A television program selection system and method for selecting television programs for viewing or recording utilizing a guide schedule list which is received from a cable or satellite broadcaster for example, and comprises characteristics such as topic-theme, relevancy, and broadcast time data. The user can select a time period and optionally in addition a selection mode, which corresponds to one of the alternative algorithms used to sort the programs in the schedule and generate a list of suggested television programs to be displayed for the user to select a program. The default selection mode can use a conventional selection algorithm, and the optional selection mode can eliminate all programs which have any characteristics having a zero weighting.

As the number of available television channels increases, traditional magazine and newspaper printed schedules become more difficult to publish and to use for identifying programs which may be of interest out of the thousands being broadcast over the next few days or so.
Selecting a program to watch would be difficult even if all of the programs were to be listed in the traditional magazines or newspapers by category. Various web sites also provide television schedules, program information, and search tools, but they are also difficult to use and do not allow selection based on prior viewing history and habits.
Wehmeyer, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,867,226, disclosed a television system in which information for programs which are to be transmitted in the future is transmitted in advance to form a channel guide listing, allowing searching for specific television programs which satisfy certain criteria concerning a user's viewing preferences and upon, successful conclusion of the search, a suggested program list is generated in order to predict for the viewer certain programs which may be of interest. The Wehmeyer, et al., apparatus stores historical information about the particular television shows which the user watches and uses it as search criteria, or the search criteria is editable by the viewer to further refine the searches.
According to Wehmeyer, et al., a list of predictions of television programs which the viewer might find interesting can be generated from program guide data corresponding to future programs which is broadcast combined with data corresponding to programs previously watched using the apparatus. According to Wehmeyer, et al., whenever a program is watched for a given period of time, for example, 5 minutes or more, the system keeps a record and thereby the viewing habits and preferences can be determined, which allows the system to predict which upcoming programs should be of interest to the users of the apparatus.
The Wehmeyer, et al., system is designed to predict programs which may be of interest regardless as to when the programs will be broadcast. The system may suggest a list of programs scheduled for broadcast at times which may be inconvenient to the viewer. Furthermore, the Wehmeyer, et al., system does not other capabilities which allow the user to have better control of the suggest feature.
In addition, one satellite TV provider in the U.S. is DIRECTV, which offers access to more than 225 channels in digital-quality picture and sound. The DirecTV system broadcasts a program schedule of over 7000 programs to be broadcast over the next 14 days. The characteristics of programs are included in the program schedule as well as during the broadcast of the programs themselves, and those characteristics are received and processed by DirecTV receiving systems at the user or viewer level. Some examples of the characteristics in the DirecTV system are currently in the format Topic_Theme as follows:
Movies_Action/Adventure
Movies_Comedy
Movies_Drama
Movies_Fantasy
Sports_Baseball
Sports_Basketball
Sports_Boxing
Interests_Animals
Interests_Arts
Interests_Aviation
Interests_Business/Financial
Lifestyles_Cooking
Lifestyles_Exercise/Fitness
Lifestyles_Fashion/Style
News_News (currently News is a pseudo theme and not a theme)
Themes_Action/Adventure
Themes_Comedy
Themes_Current Affair
Themes_Drama
Show Types_Award Ceremony
Show Types_Event
Show Types_Game Show
Show Types_Mini-Series
Show Types_Movie
Age Appropriates_Children
Age Appropriates_Family
Age Appropriates_Adult
The DirecTV system assigns Topic numbers which are used in the broadcast information and the receivers and also a relevancy number which usually is from 1 to 10 for each Topic_Theme characteristic in each program. Some programs have multiple Topic_Theme characteristics, each with possibly different associated relevancy numbers.
The DirecTV receiver system can accommodate up to a predetermined number of individual users for which user profiles are stored, for example ten. The guide data used by the system may be received from a satellite television communication system. The satellite amplifies and rebroadcasts this signal to a plurality of receivers located at the residences of consumers via transponders operating at specified frequencies and having given bandwidths. Such a system includes an uplink transmitting portion (earth to satellite), an earth-orbiting satellite receiving and transmitting unit, and a downlink portion (satellite to earth) including a receiver located at the user's residence. In a such a satellite system, the information necessary to select a given television program is not fixedly-programmed into each receiver but is rather is down-loaded from the satellite continually on each transponder. The television program selection information comprises a set of data known as a Advanced Program Guide (APG), which relates television program titles, their start and end times, a virtual channel number to be displayed to the user, and information allocating virtual channels to transponder frequencies and to a position in the time-multiplexed data stream transmitted by a particular transponder. In such a system, it is not possible to tune any channel until the first APG is received from the satellite, because the receiver (IRD, or Integrated Receiver Decoder) literally does not know where any channel is located, in terms of frequency and position (i.e. data time slot) within the data stream of any transponder.
An APG is preferably transmitted on all transponders with the television program video and audio data, and is repeated periodically, for example, every 2 seconds. The APG, once received, is maintained in a memory unit in the receiver, and updated periodically, for example every 30 minutes. Retention of the APG allows instantaneous television program selection because the necessary selection data are always available. If the APG were to be discarded after using it to select a television program, then a delay of at least two seconds would be incurred while a new program guide was acquired, before any further television program selections could be performed.
Once the channel transponder carrying a desired television program is tuned, the data packets containing the audio and video information for that program can be selected from the data stream received from the transponder by examining the data packets for the proper SCID (Service Component Identifier) 12 bit code. If the SCID of the currently received data packet matches the SCID of the desired television program as listed in the program guide, then the data packet is routed to the proper data processing sections of the receiver. If the SCID of a particular packet does not match the SCID of the desired television program as listed in the program guide, then that data packet is discarded.
The current DirecTV receiver system measures five minute viewing time periods and the relevancy factors for Topic_Themes, and increments each Topic_Theme weight counter in the user's profile by the relevancy factor corresponding to a Topic_Theme in the program being viewed. The Topic_Theme counters are incremented by the relevancy factors for each five minute time period as the period elapses or expires. The counters store [number of 5 minute periods] X [relevancy] product for each Topic_Theme combination at a Topic_Theme cell for a unique user. The resultant weights in the counters in a user's profile are used to calculate relative weights of all the programs in the program schedule when the user requests a list of suggested programs at the user interface.

Television program selection apparatus and method


Embodiments of the invention relate to a multi-cell battery, and individual evaluation of the battery cells. Each cell is individually removed or disconnected from the battery. An adjustable cell charger and an adjustable cell load are mapped to the disconnected cell. As the charger charges the cell, an associated sensor validates acceptance of the charge. As the cell load discharges the cell, the sensor measures discharge characteristics. Operating efficiency of the selected cell is evaluated based on the measured charge acceptance and discharge characteristics.

This disclosure relates generally to a predictive modeling technique for a multi-cell battery. More specifically, the disclosure relates to testing and analyzing the one or more characteristics of the battery at an individual cell level in a multi-cell architecture.
A battery is a device placed in communication with an electronic machine and functions to supply the machine with electrical energy. The use and evolution of batteries has grown with the use of complex electronic devices. Today, a battery pack with multiple cells is provided to power complex electronic devices. For example, with respect to hybrid and battery operated vehicles, battery packs are known to consist of hundreds or thousands of individual lithium-ion cells within the pack.
Accurate battery pack testing is crucial to indicate the health of a battery pack and predict life performance. When it is indicated that a battery pack is not healthy, the majority of the cells may in fact be healthy, but perhaps one or more unhealthy cells are contributing to the flag indication. This can result in inaccurate cell health estimates and inaccurate prediction of life performance of the battery pack. Accordingly, the health of the battery pack may directly correspond to the health of the individual cells. To remedy this problem, data-based assumptions or algorithmic inferences may be made for each cell's health. These remedies are based on testing the battery pack as a single entity.

Testing individual cells within multi-cell battery applications

Lenovo Enterprise Solutions (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.


A portable, collapsible radiant heater includes a base and a support mounted to the base. The support has a collapsed position wherein the base is configured to at least partially receive the support, and an extended position wherein the support extends upwardly from the base. A heater-head for generating radiant heat is connected to the support. A reflector is mounted to one of the heater-head and the support. The reflector at least partially surrounds the heater-head for downwardly reflecting radiant heat generated by the heater-head. The reflector and heater-head are reciprocally movable between the collapsed position wherein the reflector and heater-head are in close proximity to the base and the extended position wherein the reflector and heater-head are distant from the base.

