The present invention provides a human histone-like protein (HLP) and polynucleotides which identify and encode HLP. In addition, the invention provides expression vectors and host cells, agonists, antibodies, and antagonists. The invention also provides methods for producing HTP and for treating disorders associated with the expression of HLP.

Chromatin is a DNA-protein complex essential for eukaryotic cell differentiation and function. Its structure is maintained and regulated by a family of basic proteins, named histones. Histones are small proteins with molecular masses ranging from 11 kDa to 22 kDa. They are remarkably conserved in sequence and structure across species indicating their critical role in gene evolution. Five types of histones, termed H1, H2A, H2B, H3, and H4, exist in a variety of forms due to post-translational modifications of certain side chains. A striking common feature of histones is their high content of positively charged side chains, about one in four residues is either lysine or arginine. When a histone-DNA complex forms, the positive charges of the histone side chains neutralize the negative charges of chromosomal DNA. Specifically, H2A, H2B, H3, and H4 interact with repeats of 200 base pairs of chromosomal DNA to form nucleosomes. Then, H1 interacts with H2A to group the nucleosomes into second order structure. Higher-order structure of chromosomes involves the interaction of histones and chromosomal DNA with a series of nonhistone proteins.
H2B is an 125 or 126-residue heparin-binding histone. Sequence analysis shows homology of the amino-terminus of H2B with a heparin-binding lectin of human placenta and a heparin-binding peptide from a rat (hypercalcemic) Leydig cell tumor (Kohnke-Godt, B. et al. (1991) Biochemistry 30: 55-65; Rabbani, S. A. et al. (1992) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1171: 229-230). Heparin is a negatively charged polysaccaride important in regulating various physiological processes. Heparin acts as an anticoagulant factor in hemagglutination, binds to growth factors such as pleiotrophin and midkine to regulate cell growth and differentiation, and functions as a component of proteoglycans, particularly in connective tissues and extracellular matrices.
The discovery of proteins related to a novel histone-like protein and polynucleotides which encode them satisfies a need in the art by providing new compositions useful in diagnosing, preventing, and treating disorders associated with cell proliferation.


A method for capturing viewer attention concerning a product depicted in a color motion video display is provided wherein one or a chosen sequential plurality of image frames rendering the motion video on a display during a defined time period, includes highlighted portions of the video frame depicting products or services to attract the gaze and attention of the user wherein a provided user interface may be employed to request information about or order the product depicted in the highlighted portion of the display of the video.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention herein disclosed relates generally to the field of display advertising and sales of products displayed. More particularly it relates to a system whereby a video, movie, commercial, or other remotely viewable entertainment or advertising video of moving video, functions as an advertisement in a manner adapted to catch the user's attention for a product or service in the displayed video, by a highlighting thereof of a particular product depicted in the display, to the attention of the viewing user.
2. Prior Art

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Method and apparatus for interfacing buyers with products depicted in a video


A drive circuit for a sensored brushless DC motor, which has a rotably mounted rotor hub, comprises four legs. Each leg has a MOSFET and a diode configured to form four individual nodes. A first primary stator winding is coupled between the first and second nodes, while a second primary stator winding is coupled between the third and fourth nodes. A Hall sensor and an associated interface circuit which detects positions of magnets associated with the motor. As a result of the detected position, the drive circuit turns the MOSFETs on and off in a specified manner so as to rotate the rotor hub without the need for a snubber circuit.

Sensored brushless DC motors are used to operate any number of devices ranging from consumer devices, such as drive systems for computer hard drives and CD/DVD players to industrial machinery such as drills and conveyer systems. In particular, sensored brushless DC motors may be coupled with a fan assembly in order to provide cooling airflow to sensitive electronic components utilized by computers or other temperature sensitive equipment.
Many applications require that motorized systems perform within certain performance limits or specifications. For example, cooling fans used in military applications must be configured so that its motor provides high reliability, has low electromagnetic interference (EMI) emissions, is able to operate at a high ambient temperature, while being able to withstand contaminated environments. While many sensored brushless DC motors are suitable for such applications, they have stringent performance specifications. Indeed, it is required that the drive circuits used to control, or otherwise operate the motor, utilize costly snubber circuits.
A snubber circuit is designed to prevent a rapid rise in voltage across the stator windings of the brushless DC motor, as current through the windings is being switched during operation of the motor. One example of a snubber circuit is a capacitor that is placed in parallel across the terminals of the switching element used to operate the motor. Due to its nature, the snubber capacitor is required to be periodically discharged of any stored energy it has collected, thus consuming the energy stored in the winding inductance.
Therefore, there is a need for a drive circuit for a sensored brushless DC motor that eliminates the need for a snubber circuit. Furthermore, there is a need for a drive circuit for a sensored brushless DC motor that reduces the voltage stress on each switch of the drive circuit. In addition, there is a need for a drive circuit for a sensored brushless DC motor that provides a path for electrical current to flow and dissipate from the primary windings until the current decays to a nominal value. Furthermore, there is a need for a drive circuit for a sensored brushless DC motor that reduces the voltage stress on each control switch to that of the voltage of the DC power supply used to operate the motor. Additionally, there is a need for a drive circuit for a sensored brushless DC motor that has reduced electromagnetic interference (EMI) emissions.

Drive circuit for a sensored brushless DC motor


An anti-wedging, controlled deployment broadhead with an over-center of gravity blade geometry for bow-hunting that has the ability to penetrate bone and soft tissue deeply before deploying its blades while conserving the highest possible amount of kinetic energy in flight and at target. The inventive device includes the one-piece body, specially aligned and faceted cutting tip, blades, O-ring, and set screws. The blades have independent pivots that also act as travel limiters, are arch shaped with very sharp leading edges and a J-shaped lever. The center of gravity of each of the blades is oriented so as to insure retaining each blade in its respective retracted position during acceleration and assisting in deployment thereof during deceleration. The device with its special body and blade geometry now allows for more energy and blade area to be delivered to the vital organs of game to facilitate a faster and more humane harvest.

It can be appreciated that bowhunting arrow tips have been in use for years. Typically, bowhunting arrow tips are comprised of broadheads like the Vortex 100-125, Rocky Mountain Snyper, Sonoran 100-125, NAP Spiffire 100-125, Rockets Steelheads 100-125, Wasps Jackhammer 100-125, Game Tracker Silvertip 100, and Ironheads Expandables.
The main problem with conventional bowhunting arrow tips are the amount of penetration before blade deployment is insufficient to allow these broadheads to penetrate below-the-surface hard objects (such as hunted animal's ribs and shoulder blades) and then deploy the cutting blades. This results in very poor penetration, a high probability for deflection, a high probability for catapulting and needlessly wounding game that cannot be recovered by the hunter. Another problem with conventional bowhunting arrow tips are the high level of deflection due to the design opens on contact and/or exposed blade actuation. Unless the shot is perpendicular to the target, this open, or cut-on-contact design flaw allows the broadhead's tip and/or blades to divert or steer the arrow off its course, wasting the kinetic energy that should be used for penetration. Another problem with conventional bowhunting arrow tips are in all other broadhead designs to date, very high levels of wedge exist when the blades are actuated to deploy. This occurs because whatever hole or cavity the tip created on impact is now too small for the rest of the body and/or blades to pass through without wedging. Even with perfect conditions and shot placement, the design flaws consume considerable amounts of the arrow's kinetic energy as frictional heat before some or any penetration occurs. This results in inhumane kills or permanent wounding of game that cannot be recovered by the hunter.
While these devices may be suitable for the particular purpose to which they address, they are not as suitable for providing a bow-hunting broadhead that has the ability to penetrate bone and soft tissue deeply and without wedging in the hole created by the tip, before deploying its cutting blades in a controlled manner while conserving the highest possible amount of kinetic energy. The main problem with conventional bowhunting arrow tips is the amount of penetration before blade deployment is insufficient to allow these broadheads to penetrate below-the-surface hard objects (such as hunted animal ribs and shoulder blades) and then deploy the cutting blades. This results in very poor penetration, a high probability for deflection, a high probability for catapulting and needless wounding game that cannot be recovered by the hunter. Another problem is the high level of deflection due to the design opens on contact and/or exposed blade actuation. Unless the shot is perpendicular to the target, this open, or cut-on-contact design flaw allows the broadhead's tip and/or blades to divert or steer the arrow off its course, wasting the kinetic energy that should be used for penetration. Also, another problem is in all other broadhead designs to date, very high levels of wedge exist when the blades are actuated to deploy. This occurs because whatever hole or cavity the tip created on impact is now too small for the rest of the body and/or blades to pass through without wedging. Even with perfect conditions and shot placement, the design flaws consume considerable amounts of the arrows kinetic energy as frictional heat before some or any penetration occurs. This results in inhumane kills or permanent wounding of game that cannot be recovered by the hunter.
In these respects, the mechanical anti-wedging and controlled deployment broadhead according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing, provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of providing a bow-hunting broadhead that has the ability to penetrate bone and soft tissue deeply and without wedging in the hole created by the tip, before deploying its cutting blades in a controlled manner while conserving the highest possible amount of kinetic energy.

