Methods for evaluating micrometastases in a tissue region of a subject are described. The methods include administering to the subject a detectably effective amount of a tumor-targeted photoactivatable immunoconjugate; allowing a sufficient amount of time for the tumor-targeted photoactivatable immunoconjugate to enter micrometastases in the tissue region; illuminating the tumor-targeted photoactivatable immunoconjugate; obtaining an image of the tissue region of the subject using a fluorescent imaging device, and evaluating the micrometastases in the tissue region by conducting algorithmic analysis of the image. Methods of treating micrometastases in a tissue region of a subject are also described.

Metastatic disease remains the main cause of cancer-related death despite advances in cytoreductive surgery and chemotherapy. An ongoing dilemma is the lack of options to address residual micrometastases that escape standard treatments and detection by current imaging technologies. Pantel et al., Nat Rev Clin Oncol 6:339-351 (2009). In addition to spread via hematogenous and lymphatic routes, diffuse micrometastatic spread throughout anatomical cavities is also problematic, including peritoneal dissemination resulting from cancers of the colon, pancreas, and ovary. These obstacles are pronounced in the treatment of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), a prime example of a frequently recurrent disease characterized by residual micrometastases. Due to the lack of screening methods or distinct symptoms during early progression, the vast majority of EOC cases are diagnosed once the disease has metastasized and formed numerous nodules studding the peritoneal cavity. Lengyel E., The American Journal of Pathology 177:1053-1064 (2010). Although a significant fraction of patients (˜35%) appear to achieve a complete response after cytoreductive surgery and follow-up chemotherapy, a small number of cells with intrinsic or acquired resistance are responsible for recurrence and poor survival. These residual micrometastases are clinically occult until gross recurrence, which is often refractory to standard treatments. Laparotomy, an invasive surgical reassessment, frequently fails to detect residual disease (Selman A E, Copeland L J, Curr Oncol Rep 1:71-76 (1999)) while non-invasive clinical imaging modalities also have poor sensitivity for subcentimeter tumors. Soussan et al., Eur Radiol 22:1479-1487 (2012).
Targeted agents carrying 'always on', unquenched chromophores have emerged for targeted therapy and imaging at the macroscale. In a promising clinical study, intraoperative visualization of EOC nodules labeled with a targeted, 'always on' fluorescent probe facilitated the identification of more tumor deposits by surgeons compared to conventional bright-field illumination. van Dam et al., Nat Med 17:1315-1319 (2011). This development may ultimately translate to fluorescence-guided resection for more radical cytoreductive surgery, leaving less disease behind. Nguyen et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 107:4317-4322 (2010). Photoimmunotherapy (PIT) using 'always on' immunoconjugates is a targeted form of photodynamic therapy—first reported in the seminal works of Levy and colleagues (Mew et al., J Immunol 130:1473-1477 (1983))—that has been shown to hold promise by us (Molpus et al., Gynecologic Oncology 76:397-404 (2000); Rizvi et al. Isr J Chem 52:776-787 (2012)) and by others. Van Dongen et al., Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews 56:31-52 (2004). Because photodynamic agents are mechanistically distinct from traditional treatment modalities, are effective against radio- and chemoresistant cells, and can also re-sensitize resistant cells to chemotherapy, the development of PIT is of importance for overcoming drug-resistance. In fact, photodynamic therapy has been used in the treatment of disseminated peritoneal disease with some success intraoperatively and endoscopically in the lung, bladder and esophagus. Hahn S M et al., Clin Cancer Res 12:2517-2525 (2006).
Integrating the concepts of targeted therapy and imaging, a recent proof-of-concept study performed dual epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeted PIT and imaging of localized, macroscopic tumors using 'always on' immunoconjugates. Mitsunaga M et al., Nat Med 17:1685-1691 (2011). This study used a mouse model derived from subcutaneous implantation of A431 squamous-cell carcinoma cells that express abnormally high levels of EGFR. A limitation of PIT is persistent phototoxicity and background signal in non-target tissues due to unbound and circulating 'always on' immunoconjugates, which compromise treatment- and imaging-selectivity at the microscale. It therefore remains uncertain if PIT is safe and effective for treatment of micrometastases—the ultimate test of treatment selectivity. It is also unknown if 'always on' immunoconjugates have sufficient tumor selectivity for treatment and imaging of tumors that express more realistic levels of the target molecule.

Methods of treating and imaging tumor micrometastases using photoactive immunoconjugates


A device for supporting a hunting rifle, pistol or other firearm that permits the rifle to rotate to allow a full range of targeting while providing stable support in a confined area. The supporting device includes a base to support the device on a surface, a vertical supporting leg and a rest to support a rifle. One end of the supporting device is secured to the base via a swivel and the other end of the supporting device is secured to the rest via a swivel. The swivels provide rotational movement of the supporting leg relative to the base, and rotational movement of the rest, and consequently of the rifle, relative to the supporting leg. The swivels can be set at varying tensions or stiffness. The rifle can be attached to the rest. To aid in the transportation of the rifle and support device, the supporting leg can be folded and clamped onto a clamp of the rest, so that the supporting leg and base are parallel to the rifle.

The present invention relates to monopods, and, more particularly, to a monopod device which provides stable support for a rifle, pistol or other firearm while permitting the firearm to be repositioned easily and effectively to ensure shooting accuracy.
Many hunters use a rifle support system to improve shooting accuracy while hunting. The support system bears most of the rifle's weight which allows the hunter to devote more time and muscular energy toward aiming accurately while hunting.
Various types of support systems exist. The type of support system chosen to be used by the hunter depends on a number of factors, one of which is the hunting location. More explicitly, a support system that is appropriate for use on the ground may not be appropriate if the hunter chooses to hunt from a permanent or portable tree stand.
Many hunters use tree stands to aid in their hunting, especially when hunting creatures of repetitive habits. These tree stands allow the hunter to establish a fixed position on a known animal pathway above the animals' lines of sight and smell. However, to be practical and effective, these tree stands are quite small and provide a limited amount of space for the hunter.
Known monopod rifle support systems generally consist of a U- or V-shaped rifle cradle fixed to the top of a segmented pole or rod or leg of adjustable length. However, the rigid pole and fixed-position rifle cradle make it difficult for hunters to reposition the monopod to adapt to changing shooting situations, especially when hunting from a confined tree stand.
Attempting to maneuver the monopod leg through various positions in both the horizontal and vertical planes in an effort to achieve proper rifle position and stabilization within the confines of a tree stand usually results in an out-of-level rifle position. In other words, the rifle's fixed barrel/sight position tilts away from true vertical when the hunter attempts to maneuver the monopod to aim at an animal approaching from any direction other than directly in front of the supported rifle along the horizon. The horizontal line scribed into most telescopic hunting sights relative to the hunter's perceived horizontal horizon tilts out of alignment when known monopods are tilted along the horizontal or vertical planes. Even a small tilt away from true vertical alignment greatly affects targeting accuracy.
Additionally, the floors of tree stands often consist of steel mesh or thin metal bar flooring with spaces to form a slatted pattern. In attempting to reposition a known monopod support system, the leg or pole or rod often falls through the spacings in the floor of the tree stand.
There exists, therefore, a need for a monopod supporting and stabilizing device for a rifle that can be used to provide level sight alignment of the rifle when the monopod is maneuvered in virtually any position, and that can be easily and stably positioned on the floor of a tree stand.
Firearm supports heretofore devised and utilized for the purpose of hunting are known to consist basically of familiar, expected and obvious structural configurations.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 1,112,732 to Uhl describes an extendible gun support with a foldable base.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,345,398 to Pickett describes a monopod with a barrel clamp and a pivot clamp that allow the monopod to be folded parallel to the gun and attached to the bottom of the barrel of the gun when not in use.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,402,595 to Tamilas describes a gun support with a ball and cap tilt mechanism located between the top end of the vertical support mechanism and the gun rest for enabling adjustment of declination and inclination of a rifle supported by the rest.
However, the devices mentioned above, while sufficient for their intended uses, do not specifically address the requirement for a monopod that may be used in a tree stand that allows the rifle to be repositioned to allow a full range of targeting while maintaining proper sighting, and which is provided with a stable, effective and sturdy foot support.


To improve response performance of a storage control device. A storage control device 1 connected to a host computer 2 includes: a communication unit 1A that receives a command, to which a priority is set, from the host computer; a command executing unit 1B that executes the command received from the communication unit according to the priority; a cache memory 1C that is used by the command executing unit; a cache controller 1E that manages slots of the cache memory; and a plurality of storage devices 1D(1) and 1D(2) that stores data used by the host computer. The cache controller sets the priority to a slot that stores target data of the command and controls the data stored in the slot according to the priority.

As a method of controlling quality of service (QoS) of a storage control device, a method in which a host computer sets priorities to commands (Input/output requests (I/O requests)) and transmits the commands to a storage control device, and the storage control device controls the execution sequence (running sequence) of commands according to the priority set at the host computer is known (Patent Literature 1).

