The present invention is to provide a fixture for an embedded unit of an electronic device, which includes a casing having a first slot disposed at the surface on one side thereof; a latch member being movably coupled to the casing corresponding to the first slot and extended into the casing from the first slot; an accommodating groove being disposed on another side of the first slot; an embedded unit being embedded precisely into the accommodating groove and having an corner indent section proximate to the first slot for accommodating the latch member, and the embedded unit has an embedded section being disposed proximate to the corner indent section and latched to the latch member so as to mount the embedded unit into the casing. If the latch member is removed, then the embedded unit can be removed from the casing.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to fixtures, and more particularly to a fixture for fixing an embedded unit of an electronic device.
2. Description of Related Art
As our life has entered into an information era and the electronic industry is blooming, various high-tech products and electronic equipments derived from the computer are developed in a very fast pace, and thus bring tremendous convenience to our daily life. However, the current electronic technology is developed rapidly and advances unceasingly and the concept for developing related electronic products such as a notebook computer tends to have a light, thin, short and compact design to meet the portable requirements. Major notebook computer manufacturers continue their research and development and intend to reduce the weight and thickness of the notebook computers, and the design of components in various technological areas tends to be a structure that can be install or removed in a quick, simple and easy way, so that an operator at an assembly line can install a component to a main system quickly to save the manufacturing time and cost. Furthermore, such design also makes the maintenance work of an electronic device very easy for maintenance people, since the design allows assembly workers or end-users to remove any component from the main system easily without using a tool. The design concept of this sort becomes very popular for major technological companies to meet their actual needs and further developments and improvements in the related area are made by these companies.
However, an embedded component (such as an optical disk drive, and a hard disk drive, etc) is generally installed in a notebook computer and fixed onto a retaining base (such as a chassis) of the notebook computer, and the embedded component is usually fixed onto the retaining base by means of securing a plurality of screws into a plurality of through holes of the embedded component to prevent the embedded unit and the retaining base from being separated with each other.
In another way of mounting the embedded unit, at least one fixing latch is movably coupled to the embedded unit. When the embedded unit is installed to the retaining base (such as a chassis), the fixing latch will be extended into the retaining base to support and mount the embedded unit.
In a further way of mounting the embedded unit, a groove (or a sliding track) is disposed at the embedded unit and the retaining base includes a sliding track (or groove) corresponding to the groove (or sliding track) respectively. With the installation of the sliding tracks and grooves, the embedded unit is embedded into the retaining base such that the embedded unit cannot be moved or shifted easily.
However, it is necessary to install a special component between the retaining base and the embedded unit according to the aforementioned prior art for mounting the embedded unit onto the retaining base. Such structural design definitely wastes lots of materials and manufacturing costs, and also uses more internal spaces of the notebook computer and thus leaves smaller space of the expansion of a notebook computer. In the meantime, the prior art also wastes the user's time to remove the embedded unit and thus causing inconvenience and trouble to its use.

Fixture for an embedded unit of an electronic device


Methods, systems, and computer program products for configuring network devices, such as home network gateways, in order to provide visitors with network access are disclosed. An exemplary method of configuring a network gateway includes providing to a nearby user a first level of access through the network gateway to access a cloud-based service provider in a remote network, receiving a configuration setting associated with the nearby user from a cloud-based configuration provider, and reconfiguring the network gateway in accordance with the received configuration setting to provide a second level of access to the nearby user, wherein the second level of access is configured within an estimated unused service capacity of the network gateway. Corresponding system and computer program products are also described.

1. Field
This disclosure relates generally to providing network access through home network devices.
2. Background
Home-based network gateways, such as home wireless routers, are widely installed by users in order to have the flexibility of being able to wirelessly connect one or more devices to the home network and to the internet. A home network gateway creates a wireless network that is accessible throughout or in parts of a home or building. The wireless network coverage areas of a home network gateway may also include an area outside of the building in which the gateway is installed. The owner of the home network gateway may be the homeowner or some other user. The owner of the home network gateway may wirelessly connect various devices, such as, computers, media platforms, storage platforms, printers and the like, to the wireless network. The home network gateway wirelessly interconnects such devices and provides the ability for wirelessly connected devices to access the internet or download and/or stream content from the internet. The owner may also allow access to the local wireless network by other persons, such as family members or visiting friends, who are within the range of the home wireless network. For example, the owner may provide the access password of the home wireless network to visiting friends so that they can access the internet or corporate virtual private network (VPN) through the home network gateway. The connectivity to external networks, such as the internet or corporate VPNs, may be provided by an internet service provider (ISP) with whom the user typically has an agreement to provide internet access.
Often some or all of the network access capacity of the home network gateway remains unused because neither the owner nor any other user authorized by the ower uses the home network gateway at its bandwidth capacity for some duration of time. As more and more home network gateways are installed in the network, the bandwidth capacity that may sit idle may increase. Therefore, methods and systems are desired to better utilize the network access capacity of home network gateways.


A manipulator system includes a manipulator configured for guiding an instrument. The system furthermore includes a controller configured to actuate the manipulator such that the instrument is pressed with a pressing force against a human body. A force reduction input device is provided separately from the manipulator and is operable by an operator to reduce the pressing force.

Manipulators, and in particular robots, are freely programmable handling devices that can be used universally. A manipulator can have several axes that can be moved independently of each other by means of appropriate drives, such as servomotors. This allows the manipulator to adopt different poses or different configurations, for example to move an instrument to a certain position in space or to perform a certain process.
When used in medical technology, a manipulator can be used, for example, to perform a treatment, such as an examination or a procedure. For this purpose, the manipulator can guide the appropriate instrument or medical instrument, such as a scalpel or an ultrasound head. The manipulator can follow a trajectory or a path during the procedure or during the examination, or generally during the treatment, where the individual path points can be specified by a manipulator or robot program or a path planning.
In order to program a manipulator or robot program, the positions of individual path points, which are to be approached by the manipulator, must be recorded or specified. In so-called offline programming, for example, individual path points can be generated using appropriate models or simulation tools. In so-called online programming, programming takes place directly on the manipulator. This means that path planning can also be specified live, in which an operator controls the manipulator using an appropriate handling device.
When manipulators are used in medical technology, however, there is a major confidence problem. Many patients and even physicians do not trust a manipulator system to such an extent that they would use it unconditionally for a critical treatment step. For this reason, most manipulator systems in medical technology are configured merely as teleoperating or semi-autonomously. For example, a semi-autonomous manipulator can only be used as a support by holding an instrument orientation, while the operator or physician retains control over the contact between the instrument and the patient. For example, the orientation of a scalpel can be specified by the manipulator, while the forward movement is determined by the physician.
In surgical procedures, the patient is usually sedated, so that his confidence problem is not an issue during the procedure itself. However, in applications where the patient is not sedated and is in contact with the manipulator, the lack of confidence is a major problem. Such a situation can occur, for example, when an ultrasound probe is to be guided along the patient's body by a manipulator. In ultrasound examinations, an unpleasantly high pressure must often be applied to the patient with the ultrasound probe, as otherwise organs further inside the body are not clearly visible. If a doctor guides the ultrasound probe, the patient can talk to the physician if the pressure is too high and ask him to reduce the pressure. If a manipulator guides the ultrasound probe, however, such an intuitive possibility does not exist.
Another unpleasant situation may arise, if the ultrasound probe is pushed or pressed against the patient in a wrong or unfavorable orientation despite careful path planning, or if not enough ultrasound gel as a lubricant has been applied to the patient's skin, or if the ultrasound probe presses against a previously unknown (e.g. disease-related) sensitive area on the patient's body.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,267,737 B1 describes a robot system that can be used to repeatedly exert concentrated pressure on specific muscles in a patient's body. A maximum pressure can be set and when this pressure is exceeded, the robot is removed from the patient's body. The pressure is then mechanically released and the treatment is finally stopped.

Manipulator system with input device for force reduction


Methods and systems for starting an aircraft gas turbine engine are described. The method comprises, in a first phase of a startup upon receipt of a start request, modifying a first set of engine control parameters to cause light-up; in a second phase of the startup, modifying a second set of engine control parameters to set conditions for light-around; and in a third phase of the startup, modifying a third set of engine control parameters to propagate a flame around a combustor of the gas turbine engine.

Gas turbine engines in aircraft are started by rotating the compressor to a speed that provides sufficient pressurized air to the combustion chambers. Many variations of engine starting have been used, with trade-offs being made between weight savings, simplicity of operation and reliability.
Gas turbine engines are sometimes shutdown in flight, intentionally to save fuel or unintentionally due to fuel starvation or flameout after a compressor stall. Inflight restarts are more complex than on-ground starts, as many additional parameters can affect the outcome of the restart procedure.
Therefore, improvements are needed.

Systems and methods for starting a gas turbine engine


A product information communication system comprising a product, a product identification device retained relative to the product, product identifying information retained in electronic memory regarding the product, and a communication network permitting electronic access to the product details including the retained product identifying information. Identifying information can be accessed by wireless communication and rendered available by a central server with electronic access to product identifying information. Product details can include product characteristics, functions, construction, maintenance, performance, usage, warranty information, and instructions. Electronic tracking, analysis, and recommendation regarding product usage by sensors can be selectively induced.

