In accordance with a first embodiment, the present invention provides a circuit substrate comprising a first surface; a second surface; a first via having a first end near said first surface and a second end near said second surface; a second via having a first end near said first surface and a second end near said second surface; a first conductive element electrically coupling said first end of said first via and said first end of said second via; a second conductive element electrically coupling said second end of said first via and said second end of said second via; an input signal line coupled to said first via; and an output signal line coupled to said second via.

1. Technical Field
This invention relates generally to multilayer circuit substrates, and more particularly to conductive vias that facilitate signal propagation between intermediate layers within circuit substrates.
2. Description of the Background Art
A typical circuit substrate includes multiple conductive layers separated by electrically insulated layers. Such conductive layers intercommunicate using vias formed in the circuit substrate. Generally, vias are perpendicular bores formed through the layers of a circuit substrate by processes such as laser drilling. Such bores are filled or lined with conductive material as needed to provide electrical communication paths between the conductive layers. Vias typically pass through the entire circuit substrate, even if for example the top layer is communicating with a middle layer. Such vias are commonly known as "through-hole vias."
As data-communication speeds increase, signal integrity becomes crucial for successful data transmission. Due to the increasing signal density on circuit substrates, an increasing number of signal layers becomes unavoidable. Consequently, an increasing number of vias is needed to route signals between the conductive layers. However, at high data-communication speeds, through-hole vias may cause signal degradation.
FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional side view of a prior art multilayer PCB 100, which includes a substrate 102, a data input line 104, a data output line 106, a via 108, and multiple ground planes 110. Note that via 108 is continuous through PCB 100. Data input line 104 routes signals to data output line 106 through an upper via portion 112 of via 108. Because only upper portion 112 of via 108 is used to facilitate signal propagation between data input line 104 and data output line 106, the unused portion of via 108 defines an open-ended stub 114.
Although through-hole vias 108 do not add significant cost to the manufacturing process, they have substantial disadvantages. Open-ended stubs 114 can cause signal degradation, jitter and eye diagram closure. For example, when an electrical signal propagates through data input line 104, the signal reaches via 108 and propagates through upper via portion 112 until a point 116 where data output line 106, upper via portion 112, and open-ended stub 114 meet. At point 116, a component of the signal propagates through data output line 106, while another component of the signal propagates through open-ended stub 114. The signal propagating through stub 114 reflects back and interferes with the signal propagating from data input line 104. Further, such open-ended stubs 114 create excess capacitance and inductance, further degrading signal integrity. Excess inductance and capacitance is another way of explaining the same phenomena of reflecting energy from an open stub. Both views are correct. When the open stub is modeled as lumped elements, then we can speak of inductance and capacitance. When the model is done with transmission lines, then one can describe as propagating signals on transmission lines with certain characteristic impedances.
FIG. 2 shows a circuit 200 corresponding to prior art multilayer PCB 100. By modeling the elements as transmission lines, one skilled in the art will easily see the negative effects of the open-ended stub 114. In FIG. 2, data input line 104 and data output line 106 of FIG. 1 are represented as transmission line element 202 and transmission line element 206, respectively. Open-ended stub 114 is represented as transmission line element 208. Because transmission line element 208 is open ended, one skilled in the art will recognize that reflections will cause signal degradation of the signal traveling from transmission line element 202 to transmission line element 208.
FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional side view of a multilayer PCB 300 that provides a prior art solution to alleviate signal degradation caused by open-ended stubs, e.g., open-ended stub 114 of FIG. 1. Multilayer PCB 300 includes a substrate 302, a data input line 304, a data output line 306, a blind via 308, and multiple ground planes 310. As shown, blind via 308 is not continuous through PCB 300. It extends from data input line 304 only to data output line 306. Thus, there is no open-ended stub to degrade the signal. Typically, blind vias such as blind via 308 are formed by control-depth drilling (CDD) techniques known to those skilled in the art. For example, a laser drill may be used to form a bore a controlled distance through the circuit substrate. The bore may then be filled or lined with conductive material (e.g., copper) as needed. Although blind vias reduce signal degradation, the manufacturing process adds substantial cost compared to that of typical through-hole vias. Further, in the case of backplane connectors (through-hole pins), the blind via process is useless.
What are needed are less expensive systems and methods for intercommunicating signals in a multilayer circuit substrate without or with reduced signal degradation.


Described is a single function or multi-function device for attachment to the tank of a toilet fixture. The device provides a diffusible air-treatment concentrate for deodorizing or otherwise treating the ambient air surrounding the toilet. At the same time, the multi-function device provides a water-soluble water-treatment concentrate for treating the flush water stored in the toilet tank. The device can have an air moving part with a delay value to increase fragrance delivery. The device can have an air treatment part with a reservoir having fragrance containing particles. The reservoir can have an attachment means so that it can be replaced when the fragrance is used up. The device can deliver a burst of fragranced air during a toilet flush cycle.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to single-function and multi-function dispensers and, more specifically, to a device for diffusing an air-treatment concentrate to the ambient air surrounding a toilet and for dispersing a water-treatment concentrate to the tank of the toilet.
2. Description of the Related Art
Assemblies for diffusing air-treatment concentrates are well known. Such air-treatment assemblies were used to provide an air-diffused fragrance to mask offensive odors in the living areas of a house or the work and service areas of commercial environments. Diffusion of masking fragrances was especially useful in bathrooms and kitchen areas that were subject to a higher incidence of offensive odors. Assemblies were also used to diffuse an air-treatment concentrate capable of otherwise treating ambient air. Various means were developed to improve the diffusion of fragrances or treatment concentrates from the assemblies of the prior art. For example, fan assists were included in the assemblies to increase airflow across the air-treatment concentrate and thus the diffusion of the concentrate in ambient air. Heating elements were also included in some prior art assemblies to increase the temperature of the air-treatment concentrate to aid in volatilization of the concentrate and thus the diffusion of the concentrate.
Assemblies for discharging a water-treatment concentrate to the flush water contained in the tank or bowl of a toilet are also well known in the art. Such water-treatment assemblies were used to clean, color, or otherwise treat the water used to flush the toilet.
One type of such prior art water-treatment assembly, sometimes referred to as a "tank-hanger" assembly, pretreated the flush water by placement of a water-treatment concentrate directly in the toilet tank, or by placement of a water-treatment concentrate in a housing or reservoir. One type of tank-hanger assembly was the "active" assembly, which pumped or siphoned a solution of dissolved water-treatment concentrate into the toilet tank, usually at the flush cycle (See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,357,718 by Corsette). With an active assembly, the housing containing the water-treatment concentrate could be located inside the toilet tank above the fill-level of the toilet tank or could be located completely or partially below the fill-level. Another type of tank-hanger assembly was the "passive" assembly, in which the water-treatment concentrate was placed inside the toilet tank in a housing at least partially submerged below the toilet tank fill-level. The water-treatment concentrate then passively dispersed in the tank water during the quiescent period between toilet flushes (See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,216,027 by Wages).
Another type of prior art water-treatment assembly, sometimes referred to as a "rim-hanger" assembly, treated the flush water flowing from the rim of the toilet bowl only during the flush cycle. Since a rim-hanger assembly treated the flush water only during the short time of the flush cycle, it was generally ineffective in providing the treatment level provided by a tank-hanger assembly. As noted earlier, in a tank-hanger assembly a dispersible water-treatment concentrate, such as a hypochlorite tablet or puck, could be placed in continuous contact with the flush water stored in the toilet tank. No rim-hangers can currently claim sanitization or superior cleaning to tank-hanger dispersed hypochlorite tablets.
Further, attempts were made in the prior art to include air-treatment concentrates with the water-treatment concentrates contained in both tank-hanger and rim-hanger prior art assemblies. However, the approach of including air-treatment concentrates within the water-treatment concentrates proved an ineffective means to achieve air freshening of the ambient bathroom air surrounding a toilet fixture. In the case of tank-hangers, air-treatment concentrate, which diffused into the headspace above the toilet tank fill-level, did not have an effective exit point from the enclosed toilet tank to enter the ambient air. In the case of rim-hangers, the periodic dosing of the ambient air only during the flush cycle of the toilet proved ineffective in providing continuous air freshening of the general bathroom air. Rim-hangers had the additional disadvantage of being unsightly and, after the recommended four to six weeks of continuous use, becoming germ laden.
Accordingly, what is needed is a simple, easy-to-use device that provides, in combination, effective toilet flush water-treatment and that further provides effective continuous treatment of the ambient bathroom air surrounding the toilet fixture. Additionally, what is needed is a simple device that fragrances the air around a toilet when it is most needed, to coincide with the flushing of the toilet.