Storage control device and method of controlling storage control device


The present invention relates to a semiconductor device and its manufacturing method. The semiconductor device comprises: a gate structure located on a substrate, Ge-containing semiconductor layers located on the opposite sides of the gate structure, a doped semiconductor layer epitaxially grown between the Ge-containing semiconductor layers, the bottom surfaces of the Ge-containing semiconductor layers located on the same horizontal plane as that of the epitaxial semiconductor layer. The epitaxial semiconductor layer is used as a channel region, and the Ge-containing semiconductor layers are used as source/drain extension regions.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a semiconductor device and manufacturing methods therefor. More particularly, the present invention relates to a semiconductor device with epitaxial source-drain extension regions and a manufacturing method therefor.
2. Description of the Related Art
Nowadays, millions of semiconductor devices are integrated together to construct very large scale integrated circuits.
FIG. 1 shows a sectional view of a conventional semiconductor device (transistor). A transistor typically comprises a gate dielectric layer 140 on a semiconductor substrate (not shown for conciseness) and a gate layer 150 on the gate dielectric layer 140, the transistor has first and second sidewall spacers 160, 165 formed on the sidewalls of the gate dielectric layer 140 and the gate layer 150. Commonly, the transistor also comprises a pair of source/drain regions 110 aligned with the peripheral borders of the second sidewall spacers 165. Further, a pair of source/drain extension regions 120 is formed within the surface region of the semiconductor substrate, extending beneath the gate dielectric layer 140 and the gate layer 150. A channel region 130 is formed in the semiconductor substrate between the pair of extension regions 120 and beneath the gate dielectric layer 140.
With the continuing reduction of characteristic dimensions of transistors, it is desired for the source/drain extension regions 120 to have a shallow junction depth in order to reduce area junction capacitance (Cjunc). Also, it is desired for the source/drain extension regions 120 to have a high activated dopant concentration to reduce accumulation resistance (Racc) and thus increase the transistor driving current.
To achieve the above objects, commonly, annealing, especially laser melting/sub-melting annealing, is applied to the source/drain extension regions formed through ion implantation.
However, it has been found by the inventors of the present invention through intensive research that there is still a need to improve junction depth and activated dopant concentration for the source/drain extension regions 120 formed through ion implantation and laser melting/sub-melting annealing. However, while SIMS (Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry) is often used to measure dopant distribution after laser melting/sub-melting annealing, SIMS is unable to identify whether a dopant is activated.
Therefore, it has been recognized by the inventors of the present invention that there is a need for a semiconductor device having a shallow junction depth (or a small thickness) for the source/drain extension regions and a high activated dopant concentration, as well as a manufacturing method for manufacturing such a semiconductor device.

Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof

SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING INTERNATIONAL (BEIJING) CORPORATION


A composition containing water, alcohol and a silicone surfactant containing at least one polyether substituent group per molecule is useful in treating wrinkled fabric to reduced the amount of wrinkling.

The present invention is directed to a composition and process for removing wrinkles from textiles and fabrics.
A variety of methods are known in the industry for removing wrinkles from garments, fabrics or textiles. Several well known methods use heat, steam and pressure such as household ironing or steam pressing. These methods are effective but suffer from the need for special equipment and may not be convenient or practical, such as, for example, when traveling. In addition, the use of heat may damage the fabric.
Compositions and methods for removing or reducing wrinkles without the need for special equipment are known. U.S. Pat. No. 3,600,325 to Kaufman, et. al. and U.S. Pat. No. 3,436,772 to Stebbins each disclose the use of mixtures of alcohol and water. U.S. Pat. No. 3,674,688 to Schwartz et. al. discloses using an alcohol/water mixture with a quatenary ammonium salt as a surfactant. U.S. Pat. No. 4,661,268 to Jacobson et. al. discloses a water/alcohol/surfactant mixture using a quaternary ammonium salt and a silicone glycol or fluorosilicone polymer as the surfactant. U.S. Pat. No. 4,806,254 to Church provides for a dewrinkle composition containing alcohol, water, non-ionic surfactant and glycerine.
The present invention is directed to a composition for removing or decreasing wrinkles from fabrics, comprising water, alcohol and a silicone surfactant containing at least one polyether substituent group per molecule.
This invention also provides for a method of treating a wrinkled fabric to reduced the amount of wrinkling, comprising contacting the fabric with an effective amount of a composition comprising water, alcohol and a silicone surfactant containing at least one polyether substituent group per molecule.
As used herein, the term xe2x80x9cfabricxe2x80x9d is used broadly and includes woven and non-woven textiles made from natural fibers, such as for example, cotton, silk, linen or wool, man made fibers, such as for example, polyester, rayon or nylon, or combinations thereof, as well as garments or other articles, for example, window draperies, made form such materials. In a preferred embodiment, the fabric is a woven textile comprising at least one natural fiber. In a highly preferred embodiment, the fabric comprises, a garment made from a woven textile comprising at least one natural fiber.
In a preferred embodiment, the composition of the present invention comprises, based on 100 parts by weight (xe2x80x9cpbwxe2x80x9d) of the composition, from about 75 pbw to about 98.99 pbw, more preferably from about 80 pbw to about 95 pbw and still more preferably from about 85 pbw to about 93 pbw, water, from about 1 pbw to about 20 pbw, more preferably from about 5 pbw to about 15 pbw and still more preferably from about 8 pbw to about 12 pbw, of the alcohol, and from 0.01 pbw to about 5 pbw, more preferably from about 0.03 pbw to about 3 pbw and still more preferably from about 0.05 pbw to about 2 pbw, of the silicone surfactant.
The alcohol may be any alcohol that sufficiently volatile to evaporate at room temperature. In a preferred embodiment, the alcohol comprises a linear or branched alcohol containing from 2 to 6 carbon atoms per molecule. More preferably, the alcohol comprises one or more of ethanol, propanol and isopropanol.
In a preferred embodiment, the silicone surfactant comprises a compound having one or more units of the structural formula (I):
RaSiO4xe2x88x92a/2xe2x80x83xe2x80x83(I)
wherein each R is independently a monovalent hydrocarbon radical or a monovalent polyether radical, provided that at least one R per molecule of the silicone surfactant is a monovalent polyether radical and a is a number wherein 1xe2x89xa6axe2x89xa64.
Suitable monovalent hydrocarbon radicals include monovalent acyclic hydrocarbon radicals, monovalent alicyclic hydrocarbon radicals and monovalent aromatic hydrocarbon radicals.
As used herein, the terminology xe2x80x9cmonovalent acyclic hydrocarbon radicalxe2x80x9d means a monovalent straight chain or branched hydrocarbon radical, preferably containing from 1 to 20 carbon atoms per radical, which may be saturated or unsaturated and which may, optionally, be substituted, for example with one or more halo groups. Suitable monovalent acyclic hydrocarbon radicals include, for example, alkyl radicals, such as, for example, methyl, ethyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, octyl, dodecyl, stearyl and eicosyl, haloalkyl, such as trifluoropropyl, alkenyl radicals, such as, for example, ethenyl and propenyl, and alkynyl radicals, such as, for example, propynyl and butynyl.
As used herein, the terminology xe2x80x9calicyclic hydrocarbon radicalxe2x80x9d means a radical containing one or more saturated hydrocarbon rings, preferably containing from 6 to 10 carbon atoms per ring, per radical which may optionally be substituted on one or more of the rings with one or more alkyl groups, each preferably containing from 2 to 6 carbon atoms per group and which, in the case of two or more rings, may be fused rings. Suitable monovalent alicyclic hydrocarbon radicals include, for example, cyclohexyl and cyclooctyl.
As used herein, the terminology xe2x80x9cmonocyclic aromatic hydrocarbon radicalxe2x80x9d means a hydrocarbon radical containing one aromatic ring per radical, which may optionally be substituted on the aromatic ring with one or more alkyl groups, each preferably containing from 2 to 6 carbon atoms per group. Suitable monovalent aromatic hydrocarbon radicals include, for example, phenyl, tolyl, xylyl, 2,4,6-trimethylphenyl and naphthyl.
As used herein the term xe2x80x9cpolyether radicalxe2x80x9d means a monovalent group according to the structural formula (II):
xe2x80x94R1O((CH2)bO)c((CH2)dO)eR2xe2x80x83xe2x80x83(II)
wherein:
R1 is divalent alkyl radical;
R2 is H, alkyl, alkenyl, hydroxyalkyl;
b and d are each independently integers of from 1 to 12;
c and e are each independently integers of from 0 to 100; and
1xe2x89xa6c+exe2x89xa6200.
In a preferred embodiment, 1xe2x89xa6cxe2x89xa650 and 1xe2x89xa6exe2x89xa650, more preferably 1xe2x89xa6cxe2x89xa630 and 1xe2x89xa6exe2x89xa630.
In one preferred embodiment, R1 is a divalent alkyl radical containing from 1 to 6 carbon atoms per radical, more preferably xe2x80x94(CH2)3xe2x80x94, b is 2, 1xe2x89xa6cxe2x89xa6100, e is 0 and R2 is H or an alkyl radical containing from 1 to 12, more preferably 1 to 6, carbon atoms per radical, more preferably H. More preferably, 1xe2x89xa6cxe2x89xa650, and even more preferably 2xe2x89xa6cxe2x89xa630.
In another preferred embodiment, R1 is a divalent alkyl radical containing from 1 to 6 carbon atoms per radical, more preferably xe2x80x94(CH2)3xe2x80x94, b is 2, 1xe2x89xa6cxe2x89xa6100, d is 3, 1xe2x89xa6exe2x89xa6100 and R2 is H or an alkyl radical containing from 1 to 12, more preferably 1 to 6, carbon atoms per radical, more preferably H. More preferably, 1xe2x89xa6c+exe2x89xa6100, 1xe2x89xa6c+exe2x89xa650, and even more preferably 2xe2x89xa6c+exe2x89xa630.
In a preferred embodiment, the silicone surfactant comprises one or more organopolysiloxane polymers or copolymers of the structural formula (III):
MaDbTcQdxe2x80x83xe2x80x83(III)
wherein:
M is R33SiO1/2;
D is R42SiO2/2;
T is R5SiO3/2;
Q is SiO4/2;
each R3, R4 and R5 is independently a monovalent hydrocarbon radical or a monovalent polyether radical, provided that at least one R3, R4 or R5 radical per molecule is a monovalent polyether radical; and
a, b, c and d are each integers, wherein a=(2+c+2d), 0xe2x89xa6bxe2x89xa6500, 0xe2x89xa6cxe2x89xa610,0xe2x89xa6dxe2x89xa610.
In a preferred embodiment, each R3, R4 and R5 is independently alkyl, more preferably (C1-C6)alkyl, even more preferably methyl, or a monovalent polyether radical.
In a preferred embodiment, c and d are each 0.
In a highly preferred embodiment, c and d are each 0, 1xe2x89xa6bxe2x89xa64 and at least one R3 is a hydroxy endcapped poly(ethyleneoxy) radical containing from 3 to 24 ethyleneoxy units per radical.
In a highly preferred embodiment, the silicone surfactant comprises one or more linear organopolysiloxane polymers or copolymers of the structural formula (IV):
wherein R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, R11, R12, R13, R14, R15 are each independently a monovalent hydrocarbon radical or a monovalent polyether radical, provided that at least one of R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, R11, R12, R13, R14, R15 is a monovalent polyether radical, and x and y are each integers wherein 0xe2x89xa6xxe2x89xa6500 and 0xe2x89xa6yxe2x89xa6500 provided that (x+y)xe2x89xa70.
In a preferred embodiment, 0xe2x89xa6xxe2x89xa6100 and 0xe2x89xa6yxe2x89xa6100, more preferably 0xe2x89xa6xxe2x89xa630 and 0xe2x89xa6yxe2x89xa630.
In a preferred embodiment, each R6, R8, R9, R10, R11, R12, R13, and R14 is independently a monovalent hydrocarbon radical and each R7 and R15 is independently a monovalent polyether radical. In a more preferred embodiment, each R6, R8, R9, R10, R11, R12, R13, and R14 is independently (C1-C6)alkyl, more preferably methyl, and each R7 and R15 is independently a monovalent poly(ethyleneoxy) radical.
In another preferred embodiment, y=0 and each R6, R7, R8, R9, R13, R14 and R15 is independently a monovalent hydrocarbon radical and each R10 is independently a monovalent polyether radical. In a more preferred embodiment, each R6, R7, R8, R9, R13, R14 is independently (C1-C6)alkyl, more preferably methyl, and each R10 is independently a monovalent polyether radical, more preferably, a monovalent poly(ethyleneoxy) radical.
In accordance with the process of the invention, the fabric is treated by contacting the wrinkled fabric, that may be hung in the desired shape or remain on the person, with an effective amount of the above identified aqueous solution in the form a of a spray or mist of finely divided droplets to the surface of the fabric. An effective amount of the composition is one effective to reduce the wrinkling of the fabric being treated, preferably an amount sufficient to dampen the surface of the fabric without saturating the fabric. A conventional pump sprayer or suitable alternative method may be employed.
After application of the composition, the dampened article may be smoothed by hand or other device or pulled taut to enhance the dewrinkling capability of the solution and then allowed to dry.
Once the article has dried following an initial treatment, the article may, optionally, be again treated with the composition and handled as before. This results in an improved appearance over the singly treated articles.

