A cargo anchoring system includes anchor rings with an opening formed therein. Each ring has a tongue monolithically formed with an outer perimeter thereof and extending outwardly therefrom. Each tongue has planar top and bottom surfaces respectively oriented perpendicular to a central axis of a corresponding one of the ring openings. Each tongue has an aperture formed therein. Each of a plurality of bars has a groove formed in an outer surface thereof and penetrates through corresponding ones of the apertures of the tongues. A plurality of cotter pins engages corresponding ones of the grooves and prevents the bars from separating from the tongues. A plurality of rails is connected to the rings and the existing vehicle. An anchor plate, including a hitch ball, is coupled to inner surfaces of the rails and centrally positioned therebetween.

1. Technical Field
This invention relates to anchoring systems and, more particularly, to a cargos anchoring system and associated method for assisting a user to anchor cargo inside an existing vehicle or anchor safety chains to the existing vehicle.
2. Prior Art
Pickup trucks are the vehicle of choice for contractors, tradesmen, and farmers and are extensively used for transporting virtually anything. Government officials say trailer use has been rising as the popularity of light trucks has increased in the last decade. A wide variety of trailers are available to fit every need and come in a wide variety of sizes. Many trailers are equipped with a weight-carrying hitch that bears a resemblance to the neck of a goose. This type of hitch system distributes the tongue weight of the trailer to all wheels of the towing vehicle and trailer. A weight-carrying hitch attaches to the towing vehicle using the frame or truck bed to support the trailer's tongue weight at the hitch ball.
One prior art example shows a utility rail which may be used independently or as a mounting rail for a utility rack for pick-up truck cargo beds and the like with the rail. The rack is mounted with two present invention rails to cargo bed walls. Each rail has an elongated member having a generally L-shaped cross-section with a vertical segment and a horizontal segment, each segment having inside walls and outside walls. At least one elongated holding slot such as a cargo anchor T-slot running along at least a portion of the outside wall of either or both the vertical segment and the horizontal segment and locating grooves or starter holes located on either the horizontal segment or the vertical segment for penetrating said elongated member with a plurality of attachment devices for attaching said rail to a structure. The elongated member may also contain one or more hollows designed to add strength to the structure and conserve materials. The rails of the present invention are preferably uni-structurally formed elongated members of extruded metal or plastic or combinations of metallic and non metallic materials. Unfortunately, this prior art example is only designed for use in securing cargo and is not designed for securing safety chains to a towed trailer.
Another prior art example shows a cargo anchor primarily intended for attachment to the upper edge of the side of an open bed truck, comprising a journal box and an integral clamping apparatus. The journal box comprises a base member, a cleat superimposed on the base member and screws for interconnecting the cleat to the base member. A transverse bore in at least one of either the base member or the cleat is disposed parallel to the base member and the cleat and is sized to carry a shaft or a "D" ring that functions to support load binding straps or ties. Integral with the journal box is a clamping device for attaching the journal box to a flat structural member. Unfortunately, this prior art example is complicated to use, and damages the paint surface of an existing truck bed during installation procedures.
Accordingly, a need remains for a cargo anchoring system and associated method in order to overcome the above-noted shortcomings. Such a system is convenient to use, lightweight yet durable in design, and assists a user to anchor cargo inside an existing vehicle or anchor safety chains to the existing vehicle. The strong anchor points of the system provide an easy solution for attaching trailer safety chains, and provides anchor points for chain hooks and tie down ropes to restrain loose materials in truck beds, thereby preventing items such as lumber from sliding around or falling out. The system installs and removes to provide a convenient method of connecting gooseneck trailer safety chains to the hitch rails. The angled extension rings are an innovation that allows easier usage in tying and securing materials in the truck bed. The present invention is simple to use, inexpensive, and designed for many years of repeated use.

Cargo anchoring system and associated method


The instant invention relates to an apparatus for measuring a powder mass flow in a powder/gas mixture during the conveyance thereof through a feed pipe, the apparatus comprising a velocity measuring device for the powder/gas mixture, a mass measuring device for the powder mass per volume unit, and a calculating device to calculate the powder mass flow based on the velocity measured, the powder mass per volume unit measured, and the dimensions of the feed pipe. The mass measuring device comprises a microwave resonator and means for sensing the resonant frequency and/or the microwave amplitude of the microwave resonator. The microwave resonator is embodied by a coil which is applied on the outside of the feed pipe. The invention likewise proposes a method of measuring the powder mass flow in a feed pipe wherein measuring of the powder mass per volume unit involves establishing a reference resonance of a known powder mass flow, adjusting two measuring frequencies at either side of the reference resonance, measuring the resonator voltage at the adjusted measuring frequencies and forming the difference thereof for a powder mass flow to be measured, and determining the displacement of the resonant frequency based on the voltage differential.

An apparatus of the kind in question which is described in DE-A-4 406 046 comprises a velocity measuring means for measuring the velocity of the powder/gas mixture in the feed pipe, a mass measuring means for measuring the powder mass per volume unit in a section of the feed pipe, the mass measuring means comprising a microwave resonator as well as means for detecting a change in the resonant frequency and/or the microwave amplitude of the microwave resonator and for deriving the powder mass in the feed pipe section from the resonant frequency and/or the microwave amplitude detected, and a calculating means for calculating the powder mass flow based on the velocity measured, the powder mass per volume unit measured, and the dimensions of the feed pipe. DE-A-4 406 046 likewise discloses a method of measuring a powder mass flow in a powder/gas mixture while the mixture is being conveyed through a feed pipe. With this method, the velocity of the powder/gas mixture is measured in the feed pipe, the powder mass per volume unit is measured in a section of the feed pipe by detecting a displacement of the resonant frequency in a microwave resonator disposed at the feed pipe, and the powder mass flow is calculated based on the velocity measured, the powder mass per volume unit measured, and previously known dimensions of the feed pipe.
The coating powder to be supplied to powder coating devices, in electrostatic coating systems, for example, is fluidized, i.e. the powder is intermixed with a gas, preferably with air in order to form a powder/air mixture which then is fed to the coating devices through feed pipes or tubes. In this context, it may become necessary to find out what quantity of powder per time unit actually is conveyed or delivered, in other words to determine the powder mass flow (g/min) during operation of the coating equipment, so as to be able to adjust the powder mass flow to a desired value or to maintain an set value.
In known powder coating equipment, the air pressure used to supply powder by means of injectors or venturi nozzles has been measured with the aid of pressure gauges providing values in bar, or the air quantities required for such supply have been determined in m.sup.3 /h.
However, measurements of the air pressures and air quantities offer no more than an indirect and unreliable indication of the actual output of powder. For instance, when a powder reservoir is empty, supply pressures or air quantities continue to be indicated although powder can no longer be delivered.
The above mentioned DE-A-4 406 046 suggests that two parameters be measured to determine the powder mass flow, namely:
the velocity V of the powder/air mixture in the feed pipe in m/sec and PA1 the powder mass per volume unit M.sub.V in the feed pipe in g/cm.sup.3.
Based on these two parameters V and M.sub.V, in combination with the dimensions of the feed pipe which are assumed to be known, especially the cross section Q of the feed pipe, the resulting powder mass flow fed and delivered, i.e. the powder quantity per time unit M.sub.T in g/min is given as follows: EQU M.sub.T g/min!=V m/sec!*M.sub.V g/cm.sup.3 !*Qcm.sup.2 !*6000.
According to the publication cited above the velocity is measured by means of two spaced apart measuring electrodes which sense charge fluctuations at the feed pipe generated by the powder/gas mixture being conveyed. The powder mass per volume unit is measured by means of a microwave resonator which senses variations of the dielectric constant and/or the microwave absorption in a resonant volume of the feed pipe by way of a shift or displacement of the resonant frequency or a change of the microwave amplitude in the resonator.
EP-A-297 309 discloses a method of and an apparatus for measuring and controlling the amount of powder in a powder coating system. Here powder quantities supplied per unit time to a spray coating machine are measured. The method provides for measuring the density of the powder in the powder/gas flow by a beam measuring device. The gas quantity per unit time is determined, and the amount of powder conveyed per unit time is established on the basis of the following equation c=a.multidot.b.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,807,480 describes a method of measuring the flow rate of an powder/air mixture in which the flow velocity of the mixture is detected by sensors which are spaced from each other and which sense charge fluctuations in the powder/air mixture. To accomplish this, a corona needle electrode injects a charge into the powder/air mixture and the sensors detect the charge.
JP-A-3-125924 discloses a flowmeter for a powder flow. Here, a tracer material is introduced into a stream of powder and two sets of microwave transmitters and receivers are used to detect the powder mass flow.

