Turbomachine with an annular combustion chamber including at its upstream end an annular chamber bottom, and attached at its downstream end by annular flanges to a radially inner casing and outer casing, wherein the upstream end of the chamber is connected to the inner casing or outer casing by elastically deformable bridges.

An annular combustion chamber of a turbomachine comprises, at its upstream end a rigid, annular chamber-bottom wall and comprises at its downstream end flanges for attachment to inner and outer casings. An annular upstream fairing is attached to the chamber bottom and makes it possible to direct the airflow coming into or around the combustion chamber. The chamber bottom wall and the fairing comprise openings for the entry of air into the chamber, and for the insertion of fuel injectors. The inner and outer attachment flanges, at the downstream end of the chamber, have holes in them in order to allow the passage of the air traveling around the combustion chamber and therefore have a certain flexibility.
Such a combustion chamber has a certain number of disadvantages because of its method of attachment.
Specifically, its single downstream attachment leads to a mounting of the chamber in an overhanging manner. The vibrations generated during the operation of the turbomachine cause the upstream portion of the chamber to vibrate which leads to a misalignment between the injectors and the chamber and does not allow the production of an ideal combustion of the injected fuel. These vibrations also contribute to limiting the service life of the chamber.
It would therefore be worthwhile for the attachment flanges to be sufficiently rigid to limit the vibrations of the chamber. However, during the operation of the turbomachine, the pressure variations between the inter-casing enclosure and the outside of this enclosure and the temperature variations induce relative movements of the inner and outer casings and of the chamber walls, which requires making the downstream flanges flexible.
In certain configurations, in which the characteristics of the materials of the casings and of the chamber walls are very different, or else when the geometry of the flanges is complex, the flanges require a flexibility that is incompatible with their mechanical and aerodynamic design, necessary to comply with the vibration limits of the chamber.

Turbomachine with annular combustion chamber


An embodiment of a method for adaptive multi-antenna selection, executed by an AP (access point), which contains at least the following steps. After a data transmission request or a data receipt request is received from a client station, it is determined whether the client station is the first time connected client station within a predetermined time interval. If the client station is the first time connected client station, a first antenna combination is selected to transmit/receive data with the client station using a first antenna selection procedure. If the client station is not the first time connected client station, a second antenna combination is selected to transmit/receive data with the client station using a second antenna selection procedure.

Technical Field
The present invention relates to the antenna selection, and in particular to methods for adaptive multi-antenna selection.
Description of the Related Art
In radio field, MIMO (Multiple-Input and Multiple-Output) is an architecture of using multiple antennas at both transmitters and receivers to improve communication performance. It increases significant data throughput and link range without additional bandwidth or increasing transmission power. A typical WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) AP (Access Point) requires providing services to several subscriber stations in the signal coverage. Because the subscriber stations may be located at different positions, the WLAN AP can be equipped with more antennas than radio transceivers and select proper antenna combinations for each subscriber station to transmit and receive data. Therefore, it is desirable to have methods for selecting proper antenna combinations for particular subscriber stations.

Methods for adaptive multi-antenna selection


A series of solar panels are assembled into an array for use as a source of solar power for a satellite. The panels are designed with diminishing thickness from the yoke to the tip to obtain a constant stress distribution.

A solar array for a satellite is generally constructed of a series of flat panels which are structurally connected to each other by hinges and to the satellite by a yoke which incorporates a deployment mechanism. The hinged connection allows the panels to be folded in a secure and compact position for launching of the satellite. Once the satellite obtains orbit, the panels are unfolded to deploy the solar array. Each panel supports hundreds of individual cells bonded to a face of the panel to receive light from the sun and convert it to power to drive the satellite systems.
The design of each panel is complex in that it must provide structural integrity to the array, while providing other functions such as electric insulation, thermal conductivity and heat dissipation for the individual cells. When the array is deployed, significant moments are generated with each motion of the satellite. Such motions will occur often, as the attitude and orbit of the satellite is adjusted during normal station keeping functions. The stresses experienced by the panels, therefore are considerable and varied as the array flexes over its extended span. In particular, in solar arrays which are deployed after separation from the rocket, but before final orbit is achieved, a design limiting bending stress occurs when the main thruster is fired at apogee to optimize the orbit.
Each array has a harmonic motion depending on it dimensions, density and components which must be damped to prevent damage to the array. In addition, one of the key design criteria for all components of a satellite is weight and this necessarily plays an important role in the construction of the panels.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,614,033, which issued to Robinson et al, describes a honeycomb panel which provides a combination of structural integrity and a core that is an effective heat sink. U.S. Pat. No. 5,520,747 shows an array structure which utilizes reflective panels to increase the efficiency of the solar cells and provide structure to the panel in deployment.
Honeycomb sandwich structures, consisting of flat high strength outer surface layers and a cellular honeycomb core, have proved effective building elements for solar array panels. A specific honeycomb structure is described in the '033 patent cited above.
It is the purpose of this invention to provide a weight reduction of as much as twenty percent while distributing the stresses more evenly over the solar panel array.


The invention is a method and device for sealing leaks remotely by means of injecting a previously prepared aerosol into the enclosure being sealed according to a particular sealing efficiency defined by the product of a penetration efficiency and a particle deposition efficiency. By using different limits in the relationship between penetration efficiency and flowrate, the same method according the invention can be used for coating the inside of an enclosure. Specifically the invention is a method and device for preparing, transporting, and depositing a solid phase aerosol to the interior surface of the enclosure relating particle size, particle carrier flow rate, and pressure differential, so that particles deposited there can bridge and substantially seal each leak, with out providing a substantial coating at inside surfaces of the enclosure other than the leak. The particle size and flow parameters can be adjusted to coat the interior of the enclosure (duct) without substantial plugging of the leaks depending on how the particle size and flowrate relationships are chosen.

There is a substantial need for methods of remote sealing and coating. Research has shown that the energy savings potential of sealing duct leaks is on the order of 20% of the furnace or air conditioner energy use (Modera, M. P. (1993 Energy and Buildings, 20:65-75). During the past five years, research has quantified the impacts of residential duct system leakage on HVAC energy consumption and peak electricity demand. A typical California house with ducts located in the attic or crawlspace wastes approximately 20% of heating and cooling energy through leaks and draws approximately 0.5 kW more electricity during peak cooling periods. Besides, given that 25% to 75% of the leaks are not accessible, conventional technologies such as using duct tape or mastic are often not satisfactory. Existing remote sealing technologies have been examined (e.g. introducing a rolling mechanical cart, or unfolding a cylinder in the duct network). Although the application of these techniques might be of interest for some pipe networks (the cart was patented and used for gas pipes and the unfolding cylinder is used to seal large underground pipes), the complexity of a residential duct system does not allow straightforward application of these technologies.
Encapsulants for duct systems have been previously disclosed and some of those have been applied by introducing a fog into the duct system.
Shinno teaches sealing and coating a pipe through the application of a mist to the interior surface of the pipe [U.S. Pat. No. 4,327,132 Method for Lining of Inner Surface of a Pipe (Apr. 27, 1982)]. This patent discusses the use of a multiple component epoxy based mist which is applied with a rapid air stream and then dried in place with the same rapid air stream. It also discusses the withdrawal and revival of residual paint exhausted from the pipe outlet. The Shinno patent calls for multiple gas flows, one to atomize the liquid to be applied and another to blow the mist down the pipe. Shinno also calls for mixture velocities of between 30 meters/second and 100 meters/second.
Koga teaches a method and apparatus for generating a plastic mist for deposition upon the interior surface of a pipe [U.S. Pat. No. 4,454,173 Method for Lining Pipes in a Pipeline (Jun. 12, 1984) and U.S. Pat. No. 4,454,174 Method for Lining Pipes of a Pipeline (Jun. 12, 1984)]. These patents confine themselves to the delivery of a plastic mist to the interior pipe surface. The Koga patents describe the use of a compressor and a vacuum generator to carry the mist through the pipeline. Additionally, these patents teach the use of low air pressure at one stage and high air pressure at another. In the Koga patent a heater is used to maintain the plastic in a liquid form.
Hyodo et al. teaches a method for sealing pipes which comprises feeding an aerosol type sealant into a pipe in the form of a foam [U.S. Pat. No. 4,768,561 Process for Sealing Pipes (Sep. 6, 1988)]. The sealant disclosed is one containing an aqueous resin selected from the group consisting of emulsions and latexes as a main component and being added with a propellant such as Freon 12/Freon 114.

