An improved structure for pivotal fluid valves is disclosed wherein an elongated pivot arm is pivotally mounted through a flexible, resilient corrosion-resistant diaphragm that serves to support and balance the pivot arm and as a frictionless pivot support. One end of the pivot arm provides modulated restriction on an orifice inside the valve chamber to control the fluid flow. The opposite end of the pivot arm is linked to suitable motive power for actuating the pivot arm.

Pivotal fluid valve assemblies are well-known in the art for a large variety of applications. For example, the prior art shows valve configurations in which an elongated arm, pivotal about a ball-and-socket arrangement, is connected at its distal, interior end to a valve-sealing head located inside the valve chamber. By manipulating the proximal, exterior end of the elongated arm, the arm can be caused to pivot about an intermediate point resulting in the valve-sealing head either engaging or disengaging a valve seat forming an inlet to or outlet from inside the valve chamber. Fluid flows freely through the valve chamber when the valve head is disengaged from the valve seat, but is stopped from flowing when the valve-sealing head engages the seat so as to seal off the orifice.
Representative of the prior art in this field is U.S. Pat. No. 2,313,128 (Densten). The Densten patent shows a fluid control valve for a water faucet in which an elongated arm 7 (see FIGS. 1-4), connected at one end to a spherical valve member 16, pivots about an intermediate semi-spherical pivot 6 that mates with a cupped washer or sealing element 5 made of rubber or similar elastic material. This is essentially a ball-and-socket arrangement which wears causing increasing mechanical tolerances which can ultimately result in the failure of the valve. Accordingly, instead of only two-directional (forward and back) pivoting, the Densten configuration permits essentially 360 degree rotation of arm 7 which, according to Densten, is advantageous because the valve element can "present a number of different surfaces to its seat and thus this valve element will not become gouged out or deformed due to repeated bearing at one point on said valve," (col. 1, lines 12-16).
U.S. Pat. No. 3,785,563 (Maple) shows a shut-off device for a traveling sprinkler system. As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the valve portion of this device comprises an elongated arm 34, connected at one end to a spherical valve member 32, wherein arm 34 pivots about an intermediate spherical pivot 36 seated in an annular retainer member 52 and O-ring seal 54. As in the Densten patent, this is essentially a ball-and-socket arrangement which can wear resulting in increasing mechanical tolerances and ultimately failure of the valve assembly.
U.S. Pat. No. 1,794,703 (Methudy) shows a valve comprising an elongated valve stem 9 extending through a cap 10 and through a "diaphragm or seal 12 of flexible and pliable material such as leather or any other material or substance that will serve as an equivalent . . . " (page 1, lines 59-65). The "diaphragm" in Methudy is cup-shaped with the convex or outside portion of the cup surface projecting inwardly toward the interior of the valve. Stem 9 is not pivotal, but rather can be moved up or down to open or close the valve respectively by the manipulation of handle 23. Furthermore, in Methudy, seal 12 serves only to prevent leakage from the interior of the valve; it does not support stem 9 in any way. Instead, stem 9 is supported on screw 19 which, in turn, is supported on walls 4 and 5 by means of disc member 17.
A valve assembly which includes (1) a diaphragm which acts as a valve seal and (2) a pivot arm extending through the diaphragm is provided in a commercially available product by Burkert Contro-matic of Orange, Calif., as Burkert Type 300. The valve is a two position valve with its pivot arm being movable about a pivot axis above the diaphragm between an opened position wherein an outlet port is connected to a venting port, and a closed position wherein the venting port is closed and the inlet port is connected to the outlet port. The pivot arm is moved between the open and closed positions by an armature solenoid arrangement. The diaphragm is used solely as a seal to insure that material flowing through the valve does not interfere with the solenoid. Separate structure provided above the diaphragm (outside the fluid chamber) including a coil spring (which is used to kept the pressure outlet closed against the medium pressure) is provided to define the pivot axis about which the arm pivots and accordingly is subject to wear and increasing tolerances. Further, the structure does not provide, nor does it seem adequate to provide, accurate control of flow rate between the two open and closed positions. In addition, the construction of the diaphragm, which is shaped to cover the end of the pivot arm, necessitates the use of the elastomeric diaphragms, or costly metal shaped diaphragms due to the unusual shape of the diaphragm, and increases the swept wetted surface area within the valve chamber.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,359,204 (Williams) shows a diaphragm actuated-rod operated valve assembly characterized by a one-piece elastomeric valve-spring-seal member operated by a push rod. U.S. Pat. No. 2,852,041 (Stinson) shows a valve-like device for sampling fluid from a plurality of sources. Somewhat further removed from the pivotal fluid valve art are U.S. Pat. No. 4,995,589 (Adishian et al.) directed to a bellows valve, U.S. Pat. No. 4,832,078 (Szekely et al.) directed to a quick-action valve, and U.S. Pat. No. 2,709,431 (Curtis) directed to a hand-held body massaging device.
Friction between moving parts in these prior art assemblies results in increasing tolerances which may be unacceptable for many applications. Assemblies with longer life cycling are believed possible if the pivot about which a pivot arm moves to control the flow of fluid is frictionless. The frictionless pivot support can be made for applications which include the handling of corrosive or toxic materials without contamination, and with the swept wetted surface area within the chamber being as small as possible.


Embodiments generally relate to providing resources to users in a social network system. In one embodiment, a method includes recognizing one or more faces of one or more people in at least one photo, and recognizing at least one object in the at least one photo. The method also includes creating at least one indication of affinity or association with the at least one object, and associating the at least one indication with at least one resource.

Social network systems typically enable users to share resources such as webpages, photos, announcements, etc. To find particular resources such as a webpage, inside or outside of a social network, a user typically performs a search, which involves the user typing key words into a search field, pressing a button to initiate the search, and then reviewing the search results. The user may then access the webpage by clicking on a link on the search results page. Clicking on the link brings the user to the webpage. The webpage itself may provide the user with additional resources including data, information, and other resources. While search engines and search results have improved significantly over the years, the user still needs to sort through irrelevant results in order to find a particular resource of interest.

Providing resources to users in a social network system


A wall mountable table and nesting apparatus for providing wall art which may be additionally deployed as a freestanding table. The wall mounted table and nesting apparatus includes a wall mount defining a first French cleat style mount, a nesting member which is adapted to hang on the wall mount and provide a first display surface as well as a second French cleat style mount, and a table member which includes a plurality of selectably deployable legs and is adapted to hang on the nesting member and provide a second display surface or, in the alternative, to stand on a floor as a freestanding table. The first display surface and second display surface may include the same aesthetic design or distinct designs to provide either the same or an alternate experience depending on whether the table member is on the wall or the floor.

Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to a combined furniture piece and aesthetic object and, more particularly, to a wall mountable apparatus configured to be deployed as both a folding table and hanging aesthetic apparatus.
Description of the Prior Art
The use and design of conventional tables, as furniture defined by a table top commonly embodied as a flat horizontal upper surface on which objects can be placed and which is integrated with table legs or another support structure, is well known. While many tables are define static structures with a table top fixedly mounted on the table legs (or to another support structure, such as a wall), folding tables that employ legs that selectively move between a deployed position and a storage position (where they would typically be folded up against the table top) are understood to be desirable when it is sought to make the table more portable or to make storage more convenient.
A problem which exists, however, is that even with the improved storage and portability capabilities of conventional folding tables, finding a place to stow such a table when it is not in use, particularly one in which it can be conveniently stowed and from which it can be conveniently deployed, is generally left to the ingenuity of the user under the constraints imposed by their living space. And notably, as in housing trends towards smaller, more efficient homes, the use of furniture pieces with space saving designs, including an ability to be conveniently stored or repurposed when not in use, has become more prevalent.
The use of functional art, commonly defined as aesthetic objects that serve utilitarian purposes, to enable the concurrent decorating and furnishing of living or work spaces is often intertwined with such housing trends, but also extends beyond. Indeed, the functional art trend spans the globe, and includes nearly all pricing tiers. In today's marketplace, functional art flourishes in the middle class market at retailers that feature democratic designs throughout their furniture and home design offerings. The combination of affordability, functionality, and beauty are strong selling points for millions who seek to find the perfect décor and furniture pieces for their homes. Functional art may include an array of home and lifestyle designs, including bedding and seating with built in elements (book shelves, expandable and retractable side tables, storage and even sectional, moveable pieces).
Modular furniture also falls into the category of functional art products. Whether by preference or necessity, modular units combine functional products with space saving design. Indeed, a new wave of micro-apartments have been outfitted with compact, yet aesthetically pleasing elements, from beds that fold into the wall or convert into dining tables to counter space that doubles as workspace. Furthermore, this wave has just begun, as micro-apartments and simplistic living methods spread from large international metropolitan centers to smaller cities and towns.
Considering such furnishing and décor trends, there remains a need for a functional art table apparatus that serves as a wall mounted piece of artwork that can be taken down and unfolded into a fully functional table. It would be helpful if such a functional art table apparatus was operative, once installed, to be moved without any tools between a storage position as artwork on the wall and a deployed position embodied as freestanding table. It would be additionally desirable for such a functional art table apparatus to be include a nesting apparatus on which the table was hung that included additional décor that remained visible when the functional art table was deployed.
The Applicant's invention described herein is essentially a custom piece of hanging art structured to be selectively convertible into a sturdy, folding table and back. The primary components of Applicant's wall mountable table and nesting apparatus are a nesting apparatus and a functional art table, enabling wall mountable table and nesting apparatus. As it can be described as functional art, combining décor with function, when in use, the wall mountable table and nesting apparatus can provide both the utility of a conventional table and the convenience of a folding table that is wall mountable through aesthetic components that contribute to the décor of the area. As a result, many of the limitations imposed by the prior art are removed.

