A fertilizer compound having a glass matrix comprises, among the forming oxides of the glass matrix, a phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5) as partial and/or full replacement of silica (SiO2); among the modifier oxides of the said glass matrix, a potassium oxide (K2O) as partial and/or full replacement of sodium oxide (Na2O); and one or more trace elements.

This application claims priority to Italian Application Ser. No. M099A000207 filed Sep. 30, 1999, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
The present invention relates to a fertilizer compound having a glass matrix.
It is known that fertilizer elements, i.e. the elements that provide the nutrients required for the growth of crops, are divided into three categories: primary elements, i.e. nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K); secondary elements, i.e. calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na) and sulfur (S); and trace elements, i.e. boron (B), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo) and zinc (Zn).
This division is based on the amount of element absorbed by the crops, not on their function, since all these elements are equally indispensable for the balanced growth of plants.
The above-cited elements are the ones that currently can be listed on the label as components of a formula according to the standards prescribed by applicable national and European Union statutory provisions.
Fertilizer elements have a decisive effect on the growth of crops both when they are insufficiently available and when they are in excess, causing on the one hand poor nutrition of the crops and on the other hand a toxic condition.
It is therefore necessary to ensure, for each crop, the presence and availability over time of these elements, so that the soil contains them in quantities which are adequate but contained within very precise and controllable limits, depending on the requirements and the development stage of the crop.
It is also noted that a same soil is alternately used, for periods of varying duration, for different crops which absorb different amounts of nutrient both in qualitative and in quantitative terms.
It is therefore indispensable to periodically balance the resources of the soil in relation to the changes in requirements.
Moreover, the controlled presence of fertilizing elements in agricultural soils affects not only the life and growth of plants but also decisively controls the commercial characteristics of foodstuffs designed for human consumption.
In order to compensate for the nutritional imbalances that are widespread in most soils adapted for products for human use it is necessary to supply agricultural soils not only with the primary elements (N, P and K) and the secondary ones (Ca, Mg, Na, S) but also with the trace elements (B. Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Zn).
Selective administration of the trace elements must occur at programmed times and in preset amounts according to the type of crop, the stage of its growth and the characteristics of the cultivated soil.
Several methods are known for introducing fertilizers in general, and particularly trace elements, in the soil.
The foremost consists in adding to fertilizers based on nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) small amounts of the particular trace elements deemed to be lacking in the soil to be cultivated.
These trace elements are introduced in the form of inorganic salts (sulfates, oxides or others) or in the form of metal-organic complexes known as chelates, which are synthesis products highly water-soluble and hence highly assimilated by the plant.
This method is not devoid of drawbacks, the foremost being the immediate availability of the trace elements for absorption by the plants in excessive amounts and over periods which are not correlated to their growth cycle and the considerable leakage of nutrients into the environment due to rainwater and irrigation water.
In order to obviate these drawbacks, controlled-solubility fertilizers have been introduced which are obtained by encapsulating granules of the fertilizing formulas with low-solubility organic products.
However, even this system suffer drawbacks: since the trace elements are introduced, in this case also, in the form of inorganic salts and/or chelates which are water-soluble, they are rapidly assimilated by the root system of the plants and/or dispersed in the soil once the outer coating has degraded.
For the same reason, these fertilizers are useful only if rapid nutrient action is required; if instead one wishes to ensure their presence in the soil for long periods, it is necessary to resort to multiple successive low-dosage applications of the same products, entailing a consequent increase in field operating costs.
Finally, it is necessary to note the high intrinsic cost of these fertilizers, since each chelate normally adds a single trace element, so that if it is necessary to administer multiple elements it is also necessary to use several chelates.
The problems linked to the use of inorganic salts and/or chelates of trace elements have been partially obviated by introducing FTE (Fritted Trace Element) fertilizers.
These products have a predominantly amorphous structure and are constituted by a glass matrix which acts as substrate and in which one or more trace elements are dispersed and bonded.
The solubilization of the product, and therefore the release of the trace elements contained therein, depend on the chemical composition of the glass matrix in relation to the conditions of the soil in which the fertilizer is dispersed (humidity, pH).
It is known that the water-solubility of glass is poor; accordingly, FTEs are products which ensure very slow selective and controlled release of one or more trace elements over time, so as to potentially affect the entire life span of perennial plants or a considerable series of successive crops (up to 10 years).
Known FTEs suffer the drawback that they cannot be used as short-term fertilizers with immediate assimilation due to their poor solubility and consequent slow release action.
The aim of the present invention is to eliminate the above-noted drawbacks of conventional types of fertilizer, by devising a fertilizer compound having a glass matrix which allows to achieve selective release of nutrients whose action is immediate from the beginning of the application and is programmable, controllable and extendible over time, allows to add to the soil, in precise times and amounts, the chemical elements that are necessary for the growth of the plant being cultivated, in relation both to the state of its growth and to the physical-chemical conditions of the soil, and has a low cost.
These and other objects which will become better apparent hereinafter are achieved according to the present invention by a fertilizer compound having a glass matrix which is characterized in that it comprises, among the forming oxides of said glass matrix, a phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5) as partial and/or full replacement of silica (SiO2); among the modifier oxides is of said glass matrix, a potassium oxide (K2 O) as partial and/or full replacement of sodium oxide (Na2O); and one or more trace elements.
Advantageously, in addition to the phosphorus pentoxide and the silica, the forming oxides comprise alumina (Al2O3), titanium dioxide (TiO2) and zirconium dioxide (ZrO2).
Preferably, in addition to the potassium oxide and sodium oxide, the modifier oxides comprise oxides of calcium (CaO), magnesium (MgO), barium (BaO) and lithium (Li2O).
As regards trace elements or micro-elements, they are preferably constituted by boron (B), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo) and zinc (Zn) and are introduced in the following preferred percentages:
B2O3: 9 to 18%; CoO: 0.5 to 0.1%; CuO: 4 to 0.1%; Fe2O3: 11 to 2%; MnO: 9 to 1%; MoO: 0.5 to 0.1%; and ZnO: 8 to 2%.
The stability of the glass matrix of the compound according to the invention depends on a series of chemical and technological parameters: in the specific case, in particular, the key role is played by the presence of the phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5) as replacement of silica in the role of glassy network forming oxide, allowing to control the solubility characteristics in the various solvents at various pH levels.
Moreover, the fact should not be ignored that phosphorus is an element which is essential for the life of plants and is widely present in fertilizer formulas; therefore in this case there is also a further introduction of nutrient, increasing the agronomic value of the product.
The replacement of sodium with potassium in the glass matrix also allows better control of the solubility ranges (in water and other reagents) and further increases the nutritional value of the product, since the addition of potassium also is fundamental for the life of plants.
The forming oxides are present in the following preferred percentages:
SiO2: 0.1 to 26%; Al2O3: 0.1 to 9%; TiO2: 0.1 to 3%; and ZrO2: 0.1 to 3.5%.
The modifier oxides are present in the following preferred percentages:
Na2O: 8 to 1%; Li2O: 0.1 to 3%; CaO: 22 to 6%; MgO: 3 to 0.1%; BaO: 2.7 to 0.1%.
Advantageously, P2O5 is present in amounts between 9 and 22%, while K2O is present in amounts between 12.8 and 3%.
Furthermore, the following conditions should be preferably met:
(B2O3 +F2O3 +MnO +ZnO +CuO +MoO +CoO) between 45 and 19%;
(CaO +MgO +BaO) between 29 and 6%;
(Na2O +K2O +Li2O) between 19 and 7%;
(TiO2 +ZrO2 +SiO2 +P2O5) between 20 and 42%.
Advantageously, it is possible to embed in the glass matrix of the compound according to the invention substantial amounts of other trace elements, such as for example selenium (Se) and vanadium (V), as testing confirms their importance in plant and animal nutrition.
The compound according to the invention is obtained by mixing, according to the glass-making technique, the raw materials required to provide the forming and modifier oxides of the glass matrix with the raw materials related to the introduction of the trace elements, melting the resulting mixture at high temperature, cooling the molten mixture in order to obtain glass, and grinding the glass into a fine powder which is then mixed with a dispersant and optionally xe2x80x9cgranulatedxe2x80x9d so as to allow its mechanical spreading on fields.
The fertilizer compound is thus ready for use.
The aim of the present invention is to act on the nature of the glass matrix that acts as xe2x80x9ccarrierxe2x80x9d of the trace elements, altering its solubility not only in water but also in the presence of organic acids (carbonic acid, citric acid, humic acid, et cetera), so that the application is always controlled over time and also contributes a high level of nutrients from the very start.
It is thus possible to produce mixtures constituted by different compounds having matrices with different solubilities and different presence of trace elements, so as to be able to program the release of these elements according to the stages of growth of the plant.
To program over time releases of different compositions, all derived from a single formula applied to the soil with a single application, it is in fact sufficient to apply to the soils a mixture constituted by glass matrices having different solubilities and different chemical analyses.
This would be impossible to achieve with conventional products except by resorting to different applications of different fertilizers, with a considerable cost increase.
On the basis of the compound according to the invention, special products have also been developed whose water solubilities are high enough to allow them to be absorbed on very moist soils, such as rice cultivations, up to aquatic plant cultivations and industrial productions of first fruits and vegetables by means of the hydroponic method.
Finally, attention is drawn to the fact that the compound according to the invention has considerably lower intrinsic costs than conventional types of compound.
The cost per kilogram, for an equal addition of nutrients, is considerably lower for these products than for conventional chelates: a quick calculation shows that if one considers that each chelate adds only one element, the amount to be used is evidently approximately 1 kg of compound against as much as 2.5-2.7 kg of chelates.
Since the corresponding unit costs are in an approximate ratio of 1:6 per kg of product in favor of the compound according to the invention, this leads to a ratio of approximately 1:13/1:15 in the overall cost of the treatment.

