Pressure sensing systems comprising bulk-solidifying amorphous alloys and pressure-sensitive switches containing bulk-solidifying amorphous alloys. The bulk-solidifying amorphous alloys are capable of repeated deformation upon application of pressure, and change their electrical resistivity upon deformation, thereby enabling measurement of the change in resistivity and consequently, measuring the deformation and amount of pressure applied.

Pressure sensors find utility in many devices, including pressure transducers, altimeters, depth measurement devices, switches, diaphragms, and the like. Pressure sensors also may be used in consumer electronic devices that utilize touch sensor pads or displays. Switches that rely on pressing a button or contact pad are well-known and often used in consumer electronic products to implement buttons. For example, various consumer electronic devices, e.g., a mobile telephone, a personal digital assistant, game controller, or remote controller, typically include a plurality of buttons that a user can press to invoke various operations with respect to such devices. Such buttons can, for example, be used for function (e.g., send, end, navigate, etc.) buttons or for buttons of an alphanumeric keypad/keyboard. These buttons in many cases are implemented by dome switches.
A dome switch typically consists of a dome made from metal that can be deformed temporarily by a user press to invoke a switching action. Then, when the user press is removed, the dome returns to its original, undeformed shape. Today, with many electronic devices, proper operation of buttons is an important requirement for usability and user satisfaction. With respect to dome switches, the tactile feedback provided by dome switches is often very helpful to users of the consumer electronic products. However, conventional assembly of such buttons implemented by dome switches is inefficient and complicated. Generally, a dome must be placed on a substrate and corresponding structures often provide a button or key structure (with or without an actuation nub) that can be pressed downward to engage the dome during a button or key press. In some designs, activation nubs are provided on the button or key structure or on the peaks of the domes themselves. The formation of the activation nubs is a separate manufacturing step that is tedious and time-consuming. In addition, the placement of the actuation nubs relative to the domes is not always as accurate as desired. For example, if the actuation nub does not properly align with the center region of a dome, the tactile feedback for such dome switch will be disturbed and therefore not as robust as intended.
Many such switches typically employ thin crystalline metal materials that can be deformed sufficiently to enable the switch to make contact and create a circuit. The material typically is a suitable conductor of electricity, thus enabling current to flow upon contact. Materials may be characterized by their Young's modulus E, also called elasticity modulus (generally expressed in GPa), which characterizes its resistance to deformation. Many materials also are characterized by their elastic limit σe (generally expressed in GPa), which represents the stress beyond which the material will plastically deform. Thus, it is possible, for a given thickness, to compare materials by establishing for each one the ratio of their elastic limit to their Young's modulus σe/E, wherein the ratio is representative of the elastic deformation of each material. The higher this ratio is, the greater the elastic deformation of the material.
Because switches on consumer electronic devices are operated frequently, the materials used to fabricate the switch must be capable of repeated deformation and return to their original configuration. The ability of a material to deform reversibly under stress is known as the material's elasticity. Above a certain stress, known as the elastic limit of a material or the yield strength, the metal material may deform irreversibly, becoming inelastic, exhibiting plasticity and adversely affecting the function and utility of the switch. Crystalline metallic materials such as those used in the prior art (e.g., titanium or stainless steel) typically have a low σe/E ratio. These crystalline materials therefore have a limited elastic deformation, and may after repeated use, ultimately fail.
Moreover, because this elastic limit is low, when it deforms it approaches its region of plastic deformation under low stresses with the risk that it cannot resume its initial form. To avoid such a deformation, the deformation of the membrane is restricted, i.e. the amplitude of the movement of the membrane is intentionally limited. Due to the nature of conventional switching systems, more deformable, non-crystalline materials are not practical. That is, the material that deforms in a conventional switch, makes contact with electrical connections to create a circuit. Non-conductive amorphous materials such as plastics and rubbers, which typically have much greater elasticity than most crystalline metal materials, therefore cannot be employed in conventional switching systems that rely on the application of pressure to a material, subsequent deformation of that material and then contact to create an electric current.
Pressure sensors measure pressure of gas or liquids, and typically operate by generating an electrical signal as a function of the pressure. Such pressure sensors often are referred to as pressure transducers, or pressure transmitters, pressure indicators, piezometers, manometers, and the like. These pressure sensors operate by making use of strain gauges attached to a deformable object, such as a diaphragm. As the diaphragm deforms, the strain gauge attached thereto deforms, thereby causing the electrical resistance of the gauge to change. The change in electrical resistance then can be measured using a Wheatstone bridge.


A flash light for use with an external case is disclosed. The flashlight is designed such that when the lid to the case is open, the light automatically is turned on and when the lid is closed the light automatically is turned off.

Cigarette lighters with external cases are well known in the art. In the past, people have often used lighters for additional illumination when needed. However, with the decline in smoking and the number of places that people are not allowed to carry lighters that actually produce an open flame, there is a desire for a small light source that can replace the lighter. Further, many people have lighters that are designed with an external, often metal, case and are often refillable with lighter fluid, or have disposable cartridges that are slid into the external case. So there is a desire for a small light source that can be inserted into the external case so that people can continue to use the external case. Also, many people have a fondness for some specific types and/or brands of lighters and what a device that looks like that type of lighter. One such type of lighter is a Zippo® brand lighter, with its iconic case
The foregoing example of the related art and limitations related therewith are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive. Other limitations of the related art will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon a reading of the specification and a study of the drawings.

LED light for use in a cigarette lighter case


A resistivity imaging apparatus includes: a first sensor electrode disposed on an electrode pad and positioned at a first standoff; a second sensor electrode disposed on the electrode pad and adjacent the first sensor electrode, the second sensor electrode positioned at a second standoff; and a return electrode disposed on the electrode pad, wherein the sensor electrodes and the return electrode are configured for injecting current into a formation and receiving a signal from the formation. Other embodiments, methods and computer program products are disclosed.

1. Field of the Invention
The teachings herein relate to formation imaging, and in particular, to systems and methods implementing a dual offset resistivity imaging instrument.
2. Description of the Related Art
In underground drilling applications, such as oil and gas exploration and recovery, a borehole is drilled into the earth. As a part of the drilling process, drilling mud is typically introduced into the borehole. One type of drilling mud is referred to as "oil-based" mud, while another is "water-based" mud. Other fluids may be found in a borehole as well. For example, boreholes may include formation fluids such as oil, gas, water, salinated water as well as various combinations of these and other fluids. The various fluids found in a borehole can present complications for imaging of the formation.
One technique for imaging downhole formations is that of resistivity imaging. Aside from the presence of various fluids, many factors can affect the resolution of the resistivity imaging instruments. For example, tool standoff (i.e., the gap between the surface of the sensor and the wall of the borehole), variability of the standoff, and variability of the electrical properties of the drilling mud as well as the formation can all affect resolution of the resistivity imaging instrument.
One particular challenging situation for imaging low resistivity formations, such as in the Gulf of Mexico, arises in the wells where the oil-based mud has been used as a drilling fluid. In contrast, the oil-based mud is typically characterized by a very high value of resistivity. That is, total impedance, measured by a resistivity imaging instrument, primarily includes three sequentially connected impedances formed respectively by the formation, the drilling fluid, and the instrument measurement circuit itself. Typically, impedance of the instrument measurement circuit has been known and small compared to those of the formation and drilling fluid, and, therefore, could be easy accounted for or often neglected. Accordingly, sensitivity of the instrument to the changes in resistivity of the formation deteriorates as a contribution of the formation into the overall impedance goes down.
What are needed are techniques for enhancing resistivity images taken downhole. Preferably, the techniques provide improved image quality in the conditions of oil-based mud and low resistive formations.

Dual standoff resistivity imaging instrument, methods and computer program products


A plumb bob assembly including a plumb bob for use adjacent to a wall or other vertical surface, a cord, cord spool attachable to the plumb bob for storage and a tip cover. A pencil may be inserted through a vertical slot in the plumb bob body to mark the position of the plumb bob relative to an adjacent wall. The plumb bob has a relatively flat, tear-drop shaped plastic body, to which two disk-shaped brass weights, a brass cord attachment ball and a conical brass tip are attached. A plastic spool has a cord receiving region defined by two walls and a plate that protrudes beyond one of the walls. Opposed hooks on the plate provide a means for tying-off the cord and hanging the plumb bob assembly from a nail during use. A collar on the plate locks the spool on the plumb bob during storage by inserting the plate into the slot in the plumb bob body.