Method for sealing remote leaks in an enclosure using an aerosol

The Regents of The University of California


A sheet feed roller prolonging sustainability of sheet feeding capability even if crushed powders are scattered. The sheet feed roller comprises a hub and an elastic layer provided on an outer peripheral surface of the hub, wherein plural grooves axially extend at specific intervals circumferentially on an outer peripheral surface of the elastic layer, a textured surface comprising mountain portions and a valley portion is formed on an outer peripheral surface of the elastic layer except for the grooves, and on bottom surfaces and wall surfaces of the grooves, a ratio of a total area of the bottom surfaces of the grooves to a total area of the outer peripheral surface of the elastic layer except for the grooves is 10% to 20%.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a sheet feed roller, such as a feed roller or a transport roller, for transporting paper in a copying machine, a printer or a facsimile machine.
2. Description of the Art
A sheet feed roller used in a copying machine or the like is generally required to maintain a friction coefficient for a long time. However, paper powders caused by papers accumulate on a surface of the sheet feed roller in repeated sheet feeding, so that a friction coefficient decreases, resulting in the problem that sheet feed capability deteriorates.
Therefore, there have been conventionally proposed sheet feed rollers, which incorporate paper powders into grooves formed axially at specific intervals circumferentially on an outer peripheral surface thereof, or recesses of a textured surface thereof (see, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 11-106067 and Japanese Patent No. 3744337).
In the meantime, there is a method of follow printing (overprinting) on a color-printed paper, as a printing method. In this case, crushed powders are scattered on a paper surface prior to the follow printing, so as to prevent adherence of overlapping paper sheets to each other. However, when the follow printing is conducted in a state that crushed powders are scattered, the crushed powders adhere to the sheet feed roller, sheet feeding capability deteriorates earlier than usual printing even if the sheet feed rollers (having grooves or a textured surface on an outer peripheral surface thereof) disclosed in the above two publications. For this reason, an exchange cycle of the sheet feed roller is shortened, so that maintenance cost increases.
In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present invention to provide a sheet feed roller prolonging sustainability of sheet feeding capability even if crushed powders are scattered, and a method of manufacturing the same.

Sheet feed roller and method of manufacturing the same


When a new paper sheet is supplied onto a compiling tray, a sub-paddle holds down paper sheets having already been stacked on the compiling tray until a leading edge of the new paper sheet S touches the stacked paper sheets. Thereafter, the sub-paddle gets apart from the sheets stacked on the compiling tray with timing, with which the rear edge of the new paper sheet falls on the compiling tray.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to a sheet processing apparatus for processing paper (sheets) discharged from an image forming apparatus, such as a printer and a copier, and, more particularly to a sheet processing apparatus having a mechanism for setting paper (sheets).
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, a sheet processing apparatus for receiving recorded paper (sheets) discharged from an image forming apparatus, such as a printer and a copier, and for applying predetermined post-processing to the recorded sheets has become widely used. This is because of the fact that an image forming apparatus, which assures high productivity by being provided with means for stapling, punching (or circularly boring), and folding paper, has come into common use, with promotion of the conversion of the image forming apparatus to an online apparatus and with enhancement of the record productivity of the image forming apparatus.
Among such sheet processing apparatuses, there has been a sheet processing apparatus in which, for example, stapling is performed by a stapling unit after recorded paper sheets are received and stacked on a stapling tray (that is, a compiling tray) and a sheet bundle includes a predetermined number of sheets is produced. Hitherto, there have been techniques of providing a predetermined regulating member on a stapling tray in such a sheet processing apparatus in such a way as to extend in a direction of thickness of a sheet so as to enhance ability to stack sheets on the stapling tray, as disclosed in JP-A-11-130338. Further, there have been techniques, which are applied to such a processing apparatus, for performing outward three-folding processing (that is, z-folding) on recorded paper sheets and for aligning the paper sheets by stacking the z-folded sheets on a stapling tray, that is, a compiling tray as disclosed in JP-B-7-49350.
Meanwhile, Z-folded paper has been subjected to folding, and thus has become pliant. Consequently, there has been a fear that when a new paper sheet (that is, a z-folded sheet) is discharged onto paper sheets that have already been aligned on a compiling tray, this new paper sheet may strongly hit the topmost one of the sheets aligned on the compiling tray and disturb the alignment of the sheets. Incidentally, this technical problem may occur not only in the case that Z-folded sheets are discharged to the compiling tray, but in the case that, for example, pliant cardboards are discharged to the compiling tray.
Incidentally, JP-A-11-130338 discloses techniques for providing a regulating/pressing member adapted to guide rear edges of paper sheets, and for moving this regulating/pressing member in the direction of thickness of a paper bundle according to the number of paper sheets stacked on the stapling tray. This official gazette describes that even when the number of paper sheets changes, rounded paper sheets can favorably be aligned. However, it is difficult to enhance ability to accommodate the paper sheets, which are heated and pressured and extended by, for instance, a fixing portion, simply by moving the regulating/pressing member in the direction of thickness of paper sheets to thereby change the thickness of the paper sheets. To enhance the quality of alignment of paper sheets on a tray, such as a stapling tray, for stacking discharged paper sheets (that is, output paper sheets on each of which an image is formed), it is preferable that an appropriate conveyance force is stably provided to the paper sheets. JP-A-11-130338 does not describe this problem.
Further, paper sheets to be stacked are not limited to plain paper used in design. For example, z-folded paper sheets and extremely thick paper sheets described in, for instance, JP-B-7-49350 may be used as the paper sheets to be stacked. In the case of the techniques disclosed in JP-A-11-130338, the regulating/pressing member is moved according to the number of paper sheets. However, when folded paper sheets or thick paper sheets are supplied, the thickness of a sheet bundle is thicker than a total thickness of sheets of the number, which are to be counted. Thus, the situation of the stacked paper sheets largely changes according to the kind of paper sheet to be stacked. Consequently, even when the regulating/pressing member is moved in the direction of thickness of a sheet bundle, sufficient functions cannot be obtained. Especially, in the case of a z-folded paper sheet, swells frequently occur at folded parts thereof. Failures of alignment are liable to occur.
According to the techniques disclosed in JP-A-11-130338, only the regulating/pressing member is simply moved. For instance, sometimes, drive members adapted to provide a predetermined conveyance force for alignment are caused to perform up-and-down motions. In such a case, when stacked paper sheets are not sufficiently controlled, the conveyance force largely deviates from a design value thereof. Thus, serious damage may be caused to paper sheets.
Further, Z-folded paper described in JP-B-7-49350 has been subjected to folding, and thus has become pliant. Consequently, there has been a fear that when a new paper sheet (that is, a z-folded sheet) is discharged onto paper sheets that have already been aligned on a compiling tray, this new paper sheet strongly hits the topmost one of the sheets aligned on the compiling tray and disturbs the alignment of the sheets. To obtain good ability to align paper sheets that are extremely thick, it is required to provide an appropriate conveyance force onto the thick paper sheets and to perform a putting-aside operation on the paper sheets with favorable conveyance timing.
In recent years, there have been demands for high-speed sheet processing. Thus, when a sheet processing apparatus is connected to an image forming apparatus that outputs paper sheets, on each of which an image is formed, at high speed, it is necessary to significantly reduce time required for alignment of paper sheets. To meet such necessity, it is demanded that high-speed alignment of page sheets is realized, and that even when such high-speed alignment is achieved, various kinds of paper sheets are orderly stacked.

Sheet processing apparatus and sheet bundle alignment method


A three-dimensional constructional element 10 is shown having opposing and substantially planar panels 30, 40 mounted on opposing surfaces of a flexible planar member in the form of a flexible mesh material layer 52 therefore making a composite sheet of three layers. Panel 30 includes transverse grooves 12, 14 formed therein and panel 40 includes transverse grooves 16, 18 formed therein. The structure is deformable about each groove 12, 14, 16, 18. In a preferred embodiment the panels 30, 40 are divided into many segments defined by the transverse grooves to allow the constructional element to be deformed so that one of the exterior surfaces of panel 30 is concave while the opposing exterior surface of panel 40 is convex. Also disclosed herein is a method of forming a curved surface structure including the steps of deforming the constructional element 10 into a desired position and securing the element 10 into that position by introducing a grouting material 74, 94 thereonto so that the grouting material can enter the grooves 12, 14, 16, 18 to rigidly affix the element 10.

Most building materials are manufactured in flat, straight or extruded pieces. The components of buildings are mostly constructed to be level with either a horizontal or vertical plane having flat surfaces with boxed, square or rectangular forms.
When a curved surface or finish is required in a structure it is achieved either by a complex and expensive method of bending the available traditionally straight materials or making the curved surface from many smaller components fixed at an angle to each other. To make a dome or a complex arched or vaulted surface in three dimensions, the process is even more complicated. The form is generally achieved by making a temporary form or mould into which material such as concrete is poured to create the structure. This is extremely labour intensive, complex and prohibitive from an economic viewpoint. This is generally why curved surfaces are rare in constructed buildings.
Furthermore, building materials such as thin sheets can generally be curved or bent into a cylinder shape, that is, along one axis such as the x axis. The same sheet could also be independently bent along the y axis but bending over both the x and y axis at the same time to form a portion of a sphere or a dome is normally not possible. Unless specially treated with heat and pressure in a mould, materials such as plasterboard, sheet aluminium, sheet steel, plastic or particleboard or the like cannot be deformed simultaneously in two or even three planes.
Currently the bending of these materials is problematic and often requires a solid permanent framework to hold the desired curves in shape. The framework is also complex and is often made up of segments of straight material.