Fertilizer compound having a glass matrix


An apparatus and method for protecting against rollover in a vehicle. The method and apparatus determine a rollover tendency of the vehicle based on the lateral acceleration, the vehicle speed and the change rate of the steering angle. A database of empiric data is preferably provided that includes values for a critical change rate of the steering angle corresponding to specific lateral accelerations in specific vehicle speeds. A critical change rate of the steering angle is determined based on the sensed lateral acceleration and vehicle speed.

In recent years, much attention has been paid to the reduction of rollover in motor vehicles, especially in larger vehicles such as sport-utility vehicles (SUV's) which have a relatively high center of gravity. These vehicles may experience friction induced rollover conditions, in which the vehicle can rollover in response to friction forces acting on the vehicle tires, without striking an obstacle. Vehicle rollover is caused by exceeding the critical roll angle for a particular vehicle. The roll angle is a function of the suspension of the vehicle, the vehicle's loading condition and other vehicle characteristics and dynamic conditions. For example, in a steady state driving condition the roll angle is proportionally related to the amount of lateral acceleration, the suspension tuning, and the dimensions of the vehicle (i.e. track width divided by the height of center of gravity). In transient maneuvers, the critical roll angle is somewhat variable and is determined by the additional factor of steering angle. In both cases, the roll angle behaves as a second order system to the input of lateral acceleration.
Existing rollover protection systems employ some form of a predictive means in an attempt to predict rollover and therefore prevent the same through corrective action such as vehicle braking, engine throttling or steering intervention. For example, some systems will directly monitor the roll rate or the roll acceleration in an effort to predict rollover. However, these systems do not take into account the primary cause of vehicle rollover, i.e. lateral acceleration. Other systems monitor the lateral acceleration in an effort to predict rollover. For example, some systems will monitor the change rate of the lateral acceleration as a predictor of vehicle rollover. Unfortunately, the change rate of lateral acceleration is not the best predictor of rollover and may only provide small period of time to take corrective action.
Accordingly, there exists a need to provide an active rollover protection system that prevents vehicle rollover utilizing a predictor that is both accurate and provides greater time to take corrective action to reduce the risk of vehicle rollover.

Active rollover protection utilizing steering angle rate map


A magnetoresistive sensor having a novel laminated hard bias structure that possesses exceptional magnetic performance characteristics when deposited over a crystalline structure such as in a partial mill sensor design in which a portion of a sensor stack extends beyond the active area of the sensor. The hard bias structure may include a seed layer comprising a layer of Si sandwiched between layers of CrMo. The hard bias structure, which can be formed over the seed layer structure, includes layers of CoPt separated a layer of CrMo.

The heart of a computer's long term memory is an assembly that is referred to as a magnetic disk drive. The magnetic disk drive includes a rotating magnetic disk, write and read heads that are suspended by a suspension arm adjacent to a surface of the rotating magnetic disk and an actuator that swings the suspension arm to place the read and write heads over selected circular tracks on the rotating disk. The read and write heads are directly located on a slider that has an air bearing surface (ABS). The suspension arm biases the slider toward the surface of the disk and when the disk rotates, air adjacent to the surface of the disk moves along with the disk. The slider flies on this moving air at a very low elevation (fly height) over the surface of the disk. This fly height is on the order of nanometers. When the slider rides on the air bearing, the write and read heads are employed for writing magnetic transitions to and reading magnetic transitions from the rotating disk. The read and write heads are connected to processing circuitry that operates according to a computer program to implement the writing and reading functions.
The write head includes a coil layer embedded in first, second and third insulation layers (insulation stack), the insulation stack being sandwiched between first and second pole piece layers. A gap is formed between the first and second pole piece layers by a gap layer at an air bearing surface (ABS) of the write head and the pole piece layers are connected at a back gap. Current conducted to the coil layer induces a magnetic flux in the pole pieces which causes a magnetic field to fringe out at a write gap at the ABS for the purpose of writing the aforementioned magnetic impressions in tracks on the moving media, such as in circular tracks on the aforementioned rotating disk.
In recent read head designs a spin valve sensor, also referred to as a giant magnetoresistive (GMR) sensor, has been employed for sensing magnetic fields from the rotating magnetic disk. This sensor includes a nonmagnetic conductive layer, hereinafter referred to as a spacer layer, sandwiched between first and second ferromagnetic layers, hereinafter referred to as a pinned layer and a free layer. First and second leads are connected to the spin valve sensor for conducting a sense current therethrough. The magnetization of the pinned layer is pinned perpendicular to the air bearing surface (ABS) and the magnetic moment of the free layer is biased parallel to the ABS, but is free to rotate in response to external magnetic fields. The magnetization of the pinned layer is typically pinned by exchange coupling with an antiferromagnetic layer.
The thickness of the spacer layer is chosen to be less than the mean free path of conduction electrons through the sensor. With this arrangement, a portion of the conduction electrons is scattered by the interfaces of the spacer layer with each of the pinned and free layers. When the magnetizations of the pinned and free layers are parallel with respect to one another, scattering is minimal and when the magnetizations of the pinned and free layer are antiparallel, scattering is maximized. Changes in scattering alter the resistance of the spin valve sensor in proportion to cos θ, where θ is the angle between the magnetizations of the pinned and free layers. In a read mode the resistance of the spin valve sensor changes proportionally to the magnitudes of the magnetic fields from the rotating disk. When a sense current is conducted through the spin valve sensor, resistance changes cause potential changes that are detected and processed as playback signals.
When a spin valve sensor employs a single pinned layer it is referred to as a simple spin valve. When a spin valve employs an antiparallel (AP) pinned layer it is referred to as an AP pinned spin valve. An AP spin valve includes first and second magnetic layers separated by a thin non-magnetic coupling layer such as Ru. The thickness of the spacer layer is chosen so as to antiparallel couple the magnetic moments of the ferromagnetic layers of the pinned layer. A spin valve is also known as a top or bottom spin valve depending upon whether the pinning layer is at the top (formed after the free layer) or at the bottom (before the free layer).
Magnetization of the pinned layer is usually fixed by exchange coupling one of the ferromagnetic layers (API) with a layer of antiferromagnetic material such as PtMn. While an antiferromagnetic (AFM) material such as PtMn does not in and of itself have a magnetic moment, when exchange coupled with a magnetic material, it can strongly pin the magnetization of the ferromagnetic layer.
The spin valve sensor is located between first and second nonmagnetic electrically insulating read gap layers and the first and second read gap layers are located between ferromagnetic first and second shield layers. In a merged magnetic head a single ferromagnetic layer functions as the second shield layer of the read head and as the first pole piece layer of the write head. In a piggyback head the second shield layer and the first pole piece layer are separate layers.
As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the distance between the shields (gap thickness) determines the bit length for the read sensor. With the ever increasing pressure to increase data capacity and data rate, engineers are constantly under pressure to decrease the bit length (and therefore gap thickness) of read sensors. One way to decrease this gap thickness is by a partial mill process. Sensors have traditionally been constructed by depositing sensor layers as full film layers onto the first gap layer. A photoresist mask is then formed over the area that is to be the sensor and a material removal process such as ion milling is performed to remove material from the areas not covered by the mask. This material removal process has traditionally been performed down into the first gap layer, removing a portion of the first gap material at either side of the sensor.
Since this material removal process removes a portion of the first gap layer, it has been necessary to deposit a thick first gap layer in order prevent electrical shorts through the gap to the first shield. Such a short would be a catastrophic event that would render the sensor unusable. In these prior art heads, hard bias layers, constructed of a hard magnetic material such as CoPtCr have then been deposited over this etched out portion of the first gap layer at either side of the sensor to provide magnetic biasing to bias the magnetic moment of the free layer in the desired direction parallel with the ABS.
As discussed above, the removal of a portion of the first gap during formation of the sensor requires a larger overall gap thickness to prevent shorting. One way to overcome this is to use a partial mill process in which the material removal process (ie. ion milling) used to construct the sensor is terminated before all of the sensor material has been removed, such as when the material removal process has reached a point around the AFM layer (usually PtMn) near the bottom of the sensor. By stopping the milling process within the sensor layers, such as at the AFM layer no gap material is removed. This allows a much thinner gap to be deposited. The bias layers are then deposited on top of the remaining sensor layer rather than on the gap layer.
A problem that arises from such partial milling is that the bias layer properties are different when deposited over the AFM layer or other sensor layer than they are when deposited over the gap layer. The gap layer, usually Al2O3 is amorphous. It therefore has no crystalline structure to impart to the seed layer or to the hard bias material when the material is deposited onto the gap. Therefore, a hard bias structure deposited over the amorphous gap layer can exhibit a desired epitaxial growth that provides desired high retentive moment and high coercivity needed for free layer biasing.
However, the AFM layer, such as for example PtMn, as well as other sensor layers are not amorphous and exhibit their own grain structures. When the hard bias layers are deposited over the AFM layer, the grain structure of the underlying AFM layer carries through to the seed layer and hard bias layers. This grain structure being undesirable for optimal hard bias properties results in degraded biasing properties. This leads to free layer instability and associated signal noise. For example, depositing a CoPtCr hard magnetic material with a Cr seed layer over a PtMn substrate results in a CoPtCr hard bias layer with a coercivity of only around 600 Oe. This is much lower than the roughly 1400 Oe coercivity obtained when the same hard bias layer and seed are deposited on a glass (amorphous) substrate.
Yet another challenge to free layer biasing comes from the ever increasing demand for smaller track widths. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, a smaller track width means that more tracks of data can be fit onto a given disk. In order to achieve smaller track widths, sensors must be made ever narrower, and the spice heigh must be made accordingly smaller as well. This means that the free layer in a higher areal density device is stabilized by a smaller number of grains at the junction of the free layer and hard bias layer. One way to achieve improved free layer biasing and uniformity is to decrease the magnetic grain size of the material making up the hard bias layers, and therefore increase the number magnetic hard bias grains that are at the junction of the free layer. Decreasing the grain size decreases the chance that a given grain located near the free layer and having an improper magnetic orientation would have a sufficiently large effect on the free layer to degrade the free layer biasing. However, as discussed above, such a small magnetic grain structure must be able to be deposited on a crystalline structure in order to be used in a partial mill sensor design.
Therefore there is a strong felt need for a hard bias structure that can provide strong and uniform free layer biasing when deposited over a crystalline structure such as in a partial mill sensor design. Such a hard bias layer would preferably provide the effect of smaller grains structures in order to provide uniform, reliable biasing across the entire free layer.