Plumb bobs are ancient tools used in the building trades and other activities to locate a point in space directly below or directly above another point in space. Conventional plumb bobs are typically brass, steel or combinations of metals, with a pointer or tip on one end and an arrangement for attachment of a string or cord to the other end. The plumb bob is suspended from the cord, and after all motion stops, the tip of the pointer is located directly below the point in space to which the remote end of the cord is attached and from which the plumb bob is suspended.
Conventional plumb bobs are typically symmetrical about a longitudinal axis on which the plumb bob tip and cord attachment point are both located, often having a round, hexagonal or octagonal shape. Conventional plumb bobs generally have a bulbous portion that is often relatively close to the cord attachment point. Such bulbous portions are included in order to ensure that the plumb bob has relatively substantial mass despite a modest length. Modest length is desirable so that unwanted pendular, swinging, or wobbling motion of the plumb bob from the cord-to-plumb bob attachment point dies out quickly. Substantial mass is desirable for accuracy.
Plumb bobs are often used in locations well separated from other structures. However, among the most frequent uses of plumb bobs are ones immediately adjacent to a wall or other vertical structure, where the plumb bob is used to locate a point on a floor or baseboard immediately below another point higher on or at the top of the wall. In other instances they are used when such a higher point needs to be located immediately above an established point on the floor or baseboard.
Both round and polygon cross-section plumb bobs roll around against the wall or baseboard in such applications, making it very difficult to establish an accurate position and sorely trying the user's patience. Even when such round or polygon plumb bobs stabilize, the plumb bob tip is no closer than half the bob's diameter away from the adjacent wall, making it very difficult to project the position of the tip onto the wall accurately. Furthermore, the bulbous body of most plumb bobs makes it impossible even to see the plumb bob tip from the user's typical position generally above the suspended bob.
Two other recurring problems are associated with conventional plumb bobs. First, their cords frequently become tangled when the plumb bob is not in use, particularly if stored in a typical tool box, and the cord frequently acquires permanent knots and loops intended to be only temporary for hanging the bob during use from a nail or other object. Second, sharp plumb bob tips are desirable for accuracy but are frequently damaged during intervals of tool box storage and occasionally impale the hand of a tool box visitor.


Provided is an image forming system that can obtain similar output results. The job generation unit generates a job and adds a command including a document acquisition destination to the job. The job transmission unit sends a job to which a command is added. The job acquisition unit acquires the job from the terminal. The command analysis unit analyzes the commands included in the acquired job. The document acquisition unit acquires a document from the acquisition destination according to the analyzed command. The rendering unit renders the acquired document and generates output data. The output transmission unit transmits the rendered output data. The output data acquisition unit acquires the output data. The image forming unit forms an image of the output data.

The present disclosure particularly relates to an image forming system, an information processing apparatus, and an information processing method that output from a terminal via a server.
There are image forming apparatuses such as multifunctional peripherals (MFPs) that can print documents and images.
A typical image forming apparatus, after determining whether the data files that can be processed by the own apparatus, if it is a data file that can be processed by own apparatus, RIP processing (Raster Image Processor, rasterize, hereinafter simply an image forming apparatus that performs "rasterization") on its own is disclosed. In this image forming apparatus, when it is a data file that cannot be processed by its own machine, the server is made to generate image data for executing printing based on the data file.

Image formation system, information processing apparatus, and information processing method for integrated command printing


A method and system for supporting an XQuery trigger in XML-DBMS based on relational DBMS is provided. In an Ubiquitous environment where XML data are incessantly generated by an enormous number of objects, so as to overcome inconvenience and its resultant reduction of performance in which a user should query after checking a change of XML-DBMS one by one, in XML-DBMS based on relational DBMS, the present invention supports an XQuery trigger technique based on SQL trigger automatically executing insert, update and delete statements, and a storage or external procedure related with the change of data when a change of data is generated at a specific table in a conventional relational DBMS.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method and system for supporting XQuery trigger, and more particularly, to a method and system for supporting XQuery trigger in XML-DBMS based on relational DBMS.
2. Description of the Related Art
As Internet is widely spread, the creation and distribution of XML data are on the rapid increase, consequently, a need for managing a large amount of XML data is increasing. As the managed XML data increases in amount, management functions provided by conventional relational DBMS, such as fast retrieval, multiple user support, backup and restore in failure are required and therefore, researches for the XML-DBMS based on relational DBMS are in active progress.
In recent years, it is expected to be the advent of Ubiquitous environment where all objects with computing capability including human and thing can communicate with each other. In this Ubiquitous environment, a large amount of data are created by a lot of computing objects and are wrapped, exchanged and transmitted in XML format. Among them, there are data processed and wasted upon reception, but a majority of data are required to be stored and managed permanently or temporarily for future use. Accordingly, in the Ubiquitous environment, a requirement for the XML-DBMS is being raised much.
In conventional XML-DBMS, only the primitive functions of traditional relational DBMS have been provided such as storing and managing the finite set of XML data to some degrees), and retrieval for the fixed data set at the request of user), but with only the primitive functions, conventional XML-DBMS is not sufficient for being used in the future Ubiquitous environment, where a large amount of XML data are incessantly created and stored, and real-time retrieval service for the real-time data should be provided.
In other words, for the frequently changed XML-DBMS, real-time retrieval service can't be provided using user request based retrieval function, since user is not able to know whether or not the XML-DBMS is changed without incessant inquiring of the XML-DBMS, therefore user should intervene into the retrieval process so as to receive the real-time retrieval service.

Method and system for supporting XQuery trigger in XML-DBMS based on relational DBMS

Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute


A handle assembly for a faucet that includes a silicone member configured to slide over and be removable coupled to a faucet handle, wherein the silicone member comprises an opening in which the faucet handle may be received and an external surface that may be gripped by a user. A faucet handle may include a longitudinal groove used to allow air to escape from the opening of the silicone member. The handle assembly does not require additional elements to couple the silicone member to the faucet handle.

The present disclosure relates generally to faucet assemblies, and more particularly, to a handle for a faucet assembly. A faucet, such as a faucet used to supply water for a kitchen or bathroom sink, generally includes one or more handles to control the flow and/or temperature of water that is dispensed from a faucet spout. Such handles for a faucet may come in many shapes and sizes, and may be made from a variety of materials. Typically, a faucet handle is coupled to a valve assembly of a faucet, and a user may pivot or rotate the faucet handle to control the valve assembly and regulate the flow and temperature of water dispensed from the faucet spout. A faucet handle may couple to the valve assembly in a variety of ways. Fasteners, such as a threaded screw, may be used to couple a faucet handle to a valve. A handle for a faucet may be integrally formed with the valve assembly. For instance, a faucet handle may be molded as part of the valve assembly for a faucet. Other faucet handles may include an end with a threaded hole, and the handle may threadably couple to an extension of the valve assembly. Various embodiments disclosed herein are related to an improved faucet and handle assembly.


A power supply for an electroluminescent lamp. The power supply includes an inverter circuit for conveying a DC voltage into a 2000 Hz sinusoidal voltage. The lamp is capacitive in its nature and changes its capacitive value over extended use which adjusts the output frequency of the inverter. A sensor and timers are included which in combination flash the lamp in a predetermined pattern when motion is detected by the sensor.

In recent years, electroluminescent (E.L.) lamps have gained popularity as a relatively inexpensive and attractive advertising display. E.L. lamps typically include an insulative material, electroluminescent materials, shielding material and electrically conductive material deposited in multiple layers to form an integral lamp. Such a lamp is illustrated in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,617,195; 4,626,742; and 4,752,717. E.L. lamps require an AC voltage of typically 120 volts at an increased frequency, typically between 300 Hz and 3000 Hz. Further, E.L. lamps have shortened lives as voltages or current increase.
Currently E.L. lamps are powered by a power supply generating a quasi-sine wave-AC signal at the increased frequency. Such supplies typically do not yield a true or pure AC voltage and, therefore, the life of the lamp is shortened. Further, the E.L. lamps are capacitive in nature. Current power supplies are "matched" only to the capacitive value of the lamp when new or at an average capacitive value. Matching the capacitive load (E.L. lamp) to the load is highly desired to increase efficiency of the power supply and reduce overheating problems. Through use the capacitive value of the E.L. lamp changes. Therefore, as the lamp ages and its capacitive changes the lamp and power supply become "unmatched" which decreases the efficiency of the power supply. Further an unmatched relationship between the power supply and the lamp causes the lamp to illuminate less.
Finally, the current power supplies for E.L. lamps can either be turned on or off. When the power supply is turned on, a constant AC voltage is supplied to the lamp whether or not there is anyone in the vicinity of the lamp to view it. This also minimizes the useful life of the lamp whose purpose is to act as an attractant. Current power supplies also do not have the capability to illuminate separate segments of a multi-segment E.L. lamp.