Wall mountable table and nested hanging apparatus


Switching Converter with a novel two-loop Integrated magnetic structure integrates transformer and two output inductors and eliminates large circulating current in the transformer secondary side resulting in ultra high efficiency and zero ripple output current as well as zero ripple currents in both output inductors simultaneously. The novel lossless switching method eliminates the primary side switching losses to result in switching converter with highest efficiency, compact size and additional performance advantages, such as ultra low output ripple voltage, low EMI noise and improved reliability with additional benefits when operated with a front-end Power Factor Converter for computer server applications.

The forward converter shown in FIG. 2a transfers the power through the isolation transformer to the load during the interval DTS when the primary side switch S1 is ON. The prior-art converter of FIG. 2b transfers the power during the complementary interval D′TS when switch S′2 is ON. Note that the primary side switching is identical in both converters. The DC conversion gain of each converter is also same and equal to DVg—where D is duty ratio of the main switch, except for the inverting polarity of the transformer secondary for the converter of FIG. 2b. Hence, another prior-art, two-output converter can be constructed, which has two secondaries, as in FIG. 6. One DC output is as in converter of FIG. 2a and another DC output has identical DC voltage as converter of FIG. 2b. Because of the common DC voltage gain, the two-output converter of FIG. 6 can be combined into a single output converter of FIG. 7 with substantial circuit simplification: the two secondary side transformer windings can be merged into just one secondary winding, which, in turn, makes possible merging of two S2 rectifier switches into a single one, since the energy transfer interval for S2 switch and inductance L1 of first output is at the same time freewheeling interval for using the same S2 switch for inductance L2. The same is true for the other switch S′2 thus resulting in a prior-art converter of FIG. 7 with only two switches, but now with two output inductors, which is often referred to as a Current-doubler converter.
If the two outputs of converter in FIG. 6 are connected, the DC load current will be split between two secondary sides based on two resistances R1 and R2. From the above derivation, one of the key characteristics of this converter is obtained: the DC load current of the converter of FIG. 7 will be split according to the DC impedances at the two output inductors, that is R1 and R2 resistances. In a special case when R1=R2 the DC load current is split equally between two outputs and I1=I2=0.5I. Therefore, the more appropriate name for the converter of FIG. 7 would be current divider as it divides the well-known quantity DC load current I into half, so that I/2 is flowing through each of the two separate inductors.
The converter of FIG. 7 has negative output voltage polarity if the common rectifier connection (cathode connection) is connected to a secondary ground. Shown in FIG. 8a is a positive polarity alternative in which common rectifier connection is the anode connection of two diodes. This is preferred implementation for positive output voltage, as the synchronous rectifier MOSFET transistor replacing rectifier diodes, will be in a preferred grounded source connection relative to output ground. However, unlike other prior-art converters, the converters in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8a have three magnetic components. Worse yet, each of the three magnetic components has a substantial DC energy storage and requires a large air-gap to sustain DC load current bias as illustrated in FIG. 8b for the two output filtering inductors. This results in more complex filter than in forward converter, as there are now two inductors instead of one.
DC Analysis
The following DC analysis of the converter in FIG. 8a applies equally well to the present invention due to their equal DC characteristic.
The converter operates at the fixed switching frequency given by fS=1/TS where TS is the switching period. Two of the four switches are ON for duty ratio D defined as D=tON/TS, and two other switches are ON during remaining time of the switching period TS, defined as D′=1-D.
By use of the state-space averaging method (S. Cuk, "Modelling, Analysis, and Design of Switching Converters, Ph.D. thesis, California Institute of Technology, November 1976; R. D. Middlebrook and S. Cuk, "Advances in Switched-Mode Power Conversion", Vol. I, II, and III, TESLAco), and assuming 1:1 transformer turns ratio, the output DC voltage is obtained asV=DVg  (1)
As is well known to those skilled in the art, the turns ratio of the transformer can then be used to obtain additional step-down of the input voltage. Hence, this converter belongs to the class of the fixed switching frequency Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) switching converters with the buck-type step-down DC conversion ratio characteristic.
First we analyze how is the DC load current I divided between the two inductors, L1 with DC current I1 and L2 with DC load current I2. From the DC currents summation at the node A we haveI=I1+I2  (2)where the split of DC load current I into two components depends on the second order parasitic effects that is the respective DC resistances R1 of the inductor L1 and R2 of inductor L2. In case R1=R2 the DC load current is equally divided between two inductorsI1=I2=I/2  (3)
Let us now analyze the load current I in general case of arbitrary split, that is for I1 and I2 given by (2). In that case the following relationship must be satisfied:R1I1=R2I2  (4)
When switch S2 is open, and S′2 closed, the current at node A splits into two parts so that during D′TS interval DC current I1 flows through inductor L1, while DC current I2 flows through and into dotted terminal of secondary winding of the transformer.
When switch S′2 is open, and S2 closed, the current at node B splits into two parts so that during DTS interval DC current I2 flows through inductor L2, while DC current I1 flows through and out of the dotted terminal of single turn secondary winding of the transformer.
The above analysis of DC load current distribution applies equally well to all Integrated Magnetics variants of the present invention as the magnetics integration does not alter DC gain properties of the converter.
Output Ripple Current Characteristic
With the designation of the positive ripple current directions and respective AC voltages on two inductors v1 and v2 as in FIG. 8a ripple currents Δi1 and Δi2 in two inductors and Δi in the output can be evaluated asΔi1=TSv1/L1  (5)Δi2=TSv2/L2  (6)Δi=Δi1−Δi2=TS(v1/L1−v2/L2)  (7)since the output ripple current is the difference of the two inductor ripple currents.
As seen from general AC analyses in later section for a special case of 50% duty ratio, v1=v2=0.5 v. Therefore, the output ripple current from (7) becomes zero. As graphically displayed in FIG. 8c the two inductor current ripples, however, are still very large and may be even 50% or more of the DC load current. Therefore, zero ripple current (at 50% duty ratio) and a proportionally increasing output ripple current away from 50% duty ratio are obtained as a difference of two large AC ripple currents.
This zero ripple feature at one nominal point is a distinct advantage over the Current-doubler converter. However, the disadvantage is that two separate large magnetic cores are needed for inductances as seen in FIG. 8b.

Integrated magnetics switching converter with zero inductor and output ripple currents and lossless switching


A container for flowers and other plant parts as well as other items, and adapted for use in, inter alia, motor vehicles. The container can further include a ring such as a detachable grooved ring for holding aromatic substances and to prevent water from splashing out of the container.

Generally, containers for displaying flowers include a receptacle and means for supporting flower stems. Various means for supporting flower stems are well known in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,333,561 to Hamblin describes a set of spines for impaling flower stems, U.S. Pat. No. 3,245,175 to Klingberg describes a disc with cross-shaped holes for gripping flower stems, U.S. Pat. No. 5,927,002 to Walton et al. describes a foam cylinder with holes for receiving flower stems, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,189,261 to Helgeson describes a grid with openings for receiving flower stems. These patents are incorporated by reference herein.
Flower containers for displaying flowers in motor vehicles typically require a hanger or bracket to hold and support the flower container in the vehicle. Such support devices are often esthetically unappealing, appearing out-of-place in the fully integrated interior design of modern automobiles. Moreover, many support devices are attached by tape or screws which damage the interior surfaces of the motor vehicle. What is needed is anesthetically pleasing way of displaying flowers and other plant parts without harming the motor vehicle interior.


Anaplasma phagocytophilum surface proteins Asp14 and OmpA and homologous genes from Anaplasmatacaea family members are used in compositions suitable for vaccines to treat or prevent infections caused by tick-born bacteria of the Anaplasmatacaea family. Asp14 and/or OmpA proteins or peptide fragments may be used in combination with other Anaplasmatacaea surface proteins to elicit an immune response. Furthermore, antibodies to Asp14 and/or OmpA proteins can be used in diagnostic methods to determine whether an individual has contracted an Anaplasmatacaea infection. Because of the conserved invasin domains in the surface proteins, a wide range of Anaplasmatacaea infections may be diagnosed, treated or prevented using compositions of the invention.