The present disclosure relates to a heater. More specifically, the present disclosure is concerned with a collapsible portable heater for warming a preselected area.
Radiant heaters are well known and used to provide heat to selected areas of a given space. These heaters may be used to heat spaces such as workshops, patios, terraces and the like. One type of radiant heaters, LP/propane or natural gas fueled heaters are available in both free-standing and built-in configurations, and are primarily sold for commercial applications. For example, patio heaters have become especially popular in recent years in areas where no smoking laws are being applied to taverns and bars forcing patrons outdoors to smoke which can be especially inconvenient during cold nights. Patio heaters can be utilized to provide warmth in preselected outdoor areas making it much more comfortable for smokers, and for those who like to be outdoors.
Free-standing patio heaters that can be readily moved from location to location to heat preselected areas typically have a base that is sized to contain a fuel tank therein and an elongate hollow support projecting upward therefrom to a burner assembly housing in which air is heated by combustion of the fuel gases from the tank in the base. The burner assembly housing generally has a cylindrical wall provided with apertures to provide for the escape of the hot products of combustion in the housing. The flow of hot gases through the wall apertures heats the wall so that the wall emits radiant infra-red heat. A relatively large dome-shaped reflector is attached on top of the housing and opens downwardly for reflecting heat emanating from the housing generally downwardly about the support of the patio heater.
In the built-in configuration, which typically will not be moved after the unit is installed, the heater is connected to a source of gas such as provided by a gas utility company. This eliminates the need for the base so that the support extends all the way from the ground up to the burner assembly housing. In each of the free-standing and built-in configurations, the burner assembly housing and reflector dome have substantially the same construction. Other heaters may be mounted to the ceiling, still others may be fixedly mounted to a wall surface.
A drawback of the prior art heaters is that they often direct heat to a limited area. Another drawback is that the prior art heaters are oftentimes cumbersome to move and difficult to store when not in use. Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a new and improved portable, collapsible radiant heater which overcomes certain difficulties with the prior art designs.


An information processing apparatus is provided which includes: a first managing part for managing first data about preferences of a user; a second managing part for managing second data about information; a retrieving part for retrieving the second data about the information used by the user; and an updating part for updating the first data by use of the second data retrieved by the retrieving part. If the second data are found to exist within the first data, then the updating part updates the first data using the second data; if the second data are not found to exist within the first data, then the updating part adds the second data to the first data.

The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, a program, and a recording medium. More particularly, the present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, a program, and a recording medium for providing users with information based on their preferences.
Recent years have seen the ever-growing use by the general public of apparatuses capable of connecting to networks such as the Internet. Concurrently, services that were previously unheard of are being offered to, and accepted by, an increasing number of users of such apparatuses. Illustratively, some of the TV sets currently marketed have their conventional ability to receive TV programs supplemented with capabilities of connecting to a network and acquiring electronic program guide (EPG) information from specific servers over the network. Also available today with TV sets is the function of reserving desired TV programs for subsequent unattended recording based on the acquired EPG.
EPG can be acquired not only by TV sets but also by other apparatuses such as personal computers for viewing by their users.
FIG. 1 shows a typical EPG screen. EPG, obtained by TV sets and personal computers, as mentioned, is displayed on their display area 11. Typically, EPG is furnished in the form of a matrix-like table in which broadcast stations, broadcast times and broadcast programs are properly associated with one another. FIG. 1, for example, provides information that a program A-1 is broadcast by a broadcast station A starting at 12 o'clock. EPG is offered in a display format enabling the user to see clearly broadcast stations, broadcast times, and broadcast programs as they are suitably associated with one another.
Whereas EPG is displayed basically in a manner in which broadcast stations, broadcast times and broadcasts programs are in correspondence with one another, the EPG-providing party (EPG provider) may also present users with additional information so as to enhance their convenience. For example, the typical display of FIG. 1 shows a "RESERVE" button 21 in each display area where a broadcast program name is indicated. The RESERVE button 21 in a particular area is operated on by the user who wants to reserve the corresponding program for unattended recording. Where the terminal displaying EPG is an apparatus such as a personal computer equipped with a storage section (not shown), operating on the RESERVE button 21 causes the corresponding broadcast program to be preset in the built-in storage section for unattended recording.
The example of FIG. 1 also shows a "RECOMMENDED" button 22 and a "RANKING" button 23. The user operates on the RECOMMENDED button 22 when wishing to view information about the broadcast programs recommended by the EPG provider. The RANKING button 23 is operated on when the user wants to view more information based on reserve counts, ratings and other parameters.
Each of these buttons is arranged to be clicked on by the user manipulating an operation section, not shown. Typically, the user positions a cursor 31 on a desired button and clicks on that button.
When, say, the RECOMMENDED button 22 is clicked in EPG of FIG. 1, the display area 11 is switched illustratively to the screen of FIG. 2. The screen of FIG. 2 shows a number of broadcast program names and explanations associated with these programs. This screen that appears when the RECOMMENDED button 22 is clicked has been prepared in advance by the EPG provider. That is, the criteria for the recommendations are on the side of the EPG provider, and not on the side of users who receive EPG offerings.
In other words, the recommended broadcast program information offered as one of EPG-related services is aimed at a number of users, not at each of them. It has been difficult to provide each individual user with information about recommended programs in a manner that takes into consideration the user's preferences. The same difficulty has also been encountered when other information is to be offered to individual users.

Information processing apparatus, information processing method, program, and recording medium


Described are methods for controlling the doping of metal nitride films such as TaN, TiN and MnN. The temperature during deposition of the metal nitride film may be controlled to provide a film density that permits a desired amount of doping. Dopants may include Ru, Cu, Co, Mn, Mo, Al, Mg, Cr, Nb, Ta, Ti and V. The metal nitride film may optionally be exposed to plasma treatment after doping.

Microelectronic devices, such as semiconductors or integrated circuits, can include millions of electronic circuit devices such as transistors, capacitors, etc. To further increase the density of devices found on integrated circuits, even smaller feature sizes are desired. To achieve these smaller feature sizes, the size of conductive lines, vias, and interconnects, gates, etc. must be reduced. Reliable formation of multilevel interconnect structures is also necessary to increase circuit density and quality. Advances in fabrication techniques have enabled use of copper for conductive lines, interconnects, vias, and other structures. However, electromigration in interconnect structures becomes a greater hurdle to overcome, with decreased feature size and the increased use of copper for interconnections. Such electromigration may adversely affect the electrical properties of various components of the integrated circuit.
Tantalum nitride (TaN) is a copper barrier at film thicknesses greater than 10 Å, where the film is continuous. However, at nodes below 22 nm, TaN deposited by thermal atomic layer deposition (thermal ALD) is not a good copper barrier layer. Therefore, there is a need for new methods for depositing films that are effective copper barriers.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


