An exhaust gas purification apparatus for an internal combustion engine comprises a NOx selective reduction catalyst provided in an exhaust passage of an internal combustion engine; an upstream side oxidation catalyst which is a catalyst having an oxidizing ability provided in the exhaust passage upstream from the NOx selective reduction catalyst and which includes a carrier for carrying a noble metal for oxidation, the carrier being formed of a basic carrier; and a reducing agent supply until which supplies a reducing agent to an exhaust gas allowed to flow into the NOx selective reduction catalyst. Accordingly, even when the oxidation catalyst causes the SOx poisoning in the exhaust gas purification apparatus for the internal combustion engine having the oxidation catalyst and the NOx selective reduction catalyst provided in the exhaust passage, the reduction efficiency of NOx reduced by the aid of the NOx selective reduction catalyst is favorably maintained.

A NOx selective reduction catalyst is used in some cases in order to purify NOx contained in the exhaust gas discharged or exhausted from an internal combustion engine. In relation to the NOx selective reduction catalyst, it is known that the reduction efficiency of NOx varies depending on the ratio between NO and NO2 contained in the exhaust gas. Accordingly, a technique is disclosed, in which the amount of urea as a reducing agent supplied to the exhaust gas is controlled based on the ratio between NO and NO2 contained in the exhaust gas (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the case of this technique, an oxidation catalyst is provided on the upstream side from a selective catalytic reduction NOx catalyst in order that the ratio between NO and NO2 in the exhaust gas is about 1:1. Further, the supply of urea to the exhaust gas is controlled based on the concerning ratio, and thus it is aimed to perform the efficient NOx purification.
When the oxidation catalyst and the NOx selective reduction catalyst are successively arranged in the flow of the exhaust gas as described above, if the oxidation catalyst is in a state of being poisoned with SOx contained in the exhaust gas, then the oxidizing ability is lowered. Therefore, it is difficult to provide a desired value of the ratio between NO and NO2 contained in the exhaust gas allowed to flow into the NOx selective reduction catalyst. In view of the above, a technique is disclosed, in which a NOx adsorbing catalyst is provided on the more upstream side of the oxidation catalyst, SOx contained in the exhaust gas is adsorbed thereby, and thus the oxidizing ability of the oxidation catalyst is suppressed from being lowered (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

Exhaust gas purification apparatus for internal combustion engine


An improved microcomputer has a page register connected to a program counter in order to extend the program address range of the microcomputer. A page stack is connected to the pager register and operates in conjunction with an address stack. The page register is loaded from bits in the first word of a two word branch or call instruction in such a manner that no additional execution time is required nor are any additional instructions required to provide the extended address range. A predefined microprocessor ASIC cell is augmented by externally connecting a page register and an opcode decoder so that instruction memory address range can be expanded by paging without redesigning the microprocessor cell.

A microprocessor device is a central processing unit or CPU for a data processing device which is usually contained in a single semiconductor integrated circuit "chip" fabricated by "MOS/LSI" technology. The term "microcomputer" will be used herein to refer to a microprocessor which may have on-chip memory for program and data storage. Modern microprocessors can be grouped into two general classes, namely general-purpose microcomputers and special-purpose microcomputers. Special-purpose microcomputers can be structured in such a manner that the performance of a specific function by the special-purpose microcomputers greatly exceeds the performance of the same function by a general-purpose microcomputer, regardless of the program created by the user.
One such function which can be performed by a special-purpose microcomputer at a greatly improved rate is digital signal processing. Digital signal processing applications, because of their computation intensive nature, also are rather intensive in memory access operations. The increasing demands of technology and the marketplace make desirable increased amounts of memory so that more complex functions and combinations of functions can be performed.
Among the objects of the present invention are to provide improved data processing devices that can address larger memory structures while maintaining high processing speeds. Another object of the present invention is to provide improved addressing with only minimal additional complexity in the data processing device, and to retain instruction code compatibility with an unimproved data processing device.
Other objects and advantages will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having reference to the following figures and specification.

Loading page register with page value in branch instruction for as fast access to memory extension as in-page access


A twin clutch type speed-change apparatus for detecting the engagement state of a dog clutch by use of the rotational speed difference between an inner main shaft and an outer main shaft and of a signal outputted from a gear position sensor. A rotational speed difference between an inner main shaft and an outer main shaft is detected by use of inner and outer rotational speed sensors. When the engagement of the dog clutch is to be released, it is judged to complete the release if the signal outputted from the gear position sensor indicates a speed step number after shifting and the rotational speed difference is zero. It is judged as a dog-tip caught state if the signal outputted from the gear position sensor indicates a speed step number before or after shifting and the rotational speed difference is a transmission gear ratio difference.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to twin clutch type speed-change apparatuses. More particularly to a twin clutch type speed-change apparatus that can detect an engagement state of a dog clutch by use of the rotational speed difference between an inner main shaft and an outer main shaft and of a signal outputted from a gear position sensor.
2. Description of Background Art
A transmission is known that includes a plurality of gear pairs between a main shaft and a counter shaft that are configured to execute a shifting operation by turning a shift drum arranged parallel to the shafts to axially slide a shift fork engaged with the shift drum. Such a transmission can detect a currently selected speed step number by detecting the turning angle of the shift drum.
Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. Sho 61-202744 discloses a configuration for detecting a speed step number corresponding to the turning position of a shift drum on the basis of a signal outputted by a gear position sensor mounted at the end of the shift drum.
In addition, a multi-stage transmission is known in sequential transmissions using a shift drum. This multi-stage transmission enables an automatic or semi-automatic transmission control by driving a shift drum or a clutch by means of an actuator or the like. Such transmissions generally transmit a rotational drive force between coaxially adjacent speed-change gears by means of a dog clutch consisting of dog teeth and dog apertures. The dog clutch provides high-efficiency for transmitting a rotational drive force. On the other hand, a rotational speed difference may be large between a speed-change gear formed with dog teeth and a speed-change gear formed with dog apertures. In such a case, the dog clutch sometimes causes a dog-tip caught state where a dog tooth is not drawn out of a corresponding dog aperture or a dog-tip abutting state where a dog tooth is not inserted into a corresponding dog aperture. To surely execute a shifting operation by electrically driving a clutch or the shift drum, it is preferred that the engagement state of the dog clutch described above can be detected. However, to detect the engagement state of the dog clutch by the gear position sensor as disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. Sho 61-202744, it is necessary to significantly increase the sensor accuracy to more finely detect the turning angle of the shift drum.


The present invention discloses vanadium-based insulin-mimetic agent composite coatings, application of these coatings onto implantable devices, and use of the implantable devices for accelerating osseous healing. The invention also encompasses methods of manufacturing implantable devices coated with vanadium-based insulin-mimetic agent composite coatings and the implantable devices so manufactured. The implantable devices have wide applications, including but not limited to treating bone fracture, bone trauma, arthrodesis, and other bone deficit conditions, as well as bone injuries incurred in military and sports activities.

Diabetic osteopathy, one of the complications of long-standing, poorly controlled diabetes, leads to diminished bone formation, retardation of bone healing, and osteoporosis. Bone mineral density (BMD) and biomechanical integrity are referential predictors of fracture, and patients with type 1 diabetes incur a higher incidence of fractures compared to healthy individuals. Therefore, BMD and histomorphometry were used to evaluate the potential of drugs to prevent the osteopenia associated with type diabetes (Bain S, et al., Bone, 1997; 21(2):147-153; Suzuki K, et al., Bone, 2003; 33(1):108-114). The structural integrity of the femur or tibia was also examined in order to evaluate the biomechanical consequences of diabetes (Reddy G K, et al., Diabetes Res. Clin. Pract., 2001; 54(1):1-8).
In recent years, the potential use of vanadium as an alternative or adjunct treatment for glycemic control of diabetes has been examined (Poucheret P, et al., Mol. Cell. Biochem., 1998; 188(1-2):73-80). For example, vanadyl acetylacetonate (also called bis(acetylacetonate)oxovanadium(IV), VO(acac)2, or VAC) has demonstrated insulin-mimetic effects in studies of type 1 and type 2 diabetic animals (e.g. Crans D C, J. Inorg. Biochem., 2000; 80(1-2):123-131) and humans (e.g., Goldfine A B, et al., Mol. Cell. Biochem., 1995; 153(1-2):217-231) and prevented some of the associated complications of diabetes in animal studies (e.g., Bhanot S, et al., Mol. Cell. Biochem., 1995; 153(1-2):205-209). Additional pharmacological activities of VAC studied include the inhibition of gluconeogenesis (Kiersztan A, Biochem. Pharmacol., 2002; 63(7):1371-1382), a decrease in glutamate dehydrogenase activity (Kiersztan A, et al., Pharmacol. Toxicol. 1998; 82(4):167-172), and antilipolysis (Li J, et al., Endocrinology, 1997; 138(6):2274-2279).
Several studies have demonstrated VAC improved the ultimate strength, Tb,Th, MAR, and plasma osteocalcin in diabetic rats; however, VAC did not affect any bone parameters in normal rats in this non-injury and non fracture model of bone homeostasis (Facchini D M, et al., Bone, 2006; 38(3):368-377; Zhang S Q, et al., J. Bone Miner. Metab., 2007; 25(5):293-301). The results from an in vitro model using osteoblast-like cells showed that vanadium exerted biphasic effects: a low concentration of vanadium stimulated osteoblast proliferation and differentiation, but a high concentration inhibited these effects (Bain S, et al., Bone, 1997; 21(2):147-153; Cortizo A M, et al., Toxicology, 2000; 147(2):89-99; Cortizo A M, et al., Eur. J. Pharmacol., 2000; 400(2-3):279-285; Cortizo A M and Etcheverry S B, Mol. Cell. Biochem., 1995; 145(2):97-102; Suzuki K, et al., Bone, 2003; 33(1):108-114). In vivo studies indicate that vanadium therapy can improve bone quality in diabetic animal models (Facchini D M, et al., Bone, 2006; 38(3):368-377; Zhang S Q, et al., J. Bone Miner. Metab. 2007; 25(5):293-301). However, in vivo evaluation data on bone fracture healing in the presence of vanadium are still unavailable, and no evaluation of vanadium composite as a surface coating on orthopedic devices for bone fracture healing or other bone regenerative processes has been performed.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Implantable devices coated with insulin-mimetic vanadium compounds and methods thereof