Toilet device with improved fragrance delivery


An apparatus for receiving, inverting and returning sheets from and to a printer for large-sized paper, said printer being adapted to be automatically fed a web of paper from a supply of paper through an inlet (6), defined by a portion of a paper-supporting plate (7), where said printer further is adapted to print and cut sheets of said web of paper and to guide the printed sheet out thereof through a separate outlet (13), where the apparatus is adapted to receive the just printed and cut sheets from said outlet and to return said sheets to the printer in the inverted state. The apparatus comprises a rotatable first guide means (14), which in one position guides the sheet into the apparatus and in a second position guides said sheet past the apparatus. The apparatus comprises furthermore a first driving roller means (36) and a second guide means (21) pivotally arranged relative to said roller means, where the second guide means (21) in a first position guides the sheet advanced to the apparatus round the first roller means (36) during the initial movement of the sheet into the apparatus, and where said second guide means (21) in a second position presses said sheet into a driving engagement with the first driving roller means (36) in such a manner that said first driving roller means (36) takes over the driving of the sheet both during the remaining movement of said sheet inside the apparatus as well as during the movement of said sheet out of said apparatus again and into the printer through the inlet (7) of said printer while the direction of rotation is inverted. The apparatus comprises also a second driving roller means (46) adapted to engage the portion of the web of paper (60) being left on the paper-supporting plate (7) after the sheet has been cut off and to pull said portion temporarily backwards in such a manner towards the paper supply (61) while the sheet is being inverted that said sheet can be guided into the printer without colliding with the web of paper.

Various printers for large-sized paper are known. Such printers are primarily used for printing on one side of the paper, and they are often used for the production of samples of for instance posters and the like articles before the final printing is initiated. The paper is available in form of separate sheets fed manually into the printer or it is available in form of rolls. After the printing procedure, the paper usually falls into a tray or basket arranged below the printer, said tray or basket being secured to the support of the printer. Some printers, such as the type sold under the trade name HP DesignJet-1000-series are fed the paper of a size of up to approximately 1 m, said paper usually being in form of a web of paper from a roll guided into the printer through a suitable inlet and cut therein in lengths varying according to desire. After the printing procedure, the sheet is guided through a separate outlet. Such printers are also adapted to handle separate sheets. These separate sheets are guided manually into the printer through the separate outlet. Other printers, such as the type sold under the trade name HP DesignJet-5000-series are adapted to receive paper of a size of 1 to 1.6 m in form of webs of paper from rolls, said paper being guided into the printer through a suitable inlet and cut therein in lengths varying according to desire. After the printing procedure, the material is guided through a separate outlet and falls usually into a tray or basket arranged below the printer, said tray or basket being secured to the support of the printer. These printers are not adapted to a manual feeding of sheets through the separate outlet. A manual feeding of such printers must be carried out through the same inlet as the one used for the feeding of the web of paper.
Sometimes printing on both sides is required, and then it is necessary to invert the paper. However, it is not possible to guide a sheet manually through the inlet without retracting the web of paper first. When an automated printing on both sides of the paper is desired, it is therefore necessary to employ a sheet inverter allowing an automated inverting of the sheet of paper and an automated returning of said paper to the inlet while a retention of said web of paper is maintained.

Apparatus for receiving inverting and returning sheets from and to a printer for large-sized paper


In a general aspect, a method can include receiving, by an electronic device, a visual scene; identifying, by the electronic device, a plurality of elements of the visual scene; and determining, based on the plurality of elements identified in the visual scene, a context of the visual scene. The method can further include applying, based on the determined context of the visual scene, at least one filter to identify at least one element of the plurality of elements corresponding with the at least one filter; and visually indicate, in the visual scene on a display of the electronic device, the at least one element identified using the at least one filter.

Electronic devices, such as smartphones and tablets, continue to evolve and provide consumers (users, etc.) with new and/or improved functional capabilities. For instance, such devices can capture a visual scene (e.g., a real-time, multiple frame view, a single frame photograph view, etc.), such as using a camera included in the device, or by accessing stored photographs. Such devices, using artificial intelligence, computer-vision and/or machine-learning can identify elements (text and/or objects) within a given view and provide (and/or allow a user to obtain) information on those identified objects. Possibilities exist, however, for additional approaches for providing information relevant to a user (or users) for elements (e.g., objects, text, etc.) within a given visual scene or view.

Finding and filtering elements of a visual scene


A non-volatile memory device may replace a defective string selection line connected to a defective string of a defective memory block among a plurality of memory blocks with a replacement string selection line of a repair memory block; and access the replacement string selection line of the repair memory block instead of the defective string selection line of the defective memory block. The non-volatile memory device performs a repair operation in units of string selection lines and may efficiently use repair resources.

Example embodiments of the inventive concepts relate to a semiconductor memory device. For example, at least some example embodiments relate to a method of repairing defective strings and/or a non-volatile memory device for repairing defective strings.
In order to increase a degree of integration of a semiconductor memory device, research into a memory device having a three-dimensional structure is being conducted. The three-dimensional semiconductor memory device has a structural characteristic different from a structural characteristic of a conventional two-dimensional semiconductor memory device. Due to a structural difference between the three-dimensional semiconductor memory device and the two-dimensional semiconductor memory device, research into various methods of driving the three-dimensional semiconductor memory device is being conducted.
For efficient management or operation of the three-dimensional non-volatile memory device, a repairing method capable of supporting operation of repairing a defective memory cell is being required.

Method and non-volatile memory device for repairing defective strings in units of string selection lines


A three-phase drive motor is utilized to operate a boat lift. In one example, a drive motor arrangement for replacing manual drives on an existing boat lift winch shaft comprises a worm gear box with a worm driven by an integrally mounted motor on the worm gear box. A worm gear is mounted on a tubular cross shaft extending outwardly on opposite ends of the gear box. The bore of the cross shaft is of size to slide over an existing winch drive shaft. The tubular shaft has a drive connection that mates with the existing drive connection on the winch box shaft. As shown a disc that effects drives to a mating disc on the winch box shaft. After removing the manual ratchet and wheel on an existing winch shaft, the tubular shaft of the worm gear box can be put into place and a suitable fastener is used to hold the drive connection on the tubular shaft in engagement with the drive member on the winch shaft.

Concepts presented herein relate to a drive unit that can be installed onto existing boat lifts in place of the normal hand wheel and ratchet drive used for driving a winch for manually lifting the boat lift, with a compact simple drive that utilizes a threaded worm driven a worm gear on a hollow shaft that fits over the existing winch drive shaft. A friction clutch is used to provide a power drive for the winch.
Many boat lifts have been made where large manual wheels operating through a ratchet will drive a lift or winch shaft through a friction drive. The hand wheel normally drives a ratchet that will permit rotational movement in one direction until the ratchet is released, so that the wheel can be turned in angular increments with safety. A manual winch drive is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,211,124.
Boats are getting heavier, and the effort needed to raise and lower a boat out of water using a manual drive even when speed reducing drives are used between the manual wheel and the lift cable is becoming excessive. It is desirable to have a motor drive, but many of the existing lifts are not adapted to direct motor drives. A power unit that drives the outer rim of a manual winch wheel is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,959,011.
The discussion above below is merely provided for general background information and is not intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Replacement motorized drive unit for boat lifts


A combined valve-regulator apparatus, for safely regulating the flow of combustible gases such as oxygen. A compressible o-ring is used to provide controllable sealed seating of the valve and regulator during operation. A system is provided in the valve-regulator apparatus for venting the o-ring seat elements, to minimize undesirable ballooning or extrusion otherwise resulting from dynamic pressures and changing forces due to rapid gas flows through the regulator.

1. Field of the Invention (Technical Field):
The present invention relates to valves and regulators for controlling the flow of fluids, particularly gases, and more specifically to valves for more safely regulating the flow of oxygen gas.
2. Background Art:
Oxygen is widely used in many medical and industrial applications. When a portable source of oxygen is required, it is almost universally supplied in the form of molecular oxygen (O2) under pressure in a cylindrical steel or aluminum container. Oxygen also commonly is transported in such cylinders. The cylinders are equipped with a valve, used to open and close the cylinder for emptying and refilling. A pressure regulator often also is attached to the cylinder valve.
Oxygen cylinder valves, as they exist today, have been implicated in numerous fire incidents with sometimes catastrophic results. When a cylinder valve seat ignites, the attached regulator or manifold system is subjected to strong kindling chain mechanisms that will often lead to fires downstream of the cylinder valve.
The "plug type" cylinder valves presently in common use comprise a rotating threaded seat plug that translates due to the rotation of a hand wheel mounted on the top of the valve itself. The plug incorporates a relatively large nonmetallic seat. The seat is subjected to strong flow impingement during oxygen gas discharge from the cylinder, due to the seat's orientation above the valve nozzle. Further, due to the rotating seat mechanism, the seat often is subjected to strong frictional interference with the valve nozzle. Both of these features are undesirable to prudent persons aware of the fire hazards of handling oxygen cylinders. Conventional known valves are also "dirty," generating large amounts of undesirable debris due to their mode of operation (i.e., rotating seat and threads in the oxygen wetted portion of the valve). This debris often deposits in the nonmetallic seat itself and increases the frictional interactions during valve opening and closing.
These valves most often utilize a nylon main seat although both polyphenylene oxide (PPO) and polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE) are also utilized. Both nylon and PPO exhibit poor to moderate compatibility based on present oxygen-compatibility rating test standards, and deliver a large amount of energy if ignited. PCTFE is considered an oxygen compatible material, but has a compressive modulus that is insufficient to withstand the torques that are often applied by the manual closing of conventional valves. As a result, PCTFE seated plug-valves often exhibit significant extrusion and recently have been implicated in a large number of fires. The extruded seat increases the surface-area-to-volume ratio for oxygen gas impingement during discharge, and is believed to greatly increase vulnerability of the seat to hazardous flow friction ignition. Further, many of the materials in use with known valves seats generate highly toxic gases when they bum.
There also is a need for an apparatus that combines the function of on-off valving with the flow adjustment capabilities of a flow regulator.
The present invention is an advance over the Applicant's previous valve invention, which is described in pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/872,233, entitled "Cylinder Valve and Bayonet Check Filter with Excess Flow Protection Feature", filed May 31, 2001, now allowed. References herein to the "original design," "original apparatus," or "original device," are to the apparatus disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/872,233, which is incorporated herein by reference