Wrinkle removing composition and process


A link for interconnecting with one or more additional, similarly configured links so as to form a linkage for affixation to bone includes a receptacle member having an interior surface that defines a receptacle and further defines a bearing surface and an array of retention features that is arranged around the bearing surface. The link includes an insertion member that extends from the receptacle member and defines an exterior surface that at least partially surrounds a hole. A geometry of the exterior surface is configured to fit within a geometry of the receptacle. The exterior surface defines an annular recess configured to receive a retention member for engaging one or more of the arrayed retention features.

When bones are damaged through trauma, disease, distraction osteogenesis, or orthognathic surgery, bone fixation implants are commonly used to provide anatomical reduction of bone fragments, to maintain their position, and to ensure union in the desired position. Thus, bone fixation implants are typically designed to achieve proper anatomic fit and function. Additionally, because bone fixation implants often support bones that withstand significant mechanical stress in their anatomic function, such implants are often composed of strong and rigid materials. However, it is particularly difficult to fashion rigid materials to a particular patient's bone contour.
As one example, achieving the proper shape and fit of a bone fixation implant is of particular emphasis in mandibular reconstruction. An improper fit of a mandibular fixation implant may result in disruption of the normal jaw function or alteration of the occlusion, which can cause discomfort for a patient. Additionally, it is desirable for mandibular fixation implants to be strong and rigid to provide a proper occlusion and withstand related mechanical stresses.


A self-drilling anchor having a self-drilling function includes a body and a pin. The body includes a head and a shank extending from the head downward. The head is of a shape similar to the head of a hexagonal bolt such that the head may engage with the rotary member of an electric rotary tool. The shank is in the form of a column having a constant outer diameter, having helical grooves formed on its outer periphery. The body includes in its core an opening portion with a constant inner diameter extending from the upper end toward the top end. A slit is formed on the top end portion of the shank to extend from its tip to the opening portion so as to divide the top end portion into two. The slit is engaged with the drilling edge to hold it. Completion of a self-drilling anchor is achieved by fitting the pin into the opening portion of the body.

The present invention relates to an anchor such as anchor pin or an anchor bolt for use in mounting and securing various types of fixtures such as metal fittings onto structures such as concrete, bricks or blocks, etc., particular, the present invention relates to a self-drilling anchor which is capable of drilling starting holes by itself.


A gas-turbine engine receives no air from outside atmosphere. Instead, combustion gas expelled from the engine is cooled and recycled back into the engine. That gas contains no nitrogen and consists mostly of carbon dioxide and water vapor. Oxygen and fuel are added to the recycled gas, and the resulting mixture is used to perform an internal-combustion process. A small amount of the expelled combustion gas is discharged into outside environment, and the rest is recycled. Since no nitrogen is present, no nitrogen oxides are produced. The amount of other harmful exhaust emissions, including particulate matter, is greatly reduced too, since most of them are recycled back into the engine. The engine is inherently supercharged with controllable combustion-gas pressure and, in some cases, can operate without a compressor. Since the combustion gas is heavier than air, the engine can be substantially smaller than a conventional engine of equal power. Complete elimination of nitrogen oxide emissions and a significant reduction in particulate matter can substantially increase appeal of gas-turbine engines based on the above concept.

Gas-turbine engines offer good fuel economy and high power-to-weight ratio. They are, however, prodigious producers of nitrogen oxides, which are considered to be some of the most harmful air pollutants. Controlling nitrogen oxides emission is very difficult and very expensive. Another drawback is emission of particulate matter and unburned hydrocarbons, which is very harmful to human health. In view of the above, it is clear that it is highly desirable to have a system and a method of gas-turbine engine operation that eliminates the above disadvantages while retaining the fuel economy advantage. Such a system and a method are the subject of the present invention.


A portable telephone radio unit is disclosed which allows a user to recognize an incomplete state of data communication which occurs with a terminal equipment because of deterioration of the communication state by radio wave interference upon channel changing over in the course of a standby channel selection operation or during communication. A signal processing section performs information analysis of a signal selected by a control circuit section from among reception signals of an antenna whose levels are measured by a radio circuit section upon channel changing over in the course of a standby channel selection operation or during communication. The control circuit section detects loss of frame synchronization, deterioration in bit error rate, unfavorable reception of broadcast information or interruption of radio waves which is a condition of radio wave interference. Then, if a waiting condition is not satisfied, then the control circuit section controls a warning display section to display a warning of radio wave interference. The radio wave interference warning is erased when the cause of the radio wave interference disappears.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a portable telephone radio set to which a terminal equipment as represented by a personal computer is connected to effect data communication therewith.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, a portable telephone radio set is used frequently such that a terminal equipment such as a personal computer is externally connected thereto to effect data communication therewith. However, the portable telephone radio set is liable to be subject to radio wave interference from the terminal equipment externally connected thereto and suffer from deterioration of the communication quality. Further, data communication is different from communication by voice, which allows confirmation with the ear, in that, even if the communication quality is deteriorated, this cannot be recognized readily by a user of the portable telephone radio set.
Conventionally, as regards a portable telephone radio set of the type described such as, for example, a portable telephone radio set which complies with the RCR STD-27 standard published by the Association of Radio Industries and Business (ARIB), a standard is available which relate to a waiting-switching operation, after the power supply to the portable telephone radio set turned on, of the mobile station when a used channel set from a base state is in a wait state.
A procedure on the mobile state base on the standard is illustrated in FIG. 4. First, when the power supply is turned on, perch channels which form a group are scanned to measure the level of each of the channels (step S1), and a channel table in which the levels are arranged in order of the level is prepared (step S2).
Then, the mobile station searches for those perch channels each having a level higher than a predetermined level from within the channel table prepared in this manner (step S3). If perch channels having a level higher than the predetermined level are detected (YES in step S4), then one of those perch channels is selected in accordance with a predetermined method (step S5), and a signal of the selected perch channel is received (step S6). Then, information of the layer 1 and broadcast information are detected from within the received signal and analyzed (step S7), and if a waiting condition is satisfied (YES in step S8), then the processing advances to operation during the waiting state (step S9).
If the discrimination in step S8 is "NO" since the waiting condition is not satisfied, then the remaining perch channels each having a level higher than the predetermined level are investigated from within the channel table (step S10). Then, the processing returns to step S4 described above. Thus, the succeeding steps are repeated until the discrimination in step S4 becomes "NO" because a perch channel having a level higher than the predetermined level does not remain any more.
If the discrimination in step S4 is "NO" because there remains no perch channel having a level higher than the predetermined level, then it is determined that the mobile station is in an out-of-zone state (step S21). Then, the processing returns to step S1, in which scanning of perch channels of a next group is started.
In the conventional portable telephone radio set described above, if interruption of communication or failure in connection is caused by radio wave interference and deteriorates the communication state, then since the user of the radio set cannot recognize that data communication on the terminal equipment has entered an incomplete state, there is a problem that increase of the communication time by unnecessary requests for retransmission, increase of the communication fee by unnecessary retransmission processing and so forth occur.
The reason is that the conventional portable telephone radio set does not have a function for directly reporting deterioration of the communication state caused by radio wave interference to the user of the portable telephone radio set.