A radio signal selective-calling receiver includes a detector which detects a difference in frequency between a first base clock signal of the radio signal selective-calling receiver and a second base clock signal of a base station, based on third signals transmitted from the base station. The base station is in communication with the radio signal selective-calling receiver through a communication line. The radio signal selective-calling receiver also includes a compensator which compensates for the first base clock signal with respect to a frequency in accordance with the detected difference, and transmits a base clock signal having been compensated for, and a signal transmitter which transmits a synchronization clock signal on the basis of the base clock signal having been compensated for by the compensator. The radio signal selective-calling receiver detects a difference in frequency between the first and second base clock signals, and thus, accomplish synchronization in the unit of bit so that even if the accuracy of the second base clock signal is significantly degraded, the radio signal selective-calling receiver can prevent a calling signal from being skipped.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a radio signal selective-calling receiver, and more particularly to a radio signal selective-calling receiver which is capable of detecting a difference in frequency between a base clock signal of a base station and a base clock signal of the radio signal selective-calling receiver itself in paging system, and establishing synchronization.
2. Description of the Related Art
A signal processing system for a radio signal selective-calling receiver is grouped into NTT style and POCSAG (Post Office Code Standardization Advisory Group) style.
NTT style is a perfect synchronization system in which signals are always transmitted, whereas POCSAG style is a preamble synchronization system in which signals are transmitted only when necessary. In addition, NTT style puts emphasis on enhancement of a rate at which signals are intermittently received, whereas POCSAG style puts emphasis on shortening delayed time in calling.
A lot of radio signal selective-calling receivers have been suggested so far.
For instance, Japanese Patent Publication No. 64-3413 has suggested a radio signal selective-calling receiver which stores a plurality of calling numbers through a small-sized circuitry. The suggested radio signal selective-calling receiver includes a programmable read only memory (PROM) and a decoder equipped within PROM. The radio signal selective-calling receiver attempts to reduce the number of wirings connecting PROM to the decoder, by reading out in series what is stored in PROM.
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2-218231 has suggested a radio signal selective-calling receiver which compensates for an oscillation frequency of a local oscillator with respect to temperature. The suggested radio signal selective-calling receiver includes a device having a capacity variable in accordance with an output of a stabilized power source, in a local oscillation circuit to thereby compensate for the local oscillation circuit with respect to temperature.
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2-504096 has suggested a data communication device resulted from improvement of a pager. The suggested data communication device is designed to include a random access memory storing broadcast messages therein and amending operation of a selected pager through broadcasting, to thereby provide flexibility to pager""s operation such as storage of data and retrieval of data.
Japanese Patent Publication No. 6-56976 has suggested a radio signal selective-calling receiver detecting signals in intermittent signal-receiving operation by counting the number of turning point signals inside and outside window signals which are in synchronization with synchronization clock signals.
The suggested radio signal selective-calling receiver is capable of stopping intermittent signal-receiving operation by subsequent signals, even though a specific pre-signal is not received, by detecting the counted number of turning point signals in the form of a signal.
A base clock signal of a base station in conventional paging system including the above-mentioned prior systems has an accuracy of xc2x1100 ppm or smaller in accordance with the standard. However, some base stations in paging system now actually in use employs a base clock signal having an accuracy in the range of 400 to 500 ppm, which is remarkably out of the standard.
If a radio signal selective-calling receiver is situated in an area covered by a base station which transmits a base clock signal with less accuracy, a call is sometimes skipped in the radio signal selective-calling receiver when calls are received, because of a difference in bit.
Hereinbelow is explained how a preamble signal is recognized in POCSAG code.
A preamble signal illustrated in FIG. 1(A) is a signal having been transmitted from a base station and demodulated by a radio signal selective-calling receiver in the case that there is no deviation in a base clock signal of a base station.
A signal illustrated in FIG. 1(B) is a synchronization clock signal for introducing data into a radio signal selective-calling receiver, and is generated based on a base clock signal transmitted from a base station. A leading edge of the synchronization clock signal is overlapped turning points of the demodulated signals illustrated in FIG. 1(A) to thereby establish synchronization in the unit of bit, and data is judged at a trailing edge of the synchronization clock signal.
Data is judged at the trailing edges of the synchronization clock signal illustrated in FIG. 1(B), namely at T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5. In the demodulated signal illustrated in FIG. 1(A), assuming that a lower level is represented with zero (0) and a high level is represented with one (1), data has a value of zero at the time T1, for instance. Hence, the demodulated signal is recognized to have values 0, 1, 0, 1 and 0 at T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5, respectively.
FIG. 1(C) illustrates a preamble signal being demodulated, which signal is obtained when a base clock signal of a base station is negatively deviated in paging system. In the demodulated signal illustrated in FIG. 1(C), assuming that a lower level is represented with zero (0) and a high level is represented with one (1), the demodulated signal has a value of zero at the time T1, for instance. Hence, if data is judged at the trailing edges of the base clock signal illustrated in FIG. 1(B), data is recognized to have values 0, 1, 0, 1 and 1 at T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5, respectively. Thus, the demodulated signal illustrated in FIG. 1(C) is not properly recognized as a preamble signal.
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 10-150682 has suggested an apparatus for making communication between a base station and a mobile station and for compensating for a local oscillation frequency of the mobile station. The apparatus is comprised of a transmitter for transmitting a calling signal from the base station to the mobile station which calling signal is comprised of a frame synchronization signal and a data signal, a receiver for receiving the calling signal at the mobile station, and a compensator for compensating for a local oscillation frequency of the mobile station in accordance with a frequency of the frame synchronization signal having been received at the receiver.
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 10-145255 has suggested a radio signal selective-calling receiver including a capacitor having a capacity variable in accordance with a voltage applied thereto, a voltage source which applies a voltage across the capacitor, and a controller controlling a voltage generated by the voltage source.
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 10-56664 has suggested a radio signal calling receiver including first means for detecting deviation in synchronization by comparing synchronization signals transmitted from a base station, to each other while a synchronization detecting window is open, and for maintaining synchronization in accordance with the detected deviation, and second means for varying a period in which the synchronization detecting window is open, in accordance with a cycle at which radio signals are to be received which cycle is assigned to a pager.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a radio signal selective-calling receiver which is capable of detecting a difference in frequency between a base clock signal transmitted from a base station and a base clock signal of the radio signal selective-calling receiver itself, and accomplishing synchronization in the unit of bit.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide a method of receiving radio signals in a radio signal selective-calling receiver which method is capable of doing the same as mentioned above.
In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a radio signal selective-calling receiver including (a) a detector which detects a difference in frequency between a first base clock signal of the radio signal selective-calling receiver and a second base clock signal of a base station, based on third signals transmitted from the base station which is in communication with the radio signal selective-calling receiver through communication line, (b) a compensator which compensates for the first base clock signal with respect to a frequency in accordance with the detected difference, and transmits a base clock signal having been compensated for, and (c) a signal transmitter which transmits a synchronization clock signal on the basis of the base clock signal having been compensated for by the compensator.
For instance, the third signals are transmitted from the base station to establish synchronization in the unit of bit in preamble synchronization system.
It is preferable that the compensator compensates for the first base clock signal with respect to a frequency, based on a dc voltage produced in accordance with the detected difference.
It is preferable that the synchronization clock signal has the same transmission rate as a transmission rate of the third signals having been demodulated.
It is preferable that the detector is comprised of (a1) an edge detector transmitting edge signals which define leading and trailing edges of the third signals having been demodulated, (a2) a divider dividing a frequency of the first base clock signal and transmitting the thus divided base clock signal, and (a3) a phase-comparator transmitting a phase-difference signal indicative of the detected difference, based on a phase of the edge signals and a phase of the divided base clock signals.
It is preferable that the compensator is comprised of (b1) an integrator converting a phase-difference signal indicative of the detected difference, into a dc voltage, and (b2) a base clock oscillator compensating for the first base clock signal with respect to a frequency in accordance with the thus produced dc voltage.
In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of receiving a radio signal in a radio signal selective-calling receiver, including the steps of (a) detecting a difference in frequency between a first base clock signal of the radio signal selective-calling receiver and a second base clock signal of a base station, based on third signals transmitted from the base station which is in communication with the radio signal selective-calling receiver through communication line, (b) compensating for the first base clock signal with respect to a frequency in accordance with the detected difference, and transmitting a base clock signal having been compensated for, and (c) transmitting a synchronization clock signal on the basis of the compensated frequency of the base clock signal.
It is preferable that the method further includes the step of producing a dc voltage in accordance with the detected difference, and wherein the first base clock signal is compensated for with respect to a frequency, based on the dc voltage.
For instance, the step (a) may be comprised of (a1) transmitting edge signals which define leading and trailing edges of the third signals having been demodulated, (a2) dividing a frequency of the first base clock signal and transmitting the thus divided base clock signal, and (a3) transmitting a phase-difference signal indicative of the detected difference, based on a phase of the edge signals and a phase of the divided base clock signals.
For instance, the step (b) may be comprised of (b1) converting a phase-difference signal indicative of the detected difference, into a dc voltage, and (b2) compensating for the first base clock signal with respect to a frequency in accordance with the thus produced dc voltage.
In still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data communication system including a base station and at least one radio signal selective-calling receiver such as one mentioned above, the base station transmitting third signals to establish synchronization in the unit of bit in preamble synchronization system, and being in communication with the radio signal selective-calling receiver through communication line.
In accordance with the present invention, it is possible to prevent a calling signal from being skipped, even if accuracy of a base clock signal transmitted from a base station is significantly degraded.
The above and other objects and advantageous features of the present invention will be made apparent from the following description made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the drawings.