RUTGERS, THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW JERSEY


A hydraulic device includes a gerotor assembly, a wobble stick, an output shaft, a housing assembly, a first port in the housing assembly, a second port in the housing assembly, first brake disks, second brake disks, a piston, and a biasing member. The gerotor assembly includes a rotor and a stator. The wobble stick connects at a first end to the rotor. The output shaft connects to a second end of the wobble stick. The housing assembly receives the gerotor assembly, the wobble stick and the output shaft. The first port is in communication with the gerotor assembly. The second port is also in communication with the gerotor assembly. The first brake disks connect to the output shaft. The second brake disks connect to the housing assembly. The piston is disposed in the housing assembly adjacent at least one of the brake disks. The piston cooperates with the housing assembly to define a brake pressure chamber. The housing assembly and the first and second ports are configured such that pressurization of either port results in pressurization of the brake pressure chamber. The biasing member is disposed in the housing and contacts the piston. The biasing member urges the piston toward at least one of the brake disks.

Hydraulic devices that include a hydraulic motor and a brake assembly typically include large housings and/or complicated drive connections. An example of a known hydraulic motor and brake assembly includes a seal that blocks fluid flow between the brake assembly and the hydraulic motor. Accordingly, the known assembly includes a large housing having at least three fluid ports: two fluid ports for the motor and one fluid port for the brake. This construction requires a larger housing and a complicated fluid path.
Another known motor and brake assembly includes a gerotor motor of the type having a spool valve that connects to a main output drive shaft. The output end of the main output drive shaft is disposed on one side of the rotor assembly and the spool valve and brake assembly are disposed on an opposite side of the gerotor assembly. Such a configuration requires complicated attachment of the spool valve to the main output drive shaft and a portion of the main output drive shaft orbits and rotates. Furthermore, the spool valve includes an extension to which brake disks are attached, thus requiring a larger housing assembly for the hydraulic device.


A stacked plate heat exchanger may include a plurality of elongated plates on top of and connected to one another. The elongated plates may define a first cavity in the longitudinal direction of the plates and be configured to cool a medium. The elongated plates may define a second cavity for conducting a coolant therethrough, wherein in two end regions of each elongated plate, a through hole may be arranged for supplying the medium to be cooled. The through hole may be at least partially surrounded at its boundary by a dome and arranged approximately at the edge of the elongated plates. At least one of the dome and the through hole may be integrated in the edge of the elongated plate.

Stacked plate heat exchangers which cool air fed to an internal combustion engine by means of oil-coolant or air cooling are well known in the cooler industry. FIG. 1 shows an elongated plate of a stacked plate heat exchanger which is cooled with oil. In the perspective view of FIG. 1a, the elongated plate 1 has a plate rim 2 and a plurality of circular-segment-shaped, stamped through holes 3. At least 2 of the circular-segment-shaped stamped through holes 3 are surrounded by a dome 4 (FIG. 1b). As can be seen from the cross-section in FIG. 1c, each through hole 3 has a distance 5 from the edge of the plate. This results in that the effectiveness of the heat exchanger is limited because not all regions of the elongated plate are utilized for heat transfer.
A similar arrangement is given in the case of a stacked plate heat exchanger which is cooled with air and which is illustrated in FIG. 2. Here too, the stacked plate heat exchanger consists in particular of a plurality of elongated plates 6 of which only one is shown in FIG. 2. This elongated plate 6 is completely surrounded by a plate rim 7. Each plate 6 has two through holes 8 for the medium to be cooled and, furthermore, two through holes 9 for the coolant. As is shown in FIG. 2b, the through hole 8 as well as the through hole 9 is surrounded by a dome 10, 11. Such a dome 10, 11 in the plates 6 is necessary so as to separate the coolant from the medium to be cooled in the heat exchanger. The described arrangement of the through holes 8 and 9 in the plate 6 results in increased material requirements and a more complex plate geometry due to a higher degree of forming with regard to the through holes 8 and 9. Also, a disadvantage here is that for the available volume to be installed only limited power for heat exchange is available.


The invention relates to a chassis link including a single-shell sheet metal main body, on which a plurality of bearing regions are formed for attaching bearing elements by which the main body can be connected to the bodywork and to a movable part of a wheel suspension of a motor vehicle. The main body includes two arms which merge into one another and define a main-body plane and a concave edge region of the main body. The concave edge region extends from a wheel-side bearing region towards a bodywork-side bearing region and is at an angle relative to the main-body plane. For such a chassis link having a high inherent stiffness and a low weight the invention proposes that the angled, concave edge region includes, along at least one curve length portion, at least one oblique surface which, when viewed in cross section, encloses an angle in the range of from 25° to 75° with a surface, adjacent thereto, of the angled, concave edge region. As a result, the inherent stiffness of the chassis link is increased for a maintained sheet metal thickness.

Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a chassis link comprising a single-shell sheet metal main body, on which a plurality of bearing regions are formed for attaching bearing elements by which the main body can be connected to the bodywork and to a movable part of a wheel suspension of a motor vehicle, the main body comprising two arms which merge into one another and define a main-body plane and a concave edge region of the main body, the concave edge region extending from a wheel-side bearing region towards a bodywork-side bearing region and being at an angle relative to the main-body plane.
Description of Related Art
Chassis links which form an attachment member between the bodywork of a motor vehicle and a dynamically movable part of a wheel suspension, in particular a wheel carrier, are known in various designs. They can be formed as cast components or as sheet steel shells. Besides the inherent stiffness and wear resistance of a chassis link of this type, the weight thereof is also crucial, because the vehicle weight and thus the fuel consumption can be reduced by means of a lightweight component having high inherent stiffness.
A known chassis link of the type mentioned at the outset (DE 10 2007 018 569 A1) has a substantially L-shaped or triangular design. The known chassis link is formed as a single shell, a bearing pin for attaching a bush-shaped bearing element being arranged on the end of one of the sheet metal arms of said link. The sheet metal arm has a U-shaped cross-sectional profile and tapers off into a socket which encloses the bearing pin with a wrapping angle of at least 270° and is integrally bonded to the pin. Although a chassis link of this type (transverse control arm) can be produced cost-effectively owing to the single-shell sheet metal design, the inherent stiffness thereof is sometimes unsatisfactory when using a relatively thin sheet to obtain a low component weight.
An object of the present invention is to provide a chassis link which can be produced cost-effectively and is lightweight while having high inherent stiffness (component stiffness).


Disclosed is a fiber-treating agent composition comprising an oil-in-water emulsion wherein composition (A) comprising the following component (b) is emulsified with the following component (a): a polymer compound of a polysaccharide derivative, and component (b): a polyether-modified silicone having an HLB value of larger than zero to 7 or smaller; wherein the mass ratio of the component (a) to the component (b) in the composition, that is, the component (a)/component (b), is 9/100 to 30/100.