Apparatus for measuring a powder mass flow


A kinetic energy recovery system with flywheel includes a cascade flywheel doubly-fed electric machine and an electric motor. The cascade flywheel doubly-fed electric machine has a stator end coil, a rotor end coil and a flywheel. The flywheel can store kinetic energy by increasing speed or releasing kinetic energy by decreasing speed. A control circuit has an inverter, a rectifier and a DC bus connecting the inverter and the rectifier. The inverter supplies alternating current to the rotor end coil. The rectifier has an AC end connected to the stator end coil through an AC bus. The rectifier converts alternating current to direct current, so that the inverter can draw power from the DC bus. The electric motor has a phase coil connected to the AC bus. When the cascade flywheel double-fed electric machine decelerates, the system converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a conventional energy transfer system of a flywheel and a vehicle drive motor. An energy transfer system 1 includes a flywheel module 2, drive circuit 4 and a vehicle drive motor 6.
When the energy transfer between the flywheel 2 and the drive motor 6 is to be performed, all of the energy is passed through the drive circuit 4, so that the power devices, the DC capacitors and the battery of the drive circuit 4 are subjected to considerable electrical loads.
In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an energy transfer system with an energy storage flywheel is required. This system can increase the energy recoverable by the brakes of the drive motor, and the energy does not have to pass through all of the power electronics and DC capacitors or batteries, so that the power electronics and DC capacitors or batteries do not need to withstand all the power and cause losses.

Kinetic energy recovery system with flywheel

INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE


Systems and methods for managing storage space of media assets stored on a storage device are described. In some embodiments, control circuitry determines whether a selected media asset belongs to a series where an order is assigned to media assets in the series. In response to determining that the selected media asset belongs to the series, the control circuitry retrieves information regarding a last viewed media asset of the series. The control circuitry determines whether the last viewed media asset is subsequent to the selected media asset in the order assigned to media assets in the series. In response to determining that the last viewed media asset is subsequent to the selected media asset in the order assigned to the media assets in the series, the control circuitry transmits an instruction to remove the selected media asset from the storage device.

In conventional digital video recorder (DVR) and other media storage systems, a user typically has to select media for deletion if the storage system is running out of storage space. For example, the user may select for deletion an episode of a television program he has already viewed to free storage space. In another example, the user may select for deletion an older episode of a television program to free storage space for newer media. However, the user may be unsure which older episodes to keep and which to delete in case he needs to view one of the older episodes at a later time.


An input side of a switched capacitor amplifier section is connected to output sides of transfer transistors of a photoelectric conversion transfer section group comprised of a prescribed number of a plurality of photoelectric conversion transfer sections, each of which has a photodiode and a transfer transistor. An output side of the switched capacitor amplifier section is connected to a vertical signal line. The switched capacitor amplifier section has a signal charge storage section, an amplification transistor whose an input side is connected to the signal charge storage section, a capacitor connected between input and output sides of the amplification transistor and a reset transistor. A voltage at the ground terminal of an inverting amplifier, which is constructed of a constant current load transistor connected to the output side of the amplification transistor via the vertical signal line and the amplification transistor, is controlled by a vertical scanning circuit.

The present invention relates to amplifying solid-state imaging devices and to a technique for achieving a low-noise amplifying solid-state imaging device with small-sized pixels.
Conventionally, an amplifying solid-state imaging device, which has a pixel section provided with an amplification function and a scanning circuit provided at the periphery of the pixel section and reads image data by means of the scanning circuit, has been proposed as an amplifying solid-state imaging device. In particular, an APS (Active Pixel Sensor) type image sensor having a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) structure advantageous in integrating the pixel construction with a peripheral driving circuit and a signal processing circuit is known.
The APS type image sensor is normally required to form a photoelectric conversion section, an amplification section, a pixel selection section and a reset section in one pixel. Therefore, three to four MOS transistors are employed besides the photoelectric conversion section normally constructed of a photodiode in the APS type image sensor.
However, if three to four MOS transistors are necessary per pixel, then the arrangement becomes a limitation on reducing the pixel size, and therefore, a method for reducing the transistor count per pixel is proposed (refer to, for example, JP 09-46596 A).
FIG. 14 shows a circuit diagram of the essential part of the amplifying solid-state imaging device in which the transistor count per pixel is reduced. The amplifying solid-state imaging device is constructed of a photodiode 101, a transfer transistor 102 for transferring a signal charge accumulated in the photodiode 101, a reset transistor 131, an amplification transistor 132 and a pixel select transistor 133. In this case, it is known that it is possible to have an extremely low noise and obtain a high-quality image if the photodiode 101 is of the buried type and the signal charge transfer from the photodiode 101 is complete.
FIG. 15 shows a timing chart of the operation of the amplifying solid-state imaging device shown in FIG. 14.
As shown in FIG. 15, during a period T1, a drive pulse φR(m) applied to the gate of the common reset transistor 131 goes high level to turn on the reset transistor 131, and the voltage level below the gate is raised. Consequently, the charge moves to the drain side of the common reset transistor 131 by a common signal charge storage section 108, and the voltage of the signal charge storage section 108 is reset to a power supply voltage VDD.
During the next period T2, the drive pulse φR(m) applied to the gate of the common reset transistor 131 goes low level to turn off the reset transistor 131. However, a drive pulse φS(m) applied to the gate of the common pixel select transistor 133 goes high level to read a reset level to a signal line 135 via the common amplification transistor 132 since the pixel select transistor 133 is in ON state. At this time, the amplification transistor 132 and a constant current load transistor 134 forms a source follower circuit.
During the next period T3, the drive pulse φS(m) applied to the gate of the common pixel select transistor 133 goes low level to turn off the pixel select transistor 133, and a drive pulse φT(m,1) applied to the gate of the transfer transistor 102 of a m-th row goes high level to enter the ON state to raise the potential at the gate. Consequently, the signal charge accumulated in the photodiode 101 of the (m,1)-th row is transferred to the signal charge storage section 108.
During the next period T4, the drive pulse φT(m,1) applied to the gate of the transfer transistor 102 of the (m,1)-th row goes low level to turn off the transfer transistor 102. However, the voltage during the signal charge transfer is held in the common signal charge storage section 108, and the signal level of the (m,1)-th row is read to the signal line 135 via the common amplification transistor 132 since the drive pulse φS(m) applied to the gate of the common pixel select transistor 133 goes high level and in ON state.
Then, after one horizontal scanning period (1H), the signal charge from the photodiode 101 of the (m+1)-th row is conducted to the common reset transistor 131, the amplification transistor 132 and the pixel select transistor 133 via the transfer transistor 102 of the (m,2)-th row for the pixel of the (m,2)-th row, and operation similar to that in the periods T1 through T4 is to be executed.
The above construction and operation are configured to have 2.5 transistors per pixel in the case of one common section per two pixels or have 1.75 transistors per pixel in the case of one common section per four pixels. That is, in these examples, the transistor count per pixel can be reduced.
However, the conventional amplifying solid-state imaging device causes the following problems in terms of the construction and operation. That is, assuming that the capacitance of the common signal charge storage section 108 is CFD, then a charge voltage conversion rate η for converting a signal charge ΔQsig from the photodiode 101 into a voltage signal ΔVsig is expressed by:η=G·ΔVsig/ΔQsig=G/CFD where G represents the gain of the source follower circuit constructed of the amplification transistor 132 and the constant current load transistor 134 and normally has a value (0.8 to 0.9) slightly smaller than one. It is necessary to reduce CFD in order to increase η. The capacitance CFD of the signal charge storage section 108 is the sum total of the junction capacitance on the drain side of the transfer transistor 102 connected to the signal charge storage section 108, the gate capacitance of the amplification transistor 132 and the junction capacitance to the substrate. Accordingly, there is a problem that the charge voltage conversion rate η is reduced as number of photodiodes and the transfer transistors connected to the common signal charge storage section increases.


Methods of displaying broadcast media content information to a user include receiving at a first receiver first content from a first channel of a multi-channel broadcast media system while receiving at a second receiver information regarding the content on a second off-channel of the multi-channel broadcast media system. Then, at least some of the received information regarding the content on the second channel is displayed to the user. A database of information may also be provided that includes, for example, information regarding listening/viewing preferences of the user. This database of information may be used, for example, to select the off-channels that are scanned for content information and/or to select what information is displayed to the user.

Numerous broadcast media systems exist in which a user can select to view, listen and/or otherwise receive content over one or more of a plurality of different channels. Broadcast media systems are known in the art as systems that transmit content on a plurality of different, defined, channels to users of the system at generally scheduled times, where each user generally receives the same information on the same channels as do other users of the system. Examples of broadcast media systems include broadcast television, broadcast AM and FM radio, cable and satellite television, satellite radio, internet radio, DVB-H, or other internet protocol broadcasts, etc. In some of these systems, such as cable and satellite television and satellite radio, users must subscribe to receive the broadcast content. In such subscription based systems, the number of channels available to the user may depend upon the particular plan or service agreement entered into between the user and the broadcast media system provider. In other broadcast media systems, such as AM radio, FM radio and broadcast television, all users of the system within a particular viewing/listening area receive the same channels, and the "system" comprises a plurality of independent stations that each broadcast programs on one or more defined channels of the system.
Herein, the programming information that is broadcast on a particular channel of a broadcast media system is referred to as the "content" of that channel. By way of example, the "content" broadcast on a channel of a traditional over-the-air FM radio broadcast system typically comprises music, talk shows, sports broadcasts, news and traffic reports, commercials and/or other programming. In some broadcast media systems, content descriptors or other content information may be embedded with, or transmitted alongside, the actual content. Herein, such broadcast content descriptors or other content information are referred to "as information regarding the content" on a channel and/or as "content identification data." By way of example, at least some of the channels of FM radio systems may transmit Radio Data System or "RDS" data, which is typically embedded in a sideband of the radio signal that broadcasts the content of the channel. This RDS data comprises textual information such as, for example, the name of the radio station, the title the performing artist and/or the genre of a song that is currently being (or about to be) played, program names, advertising information and/or other data. Appropriately equipped FM radio receivers can display this textual information to the user on a display screen. Typically, the RDS data is displayed on the display that is used to display the channel and other information to the user.
Receivers for broadcast media systems that include a plurality of different channels often provide the user a capability to "preset" or otherwise easily select a subset of preferred channels. By way of example, for many years, AM and FM radios have often included preset tuning buttons that allow a user to preset a half-dozen or so favorite channels and then tune into a particular one of the preset stations with a push of a single button. Similarly, television remote controls (and some radio receivers) often include an ability to scroll through a plurality of preset, preferred channels as opposed to separately entering the number for each channel.