Mechanical anti-wedging and controlled deployment broadhead


A semiconductor package includes a semiconductor die, an antenna embedded in insulating material contacting a first main side of the semiconductor die and electrically connected to a first pad of the semiconductor die and a coupling structure embedded in the insulating material, electrically connected to a second pad of the semiconductor die and spaced from the antenna. The coupling structure is configured to sense energy radiated from the antenna or a feedline connected to the antenna. The semiconductor die includes a transmitter circuit operable to drive a signal onto the antenna through the feedline. The semiconductor die also includes a transmit path verification circuit operable to indicate if the antenna is electrically connected to the first pad of the semiconductor die based on a signal from the coupling structure that corresponds to the energy sensed by the coupling structure.

Millimeter wave communication and radar systems are often based on expensive PCBs (printed circuit boards) which have suitable dielectric properties. The antenna elements are designed on those PCBs. The overall system, including the antenna, is typically tested by the end customer. Some low-cost, short-range communication and ranging systems integrate the antenna either on chip or embedded in the semiconductor package. In this case, no expensive RF PCBs are needed. However, semiconductor packages with integrated antennas face new challenges in that the internal antenna connections must be verified and also whether there is an electromagnetic field present.

Testing of semiconductor packages with integrated antennas


A compact catheter assembly and methods of making such a catheter are disclosed. The catheter assembly incudes a receiver and a catheter sub-assembly. The catheter sub-assembly includes a gripping member and a catheter tube carried by the gripping member.

Catheters are used to treat many different types of medical conditions and typically include an elongated catheter tube that is inserted into and through a passageway or lumen of the body. Urinary catheters and, in particular, intermittent urinary catheters are commonly used by individuals who suffer from certain abnormalities of the urinary system, such as urinary incontinence. With the advent of intermittent urinary catheters, individuals with problems associated with the urinary system can conveniently self-catheterize to drain the individual's bladder. Individuals who suffer from urinary incontinence will self-catheterize several times a day.
Self-catheterization involves removing the catheter assembly from its package and inserting and advancing the catheter tube through the urethra. Users of intermittent catheters are often required to self-catherize outside the privacy of the home, such as in public restrooms. Thus, for these and other reasons, it is desirable that intermittent catheters are provided in discrete packaging that is easy to open, compact and portable, and easy to dispose.

Compact urinary catheters and methods for making the same


An image forming apparatus has a low body and an upper body connected to the lower body rotatable about a pivot. The upper body carries an image forming device. The lower body carries a copy paper storage unit and a paper feeding device for feeding a copy paper sheet from the paper storage unit to the image forming device. The paper feeding device is provided with a paper inverting device between the paper storage unit and the image bearing device for inverting the copy paper sheet fed from the paper storage unit. The paper feeding device is exposed to the operator when the upper body is opened.

This invention relates to an image forming apparatus provided with a clamshell-type mechanism for opening a main body on one side.
There have been known image forming apparatus, such as facsimile machines, copying machines, and printers, having a main body including an upper body and a lower body. The upper and lower bodies are connected at a pivot shaft on one side to open the main body on the other side. Such structure is intended to reduce the size of apparatus, and provide convenience in removing jammed copy paper and easy access to internal elements for inspection and maintenance.
An apparatus provided with such an opening mechanism has a normal state when the upper body is engagedly mounted on the lower body. When consideration is given to structural strength and stability as well as to ease of maintenance and paper jam treatment, there arise certain limitations in the arrangement of individual mechanical members and internal modules. Due to these limitations, it is difficult to reduce the size, weight and cost of the apparatus.
With recent improvements in the quality of synthetic resins and advances in resin molding technology, it would be preferable to utilize molded resins for mechanical members. However, since the upper body of such apparatus is required to have a specified structural strength to support relatively heavy internal modules which may include image reading means and image forming means, for example, it is a common practice to mainly employ iron plates and other metal members.
In particular, if the apparatus is configured to accommodate removable image reading and forming means in the upper body for easy assembly and maintenance, the upper body will be subjected to complex stresses when the apparatus is opened and closed, or when the internal modules are removed and mounted. Since such stresses tend to cause structural deformation and misalignment, metal members are extensively used to achieve the desired positioning accuracy of the internal modules although this will result in an increase in the weight of the upper body. Furthermore, as the upper body becomes heavier, the lower body is required to have more weight in order to bring down the center of gravity of the whole apparatus for its overall balance and stability. This is why it has been difficult to reduce the weight of the apparatus.
Since the apparatus provided with such an opening mechanism has its normal state when the upper body is entirely mounted on the lower body, it is extremely important to properly control the descending position of the upper body in relation to the lower body. To meet this requirement, the conventional apparatus is provided with separate vertical and horizontal positioning members. The vertical positioning member sets a limit to the descending stroke of the upper body's swinging side to determine its closed position in the vertical direction while the horizontal positioning member restricts lateral displacement of the upper body in the closed position to prevent its horizontal displacement in relation to the lower body. The vertical and horizontal positioning members work together to set the relative position of the upper and lower bodies when they are closed.
It is to be noted that the provision of the separate vertical and horizontal positioning members results in an increase in the number of mechanical members, making the mechanical structure complex. If there occurs a mutual displacement between the upper and lower bodies, remedy is rather complicated because the vertical and horizontal positioning members must be adjusted individually.
To easily remove jammed copy paper, it is preferable to divide the apparatus into upper and lower bodies along a paper path. With this configuration, it would be possible to expose the paper path by opening the apparatus to remove jammed copy paper. One approach to achieve such structure in a compact design is to provide the apparatus with a paper feeding mechanism in an upper portion of the lower body, a copy paper cassette for storing a stack of copy paper sheets inside the lower body, and a paper inverting mechanism for quickly turning the feed direction of the copy paper sheet fed from the Copy paper cassette to the paper feeding mechanism upward.
As an example, the apparatus may be provided with a feed roller assembly for sequentially feeding sheets of copy paper from the copy paper cassette. The feed roller assembly comprises a rotating shaft carrying one or more pieces of friction rollers at intermediate portions. One end of the rotating shaft is connected to a drive mechanism. The rotating shaft is usually fitted into bearing holes in side members and retained by E-rings at both ends, for example, for restricting its longitudinal displacement, yet allowing the shaft to rotate.
On the other hand, the paper feeding mechanism usually comprises a pair of registration guide rollers, for example, one being a driving roller and the other being a driven roller, for conveying the copy paper fed from the copy paper cassette to a photosensitive drum. The registration rollers are mounted on side members at their respective positions. Consequently, an appropriate pressure is produced between the two registration rollers without causing longitudinal displacement as they rotate.
Although the above-mentioned feed roller assembly and registration guide rollers are arranged to provide an accurate feed of the copy paper sheet without displacement of individual rollers, their structural complexity impairs productivity and serviceability, requiring complicated procedures for assembly and replacement of individual components.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus which has overcome the above-mentioned problems.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus which is compact and light as well as having a sufficient strength, and simple in construction, and assure easy maintenance.

Image forming apparatus capable of opening a main body on one side


A secure card comprising biometric data of an individual for identifying or confirming authority of the individual. Prior to issuing the secure card a cardholder's biometric data is stored in the secure cards memory. When the secure card is used the cardholder inputs biometric data. This input biometric data is then compared to the biometric data stored in the card. If the input biometric data matches the stored biometric data the identity of the cardholder is confirmed. The secure card also comprises a transparent input area to separate the cardholder from an identity verification machine.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to identification cards and methods of secure cardholder identity confirmation. More specifically, the present invention discloses a secure card comprising stored biometric data that uniquely identifies the individual cardholder and a method for using the secure card.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Credit cards are widely used throughout the world to make purchasing products and service convenient. They allow a user to buy items without needing to carry currency.
However, credit card theft and fraud is rapidly becoming a major problem for credit card holders and the issuing financial institutions. If a credit card is stolen, the thief only needs to imitate the credit card holder's signature. This is fairly easy since the signature is prominently displayed on the rear side of the credit card. As a result thieves can easily use the card without the credit card holder's knowledge causing the holder to pay for items they didn't authorize. In some cases the financial institution that issued the card will take responsibility for the payment. However, both of these cases result in losses for either the card holder or the financial institution.
Refer to FIG. 1A, which is a drawing illustrating a front view of a conventional credit card of the prior art.
As shown in FIG. 1A, the front side of the conventional credit card 100 includes a logo 110 of the financial institution that issued the credit card 100. The card holder's name 120 and account number 130 are embossed in the lower part of the credit card 100.
Refer to FIG. 1B, which is a drawing illustrating a back view of a conventional credit card of the prior art.
The rear side of the conventional credit card 100 includes a magnetic strip 140 that contains account information that the financial institution stored in the magnetic strip 140 before giving the credit card 100 to the customer. Another vulnerability of the conventional credit card 100 is that it is possible for thieves to read or copy the data stored in the magnetic strip 140.
Also on the rear side of the conventional credit card 100 is a signature strip 150 where the card holder signs their signature 160. As mentioned above, the conventional credit card 100 provides a thief with an example of the credit card holder's signature 160. This allows the thief to practice imitating the signature until good enough to fool a cashier into accepting the card.
Refer to FIG. 1C, which is a drawing illustrating a conventional network for confirming a credit card of the prior art and to FIG. 1D, which is a flowchart illustrating a conventional method for using a credit card of the prior art.
The conventional method 180 and conventional system 170 for using a credit card include the customer giving the credit card to a cashier and the cashier swipes the credit card 181 through a card swipe machine 171. The card swipe machine 171 reads the account data stored in the magnetic strip on the credit card. The account data is then sent to a central server 173 having an account database 182 over a telephone line 172. The central server 173 then confirms the account has enough funds to cover the purchase 183 and a confirmation notice is sent to the card swipe machine 171,184.
An invoice is printed 185 and the customer signs the invoice 186. The cashier then looks at the signature on the back of the credit card and compares it to the customer's signature 187. If the cashier feels that the signatures match, a copy of the invoice and a receipt are given to the customer 188. Since the cashier is using personal judgment to verify the signature mistakes are common.
Another disadvantage of the convention card and system is that data is stored on a central server. This opens the door to hackers to break into the server and steal the information.
Therefore, there is need for an improved means of confirming the identity and authority of an individual and prevents identity theft.