Combination valve and regulator with vented seat for use with pressurized gas cylinders, particularly oxygen cylinders


A solution for packaging an optoelectronic device using an ultraviolet transparent polymer is provided. The ultraviolet transparent polymer material can be placed adjacent to the optoelectronic device and/or a device package on which the optoelectronic device is mounted. Subsequently, the ultraviolet transparent polymer material can be processed to cause the ultraviolet transparent polymer material to adhere to the optoelectronic device and/or the device package. The ultraviolet transparent polymer can be adhered in a manner that protects the optoelectronic device from the ambient environment.

Due to recent advances in group III-based ultraviolet (UV) light emitting diode (LED) technology, interest in using UV LEDs for various applications, such as disinfection of medical tools, water purification, fluorescence spectroscopy, medical therapy, and the like, is increasing. In order to successfully utilize such devices, they need to be packaged and isolated from interaction with the outside environment to protect the electrical components of these devices. In addition, packaging solutions can provide a way to improve light extraction efficiency. For example, one approach for improving light extraction uses an index matching encapsulant (e.g., similar to the approach used for visible LEDs) in order to decrease the total internal reflection (TIR) from the device surfaces and, as a result, extract more light from the UV LED.
Typical epoxy resin materials used for visible LED encapsulation are not adequate for UV LEDs as the resins are not sufficiently transparent to UV radiation and quickly deteriorate under the UV radiation. An ideal encapsulant should be "stable." In particular, the optical and physical properties of the encapsulant should not change during packaging, LED assembly, and during the operating lifetime of the LED. For example, an encapsulant should be resistant to heating during the LED assembly, such as during soldering a chip onto a printed circuit board or during a curing process. During the curing process, drying of the encapsulant can further induce stresses in the material. As a result, an encapsulant that is not prone to crack during the curing procedure can be selected.
Recently, UV transparent, and partially UV transparent fluoropolymers have become important materials for UV applications and can serve as moldable encapsulants for optoelectronic devices. For instance, one approach discloses materials and methods used to package and encapsulate UV and deep UV (DUV) LEDs having emission wavelengths from around 360 nm to around 200 nm. The UV/DUV LED die, or its flip-chip bonded subassembly, are disposed in a low thermal resistance packaging house. Either the whole package or just the UV/DUV LED is globed with a UV/DUV transparent dome-shape encapsulation. This protects the device, enhances light extraction, and focuses the light emitted. The disclosure describes dome-shape encapsulation may be comprised of optically transparent PMMA, fluorinated polymers or other organic materials. Alternatively, it might be configured to include a lens made from sapphire, fused silica, or other transparent materials. The lens material is cemented on the UV/DUV LED with UV/DUV transparent polymers.

Packaging for ultraviolet optoelectronic device


A variable displacement compressor includes an inclining swash plate connected to a drive shaft. A rotor rotates integrally with the drive shaft. A guiding mechanism is provided between the swash plate and the rotor to guide the inclination of tho swash plate between a minimum inclination position and a maximum inclination position and thus change the stroke of the piston. An abutment is provided to restrict the inclination of the swash plate. In another embodiment, a cap included in the guiding mechanism determines the maximum inclination position of the swash plate. In one embodiment, the maximum inclination position is determined by the length of a spring arranged between the swash plate and the rotor. In another embodiment, a spacer is arranged between the swash plate and the rotor. The thickness of the spacer determines the maximum inclination position. The maximum displacement of the compressor can be changed by changing only one part.

The present invention relates to a variable displacement compressor, and more particularly, to a variable displacement compressor that changes the stroke of pistons by changing tho inclination of a swash plate to vary the compressor displacement.
In a variable displacement swash plate compressor, a drive shaft is rotatably supported in a housing. The housing includes a cylinder block that is provided with cylinder bores. The swash plate is coupled to the drive shaft and supported in a manner enabling inclination of the swash plate with respect to the drive shaft. A piston is reciprocally accommodated in each cylinder bore. The swash plate is coupled to each piston. A rotor is fixed to the drive shaft in the housing to rotate integrally with the drive shaft. A guide mechanism is provided between the swash plate and the rotor to restrict relative rotation therebetween and guide the inclination of the swash plate. The inclination of the swash plate is adjusted to change the stroke of the pistons. This varies the compressor displacement between a maximum value and a minimum value. The compressor displacement becomes maximum when the inclination of the swash plate is restricted by the abutment of the swash plate against the rotor. In this state, the swash plate is located at a maximum inclination position.
The compressors are manufactured in accordance with their maximum displacement. Thus, when manufacturing a variety of compressors that differ in maximum displacement, each compressor must be manufactured differently in accordance with the maximum displacement. More specifically, to manufacture compressors that differ in maximum displacement, the shape and number of the cylinder bores must be altered. Thus, when manufacturing a variety of compressors that differ in maximum displacement, the design of each variety of compressor must be significantly changed. Furthermore, the shape and size of components having the same functions differ between compressors of different maximum displacements. Accordingly, an exclusive production line must be provided for each differing maximum displacement. Thus, the production of a variety of compressors having different displacements results in significantly increased costs, which increases the cost of each compressor.

Variable displacement compressor method and apparatus

Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki Seisakusho


Methods and systems for monitoring the well-being of a target are disclosed. In a method embodiment, data representing a signal is received by a computer system. The signal may be generated at least in part by one or more sensors in response to the detection of a change in an electrical field, electric potential, capacitance, and/or dielectric constant of a target spaced apart from the one or more sensors. The method may further include identifying, using the computer system and based at least in part on the data electronically received by the computer system, a recurring pattern in the received data. The method may also include determining, using the computer system and based at least in part on the received data, whether a deviation from the recurring pattern transgresses a threshold. The deviation may comprise a subset of the data electronically received by the computer system.

The performance of a variety of monitoring systems may be affected by where a sensor or its parts are placed relative to a target (e.g., a human such as an adult, teen, child, or baby) that is being monitored. For example, certain monitoring systems may require a sensor to be in physical contact with a target and may further require a part (e.g., a power or data cable) to be connected from a sensor to a monitoring device. Installing sensor parts in, for example, a baby crib may be contrary to expert advice to keep the baby crib free of such objects (e.g., based on the sensor parts constituting a strangulation or suffocation hazard). Alternatively, the sensor may require wireless communication between a sensor and a monitoring device, thereby introducing potentially harmful or interfering communication waves (e.g., radio frequency waves, microwave communication waves, etc.) in close proximity to the baby, another target of the monitoring system, or other electronic equipment.
Known monitoring systems require a sensor to be directly in contact with a target. For example, a traditional electrocardiogram (ECG) uses external electrodes to detect a patient's ECG signal. The external electrodes are located on the ends of cables and must be physically placed on a patient and near the patient's heart. This often necessitates the use of conductive materials that may be inconvenient to hook up and use, especially for long-term monitoring of a relatively active patient. These devices have significant limitations. For example, the patient must be physically connected to the device. If the patient wants to leave his or her bed, the device needs to be detached from, and then re-attached to the patient on his/her return, often by a highly trained staff member. The inconvenience and the delays associated with setting up such monitoring systems mean that they are not well-adapted to long-term use and, as a result, may miss detecting important but transient episodic events. These monitoring systems are also not well-suited for monitoring more active targets, for example, a baby in a crib or a person exercising on a piece of exercise equipment. Although there are monitoring systems incorporated into devices such as wristbands and armbands that are more suited to an active lifestyle, they still typically need to be directly in contact with the target, and generally provide limited information and functionality.
Accordingly, there is a need for a monitoring system that does not require a sensor to be directly in contact with a target. There is also a need for a monitoring system that can assist in the management of a target's health, fitness, sleep and diet by monitoring changes in a person's body. There is further a need for a monitoring system suitable for long-term use that can sense changes in a target and provide timely and appropriate diagnostic, prognostic and prescriptive information.

