Apparatus is disclosed for dewatering pulp suspensions including a pair of cylindrical rotatable liquid-premeable press rolls forming a nip therebetween, so that the material suspension can pass between the nip to be dewatered and to form a material web, a pair of doctor blades disposed below the nip, each associated with one of the press rolls for removing the material web therefrom, and a sealed casing enclosing at least the upper portion of the pair of press rolls, the sealed casing including an inlet for the material suspension, and the pair of doctor blades being coupled together so that they are movable relative to the nip in order to alter the distance between the pair of doctor blades and the nip when the size of the nip is adjusted.

The shell surface of the types of press rolls discussed above consists of a perforated metal sheet, which is welded onto a roll body. In order to achieve a high capacity, the total open area must be large, and at the same time the apertures must be sufficiently small so as to prevent fibers from following along with the liquid through the apertures. In order to solve these problems, the press roll can be covered with a wire cloth on the outer surface of the perforated shell sheet. Such a wire permits liquid flow even along the shell surface. This, in turn, permits the perforations to be given a greater size, whereby the capacity is increased without risking increased fiber passage. Wire-covered press rolls have proven to be particularly advantageous for mechanical pulp, which contains a large amount of fine material. Compared with a perforated metal sheet, the wire cloth permits a smaller amount of fine material to pass through the apertures.
The rolls are generally rotatably mounted on two parallel shafts, and are usually immersed into a trough, which encloses at least the lower half of the rolls. The material suspension is supplied to the space between the rolls and the trough. This space is sealed from the surroundings so that an overpressure can be maintained in the trough whereby the dewatering is facilitated. The pulp is moved from the trough upwards through the nip, where it is simultaneously dewatered. Doctor blades are located after the nip, for the purpose of removing the dewatered pulp web from the rolls. The pulp is then removed by a conveyor for transfer to subsequent processing steps.
By means of this type of dewatering, dry matter contents of up to about 55 to 60% can be obtained. The equipment required for removing the dewatered pulp web from the rolls and for transferring the pulp from below to the conveyor, however, is complicated and sensitive to operational breakdowns. In many cases when a maximum dry matter content is not required, therefore, a simpler dewatering apparatus would be sufficient and quite desirable.


Systems and methods are provided for receiving and transmitting an MPEG2 transport stream (TS) in a real-time protocol (RTP)/user datagram protocol (UDP)/Internet protocol (IP) packet. The receiving method comprises: receiving an IP packet via an IP network, having a variable transmission delay; accessing a timestamp carried in a RTP packet; linking the timestamp with a program clock reference (PCR) MPEG2TS carried in the RTP packet payload; and, using the timestamp to eliminate variable transmission delay jitter, associated with the PCR MPEG2TS. In one aspect of the method, the timestamp has a resolution of greater than 500 nanoseconds (ns), so that the variable transmission delay jitter, associated with the PCR MPEG2TS can be reduced to a jitter of less than 500 ns.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention generally relates to the communications of compressed video and, more particularly, to a system and method for minimizing jitter in MPEG2 video data communicated via an Internet Protocol (IP) network.
2. Description of the Related Art
The National Television Standards Committee (NTCS)/Phase Alternation by Line (PAL) timing requirements associated with motion pictures expert group (MPEG)2 video communications are very stringent. Fluctuations of the synthesized color sub-carrier cause an impairment of the picture quality. Thus, for a broadcast-level video system, the system frequency requirements might be as tight as +/−3 parts per million (PPM). If a free-running decoder is installed in a personal computer (PC), it may be subject to overflow or underflow, which also damages picture quality.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the transport of the program clock reference (PCR) used in synchronizing an MPEG systems clock (prior art). The PCR is a timestamp included in a PCR MPEG2 transport stream (TS). The PCR MPEG2TS is typically inserted into the communications stream approximately every 40 milliseconds (ms). However, ISO 13818 only requires insertion every 100 ms.
FIG. 11 is a timing model of an MPEG system, as specified in ISO/IEC 13818-1 (prior art). Although there are variable delays associated with the buffering of the video on both the receive and transmit sides, the constant storage and/or transmission delay permits the overall delay, from Video In to Video Out, to remain constant. Any dithering that occurs in transmission is taken care of in the decoding process. As a result, the PCR jitter can be kept less than 500 nanoseconds (ns). However, when MPEG video is transmitted via an Internet Protocol (IP) network, the storage and transmission delays may vary. There is no requirement that MPEG2 packets be transported per a schedule, and the loading and buffering of IP packets before transmission cannot be predetermined. Route change and variation is another contributor to IP network jitter. As a result, the overall delay, from Video In to Video Out, varies and the system timing requirements cannot always be met.
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the MPEG2TS packet structure (prior art). The PCR timestamp is inserted into a TS header. A MPEG2TS packet, referred to herein as a MPEG2TS, includes TS packets, each made up of a TS header and corresponding TS payload. Note that the PCR is not inserted into every MPEG2TS, as several MPEG2TSs may be communicated in a 100 ms time duration. Using Standard Definition TV (SDTV) as an example, 160 MPEG2TSs typically occur between PCR MPEG2TSs.
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating real-time protocol (RTP) as defined by RFC 2250 (prior art). More specifically, a RTP/user datagram protocol (UDP) packet is shown as carried in an IP packet. Conventionally, the RTP packet includes an RTP packet header and a plurality of MPEG2TSs in the RTP payload. The RTP header includes a 32-bit synchronization timestamp, which is referred to herein as a RTP timestamp. Note, the RTP timestamp is not intended for use in recovering the video system target decoder clock. Also note that the RTP timestamp is not associated with any particular MPEG2TS in the RTP payload. Further, the 32-bit RTP timestamp only has a resolution of 90 kilohertz (kHz), insufficient for a 500 ns systems requirement.
It would be advantageous if a means were developed for eliminating, or at least minimizing the MPEG2 systems jitter associated with IP network variable delays.
It would be advantageous if the above-mentioned IP network variable delays could be minimized, by linking a PCR MPEG2TS to a target transmission time.

System and method for transporting MPEG2TS in RTP/UDP/IP


A fan mounting apparatus includes a base, a fan mount which is operable to couple to the base, and a latch member pivotally coupled to the fan mount, the latch member operable to reduce vibration from a fan module and including a duct member operable to direct airflow from the fan module. The base may be mounted adjacent a heat sink to provide easy installation of a fan module adjacent the heat sink and for more efficient use of the airflow from the fan module to the heat sink.

The present disclosure relates generally to information handling systems, and more particularly to mounting a fan in an information handling system.
As the value and use of information continues to increase, individuals and businesses seek additional ways to process and store information. One option is an information handling system. An information handling system generally processes, compiles, stores, and/or communicates information or data for business, personal, or other purposes. Because technology and information handling needs and requirements may vary between different applications, information handling systems may also vary regarding what information is handled, how the information is handled, how much information is processed, stored, or communicated, and how quickly and efficiently the information may be processed, stored, or communicated. The variations in information handling systems allow for information handling systems to be general or configured for a specific user or specific use such as financial transaction processing, airline reservations, enterprise data storage, or global communications. In addition, information handling systems may include a variety of hardware and software components that may be configured to process, store, and communicate information and may include one or more computer systems, data storage systems, and networking systems.
As information handling systems become more and more powerful, the heat output of those information handling systems continue to rise. Fans are typically included in the information handling system for purposes of cooling different components in the information handling system so that they do not overheat and cause damage to the information handling system. The mounting and performance of those fans raise a number of issues.
Conventional mounting of fans to the information handling system can result in vibrations transmitted between the fan and the information handling system. With the strict acoustical requirements associated with some information handling systems, the noise accompanying these vibrations is unacceptable. Furthermore, conventional mounting techniques for fans tend to allow the fan airflow to spread out over areas of the information handling system that may not need it. With the strict thermal requirements associated with some information handling systems, a more efficient use of the fan airflow is required.
Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a method and apparatus for mounting a fan absent the disadvantages found in the prior methods discussed above.


A start signal outputting circuit according to the invention has a differential RF/DC convertor part 100 for converting a high frequency power (RF) into a d.c. potential (DC). The RF/DC convertor part 100 is formed by two transistors QRD, QDD working as a diode, and transistors QR1˜R3, QD1˜D3 and resistances RR1˜R3 for forming high resistances at anode sides and cathode sides of these diodes, respectively. A differential amplification part 200 disposed at a later stage of the diode has not only amplifying effect but also low-pass filtering effect together with filtering pars 120, 210 of its previous and later stages. In this case, it is designed so that current flowing through the respective circuits is about 2˜3 μA. As a result, even if the high frequency power of the specified frequency is weak, for example −60˜−40 dBm, a start signal outputting circuit 1000 which outputs a d.c. potential of 0.3˜2.4V, is suitable for integration and has a low power consumption can be obtained.

