A method and base station for outerloop adjustment for link adaptation of a physical downlink control channel, PDCCH, in a communication network to determine a control channel element, CCE, aggregation level of a downlink assignment downlink control information, DCI, and a CCE aggregation level of an uplink grant DCI is provided. A downlink data packet feedback corresponding to the downlink assignment is received. A status of the downlink data packet feedback is determined. An uplink data packet corresponding to the uplink grant is received and a status thereof is determined. An outerloop downlink adjustment and outerloop uplink adjustment are updated based on at least one of the status of the downlink data packet feedback corresponding to the downlink assignment and status of the uplink data packet corresponding to the uplink grant. An outerloop uplink adjustment is determined as a sum of the outerloop downlink adjustment and an offset adjustment.

The demand on wireless data services has grown exponentially over the last ten years, driven particularly by the popularity of smart phones. To meet this growing demand, new generations of wireless standards with both multiple input and multiple output (MIMO) and orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA), and/or single carrier FMDA (SC-FDMA) technologies have been developed, such as 3rd Generation Partnership Program (3GPP) Long Term Evolution (LTE) and Word Interoperability for Microwave Access (WIMAX). One key area is the ever growing capacity demand of the network based on these standards. One of the challenges in supporting capacity growth is the optimal usages of the limited radio resources shared by User Equipments (UEs), such as Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) usage.
Downlink Control Information (DCI) carries scheduling information for both uplink and downlink data traffic. Uplink data traffic includes data sent from a UE to a base station. Downlink data traffic includes data being sent from a base station to a UE. DCI provides a UE with the necessary information for proper reception and decoding of the downlink data transmission. There are four different DCI formats. DCI formats 0 and 3 are for uplink data transmissions and DCI formats 1 and 2 are for downlink data transmission. A DCI carrying downlink scheduling information is called a DL assignment and a DCI carrying uplink scheduling information is called a UL grant. As used herein, DL assignment may be referred to as DL assignment DCI or DL DCI. UL grant may be referred to herein as UL grant DCI or UL DCI. One UE can have one or more DCIs in a same Transmission Time Interval (TTI).
Each DCI is carried on one or multiple Control Channel Elements (CCEs) depending on the DCI length and the channel condition. The number of CCEs used, which is referred to as the CCE aggregation level, can be 1, 2, 4 or 8. All CCEs for the same DCI carry the same information. In case of multiple CCEs, i.e., higher aggregation level, the DCI payload is repeated to achieve a lower code rate, which may be needed if the UE is experiencing poor radio conditions. Each CCE consists of 9 Resource Element Groups (REG). Each REG includes 4 (or 6 in the case of a Reference Symbol) consecutive Resource Elements (RE) in the frequency domain.
A DCI is mapped to a PDCCH at the physical layer (PHY). DCIs from multiple UEs are multiplexed together in the control symbol region, which are the first few OFDMA symbols, in a TTI. The payload of the DCI is rated, matched and scrambled with a cell-specific and a slot-specific scrambling sequence. Multiple REGs from the same CCE are interleaved and cyclic shifted (CS) among different frequency and time domains to achieve good frequency and time diversity. PDCCH occupies the first 1 to 3 or 4 symbols in each TTI depending on the bandwidth.
PDCCH link adaptation (LA) is used to choose the optimal CCE aggregation level for each DCI based on radio channel conditions, i.e., channel state information, which is measured and reported to the eNodeB (eNB) as Channel Quality Indicator (CQI) by a UE. If the channel condition is good, i.e., a higher CQI, then a fewer number of CCEs or a lower CCE aggregation level may be used. If the channel condition is poor, i.e., a lower CQI, then a greater number of CCEs or a higher aggregation level will be used.
Since a maximum of 3 control symbols are used when the bandwidth is larger than 1.4 MHz (a maximum of 4 symbols in a case of 1.4 MHz), the number of available CCEs for each TTI is limited. These limited control symbols are shared by all the UEs. Therefore, the performance of PDCCH LA will greatly impact the performance of LTE Radio Access Network (RAN), such as capacity. As an example, in case of Voice over IP (VoIP), PDCCH capacity will be the key limiting factor for VoIP capacity as the demand of DCI is very high. If the PDCCH LA is too aggressive, i.e., uses less CCEs for the UE to accommodate capacity, some UEs will have more PDCCH decode failure. Then the UE cannot even locate the related DL data sent through PDSCH or UL data granted at PUSCH. This will result in significant throughput reduction and/or reduced user satisfaction level. If the PDCCH LA is too conservative, fewer numbers of users can be accommodated by the PDCCH resources, resulting in lower capacity.
According to conventional implementations, PDCCH link adaptation uses wideband CQI reports from a UE to derive wideband PDCCH Signal to Interference plus Noise Ratio (SINR). This wideband CQI is measured by the UE and reported to the eNB through uplink channels such as a Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) or a Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH). Accurate and timely reporting of the CQI by the UE helps the eNB select the optimal CCE aggregation level. This is not always the case as CQI reporting intervals are limited by signaling overhead and the accuracy may vary from UE to UE depending on UE specific implementation.
To accommodate systematic errors in CQI reporting from the UE and to track faster changes in channel conditions, a PDCCH outer-loop adjustment is normally used to generate an outer-loop adjustment, OL_ADJ, which is added to the PDCCH SINR estimation based on the CQI report. The overall estimated SINR based on the CQI report and the outer-loop adjustment is used in determining the CCE aggregation level. The outer-loop adjustment is calculated based on the PDCCH transmission result which is determined by eNB. The transmission result could be success, failure, or unknown. When the eNB cannot determine whether a PDCCH transmission is successful or not, it is referred to as "unknown" status. The outer-loop adjustment of PDCCH SINR based on different PDCCH transmission results can be calculated as follows:
If the previous transmission is a success, SINR is increased by an amount defined as UP_STEP such that the SINR adjustment is calculated as:OL_ADJ+=UP_STEP.  (Eq. 1)
If the previous transmission is a failure, SINR is decreased by an amount defined as DOWN_STEP, such that the SINR adjustment is calculated as:OL_ADJ−=DOWN_STEP.  (Eq. 2)
If the eNB is unable to determine whether the previous transmission is successful or not, i.e., "unknown," the SINR is decreased by a fraction of DOWN_STEP, i.e., factored by a, such that the SINR adjustment is calculated as:OL_ADJ−=α*DOWN_STEP.  (Eq. 3)
The ratio of the UP_STEP and DOWN_STEP is determined based on the desired, or target Block Error Rate (BLER) percentage, i.e., the PDCCH transmission failure rate:DOWN_STEP/UP_STEP=100/BLER_TARGET−1.  (Eq. 4)
The DOWN_STEP value may be tuned to have the desired outer-loop convergence speed. The adjustment parameter a may be a tuning parameter with a value between 0 and 1. BLER_TARGET may be a predetermined value.
In the conventional PDCCH link adaptation implementation, there is one outer-loop for both DL assignments DCIs and UL grants DCIs. A single performance target in terms of PDCCH BLER applies to both DL assignment DCIs and UL grant DCIs. One outer-loop adjustment is generated and used to determine the CCE aggregation level together with PDCCH SINR. This implies: (1) that the achieved BLER of the PDCCH will be the average BLER of DL DCIs and UL DCIs. The resulting BLER for a UE's DL DCI and UL DCI may be different, but it is not possible to achieve a different BLER for DL DCIs and UL DCIs in a controlled fashion with the current, one shared single outer-loop. This also implies: (2) that the aggregation levels will be the same for DL DCIs and UL DCIs that are of the same bit length despite the possible different channel conditions that each DCI may experience. This is due to the fact that the same SINR (same CQI and same outer-loop adjustment) will be applied when selecting the CCE aggregation level
There may be situations where different PDCCH BLER targets for UL and DL DCIs may be desired. Specifically, a lower BLER may be desired for UL DCIs than for DL DCIs in several scenarios. It is may also be desirable that when DL DCI and UL DCI experience different channel conditions, which may happen due to non-perfect interleaving of the PDCCH REs and/or different interference levels, the outer-loop algorithm should be able to generate different adjustments accordingly. None of these is possible with the conventional PDCCH LA and outer-loop control.
Scenario 1
In a first scenario, it is possible that both DL and UL scheduler schedules a UL grant and a DL assignment DCIs in a same TTI. In such a case, the eNB expects that the UE sends the PDSCH acknowledgement or not-acknowledgement (ACK/NACK) corresponding to the DL assignment through the PUSCH in the same TTI that is scheduled for the UL grant.
In a case of an aggressive PDCCH DCI aggregation level when the PDCCH link adaptation and outer-loop is applied, the detection of DCI for UL grant at the UE could fail while the detection of DCI for DL assignment and detection of PDSCH could succeed or vice-versa. This may be due to certain unavoidable error rate on PDCCH transmission and a relatively slow convergence of outer-loop adjustment. In such a case, losing the UL grant impacts uplink throughput and also negatively impacts downlink throughput.
The performance differences between UL grant and DL assignment could be due to multiple reasons. One reason is that a code rate discrepancy due to the numerical error occurred during conversion from the estimated PDCCH Signal to Interference plus Noise Ratio (SINR) to the number of CCEs in each DCI. During the conversion, payload size is applied to ensure that the code rate for both DL assignment and UL grant are normalized to be the same. Initially, SINR is converted to system information (SI). SI is then converted to resource element information block (RBIR). Finally, RBIR is converted to the number of CCEs. The number of CCEs can be a decimal number, i.e., one of the following four values: 1, 2, 4, or 8. Thus, 1 CCE is assigned even if the required number is much less than 1, or only 8 CCEs are assigned when the required number of CCEs is greater than 8.
As described above, since multiple look-up tables are used and interpolations as well as rounding operations are applied to get the number of CCEs, it is likely that the code rate varies from DCI to DCI. For example, assuming DL assignment and UL grant have similar estimated SINR, with DL assignment being slightly higher, then after conversion, due to interpolation and rounding errors, DCI for DL assignment could use a CCE aggregation level 4 while DCI for UL grant could use CCE aggregation level 2.
Another reason for performance differences between UL grant and DL assignment could be due to different interference levels between UL and DL DCI. This could happen, for example, to UEs at the cell edge where Common Reference Signal (CRS) interferences from neighboring cells are strong. In shifted CRS deployment, the interference from neighboring cells will affect certain CCEs more than others. For example, if range extenders (REs) are used relatively more for UL DCI data than for DL DCI data, the decoding performance for the UL DCI data will suffer more than that of the DL DCI data.
Since the eNB expects PUSCH to carry the ACK/NACK and the UE did not send PUSCH due to the loss of the UL grant, the eNB is unsure if the PDSCH is successful or not. The eNB would then have to retransmit the previous payload, which is unnecessary. Moreover, since PDCCH OL may not converge within a few TTIs, UL grant could be lost again in the retransmission. Repeated re-transmissions impact the downlink Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) operation significantly and introduce many unnecessary retransmissions, resulting in reduced downlink throughput.
To solve the above described issue, the eNB can be configured to detect HARQ ACK/NACK from the same UE from both PUCCH and PUSCH even though the eNB is expecting HARQ ACK/NACK from PUSCH only. This will prevent eNB from losing the detection of HARQ ACK/NACK in PUCCH and avoid unnecessary retransmissions. The eNB will perform HARQ ACK/NACK detection from both PUSCH and PUCCH and decide which value to use. However, this solution has several drawbacks. First, extra CPU cycles will be consumed to perform ACK/NACK detection on both PUCCH and PUSCH for the same UE, which will significantly impact capacity as well as latency. Second, extra configuration signaling between media access control (MAC) and PHY is required. Third, an additional algorithm is required to reliably determine which ACK/NACK detection result from PUCCH and PUSCH will be used.
Scenario 2
In carrier aggregation (CA), multiple downlink component carriers are used and more HARQ ACK/NACKs are needed to be reported through uplink channel on primary component carrier only. So, if one UL DCI fails, multiple downlink component carriers will be affected. Therefore, it is desired to have relatively better performance in UL grant DCI compared to DL assignment DCI.
In the case of time division duplex (TDD) communication, there may be more DL TTIs that have DL assignments to this UE and the bundled and/or multiplexed HARQ ACK/NACKs are sent through PUSCH. So, if the UL grant DCI is lost, PDSCH in multiple TTIs will be impacted. Therefore, similar to CA, in TDD it is desirable to have relatively better performance in UL grant DCI compared to that in DL assignment DCI.
In both scenarios 1 and 2 above, it is desirable to be able to control the BLER targets for DL assignment and UL grant differently. Specifically, UL grant should have a lower BLER target as its impact is deemed relatively higher than DL assignment. To be able to optimally use the limited PDCCH resources when DL DCIs and UL DCIs may experience different interference levels, different CCE aggregation levels are desired for DL DCIs and UL DCIs. And since the interference levels are instantaneously changing over time, tracking the interference levels by the eNB's perception on PDCCH is difficult and tends to be slow, it is desirable to have an additional margin to ensure good performance on uplink grant.