Systems and methods for monitoring vital signs based on sensed changes in a target


A carrying case 10 for tobacco products including a housing unit 11, a liner unit 12, and a latch unit 13. The housing unit 11 comprises a housing member 20 having two housing segments 21, 22 provided with central recesses 24 which define a central housing chamber 25 and wherein the liner unit 12 includes two thermally insulated liner segments 31, 32 dimensioned to accommodate at least one unsmoked tobacco product 100, as well as the ashes and butt of the tobacco product after it has been smoked.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the field of smoker's accessories in general, and in particular to a butt and ash collecting receptacle for smokers to first transport whole smoking material and then transport both the consumed and unconsumed portions of the tobacco article.
2. Description of Related Art
As can be seen by reference to the following U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,071,394; 4,901,739; 4,926,888; and 5,224,499, the prior art is replete with myriad and diverse cigarette carrying cases, as well as cigar tubes and pouches.
While all of the aforementioned prior art constructions are more than adequate for the basic purpose and function for which they have been specifically designed, they are uniformly deficient with respect to their failure to provide a simple, efficient, and practical device that a smoker can use to transport an unlit tobacco article to a location where the tobacco article will be at least partially consumed and wherein the same device can be used to collect the ashes and the unconsumed portion of the tobacco article.
Given the fact that the act of smoking has been looked down upon for a number of years, and will be for the foreseeable future, smokers must constantly be vigilant and aware of any means possible to improve this public image.
As a consequence of the foregoing situation, there has existed a longstanding need for a new and improved type of carrying case for tobacco articles wherein the case serves to transport the unlit article, to collect the ashes from the article after the article is lit, and to extinguish without crushing the unconsumed portion of the cigarette or cigar, and the provision of such a device is a stated objective of the present invention.


A process for producing frozen untapped young coconut water inside its carved young tender meat. The packaged frozen young untapped coconut water inside its very own carved young tender coconut meat comprises two freezing steps wherein the prepackaged product is frozen before packaging and sealing in a packaging cup and frozen again in a standard freezer.

Many commercial food products require fresh or fresh-like products for use in producing such products; the preparation consists of a process wherein the product is frozen at a suitable temperature, packaged and sealed. Frozen food products are very desirable to the consumer since they can be stored for long periods of time in a frozen state.
In addition, when the consumer eats a frozen product, upon thawing, it is desired to have a method of preservation that has taste characteristics similar to a fresh product, without preservatives but which can be stored for extended periods of time. It is further known that products can be flash frozen or referred to as blast freezing in an attempt to preserve or improve that is close enough to a fresh-like product by optimizing method for freezing a product by mechanical freezing.
Young coconut liquid endosperm or young coconut water is known to either canned with coconut jelly tidbits and polycoated drink-boxed both of which are preserved in room temperature or frozen in polypropylene (PP) or Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic containers, for consumption by consumers. Additionally, young coconut solid endosperm or young tender coconut meat sometimes referred to as young coconut flesh or simply coconut jelly is usually available grated in PP or PET plastic, vacuum-packed and frozen. While these current methods are well suited to preserve young coconut water and young coconut meat there is no current method to produce frozen untapped young coconut water enclosed and intact inside its own carved young and tender coconut meat.
The popularity of young coconut water has led to a desire to produce frozen young coconut water, untapped, untouched and preserved intact on its own confined core by sculpting the coconut jelly. In view of the foregoing, this desire has not been attained, to date, because a naturally young coconut liquid endosperm frozen inside its own natural solid endosperm has not been offered to consumers without the separation of the two constituent parts that complement each other. When you set aside and preserve the coconut liquid endosperm from the coconut solid endosperm, the flavor of the end product can be lessened in fullness by the presence of artificial preservatives and stabilizers. The product can have an artificial or off flavor not like that of the natural young coconut.
For these reasons, it is desired to have a method for producing frozen young coconut water, that when thawed, has the taste of fresh-like characteristics.

Process for preparing a frozen coconut product


A system for managing configuration of a storage network having multiple storage resources is disclosed. The system uses a storage management policy to set parameters for detecting storage resource problems in the storage network. The system monitors the storage resources in the storage network based on the storage management policy. Based on the monitoring, the system detects limited storage resource conditions, and identifies one or more potential solutions to the condition. After identifying potential solutions, the system simulates effects on the storage resources of implementing individual solutions. Based on the simulations, the system then implements one or more selected solutions. These solutions may be selected automatically or by a user.

In modern computer networks, a storage server can be used for many different purposes, such as to provide multiple users with access to shared data or to back up mission critical data. A file server is an example of a storage server which operates on behalf of one or more clients to store and manage shared files in a set of mass storage devices, such as magnetic or optical storage based disks or tapes. The mass storage devices are typically organized into one or more volumes of Redundant Array of Independent (or Inexpensive) Disks (RAID).
One mode in which a file server can be used is a network attached storage (NAS) mode. In a NAS mode, a file server can be implemented in the form of an appliance, sometimes called a filer, that attaches to a network, such as a local area network (LAN) or a corporate intranet. An example of such an appliance is any of the Filer products made by NetApp®, Inc. in Sunnyvale, Calif. A storage server can also be employed in a storage area network (SAN), which is a highly efficient network of interconnected, shared storage devices. In a SAN, the storage server (which may be an appliance) provides a remote host with block-level access to stored data, whereas in a NAS configuration, the storage server provides clients with file-level access to stored data. In both NAS and SAN configurations, available storage is divided into various logical segments, such as volumes (for both NAS and SAN configurations) or qtrees (for a NAS configuration). A qtree is a special directory that has the properties of a logical sub-volume within the namespace of a physical volume. Individual qtrees may be assigned storage quotas and security properties.
The increasing size and complexity of modern storage networks has made storage capacity planning and storage administration difficult. Administrators can handle capacity issues using a number of corrective actions, but it can be very difficult for an administrator to identify the appropriate actions to take. In many instances, this difficulty forces administrators to migrate storage to new hardware rather than attempt to free space on existing hardware. Storage migration is expensive and disruptive. However, current tools provide insufficient assistance to administrators in solving storage problems.

Method and system for managing storage capacity in a storage network


A non-conformal integrated side shield structure is disclosed for a PMR write head wherein the sidewalls of the side shield are not parallel to the pole tip sidewalls. Thus, the side gap distance between the leading pole tip edge and side shield is different than the side gap distance between the trailing pole tip edge and side shield. As a result, there is a reduced side fringing field and improved overwrite performance. The side gap distance is constant with increasing distance from the ABS along the main pole layer. A fabrication method is provided where the trailing shield and side shield are formed in the same step to afford a self-aligned shield structure. Adjacent track erasure induced by flux choking at the side shield and trailing shield interface can be eliminated by this design. The invention encompasses a tapered main pole layer in a narrow pole tip section.

Perpendicular magnetic recording (PMR) has been developed in part to achieve higher recording density than is realized with longitudinal magnetic recording (LMR) devices and is believed to be the successor of LMR for next generation magnetic data storage products and beyond. The advantages of PMR associated with a soft underlayer (SUL) from PMR media can reduce both sensor track width (MRW) and magnetic write width (MWW) significantly. A single pole writer combined with a soft magnetic underlayer also has the intrinsic advantage of delivering higher write field than LMR heads. However, side fringing from a trailing shield PMR head is substantially larger than in LMR. The large side fringing for PMR heads is a primary concern for the push to higher track density (TPI) and is a major constraint to PMR extendability.
A conventional PMR write head as depicted in FIG. 1 typically has a main (write) pole 10 with a small surface area (pole tip) at an air bearing surface (ABS) 5 and a flux return pole (opposing pole) 8 which is magnetically coupled to the write pole through a trailing shield 7 and has a large surface area at the ABS. Magnetic flux in the write pole layer 10 is generated by coils 6 and passes through the pole tip into a magnetic recording media 4 and then back to the write head by entering the flux return pole 8. The write pole concentrates magnetic flux so that the magnetic field at the write pole tip at the ABS is high enough to switch magnetizations in the recording media 4. A trailing shield (not shown) is added to improve the field gradient in the down-track direction.
In FIG. 2, a top view is shown of a typical write pole layer 10 otherwise known as the main pole layer or main write pole. The write pole 10 has a narrow section 10n that extends a neck height (NH) distance from the ABS plane 5-5 to a plane 3-3 parallel to the ABS where a middle section 10m having sides 10s flares out at an angle θ from a dashed line 11 that is an extension of one of the sides of narrow section 10n. There is also a third main write pole section 10r that has one end at the plane 9-9 where the flared sides 10s terminate and extends a certain distance away from the plane 9-9 in a direction perpendicular to the ABS.
To achieve high areal recording density with PMR technology, key requirements for the PMR writer design are to provide large field magnitude and high field gradient in both down-track and cross-track directions. In practice, these two requirements are often traded off with each other to balance the overall performance. There are two approaches to achieve these requirements. One approach involves optimizing the geometry of the main write pole such as modifying the values for NH and flare angle θ. A short NH or large θ can increase write field magnitude effectively. However, too short of a NH leads to problems of meeting process tolerance during manufacturing while too large of a flare angle θ may cause a large amount of adjacent track erasure (ATE) because of a large fringe field. In today's commercial PMR writer products, NH is generally above 0.1 micron and flare angle θ is kept less than 45 degrees. A second design approach involves applying magnetic shield structure in the vicinity of the main write pole as described by M. Mallary in "One Terabit per Square Inch Perpendicular Recording Conceptual Design", IEEE, Trans. Magn., Vol. 38, July, 2002. To further improve cross-track field gradient, a full side shield writer structure is used to limit the excessive fringe field onto the adjacent track. Depending on the spacing between the side shield and the write pole, field magnitude could drop below the minimal performance requirement. As a result, flux intensity will be reduced at the ABS and writability will decrease.
As recording density keeps increasing, the trade-off between writability and field gradient becomes more challenging. Therefore, all the design elements must be integrated and optimized simultaneously to achieve best performance. Unfortunately, none of the prior art structures provide satisfactory control of field magnitude and field gradient in both the down-track and cross-track directions. Therefore, an improved write structure is necessary to achieve the high performance required for advanced devices with narrow track widths and high recording density.
A search of the prior art revealed the following references. U.S. Patent Application 2007/0253107 shows that a trailing shield and side shield may be a single piece. A non-conformal side gap is depicted where the side gap length between a side shield and pole tip section narrows with increasing distance from the ABS.
In U.S. Patent Application 2008/0100959, a conformal side gap is illustrated where the side gap is larger than the write gap.