Methods for using broadcast media content information and related broadcast media receivers/playback devices


A reproduction apparatus and a server system to provide additional information, the reproduction apparatus reproduces one of contents stored on the storage medium, such as a CD or DVD, and includes an identifier generator to generate the identifier of the contents, a network connector, and a controller to transmit the identifier generated by the identifier generator to a server system providing the additional information through the network connector, to receive the additional information provided from the server system through the network connector and to reproduce the received additional information.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a reproduction apparatus and a server system providing additional information, and more particularly, to a reproduction apparatus to read contents from storage media and to reproduce the read contents and a server system providing additional information that is connected to the reproduction apparatus through a network.
2. Description of the Related Art
Digital storage media such as CDS and DVDs, in which various contents such as audio and video information are recorded, are widely used. In particular, audio contents or video contents are recorded on CD-ROMs, DVD-audio, and DVD-videos, and the CD-ROMs, the DVD-audio, and the DVD-videos are then sold.
There are various additional information related to the audio contents or the video contents. For example, in the case of music videos, additional information could include the words of the songs, personal information items on the singers, contents of recent activities, and other hit songs of a similar genre. However, when a user desires to know such additional information, the user must access other media.

Reproducing apparatus and server system providing additional information therefor


Integrated circuits with close electrical contacts and methods for fabricating such integrated circuits are provided. The method includes forming a first and a second contact in an interlayer dielectric, and forming a recess between the first and second contact. A etch mask is formed overlying the interlayer dielectric, and the etch mask is removed from over a recess mid-point. A center contact is formed in the interlayer dielectric at the recess mid-point.

Over time, integrated circuits are becoming smaller and have increased capabilities. The production of smaller integrated circuits requires the development of smaller electronic components, and closer spacing of those electronic components. In traditional integrated circuits, electrical contacts are formed through an insulating cover layer, often called an interlayer dielectric, to connect the electronic components in a desired manner. Some electronic components have multiple electrical contacts, such as a field effect transistor (FET) that may have contacts to its source, its drain, and its gate. The contacts must be spaced very close together to make the desired electrical connections.
Electrical contacts typically physically connect electrical devices on one layer of the integrated circuit to interconnect or metallization layers spaced from the devices by one or more of the interlayer dielectric layers. There may be several layers of interconnect lines separated by interlayer dielectrics, and there may be transistors, resistors, and other electronic components separated by various other layers of interlayer dielectric as well. The contacts are formed by etching a via or hole in the interlayer dielectric material, and then depositing conductive material in the via.
The vias are positioned by patterning a photoresist layer to expose desired areas of the interlayer dielectric, and using the patterned photoresist as a mask for the etching process. In a traditional process, the contacts are formed by depositing a layer of photoresist, exposing desired area of the photoresist to light to change the chemical nature of the photoresist, and then removing the photoresist from either the areas exposed to the light or the areas protected from the light. A mask is used to protect selected areas of the photoresist from light, and to allow light to pass through to other areas. When the mask is designed to transmit light through small areas that approach the wavelength of the light, the light refracts or bends when it passes through the mask and contacts photoresist that the mask is intended to shield. The result in a resolution limit at which the photoresist pattern cannot be scaled below. Shorter frequency light can be used to lower the resolution limit, but there is a higher cost for using shorter frequency light. Even with short frequency light, the spacing of the vias is limited by the resolution limit. This resolution limit, and the associated limit on how close electrical contacts can be placed, can prevent the production of integrated circuits with electronic components packed beyond a certain distance from each other.
Accordingly, it is desirable to develop methods and systems for manufacturing contacts close together. In addition, it is desirable to develop methods and systems for contacts spaced closer together than the resolution limit of the photoresist used. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics of the present embodiment will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and this background.

Integrated circuits with close electrical contacts and methods for fabricating the same


The invention concerns a method of establishing a multichannel connection comprising N channels, two switching facilities, a communications network, and a transmit-side and a receive-side access facility to a communications network. When a multichannel connection (SLOT3, SLOT7; SLOT5, SLOT28) is established through a switching network (DSN), first the transit times (T1, T2, T3) of more than N channels through the switching network (DSN) are determined (MONIT). Then N channels are selected from said more than N channels by means of an algorithm (CONTR), which uses the determined transit times (T1, T2, T3) as input values. Subsequently the selected N channels are assigned as channels to the multichannel connection (SLOT3, SLOT7; SLOT5, SLOT28), and for their synchronization the channels are delayed in accordance with the determined transit times (T1, T2, T3). This method is also applicable to end-to-end multichannel connections and single channel connections.

In contrast to "normal" connections, multichannel connections have very special synchronization requirements. These requirements can be described as follows, for example with the usual time-division multiplex transmission in telephone networks (32 channels, time frames of 125 .mu.s):
1. The sequence of the channels within the frame must be safeguarded. PA1 2. The channels assigned to a multichannel connection must be time-synchronized with each other, i.e. the PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) words of all channels of the multichannel connections must belong to a single frame of the transmitter as well as of the receiver.
When the second request for synchronization is fulfilled, there are problems because the transit times of different paths through a switching network do not generally coincide. These deviations are the result of transforming channels to the time-stages of the switching network.
The invention now starts with a known solution for the fulfillment of these synchronization requests, as described for example in the European patent EP 85 110 673.2.
The channels of a multichannel connection are conducted like single channels through the switching network of an exchange. A buffer is provided behind the switching network, whereby the channels of the multichannel connection are synchronized. The delay of individual channels required for the synchronization is determined by the transmission of frame numbers in the individual channels.
This solution has the disadvantage that a large output-side buffer could be required under certain circumstances.
Further solutions are known from the American patent U.S. Pat. No. 5,136,578:
A further solution is to synchronize the channels of a multichannel connection during each switching network stage. To that end an additional frame is temporarily stored in each time-stage. This solution has the disadvantage that the transit time through the switching network becomes approximately double.
A further solution includes providing special assignment specifications between the input-side and the output-side channels in each time-stage of a switching network, and in this way possibly avoid a time displacement between different channels being switched through the network. Although this proposed solution reduces the required synchronization buffer, the path selection within the switching element is restricted and special switching elements are required.

Method of establishing a multichannel connection, as well as switching facilities, communications network, and transmit-side and receive-side communications network access facilities

Alcatel Alsthom Compagnie Generale D'Electricite


A display apparatus for use with a fuel pump filler gun having in sequence a barrel, a head, and a handle, includes a clip. The clip has opposed retaining surfaces biased toward one another. The retaining surfaces are configured to grasp a display between the opposed retaining surfaces and hold the display spaced apart from the filler gun. The display apparatus further includes various techniques for attaching the clip to the filler gun or to a protective boot covering a portion of the filler gun. The display apparatus can provide an expanded display area beyond the limited area of the filler gun itself without interfering with the use of the filler gun during the fueling operation.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to advertising message display devices, and more particularly to a display holder having opposed retaining surfaces and being attachable to a fuel pump filler gun. The display holder permits advertising and other informational messages to be displayed to a customer while fueling his own vehicle, and to be observed upon approaching the gas pumps.
2. Description of the Related Art
Most related art devices are confined to the limited surface area available on the filler gun itself, and are typically confined to the area of the head of the filler gun. Further, many of the related art display devices are not suitable for use with all configurations of filler guns, or else are suitable for use only with a filler gun having a protective boot covering a portion of the filler gun.
A need exists for a display apparatus which may be readily attached to all configurations of filler guns, whether or not the filler gun has a protective boot. The display apparatus should be readily attachable to the head of a filler gun, or to a protective boot covering the head of a filler gun, to provide additional message space in an economical manner without requiring a change of the filler gun or protective boot covering.

Display apparatus attachable to a fluid pump filler gun


Two or more images, which are produced from the same image data but which are adjusted to have different color states, are displayed alternately on the same position of the screen at a predetermined timing. The operator can observe those images while continuously watching the same position on the screen. The operator can compare those images within a short period of time. Accordingly, the operator can easily compare the color states of those images with high accuracy. Because each of the images is displayed entirely over the screen, the operator can observe color states of even the intricate portions in the images.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a color adjustment device for adjusting display colors of image data.
2. Description of the Related Art
A color adjustment device has been conventionally proposed to adjust colors to be outputted on an image output device. Before controlling a CRT or a color printer with image data to display or to record an original image, a color state of the image data is adjusted by the color adjustment device so that the image data will properly match the characteristics of the CRT or the printer. The thus color-adjusted image data can control the CRT or the printer to reproduce colors close to those of the original image. The color adjustment device is also used to change the image data so that the CRT or the printer can output images with their color states being different from that of the original image.
The color adjustment device is designed to change parameter values of the image data which are defined in the RGB colorimetric system or the Lab colorimetric system. The color adjustment device changes the parameter values dependent on an operator's inputted color adjustment data.