Magnetoresistive sensor having a laminated hard magnet structure for free layer biasing

Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Netherlands B.V.


A system and method for nonlinear signal enhancement is provided. The method comprises: performing a linear transformation on a measured signal comprising a source component and a noise component; determining a modulus of the linear transformed signal; estimating a noise-free part of the linear transformed signal; and reconstructing the source component of the measured signal using the noise-free part of the linear transformed signal.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to signal enhancement, and more particularly, to a system and method for nonlinear signal enhancement that does not use a noisy phase of a signal.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
Current signal enhancement techniques are directed to suppressing noise and improving the perceptual quality of a signal of interest. For example, by using signal enhancement algorithms, signal enhancement techniques can remove unwanted noise and interference found in speech and other audio signals while minimizing degradation to the signal of interest. Similarly, image enhancement techniques aim to improve the quality of a picture for viewing. In both cases, however, there is room for improvement due to the random nature of noise and the inherent complexities involved in speech and signal recognition.
Current signal enhancement techniques follow the approach shown, for example, in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 1, a linear transformation such as a Fourier transform is applied to a noisy signal giving a representation of the signal in the transformed domain (110). The modulus or absolute value of the transformed signal is then determined (120) and a statistical estimate of a noise free part of the signal is computed (130). As the statistical estimate is being computed, the phase of the transformed signal is found (140). The product of the statistical estimate and the phase of the transformed signal is then determined (150) and an inverse linear transform is applied to the product to invert the product back into its original domain (160), thus resulting in a cleaned version of the signal.
Such algorithms have been shown to yield significant improvements for large classes of signals. However, recent psychoacoustic studies have shown that signal quality is very dependent on phase estimation. For example, if one takes a speech signal, performs a Linear Predictive Coding analysis and uses random white noise for excitation, the reconstructed signal in the time domain sounds very machine-made. Yet, if one uses custom excitation signals, the signal quality improves dramatically; however, this technique requires an estimate of the signal phase.
In order to enhance signal quality, information loss that results when taking the modulus of a signal has been considered. For example, in optics-based applications, a discrete signal may be reconstructed from the modulus of its Fourier transform under constraints in both the original and Fourier domain. For finite signals, the approach uses the Fourier transform with redundancy, and all signals having the same modulus of the Fourier transform satisfy a polynomial factorization. Thus, in one dimension, this factorization has an exponential number of possible solutions and in higher dimensions, the factorization is shown to have a unique solution.
Accordingly, there is a need for a technique of accurately reconstructing a signal without using its noisy phase or estimation and that takes into account information loss of the modulus of the signal.

System and method for nonlinear signal enhancement that bypasses a noisy phase of a signal


A method and corresponding set-up system arrangement are provided for actuating execution units. A communication node is further provided which is suitable for use in the method or in the system arrangement. Also provided is a computer program comprising control commands which implement the proposed method or operate the proposed system arrangement.

DE 10 2014 003 066 A1 discloses bus subscribers in a bus network and teaches dynamic addressing therefor.
DE 10 2018 007 141 A1 discloses a system arrangement for error-tolerant, electromagnetically acceptable actuation of a plurality of execution units.
DE 10 2016 125 290 A1 disclose a chained two-wire bus consisting of two single-wire data buses.
WO 2017/162 323 A1 discloses an efficient control arrangement and a control method in which sequentially arranged execution units are actuated by means of a command unit.
WO 2018/103 880 A1 discloses a compact LED arrangement, which can be used generically but, as a result of the compact construction, is advantageous in particular for use in a vehicle.
In conventional methods, a plurality of options are known for addressing control units connected in series. Generic approaches exist, which may be disadvantageous in specific application scenarios, as well as highly specialised approaches, which are no longer usable generically. For example, the CAN bus is known, which was developed in relation to cable harnesses and is intended to implement networking of control devices in particular.
In general, the complexity of the CAN protocol is much greater than for ISELED (registered trade mark) and thus more expensive. However, the greatest drawback of CAN and LIN is that because of the bus architecture they do not offer a natural (automatic) addressing option. In these cases, the address has to be configured. For ISELED (execution units), and also for segmented ISELED (line driver unit and execution units), there is a physically predetermined string, resulting in the option of assigning addresses automatically.
From the prior art, various execution units are known, which typically operate as a slave or a client and thus receive commands from a superordinate instance, typically referred to as a master. The execution units subsequently implement these commands. For this purpose, the prior art discloses various architectures or topologies in which corresponding execution units along with the control units thereof are to be arranged.
However, in this context the prior art has the problem that different requirements are set depending on the application scenario, and thus overall it has to be weighed up whether an energy-efficient method having high error susceptibility is to be provided, or a method which takes up more energy but is more error-proof as a result. Moreover, the dimensions of the provided place of use of an architecture of this type are to be taken into account. Some arrangements are not suitable for large-area use, and can therefore only be implemented on individual circuit boards. By contrast, other architectures can be installed over a large area over several metres, and thus have to meet completely different requirements from system arrangements on individual circuit boards.
In individual application scenarios there are very specific requirements, which cannot be satisfied using generic network architectures. As a result, it is necessary to propose special protocols, network architectures and methods which precisely meet the needs of the application scenario. One special field of application is the automotive field, where work is cost-efficient, in other words involves low technical outlay, and moreover reliable network architectures are required. The reason why the reliability of the network architectures is so important is that automobiles are subject to longer maintenance intervals, and as a result the customer would not tolerate a failure of this type. Moreover, safety-critical functions are often being provided, making failure safety essential.
Thus, among other things, in the prior art it is disadvantageous that network components may be provided which do not address the application scenario because individual components are too large-scale and potentially implement logic which is potentially not used. Moreover, there is a need for network architectures or components which are particularly efficient and which can also be produced with low technical outlay.
Failure safety is provided in that, among other things, individual components can be segmented in such a way that if an individual segment fails no further segments are affected. Overall, the components should be equipped as simply as possible so as to be able to work energy-efficiently and additionally to be able to function in an error-proof manner. Overall, as little energy as possible should be taken up, since not only does this have costs in terms of the energy itself, but there is also a risk of emitted radiation, and moreover development of heat is disadvantageous.
A further problem in the prior art is that often a particular network architecture prevents efficient implementation of a protocol. Thus, from the prior art, segmentations of network topology are known in which protocols of this type are optimised for series arrangements. Translating protocols which are optimised for series arrangements is typically complex and susceptible to error. It is thus advantageous to provide a method or a system arrangement which makes error-proof segmentation possible and additionally provides an efficient protocol, in such a way that the network architecture can work in an efficient, error-proof manner. Overall, it is always required for network protocols and network architectures to work compatibly with existing components.
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to propose an improved method for actuating execution units which runs efficiently and in particular combines the advantages of both a series chain of execution units and a segmentation of execution units. Moreover, an object of the present invention is to propose a correspondingly set-up system arrangement, as well as a communication node which can be used both in the proposed method and in the proposed system arrangement. Moreover, an object of the present invention is to provide a computer program product comprising control commands which implement the proposed method or operate the system arrangement.