Anaplasma phagocytophilum (Aph) is a tick-transmitted obligate intracellular bacterium of the family Anaplasmataceae that can infect humans, livestock, companion animals and wild animals. In addition to Aph, the Anaplasmataceae family members include Anaplasma marginale, Anaplasma platys, Ehrlichia chaffeensis, Ehrlichia canis, and Ehrlichia ruminatium, among others, and all of these cause similar infections known collectively as ehrlichiosis. When humans contract an Aph infection it is more specifically known as human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA). An emerging and potentially fatal disease, HGA is transmitted by the same vectors that transmit Lyme Disease, primarily ticks and deer, but other animal and human hosts can complete the vector cycle and therefore extend the spread of disease. Since HGA became a reportable disease in the U.S. in 1999, the number of cases has risen annually, reaching 1,761 in 2010. Since diagnostic tools for HGA are lacking, this number of actual cases is likely to be much higher. HGA is increasingly recognized in Europe and Asia, and Aph infection is now the most widespread tick-transmitted disease of animals in Europe.
As the name implies, an obligate intracellular bacterium must enter a target cell in its human or animal host to survive, replicate, and move to the next host. When an Anaplasma spp. or Ehrlichia spp. infected tick bites a subject, the bacteria is transferred from the tick salivary glands into the tissues of the host or into the bloodstream where they bind to the surface of host cells and are taken up into vacuoles that form around each bacterium. A resident bacterium prevents the vacuole from merging with lysosomes. In doing so, the bacterium converts the cell into a protective niche that favors bacterial survival and remains in circulation to enable it to complete its zoonotic cycle. While the hallmark of these diseases is Aph colonization of neutrophils, other pathological findings can include leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and elevated serum transaminase levels. Anaplasmosis is marked by fever and increased susceptibility to potentially fatal opportunistic infections.
Infected neutrophils in a host can be ingested in a second tick bite/bloodmeal. In this manner the disease may be transferred to another subject bitten subsequently. However, HGA can also be transmitted perinatally or by blood transfusion, and possibly nosocomially. Blocking infection of neutrophils could conceivably prevent all of these types of dissemination of Aph infection and the increased risk of opportunistic infections that can accompany the disease. Furthermore, targeting Aph proteins that are conserved among related Anaplasmataceae family members might also reduce or block transmission of disease caused by related Anaplasmataceae family members.
In addition to neutrophils, Aph has been detected in the microvascular endothelium of heart and liver in experimentally infected severe combined immunodeficiency mice. Promyelocytic and endothelial cell lines are useful in vitro models for studying Aph-host cell interactions. When naïve neutrophils or HL-60 cells are overlaid on Aph-infected endothelial cells, the bacterium rapidly transmigrates into the myeloid cells. These observations demonstrated that Aph infects endothelial cells in vivo and suggested that the bacterium may transmigrate between endothelial cells and neutrophils during the course of mammalian infection. Thus, targeting the Aph invasins that mediate infection of endothelial cells may prevent movement of the bacteria into the microvasculature of heart and liver in an affected subject by blocking the mechanism of endothelial cell-to-neutrophil transfer.
The Aph genome has now been sequenced and annotated. The annotated Aph genome (HZ strain, isolated from a human patient) can be found on the website at cmr.jcvi.org, and more specifically on the page found at cmr.jcvi.org/tigr-scripts/CMR/GenomePage.cgi?org_search=&org=gaph. Another website is the page found at ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, more specifically on the page found at ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Taxonomy/Browser/wwwtax.cgi?mode-Info&id=948&1v1=3&keep=1&srchmode=1&unlock. This information has promoted some progress regarding diagnosis of anaplasmosis and protecting subjects from infection. U.S. Pat. No. 7,906,296 B2 to Beall et al teaches that Anaplasma platys (Apl), formerly known as Ehrlichia platys, causes tick-born anaplasmosis in dogs. Beall further teaches the uses of Apl polypeptides. The Apl sequences were amplified from a blood sample of a dog known to be infected with Apl in order to develop methods for detecting the presence of antibodies to Apl and/or Aph in dog sera. Beall also teaches that peptides including Apl P44, encoding a major surface protein, might be used to elicit an immune response in vivo and confer resistance to anaplasmosis caused by Apl or Aph. U.S. Pat. No. 8,158,370 B2 to Liu el al. teaches that polypeptide sequences amplified from either Apl or Aph can be used in diagnostic assays, or to induce an immune reaction that might confer protection from Apl or Aph infection. The Aph sequences used by Liu were derived from APH—0915, encoding a protein of unknown function. More recently, Liu et al., in U.S. Pat. No. 8,303,959 and US 2013/0064842, teaches the use of four strain variants of Aph P44 surface proteins to diagnosis and protect against anaplasmosis.
Despite these teachings, there are currently no human or animal vaccines against anaplasmosis caused by any of the Anaplasmataceae family members. Antibiotic treatments with doxycycline or tetracycline can be effective, but tools for rapid and definitive diagnosis in any species other than dogs are lacking. The current gold standard serologic test for diagnosis of anaplasmosis in humans is indirect immunofluorescence assays (IFA) performed as timed pairs over a period of a few weeks, only available in specialized reference laboratories. This assay measures non-specific increases in IgM and IgG antibody levels. However, IgM antibodies, which usually rise at the same time as IgG near the end of the first week of illness and remain elevated for months or longer, are even less specific than IgG antibodies and more likely to result in a false positive. Serologic tests based on enzyme immunoassay (EIA) technology are available from some commercial laboratories. However, EIA tests are qualitative rather than quantitative, meaning they only provide a positive/negative result, and are less useful to measure changes in antibody titers between paired specimens. Furthermore, some EIA assays rely on the evaluation of IgM antibody alone, which again may have a higher frequency of false positive results. Between 5-10% of currently healthy people in some areas may have elevated antibody titers due to past exposure to Aph or related family members. If only one sample is tested it can be difficult to interpret. A four-fold rise in antibody titer is needed to achieve significance in paired samples taken weeks apart.
Therefore, the need remains for compositions and methods to rapidly and accurately diagnosis new cases and to provide adequate vaccination against Anaplasmataceae infections that cause anaplasmosis and HGA.

OMPA and ASP14 in vaccine compositions and as diagnostic targets


A data processing apparatus is provided, comprising a processor configured to execute a process, in particular with at least one thread, a memory management unit component configured to access a page table, and a page fault handler configured to handle page faults by triggering a page fault in response to detecting one of a plurality of predefined bit patterns in the page table, and by assigning a different page fault operation for the process, in particular with the at least one thread, to each of the plurality of predefined bit patterns.

A page fault is an exception raised by hardware when a program accesses a memory page that is mapped in a virtual memory address space but not loaded in physical memory. Often, page faults are not errors but rather common and necessary indications to an operating system that the amount of virtual memory available to programs needs to increase. Generally, an operating system handles a page fault by making a required page accessible at a location in physical memory. For example, a page fault handler of the operating system coordinates with a memory management unit of a processor to load the page in virtual memory, such as by retrieving the page from a persistent memory.

Data processing apparatus for handling page fault using predefind bit patterns and a method thereof


A method and apparatus for producing randomly variegated multiple strand wrapped yarn in twisting together two or more yarns at a plurality of yarn twisting stations. At each station a pneumatic twisting head is disposed in which randomly turbulent air currents are created in a chamber in the twisting head by compressed air flowing into the chamber from a manifold through bores in the twisting head, thereby randomly twisting together two or more yarns in the chamber. The yarns which have been twisted together are wrapped with a binder yarn and then taken up over a plurality of traversing drums commonly mounted on a shaft which is driven by an alternating electric current motor controlled by a control device which operates to start and restart the motor on a predetermined cycle including a variation of the electrical input sufficient to result in randomly unpredictable inertia resistance of the traversing drums to rotational speed variation, thereby creating randomly unpredictable take-up of the yarns to produce non-uniform random twist in the yarns. The yarn produced has various lengths of opposite twist with varying degrees of twist and sections of no twist and sections of varying wrap, and the fabric produced with the yarn is randomly variegated with no repeating pattern.

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for creating randomly variegated twisted yarn by twisting two or more yarns together, thereby preventing the development of patterning when the resulting yarn is used in textile products.
In the textile industry, two or more yarns are frequently twisted together into a single multi-ply yarn which has desirable characteristics such as improved strength, appearance, texture, wear resistance, ease of handling during manufacturing, or other properties. The yarn plies which are combined may be made up of different fibers, either natural or synthetic, or the yarns may be made up of the same type fiber but have slightly different qualities, even when unintended. The different yarn plies often have varying dye characteristics, and, if package dyeing of the combined yarn or piece dyeing is later employed, the yarn plies may attain visibly different color shades, giving the resulting product a variegated appearance. A variegated appearance may also arise from the differing texture or other properties of the individual yarn plies.
While a variegated appearance may be desirable in itself, yarn patterning tends to arise when yarn plies are combined, producing streaks or other patterns which repeat throughout the textile product in which the combined yarn is used. Yarn patterning is caused by the tendency of the yarn plies to interact with mechanical parts, such as feed rollers and traversing drums, in a uniform repeating pattern, which has been difficult to avoid.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,934,134 to Niederer describes one approach to controlling yarn patterning in which a vortex is employed to randomly twist strands together with varying air pressure controlled by an air controller and a beater interposed in the path of the yarn to randomize the yarn strands. This approach requires an air controller and a mechanical beater which likely results in some ultimate repeating pattern. Further, the Niederer patent does not suggest varying the rate of take-up of the yarn as a means for varying the twist in the plied yarn.
For some purposes it is desirable to provide a yarn that has been wrapped with a binder yarn. Such wrapping, among other things, serves to increase the strength of the resulting yarn. Yarn wrapping machines are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,472,931 to Stahlecker, U.S. Pat. No. 4,495,758 to Stahlecker et al, U.S. Pat. No. 4,484,435 to Fritjof, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,484,433 to Stahlecker et al.
In accordance with the present invention, a method and apparatus for creating randomly variegated twisted yarn is provided, in which the problem of yarn patterning is eliminated in a simple and efficient manner. The present invention includes twisting by use of a twisting device or by use of a wrapping device or both.

Method and apparatus for producing randomly variegated multiple strand twisted yarn and yarn and fabric made by said method


The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a pressurizable cylindrical vessel for use in a pressure control system for maintaining a constant predetermined pressure in a fluid container configured to dispense when in use a fluid contained in said fluid container at said constant predetermined pressure, characterized in that the manufacturing is by injection moulding. The invention also relates to a method for assembling a pressurizable fluid container configured to dispense when in use a fluid contained in said container at a constant predetermined pressure. In addition, the invention relates to a pressurizable cylindrical vessel, a pressurizable unit, a pressure control system, a bottom plate and a dispenser; as well as their methods of manufacturing. In a final aspect the invention relates to uses of said parts in a bag-on-valve type packaging or metal can type packaging.