A silicone compound is applied to various fields such as detergent, finisher, fiber-treating agent and lubricant, and particularly a finisher for textile products such as clothes is widely used for the purpose of conferring an effect of improving the feel of an object. Many techniques of using a silicone compound in combination with a polymer compound are also disclosed. JP-A 2000-129570, JP-A 2000-129577, JP-A 2000-129578, JP-A2000-239970, JP-A2003-89978, JP-A5-239774, JP-A 8-260356, JP-A 9-13272, JP-A 9-111662, JP-A 11-229266, JP-A 10-508911, JP-A 10-508912 and JP-A No. 5-44169 disclose respectively a fiber-treating agent composition containing both a water-soluble polymer compound generally known as a starch base and a silicone compound. WO-A 00/73351 discloses a specific polysaccharide derivative, and it is described that the polysaccharide derivative in WO-A 00/73351 can stabilize hydrophobic compounds.


The present invention provides a device and method for securing integrity of a blind autodock electrical connection in a computer system. A method and device according to the present invention for insuring integrity of a blind autodock electrical connection for use with a computer system includes a stationary assembly and a module. The method and device comprises a first electrical connector coupled to the stationary assembly and a second electrical connector coupled to the module. It also includes a connector sensor coupled to the first connector, and a connector sensor receiver coupled to the second connector. The connector sensor is a device including connector sensors which are coupled via a wire. Connection to at least part of the wire is provided via the second connector to create a circuit which includes a status providing device for determining whether the connector sensor and the connector sensor receiver are coupled in a predetermined manner, wherein the circuit provides an indication of the blind autodock electrical connection integrity.

A computer system typically includes a stationary assembly and modules which can be docked onto the stationary assembly. The stationary assembly typically includes the computer housing, and connections, while the various modules which can be docked and connected onto the stationary assembly typically include a majority of the computer electronics. While in use, the modules are connected to the stationary assembly. However, for repair and maintenance purposes, a module can be disconnected and separated away from the stationary assembly for ease of access and replacement. The connectors utilized for both the stationary assembly and the modules are typically elongated due to the large number of pins required for appropriate connection between the stationary assembly and the modules. Due to their elongated shape, it can be difficult to fully connect every pin within the connectors. A misclocked connection can result in either an open contact or an intermittent contact. Additionally, the connection can also be dislodged during transport.
Since the module is normally docked within the computer housing, there is typically no visual way of insuring that the connection has properly been made. Since the connection itself is typically a high performance connection, it is a critical connection. If the connection is not fully secure, then system integrity can be lost.
In the conventional computer system, some partial tests can be made to see if the module can be accessed, however, there is no guarantee that the connection is secure. Typically, in the absence of problems, the connection is assumed to be proper. However, a partial connection can produce sporadic results and is more likely to become dislodged.
Due to variations in the manufacturing processes, connections typically need tolerances due to the possibility of slightly mismatched components which may later be used in service. For instance, if an old module is replaced with a new module, the manufacturer of the new module may not have used the exact same components as the manufacturer of the old module. Thus, the conventional connector should have tolerances to allow for such minor differences. These tolerances can increase the chance of a partial connection or a partial engagement of the connectors.
Accordingly, what is needed is a device and method for securing integrity of a blind autodock electrical connection in a computer system. The present invention addresses such a need.

Device and method for securing integrity of a blind autodock electrical connection

International Business Machines Corporation


A solid or semi-solid culture medium, designated Campy-Cefex, for the isolation of Campylobacter species. The culture medium includes:. (a) a nutrient medium with an energy source effective to support growth of Campylobacter; PA1 (b) agar; PA1 (c) blood; PA1 (d) a first selective agent selected from cycloheximide, its salts, or mixtures thereof; and PA1 (e) a second selective agent selected from cefoperazone, its salts, or mires thereof.. In use, the sample to be analyzed is inoculated onto the Campy-Cefex culture medium, and subsequently incubated for a sufficient time and under conditions effective to promote growth of Campylobacter. Following incubation, the culture medium may then be examined for the presence of any colonies of Campylobacter.

1. Field of Invention
This invention relates to an improved medium for the selective and differential culture of Campylobacter species, especially C. jejuni and C. coli.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Campylobacter jejuni, C. coli and C. laridis are known to cause an estimated 2.2 million cases of foodborne gastroenteritis per year in the United States alone (Tauxe et al., 1987, Am. J. Public Health, 77:1219-1221). The vast majority of these cases are associated with the consumption of improperly prepared poultry or foods and hands cross-contaminated by raw poultry. Although the origin of this disease in humans is primarily linked to poultry, the food microbiology and poultry communities have been slow in directing substantive attention toward the organism. In part, this has been due to the unique physiological requirements of these organisms, impairing their culture and identification from foods and clinical specimens.
A variety of enrichment and culture media have been proposed for the isolation of Campylobacter species Park et al, Campylobacter, In: Compendium of Methods for the Microbiological Examination of Foods, second edit., M. L. Speck (ed.), Am. Pub. Hlth. Assoc., Washington, D.C., 1984, p. 386-404, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein!. Because Campylobacter can be overgrown by other organisms present in sect sources, the use of selective media, incorporating antibiotics and/or antimicrobial agents, is essential for their culture. Ideally, any culture medium selected should also be differential, allowing the characterization of the Campylobacter by distinctive colonial appearances in culture.
Butzler developed a selective medium for C. jejuni containing a nutrient agar base, blood, and five selective agents, cycloheximide, cefazolin, bacitracin, colistin sulfate and novobiocin, as described by Smibert Canpylobaceer, In: Bergey's Manual of Systematic Bacteriology, Vol. 1, Krieg and Holt (ed.), Williams and Wilkins, Baltimore, Md., 1984, pages 111-115, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein!. Other selective media that have been developed include: Preston medium (Hut hinson and Bolton, J. Clin. Pathol., 1983, 36:1350-1352) containing nutrient broth, agar, lysed horse blood, cyclohemimide, polymyxin sulphate, trimethoprim lactate and rifampicin; Skirrow's medium (Skirrow, Br. Med. J., 1977, ii:9-11) containing a nutrient agar base, lysed horse blood, vancomycin, polymyxin and trimethoprim; and Camipy-BAP (Blaser et al., 1979, Ann. Intern. Med., 91:179-185) containing brucella agar, sheep erythrocytes, vanoocycin, trimethoprim, polymyxin B, cephalothin, and amphotericin B. While all of these media offer some selectivity, the degree of this selectivity has been limited, and the growth of some strains of Campylobacter may be inhibited as well.
One agar medium in particular, CCDA, has gained prominence for the isolation of Campylobacter. Early formulations of CCDA (Hutchinson and Bolton, 1983, J. Clin. Pathol., 36:1350-1352) contained nutrient broth, agar, charcoal, casein hydrolysates, ferrous sulfate, sodium pyruvate and, as selective agents, sodium deoxyoholate and cephazolin. In later formulations the cephazolin was replaced with cefoperazone for improved selectivity (Hutchinson and Bolton, 1984, J. Clin. Pathol., 37:956-957). However, colonies of Campylobacter grown on CCDA have been difficult to differentiate from colonies of other containing microorganisms

Campy-Cefex selective and differential medium for campylobacter

The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Agriculture


A method of and an apparatus for predicting discrete cosine transform coefficients. A discrete cosine transform coefficient prediction method and apparatus performs a discrete cosine transform on a row and column of pixel blocks nearest to a transform coefficient to be predicted in a discrete cosine transform block to be predicted among pixel blocks adjacent to the discrete cosine transform block to create a prediction coefficient for the transform coefficient to be predicted, and predict the transform coefficient to be predicted using the created prediction coefficient. By using prediction coefficients with higher correlation to a transform coefficient of a discrete cosine transform block to be predicted, an image may be efficiently compressed.