Radio signal selective-calling receiver and method of receiving radio signals


Compositions and methods for the personalized and targeted therapeutic treatment of diseases and disorders, including the treatment of pain, inflammation, and infectious diseases in a subject. In particular, labeled synthetic cannabinoid therapeutic compositions are provided that include a conjugate of a synthetic cannabinoid compound, a chelator, and a label, that when coupled with imaging may be used to determine in real time optimal dosing and targeting of particular pathways and tissues to provide personalized therapies. Combination therapies are also provided that include one or more synthetic cannabinoid compound and at least one active pharmaceutical ingredient.

Cannabinoids represent a wide range of natural and synthetic compounds whose full-range of therapeutic effects are only beginning to be elucidated. Over 140 different cannabinoids have been isolated from cannabis, each exhibiting various effects. The development of synthetic cannabinoids offers additional therapeutics options for investigation. While there are two known subtypes of cannabinoid receptors, termed CB1 and CB2, there is evidence that additional cannabinoid receptors, e.g., non-CB1 and non-CB2 receptors, may also be present in animals. Further, cannabinoids have also been observed to bind to the G protein-coupled receptor GPR55 in the brain. CB1 receptors are found primarily in the brain, particularly in the basal ganglia and in the limbic system including the hippocampus and the striatum. CB2 receptors are predominantly found in the immune system and the peripheral nervous system. As a result of the differential expression of CB1 and CB2 receptors, and because cannabinoid agonists and antagonists have various binding affinities and selectivities for CB1 and CB2, cannabinoids produce an array of potential therapeutic effects that may be investigated for the treatment of disorders and diseases. There is a need for cannabinoid combination therapy compositions and methods that provide one or more advantages in the treatment of a disease or disorder. Additionally, targeted therapies are needed that target particular pathways and or tissues affected by a disease or disorder.
The diagnosis and treatment of many infectious diseases continues to be poorly understood. In particular, since the COVID-19 outbreak was declared a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organization (WHO) on Jan. 30, 2020, the progression of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) virus has reminded us of the critical role of an effective host immune response as well as the devastating effect of immune dysregulation. Accordingly, there is a critical need for an efficient approach for both the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases, such as COVID-19. However, inconsistencies in the diagnosis and stage identification of infectious diseases and their progression persist making identification of appropriate and efficient treatment protocols challenging. In particular, the diagnosis and prognosis of Cytokine Storm and Cytokine Release Syndrome associated with infectious disease progression has proved difficult. Cytokine Storm and Cytokine Release Syndrome are life-threatening systemic inflammatory syndromes involving elevated levels of circulating cytokines and immune-cell hyperactivation that can be triggered by various therapies, pathogens, autoimmune conditions, and monogenic disorders. Furthermore, effective approaches to tailored or targeted treatment of infectious diseases has also been challenging, including attempts at developing vaccines. Accordingly, there is a need for improved approaches for the treatment of infectious diseases as well was as other diseases and disorders. In particular, there is a need for personalized therapies that are responsive to the genetic, epigenetic, or allelic variations in patients or subjects receiving the therapy. There is also a need for therapies that target particular biological pathways and tissues as well as the monitoring of the targeted delivery of therapeutics in real time in order to provide personalized dosage optimization and treatment decisions.

Synthetic cannabinoid combination therapy compositions and methods for personalized and targeted therapies including the treatment of infectious diseases


The process includes acquiring, from a relay device that relays a packet between a first communication device and a second communication device, a plurality of first delay times generated by a round trip of the packet between the first communication device and the relay device, and a plurality of second delay times generated by a round trip of the packet between the second communication device and the relay device, sorting separately the plurality of first delay times and the plurality of second delay times based on a length of a delay time, and calculating device delay times based on a first delay calculation that calculates a difference between each of the plurality of first delay times and each of the plurality of second delay times in a same rank after the sorting.

A firewall (FW) device is used as a security measure of a communication network. The firewall device is installed at a packet relay point and performs a packet monitoring, so as to detect and prevent a data leakage from an internal network caused by a virus infection, an attack by a transmission of a virus file from an external network, or the like.
As a technology related to the packet monitoring, for example, a technology has been proposed which identifies an information processing system to which a packet has been transmitted, and monitors a delay in processing of the packet, based on packet information and identification information provided from a probe. Further, a technology has been proposed which estimates a location of a cause of deterioration in quality of communication between devices, by calculating a characteristic value related to the communication between devices, and determining the normality of the characteristic value.
Related technologies are disclosed in, for example, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication Nos. 2015-076780 and 2014-179938.

Packet analysis device and packet analysis method


A game comprising a mechanical or electronic based game board having a continental world map thereon, plurality of different colored passport cards (one for each player), plurality of different colored game pieces, plurality of question cards, plurality of cultural situation based cards, die with six sides, answer cards denoted with an “A,” “B” or “C,” passport stamps, scoring chart and scoring pads. Each question card has a question and answer on one side and the corresponding answer and question, respectively, on the opposite side. The answer cards comprise a plurality of cards having either an “A,” “B” or “C”. The cultural situation based cards have a hypothetical cultural situation and response, and instructions to the player based on how the hypothetical person responded to the cultural situation. The game board includes a map showing all the continents and two or more intersecting closed-loop paths with question, culture or airport spaces. Each player answers the question drawn when a player lands on a question space or follows the instructions on a drawn culture card when a player lands on a culture space. The passport card is used to collect passport stamps when the player correctly answers a question or is instructed to collect a stamp. The first player to collect all the required stamps or to obtain the highest cultural intelligence score at the end of the game is the winner.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention generally relates to a game, and more particularly, to a culture based game that educates its players on geography and the various cultures around the world generally employing question cards with culture and, or geography oriented questions and answers, cards with hypothetical cultural situations and directions, color coded map of the world, passports and passport stamps.
2. Description of Related Art
Educational games, such as those marketed under the trademarks, Scrabble, Trivial Pursuit and Risk, are known in the art. The prior art also comprises games that employ question and answer cards that require players to guess how another player would respond to a question, such as the one marketed under the name Scruples. However, no games are known that teach about various world cultures and geographies, as contemplated by the instant invention. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 5,257,939, issued to Robinson, et al., discloses a cultural knowledge board game having a plurality of playing cards and playing tokens. Each playing space is assigned to a participant and has disposed thereon a plurality of distinct educational categories. Each playing card has a plurality of topics corresponding to an educational category. The playing tokens are assigned to each participant and are equal in number to the number of educational categories on each playing space. The game, however, fails to adequately focus on various world cultures and customs, does not evoke player participation on virtually every turn, does not give clues in advance and does not comprise a game system incorporating passports to simulate the feel of travel.
Other patents known in the prior art are as follows. U.S. Pat. No. 3,883,142, issued to Spohn, provides a board game apparatus for simulating a tour comprising a playing surface having a plurality of spaces representing places and clusters of places, for example, places of interest to sightseers that are connected by differently colored or shaded lines representing avenues of travel and other lines representing transportation systems. The game includes sets of cards to represent the indicated places, and dice of different colors corresponding to the lines to indicate the mode and extent of movement of game pieces permissible along the avenues of travel. Barricades are also included for interrupting travel between places when placed on the playing surface by a player instructed to do so.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,052,072, issued to Beal, discloses an educational world map game adapted to be played on a pachisi-like game playing board bearing the world continental areas with countries marked off and lines of playing spaces traversed by playing pieces that are counted off according to the number on the roll of the dice and directed by drawn cards or playing pieces corresponding to continental areas.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,095,800, issued to Konsolas, discloses a map board game apparatus having a map including a plurality of selected countries, each distinguishable from the others by the color thereof. A path is superimposed on the game board map and includes a plurality of stopping points in each country corresponding to the capital city of the country. A selector is included for effecting movement of the game members along the path and includes a base and a pointer rotatably mounted thereon wherein the base has an inter-radial band divided into the plurality of selectable segments, each having indicia thereon for instructing the movement of a game member a number of points along the path, and an outer radial band concentric with the inner band having indicia thereon associated with different countries for instructing the movement of game members to a stopping point in the country associated therewith.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,784,394, issued to Sumin, discloses a tourist game apparatus designed to guide and educate players about geography, transportation, history, entertainment and amusement interests in combination with shopping, restaurants and hotels. The game apparatus includes a board comprising of at least one map bearing the geographical indicia characterizing the area. A plurality of playing cards includes information about these geographical locations which are connected on the map by separate travel itineraries. Each player plays the game by receiving an individual itinerary and performing a trip according to existing means of transportation and distances within the area.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,928,967, issued to Woodliff, discloses a map board game featuring an actual map of the world with an outer border in colors corresponding to the colors of specific regions. Players move from region to region around the world by traveling around the outer border or by choosing a transportation card which allows for movement into certain regions. Players can purchase businesses and accumulate world market currency in the different regions by answering questions correctly specific to that region. The winner is the player who owns all the businesses of the world or who acquires most world market currency.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,961,582, issued to Van Lysel, discloses a geographical travel game including a playing board with a large map of Western Europe bordered by 13 blocks that run along the bottom and left hand sides of the playing board. The playing map is divided into 16 European countries and 49 European cities. Players start from the bordering box and play proceeds into any city the player chooses. Once in the city, the player draws a corresponding city card, players move between cities and use money for fees, rewards, and penalties.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,013,048, issued to Turner, discloses a game that simulates world travel, including a board having two zones marked thereon, a plurality of cards and a number of playing pieces. Players score points by moving playing pieces on the first zone, using resources and opportunities represented by cards acquired by movement of a further playing piece in the second zone and an exercise of chance or skill. The game includes identification of the geographical location of a place of tourist significance or other tourist attractions depicted on the face of cards.
While the prior art reveals various games that incorporate geography, none of the above-noted references address an educational game for teaching about various cultures, customs and facts as contemplated by the instant invention. The references found fail to disclose an entertaining game that simultaneously teaches about world geography, cultures, customs and facts. Accordingly, it is our opinion that your invention is patentable over the references found in our search.