Aerosol dispensing devices are well-known. In accordance with Aerosol Dispensers Directive 75/324/EEC the term "aerosol dispenser" means any non-reusable container made of metal, glass or plastic and containing a gas compressed, liquefied or dissolved under pressure, with or without a liquid, paste or powder, and fitted with a release device allowing the contents to be ejected as a solid or liquid particles in suspension in a gas, as a foam, paste or powder or in a liquid state.
Aerosol dispensers based on metal spray cans and propellants are well-known.
The metal spray cans are being replaced by plastic alternatives, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles. However, the plastic material needs reinforcements to be able to successfully hold a pressurized product load and to pass regulatory requirements such as a drop test and/or pressure test as required by the "Plastic aerosol dispensers—Technical requirements". Particularly, the plastic aerosol dispenser needs to pass a drop test in a random position from a height of 1.8 meters onto a concrete surface. It also needs to pass after aging conditions of for example 3 months storage at 40° C. or 6 hours storage at 50° C.
Several propellants that are hazardous and/or dangerous to the environment, such as chlorofluorohydrocarbons, are being banned.
Chlorofluorocarbons were once frequently used as propellant in spray cans. A chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) is an organic compound that contains only carbon, chlorine, and fluorine, produced as volatile derivative of methane, ethane, and propane. They were commonly known by the DuPont brand name Freon. The most common representative was dichlorodifluoromethane. Many CFCs have been widely used as propellants in aerosol applications. Because CFCs contribute to ozone depletion in the upper atmosphere, the manufacture of such compounds has been phased out and they are being replaced.
Common replacements are mixtures of volatile hydrocarbons, typically propane, n-butane and isobutane. Dimethyl ether (DME) and methyl ethyl ether are also used; All these have the disadvantage of being flammable. Consequently, the pressurized packaging containing them, needs to be labelled with a hazard symbol. This is deterring to consumers.
Medicinal aerosols such as asthma inhalers use hydrofluoroalkanes, such as 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFA 134a) or 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane (HFA 227) or combinations of the two. However, their price is cost prohibitive for use in the food and beverage industry.
Manual pump sprays can be used as an alternative to a propellant. These have the disadvantage of requiring repetitive activation of the spray using extra power as opposed to a hydraulic release valve or trigger in a spray can. This is a disadvantage for users of consumer products and industrial aerosols.
Alternatives are being developed based on pressurized air or an inert gas such as nitrogen.
If aerosol cans were simply filled with compressed gas, such as pressurized air or an inert gas such as nitrogen, it would either need to be at a dangerously high pressure and require special pressure vessel design like in gas cylinders, or the amount of payload in the can would be small, and rapidly deplete.
A type of packaging based on pressurized air or nitrogen are bag-on-valve type systems. The bag-on-valve system consists of an aerosol valve with a welded bag. They are combined with an aluminum or plastic, often PET-based, container. The bag or pouch is usually opaque silver in colour as it is based on a flexible multilayer laminated bag made from layers of nylon, polyethylene and aluminum. This type of packaging provides a barrier package for liquids, gels, creams and lotions, keeping high product integrity and protection against oxygen exposure. A disadvantage in this system however remains that pressure delivery is not constant over time. Product will leave the system at a higher pressure when the packaging is first used versus when the product load is almost gone. Especially for pharmaceutical applications, where product delivery to a patient should be constant, this poses a problem. Also for the delivery viscous products such as gels and creams, a minimum pressure needs to be available to provide complete product emptying. In order to recycle the raw materials, the aluminum based flexible packaging needs to be separated from the can or bottle. This is time-consuming.
Alternatives have been described based on a rigid PET-container.
In EP 2 791 030 a pressure container packaging type is described, wherein a plastic blow molded container provided with reinforcements is provided with an injection molded base plate. A Nicholson plug is provided in the based plate for pressurization of the container from the bottom. The bottom plate is either flat or dome-shaped. In this design, the payload comes in contact with the bottom plate. This can cause environmental stress cracking. Especially if plastic is locally crystalized, as can be the case around the opening for receiving the Nicholson plug, there is an increased risk for environmental stress cracking and product failure.
In order to prevent a filing product from coming into contact with the outer wall and with the pressure gas in case of a pressurized container, a flexible inner container is inserted into the container.
Alternatively, a two-chambered container system is provided. Two chambers are obtained by fitting a chamber partition in the container. The chamber partition may be provided or not with a pressure control valve and the chambers may be under pressure or not. Details of the pressure control valve, its operation or assembly in the container, are not provided.
In another embodiment, a pressure container of the "bottle in a bottle" type is proposed to provide reinforcement means and withstand pressure ranging from 20 to 50 bare and more. Stretch blow molding is disclosed as manufacturing method for providing containers which are strong and lightweight and with better strength properties. It is not described how the product load is prevented from flowing from the holding chamber into the pressure delivery part.
EP 1 725 476 provides a pressure control device with a cylinder obtained by injection blow moulding from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) pre-forms made on a separate production line. It teaches that the orientation of the stretched PET material during the blowing process leads to a higher crystalline structure which gives high strength and good gas barrier properties. The cylinder is open at the top. It is provided with an insert that covers the opening. The insert is provided with the actual pressure control device. The pressure control device comprises a large number of parts and simplification is desirable. The pressure is controlled by means of a valve mechanism wherein a stem with a broader cylindrical end portion protruding from a piston is used to dynamically open or close a sealing material. The valve mechanism of this type of dispenser is sensitive to damage, among others at the assembly stage, which can lead to instabilities in the working pressure, causing the system sometimes to fail. In addition, this mechanism is made out of a large number of parts and requires a labor intensive production process. The insert is laser-welded to the cylindrical pressure vessel. For this reason the insert is at least partly impregnated with a infrared or laser energy absorbing material known as "carbon black". Hence, also in the number of process steps, less complexity is desirable.
In an improvement, provided by WO 2014/083531, the injection blow moulded cylinder obtained from a pre-form of PET is modified by cutting off the bottom part. It is provided with a ring-shaped insert and a pressure control device as provided by EP 1 725 476 (WO 2005/082744). The vessel is expensive to produce and technically challenging. The assembly process requires two laser-welding steps: one for attaching the insert to the pressure vessel and a second one for attaching the pressure vessel to a bottle. The number of manufacturing and assembly steps is thereby even increased.
Hence, further improvements are desirable.
There remains a need in the art for a cheap, light-weight yet strong pressure-resistant pressure control device and pressure control system. It would be highly advantageous if material and space consumption could be reduced to a minimum, making the production process economically feasible also for mass production. In addition, it would be beneficial for the assembly process to be improved. Compatibility with currently existing production lines for spray cans and bottles is highly desirable. It would be advantageous if a barrier packaging is provided wherein propellant and product load are kept separate.

Dispenser comprising pressure control device, method of manufacturing dispenser parts and method of assembly


A determination regarding the appropriateness of sending a message can be based on one or more factors. For example, the determination can be an analysis of a message to determine the likelihood that the sender has the target physical condition and/or a likely degree or severity of the target physical condition. The analysis determines, with reference to a baseline of the user, one or more of a number of errors (spelling and/or grammar) in the message, a response time, a non-fluency level associated with the message, a spell check of the message and recipient information associated with the message. Based on this analysis, the message can be managed in accordance with one or more of sending the message after a delay, returning the message to a sender for approval, managing the message based on a profile and holding the message for management at a later time.

Alcohol is consumed not only at home and in restaurants but also at sporting events and entertainment facilities, such as bars, nightclubs, discotheques, dance halls, concerts, and parties. The inevitable consequence of drinking too much alcohol is a condition known as intoxication. When an individual is intoxicated, his or her fine motor skills and mental functions are impaired leading to a variety of problems. The evils of drinking and driving are only too well known. A desirable alternative to drinking and driving is calling a cab or catching a ride with a friend or acquaintance. Unfortunately, intoxicated individuals are frequently unable to operate a phone and therefore to make a call to seek such assistance.
Another unfortunate consequence of intoxication is not well reasoned judgment. When intoxicated, individuals often make phone calls or send text messages to friends, fellow employees, and loved ones (or former loved ones) that they may later regret. Currently, one cellular service provider permits an individual to disable their cell phones for specified periods of time when the individual is planning on imbibing substantial quantities of alcohol.
Yet another problem with intoxication is that the intoxicated person typically is not aware that he or she is intoxicated. Without this knowledge, he or she will attempt to drive, with potentially fatal consequences. A mobile phone is currently available that includes a breath analyzer to detect alcohol.

Cooling off period prior to sending dependent on user's state


An aromatic polysulfone resin having a repeating unit represented by Formula (I) and a repeating unit represented by Formula (II), in which a ratio (m:n) of a molar content (m) of the repeating unit represented by Formula (I) to a molar content (n) of the repeating unit represented by Formula (II) is 1:2,000 to 1:200.

Aromatic polysulfone resins are used in various applications due to their good heat resistance and chemical resistance. As one of the applications, a material for a porous membrane for use in filtration such as ultrafiltration or precision filtration is mentioned. For example, Patent Document 1 describes that an aromatic polysulfone resin is used as a material for a porous hollow fiber membrane.

Aromatic polysulfone resin and membrane thereof

Abstract: wherein hydrogen atoms of phenylene groups of Formulae (I) and (II) may be each independently substituted with an alkyl group, an aryl group, or a halogen atom.