This application claims the priority of Korean Patent Application No. 2004-54714, filed on Jul. 14, 2004, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method of and an apparatus for predicting discrete cosine transform coefficients, and more particularly, to a discrete cosine transform coefficient prediction method and apparatus, which perform a discrete cosine transform on a row and column of pixel blocks nearest to a transform coefficient to be predicted in a discrete cosine transform block to be predicted among pixel blocks adjacent to the discrete cosine transform block to be predicted to create a prediction coefficient for the transform coefficient to be predicted, and predict the transform coefficient using the created prediction coefficient.
2. Description of the Related Art
Compressing data to a digital format, particularly, compressing image signals is essential in various multimedia environments. However, since image signals include much information, many limitations exist in efficiently transmitting, storing and processing such image signals. To reduce such limitations, international standards, such as MPEG-2, MPEG-4, H.263 and H.26L, define compression stream grammars and coding methods.
By dividing an input image into pixel blocks in a predetermined area, for example, to 8×8 pixel blocks and performing a discrete cosine transform (DCT) on each pixel block, pixel coefficients arranged with high spatial correlations are converted to various frequency components from low-frequency components to high-frequency components. In a discrete cosine transform block, no correlation exists between frequency components and the energy of signals is focused on low-frequency components. Accordingly, by predicting transform coefficients located at a first row and a first column where low-frequency components are concentrated in a discrete cosine transform block, it is possible to efficiently compress an image.
FIG. 1 is a view for explaining a conventional discrete cosine transform coefficient prediction method. In FIG. 1, blocks 110 through 130 are discrete cosine transform blocks. To predict transform coefficients 1 through 8 of the discrete cosine transform block 130, transform coefficients A through H of the discrete cosine transform block 110 are used as prediction coefficients for the transform coefficients. 1 through 8. Meanwhile, to predict transform coefficients 1, 9, 17, 25, 33, 41, 49 and 57 of the discrete cosine transform block 130, transform coefficients I, J, K, L, M, N, O and P of the discrete cosine transform block 120 are used as prediction coefficients for the transform coefficients 1, 9, 17, 25, 33, 41, 49 and 57. By creating prediction values for the transform coefficients to be predicted based on differences between the prediction coefficients and the transform coefficients to be predicted and quantizing the created prediction values, an image may be efficiently compressed.
FIG. 2 is a view for explaining correlation coefficients between transform coefficients and prediction coefficients in the conventional discrete cosine transform coefficient prediction method.
A correlation coefficient between a prediction coefficient and a transform coefficient represents similarity between the prediction coefficient and the transform coefficient. As the correlation coefficient is higher, the prediction value which is calculated based on the difference between the transform coefficient and the prediction coefficient, is smaller. Thus, the smaller prediction value allows more efficient compression of an image. A correlation coefficient between a prediction coefficient and a transform coefficient can be calculated by Equation 1.
                              p          ^                =                  r          =                                    ∑                                                (                                                            x                      1                                        -                                          x                      _                                                        )                                                                  (                                                            y                      1                                        -                                          y                      _                                                        )                                                                                ∑                                                                            (                                                                        x                          1                                                -                                                  x                          _                                                                    )                                        2                                                                                ∑                                                                        (                                                                                y                              1                                                        -                                                          y                              _                                                                                )                                                2                                                                                (        1        )
Here, x1 is a location of the prediction coefficient and y1 is a location of the transform coefficient.
Therefore, to more efficiently compress a predetermined image, it is preferable to create a prediction value for a transform coefficient of a discrete cosine transform block to be predicted, using a prediction coefficient with a higher correlation to the transform coefficient of the discrete cosine transform block.

Method and apparatus for predicting discrete cosine transform coefficients


A sight window assembly and a method of making same, the assembly being comprised of a windowpane panel mounted directly and under radial compression within an annular window-opening of a vessel wall panel and having cooperative annular peripheral portions which are complementary in shape to the window-opening defining portions of the wall panel, said panels having cooperative, mechanical, annular, positive interlocking elements. The method is comprised of providing the wall panel with the annular opening-defining portions, and the light-permeable windowpane panel, shaped to conform to the shape of the opening, and being slightly larger radially under predetermined equilibrium thermal conditions, and effecting a change in the equilibrium conditions to cause an increase in the radial differential of the wall panel opening and windowpane panel so as to permit the windowpane panel to be inserted within the opening in closing relation, inserting the windowpane panel in substantially such closing relation while maintaining said change in conditions, and maintaining the windowpane panel in such opening-closing position while permitting the wall panel and windowpane panel to return to a condition approaching such equilibrium conditions.

The present invention relates to an improved sight window, designed for use in a large variety of situations. Such windows are commonly used in sidewalls of vessels to enable a workman to observe from one side of the wall, activities or conditions existing on the opposite side.
Sight windows are conventionally installed in machines and vessels by installing the window in a separate housing and, thereafter, securing the housing and its window, across the opening in the vessel sidewall, to the sidewall with studs or bolts. This is a much more expensive and less sanitary way of installing sight windows to the walls in which the sight window is needed, as compared to my invention.
The closest prior art of which I am aware is the manufacture and use, of such housings, which are bolted to such walls. The four patents issued to Charles E. Meginnis under U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,345,872; 3,625,390; 4,169,309; and 4,206,537, are representative of this known current prior art. Most, if not all, of these patents disclose and claim the mounting of a sight window, with or without one or more liners, within a separate housing, and thereafter securing such housings with the windows previously installed therein, to the surface of the vessel wall and across the sight window-opening in the wall. In each such instance, the windowpane (or lens, as used in said patents) is not in contact with the opening-defining portions of the sidewall, but instead, is mounted in spaced relation thereto upon the exterior surface of the sidewall.

Sight window assembly and method of forming same


Methods and apparatuses are provided for reporting power headroom for a UE. At least one of power control information associated with a PUSCH transmission in a subframe and power control information associated with a PUCCH transmission in the subframe is received. One of a first power headroom information and a second power headroom information is conditionally generated. One of the first power headroom information and the second power headroom information is conditionally transmitted. If the UE transmits the PUSCH without the PUCCH in the subframe, the second power headroom information is generated by subtracting the transmit power for the PUSCH transmission and a transmit power for a PUCCH from the maximum transmit power of the UE in the subframe based on the power control information associated with the PUSCH transmission and power control information associated with the latest PUCCH transmission.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to power headroom reporting and, more particularly, to methods for resource allocation and power control based on power headroom reporting.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, in order to achieve high-speed data transmission over radio channels of mobile communication systems, significant research efforts have been made to develop technologies related to Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) and Single Carrier-Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA). For example, the Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, which is regarded as a next-generation mobile communication system, employs OFDM for downlink and SC-FDMA for uplink. However, since OFDM has a high Peak-to-Average Power Ratio (PAPR), a large back-off is required for the input to the power amplifier to avoid nonlinear signal distortion, which lowers the maximum transmit power. This results in low power efficiency. The back-off sets the maximum transmit power to a level lower than the maximum power of the power amplifier, in order to ensure linearity of the transmit signal. For example, when the maximum power of the power amplifier is 23 dBm and the back-off is 3 dBm, the maximum transmit power becomes 20 dBm. OFDMA does not have any significant drawbacks as a downlink multiplexing technology, because the transmitter is located in a base station that has no power limitations. However, OFDMA has significant drawbacks, as an uplink multiplexing technology, because the transmitter is located in user equipment (such as a mobile terminal), which has severe power limitations. These limitations may reduce the terminal transmit power and service coverage. Consequently, SC-FDMA has been employed as uplink multiplexing technology for LTE, which is proposed by 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) as a fourth generation mobile communication system.
High-speed data transmission is required to provide diverse multimedia services in advanced wireless communication environments. In particular, considerable effort has been made to develop Multiple-Input and Multiple-Output (MIMO) technology for high-speed data transmission. MIMO employs multiple antennas to increase channel capacity within given frequency resource limitations. In scattering environments, use of multiple antennas may produce a channel capacity proportional to the number of antennas. Precoding is necessary in order to efficiently transmit data through MIMO. Precoding rules may be represented in a matrix form (precoding matrices), and a set of pre-defined precoding matrices is referred to as a codebook. In LTE Advanced (LTE-A), MIMO based on precoding matrices is recommended as a primary uplink technology enabling performance enhancement in both single-user and multi-user environments.
However, several problems exist when using an LTE-A system. First, the LTE-Advanced system allows simultaneous transmission over a Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) and a Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH). When a mobile terminal capable of simultaneous transmission sends a power headroom report containing only PUSCH transmit power information to a serving base station, the base station may adjust an amount of allocated PUSCH transmit power and other resources than are actually needed to the mobile terminal. In other words, cell interference may be increased due to excessive transmit power, or terminal link performance may be lowered due to insufficient transmit power.
Second, when a base station in an LTE-Advanced system schedules a MIMO transmission for a mobile terminal using the LTE scheduler, the base station may use the Sounding Reference Signal (SRS) from the mobile terminal to select precoding matrices that maximize uplink channel capacity. In MIMO transmission, one codeword may be mapped to transmission layers in different channel environments. However, a transmit power of each layer may be not adjusted using precoding matrices alone.

Methods for power headroom reporting, resource allocation, and power control


The embodiments contemplate a system and method for the application of concurrent edits to the same version of a text. The concurrent edits may occur simultaneously or near simultaneously through collaborative editing schemes, where more than one user, processor, or agent applies edits to the version of the text. The application of the concurrent edits includes modifying or transforming the edits to account for changes made to the version of the text and applying the modified edits to the most recent version of the text. As edits may change the positioning of the text, an evaluation of the changes in the positioning of the text may be part of the modification.