Method to make an integrated side shield PMR head with non conformal side gap


A substrate processing apparatus and an information storage server are connected with each other through a network. A storage part of the substrate processing apparatus stores set information and a control program, for controlling operation of the substrate processing apparatus according to the set information and the control program. The substrate processing apparatus is provided with a schedule function, for transmitting a backup instructional command according to the schedule. In response to this instructional command, the substrate processing apparatus generates a duplicate of specified information stored in the aforementioned storage part and transfers the duplicate information to the information storage server through the network. The information storage server stores the received duplicate information in a hard disk as backup data. The information storage server can also store only differential data of the duplicate information. Thus, information for controlling the operation of the substrate processing apparatus can be efficiently backed up without burdening the user.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a network communication technique connecting a substrate processing apparatus performing prescribed processing on a semiconductor substrate, a glass substrate for a liquid crystal display, a glass substrate for a photomask or a substrate for an optical disk (hereinafter simply referred to as "substrate") and a computer, with each other through a communication network.
2. Description of the Background Art
A product such as a semiconductor device or a liquid crystal display is manufactured by performing a series of processing steps such as cleaning, resist coating, exposure, development, etching, formation of an interlayer dielectric film and thermal processing, on a substrate. In general, a substrate processing apparatus having a built-in resist coating processing, a built-in development processing unit etc., performs such processing steps. A transfer robot provided on the substrate processing apparatus successively transfers the substrate to the respective processing units thereby performing the series of processing steps on the substrate.
Such substrate processing is automatically controlled, and the substrate processing apparatus stores application program data, set information etc. for the automatic control. In other words, the substrate processing apparatus is controlled through the application program according to the contents of the set information.
The set information stored in the substrate processing apparatus includes basic information employed in common for the substrate processing apparatus and information intrinsic to the substrate processing apparatus. While the substrate processing apparatus is essentially controllable by basic information set by default, optimum control cannot be performed with the same set contents as a result of a differing set environment or a manufacturing error of the substrate processing apparatus. Therefore, the basic information must be corrected for performing control procedures, and each substrate processing apparatus accumulates this corrected information as intrinsic information.
The intrinsic information is information intrinsic to every user and every substrate processing apparatus. In order to return a substrate processing apparatus having some fault, such as a hardware fault (with loss of accumulated information) to the state before the occurrence of the fault, it is necessary to periodically back up the set information. When the user changes the set information in a self-determined manner, past set information may be required. In order to operate the substrate processing apparatus with the past set information in this case, it is necessary to periodically back up the set information. In general, the user backs up the set information on a removable disk or the like in each substrate processing apparatus.
However, it is extremely time-consuming to back up the set information of the substrate processing apparatus on the removable disk or the like, leading to a burden on the user. When a large number of substrate processing apparatuses are set, the backup operation particularly burdens the user.
Further, it is necessary to minimize the interval for backup processing so that the backup data is effective. However, the burden of the backup processing is so heavy that it is impractical to require the user to frequently perform periodic backup processing.
The aforementioned basic information of a set in the substrate processing apparatus in an initial stage, consists of an extremely large number of set items. The user or a member of a support staff, first sets the basic information in the substrate processing apparatus, thereby operating the substrate processing apparatus according to the basic information. The user then sets intrinsic information in response to the individual substrate processing apparatus. In other words, the user corrects the operation of the substrate processing apparatus set according to the basic information, with the intrinsic information thereby performing optimum control.
As hereinabove described, the basic information to be set in the substrate processing apparatus consists of an extremely large number of set items. If the set information is erroneous with respect to some of the large number of items, the substrate processing apparatus cannot perform a planned operation.
When a number of different substrate processing apparatuses are provided by operating staff with basic information the set contents of the basic information may vary with the substrate processing apparatuses due to introduced artificial errors. In this case, the same products cannot be produced even if the substrate processing apparatuses execute the same processing steps.
When it is proven that the basic information set in each substrate processing apparatus includes a set error from the results of operation of the substrate processing apparatus, it is extremely difficult to find the erroneous set contents from the large number of set items.
Components forming the aforementioned substrate processing apparatus also include consumables. For example, cleaning brushes provided in a cleaning processing unit for cleaning substrates or lamps provided in a lamp annealing apparatus for rapidly annealing substrates by photoirradiation are typical consumables. Further, belts, cylinders, motors etc. forming a driving mechanism for driving the transfer robot or the like are also consumables.
Such consumables are consumed or deteriorate as used and become entirely unusable with excessive use. It is thus necessary to periodically order new components for replacement of the consumables.
In general, new components are ordered and procured only after the consumables are consumed or rendered unusable. Therefore, processing time is wasted until arrival of the new components thereby disadvantageously reducing the working efficiency of the apparatus. While it is preferable to manage the usable life of the consumables in the substrate processing apparatus, a large number of substrate processing apparatuses are usually arranged in a single substrate processing factory and excessive effort is required for managing consumables of all substrate processing apparatuses.
In addition, since a large number of such substrate processing apparatuses are arranged in a single substrate processing factory for manufacturing semiconductor devices or the like they are operated by a number of operators. It is accordingly necessary to properly educate inexperienced unskilled operators with respect to the method of operating the apparatuses. When specifications etc. of the apparatuses are changed, it is also necessary to instruct even skilled operators about the new operating method.
The operators must divide into groups for attending a lecture about the apparatuses which lecture is repetitively delivered to the groups. Alternatively, the groups are gathered around a single substrate processing apparatus for getting a collective explanation thereof.
Because lectures must be repeated, with the same contents or not all operators will not be sufficiently or properly trained, there is a marked disadvantageous inefficiency for both users and vendors of the substrate processing apparatuses.

Managing apparatus for substrate processing system


Systems and methods consistent with the invention may offer a new financial account having a balance transfer sub-account for implementation onto a customer's wireless purchasing device. The purchasing device may have a wireless transmitter that may communicate account information stored on the purchasing device to a service terminal. Based on the account information received by the service terminal, the system may obtain the terms of the customer's current account associated with the purchasing device. The system may then determine the terms of the new account for offering to the customer. If the customer accepts the offered account, the terminal may then wirelessly reprogram the purchasing device with the information of the new account and transfer the balance of the customer's original account to the balance transfer sub-account of the new account.

In a conventional credit card transaction, a credit card holder presents a financial account card, such as a credit card, to a merchant. The merchant typically swipes a magnetic stripe on the credit card through a card reader that is built into or attached to a point-of-sale (POS) terminal. The magnetic stripe generally includes account information, such as an account number of the card, an identity of the card holder, and an expiration date of the card. Once the merchant has swiped the card through the card reader, the account information is transmitted to the POS terminal. Alternatively, instead of the merchant swiping the card, the credit card holder may personally swipe the card at a self service check out station or may insert the card into a card reader built into, for example, a gasoline pump. Once the card reader has read the card data, the card data is transmitted over a secure network, authenticated, and ultimately used to authorize a transaction. In any of these kinds of transactions, however, the credit card must be physically read by a magnetic stripe reader in order to obtain the card data that is stored on the magnetic stripe.
It is also known in the art that, to attract new customers, a credit card issuer may offer a new credit card account having a balance transfer sub-account in addition to a credit line sub-account. With such an offer, the prospective cardholder may transfer the balance of a debt owed on another credit card account to the offered balance transfer sub-account. Upon transferring the balance, the issuer pays off the debt on the cardholder's original account and, after expiration of an initial grace period (if any), then charges the cardholder interest on the transferred balance. When the cardholder makes payments to the issuer, the payments are split between the credit line and balance transfer sub-accounts by a predetermined arrangement (e.g., in proportion to the balances on the respective accounts).
Determining whether the new credit card offers more favorable terms is often difficult for the new customer. For instance, the customer must often call the issuer to compare terms of the customer's existing credit card account with the offered credit card account. Further, because the terms of an advertised credit card account may differ from the terms of the account actually offered after completing an application process, the customer typically needs to compare the account terms a second time after the issuer accepts the customer's application and offers an actual credit card account. Moreover, the customer must often wait a substantial amount of time to receive the new credit card and thus cannot use it to make purchases in the meantime.
Further, as the prevalence of wireless devices continues to increase, new methods of storing and transmitting credit card data have begun to emerge in the art. For example, RFID (radio frequency identification) tags have been used to transmit payment information. RFID tags are microchips that may transmit and receive data, as well as store and encrypt that data. An RFID tag thus acts as a transponder by transmitting a radio frequency signal when it receives a query radio signal from another device. Typically, the other device is an RFID reader that sends a query signal requesting a nearby RFID tag to transmit data to the RFID reader. When the RFID tag receives the query signal, it may be powered into an "on" state. Alternatively, the RFID tag may have its own independent power supply. In either case, when an RFID tag receives a query radio signal, it may respond by transmitting data to the reader up to a distance of a several inches or feet away, depending upon its power capabilities. Such RFID payment technology has not, however, overcome the disadvantages discussed above with respect to offering new credit cards having balance transfer sub-accounts.
Accordingly, there is a need for a way to offer new financial accounts to customers of existing accounts that may overcome the above disadvantages.

