use in mass spectrometry


A data processing apparatus includes a processor configured to receive an interrupt request that is a trigger for execution of an interrupt process executed by the processor; store the received interrupt request to a recording area; calculate based on a time when the interrupt request is received and particular time information read from the recording area, a predicted time when a subsequent interrupt request is to be received; detect a thread to be executed by the processor, among executable threads of the processor; judge based on the calculated predicted time and a current time, whether there is a possibility of the interrupt process being executed while the detected thread is under execution; decide based on a judgment result, whether to execute the detected thread on the processor; and execute the detected thread on the processor, based on a decision result.

Recently, multi-programming technologies are present that cause multiple programs to run on a single central processing unit (CPU). Specifically, an operating system (OS) has a function of dividing the processing period of the CPU. Threads are assigned to the resulting sub-periods, whereby the CPU runs the multiple threads. A program is executed in units of threads.
For example, according to a related technology, an electronic device has a normal mode and an energy-saving mode as operation modes, and switches the operation modes with consideration of the power consumed for a transition process and a recovery process to switch the operation mode (for example, refer to Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2006-72991).
Nonetheless with the conventional technologies above, the bus becomes occupied when a thread that frequently performs data transmission to memory is executed. Here, even if a CPU receives an interrupt request and attempts to cause another CPU to execute an interrupt process, the CPU cannot cause the other CPU to execute the interrupt process until the bus is released, causing response performance to drop. Further, when a thread that frequently issues an interrupt prohibit instruction is executed, the interrupt process cannot be executed, causing the response performance to drop.

Data processing apparatus, transmitting apparatus, transmission control method, scheduling method, and computer product


A dental laser assembly is disclosed for use in eradicating carious lesions in teeth, the treatment of sensitive teeth, as well as the removal of soft tissue, the incising of the frenum, opurculum, anestesia of the tooth, etching enamel for restorations or orthodontic appliance fixation, the welding of fixed prosthesis, removal of bacterial flora periodontal pockets, removal and/or vaporization of healthy or necrotic pulp, the vertical and/or horizontal condensation of gutta percha or any other root canal sealant, the cauterization of blood vessels in the oral cavity, vaporizing bone tissue, removing tartar, apical fusion of foramina, enlarging and shaping root canal, removing carbon from surface of teeth, removal of enamel, bleaching teeth, etching dentin, separating orthodontic brackets, merging hydroxyapatite to bone and enamel, amalgam removal and undercutting of carious and/or healthy dentin and/or cementum. The laser assembly includes a housing having a cavity in which a pulsed laser in contained. The laser is excited so that the laser emits a laser beam along a predetermined axis that is in line with a fiber optic delivery system and at a pulse rate of one to 10,000 pulses per second and an average power variable from one tenth to 50 watts. A handpiece is dimensioned to be inserted into a human mouth while an optical fiber optically connects the laser output to the handpiece. The laser assembly also includes a continuous output aiming laser which, upon activation, provides a continuous laser aiming beam coaxial to the treatment beam. Both beams are then introduced into a fiber optic delivery system.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to laser assemblies and, more particularly, to a laser assembly particularly suited for dental applications such as the eradication of carious lesions, the treatment of sensitive teeth, and the removal of soft tissue.
II. Description of the Prior Art
There have been a number of previously known Neodymium doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (Nd:YAG) laser systems that have been used for medical surgical applications. These previously known laser systems typically have been constructed to provide very high average powers, i.e. in the range of 60 to 100 watts of continuous power. Consequently, these previously known systems have required high power electrical supply systems, typically 220 volts.
There have been a number of disadvantages to these previously known Nd:YAG systems. One disadvantage is that these systems are heavy and difficult to move and also require substantial cooling systems in order to cool the laser head and the power supply. Furthermore, since such systems are typically powered by 220 volt line current, it has been necessary to install separate electrical receptacles for these previously known systems.
These previously known systems oftentimes use fiber optic delivery having a simple focusing lens at the output from the fiber optic. In some systems, contact tips were used to deliver the laser power to the target site. These previously known delivery systems, however, had been somewhat bulky and difficult to use.
To date, there has never been a Nd:YAG laser system particularly suited for dental laser applications. Such applications include the eradication of carious lesions, the treatment of sensitive teeth, as well as the removal of soft tissue.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,818,230 to Myers et al. is commonly owned with this patent and discloses a method for removing decay from teeth. In the Myers' patent, the power levels of the laser was limited to 100 millijoules per pulse for fear of causing pain for the patient by heating the tooth. New research and new applications, however, have made it necessary to consider higher powers and pulse repetition rates.