A text buffer is a storage space in memory that is used to store text. The text buffer supports operation of a text editor. Text is stored in a buffer, and, when text is edited, the edited text is stored in a new version of the buffer. In a version tracking text buffer, the version of the buffer is updated each time an edit occurs. In such a tracking text buffer, as edits to the text are applied, new versions of the buffer are created in the same order that the edits are made. Thus, an edit made to text results in a new, updated version of the buffer. If another edit is then made to the text, the edit is applied to create another updated version of the text buffer.
Concurrent edits may also be made to text, in which case multiple edits are made to the same or similar version of the text buffer. Concurrent edits may occur when a document is being shared and edited by two users, agents, or processors, for example in a collaborative editing scenario. In such a situation, a first user may make a change to the text at substantially the same time a second user makes a change to the text. Obviously, both users expect their changes to apply in the manner in which they intended.
However, concurrent edits typically cannot be applied to the text, and stored in the text buffer, in the same manner as sequential edits. In fact, sequentially applying the concurrent edits to the text buffer causes undesirable effects. If one edit is applied to text and a new version of the buffer created, then applying a second edit to the new version results in an unwanted edit as the edit is being made to the new version instead of to the original version. Edits change the position of the text. For example, a deletion of two characters moves any succeeding characters to an earlier position. Similarly, an insertion of a character moves succeeding characters to a later text position. Therefore, if one edit involves a deletion and a second, concurrent edit involves an insertion, then the edits being applied in a sequential manner causes the second edit to occur at an unintended position.
Therefore, a mechanism that allows concurrent edits to be made to the same or similar version of a text buffer is desired.

Order independent batched updates on a text buffer


A system and method for on-line diagnosing a network interface card (NIC) includes a NIC configuration test module, a NIC communication test module and a test response generator. An information handling system includes a server having a NIC that is able to communicate with a network. The NIC configuration test module detects configuration errors associated with the NIC. The NIC communication test module determines if the NIC can communicate with another server by identifying at least one associated address, sending at least one packet to the associated address and receiving at least one packet from the associated address.

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. 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.
Information handling systems connected to a network provide greater access to data and processing resources and facilitate the exchange of information. In order to connect to a network, an information handling system typically needs a network interface card (NIC). A NIC allows an information handling system to communicate with other information handling systems in a network environment.
If a NIC does not function properly, the information handling system typically lacks networking capabilities. A NIC may fail to operate in a variety of ways. The failure may originate from either a hardware or software problem and may not be readily apparent to the user.
Solutions to networking problems have typically focused on detecting problems communicating with other information handling systems. For example, one solution tests whether nodes of external information handling systems are able to respond to a communication from a NIC. However, this solution does not diagnose whether the NIC is properly sending a signal to the external node.
Other solutions for diagnosing problems related to the operation of a NIC focus on testing specific types or models of NIC produced by a specific manufacturer. However, such manufacturer-specific testing software creates an administrative burden on system administrators and other users. Additionally, current systems often do not detect or identify problems relating to the interaction of hardware and software associated with the NIC.

System and method for on-line diagnosing of network interface cards


An electrical connector assembly includes a housing having an array of compartments, and substantially identical signal contact assemblies arranged in sets, each including a pair of the signal contact assemblies arranged opposite first and second orientations, and selectively installed in a respective pair of compartments. One ground contact may form a signal-signal-ground pattern, while two ground contacts may form a signal-signal-ground-ground pattern. Additionally, an electrical connector assembly includes a housing having at least two substantially identical signal contact assemblies, one in a first orientation, another in a second orientation. At least one recess is formed within the signal contact assembly; and at least one protruding ridge extends from the signal contact assembly. The recesses of the signal contact assembly in the first orientation receive at least one of the protruding ridges in a second orientation. The protruding ridges in the first orientation engage with the recesses in the second orientation.

1. Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to electrical connector assemblies and, more particularly, to an electrical connector assembly having an array of signal and ground contacts.
2. Discussion of Related Art
Electrical connectors for applications such as mating to an edge of a printed circuit board must contain numerous electrical contacts. Cost is increased when an electrical connector must have several different types of contacts, including several types of signal and ground contacts, as each type of contact must be separately manufactured, thereby requiring different part numbers, different tooling, and separate stocking requirements. Further, the need for similar connectors having different contact arrangements also adds complexity to shipping, manufacturing and stocking or inventory requirements.
There is a need for an electrical connector assembly having signal and ground contacts which is economical to manufacture and to assemble.

Electrical connector assembly having selective arrangement of signal and ground contacts


A method of encoding images comprising the steps of retrieving a source image file including pixel data, transforming the source image file pixel data into a destination data set of pixel data representative of a modified partial equi-rectangular projection, and outputting the pixel data from the destination data set as a destination image file. The source image file can include an annular source image file. An apparatus for encoding images in accordance with the method is also provided.

Recent work has shown the benefits of panoramic imaging, which is able to capture a large azimuth view with a significant elevation angle. If instead of providing a small conic section of a view, a camera could capture an entire half-sphere at once, several advantages could be realized. Specifically, if the entire environment is visible at the same time, it is not necessary to move the camera to fixate on an object of interest or to perform exploratory camera movements.
Some panoramic camera systems capture light from all directions (i.e., 360 degrees in a given plane), either as still images or as a continuous video stream. The images from such a device can be geometrically transformed to synthesize a conventional camera view in any direction. One method for constructing such panoramic camera systems combines a curved mirror and an imaging device, such as a still camera or a video camera. The mirror gathers light from all directions and redirects it to the camera. Other methods for constructing such panoramic camera systems include combining one or more wide-angle lenses with a still camera or a video camera, or combining a hybrid mix of lenses and mirrors with a still camera or a video camera.
Often times it is desirable to deliver still images or video from such a panoramic camera system electronically over the Internet or other computer network, or by conventional television broadcast means, including HDTV Current techniques are limiting due to high demands for bandwidth over a computer network or storage on a computer disk, and some sources are not suitable for transmitting/storing by conventional television broadcast methods. This holds especially true for panoramic video data, which requires an extremely large amount of bandwidth and storage resources to transmit and store the many still images that make up the video feed, and to display the images at a suitable video rate. Further, it is challenging to decode still image and video data and transform it into a form suitable for viewing, such as a perspective-corrected image. Thus, there is a need for a method and apparatus that can make such images more suitable for transmitting over a computer network and/or storing on a computer system.
The present invention has been developed in view of the foregoing, and to address other deficiencies of the prior art.

Method and apparatus for encoding photographic images


Data model display and modification techniques are provided that can be executed on a wireless computing device. A data model display and modification technique includes wirelessly receiving a data model definition at a wireless communication device. A visual representation of the model definition is displayed on a display of the wireless device. User interactions with the visual representation of the model definition are recorded through the wireless device to alter the data model definition. The altered data model definition is stored, and transmitted to another device.

In order to manage themselves efficiently, organizations employ systems, such as management information systems, to provide data analysis tools for evaluating an organization's current and future status based on the organizations underlying data systems. For example, many organizations employ enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems which integrate internal and external management of information across an entire organization—embracing finance/accounting, manufacturing, sales and service, customer relationship management, etc. In order to understand the substantial amount of data contained in these systems, tools have been developed to visually display what would otherwise be an overwhelming amount of information.
In recent years, as wireless and network technologies have developed and expanded, business functions have moved from standalone workstations and office desktop computers to mobile and personal devices that can access an organization's systems from practically anywhere in the world. These devices include mobile phones, feature phones, smartphones, tablet computers (such as for example an iPad™), mobile computers, handheld computers, personal desktop computers, laptop computers, in-vehicle (e.g., audio, navigation, etc.) devices, in-appliance devices, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), game consoles, Digital Video Recorders (DVRs) or Personal Video Recorders (PVRs), cable systems or other set-top-boxes, and other non-traditional computing devices.

Data model definition display and modification


A system is provided for regulating a travel course of a machine. The system has a steering system operationally connected to at least one ground engaging device. Additionally, the system has a path generator configured to generate a path along which the machine can travel. The system also has a path tracker configured to automatically regulate the steering system to position the machine within a predetermined vicinity of an initial point on the generated path and guide the machine along the generated path.