Under the prior art, a user or prospective consumer of a product has been extremely limited in the type of information that could be obtained regarding a product from merely observing the product itself. A person can observe the general type of the product and its overall construction and condition. However, a detailed understanding of additional product details, such as particularities in the construction, maintenance, or repair of the product or the preferred usage practices or usage history of the product, cannot be obtained merely from observing the product itself. Even for a product already owned by a user, detailed product information may be unavailable as being lost from memory or due to a loss of relevant informational materials.
Moreover, users and prospective consumers have been quite limited in the manner that information beyond the mere physical appearance of the product can be obtained. For instance, a user already possessed of a given product must either attempt to maintain product purchase and usage history and other details in memory, or the user must attempt to maintain records of the same. Understandably, therefore, most users find themselves without much product information readily at hand. Users and prospective consumers can additionally seek to obtain product details from a sales representative or a product manufacturer, but obtaining information in that manner can be exceedingly challenging, time consuming, and frustrating.
These problems have existed for time immemorial. With a knowledge of these and further deficiencies in the prior art, the present inventor has appreciated that there is and has been a need for a system and method that would permit users, prospective purchasers, and others to obtain details regarding products in an efficient and convenient manner by permitting a product itself to act as a conduit to and a provider of what effectively comprises a product identity formed by infinitely variable details, including the product purchase history, use, construction, maintenance, repair, and other details.

Product identification system and method


A soft-top convertible roof can extend and retract in a two-phase process. The first phase can correspond to a front portion of the top stack mechanism moving from a first raised position to a second retracted position and can be driven by an actuator which can be disposed in a roof rail forward of a rearmost roof rail. The second phase can correspond to the rear portion of the top stack mechanism moving from a raised position to a stowed position along with the front portion. The rearmost roof rail can remain stationary during the first phase. A connecting link can be connected to at least three roof rails that extend along a side of the vehicle and can be part of two four-bar linkage assemblies. A buggy link mechanism can drive retraction and extension of a backlite frame due to movement of the top stack mechanism.

The present invention relates to convertible roofs and, more particularly, to convertible roofs having an extended length.
Traditional soft-top convertible roofs for automotive vehicles typically employ three, four, or five roof bows having an inverted U-shape spanning transversely across the vehicle for supporting a vinyl, canvas, or polyester fabric pliable roof cover. A plurality of roof rails typically extends along each side of the vehicle and move relative to one another to allow the convertible roof to be moved between a raised and stowed position. The roof bows typically are mounted to opposing roof rails and can move with the movement of the roof rails.
Most traditional convertible roofs are stowed in a boot well or stowage compartment that is located aft of a passenger compartment in the vehicle. A boot or tonneau cover can be used to cover the boot well and seal the convertible roof from view and/or protect the stowed roof from the environment. Optionally, a portion of the convertible roof can be visible when in the stowed position and provide a desired appearance for the vehicle.
Some vehicles are longer than others. The longer vehicles can present some difficulties when it is desired to utilize a convertible roof on such a vehicle. In particular, the longer vehicles may require the convertible roof to extend a longer fore-and-aft direction to enclose the passenger compartment. Additionally, in some types of vehicles, such as SUVs, the convertible roof can also be required to encompass the rear storage area of such a vehicle and may require a relatively vertical backlite. Such requirements can require the convertible roof to extend in a fore-and-aft direction a significant length.
Traditional convertible roofs with a soft top are typically driven entirely from a rear portion of the top stack mechanism. The long extension of the convertible roof in the fore-and-aft direction can present difficulties when trying to drive an entirety of the top stack mechanism at one time from a rear of the vehicle. That is, the excessive length can result in a convertible top that is cantilevered such a distance that it could be susceptible to buckling and/or be excessively heavy. Additionally, to drive such a long convertible roof can require an excessively large actuator or mechanism, thereby increasing the weight and the stowage space required to stow such as a convertible roof.
In accordance with the present teachings, a soft-top convertible roof is provided which extends and retracts in a two-phase process. During the retraction process, a front portion of the top stack mechanism can move from a first raised position to a second retracted position. Once in the second position, the rear portion of the top stack mechanism can move from a raised position to a stowed position along with the front portion.
In one aspect of the present teachings, the first phase of the two-step process can be driven by an actuator. The actuator can be disposed in a roof rail forward of a rearmost roof rail. The movement of the front portion of the convertible roof from the first position to the second position with the actuator can be accomplished while the rearmost roof rail remains stationary.
In another aspect of the present teachings, the top stack mechanism includes at least three roof rails that are coupled together along a side of the vehicle and move relative to one another during movement of the convertible between the raised and stowed positions. A connecting link can be connected to each of the at least three roof rails. In one aspect, the connecting link can be part of two different four-bar linkage assemblies that control the movement of the connected roof rails.
In yet another aspect of the present teachings, the backlite can be substantially vertical and can be contained within a frame. A buggy link mechanism can drive retraction and extension of the frame during movement of the soft-top convertible roof between the raised and stowed positions. A four-bar linkage can couple the frame to the vehicle.
The retraction of the soft-top convertible roof in the two-step process can advantageously reduce the stress on the top stack mechanism when moving between the convertible roof between the raised and stowed positions. The locating of actuators in the roof rails forward of the rearmost roof rail advantageously facilitates the two-step retraction process. Additionally, the location of the actuators can reduce the stress placed on the actuators moving the front portion of the top stack mechanism. The ability to connect at least three different roof rails with a single connecting link can advantageously reduce the number of links used to couple the roof rails together. The connecting link being part of two different four-bar linkage assemblies can facilitate the controlling and coordinating of the movement of the connected roof rails relative to one another. The use of a buggy link mechanism to drive retraction and extension of a backlite disposed in a frame in conjunction with a soft-top convertible roof can advantageously facilitate the coordination of the timing of the movement of the top stack mechanism and the backlite frame.
Additional objects, advantages, and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and the pending claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the detailed description and the specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the teachings.

Automotive vehicle convertible roof system


In a membrane type heat insulation system for a cryogenic liquefied gas carrier cargo tank and a liquefied gas fuel container, a secondary heat insulation layer comprises a plurality of panels which are stacked in multiple layers while each pair of upper and lower panels is arranged to intersect each other, whereby heat loss which may occur in the gap between the panels can be minimized and deformation due to a temperature difference can be minimized.

Generally, natural gas is transported in a gaseous state via onshore or offshore gas pipelines, or is transported to a distant destination by an LNG carrier after being liquefied into LNG.
LNG is obtained by cooling natural gas to cryogenic temperatures, for example, about −163° C. and has a volume of about 1/600 that of natural gas in a gaseous state. Thus, LNG is suited to long distance transport by sea.
An LNG carrier, which is designed to carry LNG by sea to an onshore source of demand, or an LNG regasification vessel (LNG RV), which is designed to carry LNG by sea to an onshore source of demand, regasify the LNG, and discharge the regasified LNG to the onshore source of demand, is provided with a storage tank capable of withstanding cryogenic temperatures of LNG, that is, a cargo tank.
Recently, there is increasing demand for floating offshore structures, such as LNG-floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) or LNG-floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU). Such a floating offshore structure is also provided with a cargo tank that is used in LNG carriers or LNG RV.
An LNG-FPSO is a floating offshore structure that is designed to liquefy produced natural gas, store the liquefied natural gas in a cargo tank, and, if necessary, offload the LNG onto an LNG carrier.
An LNG-FSRU is a floating offshore structure that is designed to store LNG offloaded from an LNG carrier in a cargo tank and, if necessary, regasify the LNG and supply the regasified LNG to an onshore source of demand.
Such an offshore vessel carrying LNG by sea or storing LNG, such as LNG carrier, LNG RV, LNG FPSO, and LNG FSRU, is provided therein with a cargo tank storing LNG in a cryogenic state.
Cargo tanks are classified into an independent type and a membrane type depending upon whether load of a liquid cargo is directly applied to a heat insulator of the cargo tank.
In addition, the membrane type cargo tank is divided into a GTT NO 96-type tank and a TGZ Mark III-type, and the independent cargo tank is divided into an MOSS-type tank and an IHI-SPB-type tank.
The insulation material and structure of the membrane type cargo tank may vary depending upon the type of a special metal sheet that is used as a material for the cargo tank. Specifically, the GTT NO 96-type cargo tank is manufactured using an Invar sheet (an alloy mainly composed of iron and nickel and having a very low coefficient of thermal expansion) and the Mark III-type tank is manufactured using a stainless steel sheet.
The GTT NO 96-type cargo tank has a structure in which primary and secondary membranes formed of an Invar sheet having a thickness of 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm and primary and secondary heat insulation walls formed of a plywood box and perlite are alternately stacked on an inner wall of a hull.
An insulation system of the GTT NO 96-type cargo tank is composed of two layers in which Invar (36% nickel) and insulation boxes formed of perlite and plywood are stacked. Here, plywood is used as a material for the insulation boxes.
A conventional insulation system of a liquefied gas cargo tank has a technical limitation in thickness reduction of a primary insulation layer in order to maintain thermal insulation performance of the primary insulation layer. That is, excessive reduction in thickness of the primary insulation layer can cause problems in terms of thermal insulation performance and settling of the primary insulation layer.

