An apparatus to survey subsurface formations includes a sonde which is configured to move through a borehole. The sonde includes a neutron generator that emits neutrons into the subsurface formations. A crystal detector connected to the sonde monitors the neutron output of the neutron generator. The crystal detector can comprise an yttrium silicate crystal, an yttrium aluminate crystal, a lanthanum phosphate crystal, or a lutetium phosphate crystal. A lanthanum phosphate crystal or a lutetium phosphate crystal can also be used to detect photons coming from the subsurface formations. The sonde pressure casing can be fabricated from borated stainless steel to shield the internals of the sonde from thermal neutrons.

The invention is directed toward subsurface surveying such as well logging. More particularly, the invention is directed to improved neutron and photon detectors for subsurface surveying applications. The term "photon" as used herein includes both gamma rays and X-rays.
Nuclear techniques have been extensively applied to oil exploration, particularly in the area of well logging. Nuclear particle detectors are used to find strata containing oil and natural gas. These investigations can estimate the extent of fuel-bearing strata and the amount of fuel that these strata contain.
The scientific basis for this survey technique is based on the fact that different materials undergo different reactions when irradiated with neutrons. After a stratum is irradiated with neutrons, photons and/or neutrons returning from the stratum are detected to obtain information regarding the stratum.
In this technique, a probe, or sonde, containing a neutron source is drawn through a borehole and a detector in the sonde measures the energy and/or intensity of radiation returning from the strata. Oil, gas, water, and various other geological formations possess a distinctive radiation signature that permits identification of the make-up of the strata.
Borehole detectors of high-energy photons such as gamma rays and X-rays returning from the strata employ specially grown scintillation crystals which produce a flash of visible or near-visible photons when a high-energy photon interacts with atoms in the crystal. This flash of visible or near-visible photons is sensed in a photomultiplier tube (PMT) which is adjacent to the scintillation crystal and the PMT produces an electrical signal indicative of the flash intensity. The flash intensity is dependent upon the energy of the incident high-energy photon.
These electrical signals are transmitted to the surface where they are analyzed. Analysis of the time and energy spectrum distributions of the detected high-energy photons provides information about subsurface conditions.
Two types of neutron sources are generally used in the downhole probe. One type employs radioactive sources, such as americium/beryllium or californium, that continuously emit neutrons. The other type of neutron source employs a pulsed 14 MeV neutron generator.
Each of these types of neutron sources has its disadvantages. Radioactive sources require special licenses in every country where the source will be used. Radioactive sources require bulky shielding and complicated transportation arrangements and are occasionally lost downhole, which can render the hole unusable due to radiological concerns. Radioactive sources do, however, possess the significant advantage of having a well-known neutron emission rate.
Pulsed generators are safer to use and permit a wider variety of downhole measurements. However, pulsed generators do not emit neutrons at a constant rate. Therefore, a neutron monitor must be used downhole to monitor a pulsed neutron generator. The neutron monitor measures the number of neutrons emitted by the neutron generator, not the number of neutrons returning from the strata. Information concerning the number of neutrons emitted by the neutron generator is used to compensate calculations for variation in the neutron output of the neutron generator.