World geography and culture based game and method


An optical navigation system having an illuminator housing and a sensor housing that are movably connected at a connection point with a connection mechanism, which may include a pivot. The illuminator housing and the sensor housing may be rotated about the connection point relative to each other so that the optical navigation system may be configured with a desired operating Z-height. The optical navigation system may also include a locking mechanism to lock the illuminator housing and the sensor housing in a predetermined fixed position after the desired operating Z-height has been selected.

Non-mechanical tracking devices, such as computer mice, are rapidly growing in popularity worldwide. Many of these non-mechanical tracking devices utilize optical navigation technology that measures the changes in position of the non-mechanical tracking devices by optically acquiring sequential surface images and mathematically determining the direction and magnitude of the movement.
As an example, in a non-mechanical tracking device such as an optical mouse, optical navigation technology involves capturing an image and then analyzing and tracking the motion of microscopic texture or other features on a surface under the optical mouse. In general, these types of optical mice depend on tracking surface detail and require work surfaces that are microscopically textured. When such surface textures are illuminated by a light source such as a light emitting diode ("LED"), a pattern of highlights and shadows is revealed. Optical mice then "watch" these surface details move by imaging them onto navigation integrated circuits ("navigation ICs").
As an example, in FIG. 1, a block diagram 100 of an example of a known implementation of an optical navigation device 102 above a navigation surface 104 is shown. The optical navigation device 102 may be a non-mechanical tracking device such as an optical mouse. Generally, optical navigation technology involves capturing an image on the navigation surface 104 and then analyzing and tracking the motion of microscopic texture or other features on the navigation surface 104 under the optical navigation device 102.
In an example of operation, these surface textures are illuminated by a light source such as an LED in an emitter module 106 that may emit emitted optical radiation 108 at the navigation surface 104, and a pattern of highlights and shadows is revealed at a point of illumination 110 on the navigation surface 104. The optical navigation device 102 then "watches" the surface details of the navigation surface 104 move by receiving reflected optical radiation 112 from the navigation surface 104 details at the point of illumination 110 at a detector module 114 in the optical navigation device 102. The detector module 114 may be part of a navigation integrated circuit ("IC") 116 located within the optical navigation device 102. The navigation IC 116 may also include a navigation engine 118 where the navigation engine 118 is a device capable of receiving imaging information from the detector module 114 and, in response, determining the position of the optical navigation device 102.
Unfortunately, although widely used as computer input devices, optical navigation devices such as the non-mechanical device 100 have not been widely used in many other applications. This is due primarily to the fixed operating Z-height of these devices, as well as the large form factor, i.e., footprint, of these devices. FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional side view of a typical optical mouse sensor 200, with an optical sensor 202 attached to lens 206, sometimes with a clip (not shown). In an example of operation, a light emitting diode ("LED") illuminator source (not shown) emits light that is reflected from the navigation surface 204. In this particular device, the Z-height 208, which is the distance from the lens reference plane to the navigation surface 204, may typically be 2.4 millimeters ("mm"), ±0.1 mm, and is fixed at that dimension. A typical mouse device may also have, for example, a form factor of approximately 10.0 mm×12.5 mm.
Because optical navigation devices with an adjustable operating Z-height and a smaller form factor would find usage in many more additional applications, there is a need for such an optical navigation system having a non-fixed or adjustable Z-height and a smaller form factor.

Optical navigation system with adjustable operating Z-height

Avago Technologies ECBU IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.


A develop processing apparatus is provided for processing an object with a developing solution, comprising a retaining member for rotatably retaining the object, a developing solution supply nozzle for supplying the developing solution to the object, a developing solution sucking nozzle for sucking the developing solution supplied to the object, a developing solution supply nozzle moving mechanism for moving the developing solution supply nozzle above the object, a developing solution sucking nozzle moving mechanism for moving the developing solution sucking nozzle above the object. After the developing solution is supplied to the object subsequent to moving the developing solution supply nozzle, the developing solution sucking nozzle is moved and the developing solution on the object is sucked.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a processing apparatus and processing method which supply a processing liquid to an object, such as an LCD substrate, and process the object with the processing liquid.
2. Description of the Related Art
In the manufacturing process of a liquid crystal display (LCD), in general, in order to form, for example, an indium-tin-oxide (ITO) thin film or an electrode pattern on an LCD substrate (glass substrate), a lithography method similar to that for the manufacture of a semiconductor device has been employed whereby a series of processing steps including transferring a circuit pattern, etc., in reduced form on a photoresist and subjecting it to developing process, is carried out.
For example, a rectangular LCD substrate (an object to be processed), after being washed by a washing device, is subjected by an adhesion processing device to hydrophobic treatment and it is cooled by a cooling device. Thereafter, a photoresist film is coated on the resultant LCD substrate by means of a resist coating device. At a heat treating device, a baking step is effected to heat the photoresist film and, after the substrate is exposed with light of a predetermined pattern with the use of an exposing device, the exposed LCD substrate is developed with a developing solution by a developing device, followed by the washing of the developed substrate with a rinse. By doing so, a developing process is completed.
In the process as set out above, a developing solution is applied to the surface of an object such as an LCD substrate by means of a spin coating, a spraying or other methods. As one of such processing methods, a paddle type developing system is known according to which a developing solution is jetted by a developing solution supply nozzle having a linear array of nozzle holes, so as to cover the whole surface of the LCD substrate to allow the developing solution to be deposited under a surface tension on a photoresist film on the surface of the LCD substrate so that, upon standing for a predetermined time period, developing is performed on those exposed or unexposed areas of the resist.
In this type of conventional developing system, for example, an LCD substrate of a relatively large area is scanned, with a nozzle, across its whole width and, while this is so done, a developing solution is coated on the LCD substrate, thus tending to use more developing solution than a practically necessary amount. Such a developing solution, after a lapse of a predetermined time, is washed away with a rinse, thus consuming more developing solution and incurring more costs.
In order to solve the problem above it is conceived that the developing solution can be separated from a mixed solution of a used developing solution and rinse. Since, however, not only the developing solution and rinse but also fine dust, etc., on the LCD substrate and associated device enters into a resulting solution, a complex and expensive recycle processing apparatus is required for a developing solution to be recycled from the mixed solution.

Processing apparatus and processing method


A process for producing a polyoxyalkylene derivative substituted with succinimidyl group which comprises reacting a polyoxyalkylene compound having carboxyl group at ends with N-hydroxysuccinimide in an inert solvent in the presence of dicyclohexylcarbodiimide; dissolving an obtained reaction product into chloroform, an amount by weight of chloroform being 0.5 to 10 times as much as an amount by weight of the polyoxyalkylene compound having carboxyl group at ends; and crystallizing the polyoxyalkylene derivative substituted with succinimidyl group by adding an aliphatic hydrocarbon having 5 to 8 carbon atoms to a resultant solution, an amount by weight of the aliphatic hydrocarbon being 2 to 10 times as much as an amount by weight of chloroform. Materials can be handled with safety, and a highly pure polyoxyalkylene derivative substituted with succinimidyl group which does not cause turbidity in an aqueous solution and has an excellent quality as a material for drugs can be produced.