Membrane type insulation system for cryogenic liquefied gas carrier cargo tank and liquefied gas fuel container

Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co., Ltd.


An imaging apparatus includes an imaging unit configured to perform imaging on a subject, a transparent display configured to display a live-view of the imaging unit and an imaging-related menu in a direction of a user, a sensor configured to sense a touch with respect to two sides of the transparent display, and a controller configured to perform an operation corresponding to the imaging-related menu, when the imaging-related menu is selected by a touch input on a side of the transparent display corresponding to a direction of a subject.

1. Field of the Invention
Apparatuses and methods consistent with exemplary embodiments of the present general inventive concept relate to an imaging apparatus and a method of controlling the same, and more particularly, to an imaging apparatus which control an imaging-related operation on a transparent display and a method of controlling the same.
2. Description of the Related Art
Imaging apparatuses recently released mostly include a touch screen for convenience of a user. The imaging apparatuses support several modes to take an optimum picture under various environments.
In general, the imaging apparatuses display a live-view image on a touch screen. The user controls an imaging-related operation by setting a focus region through a touch on a screen or applying an imaging signal while checking a displayed live-view image.
The image apparatuses are generally implemented to display various imaging-related menus on a screen, and to perform a function corresponding to a selected imaging-related menu when the user selects the imaging-related menu.
However, as functions of the imaging apparatuses are increasingly diversified, and sizes thereof are reduced, inconvenience in a user's operation through the screen may be caused.
Therefore, there is a need for an interaction method of simply operating a function of an imaging apparatus with more convenience.

Imaging apparatus and method of controlling the same


A nozzle is provided for the inflation or deflation of inflatable articles that are equipped with a valve stem having a flap valve, a cap, a hinge connecting the cap to the valve stem, and an annular depression on the external surface of the valve stem. The nozzle comprises an annular conduit equipped with a centrally disposed pin that protrudes partially from the conduit. The conduit is provided with a notch for accommodating the hinge on the valve stem, and a resilient ridge on the interior of the conduit for engaging the annular depression on the external surface of the valve stem, thereby securing the nozzle in place. In use, the nozzle is placed over the valve stem in such a way that the notch is disposed around the hinge. The pin engages the flap valve within the valve stem, thereby allowing the free flow of air through the nozzle.

Various devices are known to the art for use in inflating and deflating tires, rafts, and similar inflatables.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,678,014 (Owen et al.) discloses a hand-held device that can be used to inflate an associated article. The device has a cylindrical body that terminates on one end in a nozzle. The cylindrical body houses a motorized propeller that creates an axial airflow through the nozzle. The nozzle is conical, with a wide base and a narrow tip. The tip is cut away at an angle to the axis of the cone, and is used to maintain the trap door of an air lock valve in an open position.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,114,230 (MacFarland) discloses a device which is similar to that shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,678,014 (Owen et al.), and which attaches to a vacuum cleaner. The device may be used to inflate and deflate rafts and similar articles.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,167,561 (Rizzo) discloses a device used to simulate weight gain in an inflatable plastic doll. The device is a compressible plastic article which may be designed to look like a hamburger or a soda can, and which is fitted with a nozzle that fits securely into the doll's mouth. When the article is squeezed, air is forced into the doll's mouth, where it expands a series of inflatable pockets located at strategic positions on the doll's body. The nozzle on the device is a hollow plastic cone that is fitted with a rounded bulb.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,167,204 (Zeyra) discloses an apparatus that is used for inflating balloons. The device is equipped with a nose portion that maintains a check valve in the neck of the balloon in an open position, and a push-button that initiates a flow of gas into the device from a pressurized gas source.
While the devices disclosed in the above noted references may be suitable for their intended purposes, none provides a simple, inexpensive means for letting air into or out of an inflatable article equipped with a flap valve. The device of U.S. Pat. No. 4,167,204 (Zeyra), for example, is bulky and complicated, and is limited in use to the inflation of balloons that are fitted with a special check valve. The devices of U.S. Pat. No. 4,678,014 (Owen et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 4,114,230 (MacFarland) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,167,561 (Rizzo) are designed for specialized applications, are not suitable for use in deflating an inflatable article, and cannot be left unattended during use.
It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a simple, easy to use device for inflating or deflating rafts and other inflatable articles.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a device that may be removably attached to the valve stem of an inflatable article to allow the air to flow out of the article, but that resists becoming dislodged during deflation.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a device for deflating inflatable articles, wherein the device can be left unattended during the deflation process.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an inflation/deflation device which will accommodate a cap hinge attached to the valve stem of an inflatable article.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide an inflator/deflator device with a pin mounted on its interior for engaging a flap valve in a valve stem, wherein the pin is mounted in such a way that it does not impede the free flow of air through the valve stem.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an inflator/deflator device which is equipped with a plurality of interchangeable pins, wherein each of said pins is designed for a particular application or valve stem configuration.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an inflation/deflation device which is equipped with attaching means for attaching the device to a key ring or other convenient holder.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide an inflation/deflation device which is formed from a single molded piece.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an inflation/deflation device which is equipped with a connector for attaching the device to the inflatable article even when not in use.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide an inflation/deflation device equipped with a connector which is capable of releasably attaching to the valve stem of an article wherein the device and connector are integrally formed as a single molded piece.
These and other objects are achieved by the present invention, as hereinafter disclosed.


A system prepares plant specimens, tracks the plant specimens, captures images of the plant specimens, and evaluates growth parameters of the plant specimens in the captured images. The system prepares receptacles by placing a predetermined quantity of gel, if required by a particular test, into a receptacle and a layer of material, if required by a particular test, on top of the gel. The system separates a quantity of seeds into individual seeds and places an individual seed in each receptacle between the gel layer and the cover layer. The receptacles are then arrayed into decks and carts and subjected to controlled stress conditions and conditions conducive to germination and growth. An image capture device captures backlit images of the receptacles, and a processor analyzes the captured images for growth parameters of the plant specimens and enters those parameters into a database together with a unique identifier of the plant specimen.

Advances in crop science and biotechnology have led to specialty crops that have one or more desirable traits. Examples of such traits include: germination potential, drought-resistance, pesticide tolerance (e.g., glyphosate tolerance), high-yielding crops, seeds with desirable fatty-acid profiles (e.g., as in low-linoleic acid soybeans), high-oil seeds, insect tolerance (e.g., corn-bore resistance) and the like. When a potential specialty crop is developed (e.g., bred or genetically modified), it must be evaluated with respect to these desirable traits. Thus, the new crop must be replicated in a significant quantity, planted as individual plant specimens, subjected to a number of different stresses in groups, evaluated for growth parameters as individual plant specimens, and statistically analyzed in order to determine the effectiveness of the potential specialty crop with respect to the one or more desirable traits. Further, the plant specimens must be tracked so that the collected growth parameter data can be correlated to the stresses applied to each plant specimen.
Traditionally, researchers plant seeds in trays on various types of germination media by hand, subject the trays to predetermined stress conditions, remove the plant specimens from the trays by hand, evaluate growth parameters of each plant specimen by hand, and track the growth data. However, a growing number of potential specialty crops combined with a need to periodically evaluate specialty crops in production has given rise to a need to prepare, track, and evaluate more plant specimens than is practical by these traditional methods. Further, evaluating growth parameters of plant specimens by optical analysis reduces measurement variation.
This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure, which are described and/or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.

Automated system for germination testing using optical imaging


Methods for determining whether a drug is a specialty drug, methods for creating tools to be used in making the determination, and the tools themselves are disclosed. The overall value of a drug depends on the drug's attribute values with respect to each of a set of drug attributes (concerning, e.g., the drug's route of administration, targeted disease, possible adverse reactions, risk of toxicity, cost, need for patient compliance with the treatment regime, and handling, preparation, and/or storage requirements. If the overall value or its partial overall values meet certain criteria, the drug is deemed to be a specialty drug.