Power supply for electroluminescent lamps


Each of molding machines has a conductive line whose electrification state changes as a result of anomalous stoppage. An anomaly monitoring system includes detection sections provided in the conductive lines so as to detect the electrification states thereof; a data processing section having input ports to which the detection sections are connected, wherein, when a detection signal indicating the electrification state of a conductive line is provided from a detection section to an input port, the data processing section outputs data regarding a mail address and a message prepared in accordance with the input port having received the detection signal and the electrification state; and a mail transmission section which receives the data output from the data processing section and sends an electronic mail containing the message to a communication terminal corresponding to the mail address.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an anomaly monitoring system for a molding machine which detects an anomalous stoppage of the molding machine during continuous operation, and transmits a detection report to a communication terminal at a different location via communication means.
2. Description of the Relevant Art
Generally, in an automated molding plant in which an injection molding machine is operated continuously, monitoring anomalous stop of the injection molding machine is an important task for securing productivity to thereby fulfill a production plan. Therefore, in the case where a night operation or a 24-hour continuous operation is performed without a supervisor, when the injection molding machine anomalously stops, a step necessary for resumption of operation cannot be taken, with resultant fatal problems such as failure to fulfill the production plan. Meanwhile, in the case where a supervisor always monitors the injection molding machine, the supervisor must work at nights or on holidays, which poses a big problem for, in particular, a small-scale automated molding plant which has difficulty in employing shift workers.
Therefore, conventionally, there have been proposed a monitoring, management, and control system for a molding machine (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (kokai) No. 2002-86531) and an anomaly monitoring apparatus for an injection molding machine (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (kokai) No. 2002-370271), which are designed to enable remote anomaly monitoring. The former monitoring, management, and control system includes an injection molding machine, peripheral equipment, various detectors, a process controller, and a host computer. The host computer has a communication section which communicates with a cellular phone at an outside, remote location via the Internet to which the host computer is connected. With this configuration, the host computer exchanges various data with the cellular phone; and monitors, manages, and controls the injection molding machine in accordance with instructions from the cellular phone, to thereby continue the operation of the injection molding machine. The latter monitoring apparatus is designed to send an electronic mail from an electronic mail transmission section when an anomaly detector detects occurrence of an anomaly in any of injection molding machines, to thereby inform a supervisor of occurrence of an anomaly.
However, the conventional monitoring system and apparatus for monitoring anomaly of molding machines have the following problems to be solved.
First, since a computer system or a monitoring apparatus equivalent thereto is interposed between a molding machine and mail transmission means (communication means), there is a merit such that various types of processing can be performed by use of the computer; however, the hardware configuration of the entire system becomes too complex in an effort to satisfy a user's need of knowing minimum necessary information at a remote location, whereby cost and size increase to an unignorable degree.
Second, since the communication section of a monitoring apparatus (monitoring system) and the communication section of each molding machine are mutually connected via a communication line and monitoring is performed, by means of computer processing or active processing, by a method in which the operation state of each injection molding machine is obtained at anomaly detection intervals of, for example, 5 minutes, the control method becomes complex, and cost increases to an unignorable degree because of software cost.
Third, since the molding machine must have necessary functional sections such as a communication section, the monitoring apparatus (monitoring system) cannot be attached directly to an old-type injection molding machine or the like which does not have a communication section. Therefore, the conventional monitoring apparatus (monitoring system) encounters difficulties in relation to attachment and general application to various molding machines.

Anomaly monitoring system for molding machine


A satellite positioning method, a satellite pseudorange calculation apparatus and a satellite pseudorange calculation method thereof are provided. The satellite pseudorange calculation apparatus is used for calculating a pseudorange between a satellite and a satellite positioning receiving device, wherein the pseudorange includes an integer code value and a fractional code value. The satellite pseudorange calculation apparatus comprises a receiver and a processor electrically connected with the receiver. The receiver is configured to receive a code phase from a satellite signal acquisition unit, and the processor is configured to calculate the fractional code value according to the code phase. The receiver is further configured to define an approximation position and calculate the integer code value according to the approximate position and the fractional code value. The satellite positioning method is used for positioning the satellite positioning receiving device.

Satellite positioning has numerous advantages. For example, the satellite positioning has a high global coverage rate (up to 98%), a high precision and a wide application scope, is quick and time-saving, and allows for mobile positioning. Therefore, the satellite positioning has become an important representative technology for outdoor positioning.
The positioning process of a conventional satellite positioning receiving device may be divided into three procedures, namely, an acquisition procedure, a tracking procedure and a positioning procedure. During the acquisition procedure, the satellite positioning receiving device calculates a code phase and a Doppler shift of a visible satellite in the sky. During the tracking procedure, the satellite positioning receiving device synchronizes a local signal to the satellite signal to analyze parameters such as the satellite ephemeris. The satellite ephemeris is a parameter indispensable for the subsequent positioning procedure, and comprises an absolute transmitting time of the satellite and the satellite orbit information. During the positioning procedure, the satellite positioning receiving device obtains the correct satellite position and the correct pseudorange between the satellite and the satellite positioning receiving device according to the parameters including the satellite ephemeris and calculates a position where it is located.
For the conventional satellite positioning receiving device, it will be impossible to obtain the absolute transmitting time of the satellite and the satellite orbit information once the conventional satellite positioning receiving device fails to obtain the satellite ephemeris during the tracking procedure. Absence of the absolute transmitting time of the satellite and the satellite orbit information will make it impossible for the conventional satellite positioning receiving device to obtain the correct satellite position and the correct pseudorange between the satellite and the satellite positioning receiving device, and as a result, the position of the user cannot be calculated.
The conventional satellite positioning receiving device may comprise a radio frequency (RF) front-end unit, a satellite signal acquisition unit, a satellite signal tracking unit and a position calculating unit. The RF front-end unit is used as a communication interface between the satellite and the satellite positioning receiving device, and the satellite signal acquisition unit, the satellite signal tracking unit and the position calculating unit are used to perform the acquisition procedure, the tracking procedure and the positioning procedure respectively. Because the satellite transmits the satellite ephemeris at a very low transmission rate (about 50 bps), it takes the satellite signal tracking unit much time (about 30 seconds to a few minutes) to download and process a whole piece of satellite ephemeris data (including the absolute transmitting time of the satellite and the satellite orbit information). Therefore, most of conventional satellite positioning receiving devices are confronted with an urgent problem to be tackled: that is, the speed of an initial positioning (or termed as "cold start") is very low, so the user has to wait for a too long time, which may have an effect on the applications of the satellite positioning receiving devices.
Accordingly, an urgent need exists in the art to improve the problem that the conventional satellite positioning receiving devices have a very low initial positioning speed because the satellite signal tracking unit thereof must spend much time to download from the satellite and process a whole ephemeris of the satellite.

Satellite positioning method, satellite pseudorange calculation apparatus and satellite pseudorange calculation method


A cutting device (10) for cutting a material (12) and providing a cut portion of the material (12). The device comprises a heating assembly comprising an electrical induction arrangement (32) for heating the cut portion of the material by induction heating.

The use of a foil including a layer of heat sensitive adhesive to close and seal containers such as milk bottles and pill bottles is well known. A punch and die arrangement punches a foil portion of the required size directly into the cap from a foil sheet fed through the punch and die. The foil portion is delivered to the container as part of the cap, and an electrical induction system heats the foil, melting the adhesive and sealing the foil to the rim of the container.


A system and method of controlling an air dryer system having first and second air dryers configured to receive compressed air from a compressor, such as a compressor of a vehicle, including operating the first and second air dryers in a first mode corresponding to a high flow mode wherein the first and second air dryers are connected in parallel with the air compressor, monitoring a condition related to a low compressor output state, and operating the first and second air dryers in a second mode corresponding to a continuous flow mode when the low compressor output state is detected.

The present invention relates to compressed fluid systems for vehicles. It finds particular application in conjunction with systems utilizing a pair of air dryers for removing moisture from compressed air and will be described with particular reference thereto. It will be appreciated, however, that the invention is also amenable to other like applications.
Transit coaches and air-assisted bulk-off load units are illustrative of compressed air systems used for operating brakes and accessories (e.g., tire inflation systems) of vehicles (e.g., heavy-duty trucks, tractors, trailers, or tractor-trailer combinations). Known air dryers cannot meet the demands of these systems. More specifically, a desiccant material in the air dryer becomes overwhelmed and saturated, ultimately resulting in loss of function.
Continuous flow air dryers are used for air brake vehicle applications where high air use calls for extended charging times and high compressor duty cycles. Continuous flow systems, therefore, typically use a pair of air dryers between a source of compressed air and a storage reservoir. By occasionally purging air to exhaust from an air dryer, the dryer (specifically, the desiccant material) is regenerated and is more effective in removing moisture during its next duty cycle. Accordingly, switching arrangements that alternate the pair of air dryers between charging the reservoir and purging (e.g., one air dryer is regenerated while the other air dryer supplies dry air to the reservoir) have been developed.
Recently, additional onboard features such as bulk unload and central tire inflation systems have become more common. These systems increase the demand for compressed air. To meet the increased demand, some vehicle manufacturers have started providing high output compressors to ensure adequate air supply. One popular high output compressor used on commercial highway vehicles includes a turbo-charge inlet for receiving pressurized air from the engine air intake manifold. Under full boost conditions, this compressor can produce 70 SCFM or more. This output is more than most commercial air dryers can handle without causing excessive pressure at the outlet of the compressor. Thus, two dryers are typically plumbed in parallel to keep the head pressure within acceptable limits. However, when used in parallel, the air dryers cannot provide continuous air because they will need to be taken offline together to be purged. Accordingly, two pairs of air dryers would need to be used to accommodate the high output compressor and still provide continuous run functionality. This adds complexity and cost to the system, and requires additional onboard space for the extra components.
The present disclosure sets forth a new and improved apparatus, system and method which address the above-referenced deficiencies of the art.


An analog-to-digital converter includes an amplifying unit and a noise compensation unit. The amplifying unit amplifies a difference between a trip point voltage and a modified signal voltage. The trip point voltage has a first power noise component, and the noise compensation unit incorporates a second power noise component into an original signal voltage to generate the modified signal voltage. Thus, the power noise components are cancelled in the difference.