An optical add/drop multiplexer device which is capable of extracting or inserting optical signals of arbitrary wavelength and having a wavelength selection characteristic with a narrow bandwidth, and which is compact in size and highly reliable. The device is formed by a substrate member; a plurality of optical waveguides, formed over the substrate member in layers with a prescribed interval along a direction perpendicular to a plane of the substrate member, each optical waveguide having a portion arranged in parallel and in proximity to an adjacent optical waveguide to form a coupling section; and a diffraction grating member, provided at the coupling section and having a prescribed period along a light propagation direction, for reflecting light signals with a specific wavelength among light signals entered from one of adjacent optical waveguides to another one of the adjacent optical waveguides.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an optical add/drop multiplexer device for extracting or inserting optical signals of a specific wavelength at a specific node in constructing a wavelength division multiplexing network in a transmission system for long distance optical fiber communication, optical subscriber system communication, optical LAN, optical CATV, etc.
2. Description of the Background Art
In a recent trend for broadband multimedia communication, in addition to a demand for drastic increase of a transmission capacity of the optical communication system, there is also a demand for improvement in a flexibility of the optical communication system by way of parallel implementation or network implementation, for example. The wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) scheme is a transmission scheme that can satisfy the above condition, so that it is an important technology which is applicable to a wide range of transmission systems ranging from a long distance transmission system to a subscriber access system. For instance, in the WDM scheme, it is possible to extract or insert only a part of optical signals at a specific node so as to realize an effective utilization of a transmission path, unlike a conventional single wavelength communication.
In the WDM scheme, in practice, there is a need to provide an optical add/drop multiplexer (ADM) device having a function for extracting only those optical signals which have a specific wavelength by using a wavelength selection filter, or a function for inserting only those optical signals which have a specific wavelength, at a point where transmission paths intersect.
An operation of such a conventional optical ADM device will now be described with reference to FIG. 1. In a state where optical signals in four channels having different wavelengths .lambda..sub.1 to .lambda..sub.4 are transmitted from a ground 91, when an optical ADM device 90 is provided between the ground 91 and another ground 93 as shown in FIG. 1, it becomes possible to extract or insert only those optical signals which have a specific wavelength .lambda..sub.2 at an intermediate ground 92, without terminating a cable.
For this type of optical ADM device, it is possible to use a configuration as shown in FIG. 2 in which a fiber grating filter 94 is used in combination with optical circulators 95 and 96 (see C. R. Giles and V. Mizrahi, "Low-Loss ADD/DROP Multiplexers for WDM Lightwave Networks", paper ThC201, in Technical Digest of IOOC '95), or a configuration in which a plurality of dielectric multilayer filters are combined.
In addition, there are also reports of waveguide type wavelength selection filters using semiconductors or dielectrics. The wavelength selection filters using semiconductors include a directional coupler filter using a grating (see R. C. Alferness, T. L. Koch, L. L. Buhl, F. Storz, F. Heismann, and M. J. R. Martyak, "Grating-Assisted InGaAsP/InP vertical codirectional coupler filter", Applied Physics Letter, Vol. 55, pp. 2011-2013 (1989), or H. Sakata and S. Takeuchi, "Grating-Assisted Directional Coupler Filters Using AlGaAs/GaAs MWQ Waveguides", IEEE Photonics Technology Letters, Vol. 3, pp. 899-901 (1991)), and a notch filter using a grating (see J.-P. Weber, B. Stoltz, M. Dasler, and B. Koek, "Four-channel Tunable Optical Notch Filter Using InGaAsP/InP Reflection Gratings", IEEE Photonics Technology Letters, Vol. 6, No. 1, pp. 77-79 (1994)).
FIG. 3 shows the directional coupler filter as disclosed by Alferness et al., while FIGS. 4A ad 4B show the notch filter as disclosed by Weber et al.
Now, in the WDM scheme, there is a need to increase a number of transmission wavelengths in order to increase a transmission capacity, and as a wavelength interval becomes narrower, a filter characteristic of an optical ADM device is also required to have a narrower bandwidth. In addition, from a point of view of improving the flexibility of the network, it is desirable to be able to freely select a channel (wavelength) to be added/dropped at a specific node or to change a number of channels to be added/dropped at a specific node. For example, in the WDM scheme using four channels with wavelengths .lambda..sub.1 to .lambda..sub.4 as shown in FIG. 1 in which the optical signals with the wavelength .lambda..sub.2 can be added/dropped at the ground 92, it would be desirable if it is also possible to add/drop the wavelength .lambda..sub.3 instead of the wavelength .lambda..sub.2, or to add/drop two channels of .lambda..sub.2 and .lambda..sub.3 instead of just one channel. When the optical ADM device having such a function is available, it will be possible to flexibly deal with a change of channel demand so that it will be useful for the restoration in a case of emergency as well, and it will be possible to construct a dynamic WDM network.
In the conventional optical ADM device using a fiber grating or a dielectric multilayer filter, it is possible to obtain the filter characteristic with a narrow bandwidth, but this in turn requires optical components such as optical circulators and 3dB couplers so that the device itself becomes quite large in size, which is both ineconomical as well as problematic from a point of view of reliability.
In addition, it is difficult to change the wavelength to be selected by the filter in the conventional optical ADM device. Consequently, in order to realize selections of a plurality of channels, it is necessary to arrange a plurality of optical ADM devices in parallel or in series, but this in turn requires a complicated configuration.
On the other hand, in the waveguide type wavelength filter using semiconductors, it is possible to realize a configuration in which currents can be injected into a filter region so that the reflectivity of the filter region can be controlled by a change of the injected currents, and by means of this configuration it is possible to change the wavelength to be selected by the filter.
However, in the directional coupler type wavelength filter mentioned above, it is necessary to elongate the coupling length in order to obtain the filter characteristic with a narrow bandwidth, and this in turn gives rise to a problem of a large size of the device. For instance, in the exemplary configuration disclosed by Alferness et al., the 3dB width of the filter characteristic becomes 6.5 nm for the coupling length of 1 mm. In addition, in order to control the filter characteristic such as the half width, an interval between two optical waveguides or a grating shape must be controlled rigorously so that there is a problem in that it becomes increasingly difficult to manufacture the device when the coupling is made stronger.


A belt device for driving an elevator is provided, the rest retaining capability of which is improved in order to retain the stopped state of an elevator cage if oil or water adheres to between a belt and a pulley. In the belt device for driving an elevator in which a belt 4 is stretched over a plurality of pulleys 1, 2, and 3, and the belt 4 is rotated by the rotations of the pulleys 1, 2, and 3, wherein the coefficient of friction of a contact surface with at least a driving pulley in the belt 4 is set to 0.6 to 3.0, and the contact surface is constructed of a rubber having a hardness (IRHD) of 65 to 95, and a wear resistance of 5 to 300 mm3 in Taber wear (ISO547-1-1999, under conditions: a wear ring of H18; a load of 1 kg; and 1000 rpm).

Recently, a device for driving an elevator with a new system has been developed, and its patent application has been filed (for example, refer to Japanese Patent Unexamined Publication No. 2003-252554).
Referring to FIG. 10, in this device 9 for driving an elevator, an elevator rope 92, one end of which is provided with an elevator cage 90 and the other end is provided with a balance weight 91, is entrained about a sheave 93, and the elevator cage 90 can be moved up and down by pressing a belt 95 for driving an elevator stretched over a plurality of flat pulleys 94, into contact with an arcuate region of an elevator rope 92 wound around the sheave 93, and allowing one of the plurality of flat pulleys 94 to be rotatably driven by a motor.
The device for driving an elevator with this system has the merit of employing a relatively small motor as the rotary driving source of the belt 95.
However, in the device 9 for driving an elevator, if oil or water adheres to the belt 95 or the flat pulleys 94 over which the belt 95 is stretched, the coefficient of friction between them is lowered, and hence the rest retaining capability thereof is lowered. When the rest retaining capability is extremely lowered, it is impossible to stop the rotation of the sheave 93. This results in a considerably unfavorable condition where the elevator cage cannot retain its stopped state.


Embodiments of the present invention provide pulley apparatuses that can be easily incorporated into block-and-tackle configurations. In some embodiments, a rope can be easily dropped into place and removed, rather than having to be threaded in. For example, the pulley housing can include a rope channeling structure near the end opposite the aperture, and the rope channeling structure can facilitate introducing the rope into engagement with the wheel and/or removing the rope from engagement with the wheel. In some embodiments, the rope channeling structure can prevent the rope from inadvertently becoming removed from the pulley. Some pulley apparatuses can comprise a minimal number of parts, which can significantly simplify the manufacturing process and provide for a more consistent final product.

There are many situations in which relatively heavy objects must be lifted and/or suspended (and/or lowered under control). For example, hunters must often suspend heavy animals (e.g., from a tree) for cleaning purposes; furniture and other heavy objects must be loaded onto trucks; trunks/crates must be moved to attics or garage lofts; portions of smaller vehicles (e.g., ATVs) must be lifted for purposes of changing a tire or pulled out of a stuck situation; and so on. In many instances, even a strong individual is unable to lift the objects in the desired manner.
The same can hold true when someone wants to introduce an optimum amount of tension in a line of some sort. For example, during the construction of a barbed-wire fence, the wire must be pulled tight to create a viable fence. Pulling the wire tight can be difficult or impossible for even a strong individual.
One mechanism that can aid in lifting such objects and/or pulling such objects tightly is a block-and-tackle configuration. Block-and-tackles involve arranging one or more pulleys in relation to a fixed object and feeding rope through the pulleys in such a way as to create a mechanical advantage. In this way, by pulling the rope over a longer distance, a greater lifting force can be achieved.
In many instances, configuring a block-and-tackle can present difficulties. Feeding the rope through the pulley(s) and/or attaching the load to the block-and-tackle can pose challenges that limit the usefulness and/or applicability of block-and-tackles.


This disclosure describes a protection circuit configured to protect a power converter. The protection circuit may be configured to determine when the power converter is operating in a tristate mode, and upon determining that the power converter is operating in the tristate mode, to disable a supply to the power converter based on a comparison of a switch node voltage on a switch node of the power converter to a feedback node voltage on an output node of the power converter.

In many systems and devices, DC/DC power converters are used to control voltage and/or current levels within the system or device. In general, DC/DC power converters may convert a source of direct current (DC) from one voltage level to another voltage level. DC/DC power converters may comprise buck converters, boost converters, buck/boost converters, or other types. Some buck converters, for example, may comprise an inductor-capacitor ("LC") circuit that is connected to a switch node, where the switch node is positioned between a high-side power switch and a low-side power switch. A so-called "bootstrap capacitor," which is typically an external component of the DC/DC converter, may be used to provide the charge needed by a driver circuit to control the high side switch. The high-side and low-side power switches are controlled by driver circuits via modulation control signals, such as pulse width modulation (PWM) signals, pulse frequency modulation (PFM) signals, pulse duration modulation signals, pulse density modulation signals, or another type of modulation control signal.
In particular, modulation control signals can be applied to the gates of the high-side and low-side power switches to control the ON/OFF switching of the power switches. The ON/OFF switching of the power switches effectively controls the delivery of power to the switch node that is located between the high-side and low-side switches. In this way, by controlling the high-side and low-side switches of a DC/DC converter, a desired level of current or voltage can be output from the DC/DC converter in order to provide power to a load or another component of the system.
Power converters, such as buck converters, sometimes operate in continuous-conduction mode (CCM), in which case the energy stored in the inductor flows continuously during operation of the buck converter. For example, in CCM, the high-side and low-side switches may operate in a substantially synchronous fashion, such that when the high-side is commanded OFF, the low side is immediately commanded ON, and vice versa.
However, in other situations, power converters may operate differently, e.g., in a non-CCM manner. When operating in a non-CCM manner, the low-side switch may remain OFF regardless of the ON/OFF state of the high-side switch. Furthermore, power converters may also operate in a so-called tristate mode, where both the low-side switch and the high-side switch are turned OFF. More specifically, in the tristate mode, both the high side switch and the low side switch may be turned off simultaneously during one or more switching cycles.
Non-CCM control of the DC/DC power converter may be useful when very small loads are connected to the DC/DC power converter. However, fault monitoring of the DC/DC power converter when the DC/DC power converter is operating in a non-CCM or in tristate presents challenges.