As technology relating to diode wave detection and rectenna, technologies disclosed in Japanese Patent No.2561023 (Document 1), Japanese Patent No. 2605827 (Document 2), JP-A-4-291167 (Document 3), JP-A-9-162644 (Document 4), Japanese Patent No. 2533800 (Document 5), and JP-B-6-48895 (Document 6) are known. Of these, Documents 1 through 4 disclose technology relating to high frequency wave detection using a diode, and Documents 5 and 6 disclose technology relating to rectenna.
First, high frequency wave detection technology using an ordinary diode disclosed in Documents 1 through 3 will be described. FIG. 11A shows a known diode detection circuit for performing high frequency wave detection. In the diode detection circuit shown in FIG. 11A, a bias voltage source B is connected to the anode side of a diode D via an inductance L0, and a resistance R01 and a capacitance C2 connected to ground are connected in parallel with each other to the cathode side of the diode D. However, the diode detection circuit shown in FIG. 11A is sometimes operated without a bias voltage being applied.
For example, when a low-level high frequency power is to be detected, generally, down to about −40 dBm a zero bias Schottky diode or the like can be used. When the high frequency power is of a lower level than that, normally, a slight bias voltage is applied. However, even when a bias voltage is applied, as will be further discussed later about −50 dBm constitutes a lower limit of high frequency wave detection.
To convert high frequency power into direct current, half-wave rectification is used; but when the circuit shown in FIG. 11A is used for that purpose, to convert a low-level high frequency power into a direct current it is necessary for the d.c. bias current to be made very small. For example to realize a bias current of 1 μA with a voltage of 3V, a resistance of 3 MΩ is necessary. In this case, the inductance L0 on the anode side of the diode D of FIG. 11A can be replaced with a resistance R02 (FIG. 11B)
However, in the cases of both FIGS. 11A and 11B, the resistances R01 and R02 used must be of several MΩ. When a resistance having a large resistance value like this is realized on an IC chip, the resistance element becomes long, and a large space becomes necessary. As a result, the facing area of the resistance element facing ground becomes large, a parasitic capacitance and a parasitic resistance arise between the resistance on the chip and the ground in the substrate, and the high frequency power leaks to the substrate. Consequently, to convert a low-level high frequency power of for example 5.8 GHz, −60 dBm into a direct current with a diode circuit formed on an IC chip is difficult.
Although it is possible to convert a low-level high frequency wave of −60 dBm into a direct current by using heterodyne detection technology, a transmitter or LAN and mixer must be operated continually, and the power consumed during high frequency signal standby time becomes large.
Also, with a high frequency detection circuit using a diode, it is notable that when the load resistance is large, the voltage applied across the anode/cathode of the diode becomes small and the high frequency wave cannot be converted, and that post-conversion output resulting from bias fluctuation is not distinguishable from d.c. potential obtained by converting high frequency power.
In Document 4, technology for producing a d.c. potential corresponding to an inputted high frequency power level is disclosed. That is, in Document 4, technology for converting a high frequency power of essentially any frequency into a d.c. current is disclosed. The technology of Documents 5 and 6 relates to rectenna, and discloses the use of received microwaves as a power source.
The present invention relates to a start signal outputting circuit capable of receiving a high frequency wave, generating a d.c. potential from that high frequency wave, and using this d.c. potential as a starting signal of a designated circuit, and particularly it is an object of the invention to provide a start signal outputting circuit having a construction suitable for integration. It is another object of the invention to provide a start signal outputting circuit capable of generating a low-noise d.c. potential when converting a high frequency signal into a d.c. potential.


Apparatus for volumetric sampling of a particle-laden gas includes a housing defining a sample chamber, a piston movable in the sample chamber so as to vary the volume of the sample chamber and a drive assembly for moving the piston in the sample chamber. The housing includes an inlet for admitting a particle laden gas into the sample chamber and an outlet for carrying the particle-laden gas from the sample chamber. The piston draws a predetermined volume of the particle-laden gas into the sample chamber through the inlet at a first flow rate during an intake phase, and exhausts the predetermined volume of the particle laden gas from the sample chamber through the outlet for analysis at a second flow rate during an exhaust phase. The outlet of the sample chamber is typically connected to a particle sizing instrument for measuring particles in the particle laden gas. The sample volume and the flow rate during the intake phase can be selected to match the parameters of the device or process being analyzed. The apparatus is useful, for example, in analyzing medication inhalers and in pollution control sampling.

Aerodynamic particle sizing systems are used to measure the sizes of particles in a gas. The particles can be in the form of a powder, i.e. solid particles, or droplets of a liquid. According to a time of flight measurement technique, a gas containing particles to be measured is accelerated through a nozzle and is directed through two spaced-apart laser beams in a vacuum chamber. The laser beam are detected by photomultiplier detectors. Particles passing through the laser beams cause successive output pulses on the two photomultipliers. The time required for the particles to travel between the two laser beams is a known function of particle size. The output signals from the photomultipliers are analyzed to determine particle sizes. The results of the measurement can be tabulated in a computerized system to provide a particle size distribution. The sizing system can also count the particles being measured. The total volume of particles in a sample can be determined from the number of particles and the particle size distribution. Aerodynamic particle sizing systems are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,854,321 issued Dec. 17, 1974 to Dahneke; U.S. Pat. No. 4,895,034 issued Jan. 23, 1990 to Poole; U.S. Pat. No. 4,917,494 issued Apr. 7, 1990 to Poole et al; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,938,592 issued Jul. 3, 1990 to Poole et al.
Inhalers are widely used to administer medication in the form of an aerosol to patients. A typical inhaler includes a metered dose inhalator attached to one end of a generally cylindrical chamber. The other end of the chamber is placed over the nose of the patient. When a button on the metered dose inhalator is pushed, a predetermined dose of particles of the medication is sprayed into the chamber and is inhaled by the patient.
It is important to verify the accuracy of the medication dose delivered by the inhaler to the patient. The dose depends on a variety of factors, including the inhalation characteristics of the patient, the size and type of particles that form the medication, the propellant used for expelling the medication from the metered dose inhalator, the size and shape of the chamber, etc. It has heretofore been extremely difficult to assess the performance of such inhalers under a variety of conditions. While the particle sizing systems described above accurately measure particle sizes, such systems typically have a fixed flow rate that is quite different from the flow rates at which inhalers operate. Furthermore, inhalers are designed to operate at a variety of different volumes and flow rates depending on the application. Thus, existing particle sizing systems have not been suitable for directly assessing the performance of the inhalers described above.
It is a general object of the present invention to provide methods and apparatus for volumetric sampling of a particle-laden gas.
It is another object of the present invention to provide methods and apparatus wherein a predetermined volume of a gas is drawn into a sample chamber at a first flow rate and is delivered to a measurement instrument at a second flow rate.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide methods and apparatus for measuring the dosage of particles in a predetermined volume of a particle-laden gas.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide methods and apparatus for accurately accessing the performance of inhalers used for delivering medication in the form of an aerosol.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide methods and apparatus for volumetric pollution control sampling of smokestacks and other exhaust stacks.


The present invention includes application execution units (1a) and (1b) that perform distributed execution of one application while referencing a processing target file F in a distributed shared storage DS; a processing step monitoring unit (3) that monitors the processing step of the application that is being executed by the application execution units; a resource isolation determination unit (4) that determines whether the processing step being monitored by the processing step monitoring unit is a resource isolation step that requires resource isolation; and resource provision units (2)a and (2b) that generate an isolated file CF if the resource isolation determination unit determined that the processing step is the resource isolation step.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a distributed processing apparatus, a distributed processing method, and a computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for realizing the apparatus and method.
2. Description of Related Art
When executing batch processing, a greater amount of data can be processed by using a distributed execution environment in which multiple processes can be executed in parallel using distributed resources. For example, JP 2004-102449A discloses a system in which a distributed execution environment is used, and batch processing is executed while transferring data between multiple jobs.
However, since batch processing is non-interactive processing, there is the characteristic that when an error or obstacle has occurred in batch processing, a time lag occurs before information regarding the error or obstacle reaches the user. This time lag increases when using a distributed execution environment. For this reason, importance has been placed on developing technology for facilitating the tasks of analysis and response when an error or obstacle has occurred in batch processing.
Also, JP 2004-102449A makes no mention of processing to be executed when an error or obstacle has occurred. Accordingly, even when using the system disclosed in JP 2004-102449A, time is required for the tasks of analysis and response when an error or obstacle has occurred.

Distributed processing system, distributed processing method, and distributed processing program


A mechanism for carbonating a liquid in a bottle that has a neck with outer threads includes a source of pressurized carbon dioxide, a dispenser to controllably release the carbon dioxide through an orifice in a pointed component. A bottle cap has a thickness and has a hole in it. A check valve installed in the hole includes an elastomeric plug having a high pressure side and a low pressure side joined by a stem. A passageway open at the low pressure side extends through the low pressure side, the stem and into the high pressure side, terminating within a shank in the high pressure side and defines a shank sidewall laterally of the passageway. At least one puncture is made through the shank sidewall to the passageway.

Carbonated beverages are commonly stored and transported in bottles, and modern plastic bottles with modern plastic caps have proven quite reliable at holding the carbonation in contained beverages. The caps have internal threads that engage external threads on necks of the bottle. The two are manufactured with close enough tolerances, so that when the cap is tightened on the neck, an air-tight seal is made between the cap and the bottle in a highly reliable fashion, holding in the elevated pressure caused by carbonation of the beverage.
Carbonating beverages by the consumer has become a popular activity, largely to save the cost of pre-carbonated beverages. Home carbonation can also be used to restore drinks that have "gone flat." There are known kits that can be purchased to carbonate at home, but these have proven to be expensive in their own right.
One way to carry this out has been done for several years commercially. A persistent problem with the known technologies has been associated with the check valve needed to allow the insertion of high pressure carbon dioxide and its retention in the pressurized bottle. Problems have arisen in connections between the valve and the bottle cap as well as in the body of the valve itself. In addition, other attempts to find ways to find home carbonation tools have proven to be unreliable and costly.