According to a first aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for manufacturing an item. The method comprises the steps of creating a build schedule; creating a first portion of the item for manufacture; causing the first portion of the item to pass in close proximity to a first individual; which said individual assembles at least one of the several components on the first portion; notifying a second individual of the existence and location of the first portion of the item proximate to the first individual; causing the first portion of the item to pass in close proximity to the second individual whereby said second individual assembles at least one of the several components onto the first portion of the item. The method further includes applying dataforms or other such markings on individual components to uniquely identify them and, through such markings, tracking the application of those components to the item being manufactured at each manufacture step. Moreover, the information associated with the components as they are tracked through the manufacture process is used to maintain and enhance the efficient operation of the assembly line. These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a reading of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention and by reference to the following drawings.

Items, such as vehicles, are typically manufactured or assembled by the use of a relatively large number and variety of components such as, for example, engines, wheels, wiring harnesses, sun roofs, and hoods. Oftentimes, an "assembly line" is used to manufacture such vehicles or other items. An assembly line is a well known arrangement whereby, for example, various components of a vehicle are operatively placed upon the body or frame of the vehicle at various stations or locations of the assembly line. In this manner, each station or location corresponds to a unique stage of the overall vehicle assembly process and requires the placement of a unique component or the performance of a certain function upon the partially formed vehicle. A single assembly line may be used to produce a wide variety of different models or types of vehicles in order to efficiently utilize the manufacturing machinery and personnel included within and/or cooperatively forming the assembly line.
While the traditional assembly line process does allow efficient use of resources, modem manufacturing has evolved to reveal substantial limitations in this process. For example, many models being built on the same line require a number of unique types of components. The number of different types of vehicles which may be running on a single line is typically proportional to the number of different types of components which must be used during the manufacturing process. As a result, a great variety of components must be coordinated for use on multiple types of vehicles (or products) for a single assembly line. Coordinating the assembly of this wide array of components has led to a substantial decrease in line efficiency.
Further, since vehicles (or other products) are manufactured at a relatively fast pace, the large number of components discussed above must be readily available to the assembly line personnel. Normally, component storage space existing along the assembly line is minimized. Hence, many of these components must be selectively "shuttled" into the assembly area on an "as needed" basis. Such shuttling of parts further enhances the need for coordination of part delivery and use. In particular, it is desirable to have specific components available and delivered to the proper location before these components are actually needed or utilized in order to allow for a continuous manufacturing process and to maximize the number of vehicles (or other products) which are produced.
Moreover, the assembly line process is further complicated by the fact that a build schedule for any one or more of the models may be changed or updated frequently. A "build schedule" identifies the order that different types of vehicles (or products) are to be manufactured by the assembly line and identifies the components which are to be used in each of those types. The build schedule is typically created before assembly process actually begins, thereby allowing a planned or scheduled "shuttle" of components in the assembly area to occur. Frequently, the "build schedule" must be dynamically altered or changed due to difficulties or occurrences, which arise after the build schedule has been created. For example, faulty components may have been identified which prevent a certain type of vehicle to from being built in accordance with the build schedule. Also, changes in types of components or in the delivery schedules of the components may require modification of a build schedule. Whenever the component transport schedule is not modified to reflect these "build schedule changes," or is incorrectly modified, the assembly line process may be delayed causing substantial inefficiencies.
Accordingly, there is therefore a need for a new and improved method for manufacturing and/or assembling an item, such as a vehicle, which overcomes some or all of the previously delineated drawbacks of prior methods.


The present disclosure is directed to a method of removing pesticides from water. An electrolysis cell oxidizes pesticides and/or other organic components, optionally in conjunction with one or more filtration steps. Hydrogen peroxide may be added to the electrolysis process to aid oxidation.

Pollutants may spread through both natural and man-made water systems. While large detritus may be relatively easy to filter, removing pollutants on the microscale and nanoscale presents a difficult challenge. In particular, even after the successful removal of waste solids, in some applications, pesticide concentrations remain high.
For example, greenhouses, flower bulb farming, and other agricultural industries may produce wastewater with high concentrations of pesticides. High concentrations of pesticides distinguish such agricultural wastewater from other sources, such as domestic wastewater, which may contain hormones or antibiotics.
In a particular example, wastewater from bulb farming contains large amounts of pesticides in high concentration in the Netherlands, where bulb farming is a large industry, the Statistics Netherlands (CBS) reports that approximately 45 kg of pesticides are used per hectare of bulb farm, whereas arable crop farms only apply approximately 5 kg of pesticides per hectare. On these bulb farms, high amounts of pesticides may be transported by water (e.g. rain or artificial irrigation) away from the farms into other environments through drainage conduits.
In view of the above, a need exists for a targeted treatment method which effectively removes pesticides from wastewater with reduced cost and effort.

Method of removing pesticides from wastewater


The refillable polyester bottle of the invention has a mean crystallinity of 32 to 70% at the bottle body, a methanol adsorption of 1,500 ppm or less at the same portion and a paraxylene adsorption of 300 ppm or less at the same portion. Therefore, the bottle is excellent in non-adsorptivity and heat resistance. According to the method of removing adsorbates on a polyester bottle of the invention, the adsorbates can be rapidly desorbed by holding the bottle in air of 40 to 150.degree. C. or bringing the bottle into contact with water or water vapor heated at 40 to 150.degree. C.

Various plastics, e.g., polyethylene terephthalate, have been conventionally used as materials for bottles of juices, natural water, tea and other drinks. The plastic bottles are usually disposable, but they have been recently required to be recovered and recycled after use from the viewpoints of saving energy and saving natural resources.
For recycling the plastic bottles, the bottles are washed and sterilized to remove organic or inorganic substances attached thereto and adsorbates such as substances having a taste or a scent adsorbed thereon, and then filled with contents. Even if the attached substances are completely removed by the washing, however, it is difficult to completely remove the adsorbates from the bottles. Therefore, after filling of the contents, the adsorbates are transferred to the contents thereby, to cause deterioration of the taste or the scent of the contents.
In order to recycle the bottles, accordingly, it is necessary that the bottles have small adsorption of the substances having a taste or a scent, i.e, excellent non-adsorptivity, and have high heat resistance capable of withstanding filling of high-temperature liquids which have been subjected to heat sterilization after washing. Further, also necessary is that the attached substances or the adsorbates are completely removed from the bottles.
The present inventors have earnestly studied to solve such problems associated with the prior art technique as mentioned above, and as a result, they have found that a bottle made of a specific polyester and having a high mean crystallinity at the bottle body is excellent in non-adsorptivity and heat resistance. They have also found that if the bottle having a high mean crystallinity at the bottle body is held in air or brought into contact with water or water vapor of a specific temperature, the adsorbates on the bottle can be rapidly desorbed. Based on these findings, the present invention has been accomplished.

Polyester bottle and method of removing adsorbates on the bottle


A method and apparatus for associating parking areas with destinations may include a vehicle identifying transportation network information including a primary destination and parking area information representing a plurality of parking areas, such that the parking area information includes automatically generated parking area association information describing an association between at least one parking area and the primary destination. The vehicle may determine a target parking area from the plurality of parking areas for the primary destination based on the transportation network information, and identify a route from an origin to the target parking area in the vehicle transportation network using the transportation network information. The vehicle may include a trajectory controller configured to operate the vehicle to travel from the origin to the target parking area using the route.

A vehicle may include a control system that may generate and maintain the route of travel and may control the vehicle to traverse the route of travel. An autonomous vehicle may be controlled autonomously, without direct human intervention, to traverse a route of travel from an origin to a destination. Accordingly, a method and apparatus for associating parking areas with destinations may be advantageous.

Associating parking areas with destinations


The present invention provides a novel leech HAase and a method of producing low-molecular-weight HA oligosaccharides using the leech HAase. This invention successfully cloned the first leech HAase gene and provides a method for high-level expression of the leech HAase gene. By controlling the incubation condition, different HA oligosaccharides, particularly HA4, HA6, HA8 and HA10, can be selectively generated using the leech HAase. The large-scale expression of the leech HAase and the enzymatic production of specific HA oligosaccharides are not only useful for the cosmetic, healthcare and the medical industries but also can be a great help to polysaccharides chemical synthesis and cancer research.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the field of enzymatic engineering, and more particularly relates to a novel leech hyaluronidase.
2. Description of the Related Art
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a linear and unbranched high-molecular-weight polysaccharide composed of repeating disaccharide D-glucuronic acid (GluUA) and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (GlcNAc) units linked through β-1,4 bonds. High-molecular-weight HA is widely distributed among various host tissues and participates in numerous physiological processes. The biological functions and applications of HA depend on its molecular mass. In particular, low-molecular-weight HA oligosaccharides have unique biological activities. Smaller HA oligosaccharides can stimulate fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis and selectively kill many types of cancer cells via disruption of the receptor-hyaluronan interaction. In addition, low-molecular-weight HA oligosaccharides are easily absorbed by the body and serve as precursors for the synthesis of both higher-molecular-weight HA molecules and other substances. Thus, a specific narrow spectrum of HA oligosaccharides could have broad applications in medicine, food and cosmetics. Low-molecular-weight HA is mainly produced by the degradation of high-molecular-weight HA by physical and chemical methods. However, the products of these methods have a broad range of molecular weight, making it difficult to obtain HA oligosaccharides with specific molecular weight. Many chemical approaches are time-consuming. Rare carbohydrate oligosaccharide backbones and expensive substrate also limited the large scale application of those chemical methods. In contrast, the enzymatic production of HA oligosaccharides with a well-characterized HAase is promising and attractive because of its unique advantages, such as mild operation conditions and high product specificity.
Hyaluronidases (HAases) which can degrade HA are found to be involved in many important biological processes, such as cell division, cell connection, activity of germ cell, DNA transfection, embryonic development, tissue repair and cell proliferation. HAases are a large family of glycosidase that are widely distributed in eukaryotes and procakyotes. According to substrate specificities and hydrolysis products, HAases are divided into three classes: hyaluronate 4-glycanohydrolases (EC 22.214.171.124, Bovine testicular hyaluronidase, BTH), hyaluronate lyases (EC 18.104.22.168, Streptococcus hyaluronate lyase) and hyalutonate 3-glycanohydrolases (EC 220.127.116.11, Leech HAases).
Hyaluroniases from leech is a representative enzyme of the third class of hyaluroniases. Leech HAase has higher substrate specificity and a narrow-spectrum. It degrades high-molecular-weight HA to HA tetrasaccharides (HA4) by catalyzing the hydrolysis of β-1,3-glucosidic bond. Because of its high substrate specificity, leech HAase can not degrade chondroitin or chondroitin sulfate. In addition, activity of leech HAase is unaffected by heparin. Therefore, leech HAases have great potential in clinical applications.
Currently, leech HAase is mainly obtained by extracting from living leech tissue. The limited source and tedious extraction process have impeded the application of leech HAase in medical application and scientific research.
There is a need for providing an easy source of leech HAases and an effective method of producing low-molecular-weight HA using the HAases. The present invention sacrifices this need and provides other benefits as well.