Outer-loop control in wireless communication link adaptation


A method of probing a multidimensional parameter space of battery cell test protocols is provided that includes defining a parameter space for a plurality of battery cells under test, discretizing the parameter space, collecting a preliminary set of cells being cycled to failure for sampling policies from across the parameter space and include multiple repetitions of the policy, specifying resource hyperparameters, parameter space hyperparameters, and algorithm hyperparameters, selecting a random subset of charging policies, testing the random subset of charging policies until a number of cycles required for early prediction of battery lifetime is achieved, inputting cycle data for early prediction into an early prediction algorithm to obtain early predictions, inputting the early predictions into an optimal experimental design (OED) algorithm to obtain recommendations for running at least one next test, running the recommended tests by repeating from the random subset testing step above, and validating final recommended policies.

Battery optimization today is often performed by key tasks, that include unoptimized empirical testing, in which test parameters are chosen arbitrarily. Under-validated to physiochemical models have been used, which are not sufficient to optimize these processes. Implementation of limited data analysis has been tried, in which only "summary" data is used that discards important insights.
Optimization of battery protocols is a major bottleneck in lithium-ion battery development and deployment. These protocols may include fast charging, in which multistep fast charging protocols may lead to higher cycle life with lower charging times; formation cycling (typically performed immediately after cell assembly in the factory), in which complex formation protocols may reduce the formation time (thereby reducing cost) while increasing the cycle life and/or safety; and usage conditions, in which an application with flexible power draw requirements can be optimized for maximum lifetime.
The common challenges in these optimizations are both high dimensionality and high manufacturing variance. Two approaches are currently performed to probe these large parameter spaces: model optimization and grid search. Optimizing models of battery degradation is an attractive approach due to its low cost (computational, not physical); however, current battery models are of insufficient complexity and accuracy to capture all relevant degradation modes, as well as manufacturing variation. Grid search, i.e. experimentally testing these settings multiple times, is accurate but expensive in terms of time, testing equipment, and cells.

Autonomous screening and optimization of battery formation and cycling procedures

The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University


A surface mount optical coupler includes a silicon substrate; an optical semiconductor device disposed on an upper surface of the silicon substrate; and a short bare fiber formed of vitreous silica. A V-shaped linear groove is formed in the upper surface of the silicon substrate. The V-shaped groove extends from one end surface of the silicon substrate toward a light emitting surface of the optical semiconductor device in a direction perpendicular to the light emitting surface. Further, the V-shape groove supports the short bare fiber. The short bare fiber has one end surface optically coupled with a light emitting portion of the light emitting surface. The short bare fiber has a length smaller than that of the V-shaped groove.

The present invention relates to a surface mount optical coupler, a method of mounting the same, and a method of producing the same. More specifically, the present invention relates to a surface mount optical coupler using a silicon substrate.
In a surface mount optical coupler, components such as an optical semiconductor device and an optical part are precisely mounted at specific positions on a silicon substrate through image recognition or mechanical positioning. In a method of mounting an optical semiconductor device and an optical part, an axis adjusting process for adjusting axes thereof to achieve optical coupling is omitted or simplified (refer to Patent References 1 and 2).
With reference to FIGS. 9(A), 9(B), and 10, conventional surface mount optical couplers will be explained. FIGS. 9(A) and 9(B) are views showing a configuration of the conventional surface mount optical coupler. As shown in FIGS. 9(A) and 9(B), the conventional surface mount optical coupler includes an optical semiconductor device 10 and an optical fiber 60 as an optical part.
In a method of producing the conventional surface mount optical coupler, a V-shaped groove 14 is formed in a surface of a silicon substrate 12 through an alkali etching process. The optical semiconductor device 10 (laser diode or photo diode) is precisely mounted at a specific position on the silicon substrate 12 through image recognition or mechanical positioning. A pigtail bare fiber 16 is placed in the V-shaped groove 14 such that a distance between an end surface of the optical fiber 60 and a light emitting surface or a light receiving surface of the optical semiconductor device 10 becomes a proper optical coupling distance, thereby forming the conventional surface mount optical coupler.
Accordingly, in the method of producing the conventional surface mount optical coupler, it is possible to mount the optical semiconductor device 10 and the optical fiber 60 without an axis adjusting process. That is, when a resin layer of the optical fiber 60 at a distal end portion thereof is removed through a bare process of the pigtail bare fiber 16, the distal end portion of the optical fiber 60 becomes a bare optical fiber in a state that a glass portion thereof is exposed.
In general, the pigtail bare fiber 16 has a very small amount of decentration with respect to an outer diameter of a bare fiber and a core center. Accordingly, when the pigtail bare fiber 16 is placed in the V-shaped groove 14, it is possible to precisely position the pigtail bare fiber 16 with respect to the optical semiconductor device 10 mounted precisely (refer to Patent Reference 3).
In the optical fiber 60, a cover cord 18 covering the bare optical fiber is reinforced with a flexible plastic or an ultraviolet setting resin. Accordingly, it is possible to increase strength of the optical fiber 60 and improve handling performance thereof while the base optical fiber is still flexible.
After an intermediate assembly of the conventional surface mount optical coupler is placed in a package 20, the package 20 is air-tightly sealed, thereby obtaining the conventional surface mount optical coupler. In this process, an Au metal portion 22 deposited in advance on the pigtail bare fiber 16 is inserted into a metal pipe 24. Afterward, the metal pipe 24 is sealed with sealing solder 26, and a cover 28 is welded to the package 20.
When the conventional surface mount optical coupler is attached to an electrical circuit board, package leads 30 are connected to the electrical circuit board with solder, so that an excess amount of heat is not conducted to the cover cord 18.
FIG. 10 is a view showing another conventional surface mount optical coupler. The conventional surface mount optical coupler shown in FIG. 10 has a configuration of a collimator lens coupling type. In the conventional surface mount optical coupler, a collimator lens 32 converts divergent light emitted from the optical semiconductor device 10 (laser diode) mounted on the silicon substrate 12 to parallel light. A collective lens 34 converges the parallel light one more time and couples to the pigtail bare fiber 16 (refer to Patent Reference 4).
In the conventional surface mount optical coupler shown in FIG. 10, a space between the collimator lens 32 and the collective lens 34 is used for mounting an isolator and the likes. The pigtail bare fiber 16 is mechanically positioned in the V-shaped groove 14. Further, the collimator lens 32 and the collective lens 34 are mounted in lens mounting V-shaped grooves 36 formed in the silicon substrate 12 without an axis adjusting process. Accordingly, it is possible to significantly simplify the axis adjusting process of the optical part.    Patent Reference 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 11-6941    Patent Reference 2: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2003-344711    Patent Reference 3: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2005-55475    Patent Reference 4: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2001-94191
In the conventional surface mount optical coupler described above and shown in FIGS. 9(A) and 9(B), when the surface mount optical coupler is placed in the package 20, it is necessary to deposit the Au metal portion 22 on the pigtail bare fiber 16, so that the outlet portion of the optical fiber 60 is sealed with the sealing solder 26. Further, it is necessary to provide the metal pipe 24 in a sidewall of the package 20 for inserting the pigtail bare fiber 16, thereby increasing processing cost.
In the conventional surface mount optical coupler described above and shown in FIGS. 9(A) and 9(B), it may be possible to seal the outlet portion of the optical fiber 60 with a resin, or to use a less expensive plastic package. In this case, however, although it is possible to reduce cost, it is difficult to air-tightly seal the package 20 and to achieve necessary reliability, thereby making it difficult to balance cost and performance.
Further, when the conventional surface mount optical coupler is attached to the electrical circuit board, it is difficult to stably place the package 20 on the electrical circuit board due to a repulsive force of the optical fiber 60. As a result, it is difficult to attach the conventional surface mount optical coupler to the electrical circuit board with solder using a soldering iron.
All of the other electric components are mounted on the electrical circuit board through a reflow process. Accordingly, if it is possible to mount the conventional surface mount optical coupler through the reflow process, it is possible to significantly improve efficiency of the mounting operation.
However, in the reflow process, it is necessary to heat a component up to 230 to 250° C. that exceeds a withstand temperature of the cover cord 18. Further, it is difficult to stably place the conventional surface mount optical coupler on the electrical circuit board. As a result, in general, the conventional surface mount optical coupler is attached to the electrical circuit board with solder using a soldering iron.
In the surface mount optical coupler of the collimator lens coupling type shown in FIG. 10, in order to correct mode mismatching between the laser diode and the optical fiber, it is necessary to convert (image enlargement) a spot image of the laser diode through a lens to a size substantially same as that of the optical fiber. However, it is difficult to completely correct the mode mismatching, thereby lowering coupling efficiency.
Further, in the conventional surface mount optical coupler of the collimator lens coupling type, it is necessary to achieve high angle tolerance between the lenses. Accordingly, it is necessary to mount the laser diode and the lenses with high accuracy. Therefore, when the laser diode and the lenses are mounted without an axis adjusting process, production yield tends to lower.
In view of the problems described above, an object of the present invention is to provide a surface mount optical coupler with low cost and improved reliability. Further, an object of the present invention is to provide a method of mounting the surface mount optical coupler and a method of producing the surface mount optical coupler with improved efficiency.
Further objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description of the invention.