A method according to one embodiment may include switching, by an integrated circuit, a plurality of switches to generate at least one output signal having a first amplitude and a second amplitude. The method according to this embodiment may also include controlling, by the integrated circuit, a conduction state of the plurality of switches to include a first conduction state and a second conduction state. The method according to this embodiment may also include minimizing, by the integrated circuit, the number of switch transitions between the first conduction state and the second conduction state of at least one switch when the output signal goes from the first amplitude to the second amplitude. Of course, many alternatives, variations, and modifications are possible without departing from this embodiment

In one conventional data storage arrangement, a computer node includes a host bus adapter (HBA). The HBA communicates with a data storage system via one or more communication links using a communication protocol associated with the data storage system. The HBA may transmit a serial stream of data to one or more target devices, and the amplitude of the serial data stream may be selected by the communications protocol. In the conventional system, multiple switches are used to produce a serial data stream. In the conventional system, transitions between binary values in a serial data stream are accomplished using conventional inverter circuits. Using conventional inverter circuits, a large number of switches must switch states to transition between binary values. A large number of switch transitions may operate to introduce noise in the serial data stream, and the conventional system may require complex additional circuits to reduce noise. Thus, the conventional system is incapable of reducing noise in the serial data stream without introducing complex noise-reduction circuitry.
Although the following Detailed Description will proceed with reference being made to illustrative embodiments, many alternatives, modifications, and variations thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended that the claimed subject matter be viewed broadly, and be defined only as set forth in the accompanying claims.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Integrated circuit capable of minimizing switch transitions


A heat exchanger having a plurality of stacked plate pairs consisting of face-to-face mating plates with each plate having a peripheral flange and annular inner and outer primary bosses. Each boss has a portion thereof located in a common first plane with the peripheral flange. An annular secondary boss has a portion thereof located in a second plane spaced from the first plane. Intermediate areas between the inner and outer primary bosses have spaced-apart portions to form inner flow passages. Both the primary and secondary bosses have openings formed therein for the passage of heat exchanging fluids. In back-to-back plate pairs, the secondary bosses are joined and the openings therein communicate to define a manifold for a second of these fluids. The inner and outer primary bosses include radially extending ribs formed about the circumference of each boss and extending substantially across the boss. These ribs are located between the openings formed in the boss and form cross-over passages that permit the second fluid to flow across the primary bosses and through the inner flow passage. There are also rectangular versions of the heat exchanger having at least first and second elongate primary ridges and at least one elongate secondary ridge.

This invention relates to heat exchangers, including oil coolers of the so-called xe2x80x9cdoughnutxe2x80x9d type that can be used separately or in conjunction with oil filters in automotive and other engine and transmission cooling applications and heat exchangers or oil coolers having a rectangular shape. This invention also relates to manifolds for the transfer and distribution of two fluids, particularly heat exchanging fluids.
Oil coolers have been made in the past out of a plurality of stacked plate pairs located in a housing or canister. The canister usually has inlet and outlet fittings for the flow of engine coolant into and out of the canister circulating around the plate pairs. The plate pairs themselves have inlet and outlet openings and these openings are usually aligned to form manifolds, so that the oil passes through all of the plate pairs simultaneously. These manifolds communicate with oil supply and return lines located externally of the canister. An example of such an oil cooler is shown in Japanese Utility Model Laid Open Publication No. 63-23579 published Feb. 16, 1988.
Where the oil cooler is used in conjunction with an oil filter, the plate pairs are usually in the form of an annulus and a conduit passes through the center of the annulus delivering oil to or from the filter located above or below the oil cooler and connected to the conduit. The oil can pass through the filter and then the oil cooler, or vice-versa. Examples of such oil coolers are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,967,835 issued to Thomas E. Lefeber and 5,406,910 issued to Charles M. Wallin.
A difficulty with these prior art heat exchangers (HXs) however is that they have limited performance efficiency. This limitation is exacerbated in applications where compact HX configurations are required. In particular, in prior art HXs at least one of the fluids must be circulated through the stack plate passages in a circumferential, or split-flow circumferential flow direction. This results in a high flow resistance, or pressure drop for this fluid. Also, the necessity to include relatively large fluid ports within prime regions of the plate area that could otherwise be used for heat transfer, detracts from overall performance or compactness. Thirdly, there are inherent flow distribution problems with one or all of the fluids being distributed around, or between the plate heat transfer passages, which are difficult to overcome in prior art designs. Finally, to maximize heat transfer efficiency it is desirable to achieve a true counter-flow direction between the two fluids, yet this is impractical in prior art constructions. In these cases, the two fluids flow at essentially perpendicular directions.
The present invention provides a high performance compact heat exchanger in which the two fluids can have a true parallel flow direction including counterflow direction and yet low pressure drop. Further the HXs described herein can achieve extremely uniform flow distribution according to the flow conditions required, and a graduation means to control this in changing section, or irregular shaped HXs. There is also provided a novel manifold that allows flexibility in locating external fluid connections, while providing a low pressure drop and balanced flow distribution interface with the HX internal fluid distribution manifolds.
The present invention is expected to have particular applicability to compact automotive heat exchangers, including oil/water transmission and engine oil heat exchangers and other high performance liquid to liquid or liquid to gas heat exchangers. The present invention offers particular benefits for refrigerant to water (or other liquid) HX""s in as much as two phase fluids are normally particularly sensitive to flow maldistribution effects, both within the heat exchange passages and the connection manifolds, and which the present invention overcomes.
More specifically, a preferred embodiment of the present invention is a high performance, plate type compact HX based on structural provision of cross-over passages that intersect internal fluid distribution manifolds. These cross-over passages allow both fluids to be directed in a short path, counterflow relationship. A low pressure drop is simultaneously achieved for both fluids, based on the resultant short paths, and by judicious selection of appropriate heat transfer augmentation means.
In one preferred version of the invention, there is a deliberate adjustment of the size and shape of fluid transfer apertures that are arranged in groupings to allow parallel flow distribution, the adjustment being used to achieve uniform flow distribution across the plate surfaces, and over a range of HX shapes.
A preferred embodiment of the present invention is a heat exchanger having a self-enclosing configuration, ie without the need for an external housing to contain one of the fluids. If desired, the invention can still be used in a form having an external xe2x80x9ccanxe2x80x9d or housing that contains the heat exchanger.
Optional design features of these HXs are also described that include a fluid passage to allow partial bypassing of one fluid, in the case that an excess flow supply needs to be accommodated, and internal cones to improve flow distribution.
The heat exchanger of the present invention is very efficient with relatively low pressure drop. In one version of the present heat exchanger employing mating ringlike plates which are placed in a stack, the two heat exchanging fluids are able to travel radially so the two fluid flows are parallel to one another. Thus, the first heat exchanging fluid can flow radially through inner flow passages formed between the plates while a second heat exchanging fluid is able to flow through outer flow passages formed between back-to-back plate pairs. In another version of the heat exchanger of the invention which can employ generally rectangular plates, again, the two heat exchanging fluids are able to flow in inner and outer flow passages in parallel directions.
In one version of the invention employing ringlike or annular plates and annular primary and secondary bosses, radially extending ribs are formed about the circumference of one or more of the primary bosses and extend substantially across their respective boss. These ribs are located between and separated from openings formed in their respective primary bosses and they form cross-over passages that permit one of the heat exchange fluids to flow radially across the primary bosses and through inner flow passages. In a rectangular embodiment of the heat exchanger, each plate in the stack is formed with first and second elongate primary ridges and at least one secondary ridge and at least a portion of the primary ridges have ribs extending transversely across the width of the ridge and distributed along the length thereof. Again, these ribs are located between and separated from openings formed in the primary ridges and form cross-over passages that permit one of the heat exchanging fluids to flow transversely across the primary ridges and through inner flow passages.
According to one aspect of the invention, a heat exchanger comprises an plurality of stack plate pairs consisting of face-to-face, mating ringlike plates, each plate having a peripheral flange and annular inner and outer primary bosses each having a portion thereof located in a common first plane with the peripheral flange. Each plate also has an annular secondary boss having a portion thereof located in a second plane spaced from the first plane and parallel thereto. Intermediate areas are located between the inner and outer primary bosses and the peripheral flanges and the primary bosses in the mating plates are joined together. The intermediate areas of each plate pair have spaced-apart portions to form an inner flow passage between the plates. The secondary boss is located adjacent to one of the primary bosses and on a side thereof furthest from the other of the primary bosses. Both the primary bosses and the secondary bosses have openings formed therein for passage of first and second heat exchanging fluids respectively. The secondary bosses are arranged such that in back-to-back plate pairs, the secondary bosses are joined and the respective openings therein communicate to define a manifold for the flow of the second heat exchanging fluid. The intermediate areas of back-to-back plate pairs define outer flow passages therebetween. The primary bosses of at least one plate of each pair include radially extending ribs formed about the circumferences of at least one primary boss and extending substantially across the respective primary boss. These ribs are located between and separated from the openings formed in the primary boss and form cross-over passages so that the cross-over passages of each plate pair permit the secondary heat exchange fluid to flow across its respective primary bosses and through its respective inner flow passage.
In the preferred version of this heat exchanger, the peripheral flange is an outer peripheral flange located radially outward from the primary and secondary bosses and the secondary boss is an outer secondary boss located radially outwards from its respective outer primary boss. There are also flow augmentation means preferably located in both of the inner flow passages and the outer flow passages.
According to another aspect of the invention, a heat exchanger for heat transfer between first and second heat exchanging fluids includes a plurality of stacked plate pairs consisting of face-to-face mating plates, each plate having edge flanges extending along edges thereof and first and second spaced-apart elongate primary ridges each having a portion thereof located in a common first plane with the at least one of the edge flanges. Each plate also has an elongate secondary ridge having a portion thereof located in a second plane spaced from the first plane and substantially parallel thereto. The secondary ridge is provided between an adjacent one of the edge flanges and the first primary ridge of the respective plate. An intermediate area is located between the first and second primary ridges and these areas of each pair have spaced-apart portions to form an inner flow passage between the plates. Both the primary ridges and the secondary ridge have openings formed therein for the passage of the first and second heat exchanging fluids respectively. The secondary ridges are arranged such that in back-to-back plate pairs, the secondary ridges are joined and the respective openings therein communicate to define a manifold for the flow of the second heat exchanging fluid. The intermediate areas of back-to-back plate pairs have spaced-apart portions defining outer flow passages therebetween. The primary ridges of at least one plate of each pair include ribs extending across the width of at least one primary ridge of the at least one plate and distributed along the length of the primary ridge. These ribs are located between and separated from the openings formed in the primary ridge and form cross-over passages so that the cross-over passages of each plate pair permit the secondary heat exchanging fluid to flow transversely across its respective primary ridges and through its respective inner flow passage.
Again, this heat exchanger preferably includes flow augmentation means located in both of the inner flow passages and the outer flow passages.
According to still another aspect of this invention, there is provided a manifold for the transfer and distribution of two fluids (such as two heat exchanging fluids) which may be used in conjunction with the aforementioned heat exchanger which employs mating ringlike plates. This manifold comprises a pair of manifold plates consisting of face-to-face, mating ringlike plates each having inner and outer peripheral flanges and substantially annular inner and outer bosses projecting in the same direction from a first plane defined by the outer peripheral flange. Each plate also includes a substantially annular intermediate channel located between the inner and outer bosses and having openings for passage of a first fluid between the two intermediate channels. At least one of the intermediate channels has radial ribs formed about the circumference of the channel and extending substantially across the channel. These ribs are formed between and separated from the openings formed in the channel and form cross-over passages that permit a second fluid to flow in a radial direction between the inner and outer bosses. At least one of the outer bosses has at least one port formed for the passage of the second fluid into or out of a sealed first space formed between the two outer bosses. There are also means extending over one side of the pair of manifold plates for sealingly enclosing the adjacent intermediate channel of the manifold plates. This enclosing device has one or more apertures formed therein and forms a flow passage for the fluid to flow between the openings in the intermediate channels and the one or more apertures. The inner boss of one of the pair of manifold plates has holes for the passage of the second fluid into or out of a sealed second space formed by the two inner bosses.
In the preferred manifold, the enclosing device is a third plate and the first and second fluids are heat exchanging fluids for carrying out heat exchange in a heat exchanger.
Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Heat exchanger with parallel flowing fluids