This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 2005-71139, filed on Aug. 3, 2005 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to analog-to-digital conversion in CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) image sensors, and more particularly, to compensating for power noise during such analog-to-digital conversion.
2. Description of the Related Art
An Image sensor converts an image into electrical signals using photo-conversion. An image sensor is generally classified into either a charge-coupled device (CCD) type or a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor (CIS) type depending on the mechanism for generating and transferring charge carriers.
The CCD image sensor transfers electrons generated from incident light to an output port using gate pulses, and such transferred electrons are then transformed into a voltage. The CCD image sensor has relatively high optical sensitivity with reduced noise because an optical current is extracted after an accumulation time. However, the CCD image sensor disadvantageously has a complicated driving mechanism for continuous transfer of charge carriers. Additionally, the CCD image sensor consumes relatively high power.
The CMOS image sensor transforms electrons generated by incident light into a voltage in a pixel circuit. Such a voltage is output through a plurality of CMOS switches. The CMOS image sensor is generally inferior to the CCD image sensor in electro-optical characteristics. However, the CMOS image sensor has lower power consumption and higher integration density than the CCD image sensor.
In the CMOS image sensor, charge carriers are accumulated for a relatively short period of time before being converted into a voltage within each pixel circuit. Thus, such a voltage is more sensitive to noise such as from power voltage sources as the voltage signal is generated and transmitted.
An example CMOS image sensor includes an analog-to-digital (ADC) converter with single-ended inverting amplifiers instead of a differential comparator, for minimizing power consumption. Such a CMOS image sensor is especially amenable for use in portable electronic devices. However, the single-ended inverting amplifier has a trip point voltage that may be prone to power noise. Such noise for the trip point voltage causes image distortion. Thus, a CMOS image sensor with single-ended amplifiers having minimized image distortion from such power noise is desired.

Analog-to-digital converter with noise compensation in CMOS image sensor


A heat-insulating wall, such as a refrigerator door or housing, includes a substantially vacuum-tight outer paneling, an inner paneling, a substantially vacuum-tight connecting diaphragm formed from material having low heat conduction, a diaphragm cover formed from material having low heat conduction, and a protective profile with an opposite magnetic pole or a magnetic seal. The diaphragm is respectively vacuum-tightly connected to the inner paneling and to the outer paneling at free borders thereof. The outer paneling, the diaphragm, and the inner paneling define an evacuable cavity that is filled with an evacuable supporting material. The diaphragm cover covers at least a part of the diaphragm. The protective profile is secured one or both of the inner paneling and the outer paneling and substantially covers the diaphragm cover.

The invention relates to a heat-insulating wall, such as a refrigerator door, a refrigerator housing, or the like, having an at least as far as possible vacuum-tight outer paneling that, together with a vacuum-tight connecting diaphragm secured at its free borders and formed from a material with a low level of heat conduction and an inner paneling vacuum-tightly connected to the connecting diaphragm at its free borders, encloses an evacuable cavity filled with an evacuable supporting material. The connecting diaphragm is covered by a diaphragm covering formed from material with a low level of heat conduction.
European Patent EP 06 58 716 B1 describes and illustrates a vacuum-insulation-based heat insulating wall for forming a refrigerator door or a refrigerator housing. The heat-insulating wall disclosed has the outer wall surfaces that are supported in relation to one another by supporting material and are connected to one another at their free borders by a diaphragm produced from a material with a low level of heat conduction, for example, a diaphragm produced from a thin high-grade steel plate. To protect the diaphragm, the diaphragm has a diaphragm covering disposed in front of it, likewise produced from a material with a low level of heat conduction. To not reduce the heat-insulating action of the wall in the region of the diaphragm, use is made of a diaphragm covering made of a heat-insulating material such as foamed plastic. By virtue of its damping action, the diaphragm covering does indeed protect the impact-sensitive, thin-walled diaphragm, and, at the same time, prevents heat conduction between the wall surfaces that are at different temperature levels. However, the more or less porous nature of the foamed material, which, on a function-related basis, has little inherent stability, means that the material is barely suitable, if at all, for anchoring functional parts such as an opposite magnetic pole or the like. Furthermore, with unfavorable force conditions, the material, which is only impact-resistant to a small extent, may be damaged at least on the surface even if subjected to just a low level of force. Such damage has a serious effect not just on the functional capacities of the foamed material, which takes in water more easily as a result, but also on the appearance of the covering. Furthermore, surface treatment of the covering, for example an enameling, as is inevitably required on account of the site of application of the covering because it is directly on view to an end user, can only be carried out with extremely poor results and is in no way permanent.
It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide a heat-insulating wall that overcomes the hereinafore-mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-known devices of this general type and that avoids the disadvantages of the prior art by straightforward construction measures.
With the foregoing and other objects in view, there is provided, in accordance with the invention, a heat-insulating wall, including a substantially vacuum-tight outer paneling having free borders, an inner paneling having free borders, a substantially vacuum-tight connecting diaphragm, a diaphragm cover, and a protective profile having a magnet or a magnetic seal. The diaphragm is respectively vacuum-tightly connected to the inner paneling and to the outer paneling at the free borders. The outer paneling, the diaphragm, and the inner paneling define an evacuable cavity. An evacuable supporting material fills the cavity. The diaphragm cover covers at least a part of the diaphragm. The protective profile is secured one or both of the inner paneling and the outer paneling and substantially covers the diaphragm cover. Preferably, the diaphragm and the diaphragm cover are formed from material having a low level of heat conduction.
The diaphragm covering of the invention has a protective profile disposed in front of it. The profile at least as far as possible covering over the diaphragm covering is secured on the inner paneling and/or the outer paneling and is provided with an opposite magnetic pole or magnetic seal.
By virtue of using a protective profile to protect the diaphragm covering, the diaphragm covering can be optimized in a particularly specific manner for the tasks for which it is actually suitable. These tasks include protecting the diaphragm and improving the heat insulation in the border region of the heat-insulating wall. The covering is optimized because the functions over and above the latter, namely securing an opposite pole or a magnetic seal or also producing an esthetically pleasing appearance are assigned to a further component, which is optimized specifically, in terms of the material used and the shaping, for such purposes. Thus, for example, the diaphragm covering may be produced from a material having a sufficient resistance to water diffusion. Furthermore, the diaphragm covering is additionally protected by the at least as far as possible inherently rigid protective profile, in particular, from unintended force peaks as a result of impact loading. It is also possible for the protective profile to be configured cost-effectively, in particular, if it is produced by plastic injection molding, in ways that, on a function-related basis, could not be transferred to the diaphragm covering. Furthermore, dividing up the functions between the protective profile and the diaphragm covering also gives the advantage that the covering may also be configured with relatively thin walls because any pressure loading emanating, for example, from impacts or the like, that may occur is intercepted by the inherently rigid protective profile. In addition, dividing up the functions between the diaphragm covering and the protective profile renders a large selection of materials available for the profile. It is also the case that the protective profile, because it has to perform merely purely mechanical functions, may be configured straightforwardly such that it is easily possible to overcome production tolerances of the heat-insulating wall in the wall region of the heat-insulating wall. As a result, the capacity for producing the heat-insulating wall, and, thus, the possibility of mass-producing the latter, is improved to a considerable extent. Using two components that meet different requirements makes it easily possible to avoid a compromise, which is unavoidable if a single component is used, to the detriment of fulfilling all the required functions.
In accordance with another feature of the invention, the magnet is an opposite magnetic pole.
In accordance with a further feature of the invention, the protective profile is constructed essentially in the manner of a U-profile with a retaining device or retaining means that is provided on the legs and is intended for releasably securing the profile on the inner paneling and/or the outer paneling.
The very U-shaped configuration of the protective profile provides the profile with a certain level of inherent rigidity and dimensional stability. Furthermore, due to the retaining device provided on its legs, the protective profile can be installed particularly straightforwardly and quickly on the free borders of the outer paneling and/or of the inner paneling.
In accordance with an added feature of the invention, the retaining device for securing the U-profile is configured as retaining grooves that can be connected to the free borders of the outer paneling and inner paneling. Such a retaining measure makes it possible for the protective profile to be easily secured with a force fit on the free borders of the outer paneling and the inner paneling. Moreover, the groove-like configuration of the retaining device results in securely positioned fastening on the free borders of the outer paneling and of the inner paneling when the free borders are introduced into the retaining grooves, which serve as a mount for them. As a result, the protective profile is guided laterally in a positionally stable manner.
The opposite magnetic pole or the magnetic seal can be fitted particularly straightforwardly on the U-profile if, in accordance with an additional feature of the invention, the U-profile is provided with the opposite magnetic pole or the magnetic seal on its base, which connects the legs.
It is also the case that such a configuration of the opposite magnetic pole or of the magnetic seal on a refrigerator housing renders the interaction with a magnetic seal provided on a refrigerator door particularly reliable.
In accordance with yet another feature of the invention, the opposite magnetic pole is disposed on the leg side of the base of the U-profile. Such a configuration not only protects the opposite pole against accidental damage, but, at the same time, also makes it possible for the opposite magnetic pole to be used without surface treatment.
In accordance with yet a further feature of the invention, the U-profile has a fastener or fastening means for securing the magnetic seal on its base. The fastener allows not only in particularly quick and specific installation of the magnetic seal, due to the ability to see the installation site, but also in particularly stable fastening for the seal on the protective profile.
In accordance with yet an added feature of the invention, the protective profile, which is formed in the manner of a U-profile, is formed from two angle profiles, of which each can be secured in a releasable manner on the inner paneling and/or outer paneling.
The two-part construction of the protective profile, as a result of the U-profile being divided in two in its longitudinal direction, allows for compensation of either production-induced or temperature-induced tolerances that arise during production of the heat-insulating wall in a particularly straightforward manner. Thus, by virtue of the protective profile being divided in two, allowances can easily be made for production-induced variations in spacing between the outer paneling and the inner paneling in the direction transverse to the temperature gradient.
In accordance with yet an additional feature of the invention, with their legs, which form the base of the U-profile, the angle profiles form a gap in which a latch or latching means provided on the magnetic seal can be fastened in a releasable manner. Thus, along with the straightforward configuration of the angle profiles, the magnetic seal can be installed in a robust and force-saving manner.
A magnetic seal can be disposed and fixed in a precise position in relation to the protective profile, made of two angle profiles, if, in accordance with again another feature of the invention, it is provided that, at its end directed toward the gap, each of the angle legs has a step-like recess running in the gap direction and, together with the adjacent recess, located opposite, of the other profile section, forms a mount for fixing the magnetic seal in the longitudinal direction of the U-profile.
Moreover, such fixing of the magnetic seal on the protective profile, which is cross-sectionally configured in a U-profile, means that the differences in gap width produced as a result of variations in spacing between the inner paneling and the outer paneling are always reliably covered over to the full extent. As a result, it is even possible to use cost-effective production, involving relatively large spacing tolerance positions between the inner paneling and the outer paneling, without the quality of the heat-insulating wall suffering.
The protective profile, which is in a U-profile in cross-section, can be produced particularly straightforwardly and installed particularly straightforwardly on the free borders of the inner paneling and of the outer paneling if, in accordance with again a further feature of the invention, it is provided that the U-profile is subdivided into individual longitudinal sections that can be joined together in a plug connection.
By virtue of the individual protective-profile sections being joined together in a plug-like manner, the profile sections, despite their multi-part construction, impart sufficient dimensional stability.
The longitudinal sections are of a particularly advantageous and expedient configuration if, in accordance with a concomitant feature of the invention, it is provided that the longitudinal sections of the U-profile continue integrally beyond the corner regions of a refrigerator door or of a refrigerator housing.
Other features that are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims.
Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a heat-insulating wall, it is, nevertheless, not intended to be limited to the details shown because various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims.
The construction and method of operation of the invention, however, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings.