Carbonating beverages and check valve useful therein


An acoustic transducer comprised of a resonator, an acoustic energy generating means, such as one or more piezoelectric crystals, and a bonding layer comprised of indium or tin for attaching the acoustic energy generating means to the resonator. The resonator comprises a material selected from the group consisting of quartz, sapphire, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, aluminum, ceramics and stainless steel. The resonator may form a detachable part of a container or the acoustic energy generating means may be attached directly to a side or to the bottom of the container, in which case a part of the container acts as the resonator.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to megasonic cleaning systems having a chemically inert resonator and a piezoelectric crystal and more particularly to a system in which the crystal is bonded to the resonator using tin or indium.
2. Background Information
It is well-known that sound waves in the frequency range of 0.4 to 2.0 megahertz (MHZ) can be transmitted into liquids and used to clean particulate matter from damage sensitive substrates. Since this frequency range is predominantly near the megahertz range, the cleaning process is commonly referred to as megasonic cleaning. Among the items that can be cleaned with this process are semiconductor wafers in various stages of the semiconductor device manufacturing process, disk drive media, flat panel displays and other sensitive substrates.
Megasonic acoustic energy is generally created by exciting a crystal with radio frequency AC voltage. The acoustical energy generated by the crystal is passed through an energy transmitting member and into the cleaning fluid. Frequently, the energy transmitting member is a wall of the vessel that holds the cleaning fluid. The crystal and its related components are referred to as a megasonic transducer. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,355,048, discloses a megasonic transducer comprised of a piezoelectric crystal attached to a quartz window by several attachment layers. The megasonic transducer operates at approximately 850 KHz. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 4,804,007 discloses a megasonic transducer in which energy transmitting members comprised of quartz, sapphire, boron nitride, stainless steel or tantalum are glued to a piezoelectric crystal using epoxy.
It is also known that piezoelectric crystals can be bonded to certain materials using indium. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,590,467 discloses a method for bonding a piezoelectric crystal to a delay medium using indium where the delay medium comprises materials such as glasses, fused silica and glass ceramic.
A problem with megasonic transducers of the prior art is that the acoustic power that can be generated by the megasonic transducer in the cleaning solution is limited to about 10 watts per cm2 of active piezoelectric surface without supplying additional cooling to the transducer. For this reason, most megasonic power sources have their output limited, require liquid or forced air cooling or are designed for a fixed output to the piezoelectric transducer or transducers. Typically, fixed output systems are limited to powers of 7–8 watts/cm2. This limits the amount of energy that can be transmitted to the cleaning solution. If more power is applied to the transducer, the crystal can heat up to the point where it becomes less effective at transmitting energy into the cleaning solution. This is caused either by nearing the maximum operating temperature of the crystal or, more often, by reaching the failure temperature of the material used to attach the crystal to the energy transmitting means.
Another problem with prior art cleaning systems that utilize megasonic transducers, is that there is no practical way of replacing a defective transducer once the transducer has been attached to the cleaning system. This means that users have to incur large expenses to replace defective transducers, for example by purchasing a whole new cleaning vessel.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Indium or tin bonded acoustic transducer systems


An apparatus comprising a control system coupled to an optical modulator. The control system including an Radio Frequency (RF)/dither ratio unit coupled to the optical modulator, wherein the RF/dither ratio unit to modify an amplitude of a dither signal inputted into the optical modulator to maintain a constant ratio between the amplitude of the dither signal and an amplitude of an RF input signal inputted into the optical modulator.

1. Field
Embodiments of the invention relate to the field of optical modulators and more specifically, but not exclusively, to an optical modulator control system.
2. Background Information
Optical networks are used in telecommunication and enterprise networks to move data and communications. Optical signals provide high-speed, superior signal quality, and minimal interference from outside electromagnetic energy. Optical networks utilizing Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexed (DWDM) systems offer tunable multi-channel optical links.
Optical networks often include optical modulators, such as a Mach-Zehnder Modulator (MZM). The performance of optical modulators may be affected by numerous factors, such as a change in the environmental temperature. Many of today's optical modulators lack control systems to maximize modulator performance.


In an airbag folding method, an airbag is folded so as to provide a rolled-up shape thereon using a core member including air suction holes from which air can be sucked in. Firstly, the core member is disposed on part of the spread airbag that is to be rolled up at a location which corresponds to a center of a rolled-up shape when formed, and following this, the core member is rotated so as to wind up the airbag around the core member to thereby form a spiral shape while air is being sucked in from the air suction holes so that the airbag is drawn to be secured to an outer circumferential surface of the core member. Thereafter, a rolled-up shape is formed on the airbag by removing the core member.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method of folding an airbag so as to form the airbag in a rolled-up shape and a folding device that is to be used in the method. An airbag is folded and installed in a vehicle and is deployed while unfolding folds by introducing an inflation gas thereinto so as to be inflated and disposed at a predetermined place to thereby protect occupants or pedestrians.
2. Related Art
Conventionally, in a head protecting airbag device, for example, when it is to be installed in a vehicle, the airbag is folded and housed on an upper edge side of windows, and as this occurs, there exists a case where a rolled-up shape in which the airbag is spirally folded is provided in order to be housed (refer, for example, to JP-A-2004-58848).
Then, when the air bag is formed in such a rolled-up shape, there has been used, for example, a folding method which uses two folding rods (refer, for example, to JP-A-7-186865). In this folding method, a part of the airbag is held with the two folding rods, and then, the two folding rods are rotated while they hold the airbag therebetween, so that the airbag is wound around the two folding rods in a spiral manner. Thereafter, the two folding rods are pulled out of the airbag so wound up to leave a rolled-up shape on the airbag.
In the conventional folding method, however, the airbag may slide off between the two folding rods when the folding rods are rotated. Since, in case this actually occurs, the intended roll folding becomes impossible, the folding needs to be carried out while a strong holding force is being applied thereto.
However, in a case where the two folding rods are rotated with such a strong holding force applied thereto so as to produce a spirally wound airbag part therearound to thereby form a rolled-up shape, the two folding rods needs to be separated apart from each other when they are pulled out of the folded airbag. However, the spirally folded airbag itself may becomes a restriction to the required movement by sticking around the rods, and as this actually occurs, it becomes difficult to pull out the two folding rods from the airbag. In particular, when attempting to make a compact rolled-up shape, this type of problem tends to be caused.

Airbag folding method and folding device


Methods and systems are provided for learning fuel injector error for cylinder groups during a deceleration fuel shut-off (DFSO), where all cylinders of an engine are deactivated, sequentially firing each cylinder of a cylinder group, each cylinder fueled via consecutive first and second fuel pulses of differing fuel pulse width from an injector. Based on a lambda deviation between the first and second pulses, a fuel error for the injector and an air-fuel ratio imbalance for each cylinder is learned. Alternatively or additionally, a difference in crankshaft acceleration between the first and second pulses relative to the expected deviation may be used to learn torque error, and adjust fuel injector error and air-ratio imbalance for each cylinder.

Engine parameters such as air-fuel ratio (AFR) can be controlled to ensure improved engine performance leading to effective use of an exhaust catalyst and reduced exhaust emissions. In particular, if engine exhaust gases are not rich or lean as expected due to engine air-fuel ratio variation between an engine's cylinders, engine emissions may degrade. In addition, there may be torque imbalance between the engine cylinders which can result in NVH issues.
One way to determine air-fuel ratio variation between engine cylinders is to sense engine exhaust gases via an oxygen sensor. Additionally or optionally crankshaft acceleration may be estimated at a desired AFR. Fuel and/or charge air parameters may then be adjusted based on the variation to produce an air-fuel mixture at a target air-fuel ratio. However, the oxygen sensor may be exposed to exhaust gases that are a combination of gases from different engine cylinders. Therefore, it may be difficult to accurately determine air-fuel variations between different engine cylinders. Further, engine exhaust system geometry for cylinders having a large number of cylinders may bias sensor readings toward output of one cylinder more than other cylinders. Consequently, it may be even more difficult to determine air-fuel imbalance for engines having more than a few cylinders.
Furthermore, in dual fuel injection systems where the engine is configured with hardware for each of direct injection and port fuel injection (PFDI systems), it may be difficult to differentiate between DI and PFI induced air-fuel ratio imbalance. This is due to both injectors being active during the monitoring. In addition, purging of fuel vapors and use of positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) can further corrupt oxygen sensor outputs when scheduling a fuel pulse through an injector, requiring complicated calculations to compensate for the ingested hydrocarbons. If the AFR monitoring is scheduled during conditions when purge or PCV is disabled, there may be limited opportunities for AFR monitoring. On the other hand, if purge is disabled to complete AFR monitoring, a fuel vapor canister may not be effectively cleaned, leading to emissions issues.
The inventors herein have recognized the shortcomings discussed above and have developed a method for determining air-fuel ratio imbalance and injector error in engine cylinders taking into account AFR variations among cylinder groups. In one example, AFR imbalance may be determined by a method for an engine, comprising: during a deceleration fuel shut-off (DFSO) event where all cylinders of an engine are deactivated, sequentially firing each cylinder of a cylinder group, each cylinder fueled via consecutive first and second fuel pulses of differing fuel pulse width from an injector; and based on a lambda deviation between the first and second pulses, learning a fuel error for the injector and an air-fuel ratio imbalance for each cylinder.
In this way, AFR monitoring may be performed independent of purge or PCV hydrocarbons, and while better differentiating errors from distinct injectors.
In one example, AFR errors may be learned during deceleration fuel shut-off conditions (DFSO), a period characterized by lower driver demand torque where the engine is in motion, and spark and fuel supply to one or more cylinders is cut-off. During the DFSO conditions, a cylinder group may be sequentially fired, with at least two consecutive fuel pulses of different pulse widths delivered to each cylinder. A change in AFR corresponding to each pulse width may be learned. An air-fuel ratio imbalance for the injector of the given cylinder group is then determined based on a deviation from a maximum lean air-fuel ratio measured under DFSO conditions. In particular, an engine controller may learn a first change in AFR following the first fuel pulse relative to a second change in AFR following the second fuel pulse. This may be compared to a pulse width of the first fuel pulse relative to the pulse width of the second fuel pulse to determine the injector error. Alternatively the injector error following each pulse may be determined based on a change in crankshaft acceleration following each fuel pulse. Assuming that the quantity of air charge and excess fuel vapors purged to the engine intake during the monitoring remain constant, errors due to the ingestion of purge or PCV hydrocarbons are not introduced.
The approach described here may confer several advantages. For example, the method provides improved capability for learning air-fuel ratio imbalance and allows better detection of injector error among cylinder groups. Consequently, the approach ensures improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. In addition, the method automatically compensates for air-fuel ratio imbalance associated with purge and PCV. By rendering the learning independent of the presence of purge or PCV fuel vapors, injector learning can be performed over a wider range of engine operating conditions, and without compromising canister purge efficiency. The technical effect of learning air-fuel ratio imbalance and injector error among cylinder groups is AFR errors may better learned, improving exhaust emissions and engine performance.
The above discussion includes recognitions made by the inventors and not admitted to be generally known. It should be understood that the summary above is provided to introduce in simplified form a selection of concepts that are further described in the detailed description. It is not meant to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, the scope of which is defined uniquely by the claims that follow the detailed description. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any disadvantages noted above or in any part of this disclosure.