Portable telephone set with interference detecting and warning function displayed with indication of type of radio interference fault


A circuit includes a time delta detector configured to receive an input clock signal and a reference clock signal and generate a delta pulse signal and a reference pulse signal. A comparison circuit is configured to receive the delta pulse signal and the reference pulse signal. The comparison circuit generates an output indicative of a bit of a time difference between the input clock signal and the reference clock signal. A control circuit is configured to receive the output from the comparison circuit. The control circuit maintains a count of the time difference between the input clock signal and the reference clock signal.

In integrated circuits ("ICs"), a time-to-digital convertor (TDC) includes a circuit configured to recognize events and provide a digital representation of the timing of the event. For example, a TDC may be configured to output the time of arrival for one or more incoming pulses. TDCs may be used in many different applications in which a time interval between two or more signal pulses (such as, for example, start and stop pulses) needs to be determined.
Current TDC circuits include an inverter as a basic timing unit. Inverters include one or more gates that introduce a gate delay into the circuit. The gate delay of current inverter circuits is defined by limitations of a CMOS process used to fabricate the gates. TDC circuits fabricated using CMOS processes are limited by the capacitance between a device's gate and channel and also by the resistance of the channel and the signal traces. For example, for 10 nm technology, the CMOS process introduces a best-case inverter gate delay in the picosecond range, such as, for example, 10 psecs.

High resolution time-to-digital convertor

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.


The present disclosure relates to a system for testing the strength of a bonded joint between at least two components, wherein the system includes at least one element force energizer that creates an actual mechanical stress in the bonded joint when actuated, wherein the element force energizer is coupled with the at least two components. The system further includes an energy interface that is connectable to a power source, the energy interface being in electrical communication with the at least one element force energizer, and a sensor that detects the actual mechanical stress or strain in the bonded joint. The system may also include a recording device that records and/or transmits the detected mechanical stress or strain in the bonded joint. In one example, the element force energizers include piezoelectric materials.

Connecting various components together is a step in many manufacturing processes and numerous systems and methods exist for joining multiple components together. The term "joint" refers to the point or location between at least two components coupled together. For example, multiple elements may be coupled together at a joint through the use of fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, nails, straps, etc), interlocking pieces, welding techniques, and/or adhesive compositions. Each of these methods for joining components together has its advantages and disadvantages depending on various factors (such as the size, weight, and composition of the components and the humidity, temperature, and pressure of the environment), and each type of coupling has a corresponding strength rating. The strength of a coupling is ascertained by testing the joined components to determine if the joint is sufficiently strong to withstand required load thresholds and if the joint has the durability to hold up over a useful lifecycle. These joint tests, and the corresponding strength ratings, can be important for the safety of users that operate, exploit, interact with, or otherwise use end-products with joints and coupled components.
Generally, the procedures and systems for testing joints involve controllably increasing a load on a joint or subjecting the joint to repeated load cycles, and determining if the joint can sustain the proof load, if defects occur, and/or if the joint reaches a failure point. For example, joints can be tested to determine the load range in which the joint is elastic (i.e., the range in which the joint does not suffer any permanent damage or distortion), the load range in which the joint is plastic (i.e., the range in which the joint still is capable of sustaining a load but permanent damage and distortion has occurred, resulting in permanent defects), and the load range in which the joint fails.
Conventional strength tests are generally performed ex situ and usually include applying shear, compression, and/or tensile type forces to the joint. For example, when conventionally testing an adhesive coupling ("bonded joint"), as may be found in a frame of an aircraft, the joint is often removed from its position in the frame (i.e., the frame is disassembled to a certain degree) or a similar joint is tested instead of the actual joint. Continuing the example of bonded joints in aircrafts, many governmental airline agencies, such as the Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) in the United States, require periodic maintenance checks to ensure the safe operation of all the aircrafts within their jurisdictions. For example, 'C-checks' and 'D-checks' are maintenance checks that are required by the FAA every few years on airplanes in the United States and such checks often require joint testing and joint inspection. Because conventional joint testing systems and methods are performed ex situ, these checks often involve substantial cost and expense as the testers have to disassemble large portions of the aircraft. In other words, conventional testing systems and procedures are not well suited for testing the strength of joints in situ. Additionally, conventional testing systems also involve visually detecting cracks, defects, or other visible evidences of failure.

Apparatus, system, and method for in situ strength testing of a bonded joint


A manufacturing method of an all-solid battery includes fabricating a single battery including a positive electrode layer, a negative electrode layer, and a solid electrolyte layer arranged between the positive electrode layer and the negative electrode layer; fabricating a plurality of battery packs including the plurality of single batteries; confining a plurality of battery packs by an equal confining pressure; measuring the electrical characteristics of the plurality of confined battery packs; determining the battery pack whose measured electrical characteristics are the worst of the plurality of battery packs; reducing the confining pressures of the other battery packs so that the electrical characteristics of the other battery packs are equal to that of the battery pack whose electrical characteristics have been determined to be the worst; and electrically connecting in parallel the battery packs.

A lithium ion secondary battery has a capacity density higher than that of the other secondary batteries and is capable of an operation at high voltages, and therefore is used as a power source of information-related equipment, communication equipment, etc., as a secondary battery that can be reduced in size and weight. Further, the development of a lithium ion secondary battery used as a power source of a low-pollution car, such as an electric car and a hybrid car, is progressing.
A lithium ion secondary battery or the lithium secondary battery includes a positive electrode layer and a negative electrode layer, and an electrolyte arranged between the positive electrode layer and the negative electrode layer and including lithium salt. The electrolyte of the lithium ion secondary battery or the lithium secondary battery is formed by a non-aqueous liquid or solid. when a non-aqueous liquid electrolyte is used as an electrolyte, an interface between the positive electrode active material constituting the positive electrode layer and the electrolyte is easily formed, and therefore it is easy to improve the electrical performance, such as an output and an internal resistance, since an electrolyte solution permeates into the inside of the positive electrode layer. The liquid used as an electrolyte solution in the lithium ion secondary battery is generally combustible, and therefore safety is guaranteed by mounting equipment that prevents a short circuit and a device that suppresses a rise in temperature of the battery. On the other hand, in the all-solid battery the whole of which has been made solid by using a solid electrolyte in place of the liquid electrolyte is thought to be excellent in the manufacturing cost and the productivity, since no combustible material is arranged inside the battery, and therefore the safety device can be simplified.
It is known that in an all-solid battery including a fuel cell stack in which a plurality of single batteries is stacked, the electrical characteristics of the all-solid battery are changed by changing a confining pressure that is applied to the stack direction of the fuel cell stack. For example, it is known that one of the confining pressures of the fuel cell stack and the electrical characteristics of the fuel cell stack is detected by changing the confining pressure applied in the stack direction of the fuel cell stack and the confining pressure is controlled based on the detected confining pressure or electrical characteristics.

Manufacturing method of all-solid battery


A polarless surface mounting light emitting diode comprises a substrate; an upper surface of the substrate being etched with four independent metal thin film blocks; a lower surface of the substrate being formed with two independent metal thin film blocks; two ends of the substrate being formed with electroplated through holes; a plurality of metal thin films adhered upon the upper and lower surfaces of the substrate; two light emitting assemblies, each light emitting assembly being formed by a chip resistor and a chip light emitting diode; and a package layer. The connection of the polarless surface mounting light emitting diode of the present invention is not limited by the polarity. Any end of the polarless surface mounting light emitting diode can be connected to positive electrode or negative electrode.

In a prior art surface mounting light emitting diode, one end of the diode is a P type junction surface and another end thereof is an N type junction surface. The P type junction surface is connected to a positive electrode and the N type junction surface is connected to a negative electrode. The diode is operated by positive bias so that the surface mounting light emitting diode can light up. If the P type junction surface is connected to a negative electrode and the N type junction surface is connected to a negative electrode, then the diode is negative biased to that the diode will be in cut off mode and thus it can not light up.
Thus, in the prior art surface mounting light emitting diode, the diode must be connected by a predetermined direction. In application, it must be in positive bias state for application. If the connect is incorrect, the diode can not operate. The prior art surface mounted light emitting diode only support voltages of 3V to 5VF. If it is applied to a higher voltage, it must be externally connected to a lower voltage. If it is applied to a loop of high voltage, a shunt resistor must be externally connected thereto. As a result, not only the complexity in circuit design is increased, but also the cost is also increased.

Polarless surface mounting light emitting diode


Systems and methods are disclosed herein to a package essence analysis method comprising receiving, by a computer, first and second video files; indexing, by a computer, the first and second video files; decoding, by a computer, a selected frame of the first video file by referencing a first frame image using the index of the first video file; decoding, by a computer, a selected frame of the second video file by referencing a second frame image using the index of the second video file; and performing, by a computer, video quality analysis by comparing the decoded selected frame of the first video file to the decoded selected frame of the second video file.