This invention relates to methods of identifying specialty drugs, to methods of creating tools to be used in identifying specialty drugs, and to tools used in the identification of specialty drugs.
Pharmacy benefit managers ("PBMs") administer drug benefit programs for employers, managed care organizations, third-party health plan administrators, purchasing coalitions, and other groups who provide and/or offer health care benefits to a group of individuals. Historically, PBMs were involved primarily in processing or adjudicating claims for reimbursement for purchases of pharmaceuticals. More recently, PBMs have become involved in broader aspects of patient care.
To that end, many PBMs have developed and/or acquired "specialty pharmacies." A specialty pharmacy has been variously described as: a pharmacy, the services of which are used by patients with acute or chronic conditions that can be treated at home, in a physician's office, or at specialized infusion sites (e.g., Walgreen's); a company that works with customers to manage use of high-cost drugs used to treat chronic diseases (e.g., Magellan Health Services); a pharmacy that provides "full-service care to patients requiring special prescription needs for challenging and long-term health conditions" (e.g., CVS, describing Stadtlander in its acquisition of that company); and a provider of pharmacy services for people with complex chronic health conditions (e.g., BioScrip, describing Chronimed Inc.). A principal theme in these descriptions is that there is something special in the level of care provided and/or the type of pharmaceutical involved in the care.
Drugs provided by a specialty pharmacy or otherwise designated as "specialty pharmaceuticals" or "specialty drugs" may be subject to pricing guidelines that are different than for other drugs covered under a health plan. For example, a non-specialty drug might be priced by a PBM to its client at a benchmark price less a percentage A, whereas a specialty drug might be priced at a benchmark price less a percentage B. Furthermore, specialty drugs (which, in some cases are administered by a physician at his or her office) may be provided as part of a patient's medical benefit, as opposed to the patient's pharmaceutical benefit. In addition, a drug dispensed as a specialty drug may be provided with a higher level of care and/or patients who receive specialty drugs may be afforded access to resources not available for patients who receive non-specialty drugs. Because of these distinctions, whether a drug is a specialty drug is often important to PBMs, customers of PBMs, and/or to the patients covered by drug benefit programs managed by PBMs. As indicated below, the significance of whether a drug is a specialty drug is far-reaching.
Historically, classification of a drug as a "specialty drug" has been quite subjective. One definition of "specialty drug" encompassing various criteria that have been used for classification of a drug as a specialty drug might be "an injectable, infused, oral, or inhaled drug having one or more of the following characteristics: (1) a requirement for frequent dosing adjustments and intensive clinical monitoring to decrease the potential for drug toxicity and increase the probability for beneficial treatment outcomes; (2) a need for intensive patient training and compliance assistance to facilitate therapeutic goals; (3) limited or exclusive availability and distribution; (4) specialized handling and/or administration requirements; and (5) cost in excess of $500 for a 30-day supply." CuraScript, Inc., 2004 Specialty Pharmacy Management Guide & Trend Report (June, 2005). Such a definition may make it difficult to explain to a customer or plan participant why one particular drug is classified as a specialty drug but another is not. That in turn makes medical care cost decisions less transparent and comprehensible and tends to harm a PBM's relationship with its customers and the plan participants.
Because classification of a drug as a "specialty drug" may affect, among other things, (1) pricing of the drug, (2) determination of whether the drug is provided as part of a prescription benefit or medical benefit, and/or (3) the level of care and/or services provided in connection with sale, dispensing, administration, distribution, and/or monitoring of the drug and/or its apparent effectiveness, whether or not a drug is classified as a "specialty drug" may be quite important.
Thus, there is a need for a method of identifying specialty drugs that ideally: (1) is more objective than current methods, (2) is more transparent than current methods and/or is capable of being understood more readily than current methods, e.g., by a customer of a PBM and/or a participant in a pharmacy benefit plan administered by a PBM, (3) produces relatively consistent determinations of whether or not a drug is a specialty drug when the method is employed by different users, and (4) is easily implemented to (a) identify a set of specialty drugs, (b) evaluate newly-approved drugs for their specialty drug status, and (c) re-evaluate drugs for their specialty drug status with changing circumstances.


A bag with a transparent compartment is shown and described. The bag with a transparent compartment includes a first compartment. The first compartment includes a base having a plurality of sidewalls rising therefrom and a top section secured to the sidewalls at an end opposite the base. At least one of the sidewalls is comprised of a transparent material. An opening is located through the top section. The opening leads into the first compartment and the opening is further comprised of a closure device.

The present invention relates to bags for everyday use. More particularly, the present invention provides a bag with a transparent compartment.
Many times, day bags are extremely useful. They can contain a large number of needed items in one convenient location. However, often times this location is not so convenient. The items stored within the bag often become tangled together. Further, it can be difficult to sort through the bag to find a specific item. This means that often times a bag's contents will have to be emptied in order to find a desired item.
In a specific instance, a day bag is a diaper bag. A diaper bag will contain many items needed for the day to day needs of a baby. However, often times when a baby needs tending to, the child is crying. This means that a caretaker will want to quickly solve the issue or tend to the child in order to quiet the child. This process can be severely hindered using a normal bag where it can be difficult to quickly locate specific items. Further, often times a baby will need to be tended to in public. It can be a severe inconvenience to have to empty the contents of a bag in a public location to retrieve an item.
Consequently, there is a need for an improvement in the art of everyday bags. The present invention substantially diverges in design elements from the known art while at the same time solving a problem many people face when using a bag to store items that are needed on a day to day basis. In this regard the present invention substantially fulfills these needs.


A deflectable touchdown wheel system for a sprayer boom of an agricultural sprayer is provided that includes a touchdown wheel that deflects transversely when contacting the ground at an angle, damping ground contact impact forces at the sprayer boom, reducing reactionary forces such as external steering inputs at the sprayer vehicle.

Some sprayer booms have touchdown wheels to contact the ground when the boom moves toward the ground to prevent direct contact of the boom with the ground. The touchdown wheels can include pneumatic tires or have some vertical suspension travel to absorb some of the contact-induced shock loading. Some touchdown wheels are castor mounted to maintain their forward heading during contact with the ground. Regardless of whether the touchdown wheels have pneumatic tires and/or are suspension or castor mounted, when touchdown wheels contact the ground, they tend to create a drag at or transmit enough of the shock load through the corresponding side of the boom which can result in an external steering input to the sprayer vehicle. Sprayer boom widths are increasing over time to allow increased coverage in a single spraying pass. The wider booms provide longer lever arms relative to the sprayer vehicle, which increases the steering input to the sprayer vehicle when the touchdown wheels contact the ground.


A display comprises a static unit (8) on which is mounted a rotating unit (7) driven by a motor (12). The rotating unit carries light emitting diodes (6) arranged as vertical columns which sweep around a cylindrical surface. The light emitting diodes (6) are controlled by a control circuit (6) in accordance with data stored in a memory (61) so as to provide a cylindrical display. The control circuit (60) and memory (61) are located in the rotating unit 97) and the memory (612) has a capacity for storing several different images for display.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a display.
2. Description of the Related Art
A known type of display comprises a static base unit and a rotating unit driven by a motor The rotating unit carries a plurality of light emitting diodes (LED's) which are controlled during rotation so as to provide a display image.
EP 0 26 762 discloses a display of this type in which a rotating two dimensional array of LED's sweeps a cylindrical volume and the LED's are controlled so as to define a cylindrical three dimensional array of picture elements (pixels). Data for controlling illumination of the pixels is sent in serial form from fixed electronics in the base unit via an infrared link to rotating electronics in the rotating unit. The rotating electronics essentially comprise a decoder for illuminating each LED of the array in sequence, with no data storage being provided in the rotating unit. Thus, only one LED at a time can be illuminated.
GB 2 093 617 and EP 0 156 544 disclose displays of this type in which two diametrically opposite vertical columns of LED's sweep a common cylindrical display surface and the LED's are controlled so as to define a cylindrical two dimensional array of pixels. The rotating unit contains enough electronics and memory for all of the LED's to be controlled simultaneously and for data to be stored for all of the pixels to provide one complete image. In order to change the displayed image, a connection has to be established with the rotating unit so that new data can be written into the memory. During such reprogramming, the display ceases to function as a display until the old data have been replaced by the new data. Thus, display images cannot be changed during normal operation of the display. This makes image updating and animation difficult or impossible and requires expert or trained personnel to reprogrammed the display.
Another problem with known displays of this type is that the light output is relatively low. Thus, shaded locations are necessary for viewing such displays.


A signal transmitted from a first device to a second device is encrypted using an encryption key generated from a preceding part of the signal itself. The signal is decrypted in the second device using a decryption key generated from a preceding part of the received and decrypted signal. This encryption method provides effective privacy protection, because the encryption and decryption keys are constantly changing. Since the transmitted signal provides its own encryption and decryption keys, the method is inexpensive to implement, and can be used in systems such as packet transmission systems that transmit signals intermittently.