A transformer (26) is monitored by a dissolved gas monitoring device (28). A method (36) in the form of executable code instructs a processor (34) to analyze a condition of the transformer (26). The method includes receiving (90), from the monitoring device (28), data elements (60) in the form of values (70) of dissolved gases (72) associated with operation of transformer (26) during a period of time. Periodic characteristics responsive to the operation of the transformer (26) are identified (92) from the data elements (60). The periodic characteristics may include a daily, semi-annual, and/or annual fluctuation of gas generation in response to transformer loading. A gas generation rate trend (112) is distinguished from the periodic characteristics, the condition of the transformer (26) is determined and its future condition may be predicted in response to the trend (112). The condition is presented to a user (58).

Electric power transmission is a process in the delivery of electricity to consumers. In general, the term "electric power transmission" refers to the bulk transfer of electrical power from place to place, for example, between a power plant and a substation near a populated area. Due to the large amount of power involved, electric transmission normally takes place at high voltage (100 kV or above). Transformers are used at the substations to step the voltage down to a lower voltage for distribution to commercial and residential users. Other power transfer equipment utilized by the electrical utility industry includes, but is not limited to tap changers, circuit breakers, switches, capacitors, reactors, and the like.
Electric power transfer equipment is frequently filled with a fluid, typically of a mineral oil origin, that generally serves as a dielectric media, an insulator, and a heat transfer agent. During normal use this fluid undergoes a slow degradation to yield gases that collect in the oil. When there is an electrical fault within the transformer, these gases are generated more rapidly. Each of a number of fault conditions possible within a transformer generates certain key gases and a distribution pattern of these gases. Thus, the character of the fault condition giving rise to the gases may be ascertained by determining the various gases present in the transformer fluid and their amounts.
Dissolved gas analysis (DGA) is a widely used predictive maintenance technique for monitoring the collection and rate of generation of theses gases in liquid-filled electric power transfer equipment, in order to gauge the operation of such equipment. On-line dissolved gas analysis systems can provide analysis of multiple gases, for example, hydrogen (H2), oxygen (O2), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), acetylene (C2H2), ethylene (C2H4), and ethane (C2H6). Samples may be taken periodically, for example, every four hours, from each transformer being monitored. This sample rate desirably increases to, for example, hourly if predefined thresholds for an individual gas, or if a rate of change for an individual gas, is reached. At a utility managing many transformers, this sample rate yields a plethora of data samples, each of which is to be analyzed.
Conventional online dissolved gas analysis systems are based on directly comparing measured quantities to threshold values (constants) and threshold (constants) gas generation rates. While this allows power producers and distributors to ascertain when certain measured quantities fall outside the threshold values, this approach generates false alarms of equipment malfunction. Existing dissolved gas analysis techniques cannot distinguish gas generation rates caused by faults and incipient faults from acceptable gas generation rates caused by periodic loading of the liquid-filled electric power transfer equipment.

Method and system for transformer dissolved gas harmonic regression analysis


A new and distinct variety of Zoysia grass, substantially characterized by its distinctive dark green color, its tolerance to winter climate, and its spreading growth pattern.

The invention herein is a new and distinct variety of Zoysia grass. I discovered this plant in a lawn planted at my home in Exeter, R.I. in the mid to late nineteen forties to early fifties by my father, Charles H. Allen Jr. The original planting was Meyer Zoysia. Some of it survived until the 1960s In May 2006 I planted what was left in six flats and took them with me when I moved to Florida in November 2007.
This grass began to exhibit qualities distinctly different from other types of Zoysia and other warm weather grasses here in Florida. This grass has a medium texture, comparable to Kentucky Bluegrass varieties, but definitely finer texture than other Zoysia varieties such as Empire or Meyer. It also has exhibited deeper green color and better cold tolerance.
'Empire' 'Zoysia' grass is the subject of U.S. Plant Pat. No. 11,466. "Meyer" Zoysia grass doesn't appear to have been patented. It was released by the U.S.D.A. in 1951.
I proceeded to send a sample to Dr. Rebecca Brown at the University of RI for a DNA test to verify whether or not it was a new variety. At the same time I expanded my new seedling by vegetative division using two to three node sections. I removed two inches of soil in front of my house, laid down weed fabric to prevent contamination from soil weeds, and replaced the soil with sand in which I planted the nodes. It took four months to become a solid strand of planting material. It was planted February 1st, was completely full by June 1st. The nodes were planted three-four inches apart in rows three to four inches apart. Growth characteristics exhibit greater rhizome activity and fill in empty spaces with more upright growth than typical Zoysia growth of stolons, which grow laterally. Consequently producing a tight upright growth with much better appearance. Dr. Rebecca Brown has confirmed the fact that I have a new variety of Zoysia that I have named Aloyzia.
Aloyzia has been maintained at 1½ inch height of cut, fertilized with a 4-1-2 ratio with interim applications of ½ lb N of Milorganite. It has received 1-1½ lb N per month during grow-in period.
As indicated above I performed asexual reproduction of my new Aloyzia by vegetative division in Sarasota Fla.
I have chosen "Aloyzia" as the varietal name for my new grass.


A ramp stowable beneath the floor of a vehicle is normally power driven between retracted and extended positions. The drive, or propelling, mechanism for the ramp provides for the ramp to be manually disconnected from the propelling mechanism for manual extension and retraction in the event of a power failure in the system.