In recent years, many attempts have been made for stabilizing drugs by chemical modification of physiologically active proteins and enzymes. Among these attempts, chemical modification with a polyoxyalkylene derivative has long been made, and polyoxyalkylene derivatives having carboxyl group at the end of the molecule are known as typical examples of such a polyoxyalkylene derivative.
It is already disclosed that polyoxyalkylene compounds having carboxyl group at the end can generally be transformed into an activated polyoxyalkylene derivative substituted with succinimidyl group by the reaction with N-hydroxysuccinimide in the presence of dicyclohexylcarbodiimide to increase the reactivity with substances for the modification such as physiologically active proteins (the specifications of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Showa 62(1987)-185029, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Showa 63(1988)-60938, and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Heisei 4(1992)-164098).
Heretofore, for preparation of a polyoxyalkylene derivative substituted with succinimidyl group, a polyoxyalkylene compound having carboxyl group at the end is brought into reaction with N-hydroxysuccinimide in an inert solvent such as dimethylformamide in the presence of dicyclohexylcarbodiimide. After the reaction has been completed, formed dicyclohexylurea is removed by filtration, and the filtrate is added into ethyl ether or petroleum ether dropwise to precipitate the polyoxyalkylene derivative substituted with succinimidyl group as the product (for example, the specification of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Showa 62(1987)-89630, and A. Abuchowski et al., Cancer Biochem. Biophys. Volume 7, Pages 175 to 186, published in 1984).
In recent years, it has been required that polyoxyalkylene derivatives used for chemical modification of physiologically active proteins or drug delivery systems using liposome be produced in a controlled environment such as a clean room. In the production of polyoxyalkylene derivatives substituted with succinimidyl group, using a large amount of an ether in the crystallization process is not preferable in view of handling because ethyl ether and petroleum ether which have heretofore been used are volatile and there is the possibility of inflammation. When the precipitation is conducted by using petroleum ether, complete removal of dicyclohexylurea formed from dicyclohexylcarbodiimide during the reaction is sometimes difficult. When dicyclohexylurea is left remaining in the polyoxyalkylene derivative substituted with succinimidyl group, an aqueous solution of the derivative becomes turbid, and using such a derivative as a raw material for drugs is not desirable.

Process for producing a polyoxyalkylene derivatives substituted with succinimidyl group


A system and method for remediation of contaminated soil removed from a soil site is provided. The contaminated soil is placed upon several layers of perforated heating pipes forming a remediation cell, and the entire cell is covered by a galvanized Quonset Hut-shaped steel building to prevent the escape of vapors from the soil cell. Heating air introduced into perforated heating pipes heat conductively heats the contaminated soil creating a differential pressure area around the heated pipes. This results in the migration of volatilized contaminants and moisture through the perforations in the pipe walls and into the lower pressure area within the heated steel pipes, forcing the contaminants from the soil and into an off-gas treatment system.

The invention relates to methods and systems for remediating contaminated soil, and more particularly to a methods and systems for volatilizing contaminants in the soil and effectively and efficiently removing same therefrom.
Systems for conducting fluid through a soil stack are known. U.S. Pat. No. 4,139,321 describes a rock channel heat storage method involving conduit connections provided within a rock-filled channel. The conduits are used to conduct fluid through the rock pile to either absorb or disperse thermal energy. Soviet Patent 837,997 describes a method for the thermal treatment of embankment soil. A main hold 3 receives heated combusted gas and directs same into spiral holes 5 which are vented through valves 8. U.S. Pat. No. 4,036,285 describes an arrangement to control heat flow between a member and its environment including conduit members which conduct heat transfer fluid underground. Other patents which show devices for conducting fluid through a soil stack include U.S. Pat. Nos. 123,384; 2,332,227; 2,332,227; 3,105,134; 3,564,862; 3,935,900; 5,449,113; Soviet Union 600,262; Soviet Union 996,662; Fed. Rep. Germany 2,706,740
Systems for removing contaminants from the ground are also known. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,982,788 removes contaminants from the ground by circulating air between two substantially parallel wells and by removing the vapors of the organic compounds from the circulated air using at least one of a condenser and a demister. U.S. Pat. No. 5,011,329 relates to in situ decontamination by injecting a hot gas into boreholes formed in a contaminated soil area. A method is also provided in U.S. Pat. No. 5,018,576 for in situ decontamination of contaminated subsurface areas by injection of steam into injection wells and withdrawing of liquids and vapors from the wells under sub-atmospheric pressure.
Systems have also known for removing contaminants from soil piles or soil stacks. U.S. Pat. No. 4,973,811 relates generally to in situ decontamination of soil using radio frequency induction heating. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,035,537, soil, porous rock, and similar contaminated materials are gathered, dispersed uniformly on a horizontal surface, and treated with an emulsifying agent.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,067,852 relates to a method and apparatus for removing volatile contaminants from contaminated soil which has been stacked onto a first vapor-tight liner. A first set of air distribution pipes disposed within the soil stack each of which has an opened end, a closed end, and a plurality of perforations located in the body of the pipes. An air stream is introduced into the open end of the distribution pipes and exits the distribution pipes through the perforations and into the contaminated soil stack. The air flows from the distribution pipes, through the contaminated soil, and volatilizes contaminants within the contaminated soil. The air flow from the distribution pipes employees a gravel filter medium to prevent the perforations in the distribution pipes from clogging. The volatized vapor created as a result of the induced air flow is carried by the air flow through the soil, and is exhausted from the soil. The volatilized vapors exiting the soil stack are disposed of through an external vapor treatment system. A second vapor-tight liner is placed over the soil stack to creating an impervious enclosure between the respective first and second liners, which are typically formed of a polyethylene film. In order to avoid melting of the first and/or second liners, the temperature of the soil stack would have to be maintained below the melting temperature of the respective liners.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,213,445 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,340,236 are directed to a similar process to US '852 except that they provide a recirculating system which destroys the contaminant phase and returns heated decontaminated air to the air distributions pipes. The air heating unit, which is located outside of the soil stack, heats the air to temperature of between 275 and 300 degrees F.
The above-described methods and systems, which are incorporated herein by reference, have a number of drawbacks. They are closed loop systems which recirculates a substantial portion of the heated air after the contaminants are burned or removed. Recirculation of air through heaters reduces oxygen in the air stream thereby reducing the effective level of volatilization. These systems of US '852, US '445 and US '236 make use of a vacuum to encourage contaminants to achieve vapor phase which has proven to be an ineffective approach for affecting remediation. As previously stated, the temperature of the volatizing air must be maintained below the melting temperature of the sealing member in order maintain its structural integrity. The above prior art systems are designed to move the vaporized contaminants through the soil stack into the space thereabove surrounded by the flexible sealing member. Therefore, the soil cannot be packed down to maintain the structural integrity of the soil stack without adversely effecting the efficiency of the remediation process.