Systems and methods for offering wireless financial accounts


A plastic gin rib is manufactured of nylon material with long glass fiber reinforcement and carbon fiber reinforcement. In some cases, synthetic resinous fluorine-containing polymers is added to the nylon before molding.

(1) Field of the Invention
This invention relates to cotton gins and more particularly to gin rib which is used in a gin stand. The gin rib is a basic part of a basic machine of a cotton gin. The ribs and saws separate the lint from the seed. Cotton ginners have ordinary skill in this art.
(2) Description of the Related Art
Before this invention, cotton gin ribs were well known and almost universally made of cast iron or aluminum. Basically, the rib was cast and then hand ground to form a ginning point where saw teeth pull the fiber from the restrained seed.
Through years of development, the particular shape (as well as the spacing of the ginning point and the like) of the gin rib has been well defined. One of the problems with iron ribs is that they tend to rust during the dormant season. It is necessary for the proper operation of the cotton to move freely over the gin ribs; however, the rust inhibits this smooth movement.
A second problem is at times when the cotton gin is not in operation overnight or for two or three hours, the ribs tend to sweat or accumulate moisture. The moisture on the ribs has an adverse effect when the cotton starts flowing and moving over the ribs again.
Also because of different conditions, often the cotton on the gin rib will form wads of cotton, which tend to increase in size. These wads of cotton greatly increase the friction between themselves and the saw, resulting in the saw blade becoming extremely hot. A hot saw blade loses its temper and therefore loses its shape causing difficulties. Normally in such cases, the saw blade is ruined, either the entire assembly including 80 to 100 saws will require being removed and replaced. Otherwise the saw unit will require being dismantled and the individual saw blades replaced. This is time consuming and expensive during the ginning season.
Before this invention, it was known and suggested to put inserts at the ginning points. An example of an insert is shown in FRANCE U.S. Pat. No. 4,850,083 (Jul. 25, 1989) wherein a tungsten carbide insert was placed in the rib at the ginning point. Also, it had been suggested that plastic materials could be used for the ribs. NAYFA U.S. Pat. No. 3,696,857 (Oct. 3, 1972) is an example of such a development.


A vent valve for a gasoline tank has a multi-piece valve housing that is inserted into the tank through a tank wall opening. The housing includes a valve member and a cap member that has a flange that is ultrasonically welded to the gasoline tank and a coupling skirt that has minimal protrusion into the gas tank. The coupling skirt fits into upper portion of the valve member and has keyways that receive inwardly projecting lugs of the valve member to couple the valve and cap members to each other. The valve and cap members are retained in the coupled position by resilent cantilevered lock fingers of the valve member that engage notches in the bottom of the coupling skirt. In a modification the notches coincide with entrance portions of the keyways. The cap member of a second embodiment has a coupling skirt with keyways that fit over an upper portion of the valve member that has outwardly projecting lugs and resilient lock fingers that are cut out of the wall of the valve member. In a modification the outwardly projecting lugs and lock fingers are part of the coupling skirt and the keyways are part of the valve member. The cap member of a third embodiment has a coupling skirt with keyways that receive inwardly projecting lugs of the valve member to couple the valve and cap members to each other. The lugs are retained in the coupled position by notches at the inner ends of the keyways.

This invention relates to a coupling mechanism for attaching one member to another member and to a valve having a multi-piece valve housing that includes such a coupling mechanism for attaching one housing member to another housing member.
Coupling mechanisms for attaching one member to another are already known for various constructions. See for instance: U.S. Pat. No. 1,812,583 to Cavalieri; U.S. Pat. No. 2,027,803 to Young; U.S. Pat. No. 2,781,148 to Reddle; U.S. Pat. No. 4,313,649 to Morikawa et al; U.S. Pat. No. 5,251,776 to Morgan, Jr. et al; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,397,196 to Boiret et al which disclose coupling mechanisms of the so called bayonet slot type in various applications.
Valves having multi-piece valve housings are also known but none are known that use coupling mechanisms of the bayonet slot or quick disconnect type.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,413,137 granted to David R. Gimby May 9, 1995 discloses a fuel vapor vent assembly that has a multi-piece valve housing. The housing includes a body member that has an integral cap member. The housing also includes an insert and a spring seat. The insert is press fitted into the upper end of the body member to provide an orifice for fuel vapors to escape from the fuel tank and a liquid trap basin above the orifice for catching any liquid fuel entrained in the fuel vapors that exit the fuel tank through the orifice. The spring seat has hooks that are snap fit into apertures of the body member for retention. The fuel tank and the valve member are made of a high density polyethylene (HDPE), a material that is known for high strength, weldability and resistence to gasoline fuel. This insert is preferably made of acetal copolymer that is highly resistant to fuel permeation and therefore does not grow when immersed in gasoline.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,522,417 granted to Kazuyki Tomoika and Atsushi Takahashi Jun. 4, 1996 discloses an anti-spilling valve for a vehicle fuel tank that has a multi-piece valve housing. The housing includes a valve chamber, a mounting member and a valve seat ring. The valve chamber which is immersed in gasoline is advantageously formed of polyacetal resin to minimize growth while the mounting member is advantageously made of high density polyethylene resin (HDPE) for weldability to the fuel tank which is commonly made of this material. The three parts are fabricated and assembled by molding the mounting member of HDPE resin over the upper end of a premolded valve chamber formed of polyacetal resin. The valve seat ring is then fixed to the valve chamber by ultrasonic welding.


Embodiments of the invention relate to synchronization of data in a shared pool of configurable computer resources. An image of the filesystem changes, including data and metadata, is captured in the form of a consistency point. Sequential consistency points are created, with changes to data and metadata in the filesystem between sequential consistency captured and placed in a queue for communication to a target filesystem at a target site. The changes are communicated as a filesystem operation, with the communication limited to the changes captured and reflected in the consistency point.

This invention relates to data synchronization across cluster filesystems. More specifically, the invention relates to tracking changes in a filesystem and replaying the changes to another filesystem using a standard protocol.
In a scalable and writable caching system that caches remote file data, data is fetched from a remote site and updates made at the cache site, also known as the source site, and replayed at the remote site, also known as the target site. It is known that network connectivity between the source and target sites may be subject to temporary disconnects. When a disconnection between the two sites occurs, the source site should still be available for access to data that is previously cached, and as such, the source site continues to support both data and metadata updates. At such time as connectivity between the two sites is restored, the data and metadata updates need to be synchronized to the target site.

Synchronizing updates across cluster filesystems

International Business Machines Corporation


A slide switch device adapted to be immersed in automatic transmission oil or the like. A printed circuit board 1 is provided with fixed contacts 11. A guide rail 19 is formed extending in a sectional T-shaped form from a side surface of the printed circuit board 1. A movable board 3 has a movable contact 2 and a pin 5 press-fitted therein. An operating member 4 has an elongate hole 42 for receiving the pin 5, a retaining portion 44 for a slide member 6, and a coupling portion 47 for coupling to a manual valve 9 of an automatic transmission. The retaining portion 44 is formed with a cut-out 45 extending from one side thereof to have an open edge. At the open edge is formed a crimp piece 46 through a connecting portion 49 of a reduced section for retaining the slide member 6. The slide member 6 has a slide portion 61 in a channel form for being fitted on the guide rail 19 of the printed circuit board 1, band a groove portion 63 formed between the slide portion 61 and a head portion 62 for being fitted to the cut-out 45 of the operating member 4. A frame body 7 has an open hole 72 formed in a lower portion 71 to a size sufficient for slidably receiving the pin 5 and freely passing liquid therethrough, and a crimp piece 74 formed in a side portion. The open hole 72 has opposite edges formed by downwardly slanted surfaces 73 for allowing the oil intruded within the frame body 7 to flow out.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to slide switch devices having a movable board for supporting a movable contact and a printed board for supporting a fixed contact with which the movable contact slidably contacts and, more particularly, to a slide switch device which is adapted to be immersed in automatic transmission oil or the like for automobiles.
2. Description of Prior Art
A conventional slide switch device adapted to be immersed in automatic transmission oil or the like is disclosed, for example, in Japanese Utility Model Unexamined Publication (Kokai) No. H4-65622. This conventional slide switch device has a fixed contact and a movable contact within a case enclosed by using an O-ring, and a rod movably supported by a bellows to have one end connected to the movable contact and the other end connected to a manual valve. With such structure, the movable contact is brought into contact with the fixed contact in a manner corresponding to the operational position of the manual valve.
In the above conventional structure, however, the fixed contact has a contact surface directed upward for the movable contact, and accordingly the fixed contact is apt to have foreign matters on the surface thereof. Consequently, where conductive foreign matters such as metal powder, and the like, are deposited on the surface of the fixed contact, there is a possibility of incurring troubles, such as poor insulation and the like. In particular, when used for an automatic transmission where oil temperature largely varies in dependence upon operating conditions of the engine, the air within the enclosed space will expand or contract. Furthermore, the operation of the rod and the bellows causes the difference of pressure between the space inside and the outside, thereby inducing the phenomenon of introducing oil into the enclosure space. As a result, there is a high possibility of introducing conductive foreign matters together with oil. Therefore, the conventional structure requires accommodation of the fixed contact and other components in a manner isolated from the outside. However, the complete enclosure of a case creates other problems in that the case is expensive to make and the structure is complicated.
Under such circumstances, the present applicant has previously proposed an in-liquid switch device which is adapted to have less deposits of conductive foreign matters on the surface of the fixed contact to prevent troubles, such as poor insulation or the like, even if used in a contaminated liquid having conductive foreign matters mixed therewith, such as an oil within an automatic transmission. In this proposed structure, the troubles of poor insulation and the like are eliminated, but there is still insufficient smoothness of sliding for the movable board.