Method and system for air-fuel ratio control


An ion implantation system is described having an ion source coupled to a process chamber, and a workpiece handling assembly having a workpiece support that is mounted within the process chamber. The system implants ions into a photoresist coated workpiece to change the conductivity of the workpiece. An ion beam shield is provided that is positioned between the ion source and the workpiece support during processing to prevent outgassed photoresist from coating portions of the ion source.

The present invention relates to processing systems for processing workpieces, and more particularly, to ion implantation systems for implanting workpieces.
Ion implantation has become a standard, commercially accepted technique for introducing conductivity-altering dopants into a workpiece, such as a semiconductor wafer or thin film deposition on a glass substrate, in a controlled and rapid manner. Conventional ion implantation systems include an ion source that ionizes a desired dopant element which is then accelerated to form an ion beam of prescribed energy. This beam is directed at the surface of the workpiece. Typically, the energetic ions of the ion beam penetrate into the bulk of the workpiece and are embedded into the crystalline lattice of the material to form a region of desired conductivity. This ion implantation process is typically performed in a high vacuum, gas-tight process chamber which encases a workpiece handling assembly, a workpiece support assembly, and the ion source. This high vacuum environment prevents dispersion of the ion beam by collisions with gas molecules and also minimizes the risk of contamination of the workpiece by airborne particulates.
The process chamber is typically coupled via a valve assembly with a processing end station. The end station can include an intermediate loadlock chamber or pressure lock which can be pumped down from atmospheric pressure by a vacuum pumping system. The chamber is selectively closed at a downstream end by the valve assembly, which selectively places the loadlock chamber in fluid communication with the process chamber. The loadlock chamber is also coupled at an opposite end to an upstream valve assembly. The end station also includes an end effector which transfers workpieces from one or more workpiece cassettes, through the upstream valve assembly, and into the chamber. Once a workpiece has been loaded into the intermediate chamber by the end effector, the chamber is evacuated via the pumping system to a high vacuum condition compatible with the process chamber. The valve assembly at the downstream end of the intermediate chamber then opens and the workpiece handling assembly mounted within the process chamber removes the workpiece from the intermediate chamber and transfers the workpiece to the support assembly, which supports the workpiece during processing. For example, a loading arm of the workpiece handling assembly removes the workpiece from the intermediate chamber and places it on a platen of the workpiece support structure. The workpiece support then moves the workpiece in the scanning direction past the operating ion source, which implants the workpiece.
Prior to implantation of the workpiece, each workpiece can be coated with a masking layer such as a photoresist layer to create a selected pattern on the face of the workpiece according to conventional photolithographic techniques. According to a conventional practice, the photoresist layer is removed in areas where ion implantation is to take place and remains as a mask over the remainder of the workpiece face.
During the implantation process, the ion beam implants those areas of the workpiece surface where the photoresist has been removed to produce the desired doping characteristics. For the remaining photoresist covered regions, the ions of the ion beam (which form an ion shower) penetrate the photoresist and undergo collisions with electrons and nuclei of the photoresist material and eventually come to rest. Since the photoresist is usually made of an organic polymer, the energetic ions cleave the hydrocarbon chains of the polymeric material as the ions travel therethrough. Consequently, the photoresist outgasses hydrogen, water vapor and other residue from the photoresist.
The outgassed residue condenses everywhere within line of sight of the photoresist coated surface. This residue, which is an insulating material, collects on the ion source, and specifically on the extraction electrode assembly of the ion source. Due to the relatively large dimensions of the ion beam extracted from the source, it is impractical to prevent overcoating of the electrodes. After prolonged exposure of the electrodes to the outgassed residue, it becomes necessary to dismantle the ion beam assembly in order to clean the electrodes. This accordingly results in down-time for the implantation system, thus decreasing the throughput of the ion implantation system, while concomitantly increasing the costs of operation.
Hence, there exists a need in the art for improved ion implantation systems that reduce the amount of outgassed photoresist or impede the coating of the extraction electrode assembly by the outgassed photoresist.

Ion beam shield for implantation systems


Disclosed is a method for automatically removing blur in magnetic resonance image signals introduced due to inhomogeneity in the magnetic field and variations in magnetic susceptibility of an object being imaged. Detected signals are demodulated at several different frequencies and reconstructed to create a series of base images. The amount of blur is determined by establishing a focusing measure for each point or part in each base image, and a composite image is then constructed using only the unblurred regions from each base image. Focusing criterion can include minimization of the imaginary part of the complex MRI after removal of constant and low frequency phase information.

This invention relates generally to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and more particularly the invention relates to enhancing the focus of magnetic resonance images.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), is a non-destructive method for the analysis of materials and represents a new approach to medical imaging. It is completely non-invasive and does not involve ionizing radiation. In very general terms, nuclear magnetic moments are excited at specific spin precession frequencies which are proportional to the local magnetic field. The radio-frequency signals resulting from the precession of these spins are received using pickup coils. By manipulating the magnetic fields,, an array of signals is provided representing different regions of the volume. These are combined to produce a volumetric image of the nuclear spin density of the body.
Briefly, a strong static magnetic field is employed to line up atoms whose nuclei have an odd number of protons and/or neutrons, that is, have spin angular momentum and a magnetic dipole moment. A second RF magnetic field, applied as a single pulse transverse to the first, is then used to pump energy into these nuclei, flipping them over, for example to 90.degree. or 180.degree.. After excitation the nuclei gradually return to alignment with the static field and give up the energy in the form of weak but detectable free induction decay (FID) . These FID signals are used by a computer to produce images.
The excitation frequency, and the FID frequency, is defined by the Larmor relationship which states that the angular frequency, .omega..sub.o, of the precession of the nuclei is the product of the magnetic field, B.sub.0, and the so-called magnetogyric ratio, .gamma., a fundamental physical constant for each nuclear species: EQU .omega..sub.o =B.sub.0 .multidot..gamma.
The resonant frequency for a particular nucleus in a magnetic field of MR apparatus can vary due to inhomogeneity of the magnetic field and also because the magnetic field varies due to the magnetic susceptibility of the object being imaged.
The present invention is directed to a method of improving the focus of magnetic resonance images obtained using inhomogeneous or varying magnetic fields.

Method of enhancing the focus of magnetic resonance images

The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University


A system for implementing a virtual machine based on a zero-knowledge proof circuit for general operation verification is disclosed, which includes a general operation verification circuit generator that generates a general operation verification circuit having a base number of commands, a base number of machine steps, and a base system size and generates proof keys and verification keys by using the general operation verification circuit and a zk-SNARK algorithm, a prover terminal that generates a proof by using a proof key included in the general operation verification circuit, coefficients of a polynomial function obtained through the zk-SNARK algorithm, and information required for verifying and proving from the general operation verification circuit; and a verifier terminal that performs verification of whether or not the proof is valid by using the verification key, the information required for verifying and proving from the general operation verification circuit, and the proof.