A method and device for automatic meeting detection and analysis. A mobile electronic device includes multiple sensors configured to selectively capture sensor data. A classifier is configured to analyze the sensor data to detect a meeting zone for a meeting with multiple participants. A processor device is configured to control the multiple sensors and the classifier to trigger sensor data capture.

Meetings are the most common group activity in organizations. Meetings provide an important point of information exchange, and the social dynamics of meetings often steer the entire organization. The primary means of organizing and managing meetings are calendaring tools or applications. Calendaring tools capture several meeting details (e.g., organizer, participants, location, and agenda) and provide reminders for attendees as the scheduled time approaches. Many meetings, however, do not start or finish at the scheduled time. As such, while calendaring tools are useful for meeting organization, they do not effectively capture how meetings occur in practice.

Automatic detection and analytics using sensors


Provided is a method of preparing aripiprazole anhydrous Form II from aripiprazole.

Schizophrenia is the most common type of psychosis caused by excessive neurotransmission activity of the dopaminergic nervous system in the central nervous system. A number of drugs which block the neurotransmission of dopaminergic receptor in the central nervous system have been developed for use in treating schizophrenia. Among the drugs developed are phenothiazine-type compounds such as chlorpromazine, butyrophenone-type compounds such as haloperidol, and benzamide-type compounds such as sulpiride. These drugs improve so-called positive symptoms in the acute period of schizophrenia such as hallucinations, delusions, and excitations. Many drugs for treating schizophrenia, however, are not effective for improving the so-called negative symptoms which are observed in the chronic period of schizophrenia such as apathy, emotional depression, and hypopsychosis. The drugs currently used produce undesirable side effects such as akathisia, dystonia, Parkinsonism dyskinesia, and late dyskinesia, by blocking the neurotransmission of dopaminergic receptor in the striate body. Drugs that improve both the negative and positive symptoms of schizophrenia but diminish the undesirable side effect of schizophrenia are particularly desirable.
Aripiprazole is a pyschotropic drug that exhibits high affinity for dopamine D2 and D3, serotonin 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors; moderate affinity for dopamine D4, serotonin 5-HT2C and 5-HT7, α1-adrenergic and histamine H1 receptors; and moderate affinity for the serotonin reuptake site. Aripiprazole has no appreciable affinity for cholinergic muscarinic receptors. The mechanism of action of aripiprazole, as with other drugs having efficacy in schizophrenia, is unknown. It has been proposed, however, that the efficacy of aripiprazole is mediated through a combination of partial agonist activity at D2 and 5-HT1A receptors and antagonist activity at 5-HT2A receptors.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,006,528 and Japanese Patent Kokai No. 02-191256 disclose that anhydride crystals of aripiprazole are typically manufactured by recrystallization of anhydride aripiprazole from ethanol or by heating aripiprazole hydrate at a temperature of 80° C.
The Proceedings of the 4th Japanese-Korean Symposium on Separation Technology (Oct. 6-8, 1996) disclosed that aripiprazole anhydride crystals may exist as Type-I and Type-II crystals. According to this reference, Type-I aripiprazole crystals can be prepared by recrystallizing aripiprazole from an ethanol solution or by heating aripiprazole hydrate at 80° C. Type-II aripiprazole crystals can be prepared by heating the Type-I crystals at 130° C. to 140° C. for 15 hours. This process is not easily applied to an industrial scale preparation of anhydride aripiprazole.
PCT publication WO 03/26659 discloses the preparation of anhydrous aripiprazole Type I and crystalline Forms A, B, C, D, E, F. and G. The powder x-ray diffraction spectrum for aripiprazole Form C has characteristic peaks at 12.6°, 13.7°, 15.4°, 18.1°, 19.0°, 20.6°, 23.5°, and 26.4° 2-theta. Typically, the process for preparing the crystalline forms comprises heating crystalline anhydrous aripiprazole. The process, however, is cumbersome because it requires crystalline anhydrous aripiprazole as the starting material. The process can include drying or heating the aripiprazole which may affect the distribution of crystalline forms and/or crystalline purity, if drying causes crystalline transformation from one crystalline form to another.
The methods of the invention provide procedures that consistently and reproducibly yield Form II consistently to increase the arsenal of crystalline forms available to the skilled artisan in preparing pharmaceutical formulations.

Methods of preparing anhydrous aripiprazole form II


A tongue assembly (2) for a seat belt (1) has a plate (20) provided with a sharp-pointed projection (23) on one side thereof, and a tongue portion (22); and a cover (3) of a synthetic resin covering the plate (20). The cover (3) has a front part (31), a back part (32), a projection covering part (34), and a base end part (33) fastened to the plate (20) along the other side opposite the side on which the sharp-pointed projection (23) is formed. The front part (31) and the back part (32) are connected to the base end part (33) by thinned hinge portions (35). In an emergency, the projection covering part (34) of the cover (3) is opened, the front part (31) and the back part (32) of the cover (3) are turned on the hinge portions (35) and are folded back so that the sharp-pointed projection (23) is exposed, and the front part (31) and the back part (32) extend behind the side of the plate (20) opposite the side provided with the sharp-pointed projection (23) and overlap each other to form a grip (5). The passenger grips the grip (5) and strikes a window glass with the sharp-pointed projection (23) to break the glass for emergency escape.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a buckle assembly of a seat belt on a vehicle and particularly to a tongue assembly to be inserted in a latch (receptacle) fixedly connected to the vehicle.
2. Description of the Related Art
Emergency hammers are sold on the market to provide for emergencies in which the passenger of a vehicle must break the window glass or the windshield of the vehicle to escape therefrom. However, it is very difficult to use such an emergency hammer when the vehicle falls accidentally into the water.
An emergency hammer disclosed in JP-7-251383A has a hammer head attached to a grip and having a sharp-pointed end. By the emergency hammer, the passenger can easily break the window glass with the sharp-pointed end of the hammer head to escape through the window.
JP-8-229849A discloses a tape-fastened emergency hammer in a container attached to a carpet near a position where the driver's foot rests.
In the above mentioned prior art, problems arise in finding the emergency tool. An emergency in which the passenger of a vehicle must break a window glass to escape from the vehicle occurs very rarely to the passenger. Therefore, in an emergency occasion, the passenger in a panic takes an excessively long time to find the emergency tool because he may forget the place where the emergency tool is kept. Thus, there is a large possibility of death of the passenger in the car.

Tongue assembly for automobile seat belt


Scalable storage cluster mirroring is disclosed. A compute instance comprising a processor device determines that storage segments have been modified on a first storage node of a plurality of storage nodes in a first cluster of storage nodes at a first data modification rate. In response to determining that the storage segments have been modified on the first storage node at the first data modification rate, a first mirror process that is configured to copy storage segments from an identified storage node to a mirrored cluster of storage nodes is initiated, and a storage node identifier that identifies the first storage node is communicated to the first mirror process.

A storage cluster is made up of a number of storage nodes on which data is stored. A storage node is an electronic device that may unexpectedly fail, or lose power. In the event of a power failure, to ensure that services that rely on the data are not disrupted for a long period of time, it may be desirable to mirror (i.e., copy) the data in one storage cluster to another storage cluster, often substantially in real-time, so that each storage cluster contains an identical copy of the data. Mirroring data from one cluster to another may also be utilized for purposes of data migration.