As the media industry moves from a tape-based system of storing content to a digital file-based system of storing content, AS02 MXF was created as an industry specification for loosely-coupled storage of individual sequence of pictures and synchronizing them with audio. The AS02 MXF container system attempts to address the problem of having a common file format in a facility that has to handle many input formats and make many output formats. But these packages usually include encoded video essence data that may be difficult to analyze without decoding the essence data. AS02 MXF is one example of a video package, but other video packages and package standards have also been discussed and implemented by digital systems.
Content providers must meet certain industry specifications for the video and audio quality of the content they publish. The AS02 MXF wrapped content or other video packages may come from a variety of different sources, and the quality of each piece of content must be analyzed before publishing the content. One way to analyze video quality is to measure the peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR). The PSNR may be measured by comparing video essence in a package to a source version of the file. Using the PSNR, a content provider may be able to determine if the package meets industry specifications for video quality. A content provider may need to perform this quality analysis because the video package may have generational losses in video quality as a result of decoding and re-encoding video essence.
In order to measure the PSNR of the video essence in a package, such as an MXF package, the package must be unpackaged and decoded before the PSNR of an individual video frame can be determined. The unwrapping and decoding process may take a very long time, especially if the video package contains a lot of data. Further, the decoding process may be further complicated because video files may be presented in either progressive or interlaced video formats. As a result, measuring the PSNR for an individual frame of a video essence track may take a long time to discover and also require many keystrokes from an operator trying to measure the PSNR. Furthermore, a video file contains thousands of frames, depending on the length of the piece of content, and performing PSNR for the entire video file could take a very long time to perform for any skilled video editor.
As shown by all of the above discussed limitations, a tool is desired to overcome the limitations by quickly, easily, and automatically measuring a PSNR from a packaged video file.


A method for contour stroke generation. First, edge pixels of an image are detected. The connected edge pixels are traced to generate non-branched edges. Each non-branched edge represents a list of connected edge pixels without branches. Thereafter, the non-branched edges are clustered. Then, the non-branched edges are transformed into curves, and the curves are drawn with a series of footprints to generate contour strokes of the image.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to image processing and particularly to an edge detection method and a method for contour stroke generation.
2. Description of the Related Art
Edge detection is arguably the most important operation in low-level computer vision. Many edge detection mechanisms are currently available, and gradient-based edge detectors are among the most popular. The results derived from conventional detection, however, tend to show artifacts such as a large spurious response. Additionally, few of the edge detection mechanisms provide inventive steps to transform detected edge pixels into contour curves suitable for further processing, for example, simulating artwork, such as illustrations.

Method for edge detection and contour stroke generation


A screed assembly, for a paving machine, may include a frame, a main screed and a screed plate. Additionally, the screed assembly may include an overload support system mounted on the screed assembly. Further, the overload support system may be configured to contact the surface extending beneath the screed assembly and to support the screed assembly during transport on the surface.

When constructing roads, bridges, parking lots and other such surfaces, paving machines may be used to deposit, spread and compact paving material, such as asphalt, on a base surface, thereby creating a flat, consistent surface over which vehicles will travel. A paving machine generally includes a tractor portion having a chassis and a hopper for storing the paving material, an auger that distributes the paving material on a base surface and a screed assembly that levels and compacts the paving material, ideally leaving a mat of uniform depth and smoothness. The screed assembly is typically rear-mounted on the paving machine behind the hopper, the chassis and the auger relative to the direction of travel. Further, the screed assembly is typically drawn behind the paving machine by a pair of pivotally mounted tow arms.
Among other things, the screed assembly may include a main screed and one or more extension screeds mounted behind (or in front of) the main screed. The extension screeds are laterally extendable from the main screed to adjust for varying base surface widths. In addition, the main screed and the extension screeds may each include bottom-facing screed plates that facilitate the compacting and leveling of the paving material on the base surface. Further, screed assemblies may include other components and systems, such as, leveling arms, vibrators, tamper bars, shimming plates, side plates, hydraulic cylinders, stairs, walkways, sensors, controllers, as well as additional components known to those skilled in the art.
These many screed assembly components contribute to the relatively heavy weight of screed assemblies. Because of the substantial weight of the screed assembly, the paving machine may have a significant weight imbalance between its front and rear ends. Such an imbalance may adversely affect the stability and steering of the paving machine. Therefore, while the paving machine may be able to lift and tow the screed assembly during a typical paving operation, any road travel or relocation of the paving machine and screed assembly independent of a paving operation may be difficult, if not impossible. Ballast counterweight has typically been used to address this problem. Specifically, ballast counterweight may be mounted to the front end of a paving machine to offset the heavy weight of the rear mounted screed assembly. However, while ballast counterweight may help to equilibrate the machine's front/rear weight imbalance, its utilization is cumbersome and adds significant weight to an already overburdened paving machine.
Alternatively, European Patent No. 2537982 addresses this problem by disclosing a screed supporting carriage having a large frame on which the entirety of the screed assembly is received, the frame having wheels attached thereto. The disclosed carriage includes a draw bar and trailer hitch for transporting the carriage to the paving machine. Further, the carriage includes a coupling device for attaching the carriage to the chassis of the paving machine, which pulls the carriage beneath the screed assembly during road travel. While such a carriage may provide support for the screed assembly during travel, an independent vehicle to which the draw bar/trailer hitch is attached is required for transporting the large carriage to the paving machine, between worksites, or otherwise. Moreover, the relatively complex structure of the carriage, combined with the overload weight carried thereby, likely demands regular maintenance. Therefore, additional time and equipment are required at the paving worksite in order to outfit a paving machine with such a support carriage, thereby decreasing the efficiency of the paving operation and of the transport of the paving machine.
The disclosed overload support systems and methods for a paving machine screed assembly are directed to overcoming one or more of the problems set forth above and/or other problems of the prior art.

Overload support system for a paving machine screed assembly


A drone-based product delivery mechanism in which power is transferred between the drone's battery and a product's battery while the product is in transit to its destination. For a short distance delivery, the drone battery may be used to charge the product battery so that the product is delivered with a fully-charged battery. On the other hand, for long distance deliveries, the power from a fully-charged product battery may be used to charge the drone's battery to extend the flight time/radius of the drone or to supplement the drone battery to conserve its power. The power transfer may be carried out using a wireless connection or a wired connection. The wireless connection may be a Qi interface, whereas the wired connection may be a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connection. The product packaging may be re-designed to allow the desired power transfer between the drone and the product inside the packaging.

As the value and use of information continues to increase, individuals and businesses seek additional ways to process and store information. One option available to users is information handling systems (IHS). An information handling system generally processes, compiles, stores, and/or communicates information or data for business, personal, or other purposes thereby allowing users to take advantage of the value of the information. Because technology and information handling needs and requirements vary between different users or applications, information handling systems may also vary regarding what information is handled, how the information is handled, how much information is processed, stored, or communicated, and how quickly and efficiently the information may be processed, stored, or communicated. The variations in information handling systems allow for information handling systems to be general or configured for a specific user or specific use such as financial transaction processing, airline reservations, enterprise data storage, or global communications. In addition, information handling systems may include a variety of hardware and software components that may be configured to process, store, and communicate information and may include one or more computer systems, data storage systems, and networking systems.
Modern information handling systems include many different types of consumer and commercial electronic devices such as, for example, personal computers (e.g., desktops or laptops), tablet computers, mobile devices (e.g., personal digital assistants (PDAs) or smart phones), corporate (or small business) server and data processing systems, and the like. These devices may vary in size, shape, performance, functionality, and price. Another category of information handling systems includes modern Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), which are aircrafts without a human pilot on board. A UAV is commonly known as a "drone," and, hence, in the discussion below, the terms "UAV" and "drone" may be used interchangeably. The drones, as information handling systems, include communications, data processing, and remote guidance capabilities enabling them to be deployed for various unmanned, aerial missions such as, for example, military transport/reconnaissance, policing/surveillance, product deliveries, aerial photography, scientific explorations, goods smuggling, and so on. The flight of a UAV may be controlled by a ground-based controller or through satellite communication, and may operate with various degrees of autonomy—either under remote control by a human operator (for example, a ground-based operator) or autonomously by onboard computers/processors. Retailers are experimenting with delivery of products using drones. One issue with using a drone to deliver a product is that the battery of the drone should have sufficient capacity to (i) deliver the product to the customer and (ii) return to a location that is accessible to the shipper.

