Lessons of the Sep. 11, 2001 terrorist attack (9/11), the Aug. 29, 2005 Hurricane Katrina, the Mar. 11, 2011 tsunami off the coast of Tohoku Japan and ensuing Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant malfunction, and the Oct. 29, 2012 Hurricane Sandy are incorporated. Methods are disclosed for rapidly establishing alternate electronic messaging for person-to-person communications in a large-scale emergency. Details for constructing electronic access addresses comprised in part by subscriber telephone numbers and an event identifier, allows the provider to establish a default system with no specific information from the user while allowing the user to access the messages in a systematic way. No registration or passwords are required, which allows free access to all interested parties. Methods are disclosed to reunite lost pets with owners and employ cloud computing and data storage services to provide the equipment on an as needed basis.

Recent history in the United States has exposed a significant absence of a robust method for rapidly establishing large-scale person-to-person electronic communications. This was clearly demonstrated in the immediate aftermath of the terrorist attacks on the United States on Sep. 11, 2001 (9/11) and the flooding of New Orleans following hurricane Katrina on Aug. 29, 2005. Moreover, Katrina exposed a significant problem locating lost pet owners.
In the case of a terrorist attack, one of the objectives of an enemy, as defined in Title 18 section 2331 of the United States Code, is to intimidate or coerce a civilian population. This was clearly an objective of the terrorist attack of Sep. 11, 2001, as demonstrated by the choice of targets. One element of the intimidation was to amplify the actual destruction by producing anxiety for anyone that had family, friends, loved ones, or business associates in New York, Washington or traveling by airplane. This expanded the domain of anxiety to millions of people that felt the need to contact those potentially affected, for reassurance.
The reflex reaction to call and check on people produced a flood of calls which overloaded the communications systems. Those with cell phones experienced problems with the overload, and rapidly exhausted battery power with no access to chargers. This rendered surviving means for communicating severely impaired.
Moreover, millions of people witnessing the confusion and anxiety of the victims on television realized—but for the grace of God, there goes I. This realization prompted families and businesses to establish contingency plans for establishing communications in an emergency. However, even those that have established contingency plans usually only involve a close circle of people.
In the aftermath of the attack, people in New York resorted to posting notices on walls of adjacent buildings seeking information on others. People wishing to contact fellow workers, neighbors, and others whose communications systems had been destroyed were helpless. In cases of businesses, personnel records were destroyed or unavailable, leaving no systematic method for contacting employees and assessing plans for temporary operations at remote locations. Many of the businesses affected involved finance and world trade-expanding the anxiety to yet another domain involving people worldwide.
In the case of the flooding of New Orleans due to hurricane Katrina on Aug. 29, 2005, nearly 4 years later, it was demonstrated that the person-to-person communications system was no better. While the flooding was a result of a natural disaster, it quickly became apparent that a city with portions below sea level could be a potential terrorist target. As disastrous as the hurricane induced damage was (1836 lives were lost), a surprise terrorist sabotage of the levee system could have produced an even greater loss of life and the collective anxiety produced would have been comparable to September 11.
On Mar. 11, 2011, a magnitude 9.0 earthquake and tsunami off the coast of Tohoku Japan resulted in 15,878 deaths, 6,126 injuries, and 2,713 missing. In addition to the displacement of people caused by the earthquake and flooding, the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant malfunction resulted in a sudden evacuation of over 200,000 people within a 20 km radius of the facility to avoid radiation exposure. It is interesting that the US authorities recommended an 80 km radius of evacuation, which would have potentially increased the number of evacuees by a factor of 16- or 3,200,000. In 2012, there were 104 operating nuclear power plants in the US. Data is not readily available as to the number of people within an 80 km radius of each of the power plants, but it is conceivably in the millions.
Hurricane Sandy, also called Superstorm Sandy, affected 24 US states. The most sever damage was in New Jersey and New York, due to the storm surge which occurred on Oct. 29, 2012. There were 131 fatalities in the US. Subways and tunnels were flooded and power was pre-emptively shut down to minimize damage to underground power distribution systems. The New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ was closed for two days. There were 4.8 million customers without electricity, including 1.9 million in New Jersey and 1.5 million in New York. Gasoline had to be rationed due to the disruption of refinery and distribution operations. Seven years after Katrina, there was still no central system for reuniting lost pets with owners.
In addition to war, terrorism, and natural disasters (such as floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, fires, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, etc.), major disruption in the communications systems can result from industrial and transportation accidents (such as train derailments, chemical plant fires, nuclear power plant malfunctions, etc.), requiring immediate evacuation of large areas. On a smaller scale, a fire in a large office complex or government organization would produce a need for rapidly establishing communications between fellow workers and within departments for determining well being and establishing plans for resumption of business activities. In many cases, workers may only know others in the work environment and not know how to contact them at home.
Increasingly, younger people have a cell phone which is not listed in a directory, so even with a full name it may be impossible to contact them outside of normal channels. Conventionally, telephone subscribers had a home phone. The home phone number was listed in a published directory along with the subscriber's name and address. Listings were in alphabetical order by last name. Conventional lookup by name, and reverse lookup by number, services are available on the Internet. This traditional public listing has not carried over to cell phones. Early cell phone plans billed by minutes used, so subscribers purposely withheld access to their number in order to avoid unwanted calls. Since the cell phone is carred on their person, they may also not want to be instantly available to talk to the general public. Addresses for email accounts follow no established structure, and there is no directory, so it is impossible to guess a person's email address without prior knowledge. So, a person may know a neighbor's conventional telephone number that is published in the phone book, but have no idea how to reach them by cell phone or email.
Historically, in the aftermath of a major disaster, organizations such as the American Red Cross and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) set up databases to connect victims with others. In the case of Hurricane Katrina the systems were completely overwhelmed. Thousands of victims from New Orleans were relocated to 28 states. Registration is typically on a one-on-one basis between the victim and a volunteer or staff member. No provisions were made for dealing with lost pets or expediting identification of the dead.
There is a problem of a unique, yet readily known, identification which this invention resolves for the great majority of the population. For example, a person may be known by a nickname, initials, or the spelling may be debatable. Victims may be illiterate, elderly, deaf, mute, or mentally challenged—any of which could make registration even more difficult. Of course pets and property have no way of describing their owner.
There is a problem with privacy of information inherent with registration, which this invention solves. It gathers no personal information in a central database, and the users remain practically anonymous, except to those that know the individual personally.
The registration process is time consuming and the dissemination of the database can be inefficient. Registration requires logistical support and additional relief personnel at the scene of the disaster. This invention greatly alleviates the logistical requirements by dispensing with all registration requirements and planning at the individual level by providing a centrally administered default communications system that is ready on short notice for use by individuals.
The state-of-the art at the time of Katrina is illustrated by a web page by Sharon Keating titled FIND HURRICANE KATRINA SURVIVORS, List of Resources for Reconnecting with Missing Friends and Family, which is incorporated by reference herein. She listed 65 links as possible places to look for information. A similar web page by CNN lists 28 links under Locate the Missing, which is incorporated by reference herein. These two examples show how persons wishing to locate individuals heretofore are forced to search in a fishing expedition through various ad hock databases.
While still inadequate, some progress has been made. For example, following the tornadoes that struck across the south on Feb. 5, 2008, killing over 50 people, the American Red Cross activated a Safe and Well List on the Internet, the instructions for which are incorporated by reference herein. As of Feb. 7, 2008, 4811 people had registered. The required fields include: First Name, Last Name, Home address Line 1, Home City, Home State, Home Zip Code, Current City, and Current State. On acceptance of a Privacy Policy, the registrant my select from a field of 9 predefined messages, but has no option to enter a customized message. Interested parties may search the Safe and Well List on acceptance of the Privacy Policy. Required fields for the search of the registered are: the Last Name and either; the Pre Disaster Home Phone; or the Home Address Line 1, Home State, and Home Zip Code. The interested party can leave no message or acknowledgment that the message has been received.
Note that the Safe and Well List must be accessed by Internet and does not have a telephone feature. Note also that communication is limited to known person-to-known person, e.g., person A may post a message that can be retrieved by persons B and C that have a common interest in person A, however persons B and C have no knowledge of each other. Moreover, a lost pet identified by phone number only could not be matched with an owner, i.e., the finder would not have sufficient information to gain access to the owner's Safe and Well List, and they could not leave a message, even if they did.
Contact Loved Ones is a telephone based emergency communications system. A person calls a toll free number and follows a voice menu to record or retrieve voice messages based on a single subscriber telephone number. There is no security and it is open, free of charge, to everyone that knows the Contact Loved Ones access number, and the subscriber number of interest. The web site recites pending patent applications for the underlaying technology, but the actual patent application numbers are not given.
Google Person Finder is a web based application that was built in response to the January 2010 Haiti earthquake. This was based on the volunteer Katrina PeopleFinder Project, which manually entered 15,200 records into a searchable database. Google Person Finder established open standards for developers in order to make the information more accessible.
Clearly a rapid person-to-person communications method is needed-particularly one that is equipped to handle a large nomadic component which could potentially be millions of people.
In US Patent Application Pub. No.: US2007/0269023 A1, incorporated by reference, Klauer et al. discloses a subscriber method of crisis communications including a plurality of crisis communication points (CCPs) located in geographically dispersed areas. For a subscription fee, and by prior arrangement, a family gains access to a voice message system by a personal identifier, i.e., password. This allows two-way voice messaging between subscribers. While this system has merit for those that can afford the service and make plans in advance, it provides no assistance for those that can not afford the service or fail to anticipate the need, and it would require remembering the infrequently used personal identifier to gain entry. Moreover, it does not provide for communications between non subscribers such as neighbors, fellow workers, church associates, etc.
In US Patent Application Pub. No.: US2007/0165789 A1, incorporated by reference, Hulls discloses a Dynamic Family Disaster Plan with similar limitations as Klauer, e.g., the need for individual planning in advance.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,903,801 to Ruckart discloses a database that associates a subscriber to contact information. The subscriber activates the database on the loss of service.
Many telephone subscription services include voice messaging with enhanced bundled services such as caller ID. In principle, the subscriber could access the recorded greeting and modify the message to update callers as to the subscriber's status, and retrieve messages from a remote location. This would require all family members remembering the access code and instructions, which is typically only remembered by one family member at best. Such normally desirable privacy constraints could inhibit use or render it unreliable as a means for voice messaging. Most subscriber owned voice messaging systems also provide for remote access with an access code. These systems suffer from the same privacy constraints and if the telephone service or power is off at the subscriber location they would be rendered useless.
The need exists for a robust rapidly executable communications method that requires minimum preparation by the individual. Preferably it would be implemented by a single authority or sponsor, sua sponte, thereby reducing duplication and uncertainty as to where to search for an individual, i.e., a virtual pre-defined default communications meeting place. It should dispense with security constraints and knowledge about an individual such as passwords street addresses, etc.
The basis for an identification system exists in the form of pre-emergency subscriber telephone numbers. For example, most people know, or have ready access to the phone numbers of individuals of interest. This would include home, cell, and work phone numbers. Often times even small children and the mentally challenged know phone numbers for family and friends. Even the phone numbers that are not known are probably available through a third party that can relay a message. This instant knowledge of telephone numbers is exploited by Liebermann in U.S. Pat. No. 7,287,009, incorporated by reference, and by merchants such as Auto Zone, Kroger Plus Shopper's Card, pizza delivery services, credit card verification services, laundry and dry cleaning services, etc., for customer identification. The customer is identified by called ID or by entering the well known phone number. However, in all known examples, the number is used to qualify the transaction and link to a predefined database, i.e., prior administrative work is required.
The hardware foundation for a person-to-person voice message and email message system already exists. For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 7,321,655 and U.S. Pat. No. 7,330,537, which are incorporated by reference, Skakkeback et al., and Frifeldt et al. teach integrated cache systems that provide wide access to voice mail and email services in a unified communication system. Unified communications (UC) is described on Wikipedia, incorporated by reference herein, as                UC allows an individual to send a message on one medium and receive the same communication on another medium. For example, one can receive a voicemail message and choose to access it through email or a cell phone. If the sender is online according to the presence information and currently accepts calls, the response can be sent immediately through text chat or video call. Otherwise, it may be sent as a non-real-time message that can be accessed through a variety of media.Internet email services are widely available free of charge from providers such as Yahoo, Microsoft, Google, etc. Telephone and data services have merged through Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). Telephone service by Vonage, Skype, Google Talk, and others are readily available. Social networking such as Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, LinkedIn, Match.com, eHarmony.com, has greatly expanded the hardware and bandwidth resources. Cloud computing and Software as a Service are well established enterprises.
The problem to be solved is to employ the existing hardware capabilities in such a way as to make the resources available in a systematic temporary arrangement on short notice with no a priori planning on the part of the individuals, i.e., implemented by a sponsor, sue sponte.
The missing link in the art is a method to integrate diverse technologies and a sponsor with the resources to secure, or contract for, the hardware, conduct the planning, publicize the existence of, and sua sponte trigger execution when needed.