A deformable mirror includes a first base plate having a first reference surface, a transparent second base plate having a second reference surface opposed to the first reference surface, a flexible member disposed between the first base plate and the second base plate and having a reflective surface on a surface thereof, the flexible member being adapted to be fitted on the first reference surface or on the second reference surface, and a driver for fitting the flexible member on the first reference surface or on the second reference surface, wherein the flexible member is held between the first base plate and the second base plate, and the light rays to be reflected by the reflective surface are imparted with the first degree of spherical aberration or with the second degree of spherical aberration by fitting the flexible member on the first reference surface or on the second reference surface by the driver.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a deformable mirror for an aberration corrector which is used for light pick-up for reproducing data from any of optical data recording media such as optical disks having thickness variations and adapted to correct spherical aberration of the mirror for correctly focusing light rays on a data recorded surface of an optical disk. Further, the invention relates to an optical data reproducing apparatus using the deformable mirror.
2. Description of the Related Art
Digital versatile disks (DVDs) have been receiving attentions as a new type of optical data recording media. Since the DVDs are designed to record data at a higher density than the conventional CDs, various modifications have been made to the DVDs themselves and to optical systems of optical data reproducing apparatuses.
When data are to be reproduced from a CD by means of a data reproducing apparatus designed for the DVDs, defocusing occurs due to a difference in thickness between the CD and the DVD (DVD: 0.6 mm, CD: 1.2 mm), making it difficult to obtain high quality data reproducing signals. To cope with this problem, an defocusing correction function should be incorporated in the optical system of the data reproducing apparatus.
Typical aberration correctors for correcting the defocusing are disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. Hei 5(1993)-151591 and the like. One exemplary aberration corrector is shown in FIG. 21. The aberration corrector 630 has a pair of complementary triangular blocks 632 and 634. The block 634 is attached to a voice coil motor 636 and slidable on a surface of the block 632. The total thickness of the blocks through which light beam 602 passes can be controlled by moving the block 634 relative to the block 632, thereby controlling aberration to be imparted to the light beam 602. In FIG. 21, there are also shown a condenser lens 610 and a disk 612 from which data are reproduced.
Another exemplary aberration corrector is shown in FIG. 22. The aberration corrector 720 has a polarization beam splitter 722, a quarter-wave plate 724, and an electrically controllable deformable mirror 726. Light beam 702 incident to the polarization beam splitter 722 passes through the quarter-wave plate 724, and is subjected to spherical aberration control by the deformable mirror 726. The light beam again passes through the quarter-wave plate 724, and then is guided in a direction perpendicular to the incident direction thereof by the polarization beam splitter 722.
More specifically, the electrically controllable deformable mirror 726 includes, as shown in FIG. 23, a deformable plate 801 having a mirror face 800 on its surface, piezoelectric actuators 802 for pressing the deformable plate 801 from the back side thereof at several points, and a base plate 803 on which the deformable plate 801 and the piezoelectric actuators 802 are fixed.
By variably controlling voltages to be applied to the respective piezoelectric actuators 802, the deformable plate 801 is deformed by a desired degree, so that the mirror face 800 on the deformable plate 801 can be deformed into a desired configuration. Thus, the spherical aberration to be imparted to the light beam 702 can be controlled when the light beam 702 is reflected on the mirror face 800.
However, these aberration correctors have the following drawbacks. The aberration corrector 630 shown in FIG. 21 employs the voice coil motor 636 for the aberration control and, therefore, is not advantageous in the size reduction and energy saving of an optical data reproducing apparatus.
The aberration corrector 720 shown in FIGS. 22 and 23 is constructed such that the piezoelectric actuators 802 press the deformation plate 801 from the back side thereof at the several points. Therefore, the mirror face 800 is not necessarily deformed in a desired configuration because of environmental influences such as vibrations and a temperature change. Since the light beam 702 to be used in an optical data reproducing apparatus typically has a diameter of about 4 mm, a multiplicity of piezoelectric actuators 802 should be provided within a 4 mm diameter area to precisely deform the deformable plate 801 in the desired configuration. This complicates the construction and assembly of the aberration corrector. In addition, the size of the deformable mirror 726 is increased because the multiplicity of the piezoelectric actuators 802 should be accommodated therein and connected to interconnection lines. Therefore, the aberration corrector 720 is not advantageous in the size reduction of a light pick-up device.

Deformable mirror and optical data reproducing apparatus using the same


A closed-loop system for insulin infusion overnight uses a model predictive control algorithm (“MPC”). Used with the MPC is a glucose measurement error model which was derived from actual glucose sensor error data. That sensor error data included both a sensor artifacts component, including dropouts, and a persistent error component, including calibration error, all of which was obtained experimentally from living subjects. The MPC algorithm advised on insulin infusion every fifteen minutes. Sensor glucose input to the MPC was obtained by combining model-calculated, noise-free interstitial glucose with experimentally-derived transient and persistent sensor artifacts associated with the FreeStyle Navigator® Continuous Glucose Monitor System (“FSN”). The incidence of severe and significant hypoglycemia reduced 2300- and 200-fold, respectively, during simulated overnight closed-loop control with the MPC algorithm using the glucose measurement error model suggesting that the continuous glucose monitoring technologies facilitate safe closed-loop insulin delivery.