Method for enlarging and shaping a root canal


The invention relates to a device interface board for testing chips, which is cooperatively installed with one of a plurality of probe cards. Each of the plurality of probe cards is provided with a specified wiring area and a first public signal area, the specified wiring area being electrically connected with the first public signal area. The first public signal area of each of the plurality of probe cards is located in a same particular area, and the specified wiring area of each of the plurality of probe cards is electrically connected with a testing jig and is different depending on a different testing jig. The device interface board comprises a chip test area and a second public signal area, in which the chip test area is used to carry a chip under test and is electrically connected with the second public signal area, whereby, through electrical connection between the device interface board and the first public signal area of each of the plurality of probe cards, test signals are transferred between the testing jig and the chip under test, and testing of chips under test having the same model are accomplished between different testing jigs.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a shared board for signal interface, particularly to a device interface board for use in testing chips to share probes cards/load board with different models of testing jigs.
2. Background of the Invention
When a wafer testing factory is proceeding with testing a huge number of chips, allocation of the capacity of the testing jigs and internal factors of the factory will be taken into consideration. Therefore, in order to increase the production capacity of the factory and reduce idle of the testing jigs, devices of a tester A may be transferred to a testing jig B for cooperatively testing.
However, as chips under test with the same model are tested in different testing jigs, modifications respectively on hardware and software are needed so as to correspond to different specifications and arrangement of the different testing jigs, such as redesigning a load board and a probe card and modifying program used in a testing jig. Nevertheless, it takes much time during modifications and also needs some time for testing after modifications. It's cost lots of time and money. That's a disadvantage situation for both customers and the factory.
There is an urgent need to develop a conversion board capable of sharing different testing jigs of the factory such that it is unnecessary to redesign the software and hardware of the testing jigs and is capable of directly testing the chips under test.

Sharing conversion board for testing chips


A portable three-dimensional position and velocity data archiving system for use with an aircraft during flight testing and evaluations. The system includes a ground based system and an airborne system. Each system includes a GPS receiver electrically connected with a GPS antenna for receiving and interpreting GPS signals transmitted from a GPS satellite constellation. Each system also includes a radio communication device for transferring position and velocity data as well as error correction data and guidance cues between the ground and airborne systems. The portable system acquires, processes, archives, and provides precise three-dimensional position and velocity data for the aircraft in real time. Information regarding aircraft position, direction, velocity, acceleration and any correction needs referenced to a selected coordinate system is immediately presented to a vehicle piloting crew on analog as well as digital indicators.