Motor graders are used primarily as a finishing tool to sculpt a surface of a construction site to a final shape and contour. Typically, motor graders include many hand-operated controls to steer the wheels of the grader, position a blade, and articulate the front frame of the grader. The blade is adjustably mounted to the front frame to move relatively small quantities of earth from side to side. The articulation angle is adjusted by rotating the front frame of the grader relative to the rear frame of the grader.
While preparing the subsurface of, for example, a parking lot, highway, or golf course, it is desirable to ensure the accuracy of the boundary and contour of the work area. A motor grader may make multiple passes back and forth across the work area in order to completely cover an entire region within the boundary. Each of these passes may involve check points spaced out at regular intervals that define a straight path with a 180 degree turn at the end thereof. Furthermore, each pass is offset by a certain amount from the previous pass. To produce a variety of surface geometries at a construction site, the blade and the frame may be adjusted by an operator to many different positions. Positioning the blade of a motor grader is a complex and time-consuming task and is difficult to do when making complicated cuts or contouring surfaces, and to do so while also steering the grader.
Because grading tasks are complicated and time-consuming, it is difficult for the operator to simultaneously accomplish all of the tasks necessary for finely grading a complex work site. The operator must control machine trajectory, the complexity of which may increase with increasing numbers of passes and turns. Furthermore, the operator must control surface elevations, angles, and cut depths. The difficulty of such operations may reduce the productivity and efficiency of the operator.
One way to simplify operator control and allow focusing on the sculpting performed by the blade is to autonomously steer the machine. One example is U.S. Pat. No. 6,907,336 issued to Gray et al. (Gray) on Jun. 14, 2005. Gray discloses a machine that generates a travel path and then uses a navigation system to follow the generated path. The system in the Gray patent has a vehicular guidance system and a path planner. The path planner includes a creator, which creates a machine travel row transparency based on user input and places it over a mapped area. The mapped area represents the work area of the vehicle, and the travel rows represent the path over which the machine will travel while grading the work area. The path planner also includes a splitter, which splits the travel rows into sections defined by the intersections of travel rows and the boundary of the work area. Nodes are created at the section boundaries signifying the beginning or termination of work along each travel path. A data processor identifies and locates each node and determines the most efficient path by interconnecting the nodes in a continuously looping line. Once the path is created and the coordinates of the path are determined, the system uses the navigation system to steer the vehicle through the generated path.
Although the system in the Gray patent generates a path along which the motor grader is automatically driven, the path is based on a pre-made map of the work site. Because the Grey system relies on pre-made maps, the number and variety of work sites open to automatic steering may be limited by the inventory of maps. In addition, the storage of such pre-made maps can require additional memory, adding to the cost of the system.
Additionally, the system in the Gray patent offers only one possible path based on the least number of passes required to traverse the work site. Although this one path may be the optimal path for some work sites, it may provide a sub-optimal path for others. For example, the most optimal path for a particular work site may be based on the starting point of the path rather than the number of passes traversing the work site. If the path is designed based on the minimal number of passes, it might be suboptimal because it may originate at an undesired point. Furthermore, it might be impossible to fully sculpt the work site along a particular path because of obstructions omitted from the stored map.
Furthermore, the system in Gray fails to ensure that the motor grader is placed within the vicinity of the initial position and orientation suggested by the path. Without an automatic mechanism for initially positioning the motor grader, the grading process may begin with the motor grader misaligned. Any deviation from the path caused by the misalignment may cause errors in the grading. Such generated errors may require corresponding corrections leading to decreased efficiency and increased construction costs.
The disclosed automated steering system is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems set forth above.


The WDM light source comprises a light source which generates an optical signal for an optical channel. The optical signal is intensity modulated with modulating signals. The modulated optical signal is applied to a dispersion generating circuit, at which dispersion occurs on the optical signal, according to the wavelength of the signal. A phase difference detector detects phase difference between the optical signal input to the dispersion generating circuit and the optical signal output from the dispersion generating circuit. According to the detected phase difference, the control signal which corresponds to delay time is generated. The control signal is fed back to the light source thus the wavelength of the light source is controlled.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an apparatus for stabilizing frequency of a light source which is utilized in wavelength division multiple (Wavelength Division Multiplex. Hereinafter, referred to as WDM) optical communication.
2. Description of Related Art
In the optical communication field, it is required to enlarge transmission capacity. In order to enlarge transmission capacity, the conventional apparatus multiplex electrical signal (frequency division multiplex or time division multiplex), or increases numbers of optical fibers. Thus, total amount of transmission is enlarged.
However, such demand for large transmission capacity grows rapidly. For this reason, development of WDM optical communicative technique is advanced in recent years. For this WDM optical communication, a WDM light source which generates an optical wavelength division multiplexed signal is used. Outputs of the WDM light sources is inputted into an optical fiber. Thus, a plurality of transmission paths can be configured in an optical fiber, and it becomes possible to meet the demand. Here, the technique for increasing higher stability for frequency of WDM light source should be indispensable.
For example, a technique disclosed in, Sakamoto et al, xe2x80x9cCharacteristics of optical senders"" frequency stabilizer employing a Mach-Zehnder filter under real environmentxe2x80x9d, The Institutes of Electronics, Information and Communication Engineers B-10-216, 1997, has been proposed. In this document, frequency of WDM light source is adjusted to one of peak frequency of mach-zehnder filter.
By the way, when a mach-zehnder filter is used, an attention should be paid on the following in order to make frequency of WDM light source be stable:
1. A mach-zehnder filter has characteristics in which pass band and stop band repeatedly appears with equal band. But in actual apparatus, center frequency of the bands may sometimes slip from designed frequency by an error on manufacture or a polarization dependency. Therefore, frequencies of the plural light sources may not match the center frequencies of the each band of the filter.
2. Because of the above-mentioned characteristics of the mach-zehnder filter, frequency of each light source can not be chosen freely.
3. Frequency of WDM light source needs to be led to a center frequency of the mach-zehnder filter. For this reason, voltage is applied at the filter, and thus the characteristics of the filter should be dizzered.
Accordingly, it is the object of this invention to provide WDM light source which does not use the Mach-zehnder filter.
It is another object of this invention to provide WDM light source with frequency of each light source becomes more stable, and thus more efficient and precise control can be achieved.
It is further object of this invention to provide WDM light source with reduced circuit scale.
According to the first aspect of the invention, the WDM light source comprises a light source which generates an optical signal for an optical channel. The optical signal is intensity modulated with modulating signals, the signal is assigned to each channel. The modulated optical signal is applied to a dispersion generating circuit, at which dispersion occurs on the optical signal, according to the wavelength of the signal. The WDM light source further comprises a phase difference detector which detects phase difference between the optical signal input to the -dispersion generating circuit and the optical signal output from the dispersion generating circuit. According to the detected phase difference, the WDM light source generates control signal which corresponds to delay time. The control signal is fed back to the light source thus the wavelength of the light source is controlled. As a result, the wavelength is stabilized within the predetermined range.
According to the another aspect of the invention, the WDM light source comprises a plurality of light sources, each generates an optical signal for an optical channel. The optical signals are intensity modulated with modulating signals, the signal is assigned to each channel. The optical signals are duplexed and applied to a dispersion generating circuit, at which dispersion occurs on the optical signal, according to the wavelength. The control signal is generated for each light source according to the each detected phase difference, and the control signal is fed back to the light source thus the wavelength of the light source is controlled. As a result, the wavelength is stabilized within the predetermined range.
According to the yet another aspect of the invention, the WDM light source comprises a plurality of light sources, each generates an optical signal for an optical channel. The WDM light source further comprises switching element that selects one of the optical signal among the plurality of optical signals. The selected optical signal is fed to a modulator which intensity modulates the optical signal with modulating signals, the signal is assigned to each channel. The modulated optical signals applied to a dispersion generating circuit, at which dispersion occurs on the optical signal, according to the wavelength. The control signal is generated for each light source according to the detected phase difference, and the control signal is fed back to the light source thus the wavelength of the light source is controlled. As a result, the wavelength is stabilized within the predetermined range.

Apparatus for stabilizing light source frequency


In one embodiment, the invention is a method and apparatus for chip cooling. One embodiment of a system for cooling a heat-generating device, such as a semiconductor chip, includes a vaporization chamber for at least partially vaporizing a stream of liquid in a stream of a gas to produce a mixture of gas, vapor and liquid and a heat sink coupled to the vaporization chamber for transferring heat from the heat-generating device to the mixture.

The present invention relates generally to a microprocessor chips, and relates more particularly to systems for cooling microprocessor chips.
The evolution toward high-powered microprocessor chips has driven the design of heat sinks to cool the chips. Conventional heat sinks for cooling microprocessor chips typically come in two forms: air-cooled systems and liquid-cooled systems. Air-cooled systems employ large fins in order to maximize the area for heat transfer between solid (i.e., the fins) and gas (i.e., the air) and thick bases in order to spread the heat from the chip to the fins. Both of these characteristics limit the efficiency of a system. In addition, due to their large sizes, air-cooled systems require a large amount of the available space (e.g., up to approximately twenty-five percent) within an enclosure (e.g., a central processing unit housing or blade server computer), placing severe restrictions on the number of electronics that can be contained within a standard enclosure.
Liquid-cooled systems are more efficient at transporting heat and typically have smaller fins and thinner bases with lateral dimensions that more closely match those of a chip. However, liquid-cooled systems may be susceptible to leaks, potentially leading to costly damage of electronics. Thus, although liquid-cooled systems are smaller and more efficient than air-cooled systems, they also are associated with a higher level of risk.
Thus, there is a need in the art for a small, efficient and low-risk method and apparatus for chip cooling.