According to an embodiment of the present invention, an input signal is provided to an oscillator, which creates a count signal with a greater frequency than the input signal. The input signal triggers the oscillator to oscillate depending on the value of the input signal. The oscillator output is provided to a counter, which counts the number of oscillations undergone by the oscillator during a single period of the input signal or a number of periods of the input signal, whichever is desired. Since the oscillator frequency is greater than the frequency of the input signal, the oscillator effectively acts like a clock to time the input signal; the counter effectively acts to record the xe2x80x98timexe2x80x99 measured by the oscillator (clock). More formally, the counter generates a count value based upon the width of the input signal pulses. The counter output is provided to a decoder, which interprets the count generated by the counter.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to methods and apparatus for determining the frequency of an electrical or electromagnetic signal.
2. Description of the Related Art
It is often necessary or useful to determine the frequency of an electrical or electromagnetic signal. One conventional way of measuring a signal""s frequency is to time the signal with a known frequency generated by a stand-alone oscillator that is constantly in operation. However, oscillators consume power and require additional space on an integrated circuit. Therefore, it would be desirable to determine a frequency""s signal without the use of an oscillator that is constantly in operation.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, an input signal is provided to an oscillator, which creates a count signal with a greater frequency than the input signal. The input signal triggers the oscillator to oscillate depending on the value of the input signal. Thus, unlike the conventional systems, the present invention does not employ an oscillator that continually generates a signal with a particular frequency. The oscillator output is provided to a counter, which counts the number of oscillations undergone by the oscillator during a single period of the input signal or a number of periods of the input signal, whichever is desired. Since the oscillator frequency is greater than the frequency of the input signal, the oscillator effectively acts like a clock to time the input signal; the counter effectively acts to record the xe2x80x98timexe2x80x99 measured by the oscillator (clock). More formally, the counter generates a count value based upon the width of the input signal pulses. The counter output is provided to a decoder, which interprets the count generated by the counter.
The input signal is provided to a delay circuit, which creates a delayed version of the input signal, which is provided to the counter. When the input signal has cycled through one period or a number of periods, whichever is desired, the output of the delay circuit changes, thereby resetting the counter so that it can begin to count for a new period or periods. The amount of delay provided by the delay circuit dictates the number of periods the counter counts before it is reset. Counting a number of periods allows an average frequency over those periods to be determined. Alternatively, if a single period is used to calculate the frequency, a number of frequencies as determined by the decoder may be averaged.


Construction is achieved in which a steering column 4b and a support bracket 17b are able to smoothly displace in the forward direction during a secondary collision. Spring-side locking sections 40 of a bias spring 32a engage with locking tabs 41 of the support bracket 17b in a state so as to press downward on the locking tabs 41. A pressure section 35a of the bias spring 32a engages with a receiving surface of the steering column 4b in a state so as to cause an upward pressure force to act on the steering column 4b. During a secondary collision, when the bias spring 32a displaces in the forward direction during the stroke through which the steering column 4b and support bracket 17b are able to displace in the forward direction and interferes with a gear housing 12 of a steering-assist apparatus 5, the locked state between the spring-side locking sections 40 and the locking tabs 41 is released, which allows the steering column 4b and the support bracket 17b to smoothly displace further in the forward direction.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, a steering apparatus is constructed so that movement of a steering wheel 1 is transmitted to a steering gear by way of a steering shaft 2, and a steering angle is applied to steered wheels 3 on the left and right. Moreover, the positional relationship between the steering wheel 1 and the driver changes depending on the size and driving posture of the driver, so tilt and telescopic steering apparatuses that have a function for adjusting the forward-backward position and up-down position of the steering wheel 1 are widely used.
FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 illustrate a conventional tilt and telescopic steering apparatus as disclosed in JP 2011-218941 (A). This steering apparatus has an electric powered power-steering apparatus that has: a steering shaft 2 that has a rear end to which a steering wheel 1 is fastened; a steering column 4 that supports the steering shaft 2 on the inside thereof so as to rotate freely; a steering-assist apparatus 5 that applies an assist torque to the steering shaft 2; and a steering gear unit 7 for causing tie rods 6 to displace based on the rotation of the steering shaft 2. In this specification, the forward-backward direction is the forward and backward direction of the vehicle.
The steering shaft 2 has an inner shaft 8 and outer shaft 9 that are combined together so as to be capable of transmitting rotation force, and capable of relative displacement in the axial direction. By the displacement in the axial direction of the inner shaft 8 and outer shaft 9, it becomes possible to not only adjust the forward-backward position of the steering wheel 1, but by the entire length of the steering shaft 2 contracting during a collision accident, it becomes possible to lessen impact on the driver that collides with the steering wheel 1.
The steering column 4 is formed by fitting the portion on the front-end side of an outer column 11 that is arranged on the rear side around the outside of the portion on the rear-end side of an inner column 10 that is arranged on the front side so that relative displacement is possible in the axial direction, and so as to be capable of extending or contracting in the axial direction with the steering shaft 2. The front-end section of the inner column 10 is connected and fastened to the rear-end surface of a gear housing 12 of the steering-assist apparatus 5. Moreover, the inner shaft 8 is inserted inside the gear housing 12, and the front-end section of the inner shaft 8 is connected to the input shaft of the steering-assist apparatus 5. The output shaft 13 of the steering-assist apparatus 5 is linked to the input shaft by way of a torsion bar, and the front-end section of the output shaft 13 protrudes from the front-end surface of the gear housing 12 and is linked to the steering-gear unit 7 by way of an intermediate shaft and universal joint.
The inner column 10 is supported by part of the vehicle body 15 by way of the gear housing 12 and a front-side support bracket 14. The gear housing 12 is supported by the front-side support bracket 14 so as to be able to pivot freely around a pivot shaft 16. The portion near the front end of the outer column 11 is supported by part of the vehicle body 15 by way of a rear-side support bracket 17. The rear-side support bracket 17 is supported by the vehicle body 15 so as to be able to separate in the forward direction when a strong impact is applied in the forward direction.
As illustrated in FIG. 10, in order to make it possible for the rear-side support bracket 17 to separate in the forward direction, connecting plates 19 are provided on the top-end sections of both of a pair of left and right support-plate sections 18 of the rear-side support bracket 17 so as to protrude out in a direction toward the sides of the steering column 4. Notches 20 are provided in the connecting plates 19 and are open on the rear-end edges of the connecting plates 19. Capsules 21 that are fastened to the vehicle body by bolts (not illustrated in the figure) are locked into the notches 20. Engaging grooves 22 for engaging with the edges on the left and right of the notches 20 of the connecting plates 19 are formed on the surfaces of the left and right sides of the capsules, and through holes 23 in the up-down direction through which the bolts are inserted are formed in the middle sections of the capsules 21.
During a collision accident, the driver's body applies a large impact load in the forward direction to the steering column 4 by way of the steering wheel 1 and steering shaft 2. As a result, the steering shaft 2 and steering column 4 have a tendency to contract over the entire length while absorbing the impact energy. When this happens, the rear-side support bracket 17 has a tendency to displace in the forward direction together with the outer column 11, however, both of the capsules 21 stay in their original positions together with the bolts. As a result, the capsules 21 come out toward the rear from the notches 20, which allows the steering wheel 1 to displace in the forward direction. A shock-absorbing mechanism that is constructed in this way absorbs the impact energy that is applied to the steering wheel 1 from the driver, and protects the driver.
Moreover, in order to make it possible to adjust the forward-backward position and the up-down position of the steering wheel 1, the outer column 11 is supported by the rear-side support bracket 17 so as to be able to displace in the forward-backward direction and in the up-down direction. More specifically, a column-side bracket 25 that has a pair of held sections 24 that are separated from each other in the width direction are integrally provided on the bottom surface of the front-end section of the outer column 11. Column-side through holes 26 that extend in the forward-backward direction are formed in the held sections 24 at positions that are aligned with each other. Moreover, vehicle-side through holes 27 that extend in the up-down direction are formed in portions of the support-plate sections 18 of the rear-side support bracket 17 that are aligned with each other and that are aligned with part in the forward-backward direction of the column side through holes 26. When the held sections 24 are held by the support-plate sections 18 of the support bracket 17, a rod-shaped member 28 is inserted through the column-side through holes 26 and vehicle-side through holes 27 from one end to the other (from the right side to the left side in FIG. 10), and a connecting nut 29 is screwed on the other end of the rod-shaped member 28. The connecting nut 29 can be freely turned by an adjustment lever 30.
The connecting nut 29 is rotated by the operation of the adjustment lever 30, and by expanding or contracting the space between the connecting nut 29 and the head section of the rod-shaped member 28, it is possible to expand or contact the space between the support-plate sections 18, which fastens or unfastens the outer column 11 to or from the rear-side support bracket 17; and it is possible to expand or contract the space between the held sections 24, which fastens or unfastens the outer column 11 to or from the inner column 10. With this kind of construction, when the space between the connecting nut 29 and the head section 31 is in the expanded state, it is possible to adjust the forward-backward position of the steering wheel 1 by causing the outer column 11 to displace in the forward-backward direction relative to the inner column 10 within the range (telescopic adjustment range) that the rod-shaped member 28 is able to displace inside the column-side through holes 26. Moreover, it is possible to adjust the up-down position of the steering wheel 1 by causing the steering column 4 to pivotally displace around the pivot shaft 16 within the range (tilt adjustment range) that the rod-shaped member 28 is able to displace inside the vehicle-side through holes 27.
On the other hand, FIG. 11 illustrates a conventional tilt steering apparatus that is disclosed in JP 2006-159920 (A) and has a bias spring 32 that applies a pressure force in the upward direction to the steering column 4a. The bias spring 32 is a so-called double-torsion spring that is formed, for example, by bending single wire that is made of spring steel, and is assembled so that a pair of coil-spring sections 33 that are provided on the portions near both ends of the wire are arranged so as to be in front of the rear-side bracket 17a, and by turning the pair of coil-spring sections 33, a tensile force is generated by these coil-spring sections 33 in the direction turned, and in that state, both end sections of the bias spring 32 engage with part of a front-plate section 34 that is provided on the front end of the rear-side support bracket 17a, and a pressure section 35 that is formed by the middle section of the wire causes a pressure force to act in the upward direction on the steering column 4a.
By providing the bias spring 32, when the adjustment lever 30 is operated, the steering column 4a is prevented from pivoting downward due to gravity, and it is also possible to reduce the force needed when adjusting the height position of the steering column 4a. However, when the bias spring 32 is applied as a support mechanism for a steering column 4 in a tilt and telescopic steering apparatus that has the shock-absorbing mechanism illustrated in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, there is a possibility that during a secondary collision, the bias spring 32 will also displace in the forward direction together with the outer column 11 and rear-side support bracket 17 to which both end sections of the bias spring 32 are fastened, and that the coil-spring sections 33 will collide against a member such as the gear housing 12 of a steering-assist apparatus 5 that is located further toward the front than the bias spring 32, and the bias spring 32 will be prevented from further displacement in the forward direction.
When the rear-side support bracket 17 and outer column 11 try to displace further in the forward direction with the bias spring 32 prevented from further displacement in the forward direction, there is a possibility that unless the fastened state of the bias spring 32 to the rear-side support bracket 17a is released, the bias spring 32 will be stuck between the rear-end section of the gear housing 12 and the rear-side support bracket 17, and will obstruct smooth displacement in the forward direction of the rear-side support bracket 17 and the outer column 11.
Moreover, even when the fastened state of the bias spring 32 to the rear-side support bracket 17 is released during a secondary collision, there is a possibility that as the rear-side support bracket 17 displaces further in the forward direction, the rear-side support bracket 17 and the coil-spring sections 33 will interfere with each other in the forward-backward direction, and will obstruct displacement of the rear-side support bracket 17a in the forward direction, and prevent smooth displacement in the forward direction of the rear-side support bracket 17 and outer column 11. A similar situation also occurs when a shock-absorbing mechanism that allows displacement in the forward direction of the steering column 4a and rear-side support bracket 17 during a secondary collision is applied to the tilt steering apparatus illustrated in FIG. 11.