Safety cutoff circuit for power converter


The execution process registration unit is a function unit for causing a user to register in advance the information about the process (function) that is assigned to each button, and for storing the information. A command display unit controls an initial screen display, an execution process display unit controls the screen display during operation, and a command execution unit executes the process in accordance with the operation (time), on the basis of the information that is registered in advance.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention is related to a command input method in a GUI environment.
2. Description of the Related Art
At present, a command input method in a GUI (Graphical User Interface) environment is executed by designating a button to which a desired process (function) is assigned, from among the buttons displayed on a screen, while clicking the button using a mouse or touching the button by finger or using a dedicated pen or the like.
There is a case, for example, at a business occasion, etc., that a plurality of relevant processes are executed step-by-step. Here, the case that a series of processes such as "calculation", "data updating", and "printing" are executed step-by-step, is exemplified. In this example, buttons for "calculation", "data updating", and "printing" processes are respectively displayed. A user sequentially operates the respective buttons, and executes a series of the processes step-by-step. At first, a "calculation" button is clicked, and a calculation process is executed, thereby displaying a calculation result confirmation screen. After this screen is viewed, an "updating" button is clicked, and a data updating result confirmation screen is displayed. After this screen is viewed, a "printing" button is clicked, and a printing process starts.
However, in the case that an operation procedure such as "calculation"→"updating"→"printing" is fixed, users with advanced skills (experience) and the like may wish to collectively execute the processes without respectively displaying confirmation screens of calculation results, etc., during the process. Depending on the occasion, however, there is a case that the confirmation screen is respectively displayed and the results should had better be respectively confirmed, or there is a case that the results need not be confirmed at all. Conventionally, however, a user had to sequentially operate a plurality of buttons regardless of his/her skill, situation, etc., and he/she had to execute processes while respectively displaying confirmation results.
With regard to such a problem, it is conceivable that a plurality of processes (execution files) are assigned to one button, and a plurality of processes are executed step-by-step by one operation of a button. However, such a process is intended for a user with a low skill level, too.
In order to solve this problem, two methods are conceivable.
The first method is to provide, in addition to respective buttons of "calculation", "updating", and "printing" processes, a new button that can collectively execute these processes.
In this method, however, the required number of buttons increases. Generally, the processes that are required especially at a business occasion includes not only the above-mentioned "calculation" process but also various kinds of processes. Therefore, if the number of buttons significantly increases, a user cannot easily handle the buttons. Further, it is conceivable that there is a case that a space required for a new button does not exist. (This will especially be the case if the screen is small like, as in a mobile device, where space is limited. Also it is difficult to operate a button when the button is made small.)
As for the second method, screens for a user with a high skill level and for a user with a low skill level are separately prepared, and accordingly a screen is changed in accordance with a user. This method is realized by changing the master setting before a user uses the device.
FIGS. 1A and 1B show specific examples of the second method. For example, when the content of "button arrangement" is set to "step-by-step process arrangement" on a master screen as shown in FIG. 1A before a user with a low skill level uses the device, a business screen is provided with three buttons to which respective processes such as "calculation", "updating", and "printing" processes are assigned.
On the other hand, before a user with a high skill level uses a device, the content of "button arrangement" is set to "simultaneous process arrangement" on a master screen, as shown in FIG. 1B. Accordingly, a button for collectively executing the above-mentioned three processes (here, the display word is "printing") is displayed on a business screen.
In this second method, the number of buttons does not increase as in the first method. Therefore, a problem such that the device cannot cope with the case that there is no space for a new button, will rarely occur. Whenever a user changes, however, the setting should be changed on a master screen as occasion demands before the device is used, which is troublesome for a user. Concerning an operation for a short period of time after the setting of a master screen is changed, a longer period of time may be required in a case where the three buttons are sequentially operated. Further, it is difficult for a user with a low skill level for change the setting on a master screen.
In a conventional method, a main program related to a GUI should be changed when a new button is added, or when the function of a button is changed.

Command input device, command input method, and storage medium


A method for local data visibility is disclosed. The method includes detecting data items in a local data repository located in a local environment. In response to the detecting, a computer processor of the local environment collects metadata describing the data items in the local data repository. The metadata includes a project identifier. The metadata is then transmitted, separate from the data items, to a data manager of a database, where the database is accessible by multiple local environments. Accordingly, the data manager determines, based on the project identifier, a synchronization status of the data items in the local data repository, where the synchronization status represents a relationship between the data items in the local data repository and exploration and production data in the database. The data manager further generates, according to a pre-determined data management scheme, an alert based on the synchronization status.

In the exploration and production (E&P) world, data volumes may be large. The data volumes may be used in interpretation applications to make decisions to find fluids, including hydrocarbons such as oil and gas, in earth formations. Based on the size of data volumes, databases are often used to store raw and interpreted information. Besides scalability and ability to handle large data volumes, databases may also ensure data is kept unique while multiple people are loading and using data from the database.

Method and system for sandbox visibility


A release device for releasing an inflatable element for protecting a vehicle against impact, which element, once inflated, presents a general shape that fits closely over the region of the vehicle to be protected, said inflatable element being held, in a folded state, in a compartment that includes a wall that is connected in sealed manner to an edge of an opening of said inflatable element, wherein, facing said opening, said wall includes gas release means that are protected during inflation of the inflatable element by a closure flap controlled by actuator means that remove said closure flap once the inflatable element is deployed.

The invention relates both to a release device for an inflatable element for protecting a vehicle against impact, which element, once inflated, presents a general shape that fits closely over the region of the vehicle to be protected, and to a protection device for protecting a vehicle against impact, the protection device including an inflatable element provided with such a release device. The release device of the invention preferably applies to devices for providing impact protection in the rail industry, for which the inflatable protection element is particularly bulky.
Inflatable protective cushions disposed at the front of rail vehicles, such as disclosed in publication FR 2 764 855 in the name of the Applicant, to absorb shock during impact with an obstacle, present the characteristic of being large in volume and thus requiring a very large quantity of gas to be injected under high pressure to ensure that the inflatable cushion is deployed rapidly. The inflatable cushions are provided with release orifices enabling the gas to be released progressively during impact so as to absorb the energy of the impact. Unfortunately, however, such orifices present the drawback of allowing some of the gas to escape during the stage of filling the inflatable cushion, thus contributing to further increasing the quantity of gas required to deploy the inflatable cushion.
It is known, in particular in the automobile industry, to remedy that drawback by disposing a membrane over the release orifices of the inflatable cushion so as to close said orifices during the stage of inflating the protective cushion, the membrane being designed to tear under excess pressure due to impact in order to enable the gas to be freed and the shock to be absorbed. Such a solution is disclosed in publication FR 1 571 387. However, that solution is not applicable to protective cushions for rail vehicles, which cushions are very large in volume, thereby requiring very high inflating pressures in order to obtain rapid deployment, thus causing the membranes closing the release orifices to rupture during inflation. In addition, reinforcing the membranes to prevent them from rupturing prematurely during inflation would lead to a reduction in the capacity of the inflatable cushion to absorb energy, in particular during small impacts, while increasing the pressure threshold above which the gas can escape from the cushion. Unfortunately, in order to obtain effective protection, it is important for the inflatable cushion to be properly inflated before impact and for it to relax as soon as impact occurs in order to prevent the inflatable cushion from deforming almost exclusively elastically during impact, e.g. with a human being, since it would then reaccelerate said human in the opposite direction after an impact and with a force of corresponding magnitude.
The object of the present invention is thus to propose a release device, and a protection device provided with such a release device, to ensure that the protection element is inflated without loss of gas so as to optimize deployment of the inflatable element, and also to ensure that the gas is released progressively as soon as impact occurs, however violent the impact.
To this end, the invention provides a release device for releasing an inflatable element for protecting a vehicle against impact, which element, once inflated, presents a general shape that fits closely over the region of the vehicle to be protected, the inflatable element being held, in a folded state, in a compartment and including an opening having an edge that is connected in sealed manner to a wall of the compartment, wherein, facing the opening, the wall includes gas release means that are protected during inflation of the inflatable element by a closure flap controlled by actuator means that remove the closure flap once the inflatable element is deployed.
In particular embodiments, the release device can comprise one or more of the following characteristics, taken in isolation, or in any technically feasible combination:
the closure flap is actuated by pyrotechnical or electrical control means;
the release means are constituted by one or more membrane-fitted release orifices, said membrane(s) being designed to tear when excess pressure is created by an object impacting on the inflatable element; and
the flap is removed after a time delay has elapsed from the initial triggering of the inflatable means.
The invention also provides a protection device for protecting a vehicle against impact, the protection device including an inflatable element which, once inflated, presents a general shape that fits closely over the region of the vehicle to be protected, the inflatable element being held in a folded state in a compartment that includes a wall that is connected in sealed manner to an opening of said inflatable element, wherein, facing the opening, the wall includes an orifice opening out to inflating means, and includes gas release means that are protected during inflation of the inflatable element by a closure flap controlled by actuator means that remove the closure flap once the inflatable element is deployed.
In particular embodiments, the release device can comprise one or more of the following characteristics, taken in isolation, or in any technically feasible combination:
the vehicle is a rail vehicle; and
the inflation means are constituted by a tank of gas under very high pressure.