Three dimensional positioning systems are commonly used when testing an aircraft to meet certain flight requirements as well as for certain flight and noise certifications. These positioning systems provide information and data regarding the aircraft position relative to other locations and factors during the test. Some of these other factors may include aircraft velocity, acceleration and orientation.
Flight tests and certification requirements may be made internally by the developer or purchaser of the aircraft, or required by governmental agencies such as those of the Federal Aviation Administration or the military. These tests and certification requirements are often custom flight tests, being specifically configured for the aircraft being evaluated, the test being performed, and the location or range of the test, among other factors.
The flight test applicant is typically required to show certain flight profile data in three-dimensional space. This data may include height above ground and distance from take-off point and/or the point in space at which a simulated engine failure occurs. In addition to the flight profile height and distance data, airspeed (velocity), rate of climb, engine power and take-off weight, among others must also be documented. Other test requirements may also be necessary. For example, the Federal Aviation Administration places strict wind limitations on flight tests in addition to requiring the flight profile data to be demonstrated over a range of density altitudes.
In general, flight tests and certifications and particularly, certain Federal Aviation Administration certification flight tests, require or are more easily accomplished, with the availability of highly accurate three-dimensional aircraft positioning and tracking data. In addition, these tests and certifications could greatly benefit from position and velocity feedback to the flight crew. This feedback, in the form of guidance cues could, for example, be used to correct any deviations from the required test flight plan.
Aircraft test programs, such as Federal Aviation Regulation Part 36, Appendix H, "noise certification" could also be greatly enhanced through the use of a highly accurate three-dimensional flight data and guidance system. In this particular certification test program, three precision flight profiles are required: level fly over; approach to landing; and the six degree approach to landing. Historically, the six degree approach to landing has been the most difficult to perform within the regulatory specifications. However, each of these tests requires the flight crew to accomplish difficult flight maneuvers, often with little ground or instrument positioning support.
Another area of flight testing that requires high accuracy three-dimensional aircraft position and velocity data is with instrument flight rules systems certification testing. Federal regulations are currently changing to allow use of global positioning systems navigation equipment to aid in instrument flights. Certification of the equipment that a pilot uses to stay on his assigned precision approach or departure flight path will require a highly accurate and efficient testing system to prove the applicant's product is capable of meeting the Federal Aviation Administration guidelines.
Some of these precision approach test paths are being designed which resemble long funnels having several turns, constantly decreasing in cross sectional area as they near the runway threshold. New regulations have been proposed and are under review to further tighten the existing `funnels` to accommodate increasing air traffic. As more accurate navigation systems are currently being developed, portable and cost effective flight checking and testing systems of greater accuracy are needed for certification of these navigational aids.
Existing three dimensional positioning and data recording systems capable of custom flight test plans and requirements include laser and encoding optical theodolite systems, grid cameras, as well as microwave trisponder systems integrated with a radar altimeter. These systems are bulky, expensive to operate and are relatively inaccurate.
Another disadvantage of these positioning and data recording systems is that they provide little or no, real-time, three dimensional position feedback or guidance to the flight crew. Any guidance cues available to the flight crew from these systems are relatively inaccurate and tend to induce pilot oscillation due to the low data update rates and high latency times. Thus, current cuing information is typically not useful for positioning and guidance of the aircraft by the flight crew or others on the ground.
Yet another disadvantage of these positioning and data recording systems is their need for a large flight test range area. Additionally, flight test range location choices were limited by system component geometry and line-of-site requirements. Temperamental performance of the equipment due to the ambient environment, including changes in ambient temperature and multipath effects also contributed to rejected data runs. All of these factors combined to create extremely inefficient flight testing activity using these positioning and data recording systems.
Alternative flight evaluation methods using experienced engineering test pilots and aircraft spotters to assist the pilots and confirm whether standards were met have also been employed. These methods are very inefficient, lack accuracy, and raise safety concerns. Additionally, these methods are limited to relatively clear skies and less dynamic maneuvers where the aircraft's flight instruments remain reliable.
More recently, differential global positioning systems have become available for accurately determining object position in three dimensions. These system are based on global positioning systems. Global positioning systems, or GPS, utilize position information signals that are broadcast from a constellation of satellites maintained, at least in part, by the United States government.
The GPS satellites currently broadcast position information signals on two frequencies; L1 (1575.4 MHz) and L2 (1227.6 MHZ). The L1 frequency carrier is currently modulated by two codes, the course acquisition code and the precision code. The L2 frequency carrier is currently modulated with only the precision code. The precision code is encrypted and only available to the military and authorized users. The course acquisition code is available to civilian users of GPS equipment. The accuracy of a course acquisition code GPS receivers is typically lower than that of precision code GPS receivers. Used alone, GPS is of little use in precision flight test applications.
Differential global positioning systems, or DGPS, work by installing one GPS receiver on the position to be analyzed and a second GPS receiver at a control point or reference location. The data from both the desired position and control location receivers are then merged. The resulting DGPS information yields very high position data accuracy in three dimensions. The data merging process can occur real time or in a post processing fashion.
To achieve real time differential global positioning, a first GPS receiver, denoted a reference station is located at the reference location. This reference GPS receiver compares its known location to the currently determined location generated from the latest GPS satellite information broadcast. The reference station develops correction factors that can then be broadcast or otherwise sent to other nearby GPS receivers known as rover(s) that are not at fixed control points. When these correction factors are applied by the rover receivers in a timely fashion, the positional accuracy data in all three dimensions is greatly improved.
Sending or otherwise communication the differential correction from the reference receiver to the rover receivers(s) requires some form of data communication. Since a rover may be moving, radio transmissions may be used. Radio modems that can reliably transmit this type of data should be equipped with forward error correction, an error checking technique. Currently, DGPS receivers capable of accuracy sufficient for flight testing are not available with radio data link modems. The use of radio transmissions also presents a reliability challenge to a system utilizing DGPS reliability.
Although DPGS provides very high positional accuracy, DGPS is currently not yet available for flight requirement and certification testing. Additionally, these systems are not configured to provide the flight or ground crew with needed guidance cues and tracking information. Needed information may include: aircraft position, direction, velocity and acceleration referenced to a selected coordinate system which can be used to correct a flight onto a desired flight path or to confirm the testing. Further, any flight guidance cues must have sufficiently high accuracy, sufficiently low latency and sufficiently high update rates such as to prevent pilot induced oscillation.
For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for an apparatus and method that can provide flight and ground crews with highly accurate aircraft positioning and velocity data as well as providing guidance and tracking information. There is also a need that the apparatus and method be portable, enabling flight testing to take place at a test range that can be established quickly and over most terrains. There is also a need for such a system that is relatively simple to operate and is inexpensive.