A single cell unit of a solid oxide fuel cell that is individually fabricated and sintered prior to being connected to adjacent cells to form a solid oxide fuel cell. The single cell unit is comprised of a shaped anode sheet positioned between a flat anode sheet and an anode-electrolyte-cathode (A/E/C) sheet, and a shaped cathode sheet positioned between the A/E/C sheet and a cathode-interconnect-anode (C/I/A) sheet. An alternate embodiment comprises a shaped cathode sheet positioned between an A/E/C sheet and a C/I/A sheet. The shaped sheets form channels for conducting reactant gases. Each single cell unit is individually sintered to form a finished sub-assembly. The finished sub-assemblies are connected in electrical series by interposing connective material between the end surfaces of adjacent cells, whereby individual cells may be inspected for defects and interchanged with non-defective single cell units.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a single cell unit design for a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), and more particularly, to a SOFC comprised of a plurality of pre-sintered single cell units which are connected in electrical series, whereby a single cell unit may be individually examined for defects and replaced without permanently impairing the performance of the SOFC stack.
SOFCs have been the subject of considerable study. Representative of this technology are U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,476,198 to Ackerman, et al.; 4,510,212 to Fraioli; 4,761,349 to McPheeters, et al.; 4,857,420 to Maricle et al.; and 5,330,859 to McPheeters, et al.; wherein each relate to certain aspects of SOFCs.
2. Background of the Invention
Fuel cells are electrochemical systems which generate electrical current by chemically reacting a fuel gas and an oxidant gas on the surface of electrodes. Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), which are fuel cells having electrolyte material in a solid form, are generally comprised of a stack of individual cells which are connected in electrical series to generate a useful voltage. In a conventional SOFC design, four materials are used to fabricate each single cell unit: anode, cathode, electrolyte, and interconnect material. Within each cell, the solid electrolyte material separates the anode and cathode materials, which comprise the electrodes. The interconnect material electronically connects the anode of one cell with the cathode of an adjacent cell.
Several configurations for SOFCs have been developed, including the tubular, flat plate, and monolithic designs. In a tubular design, each single cell unit includes electrode and electrolyte layers applied to the periphery of a porous support tube. While the inner cathode layer completely surrounds the support tube, the solid electrolyte and outer anode structures are discontinuous to provide a space for the electrical interconnection of the cell to the outer surface of parallel cells. Fuel gas is directed over the exterior of the tubular cells, and oxidant gas is directed through the interior of the tubular cells.
The flat plate design incorporates the use of electrolyte sheets which are coated on opposite sides with layers of anode and cathode material. Ribbed distributors may also be provided on the opposite sides of the coated electrolyte sheet to form flow channels for the reactant gases. A conventional cross flow pattern is constructed when the flow channels on the anode side of the electrolyte are perpendicular to those on the cathode side. Cross flow patterns, as opposed to co-flow patterns where the flow channels for the fuel gas and oxidant gas are parallel, allow for simpler, conventional manifolding systems to be incorporated into the fuel cell structure. The manifolding system delivers the reactant gases to the fuel cell. The coated electrolyte sheets and distributors of the flat plate design are tightly stacked between current conducting bipolar plates. In an alternate flat plate design, uncoated electrolyte sheets are stacked between porous plates of anode, cathode, and interconnecting material, with gas delivery tubes extending through the structure.
The monolithic solid oxide fuel cell (MSOFC) design is characterized by a honeycomb structure. The MSOFC is constructed by tape casting or calendar rolling the sheet components of the cell, which include thin composites of anode-electrolyte-cathode (A/E/C) material and anode-interconnect-cathode (A/I/C) material. The sheet components are corrugated to form co-flow channels, wherein the fluid gas flows through channels formed by the anode layers, and the oxidant gas flows through parallel channels formed by the cathode layers. The monolithic structure, comprising many single cell layers, is assembled in a green or unfired state and co-sintered to fuse the materials into a rigid, dimensionally stable SOFC core.
These conventional designs have been improved upon in the prior art to achieve high power densities. Power density is increased by incorporating smaller single unit cell heights and shorter cell-to-cell electronic conduction paths. SOFC designs have thus incorporated thin components which are fused together to form a continuous, bonded structure. However, the large number of small components, layers, and interconnections, in addition to complex fabrication steps, decreases the reliability of operational fuel cells.
Difficulties associated with constructing prior art designs, especially in monolithic configurations, occur when various layers of materials having differing compositions and thermal expansion characteristics are co-sintered to form the core of the SOFC. Assembling component parts in a green or unfired state and co-sintering the assembly to fuse the components into a continuous, bonded structure restricts which materials may be selected for use and the thicknesses of the selected materials. Furthermore, considerable thermal stresses arise due to thermal gradients across the cell structure. Defects, such as cracking, can occur during firing, which negatively effect the performance of the fuel cell. Where adjacent cells are fused or bonded together, a single cell which is defectively formed cannot be interchanged with a non-defective cell, and the performance of the assembled fuel cell stack is impaired.
One solution to the above cited problem of micro-cracks developing in component layers is presented in U.S. Pat. No. 4,857,420 to Maricle, which discloses a method of making a monolithic SOFC from finished sub-assemblies. The sub-assemblies, which include electrode sub-assemblies and separator plate-flow field sub-assemblies, are individually sintered to operating size and density prior to being assembled into a SOFC. After the sintered sub-assemblies are layered to construct the fuel cell core, the assembled fuel cell is fused together by heating the fuel cell to a sub-sintering temperature and subjecting the fuel cell to a compressive load (creep flattening), forming a monolithic structure.
An alternative solution is presented in U.S. Pat. No. 5,273,837 to Aitken which discloses the use of pre-sintered ceramic sheets for the construction of electrolyte layers and/or gas channeling structures. Use of pre-sintered flat or corrugated ceramic sheets for cell components provides flexibility, strength, and high thermal shock resistance, characteristics which are not readily achievable in co-sintered prior art designs.
The difficulty of fabricating a continuous, bonded structure with four different materials is similarly addressed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,330,859 to McPheeters, et al., which provides for a SOFC having anode, cathode, and interconnect material comprised of substantially one material.
A low cost, easily fabricated, reliable SOFC is needed for applications where high power density is not critical, and the interchangeability of defective single cell units is desired.
Therefore, in view of the above, a basic object of the present invention is to provide a reliable, low cost method of fabricating a SOFC for applications where a high power density is not required, and wherein a defect in a single cell unit would not permanently impair the performance of the SOFC stack.
A further object of this invention is to provide a design for a single cell unit of a SOFC that is easy to fabricate and allows for the application of conventional manifolding systems utilizing a cross flow pattern for reactant gases.
Another object of this invention is to provide a single cell unit of a SOFC that is individually sintered prior to being assembled into a SOFC stack.
Yet another object of this invention is to connect pre-sintered single cell units in electrical series to form a SOFC stack, whereby the SOFC is not bonded into a continuous structure.
Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by means of instrumentation and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

Solid oxide fuel cell with multi-unit construction and prismatic design

U.S. The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy


A protection circuit module for rechargeable batteries includes a substrate, electronic components mounted on the obverse surface of the substrate for forming a protection circuit for rechargeable batteries, a housing mounted on the obverse surface of the substrate and including a top wall partially defining an enclosure for accommodating the electronic components, and a resin sealer loaded in the enclosure of the housing for sealing the electronic components. The top wall of the housing includes an opening for loading the resin sealer into the housing.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a protection circuit module for rechargeable batteries and a method of making the same.
2. Description of Related Art
A protection circuit module for rechargeable batteries prevents over-discharge from and overcharge to rechargeable batteries and is connected to the rechargeable batteries inside a battery pack for a mobile phone for example.
FIGS. 6 and 7a–7c show a conventional protection circuit module for rechargeable batteries. As shown in the figures, the protection circuit module, generally indicated by a reference numeral 61, comprises a substrate 62 in the form of a plate, a plurality of electronic components 63 mounted on the obverse surface of the substrate 62, and a resin sealer 64 sealing the electronic components 63. The substrate 62 is provided with a housing 65 enclosing the electronic components 63 and the resin sealer 64, and a conductor plate 66 is attached to each longitudinal end of the substrate 62.
The housing 65 includes a top wall 65a, a pair of lateral walls 65b extending longitudinally of the substrate 62 from the top wall 65a and a pair of end walls 65c extending widthwise of the substrate 62 from the top wall 65a. These walls define an enclosure for enclosing the resin sealer 64 and the electronic components 63. The resin sealer 64 provides waterproof effect to prevent the electronic components 63 from adversely affected by e.g. rain water coming into the battery pack of the mobile phone where the protection circuit module is incorporated. The resin sealer also protects the electronic components 63 from external force or damage.
As shown in FIGS. 7a–7c, the housing 65 has an outer surface provided with terminals 67 each including a contact portion 68a plated with gold, and the substrate 62 has a reverse surface provided with terminals 68 likewise plated with gold. These terminals 67, 68 are electrically connected to the electronic components 63, via a wiring pattern (not shown) formed on the obverse surface of the substrate 62, as well as a mobile phone body (not shown) or an external battery charger (not shown). The inner ends of the conductor plates 66 are electrically connected to the electronic components 63 via the wiring pattern (not shown) within the housing 65, whereas the outer ends projecting out of the substrate 62 are electrically connected to the rechargeable batteries (not shown) accommodated inside the battery pack (not shown).
The fabrication process of the protection circuit module 61 includes steps of mounting the electronic components 63 and the conductor plates 66 onto the substrate 62, applying the resin sealer 64 over the electronic components 63, and mounting the housing 65 onto the substrate 62. Among these three steps, the step of mounting the electronic components 63 and the conductor plates 66 as well as the step of mounting the housing 65 are both performed by reflow soldering, whereby if these two steps are performed at the same time, efficiency and productivity will improve.
However, the step of mounting the housing 65 onto the substrate 62 cannot be performed until the resin sealer 64 is applied over the electronic components 63. Therefore, these three steps must be taken one after another as long as the conventional structure shown in FIGS. 6 and 7a–7c is employed, whereby efficiency is difficult to improve.
Further, the resin sealer 64 is already applied when the housing 65 is bonded to the substrate 62 by reflow soldering, so that a heat-resistant thermosetting resin must be used for the resin sealer 64 to withstand high temperature of reflow soldering. A heat-resistant thermosetting resin, however, tends to contract when hardened, which may cause the substrate 62 to warp. Still further, a short circuit may occur between the electronic components 63 when the housing 65 is mounted to the substrate 62 by reflow soldering, because solder which serves as a bond between the substrate 62 and the electronic components 63 re-melts and expands. Still further, the screen printing method cannot be adopted for applying a solder paste to the substrate 62 after the electronic components 63 is mounted and the resin sealer 64 is applied, so that soldering for mounting the housing 65 must be performed manually, which also results in inefficiency