Inflatable air bag release and membrane protection device


The present invention provides a light emitting device which comprises blue and red light emitting diode (LED) chips and at least one phosphor for emitting green light by means of light emitted from the blue LED chip, and an LCD backlight including the light emitting device. According to the light emitting device of the present invention, uniform white light can be implemented and both high luminance and wider color reproduction range can also be obtained. Accordingly, an LCD backlight for uniform light distribution on an LCD as well as low power consumption and high durability can be manufactured using the light emitting device.

Field
The present invention relates a light emitting device and an LCD backlight using the light emitting device. More particularly, the present invention relates to a light emitting device capable of implementing uniform white light and having a wide color reproduction range, and an LCD backlight using the light emitting device.
Discussion of the Background
As high-performance portable information processing devices and mobile communication terminals have been continuously required with the development of information and communication technologies, various kinds of components with high performance and quality have been continuously required in systems. Liquid crystal displays (LCDs), which have been generally applied to monitors of medium- and large-sized terminals such as notebook computers, require white backlight sources at rear side thereof. In a case where a cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) is generally used as such a backlight source, there are many advantages in that uniform white light with high luminance is implemented, and the like. However, it may be difficult to continuously use the CCFL, because the CCFL cannot be further employed due to the future restriction on the use of mercury. Accordingly, studies on backlight sources with which the CCFLs can be replaced have been actively conducted. Among the backlight sources, a backlight source using a light emitting device has come into the spotlight as a light source capable of substituting for the CCFLs.
A light emitting diode (LED) refers to a device in which minority carriers (electrons or holes) injected by means of a p-n junction structure of a semiconductor are produced, and light is emitted due to recombination of the carriers. Since the LED has low power consumption and long lifespan, can be mounted in a narrow space and has strong resistance against vibration, it has been increasingly employed as components in a variety of information processing and communication devices.
As a prior art of an LCD backlight source using a light emitting diode, an LCD backlight source module has been disclosed in Korean Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2002-0041480, in which blue light emitted from a blue light emitting diode is converted into white light using a phosphor and the white light is then incident onto a light guide plate for the uniform light distribution, so that an LCD can have uniform light distribution, low power consumption and high durability. In the LCD backlight source module, the blue light emitting diode and phosphor can be used to implement-uniform white light with high luminance. However, since a color reproduction range which can be expressed when light is transmitted into RGB color filters is considerably narrow in a case where the LCD backlight source module is used as a white light source positioned at the rear of an LCD, there is a limitation in the implementation of images closer to natural colors. Particularly, since the above color reproduction range is greatly lower than the color reproduction range provided by the National Television System Committee (NTSC), it is difficult to reproduce more realistic colors.
As another prior art, a method of driving an LCD backlight has been disclosed in Korean Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2004-0087974, in which a single white light emitting diode or three red, blue and green light emitting diodes are used in an LCD backlight to form a white backlight source, and a microcomputer is used to measure input current and color of each LED and then to adjust the current supplied finally to each LED. A backlight source using three red, blue and green light emitting diodes can satisfy a considerably wide color reproduction range as compared with an existing CCFL, but since thermal or temporal characteristics of the respective LEDs are different from one another, there are disadvantages in that a color tone is changed depending on a use environment, and particularly, the colors are not uniformly mixed due to the occurrence of uneven colors, or the like. Further, there are additional disadvantages in that color coordinates vary due to change in the output of each chip depending on an ambient temperature, it is difficult to implement high luminance and a circuit configuration in which the driving of each LED chip is considered is complicated.

Light emitting device and LCD backlight using the same


A repair method that includes covering a damaged part of a member to be repaired with a repair material, and heating the repair material to a predetermined temperature to form an alloy layer. At least the surface of the member to be repaired is a first metal such as Cu. The repair material includes a second metal such as Sn. By the heating, the surface of the member to be repaired is integrally joined with a layer of an intermetallic compound and an alloy having a melting point higher than a melting point of either of the first metal or the second metal.

A part of piping for passing a liquid or a gas may be damaged due to aging degradation or various external factors. As a method for repairing a damaged part of piping, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method of stopping up a hole by coated welding of a hole of a damaged part or by covering a damaged part with a reinforcing plate and welding the reinforcing plate.
Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a method in which a damaged part is repaired using a repair sheet formed by forming a conductive film made of copper or the like on one surface of a photocurable resin sheet including glass fibers. In this method, a damaged hole is stopped up by covering the damaged hole with a repair sheet, and then irradiating the resin sheet with light to cure the resin.
Patent Document 1: JP-A No. 2003-080392
Patent Document 2: JP-A No. 2010-069795


A long sleeved garment has a sleeve that is fitted with a watch cuff which accommodates a wristwatch so that the face of the watch will be readily visible and accessible through a viewing window at all times, and not obscured by the cuff, while preserving the tailored appearance of the garment. In a barrel cuff embodiment, a cutout opening intersects the distal edge of a cuff and extends inwardly along a curved cut line, thereby defining the interior boundary of an open viewing window. In a French cuff embodiment, an outer cuff fold layer is intersected by a cutout opening that forms a window through which a wristwatch can be viewed.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention is related generally to wearing apparel, and in particular to a shirt cuff having means for retaining and displaying a conventional wristwatch so that it can be viewed conveniently without retracting the cuff.
2. Description of the Related Art
The shirt as it is known today actually began as an undergarment in the form of a soft tunic that was worn as a protective layer beneath outer clothing. With a collar extending above the neck and cuffs covering the wrists, it was a safeguard against irritation from coarse woolens. Although shirt sleeve cuffs in some form have likely existed throughout history, their fashionable origins are said to have followed the style of early military garments in which a protective sleeve extension or cuff of mail was sewn onto the tunic sleeves. That short cuff was intended as a defensive measure to shield the portion of wrist exposed between the lower forearm and a heavy leather glove (gauntlet) covering the hand.
As mail and other body armor became obsolete, military uniforms evolved and the short mail cuff was replaced by a turned-up portion of the shirt sleeve or a separate sewn-on fabric extension of the sleeve. Military costume styles continued to set the standard in all essentials for fine clothing, and this fabric cuff arrangement was soon imitated in the design of civilian shirts. Ultimately, the exposed collar and cuff portions of the shirt began to be viewed as both decorative and fashionable, indicating one's wealth and social position.
Today, the modern cuff is intentionally made visible as a band of linen between the outer coat sleeve and hand, and has become a stylistic gesture associated with the well-dressed man. In a tailored suit jacket and shirt combination, the jacket sleeve should extend to where the wrist joins with the hand. According to contemporary standards for men's clothing, this length should reveal about one-half inch of the shirt cuff. The band of linen between sleeve and hand, like that above the jacket collar, is one of the details that defines the sophisticated dresser. Cuffs now come in two basic types, the barrel cuff extension and the French cuff extension. The barrel cuff fastens by one or two buttons, while the French cuff folds back onto itself and is held together by a cufflink.
Along with tailored suit jackets and shirts, the wristwatch has become a standard fashion accessory. This is due to the fact that the wristwatch chronometer has more than just a practical function. The wristwatch, having replaced the pocket watch as the symbol of competence and efficiency, has also become a fashion statement and a status symbol. This is no less true for women than for men, but it probably has more impact on men, who tend to wear far less jewelry. In the same way that properly fitted shirt cuffs and collars have become important fashion indicators, the wearing of a fine wristwatch is one of the subtle ways a man can signal his values and standing in society.
The cuff and wristwatch, both encircling the wrist, thus compete for viewing attention, and it is necessary to retract the cuff to provide a clear view and access to the time display and control features of the wristwatch.
Aside from fashion watches, it has become common for persons to wear wrist-mounted devices such as multifunction wristwatches, wireless communication units, calculators, heart rate monitors and the like that require immediate access for viewing and control. Accordingly, there is a continuing interest in providing an apparel cuff that satisfies the competing requirements of utility and fashion for various wrist-mounted devices, as well as for fashion watches.
Of particular interest is the need for a shirt cuff that will accommodate viewing and access requirements for a wristwatch or other wrist-mounted instrument and present the indicating face of the watch or instrument so that it is readily visible and accessible at all times, and not obscured by the shirt cuff, while preserving the tailored appearance of the cuff, for both men's and women's fashion apparel.
Conventional wristwatches and wrist-mounted instruments are worn in direct skin contact against the wrist, and so are exposed to frictional contact, perspiration moisture and body heat. Corrosive salt compounds present in perspiration may rust the watch body and penetrate into the watch movement or instrument, thus impairing operation and leading to premature failure. Penetration of perspiration moisture into the bezel pocket can cause discoloration of the dial face and cause a film of moisture to accumulate on the underside of the crystal, thus interfering with observation.
Moreover, the user's perspiration may react with the metal body or finish of the wrist-mounted instrument, thus producing an acid compound that may irritate sensitive skin and cause an allergic reaction. The acid compound may also attack the finish of the watch body and connecting straps, thus tarnishing its appearance and reducing its auction value. Accordingly, there is a continuing interest in providing a shirt cuff that opposes the direct transfer of perspiration moisture to the watch and allows a wristwatch or other wrist-mounted instrument to be loosely associated with the wrist and worn with utmost comfort and confidence, without direct contact by the watch body against the wearer's wrist.
A conventional wristwatch or wrist-mounted instrument is secured onto the wrist by means of leather straps, or an elastic expansion band, that holds the watch body tightly against the wrist, thus concentrating the compressive force of engagement primarily against the skin of the wrist directly facing the watch body. This can cause chafing and loss of normal blood circulation through veins and capillaries near the skin surface, resulting in some discomfort and loss of full wrist movement and flexibility, as well interfering with access to control buttons and knobs. Accordingly, there is a continuing interest in providing a shirt cuff that spreads the forces of expansion band or strap engagement more or less uniformly around a substantial portion of the wrist, thus avoiding the constricting effects of concentrated engagement forces imposed by conventional strap and banding arrangements.
There is also an interest in providing a shirt cuff that allows a wristwatch or other wrist-mounted instrument to be loosely associated with the wrist and worn with utmost comfort and confidence, without turning or slipping from a preferred viewing position.
There is a further interest in providing a shirt cuff that allows a wristwatch or other wrist-mounted instrument to be loosely associated with the wrist and worn with utmost comfort and confidence, while providing a ventilation passage between the wrist and watch body that opposes heat transfer to the watch body, and opposes the transfer of perspiration moisture to the watch body.
There is also an interest in providing a shirt cuff that allows the body of a wristwatch or other wrist-mounted instrument to be worn without direct contact with the wrist, and which can be secured with conventional elastic bands or straps without interfering with normal assembly and release, so that the wristwatch can be readily secured around and removed from the wrist, conveniently and at will.