Portable flight guidance and tracking system


There may be provided a method that includes receiving or generating a first plurality (N) points within a first multi-dimensional space that has M dimensions; M being a positive integer that is smaller than N; wherein the N points represent one or more behaviors of the one or more IOT devices; wherein a clustering of the N points within the first multi-dimensional space results in at least some clusters that are inseparable from each other; generating a representation of the N points within a second multi-dimensional space that has at least N dimensions; wherein a clustering of the N points within the second multi-dimensional space results in clusters that are separable from each other; calculating projections of the N points on a sub-space that has a second plurality (Q) of dimensions; wherein Q is a function of a relationship between a number (K) of clusters and an allowed error (ε); computing a core-set that comprises a weighted subset of the projections; clustering the projections of the weighted subset to provide current clusters; and identifying the one or more IOT devices based on a relationship between the current clusters and identification information regarding IOT devices of known identity.

A network may include a vast amount of IOT devices. IOT devices may be dynamically added to the network and be dynamically removed from the network. The identities of the IOT devices may be determined for various reasons—including network traffic management and network security.
There is a growing need to monitor in an efficient manner, the IOT devices that belong to a network.


An optical waveguide includes a set of diffractive elements. The diffractive element set routes within the waveguide a diffracted portion of an input optical signal between input and output optical ports. The input optical signal is successively incident on the diffractive elements. The optical signal propagates in the waveguide in a corresponding signal optical transverse mode substantially confined in at least one transverse dimension. A modal index of the signal optical mode or a modal index of a loss optical mode spatially varies along a signal propagation direction within the optical waveguide, or the loss optical mode is optically damped as it propagates along the optical waveguide. Said signal modal index variation, said loss modal index variation, or said loss mode damping yields a level of optical coupling between the signal optical mode and the loss optical mode at or below an operationally acceptable level.