Sua sponte establishment of large-scale person-to-person emergency electronic messaging communications based in part on subscriber telephone numbers


The present invention provides a method of diagnosing or predicting susceptibility to an autoimmune disease in an individual by determining the presence or absence in the individual of a 2-2-4 haplotype at the Notch4, HSP70-HOM and D6S273 loci, where the presence of the haplotype diagnoses or predicts susceptibility to the autoimmune disease. The methods of the invention can be particularly useful for diagnosing or predicting susceptibility to Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis or type I diabetes mellitus. In a preferred embodiment, a method of the invention is used to diagnose or predict susceptibility to Crohn's disease in an individual of Ashkenazi Jewish ethnicity.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates generally to the fields of autoimmunity and inflammatory bowel disease and more specifically to genetic methods for diagnosing Crohn's disease and other autoimmune diseases.
2. Background Information
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is the collective term used to describe two gastrointestinal disorders of unknown etiology: Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). The course and prognosis of IBD, which occurs world-wide and is reported to afflict as many as two million people, varies widely. Onset of IBD is predominantly in young adulthood with diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever the three most common presenting symptoms. The diarrhea may range from mild to severe, and anemia and weight loss are additional common signs of IBD. Ten percent to fifteen percent of all patients with IBD will require surgery over a ten year period. In addition, patients with IBD are at increased risk for the development of intestinal cancer. Reports of an increasing occurrence of psychological problems, including anxiety and depression, are perhaps not surprising symptoms of what is often a debilitating disease that strikes people in the prime of life.
A battery of laboratory, radiological, and endoscopic evaluations are typically combined to derive a diagnosis of IBD and to assess the extent and severity of the disease. Nevertheless, differentiating Crohn's disease from ulcerative colitis, as well as other types of inflammatory conditions of the bowel, such as irritable bowel syndrome, infectious diarrhea, rectal bleeding, radiation colitis and the like, is difficult because the mucosa of the small and large intestines reacts in a similar way to a large number of different insults. Furthermore, the extensive and often protracted clinical testing required to diagnose CD delays accurate diagnosis and treatment and involves invasive procedures such as endoscopy.
To date, a reliable genetic test for Crohn's disease, which would be highly prized as a non-invasive method for the early diagnosis of Crohn's disease, is not available. Such a test, based on identifying genetic markers that are associated with a predisposing mutation to an autoimmune disease such as Crohn's disease, would obviate invasive clinical procedures. Such a genetic assay also would be useful in methods of predicting susceptibility to Crohn's disease in asymptomatic individuals, making prophylactic therapy possible. Unfortunately, genetic markers closely associated with Crohn's disease have yet to be identified. The present invention satisfies this need and provides related advantages as well.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Methods of using a major histocompatibility complex class III haplotype to diagnose Crohn's disease


A mounting device for mounting an electrical connector to a trailer chassis for refrigerated containers comprises at least first and second clamp portions. Structure is provided for securing at least one of the clamp portions to the trailer chassis. Structure for securing the first clamp portion to the second clamp portion is provided. At least one of the first clamp portion and the second clamp portion have structure for engaging the electrical connector so as to firmly retain the electrical connector to the trailer chassis. A system and method for mounting an electrical connector and electrical cords to a trailer chassis are also disclosed.

Refrigerated containers are utilized to transport perishable goods from place to place on ships and on land. The containers include a refrigeration unit, with a means to power the refrigeration unit. Power to the refrigeration unit can be supplied by an electrical cord which connects to an external power source. On board ship or when stored on land, the electrical cord is connected to ship's power or to shore power. The refrigerated containers are placed on trailer chassis for transporting by trucks to and from the port.
The trailer chassis sometimes has a generator which is used to supply power to the refrigeration unit of the refrigerated container. The electrical cord of the refrigeration unit must be connected to the generator. This electrical cord is usually a four wire cord for a three-phase motor, as is commonly used for refrigeration compressors. A similar cord for the generator is used to connect to the refrigeration unit cord. The generator cord is either hard-wired to the generator or can have a male plug for making a connection to the generator. The refrigeration unit cord is usually between 20 to 40 feet in length and is hard wired to the compressor. The opposite end of this cord has a male plug. Lengths of the cord that are not in use can be coiled in a basket on the container.
The electrical cord connecting the generator to the refrigeration unit blows and flaps in the wind when the trailer is under tow by a truck. This can cause breakage of the electrical cord either at the plug or elsewhere in the power system. It is therefore desired to secure the electrical cord in some manner. A common method of securing the electrical cord is by securing the refrigeration unit cord to an electrical connector that is secured to the trailer chassis. The generator cord is secured to the electrical connector, such that a connection between the two cords can be made by the connector to supply power from the generator to the refrigeration unit. Such electrical connectors are known in the industry, such as those produced by ERO, Inc. of Lake Worth, Fla.
The connector receives a male plug from the refrigeration unit cord, and is wired to an end of the generator cord. The connector assembly provides an in-line, female, water tight enclosure for making this connection.
The connector is secured to the trailer chassis in some manner to secure the electrical cords, and to secure the connector. According to one known connector, a flange with mounting holes is provided on the connector. Bolts or screws are driven through the mounting holes and are secured to the trailer chassis to secure the connector in place. The connector is usually positioned in a hole that is mounted through the trailer chassis. Another hole can be provided in the trailer chassis to receive the generator cord. The generator cord can run from the generator along the frame to the front tongue portion of the trailer chassis, or to a plate or other structure that is provided for mounting the connector to the chassis.
Prior art connectors are not readily changed if breakage occurs. The entire connector unit must be thrown away. The process is time consuming and can result in shipping delays.