Surface mount optical coupler, method of mounting the same, and method of producing the same


A coordinate measuring machine has a measuring arm on which a collision protector is provided that can be deflected transversely of the longitudinal axis of the measuring arm when the measuring sensor system collides with an object. To operate the coordinate measuring machine with different measuring sensor systems and machining units, the coordinate measuring machine includes an identification unit that automatically identifies the measuring sensor system or machining unit. A securing unit is connected to the identification unit and adjusts the torque required to deflect the collision protector in response to identification of the measuring sensor system or machining unit by the identification unit.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a coordinate measuring machine for the measurement of workpieces, and more particularly to a coordinate measuring machine with a movable measuring arm that receives at least one interchangeable measuring sensor system; the measuring arm includes a collision protector that is deflectable transversely of the longitudinal axis of the measuring arm when the sensor system collides with an object, and which thereby prevents damage to the sensor system.
2. Discussion of Prior Art
Such coordinate measuring machines have been known in the art for a long time. These measuring machines are usually constructed such that the measuring arm, and thus the measuring sensor system attached to the measuring arm, can be moved in three mutually orthogonal directions, and such that the measurement sensor system has either a mechanical measuring pin or an optical pickup for measuring the workpieces.
Collisions can easily occur due to operating error or deviation of the position of the workpiece to be measured. It is possible that such collisions can damage the measuring sensor system, which is often relatively expensive, or damage can occur to other parts of the coordinate measuring system. As a result, the measuring arm of commercial coordinate measuring machines has been equipped with a collision protector. The collision protector deflected transversely of the longitudinal axis of the measuring arm when the sensor system collided with an object. Additionally, further motion of the coordinate measuring machine was stopped by deflection of the collision protector, preventing damage to the measuring sensor system.
The collision protector of conventional coordinate measuring machines is usually constructed such that the measuring sensor system must meet certain preconditions regarding weight and dimensioning in order to ensure satisfactory operation of the collision protector. However, efforts have been under way to build more flexible coordinate measuring machines that may be used for different tasks. For example, it has been proposed that coordinate measuring machines also be used with milling tools and/or scribing tools for machining. One such application, for example, would be in scribing clay models. In such applications, the measuring sensor system would need to be interchanged with the machining units. Considerably greater torques and forces have to be taken up by the measuring arm to carry-out machining processes. Heretofore, interchanging measuring sensor systems and machining units in coordinate measuring machines with a collision protector of the kind described could only be carried out with large retooling costs or not at all. This was because the collision protector could not accept the torques that can arise with machining units without deflecting.

Coordinate measuring machine with collision protection


A service is provided to allow a user, such as an API or web service, Internet input, or software or hardware client to perform a search on any one or multiple Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) and/or other protocol addresses accessible via a public or private network to establish a report in a summary and/or detailed format on the trustworthiness of the address.

A scam referred to as a phishing attack occurs when someone uses a spoofed email and/or fraudulent website designed to fool users into divulging personal and/or confidential information, such as financial data, credit card numbers, expiration dates, passwords, mother's maiden name, and account numbers. For example, a perpetrator of such a scam sends out a spam email that appears to come from a reputable institution. For example, the sender of the email appears to be "firstname.lastname@example.com". At little cost, such an email could be sent to millions of recipients, of which some percentage will likely be customers of the particular bank. The email tries to induce the recipients to enter personal information, as an example, by telling the users that there have been fraudulent charges to their credit card and that the users should enter their account number and password information to fix the problem.
In a variation on this approach, the email has a link that is supposedly a link to the bank's website. The website can have a name that is similar to the bank's name, or there can be ways to overlay text to block the website name to make it appear to be valid. A user can find himself or herself viewing a website that is made to look like the one that the bank actually uses. The user thinks he/she is logging in normally to the bank, but the user is actually divulging personal information. The perpetrator of the scam can thus obtain the account number and password not only to use for that particular bank, but the password may be useful for the perpetrator to use for other illegal purposes.
Many parties can suffer losses, directly and indirectly, as a result of such activity. Users are harmed by false charges to their bills, and also by the inconvenience of having to get new cards and change passwords. The company with the spoofed website may have to absorb some of the costs of fraudulent charges, loses some creditability with customers and thus may lose customers, and also loses time and expense in helping the customer address the problem. Additionally, all electronic commerce could be susceptible to a lack of confidence in transactions over the internet.
Currently, confidential communications can be maintained over the internet through the Secure Sockets Layer protocol (SSL), also known as Transport Layer Security (TLS). SSL allows users to securely exchange information over the Internet during a session between the user and a website. After a set of introductory messages, a website sends a certificate containing a public key to the user, while the website maintains a private key. The user uses the public key to encrypt a coded message to the website with a secret key. The website decodes the message to derive the secret key, and then the user and the website use the secret key to send information back and forth as long as the user and the website are in the same session.
The SSL process of establishing a secure communication occurs without the steps being readily apparent to the user. To the user there are two indications that SSL is being used: (1) the web address includes "https" instead of "http," and (2) a padlock icon appears at the bottom of the web browser. For users who are more advanced in their knowledge about security, this padlock can be used to view certificate information, such as the certificate serial number, certificate validity dates, public key information, and various other details about the certificate. This information can indicate to the advanced user that communications are secure and that the user is communicating with the party that the user thinks he/she is communicating with (i.e., that the site is authentic). Such information, however, can be circumvented by perpetrators of a phishing scam to deceive even the advanced user. For example, the https address can be doctored; and/or the certificate that is being provided could be out of date, a shared certificate, or a certificate that has been revoked.
The certificate authorities that issue certificates each maintain a certificate revocation list (CRL) or some additional mechanism that shows if a certificate has been revoked before its scheduled expiration date. A certificate can be revoked for one of a number of reasons, such as at the request of a certificate holder or because of a concern that the private key associated with the certificate has been compromised. The certificate authorities typically provide a service that allows access to their CRLs or other certificate status mechanisms.
Even an advanced user who accesses a secure website typically does not check the certificate or perform further checks to make sure that the certificate is valid. These advanced users generally have confidence that the information that they are sending is safe and secure. This confidence helps to allow commerce to be done over the Internet. If that confidence is lost, and if the procedure for a user to confirm the validity of a website is time consuming or complex, internet commerce could suffer significantly.