The invention is generally directed to an integrated system of blood glucose level detection and use of that information in setting insulin delivery parameters, and more particularly, to the use of actual sensor data in characterizing a sensor for use in performing pre-clinical closed-loop trial studies in silico.
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that afflicts tens of millions of people throughout the world. Diabetes results from the inability of the body to properly utilize and metabolize carbohydrates, particularly glucose. Normally, the finely-tuned balance between glucose in the blood and glucose in bodily tissue cells is maintained by insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas which controls, among other things, the transfer of glucose from blood into body tissue cells. Upsetting this balance causes many complications and pathologies including heart disease, coronary and peripheral artery sclerosis, peripheral neuropathies, retinal damage, cataracts, hypertension, coma, and death from hypoglycemic shock.
In patients with insulin-dependent diabetes, the symptoms of the disease can be controlled by administering additional insulin (or other agents that have similar effects) by injection or by external or implantable insulin pumps. The "correct" insulin dosage is a function of the level of glucose in the blood. Ideally, insulin administration should be continuously readjusted in response to changes in blood glucose level. In diabetes management, "insulin" instructs the body's cells to take in glucose from the blood. "Glucagon" acts opposite to insulin, and causes the liver to release glucose into the blood stream. The "basal rate" is the rate of continuous supply of insulin provided by an insulin delivery device (pump). The "bolus" is the specific amount of insulin that is given to raise blood concentration of the insulin to an effective level when needed (as opposed to continuous).
Presently, systems are available for continuously monitoring blood glucose levels by implanting a glucose sensitive probe into the patient. Such probes measure various properties of blood or other tissues, including optical absorption, electrochemical potential, and enzymatic products. The output of such sensors can be communicated to a hand held device that is used to calculate an appropriate dosage of insulin to be delivered into the blood stream in view of several factors, such as a patient's present glucose level, insulin usage rate, carbohydrates consumed or to be consumed, and exercise, among others. These calculations can then be used to control a pump that delivers the insulin, either at a controlled basal rate, or as a bolus. When provided as an integrated system, the continuous glucose monitor, controller, and pump work together to provide continuous glucose monitoring and insulin pump control.
Such systems at present require intervention by a patient to calculate and control the amount of insulin to be delivered. However, there may be periods when the patient is not able to adjust insulin delivery. For example, when the patient is sleeping, he or she cannot intervene in the delivery of insulin, yet control of a patient's glucose level is still necessary. A system capable of integrating and automating the functions of glucose monitoring and controlled insulin delivery would be useful in assisting patients in maintaining their glucose levels, especially during periods of the day when they are unable to intervene.
Since the year 2000, at least five continuous or semi-continuous glucose monitors have received regulatory approval.1 In combination with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion ("CSII"),2 these devices have promoted research toward closed-loop systems, which deliver insulin according to real-time needs, as opposed to open-loop systems which lack the real-time responsiveness to changing glucose levels. A closed-loop system, also called the "artificial pancreas," consists of three components: a glucose monitoring device such as a continuous glucose monitor ("CGM") that measures subcutaneous glucose concentration ("SC"); a titrating algorithm to compute the amount of analyte such as insulin and/or glucagon to be delivered; and one or more analyte pumps to deliver computed analyte doses subcutaneously. So far, only a few prototypes have been developed, and testing has been confined to clinical settings.3-8 However, an aggressive concerted effort promises accelerated progress toward home testing of closed-loop systems.
The development, evaluation, and testing of closed-loop systems are time-consuming, costly, and confounded by ethical and regulatory issues. Apart from early stage testing in animals such as the dog9,10 or the swine,11 testing in the computer (virtual) environment, also termed in silico testing, is the only other alternative to evaluate and optimize control algorithms outside human studies. Chassin and colleagues have developed a simulation environment and testing methodology12 using a glucoregulatory model developed in a multitracer study13 and evaluated a glucose controller developed within the Adicol Project.14 Another simulator has been reported by Cobelli and associates,15 building on model-independent quantification of glucose fluxes occurring during a meal.16 The latter simulator has been accepted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to replace animal testing. Patek and coworkers provided guidelines for preclinical testing of control algorithms.17
However, such simulations have used mathematical models of glucose sensors in which random data is used for simulating errors of the sensor. Random number generators are used to simulate random errors of such sensors based on noise of the sensor. Such data are therefore not based on the actual performance of any particular sensor and are likely to have a significant level of inaccuracy.
Closed-loop systems may revolutionize management of type 1 diabetes mellitus ("T1DM"), but their introduction is likely to be gradual, starting from simpler applications such as hypoglycemia prevention or overnight glucose control and progressing to more complex approaches such as twenty-four hours per day/seven days per week (24/7) glucose control.8 The main reason for gradual deployment is the uncertain risk of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, which may arise due to (1) intrinsic overdosing and underdosing of insulin by a control algorithm, and (2) persistent and transient differences between plasma glucose ("PG") and sensor glucose ("SG"). The transient differences could be either of physiological origin (SC glucose kinetics) or due to a temporal CGM device artifact. The persistent differences result from the CGM calibration error ("CE"). The relatively slow absorption of subcutaneously administered "rapid-acting" insulin analogues and other system imperfections such as pump delivery errors may exacerbate the hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia risks.
Hence, those of skill in the art have recognized a need for an integrated, automated system combining continuous glucose monitoring and controlled insulin delivery. Such a system would include various features to insure the accuracy of the glucose monitor and to protect the user from either under- or over-dosage of insulin. The system would include various functions for improving the accuracy, usability, control, and safety of the system, including a variety of alarms which could be set by a user or a technician to avoid false alarms while ensuring adequate sensitivity to protect the user. Those skilled in the art have also recognized a need for a more accurate glucose measurement error model for increasing the accuracy of closed-loop systems. The present invention fulfills these, and other needs.

Overnight closed-loop insulin delivery with model predictive control and glucose measurement error model


An electrical connector for mating with a conductive plate having a plate mounting edge, and first and second surfaces extending from the plate mounting edge is provided. The connector includes a contact having a contact mounting edge and a lead interface edge opposite the contact mounting edge. A first contact beam and a second contact beam extend from the contact mounting edge, and the first contact beam is configured to engage the first surface of the plate when passed over the plate mounting edge. The second contact beam is configured to engage the second surface of the plate when passed over the plate mounting edge, and the first and second contact beams are laterally offset from one another along the contact mounting edge. At least one lead contact extends from the lead interface edge, and the lead contact is configured to mate with a mating connector.

This invention relates generally to electrical connectors, and more specifically, to electrical connectors which interface to conductive plates.
Certain electrical systems include one or more conductive plates, and it is sometimes desirable to electrically connect the conductive plates to external equipment for diagnostic, testing, and monitoring purposes. Such constructions are employed in existing and emerging technologies, and introduce new demands on electrical connectors. For example, fuel cell technology utilizes a large number of conductive plates arranged in a stack, and it is desirable to monitor a voltage on the individual plates during operation. Establishing reliable electrical and mechanical connection to the plates, however, has proven difficult.
For example, electrical contacts in connectors used for such purposes should be of a low contact resistance to permit easy installation onto the plates, yet mechanically stable when attached to the conductive plates and not prone to separating from the plates in use. The connector and contacts should also be reliably engaged to the plates and disengaged from the plates as needed or as desired, while still providing the desired electrical connection and mechanical stability. Known contacts and connectors are not suitable for these purposes.
Additionally, in certain electrical systems, the conductive plates are fabricated from composite materials rather than from conventional metallic materials. While composite materials may be advantageous for the electrical system, the composite materials tend to complicate the mechanical and electrical interface between the plates and the connector. Conventional connectors are poorly suited for use with such composite materials.
Still further, in systems having stacked electrical components, such as fuel cells, expansion and contraction of the plates at different operating temperatures may result in mechanical load and stress on electrical contacts and connectors engaged to the plates. Thermal stress tends to dislodge the contacts from the plates and can frustrate proper diagnostic, testing, and monitoring procedures for the plates.


Receptacle device built into a bag. In one example embodiment, a receptacle device is configured to be built into a bag. The receptacle device includes a frame and a first set of electrical receptacles rotatably attached to the frame. The frame defines an interior side and an exterior side. The first set of electrical receptacles is configured to be rotated with respect to the frame between being exposed on the exterior side and being exposed on the interior side.

Portable electronic devices are increasing in popularity. Examples of portable electronic devices include laptops, tablet computers, cellular smartphones, cellular "dumb" phones, music players, video players, cameras, video recorders, etc. While varying in their functionality and features, one thing that most portable electronic devices have in common is one or more internal rechargeable batteries, which require the electronic device to be regularly recharged by being plugged into a power outlet.
Unfortunately, aging infrastructure in public spaces such as airports, bus terminals, rest stops, museums, and parks were not originally designed to accommodate the dramatic increase in the need for power outlets that has resulted from the increasing popularity of portable electronic devices. Therefore, there generally are not enough power outlets, or the right type of power outlets, to meet the demand for power outlets in most of these public spaces.
Accordingly, there is a need in the art for more power outlets, and more of the right type of power outlets, to satisfy the recharging need of increasingly popular portable electronic devices.
The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that solve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background is only provided to illustrate one example technology area where some embodiments described herein may be practiced.


A recording paper conveying apparatus is disclosed. The recording paper conveying apparatus includes a conveying part for conveying a recording paper, the conveying part including a first encoder, and a driving part for driving the conveying part, the driving part including a second encoder, wherein the first and second encoders have different resolutions.

1. Technical Field
This disclosure relates to a recording paper conveying apparatus, an inkjet recording apparatus, and a method for controlling the conveyance of recording paper, and more particularly, to a recording paper conveying apparatus, an inkjet recording apparatus, and a method for controlling the conveyance of recording paper by a recording paper conveying apparatus with high precision.
2. Description of the Related Art
Recently, in the field of inkjet recording technology, the types of ink used for recording are shifting from dye type inks to pigment type inks for improving light resistance and aging resistance (resistance against deterioration in association with time). In addition, the viscosity of the ink is becoming higher. Although the increase in the viscosity of the ink has reduced creation of bleeding on the recording paper considerably, inaccurate disposition of ink droplets where ink droplets deviate from a target contact area (e.g. white stripes, black stripes, banding) is more visible. Since the disposition of ink droplets largely relies on the precision of the stop position during conveyance of a recording paper in a sub-scanning direction, it is desired to increase the precision in conveying the recording paper.
Conventionally, a grinding conveyor roller or a conveyor belt is employed in a sub-scan recording paper conveying mechanism used for inkjet recording. In controlling the amount of conveyance with the conveying mechanism, a code wheel is provided on an axle of a conveying roller for allowing an encoder sensor to read and control the conveyance according to a value obtained from the code wheel. For example, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 2002-248822 shows a configuration where a conveying roller and a discharge roller are situated at an upstream side and a downstream side of a platen for conveying a recording paper in a sub-scanning direction. This configuration has a code wheel provided on an axle of the conveying roller for allowing an encoder sensor to read and control the conveyance according to a value obtained from the code wheel.
However, the conventional recording paper conveying mechanism using the code wheel and the sensor for controlling the conveyance of the recording paper has difficulty in achieving stop position control with satisfactory precision due to overlapping error among its components (e.g. pulley, conveying roller, etc.).

Conveying apparatus, inkjet recording apparatus, and method for controlling conveyance