A blockchain refers to a distributed digital form of ledger that ensures the integrity of the transactions and allows participants to share the transaction history in a P2P (peer-to-peer) network without the involvement of a trusted third party.
A typical example that applies the blockchain is found in cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc. For Ethereum, the introduction of the Ethereum Virtual Machine (hereinafter, EVM) has allowed users to perform programming directly as desired by the users rather than perform a predefined series of tasks.
However, the EVM provides a much lower efficiency compared to existing virtual machines such as the JVM (Java Virtual Machine) and has difficulties in supporting complicated application environments.
While numerous blockchain implementations have appeared in the past decade, there have been no particular innovations in the aspect of accumulating and storing transactions, and as this means that there is a need to verify every transaction, expandability is limited by this need.
That is, since each transaction type uses a separate verification algorithm, an increase in the size of a transaction entails an increase in the verification load, and as such, there is a need for a verification module that can be used commonly for various future blockchain platforms to lead a structural innovation for blockchain applications.
Blockchains can be divided into simple forms of blockchains made as UTXO's (unspent transaction outputs), a typical example of this type being Bitcoin, and complicated forms of blockchains that deal with state trees, where a typical example of this type being Ethereum.
Currently, zero-knowledge proof is being utilized only in processing certain transactions in simple forms of blockchains. Here, zero-knowledge proof refers to a system in which the prover proves to a verifier that certain knowledge is known without revealing the knowledge and information known to the prover.

System for implementing a virtual machine based on a zero-knowledge proof circuit for general operation verification


A brace assembly for supporting a disrepaired headliner in the roof of a vehicle wherein one or a plurality of adjustable struts are placed transversely across the roof and its accompanying liner and shaped in conformity with the transverse shape of the roof. The struts are adjustable and have at their ends tongues placed between the liner and the side molding of the roof. The brace assembly comes in a variety of colors to match the furnishings of the vehicle and is coated with a fluoroscopic paint.

Typically the headliner of a vehicle is mounted to the underside of a roof and can be made of a variety of fabrics including synthetic materials such as nylon or polyester. Eventually these headliners come into disrepair and need to be replaced or supported because of sagging due to deterioration of the adhesive binding the liner to a backing.
There have been a number of attempts to cure this defect as illustrated by the patents described below.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,118,563 shows a headliner fabric provided with a plurality of listings adapted to receive ribs of the headliner supporting framework. The listings extend transversely across the headliner and are longitudinally spaced apart. The ribs are made up in pivotal sections wherein each rib is received through a listing. Side frame members are secured by a rivet to the outer end of the ribs. The headliner is molded over the edge of the side frame members and they are clamped down against a filler bead. A central frame member is inserted between portions of the ribs and the headliner and attached to the ribs in position. When this assembly is complete, the structure is pivotally collapsed to be received within the vehicle body. Afterard it is expanded and seated within the recess formed along the side walls and front and rear walls of the vehicle body. The ribs are flexible as is the entire framework so as to permit it to be sprung in position.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,143,293 shows what is described as an inner trim for covering the interior of the roof of the vehicle. The trim material is secured to the frame at its marginal edges and is supported intermediate its edges by a plurality of bars which are pivotally mounted on the frame of the body. The trim is secured to the bars by stitching.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,840,832 teaches a molded automobile headliner formed from a batt of polymeric fibers. The headliner is a highly deformable resilient material which still has a self supporting rigidity allowing the liner to retain its shape once installed. To install the liner, it is folded over longitudinally into a U shape to permit the same to pass through a vehicle window on the passenger side. Then the headliner is unfolded, positioned and secured to the roof of the vehicle using Velcro hook and loop strips.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,902,065 teaches a roof bow support for covers on truck beds. The unit comprises a pair of upwardly angled mounting members, each having a C shaped socket. Each member is secured to the lip of the bed of the truck by screws or bolts, Rounded end pieces fit into the socket at one end and engage flexible tubes at the other ends. The tubes referred to as bows provide support for the truck covers.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,971,388 uses a brace assembly as headliner support. The assembly comprises flexible plastic strips that fit into steel clips. The clips have tabs that are inserted between a sagging liner and an edge molding of the vehicle. The clips also include sleeves and a butt plate. The butt plates cooperate with the molding to prevent horizontal motion of the clips and also prevent the ends of the strips from moving outwardly. After insertion of one tab in the molding, one end of the plastic strip is inserted into the sleeve of the clip and the strip is normally bowed toward the roof as much as desired. Then the strip is marked off at the opposite edge molding to be cut to an appropriate length. The second clip is now installed between the liner and molding and the strip inserted into the sleeve clip.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,624,151 teaches a headliner retainer for supporting a sagging vehicle headliner against the interior roof structure of a passenger compartment made of two elongate members selectively attachable to one another which can be springedly and flexibly retained against the headliner. One member is provided with a plurality of aligned apertures and the other has a plurality of outwardly extending projections engagable with the aperturers so as ro facilitate adjustment in length so that the retainer can be flexibly snapped into place agains the sagging headliner. Each of the projections is rotatably mounterd on an axis which is eccentrically displaced with respect to each projection.
While the above liners cited above perform satisfactorily, they are expensive, time consuming or too complex. They also require either stitching, drilling, bolting, riveting or cutting.
Accordingly it is an objective of this invention to provide a simpler, inexpensive support assembly which is easy to install.
It is a further objective of this invention to provide a liner support which is adaptable to any size vehicle without the necessity of making any special measurement or cutting.
It is still an object of this invention to make an adjustable liner brace that requires no additional framework nor stitching nor any bolts or to be secured to the molding.


A structural reinforcement system that utilizes a lath for receiving cementitious material. Lath is affixed to support structure such as sheathing supported by studs as may commonly be found in building construction. Strip members are affixed to the lath and function as fastener guides. Fasteners penetrate the strips for affixing lath and strips to the support structure. The strips are made of a compressible material that protects the lath from damage due to impacts associated with installing the fasteners and forms a gasket-like seal around the fasteners. Strips may be used as drainage guides for directing water that may flow behind the lath. The width of the strips creates spacing between the lath and the support structure, which allows for controlling of a thickness of a base layer of cementitious material by selecting a desired width. In another embodiment, entangled filaments are used as lath material for receiving cementitious material.

Plastering is one of the oldest crafts in the building trades. Plastering remains popular due to the durability and relatively low cost of materials. Plasterers apply plaster to interior walls and ceilings to form fire-resistant and relatively soundproof surfaces. A plaster veneer may also be applied over drywall to create smooth or textured abrasion-resistant finishes. In addition, prefabricated exterior insulation systems may be applied over existing walls. Stucco masons apply durable plasters, such as polymer-based acrylic finishes and stucco, to exterior surfaces.
Plasterers can plaster either solid surfaces, such as concrete block, or supportive wire mesh called lath. When plastering metal-mesh lath foundations, plasterers apply a preparatory, or "scratch coat" with a trowel. The scratch coat is spread into and over the lath. Before the plaster sets, plasterers scratch the surface of the scratch coat with a rake-like tool to produce ridges, so that the subsequent brown coat will bond tightly. The brown coat may then be applied. Later, the finish, or white coat is applied onto the scratch coat. Similar steps are followed when applying stucco and other materials to the lath.
The structure of the lath is what provides mechanical integrity to an overall masonry system. When mortar fills the small voids, it is called keying. Expanded lath has applications in the installation or manufacture of tile, countertops, shower surrounds, manufactured stone and natural stone veneers, brick, concrete stairs, and other masonry systems.
A commonly used lath material is metal lath. Metal lath is typically manufactured from steel sheets that are slit and expanded to form diamond shaped openings. The openings provide keys for securing plaster or a cementitious substrate such as stucco to the lath material, whether the base material is troweled on or mechanically applied. In addition, the shape of the orifice is designed to promote keying of the cementitious material to the lath.
If the metallic lath is weakened by corrosion, cracks tend to result in the cementatious material. In some cases, crack propagation may result in cracking of the stone, plaster, or stucco, which may be visible, unattractive, and unstable. Galvanized metal lath was introduced in an attempt to prolong the life of the metal lath in a corrosive cementitious environment. The corrosive effects resulted from moisture and alkalinity due to the lime content in cement based mortar. However, galvanized metal lath still has a tendency to rust and deteriorate, thus providing a substrate that is prone to fail.
Efforts have been made to develop non-metallic reinforcement systems and to use those systems for both structural and crack resistant properties. Fiberglass and plastic lathing systems have been introduced in the industry. The fiberglass and plastic lath have advantages, such as ease of handling, i.e., fiberglass and plastic lath come in rolls and are lighter than traditional metal lath, and the fiberglass and plastic lath does not rust. Additionally, plastic or fiberglass lath is easier to use because it may be cut with a sharp blade of a utility knife. Plastic lath is mainly used in the plaster and floor overlay applications. Examples of fiberglass and plastic lath include products sold under the trademark Ultra-lath®. Permalath® and Fiberlath are other fiberglass products used in structural reinforcement.
Fiberglass mesh, while not usually subject to corrosion, can be affected by the corrosive nature of cementitious material. For that reason, fiberglass mesh used as lath is usually coated with an alkali resistant material like zirconium dioxide to protect the fiberglass from the corrosive nature of many cementitious materials. The oxidation of fiberglass has been proven to not create structural degradation or mechanical weakening, unlike metallic materials embodied in cementitious material.
When constructing a wall system, studs are typically used to hold up the wall and sheathing is applied to the studs as a covering. To protect the sheathing, which is usually untreated wood, a vapor or water barrier is placed on the sheathing to stop moisture from reaching the untreated wood. Water/vapor barriers are usually tar paper, felt paper, plastic and more recently Tyvek® building wrap. If the water proofing layer is perforated, then the water barrier is compromised. Once water has penetrated the water barrier any untreated wood is susceptible to damage, such as dry rot and mold. One opportunity for perforating the water proofing layer is when structural support systems are applied over the water barrier and fastened to the substrate. In the fastening process the fasteners penetrate the water barrier, thus compromising the barrier and allowing a pathway for moisture to come in to contact with the wood sheathing. In the process of installing the lath as many as 200 penetrations in an 18 sq. ft. area may be found, thus causing irreparable damage to the water barrier and to the structural framing.
Additionally, when fasteners are in contact with moisture for prolonged period of time, such as water saturated wood, the galvanized anchors undergo corrosive fatigue and lose their structural integrity as a valid anchor or a mechanical fastener.
Therefore, it is desirable to provide an improved structural reinforcement system that provides integral waterproof sealing capabilities for anchor penetration through the water/vapor barrier.
It is further desirable to provide a structural reinforcement system that reduces the impact of the mechanical anchoring device during fastener application to prevent damage to the surface of the structural reinforcement system when secured to the anchoring point to prevent corrosion.
It is a further desirable to provide a structural reinforcement system that has adjustable nailing/mechanical fastening guides.
It is additionally desirable provide a structural reinforcement system that embodies a directional water drainage system in the structural reinforcement system. It is further desirable to provide an improved structural reinforcement system that has improved keying over conventional fiberglass lath.
It is additionally desirable to provide an improved flexible lath that has a profile that is three dimensionally uniform to provide improved keying of mortar and to facilitate a consistent and repeatable application a scratch coat to provide dimensional uniformity of the scratch coat.