A temperature control device includes a temperature detector, a difference operation unit, a controller, a saturation processing circuit unit, a rewritable storage unit, and a conversion unit. The difference operation unit operates a digital value corresponding to a difference value between a detected temperature value and a target temperature. The controller calculates a manipulated variable using the digital value operated by the difference operation unit. The saturation processing circuit unit includes a digital circuit to limit an output value of the controller to a pre-set upper limit value. The rewritable storage unit stores the upper limit value read from a storage area of the rewritable storage unit and input into the saturation processing circuit unit. The conversion unit converts the output value of the saturation processing circuit unit into an analog signal to output the converted value as a control command value to the heater.

1. Technical Field
The disclosure relates to a technique to control a temperature of a heated body that is heated by a heater to a target temperature.
2. Description of the Related Art
A situation, which an electronic component is heated to a constant temperature by a heater to stabilize the characteristics of the electronic component, is existed. As an example, what is called an oven crystal controlled oscillator (OCXO) is illustrated. Since a crystal unit changes its frequency in response to the temperature, this type of crystal controlled oscillator is used when an output frequency with high stability is required.
The OCXO detects temperature in the atmosphere using a temperature detector disposed near the crystal unit, adjusts a temperature of a heater in according to the temperature in the atmosphere, and controls the temperature in the atmosphere of frequency oscillation unit. Thus, after the OCXO is started up, the temperature in the atmosphere of frequency oscillation unit is gradually brought close to a setting value while the temperature repeats overshooting to a higher temperature side than the setting value and undershooting to a lower temperature side than the setting value. The maximum value of a start-up current that flows through the OCXO at that time and the time required for stabilization of the frequency are determined by an arrangement layout and a specification of hardware such as transistors and resistors that constitute the OCXO circuit. However, since the start-up time and the start-up current required by a customer depend on an intended use, an oscillator has to be adjusted by rearranging a hardware constitution according to a customer requirement.
Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2001-75605 discloses a technique using feedback control to reduce the overshooting and the undershooting of the start-up current. However, the magnitude of the start-up current and the time required for starting up are not made variable.

Temperature control device and oscillator


Sealant compositions comprising a latex polymer and an epoxysilane of the formula ##STR1## in which R.sup.1 is a difunctional alkyl bridge with 2 to 6 carbon atoms,. each R.sup.2 group is the same or different and each is a C.sub.1 to C.sub.12 alkyl or aryl group, or a C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 alkoxy group PA1 each R.sup.3 group is the same or different and each is a C.sub.2 to C.sub.6 alkyl group, PA1 n is 2 or 1, PA1 R.sup.4, R.sup.5, and R.sup.6 are each hydrogen or a C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 alkyl group, PA1 R.sup.7 is an alkyl group having from one to four carbon atoms, or aralkyl, or an aryl group having six to ten carbon atoms, and PA1 c has a value of zero or one;. wherein the epoxysilane is added to the polymer neat or as a non-aqueous solution.

Organofunctional silanes have been used in latex sealant formulations as adhesion promoters. Among these applications, U.S. Pat. No. 4,626,567 to Chang teaches the use of 0.3-1% of organoaminosilane in acrylic latex based sealant formulations. Applications of organoaminosilane additives have been limited to filled and colored sealants because of the tendency of the organoaminosilane to exhibit yellowing. Non-amino containing organofunctional silanes, such as epoxysilanes, are used instead in both acrylic latex based coatings and sealants. Many efforts have been made to develop epoxysilanes as crosslinkers in the waterborne coating applications. For example, WO 9,531,512-A1 to Padget details a modified epoxysilane for more effective crosslink reaction in coating applications. Japanese patent publication JP 01174560A2 to Kimura for solvent based sealant applications, states that epoxysilane can provide polyamide based sealants with high extensibility, low modulus, and excellent adhesion to substrates.
Currently, glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane is used in formulations, but it suffers from several limitations. Among these are that it provides incomplete adhesion under wet conditions, especially to glass; its shelf life is short, and its adhesion properties disappear upon storage of the composition.


A headrest can be pivoted between a use state and a retracted state. The headrest has a pivot shaft pivotally supported to an upper part of a back frame. Opening ends of the headrest frame are connected to the pivot shaft. A locking mechanism is provided on the pivot shaft between the ends of the headrest frame. The lock mechanism includes right and left lateral wall portions into which the pivot shaft is inserted. Right and left lateral plate portions are connected to the pivot shaft between the right and left lateral wall portions. The headrest frame is pivotally biased toward the retracted position by a pivot member biasing spring. The locking mechanism may have a columnar member. The columnar member may approach the pivot shaft while maintaining a parallel state with the pivot shaft.

The present disclosure relates to a headrest used for a vehicle seat.
A retractable headrest for a vehicle seat can be pivoted with respect to a seatback between a use position and a retracted position. A head support surface of the headrest, which comes in contact with a head of a seated occupant in the use position, is oriented forward. In the retracted position, the head support surface faces a seating surface of the seatback. The headrest disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2018-103701 includes a headrest frame in an inverted-U shape. The frame is configured as a skeleton member of a head support portion. A pair of right and left pivotal brackets is provided at open ends of the headrest frame. The headrest is pivotal with respect to a pair of right and left fixing brackets about a pivot shaft. A rod-shaped locking member is provided for supporting the headrest at a predetermined angle. The locking member is engaged with a lateral wall of the right and left fixing brackets and a lateral wall of the right and left pivotal brackets, so as to support the headrest at the predetermined angle.
According to the above-described publication, the length of the locking mechanism must be a length corresponding an interval between the open ends of the headrest frame. Because of this structural limitation, it is difficult to maintain the locking member in a parallel position while moving, thereby making it difficult to allow the locking member to be laterally engaged and locked with the pivot shaft in an even manner.
Therefore, there has been a need for a retractable headrest having a simple structure that can securely lock a pivotal motion of a headrest frame at least in a use position.


A thin film transistor array panel is provided, which includes: a gate line; first and second data lines insulated from the gate line; a thin film transistor connected to the gate line and the first data line; a pixel electrode disposed between the first data line and the second data line, spaced apart from the first and the second data lines, and coupled to the thin film transistor; and first and second projections connected to the pixel electrode and overlapping the first and the second data lines, respectively.

(a) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a thin film array panel.
(b) Description of the Related Art
Generally, a thin film array panel is used for display devices such as liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and organic light emitting displays (OLED).
The LCD is one of the most widely used flat panel displays. The general structure of an LCD consists of a liquid crystal (LC) layer that is positioned between a pair of panels including field generating electrodes and polarizers. The LC layer is subjected to an electric field generated by the electrodes and variations in the field strength change the molecular orientation of the LC layer. For example, upon application of an electric field, the molecules of the LC layer change their orientation to change the polarization of light passing through the LC layer. Appropriately positioned polarizing filters selectively block the polarized light, creating bright and dark areas that can represent desired images.
The thin film array panel for display device generally includes a plurality of pixel electrodes, a plurality of thin film transistors (TFTs) for controlling signals to be applied to the pixel electrodes, and a plurality of signal lines transmitting the signals. The signal lines include gate lines for controlling the TFTs and data lines transmitting data signals to the pixel electrodes.
However, the signal lines may make parasitic capacitances that deteriorate image quality. In particular, the parasitic capacitance between the data lines and the pixel electrodes is significant and this may be varied depending on the positions due to alignment margin in a divisional exposure of a manufacturing process. The difference of the parasitic capacitances may make the image quality worse.