An external airbag system includes an airbag, a carrier, an inflator and a trim panel. The airbag has an upper chamber and a parallel lower chamber sealingly separated by a laterally extending first seam. The carrier is connected to the airbag at the first seam. The inflator is fixed relative to the carrier and is in fluid communication with the airbag. The trim panel is fixed to the carrier, enclosing the airbag therebetween. The trim panel has a tear seam substantially aligned with the airbag.

Anticipated regulations and rating systems, e.g., Global Technical Regulation No. 9, Pedestrian Safety ("GTR9"), and United States New Car Assessment Program for the year 2020 ("USNCAP 2020"), include pedestrian protection performance targets. Pedestrian protection targets include equipping a vehicle with a Pedestrian Autonomous Emergency Braking ("PAEB") system which includes a pedestrian detection system and automatic braking in response to sensing a pedestrian in a forward path. The regulations and ratings also evaluate the effectiveness of protection provided to pedestrians when vehicle-to-pedestrian contact occurs. The front-end of trucks, such as a pick-up truck, presents many design challenges to improving pedestrian protection. There remains an opportunity to provide improved pedestrian protection.

External airbag system for pedestrian protection


A merchandise display hook provided with an improved form of pivoting label holder. A label-mounting arm extends above and terminates forwardly of a merchandise display arm. A transversely disposed cross bar is secured to an outer surface portion of the label-mounting arm, spaced from the end extremity thereof, by electric resistance welding. The cross bar provides a pivot mount for a plastic label holding device, with the end extremity of the label mount serving as an abutment stop to limit rearward pivoting movement of the label holder. The cross bar can be so positioned on the label mounting arm as to provide for a normal, slightly upwardly tilted orientation of the label holder, to facilitate viewing. In one embodiment, the outer end of the label mounting arm is bent downwardly, and the cross bar is welded to the downwardly bent portion. In another embodiment, the label mounting arm is straight, and the cross bar is welded to the upper surface thereof, spaced slightly from the outer end face of the arm. The arrangement provides enhanced function, while at the same time achieving desirable manufacturing economies.

Display hooks, typically mounted on apertured panel board, slotted panels or the like are in widespread usage for displaying carded merchandise for sale. In many cases, such merchandise display hooks are combined with label-mounting means for presenting product information and pricing in association with the carded merchandise. A common form of such label-mounting means consists of an arm projecting above and generally parallel to a merchandise supporting arm and mounting a label-holding device at its forward extremity, advantageously in a position directly in front of the outer end of the merchandise display hook. The label-holding device, in such cases, serves an additional function as a means for guarding the outer end of the display hook element against accidental contact.
One of the known label-mounting means for this purpose comprises a wire-like element extending outward, above the merchandise support, and terminating at its outer extremity in a welded-on cross bar element. The cross bar element serves as a pivoting support for a plastic label holder, allowing the label holder to hang downward in front of the outer end of the merchandise support. The pivoting action of the label holder facilitates product removal from the associated product support. If a product being withdrawn forwardly from its display hook engages the plastic label holder, the holder can simply pivot upward out of the way as necessary to allow the product to clear. An additional advantage of pivoting label holders in general is that, with respect to product items displayed at a low level, viewing of the product information and pricing is facilitated by allowing the customer to simply reach down and tilt the label holder upwardly, rather than having to bend or crouch to read the contents of the label.
The present invention is directed to a merchandise display hook of the general type described above, including a pivoted label holder arrangement, which is both improved with respect to known constructions and is at the same time capable of more economical manufacture. To this end, the device of the invention includes a cross bar element, for pivotal support of a label holder, which is not mounted at the end extremity of its support arm, as in devices of known construction, but is welded to an upper surface portion of the support arm, at a position closely adjacent to but nevertheless displaced from the end extremity thereof. In one form of device according to the invention, the outer end extremity of the label support element is bent downward, typically at an angle of less than 90.degree., and defines a short label positioning element at the outer end of the label support. The cross bar element is fixed by resistance welding to an upper-outer surface portion of the downwardly angled positioning element to provide a pivotal mount for a plastic label holder. When the label holder is mounted on the cross bar, the positioning element, extending downwardly and forwardly beyond the cross bar, serves as an abutment, to limit rearward pivoting movement of the label holder. This not only prevents backward tilting of the label holder, as can occur with existing designs, but additionally allows for the merchandise display hook to be designed to provide a slight upward tilt to the label holder for more convenient viewing by prospective customers.
In an alternative form of device according to the invention, the label support element is straight, and the cross bar element is fixed by resistance welding to the upper surface thereof, preferably spaced slightly back from the end extremity of the label support. The outer end face of the label support serves, in this embodiment of the invention, as an abutment stop to prevent rearward pivoting of the plastic label holder.
For a more complete understanding of the above and other features and advantages of the invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention and to the accompanying drawings.

Merchandise display hook with pivoting label holder


Provided are catalyst composites whose catalytic material is effective to substantially simultaneously oxidize carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons and reduce nitrogen oxides. The catalyst composites have a two-metal layer on a carrier, the two-metal layer comprising a rhodium component supported by a first support comprising a refractory metal oxide component or a first ceria-zirconia composite; a palladium component supported by a second support comprising a second ceria-zirconia composite; one or more of a promoter, stabilizer, or binder; wherein the amount of the total of the first and second ceria-zirconia composites in the two-metal layer is equal to or greater than the amount of the refractory metal oxide component. Methods of making and using the same are also provided.

Emission standards for unburned hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide contaminants continue to become more stringent. In order to meet such standards, catalytic converters containing a three-way conversion (TWC) catalyst are located in the exhaust gas line of internal combustion engines. Such catalysts promote the oxidation by oxygen in the exhaust gas stream of unburned hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide as well as the reduction of nitrogen oxides to nitrogen.
Many TWC catalysts are manufactured with at least two separate catalyst coating compositions (washcoats) that are applied in the form of aqueous dispersions as successive layers on a substrate (for example, a honeycomb body composed of ceramic or metal) in order to separate noble metals, such as, palladium and rhodium which represent the main catalytically active species. Separation has been necessary historically because palladium and rhodium can form an alloy which is known to be less catalytically active.
TWC catalysts incorporate oxygen storage components (OSC) and alumina materials to support the precious metals. In such TWC catalysts, the activity of Rh can be hindered by interaction with alumina and cerium oxide contained in the OSC composite material. Such interaction can lead to a deactivation of Rh catalytic activity especially when the concentration of the cerium oxide in the OSC composite material exceeds 30 weight %. Furthermore, Rh migrates within the washcoat upon high-temperature aging, i.e. temperature higher than 1000° C. The Rh migration affects negatively the emission performance, in particular the NOx conversion under rich conditions, since Rh would then be in contact with the cerium oxide in the OSC composite material. Rhodium performance can also be hindered by interactions with palladium.
There is a need to provide single washcoat compositions containing both palladium and rhodium while maintaining and/or improving catalytic performance as compared to compositions that provide these metals individually for separate layers. There is also a need for applying the single washcoat composition in one coating step. There is also continuing need to provide a TWC catalyst composites that utilize precious metals efficiently and remain effective to meet regulated HC, NOx, and CO conversions. There is a further need to limit Rh deactivation due to interaction with OSC and to limit the migration of Rh supported materials thus ensuring improved conversion efficiency.