Transferring power between a drone and a device during delivery


A female electrical connector includes an insulative housing, a rack mounted in the insulative housing and 8 pcs of gold pins arranged in the rack for signal transmission. The 1st, 3rd and 5th pins each have the respective top end extending obliquely backwardly from the front side of the rack and then curved and closely attached to the rear side of the rack so that the transmission direction of the 1st, 3rd and 5th pins is reversed to that of the 2nd, 4th, 6th, 7th and 8th pins, enabling the female electrical connector for signal transmission in the fully bandwidth range of 1˜500 MHz.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to electrical connector technology and more particularly, to a female electrical connector, which has the 1st, 3rd and 5th gold pin thereof curved to reverse the transmission direction relative to the other gold pins.
2. Description of the Related Art
When connecting a computer or electronic equipment to a local-area network (LAN), for example, Ethernet, a registered jack-45 (RJ 45) connector is commonly used. A RJ 45 connector comprises an insulative housing, a rack mounted in the housing, and conductors, i.e., 8 pieces of gold pins carried in the rack. These gold pins extend smoothly upwardly into the inside of the insulative housing in a parallel manner for the contact of the contact pins of an inserted male electrical connector.
In the pair configuration of the transmission lines of an RJ 45 connector, there are four pairs of transmission lines wherein pair 1 consists of pin 5 and pin 4; pair 2 consists of pin 1 and pin 2; pair 3 consists of pin 3 and pin 6; pair 4 consists of pin 7 and pin 8. Further, crosstalk interference in RJ 45 connectors is defined as: coupling of signal energy from one signal transmission line to adjacent lines. This induced energy is called the crosstalk noise.
According to transmission line theory, a high crosstalk noise tends to be induced in parallel pins. Therefore, it is the common transmission method to transmit a negative signal and a positive signal through the two pins of one same pair at a same timing, and to avoid the change of having the pins of each pair to be in parallel to the pins of the other pairs.
In a conventional RJ 45 connector, there are 8 pces of pins arranged in parallel, and crosstalk interference tends to occur in the plug contact area. In pair combination, there are three combinations, i.e., pair 3 to pair 1; pair 3 to pair 2; pair 3 to pair 4. Because pin 3 and pin 6 of pair 3 are isolated by pin 4 and pin 5 of pair 1, pin 3 will cause the adjacent pin 4 and pin 2 to induce a crosstalk noise. In the same reason, pin 6 will cause the adjacent pin 5 and pin 7 to induce a crosstalk noise. Due to parallel line arrangement, noise energy will be rapidly accumulated subject to extent of the parallel distance.
Therefore, pin 3 and pin 5, or, pin 4 and pin 6 are commonly designed to have a different transmission direction or signal transmission channel, reducing the chance of parallelism and lowering the crosstalk noise level. However, this technique is simply applicable to 250 MHz or below. For application in the range of 250˜500 MHz, this technique is less effective.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,749,466 discloses an electrical connector, entitled "Electrical connector contact configurations". This invention is adapted to improve signal transmission quality, enabling the bandwidth to be increased to 500 MHz. However, this design has a complicated structure that is not easy to fabricate. In consequence, the cost of this design is high. Therefore, an improvement is necessary.


There is disclosed an inkjet recording apparatus including a feeding device, a medium supply device, a remover, and an inkjet head. The feeding device includes a plurality of belt rollers and an endless feeder belt wound around the belt rollers. An outer circumferential surface of the feeder belt functions as a feeding surface on which a recording medium is held while the recording medium is fed. The medium supply device makes the recording medium held on a downward-facing surface of the feeder belt with a recording surface of the recording medium facing downward. The downward-facing surface is a portion of the feeding surface which faces downward. The remover removes foreign matter on the recording surface of the recording medium as being held on the downward-facing surface. The inkjet head has a nozzle from which a droplet of ink is ejected onto the recording surface of the recording medium as being held on an upward-facing surface of the feeder belt. The upward-facing surface is a portion of the feeding surface which faces upward.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an inkjet recording apparatus for forming or recording an image on a recording medium.
2. Description of Related Art
An inkjet printer as a type of the inkjet recording apparatus is disclosed in JP-A-2006-131353. The inkjet printer includes an inkjet head having an ink ejection surface in which openings of a plurality of nozzles are arranged, a feeder belt, and a medium holder capable of accommodating a stack of recording media, which may be cut sheets of paper. Recording media stacked on the medium holder are one by one picked up from the medium holder and fed by the feeder belt to a position to be opposed to the ink ejection surface of the inkjet head. When each recording medium reaches this position, droplets of ink are ejected from the nozzle openings to form an image on the recording medium.
It is often the case that foreign matter, such as paper dust, is present on a recording medium. Hence, it may occur that during a recording medium is fed to the position to be opposed to the ink ejection surface after picked up from the medium holder, foreign matter on a surface of the recording medium departs from the surface and scatters around. Some of the foreign matter thus scattering may waft around the feeder belt and land on the ink ejection surface of the inkjet head, leading to closure of the nozzle openings or entrance of the foreign matter into the nozzles, which causes defect or failure in ejection of ink droplets. A remover can be disposed near the inkjet head in order to remove the foreign matter on the surface of the recording medium. However, it is impossible to perfectly remove the foreign matter from the surface of the recording medium with the remover, and a portion of the foreign matter inevitably scatters around. It is difficult to reliably inhibit the wafting foreign matter from landing on the ink ejection surface.


Stilbazolium salts that retain high second harmonic generation properties as well as high melting points are disclosed herein. More particularly, novel 4'-dimethylamino-N-methylstilbazolium cyclopentanesulfonate and homologs thereof which are expected to be useful in optoelectric devices and systems are disclosed.

The optics and electronics industries rely upon inorganic compounds for fabrication of various components. However, these industries may benefit largely from the plethora of organic compounds, both known and unknown. Of the many potential applications of organic compounds to the above-mentioned industries, many relate to the electro-optic effect as described by Kerr (1875) and Pockels (1906). Additionally, frequency doubling by second harmonic generation (SHG) is often considered. SHG may be defined as the doubling of light's fundamental frequency.
A test to study SHG has been developed (Kurtz and Perry, 1968) which analyzes, for instance, the noncentrosymmetric crystal structure of organic compounds. Organic compounds which posses a noncentrosymmetric structure exhibit optical nonlinearity and are generally said to be nonlinear.
Organic nonlinear optical materials displaying high SHG properties are potentially useful in applications which require high speed optical modulators. Such applications include high speed long distance data links and electric field sensors for use in electromagnetically noisy environments. In addition, such materials provide efficient wavelength shifting capability for optical and infrared remote sensing (e.g., of pollutant particulate concentration) and diode laser frequency doubling for optical data storage.
It has been of increasing interest to prepare organic nonlinear optical materials, such as stilbazolium salts, that posses high melting points without adversely affecting their SHG properties. High melting point stilbazolium salts are desirable because many processing steps involving such materials are conducted at temperatures that are near or greater than their conventional melting points. This often causes molecular breakdown or molecular restructuring of the materials which inevitably results in loss of nonlinear optical properties.
The present invention, therefore, is based on the discovery of stilbazolium salts that display high SHG properties as well as high melting points. High SHG properties may be defined as a second harmonic generation powder efficiency of at least about 1000 as compared to a urea standard which is assigned a value of 1 (SHG powder efficiency as described by Marder et al., Science, 245, 626-628 (1989). High melting points may be defined as at least about 230.degree. C.
Description of the Prior Art
Accordingly, attempts have been made to prepare stilbazolium salts with high melting points. In commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 5,094,553, 4'-dimethylamino-4-methylstilbazolium p-toluenesulfonate (DAST) is disclosed. Said DAST has a favorable melting point range. However, as a result of its toluenesulfonate anion, the molecular dipoles within the crystals of the compound form a herringbone arrangement which characteristically reduces their SHG properties.
Other investigators have focused their attention on stilbazolium salts that posses favorable SHG properties. In commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 5,194,984, 4'-dimethylamino-4-methylstilbazolium methanesulfonate (DASMS) is disclosed. Crystals of said DASMS possess favorable SHG properties. However, since DASMS crystals contain a tetrahydrated methanesulfonate anion, they melt at lower temperatures and are more difficult to process.
Efforts to produce stilbazolium salts that unexpectedly retain high SHG properties and high melting points have not been disclosed.
The instant invention, therefore, is patentably distinguishable from the above-mentioned patents, since among other reasons, it is based on the discovery of stilbazolium salts that unexpectedly display high second harmonic generation properties as well as high melting points.


A breech lock for a glove box is provided that may be used to transfer one or more items into the glove box. The breech lock can be interchangeably installed in place of a plug, glove, or other device in a port or opening of a glove box. Features are provided to aid the removal of items from the breech lock by a gloved operator. The breech lock can be reused or, if needed, can be replaced with a plug, glove, or other device at the port or opening of the glove box.

Glove boxes are commonly used for the manipulation of hazardous or potentially hazardous substances within a controlled environment. Typically the glove box will include one or more glass walls or windows through which an operator can view the interior of the glove box from a safe position exterior to the glove box. One or more pairs of glove ports or gloved openings are provided with gloves attached thereto. The gloves are connected to the wall of the glove box in a manner than maintains a seal between the interior and exterior of the glove box.
Operators can insert their hands (and typically a portion of their arms) through the gloved openings and into the gloves to manipulate items within the glove box. The interior of the glove box may be under a vacuum or may otherwise be maintained under a separate atmosphere than the exterior. After manipulating items within the glove box, operators can withdraw their hands. The glove box may include multiple pairs of gloved openings in side-by-side fashion along the glove box (i.e. a glove box line) so that e.g., multiple items can be manipulated or multiple operations can be performed in a manner similar to an assembly line.
As hazardous substances (e.g., toxic or radioactive) are typically within the glove box, it is important not to allow air or other gases interior to the glove box to escape to the exterior and to otherwise keep such hazardous substances within the glove box. However, challenges can exist with effectively utilizing a glove box while maintaining a proper seal or boundary between the interior of the glove box and the exterior where the operator(s) is located. For example, it may be desirable to transfer an item such as e.g., a tool, material, sample, etc. into the glove box for use therein. Care must be taken not to allow contamination of the exterior to the glove box by such an action.
One approach to transferring an item into a glove box has been to place the item into one of the gloves on the exterior side of the glove where the operator's hand would typically be placed. This first glove containing the item is then replaced by inserting a new glove into its place in a manner that maintains a seal between the interior and exterior of the glove box. The first glove, containing the item, is pushed into the interior of the glove box as the second glove takes it place. Once the first glove is completely displaced from the wall of the glove box, the operator's hands can be inserted into the pair of gloves to reach into the glove box and remove the item from within the first glove.
Unfortunately, such process of displacing a glove to insert an item into the glove box has certain deficiencies. If multiple items are introduced, depending on their size, multiple gloves may be expended as each is dropped into the glove box with the introduction of another item. Additionally, the shape, weight, or other aspects of the item may interfere with its positioning within a glove. Depending on the position of the gloved openings, the item and glove may be dropped within the glove box—which could be dangerous and/or damaging for some items. Once in the glove box, further manipulation is required in that the item must be removed from the glove by an operator now trying to handle the item while wearing gloves and reaching into the glove box. Other difficulties may also be encountered.
Accordingly, a device and method of transferring one or more items into a glove box would be useful. Such a device and method that can maintain a seal between the interior and exterior as the item is introduced would be particularly beneficial. The ability to use the gloved openings of an existing glove box interchangeably with such device and method would also be useful.