The present invention relates to a system that encrypts and decrypts signals, and transmits and receives the encrypted signals, more particularly to a system, such as a packet transmission system, in which the encrypted signals are transmitted intermittently.
One well-known type of encrypted transmission system has the general structure shown in FIG. 8, comprising a first device 220 and a second device 280 linked by a communication channel 300. The communication channel 300 may be a wireline link comprising copper wire, optical fibers, or the like, or a wireless link comprising radio waves, infrared beams, or the like.
The first device 220 has a transmitting section and a receiving section. The transmitting section includes a scrambling circuit 221 that scrambles a transmit signal A to obtain a scrambled signal CA, a pseudo-random pattern generating circuit 222 that supplies a pseudo-random pattern RA1 to the scrambling circuit 221, and a transmitting circuit 223 that transmits a modulated signal MCA, modulated by the scrambled signal CA. The receiving section includes a receiving circuit 230 that receives and demodulates a modulated signal MCB to obtain a scrambled signal CB, a descrambling circuit 231 that descrambles the scrambled signal CB to obtain a receive signal B, and a pseudo-random pattern generating circuit 232 that supplies a pseudo-random pattern RA2 to the descrambling circuit 231.
The second device 280 also has a transmitting section and a receiving section. The transmitting section includes a scrambling circuit 281 that scrambles a transmit signal B to obtain a scrambled signal CB, a pseudo-random pattern generating circuit 282 that supplies pseudo-random pattern RA2 to the scrambling circuit 281, and a transmitting circuit 283 that transmits the modulated signal MCB, which is modulated by the scrambled signal CB. The receiving section includes a receiving circuit 290 that receives and demodulates the modulated signal MCA to obtain a scrambled signal CA, a descrambling circuit 291 that descrambles the scrambled signal CA to obtain a receive signal A, and a pseudo-random pattern generating circuit 292 that supplies pseudo-random pattern RA1 to the descrambling circuit 291.
When signal A is transmitted from the first device 220 to the second device 280, the scrambling circuit 221 uses the pseudo-random pattern RA1 supplied by the pseudo-random pattern generating circuit 222 to alter the contents of signal A in a seemingly random fashion, typically by taking the exclusive logical OR of corresponding bits of A and RA1. As a result, if the modulated signal MCA is intercepted by a third party, the intercepted signal is unintelligible. The descrambling circuit 291 uses the same pseudo-random pattern RA1, supplied by the pseudo-random pattern generating circuit 292, to perform the reverse alteration on the scrambled signal CA (typically by performing another exclusive logical OR operation), thereby obtaining the original signal A.
When signal B is transmitted from the second device 280 to the first device 220, it is similarly scrambled and descrambled, using pseudo-random pattern RA2, which may differ from pseudo-random pattern RA1.
In the system in FIG. 8, the pseudo-random patterns RA1, RA2 are hard-wired into the pseudo-random pattern generating circuits, which are typically manufactured in large quantities. Moreover, the pseudo-random patterns are of finite length, and repeat cyclically. Under these conditions, it is difficult to ensure that an intercepted transmission cannot be descrambled by the intercepting party, who may be in possession of equipment with a similar pseudo-random pattern generating circuit. The only defense is to use a very long pseudo-random pattern, but this requires a comparatively large and therefore expensive pseudo-random pattern generating circuit, and leads to difficulties in maintaining synchronization between the pseudo-random patterns generated in the first and second devices 220, 280.
A known solution to these problems is given in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application No. 05-007202, which discloses an encrypted transmission system that is both simpler and more secure. In place of the pseudo-random patterns employed in FIG. 8, this system uses signal A to encrypt signal B, and signal B to encrypt signal A.
Referring to FIG. 9, this system comprises a first device 200 and a second device 260 linked by a communication channel 300. The transmitting section of the first device 200 includes a converter 201 that uses a received signal B′ as an encryption key to convert a transmit signal A to an encrypted signal CA, and a transmitting circuit 203 that converts the encrypted signal CA to a modulated signal MCA for transmission on the communication channel 300. The receiving section includes a receiving circuit 210 that receives and demodulates a modulated signal MCB and outputs an encrypted signal CB, a deconverter 211 that decrypts the encrypted signal CB to obtain the receive signal B′, and a memory 202 that stores the transmit signal A sent to the converter 201 and supplies the stored signal A as a decryption key to the deconverter 211.
The second device 260 has a similar structure. Its transmitting section includes a converter 261 that uses a received signal A′ as an encryption key to convert a transmit signal B to an encrypted signal CB, and a transmitting circuit 263 that converts the encrypted signal CB to a modulated signal MCB for transmission on the communication channel 300. The receiving section includes a receiving circuit 270 that receives and demodulates a modulated signal MCA and outputs an encrypted signal CA, a deconverter 271 that decrypts the encrypted signal CA to obtain the receive signal A′, and a memory 262 that stores the transmit signal B and supplies it as a decryption key to the deconverter 271.
Because it uses the receive signals A′ and B′ as encryption keys, and the transmit signals A, B as decryption keys, this system does not require separate circuits for generating pseudo-random patterns. A high level of security is provided, even if a simple encryption procedure is used, because the encryption and decryption keys are constantly changing. Encryption by the exclusive logical OR operation, for example, provides better security in FIG. 9 than in FIG. 8.
The system in FIG. 9 has the disadvantage, however, of requiring synchronization between the transmit signals, so it cannot be used when A and B are intermittent signals.
If the first device 200 encrypts the transmit signal A by performing exclusive logical OR operations, for example, then for each bit of A, the converter 201 uses a corresponding bit of the receive signal B′. If the second device 260 transmits signal B intermittently, the required bits of the receive signal B′ may not be available when they are needed. Similarly, if signal A is not transmitted continuously (A1, A2, A3, . . . ), the receive signal A′ may not be available when needed for encrypting transmit signal B.
The system shown in FIG. 9, accordingly, cannot be used in packet communication systems, which include the numerous systems employing the internet protocol (IP).

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Simple encrypted transmission system suitable for intermittent signals


High-speed data transfer rates are provided between a central office and customer premise equipment with a multiplexer that is interposed between the central office and the customer premise equipment, and that functions as a remote access node. The multiplexer communicates at high data rates via downstream data links such as twisted-pair conductors between the multiplexer and the customer premise equipment. By positioning the multiplexer physically close to the customer premise equipment, DSL data rates can be achieved. In one application, the multiplexer assigns a variable number of the upstream data links between the central office and the multiplexer on a dynamic, adaptive, and automatic basis to individual ones of the downstream data links. In this way, unused data link capacity of the upstream data links is used to provide high data transmission rates when required between the multiplexer and the central office. In another application, the multiplexer includes a dynamic switching matrix that dynamically connects one or more downstream modems with selected customer premise equipment. In this way, modems in the multiplexer are time-shared among the various subscribers and connection costs are reduced.

This invention relates to the enabling of broadband data transfer between a Public Service Network and customer premise equipment.
Various types of modems are conventionally used in transferring data to and from customer premise equipment via the telephone system. Conventional POTS (Plain Old Telephone System) modems have long been used, and in a typical application the customer premise includes a POTS modem and the central office includes a pool of POTS modems. More recently, digital modems such as xDSL, ISDN, and other digital modems have come into widespread use due to their inherent ability to support higher speeds. As before, when digital modems are used a digital modem is provided at the customer premise, and a bank of digital modems is provided, usually at the central office. This bank of digital modems is often referred to as a DSLAM (Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplex). The DSLAM is further connected to a metropolitan network, enabling "always on" connections to Internet service providers (ISP's) and the Internet.
The path length between two modems principally determines the maximum rate at which information can be exchanged between them. The end points of this path are usually the customer or user's premise (home) and the central office. A distance of 12,000 feet can support a 1.5 mbit/sec ADSL link, while a distance of 2000 feet can support a 6 mbit/sec VDSL link. Too often the wire path distance exceeds the practical limit of Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) modems, which for the lowest-rate xDSL service (IDSL) is approximately 20,000 feet. However, analog POTS modems, such those implementing the V.92 standard, can carry data at a rate of up to 56 Kbps over the same path. Greater distances will reduce the maximum data transfer rate, for example to 26 Kbps.
The public telephone network architecture was originally designed to meet the requirements for conveying voice signals over dedicated lines. A line path consists of spliced or contiguous twisted pairs of copper wire. Although the wire pairs may originate together in a bundle (or trunk) at the same location such as the central office, they terminate at different lengths, as each user premise is usually located at a unique distance from the central office. While the longest path may just meet voice requirements, shorter paths have greater data rate potential that, up until the advent of DSL, went untapped.
At the present time, approximately 50% of all homes connected to a typical central office cannot be serviced by DSL due to the fact that (a) the home is served by a Digital Loop Carrier (DLC), or (b) the cable distance between the serving Central Office and the home exceeds the distance required for xDSL services. One solution is to wait until a future date when either multiple mid-span repeaters or amplifiers are installed along the telephone wire path from the central office to the customer or user's premise, or until remote DSLAM's are installed closer to the more distant user's home or premise. Both these solutions fall short for a number of technical and logistical reasons.
Potentially, mid-span repeaters or amplifiers can be installed at several points along the path of the telephone cable. Unless there are simple plug/socket connections at the end points of wire bundle segments, and the segments are already conveniently located at suitable points along the path, each mid-span unit will require splicing of wire bundles or careful assignment of individual wires matching the mapping of wires in the original junction box that the mid-span amplifier unit replaces.
A remote DSLAM such as the Copper Mountain CopperEdge 200 RT DSL Concentrator requires a large cabinet, a power source, and a T-1 or fiber optic digital link from the cabinet to the central office. A T-1 link over a traditional four-wire pair to the central office may not provide an adequately high data rate, and therefore mid-span repeaters may be needed in addition to the remote DSLAM installation itself. The remote DSLAM is usually only economical for dense clusters of potential users, and is not well suited for the sparse and scattered distribution pattern of suburban or rural homes.
Thus, a need presently exists for improved systems for the enabling and transport of new broadband data services to and from customer premise equipment at high data rates.