A nonvolatile semiconductor memory device includes a memory cell array and a control circuit configured to control reading and programming operations for reading data from and inputting data to the memory cell array, respectively. The control circuit includes first and second units. The first unit is configured to count a number of bits having logic 0 or a number of bits having logic 1, to set a logic where the counted number is greater than n/2 as an initial state to regenerate programming data, and to perform a programming operation based on the regenerated data, when simultaneously programming the programming data of n bits input for a designated address. The second unit is configured to program a recognition bit for recognizing which of the logic 0 and the logic 1 the initial state of the memory cell of the designated address is in, when the programming operation is performed.

The present disclosure relates to a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device, and more particularly, to a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device configured to decrease the number of programming times and/or a program current capacity.
Recently, nonvolatile semiconductor memory devices, particularly flash memories, have been enabled to electrically reprogram data, and to retain data even when a power supply source is turned off. Accordingly, flash memories are widely used as memory devices for portable equipment, such as portable phones and digital cameras.
Generally, a memory cell is programmed by applying a certain voltage higher than a power source voltage to a control gate of the memory cell, and a program current higher than a certain current level is required. Furthermore, since the high voltage applied to the control gate is generated through a charge pump included in the chip, the number of memory cells that may be simultaneously programmed is limited by the ability of the charge pump and/or layout restrictions.
For example, when the number of bits that may be simultaneously programmed is four, 16-bit data are divided into 4-bit segments and programmed a total of four times. Assuming that a state in which an electric charge is not left in a floating gate is set as logic 1, when programming n bits (where n is an integer), all of the n bits must be programmed when all bits are logic 0. Also, when programming is designed to be performed m bits at a time (where m is an integer, m>n), the ability of the charge pump is suppressed, from the restriction of a chip area, and the programming operation must be performed n/m times (or a number of times of the integer closest to and greater than n/m times) to program all of the n bits.
If the number of programming times increases, additional time is incurred for programming, which increases in proportion to the number of programming times. However, if the number of bits that may be programmed at a time is not set as m bits and programming is designed to be performed simultaneously to program all n bits, the area occupied by the chip of the charge pump must be larger, thus increasing consumption current and increasing product size.
Technology for shortening the average time taken for programming data is disclosed, for example, in Japan Patent Publication No. 2006-24347. However, the circuit configurations are complicated.


A wearable, hybrid power generation system includes a rechargeable battery, a solid fuel cell power generator coupled to the rechargeable battery, and a cartridge with fuel for the solid fuel cell power generator. The cartridge is removeably coupled to the solid fuel cell power generator. The rechargeable battery, the solid fuel cell power generator, and the cartridge may be housed in a form factor conforming to a shape and size of a standard battery.

The United States Army and other military services are moving towards a Situational Awareness (SA) system and other electronic devices to enhance soldiers' warfighting capability and survivability. These soldier electronic devices include the use of advanced user displays and geolocation devices to provide real-time troop location and communication to dismounted soldiers and their leaders. An example soldier system includes, among other things, tactical/armored vest with packets for storing electronic devices, a suite of SA electronics, computers, radios, displays, and other soldier wearable/portable tactical electronic devices.
The Army and other military services have been upgrading the current soldier system to include the use of more advanced electronics than have previously been deployed with soldiers. Wearable electronics typically need wearable power sources. Currently, the U.S. Army is working towards powering most of its wearable electronics with AA batteries and/or LI-145 batteries. LI-145 batteries are 15V lithium-ion rechargeable batteries that store about 145 Watt-hours (Wh) of energy and occupy a form factor of about 8.25 inches by about 3 inches with about a 1.7 inch thickness. During a 72-hour mission, a dismounted soldier may be expected to wear six LI-145 batteries at 2.2 pounds each in addition to AA batteries, electronics, and other equipment.
There is a need for alternative power sources that can be used by soldiers in the field and by others in mobile situations. There is also a need for portable power sources that are compact in size and lighter in weight than traditional batteries.

Systems and methods providing a wearable power generator


A sintered phosphor-composite having a high internal quantum efficiency and a high transmittance is provided. The object can be achieved with a sintered phosphor-composite including a nitride phosphor and a fluoride inorganic binder, wherein, in cross-sectional observation, the sintered phosphor-composite includes at least a portion in which voids of not more than 1 μm are present in a number of not more than 700 within a cross-sectional area of 0.046 mm2, or a portion having a void area fraction of not more than 3% within a cross-sectional area of 0.046 mm2.

Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are widely known as semiconductor light-emitting devices and semiconductor light sources capable of generating light having a peak wavelength within a particular range of light spectrum. LEDs are usually used as light sources for lighting apparatus, indicators, vehicle headlights, and displays. As a light-emitting device using an LED and a phosphor, a white light-emitting device having the combination of a blue light-emitting LED chip and a YAG (yttrium-aluminum-garnet) phosphor that converts the blue light into yellow is known. The YAG phosphor is used for a wavelength conversion light-emitting layer in which the YAG phosphor is dispersed in an epoxy resin, silicone resin, or the like, and the layer is arranged in the vicinity of an LED chip. Other than wavelength conversion light-emitting layers in which a phosphor is dispersed in the resin, examples of such layers include ceramic layers composed of a phosphor, and wavelength conversion light-emitting layers composed only of an inorganic material in which a phosphor is dispersed in a ceramic (light-emitting ceramic layer) (Patent Literature 1).
On the other hand, regarding nitrides constituted by ternary or higher-order elements, a number of novel substances have been produced in recent years. In particular, phosphor materials having excellent properties have recently been developed as silicon nitride-based multinary nitrides and oxynitrides, and used for wavelength conversion light-emitting layers. These phosphor materials are known to be excited by a blue LED or a near-ultraviolet LED to emit yellow or red light, and have better temperature dependency of the light-emitting efficiency than oxide-based phosphors (Patent Literature 2).
Conventionally, wavelength conversion light-emitting layers comprising a dispersion in an organic binder such as an epoxy resin or a silicone resin had insufficient durabilities, heat resistances, and luminescence intensities. Thus, for the purpose of obtaining wavelength conversion light-emitting layers having a better durability and heat resistance, methods for preparing a wavelength conversion light-emitting layer (light-emitting ceramic layer) composed only of an inorganic material have been studied as exemplified in Patent Literature 1.
Patent Literature 3 describes, as an example, a phosphor ceramic in which YAG:Ce phosphor particles are dispersed in an inorganic binder comprising any one of calcium fluoride, strontium fluoride, and lanthanum fluoride, or comprising calcium fluoride and strontium fluoride.
In Patent Literature 4, a wavelength conversion light-emitting layer composed only of an inorganic material is prepared by subjecting the combination of a Y3(Al,Ga)5O12:Ce oxide phosphor, a Lu3Al5O12:Ce oxide phosphor, and a CaSiAlN3:Eu nitride phosphor to spark plasma sintering to melt a glass powder having a glass transition temperature of not less than 200° C.

Sintered phosphor-composite, light-emitting device, lighting device and vehicle indicator lamp


An inductor includes a stacked structure. The stacked structure includes a substrate, a first structural body stacked on a lower surface of the substrate, and second structural bodies sequentially stacked on an upper surface of the substrate. A through hole extends through the stacked structure in a thickness direction. An insulation film covers the stacked structure. The first structural body includes a first insulating layer stacked on the lower surface of the substrate, and a first wiring stacked on a lower surface of the first insulating layer. The second structural bodies include second insulating layers and second wirings. The first wiring and the second wirings are connected in series to one another to form a helical coil. The substrate has a thickness greater than that of the first insulating layer and the second insulating layers.

In recent years, miniaturization in electronic devices, such as a game machine or a mobile phone, has been accelerated. Accordingly, the demand has been increased for miniaturization of various types of elements such as an inductor to be incorporated in such electronic devices. For example, an inductor using a winding coil is incorporated in such electronic devices. The inductor using the winding coil is employed in, for example, a power supply circuit or the like of the electronic device (see Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2003-168610).
The limitation in downsizing of the inductor using the winding coil is considered to be about 1.6 mm×1.6 mm in its planner shape. This is because the thickness of the winding is limited. If the inductor is downsized such that the size thereof exceeds the limitation, the ratio of the volume of the winding to the whole area of the inductor decreases. This hinders the increase of the inductance. An inductor capable of easily realizing miniaturization is desired.