The present disclosure provides a method, apparatus, device, medium and program product for replying questions. The method presents a reply viewing interface for a question to a user, the reply viewing interface including a first reply control; receives a first reply operation of the user based on the first reply control; publishes a first reply video according to the first reply operation, the first reply video being used for replying to the question.

With the continuous development of computer technology, especially mobile internet technology, various applications (APPS) have emerged. As one of the entertainment-type applications, short video applications are getting more and more popular among users. The above short video applications can be installed on terminals such as mobile phones, and by running these short video applications, short videos can be published or played.
Currently, users can ask questions by publishing short videos, or they can reply questions by publishing short videos. In some examples, user 1 can publish a short video to ask question 1, and user 2 can publish a reply video for the question 1 to reply the question 1, and then user 3 can select a reply video from the user 2 or other user (e.g., user 4 or user 5) for the question 1 to play in a reply viewing interface for the question 1.
However, when the above user 3 has a need to reply for the question 1, the user 3 needs to trigger multiple return operations, so as to enable the short video application to return to the home page from the reply viewing interface, and then publish a reply video through a video publishing control in the home page to reply the above question 1, which is not only cumbersome to operate, but also inefficient to reply.
Therefore, the industry urgently needs a method for replying questions, which simplifies user operations and improves replying efficiency.

Method, apparatus, device, medium and program product for replying questions

BEIJING BYTEDANCE NETWORK TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.


A method is provided for improving the condition and/or increasing the longevity of elderly pets. The elderly pet is administered an effective amount of a nutritional composition which contains a calcium source and an antioxidant source, such as of vitamins or vitamin precursors which have antioxidant properties. Examples of such vitamins and precursors include β-carotene and vitamin E.

Elderly pets often become frail in their last few years of life. From an appearance point of view, they become thin and have poor skin and coat condition. Other symptoms include weight gain, increased water intake, digestive system problems, and joint stiffness and energy loss or lower activity levels in general. Also, the density of their bones may decrease making them susceptible to bone breakage. Further, elderly pets may be more susceptible to cancers than younger animals.
Certain of these problems may be effectively treated using medication. However, a better alternative would be to delay the onset of these problems, or treat these problems, through diet adjustments. In particular, elderly animals should be fed a balanced, maintenance food that contains high quality protein, lower amounts of fat to reduce energy intake, dietary fiber, and antioxidants.
However, despite the use of balanced, maintenance foods, the condition of elderly animals may deteriorate rapidly. Therefore there is a need for nutritional ways of improving the condition and/or increasing the longevity of elderly pets.


A disposable wearing article includes a liquid-pervious topsheet, a liquid-impervious backsheet, a liquid-absorbent core interposed between the top- and backsheets, a pair of liquid-impervious leak-barrier sheets and a pair of elastically stretchable sheets. Each portion of the aforesaid sheets placed one upon another are joined together by means of adhesives and the core is joined to inner surfaces of the top- and backsheets by means of adhesives. Adhesives are defined by a plurality of adhesive lines continuously extending in a given direction and each of the adhesive lines includes first and second zones arranged alternately in the given direction along the adhesive line. A quantity of adhesives in the first zone is much more than a quantity of adhesives in the second zone.

The present invention generally relates to disposable wearing articles adapted to absorb and to contain bodily fluids such as sanitary napkin, urine pad or mother's milk pad.
A disposable diaper disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2001-95837A comprise a liquid-pervious topsheet lying on the side facing a wearer's body, a liquid-impervious backsheet lying on the side facing away from a wearer's body, an absorbent core interposed between these top- and backsheets and a pair of liquid-impervious leak-barrier sheets normally biased to rise on the core so as to define, as viewed in a longitudinal direction, front and rear waist regions, a crotch region extending between the waist regions, a pair of end flaps extending in a transverse direction outside longitudinally opposite ends of the core and a pair of side flaps extending in the longitudinal direction outside transversely opposite side edges of the core wherein the core is wrapped with tissue paper. In the known diaper, hot melt adhesives applied on the sheets and the tissue paper is used to join the top- and backsheets to each other, to join the leak-barrier sheets to the top- and backsheets, to join the tissue paper to the top- and backsheets and to join the core to the sheets and tissue paper.
In the diaper disclosed in the above-cited Publication, hot melt adhesives rather evenly applied on the sheets and the tissue paper forms a plurality of independent adhesive lines extending in the longitudinal direction, describing undulating curves. Of the adhesive lines, each pair of the adjacent adhesive lines are spaced apart from each other by a given distance in the transverse direction without intersecting each other while the individual adhesive lines intersect themselves in a few spots. Spread of adhesives on the sheets as well as on the tissue paper is in a range of 0.8 to 8 g/m2.
According to the disclosure of the above-cited Publication, a plurality of independent adhesive lines extending in the longitudinal direction describing undulated curves allow the sheets, the tissue paper and the core to be joined one to another with a substantially equal adhesive strength in the longitudinal and transverse directions and thereby to prevent the components from unintentionally peeling off one from another. Furthermore, the spread of the adhesives in a range of 0.8 to 8 g/m2 is effective to avoid an inconvenience that, even when a fibrous nonwoven fabric is used as a stock material for the topsheet, adhesives might clog fibrous interstices over a wide range and thereby to maintain a desired water-permeability of the topsheet.
In the case of the diaper disclosed in above-cited Publication, if the spread of adhesives on the sheets and the tissue paper is increased in order to reliably prevent the sheets, the tissue paper and the core from peeling off one from another, an excessive quantity of adhesives may seep into the fibrous interstices of the sheets and the tissue paper not only in the thickness direction but also in the planar direction. Consequently, cured adhesives may deteriorate a desired flexibility of the sheets. On the other hand, if the spread of adhesives on the sheets and the tissue paper is decreased in order to maintain the desired flexibility of the sheets, the adhesive strength required between the sheets, between the sheets and the tissue paper and between the core and the tissue paper may unacceptably reduced and the component may readily peel off one from another. For this diaper, adhesives rather evenly applied on the sheets and the tissue paper defines the adhesive lines, so the spread of adhesives can be adjusted merely by increasing or decreasing the spread of adhesives along the individual adhesive line as a whole. With a disadvantageous consequence, the adhesive strength required for the sheets, the tissue paper and the core is deteriorated and, if not, the flexibility of the sheets is deteriorated depending on the spread of adhesives. In this manner, it is difficult to ensure that the sheets, the tissue paper and the core are prevented from peeling off one from another and, at the same time, the flexibility of the sheets are maintained.


An equipment container retention and bonding system including a dagger pin block assembly that includes a mounting dagger pin and a bonding member formed of a compressive electrically conductive material that is retained on a surface of the dagger pin block assembly wherein the bonding member is compressed between the contact surface on the equipment container and the dagger pin block assembly when the fastening mechanism secures the equipment container in the mounting tray to form an EMI/EMC bonding connection between the mounting tray and the equipment container having an electrical resistance of less than 2.5 milli-ohms under vibration and other loading conditions encountered during use of the system.

Space is often limited for vehicle-mounted equipment boxes containing electronic equipment. To efficiently use the available space, the vehicle-mounted equipment boxes are frequently designed to fit within a small area with very little clearance between the equipment boxes being mounted and other equipment boxes in the surrounding space. The close proximity of equipment boxes makes it difficult to access and securely tighten fasteners to secure the equipment boxes. One way of mounting the equipment boxes in a small area with very little clearance is using dagger pins that are typically mounted in the bottom or least accessible portion of the equipment box mounting area.
The equipment boxes also typically require an electrical bonding path for grounding the equipment box. Frequently, the dagger pin has been used to provide the electrical bonding path for grounding the equipment box. However, while dagger pins are effective for securing equipment boxes in vehicles, dagger pins do not provide a reliable electrical bonding path due to interface tolerances necessary to permit equipment box alignment and installation on the dagger pins. Since both non-spring loaded mounting dagger pins and spring loaded mounting dagger pins rely on direct surface-to-surface physical contact between the dagger pin and contact plate to form the electrical bonding path, the resulting electrical bonding path is frequently intermittent even under non-vibration environment conditions. This results in an ineffective Electrical Magnetic Interference/Electrical Magnetic Compatibility (EMI/EMC) shielding of the equipment box, which can cause unstable operation of the electronics in the equipment box.
Further, the electrical resistance of the ground path provided by existing dagger pins is typically significantly greater than 2.5 milli-ohms, which is the desired upper limit. Vibrations that may be present during operation in a vehicle environment exacerbate the intermittent electrical bonding path problem.
Prior attempts to solve this problem have included using electrically conductive spring fingers, non-painted contact surfaces and bonding straps. The electrically conductive spring fingers are not effective because the electrically conductive spring fingers can lose resiliency and can break without warning, particularly under the vibration conditions present during operation in a vehicle, in addition, using electrically conductive spring fingers requires retrofit of existing electronics boxes with hard conductive pads positioned to interface with the electrically conductive spring fingers. Using non-painted contact surfaces is also not desirable because they cause the bare surfaces of the equipment box and bare portions of the mounting structure to be much less corrosion resistant and more subject to wear, and surface corrosion on these surfaces causes intermittent loss of bonding, especially under vibration and load conditions. Bonding straps also are not desirable because these add additional hardware and requires modification of the equipment boxes and the vehicle mounting structure, and add additional steps for the removal and installation of the equipment boxes, which is not desirable.
What is needed is a system and method for providing a reliable electrical bonding path for equipment boxes under non-vibratory and vibratory conditions to ensure proper operation of electronic equipment contained in vehicle-mounted equipment boxes without major modification to the equipment boxes or the vehicle mounting structure.