Methods and systems for remediating contaminated soil


A security system for a vestibule and, more specifically, a security vestibule is equipped with monitoring devices to monitor the presence of an intruder. The monitoring devices transmit signals to warning devices, such as a speaker which broadcasts an audible message as well as a siren and a flashing light which produce audible and visual signals, respectively, to attract attention exteriorly of the vestibule. The monitoring devices further transmit signals to deterrent devices which disturb or offend the perpetrator. The devices are of the type which disperse foul scents, dispense dyes to mark the perpetrator, disperse water at varying temperatures, and discharge electrical shock.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a security system for a vestibule and, more specifically, to a security vestibule fitted with deterrents which may provide variable environmental conditions to discourage entry therethrough.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Crime is a sad reality in the world. No matter where one lives, whether in a large urban area or a rural locale, an unlocked door or an open window is an invitation that, far too often, will be accepted. Oftentimes, merely the absence of the inhabitant is enough to encourage a criminal or group of criminals to enter and pilfer or vandalize the premises. Locks are often not enough as they can be picked or merely broken through. The overworked and strained police forces cannot, through no fault of their own, prevent all crimes from occurring. A device which could monitor activity proximate the exterior of a structure and fend off aggressors could assist in protecting the interior of the structure as well as the contents therein.
U.S. Pat. No. 1,923,979 issued Aug. 22, 1933 to Charles E. Howett discloses a liquid projecting device for projecting an irritant gas or liquid into the face of a perpetrator. The device is constructed such that it may be concealed in an ordinary bundle of paper currency without drawing attention. The device is operated by applying pressure to the bundle.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,072,941 issued Mar. 9, 1937 to Alfred E. Burch, Jr. et al. describes a theft prevention system which produces an irritant gas. A fusible electrical element is actuated by a foot operated switch to release the irritant gas. The gas may be projected from a nozzle in a predetermined direction or may be scattered from a bomb.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,821,027 issued Apr. 11, 1989 to John Mallory et al. describes a voice interactive security system for monitoring and detecting security breaches in a home. The system comprises a central monitor and a plurality of remote sensors. A microprocessor system actuates a speech synthesizer to produce predetermined messages in response to input from a keyboard and in accordance with a programmable scheme based on recorded electronic messages from a transmitter.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,835,520 issued May 30, 1989 to Thomas Aiello discloses a message generating apparatus for discouraging access to a compartment during designated time intervals and, more particularly, to a refrigerator alarm which generates voice-like audible messages whenever the refrigerator door is opened within a designated alarm time interval. The opening of the refrigerator door can be detected from either a motion detector or a door switch.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,841,752 issued Jun. 27, 1989 to Richard N. Fletcher describes a theft deterrent apparatus comprising a plurality of nozzles positioned within an elongated deflecting shield. The nozzles may be manually and selectively activated by a foot pedal or a secondary switch. The nozzles may dispense disabling chemical fluid upon activation of a control valve by the foot pedal and secondary switch. Optionally, the nozzles may be oriented overhead.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,867,076 issued Sep. 19, 1989 to Louis J. Marcone discloses a theft deterrent system for dispensing a liquid chemical scent in a spray form on a target perpetrator. The liquid chemical scent is discharged from a pressurized discharge container. The discharge is controlled by a solenoid valve which is actuated manually or selectively.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,928,429 issued May 29, 1990 to Attilio Colombo discloses a security vestibule for controlling access. Two walls of the vestibule have substantially circular arcuate bases, different diameters, and respective angular breadths whose sum is at least 360 degrees, being mounted on respective concentric circular tracks and forming vestibule doors.
None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed.


A method of multi-site testing a batch of semiconductor units using a multi-site automated tester (100). The tester (300) includes a handler (320) coupled to a contactor (330) including a first plurality of contact sites. The method includes the step of loading the first plurality of units into the first plurality of contact sites (201). The first plurality of units are simultaneously tested (202) using a test program to determine bin information for each of the first plurality of units, wherein the bin information defines each of the first plurality units as being a passed unit or a reject unit. The passed units are offloaded from respective contact sites of the first plurality of contact sites to create vacant contact sites (203), while keeping the reject unit(s) at respective contact sites of the first plurality of contact sites. Untested units from the batch are then loaded to fill the vacant contact sites (204). Simultaneously, the reject units retested and untested units are tested using the test program (205).

Being able to test more than one device at a time on a given tester is a simple and effective means of lowering test time and improving throughput, provided the hardware and software allow it. There are generally two different methods for testing multiple devices simultaneously on a tester.
The first method is referred to as dual-site testing. In this method, the hardware is split evenly into an X quadrant and a Y quadrant, and each quadrant is controlled by either the primary or a secondary controller. Dual site testing is basically just two test programs running simultaneously on the same TESTER, each having its own controller and hardware. Since there is only one high speed clock on the TESTER, special attention must generally be paid when using clocks to allow the two test programs to synchronize.
The other method of simultaneous testing is referred to as multi-site testing. In this method, the test hardware is split up by the test software. This means that more than two devices can be tested if the hardware allows. The software generally allows up to 32 devices to be tested in the multi-site mode, although, for most devices, hardware limitations limit the number of devices to generally 8 devices. Multi-site testing is generally preferred over dual-site for a number of reasons. After a multi-site test program is written, it can easily be modified to test a different number of devices if needed, while dual-site testing is limited to only two devices. Also, because dual-site testing utilizes two separate controllers, it does not allow for as accurate control and timing of the test program, compared to a test program controlled by a single controller.
Currently, the automatic testing (AT) procedures for handling a given lot (or batch) of semiconductor units are yield-dependent. Many varying factors contribute to low-yield, and hence, a re-screen of failed units is usually performed. Retesting of reject units is known for re-binning a percentage of reject units into good units. A conventional "manual" retest method (generally referred to as the "Manual rescreen") comprises retesting all rejected units after all units in the lot have completed the test. Operators generally retrieve units binned as rejects, and manually reload these units into the handler for retesting. The manual rescreen method generally results in wasted time waiting for:    a) trailing units in the lot to be unloaded/sorted;    b) the handler to determine a clean empty state;    c) the operator to close the current segment (requires counting and handling of units);    d) the operator to initialize a new segment for the re-screen (requires counting and handling of units in addition to other paperwork/actions);    e) the operator to manually load the units into the input of the handler;    f) the handler to initialize its modules coming from a stop state, and    g) the handler to load the units into the contact site(s) to be tested.
Although generally effective for re-binning a percentage of reject units into good units, potentially productive test time is wasted by the required operator handling time, as well as time for the handler to index the units for retest.
Another known retest method for multi-site testers comprises the "auto-reprobe" method which results from the capability to re-insert the failing units. Auto-reprobe is performed by issuing a retract and contact of the contact site plunger mechanism. Primarily designed to improve miscontact and reduce overkill, auto-reprobe is generally an improvement as compared to the manual rescreen method. However, auto-reprobe is known to work well for only for devices with long test times and lower parallelism on the load boards. The inherent problem with the auto-reprobe method is that it reduces multi-site efficiency (MSE) while trying to improve miscontact. Specifically, good units are replunged with the bad devices. When devices run comparatively short test times and high parallelism, the adverse affect on MSE becomes more severe. As a result, for devices with short test times (e.g. <5 secs) and higher multi-site solutions (e.g. ≧8), auto-reprobe may result in no test efficiency improvement over the manual rescreen method.
Variants of known retest methods include auto-reprobe only during a rescreen segment. This variant does not generally eliminate the losses described above. This variant merely reduces the possibility of a 2nd manual re-screen.

Automatic selective retest for multi-site testers


A composite refractory material composition comprises a boron carbide matrix and minor constituents of yttrium-boron-oxygen-carbon phases uniformly distributed throughout the boron carbide matrix.

There has been a continual need for sintering nonoxide ceramics efficiently, particularly those that are suitable for high-hardness and high-temperature applications, such as are required for drill and tool bits and for ceramic armor. Boron carbide is an excellent lightweight material for ceramic armor and high-wear applications. However, the material does not sinter well, requiring temperatures over 2200.degree. C. for densification with or without hot-pressing. Microwave sintering has been attempted with boron carbide with requirements still of temperatures about 2100.degree. C. for densification. This development has shown that densification can result below 2000.degree. C. with a new material that should be useful in all the typical areas of boron carbide usage.


Computer-implemented methods, non-transitory, computer-readable media, and computer-implemented systems for data storage. One computer-implemented method includes: obtaining a data block from a previous blockchain-type ledger in multi-level blockchain-type ledgers, where in the multi-level blockchain-type ledgers comprise a bottom-layer blockchain-type ledger and at least one higher-layer blockchain-type ledger; determining a block height of the data block and a root hash of a Merkel tree constructed by data records in the data block; constructing updated data records comprising the root hash and the block height; and recording the updated data records in a data block in a current blockchain-type ledger in the multi-level blockchain-type ledgers a level higher than the previous blockchain-type ledger.

In current blockchain-type ledgers, regardless of a decentralized blockchain ledger or a centralized blockchain-type ledger, generally, data is stored based on sub-ledgers. For record verifications, simplified payment verification (SPV) can be performed to verify existence of certain data records, or integrity verifications of data can be serially performed on an entire ledger.
To this end, a more effective data storage and verification solution is needed.

Data storage method, apparatus, and device for multi-layer blockchain-type ledger


A substantially purified glucose dehydrogenase is disclosed. The enzyme has activity at a temperature of from about 30.degree. C. to about 65.degree. C. at a pH of from about pH 6 to about pH 10 and has an optimum activity at a temperature from about 50.degree. C. to about 60.degree. C. at a pH of from about 8.5 to about 9.0. The enzyme is further characterized by retaining at least 90% residual activity after treatment at 50.degree. C. for 15 minutes, being NAD or NADP dependent, having a molecular weight of about 101,000 daltons as determined by gel filtration using TSK gel, having an isoelectric point of about 4.5 by ampholyte isoelectric focusing, and having a specificity for at least .beta.-D-glucose and 2-deoxyglucose. The preferred source of the enzyme is Pseudomonas sp. FH1227.