A number of prior inventors have devised retractable ramps which can be stowed beneath the floor of a motor vehicle and deployed through a door opening to provide a slightly inclined surface extending from the pavement to the vehicle floor. Such ramps greatly facilitate the entry into the vehicle of a wheelchair-bound person. These ramps are usually extended and retracted by a motorized drive system powered from the vehicle's electrical system.
One such ramp system which has had reasonable commercial acceptance is disclosed in United States Patent No. 4,827,548, granted May 9,1989, to Delos W. Hood for "Vehicle Entrance Ramp". A significant shortcoming of this particular ramp system is the absence of any mechanism permitting manual deployment and stowage of the ramp in the event of a power failure or failure of the motorized drive system.
Interestingly, this same inventor, Mr. Hood, earlier devised a different ramp structure which did incorporate a releasable connecting mechanism to permit the ramp to be manually moved independently of the motorized drive. U.S. Pat. No. 4,759,682, granted Jul. 26, 1988, for "Vehicle Entrance Ramp" discloses this ramp structure. Unfortunately, the releasable connecting mechanism there disclosed appears to be cumbersome to operate. The mechanism itself is complex and is accessible for reconnection only with the ramp in its fully extended position. Thus, if the ramp has been manually stowed, it must be manually fully extended before powered operation can be resumed.
There continues to be a need for a retractable ramp system which can quickly and easily be converted from powered operation to manual operation and back to powered operation.


A digital signal is recorded along tracks on a recording medium. Each of the tracks has plural areas. A portion of the digital signal which is recorded on a first area out of the plural areas includes information for reproduction of the digital signal. The information is recorded also on at least one of second areas out of the plural areas. The second areas are greater in size than the first area. The information includes, for example, subcode header information.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a method and an apparatus for recording a digital signal. This invention also relates to a method and an apparatus for reproducing a digital signal. This invention further relates to a method and an apparatus for recording and reproducing a digital signal. This invention also relates to a recording medium.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A DAT (digital audio tape) system records and reproduces a digital audio signal and data on and from a magnetic tape. The DAT track format prescribes two subcode areas and one main data area as data recording blocks. Each of data recording blocks has a size of 288 bits, that is, 36 bytes.
In the DAT system, a format ID (identification) signal indicating the use of main data is stored in a main header within a main data block. For example, the format ID signal denotes either the audio use or the data use. In the DAT system, since the format ID signal is stored in the main data block, the recovery of format information requires reproducing a signal from the main data block.

Apparatus and method for recording and reproducing digital signals on first and second areas of a storage medium


Disclosed is a novel dicarboxylic acid salt of sibutramine, which has good physicochemical properties. Also disclosed are a method of preparing the compound and a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound.

Sibutramine (N-[1-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)cyclobutyl]-3-methylbutyl]-N,N-dimethylamine), which is a inhibitor of 5-hydroxytryptamine and noradrenaline reuptake in vivo (Neuropharmacology, 28, p 129-134), is useful in the treatment of depression, Parkinson's disease, obesity, insulin-independent diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, and the like. In addition, sibutramine reduces body weight gain by a dual action to reduce food intake by enhancing satiety and to increase energy expenditure by stimulating heat generation (Int. J. Obesity, 19, p 145; Brit. J. Pharmacol. 114, p 388). The therapeutic use of sibutramine in depression is described in British Patent Specification 2098602. The therapeutic use of sibutramine in Parkinson's disease is disclosed in International Pat. Publication No. WO88/06444. The therapeutic use of sibutramine in cerebral function disorders is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,939,175. The use of sibutramine hydrochloride in the treatment of obesity is disclosed in European Pat. No. 397831. Also, International Pat. Publication No. WO95/20949 discloses the use of sibutramine for improving impaired glucose tolerance or glucose tolerance in patients suffering from insulin-independent diabetes mellitus.
Typically, the preparation of salts having pharmaceutically useful physical properties must satisfy the following physicochemical criteria: (1) good solubility, (2) good stability, (3) good non-hygroscopicity and (4) compressibility into tablet form.
However, Korean Pat. Publication No. 94-8913 states that sibutramine hydrochloride has been known to contain a variable amount of water and thus be hygroscopic, and that non-hygroscopic sibutramine can be obtained by preparing sibutramine hydrochloride in a monohydrate form. Sibutramine hydrochloride monohydrate has been prepared by brining it into contact with a medium consisting of water or a medium containing water. Since sibutramine is difficult to purify due to its low melting point, it is preferable to use a crystalline material capable of being purified by recrystallization in order to prepare a pharmaceutical composition comprising sibutramine. Korean Pat. Publication No. 1990-0000274 discloses that sibutramine is utilized as salts formed with acids providing non-toxic acid addition salts containing pharmaceutically acceptable anions, for example, in the form of hydrochloride, malate, acetate, citrate, fumarate, tartrate, succinate, aspartate or glutmate salt.
However, since sibutramine hydrochloride is difficult to handle pharmaceutically due to its hygroscopic nature, it is undesirable to use sibutramine hydrochloride for preparing medicaments. In the preparation of medicaments, a constant weight of an active compound should be contained in each dosage form, but an active ingredient absorbing water from the surrounding environment makes it difficult to achieve such consistency. Korean Pat. Publication No. 94-8913 discloses that when sibutramine hydrochloride is prepared in a monohydrate form, a non-hygroscopic product is obtained, which is suitable for the preparation of capsules, tablets and other pharmaceutical dosage forms. This patent publication describes that sibutramine hydrochloride monohydrate can be prepared by contacting sibutramine hydrochloride with a medium consisting of or containing water, which is a water-immiscible solvent or a water-miscible solvent.
The currently used sibutramine hydrochloride monohydrate is prepared by a complicated process including adding a predetermined amount of water to a reaction mixture, or including preparing sibutramine hydrochloride anhydrate and suspending the sibutramine hydrochloride anhydrate in a water-containing solvent for a long time with agitation. In addition, since sibutramine hydrochloride monohydrate has relatively low solubility between pH 1.0 and pH 7.4, substitute salts having better solubility need to be developed in order to improve the bioavailability of sibutramine.
In this regard, intensive and through research into the development of novel salts of sibutramine, capable of solving the problems encountered in the prior art, conducted by the present inventors, resulted in the finding that among dicarboxylic acid salts of sibutramine, sibutramine oxalate and sibutramine malonate in anhydrous forms, which do not require a complicated process for preparing a hydrate, possess remarkably high solubility in water, and also exhibit non-hygroscopicity and stability.


A worksheet overview system comprises an item information handler, an overview element handler, an overview area handler, and an overview synchronizer. The item information handler obtains item information relating to items of a worksheet. The overview element handler manages overview elements based on the item information. Each overview element represents item information of a corresponding item of the worksheet. The overview area handler provides an overview area for containing the overview elements to make the overview elements contained in the overview area accessible by a user. The overview synchronizer synchronizes between each overview element in the overview area and its corresponding item of the worksheet.

In the Business Intelligence (BI) analysis domain, various data is presented to users in a form of a worksheet, such as a dimensional cross tabulation (crosstab) or a chart. Business analysts needs to be able to manipulate a dimensional crosstab and chart in a variety of ways. Next to seeing the actual values in the crosstab or chart, it is important for the analysts to get feedback on what filter criteria are applied to the displayed data. It is desirable for analysts to be able to get a fast overview of the data shown in a worksheet.
Individual filters applied to a dimensional crosstab consist in most cases of one single dimension category, which is called a "member" in Multi Dimensional Expression (MDX). For example, a crosstab can consist of products in the rows, years in the columns and revenue as measure. The values shown for the measure can be filtered using a single category (e.g. region "USA"), using an expression (e.g. where the product values for 1996 is more than 500M) or of a list of selected categories (e.g. a list or order methods: E-mail, Telephone, Mail). The filtering of the values in the crosstab can also be based on a combination of all these types of filters. For a user, it is desirable to easily view, create, update and delete these filter criteria.
In a dimensional crosstab, users can have multiple data sets on the rows and/or columns. A data set is a collection of categories from one dimension. On an edge (axis), it is possible to have a combination of multiple data sets. The data sets on such an edge (axis) can come from different dimensions, but also from the same dimension. In the crosstab itself, it is often difficult to see what the structure of the data is. When the crosstab is large, users may have to scroll or navigate to see what is actually in the crosstab. It is desirable for users to easily see what the crosstab structure is, and to be able to manipulate and navigate the data in a small screen real estate solution.
Some existing BI tools have a user interface that provides a dimension line or menu where all the dimensions available in the data source are shown. In this type of dimension line, every item is shown at the highest level in the dimension. If a user wants to filter the values on an item (e.g., priority), the user selects the item "Priority" in the dimension line to open a Priority menu and selects a desired category in the Priority menu. The selection of a category changes the values in the crosstab. In the menu, the selected filter is shown highlighted or in bold. This type of menu provides limited options and it is not possible for the users to manipulate the filter criteria further. Showing all dimensions consumes screen real-estate, and it is confusing to the users and makes it difficult to locate a desired dimension. The type of filter that can be shown in the menu is also limited to a single category within a dimension.
Another existing prior art shows the data structure near the rows for the row dimensions and near the columns for the column dimensions, and the overall filters in a separate container above or below the crosstab. This approach needs a relatively large screen real estate, and there is no coherence between these elements.
It is therefore desirable to provide a mechanism to provide information of crosstab in an efficient manner using a relatively small real estate.

System for and method of providing overview of a worksheet in an electronic report

International Business Machines Corporation


A filter element for filtering a particle-containing paint composition or a particle loading slurry composition which is a precursor to a particle-containing paint composition is provided. The filtration element comprises at least one filtration layer formed from woven polymer fibers and having substantially uniform pores and two spacer layers. The spacer layers have raised projections to create a space between adjacent spacer layers having contacting projections. The filtration element has a pleated or spirally wound configuration.