Electrical connector mounting device for trailer chassis


Certain methods and systems are described that allow the spectral control of a print output. A plurality of colorants are used where one or more colorants contain nanoparticles. Each colorants has a specified spectral range corresponding to the constituent nanoparticles. To print with these colorants a spectral separation may be used that maps an input color with associated spectral information or direct spectral information to print control data, the print control data having defined values for depositions with each combination of the colorants. The spectral separation may be constructed by characterizing a set of spectral Neugebauer primaries for the plurality of colorants.

When printing it is desired that a printed color matches a color of source content as closely as possible, for example under any viewing or illumination conditions. Printing commonly uses a colorimetric approach to visually match the printed color to the color of source content. Colorimetry approximates human color perception by representing the color of observed surfaces or objects under a single set of viewing conditions using tristimulus values—one for each of the three types of light sensitive cells (cones) lining the retina at the back of the human eye. One type of cone cell is sensitive mostly to long wavelengths (L), another to medium wavelengths (M) and yet another to short wavelengths (S) of electromagnetic radiation in the visible range (i.e., from approximately 400 to 700 nm). Mostly for historical reasons, colorimetry uses a linear transformation of the LMS space, derived from psychophysical color matching experiments, called XYZ, defined by the CIE (Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage). The tristimulus values of X, Y and Z of a colorimetric approach form the basis of approximately representing all colors seen by a human visual system, tied to a set of viewing conditions, especially an illuminant present in the observed scene. Colors are thus identified based on co-ordinates in this CIE XYZ space.

Spectral print control based on specific spectral ranges of colorants

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.


A drawer and latching mechanism for a beverage brewer, and preferably, a brewer that utilizes a pod of coffee grounds or another beverage component, has a housing of the brewer including a pivotable cover and a drawer for retaining a pod of a beverage component below the brew head. In an open position, the pivotable cover and brew head are pivoted away from the drawer to allow access to the pod, while in a closed position, the pivotable cover and brew head are pivoted toward and locked relative to the drawer to secure the pod below the brew head for brewing.

In brewing coffee or similar beverages, each consumer has his or her own taste preferences. In response, as an alternative to traditional multi-cup brewers, there have been efforts to develop brewers that use a single-serve pod. Thus, an individual consumer can brew a single serving of coffee or another beverage, and furthermore, has some flexibility in determining the relative strength of the brewed beverage. When using such a pod, however, the proper positioning of the pod relative to the brew head is important in ensuring the dispensing of a high quality beverage.

Drawer and latching mechanism for positioning and securing a pod below the brew head of a beverage brewer


A memory and a switchable digital filter supply different numbers of digital distortion correction values. The supplied distortion correction values are converted to an analog distortion correction signal. A passive, analog low pass filter for the analog distortion correction signal generates an analog deflection signal. The low pass filter is optimized only for those of the analog deflection signals having a given sample rate. A controller varies the different numbers of the supplied distortion correction values to maintain the given sample rate of the analog deflection signal for different horizontal scanning rates. The controller selectively implements respective operating modes for different horizontal scanning frequencies in which no interpolated distortion correction values are supplied or different numbers of interpolated distortion correction values are supplied.

This invention relates to the field of raster distortion correction systems that are adaptable to a plurality of horizontal scanning frequencies.
Raster distortion correction, for example convergence and pincushion correction, is an important aspect of television performance, particularly for large direct view and projection television receivers and monitors. Projection television receivers can present a very difficult challenge to distortion correction systems due to the off-axis orientation of two of the three projection tubes and due to the need to provide separate distortion control systems for each projection tube. In projection television receivers, the green tube is usually in a central orientation. After the raster of the green tube is corrected, the rasters generated by the red and blue tubes must be corrected and converged to match the raster generated by the green tube.
Generally, distortion correction data can be stored in a digital memory, read out of memory, processed by an interpolator to provide additional correction data, converted to analog form, analog low-pass filtered and amplified for use as a convergence correction deflection signal. Each distortion correction circuit must be optimized not only for each projection tube""s internal geometry and mounting orientation, as well as the screen size and screen orientation, but for the horizontal scanning frequency of the input video signal as well. The analog low-pass filter, which can form an input for a preamplifier, is a part of the circuit that can be most sensitive to differences in horizontal scanning frequency. Moreover, many receivers presenting significant distortion correction challenges are already adapted to operate at the standard horizontal scanning frequency (1 fH) and twice the standard horizontal scanning frequency (2 fH). In fact, such receivers will also need to process video signals having a horizontal scanning frequency three times (3 fH) the standard frequency.
In the case of a projection television receiver, for example, it is necessary to provide each tube with a respective distortion correction circuit appropriate for each of horizontal and vertical deflection and optimized for each horizontal scanning frequency. Such optimization requires two unique low-pass filters for each tube, for each horizontal scanning frequency. If a projection television receiver were adapted to operate at 1 fH and 2 fH, then twelve independently optimized distortion correction circuits would be required for the tubes. If a projection television receiver were adapted to operate at 1 fH, 2 fH and 3 fH, then eighteen independently optimized distortion correction circuits would be required for the tubes. Even if most of the constituent parts of each distortion correction circuit could be standardized, it would still be necessary to design and manufacture many different low-pass filters. Moreover, each tube would also require a switching circuit for automatically selecting the appropriate filter for a particular tube and deflection direction (e.g., red vertical) and a horizontal scanning frequency.
It is therefore desirable to avoid the use of costly switchable analog filters in distortion correction systems. Distortion correction system that did not require sets of switchable analog low-pass filters would be advantageous for many reasons, including simpler operation, enhanced reliability, greater flexibility in adjustment and setup, reduced manufacturing costs, reduced design costs and reduced design time.
A distortion correction system in accordance with inventive arrangements comprises: means for storing distortion correction values; a switchable digital filter for processing the distortion correction values; the digital filter being switched on and supplying the distortion correction values together with interpolated distortion correction values as an output in a first operating mode; the digital filter being switched off in a second operating mode, only the distortion correction values being supplied as the output; a digital to analog converter for converting the supplied output to an analog distortion correction signal; an analog low pass filter coupled for receiving the analog distortion correction signal in each of the operating modes and generating an analog deflection signal; means for determining a horizontal scanning frequency of an input video signal; and, control means responsive to the determining means for selecting one of the operating modes for different horizontal scanning rates.
A further distortion correction system in accordance with inventive arrangements comprises: means for storing distortion correction values; a digital filter for processing the distortion correction values; the digital filter supplying the distortion correction values together with a first number of interpolated distortion correction values in a first operating mode; the digital filter supplying the distortion correction values together with a second number of interpolated distortion correction values in a second operating mode; a digital to analog converter for converting the supplied distortion correction values to an analog distortion correction signal; an analog low pass filter coupled for receiving the analog distortion correction signal in each of the operating modes and generating an analog deflection signal; means for determining a horizontal scanning frequency of an input video signal; and, control means responsive to the determining means for selecting one of the operating modes for different horizontal scanning rates.
The digital filter can be advantageously switched off in a third operating mode such that only the distortion correction values is supplied as an output to the digital to analog converter. In this case, the determining means advantageously selects the first operating mode when a first horizontal scanning frequency is identified, selects the second operating mode when a second horizontal scanning frequency faster than the first horizontal scanning frequency is identified and selects the third operating mode when a third horizontal scanning frequency is identified faster than the second horizontal scanning frequency.
Yet another distortion correction system in accordance with inventive arrangements comprises: means for supplying different numbers of digital distortion correction values; a digital to analog converter for converting the supplied distortion correction values to an analog distortion correction signal; an analog low pass filter coupled for receiving the analog distortion correction signal and generating an analog deflection signal, the low pass filter being optimized only for those of the analog deflection signals having a given sample rate; means for determining a horizontal scanning frequency of an input video signal; and, control means responsive to the determining means for varying the different numbers of the supplied distortion correction values to maintain the given sample rate of the analog deflection signal for different horizontal scanning rates.
A method for distortion correction in accordance with inventive arrangements comprises the steps of: storing digital distortion correction values; digitally filtering the digital distortion correction values in a first mode of operation to generate interpolated distortion correction values; supplying as an output the distortion correction values together with the interpolated distortion correction values in the first mode of operation; supplying only the distortion correction values as the output in a second mode of operation; converting the supplied output to an analog distortion correction signal; low pass filtering the analog distortion correction signal in each of the operating modes with the same passive analog filter, for generating an analog deflection signal; determining a horizontal scanning frequency of an input video signal; and, responsive to the determining step, selecting one of the operating modes for different horizontal scanning frequencies.
A further method for distortion correction in accordance with inventive arrangements comprises the steps of: storing digital distortion correction values; digitally filtering the digital distortion correction values in a first mode of operation to generate a first number of interpolated distortion correction values; supplying as an output the distortion correction values together with the first number of interpolated distortion correction values in the first mode of operation; digitally filtering the digital distortion correction values in a second mode of operation to generate a second number of interpolated distortion correction values; supplying as the output the distortion correction values together with the second number of interpolated distortion correction values in the second mode of operation; converting the supplied output to an analog distortion correction signal; low pass filtering the analog distortion correction signal in each of the operating modes with the same passive analog filter for generating an analog deflection signal; determining a horizontal scanning frequency of an input video signal; and, responsive to the determining step, selecting one of the operating modes for different horizontal scanning frequencies.
The method can advantageously comprise the step of supplying only the distortion correction values as the output in a third operating mode. In this case, the method can advantageously comprise the step of selecting the first operating mode when a first horizontal scanning frequency is identified, selecting the second operating mode when a second horizontal scanning frequency is identified faster than the first horizontal scanning frequency and selecting the third operating mode when a third horizontal scanning frequency is identified faster than the second horizontal scanning frequency.
Yet another method for distortion correction comprises the steps of: supplying different numbers of digital distortion correction values; converting the supplied digital distortion correction values to an analog distortion correction signal; analog low pass filtering the analog distortion correction signal with a characteristic response optimized only for those of the analog deflection signals having a given sample rate; determining a horizontal scanning frequency of an input video signal; and, varying the different numbers of the supplied distortion correction values to maintain the given sample rate of the analog deflection signal for different horizontal scanning rates.
The inventive arrangements advantageously enable the same analog low pass filter, in particular a passive filter, to be used in a distortion correction system for a plurality of horizontal scanning frequencies including, for example, 1 fH, 2 fH and 3 fH. The use of a switchable, programmable digital filter, for example a finite impulse response filter with a selectable number of input taps, advantageously enables the nature and quantity of convergence correction values ultimately supplied to the low pass filter to be different for different horizontal scanning frequencies. The distortion values are advantageously controlled by selecting the number of interpolated values supplied with the original values as an output, and in one advantageous embodiment, by turning off the digital filter and supplying only original correction values. The switchable digital filter with selectable output values can be advantageously embodied in an integrated circuit, alone or bundled with other related functions.
The inventive arrangements take advantage of the realization that a critical factor in operation and optimization of the low pass filter resides in maintaining a constant or at least substantially constant sample rate in the signal being low pass filtered. The number of correction values supplied to generate the correction signal can be advantageously varied to maintain the same sample rate for different horizontal scanning frequencies. In particular, the number of interpolated values generated and supplied together with original values can be advantageously varied in accordance with inventive arrangements.