Secure card with stored biometric data and method for using the secure card


This invention relates to compounds of the formula: ##STR1## or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, which are effective for inhibiting platelet aggregation and bone resorption, pharmaceutical compositions for effecting such activity, and a method for using these compounds.

Platelet aggregation is believed to be mediated primarily through the fibrinogen receptor, or GPIIb-IIIa platelet receptor complex, which is a member of a family of adhesion receptors referred to as integrins. It has been found that frequently the natural ligands of integrin receptors are proteins which contain an Arg-Gly-Asp sequence. Von Willebrand factor and fibrinogen, which are considered to be natural ligands for the GPIIb-IIIa receptor, possess an Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD in single letter amino acid code) sequence in their primary structure. Functionally, these proteins are able to bind and crosslink GPIIb-IIIa receptors on adjacent platelets and thereby effect aggregation of platelets.
Fibronectin, vitronectin and thrombospondin are RGD-containing proteins which have also been demonstrated to bind to GPIIb-IIIa. Fibronectin is found in plasma and as a structural protein in the intracellular matrix. Binding between the structural proteins and GPIIb-IIIa may function to cause platelets to adhere to damaged vessel walls.
Also, recent studies have indicated that the attachment of osteoclasts to the bone matrix is mediated through cell surface adhesion receptors called integrins. For instance, Davies, et al., J. Cell Biol. 1989, 109, 1817, disclose that the osteoclast functional antigen, which is implicated in the regulation of bone resorption, is biochemically related to the vitronectin receptor. The vitronectin receptor, or the .alpha..sub.V .beta..sub.3 integrin, is known to bind to bone matrix proteins, such as osteopontin, bone sialoprotein and thrombospondin, which contain the tri-peptide Arg-Gly-Asp (or RGD) motif. Thus, Horton, et al., Exp. Cell Res. 1991, 195, 368, disclose that RGD-containing peptides and an anti-vitronectin receptor antibody (23C6) inhibit dentine resorption and cell spreading by osteoclasts. In addition, Sato, et al., J. Cell Biol. 1990, 111, 1713 disclose that echistatin, a snake venom peptide which contains the RGD sequence, is a potent inhibitor of bone resorption in tissue culture, and inhibits attachment of osteoclasts to bone. Fisher, et al., Endocrinology 1993, 132, 1411, has further shown that echistatin inhibits bone resorption in vivo in the rat. EP 528 587 and 528 586 report substituted phenyl derivatives which inhibit osteoclast mediated bone resorption.
The present invention discloses novel bicyclic compounds, including benzazepines and benzodiazepines, which are inhibitors of the GPIIb-IIIa receptor and inhibit platelet aggregation. Also, the instant compounds are inhibitors of the vitronectin receptor. These agents inhibit bone resorption and are useful for the treatment of osteoporosis.


A method and architecture accesses a unified memory in a micro-processing system having a two-phase clock. The unified memory is accessed during a first instruction cycle. When a program code discontinuity is encountered, the unified memory is accessed a first time during an instruction cycle with a dummy access. The unified memory is accessed a second time during the instruction cycle when a program code discontinuity is encountered with either a data access, as in the case of a last instruction of a loop, or an instruction access, as in the case of a jump instruction.

A conventional digital signal processor or microprocessor needs to be fed information (data and instruction) coming from memories to execute or perform tasks. It is further noted that some tasks, such as digital signal processing tasks, require multiple bytes or words of information per instruction, bytes or words being stored at different memory locations. In such a case, the conventional processors require several memory accesses per instruction. This presents a problem if it is desired to execute an instruction in a single cycle in a unified memory space where information (data and instructions) can be stored in the same block of memory.
For example, in conventional processor architecture, if it is required to double  access a primary memory in a single cycle to realize the execution of an instruction in a single cycle. As such, the processor must fetch the new instruction following the current one and read or write all the primary memory data needed for the execution of the current instruction during the single cycle.
In the conventional processor architecture, the memory accesses are performed during the instruction's execute phase, referenced for example in a synchronous system from the rising edge to the rising edge of the main processor clock. The address for the data to be written or read is available at the beginning of the execute phase (usually computed during a previous instruction's execute phase), data access cycles are from rising edge to rising edge, with the access triggered in the middle of the execute phase on the falling edge.
Similarly, in the conventional processor architecture, the address of the instruction to be fetched from the primary memory is available at the beginning of the cycle and the instruction read from the primary memory is loaded into a register at the end of the cycle. This causes the access of the instruction to also happen in the middle of the cycle.
Therefore, in the conventional processor architecture, the primary memory access for the instruction fetch would be in conflict with the concurrent data access. This is particularly true if the accesses are directed to the same block of memory or if the accesses are accomplished using one unique bus.
To address this problem, it has been proposed to use a dual port memory that allows two concurrent read. It has been further proposed to use of a higher frequency clock to squeeze two accesses in a single cycle and still leave enough time for the address to set up and the data to set up.
The two above proposed solutions have their own disadvantages, they are expensive, realize high power consumption, and limit the overall performance.
Another proposed alternative is to change the pipeline and increase the number of pipe stages. This is not possible because it is desirable to maintain single cycle execution for all instructions including branches, jumps, etc.
Therefore, it is desirable to provide micro-architecture that enables two memory accesses per memory block per instruction cycle and does not negatively impact the cost or performance of the processor or require higher power consumption. It is also desirable to provide micro-architecture that enables two memory accesses to a single memory block per instruction cycle, while maintaining single cycle execution for all instructions including branches, jumps, etc. More specifically, it is desirable to provide micro-architecture that maintains singe cycle execution of all instructions while enabling the use of single port synchronous memories to store both data and instructions and improving overall speed performance and keeping the power consumption low.

Digital signal processor architecture with optimized memory access for code discontinuity


A control circuit of a power converter and a method for controlling the power converter are provided. The control circuit of the power converter comprises a switching circuit and a temperature-sensing device. The switching circuit generates a switching signal in response to a feedback signal, and the switching circuit generates a current-sensing signal for regulating an output of the power converter. The temperature-sensing device generates a temperature signal in response to temperature of the temperature-sensing device.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to techniques for regulating the output of a power converter, and particularly relates to a s circuit and a method with temperature control for regulating the output current/power of power converters.
2. Background of the Invention
In battery charge applications, the output power of the power adaptor is generally restricted by the temperature of the power adaptor. In order to achieve a quick charge for the battery, a large current for charging could be applied to the battery by the power adaptor when the temperature is low. While the temperature of the power adaptor increases, the output current for the power adaptor would gradually decrease in response to the temperature increase. A limit value of temperature must be applied to the power adaptor to ensure safety of the power adaptor. This technique for controlling the output current or power for the power adaptor by the temperature could provide an efficient way for battery charging.

Control circuit of power converter with temperature control and method for controlling power converter


The present invention relates to a process for the dispersion copolymerization of 35 to 70% by weight of vinyl substituted aromatic monomer and 30 to 65% by weight of conjugated diene monomer comprising carrying out the copolymerization in a reaction mixture containing a liquid aliphatic hydrocarbon dispersing medium, an anionic catalyst system, and an "A" block of a copolymer dispersing agent, the dispersing agent having at least two polymer blocks wherein at least one of the polymer blocks is soluble in the dispersing medium and at least another of the polymer blocks is insoluble in the dispersing medium and is formed in situ.