Resin-packaged protection circuit module for rechargeable batteries and method of making the same


A fault tolerant synchronized virtual memory manager for use in a load sharing environment manages memory allocation, memory mapping, and memory sharing in a first processor, while maintaining synchronization of the memory space of the first processor with the memory space of at least one partner processor. In one embodiment, synchronization is maintained via paging synchronization messages such as a space request message, an allocate memory message, a release memory message, a lock request message, a read header message, a write page message, a sense request message, an allocate read message, an allocate write message, and/or a release pointer message. Paging synchronization facilitates recovery operations without the cost and overhead of prior art fault tolerant systems.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to devices, methods, and systems for improving fault tolerance in computing systems. Specifically, the invention relates to devices, methods, and systems for managing virtual memory in fault tolerant multi-processor systems.
2. Description of the Related Art
Modem computer systems employ an operating system to manage system resources and to provide a foundation for application programs running on a computer system. The operating system provides a base for writing and running application programs, thereby freeing programmers from the details of computer system hardware. In addition, the operating system manages processes, memory, file systems, I/O systems, and the like.
In most operating systems, a process generally refers to a running program having inputs, outputs, state information, and a code image containing program codes. The state information may include the current values of the program counter, the registers, and the variables of an executing program. In many systems, each process consists of one or more threads that may be executed concurrently with each other. Processes and threads are well known in the art.
Running a process generally requires executing a thread that accesses the program codes and state information associated with the process. The program codes and state information are typically referenced by relative locations within a virtual address space associated with the process. Accessing the virtual address space typically involves utilizing memory management operations provided by the operating system and supporting hardware.
In particular, the operating system often includes a virtual memory system that maps virtual addresses associated with a thread from a large virtual address space to an actual physical address within a physical memory such as an array of RAM chips. In order to support virtual addressing, memory systems are often configured with multiple types or classes of memory. Some memory classes may be optimized for performance while other classes may be optimized for high capacity, low cost, removability, non-volatility or the like.
Virtual memory systems have been developed to facilitate sharing of the system memory by storing instructions and data in the several memory classes while giving the appearance that all elements are stored in the system memory. A virtual memory manager typically manages memory allocation, memory sharing, memory mapping and the like. A virtual memory address space is usually organized into memory address segments called pages, the page size often being determined by hardware considerations.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a typical virtual memory system 100. The depicted virtual memory system 100 includes at least one process 110, a plurality of memory pages 114, a memory manager 120, a file system 130, a page table 140, a page map 150, at least one CPU 160, a storage controller 170, one or more storage devices 172 such as disk drives, a storage cache 180, a system memory 190, a CPU memory bus 122, a system data bus 124, and a system memory bus 126. The depicted virtual memory system 100 exemplifies many aspects of currently available virtual memory systems.
The process 110 has a thread (not shown) associated with a virtual address space (not shown), the virtual address space being organized into pages 114. The memory manager 120 allocates at least one page 114 in system memory 190 to the process 110. The memory manager constructs entries in a multiplicity of data structures such as the page table 140 that may contain entries such as a page usage log, a page lock status, a set of page sharing attributes, a page owner list and the like. The memory manager 120 may also construct entries in the page map 150 such as a virtual page address and a corresponding physical address of a page in the system memory 190.
The CPU 160 requests the contents of a virtual memory address by asserting the virtual memory address on the CPU memory bus 122. The memory manager 120 translates the virtual memory address to a physical memory address by mapping the entries in the page map 150. If the page containing the requested memory address is in physical memory, the memory manager 120 asserts the physical memory address on the system memory bus 126 and the corresponding data is asserted by the system memory 190 for use by the CPU 160. If the page containing the requested memory address is not in physical memory, the memory manager 120 typically generates a page fault. Page mapping and page faults are well known in the art.
In the event of a page fault, the memory manager 120 may subsequently request that the file system 130 access a page in the storage device 172 or the storage cache memory 180 that contains the requested memory address and copy the page to the system memory 190. The file system 130 typically issues a command to the storage controller 170 to retrieve the page containing the requested memory address. The storage controller 170 may determine if the page containing the requested memory address is in the storage cache memory 160, and if the page containing the requested memory is present, the storage controller 170 may copy the page to the system memory 190 by means of the system data bus 124.
In the event the page containing the requested memory address is not present in the storage cache memory 180, the storage controller 170 typically issues at least one read command to the storage device 172. The storage device 172 subsequently retrieves a set of memory blocks containing the page, and the storage controller 170 copies the page to the system memory 190. Subsequently, the memory manager 120 updates data structures associated with the newly copied page and asserts the physical memory address on the system memory bus 126. Significant performance degradation occurs whenever a page fault requires that a page be retrieved from the storage device 172.
In modern computer systems, operating systems generally allow multiple threads to execute virtually simultaneously in a virtual address space. For example, multiple threads on multiple CPUs could simultaneously perform page faults. Multiple threads may also execute a system call to map a file from a secondary storage device into the virtual address space. However, when multiple threads are attempting to access the same region in a virtual address space, a problem of contention arises. For example, if two threads are allowed to operate on the same virtual page in a region, the data may not be synchronized or updated properly. To address the contention problem, conventional techniques have used a "lock" to synchronize access by providing exclusive access to a thread such that other threads are not allowed to change the data accessed by the thread. In this manner, the lock ensures mutual exclusion of multiple threads for updates.
Data processing systems are often configured to improve fault tolerance by employing redundant elements. Several architectures are available that provide continuity of service with single point failures Some systems provide fault tolerant storage systems by using two or more storage processor nodes to control an array of redundant disk memories. If one storage processor node fails, another of the storage processor nodes can provide uninterrupted access to data stored on the array of redundant disk memories. Some systems use the multiple redundant storage processor nodes in a multiple parallel execution mode, each of the redundant storage processor nodes mirroring the operations of the other redundant storage processor nodes. Other systems typically use the two or more redundant storage processor nodes in a multiple active mode, wherein the two or more storage processor nodes execute concurrent unrelated threads. The multiple active mode results in better system performance in the case where the operation of the system requires significant disk memory activity.
Systems that use the two or more redundant processor nodes in multiple active (i.e. load sharing) mode may utilize virtual memory management techniques. Transparent fault recovery methods in systems that use processor nodes in multiple active mode generally require that data maps and state information for every active process be recovered. Maintenance of data and state information for all process threads typically requires that the system memory of each active processor node maintain synchronization with all other partner storage processor node memories.
What is needed are devices, methods and systems to maintain synchronization between the system memories of two or more processor nodes executing multiple disjoint threads in a virtual memory environment. The memory managers associated with the processor nodes need to manage memory allocation, memory sharing and memory mapping functions while simultaneously maintaining synchronization between system memories of all partner processing nodes. Such devices, methods and systems would provide the advantage of transparent system recovery in the event of a processor node failure in a system using multiple active processor nodes in a virtual memory environment.

Apparatus method and system for fault tolerant virtual memory management

International Business Machines Corporation


A light-emitting diode package includes a light-emitting structure, a first electrode pad and a second electrode pad connected with the light-emitting structure, an insulating pattern layer in contact with a bottom surface of the light-emitting structure and abutting the first and second electrode pads, a substrate including via-holes in contact with a bottom surface of the insulating pattern layer and exposing a portion of the first electrode pad and a portion of the second electrode pad, a first penetrating electrode and a second penetrating electrode that are disposed in the via-holes and respectively connected with the first and second electrode pads, a fluorescent material layer disposed on the light-emitting structure, a glass disposed on and spaced apart from the light-emitting structure with the fluorescent material layer therebetween.

Generally, in an LED package including a lead frame substrate, a chip is mounted inside the package. However, in the case of such a package, an additional substrate is needed and the size of the package increases, and thus, the cost of materials and manufacture increases due to an additional package process.