Adaptable raster distortion correction system for multiple horizontal scanning frequencies


In a motor mounting mechanism, a cylindrical motor includes a frame (6) serving as a stator and an electric power supply terminal (2) attached to a bottom surface of a bracket (1). When the motor is mounted to a motor attachment device, a first external electrode (10) is mechanically and electrically connected to a cylindrical side surface of the frame (6) while a second external electrode (11) is mechanically and electrically connected to the power supply terminal (2). The first and second external electrodes are both located outside the motor, and thus, the process of providing lead wires for connecting the external electrodes to the printed board can be omitted, allowing the total size of the motor mounting mechanism to be reduced.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a motor mounting mechanism, in particular relates to a combination of a motor attachment device and a vibration generating type cylindrical motor to be mounted thereto, for use in a vibration alarm device of a portable telephone and the like equipment.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In a conventional calling or alarming device of a vibration generating type, there has been mainly used a miniature cylindrical coreless-type vibration motor as shown in FIG. 16. In such a conventional device, the cylindrical motor is comprised of a frame portion 6 and a weight 9 of a high density metal which is eccentrically attached to a rotation shaft of the motor for generating vibrations. The motor is further provided with lead wires 16 through which electric power is supplied from a power source to drive the motor.
However, in this conventional device, there has been a problem such that, since a space for mounting the motor is limited to be small, therefore there has been an increased demand or requirement for simplifying a motor mounting mechanism with reduction of a space for mounting the motor to a motor attachment device.

Motor mounting mechanism for a cylindrical vibration motor

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.


A system effecting a data reproducing method for a plurality of devices, for sending and receiving data by authenticating the plurality of devices with each other, said data reproducing method including: selecting, from a plurality of descrambling methods, a descrambling method corresponding to a type of said data, executing authentication by an authenticating method corresponding to the selected descrambling method, where the authenticating method is selected from a plurality of authenticating methods, and reproducing said data.

The present invention relates to an apparatus for reproducing video data and audio data, and more particularly to an apparatus for reproducing data and the apparatus for recording data which are arranged to reproduce and/or record data from/onto a recording medium based on copy management information.
A DVD-ROM has about seven times as large a volume as a CD-ROM. The DVD-RON may contain program codes for PCs as well as motion picture software created by compressing video data and audio data. The DVD also includes a DVD-RAM, a DVD-R, and a DVD-RW as its recording medium. These recording medium may record a large amount of data, which brings about a possibility of illegally copying software such as a motion picture. This sort of illegal copy has to be prevented. Hence, a technique of preventing illegal copy becomes important. This technique is described in the magazine "Nikkei Electronics" issued on Aug. 18, 1997, pages 110 to 119, published by Nikkei BP publishing.
For example, the motion picture recorded on the DVD-Video disk is typically coded according to the CSS (content scrambling system). Hence, the copied data cannot be reproduced unless it is descrambled.

Reproducing apparatus, recording apparatus and display apparatus


An issue tracking system configured to determine similarity between issue content in an issue request issue content in a previously submitted issue record. Based on the similarity, the issue tracking system may determine a likelihood that a given issue is related to at least one additional issue. In response to a determination that likelihood exceeds a threshold, data can be extracted from the related issue to provide the user with a suggested supplemental issue request to be submitted to the issue tracking system.

An organization or individual can leverage an issue tracking system to document and monitor completion of work related to a project or goal. In many cases, however, processes of adding, editing, and/or otherwise updating issues tracked in a conventional issue tracking system may be unnecessarily time and resource consuming. For example, users of an issue tracking system may be periodically or regularly required to input duplicate or substantially identical data multiple times. The systems and techniques described herein may be used to help guide the user in the creation of issues by suggesting content or by providing issue templates that may be submitted to the system.

Autonomous suggestion of related issues in an issue tracking system


A surface wave touch screen) comprising a hydrophobic touch panel capable of propagating surface acoustic waves, wherein a touch on the touch panel causes a perturbation of a surface wave propagating through the region of the touch. Surface wave transducer means are coupled to the touch panel for transmitting and receiving surface acoustic waves on the panel and processing means are capable of determining the position of a touch on the panel. Use of a hydrophobic panel is advantageous in that operation of the touch screen is unaffected by moisture and so can be used in external environments.

This invention relates to a surface wave touch screen for a cathode ray tube (CRT) display panel or other touch-controlled device which is capable of recognizing touch positions along a predetermined coordinate axis on a touch surface. More particularly, it relates to a surface wave touch screen for use in an external environment.
Systems employing a touch screen as a data input device are widely known. By touching the touch screen at a predetermined position with a finger or other object, data is selected that is indicative of that particular position. Thereupon, the associated data is introduced into the system and processed. A touch screen may be combined with a display for selecting data according to the zones shown on the display, such as virtual buttons. Also, the display may function as a means for providing visual feedback to the user by showing the information pertaining to the data after processing.
On the basis of the mechanism for activating the touch screen, several types of touch screens can be distinguished. Touch screens of choice for self service terminals, such as automated teller machines (ATMs), are so-called surface wave touch screens that locate the absorption of surface acoustic waves propagating in a front panel, the absorption occurring as a result of the contact between the panel and a soft tissue such as the user""s finger. These touch screens, which have been on the market since 1980, work exceptionally well, are very stable, have no drift and are very resistant to damage. They are currently the preferred touch screens for heavy use self service terminals in unprotected environments, such as through the wall applications, because they will survive a large amount of abuse and vandalism. They do however have the disadvantage that they are adversely affected by water on the screen. Water is a good absorber of acoustic waves, and hence strongly absorbs the surface waves. Water on the touch screen surface results in a local dead area. Even if the touch screen is inclined or mounted vertically, if exposed to water, droplets can adhere to the screen, rendering it inoperative. Drying the water restores the operation of the screen. For this reason, surface wave touch screens are only suitable for dry or sheltered environments, such as shopping malls, where water on the screen is not a major problem.
It is an object to provide a surface wave touch screen which operates even if water is applied to the surface, and which is thus suitable for use in external environments.
According to the invention there is provided a surface wave touch screen comprising a touch panel capable of propagating surface acoustic waves wherein a touch on the touch panel causes a perturbation of a surface wave propagating through the region of the touch, transmitter and receiver means coupled to the touch panel for transmitting and receiving surface acoustic waves on the touch panel and control means for determining the position of a touch on the touch panel, characterized in that the touch surface is hydrophobic.
By use of a touch surface which is hydrophobic, any water droplets landing on the surface would immediately be shed off the inclined or vertical face of the screen and allow the touch screen to function normally.
Preferably, the panel of the touch screen comprises glass coated with Ritec xe2x80x9cCLEAR-SHIELDxe2x80x9d.
By the use of xe2x80x9cCLEAR-SHIELDxe2x80x9d, the glass touch screen is rendered hydrophobic and anti-static, and its coefficient of friction is reduced. Hence, the touch screen glass becomes a non-stick, easy clean surface, and water and other contaminants are shed more rapidly.