In many prior art nonaqueous dispersion polymerization systems, organic dispersing medium have been utilized having poor solvent properties for the polymer being produced. A dispersing agent was therefore utilized in the organic medium in order to disperse the polymer being formed throughout the medium. These dispersing agents or dispersants were generally polymeric materials such as block copolymers, random copolymers, or homopolymers as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,098,980 and 4,452,960.
Styrene-butadiene rubbers (SBR) have generally been prepared in solvents in which SBR is soluble. However, only SBR's having a styrene content of less than 35% are soluble in hexane or other non-cyclic aliphatic solvents. These higher styrene content SBR polymers are not completely insoluble in the aliphatic solvents, and, in fact, are highly swollen in these solvents. However, SBR's having a styrene content greater than 35% necessarily have been polymerized in aromatic or cycloaliphatic solvents via solution polymerization.
The applicant first determined that certain pre-made dispersing agents can be utilized to conduct the nonaqueous dispersion polymerization production of SBR having a styrene content greater than 35% by weight in aliphatic dispersing medium such as hexane. Although the dispersion process using a pre-made dispersant works well, it has one shortcoming from a practical or commercial scale up point of view. The dispersant must be prepared separately and stored for subsequent use in the polymerization process. Storage tank and transfer lines require a large capital expenditure and the synthesis of the dispersant and transfer time into the polymerization reactor results in higher production costs.
In these first dispersion SBR studies, a single diblock polymer consisting of a short block (5%-10% of total polymer) of hexane soluble polybutadiene and a long block (90%-95% of total) of high styrene content SBR was prepared in the absence of a dispersing agent. Synthesis of this polymer structure in hexane resulted in either extremely viscous cements or the very undesirable phase separation.
It is therefore desirable to provide a dispersion polymerization process in which there is no need to store the dispersing agent prior to the commencement of the dispersion polymerization process.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a polymerization process employing an anionic initiation system to promote the random polymerization of styrene and butadiene monomers in a nonaqueous dispersion into SBR having 35 to 70% by weight of styrene in the presence of a dispersing agent that is prepared in situ, that is, during the polymerization reaction.
Such a nonaqueous dispersion polymerization process offers many advantages including improved stable dispersions, improved heat transfer, energy savings, high polymer concentrations in the reaction medium, increased production capacity, and the production of very high molecular weight polymers; and no need to store the dispersing agent prior to its use.

Process for the preparation of in situ dispersion of copolymers


A method and system provide a fitting system for a flexible fuel cell of an aircraft. The fitting system may include a flexible fuel cell and a fitting. The fitting may have a peripheral flange with a series of slots spaced about the flange. A series of fabric strips may be threaded into the slots of the fitting and one or more adhesives may couple the fabric strips to the fuel cell. The fabric strips may extend out around the periphery of the fitting to provide a uniform contact surface area with the fuel cell. The fabric strips may be separated by fuel cell material. The fabric strips may be made from one or more materials for enclosing or holding fuel. The fitting may further include threaded holes wherein the threaded holes may receive fasteners to couple the fitting to the fuel equipment of an aircraft.

A fitting is an opening in a flexible fuel cell volume to which attachments such as connectors, gauges, pumps, conduits and the like are mounted and which is integrated into to a flexible fuel cell volume in such a way that it provides rigidity for the attachments and flexibility for the self-sealing volume while at the same time providing suitable load support in the event of a severe impact and a fluid tight seal for liquids such as fuel.
Historically, there have been two common methods and designs of fittings used in flexible fuel cell volumes. One conventional method is a rigid metallic ring that is firmly anchored into the wall of the flexible wall container by the use of a series of arranged nylon fiber bundles.
This first approach is particularly useful since the fiber bundles transfer the loads sustained in a crash sufficiently to mitigate rupture of the self-sealing volume at the fitting. The second conventional method utilizes two metallic rings, an upper and a lower that encapsulate the flexible wall construction and transfer loads to the fuel cell radially from the interface.
The rings are pressed fit and capture the fuel cell material. Rubber cement is also applied to the rings to assist in bonding and sealing the joints providing a leak free interface.
These fittings, while used rather extensively, have their drawbacks. For fittings that incorporate a series of nylon fiber bundles around the periphery of the fitting, the number of fiber bundles required to suitable transfer the loads into the flexible fuel cell wall can be quite high. Fittings can also be large and multi-plane, which dictate a largely manual and thus time consuming process of assembly.
The nylon fibers within the bundles can also vary in diameter and quantity depending on the loads required to retain the fitting within the flexible fuel cell wall. This can result in raised areas around the periphery of the fitting at each bundle location, both on the interior and exterior of the flexible fuel cell. These raised areas can interfere with the faying surfaces of the fittings, reduce usable fuel of the flexible fuel cell and can be subjected to wear, possibly leading to leakage.
Pressed fit fittings, while easier to manufacture and assemble also have their drawbacks. Since these fittings encapsulate the flexible fuel cell material within two metallic rings, faying surfaces stick proud of the fuel cell surfaces. This reduces usable fuel volume and can increase unusable fuel. These fittings are also prone to leakage.
Flexible fuel cells for aircraft are typically folded and reduced in size in order to fit through openings much smaller than the fuel cell would be in its normal configuration. This folding of fuel cells for aircraft, either during installation or removal of fuel cells from the cavity, creates stresses on the pressed fit, bonded interface and can create leak paths for fluid to escape.
An improved single piece fitting is thus needed that provides for a more compact and consistent interface between the metallic fitting and surrounding flexible fuel cell wall that simplifies fuel cell manufacturing for aircrafts while uniformly distributing loads during flight or crash situations and maintaining a fluid tight seal.

Method and system for providing an improved fitting for a flexible fuel cell


A data processor determines an overall extremum value of an input set of array data, with the input set of array data partitionable into a first set of array data and a second set of array data. The data processor includes a pair of compare-select circuits implemented in an adder as well as in an arithmetic-logic unit (ALU), respectively, which operate in parallel for respectively processing the first set and the second set, and for respectively determining first and second extremum values of the first set and the second set, respectively. A first compare-select circuit of the pair of compare-select circuits determines the overall extremum value of the input set of array data from the first and second extremum values. The first compare-select circuit also determines the location of the overall extremum value in the input set of array data. The computational complexity in determining extrema is reduced by implementing compare-select features in an adder in addition to an ALU to operate in parallel to reduce the number of processing cycles.

In many data processing applications using computer systems and integrated circuits, arrays of numbers representing data values are stored and manipulated, for example, in the memory of the computer system. For an array of N data values, extremum values (i.e. maxima or minima of the data values), if they exist, are characteristic parameters of the array. Data processing applications utilize such maxima and minima, as well as their respective locations in the array, indicated by an index or pointer to the data values corresponding to the maxima and/or minima.
Heretofore, the determination of maxima and minima in data processing applications, such as in Viterbi processing in equalization and speech processing, has been compute intensive.
One form of digital signal processor (DSP) architecture that exhibits significant benefits in processing speed is known as a Multiply-Accumulate or MAC processor. The MAC processor implements an architecture that takes advantage of the fact that the most common data processing operations involve multiplying two values, then adding the resulting value to another and accumulating the result. These basic operations are efficiently carried out utilizing specially configured, high-speed multipliers and accumulators, hence the "Multiply-Accumulate" nomenclature.
Another method for increasing processing speed is to perform different processes concurrently. Towards this end, DSP architectures with plural MAC structures have been developed. For example, a dual MAC processor is capable of performing two independent MAC operations concurrently.
The DSP16000 dual-MAC processor, available from Lucent Technologies, includes a data arithmetic unit (DAU), which constitutes the primary computational unit. The inputs to the multipliers of the DAU are applied through a pair of double length registers designated as the x and y registers, while the output of each multiplier is applied to a respective product register. Concurrent accumulations are achieved by providing both two-input arithmetic logic unit (ALU) and a three-input adder, either of which may accumulate the data in either product register. When mathematical functions are performed by the ALU or adder, the result is stored in an accumulator register, a number of which are present in the DAU.
Implementations of extrema determination typically use brute force number crunching procedures to accurately determine an extremum and its location in an array of data values. For example, the following pseudo code, which may be implemented in the DSP16000 assembly language, or alternatively in the Pascal or C++ computer languages, may be used to determine a minimum value in an array, ARRAY, of data values:
______________________________________ MIN.sub.-- VALUE = MIN.sub.-- INITIALIZED; MIN.sub.-- INDEX = 0; FOR I = 1 TO N { IF ARRAY[I] < MIN.sub.-- VALUE { MIN.sub.-- VALUE = ARRAY[I]; MIN.sub.-- INDEX = I; - } }. ______________________________________
After processing each and every one of the N data values in the array, ARRAY, the above pseudo code stores the determined minimum in a parameter MIN.sub.-- VALUE, and stores the location of the minimum in the parameter MIN.sub.-- INDEX.
Previous implementations of such extrema determination procedures are compute intensive. For example, if the pseudo code listed above were implemented with the DSP16000 dual-MAC processor, the compare-select feature of the ALU would implement the comparison step "ARRAY[I]<MIN.sub.-- VALUE" listed above. In such an embodiment, each pass through the FOR loop listed above is implemented in one processing cycle.
It is contemplated that the computational complexity in determining extrema may be reduced by implementing compare-select features in the adder of the DAU, in addition to implementation in the ALU, and that these two units operate in parallel to reduce the number of processing cycles.
A data processor determines an overall extremum value of an input set of array data, with the input set of array data partitionable into a first set of array data and a second set of array data. The data processor includes a pair of compare-select circuits, one implemented in an adder and the other in an arithmetic-logic unit (ALU), the two operate in parallel for concurrent processing of the first and second sets, and for determining respective extremum values for the first and second sets. One compare-select circuit of the pair of compare-select circuits determines the overall extremum value of the input set of array data from the first and second extremum values. The one compare-select circuit also determines the location of the overall extremum value in the input set of array data.

Determining an extremum value and its index in an array using a dual-accumulation processor


A strapping base including a central portion having a generally flat surface, the central portion having a central hole pattern defined therein, an angled portion coupling the central portion to the lateral portion, and at least one lateral portion having a generally flat surface and having a plurality of lateral holes defined therein, wherein the lateral portion is offset from the central portion.