Long-sleeved garment with wristwatch accommodations


A fastener-component sub-assembly has a body, a retaining member, and a fastener. The component has an interior surface, an exterior surface, and one or more openings extending from the interior surface to the exterior surface. A first opening of the one or more openings has an inlet and outlet, with an axis extending therethrough. The retaining member is disposed in the first opening of the one or more openings between the inlet and the outlet. The fastener is disposed in the first opening, and the fastener includes a narrow portion and a wide portion. The width of the narrow portion is less than the width of the wide portion. The fastener is movable in the first opening between an extended position and a recessed position. The narrow portion of the fastener is sized such the fastener is able to freely move along the axis and through the retaining member. The wide portion of the fastener is sized such that the fastener is prevented from moving toward the inlet of the first opening when the wide portion engages the retaining member.

Various types of engines include multiple components (e.g., plates, adapters, manifolds, conduits, elbows, tubes, flanges, etc.) that are connected to each other, such as, for example, by one or more fasteners (e.g., bolts). Some of these assemblies include components that are positioned at angles relative to other components. For example, engines used in marine applications often include various flanges that are positioned at a downward angle relative to a vertical axis of the engine, in which the angled flanges have bolt openings positioned at an angle that are configured for receiving a bolt such that the flange can be secured to another component of the engine. Because the bolt openings are positioned at an angle, the bolts are inserted into the bolt openings at an angle to secure the flange to the other component(s).
Bolts can be secured within a bolt opening with an O-ring positioned between the bolt and an inner wall of the bolt opening to provide a seal that prevents liquid from moving through the bolt opening. For example, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2008/0128207, filed on Aug. 23, 2007, describes a drain bolt that that includes an enlarged primary flange and a pair of reduced diameter flanges, in which the reduced diameter flanges hold an O-ring captive between them.


A method for forming circuit patterns having different resistances. The method includes (1) a first step of forming a first toner image using a first toner and a second toner image using a second toner, each by electrophotography, the first toner containing a resistive material, the second toner having a resistance different from that of the first toner; and (2) a second step of transferring and fixing the first toner image and the second toner image to an object to be printed such as a ceramic green sheet, to form a circuit pattern.

1. Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to a method for forming a circuit pattern and, more particularly, to a method for forming a circuit pattern by printing, utilizing electrophotography.
2. Background Art
A ceramic multilayer board may include a resistance pattern serving as a resistance element and a circuit pattern including wiring serving as an inductor and/or a capacitor electrode.
For example, a resistance pattern inside a ceramic multilayer board is formed by applying resistive paste to a ceramic green sheet, forming a green laminate composed of the ceramic green sheet and another ceramic green sheet, and firing the green laminate.
A resistance pattern on the surface of a ceramic multilayer board is generally formed by baking resistive paste applied to a fired ceramic multilayer board. A resistance pattern on the surface of a ceramic multilayer board may also be formed by firing resistive paste applied to a green laminate.
The resistance of a resistance pattern may be controlled by the following two methods, alone or in combination.
A first method relies on dimensional control of a resistance pattern. For example, to increase the resistance, the electrode gap is increased, the electrode width is reduced, or the thickness of a printed film is reduced. The reverse of these processes may be performed to reduce the resistance.
A fired thick-film resistor is usually trimmed with a laser to control the resistance with high precision (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
According to a second method, the resistance of a resistance pattern is controlled by the resistance of resistive paste.
With a reduction in the size and the profile of components, the resistance pattern area is also being reduced. It is therefore extremely difficult to alter the resistance of a resistance pattern by altering the dimensions of the resistance pattern. Under these circumstances, the method may be used in which a plurality of resistive pastes having different resistances may be appropriately combined to achieve a desired resistance.
However, this method requires many types of resistive paste having different resistances, thus requiring complicated inventory management and considerable management costs.
Thus, to avoid the complicated management of resistive pastes, a limited number of pastes having different resistances may be blended to provide a desired resistance. Such a blend method, involving a stock of only a limited number of resistive pastes having different resistances (for example, 10, 100, 1000, and 10000 ohms per square), has been widely used (see, for example, Patent Document 2).
Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 63-261796
Patent Document 2: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 62-290102
However, additional problems still remain to be solved.
A ceramic multilayer board includes many ceramic layers to integrate various circuits. Resistance patterns having different resistances are often integrated on the same layer. To form resistance patterns having different resistances, resistive paste and a printing plate must be replaced by another resistive paste and another printing plate for each of the resistance patterns.
For example, to prepare five resistance patterns having different resistances on a single layer, even the blend method described above needs up to five blends of resistive pastes and five printing plates, thus requiring five cycles of printing while replacing the printing plate and the resistive paste for every resistance pattern.


In the present invention, a recombination of gene groups of nemadectin aglycon biosynthesis is performed for obtaining C-13 hydroxylnemadectin, to which sugar groups can be attached, and a production strain which produces C-13 hydroxylnemadectin is produced. Further, C-13 glycosylnemadectin producing strain is prepared by introducing aveBI-BVIII genes involving glycosidation of avermectin and biosynthesis of oleandrose. As described, C-13 hydroxylnemadectin and C-13 glycosidated nemadectin can be obtained effectively by using the producing strain prepared by means of the molecular genetic technology, and improvement in the biological activity thereof can be expected.

A series of compounds having benzofuran ring structure has excellent antiparasitic activity and antiinsect activity. Among them, avermectin and milbemycin are now practically used. Four components, α, β, γ and δ, of nemadectin, which has benzofuran ring structure produced by Streptomyces cyaneogriseus subspecies noncyanogenus, are known, and the C-13 position thereof has no substituent and is saturated as shown in the following structure.

Nemadectin α R1═H R2═CH(CH3)2
Nemadectin β R1═H R2═CH3
Nemadectin γ R1═CH3 R2═CH3
Nemadectin δ R1═CH3 R2═CH(CH3)2
A reason why the C-13 position of nemadectin is saturated is that a module 7 of nemadectin polyketide synthetase (nemadectin PKS), which is involved in the formation of nemadectin aglycon moiety, is constructed by the structure of KS-AT-DH-ER-KR-ACP. It is difficult to construct stereoselective modification in the saturated C-13 position by chemical synthesis. Although increasing antiinsect activity and antiparasitic activity can be expected by an addition of sugar moiety as like in avermectin of the following structure, a production of derivatives by chemical synthesis has not been made.

As described in the above, although stereoselective introduction of hydroxyl group and glycosylation of the hydroxyl group of nemadectin at C-13 position by chemical synthesis might be difficult to perform, as a result of extensive studies, we have succeeded in preparing C-13 glycosylated nemadectin producing microorganism by means of the molecular genetic technology and obtaining efficiently nemadectin with stereoselective glycosylation.
The present invention was completed based on such the knowledge. An object of the present invention is to provide a microorganism belonging to genus Streptomyces having C-13 glycosylnemadectin producing activity by the molecular genetic technology. Another object of the present invention is to provide a microorganism strain belonging to genus Streptomyces having C13 substituted nemadectin producing activity, which can be used for obtaining effectively nemadectin with stereoselective glycosylation and expected to improve the biological activity thereof.
Further object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing C-13 substituted nemadectin comprising introducing DNA of a microorganism, which produces nemadectin analog, into the nemadectin producing microorganism belonging to genus Streptomyces and accumulating C-13 hydroxylnemadectin and C-13 glycosylnemadectin and collecting the same.