Disclosed herein are methods of treating an individual suffering from peripheral neuropathy. The methods generally include administration of a therapeutic amount of racemic reboxetine, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, to the individual.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to methods of treating individuals suffering from a variety of conditions wherein inhibiting reuptake of norepinephrine provides a benefit. In particular, the present invention relates to methods of treatment comprising administration of a compound, such as (S,S) reboxetine, to an individual, wherein the compound has a high pharmacological selectivity with respect to norepinephrine reuptake sites compared to serotonin reuptake sites. The present invention also relates to a composition containing the compound and to a preparation of a medicaments containing the composition.
2. Brief Description of Related Technology
Many types of depression, mental, behavioral, and neurological disorders originate from disturbances in brain circuits that convey-signals using certain monoamine neurotransmitters. Monoamine neurotransmitters include, for example, norepinephrine (noradrenaline), serotonin (5-HT), and dopamine. Lower-than-normal levels of norepinephrine are associated with a variety of symptoms including lack of energy, motivation, and interest in life. Thus, a normal level of norepinephrine is essential to maintaining drive and capacity for reward.
These neurotransmitters travel from the terminal of a neuron across a small gap (i.e., the synaptic cleft) and bind to receptor molecules on the surface of a second neuron. This binding elicits intracellular changes that initiate or activate a response or change in the postsynaptic neuron. Inactivation occurs primarily by transport (i.e., reuptake) of the neurotransmitter back into the presynaptic neuron. Abnormality in noradrenergic transmission results in various types of depression, mental, behavioral, and neurological disorders attributed to a variety of symptoms including a lack of energy, motivation, and interest in life. See generally, R. J. Baldessarini, "Drugs and the Treatment of Psychiatric Disorders: Depression and Mania" in Goodman and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, McGraw-Hill. N.Y., N.Y., pp. 432–439 (1996).
Reboxetine (i.e. 2-[(2-ethoxyphenoxy)(phenyl)methyl]morpholine) raises the concentration of physiologically active norepinephrine by preventing reuptake of norepinephrine, for example. Reboxetine is a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor and has been shown to be effective in the short-term (i.e., less than eight weeks) and long-term treatment of depression. In fact, reboxetine has been shown to have effectiveness that is similar to fluoxetine, imipramine, and desipramine, commonly prescribed antidepressants, in both adults and elderly patients. See S. A. Montgomery, Reboxetine: Additional Benefits to the Depressed Patient, Psychopharmocol (Oxf) 11:4 Suppl., S9–15 (Abstract) (1997).
Antidepressant drugs are sometimes divided into "generations." The first generation included the monoamine oxidase inhibitors (such as isocarboxazid and phenylhydrazine) and tricyclic agents (such as imipramine). The second generation of antidepressant drugs included compounds such as mianserin and trazodone. The third generation has included drugs called selective reuptake inhibitors (e.g. fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine, and reboxetine). Those drugs were characterized by relatively selective action on only one of the three main monoamine systems thought to be involved in depression (i.e. 5-HT (serotonin), noradrenaline (norepinephrine), and dopamine). APP Textbook of Psychopharmacology (A. F. Schatzberg and C. B. Nemeroff), American Psychiatric Press, 2d. ed., (1998); Lexicon of Psychiatry, Nuerology and the Neurosciences (F. J. Ayd, Jr.) Williams and Wilkins (1995). The antidepressant efficacy of reboxetine is evidenced by its ability to prevent resperine-induced blepharospasm and hypothermia in mice, down regulation of β-adrenergic receptors and desensitization of noradrenaline-coupled adenylate cyclase. See M. Brunello and G. Racagni, "Rationale for the Development of Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors," Human Psychophramacology, vol. 13, S-13–519, Supp. 13–519 (1998).
According to a survey by Brian E. Leonard, desipramine, maprotiline, and lofepramine are relatively selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors with proven efficacy. These materials increase brain noradrenaline and thereby function to relieve depression. Mianserin and mirtazepine also show antidepressant-like effects by increasing noradrenaline availability by means of blocking the pre-synaptic α2-adrenoceptors. Still further, oxaprotiline, fezolamine, and tomoxetine are potent and selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors that lack neurotransmitter receptor interactions and, thus, do not cause many of the side effects characteristic of classical tricyclic antidepressants. See Brian E. Leonard, "The Role of Noradrenaline in Depression: A Review," Journal of Psychopharmocology, vol. 11, no. 4 (Suppl.), pp. S39–S47 (1997)
Reboxetine also is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, which also produces fewer of the side effects associated with the administration of classical tricyclic antidepressants. The antidepressant efficacy of reboxetine is evidenced by its ability to prevent resperine-induced blepharospasm and hypothermia in mice, down regulation of β-adrenergic receptors and desensitization of noradrenaline-coupled adenylate cyclase. See M. Brunello and G. Racagni, "Rationale for the Development of Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors," Human Psychophramacology, vol. 13 (Supp.) 13–519 (1998).
Reboxetine generally is described in Melloni et al. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,229,449, 5,068,433, and 5,391,735, and in GB 2,167,407, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Chemically, reboxetine has two chiral centers and, therefore, exists as two enantiomeric pairs of diastereomers, shown below as isomers (I) through (IV):

Method of treating peripheral neuropathy


A method of operating an endoscopy system includes concurrently illuminating a tissue with NIR excitation light and visible light, imaging the tissue using a single detector, and independently adjusting an intensity of the NIR excitation light and an intensity of the visible light.

Medical endoscopes have been widely used in both diagnostic and surgical procedures. A promising technique for detecting a lesion in a living body during endoscopic procedures involves near infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging, in which NIR light is used to illuminates tissue, exogenously applied fluorophores in the tissue emit fluorescence, and an imaging system captures a fluorescent image. In addition to fluorescence imaging, normal diagnostic and surgical procedures utilize endoscopy with conventional visible light imaging.
Despite the progress made in the field of endoscopy, there is a need in the art for a system incorporating visible light endoscopy and NIR fluorescent endoscopy.

Endoscope system with single camera for concurrent imaging at visible and infrared wavelengths


Described is a method for operating a positioning vehicle for positioning a test probe in defined intervals along a travel line, as well as to a positioning vehicle for carrying out the method. The positioning vehicle contains a traveling vehicle base part with a guide device and with a test probe carrier guided by this guide device in a guide. The guiding has a first reversal point and a second reversal point. The guide device comprises guide means in order on displacing the vehicle base part to guide the test probe carrier in the travel direction up to the first reversal point after it has reached the second reversal point, and in order to lead back the test probe carrier opposite to the travel direction up to the second reversal point after it has reached the first reversal point. In the phase of the return, the test probe carrier relative to the vehicle base part has the negative speed of the vehicle base part. Described is also a device which permits in particular objects having large surfaces to be scanned with little effort.

In the building industry it is often necessary to inspect the quality of a building construction. At the same time it may also be useful to inspect the quality of the construction during its phase of being built as well as after completion of the building work. Such an inspection, in particular with tunnels and bridges, is obligatory.
It is known to test building constructions by way of methods which are based on sound. Counted amongst these are the ultrasonic measurement method and the impact echo method. These methods are for example applied for determining the thickness of concrete parts, for localizing prestressing cuts and for locating defect locations. Both methods may be used individually and independently, or in combination, for recording readings. The basis of the methods is the examination of the running time and frequency behavior of the longitudinal waves at various measurement points of the object to be examined.
The quality of a building construction is inspected in that readings are recorded at various points of the building construction by way of test probes, which for example are based on the ultrasound method or on the impact echo method. One obtains information as to how the quality of the building construction is to be assessed on the basis of the recorded readings.
However one only obtains the readings for the locations at which a measurement is carried out. With an extensive building construction therefore measurements need to be carried out at many different locations. For this reason it is usual to introduce [modular] grids for the purpose of systemizing the measurement. Readings are recorded by measurements at the individual points of the grid. The measurement effort is reduced by way of this, whilst simultaneously ensuring that the building construction has been inspected in a manner covering its surface.
For inspecting a building construction, a test probe is placed at the locations of the building construction which are characterized by grid, and the readings are recorded at this location.
These measurements may be carried out manually. However the operation of the measurement apparatus changes on account of the fatigue of the personnel, which may considerably compromise the measurement accuracy. Inspections of an extensive area as a rule demand a large number of individual measurements. These then are particularly susceptible to the influences of operation.
In order to automize the measurement method at least partly, it is known to lay rails along a line of grid points, on which a measurement device is guided. The measurement device moves, usually automatically, to the individual grid points which are selected by the guiding of the rails, and records readings at these individual grid points by way of a test probe. In this manner one may automatically record a high number of readings along a line, and operating influences on the part of the personnel are almost completely ruled out.
This type of measurement however entails a considerable expense. Before a measurement may be carried out, firstly the rails must be laid along the line on which one would like to scan (cover in a grid-like manner) the object. The rails must be fixed in order to ensure a secure and exact guiding of the measurement device. Since usually several lines need to be scanned, which for example would be the case with the inspection of a large surface, the rails must be disassembled and re-laid. This procedure may furthermore be repeated quite often.