1. Field of the Invention
The present disclosure relates to electrical contractor supplies and to a multi-hole strapping base for strapping electrical conduits to one or more electrical box in which the box is secured to the strapping base and the conduits are then secured to the strapping base.
2. Background and Relevant Art
Conduits are frequently used to route electrical wire in electrical contracting. The conduits provide protection and/or act as a guide for wires. The conduits also may limit the accessibility of the wires due to very fact that the conduits act as housing. Electrical boxes are often used as connection, junction, and/or access points for the wires. Electrical boxes frequently include a flat base that is secured to a stationary or secure object. One or more walls then frequently surround the perimeter of the base to form a cavity or recess with the base. The walls often have openings in them to which the end of the conduit is secured. The wires are then routed into the cavity and to one or more other conduit as desired.
Building codes often require the conduits to be strapped within a predetermined distance of the opening in the wall to a relatively stationary object. In the past, another relatively stationary object, such as a pipe or board has been brought to the appropriate distance from the openings in the box. Each conduit is then secured to the opening. While providing for a relatively secure strapping point, the use of several conduits from a single box could become cumbersome as each of the conduits are then strapped to a single stationary object.


A sorbent composition comprising a vanadium compound and a TiO2 support material is disclosed. Methods of making and using the composition to remove heavy metals or heavy metal containing compounds from a fluid stream are also provided. Such methods are particularly useful in the removal of mercury and mercury compounds from flue gas streams produced from the combustion of hydrocarbon-containing materials such as coal and petroleum fuels.

Heavy metals are released during the combustion process of many fossil fuels and/or waste materials. These heavy metals include, for example, arsenic, beryllium, lead, cadmium, chromium, nickel, zinc, mercury, and barium. Most of these heavy metals are toxic to humans and animals. In particular, elemental mercury and mercury compounds such as mercury chlorides are thought to compromise the health and mental acuity of young children and fetuses.
Furthermore, there is every indication that the amount of mercury, and possibly of other heavy metals, now legally allowed to be released by those combusting various fossil fuels and/or waste materials, including coal burning powerplants and petroleum refineries, will be reduced by future legislation. While a variety of adsorbents are available for capture of heavy metals (in particular mercury), these adsorbents tend to have low capacities and are easily deactivated by other components in the gas stream, such as sulfur oxides. Thus, there exists a need for a material that removes elemental mercury from gas streams and has a high capacity for retaining mercury as a nonvolatile compound.


An apparatus has the capacity to satisfactorily blend a liquid with a powder and pump the resultant viscous slurry in a single stage operation. The apparatus has a vertically oriented drive shaft with a bladed impeller attached to the drive shaft. A housing surrounds a mixing chamber in which the impeller is located. The lower end of a powder inlet tube is disposed in very close proximity to the highest vertical extent of the impeller blades. A liquid enters the mixing chamber exterior of the powder inlet tube. The resultant slurry leaves the mixing chamber via a slurry discharge port.

Blending powders with liquids is a fairly common operation in the food processing industry. The powder may simply be added to a holding tank containing the liquid, and if desired the blend may be agitated, but this method leaves unsolved the problem of undissolved powder for difficult to dissolve ingredients.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,606,270 teaches a centrifugal pump which is modified to serve as a continuous powder blender. The impeller of the pump has a recessed eye portion of substantial depth in the top thereof, and the liquid and particulate material which are to be blended are both delivered together into the eye of the impeller. However; in an industrial application the blender taught in this patent was determined not to be as efficient as the blender disclosed herein because the pumping action of the mixer is significantly reduced and therefore its ability to discharge highly viscous slurries is impaired. Therefore this prior art apparatus needs an additional discharge pump and screen for higher viscosity or solid containing slurries.
The above mentioned shortcomings of the continuous powder mixer taught in U.S. Pat. No. 3,606,270 are recognized in U.S. Pat. No. 4,850,704. The solution taught in this later patent a two stage blender wherein the first stage is like the blender taught in U.S. Pat. No. 3,606,270 and the second stage receives the mixture discharged from the first stage and then discharges the mixture at a relatively high discharge pressure,
It is thus apparent that the need exists for an improved apparatus suitable for use in the food processing industry for blending a powder and a liquid.
There is provided in accordance with the present invention an apparatus which has the capacity to satisfactorily blend a liquid with a powder and pump the resultant viscous slurry in a single stage operation.

Apparatus for blending a powder with a liquid


A detection device for detecting a pattern and determining valid patterns by a series of tests. These tests include rejecting patterns based on minimum Hamming distance, spectral energies that are not concentrated with a predetermined ideal spectrum, that are not valid predetermined valid codewords, patterns that are not anti-symmetric and that have closest transition spacing.

Once data has been written on a disk it is usually necessary to read that data at a later time. When this data has been written on a recording medium, for example, a hard disk drive, it is often necessary to correctly and accurately detect where this information is located. In part, this is accomplished by specifying the track number as part of the servo information. The track number alone is insufficient to completely specify the exact location of the data. In order to more closely identify the location of the data, additional servo information, which provides track center location information, is recorded on the surface of the recording medium.
FIG. 2 illustrates a portion of data sector 100 that has previously been recorded on a recording medium, for example, a hard disk drive. The data sector may include a synchronization field (sync field) 110 and a preamble 120 and user information or sector ID information 105. The synchronization field 110 may immediately follow the preamble 120 at the beginning of each data sector on a recording medium. The preamble 120 may be written with a 1/4T.sub.s squarewave of write current, where T.sub.s is the sample period. The preamble 120 may be read back as a high SNR sine wave, with inter-symbol interference (ISI), with phase-locked loop (PLL) and automatic gain control (AGC) circuitry to be used for timing and gain acquisition, respectively. The synchronization field 110, or sync field, indicates the beginning of the data for example, the user data or sector ID information.
The sync field pattern in the sync field 110 may be selected to minimize the probabilities of false alarm (false detection) of the sync field pattern and missed detection of the sync field pattern for the particular architecture of the sync field detector. For a given architecture, these probabilities may be determined by an operating bit error rate (BER) in the region around the sync field, the threshold of the number of comparison errors which will be accepted, and the Hamming distance of the sync field pattern from the preamble, from the sync field pattern itself and from data.
Sector Header Layout
FIG. 1 illustrates the layout of a typical sector as servo information 110 followed by a data sector 120. The data sector may include a data field 130 and an ID field 140. User data may be split across servo sectors. The components of the servo information may include a servo preamble which provides a pattern for PLL and/or AGC acquisition. The address mark follows the preamble. Peak detection circuitry determines the address mark, which functions like the sync field to indicate that the track number is to be read. Four servo bursts (additional or fewer servo bursts may be present) are evaluated and provide for calculating track position adjustments. This implies that during the header sections shown in FIG. 1, which may include preamble and sync field, the reading element may still be settling on track. The head's position off of the track's centerline will reduce the effective SNR and hence increase the BER in these fields.
The data field 130 of the data sector is shown in FIG. 2. The data preamble pattern may be shown as element 135, for example, a 1/4T.sub.s write current waveform, where T.sub.s is the sampling period of the pattern. This pattern, when read, provides a signal similar to a sinusoid with good SNR and well controlled ISI. The pattern may be used for PLL and/or AGC acquisition. The preamble may be up to 15 bytes long with each byte that may be 9 bits, although 8-bit bytes may be used. This preamble is followed by the sync field 137 typically consisting of fewer bits than the preamble, for example 18 bits long. Following the sync field there may be the user data plus Error Correction Coding (ECC) 139 which may include, for example 512K user bytes. These bits are constrained typically by the requirements of RLL (Run-Length Limited) encoding, for example 8/9 (0,4,4).


To interrupt the current to the drive motor (3) of a motor-driven arm (1) which carries a pipette (2) when something or someone unintentionally contacts the pipette (2) during its movement, the arm 1) has a lower, rigid part (5), and an upper, flexible part (6) which, at its one end, carries the pipette (2) and, at its other end, is rigidly connected to the lower arm part (5). The upper, flexible part (6) is in releasable contact with the lower, rigid part (5) at the end that carries the pipette (2), and is adapted to, at least partially, the released from that contact when something or someone unintentionally contacts the pipette (2) during its movement. A detecting means (9) is adapted to detect when the upper, flexible part (6), at least partially, is released from the contact with the lower, rigid part (5) and in response hereto cause a switch to brake the current to the drive motor (3) for the arm (1).

In e.g. automatic medical analysis instruments where a pipette arm moves a pipette at great speed between a large number of test tubes, requirements have been set up stating that the pipette must not to cause personal injuries upon an unintentional contact with the pipette during operation.
One way of accomplishing this is to completely protect the area within which the pipette moves from contact by enclosing it in a protective housing.
Since there is a need of inserting or removing test tubes during operation of the pipette, the solution with a protective housing is not satisfactory.


Data on customer's purchase history stored in a database server is searched and edited by using an ID number inputted by a customer. A customer class, a customer rank, a discount rate, and the like are displayed on a personal computer of an operator who responds to the customer that calls a call center.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a call center system in which an operator responds to calls from many customers.
2. Description of the Related Art
Conventionally, when an operator responds to calls from customers, all the customers view a common screen displayed on a monitor device of a data terminal device of the operator.
However, in the above conventional call center system, a first customer cannot be discriminated separately from a customer as a heavy user and a single response is therefore performed for the customers.