There is provided a method of detecting a block sync signal in which a sync signal and code sequence can be distinguished from each other to recognize the head of a block composed of a plurality of code words at the time of data reading or reception. A sync word detector (10) is supplied with a window signal Sync_window generated based on a parity OK signal supplied from a parity check circuit (12) and indicating a period between the sync word included in signal read from the medium (1) and the ID information, and detects the sync word as to a bit string detected by a PRML Viterbi detector (6) with the use of the Sync_window signal.

Normally, a block sync signal is added to the head of a data block going to be transmitted or recorded. At the time of data reception or reading, the sync signal is detected to recognize the head of the block. The "block" referred to herein is a unit consisting of a plurality of data words or code words. For example, a block in DAT (digital audio tape) is composed of 36 symbols in total including 2 symbols of ID (identity) data, 1 symbol of ID parity and 32 symbols of data word. One symbol is of 8 bits before encoded with an eight-to-ten (8/10) code that is a recording code while it is of 10 bits after encoded with the recording code. For recording, each 8-bit symbol forming a block is first encoded with the 8/10 code and then a sync signal (sync word) of 1 symbol (10 bits), not existent in the sequence of the 8/10 code, is added to the head of the block. For reading, the head of the block is recognized by detecting the sync word and then the encoded ID data, parity and 32-symbol data word are decoded symbol by symbol. The 8/10 code is intended for use with data recorded by the NRZI (non-return-to-zero-inverted) recording method. However, a maximum length of a succession of same bits in an NRZI-converted sequence (will be referred to as "Tmax" hereunder) is 4 and Tmax will not continuously repeat more than 2 times. A sync word includes a pattern in which Tmax not appearing in any code sequence continuously repeated 2 times, whereby the sync word can be distinguished from the code sequence.
Recently, the TCPR (trellis-coded partial response) method has been studied actively in the field of magnetic recording. This method is to take a partial response characteristic and code characteristic in combination with each other to increase the Euclidian distance between transmission-channel (recording/reading channel) output sequences (free squared Euclidian distance: d2free). An increase in d2free is equivalent to an increase in signal level. Therefore, the TCPR method improves SNR (signal-to-noise ratio) of data when detected. The code used in the TCPR method is generally called "trellis code".
Note here that the extended partial response Class 4 (will be referred to as "EPR4" hereinafter) normally used as a partial response provides a method of equalizing waveforms equalized for unit-pulse response to each other to be (1, 1, −1, −1) at a sampling point (where a symbol exists). The system polynominal equation of EPR4 is expressed like a following formula (1):G(D)=(1−D)(1+D)2  (1)where D is a 1-bit delay operator.
A state transition diagram of EPR4 is shown in FIG. 12, and a trellis diagram of EPR4 is shown in FIG. 13. The minimum Euclidian distance d2free indicated with a doublet in the trellis diagram of EPR4 is:d2free=((+1)−(0))2+((+1)−(0))2+((−1)−(0))2+((−1)−(0))2=4
In the trellis-coded extended partial response Class 4 (will be referred to as "TCEPR4" hereinafter) in which the maximum-likelihood decoding is done with the use of EPR4 and constraints of modulation code, the squared Euclidian distance d2free can be increased from 4 to 6 by constraining the 16/18 code and thus a Viterbi detection gain of 1.8 dB can be gained for EPR4.
Since a Viterbi decoder for TCEPR4 operates at every predetermined 18 bits, even a phase lag of 1 bit will result in decoding a quite different bit.
Therefore, to reset the TCEPR4 Viterbi decoder at every predetermined 18 bits, a synchronization has to be detected. The synchronization detection itself has to be made by an EPR4 Viterbi decoder inferior by 1.8 dB in detection gain.
Note here that the accuracy of block sync signal detection will greatly influence the quality of data reception or reading. For example, if no sync signal can be detected due to any disturbance, all data will be lost. Also, if a sync signal is erroneously detected, all data will be lost for a period from the erroneous detection until a sync signal is correctly detected. Further, in the DAT, for example, if a sync word is erroneously detected, ID data will also be detected erroneously. ID data includes address information, and if it is written to a memory with the use of an erroneously detected address, data in other blocks will also possibly be destroyed.

Data transfer method, block synchronizing signal detecting method, and reproducing apparatus


Embodiments as disclosed herein provide a method and system that characterizes physical properties, such as thickness, uniformity, polarization, and/or sizes and locations of defect (e.g. defect density distribution) of crystalline structures grown on or thin films deposited on a substrate of a solid state light emitting device. The embodiments disclosed herein generally include exciting the light emitting device with an energy source and analyze optical energy emitted by the crystalline structures grown on or the thin films deposited on the substrate.

There are a number of methods for characterizing crystalline structures grown on or thin films deposited on substrates, such as for example wafers made of various materials (e.g. silicon, sapphire, SiC, GaAs, InP). Many of these methods are destructive in nature, involve cutting into or etching materials from the crystalline structures or the thin films. These invasive methods may destroy the functionality of the tested structure and increase production costs and wastes. These invasive methods generally cannot be used to test every device during a manufacturing process.
Some methods are non-destructive, but they may require specialized and expensive testing equipment. For example, some methods use electromagnetic radiation (e.g. radio, UV, X-ray) to interact with the tested structures in a way allowing the tested structures to be characterized. The characterization is performed by measuring the strength of the reflection, absorption, diffraction, or polarization of the emitted radiation. Specialized equipment to generate stimulating radiation may be required.

Method and system for characterizing light emitting devices


Disclosed are an all-solid-state battery having high energy density and a method for manufacturing the same. One battery structure is pressed instead of pressing each cell unit, an amount of first or second electrode current collectors consumed is reduced, and insulating members are used, thereby simplifying a manufacturing process of the all-solid-state battery and allowing the all-solid-state battery to have high energy density and a stable structure.

The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.
In general, rechargeable secondary batteries are used not only in small electronic apparatuses, such as a mobile phone, a notebook computer, etc., but also in large transportation, such as a hybrid electric vehicle, an electric vehicle, etc.
Most conventional secondary batteries constitute cells based on an organic solvent (organic liquid electrolyte), and thus show the limitations of improvement in stability and energy density.
On the other hand, all-solid-state batteries using an inorganic solid electrolyte are manufactured based on technology in which an organic solvent is excluded, and thus allow cells thereof to be manufactured in a safer and simpler form and are in the spotlight now.
However, actual energy density and output of the all-solid-state batteries are inferior to those of conventional lithium ion batteries using a liquid electrolyte. Since, in the all-solid-state batteries, an electrolyte membrane including a solid electrolyte is located between a cathode and an anode, the all-solid-state batteries have high volume and weight, as compared to the conventional lithium ion batteries, and thus have low energy density per volume and energy density per weight. If the thickness of the electrolyte membrane is reduced, a short circuit between the cathode and the anode may occur.
The above information disclosed in this Background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the background of the present disclosure, and therefore it may contain information that does not form the prior art that is already known to a person of ordinary skill in the art.

High energy density all-solid-state battery and method for manufacturing the same


An interview apparatus configured to obtain response information through questions and answers with an applicant, an interview controller configured to control the interview apparatus and determine an interview evaluation level which is quantification of aptitude of the applicant based on the response information obtained by the interview apparatus, a storage device configured to store an applicant information database in which the response information and the interview evaluation level are stored in association with the applicant, and a terminal device configured to be able to access the applicant information database in the storage device are provided.

These days, an interview of an applicant is sometimes performed by a humanoid robot instead of a human interviewer and whether or not the applicant is employed for a job opening is determined based on response information obtained through questions and answers. Such a case is described in "Job Hunting! Interviewer is robot "Pepper"??", [online], [retrieved on Jun. 21, 2016] from the Internet <URL: http://w-sc.jp/shukatsu-peppr>. With this, even when interviews take long hours due to a large number of applicants, the humanoid robot performs an interview with each applicant based on the same standards, and hence whether each applicant is employed is determined in a stable manner.
The interview and the determination of the employment by using the humanoid robot, however, are disadvantageous in that, when there are a plurality of job openings, an applicant who was rejected from one job opening is requested to have a similar interview again when applying to another job opening. As a result, it takes long time to find an applicant suitable for each job opening.