A method of forming a caul plate (14) for use in producing a composite honeycomb core sandwich panel (27). The uncured honeycomb core sandwich panel (27) is laid-up on a lay-up mandrel (20). An inner bagging film (28) is then extended over the uncured honeycomb core sandwich panel (27). Tooling prepreg sheets (34) are extended over the inner bagging film (28), and a outer bagging film (40) is extended over the tooling prepreg sheets (34). Reduced vacuum is applied to the inner bagging film (28), and full vacuum is applied to the outer bagging film (40). The tooling prepreg sheets (34) are then partially cured so that they harden into the shape of the inner mold line of the honeycomb core sandwich panel (27). The partially cured tooling prepreg sheets (34) are then final cured to form the caul plate (14). The caul plate (14) can then be used for inner mold line tooling for the honeycomb core sandwich panel (27) or parts having the same inner mold line shape.

Airplane manufacturers are under increasing pressure to produce lightweight, strong, and durable aircraft at the lowest cost for manufacture and lifecycle maintenance. An airplane or helicopter must have sufficient structural strength to withstand stresses during flight, while being as light as possible to maximize the performance of the aircraft. To address these concerns, aircraft manufacturers have increasingly used fiber-reinforced resin matrix composites.
Fiber-reinforced resin matrix composites provide improved strength, fatigue resistance, stiffness, and strength-to-weight ratio by incorporating strong, stiff, carbon fibers into a softer, more ductile resin matrix. The resin matrix material transmits forces to the fibers and provides ductility and toughness, while the fibers carry most of the applied force. Unidirectional continuous fibers can produce anisotropic properties, while woven fabrics produce quasi-isotropic properties. Honeycomb core is often sandwiched between composite sheets to provide stiff honeycomb core sandwich panels having the highest specific strength.
To form a honeycomb core sandwich panel, prior art methods used a lay-up mandrel. A composite outer skin, usually a lay-up of prepreg sheets, was laid against the upper surface of the lay-up mandrel, and a honeycomb core was laid over the outer composite skin. A composite inner skin, also usually a lay-up of prepreg sheets, was then arranged over the honeycomb core, and the three layers were bagged and cured so as to form the honeycomb core sandwich panel.
Tolerances at the outer mold line (i.e., the outer side of the composite outer skin) of honeycomb core sandwich panels formed by this method were near exact because the outer mold line was formed against the upper surface of the lay-up mandrel. However, this method did not provide index control for the inner mold line (i.e., bagside) of the composite inner skin. Inexact tolerances at the inner mold line made locating and attaching details on the inner surface of the honeycomb core sandwich panel difficult. Another problem encountered in formation of the honeycomb core sandwich panels was crushing of the honeycomb core caused by the application of high pressure and vacuum during curing.
Multistage curing was one prior art process for avoiding core crush. Multistage curing consisted of bonding the honeycomb core sandwich panel together one element at a time and curing or pre-curing the assembly after each element was added. Although crushing of the honeycomb core was generally avoided, higher cost and risks were associated with this type of processing. For example, exposing the bonded assembly to multiple high-temperature cure cycles induced various degrees of shrinkage in the honeycomb core sandwich panel. Thermal expansion between the lay-up mandrel and the honeycomb core sandwich panel, as well as between the skins and the honeycomb core, also caused problems. The resultant stresses were proven to cause disbonding in the previously-cured bond interfaces.
In some prior art processes, tooling, for example, a caul plate, was used along the inner mold line of the composite inner skin. The caul plate helped to prevent crushing of the honeycomb core and helped to maintain tolerances at the inner mold line. Caul plates were especially desirable when honeycomb core sandwich panel was to be formed by co-curing the three layers of the honeycomb core sandwich panel, because core crush was most likely to occur during this type of process.
While co-curing with a caul plate was a preferred option for formation of a honeycomb core sandwich panel, fabricating a caul plate with conventional tooling methods was costly. Prior art caul plate fabrication required a physical model. In one prior art method, a part model was fabricated by bonding together epoxy or polyurethane modeling boards. The surfaces of the bonded epoxy and polyurethane modeling boards were then machined to match the inner mold line of the desired part. This process was costly and laborious.
Another type of model used in formation of caul plates was a pre-formed cured part made of the same or similar details as the final part to be formed. The pre-formed part was filled and sanded to achieve an acceptable model surface. Forming a model from a pre-formed part in this manner was labor intensive. Moreover, after the pre-formed part was used as a model, it could no longer be used for its intended purpose because the filling, sanding, and curing required to transform the part into a model and form a caul plate on the model caused the part to lose its integrity.
There exists a need for more efficient, less costly method of forming inner mold line tooling such as a caul plate. Preferably, the method can be used to form a caul plate that is to be used in formation of a honeycomb core sandwich panel.

Method for forming inner mold line tooling without a part model


The present disclosure relates to a flexible substrate and a flexible display panel, a flexible display device thereof, and a method of using the flexible display device. The flexible substrate includes a first flexible layer and a second flexible layer, and a pressure sensitive layer and an electrode between the first flexible layer and the second flexible layer, the pressure sensitive layer having a first side facing the first flexible layer and a second surface facing the second flexible layer, wherein the electrode is located on at least one of the first side and the second side. The pressure sensitive layer includes an elastic layer. The elastic layer includes a polyimide foam material.

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a field of display technologies, and in particular, to a flexible substrate and a flexible display panel, a flexible display device thereof, and a method of using the flexible display device.
At present, when manufacturing a flexible display device, it is necessary to use a flexible material such as polyimide (PI) as a substrate. First, the PI material is coated on a glass substrate, then, a circuit and a luminescent material are fabricated on the PI material and the film packaging is completed, and finally, the back of the resulting structure is scanned by a laser, so as to separate the PI from the glass substrate, thereby a flexible display device is obtained.

Flexible substrate and flexible display panel, flexible display device thereof and method of using flexible display device

CHENGDU BOE OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.


Communication is restored in a fiber optic network by placing error detection circuitry at the add/drop ports of the network nodes of the network. If the error detection circuitry detects an error condition for a communication signal traversing a normal communication path within the network, the communication signal is rerouted along a restoration communication path that is node and span disjoint from the first communication path. By requiring a restoration path to be node and span disjoint from the normal communication path, error detection circuitry need only be placed at the end nodes of the normal communication path. By allowing each node in the restoration path to dynamically choose the particular channels that can accommodate a particular communication signal at the time of the restoration, efficient use of available resources is gained. The result is a cost effective network that restores communication in times competitive to that of SONET rings.

This invention relates to methods and systems for quickly restoring communication after a failure in a mesh network.
Modern communication networks serve to transport large volumes of information between a number of locations connected with the network. The communication network includes a set of nodes and links interconnecting each of the nodes to other nodes. The traffic across a link between two nodes in a communications network can represent a formidable volume of information flow. As a communication network carries more data, the failure of a single node or link within the network can have a greater impact. For example, the sudden failure of such a link can cause a significant loss in revenue for a network owner and loss of commerce and other benefits for the network subscribers.
Presently, Synchronous Optical Network (SONET) rings provide the primary technology for optical layer communication and restoration from network failures. While SONET rings can quickly restore a failed communication channel, SONET rings are inefficient communication vehicles compared to "mesh" network topologies. However, fast restoration in an optical mesh network can require sophisticated error detection of the digital traffic somewhere in the network that can be very expensive. Accordingly, there exists a need for methods and systems that can quickly restore communication in a mesh network upon detecting a failure, yet use a minimum of error detection circuitry.

Methods and systems for fast restoration in a mesh network of optical cross connects


New compositions of matter that provide lubricant properties when cured into a coating on a substrate. The compositions are low molecular weight structured polysilicate compositions that have high silanol contents. The polysilicates are combined with a condensation catalyst and allowed to cure on the appropriate substrate. The cured coating has lubricant properties.

This invention deals with new compositions of matter that provide lubricant properties when cured into a coating on a substrate.
There are many applications for lubricants and the majority of such applications are satisfied by the use of greases, oils, and such other lubricants. However, there are many applications where it is desirable that the lubricant not be a grease or liquid of any kind, such as oils.
Such applications are, for example, coating wire and cable to allow sufficient pull through when such wire and cable is installed in a building. Another application is a solid coating for arrow shafts such that the arrows can be easily removed from bales and targets.
Additional applications include process equipment that requires a solid lubricant, such as process equipment that is subjected to wear by solid materials. Such lubricant coatings should also have the benefit of anti-abrasion, anti-corrosion and or anti-erosion. Such equipment can be, for example, forming tools, extrusion and compounding equipment, size reduction and size classification equipment, engines, such as diesel, and turbines.