Positioning vehicle for positioning a test probe


A communication interface facilitates connection of a plurality of wireless USB compatible hosts with at least a WUSB device in a wireless USB environment at the same time. The communication interface includes a host detector that detects the presence of an active host or a plurality of active hosts, a host communicator for establishing wireless USB connection with a plurality of hosts, and a controller for causing time division multiplexed (TDM) data communication between active hosts and at least one device.

Wireless USB (WUSB) is a logical evolution of USB and has become an important standard for many applications because of its various advantages, including flexibility in deployment. The physical layer ("PHY") of WUSB is described in the Multiband OFDM Aliance (MBOA) UWB PHY specification—"Multiband OFDM Physical Layer Specification" (Revision 1.) Jan. 14, 2005, WiMedia Alliance, which is incorporated herein by reference. PHY currently supports data rates of 53.3, 80, 106.7, 160, 200, 320, 400 and 480 Mb/s and multiple channels. PHY also provides error detection and correction schemes to provide a robust communication channel. Logically, WUSB is a polled, TDMA based protocol, similar to wired USB. In a WUSB system, the host initiates all data transfers. Similar to wired USB, each transfer logically consists of three packets, namely, token, data, and handshake. To increase usage efficiency of the PHY by eliminating costly transitions between sending and receiving, hosts often combine multiple token information into a single packet. In that packet, the host indicates a specific time when an appropriate device should either listen for an OUT data packet, or transmit an IN data packet or handshake.
An important constraint of conventional WUSB applications is the limitation that there can be only a single host for a WUSB system at a specific time. Such a constraint in a conventional WUSB system means that no more than one host connections can be supported by one device simultaneously and this would mean a less-than-optimum utilisation of device resources in many instances. It will be highly desirable if such a constraint can be mitigated or alleviated.

Data communication interface and communication devices incorporating same

Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute Co., Ltd.


A catalyst for cleaning an exhaust gas includes a metal containing silicate containing Al and a metal M constituting a crystalline structure which is selected from a group consisting of Ga, In, B, Mn, Bi, Sc Y, V and Ta, a transition metal or a precious metal being carried in said metal containing silicate. The catalytic active range can be expanded.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to exhaust gas cleaning catalyst composition.
2. Description of the Prior Art
As an exhaust gas cleaning catalyst, a three way catalyst which oxidizes CO(carbon monoxide) and HC(hydrocarbon) as well as reduces NOx (nitrogen oxide) has been generally known. The three way catalyst includes Pt (platinum) and Rh (rhodium) carried by Gamma-alumina. The three way catalyst provides a high cleaning efficiency when the air fuel ratio (A/F) is controlled approximately to the theoretical ratio or 14.7.
Meanwhile, in the field of the automobile, it is generally required that the air fuel ratio is increased or the air fuel mixture as an intake gas is controlled as lean as possible to improve the fuel consumption efficiency. In this case, the exhaust gas includes an excessive oxygen, in other words, the exhaust gas is so called a lean composition. As a result, the carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon included in the exhaust gas can be oxidized when passing through the three way catalyst. However, the reduction of Nox is difficult in such a lean mixture so that Nox in the exhaust gas cannot be effectively removed.
Recently, a research is conducted for improving a zeolite catalyst which includes transition metal carried therein by means of ion-exchange. If the zeolite catalyst is used for the exhaust gas cleaning, NOx can be catalytically cracked directly or by virtue of the reducer such as CO, HC and the like which coexist with NOx.
As another type of catalyst, in Japanese Patent Public Disclosure No. 2-265649, laid open to the public in 1990, there is disclosed an A type copper silicate catalyst which includes Al and Cu as metallic component constituting crystal structure.
The zeolite catalyst provides a relatively high catalytic activity around 400 degree centigrade. However, the active thermal range is relatively narrow. The temperature of the exhaust gas of the automobile could be ranged from about 800 to 900 degree centigrade.


A dynamic method and system for processing video source frames (e.g., a television movie) with a video processing system (VPS) that includes a processor, a memory structure, input devices, and an output display. The video source frames, which are received by the VPS from a video source, are executed by the processor. While the video source frames are being executed, a subset of the frames, called key frames, are extracted from the video source frames and stored in the memory structure. The extracting of the key frames is implemented in accordance with a frame extraction algorithm. The extracting is terminated prior to completion of execution of the video source frames. Following termination of extracting, the key frames are reviewed by a user with the output display to determine whether to watch the remainder of the video source frames. The key frames are erased after being reviewed.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates generally to a method and system for processing video source frames of a television (TV) program, and more particularly, to such processing dynamically and under control of an algorithm stored within a video processing system.
2. Related Art
If a television (TV) user switches on a TV after an initial portion of a TV program has already elapsed, the user may decide to watch the remainder of the TV program, but without knowledge of the initial portion of the TV program and without knowledge of whether he or she is likely to enjoy watching the remainder of the TV program. Thus, a method and system is needed to help such a TV user to decide whether to watch the remainder of the TV program.


A dynamic latch includes a first stage for receiving an input data value and for providing true and complement logic values representing the input data value; a second stage for receiving the true and complement logic values into first and second dynamic node, when a control signal is active; and a holding that outputs the true and complement logic values while the control signal is active. The second stage may provide a feedback signal to the first stage to block propagation of changes in the input data value after the true and complement logic values have been received. The feedback signal may be derived, for example, from logic values on the dynamic nodes. A holding circuit may be provided.

A latch is typically the first stage of a register element. In a dynamic or a timing-critical application, dual monotonic signal outputs are required. "Monotonic" refers to a data transition characteristic of the output signals of the latch. The output signals are "monotonic" when exactly one of these output signals transitions, and transitions only once, during a given clock phase. A clock-gated dynamic latch has the desired behavior, but has the drawback of using ratioed logic. That is, to allow the latch to be written into, one of the cross-coupled devices is provided a lesser output drive capability, so that the new data can overwrite the existing data by contending with and overcoming the drive strength of this lesser drive capability. In the ratioed logic circuit, a pull-down NMOS device is required to pull a dynamic node to ground reference (i.e., voltage Vss,) over PMOS pull-up devices ("keeper device") that attempts to drive the dynamic node to the supply voltage (i.e., voltage Vdd). Consequently, ratioed logic circuits require larger pull-down devices. Therefore, greater power and area than desired are required.
Ratioed logic suffers from a number of disadvantages. First, the contention between pull-up PMOS transistors or pull-down NMOS transistors during the write process dissipates power. Second, the contention present when the latch is written into requires time to resolve, hence affecting evaluation time performance, thus slowing circuit operation. Ratioed logic also does not scale well over a large range of operating voltages, and tends to fail more frequently at the lower end of the operating voltages. In addition, ratioed logic circuits are sensitive to variations in process parameter values, and are therefore susceptible to failure modes relating to process variations.


An extruded high voltage cable including a conductor with at least three concentric layers of helically wound metal wires, an extruded inner conducting layer surrounding the conductor, and an extruded electrical insulation arranged outside the inner conducting layer. The two outermost layers of the conductor have the same lay direction.