The present invention relates to a novel glucose dehydrogenase usable for glucose determination in clinical laboratory tests and to a method for producing same.
Promoted by the recent spread of clinical examinations, glucose dehydrogenases usable for glucose determination have been in great demand. In particular, development of a glucose dehydrogenase which is excellent in thermal stability is desired in the field of dry chemistry among the fields of clinical examinations.
Presently-available glucose dehydrogenases usable for clinical examinations are glucose dehydrogenase (EC188.8.131.52) derived from the genus Bacillus and glucose dehydrogenase (EC184.108.40.206) derived from the genus Cryptococcus. The former is an enzyme which catalyzes the reaction of .beta.-D-glucose+NAD(P).sup.+ .fwdarw.D-.delta.-gluconolactone+NAD(P)H+H.sup.+, and the latter is an enzyme which catalyzes the reaction of D-glucose+NADP.sup.+ .fwdarw.D-.delta.-gluconolactone+NADPH+H.sup.+. For use in clinical examinations, the glucose dehydrogenase (EC18.104.22.168) capable of using both NADP and NAD as a coenzyme is more preferable than the glucose dehydrogenase (EC126.96.36.199) capable of using NADP solely as a coenzyme.
Yet, every glucose dehydrogenase (EC220.127.116.11) presently available on the market is unstable to heat, and development of a glucose dehydrogenase superior in thermal stability as an enzyme for clinical examinations, particularly for dry chemistry, has been desired.
While the origin of the conventional glucose dehydrogenase (EC126.96.36.199) has been known to be various bacteria such as the genus Bacillus and animal livers (see Koso Handobukku, 9th ed., p. 19, Asakurashoten), an NAD(P)-dependent glucose dehydrogenase derived from the genus Pseudomonas has not been known. In addition, the known glucose dehydrogenase produced by the bacteria belonging to the genus Pseudomonas is an NAD(P) non-dependent glucose dehydrogenase (EC1.1.99.a) [Methods in Enzymology, vol. 9, 92-98 (1966), Agric. Biol. Chem., 44 (7), 1505-1512 (1980)] which is difficult to use in clinical fields.


A new and distinct variety of Mentha canadensis (‘Metolius’) is characterized by its unique oil chemistry and flavor profile resembling that of peppermint oil, and by its tolerance to Verticillium wilt (Verticillium dahliae) and mint rust (Puccinia menthae). DNA microsatellite marker analysis has shown that ‘Metolius’ is a distinct variety of M. canadensis.

The present invention is a new variety of the mint species Mentha canadensis (common name American cornmint/Japanese peppermint). The essential oil industry refers to some members of the Mentha canadensis species as "Mentha arvensis." This includes such popular varieties as 'Shivalik,' 'Kosi,' and 'Kalka.' Botanically, however, these plants are M. canadensis species, with Mentha arvensis being a different and significantly less commercial mint species commonly referred to as a cornmint. The botanical differences allow one to differentiate between the two species through the use of current botanical keys for the genus Mentha. The use of "Mentha arvensis" by the industry should be interpreted as a colloquial industry usage for an "oil type" and not one of botanical specificity as these plants are correctly botanically identified as M. canadensis. For further information on mint species, see Lawrence, B. ed., 2007. Mint: The Genus Mentha. CRC Press, Boca Raton, Fla.; see also Tucker, A.O. and T. Debaggio, 2000. The Big Book of Herbs. Interweave Press, Inc., Loveland, Colo.
The new mint plant of the present invention was developed in an effort to cultivate a mint variety having a peppermint type oil and flavor profile, and greater tolerance to Verticillium wilt (Verticillium dahliae) and mint rust (Puccinia menthae) compared to that of commercial peppermint (Mentha piperita). Furthermore, 'Metolius' produces a peppermint-type oil that varies minimally in oil profile based on plant maturity.
The inventors explored ways of creating genetically distinct mint plants through somatic hybridization of unpatented varieties of Mentha canadensis and Mentha piperita. In 2002 'Metolius' was created using this method. Specifically, the parental stock that was used to create 'Metolius' consisted of unpatented germplasms of Mentha×piperita and Mentha canadensis species. The features of 'Metolius' are compared to the parent Mentha canadensis.
Since 2002, the plant has been under continuous evaluation at the Applicants' facilities in Eugene, Oreg. and Sunnyside, Wash., as well as under small-scale commercial programs located in Idaho, Washington, and Eastern Oregon. Asexual propagation through stem and rhizome cuttings have been successfully carried out many times in Eugene, Oreg. and Sunnyside, Wash. The resulting propagules have remained stable in appearance, oil quality, and other characteristics to the original plant.


The invention discloses a high-voltage LDMOS integrated device, which is interdigitally structured in a plan view and which including: a first area corresponding to a source fingertip area, wherein a first sectional structure of the first area particularly includes: a first drain; and a first longitudinal voltage-withstanding buffer layer located below the first drain and consisted of a first deep N-well and a first low-voltage N-well, wherein the first low-voltage N-well is located in the first deep-N well, and the first deep-N well is located in a P-type substrate; and a second area non-overlapping with the first area, wherein a second sectional structure of the second area particularly includes: a second drain; and a second longitudinal voltage-withstanding buffer layer located below the second drain and consisted of a second deep N-well and a second low-voltage N-well.

A Lateral Double-diffusion Metal Oxide Semiconductor field effect transistor is abbreviated as a LDMOS.
A Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor is abbreviated as a CMOS.
A Bipolar Transistor is abbreviated as a Bipolar.
The Bipolar, the CMOS and the LDMOS all belong to semiconductor devices, and these three semiconductor devices can be fabricated in the same chip in a process, where an integrated circuit product in which the three semiconductor devices are integrated in a single chip is referred to as a BCD (Bipolar-CMOS-DMOS) chip. The LDMOS device is the most complicated in structure among these three devices integrated in the BCD chip.
The highest operating voltage of the BCD chip is equal to the highest operating voltage of the LDMOS integrated therein. As per the operating voltage of a BCD, the BCD with an operating voltage above 200 volts is typically referred to as a high-voltage BCD, in other words, one or more LDMOS devices at an operating voltage above 200 volts have to be integrated in the high-voltage BCD.
The device performance of a high-voltage LDMOS directly decides the performance of the entire high-voltage BCD chip, and the device structure and manufacturing method of the high-voltage LDMOS directly decides the process complexity of the entire high-voltage BCD chip.
An LDMOS is consisted of a body area, a source area, a drain area, a buffer layer, a gate oxide layer and a poly-silicon gate, where the source area, the drain area and the poly-silicon gate correspond respectively to three electrodes which are a source, a drain and a gate, and the buffer layer is configured to improve voltage robustness of the drain, and the highest rated operating voltage of the LDMOS becomes higher with a higher breakthrough voltage of the drain (the highest voltage withstood by the drain).
However the inventors of this application have identified during making of a technical solution in embodiments of the invention at least the following technical problems in the prior art:
In the prior art, as illustrated in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, a N-type epitaxial layer is typically used as a longitudinal voltage-withstanding buffer layer in the high-voltage LDMOS integrated device, and the N-type epitaxial layer area located right below the N+ drain area tends to be depleted and broken through upon a reverse bias, so the breakthrough voltage of the drain and consequently the operating voltage of the high-voltage LDMOS integrated device has to be improved by increasing the thickness of the N-type epitaxial layer, but the use of the epitaxial layer and an increase in thickness of the epitaxial layer for an improvement in operating voltage of the high-voltage LDMOS integrated device may complicate the process and increase the cost of the process.

Peking University Founder Group Co., LTD.

Founder Microelectronics International Co., LTD.


An adapter tube is arranged for mounting to a motorcycle tank to accommodate the elongate nozzle portion of a gasoline fill valve. The apparatus includes locking structure arranged to secure the gas tank adapter into the associated gas tank.

1. Field of the Invention
The field of invention relates to fuel tank apparatus, and more particularly pertains to a new and improved motorcycle fuel tank extension adapter wherein the same is arranged to permit accommodation of a fuel tank fuel nozzle of an associated gasoline tank.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The filling of a motorcycle gas tank is such that spillage upon the gas tank is an ever-present concern, and more importantly, a new generation of fuel fill nozzles of gasoline pumps require an associated bellows on the nozzle to be retracted rearwardly prior to the nozzle becoming operational as a portion of structure relative to new gasoline nozzle arrangements to minimize fuel vapors from entering and escaping the atmosphere surrounding a fuel filling procedure. In an attempt to address deficiencies of the prior art, the instant invention provides for a readily mounted adapter structure securable to an associated motorcycle gas tank. The prior art employs various inserts relative to a fuel tank and such is set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 3,730,216 to Arnett, et al. wherein an insert is mounted fixedly within a fuel tank to permit filling the tank with a proper fuel by accommodating a limited diameter nozzle therewithin.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,951,315 to Glodek sets forth a fuel pump nozzle having an anti-dribble device effecting closure of the nozzle subsequent to a filling procedure.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,695,480 to Castiglia sets forth a motorcycle gas tank closure device.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,802,516 to Dahlen sets forth a nozzle locking gas cap to be directed into a fuel fill nozzle to accommodate a variety of nozzle structures, as well as controlling rate of fuel filling from the nozzle structure.
Accordingly, it may be appreciated that there continues to be a need for a new and improved motorcycle fuel tank extension adapter as set forth by the instant invention which addresses both the problems of ease of use as well as effectiveness in construction and in this respect, the present invention substantially fulfills this need.