Automotive catalyst composites having a two-metal layer


Pesticidal compositions of improved effectiveness are provided, including a pesticide (e.g., an insecticide or herbicide) together with a copolymer adjuvant or additive selected from the group consisting of acid or salt copolymers containing individual quantities of maleic and itaconic moieties. The compositions of the invention provide multiple-fold increases in effectiveness, as compared with an equal amount of the pesticide in the absence of the copolymer.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is broadly concerned with pesticide compositions and methods wherein the compositions include a broad class of pesticides, especially insecticides and herbicides and mixtures thereof, together with an amount of a copolymer adjuvant or additive serving to significantly increase the effectiveness of the pesticide. More particularly, the invention is concerned with such compositions and methods wherein a copolymer including respective quantities of maleic and itaconic moieties is mixed or used with a selected pesticide.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The chemistries of pesticides, and especially insecticides and herbicides, are diverse and well known. Large numbers of such pesticides have been developed in the past, some of which are broad spectrum (e.g., glyphosate) while others have more specific utilities (e.g., triazine for corn). In all instances, however, efforts are made to minimize the use of pesticide to obtain the same or enhanced effectiveness. This is done for reasons of cost and also to minimize the environmental impact of pesticidal usage.
A wide variety of adjuvants and additives have been used in the past with pesticidal formulations. These include pH modifiers, surfactants, anti-foam agents, anti-evaporants, buffers, penetrating agents, compatibility agents, defoamers, deposition agents, drift-control agents with sprays, extenders, foaming agents, humectants, spreaders, stickers, wetting agents, and water conditioners. While these expedients are known to marginally increase pesticide performance, in general they do not provide significant, multiple-fold increases in pesticidal effectiveness.
There is accordingly a real and unsatisfied need in the art for a class of adjuvants or additives which can very significantly increase the effectiveness of pesticides without themselves posing excessive cost or environmental impact problems.

Pesticide compositions including polymeric adjuvants


A vaccine for the prophylaxis of dermatophyte infection in animals, such as guinea pigs, cats, rabbits, horses and lambs comprising a suspension of killed T. equinum, T. mentagrophytes (var. granulare), M. canis and M. gypseum in an effective amount combined with an adjuvant. The vaccine of the invention contains advantages over prior art dermatophyte vaccines in that it reduces the risk of infection in inoculated animals and persons utilizing the vaccine and provides cross-immunity.

The present invention relates to the vaccination of cats, dogs, livestock and fur-bearing animals against contagious infections caused by dermatophytes. A novel, broad spectrum vaccine has been prepared comprising a suspension of mycelial elements and spores of four "killed" dermatophytes (Trichophyton equinum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes (var. granulare), Microsporum canis and Microsporum gypseum) along with an adjuvant (i.e., immunologic stimulator) that enhances the vaccine's effectiveness. The vaccine is effective in the prophylaxis of infections resulting from the animal's contact with T. equinum, T. mentagophytes, M. canis, and M. gypseum, major dermatophytic pathogens of animals. Cross immunity against T. verrucosum and M. equinum is also stimulated by this vaccine.
A. Field of the Invention
Dermatophytoses are contagious, infectious diseases of man and other mammals caused by a group of keratinophilic, parasitic fungi known as "dermatophytes." Although they are not debilitating or fatal, dermatophytoses are among the most prevalent of human and animal infectious diseases. Millions of adults and children in the United States suffer from one or more types of dermatophyte infection. The dermatophytes that characteristically infect animals (i.e., zoophilic dermatophytes) are highly contagious; they persist in the environment as infectious spores for years, and they often transfer from infected animals to their human attendants as zoonotic infections. As a result, they constitute a substantial public health hazard.
Dermatophyte infections can affect various keratinized tissues, such as the hair and stratum corneum of the skin causing areas of hair loss, scaliness and cutaneous inflammation. The most frequent dermatophyte infection in animals is called "ringworm" (i.e., infections of the skin or hair); the most frequent dermatophyte infection in man is "athlete's foot" (i.e., infections of that appendage). These diseases are a consequence of the host animal's reaction to the dermatophyte as well as the invasion of the animal's tissues by the fungus. Although the disease can generally be treated, treatment may take weeks or months to completely resolve the condition. Ringworm is unsightly, at best, and in severe cases can result in the generation of disfiguring scar tissue. It has been estimated in recent years that approximately $150,000,000 is spent annually in the United States on the treatment of ringworm.
Ringworm infections in humans and animals can be caused by a number of dermatophytes that reside on various animals, including pets such as dogs and cats, fur-bearing animals (e.g., rabbits and mink) and livestock, such as horses, cattle and pigs. Hair and other skin fragments or debris infected with dermatophytes are lost by infected animals and contaminate the premises where these animals are maintained. Contamination may last for as much as four years. People, such as handlers, who come in contact with the animals or the premises can become carriers for the fungus to other animals or humans. Because ringworm is a world-wide problem and is transmitted between animals and man, the World Health Organization has attempted to diminish the contacting of viable dermatophytes by persons handling animals through reduction of the incidence of infection in animal populations.
In addition to the health consequences to man, the incidence of dermatophyte infections in animals can cause serious consequences for animal owners. Animals infected with dermatophytes are excluded from the sale or show ring and from competitive events, such as horse races. Because dermatophyte infections spread rapidly among animals, entire herds, kennels or stables full of animals may be involved when infection in one or more animals is observed. In animals bred for their meat, infection with dermatophytes may result in a diminished rate of weight gain. Although griseofulvin administered orally or as a feed additive may be used to treat certain types of infected animals, it can be prohibitively expensive where an entire herd is involved, and it may also raise concerns if the animals are used to supply meat or dairy products for human consumption.
In particular, ringworm on cats and dogs caused by M. canis and other dermatophytes is a highly contagious infection among those animals and is readily transmissible to humans. Dermatophytoses is easily transmitted by the movement of infectious hair or scales directly from one animal to another or through intermediate contact with physical items, such as wooden fixtures, grooming brushes, carpets, bedding and any other physical items of common contact. Transmission is especially accelerated by wild or stray cats, dogs and rodents that come into contact with household pets. Pedigreed cats and dogs and livestock infected by dermatophytoses are banned from show arenas and may be barred from crossing state or international boundaries. It is important both to the owners of those animals and to the public at large to control dermatophytoses in these animals.
B. Description of the Prior Art
Because dermatophytes are wide spread parasitic agents and because infection eventually engenders acquired immunity in affected individuals, prophylactic use of immunizing agents is indicated to reduce the susceptibility of animals and humans to infection. It is recognized, however, that:
[n]o subject in the field of medical mycology has evoked more controversy than "immunity and resistance" in dermatophyte infections. The voluminous literature begins in the early nineteen hundreds and continues to accumulate unabated to the present day . . . . There is no single, clear-cut mechanism that will explain all aspects of susceptibility and immunity to dermatophyte infection. (Rippon, "Medical Mycology: the Pathogenic Fungi and the Pathogenic Actinomycetes," W. B. Saunders Company (3rd Ed. 1988), p. 231.)
As reported in Rippon, immunization by injection of live or killed fungi, their extracts, or their metabolic products has been attempted many times in animals. However, the author notes that the challenge with a homologous organism results only in attenuation of the disease. Resistance is transitory only, and complete susceptibility returns after a few months. Rippon's conclusions appear to be based in whole or in part on A. W. Lepper, "Immunological Aspects of Dermatomycoses in Animals and Man," Rev. Med. Vet Mycol., 6:432-42 (1969), which itself is a review of the literature on dermatophyte immunity. See also, S. F. Grappel, "Immunology of Dermatophytes and Dermatophytosis," Bacteriological Reviews, 38:222-50 (1974).
Prior to the present invention, there has been no commercially practicable vaccine for the prevention of ringworm in dogs, cats, livestock and fur-bearing animals. Prophylaxis of T. equinum infection in horses using a viable vaccine comprising a suspension of T. equinum material is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,229,434 to Sarkisov et al. However, there are several defects with that vaccine. First, because it is viable, the vaccine of Sarkisov et al. may cause localized infection at the injection site. Second, because the vaccine is live, it cannot be incorporated with other adjuvant materials frequently utilized in vaccines to enhance immunologic response. Finally and of most significance, there are serious concerns about the infection of handlers and other animals contacted externally with the vaccine, since the vaccine contains "live," i.e., active T. equinum. For that reason, the vaccine has not been approved for use in certain European countries and the United States.
In addition, U.S. Pat. No. 4,368,191 to Sarkisov et al. discloses a vaccine for the prophylaxis and treatment of trichophytosis caused by T. mentagrophytes. The patent mentions the risks to humans associated with the study and use of a vaccine comprising live, virulent T. gypseum (i.e., a variety of T. mentagrophytes). It attempts to overcome these health risks by using a vaccine of live T. gypseum of a specific strain with "weak virulence."
The live vaccine disclosed in this Sarkisov et al. patent is limited to the prophylaxis from infection by the homologous dermatophyte on which the vaccine is based. No cross-immunity or resistance to infection from other dermatophytes is disclosed.
At the present time, there is no known broad spectrum vaccine for prophylaxis of a variety of dermatophyte infections in dogs, cats, livestock and fur-bearing animals which is effective and does not pose a risk of infection to handlers and animals contacted externally with the vaccine.