Security systems and services to provide identity and uniform resource identifier verification


A dynamic coating includes at least one polymeric layer for attachment to a surface. The polymeric layer includes at least one electrically conducting polymer including layer, wherein under influence of a dynamic signal applied to the polymeric layer, a contact angle of the polymeric layer dynamically and substantially increases or decreases upon oxidation or reduction of the polymer. The polymeric layer can also expand or contract upon oxidation or reduction. The coating can be used for a variety of applications including a non-toxic biofouling preventative system and for forming low voltage electrowetting pumps.

Biofouling is the result of marine organisms settling, attaching, and growing on submerged marine surfaces. The biofouling process is initiated within minutes of a surface being submerged in a marine environment by the absorption of dissolved organic materials which result in the formation of a conditioning film. Once the conditioning film is deposited, bacteria (e.g. unicellular algae) colonize the surface within hours of submersion. The resulting biofilm produced from the colonization of the bacteria is referred to as microfouling or slime and can reach thicknesses on the order of 500 μm.
Biofouling is estimated to cost the US Navy alone over $1 billion per year by increasing the hydrodynamic drag of naval vessels. This in turn decreases the range, speed, and maneuverability of naval vessels and increases the fuel consumption by up to 30–40%. Thus, biofouling weakens the national defense. Moreover, biofouling is also a major economical burden on commercial shipping, recreational craft, as well as civil structures, bridges, and power generating facilities.
Any substrate in regular contact with water is likely to become fouled. No surface has been found that is completely resistant to fouling. Due to the vast variety of marine organisms that form biofilms, the development of a single surface coating with fixed surface properties for the prevention biofilm formation for all relevant marine organisms is a difficult if not impossible task.
Anti-fouling and foul-release coatings are two main approaches currently used for combating biofilm formation. Anti-fouling coatings prevent or deter the settling of biofouling organisms on a surface by the use of leached biocides, typically cuprous oxide or tributyltin, into the water. The biocides are either tethered to the coated surface or are released from the surface into the surrounding environment. Use of these types of coatings has caused damage to the marine ecosystem, especially in shallow bays and harbors, where the biocides can accumulate. As such, the use of tributyltin has been banned in many parts of the world. These products are effective for only approximately 2 to 5 years.
Foul release coatings present a hydrophobic, low surface energy, and resulting slippery surface that minimizes the adhesion of the biofouling organisms. The most commonly used and highly successful of these is a nontoxic silicone-based paint. The silicone-based coating requires several layers to make it effective, and therefore it can be quite costly. Effectiveness lasts up to 5 years at which time recoating may become necessary. These products are considered to be more environmentally sound as compared to anti-fouling coatings because they do not leach toxins. However, they are subject to abrasion, and therefore their use is limited to areas that are not susceptible to damage caused by ice or debris.

Dynamically modifiable polymer coatings and devices

University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.


The present invention is directed to a binder for electrode materials which comprises tetrafluoroethylene polymer fine particles having an average particle size of not more than about 0.20 μm and having a standard specific gravity of not more than about 2.20, wherein a mixture prepared from said fine particles with about 17% by weight of the total mixture of an extrusion coagent, when subjected to the measurement of an extrusion pressure by a rheometer, exhibits under the conditions of a draw ratio of 100 to 1 and an extrusion speed of 18±2 mm/min, an extrusion pressure of not less than about 220 kg/cm2.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to binder used for binding electrode material such as carbon and the like, specifically to fluoropolymer-based binder suitable for manufacture of battery electrodes.
2. Description of Related Art
Recently, demands have been rising for small size and suitably portable electrical and electronic devices, such as audio tape recorders, cameras, integrated video tape recorders, personal computers, cellular telephones, and the like. This has created a need for small high performance batteries. Among new types of batteries that have been commercialized are nickel hydrogen, and lithium, in addition to traditional lead batteries and/or nickel-cadmium batteries. In addition, development and commercialization are also in progress on relatively large size electrical energy supply devices such as automotive fuel cells, and electrical double layer capacitors.
Materials for production of electrodes for constructing batteries are normally shaped into the preferred configuration using binders, said materials including manganese dioxide (MnO2), nickel hydroxide [Ni(OH)2], hydrogen occlusion alloys, lithium cobaltate (LiCoO2), lithium nickelate (LiNiO2), lithium manganate (LiMn2O4), carbon, and graphite. Binders have been based on fluoropolymers, which exhibit excellent chemical resistance and heat resistance as well as binding properties.
For example, Unexamined Japanese Patent Application Publication Kokai S63-236258 discloses the use of an aqueous dispersion of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) for binding positive electrode materials for primary lithium batteries such as MnO2, acetylene black, and graphite. Japanese Patent Application Publication H6-10980 describes examples of binding manganese oxide for an air battery, carbon black, and activated carbon using aqueous PTFE dispersion.
Also, examples are known in which polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) is used as a binder. Kokai H6-44964 describes mixing a conductor such as a hydrogen occlusion alloy, or nickel carbonyl powder, for a nickel hydrogen battery with a PVDF solution, fabricating the mixture into sheet form, and using the product as an electrode. In the case of a lithium ion secondary battery, as described in Kokai H4-249860, a positive electrode material comprised of a lithium-containing oxide such as LiCoO2 and graphite, and a carbonaceous material as a negative electrode material, are each mixed an N-methyl-pyrrolidone solution of PVDF to be processed into sheet form; here again PVDF is used as a binder.
PTFE particles exhibit the property whereby their surfaces tend to fibrillate when subjected to low shear force, so that mixing them with another powdery material causes them to fibrillate easily. Although fibril formation improves the binding force with electrode materials, fibrils may entangle with each other and hinder uniform mixing. Therefore, uniform mixing is conventionally promoted by converting PTFE from a powder to an aqueous colloidally dispersed product. However, use of PTFE in the form of aqueous dispersion requires, in the final stage, a step of removing by heating, the large amount of water and surfactants contained therein as stabilizers. In addition, the added surfactant and water sometimes adversely affect battery properties. For example, LiNiO2, which is used as a positive electrode material in secondary lithium ion batteries, readily reacts with water, which makes it difficult in practice to use with an aqueous PTFE dispersion.
Since PVDF is soluble in organic solvents, it can be mixed with electrode materials without using water or surfactant. However, the fact that the PVDF is soluble in organic solvents means that the PVDF is sensitive to swelling in the organic electrolytes commonly used in batteries, such as propylene carbonate, dimethoxyethane, γ-butyrolactone. A swollen electrode can degrade battery performance. PVDF is also said to be somewhat lower in binding strength than is PTFE.
Performance of electrical and electronic devices can be enhanced by improving battery properties such as useful life and improved discharge characteristics. Each time secondary batteries are subjected to charging and discharging, the electrodes undergo expansion and contraction, so that if the strength of the binder is inadequate, active materials may slough off from the electrode, resulting in a gradual decline in battery life.
Binder strength can be increased by increasing the amount of PTFE or PVDF binder used. However, fluoropolymers are insulators, and their presence hinders the flow of electricity in the battery. Therefore, for increased battery performance it is desirable to use less fluoropolymer binder, not more.
It is an object of this invention to provide a binder for electrodes which can be uniformly mixed with the electrode material and which exhibits high binding strength at a low levels of addition.


A griddle structure with an oil conductor to direct the flow of oil or grease through through holes out of the griddle plate. One or more collecting devices at the base container of the griddle structure collects grease and may be removed from the griddle plate. The through holes of the griddle plate communicate through holes in an intermediate reflective plate and those in turn, communicate with the collecting devices at the base container. One face of the griddle plate is formed with a flat concave surface to perform multiple functions. The other face has strips across it.

Grilles are popular for family occasions for making steak, toast, or the like and are normally an accessory part of the oven. Nevertheless, some people think such grilles are inconvenient since they prefer the fun of making steak on the table and/or furthermore, to use the grille for outdoor barbecue. The portable griddle structure is developed to overcome the size problem of the oven.
However, the present griddle structures are disadvantageous from at least the following points:
1. No oil conductor, or the like is found in the conventional griddle structure to remove exceed grease from making steak or the like out of the grille during cooking; PA1 2. There is no drip collector for collecting the grease dripping from making steak or the like; PA1 3. Since no oil conductor and/or the collecting units is found in the conventional grille, the process of cleaning the griddle structure becomes cumbersome, troublesome and nasty for those who are washing it. Just imagine, how do you like to have your hand or glove filled with grease?
Furthermore, the design of the conventional grille is not healthy for our diet. While making steak, or the like, grease remains with the steak and a substantial amount of the animal fat is taken in which increases the cholesterol level in our body. This could give rise to weight and heart problems, produce obesity and even cause death.


According to one embodiment, a plurality of first wirings is disposed in first and second directions crossing each other and extends in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions. Second wirings extend in the second direction and are provided at a predetermined interval in the third direction of the first wirings. The first wiring includes a metal plug layer and a barrier metal film. A standard electrode potential of a metal that forms the barrier metal film is higher than a standard electrode potential of a metal that forms the variable resistive layer.

A resistive random access memory (hereinafter, referred to as a ReRAM) using for a memory element a variable resistive layer capable of retaining a plurality of resistance states is known. In the related art there has been proposed a ReRAM having a three-dimensional structure in which a plurality of nR-1Tr type strings are disposed above a substrate and in the plurality of nR-1Tr type strings, a plurality of word lines is disposed in a height direction through variable resistive layers on side surfaces of bit lines disposed perpendicular to the substrate and including selection transistors at end portions thereof close to the substrate.
Since a current flows in the ReRAM during a set operation and a reset operation, the word lines and the bit lines are required to have low resistance. In the ReRAM having a three-dimensional structure, there is a case in which the bit lines disposed perpendicular to the substrate are made of polysilicon. In this case, the resistance of polysilicon often has been made low by activation annealing.
On the other hand, there is a case in which an oxygen profile (or an oxygen-deficiency profile) of the variable resistive layers are controlled for the stabilization of the operation of the ReRAM. However, when the activation annealing processing for polysilicon forming the bit lines is performed, the oxygen profile may collapse, it may be difficult to perform accurate control, and the operation of the ReRAM may become unstable.


A method for organizing and distributing parity blocks among storage devices of an array coupled to a storage system is disclosed. First the array is configured with a predetermined number of devices. Each device is divided into blocks. The blocks are organized into stripes, wherein each stripe contains at least one first device that holds at least one row parity block, at least one second device that holds at least one diagonal parity block, and a plurality of devices that hold data blocks. An extra parity block is appended within each stripe. Each data block is assigned to one row parity set and one diagonal parity set, such that any one or any combination of two devices can fail concurrently and data on the failed devices can be reconstructed.

A file server is a computer that provides file service relating to the organization of information on writeable persistent storage devices, such as memories, tapes or disks of an array. The file server or filer may be embodied as a storage system including an operating system that implements a file system to logically organize the information as a hierarchical structure of directories and files on, e.g., the disks. Each "on-disk" file may be implemented as set of data structures, e.g., disk blocks, configured to store information, such as the actual data for the file. A directory, on the other hand, may be implemented as a specially formatted file in which information about other files and directories are stored.
A storage system may be further configured to operate according to a client/server model of information delivery to thereby allow many clients to access files stored on a server, e.g., the storage system. In this model, the client may comprise an application executing on a computer that "connects" to the storage system over a computer network, such as a point-to-point link, shared local area network, wide area network or virtual private network implemented over a public network, such as the Internet. Each client may request the services of the file system on the storage system by issuing file system protocol messages (in the form of packets) to the system over the network. It should be noted, however, that the storage system may alternatively be configured to operate as an assembly of storage devices that is directly-attached to a (e.g., client or "host") computer. Here, a user may request the services of the file system to access (i.e., read and/or write) data from/to the storage devices.
A common type of file system is a "write in-place" file system, an example of which is the conventional Berkeley fast file system. In a write in-place file system, the locations of the data structures, such as data blocks, on disk are typically fixed. Changes to the data blocks are made "in-place" in accordance with the write in-place file system. If an update to a file extends the quantity of data for the file, an additional data block is allocated.
Another type of file system is a write-anywhere file system that does not overwrite data on disks. If a data block on disk is retrieved (read) from disk into memory and "dirtied" with new data, the data block is stored (written) to a new location on disk to thereby optimize write performance. A write-anywhere file system may initially assume an optimal layout such that the data is substantially contiguously arranged on disks. The optimal disk layout results in efficient access operations, particularly for sequential read operations, directed to the disks. An example of a write-anywhere file system that is configured to operate on a storage system, such as a filer, is the Write Anywhere File Layout (WAFL™) file system available from Network Appliance, Inc., Sunnyvale, Calif. The WAFL file system is implemented as a microkernel within an overall protocol stack of the filer and associated disk storage.
The disk storage is typically implemented as one or more storage "volumes" that comprise a cluster of physical storage devices (disks), defining an overall logical arrangement of disk space. Each volume is generally associated with its own file system. The disks within a volume/file system are typically organized as one or more groups of Redundant Array of Independent (or Inexpensive) Disks (RAID). RAID implementations enhance the reliability/integrity of data storage through the redundant writing of data "stripes" across a given number of physical disks in the RAID group, and the appropriate storing of redundant information with respect to the striped data. The redundant information enables recovery of data lost when a storage device fails.
In the operation of a disk array, it is fairly common that a disk will fail. A goal of a high performance storage system is to make the mean time to data loss (MTTDL) as long as possible, preferably much longer than the expected service life of the system. Data can be lost when one or more storage devices fail, making it impossible to recover data from the device. Typical schemes to avoid loss of data include mirroring, backup and parity protection. Mirroring is an expensive solution in terms of consumption of storage resources, such as hard disk drives. Backup does not protect recently modified data. Parity schemes are common because they provide a redundant encoding of the data that allows for a single erasure (loss of one disk) with the addition of just one disk drive to the system.
Parity protection is used in computer systems to protect against loss of data on a storage device, such as a disk. A parity value may be computed by summing (usually modulo 2) data of a particular word size (usually one bit) across a number of similar disks holding different data and then storing the results on an additional similar disk. That is, parity may be computed on vectors 1-bit wide, composed of bits in corresponding positions on each of the disks. When computed on vectors 1-bit wide, the parity can be either the computed sum or its complement; these are referred to as even and odd parity respectively. Addition and subtraction are on 1-bit vectors equivalent to an exclusive-OR (XOR) logical operation, and the addition and subtraction operations are replaced by XOR operations. The data is then protected against the loss of any of the disks. If the disk storing the parity is lost, the parity can be regenerated from the data. If one of the data disks is lost, the data can be regenerated by adding the contents of the surviving data disks together and then subtracting the result from the stored parity.
Typically, the disks are divided into parity groups, each of which comprises one or more data disks and a parity disk. The disk space is divided into stripes, with each stripe containing one block from each disk. The blocks of a stripe are usually at the same locations on each disk in the parity group. Within a stripe, all but one block are blocks containing data ("data blocks") and one block is a block containing parity ("parity block") computed by the XOR of all the data. If the parity blocks are all stored on one disk, thereby providing a single disk that contains all (and only) parity information, a RAID-4 implementation is provided. If the parity blocks are contained within different disks in each stripe, usually in a rotating pattern, then the implementation is RAID-5. The term "RAID" and its various implementations are well-known and disclosed in A Case for Redundant Arrays of Inexpensive Disks (RAID), by D. A. Patterson, G. A. Gibson and R. H. Katz, Proceedings of the International Conference on Management of Data (SIGMOD), June 1988.
As used herein, the term "encoding" means the computation of a redundancy value over a predetermined subset of data blocks, whereas the term "decoding" means the reconstruction of a data or parity block by the same process as the redundancy computation using a subset of data blocks and redundancy values. If one disk fails in the parity group, the contents of that disk can be decoded (reconstructed) on a spare disk or disks by adding all the contents of the remaining data blocks and subtracting the result from the parity block. Since two's complement addition and subtraction over 1-bit fields are both equivalent to XOR operations, this reconstruction consists of the XOR of all the surviving data and parity blocks. Similarly, if the parity disk is lost, it can be recomputed in the same way from the surviving data.
Parity schemes generally provide protection against a single disk failure within a parity group. These schemes can also protect against multiple disk failures as long as each failure occurs within a different parity group. However, if two disks fail concurrently within a parity group, then an unrecoverable loss of data is suffered. Failure of two disks concurrently within a parity group is a fairly common occurrence, particularly because disks "wear out" and because of environmental factors with respect to the operation of the disks. In this context, the failure of two disks concurrently within a parity group is referred to as a "double failure".
A double failure typically arises as a result of a failure of one disk and a subsequent failure of another disk while attempting to recover from the first failure. The recovery or reconstruction time is dependent upon the level of activity of the storage system. That is, during reconstruction of a failed disk, it is desirable that the storage system remain "online" and continue to serve requests (from clients or users) to access (i.e., read and/or write) data. If the storage system is busy serving requests, the elapsed time for reconstruction increases. The reconstruction processing time also increases as the number of disks in the storage system increases, as all of the surviving disks must be read to reconstruct the lost data. Moreover, the double disk failure rate is proportional to the square of the number of disks in a parity group. However, having small parity groups is expensive, as each parity group requires an entire disk devoted to redundant data.
Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a technique that withstands double failures. This would allow construction of larger disk systems with larger parity groups, while ensuring that even if reconstruction after a single disk failure takes a long time (e.g., a number of hours), the system can survive a second failure. Such a technique would further allow relaxation of certain design constraints on the storage system. For example, the storage system could use lower cost disks and still maintain a high MTTDL. Lower cost disks typically have a shorter lifetime, and possibly a higher failure rate during their lifetime, than higher cost disks. Therefore, use of such disks is more acceptable if the system can withstand double disk failures within a parity group.
Known techniques for protecting against double disk failures include XOR-based schemes and Reed-Solomon style encoding schemes. Broadly stated, Reed-Solomon (R-S) style encoding schemes require operations to occur on a stream consisting of one word (usually a byte) of input from each data disk at a time. While this is true of all parity schemes, in the R-S algorithm and other similar approaches, the required operations are matrix multiplies. This increases the number of operations needed to compute the redundant data and the operations needed to reconstruct lost data.
In particular for R-S encoding operations, the redundant data must be computed by performing matrix operations on the incoming byte streams. These operations are computationally intensive, requiring a large number of XOR operations. The use of an XOR operation to perform direct parity computations is relatively easy since the exclusive-OR operation is associative and commutative. The results can be accumulated in a buffer having a size of one block that becomes the parity block. Although it is possible to allow a staged summation for the R-S encoding operations that accumulate results in an output buffer, the lower bound of computation required for a given parity group size using R-S style encoding is larger than that required other schemes.
A simple double failure correcting parity scheme is two-dimensional parity wherein each disk belongs to two different parity sets of a parity array. The parity array is a self-contained set of disks that can recover from any two disk failures in the array. A parity set is a set of blocks, including several data and one parity block, such that each data block and the parity block are taken from different disks in the parity array. The parity block contains the XOR sum of all of the data blocks in the parity set. The data disks used in accordance with the two-dimensional parity scheme are numbered according to a two-dimensional array; however, it is not necessary that the disks be physically arranged in a two-dimensional array. Parity sets extend in both the horizontal and vertical directions, and each disk belongs to both a horizontal and a vertical parity set. The parity disks are logically arrayed at one horizontal and one vertical edge of the array.
Specifically, the two-dimensional parity scheme has a number of parity disks equal to r+c, where n=r×c is the number of data disks. The minimum value of r+c is 2√n. For a small number of data disks in an array, this is a relatively large amount of parity. The problems with two-dimensional parity are thus two-fold. In order to reduce redundancy and overhead, the number of disks in the parity array must increase. However, the number of disks increases at the expense of increasing total parity size. This can result in unreasonably large "large-write" operation sizes. As used herein, a "large-write" operation involves rewriting of the blocks of one or more overlapping parity sets, whereas a "small-write" operation involves modification of at least one data block and its associated parity.
Another known double failure correcting parity scheme is an EVENODD XOR-based technique that allows a serial reconstruction of lost (failed) disks. EVENODD parity requires exactly two disks worth of redundant data, which is optimal. According to this parity technique, all data disk blocks belong to two parity sets, one a typical RAID-4 style XOR computed across all the data disks and the other computed along a set of diagonally adjacent data disk blocks. Each diagonal parity set contains blocks from all but one of the data disks. For n data disks, there are n−1 rows of blocks in a stripe. Each block is on one diagonal and there are n diagonals, each n−1 blocks in length. Notably, the EVENODD scheme only works if n is a prime number. The EVENODD technique is disclosed in an article of IEEE Transactions on Computers, Vol. 44, No. 2, titled EVENODD: An Efficient Scheme for Tolerating Double Disk Failures in RAID Architectures, by Blaum et al, February, 1995. A variant of EVENODD is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,579,475, titled Method and Means for Encoding and Rebuilding the Data Contents of up to Two Unavailable DASDs in a DASD Array using Simple Non-Recursive Diagonal and Row Parity, by Blaum et al., issued on Nov. 26, 1996. The above-mentioned article and patent are hereby incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.
Specifically, the EVENODD technique utilizes two parity disks, a row parity disk containing all (and only) row parities for the data disks and a diagonal parity disk containing all (and only) diagonal parities for those disks. In other words, the row and diagonal parity blocks are not distributed among different disks in each stripe. In an array of n×(n−1) data blocks, there are exactly n diagonals each of length, n−1, if the diagonals "wrap around" at the edges of the array. The key to reconstruction of the EVENODD parity arrangement is that each diagonal parity set contains no information from one of the data disks. However, there is one more diagonal than there are blocks to store the parity blocks for the diagonals within a set of uniform depth stripes. That is, the EVENODD parity arrangement results in a diagonal parity set that does not have an independent parity block. To accommodate this extra "missing" parity block, the EVENODD arrangement XOR's the parity result of one diagonal into the parity blocks for each of the other diagonals.
FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a prior art disk array 100 that is configured in accordance with the conventional EVENODD parity arrangement. Each data block Dab belongs to parity sets a and b, where the parity block for each parity set is denoted Pa. Note that for one distinguished diagonal (X), there is no corresponding parity set. This is where the EVENODD property arises. In order to allow reconstruction from two failures, each data disk must not contribute to at least one parity set. By avoiding a square array of n×n data blocks, the diagonal parity sets have n−1 data block members. Yet, as noted, such an arrangement does not have a location for storing the parity block for all the diagonals. Therefore, the parity of the extra (missing) diagonal parity block (X) is recorded by XOR'ing that diagonal parity into the parity of each of the other diagonal parity blocks. Specifically, the parity of the missing diagonal parity set is XOR'd into each of the parity blocks P4 through P7 such that those blocks are denoted P4X-P7X.
For reconstruction, the parity of the diagonal that does not have a parity block is initially recomputed by XOR'ing all of the parity blocks. For example, the sum of all the row parities is the sum of all the data blocks. The sum of all the diagonal parities is the sum of all the data blocks minus the sum of the missing diagonal parity block. Therefore, the XOR of all parity blocks is equivalent to the sum of all the blocks (the row parity sum) minus the sum of all the blocks except the missing diagonal, which is just a parity of the missing diagonal. Actually, n−1 copies of the missing diagonal parity are added into the result, one for each diagonal parity block. Since n is an odd prime number, n−1 is even, resulting in the XOR of a block with itself an even number of times (which is a zero block). Accordingly, the sum of the diagonal parity blocks with the additional missing parity added to each is equal to the sum of the diagonal parity blocks without the additional diagonal parity.
Next, the missing diagonal parity is subtracted from each of the diagonal parity blocks. After two data disks fail, there are at least two diagonal parity sets that are missing only one block. The missing blocks from each of those parity sets can be reconstructed, even if one of the sets is the diagonal for which there is not a parity block. In any case, there is at least one block that can be reconstructed. Once that block is reconstructed, all but one member of one of the row parity sets is available. This allows reconstruction of the missing member of that row. Reconstruction occurs on another diagonal, which provides enough information to reconstruct the last missing block on that diagonal.
Since n is prime, a cycle is not formed in the reconstruction until all the missing data blocks have been reconstructed. If n were not prime, this would not be true in all cases. If both parity disks are lost, a simple reconstruction of parity from data can be performed. If a data disk and the diagonal parity disk are lost, a simple RAID-4 style reconstruction of the data disk is performed using row parity followed by reconstruction of the diagonal parity disk. If a data disk and the row parity disk are lost, then a diagonal parity may be computed. Since all diagonals have the same parity, the missing block on each diagonal can subsequently be computed.
The EVENODD technique thus allows reconstruction of a lost block within a horizontal parity set in view of a double failure. Since each block is further organized into a diagonal parity set, when two disks are lost (a double failure), there are two parity sets that have lost only one member. Each disk has a parity set that is not represented on that disk. Accordingly, for a double failure, there are two parity sets that can be reconstructed.
Although the EVENODD technique is optimal in terms of the amount of parity information, the amount of computation required for both encoding and decoding is only asymptotically optimal. This is because of the extra computation required to add the missing diagonal parity into each of the diagonal parity blocks. That is, all diagonal parity blocks must be updated for any small write operation to a data block along the diagonal. Extra computation is also needed for a large write operation. Moreover, extra computation is required to reconstruct a lost disk after a failure, as the parity of the missing diagonal must be computed in all reconstruction scenarios. In most cases, this is done by adding all of the blocks in a stripe for the two surviving parity disks.
Therefore, the present invention is directed to a technique that protects against a double failure by allowing recovery of data from any one or combination of two lost disks within a disk array.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Technique for efficiently organizing and distributing parity blocks among storage devices of a storage array


A dispensing container for storing and dispensing liquid such as perfume, medicine and the like is disclosed. The dispensing container contains a reservoir for the liquid, a pump for dispensing the liquid and a sealing collar for sealing the pump with respect to the reservoir.

It is often desirable to dispense small quantities of liquid from a disposable container. For example, in the fragrance industry, it is desirable to provide sample products for testing of perfume by potential customers. In the fragrance industry, samples are often contained in vials that are broken open or plastic sealed packets that are torn open to dispense the perfume. It is widely recognized that in order for the potential customer to fully appreciate the perfume, the perfume should be dispensed in a mist, preferably through a pump dispenser of the type that is used on bottles of perfume. In order to produce a package suitable for samples for perfume, the package should be compact, inexpensive to produce, and relatively inexpensive so that it is disposable Further, it would be desirable to provide dispensing through an atomizing pump so that the consumer can ascertain the essence of the perfume when it is atomized during application.
One prior art sample pump dispenser is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,102,018 issued Apr. 7, 1992. This pump dispenser comprises a conventional pump that is sealed with respect to a container by a conventional compressed gasket seal. The seal is held in a place by a multi-part sealing mechanism. This design has several disadvantages including the cost and manufacturing problems associated with multiple parts to be manufactured and assembled, and an awkward external appearance due to the structure needed to accommodate the multiple parts.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a pump dispenser that has the advantages of being disposable, made from very few parts, and easily assembled. The further object of the invention is to provide a sample pump dispenser that provides an excellent liquid seal between the pump and the reservoir containing the liquid. It is a further object of the invention to provide a pump dispenser wherein the exterior appearance of the reservoir is simple and elegant, and has a clean, unbroken silhouette, which is important when a dispenser is used for consumer sampling of products such as fragrances, as well as in other industries wherein the appearance of the container is important.


A surgery power station incorporates a pedestal having at least one internal power panel and a conduit extending from the pedestal and communicating with the interior of the pedestal through a first aperture. The conduit extends upward for engagement to an electrical box integral with a ceiling structure of an operating theater. A channel extends through the conduit and is connected to a central support structure within the pedestal providing a race for primary electrical cabling routed through the ceiling structure from a remote UPS to the operating theater. A primary electrical panel is mounted to the central support structure and connected to the primary electrical cabling. The primary electrical panel provides operating power electrical connectors for an operating theater system such as an opthamological surgery laser. A reagent gas line extends through the conduit and terminates in a connector on the pedestal for connection to the operating theater system.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to the field of uninterruptible power systems and, more particularly, to an access panel system for remote connection of laser surgery systems to a UPS and other utility systems thereby allowing the operating theater to remain quiet and uncluttered without presence of the UPS.
2. Description of the Related Art
Surgical operating theaters require uninterruptible power capability for all systems involved in surgery to protect surgery patients. This is particularly true of laser surgery systems such as those employed in ophthamological surgery. In current practice, commercial uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) are provided in the operating theaters to assure that power is available for the laser system independent of grid power interruptions. UPS devices for high power operation are typically quite large and may emit noise, heal or other emissions not conducive to the operating theater environment.
Additionally, laser systems typically require reagent gases for operation of the laser. Currently such reagent gasses are stored either in pressure containers in the operating theater or in containers remotely located with separate plumbing systems routed to the operating theater for access by the laser.
Telecommunications lines are also employed regularly in modern operating theaters for normal voice phone service as well as computer network connection. In many laser systems, computer control is employed and connection to network capability for these computers allows rapid update and in certain instances remote operation or control of the operating systems.
It is therefore desirable that electrical attachment for a surgical laser be provided through a convenient source or pedestal without the presence of the UPS in the operating theater. It is further desirable that reagent gas supplies be provided remotely with source connectors in the same pedestal as the electrical connections for the laser. It is also desirable that the centralized pedestal be provided with easy access for connection of both electrical and reagent gas systems including additional incidental electrical attachment for operating theater tools or systems. Connections for telecommunications within the same pedestal also provides ease of access.


A paneled partition assembly is designed to close an opening and collapses to uncover the opening by a movement of at least one panel that initiates the rotation and translation of at least one other panel. When the paneled partition assembly is in a closed or extended position, the plurality of panels covers the opening regardless of the opening's shape, size, or irregularity. When the paneled partition assembly is in an open or retracted position, the plurality of panels collapse to a smaller configuration. In moving between the extended and retracted positions, the panels rotate and translate fluidly with minimum user interaction.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a paneled partition, and more particularly to a paneled partition that extends to close an opening and collapses to uncover the opening by the movement of at least one panel that initiates the rotation and translation of at least one other panel.
2. Description of Related Art
Partitions are used in a variety of environments to provide separation between indoor spaces and between indoor and outdoor spaces. Examples of partitions include doors, windows, cubicles, hanging walls, accordion walls, etc. Partitions may be configured to be installed in buildings, other structures, or vehicles, such as airplanes, boats, trains, buses, and cars.
Often, partitions are opened by rotating the partition at least ninety degrees into a room to allow individuals to see and walk through the resulting opening into another space. For example, hinged doors and hinged window shutters often function in this manner.
Some partitions are opened by sliding a multi-paneled partition so that it folds one panel against another. In order to open and close such a partition, it must extend into the space. These partitions can also be cumbersome to maneuver if the folded area does not automatically actuate and the individual must press the panels slightly to force the panels to fold. Such partitions are often described as accordion-type because they move like an accordion. Accordion-type partitions that include only two panels are often called bifolds.
Accordion-type or hinged partitions require open space in the immediate vicinity of the partition so that the partition can be swung or folded open and closed. Such space requirements are not always feasible in small spaces like vehicles or small buildings. Such designs may also be cumbersome for someone with mobility issues, such as a wheelchair bound individual, to maneuver themselves clear of the partition and open the partition simultaneously. In other words, hinged partitions may cause accessibility issues.
Other partitions are opened by sliding one or more panels in parallel relation to a wall. These are particularly useful when the partition is large and therefore impractical for a hinge to hold. The design allows for increased flexibility in the size of the opening. If a recess is provided for the partition, this type of door is typically called a pocket door. Airplane window shades function in a similar manner. Airplane window shades often slide into and out of a recess to alternately cover or uncover the window of the airplane cabin.
A pocket-type design is advantageous in areas where there is little room on either side of a wall for a partition to protrude. However, this design generally does not optimize the interior wall space used. First, a frame is typically needed in the wall to support the mechanism. Second, the partition generally slides straight into the recess. As a result, the height and width of the recess is equal to or larger than the height and width of the partition. Additionally, the entire area of the recess should be clear of plumbing, electrical wiring, or other internal features. The amount of clearance required may not be feasible in smaller spaces.
Other designs include combinations of the previously mentioned types. For example, some cabinet doors swing outward and then rotate laterally using several hinges. As a final step, they slide backwards into a recess within the cabinet or into a space adjacent to the cabinet. This design includes both the advantages and disadvantages of the hinged and pocket designs.
While the art has addressed issues related to ease of use and space saving, additional space saving designs are needed. These new designs should also be easy to use. Therefore, there is a need in the art for a system that addresses the shortcomings of the prior art discussed above.

Paneled partition with track for linear and rotational movement


A technique for associating clients with APs in an advantageous manner may involve local balancing of clients across APs. This may involve providing instructions to APs to disable client association. Alternatively, this technique may involve load balancing across controllers.

In 802.11 infrastructure basic service set (BSS) networks, connections are initiated from the client side. Many clients may seek to associate with many APs in a network. In some cases only a few APs receive most of the clients. The few APs may be come heavily loaded while many other APs remain under utilized. The underutilization may be spread over multiple APs associated with a single access area, or may be distributed over many access areas. Clients may experience poor service from an overloaded AP while some APs remain relatively underutilized.
The foregoing examples of the related art and limitations related therewith are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive. Other limitations of the related art will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon a reading of the specification and a study of the drawings.


A system for detecting defects in paint coatings includes a temperature manipulation apparatus configured to change the temperature of a surface and a coating applied to the surface. The system may further include an infrared sensor for measuring the change in temperature of the surface and coating and a processor to compare the measured change in temperature of the surface and coating to an expected change of temperature in order to determine anomalies in the coatings.

One of the most important methods in high quality automobile and other vehicle or machine production involves the inspection of the exterior appearance (i.e. the quality of the paint finish). Usually, an automobile shell, for example, receives at least four coatings including a protective coat, an adhesion aid coat, a paint coat and a clear coat. Defects occurring in the coating method of a properly prepared surface that may diminish the perceived quality of the exterior paint include, but are not limited to, dust, hair, metallic particles, over spray, incomplete spray, stripping and flake penetration. Inspection for such defects will insure the exterior quality of the product from the customer's point of view.
Previously, evaluation of the quality of the paint finish was often based on human inspection, which can be a tedious and subjective method and one that requires meaningful skill and training. Other inspection procedures have been based on the use of charge-coupled device (CCD) optical sensors that sense imperfections through light reflected off of the finished surface. However, this technique is not particularly effective for complex, curved and/or hidden geometries (i.e. automobile bodies) because of its sensitivity and dependence on reflection and scattering angles.
In addition, it has been generally known to use infrared cameras to inspect certain products (i.e. semiconductor chips) for surface anomalies or defects. However, such inspection techniques are based solely on the spatial analysis of pixel values with that of known (standard) values without any account for the temporal behavior of the pixel values. Stated differently, because these techniques only view a surface and compare a captured view with a known signature, without consideration of the change of temperature over time, these techniques are generally only practical for use to inspect surface, as opposed to subsurface, anomalies.
As such, there is a desire for systems and methods capable of inspecting not only surface, but subsurface anomalies in multi-layered paint coatings.

Systems and methods for inspecting coatings

Toyota Motor Manufacturing North America, Inc.

University of Kentucky Research Foundation


An addressee information notification system includes an application server which, based on an addressee number requested by an incoming call connection request, selects one transfer destination terminal from plural alternative transfer destination terminals associated with the addressee number, and transfers the call connection request to the selected terminal, and plural terminals configured as alternative transfer destinations. The application server includes an addressee information attachment section that attaches addressee information in the form of the addressee number or identification information associated with the addressee number to the call connection request to be transferred to the selected terminal. At least one of the plural terminals has an addressee information output section that, when a call connection request is provided to that terminal from the application server, outputs the addressee information attached to the call connection request before the terminal is taken off-hook.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an addressee information notification system, an addressee information notification method, an application server and a communication terminal, and can be applied, for example, to the provision of addressee information notification services predicated on fixed-mobile convergence (FMC) services in a communication environment for telephones, video telephones, or the like.
2. Description of the Related Art
Conventionally, in a terminal receiving a call, the telephone number of the party making the call (the calling source), or the name or the like of the calling source registered in association with the telephone number, are displayed (for example, see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (JP-A) No. 2007-43682).
However, in the receiving (addressee) terminal, once the terminal has been taken off-hook, it is not possible to determine whom the calling source made the call in order to speak to without actually initiating dialogue with the calling source.
For example, when the addressee terminal is a mobile terminal possessed by an individual, it is generally self-evident whom the calling source made the call in order to speak to. However, when the call destination is, for example, a terminal shared by multiple persons (such as a fixed household telephone or a switchboard telephone at a business establishment), it is not possible to determine whom the calling source made the call in order to speak to. An increase in instances of shared use by multiple persons of fixed terminals that are used in situations in which mobile terminals cannot be used, is anticipated in cases in which FMC services have been introduced.

Addressee information notification system, addressee information notification method, application server and communication terminal


The present invention relates to crystalline polymorphs of (2-(4-(2-(1-isopropyl-3-methyl-1H-1,2,4-triazol-5-yl)-5,6-dihydrobenzo[f]imidazo[1,2-d][1,4]oxazepin-9-yl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-2-methylpropanamide (GDC-0032, taselisib), methods of use, and processes of preparing thereof.

Phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3K) are lipid kinases that phosphorylate lipids at the 3-hydroxyl residue of an inositol ring (Whitman et al (1988) Nature, 332:664). The 3-phosphorylated phospholipids (PIP3s) generated by PI3-kinases act as second messengers recruiting kinases with lipid binding domains (including plekstrin homology (PH) regions), such as Akt and phosphoinositide-dependent kinase-1 (PDK1). Binding of Akt to membrane PIP3s causes the translocation of Akt to the plasma membrane, bringing Akt into contact with PDK1, which is responsible for activating Akt. The tumor-suppressor phosphatase, PTEN, dephosphorylates PIP3 and therefore acts as a negative regulator of Akt activation. The PI3-kinases Akt and PDK1 are important in the regulation of many cellular processes including cell cycle regulation, proliferation, survival, apoptosis and motility and are significant components of the molecular mechanisms of diseases such as cancer, diabetes and immune inflammation (Vivanco et al (2002) Nature Rev. Cancer 2:489; Phillips et al (1998) Cancer 83:41).
The main PI3-kinase isoform in cancer is the Class I PI3-kinase, p110α (alpha) (U.S. Pat. No. 5,824,492; U.S. Pat. No. 5,846,824; U.S. Pat. No. 6,274,327). Other isoforms are implicated in cardiovascular and immune-inflammatory disease (Workman P (2004) Biochem Soc Trans 32:393-396; Patel et al (2004) Proceedings of the American Association of Cancer Research (Abstract LB-247) 95th Annual Meeting, March 27-31, Orlando, Fla., USA; Ahmadi K and Waterfield M D (2004) Encyclopedia of Biological Chemistry (Lennarz W J, Lane M D eds) Elsevier/Academic Press). The PI3 kinase/Akt/PTEN pathway is an attractive target for cancer drug development since such modulating or inhibitory agents would be expected to inhibit proliferation, reverse the repression of apoptosis and surmount resistance to cytotoxic agents in cancer cells (Folkes et al (2008) J. Med. Chem. 51:5522-5532; Yaguchi et al (2006) Jour. of the Nat. Cancer Inst. 98(8):545-556). The PI3K-PTEN-AKT signaling pathway is deregulated in a wide variety of cancers (Samuels Y, Wang Z, Bardellil A et al. High frequency of mutations of the PIK3CA gene in human cancers. (2004) Science; 304 (5670):554; Carpten J, Faber A L, Horn C. "A transforming mutation in the pleckstrin homology domain of AKT1 in cancer" (2007) Nature; 448:439-444).
GDC-0032, also known as taselisib, RG7604, or the IUPAC name: 2-(4-(2-(1-isopropyl-3-methyl-1H-1,2,4-triazol-5-yl)-5,6-dihydrobenzo[f]imidazo[1,2-d][1,4]oxazepin-9-yl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-2-methylpropanamide, has potent PI3K activity (Ndubaku et al (2013) J. Med. Chem. 56(11):4597-4610; WO 2013/182668; WO 2011/036280; U.S. Pat. No. 8,242,104; U.S. Pat. No. 8,343,955) and is being studied in patients with locally advanced or metastatic solid tumors (Juric et al "GDC-0032, a beta isoform-sparing PI3K inhibitor: Results of a first-in-human phase Ia dose escalation study", 2013 (Apr. 7) Abs LB-64 American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting).
Multiple crystal forms with different solid state properties of a drug substance can exhibit differences in bioavailability, shelf life and behavior during processing. Powder X-ray Diffraction is a powerful tool in identifying different crystal phases by their unique diffraction patterns
The pharmaceutical industry is often confronted with the phenomenon of multiple polymorphs of the same crystalline chemical entity. Polymorphism is often characterized as the ability of a drug substance to exist as two or more crystalline phases that have different arrangements and/or conformations of the molecules in the crystal lattices giving the crystals different physicochemical properties. The ability to be able to manufacture the selected polymorphic form reliably is a key factor in determining the success of the drug product.
Regulatory agencies worldwide require a reasonable effort to identify the polymorphs of the drug substance and check for polymorph interconversions. Due to the often unpredictable behavior of polymorphs and their respective differences in physicochemical properties, consistency in manufacturing between batches of the same product must be demonstrated. Proper understanding of the polymorph landscape and nature of the polymorphs of a pharmaceutical will contribute to manufacturing consistency.
Knowledge of crystal structure at the atomic level and intermolecular interactions offer important information to establish absolute configuration (enantiomers), phase identification, quality control, and process development control and optimization. X-ray Diffraction is widely recognized as a reliable tool for the crystal structure analysis of pharmaceutical solids and crystal form identification.
Availability of a single crystal of the drug substance is preferred due to the speed and accuracy of the structure determination. However, it is not always possible to obtain a crystal of suitable size for data collection. In those cases the crystal structure can be solved from X-ray powder diffraction data obtained by measurements at ambient conditions and/or at variable temperature or humidity.

Polymorphs of 2-(4-(2-(1-isopropyl-3-methyl-1H-1,2,4-triazole-5-yl)-5,6-dihydrobenzo[F]imidazo [1,2-D][1,4]oxazepin-9-yl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-2-methylpropanamide, methods of production, and pharmaceutical uses thereof


According to one embodiment, a medical image processing apparatus includes a subtraction image acquisition part, a threshold processing part, an image processing part and an image operation part. The subtraction image acquisition part is configured to acquire subtraction image data between X-ray contrast image data and X-ray non-contrast image data of an object. The threshold processing part is configured to perform threshold processing of the subtraction image data or image data generated based on the subtraction image data. The image processing part is configured to perform image processing of image data after the threshold processing. The image operation part is configured to generate image data for a display by an image operation between the subtraction image data and image data after the image processing.

DSA (Digital Subtraction Angiography) is known as one of imaging methods in an X-ray diagnostic apparatus. DSA is the technology to acquire subtraction image data between frames of X-ray image data before and after injecting a contrast agent into an object, for diagnosis. That is, X-ray image data is acquired before injecting a contrast agent as a mask image data for generating subtraction image data. On the other hand, X-ray contrast image data is acquired by injecting the contrast agent. Then, DSA image data is generated for diagnosis by subtraction processing between the X-ray contrast image data and the mask image data.
Such DSA image data can be generated as image data in which unnecessary shades in observation of a blood vessel are removed. That is, diagnostic image data in which blood vessels enhanced by a contrast agent are depicted selectively can be obtained. Consequently, images useful for diagnosis of a blood vessel can be displayed.

Medical image processing apparatus, X-ray diagnostic apparatus, medical image processing method and X-ray diagnostic method


There is provided a head rest moving mechanism of moving a support portion of a head rest relative to a seat back when a vehicle is subjected to a back collision. The head rest moving mechanism moves the support portion from an initial position to a collision corresponding position in a front upper direction. The head rest moving mechanism includes a base installed at an upper portion of the seat back, link means for linking the support portion and the base, an engaging pin moved integrally with the support portion for operating an attitude of the support portion in accordance with a relative movement thereof, and a guide path slidably engaged with the engaging pin for guiding to slide the engaging pin in accordance with the relative movement of the support portion.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a vehicle seat having an active head rest.
2. Description of the Related Art
There is a vehicle seat that adopts an active head rest of moving a support portion of a head rest to a front side and an upper side instantaneously in back collision (back face collision) of a vehicle. An active head rest supports the head of a passenger in back collision and alleviates whiplash. In a head rest of this kind, it is important how swiftly the head can be received by the support portion in back collision. For that purpose, it is necessary to make the support portion swiftly reach a collision corresponding position. When a time period from bringing about back collision until the head collides with the support portion can be shortened, an amount of moving the head to a rear side is reduced by that amount. Thereby, whiplash disease can further be reduced. As means therefor, for example, it is conceivable to increase a speed of moving the support portion. However, there is a limit to some degree in increasing the speed of moving the support portion. Hence, as a vehicle seat enabling a support portion to be swiftly proximate to the head by improving a locus of moving the support portion, there is U.S. Pat. No. 6,631,955.
According to U.S. Pat. No. 6,631,955, as shown by FIG. 13, a stay 101 of a head rest 100 is inserted into a support 102. As a result of a back collision, the stay 101 is moved to an upper side while being brought into sliding contact with an inner face of the support 102. Thereby, a support portion 105 is moved from an initial position to a collision corresponding position integrally with the stay 101 while maintaining an angle relative to the stay 101. A locus of moving the support portion 105 is defined by a shape of the stay 101 relative to the inner face of the support 102. Specifically, the locus is constituted by a first locus T1 of first moving in a front upper direction to some degree while maintaining an attitude angle of the initial position by the support portion 105, and a second locus T2 of moving to the upper side while being inclined such that an upper portion of the support portion 105 rises out successive to the first locus T1. By defining the first locus T1 in this way, the support portion 105 is made to be proximate to the head of a passenger as swiftly as possible.
However, the support portion 105 tracking the first locus T1 is only moved in the front upper direction while maintaining the attitude angle at the initial position. Therefore, a final point of the first locus T1 does not reach a final collision corresponding position. Thereby, there is a time lag in making the support portion 105 reach the collision corresponding position proximate to the head the most from the final point of the first locus T1. That is, there is a constant distance between a collision point P1 at which the head collides with the support portion 105 in moving on the second locus T2, and a collision point P2 at which the head collides with the support portion 105 at the final collision corresponding position constituting the final point of the second locus T2. Therefore, there is a case in which the head of the passenger collides with the support portion 105 before the support portion 105 reaches the collision corresponding position, and a time period until the head collides with the support portion 105 from bringing about a back collision, is not stabilized. Therefore, also a degree of an injury by whiplash is not stabilized.
Thus, there is a need in the art for a vehicle seat capable of receiving the head at a timing equivalent to that of a final collision corresponding position even in the midst of relatively moving a support portion.