An extruded high voltage cable generally comprises a conductor, a first conducting layer arranged around the conductor, an insulation layer comprising a polymer arranged concentrically around the first conducting layer and a second conducting layer arranged around the insulation layer. Usually there are also protective layers arranged concentrically around the second conducting layer. The polymer in the insulating layer generally is a cross-linked polymer, for example, polyethylene, ethylene-propylene rubber (EPM, EPDM) or silicone rubber. The conducting layers are usually made of one of the above mentioned polymers and carbon black. Sometimes a longitudinal semiconducting tape is arranged between the conductor and the first conducting layer to prevent material from the first conducting layer to be pushed into gaps between adjacent wires in the conductor. The longitudinal tape is, for example, made of polyester and carbon black and has a width that is a greater than the circumference of the conductor.
A conductor for an extruded high voltage cable is usually made either by arranging a plurality of metal wires in segments, a so-called segmented conductor, or by stranding together a plurality of metal wires in concentric layers, a so-called concentric lay conductor.
The geometry of a concentric lay conductor may, for example, be arranged according to the following: Six wires are firmly arranged around a single central wire in a first layer. A second layer comprising 12 wires is concentrically arranged around the first layer. A third layer comprising 18 wires is concentrically arranged around the second layer, etc. Each layer has six wires more than the underlying layer. The number of layers in a concentric lay conductor is decided with regard to the required current of the cable. There exist several standards regarding the number of wires in the different layers. Usually the wires of the second, third and each consecutive layer are helically wound around the preceding layer. Instead of a central wire with six surrounding wires in a first layer, a solid conductor or a hollow conductor may, for example, be used.
Arranging the wires in concentric layers creates interstices in the conductor, and the conductor is therefore compacted to increase the fraction of metal in the conductor cross section and to reduce the diameter of the conductor. This compacting is usually made for each layer of wires by a wire drawing type die or by rollers. The compacting could also be done for the complete conductor after the outermost layer has been laid.
For the manufacturing of an extruded high voltage cable the next step after the conductor has been made is to extrude the conducting layers and the insulation layer concentrically around the conductor. The compacted conductor is usually wound on a cable drum and transported to the extrusion line. In a step before the extrusion a longitudinal semiconducting tape may be folded around the conductor to prevent material from the inner conducting layer to be pushed into gaps between adjacent wires in the outer layers of the conductor. The extrusion is made in an extrusion line, where the conductor is fed into an extrusion head where usually the inner conducting layer, the insulation layer, and the outer conducting layer are extruded around the conductor in the same operation step.
During extrusion of the inner conducting layer it is important for the outer layer of the conductor to be tight, i.e. that there are no gaps between adjacent wires in the outer layer. This is especially the case for conductors with a large cross section, as for example between 800-3000 mm2. If a loose conductor, i.e. where the outer layer is not tight, is fed to the crosshead of the extrusion line, the outer layer of the conductor may be pushed backwards by the crosshead and when the diameter becomes too large for the crosshead, the outer layer will get stuck and a so-called "bird-cage" structure will be formed in a short time. If this is the case the extrusion line must be stopped immediately. The conductor is exposed to bending when it is transported from the wire drawing machine and after extrusion when the cable is wound on a cable drum.
Occasionally a loose conductor can be run through the extrusion line without an immediate problem, and without being discovered. The inner interface of the inner conducting layer may become irregular due to gaps between adjacent wires in the outer layer of the conductor. This may cause an increase of the electric field at the interface and may result in electrical breakdown at high voltage testing of the cable.
To minimize the risk of a loose conductor getting stuck in the extrusion die, the outer surface of the conductor is usually helically wound with a semiconducting tape before the extrusion, or larger tolerances is allowed for the crosshead in the extrusion line, than what would have been necessary if the risk of having a loose conductor would be very low. Large tolerances for the cross head might give a cable where the centering of the conductor in the cable is not as good as if the tolerances of the crosshead would not need to be increased due to the risk of a loose conductor.


An apparatus and method for providing reduced crystal damage in a sugar centrifugal includes provisions for avoiding scratching and other crystal damage by eliminating asperities and sharp edges at the transition between the screening zone and the discharge zone of a centrifugal basket. In addition, the distance on an upper shroud ring across which high velocity crystals slide is minimized to reduce the likelihood of scratching crystals on the surface of the shroud ring. Finally, the tangential velocity at which crystals are released from the centrifugal basket is minimized to reduce impact damage to the crystals.

This invention relates generally to sugar making machinery and more particularly to devices and methods for achieving improvements in sugar centrifugals which provide decreased sugar crystal damage.
Sugar making requires several operations for separating massecuite into sugar crystals and molasses (or run-off), its two components. In all cases except for separation of high grade sugar crystals, the crystals are re-melted and further refined. The quality and integrity of the crystals after separation is therefore of minimal consequence except in the case of high grade sugar.
Broken crystals require downgrading of sugar product, and they must, therefore, be avoided. However, the viscosity of the molasses component of the massecuite requires centrifugal separation in order to free the sugar crystals of the surrounding syrup. The high discharge velocity and resultant high gravity forces imposed on the massecuite by the centrifugals frequently results in excessive damage to the high grade crystals.
This damage is frequently attributable to fracture of crystals which have been weakened by scratching and scoring so that they easily cleave when subjected to impact contacts with surfaces inside of the sugar housing or with other crystals.
The scratching commonly occurs when the crystal reaches the top of the centrifugal basket, passes over the basket rim, and slides across the upper shroud ring. The passage of crystals over the basket rim to the shroud ring exposes them to sharp edges which can scratch the crystals as they pass. Also, some shroud rings have projecting fasteners against which the crystals may impact in addition to surface asperities against which crystals may be scratched or scored. The crystals, thus scratched, have an increased probability of fracture during any subsequent contact, whether with shroud fasteners, housing members or other crystals.
The foregoing illustrates limitations known to exist in present devices and methods. Thus, it is apparent that it would be advantageous to provide an alternative directed to overcoming one or more of the limitations set forth above. Accordingly, a suitable alternative is provided including features more fully disclosed hereinafter.

Apparatus and method for providing reduced crystal damage in a sugar centrifugal


A method of modifying esterases by substitution with histadine of at least one amino acid within 6 .ANG. of an active site serine provides esterases useful for detoxifying organophasphates.

Poisoning with organophosphates presents a problem for agricultural workers that must be exposed to some agricultural chemicals and to military personnel exposed to chemicals used in chemical warfare. Furthermore the stock-piling of organophosphates has resulted in need to find ways to detoxify such stocks, including decontamination of land where OP's have been stored.
Present treatment for poisoning by organophosphates (OP) consists of a combination of drugs such as carbamates (e.g., pyridostigmine), anti-muscarinic (e.g., atropine), and reactivators (e.g., 2-[hydroxyiminomethyl]-1-methylpyridinium chloride, pralidoxime chloride) administered in post-exposure modalities. Although this drug regimen is effective in protecting experimental animals against lethality by OP poisoning, it is not effective in preventing convulsions, performance deficits, or permanent brain damage. To alleviate these post-exposure symptoms, the use of cholinesterases (ChEs) as a pretreatment drug was successfully tested in animals including non-human primates for the sequestration of highly toxic OP anti-ChEs before they reach their physiological targets. For example, pretreatment of rhesus monkeys with FBS AChE or horse serum butyrylcholinesterase protected them against a challenge up to 5 LD.sub.50 of O-pinacolyl methylphosphonofluoridate (soman), a highly toxic OP. These monkeys pretreated with FBS AChE were devoid of any behavioral incapacitation after soman challenge, as measured by the serial probe recognition task or the primate equilibrium platform performance task. In vivo and in vitro titration of ChEs with a variety of OPs produce a 1:1 stoichiometry between organophosphate inhibited enzymes and the cumulative dose of the toxic nerve agent. These results substantiated the hypothesis that exogenously administered ChEs can effectively sequester in vivo OPs before they reach their physiological targets.
Although the use of cholinesterases as a single pretreatment drug for highly potent OPs is sufficient to provide complete protection without the need for postexposure treatment, its practical use at the present time may be limited. Large quantities of enzymes will be required to provide sufficient protection due to 1:1 stoichiometry (i.e., a single turnover) between OP and enzyme required to provide protection.
Various approaches have been considered for improving the efficacy of ChEs as pretreatment drugs. First, production of catalytic antibodies that hydrolyze OPs has been attempted. The second approach is the use of hydrolytic enzymes such as OP hydrolases. Parathion hydrolase from bacteria was shown to hydrolyze tabun with a sufficient rate to be useful as a pretreatment drug but it has a very short half-life in mice, but did provide protection from soman at dosage of 2 LD.sub.50.

The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army


A first embodiment of the present invention comprises a fully functional portable computer with central processing unit, hard disk drive data storage, and liquid crystal display and a docking station having at least a floppy disk drive, video random access memory and video controller. A motorized docking/undocking mechanism automatically docks and undocks the portable computer and docking station after the user has inserted the portable computer into the docking station or after the user has requested that the units be undocked. Numerous mechanical and electrical safeguards prevent the docking or undocking of the units if such docking or undocking is likely to lead to the loss of data or damage to the components of either unit. The internal mechanical construction of the docking station allows the user to place a large cathode ray tube display monitor directly atop the docking station without hindering the docking or undocking of the portable computer.

This invention is in the field of portable computers and docking stations for portable computers.
Portable computers are known. Indeed, they comprise the fastest growing segment of the computer market, as more and more people, having come to rely on the capabilities of their desktop computer to increase their productivity, desire the same capabilities when they travel as they do when they are at work.
Although the capabilities of many portable computers closely match those of larger desktop machines, the expense of purchasing a second computer in addition to a desktop machine is difficult for many people to justify. Indeed, there is something inherently wasteful in having two different machines, each functionally nearly identical. In particular, most owners use only one of the machines at any given time. The other machine sits idle. In effect, the user owns two central processing units ("CPU"s), only one of which is operating at a time.
The dilemma posed to a consumer who desires the portability of a notebook computer and the full functionality of a desktop computer without the need of purchasing two separate systems has been recognized by the computer industry. One known solution is to offer a fully capable portable notebook computer which can be coupled to a separate stationary unit, the stationary unit frequently having additional data storage such as disk drives and additional display capabilities. These stationary units are commonly known as "docking stations".
Although the concept of a portable computer/docking station is an excellent one, as it eliminates the duplication of the CPU and greatly increases the ease with which data can be transferred from the portable computer to the desktop environment and vice versa, known embodiments of this concept have suffered from very poor implementation.
In some known portable computer/docking station systems, the method of coupling the portable computer to the docking station uses an extremely clumsy mechanical system which relies on user knowledge and skill to mate the computer and docking station successfully. Examples include latch systems where the computer owner must carefully align the connectors before mating the computer to the docking station. Even after the machines have been coupled together, the security of the latching mechanism is suspect. Also, these systems do not appear to be sufficiently durable to last for an acceptable period of time.
The manner that screen displays integrate with known docking stations is also less than ideal. Typically the screen must remain separate from the docking station, as the portable computer itself forms the top surface of the two units when they are docked together. This increase in the "footprint" of the system is certainly undesirable.
Most importantly, the electrical interface between the docking station and the portable computer is usually very crude. Unless the user follows a carefully prescribed set of instructions, the system crashes during either docking or undocking, resulting in a loss of data and possible damage to the components of either the docking station, the computer, or both. Even if the user carefully follows the instructions and completes a successful docking, the units must still be coupled to all external networks, peripherals and a power supply. Completing such connections is time consuming and prone to error.
In these systems, if undocking is commanded while in an application, the undocking occurs, but the system crashes and data is lost.
There thus remains a need for a fully functional portable computer that can be easily coupled to a docking station, the docking station offering increased data storage and increased video capabilities. The docking process itself should be completely transparent to the system's user, allowing docking and undocking to proceed with a minimum of user input and with many safeguards protecting the data and components in both units from accidental or even intentional misuse. It should also be possible for owners of a portable computer/docking station to use their portable computer with other docking stations without the need for extensive system reconfiguration.