International Business Machines Corporation


The present method includes an apparatus and method for forming articles having compression molding means and injection molding means. Simultaneous activation of the injection molding means and compression molding means produces an integral article having a compression molded portion and an injection molded portion.

Compression and injection molding are commonly used in various fields to form finished articles of many industrial products, for example, automobile interior panelling.
Panelling parts, in particular those having a reinforcing and a bearing function, are frequently produced as compression molded parts from compressed fibre composites known as sheet molding material. The compressed plastics fibre in such materials are inexpensive and relatively lightweight, which is particularly advantageous in automobile construction. Other elements such as mounting brackets are attached to the compression molded parts. Since such load bearing elements are generally of a more complex shape, and must have greater stability than panelling, they are usually made from a different material through an injection molding process.
Typically, each of the components for a finished piece is molded separately according to its appropriate method, either compression or injection molding. Once each component is formed, they are fitted together to form a finished product. The fastening or mounting elements may be attached to the panel by a variety of methods including adhesives, rivets, welds, interlocking connections, or other means well-known in the art. Attachment therefore involves an additional step in the manufacturing process and additional materials such as adhesives or rivets. Therefore, the overall cost of manufacturing of each finished article is increased.
Generally, the connection between the elements of such a composite product is relatively weak and often fails during use of the finished article, separating the individual components. Although attempts have been made to strengthen the connection between each component on a finished article, they have been largely unsuccessful.
Therefore, there is a need to provide for an apparatus and method of constructing articles including different components made of injection and compression molding to form a strong connection between each of the components and to avoid weak joints.

Method of compression - injection molding


A system and method for tracking an airborne target including an illumination source (e.g., a diode laser array) is used to enhance a target signature and a detector (e.g., a passive high-speed camera) is used to detect to electromagnetic radiation (e.g., infrared radiation) reflected off the target. The received electromagnetic radiation may be processed by a digital computer and passed through a spatial filter that implements a band limited edge detection operation in the frequency domain. The filter may remove low spatial frequencies that attenuate soft edged clutter such as clouds and smoke as well as filter out artifacts and attenuated medium to high spatial frequencies to inhibit speckle noise from the detector as well as speckle from the laser return off the target.

Directed energy weapons and specifically high-energy laser (HEL) weapons are being considered for variety of military applications with respect to a variety of platforms, e.g., spaceborne, airborne and land based systems to name a few. These weapons generally involve the use of a laser or other source of a high-power beam of electromagnetic radiation to track and destroy a target. To achieve mission objectives, directed energy weapons must accurately track the intended target. Accurate tracking of airborne targets is extremely difficult given the presence of clutter (e.g., terrain, clouds, smoke, etc.) and sensor noise. The HEL beam further complicates the situation by generating hot-spots on the target and incandescing the debris, which can "walk" the HEL beam off the intended target.


A system, and method are provided for dithering depth values. The depth values include a plurality of first depth values associated with a first object and a plurality of second depth values associated with a second object. Additionally, the first depth values and the second depth values are stored in a depth map in a predetermined configuration. In addition, the predetermined configuration takes on a checkerboard pattern.

Various display devices are equipped for stereo viewing. Unlike mono viewing, stereo viewing involves the display of separate content for the right and left human eye. Specifically, such stereo viewing requires the presentation of a separate image to the left and right human eye. In one particular type of stereo viewing, namely time sequential stereo viewing, such left and right images are presented in an alternating manner. To ensure a proper stereo viewing experience, stereoscopic glasses are also typically used which make the left image only visible to the left eye and the right image only visible to the right eye at the appropriate time.
Prior Art FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 for displaying stereoscopy display content, in accordance with the prior art. As illustrated, a first object 104 is shown to be view through a transparent second object 106. As is further shown, the first object 104 has a first depth value D1 associated therewith, while the second object 106 has an associated with second depth value D2.
Prior Art FIG. 2 illustrates a technique 200 for displaying the stereoscopy display content of FIG. 1, in accordance with the prior art. As shown, the pixel values (e.g. color, depth, etc.) are assembled in the form of a two-dimensional image 202 (e.g. color map, etc.) which includes a matrix of pixel values, each associated with a particular pixel. Similarly, the depth values are assembled in the form of a depth map 204 which includes a matrix of depth values, again each associated with a particular pixel.
A problem arises when one of the aforementioned pixels is used to illustrate a portion of the first object 104 of FIG. 1 through the transparent second object 106. Specifically, the aforementioned depth map 204 is only capable of representing each pixel with a single depth value. Thus, the above problem manifests itself in deciding which of the two available depth values (D1, D2) should be used in the depth map. Of course, neither of such depth values (D1, D2) are, by themselves, correct.
There is thus a need for overcoming these and/or other problems associated with the prior art.

System and method for dithering depth values


Disclosed are a carboxylic acid modified-nitrile based copolymer composition and a dip-formed article produced therefrom. More specifically, disclosed are a copolymer composition comprising a carboxylic acid modified-nitrile copolymer latex having a glass transition temperature of a −60 to −10° C. and a carboxylic acid modified-styrene copolymer latex having a glass transition temperature of 30 to 110° C., and a dip-formed article produced therefrom.

Rubber gloves are widely used in housewares, food, electronics, medicine and the like. However, when wearing sensation of gloves and doping property during working are low, working efficiency of workers is deteriorated. Generally, rubber glove products are manufactured by a dipping process, and gloves are surface-treated with a substance such as a talcum powder or a corn powder to prevent adhesiveness of the glove surfaces and provide easy wearing during a post-process, and are then packaged. However, the powder may stain the hands wearing gloves and cause contamination upon working in a clean room.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,411,982 discloses modifying an outer surface of rubber gloves by halogenation to improve slippage of rubber gloves. The halogenation is carried out by dipping a rubber glove in a sodium hypochlorite solution containing 1 to 5% of chlorine for about 8 to about 10 seconds, immediately washing the rubber glove, drying the same and then dipping the rubber glove in a 12% hydrochloric acid solution for about 8 to about 10 seconds. The series of steps are repeated on the inner surface of the rubber glove. However, such treatment with chlorine is disadvantageously inconvenient and causes damage of harmful chlorine components to worker health.
In addition, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,813,695, 3,326,742 and 3,585,103, GB Patent No. 1,028,446 etc. disclose coating inner and outer surfaces of surgical gloves with a hydrogel polymer solution to improve slippage of the surgical gloves. The hydrogel polymer solution is polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyhydroxyethyl methacrylate, polymethylmethacrylate, polyhydroxypropylacrylate or the like, or a polymer thereof. However, the hydrogel polymer solution has problems of low economic feasibility due to high price and addition of a coating process and inconvenience.

Carboxylic acid modified-nitrile based copolymer composition and dip-form article thereof

Abstract: Provided are advantageously a carboxylic acid modified-nitrile based copolymer composition enabling production of dip-formed articles having physical properties comparable to conventional articles and greatly improved wearing sensation and doping property, and a dip-formed article produced therefrom.


A method for contextual data visualization includes receiving data selected by a user and meta-data associated with the data. The data is analyzed, using a processor of a computing device, to determine content and structure attributes of the data that are relevant to visualization of the data. The meta-data is analyzed, using a processor of the computing device, to determine a context in which the visualization of the data will be used. A database comprising an aggregation of visualization records from a plurality of users is accessed and at least one template from the data visualization records that matches the data attributes and context is selected. A data visualization is created by applying at least one template to the data.

The present invention relates to data visualization, and more specifically, to automatic contextual data visualization based on data mining and analysis. A wide variety of events and characteristics are captured as electronic data. For example, a business person may use electronic data to track sales, markets, products, and supply chains. Analysis of the electronic data can bring additional insight into the systems and events the electronic data represents. However, electronic data in its raw form may not be easily understood. Data visualization, such as charts, graphs, and animations, can present the data in a more intuitive format. Further, data visualization allows for interpretation and presentation of the data to emphasize desired characteristics. However, the business person may not be aware of the optimal way to present the data or may not have time to create an optimal visualization.

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION


The electric apparatus using electric power of the present invention includes a communication unit for receiving power information including electric rate information or power demand information on each of time zones from an outside of the electric apparatus, a timer for determining a user unused time period in which a user does not use the electric apparatus during operation of the electric apparatus, and a control unit for shifting the electric apparatus to a power saving mode with reference to the power information received through the communication unit, and the user unused time period determined by the timer.