The present invention provides an aqueous intermediate coating composition comprising (A) an acrylic emulsion resin having a hydroxy value of 5 to 80 mgKOH/g and an acid value of 1 to 15 mgKOH/g, obtainable by emulsion polymerization of monomer mixture (a) comprising ethyl acrylate, a hydroxy-containing radically polymerizable unsaturated monomer and a carboxy-containing radically polymerizable unsaturated monomer, the ethyl acrylate content of the monomer mixture being 60 wt. % or more; (B) a carboxy-containing resin having a hydroxy value of more than 80 mgKOH/g but not more than 200 mgKOH/g; (C) a curing agent; and (D) a coloring pigment, and having a solids content of 60 wt. % or more. The invention also provides a method for forming a multilayer coating film using said aqueous intermediate coating composition.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an aqueous intermediate coating composition and a method for forming a multilayer-coating film using the same.
2. Description of Related Art
Automotive bodies, especially exterior panel parts thereof, are usually coated with a multilayer coating film formed from an electrodeposition undercoat, an intermediate coat and a topcoat, to impart higher corrosion resistance and to improve appearance.
When a car is running, chipping occurs such that small stones, pebbles, antifreezing agents, small lumps of ice or like objects on the road are kicked up by the tires of the car and hit the exterior panel parts, thereby scratching the multilayer coating film, or even, in some extreme cases, locally damaging and chipping off the film. These phenomena cause problems such as harm to the external appearance, and exposure of the metal substrate which results in rusting and/or corrosion. In order to avoid these problems, an anti-chipping primer is often applied between the undercoat and the intermediate coat, which however is disadvantageous as it increases the number of coating steps. Accordingly, there is a demand for an intermediate coating composition that can form a multilayer coating film with higher chipping resistance without using an anti-chipping primer, thereby saving the number of coating steps.
Further, although organic solvent-based coating compositions are predominant among conventional intermediate coating compositions, an intermediate coating composition with an aqueous nature and a higher solids content is demanded to mitigate adverse effects on health and the environment, to reduce volatile organic compounds (VOC), and to improve coating efficiency.
JP 2004-43524 A discloses an aqueous intermediate coating composition comprising a graft polymer as a resin component, wherein the backbone polymer is a polyester resin and the branched polymer is an acrylic resin.
The viscosity of this intermediate coating composition is low even at a high solids content and thus is advantageous in that it can be applied in a high-solids-content state. However, this coating composition exhibits defects such that because its chipping resistance, a required property for an intermediate coating composition, is insufficient, when it is used without an anti-chipping primer, chipping resistance of the resulting coat is significantly lowered.
JP 2004-298836 A discloses a method for forming a coating film comprising the steps of applying, to a substrate whereon an electrodeposition coating layer has been formed, an aqueous intermediate coating composition comprising, together with a curing agent etc., an acryl resin emulsion having a glass transition temperature of −50 to 20° C., an acid value of 2 to 60 mgKOH/g and a hydroxy value of 10 to 120 mgKOH/g, obtained by emulsion polymerization of an alkyl(meth)acrylate, an acid group-containing ethylenic unsaturated monomer and a hydroxy-containing ethylenic unsaturated monomer; then an aqueous base coating composition; and then a clear coating composition, and simultaneously heat-curing the obtained three-layer coating film.
However, water resistance and like properties of a multilayer coating film obtained by this method are insufficient. Further, when, in this method, the intermediate coating layer is heat-cured before subsequent coating applications, the adhesion between the intermediate coating layer and the base coating layer is lowered, whereby chipping resistance of the multilayer coating film is also reduced.

Aqueous intermediate coating composition and method for forming multilayer coating film


A system includes a processor that, for example, by executing a computer program, performs a method for generating parking space for vehicles, the method including ascertaining whether a need exists for parking space for vehicles within a geographical area that includes a roadway, if the need is determined to exist, ascertaining whether a side area of the roadway is usable as parking space, and, responsive to a positive result of the determination, designate the side area as the parking space, and control a signaling device to signal the availability of the side area for vehicle parking.

The unexamined patent application DE 10 2009 028 024 A1 shows a parking guiding system for the navigation of a vehicle searching for a parking place to an available parking place.
The unexamined patent application DE 10 2015 201 205 A1 shows a valet parking method.
One of the significant challenges of modern towns or large cities is a provision of sufficient parking space. Added to this is a continuing trend of more and more people moving into metropolitan areas, often with their own motor vehicles.
This can bring about a disproportionately long search for an available parking place for a motor vehicle. In general, motor vehicle traffic searching for a parking place produces a significant share of total city traffic.


A manual massager includes a shank having a cavity defined in a first end thereof and two legs extending from a second end thereof. A tapered stub is movably and partially received in the first end of the shank for pressing the points at which a person is supposed to be lethally vulnerable. A ball is rotatably and partially received in a free end of each of the two legs for abutting and rotating on the user's skin. A fin extends from an outer periphery of the shank near the first end of the shank for providing a popular treatment for sunstroke by scraping the user's neck and back.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a manual massager, and more particularly to a manual massager that is multi-functional.
2. Description of Related Art
A conventional manual massager in accordance with the prior art shown in FIG. 7 comprises an L-shaped shank (20) having a first end and a second opposite to each other. An enlarged grip (21) is formed on the first end and an enlarged head (22) is formed on the second end. A socket (24) is defined in the enlarged head (22) for rotatably receiving a ball (24) in the enlarged head (22). The ball (24) partially extends out of the enlarged head (22).
The user holds the grip (21) and press the shank (20) to make the ball (24) abut against the user's skin. The conventional massager is reciprocally moved and the ball (24) is rotated to achieve the purpose of massage.
However, the conventional massager has only one ball (24) for massaging such that the massage area of the conventional massager is small. In addition, the conventional massager has only function that needs to be advantageously altered.
The present invention has arisen to mitigate and/or obviate the disadvantages of the conventional manual massager.


(Problems) To provide a therapeutic agent for infections comprising granulysin as an active ingredient which has little side effect and no cytotoxicity and to which bacteria can hardly acquire resistance, and a treatment method using the same.

In medical care, it goes without saying that a therapeutic agent for infectious diseases is indispensable. At present, a number of therapeutic agents for infections such as antibiotics and synthetic antibacterial agents are provided to be used in medical care.
However, currently, an antibacterial agent which is mainly provided as therapeutic agent for infections has in fact an unavoidable problem; appearance of drug resistant bacteria. That is, a new antibacterial agent leads to produce a new drug resistant bacterium, and such a sarcastic state continues until now.
For example, tuberculosis occupies the first position of a death rate among single infectious diseases, and its increasing tendency becomes a worldwide problem. Further, a drug resistant bacterium having resistance to almost all antibiotics has been confirmed, and this problem has been obvious.
Recently, it has been revealed that granulysin, which is a molecule expressed in Natural Killer cells (NK cell) or Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes (CTL), has direct ability to kill and injure bacteria such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis [Stenger, S. et al., Science 282, 121-125 (1998)].
Granulysin is produced as a precursor of 15K and, thereafter, processed into 9K in a cytotoxic granule. It is known that this 9K granulysin has antibacterial activity (Pena, S. V. et al., J. Immunol, 158, 2680-2688 (1997)).
However, it is necessary to use a perform, which is a molecule derived from the same cytotoxic intragranule, to allow 9K granulysin to show the antibacterial activity. This is because perform perforates a target cell, 9K granulysin enters into the cell therethrough, and 9K granulysin introduced into the target cell kills and injures an infecting bacterium in the cell [Stenger, S. et al., Science 282, 121-125 (1998)].
Accordingly, it is necessary to administer perform simultaneously to use 9K granulysin as a therapeutic agent for infections. However, as described above, perform shows cytotoxicity (Pena, S. V. et al., J. Immunol, 158, 2680-2688 (1997)), and therefore its administration may cause considerable side effects.
In addition, the present inventors produced 9K granulysin transgenic mouse and 15K granulysin transgenic mouse, then intravenously administered 5×105 CFU of H37Rv Mycobacterium tuberculosis through tail vein in each mouse and a wild-type control mouse respectively, and after 4 weeks, measured the numbers of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in lungs of each mouse, and confirmed that the number of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the lung of 15K granulysin transgenic mouse is more reduced than that of 9K granulysin transgenic mouse with a statistically significant difference (p<0.05; Student's t Test). Thus, the present inventors are the first to find that 15K granulysin has significantly stronger killing effect and suppressing effect on Mycobacterium tuberculosis in vivo than 9K granulysin. In addition, the result suggests that 9K Granulysin has very weak suppressing effect on Mycobacterium tuberculosis in vivo.

Therapeutic agent for infections, and treatment method using same

Abstract: (Means for Solving Problems) The present invention provides a therapeutic agent for infections comprising as active ingredient: 15K granulysin, a combination of 15K granulysin and 15K granulysin in vivo expression vector, a combination of 15K granulysin and at least one interleukin selected from IL-6, IL-23 or IL-27, a combination of 15K granulysin in vivo expression vector and at least one interleukin selected from IL-6, IL-23 or IL-27, or a combination of 15K granulysin in vivo expression vector and HSP65DNA and IL-12DNA in vivo expression vector, which enhances killing effects on bacteria and has less side effect, and to which bacteria can hardly acquire resistance, and a treatment method using the same.

National Hospital Organization Kinki-chuo Chest Medical center