This invention relates to a filter cartridge construction suitable for filtering a slurry composition comprising solid particles in a liquid carrier. More particularly, the present invention relates to a filter cartridge construction for filtering a particle-containing paint composition or slurry for making a particle-containing paint composition including a pleated or spirally wound filter element formed from a woven fabric having uniform sized openings and spacer layers on each filter layer surface. The present invention also provides a process for filtering a particle-containing paint composition or a precursor slurry useful for forming a particle-containing, paint composition.
At the present time, compositions comprising a liquid carrier and solid particles such as a particle-containing paint, herein after "particle-containing paint composition" are filtered to remove over-sized particle by utilizing a depth filter or a bag filter. The depth filter is generally formed from a layer or multiple layers of various fibrous filter media which are wound or blown around a central hollow core that accepts the filtrate. When filtering particle-containing paint compositions, the purpose of the filter is to (a) retain only the large undesirable metal particles which can form imperfections in the final dried paint surface which resembles an orange peel surface and (b) allow the smaller sized desired particles to pass through the filter. Filtration of the particle-containing paint composition is effected up to the point the filter becomes plugged with over-sized particles and smaller particles. The gradual retention of the desired size smaller particles by the filter causes a significant reduction in useful filter life. When filtering particle-container paint compositions, a typical useful life of a presently available depth filter for removing over-sized particles is between about 30 and about 60 minutes. When the filter is plugged, a pressure drop larger than desired across the filter is obtained which renders it useless for its intended purpose. The plugged filter must be disposed of in an environmentally acceptable manner. The disposal cost is a direct function of the useful life of the filter.
Woven screen filters formed from woven stainless steel fibers presently are employed in steam lines or in chocolate manufacturing to remove undesirably large particles from either the steam or the chocolate. These screens generally are unsupported screens. Screen filters formed from woven polymeric fibers such as polypropylene fibers are also available. These screens can be made with openings of varying size depending upon the closeness of the weave utilized to form the fabric. Varying weave patterns can be utilized to form the fabric filter. Square weaves comprise a simple over-and-under pattern, providing a straight through flow path with a relatively high percentage of open surface area. The square weave fabrics are used in sifting screens, high flow rate filters, carrier belts, glare-reduction screens, plankton nets, micro-strainer screens, disc sector covers and strainer bags. These screens also can be pleated to be used to filter fuel or hydraulic fluids. This screen also is utilized alone and in a flat configuration to test the efficiency of prior art processes for filtering particle-containing paint compositions. The particle-containing paint composition is deposited on one surface of the screen and is passed through the screen to determine whether there are particles retained on the screen which should have been retained in the prior-used paint filtration process. Other weaves for fabric filters include twill weave, plain reverse dutch weave and taffeta weave fabrics.
A surface or screen filter will retain virtually 100% of the particles or contaminants for which it is rated. The media used in the surface or screen filter typically has a high pressure drop and low "dirt holding capacity" or throughput because of its high retention efficiency. The normally used medium in the surface or screen filter comprises a polymeric microporous membrane or a woven screen. Particles are retained by size exclusion primarily on the surface of the screen filter which has a controlled pore size rather than within the depth of the filter. Particles smaller than the controlled pore size tend to be trapped within the media of the surface filter. However, as a result of the controlled pore structure, they provide more predictable filtration than depth filters. For the surface of a screen filter to be economical, the media is pleated to obtain a large filtration surface area. Wound depth filters and surface or screen filters are utilized in series in separate housings to effect the desired level purification.
Particle-containing paint compositions generally comprise a polymer such as a polyacrylic such as polyacrylic acid, a latex or the like; a solvent for the polymer; a colorant composition such as a pigment and light reflecting particles such as metal or mica or mixtures thereof. The particle-containing paint composition contains solid light-reflecting particles such that the viscosity of the final paint composition typically is between about 150 and 800 centipoises (cp). The light reflecting particles have a largest dimension sufficiently small so that when the paint is dried as a coating on a substrate, it presents a smooth surface. The largest dimension particle which is desired to be removed from a paint composition while permitting the retention of smaller particles in the composition depends upon the use to which the paint is applied. Typically the largest particle desired will range from about 10 to about 100 microns. Typically-used light reflective particles in particle-containing paint compositions include a metal such as aluminum, silver or gold or mica or mixtures thereof. Generally, a particle-containing paint composition is formed in a multi-step process including a step of mixing light reflective particles, usually as flakes with a liquid carrier such as water, water containing low concentrations of an aromatic solvent or an aromatic hydrocarbon such as xylene or toluene or, methyl ethyl ketone or the like which is also a solvent for the polymer constituent of the paint composition. This composition is referred to herein as the particle loading slurry composition. The loading slurry composition is highly viscous to the extent that it is difficult to pour from an open container even when the container is inverted with the opening down. After the polymer, solvent and colorant constituents have been mixed, the appropriate volume of the particle loading slurry composition is mixed therewith to form the particle-containing paint composition.
In the past the procedure which was followed, included mixing the paint composition for several days while color and viscosity were adjusted. The final product was filtered as it was pumped into shipping containers. Quality requirements were not stringent and most filtration was done using resin bond cartridges and later felt bag filters. During the last few years formulations and painting techniques have changed. Paint is now a much more high solids slurry with fewer coats of paint being needed to produce final surface color. In addition, the thickness of paint layer has decreased to approximately 25 microns which has precipitated more stringent requirements for acceptable contaminant size and quantity. Existing techniques for filtration no longer are effective especially when all filtration is confined to the filling step wherein the flake is added to the final paint composition. Presently available depth filter cartridges characterized by very flat retention curves are now plugging as they remove very small percentages of the now highly concentrated pigments and light reflecting particles. This plugging problem is more predominant with the particle-containing paint because of the non specific retention obtained with the less retentive grades of depth cartridges. This result is common to all graded density depth cartridges.
Theoretically, the most desirable method to overcome this problem is to prefilter the slurries before they are added to the final mix followed by a final filtration during the filling. However there has been no filter available that can process these high solids metal solutions economically. Excessive amounts of satisfactory particles are undesirably removed while rapid filter plugging is experienced.
It would be desirable to provide a filter cartridge construction having an extended useful life as compared to present filter cartridge constructions utilized to filter slurries such as particle-containing paint compositions or the particle loading slurry composition for particle-containing paint compositions. Furthermore, it would be desirable to provide such a filter cartridge which selectively permits passage of particles of a desired size through the cartridge while selectively retaining particles larger than that of the desired size so that retention of desired sized particles is minimized or eliminated. Such filter cartridges, would provide substantial improved economic benefit from the standpoint of increased satisfactory throughput fluid volume capacity and low disposal costs.

Filter cartridge construction and process for filtering particle-containing paint composition


The invention pertains to a method of treating or preventing pressure ulcers, comprising enterally administering to a subject in need thereof a composition comprising proteins, carbohydrates, fats, arginine or equivalents thereof, ascorbic acid equivalents and α-tocopherol equivalents, wherein arginine or equivalents thereof is administered in a daily amount of 3-15 g, ascorbic acid equivalents are administered in a daily amount of 180-840 mg and α-tocopherol equivalents are administered in a daily amount of 50-400 mg.

Pressure ulcers (decubitus) occur relatively often, especially in surgery patients and immobile persons, such as part of the elderly, that have to stay in bed for extended periods. Some parts of the body, e.g. elbows, heels, hips, coccyx, sacrum, scapulae, are affected by the pressure forces exerted by the weight of the body. The severity of pressure ulcers is classified in various stages. In the first stage, pressure and shearing forces cause pinching of the subcutaneous tissue, occlusion of the capillaries and lymphatics and poor vascularisation in deep tissue layers. Prolonged pressure initiates tissue damage at the skin surface. This results in decreased cell production in the epidermis and thinning of the skin. Blood vessels in the skin are impaired and cause redness. In the second stage, the basal membrane becomes detached from the epidermis. Oedema and blisters occur. In the third stage, the epidermis becomes more and more impaired and the skin surface is also affected. In the further stages, necrosis of deep tissue layers becomes visible on the skin surface. The nutritional condition of decubitus patients is often poor, as a result of insufficient nutrition following surgical operations, malnourishment, loss of components from wounds, immobility, physical disability or other impediments.
Prevention and curing of pressure ulcers first of all requires ameliorating extrinsic factors around the wound area, such as reducing the pressure, friction and shear forces, moisture and temperature.
A method of stimulating wound healing by administering zinc, vitamins A and C, selenium, β-carotene and thiamine is disclosed in EP-A-564804. A liquid composition containing 62.5 g/l (25 energy %) of proteins, 34 g/l (30 en. %) of fats and 113 g/l (45 en. %) of carbohydrates may be used. Other vitamins and trace elements may also be present. Pressure ulcers are mentioned among the conditions that would require such enhanced wound healing.
EP-A-367724 discloses immunostimulatory compositions containing, per unit dose (in 1.5 l), 3-40 g (18.75 g) of arginine, 0.1-4 g (1.9 g) of RNA, 0.1-20 g (3 g) of (ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (pufa's) comprising 1-2 g of EPA and 0.25-1 g of DHA, and 0.1-20 g (3.6 g) of ω-6 pufa's (linoleic acid). The compositions contain 22 en. % of proteins, 28 en. % of fats and 53 en. % of carbohydrates. Pressure ulcers are not mentioned as conditions for which the immunostimulatory compositions might be useful.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,053,387 discloses a composition for treating traumatic injury, containing arginine (1-3 en. %), intact protein (20-30 en. %), fats (7-15 en. %, containing EPA and linoleic acid with an ω-6/ω-3 ratio of about 1.5) and carbohydrates (65-70 en. %), and further zinc, vitamin A and vitamin C.
A liquid nutritional composition containing arginine for trauma and surgery patients, not including pressure ulcer patients, is disclosed in WO 93/16595. The composition contains 20 en. % of proteins, 24 en. % of fats and 56 en. % of carbohydrates. Arginine accounts for 1-3 en. % of the energy. The ratio of linoleic to α-linolenic acid is between 3.5 and 5.5. The caloric density is 1.2-1.5 kcal/ml and the calorie to nitrogen ratio is between 112 ad 145. The composition further contains vitamins and trace elements in 1 to 2 times the recommended daily amounts.
WO 96/08966 discloses a method of enhancement of wound healing by nitrogen monoxide (NO), which comprises the administration of NO-enhancing compounds such as nitrosylated amines, antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, and other components such as analgesics. Neither pressure ulcers nor nutritional compositions are contemplated in this document.