A staple remover is provided with first and second jaws pivotally connected for rotation about a single axis having wedging elements for prying a staple away from a stapled article. The remover may include gripping elements for grasping a partially disengaged or sheared staple. A letter opening is provided on one of the jaws for insertion into an envelope and slitting the same for opening the envelope.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to staple removers; and, more particularly, to double jawed staple removers.
2. Description of the Related Art
A wide variety of modern-day businesses utilize staple removers on a daily basis to effect disengagement of staples from stapled articles. Staple removers are also commonly used within the personal residence of the typical consumer. Of the commercially available hand-held staple removers utilized in both business and consumer applications, one of the most common types is the double-jawed staple remover.
The typical double-jawed staple remover is provided with first and second jaws which are pivotably connected for rotation towards one another about a single axis. The first jaw has a first pair of spaced apart walls which move in a plane which is perpendicular to the axis of rotation and which have wedging elements for engaging a staple. The second jaw has a second pair of spaced apart walls which also move in a plane which is perpendicular to the axis of rotation and which also have wedging elements for engaging a staple. The distance between the second pair of walls relative to the first pair of walls is such that, upon rotation of the first and second jaws towards one another into a closed position, the second pair of walls are positioned between the overlap with the first pair of walls.
The first and second jaws of these staple removers are typically provided with finger receiving elements which are positioned on the outside of the first and second jaws, respectively, substantially adjacent the wedging elements of the first and second pairs of walls.
To effect removal of a staple from a stapled article, the operator forcibly rotates the first and second jaws towards one another into overlapping positions, usually by applying a thumb to one finger receiving element and one or more fingers to the other finger receiving element, simultaneously driving the wedging elements of the first and second pair of walls between the staple and the stapled article and thereafter pulling or twisting the double-jawed staple remover so as to disengage the staple from the stapled article.
In my U.S. Pat. No. 5,354,033, I addressed the problem where, in heavy duty applications, the operator must often apply substantial forces to the finger receiving elements and may succeed only in partially disengaging the staple from the stapled article. In the course of squeezing, pulling and/or twisting the staple, it is also common for the staple to shear so as to leave a portion of the staple within the stapled article with an exposed tip extending therefrom. Accordingly, the operator of these double-jawed staple removers must locate a pair of pliers or other suitable means for gripping and separating the partially disengaged or sheared staple from the stapled article. This is highly inefficient and results in the loss of valuable time. I thus disclosed in my patent a double-jawed staple-remover having a pair of grippers for removing partially disengaged or sheared staples from a stapled article.
Thus, the staple remover in my U.S. Pat. No. 5,354,033 is a multi-purpose tool. It is desirable to have such a tool perform as many functions as possible. For example, the staples being removed may be attached to letters or other correspondence arriving at the user's desk in envelopes. There is thus a need for an envelope opening tool handy along with the staple remover.
Thus, it is desirable to provide a staple remover with an envelope opening tool on the remover itself.

Combination staple remover and letter opener


The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for generating controllable beam of electrons using a hollow-cathode triode electron gun that substantially mitigate impact of back-streaming electrons.

The present invention relates to systems and methods for generating controllable beam of electrons using a hollow cathode triode electron gun that substantially mitigates the impact of back-streaming of the electrons.
A vacuum electron device (VED), such as a linear particle accelerator or a Klystron, uses a source of an electron beam which is typically known as an electron gun.
Conventional electron guns are of two types. The first type of electron guns is the diode electron gun which has two electrodes; namely a cathode and an anode. The second type of electron guns is the triode electron gun which has three electrodes; namely a cathode, an anode, and a grid.
The triode electron gun has operational advantages over the diode electron gun. One advantage is allowing for fast changes in the electron beam current produced by the electron gun. In the case of the diode electron gun, changing the electron beam current is done by changing a high-voltage difference between the cathode and the anode which is normally thousands of volts. In the case of the triode electron gun, changing the electron beam current is done by changing a voltage difference between the cathode and the grid which is normally a few or less than 100 volts. Thus, changing the electron beam current can be done faster and in a more controlled way.
A major use of a triode electron gun is to supply electron beam current to a linear particle accelerator (Linac). A common problem associated with Linacs is that some electrons entering the Linac's RF Structure are out of synchronism with the RF (electromagnetic energy) and are reflected back towards the electron gun at accelerated velocities and this is commonly called back-streaming electrons. These back-streaming electrons impact its cathode and raise its temperature. The cathode is normally impregnated with a material, such as Barium, that enhances electron emission by lowering the cathode's work function. The rise of the cathode temperature increases the evaporation rate of the impregnating material. Over time this same impregnate material adheres to all surfaces that are line-of-sight, mainly the gun's grid which is directly in front of the cathode's emitting surface. The grid is kept at a voltage very near the same potential voltage as the cathode and thus sees a voltage gradient between it and the anode which is at ground potential. The back-streaming electrons impact the grid, raising its temperature. With the deposit of the impregnating material on the grid and the rise of its temperature due back streaming of electrons, the grid can emit unwanted electrons and in an uncontrolled way.
The back-streaming electrons also impact the center portion of the cathode's emitting surface, raising its temperature and consequently increasing the evaporation rate of the impregnating material. This excess impregnating material will adhere to the grid and can lead to unwanted emission due to high DC field gradients and will also adhere to other line-of-sight surfaces, including the Linac's RF structure that is down-stream from the cathode. The Linac structure also has high RF field gradients and when its surfaces become coated with the impregnating material it would experience field emission of unwanted and uncontrolled electrons which form what is commonly known as "dark current."
It is therefore clear that an urgent need exists for an improved electron gun that is a triode and can substantially mitigate impact of back-streaming of the electrons and addresses the above described problem of the emission of unwanted and uncontrolled electrons. The present invention is concerned with a triode electron gun. Particularly, relates to a triode electron gun with hollow cathode used with vacuum electron devices (VED's).

Systems and methods utilizing a triode hollow cathode electron gun for linear particle accelerators


This invention provides methods for determining metal-induced sensitivity of a subject and kits for affecting the same. Specifically, the invention provides methods for using immune cell proliferation resulting from exposure to test metals as a method for determining metal-induced sensitivity in subjects.

Many metal ions produce immunosensitization. Some trace elements are strong immunosensitzers and acute exposure to high local concentrations, or prolonged exposure to lower concentrations of metal in the lung or in contact with the skin, initiates the immunological process and leads to acute or chronic disease. Exposures to such metals in the workplace, or in everyday life have considerable health consequences to society.
Occupations with the highest risk are those involving processes that generate particulates, such as metal production and machining. In general, the risk of disease is proportional to the intensity and duration of exposure to the sensitivity-inducing metal.
Chronic beryllium disease (CBD) is a hypersensitivity granulomatous disease that predominantly affects the lungs. Because of its unique properties, beryllium has become widely used in a variety of industrial applications, such as inertial guidance systems, turbine rotor blades, laser tubes, rocket engine liners, springs, aircraft brakes and landing gear, ball bearings, injection and blow mold tooling, electrical contacts, automotive electronics, X-ray tube windows, spark plugs, electrical components, ceramic applications, gears, aircraft engines, oil and gas industries, welding electrodes, computer electronics, and golf clubs.
Common manifestations of CBD include the insidious onset of exertional dyspnea, nonproductive cough, fatigue, arthralgias, and chest pain. Nonpulmonary organs, including the skin, liver, spleen, myocardium, kidneys, salivary glands, and bone, may also be affected. Lung function tests may demonstrate restrictive, obstructive, or mixed physiology, usually with a decreased pulmonary diffusing capacity. Chest radiographs are often normal in detecting early disease. With progression, diffuse infiltrates culminating in end-stage fibrosis typically occur.
Measurement of lymphocyte proliferative responses to beryllium using either peripheral blood cells or cells obtained by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) is the standard method of documenting beryllium sensitivity. Detecting beryllium sensitivity has been useful not only as part of the diagnostic criteria for chronic beryllium disease but also, cross sectional studies demonstrated that detecting beryllium sensitivity is useful for the early identification of subclinical and clinical beryllium-induced disease. Perhaps even more important, detection of beryllium sensitization has been used as a bioassay for the detection of exposure to abnormal environmental conditions.
The standard method for performing the lymphocyte proliferation assay utilizes tritiated thymidine to measure DNA synthesis. This has been termed the Beryllium Lymphocyte Proliferation Test or BeLPT. BeLPT is now required by the Department of Energy of the United States as part of the CBD prevention program.
In the United States, an estimated 800,000 workers were considered to be at risk for developing CBD in 1978. Because of the sensitivity of the BeLPT in identifying excessive exposures, the number of workers at risk for development of CBD in the United States is probably considerably more, and there may be over one million workers worldwide who are at risk. Thus, CBD represents a unique use of lymphocyte proliferation testing (blood and lavage), for diagnosis, screening and surveillance. However, the widespread use of the BeLPT has been criticized by some because of the variability of the test, despite efforts to standardize the method. The practice of having two laboratories test split blood samples from a given individual is reported to identify more cases of beryllium sensitization than would have been the case for either laboratory alone.
Since the onset of disease is insidious aid prolonged exposure may accelerate progression, there has been widespread recognition of the utility of beryllium screening tests for at-risk populations. Because the tritiated thymidine method of determining lymphocyte proliferation is complex and requires radioactive materials and analysis over several days, a reliable method allowing for fast, accurate and non-invasive diagnosis, screening and surveillance is desired.

Flow cytometric method and kit for metal-induced sensitivity

The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania