A circuit breaker includes a stationary contact, a plug-on half jaw, and a jaw spring. The plug-on half jaw is electrically coupled to the stationary contact and has a single terminal end for receiving a bus bar. The jaw spring is operatively coupled to the half jaw and has a bridge portion connecting two symmetrical spring legs.

Circuit breakers are well known in the art, and are designed to trip in response to an electrical interruption event caused by an overload, short circuit, or thermal runaway condition, thereby opening the circuit to which the circuit breaker is connected and reducing the possibility of damage to the conductor wires or the loads connected to the circuit breaker. A circuit breaker can be reset (either manually or automatically) to resume power flow to the loads.
Some circuit breakers contain a plug-on full jaw, which is made of copper, that is coupled with a jaw spring for mechanically securing a bus bar to the circuit breaker. The full jaw also electrically couples the bus bar to a stationary contact of the circuit breaker. One problem associated with the full jaw is that its inherent design of having two terminal ends considerably increases the material cost.
What is needed, therefore, is a circuit breaker having a plug-on device that reduces material cost.

Reduced material plug-on jaw with symmetrical spring for a circuit breaker


A method for monitoring fabrication of an integrated circuit (IC) on a semiconductor wafer includes generating a product design profile (PDP) using an electronic design automation (EDA) tool, the PDP comprising an indication of a site in at least one layer of the IC that is susceptible to a process fault. Upon fabricating at least one layer of the IC on the wafer, a process monitoring tool is applied to perform a measurement at the site in at least one layer responsively to the PDP.

Electronic design automation (EDA) tools are applied extensively in the design of integrated circuits and in verification of these designs. EDA tools are used, for example, in logic synthesis, placement and routing of circuit elements, circuit layout and design rule checking. At the end of the design process, a set of reticles (also referred to as masks or templates) is generated for use in producing the integrated circuit (IC). Each reticle corresponds to one layer of the thin film structures that will be fabricated on a semiconductor wafer to produce the IC.
In the fabrication facility (fab), the reticles are used to print the successive circuit layers on the wafer in a photolithographic process. Each wafer undergoes hundreds of processing steps, including not only printing the reticles, but also material deposition, etching, cleaning and polishing. Defects in any of the process steps can substantially reduce the process yield. Therefore, monitoring tools are used to check wafers at nearly every step in the process to verify that the processing tools are functioning properly. Monitoring tools that are used for this purpose include systems for inspection and metrology of integrated circuit structures (typically optical or electron beam-based), as well as systems for electrical testing of circuit components. Reticles are also monitored for defects that may result in defects on the wafer. In the context of the present patent application and in the claims, the term "monitoring" should be understood as including all available modalities for testing wafers and reticles in production for purposes of detecting process or product defects. Monitoring modalities include, but are not limited to, measurement of critical dimensions (CD), film thickness and film composition; defect inspection, review and classification; electrical testing, including in-line and end-of-line tests; profilometry; ellipsometry; reflectometry; particle monitoring; and integrated defect detection and removal, using systems such as the Applied Materials "Bee."
U.S. Pat. No. 6,529,621, whose disclosure is incorporated herein by reference, describes mechanisms for making and inspecting reticles, based on a reusable circuit design for use with EDA tools. The patent points out that conventional inspection systems waste valuable resources by inspecting some regions of the reticle too stringently, and not reliably inspecting other regions stringently enough. Conventional inspection systems and techniques are unable to distinguish between critical and non-critical areas of the reticle. The patent therefore describes mechanisms for flagging critical or noncritical regions of an IC pattern database. Other design flow procedures, such as reticle production and inspection and IC device fabrication, may then be based on the flagged critical or noncritical areas in the database.


Disclosed is a system for a variable animal interaction device including an animal interaction device; a shell at least partially embedded into the animal interaction device; a component that is substantially encapsulated within the shell, wherein the shell is a barrier between the animal and the component; a detection device that detects a change in the shell; a deterrent device that has at least an on and an off state wherein the on state substantially changes the animal interaction device to substantially deter further interaction between the animal and the animal interaction device; wherein the deterrent device is actuated into the on state when the detection device detects a change in the shell.

Pet ownership is relatively common among the human population in a variety of cultures all across the globe. The companionship of a pet has been linked with improving mental health in humans, for example, as described in "Friends with Benefits: On the Positive Consequences of Pet Ownership," Allen R. McConnel, PhD, Miami University; Christina M. Brown, PhD, Saint Louis University; Tonya M. Shoda, M A, Laura E. Stayton, B A and Colleen E. Martin, B A, Miami University; Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 2011 Vol. 101, No. 6. In a common household, however, a pet may be left alone at home for extended hours during the day while the owner(s) is at work or performing activities where the pet cannot accompany the owner. This prolonged separation may lead to the pet becoming under stimulated and/or under exercised. This has lead to the development of more complex pet interaction devices that help exercise and/or stimulate the pet. Such devices may also be remotely controlled by the pet owner from a remote location to provide exercise and/or stimulation to the pet when the owner is not present. These more complex interaction devices may contain electronics and other components that are not generally safe for a pet. If the pet caretaker is present and supervising the pet interaction with the interaction device, the pet caretaker may be able to remove the interaction device from the reach of the pet as soon as exposure to these components is detected. However, this is not possible if the pet caretaker is located at a remote location. Because safety is a major concern for pet owners, there is a need in the field of animal interaction devices to create a new and useful system and method for a variable state animal interaction device.

System and method for variable animal interaction device


In a voltage output circuit of a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device, a high voltage generator generates an internal high voltage, a sampling signal generator generates a sampling signal, and a sample and old circuit samples and holds the internal high voltage in accordance with the sampling signal.

1. Field of the Invention
Embodiments of the invention relate generally to nonvolatile semiconductor memory devices. More particularly, selected embodiments of the invention relate to a high voltage output circuit for a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device and a method for measuring an internal high voltage generated by the high voltage output circuit.
2. Description of Related Art
Semiconductor memory devices can be roughly divided into two categories including volatile memories and nonvolatile memories. Volatile memories tend to have faster performance compared with nonvolatile memories; however, volatile memories lose stored data when disconnected from an external power source. On the other hand, nonvolatile memories tend to have efficient performance while providing the additional benefit of maintaining stored data even when disconnected from an external power source. As a result, nonvolatile memories have continued to be an increasingly popular form of data storage for a variety of devices, including devices where power is limited or may be lost unexpectedly.
Examples of nonvolatile semiconductor memory devices include masked read only memory (MROM), programmable read only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), and electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), to name but a few.
Unfortunately, data stored in some forms of nonvolatile memory, such as MROM, PROM, and EPROM, cannot be readily updated. For example, MROM, PROM, and EPROM cannot be erased using electrical signals. On the other hand, data stored in EEPROM can be readily erased, read, and programmed using electrical signals. Because of this capability, EEPROM is among the more popular and commonly used forms of nonvolatile memory in existence today.
In addition, many data storage devices such as digital cameras, cellular phones, etc., are required to be compact in the size. As a result, system designers are interested in the development of EEPROMs occupying a relatively small amount of space. As a result, the size of EEPROMs has continued to decrease and the integration density of the EEPROMs has continued to increase.
One type of EEPROM with relatively good performance, size, and integration density is flash EEPROM. Because of these good qualities, flash EEPROM is commonly used to provide mass data storage or semi-permanent code storage for devices such as personal computers and portable electronic devices.
Flash EEPROM (hereafter "flash memory") can be roughly categorized according to the organization and type of memory cells therein. Different categories of flash memory include, for example, NAND type flash memory, NOR type flash memory, and AND type flash memory.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a conventional nonvolatile semiconductor memory device. The device of FIG. 1 is described in further detail in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2002/0024330.
In FIG. 1, a flash memory comprises an input/output buffer 22, a memory cell array 10, an X decoder 12, a Y decoder 18, a register 14, a Y gate 16, a read/write circuit 20, a command decoder 24, a read/write/erase control circuit 26, a reference voltage (REF) generator 28 for generating a reference voltage, and HV generators 30 and 32 for producing internal high voltage.
FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram providing a more detailed view of the memory cell array shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 is a sectional view illustrating a memory cell of the circuit diagram of FIG. 2.
FIG. 2 illustrates a NOR type memory cell array structure in which a memory cell transistor is coupled to every intersection of word lines WL1-WLn and bit lines BL1-BLn. Each memory cell transistor comprises a metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) transistor having a floating gate FG and a control gate CG. A drain node "D" of a memory cell transistor MC1 is coupled to a corresponding bit line BL1, a source node "S" is connected to ground, and control gate CG is connected to word line WL1.
Memory cell transistor MC1 has a sectional face illustrated in FIG. 3. Referring to FIG. 3, electrons are injected into a floating gate 7 of memory cell transistor MC1 in a program operation, or electrons stored in floating gate 7 are transferred to a substrate 2 in an erase operation. The program operation can be performed, e.g., using a conventional technique such as hot-electron injection, and the erase operation can be performed, e.g., using a conventional technique such as Fowler-Nordheim (F-N) tunneling.
In a conventional erase operation, a voltage of about 6-8 volts is applied to substrate 2 and a voltage of about −10 volts is applied to control gate CG. Under these conditions, a voltage difference between control gate CG and substrate 2 generates an electrical field on floating gate FG such that the electrons stored in floating gate FG are removed onto substrate 2. The erase operation lowers a threshold voltage Vt of memory cell transistor MC1. Where threshold voltage Vt is sufficiently lowered such that current flows through a channel region of memory cell transistor MC1 during a read operation, memory cell transistor MC1 is considered to be successfully erased. In most flash memory systems, and for purposes of this written description, it will be assumed that a memory cell transistor (or more simply "a memory cell") having such an erased state is considered to store a logical "1".
In a conventional program operation, a voltage of 0 volts is applied to source "S" and drain "D" and a voltage of about 10 volts is applied to control gate CG. Under these conditions, an electrical field is generated on floating gate FG such that electrons are transferred from the channel region of memory cell transistor MC1 to floating gate FG via hot-electron injection, thereby increasing threshold voltage Vt of memory cell transistor MC1. Where threshold voltage Vt increases to about 5-9 volts such that current is prevented from flowing across the channel region memory cell transistor MC1 during a read operation, memory cell transistor MC1 is considered to be successfully programmed. In most flash memory systems, and for purposes of this written description, it will be assumed that a memory cell transistor having such a programmed state is considered to store a logical "0".
In a conventional read operation, a read voltage of about 4.5V is applied to control gate CG of memory cell transistor MC1, and source "S" and substrate 2 are both connected to ground. Under these conditions, current will flow or not flow in a corresponding bit line based on a program state of memory cell transistor MC1. Where threshold voltage Vt of memory cell transistor MC1 is greater than a reference value, substantially no current will flow through the corresponding bit line, indicating a program state of logical "0". Otherwise, current will flow through the corresponding bit line, indicating a program state of logical "1". According to the presence or absence of current flow, the corresponding bit line will assume a high voltage level or a low voltage level, respectively.
Although the operation of a single memory cell transistor MC1 has been described above, the structure and operation of other memory cell transistors illustrated in FIG. 2 have substantially the same structure and function as memory cell transistor MC1.
A NOR-type flash memory device having memory cell transistors such as those illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 typically requires a negative voltage or a high voltage greater than a power supply voltage of the device in order to perform program, erase, and read operations. In the example of FIG. 1, such voltages are produced by HV generators 30 and 32. HV generators 30 and 32 undergo a setting operation in a manufacture step performed immediately after a fabrication of semiconductor memory device. The setting operation typically includes a testing operation used to determine whether HV generators 30 and 32 generate output voltages with desired amplitudes and an adjusting operation used to adjust the amplitudes of the output voltages based on the testing operation.
Conventionally, the respective output voltages of HV generators 30 and 32 are sampled at multiple time points to achieve measurements of their respective amplitudes. Such multiple sampling may be required due to fluctuations in the amplitude of the output voltages over time. In general, the number of total repetitive measurements can be in the hundreds to thousands. Unfortunately, however, such repetitive sampling tends to increase the time required to perform the setting operation, and in some cases it may not produce accurate measurements.
In addition, other operating voltages such as a read voltage may depend on the accuracy of the output voltages of HV generators 30 and 32. For example, the amplitude of the read voltage may change in accordance with vibrations of an internal high voltage having an amplitude controlled by output voltages of HV generators 30 and 32.
The difficulty of accurately measuring the output voltages of HV generators 30 and 32 may perhaps be better understood by referring to an example of a conventional high voltage generator 100 illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. A typical method of testing an output of high voltage generator 100 is also described below with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.
Referring to FIG. 4, high voltage generator 100 generates an internal high voltage Int. HV. High voltage generator comprises a control logic unit 40, an oscillator 42, a high voltage pump 44, and a high voltage regulator 46. Internal high voltage Int. HV is output through an output node connected to a pad 50. The output node is also connected to external test equipment used to measure internal output voltage Int. HV.
Where the level of internal high voltage Int. HV output from high voltage generator 100 vibrates at regular or irregular cycles as shown in FIG. 5, measurement values at respective measured times t1, t2 and t3 are individually different. That is, the measurement values change according to a vibration amplitude RB of internal high voltage Int. HV, causing a drop in reliability of an overall measurement. Because of this measurement variation, hundreds of thousands of measurements may be required in order to generate a reliable measure of the amplitude of internal high voltage Int. HV.

Method for testing internal high voltage in nonvolatile semiconductor memory device and related voltage output circuit


A lock assembly is disclosed that is operable to mechanically lock a moveable structure to a fixed structure. An escutcheon assembly having an indicator plate movable between a first position and a second position is operable to indicate a locked and unlocked configuration respectively of the lock assembly. A status indicator located proximate a front face and a pair of opposing side faces on the indicator plate to indicate a locked or unlocked status is visible across a 180 degree viewing angle.

Lock assemblies are used to lock movable structural members such as doors, lids and the like to prevent movement from fixed structural members. Many types of lock assemblies do not display a visual indicator as to whether the lock assembly is in a locked or unlocked configuration. Some existing lock assemblies have a status indicator, but have various shortcomings relative to certain applications. Accordingly, there remains a need for further contributions in this area of technology.


Methods and systems for locking a phase locked loop (PLL) are disclosed herein. A first impulse signal may be generated utilizing an input reference signal. A second impulse signal may be generated utilizing an input divided signal. A programmable delay signal may be generated based on the generated first impulse signal and the generated second impulse signal. The generation of the first impulse signal and the generation of the second impulse signal may be controlled via the generated programmable delay signal. The generated first impulse signal and the generated second impulse signal may be delayed utilizing a programmable delay. The delayed first impulse signal and the delayed second impulse signal may be ANDed to generate the programmable delay signal, and the generated programmable delay signal may comprise a reset signal.

Modern communication devices, such as 802.x enabled communication devices, may utilize a conventional transceiver to transmit and/or receive signals with variable signal strength. One or more voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) circuits may be utilized within the conventional transceiver to generate oscillator reference signals with a specific output frequency and/or phase. The generated oscillator reference signals may then be utilized by a transmitter and/or by a receiver within the 802.x enabled device to facilitate processing of a received signal and/or processing of a signal prior to transmission. A phase frequency detector may also be utilized in a phase locked loop (PLL) for controlling the VCO to generate an output signal with desired frequency.
The voltage controlled oscillator circuits within the conventional transceiver may be adapted to generate one or more differential frequency output signals. Outputs of these voltage controlled oscillator circuits may be coupled to one or more divider circuits, for example, that divide the generated differential frequency output signals for subsequent use by other circuits within the transceiver. The voltage controlled oscillators, however, are sensitive to loading from these divider circuits and/or from other interconnections. Large capacitance from loading and/or resistance created by divider circuits and line routing may decrease the quality factor and limit performance of the voltage controlled oscillator circuits within the transceiver.
In this regard, the desired output frequency of the differential output signal generated by the voltage controlled oscillator may change and re-calibration may be required. In addition, variations caused by environmental factors and PTV may result in deviations in the desired output frequency of the differential output signals generated the VCO circuits. Consequently, a phase locked loop (PLL) may be required to control the VCO to generate output differential signals with desired output frequency.
Within the PLL, a phase frequency detector may be utilized to detect a phase and/or frequency difference between a reference signal and a voltage controlled oscillator output signal. Conventional phase frequency detectors, however, are characterized by increased overlapping time between up and down output signals of the phase frequency detector, which increases charge pump phase noise contribution and reference signal feedthrough in the voltage controlled oscillator output signal. An up output signal of the phase frequency detector may be generated when a first input signal leads a second input signals. For example, an up output signal may be generated when a reference input signal leads a VCO input signal. Similarly, a down output signal may be generated by the phase frequency detector when the reference input signal lags the VCO input signal.
In some instances, conventional phase frequency detectors are characterized by reduced overlapping time between the up and down output signals of the phase frequency detector. Consequently, "dead zone" effects significantly increase because of the reduced overlapping time, resulting in increase in phase noise in the voltage controlled oscillator differential output signals.
Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional approaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, through comparison of such systems with the present invention as set forth in the remainder of the present application with reference to the drawings.

Phase frequency detector with programmable delay


A Noninvasive Blood Pressure (NIBP) device, method, and system may employ one or more sensors configured to sense physiological changes associated with cardiovascular function and provide signals corresponding to the sensed physiological changes; one or more signal detectors to detect an ECG signal, a PPG signal, and a PCG signal from the signals provided by the one or more sensors; a computational system configured to derive signal features related to the detected signal waveforms; process the signal features to determine measurements of noninvasive blood pressure using one or more independent prediction models; and output a result of the determination.

The field of noninvasive blood pressure (NIBP) monitoring and measurement continues to draw research interest, some centering on pneumatic cuff-based methods including oscillometry. Numerous studies have validated the clinical utility of monitoring vascular unloading (using the volume-clamp principle) in various subject groups, but questions of consistency in certain conditions, including hypotension or vascular insufficiency, reliability in absolute magnitude, sensor attachment issues, and undesirably frequent recalibration routines have been raised. For these and other reasons, cuff-based oscillometry may be an imperfect solution for NIBP in general, and long-term NIBP in particular.
Development of medical devices for NIBP is evolving, including optical sensor mounting at finger/wrist and ear-lobe/forehead locations. Monitoring and measurement of NIBP at these locations may use pulse transit time (PTT) as a measurement of the rate of pulse wave propagation through the vascular system.
In some examples, PTT may be calculated on the basis of the difference between pulse arrival time (PAT) and pre-ejection period (PEP). The correlation of PTT or PAT to blood pressure (BP) in pharmacological and physiological interventions may be considered uncertain, and unreliable for predicting beat-to-beat NIBP for medical applications. Therefore, a convenient approach to reliable NIBP monitoring and measurement using a sensor device is needed.

Noninvasive blood pressure measurement and monitoring


One aspect provides a method of storing charging data in an IMS network. A message is received at a network entity. A charging priority value of the message relating to charging data associated with the message id identified. The charging priority value is included in a charging request message and the charging request message is forwarded to a charging control system. Other aspects provide IMS network entities configured to implement the method.

The IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) is the technology defined by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) to provide IP Multimedia services over mobile communication networks. IP Multimedia services provide a dynamic combination of voice, video, messaging, data, etc. within the same session. The IMS is defined in the 3GPP Specification 23.228.
FIG. 1 illustrates schematically how the IMS fits into the mobile network architecture in the case of a GPRS/PS access network (IMS can of course operate over other access networks). Call/Session Control Functions (CSCFs) operate as SIP proxies within the IMS. The 3GPP architecture defines three types of CSCFs: the Proxy CSCF (P-CSCF) which is the first point of contact within the IMS for a SIP terminal; the Serving CSCF (S-CSCF) which provides services to the subscriber; and the Interrogating CSCF (I-CSCF) whose role is to identify the correct S-CSCF and to forward to that S-CSCF a request received from a SIP terminal via a P-CSCF. Within the IMS service network, Application Servers (ASs) are provided for implementing IMS service functionality and to provide services to end users.
The S-CSCF is the central node of the signaling plane. It is a SIP server, but performs session control as well. It uses Diameter Cx and Dx interfaces to download and upload user profiles to/from the user's Home Subscriber Server HSS). The S-CSCF handles SIP registrations, and is in the path of all signaling messages, so that it can inspect every message in a session. It decides to which application server(s) the SIP message will be forwarded for the provision of services and it provides routing services.
According to the principles outlined in the 3GPP technical specifications, [TS 32.260] and [TS 32.299] the S-CSCF also acts as a Charging Triggering Function (CTF) with regard to charging of users of the IMS infrastructure and services. Note, however, that although the discussion herein is based around the S-CSCF acting as the CTF, the principles described would be equally applicable to any IMS network node acting as the CTF.
Acting as the CTF in an IMS network requires the S-CSCF to perform a number of tasks in order to identify the correct charging signalling to apply that corresponds to, and is triggered by the user's session activity. The S-CSCF, when performing its normal routing actions for the SIP signalling events that it is handling, determines whether the SIP information represents a chargeable activity, and then which type of charging mechanism to apply. The charging mechanisms for IMS sessions are either Offline (post-paid) charging, using accounting messages, or online (pre-paid) charging, using credit control messages and procedures.
Information about IMS transactions is sent from the S-CSCF (or other IMS nodes) to a charging node that collects this information and stores it in the form of Charging Data Records (CDRs), which can then be used in whatever way the operator sees fit. The information collected in this way is categorized as charging information, but in fact it can be information relating to things other than charging (billing), such as a form of Deep Packet Inspection (DPI), statistics, security, traffic monitoring, etc.
FIGS. 2a and 2b illustrate the IMS architecture for offline and online charging respectively. As shown in FIG. 2a, for off-line charging the various IMS network entities that handle transactions, and might act as a CTF to generate charging information, communicate with a Charging Data Function (CDF) 20 over an Rf interface. The entities shown include: Breakout Gateway Control Function (BGCF) 22a, Media Gateway Control Function (MGCF) 22b, Media resource Function Controller (MRFC) 22c, SIP Application Server (AS) 22d, Proxy-CSCF (P-CSCF) 22e, Interrogating-CSCF (I-CSCF) 22f, and Serving-CSCF (S-CSCF) 22g. The CDF 20 communicates with a Charging Gateway Function (CGF) 24 over the Ga interface, which in turn communicates with the IMS billing domain 26 over the Bi interface.
As shown in FIG. 2b, for on-line charging, the IMS network entities 22a-22e communicate with an Online Charging System (OCS) 28, over the Ro interface. In the figure, for clarity, only the communications over the Ro interface between the MRFC 22c, SIP-AS 22d and S-CSCF 22g are shown although any network entity that handles or generates charging information that should be passed to the OCS 28 may act as a CTF and pass data over the Ro interface, including any of the other entities 22a-22g shown. The OCS 28 communicates directly with the IMS billing domain 26. In the case of the S-CSCF 22g, the charge-triggering information is sent via an IMS Gateway Function (IMS-GWF) 29 over the ISC interface and then over the Ro interface to the OCS 28.
As explained above, although the discussion below focuses on the S-CSCF, the same principles may be applied to any IMS node that acts as a CTF, including any of those listed above and shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b.
FIG. 3 illustrates the signalling involved when a user entity, UE 30, initially registers with the IMS, in accordance with the procedure set out in 3GPP TS 24.229. On receiving an initial registration request 301 from a UE 30, a serving CSCF 32 sends a User Authorisation Request, UAR 302, to the users Home Subscriber Server, HSS 34, which returns a User Authorisation Answer, UAA 303. The CSCF 32 then sends a Media Authorisation Request, MAR 304 to the HSS 34, which returns a Media Authorisation Answer, MAA 305. The CSCF 23 then returns a 401 Unauthorised message 306 to the UE 30, which prompts the UE 30 to send a second Register request 307, and the procedure of exchanging UAR and UAA is repeated at 308 and 309. The CSCF 32 then sends a Server Assign Request 310 to the HSS 34, which returns a Server Assign Answer, SAA 311. The user profile information is passed to the serving CSCF 32 in the SAA message 311. Finally, the CSCF 32 sends a 200 OK message 312 to the UE 30 to indicate successful registration.
FIGS. 4a and 4b illustrate the signalling involved between, on one side a UE or an Application Server 40, and on the other side the IMS charging control system 44, via the S-CSCF 42, for, respectively, off-line and on-line charging. During IMS calls, charging-related information is passed from the S-CSCF42 to the charging control system (e.g. CDF or OCS as shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b) in order to construct CDRs. To pass the charging related information, offline charging uses the DIAMETER Accounting Request, ACR and Answer ACA messages, and online charging uses the DIAMETER Credit Control Request, CCR, and Answer, CCA, messages. The charging related information is passed in Attribute-Value Pairs (AVPs) within the ACR and CCR messages.
For off-line charging, as shown in FIG. 4a, a session is set up through the exchange of SIP INVITE and SIP 200 OK messages with a receiving peer (not shown) as indicated at 401-404. Once the session has been established, the S-CSCF 42 sends an Accounting Request, ACR, message 405 to the charging control system 44 (e.g. the CDF as shown in FIG. 2a), together with the charging-related information relating to the start of the session and the user identity and service information. The charging control 44 returns an Accounting Answer 406. When the session ends, as indicated by the sending of SIP BYE messages 407, 408, the S-CSCF 42 sends a further ACR 409 to the charging control system 44, together with the required information relating to the ending of the session, user identity and service information. The charging control system 44 returns an ACA message 410. The charging control system 44 creates CDRs using the information in the ACR messages 405, 409.
For on-line charging, as shown in FIG. 4b, when the UE/AS 42 sends the initial SIP INVITE message 411, the S-CSCF 42 immediately sends a Credit Control Request, CCR 412 to the charging control system (e.g. the OCS as shown in FIG. 2b). The CCR includes an indication that it is an initial credit control request and also provides a user identity and service information. Now the charging control performs a credit determination 412a of a number of service units that the user will initially be granted for the session, assuming the user has sufficient pre-paid credit. This information is provided back to the S-CSCF 42 in a Credit Control Answer, CCA 413. Now the S-CSCF can forward on the SIP Invite 414 to the receiving peer, and the session can be established as before with the return of SIP 200Ok messages 415, 416. While the session is in progress, the S-CSCF may send a CCR Update 417, for example to request grant of more service units if the initially granted service units are about to run out. The charging control system then performs another credit determination 417a and provided the user has sufficient credit, the charging control 44 grants additional service units by way of a CCA 418. At termination of the session, when the S-CSCF 42 receives a SIP BYE message 419, it sends a CCR 420 to the charging control 44 indicating termination and including the user identity, service units consumed and service information. The charging control system 44 then uses this information to calculate 420a an amount to debit the user, and returns a CCA message 421.
The above-described mechanisms deal with the mechanics of handling the data required for charging users, but provide no means of controlling charging for the system providers/operators. For example, different ACRs/CCRs may have different values to an operator based on the revenue that these provide. One user could generate a lot more revenue compared to another user, which makes the first user's ACR/CCRs more valuable to the operator. It is also common practice for internal calls within one operator's network to be charged at a flat rate or for free, which makes those ACR/CCRs less valuable.
The problem becomes more acute in the event of a system overload or a link failure between the CTF and the charging system. In such cases the CTF starts to write the ACR/CCRs to a local storage, such as a disk. If the situation persists the disk can quickly become full and in that case either new ACR/CCRs will be discarded, or will overwrite previously stored ACR/CCRs. This means that a less valuable ACR/CCR may be stored while a more valuable ACR/CCR is discarded or over-written, with the result that the operator will lose revenue. An overload situation could also arise in the charging system itself giving rise to a similar problem.
There are also situations where it would be desirable for the CTF to connect to different Charging systems for ACR/CCRs that have a higher value. For example, the operator might want to handle the more valuable ACR/CCRs in a specific charging system having higher security and more redundancy.
The present invention has been conceived with the foregoing problems in mind.

Prioritisation of charging in an IMS network


An electrical apparatus that is cooled via natural convection includes an electrical component, a vertical heat dissipation surface in thermal communication with the electrical component, and a diverter extending from the heat dissipation surface. The diverter disrupts vertical airflow over the heat dissipation surface.

Heat sinks are used to cool electrical devices, such as chips, diodes, and the like. Air, or some other fluid, flows over heat dissipation surfaces of the heat sink to cool the heat sink, and thus the electrical device. The heat transfer is mainly by way of convection.
Generally, natural convection is the cooling of a vertical hot surface in a large quiescent body of air. Lower-density air next to the vertical hot surface moves upward because of the buoyant force of higher-density cooler air farther away from the vertical surface. Movement of the air adjacent the vertical surface increases in velocity from zero at the vertical surface to a maximum velocity at a distance from the vertical surface and then decreases back to a velocity of zero as ambient surrounding conditions are reached. The temperature of the moving air decreases from the heated surface temperature to the ambient air temperature. As the temperature of the moving air approaches the ambient, the velocity at which the air moves approaches zero. No heat flows, by conduction or convection, where the velocity and temperature gradients equal zero, thus this outer edge is referred to as the boundary layer.
Forced convection, where air is blown across a heated surface, results in a maximum air velocity at the outer edge of the boundary layer. The difference in the velocity profile and the higher velocities provide more air near the heated surface and very thin boundary layers. Natural convection forces are present; however, the natural convection forces are negligible.
Forced convection may remove more heat than natural convection, but forced convection requires a device to move the air. In small electronic packages or where it is desirable to minimize the amount of energy expended to cool the electronic components, forced convection may be undesirable.
In free or natural convection, a tall heat sink tends to mix air inadequately with the surroundings resulting in the local ambient temperature around the heat sink to be hotter at the top of the heat sink as compared to the bottom of the heat sink, especially in laminar flow regimes. With reference to FIG. 1, a long, tall vertically-oriented heat sink 10 creates natural convection by heating the air around heat sink fins 12. This air then rises, creating an airflow that removes heat from the heat sink 10. For the section near the top of the heat sink, the local ambient air temperature is warmer than the air entering at the bottom of the heat sink 10. Although the heat sink is removing heat generated by electrical components 14 (FIG. 2) by natural convection, this local temperature rise near the top of the heat sink can have adverse effects on cooling, thus resulting in adverse effects on the electronic components mounted near the top of the heat sink.

Method and apparatus for increasing natural convection efficiency in long heat sinks


A device for detecting and locating anomalies in the electromagnetic protection of a system including electrical bodies and protective members includes a transmitter of electromagnetic waves. Sensors protected by the protective members pick up an electromagnetic wave transmitted by the transmitter and measure a representative parameter of the wave. A central unit compares the measured values to a value corresponding to a reference state of the protection and on the basis of such comparison detects anomalies in the protection and locates an anomaly according to the suspect sensor.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention concerns a device for detecting and locating anomalies in the electromagnetic protection of a system including electrical bodies and members protecting said electrical bodies and forming said electromagnetic protection.
The present invention is more particularly, although not exclusively, appropriate for a system corresponding to at least part of an aircraft such as a helicopter.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In particular, because of the increasing use in aircraft of insulative materials and materials that are poor conductors of electricity, and because of the increasing number of electrical bodies, for example cables and electrical components, that are sensitive to the electromagnetic environment, aircraft manufacturers are increasingly providing in aircraft protective members designed to protect said sensitive bodies.
These protective members are in the following forms in particular:
shielding of electrical cables to create a direct protection, or PA1 means such as high frequency seals, for example, creating localized Faraday shields in the system. PA1 firstly, all the protective members are replaced after the corresponding prescribed period of use, even if they are still serviceable, which often leads to unnecessary replacements and therefore represents an extremely high cost, and PA1 secondly, protective members that suddenly become defective, for example due to an abnormal level of stress or to an accident, are not replaced until the prescribed time, with the risk of this leading to extremely harmful consequences. PA1 document U.S. Pat. No. 5,153,524 describes a device which includes radio frequency transmitters arranged in pairs at opposite outside corners of the enclosure and a radio frequency detector situated in the interior of said enclosure which measures the sum of the energy picked up from radio frequency transmissions by each pair of transmitters, averages the values measured in this way for all of the pairs of transmitters and compares this average with a reference value to deduce any anomaly in the electromagnetic protection, and PA1 document EP-0 248 501 describes a device which is particularly suitable for monitoring a large enclosure and which includes means for generating and means for detecting a magnetic or electric field disposed on respective sides of the electromagnetic protection of the enclosure together with a data processing unit. PA1 said transmitter includes an antenna adapted to transmit an electromagnetic wave externally of said system, PA1 said receiver includes a set of sensors associated with at least some of said protective members and adapted to be protected by said protective members and to measure a representative parameter of a received electromagnetic wave, and PA1 said data processor unit is a central unit: PA1 reduces the cost of maintenance, since maintenance is carried out only for protective members that are actually defective, and PA1 increases safety, since all defective members are replaced, which is not the case with the prior art maintenance methods known in themselves and referred to hereinabove. PA1 checking can be carried out quickly and simply, and can therefore be done as frequently and as often as required or necessary; this advantage, as well as the accuracy achieved, are due in particular to the characteristics of the data processing unit, which is implemented in the form of a unit centralizing the processing operations and which compares measured values directly, rather than by averaging measured values beforehand, as in the device described in document U.S. Pat. No. 5,153,524 previously referred to; and PA1 the checking is done without physical contact, which eliminates all risk of damaging the protective members during said checking. PA1 an alarm which is triggered when an anomaly is detected, and/or PA1 a storage unit recording the measurements carried out by said sensors, in particular for subsequent exploitation, preferably on a self-contained storage medium that can be removed from said device such as a diskette, a magnetic tape or a memory cartridge.
Such protective members are naturally subject to wear due to mechanical and/or climatic stresses to which they are subjected, for example. This wear is known to be generally in direct proportion to the performance of said protective members.
Moreover, these protective members can be damaged by disturbances of the electromagnetic environment, for example by lightning.
Such wear and possible damage necessitates maintenance operations to maintain the minimal level of (electromagnetic) protection required for said system.
The maintenance operations as currently practiced generally consist in periodic replacement of all the protective members of the system, the prescribed replacement period being chosen so that the maximal wear assumed during that period cannot compromise the efficacy of the electromagnetic protection.
Such maintenance operations or replacements of protective members therefore do not take account of the actual state of wear of said protective members and have a two-fold disadvantage:
Various devices for detecting anomalies in the electromagnetic protection of an enclosure are known in themselves. In particular:
Consequently, the above prior art devices are exclusively intended to monitor a single enclosure of homogeneous construction. They cannot be used to monitor a system including a plurality of different electrical bodies and therefore cannot be used as a maintenance aid for any such system.
An object of the present invention is to remedy the above disadvantages.

Device for detecting and locating anomalies in the electromagnetic protection of a system


The white balance for a high brightness region and a low brightness region is improved in an image display device using MEMS and a laser light source. An image processing unit of the device superposes a signal based on a first measured value of a light quantity at a first temperature on a picture signal, during its blanking period, which is supplied to the laser light source, and superposes a high frequency signal on the picture signal during its effective scanning period. An amplification factor of the light source drive unit is changed so that a second measured value at a second temperature comes close to the first measured value at the first temperature as a target value based on the second measured value at which the light quantity of light generated at the laser light source is measured at the second temperature different from the first temperature on the signal based on the first measured value. By superposition of the high frequency signal, white balance control in a low brightness region for which control is especially difficult is performed with adequate accuracy.

(1) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image display device using MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems).
(2) Description of the Related Art
In recent years, as one of image display devices, a small-sized projection projector is popular, which uses MEMS and a semiconductor laser light source. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-343397 discloses a projector, in which images are projected by scanning a two-axis MEMS mirror horizontally and vertically and by simultaneously modulating a laser light source. Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-15125 discloses a method for compensating for brightness change in a projected image in a projection projector.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


An extensible time-sharing bus structure is provided for a microprocessor to read data from or write data to a memory. An address/data bus transfers addresses and data between the microprocessor and the memory in a time sharing manner. The combination of a the logic levels of two control lines is used to determine that the address/data bus is utilized to transfer addresses, to read data or to write data. Thus, the pin number required in the bus interface is reduced, and the memory capacity can be increased flexibly.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the field of computer bus structure, and especially to a time-sharing bus structure capable of extending address space.
2. Description of Related Art
Generally, the conventional micro-control system is constructed by a microprocessor, a memory, and I/O devices. As shown in FIG. 5, the microprocessor 55 performs data access to the memory 54 by employing an address bus 51, a data bus 52 and a write/ read control line 53. The address bus 51 is provided for carrying addresses of the memory 54 (or I/O devices). The width of the address bus 51 thus represents the size of the memory space. For example, a 16-bit address bus, which has 16 address lines, represents that a maximum memory capacity is 64 k bytes.
When the aforesaid micro-control system is desired to increase its memory capacity, the width of the address bus 51 is necessary to be increased. For example, if the memory capacity is increased to 4M bytes, the number of address lines must be increased to 22. As a result, not only the cost of PCB (Printed Circuit Board) is increased, but also the cost of bonding and packaging for the memory is increased. Moreover, after the memory capacity has been designed, it can not be further extended. Therefore, the use of such a memory system is not satisfactory. Accordingly, there is a need to have a novel bus structure that can mitigate and/or obviate the aforementioned problems.
Accordingly, the primary object of the present invention is to provide an extensible time-sharing bus structure for saving the pin number of an integrated circuit chip.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an extensible time-sharing bus structure for conveniently extending the memory capacity.
In order to achieve the aforesaid objects, there is provided an extensible time-sharing bus structure for transferring data between a master device and at least one slave device. The bus structure has a slave bus interface provided by said slave device and a master bus interface provided by the master device. The master bus interface is connected to the slave bus interface through an address/data bus and at least two control lines. The address/data bus transfers data and address in a time-sharing manner between the master device and the slave device. The at least two control lines are driven by the master device to be at a first logic level or at a second logic level, such that the master device and the slave device utilize the address/data bus for transferring an address, reading data, or writing data, based on a combination of the logic levels of the at least two control lines.
The various objects and advantages of the present invention will be more readily understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the appended drawing.


Disclosed is a liquid crystal display device which is capable of adjusting a contrast ratio by transforming and outputting input data of a reference voltage circuit. Analog voltage signal generator stores an input synchronous signal and a plurality of input digital data signal in response to a write enable signal, and converts the stored digital data signal into a plurality of analog voltage signal pairs in response to an output enable signal. A plurality of reference voltage generators divide a boosted source voltage according to the analog voltage signal pairs from the analog voltage signal generator to generate a plurality of reference voltages. A source driver integrated circuit receives the plurality of reference voltages from the plurality of reference voltage generators.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an apparatus for adjusting a contrast ratio of a liquid crystal display device, and more particularly to an apparatus for adjusting a contrast ratio of a liquid crystal display device which includes an analog voltage generator in order to adjust the contrast ratio of the liquid crystal display device.
2. Description of the Prior Art
As generally known in the art, when manufacturing a display device using a liquid crystal display device, a contrast ratio among various features is adjusted in order to control image quality of the display device.
Contrast ratio is a ratio between an ability displaying a screen most brightly and an ability displaying the screen most darkly and is related to the sharpness of the screen.
The contrast ratio is expressed by the following equation.CONTRAST RATIO=MAXIMUM BRIGHTNESS(cd/m2)/MINIMUM BRIGHTNESS(cd/m2)  [Equation 1]
For example, when the brightnesses which a liquid crystal display device displays most brightly and most darkly are 250 cd/m2, and 0.5 cd/m2, the contrast ratio of the liquid crystal display device is expressed as 250/0.5 (cd/m2) by using the equation 1.
FIG. 1 is a graph showing a method which adjusts a contrast ratio. That is, FIG. 1 shows a relationship between a voltage inputted to the liquid crystal display device and a screen brightness of a liquid crystal panel according to the input voltage.
The longitudinal axis indicates the voltage which is inputted to the liquid crystal display device. Reference numeral G (Gain) represents voltage width when embodying maximum and minimum brightnesses. The transverse axis indicates a brightness according to a change of the corresponding transmission factor of a liquid crystal panel when the voltage of the longitudinal axis changes by G width based on a Voffset voltage.
It is assumed that a Voffset1 voltage is set to a minimum brightness voltage. Accordingly, in the case of adjusting G width, the brightness of the screen varies within the range from 0% to 100% as shown in the longitudinal axis. At this time, when it is assumed that the screen brightness of 0% is 0.5 cd/m2 and the screen brightness of 100% is 250 cd/m2, the contrast ratio is calculated as 500 by the equation 1.
When applying a voltage to the liquid crystal panel to change the minimum brightness voltage to Voffset2 and to maintain the G width, the screen brightness varies within the range from 0% to 90%. When it is assumed that the screen brightness of 0% is 0.5 cd/m2 and the screen brightness of 90% is 250 cd/m2, the contrast ratio becomes 450.
That is, when changing Voffest voltage and maintaining the voltage change width, the contrast ratio is reduced from 500 to 450.
FIGS. 2A and 2B are block diagrams showing apparatuses for varying the contrast ratio.
As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, when a data input device inputs R, G, B digital data to a scaler device as a vertical synchronous signal and a horizontal synchronous signal, the line and frame butter of the scaler device change a contrast offset voltage of FIG. 1 to change the contrast ratio. Then the scaler device scales the changed digital data which are suited to a liquid crystal display device module and sends the scaled digital data to a data output device. The data output device outputs the changed R, G, B data to a driver.
The driving method of the line buffer and the frame buffer are identical with each other. However, the data transforming method of the line buffer differs from that of the frame buffer only in that the line buffer transforms data in lines and the frame buffer transforms data in frames.
Both of the line buffer and the frame buffer are a memory device, which adjusts the contrast ratio using a hardware-like method. Due the use of the memory device, manufacturing cost increases. Furthermore, since the contrast ratio is fixed by the memory device, it is difficult to adjust the contrast ratio.


An electrical connection box particularly for a vehicle includes an electrically insulating plate dividing the interior space of the casing into first and second space regions, and bus bars and insulation layers arranged alternatingly in a stack in the first space region. The bus bars form first internal electrical circuits of the box. Wires are accommodated in the second space region, and electrical terminal members each having a tab portion connected by pressure grip connections to the wires. The wires and terminal members form second internal electrical circuits. In order to make a compact box and reduce the number of contact points, the stack of bus bars is supported by the plate. The electrical terminal members comprise first members whose tab portions project out through the casing on one side of the plate, and second terminal members whose tab portions project through the casing on an opposite side of the plate. The tab portions of the terminal members are thereby available for connection to terminals of external circuits outside the casing.

1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to an electrical connection box, particularly an electrical connection box that is mounted in an engine room or other space of a vehicle, such as an automobile. Especially, the present invention relates to an electrical connection box capable of accommodating electrical circuits at high density, which circuits are to be connected to a large number of external circuits, such as relays and fuses, enabling efficient branch connection of wire harnesses. More particularly, the present invention relates to an electrical connection box accommodating internal circuits composed of electric wires and terminals connected therewith by pressure grip connections and internal circuits composed of bus bars.
2. Description of Related Art
In a conventional vehicle electrical connection box of this kind having internal circuits composed of electrical wires and terminals connected therewith by pressure gripping and internal circuits composed of bus bars formed by punching electrically conductive metal plates, a power source input circuit for receiving electric power from an alternator is composed of the bus bars, and other circuits are composed of single-core electric wires and the terminals connected therewith.
Functional parts such as relays, fuses, connectors, and the like are mounted on upper and lower surfaces of a casing of the box. Tabs (terminals for connecting internal circuits and external circuits with each other) project from the upper and lower surfaces of the casing to enable connection of the tabs with the functional parts.
JP-A-9-23539, published Jan. 21, 1997, shows one electrical connection box of this type. Inside the casing are a stack of bus bars and insulating layers, and a plate that lies on the stack. The plate has, on its side away from the stack, upstanding walls that provide grooves in which electrical wires lie. Terminal members make pressure grip connections with the wires in the grooves and have tab portions that project through the plate to make connection with the bus bars. Tabs of the bus bars project through the casing to make connection with exterior circuits, e.g. fuse boxes and relay boxes.
While this prior art construction enables an easy solution of the arrangement of the electrical wires and the terminal members connected to them, there are conflicting requirements for the efficient construction and operation of such connection boxes that are not fully meet.
The accommodation of many electrical wires in the box increases the volume, particularly the thickness of the box. Using electric wires and the terminals is advantageous because circuit alterations can be accomplished easily at a low cost, but disadvantageous because each such circuit has two electrical contact portions in its connection path, one of which is formed between a terminal and a wire and the other of which is formed between the terminal and another element. It is preferable to form a circuit of a bus bar because in this case the circuit is allowed to have only one contact portion in its connection path between an external terminal and a tab projecting from the bus bar. A circuit having only one contact portion is in general preferable to a circuit having two contact portions in respect of the reliability to its electrical contact performance.
However, a stack of bus bars and insulation layers interposed between them also increases the thickness of the electrical connection box.
The number of internal wire circuits of the electrical connection box has tended to increase because the number of electric components on or in a vehicle body has been increasing. The increase of the number of circuits has lead to the use of a large electrical connection box. Consequently, it has become difficult to find space for the electrical connection box when mounting it in the engine room or the like of the vehicle body.


An apparatus for placement of golf balls and golf tees comprising an elongated shaft with a forked ball and tee holding device on the lower end of the shaft. The upper end of the shaft is comprised of a sliding pull hooked handle. It is operated by pulling the tee and ball inwards to the shaft with the hooked handle to form a compression. This holds the ball and tee together so it can be pushed into the ground. The weight of the forked foot drops the compression when the hooked handle is released, releasing the foot from the teed ball.

The device is intended to allow a round of golf to be played without bending over. During a golf game bending is required for teeing, retrieving the tee, retrieving the ball, setting and retrieving the ball marker, fixing divots, and fixing ball marks. This device will accomplish all of these tasks.


An improved fishing jig for connecting a lure body to a fishing line is disclosed. A rivet is insertable into the lure body and can function as a conduit to the fishing line. The rivet can be connected to a jig weight and can be formed with a single twisted wire forming an eye for engaging a hook barb. A lure attachment can be connected to the rivet, or between the rivet and lure body, to modify the shape, movement, or sensory attributes of the fishing jig. The rivet permits attachment of the line and of jig weights and hooks at selected locations along the length of a soft lure body, significantly extending the operating life of the jig body and by changing the functional operation of the jig when cast into, resting in, or retrieved through the water.

The present disclosure relates to the field of fishing jigs and lures. More particularly, the invention relates to an improved attachment system for connecting a fishing line to lures such as soft body fishing lures.
Fishing activity ranges from subsistence gathering, to commercial industry, to recreational activity, and to professional competition. Artificial bait lures and attachments have been developed to attract and catch fish, and numerous lures and attachments have been adapted to mimic the appearance and movement of common fish prey.
Fishing jigs are especially prized for catching larger fish because the riggings mimic a large, slow moving meal. There are virtually unlimited techniques for fishing with jigs and jig riggings for different fish species. Jigs are especially effective as a drop bait when the jig has highest visibility and appearance as an easy meal. While swimming jigs such as spinners and those with grass skirts are kept high in the water column, other jigs are designed for resting on the water bottom while keeping an artificial body suspended slightly above the bottom.
Numerous jig designs have been developed for different rigging and fishing applications, and for different fish species. Jig heads can be shaped in many configurations and colors with the most common comprising a round or ball shaped head. Other popular jig head shapes known as flipping jig heads, football jig heads, and grass jig heads are typically moulded to a hook and are sized in different weights ranging from 1/80th of an ounce to nearly one pound for large saltwater bottomfish. Other jig head styles are known as wobblers, darter style, slider style, tube style, spinner, and standup styles. Noisemaking attachments, weed guards, and other features are sometimes added to attract fish or to minimize snagging of the hook on underwater obstructions. While certain jig designs such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,748,157 to Hellmann (2010) are shaped to encourage movement of the jig, undesirable movement can invert the jig so that it is facing in the wrong direction. As shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,231,786 to Hughes (1992) a hook eye is commonly positioned in the front of a jig and the weight of the jig body is located to provide a righting moment to the jig.
A bare moving jig is not appetizing to fish, especially in clear, calm water. Accordingly, fish bait bodies are attached to a jig weight and hook to mimic natural bait and to entice a fish strike. Various jig attachments include skirts, feather or hair attachments such as "bucktail jigs". Flexible bait bodies are manufactured from rubber, plastic or silicone and can resemble grubs, worms, frogs, fish, crayfish, paddle tails, lizards, or insects. The flexible bait body is skewered with the jig hook to attach the body to the jig and is subsequently cast into the water.
Because the weighted head of a jig is typically located toward the front, leading end, the body does not uniformly settle in the water when cast because the weighted head settles first in the water column. Locating the weighted head at the front of the plastic bait reduces the natural appearance of certain bait bodies shaped as crayfish or frogs. Efforts to locate conventional jig heads at other locations within a body weaken the integrity of the soft body and reduce the endurance of the lure.
Another problem with conventional jigs is that when soft, flexible bodies are inserted over the hook the structural integrity of the soft body is weakened, increasing the possibility that the soft body will separate from the jig or otherwise become damaged during casting or retrieval or while fighting fish after hookup. One example of this is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,965,606 to Bingler (1976), which further incorporated a ball chain swivel to limit twisting movement of the fishing line and connected jig body. Additionally, jig fisherman are frustrated as the soft bait body moves relative to the jig hook, either by bunching up at the wrong place or by sliding backwards on the hook. For swimming jigs with a soft plastic trailer, the preferred bait presentation is that the single tail of a bait body such as a grub should always face downward, perfectly centered and straight in line with the hook without rigging a kink or bend in the flexible bait body. Any movement between the soft bait body and the jig changes the desired movement and performance of the jig assembly in the water.
A variety of techniques have been developed to hold the soft body in a fixed position relative to the jig weight and hook shaft. Unites States Patent Application Publication No. 2009071057 by Hoyt (2009) shows a retainer and hook for preventing a body from moving relative to a hook shaft. Spring locks, corkscrews, hook bends, and multifaceted concentric rings have been used, however most of these structures also reduce the internal strength of the soft, flexible bait body with the undesirable consequences previously described. U.S. Pat. No. 7,140,146 to Gill (2006) shows a bait keeper for retaining the jig body and also contemplates using an internally reinforced artificial bait body to reduce tearing and other damage to such body.
Other techniques have been developed to facilitate the interchange of jig heads with various hook configurations. U.S. Pat. No. 6,898,894 to Anderson (2005) shows an interchangeable jig head and hook uniquely adapted to the jig head. U.S. Pat. No. 5,537,775 to Crumrine (1996) shows a fishhook with an elongated shank adaptable to a weighted jig head so that the hook can be locked to the jig head.
Various techniques have been developed to disguise the shape and scent of artificial fishing lures, and to create a combined shape to emulate the shape of natural baits, or to impart a different motion to the artificial fishing lure as such lure moves through water. U.S. Pat. No. 4,712,325 to Grant (1987) disclosed a lure body having a plurality of thin, elongate chamois strips attached rearwardly of the lure body head to absorb fish scent attractants and to impart a lifelike movement to the lure. U.S. Pat. No. 6,079,146 to Grant (2000) disclosed an adhesive tape for attachment to a lure body wherein the adhesive tape included an open foam cell for retaining a fishing scent enhancement.
A need exists for an improved attachment system for connecting a fishing line to a body and fish hook, and for attaching peripheral lure components to enhance the shape, movement and sensory perception of the fishing lure. The system should be rugged and field adaptable to facilitating the interchange of different jig components, it should allow for the user to decide where the weight and line hook-up should be applied, and should be an improved system for attaching various bait lures to a fishing line.


A method for increasing a resolution and decreasing a power dissipation in an epiretinal implant device is described. The method includes positioning extendable microprobes to achieve mechanical contact with an anterior surface of the retina when the epiretinal implant device is activated. A level of pressure of the contact and an amount of current to be applied for stimulation of ganglion cells may be determined for optimum power consumption and stimulation. The contact of the microprobes with the retina, which may include MEMS, and an additional effect of mechanical stimulation enables reduction of current dissipation. Reduced current allows employment of more microprobes increasing resolution. The level of contact pressure and applied current may be dynamically re-determined based on changing ambient light conditions, and the like. A random duty-cycling of the mechanical contact and applied current may provide further reduction of current dissipation.

Various diseases result in destruction of rods and cones, essential elements of the retina converting light into signals to be transmitted to the brain. Loss of photoreceptor function contributes to blindness that may not be mitigated with conventional surgical methods. Retinal implants have been recently developed to replace damaged rods and cones and to provide electrical stimulation to ganglion cells. Ganglion cells translate electrical stimulation to electrochemical messages to be transmitted to specific regions of the thalamus and ultimately the visual cortex through the optic nerve.
Diverse techniques of translating optical information to electrical stimulation to the retina include capturing incoming light by a camera and transmitting it through a laser, wireless means, and the like to an implant device on the surface of the retina, within the layers of the retina, and the like. The device may then translate the optical information to an electrical signal and deliver it to the retina.
Because of constraints such as preserving intra-ocular temperature, power supply limitations, and the like, retinal implants may be limited in a resolution of the electrical signals they can provide to the retina.
Thus, it is with respect to these considerations and others that the present invention has been made.

Method for increasing the resolution and decreasing the power dissipation in eye prosthetics


An image processing apparatus acquires monochrome image data and, for a pattern of each parameter, converts the acquired monochrome image data into intermediate image data. The intermediate image data is expressed in a set of signal values of a plurality of color elements.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and an image processing method for performing pattern printing, and a storage medium storing a program.
2. Description of the Related Art
In order for a user to output a desired color, color printers have color tone adjustment functions (color balance, brightness, contrast, color tone, etc.). However, there are cases where it is difficult even for an experienced person to determine what parameters to adjust and how much to adjust them. For this reason, a pattern printing function is an example of a function for a user to determine this by looking at colors output by actually printing on a printing medium. "Pattern printing" is a function for changing the color tone of a color image multiple ways, compositing them into one color image, and printing it when a determination is to be made regarding the coloration of the color image. In the flow of image data in pattern printing, image data pieces are generated by performing predetermined color adjustment on an RGB signal for input image data, and a pattern image is generated by editing the layout of those into one piece of image data. Subsequently, the image data is printed on a printing medium after undergoing color material color development processing, halftoning processing, and printer control processing.
On the other hand, a monochrome image requires pattern printing in which different color tones such as a pure black tone, a warm black tone, and a cool black tone are reproduced. However, in the case of a monochrome image, a more refined tonal expression compared to that of a color image has been requested by users, and thus a greater degree of tonal reproduction control than in the case of color images is needed. Therefore, if color image pattern printing is used as-is in a processing flow for a monochrome image, the tonality will be insufficient. Accordingly, if color processing and monochrome processing are both used, particularly in color processing using a 3DLUT, more processing control points (number of grid points in the 3DLUT) than are used in color processing are needed to satisfy requirements for a monochrome image. Also, there is another method in which color processing and monochrome processing are separated and performed in separate processing flows. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-142423 discloses that color processing and monochrome processing are performed separately, a pattern printing image is composited based on image data that has undergone color material color development in monochrome processing, and pattern printing of a monochrome image is performed.
However, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-142423, color processing and monochrome processing are performed separately and a pattern printing function is added to the monochrome processing, and therefore if configured by hardware, the image processing circuit size increases, which influences the product cost. Also, since compositing of a pattern printing image is performed after color material color development, the number of image data pieces (channels) handled in compositing processing is larger in a printing apparatus using color materials such as light cyan, light magenta, and light gray in addition to CMYK. This causes an increase in the amount of memory used for compositing processing, an increase in product cost, a decrease in printing processing speed, and the like. For example, if the compositing of a pattern printing image that has undergone color material color development is performed by software, the amount of image data after color material color development rises in proportion to the number of color materials in the printing apparatus, thereby causing a decrease in printing speed.

Image processing method and apparatus configured for printing a plurality of monochrome images having different parameters


A particulate filter assembly includes an electrode assembly, a particulate filter positioned in an electrode gap defined between two electrodes of the electrode assembly, a power supply electrically coupled to the electrode assembly, and a controller for controlling operation of the power supply to apply a regenerate-filter signal to the electrode assembly to oxidize particulates collected by the particulate filter. An associated method of regenerating the particulate filter is disclosed.

A particulate filter is used to collect particulates such as, for example, particulates that may be present in air, exhaust gas, and a wide variety of other media that may contain particulates. From time to time, the collected particulates may be removed from the particulate filter to thereby "regenerate" the filter for further filtering activity.

Particulate filter assembly and associated method


An ammunition manufacturing machine has a frame with a die receptacle, and a reciprocating ram having a free end movable toward and away from the die receptacle. The free end of the die receives a removable shell holder having a recess shaped to receive the base of a casing. The recess has a flat floor portion, and the shell holder is removable along a path lateral to the axis of the ram's motion. A retention element removably encompasses at least part of the shell holder and of the free end of the ram, so that the shell holder is secured by the retention element against lateral removal. The retention element may have a flat upper surface aligned with the floor of the shell holder recess, to provide a guide for sliding the case into the shell holder. The retention element may also have an internal O-ring that compressibly surrounds the end of the ram, to provide a friction fit that holds the retaining element on the ram.

Shooting hobbyists seeking economy and/or high precision ammunition employ hand loading machines to manufacture their own cartridges from casings, powder, and bullets. A basic loading machine is a press with a frame, and a reciprocating ram that moves toward and away from a die. The base of a metal casing is held by a case- or shell-holder device on the end of the ram, and the case is forced into a die for each of the manufacturing steps such as sizing the case and seating the bullet.
The shell holder has a recess to receive the base of the casing, with the sidewalls of the recess having an undercut groove that closely receives the rim at the base of the cartridge. This secures the case to the ram when it is withdrawn from the die. The recess does not fully encircle the casing, but is open on one side so that cases may be laterally inserted and removed from the recess. The flat floor of the recess extends in a plane to the periphery of the shell holder at the side opening.
The shell holder is secured to the ram by similar means, with a flange or rim on the base of the shell holder engaging a pocket on the face of the ram, with the pocket having an undercut receiving the rim, and a lateral opening to allow lateral insertion and removal of shell holders, which are of different sizes for different cartridge specifications. Thus, the shell holder is robustly secured to the ram against axial forces. However, it is desirable to secure the shell holder to the ram against unintended lateral removal during use. The insertion and removal of cases into the shell holder could dislodge it from the ram, or cause it to be slightly misaligned, resulting in spoiled production.
Accordingly, existing shell holders are retained by a wire spring connected to the ram. The spring generates a moderate force that is adequate to resist inadvertent removal of the shell holder, but limited enough to allow the holder to be removed with deliberate force. While effective, spring retention devices have certain disadvantages. The production of small wire springs is imprecise, with dimensional and strength variations being difficult to eliminate. Cutting of spring wire can generate burrs, which can affect operation if not of a consistent size and orientation on the part. Pre-assembly inspection of springs is required, adding to production time and cost to fabricate a loading machine.
In addition, conventional loading machines require dexterity of the user, including the step of positioning the case in the shell holder. This must be done for each of the several manufacturing steps. The groove into which the case rim must be inserted is small, and requires careful alignment, and may be difficult for the user to see with hands and the machine frame obscuring the user's view of the insertion process. The case must be aligned axially and laterally with the groove, with few useful alignment points of reference to guide insertion.
The present invention overcomes the limitations of the prior art by providing an ammunition manufacturing machine. The machine has a frame with a die receptacle, and a reciprocating ram having a free end movable toward and away from the die receptacle. The free end of the ram receives a removable shell holder having a recess shaped to receive the base of a casing. The recess has a flat floor portion, and the shell holder is removable along a path lateral to the axis of the ram's motion. A retention ring removably encompasses at least part of the shell holder and of the free end of the ram, so that the shell holder is secured by the retention element against lateral removal. The retention element may have a flat upper surface aligned with the floor of the shell holder recess, to provide a guide for sliding the case into the shell holder. The retention element may also have an internal O-ring that compressibly surrounds the end of the ram, to provide a friction fit and allow for variations of size of the ram, holds and centers the retaining element on the ram.

Shell retention device for ammunition loading machine


Novel methods of inhibiting angiogenesis or tumorigenesis with compositions that inhibit the apelin/APJ signaling pathway are provided. Also provided are methods of promoting angiogenesis or tumorigenesis with compositions comprising an apelin polypeptide or small molecule agonist. The present invention further provides methods for identifying therapeutic agents that affect angiogenesis.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to methods for modulating angiogenesis, tumorigenesis, and/or vascular permeability. In particular, this invention relates to methods for the use of compositions that affect the apelin/APJ signaling pathway to treat patients suffering from various angiogenesis-related diseases or conditions.
2. Background Art
Under normal physiological conditions, humans and animals undergo angiogenesis only in very specific situations. For example, angiogenesis is normally observed in wound healing, fetal and embryonic development, and formation of the corpus luteum, endometrium, and placenta. Unregulated angiogenesis occurs in a number of diseases and conditions, such as tumor growth and metastasis. Both controlled and unregulated angiogenesis are thought to proceed in a similar manner. Endothelial cells and pericytes, surrounded by a basement membrane, form capillary blood vessels. Angiogenesis begins with the erosion of the basement membrane by enzymes released by endothelial cells and leukocytes. The endothelial cells, which line the lumen of blood vessels, then protrude through the basement membrane. Angiogenic stimulants induce the endothelial cells to migrate through the eroded basement membrane. The migrating cells form a "sprout" off the parent blood vessel, where the endothelial cells undergo mitosis and proliferate. The endothelial sprouts merge with each other to form capillary loops, creating the new blood vessel.
APJ is a cell surface receptor belonging to the G protein-coupled receptor family and has seven transmembrane domains. APJ is related to the angiotensin II receptor and has been described as being a coreceptor involved in the mediation of HIV-1 neuropathogenesis. A natural ligand of APJ was identified and named apelin (APJ endogenous ligand). The apelin polypeptide is initially produced as a 77 amino acid protein (preproapelin) that is cleaved to produce cleavage products of 36 amino acids, 17 amino acids, and 13 amino acids. The peptide consisting of the C-terminal 13 amino acids of the apelin polypeptide is necessary and sufficient for the ability of an apelin polypeptide to interact with APJ.
Some methods have been achieved which effectively modulate angiogenesis under certain conditions. For example, AVASTIN is an anti-VEGF antibody produced by Genentech that is currently in clinical trials for treatment of breast cancer, colorectal cancer, small cell lung cancer, and renal cancer, and that has been shown to have an anti-angiogenic effect on certain tumor types. AVASTIN has received FDA approval for use in patients having a colorectal cancer that has disseminated. Similarly, MACUGEN is an aptamer from Eyetech/Pfizer that targets VEGF and that has a demonstrated anti-angiogenic effect with regard to macular degeneration (Eyetech Study Group, 2003, Opthalmology 110(5):979-86).
To date, various polypeptides have been described that stimulate angiogenesis (e.g. VEGFs, FGFs, PDGFB, EGF, LPA, HGF, PD-ECF, IL-8, angiogenin, TNF-alpha, TGF-beta, TGF-alpha, proliferin, and PLGF) or inhibit angiogenesis (e.g. ENDOSTATIN, ANGIOSTATIN, and thrombospondin). Although some methods have been achieved which effectively modulate angiogenesis in certain situations, clearly more therapeutics are needed to treat a broader range of diseases and conditions, as well as to increase the efficacy of the methods that already exist. Therefore, what is needed in the art are new compositions and methods for modulating angiogenesis to inhibit the undesired growth of blood vessels associated with certain diseases and conditions. What is also needed are methods and compositions for modulating tumorigenesis and/or permeability of a tumor. What is further needed are new methods for promoting angiogenesis in patients suffering from diseases or conditions that are indicated by decreased vascularization. Moreover, what is also needed are methods for identifying therapeutic agents capable of modulating angiogenesis effectively and safely in a patient.

Methods for modulating angiogenesis with apelin compositions

Arizona Board of Regents on behalf of the University of Arizona


A light source device is provided. The light source device comprises a semiconductor light-emitting element; and a wavelength conversion member for converting a wavelength of a light emitted from the semiconductor light-emitting element. The semiconductor light-emitting element has a light-emitting peak wavelength of not less than 380 nanometers and not more than 420 nanometers. The light emitted from the semiconductor light-emitting element has a light energy density of not less than 0.2 kW/cm2. The wavelength conversion member contains at least one fluorescent substance selected from the group consisting of a (Sr1-x,Bax)3MgSi2O8:Eu2+ (0≦x≦1) fluorescent substance, a (Y1-y,Gdy)3(Al1-z,Gaz)5O12:Ce3+ (0≦y≦1, 0≦z≦1) fluorescent substance, and an Eu3+-activated fluorescent substance. The light source device has a high output and a high light-emitting efficiency.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a light source device including a semiconductor light-emitting element (especially, a laser diode) and a wave conversion member for converting a wavelength of a light emitted from the semiconductor light-emitting element. The present invention also relates to an illuminating device (especially, an illuminating device for vehicles) comprising the light source device. The present invention further relates to a vehicle comprising such an illuminating device for vehicles.
2. Description of the Related Art
Recently, a light source device comprising a semiconductor light emitting element and a wave conversion member has been developed. Such a light source device is used in various kinds of illuminating devices. Among others, a high-output light source device is useful for an illuminating device for vehicles (e.g., a headlight). As just described, a high-output light source device has been developed.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,165,871 discloses a lamp for generating light comprising a semiconductor light-emitting element for emitting light, a fluorescent substance provided away from the semiconductor light-emitting element, a first optical member operable to focus the light generated by the semiconductor light-emitting element on the fluorescent substance, and a second optical member having an optical center at a position where the fluorescent substance is provided and operable to emit light from the fluorescent substance based on the light focused by the first optical member to an outside of the lamp. In U.S. Pat. No. 7,165,871, a laser diode generating ultraviolet light is used as the semiconductor light emitting element. U.S. Pat. No. 7,165,871 discloses that the lamp is used for a headlamp of a vehicle.

Light source device including a high energy light source and a wavelength conversion member, illuminating device comprising the same, and vehicle

PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.


We set out a graphical model for describing probability distributions over labeled partitions of an undirected graph which are conditioned on observed data. We show how to efficiently perform exact inference in these models, by exploiting the structure of the graph and adapting the sum-product and max-product algorithms. The method can be used for partitioning and labeling hand-drawn ink fragments, image data, speech data and natural language data amongst other types of data elements. A significant performance increase is obtained by labeling and partitioning simultaneously. It is also possible to partition without labeling.

Partitioning data elements into parts is a particular problem in many fields such as computer vision, handwriting recognition (including electronic ink handwriting), speech recognition and natural language processing. We use the term "partitioning" herein to refer to finding one or more sets of data elements (be they image elements, speech elements, handwriting elements, video image elements or other data elements) where the data elements in a set belong to the same particular part. For example, in the field of computer vision the part can be an object and in the field of natural language the part might be a word, phrase or phoneme. In contrast, the term "labeling or classifying" is used herein to refer to identifying whether data elements are of a particular type rather than that they are a particular item. For example, whether electronic ink strokes constitute a box or a connector between boxes in an organization chart.
Partitioning data elements is a complex task especially because data elements are typically individually ambiguous. Thus it is difficult to provide systems for automatically partitioning data elements which provide accurate and reliable results in computationally inexpensive ways. This is particularly so for two dimensional and higher dimensional data elements such as image data elements from digital still images, video images, electronic ink images and the like.

Partitioning data elements of a visual display of a tree using weights obtained during the training state and a maximum a posteriori solution for optimum labeling and probability


A reconfigurable modular antenna system includes a first module comprising at least a first part of a first antenna system, and a second replaceable module comprising at least a second part of a first antenna system and a part of a second antenna system. An interconnect is disposed between the first module and the second replaceable module and couples the first part of the first antenna system to the second part of the first antenna system to form the first antenna system. The first antenna system is configured to operate in a first frequency band and the second antenna system is configured to operate in a second frequency band, different to the first frequency band.

An antenna system is configured to operate in one or more operational frequency bands. The gain of the antenna system is frequency-dependent and is higher within the one or more operational frequency bands than at other adjacent frequencies. The antenna system is therefore configured to transmit and/or receive electromagnetic waves within the one or more operational frequency bands.