Complex event evaluation systems and methods are disclosed. A mathematics model for complex events and corresponding factors, and calculates a critical level of respective complex events according to weightings of respective factors in the mathematics model are provided. If several complex events occur simultaneously, a priority of respective complex events is calculated according to the historic occurrence of respective complex events. The critical level and priority of respective complex events are provided to users for decision making. Additionally, the mathematics model is established and adjusted according to the feedback scores for complex events.

1. Field of the Invention
The disclosure relates generally to complex event evaluation systems and methods, and, more particularly to systems and methods that evaluate critical level and priority of respective complex events.
2. Description of the Related Art
In event management systems such as network or medical event management systems, the occurrence of respective simplex events is monitored, and respective simplex events are filtered according to specific system predefined criteria. For example, in patient clinical monitoring systems, life status factors such as body temperature, breath speed, blood pressure, blood urea nitrogen, red blood cells (RBC) in urine, microalbuminuria, and others of a respective patient are monitored. If a respective factor exceeds its predefined upper and/or lower thresholds, a simplex event corresponding to the factor occurs.
All simplex events conforming to corresponding criteria are aggregated to generate one or several new events, called complex events. U.S. Pat. No. 6,336,139 discloses an event detection and aggregation mechanism in a distributed computing environment. Several criteria such as matching, duplicate, pass through, reset and threshold rules are provided for filtering simplex events. If simplex events conform to at least one of the criteria, the conformant simplex events are aggregated to generate at least one complex event for further processing. For example, if the body temperature, blood pressure, blood urea nitrogen, and RBC in urine of a patient are high, the patient may have diabetes. If the blood pressure and microalbuminuria of a patient are high, the patient may have hypertension. In the described examples, diabetes and hypertension are complex events aggregated by various factors (simplex events).
In addition to the direct influence of the occurrence of respective simplex events to complex events, the degree of influence of respective simplex events on complex events may be different. Further, the occurrence situation of respective simplex events may also directly influence the critical level of complex events. However, in the conventional systems, the aggregated complex events do not show the degree of influence of respective simplex events. That is the critical level of respective complex events cannot be determined. For example, if several patients have diabetes, the conventional clinical patient monitoring systems are unable to distinguish the degree of patient danger. Additionally, the priority of respective complex events cannot be known. For example, if two patients have diabetes and hypertension respectively, the conventional patient clinical monitoring systems are unable to determine an optimal processing order for patients. Further, because of differences in the individual constitutions of respective patients, for example the blood pressure of some patients may be always high, conventional systems may produce unreliable or erroneous judgments.


A marked target representation (100; 200) includes a human-cognizable relation mark (104; 206). The marked target representation represents a target. An image capture device (130; 302) is used to capture (114; 413) an image (112; 304) of the target representation. A data structure (120; 332) indicating a relation between a user (125; 326) of the image capture device and the target is generated (116; 415) using the image.

Manufacturers, publishers, and retailers can benefit from detailed information regarding who is purchasing or who might want to purchase their products. Similarly, advertisers and their customers can benefit from detailed information regarding the effectiveness of their advertisements. However, surveys designed to gather such information tend to be intrusive and rarely capture a consumer's attitude.

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.


A drive arrangement for split sickle bar sections of a harvester having a long cutter bar such as a combine, swather, mower-conditioner or the like utilizes separate drives for each sickle bar section, and provides for synchronizing the movement of the sickle bar sections so that they reach the respective ends of the reciprocating path simultaneously. In one form series connected first and second hydraulic motors are used, and the first motor in the series connection is reduced in speed from that which would be obtained from the full flow of a pump, by passing a portion of the pump fluid flow to a flow line leading to the second motor, a bleed valve bleeds off a portion of the flow in the flow line to regulate the second motor speed and position to match the speed and position of the first motor in response to signals indicating the position of the sickle bar sections. The sickle bar sections are thus synchronized.

This disclosure relates to a drive for split sickle bars on harvester headers, such as combines, swathers, mower-conditioners and similar crop and hay cutters, where the cutter bar and sickle are long, so two sickle bar sections are reciprocated in opposite directions, and operated with separate reciprocating drives. The sickle bar sections move in opposite directions as they are separately stroked, and the present disclosure teaches synchronizing the drives so that the sickle bar sections will not go out "of time" and cause objectionable vibration.
Large harvesters and combines for harvesting grain have headers that are up to at least 36 feet long, and it is common practice to have a split sickle bar, that is, two sickle bar sections driven from the opposite ends of the header and the moving linearly in opposite directions. It is also well known to use a "wobble" drive that converts a rotary motion into a linear motion for driving the sickle bar sections. It is important that the sickle bar sections remain in time, that is, so that they complete their stroke in each direction at the same time. This minimizes vibrations and insures clean cutting of the grain stalks in the center of the header.
It is also desirable to have hydraulic motor drives for providing the rotary motion to the wobble drives. At the present time, the hydraulic motors used are generally, but not necessarily series connected. However, due to the normal internal leakage of the motors, the second motor in the series connection (the slave motor) will rotate at different rpm from the first or master motor. Small differentials in speed will cause the sickle bar sections to go in and out of "timing" or synchronization and strip the crop, rather than cut it, and also cause vibration.
At present, most split sickle bars cannot be kept in perfect synchronization, unless there are non-slip drive connections to the sickles (which are costly and have other drawbacks), so to create a non-perceptible vibration the two sickle bar sections are intentionally driven at sufficiently different speeds (for example at a 25 rpm difference) so the "beat" frequency is rapid and not highly objectionable, for example every 2 or 3 seconds. This does cause vibrations of the machines, but it is tolerated by the operators. The overlapping center sections of the two sickle bar sections will be in a position where the crop is torn or stripped, rather than cut, for short intervals of time, so while the cutting in not ideal, the tearing of the crops is intermittent, rather that for long periods of time.
The inner ends of the sickle bar sections overlap in the center of the header during their strokes, for complete cutting, and if they go out of time, the overlap length in the middle of a header will go from ideal cutting to stripping and pulling the crop being harvested. Also the mechanical imbalance of the weight and the inertia of the sickle bar sections will go from "balanced" (in sync) to totally out of balance, which is essentially with the two sections running like one long sickle bar insofar as vibrations are concerned. The vibrations can be felt by the operator, and the vibrations also reduce the life of the machine.
Attempts have been made to solve the synchronization problem. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,787,786 shows a dual hydraulic oscillator for a reciprocating cutter that provides for synchronizing the outputs to a split sickle bar section drive.

Synchronous drive for split sickle bars on harvester header


Alternate characterizations of golf ball striking ability is provided, as well as methods for determining the alternate characterizations and systems for carrying out such determinations. Such methods may include performing one or more golf strikes to impart trajectories to one or more golf balls. Such methods may also include measuring each of the golf strikes to determine golf club head, golf ball speed, side spin angle, and offline angle, calculating a trajectory magnitude factor and a trajectory offline factor on the basis of the measurements, and reducing the trajectory magnitude factor by the trajectory offline factor.

Handicap numbers are used by golfers as measures of golfing ability. A handicap number is typically determined on the basis of a golfer's performance over a range of holes with respect to a predetermined par value associated with each hole. In calculating a handicap number, for example, the number of strokes a golfer must make to move a golf ball from a particular tee spot to the hole is first recorded for each hole of a golf course. The predetermined par value of the hole is then subtracted from this number. If the golfer must make more strokes to move the golf ball to the hole than the par number for that hole, the resulting number will be positive, whereas if the golfer requires fewer strokes than the par number, the resulting number will be negative. A handicap number is then calculated on the basis of the resulting numbers for the range of holes.
However, measures of golfing ability such as handicap numbers present certain problems. A first problem is that handicap numbers are calculated based upon specific performances against specific holes of specific golf courses under specific environmental conditions. Weather conditions and subtle differences between specific holes of various golf courses may make handicap numbers inherently difficult to compare. While handicap numbers may attempt to compensate for such difference by taking into account factors relating to the general difficulty of particular golf courses, for example, such handicap numbers may still not reflect differences in hole-to-hole difficulty.
Additionally, since handicap numbers are based upon the difference between an actual number of strokes required to move a ball to a hole and the par number associated with that hole, handicap numbers may be relatively coarsely-grained. That is, the difference in handicap number between two golfers may be relatively small, especially at higher ability levels.
Moreover, since handicap numbers may derive from data gathered and analyzed by individual golfers, the value of such numbers may be related to factors such as an individual golfer's diligence in gathering and accurately recording the required data, as well as the golfer's skill in deriving the proper handicap number on the basis of the data.
Furthermore, handicap numbers may only be of general assistance in selecting golf equipment suitable to improve a particular golfer's game. For example, it may generally be known that a particular piece of golf equipment such as a particular type of golf club or golf ball may improve the game of golfers at a particular ability level as measured by handicap, i.e., it may generally be known that a particular type of golf ball may improve the golf game of golfers of a certain handicap range. However, handicap numbers may not be useful in determining whether or how a particular piece of golf equipment may improve the golfing ability of a particular golfer.
Accordingly, there is a need for alternate characterizations of golf ball striking ability, as well as methods for determining the alternate characterizations, methods for selecting golf equipment on the basis of the alternate characterizations, and systems for carrying out such methods.

Method and system for characterizing golf ball striking ability