Interchangeable breech lock for glove boxes


A blanking plug device, system and method of use, wherein the plug device has an anchoring portion for securing the blanking plug device within a tubing string or other well conduit. In preferred embodiments, the anchoring portion comprises a locking device such as the Extreme SUR-SET® locking system. However, other anchoring mechanisms may be utilized as well. The blanking plug device has a lower plug portion that incorporates a screening section. The screening section permits flow of fluid through the sidewall of the plug portion while substantially preventing the passage of solid particles.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates generally to downhole locking devices and blanking plugs. In specific aspects, the invention relates to devices and methods for sand control in association with these devices.
2. Description of the Related Art
Locking devices, or locks, are used to anchor a well tool at a particular location within a well conduit, such as a tubing string. A locking device is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,510,995 entitled "Downhole Locking Apparatus" which was issued to Krause, Jr. et al. and is owned by the assignee of the present application. That patent is incorporated herein by reference. A locking device of this type is also available commercially as the Extreme SUR-SET® locking system sold by Baker Oil Tools, 6023 Navigation Blvd., Houston, Tex. 77253. This locking device has a set of radially expandable locking dogs that seat within a complimentary nipple or profile in the tubing string. The lock also incorporates a no-go shoulder to help ensure proper positioning in the tubing string. The lock is run into the tubing string using a running tool, which also sets the lock by expanding the locking dogs into the matching nipple. The running tool is then removed. When it is desired to remove the lock, a retrieval tool is run into the tubing string, engages the lock and retracts the locking dogs. The retrieval tool and lock may then be removed from the wellbore.
Safety valves and check valves are typically anchored with a lock. Alternatively, a lock may serve as a blanking plug to establish a fluid seal within the tubing string. One example is the Extreme SUR-SET® Model H blanking plug available from Baker Oil Tools, 6023 Navigation Blvd., Houston, Tex. 77253. When in place, the blanking plug blanks off all pressure from above or below the lock. Blanking plugs are useful for pressure testing the tubing string or to abandon certain zones within a well.
Certain blanking plugs use a removable prong that is inserted into the plug to equalize the pressure across the plug and to complete the fluid seal. A pressure equalization port is disposed through the housing of the plug. After setting the plug portion and prior to installation of the prong, fluid containing sand or other solid particles may enter this port and cause clogging of the interior. As a result, it may be difficult to insert or secure the prong within the plug portion. The present invention addresses the problems of the prior art.

Sand control for blanking plug and method of use


A new and distinct cultivar of Gerbera plant named `Terreino`, characterized by its semi-double type, a pink ray floret which is a solid pink color throughout, a red-purple disc floret the outermost petaloids of which fade to pink and display white stigmas and brown anthers, pink perianth lobe color and 120 mm overall flower diameter is disclosed.

The present invention comprises a new and distinct cultivar of Gerbera jamesonni, referred to by the cultivar name `Terreino`. `Terreino` was originated from a hybridization program in De Kwakel, The Netherlands in 1985. The female parent was `Terfame` (reg.nr.7455; Oct. 6, 1986); and the male parent was unnamed seedling 84.359. The femal parent `Terfame` has a yellow color without a dark center, has a single flower, and has a shorter vase-life. `Terfame` has been available outside Terra Nigra, but `Terfame` has not been patented in the USA. The male parent 84.359 has a color similar to `Terreino` but a smaller flower-diameter and a shorter vase-life. 84.359 had not been available outside Terra Nigra. The new cultivar was selected by me from the progeny of the stated parentage on or about November 1985. The first asexual reproduction of `Terreino` was accomplished when vegetative cuttings were taken on April 1986 in De Kwakel. The new cultivar is presently being propagated by cuttings and tissue culture. Horticultural examination of selected units initiated November 1986 has demonstrated that the combination of characteristics as herein disclosed for `Terreino` are firmly fixed and are retained through successive generations of asexual reproduction. The following observations, measurements and comparisons describe plants grown in De Kwakel, The Netherlands, under greenhouse conditions which closely approximate those generally used in commercial practice. The following traits have been repeatedly observed and are determined to be basic characteristics of `Terreino`, which in combination distinguish this Gerbera from its parents and all other varieties of which I am aware:
1. Type: Semi-double. PA0 2. Color of ray floret: Pink. PA0 3. Color of disc floret: Distinctive red-purple. PA0 4. Color of perianth lobe: Pink. PA0 5. Diameter of flower head: Large 120 mm.
Of the many commercial cultivars known to me, there is no cultivar similar in comparision to `Terreino`.


An apparatus for counting discrete objects of various sizes and shapes as they travel through the apparatus in a disorderly flow. The apparatus includes a sensor array which comprises a plurality of photodetectors arranged in a linear fashion. The discrete objects are passed over the sensor array. By utilizing the sensor array as a means for obtaining information about the discrete objects, the apparatus samples the sensor array at predetermined time intervals, examines the various contours of the images produced through the sampling and based upon predetermined criteria determines whether an image represents one or more objects.

Optical counters have been utilized in various applications to count objects. Typically, these counters include a feed system to reduce the collection of objects to a single-file orderly line, an optical sensor apparatus and a counting system. Various mechanical systems for producing a single-file flow include rotational and linear vibrators, rotating discs, air jets, gravity feeds, moving belts, etc. In such optical counters, the counting apparatus that performs the actual count of a single-file flow is simple in concept. A light source is placed opposite a single optical sensor and the object stream is directed between the sensor and the light source. The shadows created by the objects yield alternating light and dark patterns on the sensor. The sensor produces an electrical signal representative of these patterns and transmits the electrical signal to an electrical counting apparatus.
Accurate counts are possible provided the flow of objects is in a discrete series of single objects. Any failure of the mechanical feed system that results in flow that is not discrete will cause an inaccurate count. Inaccurate counts are due to the operation of the sensor which changes state in response to the presence or absence of light without respect to whether a light blockage is caused by one or more objects. Thus, if two or more objects cross the sensor simultaneously or if two or more objects are in physical contact, the count will be erroneous because a one to one correspondence between discrete objects and sensor state changes did not exist. This condition in the object flow stream is referred to as "bunching".
In this type of counter, stringent demands are placed on the feed system because of the unforgiving nature of the sensors. These systems are typically complex and require parts changes and adjustments for each different size and shape object being counted. Thus, the set up requires a skilled operator. An object counter of this kind achieves accurate count at the sacrifice of size, complexity and cost.
Heretofore known electronic systems are not highly accurate, particularly when small objects such as pharmaceutical capsules, tablets, etc. are to be counted. Such systems have lacked the sophisticated sensing and counting electronics and "intelligent" software to drive the electronics.
The foregoing problems of prior art optical counters manifest the need for improvement. Specifically, there is a need for an optical counting system which reduces the requirement for a high performance feed system and is capable of identifying and counting objects which are bunched together with a high degree of accuracy. Such a counting system would be able to "intelligently" observe the object stream to recognize and account for deviations from the ideal discrete object flow.

Method and apparatus for the recognition and counting of discrete objects


This application provides a data communication method, an apparatus, and a non-transitory computer readable storage medium. In one embodiment, the base station sends a master information block comprising first information for determining a first location in frequency domain, sends a first demodulation reference signal usable for demodulating a first data channel that carries a system information block, wherein a first physical resource block index of the first demodulation reference signal is based on the first location, sends the system information block or radio resource control signaling comprising second information for determining a second location in frequency domain, and sends or receives a second demodulation reference signal usable for demodulating a second data channel other than the first data channel, wherein a second physical resource block index of the second demodulation reference signal is based on the second location.

In a wireless communications system, a terminal usually transmits and/or receives a reference signal and data channel information based on a physical resource block (PRB) index. In a long term evolution (LTE) system, because a synchronization signal is usually located on intermediate 72 subcarriers of a downlink carrier, the terminal may determine a central location of the downlink carrier by performing blinding detection on the synchronization signal, so that a PRB index can be determined based on a (maximum) carrier bandwidth, and the terminal can transmit and/or receive the reference signal and the data channel information based on the PRB index.
However, in new radio (NR), the synchronization signal is not necessarily located in the middle of the downlink carrier, the terminal cannot learn of the central location of the carrier, and one carrier may include a plurality of synchronization signals in frequency domain. Therefore, how to determine a PRB index to ensure correct communication between a base station and a terminal is a technical problem that needs to be resolved urgently.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Data communication method, terminal, and base station


A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes configuring a local network element as an autonomic registrar for a designated network domain; establishing an autonomic control plane (“ACP”) between the local network element and one or more remote network elements identified by local network element as a remote neighbor; designating a locally-defined subnet at the local network element to be extended to each of the one or more remote network elements; and executing an ACP command at the local network element, wherein the executing triggers a message to each of the one or more remote network elements, the message including information regarding the designated local subnet. The information included in the message is used by each of the remote network elements to auto-resolve its Locator/Identifier Separation Protocol (“LISP”) configuration, enabling the designated local subnet to be extended to each of the one or more remote network elements.