Compositions having lubricant properties


A transmitter, receiver, and communication system that utilize a pseudo-random number sequence (PRNS) output unit that provides a PRNS of length N. The PRNS output unit generates the PRNS responsive to a number (s) of prescribed positive integers (qx), a prescribed real impulse constant (r), and a prescribed non-zero real constant (C), where 1<x<s. The PRNS output unit includes an input acceptance section that accepts the number (s) of real number sequence initial values (Yx), and the number (s) of integer parameters (px); and a calculation section that uses the prescribed real impulse constant (r), the prescribed non-zero real constant (C), the real number sequence initial values (Yx), the integer parameters (px). and the prescribed positive integers (qx) to calculate a recurrence formula that is used to generate a PRNS (z′[y]) of length N, and that outputs the PRNS (z′[y]), where 1<y<N.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a pseudo-random number sequence output unit, transmitter, receiver, communication system and filter unit, a pseudo-random number sequence output method, transmission method and receiving method, and a data recording medium.
This invention particularly relates to an output unit and output method suitable for outputting pseudo-random number sequences usable as the spreading codes of an asynchronous CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) system for satellite, point-to-point, mobile phone and PHS (Personal Handyphone System) communication systems and other land mobile communication systems, and in GPS (Global Positioning System) and other distance measurement fields; a transmitter, receiver, communication system, filter unit, transmission method, receiving method and filtering method using the spreading codes; and a computer-readable data recording medium recorded with a program for implementing any of the foregoing.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Spreading codes developed for enabling spread-spectrum communication systems and code division multiple telecommunication include M sequences, Kasami sequences and Gold sequences generated by an LFSR (Linear Feedback Shift Register). These spreading code sequences have the following two characteristics.
First, the auto-correlation function of codes has a peak and the correlation between different codes (cross-correlation) is near 0. This is very similar to the property of white noise.
Second, when two different spreading codes contained in a code set are selected and the code set is constituted such that the cross-correlation is near 0 regardless of which are selected, the number of codes contained in the code set is small relative to the code length. The number of code types is therefore few.
On the other hand, TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) and FDMA (Frequency Division Multiple Access) have been known for many years. The asynchronous CDMA communication system differs from these in its feature of enabling despreading by use of the correlation characteristic of the used codes even without positive signal synchronization. It is therefore superior in privacy, secrecy, anti-interference property, anti-jamming property and the like.
Efforts are being made to put CDMA communication into practical use. IMT-2000 (International Mobile Telecommunication 2000), a next-generation wireless telecommunication ITU (International Telecommunication Union) standard, has been selected for adoption.
Recent research shows that the performance of an asynchronous CDMA communication system is determined by inter-code interference noise variance σ. When pseudo-white noise type spreading codes like Gold sequences or Kasami sequences are used, the interference noise variance σ is asymptotically equal to (K−1)/3N, where K is the number of simultaneously connected users and N is the code length. (M. B. Pursley, "Performance Evaluation for Phased-Coded Spread-Spectrum Multiple-Access Communication—Part I: System Analysis," IEEE Trans. Communication, vol. 25 (1977) pp. 795–799.)
"Asymptotical" here refers to the case where the user number (number of users) K and the code length N have become large.
The theoretical limit of asynchronous CDMA communication system performance has been considered to be σ=(K−1)/3N. It is known, however, that the asymptotic relationship holds because the spreading codes are assumed to be pseudo-white noise.
Therefore, when the spreading codes are not pseudo-white noise, i.e., when some degree of correlation is present between different codes, the theoretical limit of performance can be improved.
Spreading codes have recently been discovered that have an auto-correlation function whose inter-code interference noise variance σ is lower than that when the spreading codes are pseudo-white noise. Specifically, when the auto-correlation function decreases exponentially with a code shift of 1 in the manner of Eq. (1), the interference noise dispersion σ is smaller than in the case of pseudo-white noise.C(l)≈Const.×(−r)l(−1<r<1)  (1)
In particular, the optimal correlation function (3) is obtained when the real impulse constant r satisfies Eq. (2).γ≈2−√{square root over (3)}(must be an equality)  (2)
                              σ          optimal                =                                            3                                                  (                              K                -                1                            )                                            6                        N                                              (        3        )
This means that at the same bit error rate the number of simultaneously connected users K is 15% greater than the theoretical limit number of users of an asynchronous CDMA communication system using pseudo-white noise as the spreading codes. (G. Mazzini, R. Rovatti, G. Setti, "Interference Minimization by Auto-correlation Shaping in Asynchronous DS-CDMA Systems: Chaos-based Spreading is Nearly Optimal," IEE Electronic Letters, vol. 35, n. 13, Jun. 24, 1999, pp. 1054–1055)
This paper also points out that a correlation function satisfying Eq. (1) can be approximately modeled by generating chaos spreading codes by piecewise-linear maps of very large partial slope.
When an attempt is made to generate such spreading sequences with a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) or the like and utilize them in a mobile phone system, for example, the following problems arise owing to the need for high-speed and low power consumption.
First, owing to the fact that the spreading codes are generated by piecewise-linear maps of very large slope, accurate results cannot be obtained by DSP implementation or computer calculation because of high digit dropout. This makes it difficult to construct a physical circuit or device for generating the spreading codes.
Second, the piecewise-linear maps with the parameter that determines how the correlation function attenuates cannot be freely designed with respect to an arbitrary r (−1<r<1).
Third, the Mazzini et al. paper points out that few types of the piecewise-linear maps have correlation functions near optimal. It is, however, desirable to have as many types of codes as possible for realizing a CDMA communication system. Actual configuration of a CDMA communication system using the method taught by this paper is therefore difficult.
Fourth, in the case of spreading codes generated using a linear shift register, only 0(N) types of codes having a good correlation characteristic with respect code length N are available. This is very few relative the original number of code types, which is proportional to the power of 2 O(2N). It is therefore difficult to cope with an increase in the number of users.
Fifth, the small key space makes decoding possible with little time or trouble. Communication security is therefore poor.
The teachings of this paper offer no remedy for any of these five problems.
A need has therefore been strongly felt for a technology for overcoming these problems that is capable of generating spreading codes consisting of pseudo-random number sequences (also called PN (Pseudo-Noise) sequences) suitable for an asynchronous CDMA communication system.
An object of the present invention is to provide a pseudo-random number sequence output unit, transmitter, receiver, communication system and filter unit, and a pseudo-random number sequence output method, transmission method, receiving method and filtering method that are suitable for an asynchronous CDMA communication system, and a data recording medium recorded with a program for implementing any of the foregoing.

Pseudo-random number sequence output unit, transmitter, receiver, communication system and filter unit

National Institute of Information and Communications Technology


Various embodiments of the present invention provide optical multi-channel free space interconnects that provide optical channel isolation, thereby reducing crosstalk.

1. Field of the invention
The present invention relates to optical interconnects.
2. Discussion of the Background
The coupling of optical signals between components (e.g., circuit boards or other components) is an area of growing interest. Metal interconnections (e.g., metal backplanes) appear to have reached their speed limits, and therefore, optical backplanes and optical interconnect schemes are being considered as the next generation board-to-board interconnect solution. Single channel optical connections have been used for years, but the limit of pulse coded modulation (PCM) through a single optical channel is also reaching a practical limit.
To solve this problem, multiple parallel optical "paths" or "channels" are used. By paralleling paths, one can achieve higher data rates. The greater the number of paths the greater the overall throughput. In some applications, arrays of low cost lasers (e.g., a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL)) are used for transmitting the optical signals and low cost photodiode arrays (e.g., GaAs photodiodes) are used for detecting the optical signals.
Problems exist when one is trying to interface the transmitting and detecting arrays. For example, the lasers used for transmission may emit light of 0.85 micrometers wavelength into a twenty-degree cone. The large cone angle creates cross-talk problems when attempting to couple each individual laser to an individual detector. Further, the lasers are usually situated on a recessed horizontal surface, thus emitting light into cones with vertical axes. This arrangement creates logistic problems because the light must be moved up (from a typical board) about an inch and a half followed by about two inches horizontally to an adjacent board, then down an inch and a half to the upward looking detectors.
What is desired is an optical multi-channel interconnect that provides maximum optical isolation of adjacent channels (i.e., minimum crosstalk) while also providing minimal optical signal power loss.

Optical multi-channel free space interconnect


The present invention generally relates to a bird feeder having an adjustable sealing feeding port. The feeding port may be moved from a first position to a second position with respect to the rest of the feeder. More specifically, the bird food may be secured within the bird feeder when the adjustable sealing feeding port is in the second position and the bird food may be accessible to birds while the adjustable sealing feeding port is the first position. The adjustable sealing feeding port may have a stopper made from, for example, plastic or rubber which may create a liquid tight seal with the body of the bird feeder.