A display apparatus which displays an image corresponding to a display signal comprising a plurality of display panels which have, respectively, a plurality of display pixels; and•• a control means which sets at least one display panel among the plurality of display panels in a display state and sets the plurality of display panels other than the at least one display panel in a non-display state, drives the display panel which has been set in the display state based on the display signal for each of a plurality of constant frame periods, and drives the display panel which has been set in the display state based on the display signal and performs a refresh operation of the display panel which has been set in the non-display state only in a specific frame period from the plurality of constant frame periods.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a display apparatus having a plurality of display panels and accompanying drive control method.
2. Description of the Related Art
As the display panel in portable electronic apparatus, such as cellular phones, Personal Digital Assistant (PDAs), etc., a lot of display apparatuses have a liquid crystal display (hereinafter, denoted as "LCD") panel with thin shape, light weight and low power consumption. In particular, many display apparatuses have a LCD panel of the active-matrix method which uses thin film transistors (TFTs) as the display panel.
On the LCD panel of such display apparatuses, a plurality of scanning lines and a plurality of signal lines are arranged to mutually intersect and display pixels are formed near each intersection point.
FIG. 9 is an equivalent circuit view showing an example configuration of a display pixel.
As seen in FIG. 9, each display pixel composes a thin film transistor (TFT) 91 connected to a scanning line G and a signal line S, a pixel electrode 92 connected to the signal line S via the TFT 91, a common electrode 93 arranged in a location which faces toward the pixel electrode 92, a pixel capacitance 94 with liquid crystal filled between the pixel electrode 92 and the common electrode 93, and an auxiliary capacitance 31 connected in parallel to the pixel capacitance 94 which holds the applied voltage of the pixel capacitance 94. An image display is actualized according to the arrangement of the liquid crystal molecules which change by an electric field formed between the pixel electrode 92 and the common electrode 93.
In particular, the TFT 91 gate electrode is connected to the scanning line G, the source electrode is connected to the signal line S, and the drain electrode is connected to the pixel electrode 92 of the pixel capacitance 94 and one electrode of the auxiliary capacitance 31. Also, a predetermined common voltage VCOM (common electrode signal) is applied to the common electrode 93. The other electrode of the auxiliary capacitance 31 is connected to a common lines C (auxiliary capacitance lines)•• and the predetermined common voltage VCOM (common electrode signal) is applied. When high electric potential is applied to the TFT 91 gate terminal via the scanning line G, the TFT 91 switches to an "ON" state. An electric field is formed between the pixel electrode 92 and the common electrode 93 by the electric potential of the signal line S being applied to the pixel electrode 92 and drives the liquid crystal filled between such electrodes.
Furthermore, in order to visually capture a display image in an LCD, backlight is provided, for example, by an LED in the rear surface of the LCD panel. The permeated amount of light emitted from the backlight is controlled by the arrangement of the liquid crystal molecules. The luminosity of each display pixel is adjusted and the desired image is displayed.
Moreover, in recent years, an electronic apparatus equipped with a display apparatus having a plurality of LCD panels is known as represented by a foldable type cellular phone provided with a main screen and a sub-screen. In a display apparatus having such a plurality of LCD panels, in order to simplify the structure, the signal lines for each LCD panel are connected together. For example, when having two LCD panels constituting the main screen and the sub-screen, the wiring of the signal lines allocated in the main LCD panel is extended to the sub-LCD panel, which is used to drive both LCD panels with one source driver. Also, the scanning lines are wired separately for each LCD panel. The common voltage VCOM applied to the common electrode of each LCD panel is generated and applied to each LCD panel.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a signal waveform example of a conventional prior art case with the signal lines connected together and performing display drive of the two LCD panels for the main screen and the sub-screen with common signal lines.
In FIG. 10, the number of scanning lines of the main LCD panel is denoted as "m1" and the number of scanning lines of the sub-LCD panel is denoted as "m2." As shown in this diagram, the time axis is set on the horizontal axis. The sequence listed from the top shows the polarity of the display signal applied to the signal lines S, the common voltage VCOM1 applied to the common electrode of the main LCD panel, the common voltage VCOM2 applied to the common electrode of the sub-LCD panel and a signal waveform of each scanning line G of the two LCD panels.
As seen in this diagram, in the case of having two LCD panels, a 1 frame period constitutes a back portion (BP), a main screen display period which makes the main LCD panel the displaying object, a middle portion (MP), a sub-screen display period which makes the sub-LCD panel the displaying object and a front portion (FP). BP is the period from ending output of a horizontal synchronization signal until beginning output of the display signal for the main LCD panel. MP is the period from ending output of the display signal for the main LCD panel until beginning output of the display signal for the sub-LCD panel. FP is the period from ending output of the display signal for the sub-LCD panel until beginning output of the horizontal synchronization signal and is a non-display period known as a retrace line period. Here, "1 frame period" indicates a period which displays one image on each LCD panel.
In the main screen display period, as the scanning lines G1˜Gm1 of the main LCD panel are sequentially scanned and set in a selective state, the display signal of the image to be displayed on that LCD panel is applied to the signal lines S. Also, in the sub-screen display period, as the scanning lines Gm1+1˜Gm1+m2 of the sub-LCD panel are set in a selective state, the display signal of the image to be displayed on that LCD panel is applied to the signal lines S. Namely, in 1 frame period, the desired image is displayed on each LCD panel by sequentially making the two LCD panels the displaying object.
Generally, in an LCD, reversal drive is performed which reverses the polarity of the electric field in predetermined cycles between the pixel electrode and common electrode filled with liquid crystal. In an LCD as mentioned above, the arrangement of the liquid crystal molecules is determined corresponding to the electric field between electrodes. However, when direct current is applied between these electrodes, it can induce overheating and seizing which causes the liquid crystal to deteriorate and ultimately component failure will occur. Accordingly, this is prevented by cyclically reversing the polarity of the electric field between electrodes.
As reversal drive methods, line reversal drive and frame reversal drive are commonly implemented. Line reversal drive is a method which reverses each frame period while reversing the polarity of each display pixel in every scanning line. Moreover, frame reversal drive is a method which reverses the polarity for each display pixel in every frame period.
More specifically, the signal waveform shown in FIG. 10 can be assumed as line reversal drive and frame reversal drive as the polarity of the display signal and the common voltage VCOM1, VCOM2 are reversed in every scanning line and reversed in every frame period. The common voltage VCOM1, VCOM2 to the two LCD panels is controlled to always become the same polarity (corresponding polarity) and the display signal is controlled so that the common voltage VCOM1, VCOM2 and the polarity become reversed.
Apart from that, in a foldable type of cellular phone provided with two LCD panels for the above-mentioned main screen and sub-screen, generally the sub-LCD panel is placed on the back surface side of the main LCD panel. Also, many of these apparatus are kept in a folded position so as that the main LCD panel is on the inner side. When in a folded position in order to reduce power consumption, the main LCD panel is set in the non-display state. Meanwhile, viewing by the user is accomplished in the sub-LCD panel located on the outer side of the cellular phone as the sub-LCD panel is set in the display state. Conversely, when such a foldable type cellular phone is in an opened position, viewing by the user is accomplished in the main LCD panel as the main LCD panel is set in the display state and the sub-LCD panel is set in the non-display state.
Thus, in an LCD equipped with two LCD panels constituting the main screen and the sub-screen, for example, when the main LCD panel is set in the non-display state, this LCD panel is normally white and in this case ordinarily set in a white display state. Each scanning line of the main LCD panel is set in the non-display state which is a non-scan state. As for the sub-LCD panel, each scanning line is sequentially scanned and the screen display is performed corresponding to the display signal applied to the signal lines. However, even if the scanning lines of the main LCD panel are set in the non-scan state where the TFT is switched "OFF," leakage current occurs between the TFT source and drain. Further, since the signal lines are mutually arranged in the two LCD panels, the electric potential of the signal lines changes with the display signal to the sub-LCD panel. For this reason, even if the main LCD panel is set in the non-display state wherein the scanning lines are in the non-scan state, the electric field applied to the liquid crystal changes due to this leakage current and the non-display state is not satisfactorily sustainable.
Therefore, while setting the main LCD panel in the non-display state (for example, white display state) as the display signal of a white display is applied to each signal line of this LCD panel at predetermined timing, an operation is periodically performed which maintains the entire surface of this LCD panel in a white display state by scanning each scanning line. This operation is called a "refresh operation" and required to be performed at the rate of one time in a plurality of frames.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a signal waveform example of a conventional prior art in the case of two LCD panels with common signal lines, the main LCD panel in the non-display state and the sub-LCD panel in the display state, and a refresh operation of the main LCD panel performed at the rate of one time every three frames.
As shown in FIG. 11, the time axis is set on the horizontal axis. The sequence listed from the top shows a signal waveform of the gate numbers to which the scanning signal is applied, the polarity of the display signal applied to the signal lines S, the common voltage VCOM1 applied to the common electrode of the main LCD panel and the common voltage VCOM2 applied to the common electrode of the sub-LCD panel.
For example, at the 3n+1 frame in which a refresh operation of the main LCD panel 11 is performed in the main screen display period (main screen refresh operation period), the scanning lines G1˜Gm1 of the main LCD panel are sequentially scanned and the display signal for setting this LCD panel as a full screen white display is applied to the signal lines S. Also, in the sub-screen display period, the scanning lines Gm1+1˜Gm1+m2 of the sub-LCD panel are sequentially scanned and the display signal of the image to be displayed on this LCD panel is applied to the signal lines S.
Next, the 3n+2 frame and 3(n+1) frame, in the main screen display period, the scanning lines of the main LCD panel set in the non-scan state and the display signal is not applied to the signal lines S. Also, in the sub-screen display period, the scanning lines Gm1+1˜Gm1+m2 of the sub-LCD panel are sequentially scanned and the display signal of the image to be displayed is applied to the signal lines S.
Subsequently, the 3(n+1)+1 frame, in the main screen display period a refresh operation is performed again and an operation for displaying an image on the sub-LCD panel in the sub-screen display period is performed. In this manner, for example, by performing a refresh operation of an LCD panel set in non-display at the rate of one time every three frames, the non-display state of this LCD panel is sustained.
Apart from that, in FIG. 11, although reversal drive of the polarity for the common voltage VCOM2 of the sub-LCD panel is performed in every line, reversal drive of the polarity for the common voltage VCOM1 of the main LCD panel is performed every three frames. In this case, in a frame (for example, 3n+2 frame, etc.) in which a refresh operation of the main LCD panel is not performed, the period corresponding to the main screen display period exists unchanged. In this period, reversal drive of the polarity for each line of the common voltage VCOM2 of the sub-LCD panel is continued without interruption. Because of this, when the main LCD panel is set in a non-scan state, power consumption related to the reversal drive for the common voltage VCOM2 of the sub-LCD panel becomes a waste. Accordingly, in a display apparatus having two LCD panels, even if it is the case where one of the LCD panels has been set in the non-display state, wasteful power consumption occurs related to the drive of the LCD panel side set in the non-display state.