The field of the present invention relates to optical devices incorporating distributed optical structures. In particular, distributed optical structures exhibiting reduced optical loss are disclosed herein.
One or more distributed optical structures (i.e., sets of diffractive elements) in a channel waveguide, an optical fiber, a slab waveguide, or another guided-wave optical structure may be used in a variety of devices for spectral filtering, laser frequency control, spectral multiplexing, optical sensing, or other functions. It is often important that such devices operate with levels of optical loss at or below an operationally acceptable level. In some instances a distributed optical structure generates loss by coupling a portion of a guided optical signal into an unwanted cladding, free-space, or other mode, wherein the coupled optical power is dissipated without useful function. Distributed optical structures wherein the level of coupling between a signal optical mode and one or more loss optical modes (i.e., mode(s) not associated with the intended function of the device) is reduced, thereby reducing optical loss of the device, are disclosed herein.
Various embodiments, implementations, and adaptations of such diffractive element sets are disclosed in: application Ser. No. 10/998,185 filed Nov. 26, 2004 in the names of Dmitri Iazikov, Christoph M. Greiner, and Thomas W. Mossberg (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,993,223 issued Jan. 31, 2006); application Ser. No. 10/898,527 filed Jul. 22, 2004 in the named of Dmitri Iazikov, Christoph M. Greiner, and Thomas W. Mossberg (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,194,164 issued Mar. 20, 2007); application Ser. No. 10/989,244 filed Nov. 15, 2004 in the names of Christoph M. Greiner, Thomas W. Mossberg, and Dmitri Iazikov (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,961,491 issued Nov. 1, 2005); application Ser. No. 10/798,089 filed Mar. 10, 2004 in the names of Christoph M. Greiner, Thomas W. Mossberg, and Dmitri Iazikov (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,823,115 issued Nov. 23, 2004); application Ser. No. 10/989,236 filed Nov. 15, 2004 in the names of Christoph M. Greiner, Dmitri Iazikov, and Thomas W. Mossberg (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,965,716 issued Nov. 15, 2005); application Ser. No. 10/653,876 filed Sep. 2, 2003 in the names of Christoph M. Greiner, Dmitri Iazikov, and Thomas W. Mossberg (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,829,417 issued Dec. 7, 2004); application Ser. No. 10/229,444 filed Aug. 27, 2002 in the names of Thomas W. Mossberg and Christoph M. Greiner (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,678,429 issued Jan. 13, 2004); application Ser. No. 10/602,327 filed Jun. 23, 2003 in the name of Thomas W. Mossberg (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,859,318 issued Feb. 22, 2005); application Ser. No. 09/811,081 filed Mar. 16, 2001 in the name of Thomas W. Mossberg (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,879,441 issued Apr. 12, 2005). Each of said applications is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

Distributed optical structures exhibiting reduced optical loss


A printed circuit substrate with projected electrode and a connection method using the same are disclosed. The printed circuit substrate comprises an insulating substrate having formed on one surface or both surfaces thereof an electrically conductive circuit, wherein at least one projected electrode comprising a metallic substance is formed at the side of the end portion of the electrically conductive circuit.

Recently, with the development of a semiconductor industry, thinning, down-sizing, and weight-reduction of electronic instruments proceeds, and it has been desired to mount electric circuit parts at a high density. In particular, various functional parts contained in OA instruments show a tendency of down-sizing. The correspondence to such a down-sizing has been conventionally realized by miniaturizing various parts being mounted on the surface (thickness direction).
However, in such a conventional correspondence, the mounted area can be small-sized but the total thickness of the mounted parts is increased with repeated application of surface mounting. Thus, in the technical field of surface mounting, the development of the technique capable of attaining thinning has been desired.

Printed circuit substrate with projected electrode and connection method