Further background on conventional subsurface surveying and surveying equipment is provided in U.S. Pat. No. 5,008,067, issued to John B. Czirr on Apr. 16, 1991. The entire contents of the '067 patent are incorporated herein by reference.
The neutron monitoring technique disclosed in the 067' patent is based on the .sup.16 O (n,p) .sup.16 N reaction. In this reaction, a neutron n from a neutron generator enters and reacts with an oxygen containing scintillation material according to the following reaction: EQU n+.sup.16 O.fwdarw..sup.16 N+p Equation (1)
The .sup.16 N decays rapidly due to its seven second half-life. The decay of the .sup.16 N results in the production of high-energy gamma rays and electrons. The high-energy gamma rays and electrons cause scintillation material in the neutron monitor to scintillate, that is, to produce a flash of light. This light is detected, converted into an electrical signal, and amplified to provide an indication of the neutron output of the neutron generator.
Unfortunately, the scintillating materials disclosed in the '067 patent, bismuth germanate (BGO) and lithium glass, have numerous disadvantages. Bismuth germanate does not scintillate at the high temperatures frequently encountered downhole. Lithium glass has a low atomic number and is thus not well-suited to detect the gamma rays and electrons produced during .sup.16 N decay.
One possible material choice for a neutron monitor is cerium-activated gadolinium silicate. Unfortunately, the high thermal neutron capture probability of cerium-activated gadolinium silicate causes the gadolinium silicate to be unacceptably influenced by background thermal neutrons.
Other scintillating materials that have been considered for downhole use do not effectively scintillate at the high temperatures frequently encountered downhole.
Thus, there is a real need for neutron detection materials which can efficiently operate at the temperatures encountered in the course of subsurface surveying and which can effectively detect high-energy gammas and electrons resulting from .sup.16 N decay.
Another problem in the design of subsurface surveying equipment relates to the choice of a scintillation crystal to detect photons coming from the strata. The borehole environment is hostile to electrical and mechanical equipment in that the borehole environment is wet, contains corrosive materials, and experiences high pressures and temperatures. Furthermore, the space in a borehole is very limited. In addition, because the maintenance and operation of a borehole drilling rig is extremely expensive, the time spent on subsurface surveying has to be minimized. These conditions and requirements impose severe constraints on the materials and construction of a subsurface surveying sonde.
A scintillation crystal to detect photons coming from the strata should ideally have the following properties:
(1) a high density to maximize the number of interactions between high-energy photons coming from the strata and the scintillation crystal; PA1 (2) fast decay of the scintillation process following a gamma ray or X-ray interaction and low afterglow; PA1 (3) high scintillation light output linearly related to incoming photon energy to provide adequate energy resolution and measurement; PA1 (4) high transparency to minimize attenuation of the light flashes within the scintillation crystal; PA1 (6) insensitivity of the scintillation process to temperature changes; and PA1 (7) mechanical strength and resistance to the corrosive effects of the materials encountered in the borehole environment.
Many scintillator materials fail to provide an acceptable combination of these properties. Thus, there is a need for improved scintillation crystals to detect photons coming from the strata.