A variety of enterprises have recently been pursuing a hybrid cloud computing strategy in response to various system demands. Such enterprises may seek to migrate servers to a cloud-based infrastructure without making any changes to them. In particular, enterprise server administrators may prefer to avoid changing a server's IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway configurations, and may also prefer to adopt an IP addressing scheme in the cloud that is different than that of the cloud service provider. Locator/Identifier Separation Protocol ("LISP") can be used to address these requirements. In particular, LISP separates device location and identity, thereby allowing an enterprise to migrate an existing server to or create a new server on the cloud using the same IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway configurations as the server inside the enterprise's own data center. In this manner, LISP enables IP mobility from a data center administered by the enterprise toward a cloud infrastructure owned by a cloud provider. Such a solution, which may be referred to as "hybrid cloud extension using LISP," may be complex to implement, as it requires manual configuration of LISP, IPsec, and dynamic routing protocols, which requires knowledge and configuration expertise in multiple areas. As a result, manual configuration leaves much room for configuration error and is difficult to debug in the case of such error.

Autonomic locator/identifier separation protocol for secure hybrid cloud extension


A vehicle navigation system for guiding a vehicle to a preselected destination by continually communicating the heading direction to be followed regardless of any detours away from a direct heading. In one embodiment, a two phase system is provided to initially guide the vehicle to a zonal area containing the destination, and in the second phase, guiding the vehicle, by communicating local information, directly to a specific destination within said zonal area. The system can employ bar coded signs being read by a remote reader on the vehicle to obtain detailed information concerning the vehicle location, the streets-roads in the vicinity of each sign, traffic control information, parking and fuel availability, and specific street-road address information.

Current navigation systems often seek to to guide vehicles along predetermined street routes that often result in delays due to traffic congestion, road repairs, and changes in the streets and roads. Many of such systems employ maps stored in the vehicle ststem memory that are used to provide such routing and therefore such systems periodically require updated maps to correct for later changes in the streets or roads after the earlier maps were initially installed.


There is provided a slot-in type reproducing/recording apparatus in which a disk ,when ejected, stops at a predetermined position in front of the apparatus to be easily handled. A stop mechanism (59) includes an engagement pin (55) formed on an eject arm (52) and biased toward a selector plate (51) and the engagement recesses (51E, 51F) formed on the selector plate (51) and hold the engagement pin (55) in a manner that the disk is held by main arms and the eject arm (52). The selector plate (51) can move in a direction orthogonal to a disk-eject direction as the main arms open or close. Upon the ejection of the disk, the stop mechanism (59) stops the disk at a predetermined position in front of the apparatus so as to prevent the disk from jumping out from a slot (1A).

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a slot-in type reproducing/recording apparatus having a slot for inserting and ejecting a disk.
2. Description of Related Art
A reproducing/recording apparatus is used for reproducing data from or recording data on a disk.
Such reproducing/recording apparatus includes an apparatus body that has a slot for inserting and ejecting a disk and a reproducing/recording mechanism that is provided inside the apparatus body for reproducing data from and recording data on the disk.
Other than a tray type reproducing/recording apparatus in which a disk is placed on a disk tray and inserted into the apparatus body, a slot-in type one in which a disk is directly inserted into the slot formed on the apparatus body is available.
As an example of the slot-in type reproducing/recording apparatus, there is a conventional one that has a pair of upper and lower rolls for pulling-in and pushing-out a disk to and from the apparatus body.
The pair of rolls, typically made of rubber or the like, sandwiches both surfaces of the disk.
In such conventional apparatus, since the pair of rolls is configured to insert the disk into the apparatus body or eject it outside, the disk surface is always in contact with the rolls and thus gets dirty.
To overcome this problem, another slot-in type reproducing/recording apparatus is suggested in which a plurality of arms for pressing an outer circumferential edge of the disk at different points are provided and one of the arms is an eject arm for ejecting the disk toward the slot.
However, when the eject arm pushes out the disk, the disk jumps out from the slot. This brings the handling inconvenience.

Slot-in type reproducing/recording apparatus


Cercis ‘Merlot’ is a new and distinct variety of redbud that has the following unique combination of desirable features that are outstanding in a new variety.                1. Moderate vigor resulting in moderate plant size.        2. Ease of asexual propagation using chip-budding.        3. Semi-upright growth habit.        4. Emerging foliage with deep purple color, transitioning to burgundy and eventually green during the growing season.        5. Glossy leaf surface.        6. Bright lavender flowers produced in abundance during the spring.        7. Low female fertility resulting in reduced pod set.

The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of Cercis (redbud) grown as an ornamental tree for home and commercial landscapes. Redbud is typically grown as a small tree for its attractive purple flowers that are borne in the spring, and sometimes for its interesting foliage color (purple, variegated, or golden leaf forms).
The new and distinct variety of redbud resulted from a formal breeding program established by the inventors in Raleigh, N.C., United States.
One of the objectives of the breeding program was to develop a purple leafed form of redbud that exhibited the foliage character and growth habit of the Texas redbud (small, glossy leaves and semi-upright growth habit). 'Merlot' originated as a second generation descendant from a cross of Cercis canadensis var. texensis 'Texas White' (sometimes referred to as 'Oklahoma White' in the trade)בForest Pansy' (Cercis canadensis) made in 1998. 'Texas White' was used as the female parent in the hybridization. 'Texas White' (unpatented) was released in the late 1960's, and is described as a white flowered form of Cercis canadensis var. texensis. 'Forest Pansy' (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 2,556) is a purple leaf form of eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis) discovered in 1947 in McMinville, Tenn. Both parents are commonly available in commerce.
The seeds resulting from the 1998 hybridization process were harvested in fall of 1998 and germinated in a greenhouse in Raleigh, N.C. in the winter of 1999. The resulting 113 seedlings were planted in a field planting in Jackson Springs, N.C., isolated from other redbuds, in spring 1999. Many of these plants flowered in summer 2002, and seed was collected off of all plants that produced seed. This seed was germinated in a greenhouse in Raleigh, N.C. in the winter of 2003. From these approximately 100 seedlings, 4 seedlings showing dark purple leaves were selected and grown in the greenhouse in 2003. These 4 seedlings were transplanted to the field in spring, 2004, and one plant, designated NC2004-6, was selected for its glossy purple leaf color, attractive lavender flower color, and semi-upright growth habit. This original plant demonstrated characteristics identical to those subsequently expressed on other plants when propagated by chip budding. This single plant is the subject of the present invention 'Merlot'.
The distinguishing traits of 'Merlot' are its distinctive leaves (thick, glossy, and purple color), attractive bright lavender flowers that are borne in abundance, and its semi-upright growth habit. The cultural requirements for 'Merlot' are well-drained soil, full sun, and moderate moisture. 'Merlot' exhibits no serious pest or disease problems known to the inventors.
The closest comparisons known to the inventors are the cultivars 'Forest Pansy' (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 2,556), the grandparent of 'Merlot', and 'Greswan' (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 19,654). Plants, leaves, and flowers of this new variety differ from both 'Forest Pansy' and 'Greswan'. In direct comparisons of the 3 cultivars in the inventor's experimental trials, plants of 'Merlot' are consistently more compact and more upright in growth habit compared to 'Forest Pansy' and 'Greswan'. Flowers of 'Merlot' are lavender as compared to the typical purple of 'Forest Pansy' and 'Greswan'. Compared to 'Forest Pansy' and 'Greswan', leaves of 'Merlot' are smaller, thicker, and have a distinct glossy appearance typical of its 'Texas White' grandparent. 'Merlot' differs from the 'Texas White' grandparent in having lavender flowers and purple leaves, compared to the white flowers and green leaves of 'Texas White'. 'Merlot' is clearly distinct from its original grandparents, and 'Greswan'.
The first asexual propagation of 'Merlot' was conducted by Alex and Harald Neubauer of Hidden Hollow Nursery on behalf of the inventors in fall 2006 in Belvidere, Tenn. 'Merlot' has subsequently been propagated in the same location in years 2007 and 2008. In all cases, the original plant selection was propagated asexually by chip budding in late summer onto Cercis canadensis rootstock. Such budded trees heal rapidly, and resume normal growth the following spring after budding. Five plants derived from chip budding of the variety were established in test plots in Jackson Springs, N.C. in February, 2008. During all asexual propagation, the characteristics of the original plant have been maintained. Plants derived from chip budding exhibit characteristics identical to those of the original plant, and no aberrant phenotypes have appeared.
Performance evaluation of the original plant and budded trees for 5 years and 2 years, respectively, in Jackson Springs, N.C. demonstrate this variety to be relatively consistent in its characteristics even under the different growing conditions associated with yearly climatic variation.
Plants of the new variety are only moderately vigorous after establishment in the field, being less vigorous and more compact than most cultivars of redbud. Young plants have averaged about 0.54 meters of growth per year. Plants are semi-upright in growth habit. Flowering typically occurs on previous season's growth in the second year after budding. The inflorescence is papillonaceous, and shows a bright lavender flower color. Flowering usually begins in late March to early April in Jackson Springs, N.C., and typically continues through mid to late April, depending on weather conditions. An individual flower persists for about 10 days, depending on temperature. Fertility of flowers is low, and the new cultivar sets very few fruit pods and seed. This is considered an asset in landscape settings.
'Merlot' is distinguished from other related known cultivars based on the unique combination of traits including moderate vigor, semi-upright growth habit, unique leaf character (small, glossy and purple), abundant production of bright lavender flowers, and low fruit production.
The new variety has been named the MERLOT cultivar. No public sale of 'Merlot' has yet taken place at the time of application. First public sale is anticipated to occur in January, 2010.