Portable computer and docking station having an electromechanical docking/undocking mechanism and a plurality of cooperatively interacting failsafe mechanisms


A drug delivery device includes a housing, a reservoir, a cannula, one or more light sources, a label, and a controller. The reservoir is disposed within the housing. The cannula is connected to the reservoir for delivering a drug from the reservoir to the patient. The light sources are disposed adjacent the exterior surface of the housing, and each serves to indicate one of one or more operational conditions of the device. The label is fixed to the housing adjacent the light sources, and includes one or more informational messages. Each informational message is aligned with one of the light sources for conveniently conveying to a user an operational condition of the device as indicated by the corresponding light source. Finally, the controller is operably connected to the reservoir and the light sources. The controller is configured to actuate the reservoir to deliver the drug, and to selectively illuminate the one or more light sources based on the operational condition of the drug delivery device.

Injectable drugs are conventionally administered through the use of a needle attached to a syringe having a plunger and a barrel. The needle is inserted to the appropriate depth (e.g., subcutaneous, intradermal, or intramuscular), and the plunger is moved within the barrel to eject the drug into the patient. Many times, the patient will be required to self-administer a drug, in which case the patient is responsible for filling the syringe with the drug, and then injecting the drug into themselves.
When dealing with certain diseases, a patient may have to administer one injection or a series of injections throughout the course of the day. For example, a patient with diabetes may have to administer a number of fast-acting insulin injections before meals, as well as a long-acting insulin injection before bedtime. There are issues that can arise when this many injections are administered in a day, including the potential for the patient to lose track of or forget to administer one or more of the injections. In other cases, the patient may suffer from a different disease such as cancer, where self-injection may not be as frequent but may be complicated by patient fatigue and stress.
To address the issues posed by self-administration, patients often resort to pumps or automatic injection devices. Pumps or automatic injectors may be implanted surgically, although some are designed to be strapped on or attached externally to the patient. These may also be referred to as wearable injectors or on-body injectors. Any of such devices may have a microprocessor that follows an internal program to administer a drug to the patient at the appropriate time. With such devices, it can be important for the patient or caregiver overseeing the self-injection to understand the operational condition of the device at any given time, such as whether the device is preparing to deliver the drug, currently delivering the drug, finished delivering all of the stored drug, malfunctioning, etc.
Some devices therefore include feedback mechanisms for conveying information about the operational condition of the device to the user. Feedback mechanisms can take the form of visual indicators, tactile indicators, etc. But to ensure utility, each user must be properly educated on what the different forms of feedback mean.

Drug delivery device with messaging label


An implant delivery device (100) includes a casing (110); and inner and outer tube driving members (150, 160), an inner tube (120), an intermediate tube (130), an outer tube (140) and an air-evacuation locking assembly (170), each at least partially accommodated in the casing (110). The three tubes are sequentially nested in one another, and first, second and third spaces are formed between neighbouring tubes. The inner tube driving member (150) has a proximal end that is sealingly fixed to a proximal end of the inner tube (120), and the outer tube driving member (160) is sealingly fixed to a proximal end of the outer tube (140). The intermediate tube (130) has a proximal end that is sealingly fixed to the inner tube driving member (150), and the intermediate tube extends through and is sealingly connected to the outer tube driving member (160). The air-evacuation locking assembly (170) is detachably coupled to the inner tube driving member (150). The inner tube driving member (150) and the air-evacuation locking assembly (170) are provided with first and second air-evacuation channels (A, B), respectively. When the air-evacuation locking assembly (170) is coupled to the inner tube driving member (150), the second air-evacuation channel (B) is brought into communication with the second and third spaces via the first air-evacuation channel (A) and the first space. The inner tube driving member (150) is coupled to the casing (110) by the air-evacuation locking assembly (170). When the air-evacuation locking assembly (170) is disconnected from the inner tube driving member (150), the inner tube driving member (150) remains in slidable connection with the casing (110).

Heart valve diseases are some of the most frequently diagnosed cardiac diseases in China, and are found to be mostly heart valve damage caused by rheumatic fever. In recent years, the continually aging population has driven an increasing incidence of valvular degeneration (including calcification, mucoid degeneration, etc.) and valvular damage caused by metabolic disorders. Heart valve replacement surgeries are conventionally open-heart procedures conducted under general anesthesia, during which, following an incision made along the patient's sternum (commonly known as "sternotomy"), and the heart is stopped and blood flow is guided through a "heart-lung" bypass machine (also known as "extracorporeal circulation machine"). Therefore, such traditional open surgeries are associated with a high risk and bring to patients significant traumas as well as possible transient disturbances caused by emboli and other issues arising from the use of heart-lung machine. Complete recovery from the traumas typically costs a couple of months. For some special population groups such as elders, the traumas are particularly unendurable and the recovery needs more time and is sometime even impossible. Thus, the advent of minimally invasive interventional therapy has undoubtedly given more hope to patients with heart valve diseases.
Minimally invasive interventional therapies offer a variety of advantages, including needlessness of sternotomy, minimal traumas and quick patient recovery and have found intensive use in recent years. In particular, their application in the recent decade shows that this minimally invasive interventional therapeutic methodology is able to cope with not only all diseases curable by traditional medical and surgical treatments but also some diseases that the traditional approaches could not handle. In view of the widespread use of minimally invasive interventions in clinics, more in-depth research is sensible in this field.
A minimally invasive interventional procedure for heart valve replacement involves implanting a prosthetic heart valve in the body of a patient by using a delivery device. However, since the operation of existing delivery devices for such prosthetic heart valves tends to be complicated and require high skill of the operating physician, they suffer from frequent operational troubles. For example, after the prosthetic heart valve is delivered to and deployed at the target site, the existing delivery devices often cause secondary damage to the patient's body during retrieval therefrom. In addition, the existing delivery devices are designed with a hose leading from a space between an outer tube and an inner tube and connected to an external device for introducing a fluid into the hose and driving the fluid in the hose to flow through the aforesaid space so as to expel the air there out of the system, which may interfere with the interventional procedure. However, during the packaging and transportation of the delivery devices, the hose is required to be fixed in addition to the delivery devices themselves. During the fixation, it is very likely for the hose to be crushed or flexed. Further, since there is no fixation rail along which the hose can move in a lumen of a handle, when the delivery device is advanced or retracted during the procedure, it is likely for the hose to be flexed as a result of the movement of the outer or inner tube and thus make the air evacuation difficult.

SHANGHAI MICROPORT CARDIOFLOW MEDTECH CO., LTD.


According to the disclosure of the present invention, provided is a method for operating a relay node (RN) to avoid an inter-cell interference (ICI) in a wireless access system. The method includes: overhearing the downlink signal transmitted by a plurality of base stations to terminals within the coverage area of each base station in an nth subframe; decoding the overheard downlink signal from an n+1th subframe to an n+3th subframe and sharing the RN through the plurality of base stations; overhearing the reply to the downlink signal transmitted by the terminals to each base station in an n+4th subframe; reallocating a resource block allocated to the terminals in the nth subframe if there is at least one negative reply NACK in the replies to the downlink signal transmitted by the terminals; and transmitting control information representing the reallocated resource block to each base station.

3rd Generation Partnership Project Long Term Evolution-Advanced (3GPP LTE-A) is a standard of a next generation mobile communication system by installing an RN in a shadow area and a cell boundary area, and supports a Multi Hop relay transmission technology capable of providing a high transmission rate to user.
Further, an Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) technology is a modulation/demodulation scheme to prevent the multipath fading in a wireless channel, and may be advantageous to flexibly allocate time, frequency, and power resources to a plurality of users using a plurality of sub-carriers.
When considering only a single cell, since each resource does not have limitations in external interference, resource allocation (RA) using an OFDMA scheme represents improved efficiency. However, when adjacent cells in an actual multi-cell use the same frequency resource, interference is significantly created.
In order to solve the above problem, a scheme of varying a frequency reuse pattern in a cell and a cell boundary zone has been suggested. However, since a frequency is allocated to a plurality of divided zones of each cell, efficiency is deteriorated in a frequency use side.

Method for avoiding inter-cell interference in wireless access system