Equipment container retention and bonding system and method


The present invention relates to herbal compositions for the prevention or treatment of disorders of the urogenital system, e.g., urinary incontinence, enuresis (e.g., bed-wetting), benign prostatic hyperplasia, urinary calculi, cystitis, urinary tract infection, and overactive bladder. Specifically, the invention provides compositions that contain C. nurvala and E. arvense and methods of use thereof.

The loss of bladder control is called urinary incontinence. It occurs when the bladder muscles contract or the muscles surrounding the urethra relax without warning. Although urinary incontinence is observed in people of all ages, this disorder is more prevalent in older people. The U.S. National Institute on the Aging estimates that at least 1 in 10 people aged 65 or older suffer form urinary incontinence. Likewise, incontinence is a common condition in Australia and throughout the world, affecting from 12% of 18 year old women and up to 50% of women in their 70's. Symptoms can range from mild leaking to uncontrollable wetting. Women are more likely than men to have incontinence.
While aging, per se, does not cause urinary incontinence, it can occur for many reasons. For example, urinary tract infections, vaginal infection or irritation, constipation, and certain medicines can cause bladder control problems that may last only a short time. Sometimes incontinence lasts longer. Chronic incontinence can be caused by, e.g., weak bladder muscles, overactive bladder muscles, blockage from an enlarged prostate, damage to nerves that control the bladder from diseases such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's disease, or diseases such as arthritis that can make walking painful and slow.
There are multiple types of urinary incontinence which include, e.g., stress incontinence, urge incontinence, overflow incontinence and functional incontinence. Stress incontinence happens when urine leaks during exercise, coughing, sneezing, laughing, lifting heavy objects, or other body movements that put pressure on the bladder. It is the most common type of bladder control problem in younger and middle-age women. In some cases, it is related to childbirth. It may also begin around the time of menopause. Urge incontinence happens when people can't hold their urine long enough to get to the toilet in time. Healthy people can have urge incontinence, but it is often found in people who have diabetes, stroke, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, or multiple sclerosis. It is also sometimes an early sign of bladder cancer. Overflow incontinence happens when small amounts of urine leak from a bladder that is always full. A man can have trouble emptying his bladder if an enlarged prostate is blocking the urethra. Diabetes and spinal cord injury can also cause this type of incontinence. Functional incontinence happens in many older people who have normal bladder control. They just have a hard time getting to the toilet in time because of arthritis or other disorders that make moving quickly difficult.
The current medical treatment options for urinary incontinence include behavioral interventions, e.g., bladder control training, drug medications, devices, e.g., catheters, and surgical procedures. Current drug therapy includes anticholinergics (with antispasmodic effects, e.g., oxybutinin), smooth muscle relaxants (antispasmodics), tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., imipramine), alpha-adrenergic antagonists, alpha-adrenergic agonists (e.g., phenylpropanolamine), prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors, calcium channel blockers and others (Sullivan and Abrams, Eur. Urol., 36 Suppl 1:89-95 (1999); Andersson, Baillieres Best Pract. Res. Clin. Obstet. Gynaecol., 14(2):291-313 (2000); Owens and Karram, Drug Saf., 19(2):123-39 (1998); Wada et al., Arch. Int. Pharmacodyn Ther., 330(1):76-89 (1995)). Unfortunately, most drug treatments are associated with unpleasant side effects, and this impacts on patient compliance (Sullivan and Abrams, Eur. Urol., 36 Suppl 1:89-95 (1999); Andersson, Baillieres Best Pract. Res. Clin. Obstet. Gynaecol., 14(2):291-313 (2000); Owens and Karram, Drug Saf., 19(2):123-39 (1998); Wada et al., Arch. Int. Pharmacodyn Ther., 330(1):76-89 (1995))2-5.
Acetylcholine is the primary excitatory neurotransmitter involved in bladder emptying. Certain drugs commonly prescribed for urinary incontinence, such as oxybutynin hydrochloride, inhibit the muscarinic action of acetylcholine on smooth muscle, producing a direct antispasmodic action. These drugs relax the detrusor muscle. Wada Y. et al., Arch. Int. Pharmacodyn. Ther., 330(1):76-89 (1995); Tapp A. J. S. et al., Brit. J. Obstetrics Gynecology, 97: 521-6 (1990). These medications also produce unwanted anticholinergic effects, such as dry mouth, blurred vision and constipation. Pathak A S, Aboseif S R. Overactive Bladder: Drug therapy versus nerve stimulation. Nat Clin Pract Urol, 2(7):310-311, 2005; Wein (2001). Natural therapies have also been investigated for this condition (Steels et al., Aust. Continence J., 7(2):34-37 (2001); Karantanis et al., Aust. Continence J., 6(4):6-7 (2000); Arya et al., Obstetrics and Gynecology, 96(1):85-89 (2000); Bryant et al., Aust. Continence J., 6(4):8 (2000)). In Ayurveda, Crateva nurvala is a drug highly regarded for its use in the management of uropathies (Nadkarni, Indian Materia Medica. Bombay Popular Prakashan). Western traditional treatments recommend the use of Equisetum arvense (British Herbal Pharmacopeia. Publ: British Herbal Medicine Association 1983). Isolated clinical studies conducted using herb-based natural therapies for urinary incontinence include Crateva nurvala herb, acupuncture and dietary intervention such as modification of dietary intake. Deshpande et al., Indian J. Med. Res. 76(supp): 46-53, 1982; Karantanis et al., Aust. Continence J., 6(4): 6-7, 2000; Arya et al., Obstetrics and Gynecology, 96(1): 87-89, 2000; Bryant et al., Aust. Continence J., 6(4): 8, 2000.
Overactive bladder (OAB) is a condition characterized by the sudden need to urinate. If that need results in the unintentional leakage of urine, the condition is called urge incontinence ("OAB wet"). Thus, urge incontinence falls within the general definition of OAB. OAB result from the sudden, involuntary contraction of the muscle in the wall of the urinary bladder. Approximately one-third of people with OAB also experience urge incontinence ("OAB wet"), while approximately two-thirds have OAB without urge incontinence ("OAB dry"). According to the National Overactive Bladder Evaluation, OAB affects 16.5% of the population, with 16.9% of women and 16.0% of men affected. Stewart et al., World J. Urol. 20: 327-336, (2003).
OAB, like urinary incontinence, is treated primarily with anticholinergic drugs (e.g., oxybutinin). These inhibit the neurotransmitter acetylcholine from attaching to the bladder muscle, and thereby reduce the frequency and intensity of contractions of the bladder. Unfortunately, adverse side effects of these drugs include dry mouth, dry eyes, constipation, and headache. Anderson, Urology, 3A: 32-41 (2004); Cruz, Urology. 3A: 65-73 (2004); Appell et al., Mayo Clinical Proc., 78:696-702. (2003).
There are currently no medications that specifically target incontinence symptoms without having side effects elsewhere in the body. There is a need for the identification of new herb-containing compositions for the prevention or treatment of urinary incontinence and overactive bladder.

Herbal compositions for the prevention or treatment of urinary incontinence and overactive bladder