Nutritional composition for the treatment of pressure ulcers


The present invention provides for a press feed apparatus for use in feeding stock material to a high speed automatic press. The feed roller is driven by a servo motor integral with the shaft of the roller, the feed roller release mechanism is infinitely adjustable, and a feedback system is used to accurately determine the position of various shafts. The apparatus is controlled electronically, by a microprocessor or the like, which permits the press feed to be electronically geared to the press and accurately operate at high speeds.

A press feed is often used in connection with an automatic stamping press to feed coiled stock material into the press. A common method of feeding the stock material into the press is by passing it through a pair of feed rollers which apply friction to the material, and rotate in a cooperative manner to feed the stock into the press. By synchronizing the rotation of the feed rollers to the speed of the press, the stock material is fed into the press at the proper rate.
When a press is performing a punching operation, it is often desirable to align the punched holes as accurately as possible. One method of doing this uses pilot pins in the press which contact the material shortly before the press actually punches the material. The pilot pins are positioned to contact the material in a region where holes have already been punched by the press. The material is advanced to approximately the correct location by the press feeder. More precise positioning of the material then occurs as the pilot pins enter the previously punched holes, and draw them into alignment with the pilot pins. However, for this alignment to take place, the tension applied to the stock material by the feed rollers of the press feed must be removed.
The speed at which a press may operate is limited by several factors, however, including the manner in which the feed rollers are driven, the manner in which the advancement of the material by the feed rollers is synchronized to the press stroke, the manner in which the feed rollers are released from the stock material during the pilot pin alignment, and the manner in which the release of the feed rollers is synchronized to the press stroke.

Electronically controlled high speed press feed capable of being driven in synchronization with a press


A method, computer program, and computer system for training a graph-to-text generation network is provided. Encoded graph information corresponding to a target sentence is received, and the encoded graph information is decoded based on a biaffine attention score. One or more loss values are determined based on the decoded information, whereby the text-to-graph generation network is trained by minimizing the one or more loss values. A first loss value is generated by reconstructing one or more triple relations based on the biaffine attention score, and a second loss value predicts the graph as a linearized sequence.

This disclosure relates generally to field of computing, and more particularly to natural language processing.
Graph-to-text generation aims at producing sentences that preserve the meaning of input graphs. Text generation tasks may take graph structures as their inputs, such as Semantic Graphs, Knowledge Graph (KG) and database tables. For example, AMR-to-text generation may generate a sentence that may preserve the meaning of an input AMR graph, which may be composed by a set of concepts and their relations. Similarly, KG-to-text generation may produce a sentence representing a KG, which may contain worldwide factoid information of entities and their relations.

Structural information preserving for graph-to-text generation


A lid (1) for an airbag accommodated in the instrument panel of a motor vehicle. For economy and simplicity of manufacture it is made of a relatively hard plastic. It is characterized in that it comprises a lower layer (2) of soft and resilient plastic and an outer layer (3) of hard plastic and in that both layers (2 & 3) are essentially fastened together adhering totally surface to surface. The outer layer (3) can be made of a plastic that matches the material of the surface of the instrument panel in appearance, feel, and acoustics.

The present invention concerns a lid for an airbag accommodated in the instrument panel of a motor vehicle.
Lids of this genus are for reasons of function and esthetics adapted to their environment with respect to the design of their materials and exterior, meaning that they are as unremarkable a part of the wall of the instrument panel facing the passengers as possible. The panels usually have a textured and leatherlike surface that, although relatively soft itself, constitutes the skin of a hard molding of injected plastic. The lids themselves accordingly have a hard and dimensionally stable core and a soft exterior.
Instrument panels of this genus are themselves standard equipment, even in many small automobiles, although their manufacture requires considerable expenditure. In the course of radically decreasing the costs of producing motor vehicles accordingly, recourse has been had with respect to many less expensive vehicle models to producing the instrument panels in one piece out of a comparatively hard plastic, which is essentially simpler from the aspect of manufacturing technology although it necessarily results in a hard surface that does not match most of the lids so far employed. The lid should, however, match the instrument panel in these cases as well.
There is also the problem that hard plastics tend to splinter when an airbag suddenly inflates and the lid pivots out. Since the release of fragments absolutely must be prevented in view of the associated risk of injury, the plastics employed for hard instrument panels are entirely inappropriate for manufacturing airbag lids. It is accordingly very difficult to match the lid to the instrument panel as required.
There accordingly exists a need for an airbag lid of the aforementioned genus that cannot be differentiated from the surrounding instrument panel and that will not splinter when the airbag is actuated and break down into fragments that fly around out of control.


An embossable sheet, having at least one stress-whitening layer comprising a blend of:. a) at least one heat-stable polymer selected from the group consisting of polypropylene and a polymethyl alkene, said alkene having from about 3 to about 7 carbon atoms, PA1 b) at least one other polymeric material immiscible therewith, and PA1 c) an effective amount of an antioxidant, said sheet exhibiting stress-whitening which is stable at 136.degree. C. for at least about 7 days.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to embossable films which stress whiten or craze when pressure is applied thereto. The films are especially useful for wire identification.
2. Description of the Related Art
A wide variety of materials and methods have been used to produce identification means, e.g., tags, labels and the like, for a range of applications. One type of identification device known in the art involves film or sheet material, usually in tape form, which may be imprinted using an embossing device. One embodiment is an embossable label material which changes color during embossing. This results in improved contrast of the image symbols, which are usually white, compared to the background color. Formation of this white color by embossing is typically referred to as stress-whitening. Embossed labels of this type are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,925,625; 2,996,822; 3,036,945; 3,650,059; 3,887,734 and 3,542,630. Material disclosed in these patents, when provided in tape form, are useful for producing labels using an embossing labeler. Labels obtained by prior art methods exhibited good contrast between image symbols and label background.
The majority of these plastic labels require polyvinyl chloride or copolymers of polyvinyl chloride. Polypropylene or polymethylmethacrylate may be incorporated therein.
All of these compositions have one distinct drawback. If the label is subjected to sufficient heat, the plastic will anneal, and the stresses caused by embossing will be released. The image thus disappears and identification is lost.
It has now been discovered that compositions of the present invention, comprising blended polymer sheets or tapes, overcome this problem and exhibit image retention at temperatures significantly higher than prior art compositions.

Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company


A method for controlling movement of an autonomous vehicle includes: estimating a set of tire force margins with respect to each wheel of the vehicle and a set of dynamic chassis margins associated with a chassis module of the vehicle; based on the margins, determining whether the vehicle is capable of moving in accordance with a decision command; when the determination is negative, outputting a request for update of the decision command; and when an updated decision command has not been received, calculating a set of marginal actuating signals based on the decision command, the margins, required slip angles respectively for the wheels and a center of percussion of the vehicle so as to make the autonomous vehicle move accordingly.

As the development of autonomous vehicles (also known as self-driving car) advances, a number of ways of plotting a path for self driving have been devised. As defined by SAE international (the Society of Automotive Engineers), a commercial vehicle may be operated in one of six levels (from level 0, which is fully manual (i.e., no driving automation) and requires manual control by human, meaning the dynamic driving task is performed by human, to level 5, which is full driving automation and does not require human attention). In the advanced vehicles (e.g., level 3 to level 5, which may be referred to as autonomous vehicles), plotting for a route may require more considerations in various aspects (e.g., objects around the vehicle, condition of the road, etc.). A plotted route is converted into a number of commands to be sent to a vehicle controller unit of the autonomous vehicle for execution. However, a conventional autonomous vehicle may not have the ability to carry out some of the commands (e.g., a sharp turn, an abrupt brake, etc.), and therefore, actual movement of the autonomous vehicle may diverge from the plotted route. Additionally, some of the commands may result in discomfort for people sitting in the vehicle (e.g., a driver, a passenger, etc.).

Method and system for controlling movements of an autonomous vehicle with self diagnosis capability