A method and mechanism for performing a prioritized determining of a climate conditioning to be provided to a zone in a multiple zone structure. In one embodiment of the invention, the determining of a climate conditioning to be provided to a zone is to be a prioritized determining, where a climate control condition is determined to satisfy a priority condition of the first zone. In another embodiment, the first priority condition associated with the first zone is based at least in part on an assigning of a first priority to the first zone.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates generally to the controlling of climate conditions in multiple zones of a building. In one embodiment of the invention, a climate conditioning to be provided to a first zone in the multiple zones of the building is determined based at least in part on a priority which is assigned to the first zone.
2. Background Art
Existing climate control systems provide various combinations of climate conditioning both to commercial and to residential structures. For example, some existing climate control systems keep different rooms at or near respective pre-set desired temperatures by providing the rooms with respective levels of air conditioning. Similarly, different rates of heated air delivered from a forced air furnace may be provided to different rooms based on their respective pre-set desired temperatures. Some of these existing climate control systems also allow users to group a number of pre-set desired temperatures into one or more modes to automate the adjusting of climate preferences for various rooms at one time. For example, when returning from a vacation back to regular occupancy of a home, a user can deactivate an energy saving mode in favor of a normal occupancy mode, thereby changing numerous desired temperature settings at one time from one location.
In designing climate control systems and equipment, technicians typically take into account such factors as the size of the structure being conditioned, the building materials and insulation standards used, its orientation relative to the sun & prevailing winds, the local climate, etc. In the past, prevailing wisdom in the construction community tended to over-size conditioning equipment—closer to the peek average load on the structure than the nominal load—to reduce the possibility that the thermodynamic load can ever get ahead of the equipment so that a comfortable environment cannot be maintained. However, over-sized climate control systems tend to be more expensive to install and run, they tend to work at operating points which are less efficient and/or more damaging to component parts, and they tend to provide a loud or otherwise noticeable 'blast' of conditioning when turning on.
Under more ideal design practice, equipment is usually sized relative to a "nominal load", whereby a level of output being made available when the conditioning equipment is running should reasonably approximate the average conditioning energy needed by the structure over the entire seasonal year. Since conditioning equipment typically provides very few discrete levels of conditioning capacity, control may be provided by time-cycling, wherein equipment is turned on for a period of time, and then turned off for a period of time. The reduced average energy delivered over time approximates the average load needed in the house.
At any given time, various climate conditioning requirements of individual rooms of a building determine an aggregate climate conditioning load carried by a climate control system. This aggregate load can change significantly over time as environmental conditions, space utilization and occupancy and target conditioning objectives change. Consequently, while a climate control system of a structure should ideally rely on more reasonably-sized equipment designed for nominal loads, it often does not. When the energy load on the structure is above average, reasonably-sized equipment may not be able to keep up with the energy requirements of the conditioned space. The equipment will run continuously or nearly continuously and may not be able to sustain the desired environmental conditions of the building at all times. This often results in increased wear and tear on parts, higher energy bills, and/or an inability to bring or maintain rooms within their desired temperature ranges.

Priority conditioning in a multi-zone climate control system


An electric vehicle control device controls an induction motor with a VVVF inverter. A first calculation means calculates a rotor-resistance correction value of the induction motor based on a torque current instruction value for vector control of the induction motor and an actual torque current value. A second calculation means calculates a corrected rotor-resistance value based on the rotor-resistance correction value and a reference rotor-resistance value. A third calculation means calculates an estimated rotor temperature of the induction motor based on the corrected rotor-resistance value, the reference rotor-resistance value, and a temperature coefficient determined by a material of a rotor. The thermal condition of the induction motor is thus monitored in real time without installing a temperature sensor on the induction motor.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a control device for controlling an induction motor which drives an electric vehicle such as an electromotive railcar.
2. Description of the Related Art
FIG. 9 shows a conventional electric vehicle control device 1 for controlling an induction motor 53 which drives an electric vehicle such as an electromotive railcar.
A command controller 42 transforms a torque command sent by a motorman's cab controller 47 to a control signal 50 and sends the control signal to a VVVF (Variable Voltage and Variable Frequency) inverter 52. VVVF inverter 52 receives direct current (DC) power collected from an external power line via a pantogragh 51 and converts the DC power to a VVVF alternating current (AC) power in order to drive the induction motor 53.
At this time, the AC power is transformed into kinetic energy and core loss (iron loss and copper loss). The loss causes a heat rise in the induction motor. In general, a cruising pattern between stops is composed of power running (acceleration), coasting, regenerative brake, and stop stages. This pattern is repeated. In this case, the induction motor is provided AC power only during the power running and regenerative brake stages. The AC power is not supplied during either the coasting or stop stages.
Moreover, since the induction motor is installed on a truck or bogie of electromotive railcar, the external form is restricted and users require further miniaturization and lighter weight. Therefore, the induction motor 53 is designed and produced with careful consideration to wind generated while coasting, cruising and stopping.
However, as the driving operation extends for a long time, the induction motor 53 becomes covered with dust due to the wind directed for cooling the induction motor 53. Further, according to driving conditions, the duration of the power running (acceleration), regenerative brake, coasting and stop stages changes. Consequently, a three-phase induction motor 53 is not cooled sufficiently, which causes a dielectric breakdown and burning in coils or the core of induction motor 53.
Moreover, since the induction motor installed on a truck of an electromotive railcar is required to be both restricted in external form and durable in extremely severe conditions, it is difficult to install a sensor such as a thermometer. Even if a sensor is set, it is very expensive.
Therefore, there is a possibility that the previous model of the control device causes a dielectric breakdown and burning, when temperature increases abnormally.


Novel systems and methods for operatively utilizing nutrient/flavor impregnated media(s) operatively contained in devices, such as, for example, product structures or the like, capable of introducing the nutrients/flavors in a single serving (4-12 oz) dose packets, or multiple servings, such as, for example, a pitcher (up to 64+ oz) or a gallon or half gallon of flavored and enhanced water operatively connected to complimentary dispensing system, presently preferably, tied to a water filtration device, such as, for example, bottle less water coolers and one that could be mounted inside a refrigerator dispensing system, and the manufacture of such low cost media(s) and dispensing systems.