The present invention generally relates to a bird feeder having an adjustable sealing feeding port. The feeding port may be moved from a first position to a second position with respect to the rest of the feeder. More specifically, the bird food may be secured within the bird feeder when the adjustable sealing feeding port is in the second position and the bird food may be accessible to birds while the adjustable sealing feeding port is the first position. The adjustable sealing feeding port may have a stopper made from, for example, rubber or plastic which may create a liquid tight seal with the body of the bird feeder.
Inverted containers which are used to feed birds or other animals are commonly known. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,303,674 to Hyde, Jr. discloses a multi-component hummingbird feeder which can be completely disassembled. The hummingbird feeder has a liquid reservoir comprised of a cup-shaped bottom and a dome-shaped top. A hollow neck protrudes vertically from the bottom and through a central aperture in the top. A collar is seated on the top and surrounds the portion of the neck which extends above the top. A head which is adapted to coact with the collar is placed in the upper end of the neck and tightened until the top and bottom elements are in a tight sealing interengagement. Located in the top are feeding ports to provide access to a liquid food supply in the reservoir.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,589,338 to Lovitz discloses a holder for bottle and tube pet feeders which have a bottom feed pipe and which are adapted for suspension in an inverted position within a pet housing. A wire bracket comprising two parallel upright sections with top hooks supports two forwardly positioned vertically aligned loops, the upper and larger loop being adapted for engagement with the body of the bottle or tube feeder, the lower loop being adapted for underlying supporting engagement with the feeder and in embracing engagement with the feed pipe, whereby the feeder and feed pipe are maintained against displacement.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,990,403 to Jacobs discloses an inverted ceramic container which dispenses nutritional liquids through a short glass tube to hovering hummingbirds. The tube extends into the interior of the dispenser through a resilient stopper which engages a refill aperture in the dispenser. Various insulative properties of the ceramic dispenser protect the liquids from heat and light damage and loss. The rough unglazed inside surface of the dispenser neck establishes a tenacious seal with the resilient stopper. The unglazed exterior surface of the neck prevents dew and rain moisture from flowing down the outside surface of the dispenser to the tip of the glass tube. This surface moisture is objectionable because it wets the tip of the glass tube causing the nutritional liquid to drip out. The plastic nature of moist unfired clay readily permits the formation support loop integral with the ceramic body.
A common problem with these containers, especially hummingbird bird feeders, is that the nectar placed in the bird feeder tends to leak out of the container. Further, it is often difficult to fill and then invert the containers without the nectar leaking out of the container. Even further, these containers fail to provide the features of the present invention. More specifically, these existing containers do not disclose a bird feeder which can be easily cleaned, refilled and inverted without nectar leaking from the container. A need, therefore, exists for an improved bird feeder which has the features of the present invention.

Bird feeder with adjustable sealing feeding port


A system for radioisotope production uses fast-neutron-caused fission of depleted or naturally occurring uranium targets in an irradiation chamber. Fast fission can be enhanced by having neutrons encountering the target undergo scattering or reflection to increase each neutron's probability of causing fission (n, f) reactions in U-238. The U-238 can be deployed as one or more layers sandwiched between layers of neutron-reflecting material, or as rods surrounded by neutron-reflecting material. The gaseous fission products can be withdrawn from the irradiation chamber on a continuous basis, and the radioactive iodine isotopes (including I-131) extracted.

The present invention relates generally to the generation of unstable, i.e., radioactive, nuclear isotopes (often referred to as radioisotopes), and more particularly to techniques for generating medical isotopes such as molybdenum-99 (Mo-99) and its decay daughter technetium-99m (Tc-99m), and radioactive iodine such as iodine-131 (I-131).
Radioisotopes, in very small doses, are widely used in clinical therapy (radiation treatments) for such diseases as cancer and hyperthyroidism, as well as diagnostics using the ability to image regions where radioisotopes concentrate in the subject's body. Currently, nearly 80% of all nuclear imaging procedures utilize Tc-99m, making it a very important isotope for diagnostic medicine. Molecules and proteins that concentrate in specific areas of the body can be tagged with Tc-99m, which decays to a ground state through emission of a low energy gamma-ray, and observed from outside the body using gamma-ray cameras or detectors. This method allows "active" areas, or regions where the Tc-99m tagged compound concentrates, to be observed in 3-D from outside the body.
With a high demand for medical procedures involving the use of Tc-99m and radioactive iodine such as I-131, a demand that is only expected to increase as the U.S. population ages, reliability of the Tc-99m and I-131 supplies is critical. A major obstacle to a reliable source is the fact that 100% of the U.S. supply is imported from foreign reactors. The U.S. supply is sourced almost entirely from the NRU Reactor in Canada (Chalk River) and the HFR in the Netherlands, and both reactors are over 40 years old. The rapid decay of the Mo-99 means that product must be shipped and used immediately with no long term storage possible. Any interruptions in supply, even brief periods such as a reactor shutting down for maintenance, can cause shortages and patient treatment delays. Real shortages have occurred as recently as 2007 and 2008 when the NRU Reactor and HFR, respectively, were shut down for a period of time.
The thyroid is a gland in the neck that produces two hormones that regulate all aspects of the body's metabolism, the chemical process of converting food into energy. When a thyroid gland is overactive, it produces too much of these thyroid hormones, accelerating the metabolism. The condition is called hyperthyroidism, and can be caused by Graves' disease, which causes the entire thyroid to be overactive, or by nodules within the thyroid which are locally overactive.
Radioactive iodine I-131 (sometimes referred to as 131I or radioiodine I-131) is another important radioisotope. It has a half-life of 8.02 days and is used for a variety of applications. These include diagnostic and therapeutic thyroid applications (in either a solution or capsule form), industrial tracers, and various research applications such as antibody labeling. I-131 is also used to label antibodies for therapeutic applications in the treatment of cancers.
Traditional methods rely on thermal fission of targets made of highly enriched uranium (HEU). HEU is uranium that has been processed to greatly increase the percentage of fissionable U-235 above the approximately 0.7% level, found in naturally occurring uranium, to levels above 93%. Thermal fission refers to the irradiation of a target by low-energy ("thermal") neutrons, causing fission to occur. Currently, the U.S. exports more than 50 kg of HEU having more than 93% U-235 to at least five foreign nuclear reactors for irradiation and extraction of the Mo-99/Tc-99m and other medical isotopes. The proliferation potential and hazards associated with shipping fresh HEU and spent HEU are obvious, but current production of Mo-99/Tc-99m relies on this process.
The spent HEU target material is also a threat because only between 1-3% of the U-235 in the HEU target is burned up and the remaining target material can still contain 92% enriched U-235. Also, because of the low burn-up, after three-year storage, the HEU target materials can be essentially contact handled, meaning that due to its relatively low burn up, the amount of long-lived fission products in the spent HEU target material are minimal. The spent HEU target can be handled and processed relatively easy with minimal shielding materials to protect the proliferators.
Alternative techniques have been proposed, but they are thought to be significantly less cost effective and many technical challenges remain. One such proposal is to transition to a lower level of enrichment of the U-235 target (LEU), say below 20% U-235, but this still presents the same problems as HEU, including the need for a nuclear reactor. Another method proposed is to utilize neutron capture in Mo-98, which can be mined as ore. However, natural molybdenum contains on the order of 24.1% Mo-98, so targets are likely to require enrichment prior to irradiation.
Other techniques proposed for production of Mo-99 include causing (p, 2n) or (p, pn) reactions in an Mo-100 target using a proton accelerator (cyclotron). Again, natural molybdenum contains on the order of 9.64% of Mo-100, so targets for cyclotrons are also likely to require enrichment prior to irradiation. It has also been proposed to cause (γ, f) reactions on U-235 or LEU, or U-238 or a combination of all three materials via bremsstrahlung radiation produced from a high-energy electron accelerator.
The proposed alternative methods using particle accelerators all have similar problems:                They all require large and enriched isotopic targets.        They all require heat removal from the targets during irradiation, which represents a technical challenge.        The Mo-99 produced must be purified to remove unused molybdenum isotopes and other fission products and activation by-products.        They all require development of fast dissolution methods for the metallic targets.        Treatment and disposal of the waste fission products and waste uranium present significant challenges (for LEU).

Techniques for on-demand production of medical isotopes such as Mo-99/Tc-99m and radioactive iodine isotopes including I-131


A method and/or system for coating a substrate with a coating material. The coating material may be a polymer such as a photoresist. The method involves dispensing a coating material onto a substrate during which a temperature differential between the coating material and the substrate is at least 5° C. This temperature differential may be achieved by cooling the substrate and/or heating the coating material prior to dispensing the coating material onto the substrate. Due to the temperature differential, as the coating material contacts the substrate the viscosity of the coating material will increase, assisting the coating material in adhering to the substrate. Then, when the substrate is spun, the coating material with the increased viscosity will remain adhered to the substrate thereby providing a more conformal coating.

The process of spin coating polymers onto a substrate or wafer is widespread in the industry of microelectromechanical systems. There are two methods currently employed to achieve the coating of polymers on a substrate: a spin method and a spray method. In the spin method, substrates are treated by applying a quantity of polymer to the top side of the substrate while the bottom side is adhered by vacuum to a rotatable vacuum chuck. The wafer is spun at a relatively high speed and excess polymer is spun off the wafer leaving a relatively thin film of polymer on the top of the wafer. In the spray method, the polymer is sprayed onto the top surface of the substrate. Both of these methods are non-optimal, particularly when being used to coat a high topographical substrate having deep etchings. In particular, there tends to be difficulty in obtaining a coating having a satisfactory thickness on corners of the etchings. Thus, a need exists for an improved polymer coating method and system that achieves a more conformal coverage on the substrate.

Method and/or system for coating a substrate