Display apparatus and drive control method thereof


A heating-controller controls an electric power supply from a battery to a urea-water heater based on a voltage of the battery detected by a voltage detector and an engine-state of an internal combustion engine obtained by an engine-state detector. When a voltage of the battery is low or when the internal combustion engine stops, the heating-controller prohibits the electric power supply from the battery to the urea-water heater. A urea-water adding device can avoid an excess decrease of a battery power by intermittently energizing the urea-water heater according to the engine-state of an internal combustion engine and the battery voltage VB.

Conventionally, a urea SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) system is known. In the urea SCR system, nitrogen oxides (NOx) contained in exhaust gas are reduced by adding urea water. The urea water is a water solution of urea. When an atmospheric temperature falls down to a specified temperature, the urea water for the urea SCR system is frozen. If the urea water is frozen, the urea water cannot be added to exhaust gas. JP-2005-315206A (EP-1741887A1) shows a urea-water adding device having a heater in order to thaw the frozen urea water.
The heater receives electricity from a battery mounted to a vehicle. When the heater is energized with the engine stopped, the battery may go dead.

Control unit for urea-water adding device


Methods and systems for distributing applications are described herein. In one aspect of the invention, an exemplary method includes receiving an original request for accessing a distributed resource management system (DRMS) through an application distributor application programming interface (API), the application distributor API being independent of the DRMS, selecting the DRMS as requested, translating the original request to be compatible with the selected DRMS, and transmitting translated request to the selected DRMS. Other methods and systems are also described.

As the computer networks are getting more popular and the development of software applications getting more complex, the software applications are more often executed in parallel in a distributed environment. These applications that run on a master host could use distributed resource manager system (DRMS) to have the jobs executed on available compute servers.
However, in order to use a DRMS, the application developers have to redesign their applications for distributed execution. Normally, the redesigned distributed application submits jobs for execution, stages input and output files for the jobs, monitors and controls the remote jobs by making calls to an application programming interface (API) provided by a DRMS vendor. Typically, commercially available DRMSs have very different APIs that support different remote execution paradigms. As a result, this situation effectively precludes development of distributed applications by independent application vendors who cannot afford to support multiple DRMSs that might be installed on their end user sites.
In addition, one of the obstacles that the distributed application developers are facing is that the DRMS interfaces are designed on how to interact with the DRMS, rather than on how to accomplish common tasks that come up during developing distributed applications. Each DRMS API is distinctly different from each vendor. A developer is not only facing with the task of handling the program logic and mapping it to a variety of DRMS APIs, but also providing ways for an end user of the application to interact with the computing environment.
When a distributed application is an application that spawns child processes, there are situations where the application interchanges data with its child processes via a communication channel. When the child application is sent to a remote site for execution, the communication channel is broken. Therefore, a workable solution is needed.

Method and system for distributing applications


A water cooler is provided with a thermoelectric heat transfer module for chilling water within a cooler reservoir. The water cooler includes a sensor mounted in a position to detect build-up of an ice bank within the cooler reservoir, and to provide a signal to a controller which regulates the thermoelectric module to prevent excessive ice bank growth. The water cooler further includes an air filter for filtering air drawn by a fan to circulate over a heat sink associated with the thermoelectric module, wherein the air filter is adapted for quick and easy access and removal for periodic cleaning or replacement. The thermoelectric module and air filter are included as part of a chiller subassembly adapted for quick and easy assembly with a water cooler housing for use in chilling water within the reservoir, and also for quick and easy disassembly from the water cooler housing for service or replacement, if required.

This invention relates generally to improvements in devices and systems for cooling a supply of water used for drinking, cooking, etc. More particularly, this invention relates to improvements in a water cooler of the type equipped with a compact thermoelectric heat transfer module for quietly chilling water within a cooler reservoir.
Bottled water coolers are well known in the art for containing a supply of relatively purified water in a convenient manner and location ready for substantially immediate dispensing and use. Such water coolers commonly include an upwardly open reservoir adapted to receive and support a water bottle of typically three to five gallon capacity in an inverted orientation such that bottled water may flow downwardly into the cooler reservoir. A spigot on the front of a cooler housing is operable at any time to dispense the water in selected amounts. Such bottled water coolers are widely used to provide a clean and safe source of drinking water, especially in areas wherein the local water supply may or is suspected to contain undesired levels of contaminants. Alternative so-called point-of-use water coolers are also known in the art wherein the cooler is connected to a water supply line and includes water filtration and/or purification means such as a reverse osmosis unit for purifying water supplied to the cooler reservoir.
In many water coolers of the type described above, it is desirable to refrigerate the water within the cooler reservoir to a relatively low temperature to provide a highly pleasing and refreshing source of drinking water. However, refrigeration equipment for such water coolers has typically comprised conventional compressor-type mechanical refrigeration systems which undesirably increase the overall cost, complexity, size, operational noise level, and power consumption requirements of the water cooler. Alternative cooling system proposals have suggested the use of relatively compact and quiet thermoelectric heat transfer modules, such as the system shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,072,590. In such proposals, a thermoelectric module is mounted with a cold side thereof disposed in heat transfer relation with water in the cooler reservoir, and a hot side associated with a heat sink for dissipating heat drawn from the water. A cooling fan is normally provided to circulate air over the heat sink for improved heat transfer efficiency.
While thermoelectric chiller systems are relatively simple in construction and quiet in operation, such systems have nevertheless exhibited important drawbacks which have limited their widespread adoption and use. More specifically, the chilling capacity of the thermoelectric module is relatively small as compared to a conventional compressor-type refrigeration system, resulting in a relatively slow recovery time following a large withdrawal or several successive withdrawals of water from the reservoir. To offset this problem, the thermoelectric module has typically been operated so as to develop an ice bank within the reservoir for substantially immediate chilling of make-up water following a large withdrawal. Unfortunately, this reliance upon an ice bank for prompt chilling of make-up water requires the thermoelectric module to be operated substantially on a full-time basis, with resultant excessive energy use and risk of freeze-up of the reservoir. One attempt to control ice bank growth has involved the use of baffles disposed within the reservoir in a position intended to prevent reservoir freeze-up, but the use of such baffles does not address the problem of excessive energy usage. Another attempt has involved regulation of the heat transfer rate from the reservoir by speed control of the cooling fan used to circulate a convective air flow over the heat sink, in response to variations in ambient air temperature. However, this latter approach also does not address the problem of excessive energy usage, and further has been generally ineffective due to inaccurate temperatures readings caused by accumulation of dust and dirt on temperature sensor surfaces. Air filters have been proposed to control dust and dirt accumulation, but these filters have been difficult to access for cleaning or replacement.
There exists, therefore, a significant need for improvements in and to water coolers of the type having a thermoelectric heat transfer module for chilling water within a cooler reservoir, particularly with respect to providing an improved system for regulating the module in a manner to prevent excessive ice bank build-up while reducing overall energy requirements. Moreover, there exists a need for further improvements with respect to facilitated access to an air filter associated with a heat sink cooling fan. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides further related advantages.


Systems and methods for providing a secondary contest involving a plurality of players playing a primary wagering game on computing devices within a communication network in which players enter wagers and their results from the primary wagering game in the secondary contest and the highest ranking results will win the wagers placed in the secondary contest.

The subject matter disclosed herein relates generally to systems and methods for facilitating game play, and in particular, wagering game play.
New wagering opportunities are always of interest to players and operators alike to make games more appealing and generate greater interest and game play. The invention is directed to satisfying these needs.

System and method for providing a secondary contest determined by the results of a primary wagering game