1. Field of the Disclosure
The present invention relates to a power control apparatus and a power control method, and more particularly to a power control apparatus and a power control method for reducing power consumption of electric apparatuses in conformity with electric rate which varies with time zones.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
Presently, an electric power system has been designed to produce power about 10% greater than power to be used actually. This power is designed to meet maximum power consumption for securing power in advance in preparation for a case the power is used greater than the design. Consequently, the present electric power system requires not only fuel, but also various power generating facilities, additionally. And, since there has been much waste of electricity, the electric power system has poor energy efficiency, and increased emission of carbon dioxide in a process of burning coal, petroleum, or gas.
If the electricity may be produced exactly as much as required, or the electricity may be used to meet a produced quantity, the electricity will be used more efficiently while preventing global warming from taking place. A smart grid is a technology in which an electric power network is combined with an information communication technology to make power consumption, supply, and even a state of power line known for maximizing energy efficiency.
The smart gird enables real time exchange of information between consumers and an electric power company by combining information communication technology, such as Zigbee and power line communication, with the electric power network, enabling the consumer to use the electricity when the electric rate is low, and also to put the electric apparatuses into operation automatically in a time zone in which the electric rate is low.
In this case, since the electric power company may make real time grasp of the present power consumption in a position of an electric power producer, the electric power company may make flexible control of a power supply rate. The electric power company may make flexible management in which maximum wattage is not maintained in a time zone when use of power is low, surplus power is used for pumped-storage power generation to reduce waste of electricity, and electricity is stored to supply the electricity at a time zone when use of the power is great. Moreover, failure of the electric power network caused by overload may be prevented.
In conclusion, the smart grid is a system which manages all things through which electricity flows, starting from electric products, such as a TV set, a refrigerator, and so on used domestically, even to industrial equipment running in factories, in a bundle, efficiently. The smart grid enables the user to make real time notice of electric rate the user used at anywhere, such as home, office and factory, and to use the electricity while avoiding a time zone in which the electric rate is high.

Power control apparatus and power control method


An email client and file manager provides combined file management and communications management in a single interface. An interface allows documents, email messages, contact information, web links or pages, and user-attached notes to be stored in the same folders. This facilitates communication by email and fax. The interface permits the user to combine this data in folders which the user categorizes according to a folder tree created by the user. In one embodiment of the invention, the client, in its email function, communicates with a dedicated host which in turn communicates with external servers according to standard internet protocol.

A computer screen user interface provides the user with certain tools to organize the objects he or she is working with. The most common and typical way of organizing the objects in a computer is a hierarchical structure of directories or folders (hereinafter called folder structure). The user interface typically includes some default initial folder structure, which the user can eventually change by adding new folders and subfolders. Such default or user defined folder structure is used to simplify finding, retrieving and working with the objects, provided the user employs and memorizes certain individual conventions and rules, when the user creates, saves or moves the objects to certain folders or subfolders. Typically, the user tries to create and name folders and subfolders in such a way, that later, whenever necessary, it would be easier for him or her to understand, memorize or logically deduce, what kind of objects should be saved to or retrieved from, a certain folder. An example is the Microsoft Windows Explorer, which presents a folder structure and contents of each folder.
In addition to the folder structure, typically there is a special location, such as a desktop, root directory, special folder or location bar (hereinafter called desktop), to store most frequently used, new, temporary or uncategorized objects. For a reasonable number of objects, such locations provide a faster access for the user. Therefore, as the number of objects in such desktop grows, all but a limited number of the most frequently used objects should be eventually moved into the folder structure. The examples are Microsoft Windows Desktop, which can contain certain spatially limited number of object icons, or default My Documents folder in Microsoft Windows 95/98/2000.
In addition to the folder structure and desktop, some computer applications, software or programs (hereinafter called applications), provide their own default locations to store and retrieve user's objects, with or without folder structure, with or without user's capability to manipulate such folder structure, and with or without access to the general folder structure or desktop. In such cases the user has to organize his or her objects, using a separate set of rules and conventions, specific to such application, and in some cases an additional effort is needed to find, retrieve and work with these objects, other than through such particular application, if it is possible at all to do so. In addition, some applications allow access to the general folder structure for some types of objects, but not for the others. An example is Netscape Messenger, all versions up to the present date, which, for storing email messages, provides its default folder structure, which can be manipulated by the user. Netscape Messenger allows saving some types of objects, such as attached document files, but not the email messages themselves, in a general folder structure. Other examples are Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Internet Explorer, which allow storing the bookmarks or favorites respectively within a special folder structure, but not in a general folder structure.
There are several problems with the above prior approaches. In order to use Windows Explorer to organize objects, the user must be aware of it and learn about its features. Windows Explorer doesn't open automatically, and is merely included as one of many other components of the Windows operating system. Furthermore, Windows Explorer, once opened, doesn't clearly show the features of creating, renaming and manipulating the folders, those features being initially available from inside the cascading menus. As a result, many users, especially novices, cannot easily organize the objects they work with, and waste extra time and expend extra effort to find objects, sometimes unsuccessfully, and in general fail to use the computer in an efficient and convenient way.
In contrast, the Windows Desktop or default My Documents folder are presented very evidently in the user interface (the latter by being a default save location for some applications), and many users, especially novices, use them to store the objects. However, as mentioned above, eventually these locations become cluttered, and, without inherent hierarchical structure, inefficient in organizing the user's objects, as they grow in number.
Among the various types of computer usage, the most common for a computer user are: information processing (e.g. documents, files), communication (e.g. email, messages, contacts), web browsing (e.g. websites, bookmarks). Email clients and web browsers, which handle the second and third types of usage, do not use the same general folder structure-nor do they allow the user to organize the objects they generate into the same general folders—as are used with the information processing, with a few particular exceptions for some specific types of objects. Instead, the user is presented with a specific separate folder structure for each type of the object.
The email clients provide the user with two specific folder structures, one for the email messages, and another one for contacts and email addresses. The document attachments to email messages, however, can be stored in a general folder structure.
The web browsers provide the user with a specific folder structure for bookmarks or favorites. However, the individual bookmarks or favorites subfolders can be saved or copied to a general folder structure.
Not being able to use the general folder structure for all types of objects requires a user to create a multiplicity of several separate folder structures. In addition, a user must maintain and memorize separate folder structures in order to organize the most common everyday objects. Very often, these different types of objects relate to one activity, project, client, matter, etc. as categorized in the mind of the user. For example, if the user is working on a certain Project A, he or she very likely has a number of files and documents related to project A, plus a number of email messages related to project A, plus a number of email addresses for contacts involved in Project A, plus a number of Internet bookmarks for Project A. The prior systems and methods require the user to look for and work with these four types of objects in four separate and different folder structures. Even though the most organized of users may try to coordinate and conform the four different folder structures, every time the user looks for a different type of object, she still needs to access another folder tree, even if conformed. Typically, though, each of the four separate folder structures would be created at different times, and would contain more or less detail than the others, have different names for the folders and subfolders, and as a result, display a great deal of nonconformity in the different objects that are nonetheless related to the same user activity. Efficiency in processing different types of objects within the same activity demands the user to memorize several folder structures, their folder and subfolder names, and consistently follow rules and conventions for each in storing and manipulating the objects. As the number of activities, projects, clients, tasks grows, so does the burden and inefficiency in maintaining parallel folder structures.
In addition, inability to use the same folder structure for all objects of the same activity leads to other inefficiencies in using the computer besides an increase in file maintenance. For example, an email message with an attachment may contain at least three different types of objects: a contact name and email address; text message in the body of the email; and one or several attached files. Except for certain limited numbers of attached file types, which can be viewed inside the email (i.e. images, html documents), the attached files are opened by other applications, which files may be edited and then must be saved in the general folder structure, while the original email message remains in the email folder structure. This separation of the e-mail into different objects has several drawbacks that the present inventors have identified: (1) It is hard for the user to delete an attached file without deleting the text message, (2) Disk space is wasted by keeping two copies of the same attached file; one in the email client and one in the general file structure, (3) The general folder structure fails to contain information about senders/recipients of the attached file.
As referred above, a disadvantage of the prior email clients is that they indicate in their list of communications only the sender of the sent messages, instead of the recipient of the sent messages. In most cases, the sender of the sent messages is the user. A disadvantage of prior user interfaces is their drag-and-drop technique by which a user directs a mouse to move objects within the folder structure and the interface in general. A user has to keep the mouse button pressed while navigating the interface. If a user ceases to press the button during a command operation, he or she loses the ability to complete the operation and has to start all over. Such movement is ergonomically inefficient and taxing, especially to a user who moves objects within and across various folder structures.
The present inventors have perceived drawbacks to piecemeal approaches to the above problems. The present invention provides solutions, thereby giving the user advantageous ways to keep track of multiple sets of information, which otherwise would require additional physical and more complex effort.

System and method for organizing, managing, and manipulating desktop objects with an activity-oriented user interface