A single-layer binder comprising a synthetic resin binder and a phthalocyanine pigment dispersed therein is modified so as to reduce the content of the phthalocyanine pigment while maintaining or further improving the sensitivity of the binder. A coating material comprising a synthetic resin binder comprising as a constituent component a polyester resin containing halogen atoms, e.g., chlorine or bromine, and a phthalocyanine pigment dispersed in the binder is applied to a conductive base to produce an electrophotographic binder.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an electrophotographic photoreceptor. More particularly, it relates to a photoreceptor applicable to LED printers, digital copiers and digital image output apparatus such as laser printers.
2. Description of Related Art
The Carlson-type electrophotography utilized in printers or copiers (hard copy imaging systems) is based on a combination of a photoreceptor having photoconductivity and a technique of electrostatic charging. A surface of the photoconductive photoreceptor is evenly charged in the dark by means of a corona charging or similar device and is then irradiated with optical information, whereby the static charge is removed from the parts corresponding to the light image to form an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the light image. The latent image is developed with a colored charged powder to visualize the latent image.
The basic properties of a photoreceptor for use in electrophotography include the ability to be charged in the dark to an appropriate potential, the ability to retain the charged state for a given period, and the ability to enable the charges to be rapidly neutralized upon light irradiation.
Inorganic compounds such as amorphous silicon, amorphous selenium, cadmium sulfide, and zinc oxide have conventionally been used widely as preferred photoconductive materials for such electrophotographic photoreceptors.
None of these materials has proven to be adequate. Amorphous selenium and cadmium sulfide are harmful to the human body, have been designated as pollutants and have been prohibited from use in the future. Amorphous silicon has a high production cost because it is produced by a special vapor deposition technique.
Recently, investigations on organic photoreceptors as substitutes for inorganic photoreceptors have been made. Various compounds for use as organic photoreceptors have been proposed. Among these are phthalocyanine pigments, which have come to be used in photoreceptors for laser printers and related devices because of their sensitivity to light having long wavelengths.
However, the organic photoreceptors currently used in the market have various drawbacks. They are fabricated as two-layer photoreceptors composed of a charge-generating layer and a charge-transporting layer. Since these multilayered photoreceptors are negatively charged in use, the corona charging device for negative electrification generates about ten times the ozone than that generated by a corona charging device for positive electrification. The excess ozone must be removed to meet the requirements of the Industrial Safety and Health Law. In addition, ozone attacks the photoreceptor surface to, causing a decrease in photoreceptor life.
In contrast to photoreceptors of the negative electrification type, single-layer photoreceptors are usable in a positively charged state. Because of this, many proposals have been made for the improvement of a photoreceptor containing a phthalocyanine pigment.
For the purpose of improving the printing durability of a photoreceptor, a mixture of an acrylic resin and a melamine resin was used in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 15250/1984 and 219752/1984. In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 207145/1985, a mixture of a polyester resin, a polycarbonate resin, and an acrylic resin was used as a binder in order to improve moisture resistance.
As a means for improving sensitivity, use of a mixture of poly-N-vinylcarbazole and a polyester resin as a binder was disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 185044/1982.
In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No.105550/1984, a specific phenolic resin was used for sensitivity improvement. Another technique for sensitivity improvement incorporates an electron-accepting substance into a photosensitive layer, as disclosed in Kitamura and Komon, "Denshi Shashin Gakkai-shi (Journal of The Soc. of Electrophotography)," 20 (2) 10 (1982) and Kitamura and Komon, "Denshi Shashin Gakkai-shi," 20 (3) 2 (1982). In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 187248/1988, a polyester resin and a melamine resin were used as a binder together with a modified phthalocyanine in order to improve durability.
The functions required of a photoreceptor for printers include high durability and high sensitivity. This durability is expressed in terms of the total number of prints that the photoreceptor can yield while retaining its printing function and an acceptable image quality. A photoreceptor is chemically deteriorated during image printing by the ozone generated by corona, and it suffers surface wear due to mechanical friction during development, cleaning and paper transfer. This causes scratch marks, resulting in reduced image quality. In addition, the thickness of the photosensitive layer decreases, causing a decrease in electrification potential and an increase in fogging. None of the conventional multilayered photoreceptors has a durability of 100,000 sheets or higher under these conditions.
On the other hand, wear resistance in conventional single-layer photoreceptors has been obtained by binder improvement. However, their sensitivity has still been insufficient in practical use. Although an essential requirement for a high-speed printer is that the photoreceptor combines high sensitivity with high durability, the attainment of the two properties with any conventional technique for photoreceptor production has not been achieved.
Prior art organic photoreceptors have been regarded as unsuitable for high-speed printers because of their insufficient durability. The inventor has investigated improvements of single-layer photoreceptors for many years. Attempts were made to improve the durability of a photoreceptor by heightening its surface hardness. As a result, the inventor succeeded in improving the surface hardness of a photoreceptor to 3H pencil hardness. With respect to durability, it was found that the photoreceptor surface had not developed scratches leading to a decrease in image quality even after a 300,000-sheet printing,
However, a high-speed printer is required to exhibit not only durability, but also high sensitivity and attenuation of surface potential upon exposure to a small amount of light. A conventional technique for imparting high sensitivity to a single-layer photoreceptor has been to increase the proportion of its photoconductive pigment. For example, in a single-layer photoreceptor containing a phthalocyanine pigment, increasing the proportion of the phthalocyanine pigment improves photosensitivity but accelerates dark decay to the point that the surface becomes potentially unstable. In addition, the pigment dispersion has abnormal viscosity characteristics, causing coating troubles.
Therefore, with respect to achieving high sensitivity in a single-layer photoreceptor, it is necessary to find a method for maintaining sensitivity even when a phthalocyanine pigment is incorporated in a small proportion to obtain a high-sensitivity photoreceptor with a desirable balance of all properties. The inventor felt a need to develop a new synthetic resin for use as a binder for a phthalocyanine pigment, and investigated this subject.


Disclosed are a drive control method and apparatus and a display device. The drive control method may be applied to a controller, and include: adding at least one configuration instruction into a target region of one row of data to obtain a target row of data, wherein the configuration instruction is intended for self-configuration of a drive parameter by a first driver chip, and the target region includes at least one of a blank region and a region where display data is located; and sending the target row of data to the first driver chip.

A liquid crystal display device may generally include a liquid crystal display panel and a panel driver circuit for driving the liquid crystal display panel. The panel driver circuit may include a timing controller (TCON), a gate driver circuit, and a source driver circuit. The gate driver circuit includes a plurality of gate driver chips. The source driver circuit includes a plurality of source driver chips.
At present, two types of packets, control packet (CTRL packet) and data packet (video packet), are transmitted between the timing controller and the source driver chip in the liquid crystal display panel. The CTRL packet has two configuration instructions (also referred to as control instructions): CTRL_L and CTRL_F. CTRL_L is configured before and adjacent to a region where display data of each row of data sent to the source driver chip is located. CTRL_F is configured after a region where display data of the last row of data of each frame of data sent to the source driver chip is located, and is adjacent to an end indicator K4 after the region where the display data is located. The end indicator K4 is intended to indicate end of one frame of data. CTRL_L is intended to indicate start of each frame of data, a polarity inversion control instruction, a low-power-consumption mode, or a timing sequence of a source driver chip loading instruction. CTRL_F is intended to transmit static or dynamic parameter setting data (that is, data for setting parameters) to the source driver chip. All display data in one row of data is also called pixel data. The display data is arranged in the form of a data packet. Each display data carries one byte (ten bits) of data.

Drive control method and apparatus, and display device

BEIJING BOE DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.


A device for measuring/determining a physical quantity of a medium. The device comprises a sensor part and an electronic part, whereby at least the electronic part is arranged inside a housing and at least one fuel cell is provided which at least partially covers the energy demand of the device.

For determining a physical measured quantity, the most various types of sensors are used, some of which are based on quite different physical measurement principles. For instance, the level of a product in a container is ascertained by way of the transit time of ultrasound waves or electromagnetic waves and in particular microwaves that are reflected from the surface of the product. When microwaves are used, they are either projected freely into the container in the direction of the surface of the product, or the microwaves are passed into the container along a conductive element.
Moreover, capacitive and radiometric measurement methods are used to measure fill levels.
For limit state detection, the resonant frequency of an oscillator bar or an oscillatable structure that comprises a plurality of oscillator bars is preferably evaluated. In this measuring method, the effect that the resonant frequency differs depending on whether the oscillator bars execute their oscillations freely or in contact with the product is utilized.
No matter how different in structure the various measuring devices are for determining the fill level or some other physical quantity, they have one thing in common: They require energy. In the normal situation, this energy is supplied to them via electrical cords. The disadvantage of all the known measuring devices is now considered to be that the cabling required for supplying energy requires a relatively complicated and expensive installation. The cables themselves are moreover naturally relatively expensive.
It is indeed also known to position solar cells for supplying energy in the vicinity of the measuring devices, but using solar cells is limited to only a few exceptional cases, for well known reasons; solar cells can function only when they are exposed at least intermittently to direct sunlight.

Device for measuring/determining a physical quantity of a medium


Semiconductor devices having reduced parasitic current and methods of malting the semiconductor devices are provided. Further provided are memory devices having reduced adjacent wordline disturb. The memory devices contain wordlines formed over a semiconductor substrate, wherein at least one wordline space is formed between the wordlines. Adjacent wordline disturb is reduced by implanting one or more of indium, boron, and a combination of boron and indium in the surface of the at least one wordline space.

Memory devices include random access memories (RAM) and read only memories (ROM). The categories of RAM and ROM memories further include subclasses of static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), programmable ROM (PROM), electrically programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), FLASH memory, and the like. All the foregoing devices employ architecture in the form of an array of bit cells containing plural rows (wordlines) and plural intersection columns (bitlines).
Typically, the address of a memory cell is determined by the intersection of a wordline with a bitline. A particular cell is activated by activating its row through a wordline, which is connected to the control gate of the transistor forming that cell. The cell is then either read or programmed through a bitline.
The trend in semiconductor memory devices is toward higher circuit density with higher numbers of bit cells per device, lower operating voltages, and higher access speeds. To achieve these high densities there have been, and continue to be, efforts toward scaling down device dimensions. As device dimensions shrink, charged stored in memory cells creates undesirable capacitance issues with neighboring elements within the memory device. In particular, current flow in wordlines adjacent to programmed memory cells is often times disturbed resulting in a higher threshold voltage required to activate the row associated with the affected wordline. This phenomenon is referred to as adjacent wordline disturb (AWD). AWD is a particular concern with FLASH memory devices where the non-volatile nature of the device results in charge remaining in programmed cells for long durations of time.

Adjacent wordline disturb reduction using boron/indium implant