The subject disclosure relates to innovative systems and methods of dispensing servings, individual and/or multiple, of flavored and enhanced water, more particularly to media(s) capable of introducing nutrients/flavors in single servings (4-12 oz) or multiple servings, such as, for example, a pitcher (up to 64+ oz), or a gallon or half gallon and/or pharmaceuticals in a single serving (1-2 oz) dose packet, the media(s) being operatively contained in appropriate means or structure such as, for example, packets/cards or similar devices/structures as may be found to accomplish the desired function, operable with the dispensing systems and methods and most particularly to complimentary dispensing systems and methods operatively associated with or without a water filtration device for dispensing the individual servings (4-12 oz) or multiple servings, such as, for example, a pitcher (up to 64+ oz) or a gallon or half gallon or more of flavored and enhanced water and/or pharmaceuticals individual serving (1-2 oz) to consumers.
Noncarbonated water based beverage consumption is on the rise. The fastest growing segment is the enhanced water group, which ranges from vitamins to nutraceuticals to just flavor additives. This segment has grown from about US$ 41.5 million in sales for 1997 to about US$ 985.3 million in sales for 2002 with 2004 projections being about US$ 1.8 billion. Drinking water filter systems have been sold for over 30 years and have enjoyed a steady increase in popularity following the growth of bottled water consumption. Worldwide, bottled water consumption is growing at an annual rate of about 12 percent.
Enhanced waters, a subset of the single-serve water segment, reported the greatest growth figures—albeit off a small base of about US$ 80 million for 2001—with about a 205.8 percent growth to reach about US$ 244.6 million in sales for 2002. (Source: Beverage Marketing Corporation)
Individual serving size and personnel vending are becoming very popular in the US, whereas in Europe and Asia they have been very popular for many years. Most recently, the single cup (bean to cup) coffee makers produced by the entire major US and European brands (Milita, Bunn, Krupp, P&G, etc.) have become popular. Individual pods of fresh ground coffee are used costing the customer about 10 to about 15 times more for a cup of coffee than from an auto drip coffee maker. The above was calculated based on the following: a 39 oz can of ground coffee at a price of about $5.85 yields about 175 cups of coffee or about $0.033 to about $0.045 per 6 oz cup, depending on how much coffee one puts into the machine. The pods retail for about $0.50 per cup.
It is believed that the consumer acceptance of this tremendous increase in cost is driven by a desire for convenience, flavor and versatility, and the notion that one is saving money over the high cost of specialty coffee-shop coffee. This approach appears to be great for the millions of consumers that only drink one or two cups of coffee a day.
Concerning bottled water, Coca-Cola's Dasani is a mineral enhanced bottled water, which has a slightly grainy appearance, actually has a somewhat pleasant taste, unlike many other bottled waters which taste like plastic. Additionally, Canadian O+2 Berry Citrus flavor bottled water is clearly a very refreshing flavored water. Canadian O+2 Berry Citrus flavor bottled water has about 5 times the normal concentration of oxygen, a refreshing citrus/berry flavor and a very subtle, but sweet, flavor. The splash of natural fruit flavoring is just the thing—not too much, not too little. Overall, a very refreshing beverage that offers the benefit of added oxygen.
Rescue Vitamin Water is truly the gem of this variety. Flavored with green tea, this beverage has a potent tea flavor that will quickly quench any thirst. Further, it is fortified with several vitamins and herbs (from the tea) that will put you in a calm and pleasant state within the first few sips.
Red Bull is a utility drink to be consumed when faced with mental or physical weariness or exhaustion. Red Bull combines two natural substances and important metabolic transmitters, the amino acid taurin and glucuronolacton, with stimulating caffeine, vitamins and the energy provided by carbohydrates. The two most popular brands of sport drinks with metabolic transmitters are Gatorade and PowerAde.
The sale of drinking water systems is believed to be mainly based on fear, doubt and uncertainty. Most sales personnel however, would not admit that they use those tactics. For filtered water to gain the popularity that most knowledgeable professions believe is possible, water filtration systems have to be transformed from systems that just remove unwanted or unnecessary elements and compounds from water, to systems that enhance health, wellness, well being and life style, as well as offering convenience and cost savings over the available alternatives. Adding additional performance enhancement claims to an existing water filter system has driven the sellers need for differentiation, but consumers do not recognize or understand the enhancement/performance claims. Simple filters with simple performance claims that consumers recognize are the reduction of chlorine, taste & odor, sediment. In addition, to a lesser extent, claims such as cyst and lead reduction are less consumer recognizable. Now performance enhancing claims include chemicals like Carbofuran, 2,4-D, chlorobenzene and tetrachloroethalene, which unless you are a chemist working in consumer products, you would not know or recognize any of these chemicals. However, all are chemicals listed on the EPA's primary list of hazardous materials. Filter manufacturers select from the EPA's list those chemicals most easily removed with the media they use to manufacture their particular products, while sellers want to be able to say that their particular filtration system provides additional chemical removal or provides something different to enhance the product for the system in order to reduce price competition.
Consumer filtration systems have been estimated to be about a $2+ billion dollar market. Drinking water filtration systems make up less than about 25% or about $450 million (Frost & Sullivan & Baytel) of the total estimated amount, while the refrigerator filter market has jumped from nothing in 1998 to an estimated $300+ million in retail dollars in 2004; 30 years of selling fear, doubt and uncertainty versus 5 years of selling convenience. Filtration has been successfully added to high-end coffee machines offering enhanced flavor.
It is estimated that, by 2006, every major refrigerator manufacturer will likely have incorporated a water filter system into those refrigerator models that dispense water and/or ice. It is also estimated that about 50% of the total 30 million unit yearly global refrigerator output could have a built-in water filter system, with the US market fast approaching the 50% mark in mid 2004. The average life of a refrigerator is about 10-12 years. Less than 15% of the US and European refrigerator markets are for new units with the balance being replacement market. Asia, mainly China and India, are less reliant on the refrigerator replacement market. With the US having between 107-116 million house holds and a production rate of 9 million refrigerators a year (with imports making up only a 2% share), the US refrigerator market will most likely be saturated by 2012, with a market potential (at today's retail price) of about $3 billion, or about $600 million manufacturing dollars.
Of the 59 million French, the issue of obesity is becoming increasingly important. In France, it is estimated that about 5.4 million French are now considered obese, an increase of 1.1 million within only three years. Of the about 300 million Americans, about 23% are now considered obese by body mass. With this in mind, it would appear that bottled waters and low calorie flavored waters are facing much better times ahead than sugary soft drink products.
The cost of bottled water has, until recently, not been a major consumer issue. However, 40,000 16 oz bottles of water can be transported by truck at a cost of about $20/cwt interstate and about $60/cwt intrastate, which adds about $0.20 to about $0.60 per bottle cost. Storage, transportation and retail shelf space are all increasing further affecting the selling price and profit of bottled waters.
The systems and methods of the present disclosure including the devices/appliances and supportive impregnated medias envisioned capitalizes on the fastest growing segments surrounding the filtration industry, that being filtration in appliances and enhanced non-carbonate waters. Both segments are growing at a rate of about 400.0% to about 50.0% per year while drinking water stand-alone systems only manage 12% or less.
When compared to the competitive product, bottled water, the systems and methods of the present disclosure including the device/appliance and supportive impregnated medias envisioned, require no lugging or storing of cases of water, no wasted time or expense mixing up a half gallon to get one drink, although such could be accomplished utilizing the concepts and teachings of the present disclosure, is readily available when an individual wants it, is variable on demand and can be nutritional and beneficial to a healthy fast paced life style.
What is needed are innovative systems and methods for transferring ingredients in a solid/semi-solid state to a liquid such as; for example, water wherein the ingredients are sufficiently dissolved into the liquid/water. Such systems and methods may include a transfer device operative for transferring ingredients in a solid/semi-solid state to a liquid such as water wherein the ingredients are sufficiently dissolved into the liquid. Possible ingredient transfer devices include, but are not limited to, media(s) capable of being impregnated and/or permeated and/or infused with a nutrient/flavor and/or pharmaceutical, which when placed into a steam of liquid such as water can introduce the nutrients/flavors in a single serving (4-12 oz) dose or multiple servings, such as, for example, a pitcher (up to 64+ oz,) and/or the desired pharmaceuticals in a single serving (1-2+ oz) dose, the media(s) being operatively contained in appropriate means or structure such as, for example, packets/cards or similar devices/structures as may be found to accomplish the desired function. Further, a complimentary dispensing system and associated methods may be useful when operatively associated with a water filtration device, which may include, but is not limited to, stand alone dispensing systems, OEM version dispensing systems for inclusion into bottled water and bottle less water coolers, vending machines, faucets and refrigerator dispensing system and other similar systems as may become available in the future, the media(s) and dispensing systems should be manufactured at a reasonably low cost in order to be competitive in the market place.

Systems and methods of dispensing individual servings of flavored and enhanced water


A first semiconductor pillar layer of a first conductivity type is formed on a main surface of a semiconductor substrate of the first conductivity type. A second semiconductor pillar layer of a second conductivity type is formed adjacent to the first semiconductor pillar layer. A third semiconductor pillar layer of the first conductivity type is formed adjacent to the second semiconductor pillar layer. A semiconductor base layer of the second conductivity type is formed on the main surface of the second semiconductor pillar layer. An insulated-gate type semiconductor element is formed in the semiconductor base layer. The carrier concentration on the side of a main surface of each of said first through third semiconductor pillar layers is higher than a carrier concentration on the opposite side of said main surface in each of said first through third semiconductor pillar layers.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same.
2. Description of the Related Art
In a planar power MOS transistor in the art, a current path is identical to a breakdown voltage sustainable path. Therefore, a larger thickness of an epitaxial layer for achievement of a higher breakdown voltage results in an increased on-resistance. In contrast, a smaller thickness of the epitaxial layer for achievement of a lower on-resistance results in a reduced breakdown voltage. The presence of such the contradictory relation makes it difficult to satisfy both characteristics at the same time.
A recently proposed power MOS transistor called Super Junction structure has a current path separated from a breakdown voltage sustainable path. In this power MOS transistor, an n-type semiconductor pillar layer serving as the current path and a p-type semiconductor pillar layer serving as a current partition region are alternately arranged in the lateral direction. An n-type source region and a gate electrode are formed in and above a p-type semiconductor base layer formed on the upper surface of the p-type semiconductor pillar layer. (For example, see JP-A 2002-170955, pages 5-8, FIG. 3, and JP-A 2001-119022, pages 4-5, FIG. 1).
In this structure, the on-resistance depends on a carrier concentration in the n-type semiconductor pillar layer because a drain current flows in the n-type semiconductor pillar layer. On the other hand, the breakdown voltage depends on carrier concentrations and widths of the n-type and p-type semiconductor pillar layers because depletion layers extend in the lateral direction.
In the MOS power transistor disclosed in JP-A 2002-170955, an n-type silicon (Si) substrate is provided to form a thick n-type epitaxial Si layer thereon, and deep trenches are formed in the Si layer down to a depth reaching the Si substrate. Then, boron (B) as a p-type impurity and arsenic (As) as an n-type impurity having a smaller diffusion coefficient than that of B are implanted at the same time into sides of the trenches. A process of heating is then applied to diffuse B and As at the same time into a region sandwiched between the trenches. As a result, the region sandwiched between the trenches is provided with a p-type semiconductor pillar layer formed at the center and an n-type semiconductor pillar layer formed in the outer rim at the same time.
In the MOS power transistor disclosed in JP-A 2001-119022, the step of forming a thin n-type epitaxial Si layer on an n-type Si substrate and the step of implanting B as a p-type impurity into a certain location in the n-type epitaxial Si layer are employed. These steps are repeated alternately to form a thick semiconductor layer, followed by heating to diffuse B in the semiconductor layer. As a result, B-diffused regions are connected vertically with each other to form a p-type semiconductor pillar layer and non-B-diffused regions in the semiconductor layer are employed as an n-type semiconductor pillar layer.
In the MOS power transistor disclosed in JP-A 2002-170955 or JP-A 2001-119022, the upper and lower regions in the semiconductor pillar layer are determined equal in carrier concentration to achieve a lower on-resistance and a higher breakdown voltage at the same time.
If the upper and lower regions in the semiconductor pillar layer are equal in carrier concentration, however, the semiconductor pillar layer is given a narrow charge unbalance margin. Accordingly, if the carrier concentration and width of the semiconductor pillar layer cannot be obtained as designed, a problem may arise because the breakdown voltage of the power MOS transistor is reduced.
Particularly, when the width of the semiconductor pillar layer is made narrower and the carrier concentration is controlled higher to reduce the on-resistance per unit area in the power MOS transistor, the breakdown voltage of the power MOS transistor is reduced remarkably.
The charge unbalance margin herein means how much design tolerance on the carrier concentration and width of the semiconductor pillar layer may be allowed without reducing the breakdown voltage. Qn is herein defined as a pillar charge amount represented by a product of the carrier concentration by the width of the n-type semiconductor pillar layer, while Qp is defined as a pillar charge amount represented by a product of the carrier concentration by the width of the p-type semiconductor pillar layer. Then, the design tolerance is defined in relation to a deflection (Qn−Qp)/Qn from an ideal state in which Qn is equal to Qp so that complete depletion can be achieved.
In consideration of various variations at the process steps of manufacturing the power MOS transistor, the charge unbalance margin is desirably±15% or more.

Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same


A resilient heat sink clip has a pair of legs joined together at one end by an acruate member. The other ends of the legs each terminate in a hook. The arcuate member bears against a heat sink while pressing it into thermal contact with an electronic device package to conduct heat into the heat sink and then into the atmosphere.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to removing heat from electronic device packages. More specifically, it relates to apparatus for use in securing a heat sink to an electronic device package for heat transfer.
2. Description of the Related Art
One type of electronic device package is the microprocessor. To remove heat from the microprocessor, a heat sink is placed in contact with the electronic device package for transferring heat through conduction from the semiconductor device contained in the electronic device package and rapidly dissipating such heat to the environment. Typically, heat sinks are made of metal and are finned to provide a larger surface for heat dissipation.
Various means have been used in the past to attach a heat sink in intimate thermal contact with an electronic device package. It is known to glue or otherwise adhesively attach a heat sink to an electronic device package such as a microprocessor. However, this is an expensive, inaccurate procedure.
Another prior art system in U.S. Pat. No. 4,745,456 describes the use of a heat sink clip assembly, including a frame having a pair of latching members on its perimeter to engage the clip. A disadvantage of this system is the fact that the frame must be soldered in place underneath the socket, making replacement of the socket itself or the frame rather difficult.
Another prior art system is one where the heat sink itself is provided with clips to clip to the semiconductor package. While this is a good idea, in practice, it is quite difficult to affix the heat sink to the electronic device package.
The present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a system that makes attaching a heat sink to an electronic device package a simple task and an inexpensive one.

Clip for mounting a heat sink on an electronic device package


A disclosed method includes receiving at least an indication of audio data generated based on sound captured by a microphone of a monitoring device. A set of audio event labels are generated by processing the received audio data with a model that includes audio recognition patterns. Each audio event label is generated by matching an audio pattern in the received audio data with an audio pattern of the audio recognition patterns. The method further includes identifying a hazard event type occurring within a time window of the time period by processing the set of audio event labels with a hazard detection model. In response to detecting the hazard event type, a hazard alert is generated and at least an indication of the hazard alert is communicated to an electronic device other than the monitoring device, which is authorized to receive communications from the monitoring device.

Society includes people in different stages of life such as infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and old age. These are developmental phases, each with its own biological, psychological, and social characteristics, through which individuals pass over the course of their lives. At some stages of life, people may require more assistance from other people. For example, young children require help from adults to navigate through life and to perform basic functions at home. That is, children lack the cognitive and physical abilities to operate independently at home. Likewise, elderly or sick persons may struggle to live independently at home because they are susceptible to ailments that could require immediate assistance from others. For example, elderly people are susceptible to hazard events such as falling at home and will need help from a caregiver to aid in recovery.
The need for in-home assistance has grown dramatically. Specifically, the US, along with most developed countries in the world, is experiencing a shift in population age demographics. The amount of people over 65 years old is expected to nearly double in the next 10 to 15 years, and most (e.g., close to 90%) prefer to avoid the institutional setting of assisted-living or nursing homes. A reduction in the ability to perform daily living activities (e.g., loss of ability to feed, toilet, drive) typically prevents an individual from living at home without care and triggers the family decision to force the individual to move out of his or her home. This comes with great emotional as well as financial cost (e.g., on average $50,000-$60,000 per year at assisted-living homes).
Existing technologies facilitate elderly or handicapped individuals to continue living at home rather than move into an assisted-living residence. For example, a LIFE ALERT device is a pendant-shaped device that can be worn by an individual on a necklace or wristband. The device includes an automated dialer connected to a telephone line. As such, the device can initiate a rescue when a person experiences a health hazard event (e.g., falls and cannot get up) or has an emergency such as a break-in and the telephone handset is out of reach. To get quick assistance, the individual can simply press a button on the pendant to activate the automated dialer to connect with an emergency call center.
These types of systems have many shortcomings. Their effectiveness depends largely on whether individuals always wear the devices, which is unlikely. Also, the individual is burdened to manually activate the device when needing assistance, which is not possible if the user is unconscious due to a hazard event. Further, information communicated to emergency services may require the individual to consciously communicate specific circumstances. As such, individuals that could benefit from remaining at home lack a practical way to do so while remaining safe and connected to caregivers when needed.
The drawings depict various embodiments for the purpose of illustration only. Those skilled in the art will recognize that alternative embodiments may be employed without departing from the principles of the technology. Accordingly, while specific embodiments are shown in the drawings, the technology is amenable to various modifications.

Recognizing hazard events based on sounds of in-home activities


A semiconductor device includes a source circuit and a control circuit. The source circuit includes a plurality of operational amplifiers, a plurality of transmission gates, one end of each of the transmission gates being connected to a corresponding source line, and a buffer circuit that outputs a switch control signal. When the number of transmission gates that are turned ON/OFF using the buffer circuit is referred to as n, a gate width and a gate length of a MOSFET of each of the transmission gates are respectively referred to as Wb and Lb, a gate width and a gate length of a MOSFET of the buffer circuit are respectively referred to as Wa and La, and K indicates a constant, the relationship n×Wb×Lb≧K×(Wa/La) is satisfied.

The present invention relates to a semiconductor device, an electro-optical device, an electronic instrument, and the like.
As an electro-optical panel used for electronic instruments (e.g., portable telephone, television, and projector (projection-type display device)), a simple matrix type liquid crystal panel and an active matrix type liquid crystal panel using a switch element (e.g., thin film transistor) have been known. In recent years, an electro-optical panel using a light-emitting element such as an electroluminescence (EL) element has attracted attention.
As a related-art example of a display driver that drives such an electro-optical panel, technology disclosed in JP-A-2001-188615 is known, for example. In this related-art example, an electro-optical panel is driven while selectively performing operational amplifier drive that uses an operational amplifier with high drive capability and DAC drive that can reduce a variation in output voltage between the adjacent source lines within a 1H period.
According to this related-art example, the electro-optical panel serves as an antenna so that noise generated by a display driver produces EMI noise, whereby the reception sensitivity of a portable telephone decreases, for example.

Semiconductor device, electro-optical device, and electronic instrument


An electrical connector assembly (10) includes a first connector (20) and a second connector (30) for mating with the first connector. The first connector includes a first insulative housing (200) having a number of first conductive terminals (210). The second connector includes a second insulative housing (300) planted with a number of second conductive terminals (320) to contact with the corresponding first conductive terminals, respectively. The first insulative housing is provided with a pair of hooks (220) at two sides thereof. The second connector is formed with a pair of protruding blocks (314) in compliance with the hooks so as to safely lock the hooks when the first connector is fully mated with the second connector.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the art of electrical connector assemblies and, more particularly, to an electrical connector assembly having locking mechanism for forming stable electrical connection between two electrical interfaces, such as two circuit substrates.
2. General Background
Electrical connectors are generally provided in pairs, such as a first connector and a second connector for mating with the first connector, to connect terminating ends of circuit traces on different circuit substrates. Typically, the first connector includes a first insulative housing embedded with a plurality of first conductive terminals. The second connector includes a second insulative housing having a plurality of second conductive terminals received therein. In use, the first conductive terminals are brought to contact with the corresponding second conductive terminals, respectively, so as to form electrical connection therebetween.
In order to ensure reliable electrical connection between the first connector and the second connector, various of fastening mechanisms are provided. For instance, a pair of fastening blocks is formed at two sides of the first insulative housing of the first connector. A pair of fastening slots in compliance with the fastening blocks is defined in the second insulative housing of the second connector. When the first connector is fully mated with the second connector, the fastening blocks are held in the corresponding fastening slots to reinforce the mating of the first connector and the second connector.
However, the mating of the first connector and the second connector is realized via frictional intervention between the fastening blocks and the fastening slots. In use, the fastening block with slippery deformable surface is likely to disengage from the fastening slots, which may possibly adversely affects the electrical interconnection between the first connector and the second connector.
Therefore, there is a heretofore unaddressed need in the industry to address the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies.

Electrical connector assembly having locking mechanism