Neutron and photon monitor for subsurface surveying


A universal infusion/aspiration cannula system includes a generally rounded tubular cannula member having a conduit or tubular portion provided with a rounded, partially, open, blunt insertion tip and a proximal end adaptable to standard fittings. The cannula alone allows for the blunt atraumatic dissection through intervening tissues and upon withdrawal, the simultaneous infusion of space filling substances, living tissues or hemostatic agents. A stilette member is provided which is operable within the cannula and the external dimensions of which approximate the internal dimensions of the cannula member wherein the stilette can be rotated or advanced and retracted as a saw to either amputate, cut or saw and grasp a biopsy specimen.

Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to surgical cannula or needle devices which may be used in conjunction with slender cutting devices or stilettes in subcutaneous medical procedures including the dissection, injection, aspiration, and biopsy. More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved cannula device or cannula/stilette combination which allows for all of these procedures to be achieved atraumatically using the same device.


An electrical motor includes a motor case inside which an inner space is formed, a bearing disposed so as to pass through a wall of the motor case, a rotor shaft rotatably supported by the bearing, and an earth conductor fixed with the motor case and provided with a frame and an electrical conductor provided on the frame. The frame has an annular inner circumferential surface along an outer circumference of the rotor shaft and is fixed with the motor shaft. The electrical conductor is disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the frame so as to slidably contact its end with the rotor shaft. A bypass flow passage is provided between the earth conductor and the motor case. The inner space is communicated with an outside of the motor case via the bypass flow passage. According to the motor, its inside can be cooled without damaging the earth conductor.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to an electrical motor that is driven while its rotational speed is variably controlled.
2. Background Art
Conventionally, rotational speed of an electrical motor is controlled by using an inverter. However, shaft current flows through a rotor shaft of the electrical motor due to a pulse wave of output voltage from the inverter, and thereby discharges occur in a bearing(s) when the shaft current flows to a motor case through the bearing. There is a disadvantage that the bearing may be made electrically corroded by these discharges. In order to prevent such electrical corrosions, it is done to flow electrical charge remained in the rotor shaft to the motor case without flowing it through the bearing by using an earth conductor. Patent Documents 1 (Japanese Granted Patent Publication No. 4485897) and Patent Document 2 (PCT International Application Japanese Translation Publication No. 2010-525787) disclose such an earth conductor. In such an earth conductor, its annular frame is fixed to a motor case, and a rotor shaft is inserted through the annular frame. In addition, many fiber-like conductors are mounted on an inner surface of the annular frame toward the rotor shaft, and distal ends of the fiber-like conductors are contacted with the rotor shaft. According to this configuration, the electrical charge remained in the rotor shaft flows to the motor case through the fiber-like conductors.


An exhaust gas purifying apparatus for an internal combustion engine includes plural exhaust gas purifying units which are provided on exhaust gas passages connected to plural cylinder groups in the internal combustion engine and purify exhaust gas flowing in the exhaust gas passages, a regeneration determining unit which determines whether or not the plural exhaust gas purifying units should be regenerated, and a regeneration control unit which executes regeneration control for regenerating the exhaust gas purifying units when the regeneration determining unit determines that the exhaust gas purifying units should be regenerated. The regeneration control unit simultaneously executes the regeneration control for the plural exhaust gas purifying units when a change of a combustion mode of the internal combustion engine is involved before and after execution of the regeneration control. Meanwhile, the regeneration control unit independently executes the regeneration control for each of the plural exhaust gas purifying units when the change of the combustion mode is not involved before and after the execution of the regeneration control.

As an internal combustion engine including plural groups of cylinders (banks) connected to different exhaust gas passages, there is known a V-type engine in which plural groups of cylinders are connected to different exhaust gas passages, respectively, for example. The internal combustion engine of this kind includes a catalyst and a filter for purifying exhaust gas in each of the exhaust gas passages.
For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open under No. 11-117786 (Reference-1) discloses a technique, in which a SOx catalyst is provided for each exhaust gas passage connected to each bank and an air-fuel ratio is individually controlled for each bank so that the temperature of the SOx catalyst becomes a regenerating temperature at which the catalyst can be regenerated (activated). Thereby, regeneration control is executed. In addition, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open under No. 2004-52641 (Reference-2) discloses a technique in which, in the V-type engine, the regeneration control of the catalysts is executed after a temperature difference between the catalysts provided in the exhaust gas passages of the respective banks becomes zero. Moreover, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open under No. 2004-339973 (Reference-3) discloses a technique in which, in the V-type engine, a timing of regenerating the catalyst is estimated for each bank, and the regeneration control is executed for each bank.
By the way, the states of the catalysts in the banks do not completely coincide with each other, and hence the regeneration control of the catalysts to be executed may be different between the banks. In this case, the regeneration of the catalysts can be more effectively executed by a method of executing the regeneration control at different timings for each bank as compared with a method of simultaneously executing the regeneration control to the entire banks. However, when the combustion mode is changed before and after the execution of the regeneration control, e.g., when the present combustion mode has to be changed for the purpose of executing the regeneration control, it is not preferable that the regeneration control is executed at the different timings for each bank. For example, if the combustion modes of the banks are changed differently for the purpose of the regeneration control and the regeneration control is executed at the different timings, fuel consumption of the internal combustion engine and drivability may be significantly deteriorated.
However, in the exhaust gas purifying apparatuses according to the above-mentioned Reference-1 to Reference-3, since the regeneration control is independently executed for each bank even when the combustion mode is changed before and after the execution of the regeneration control, the drivability may be deteriorated.

Exhaust gas purifying apparatus for internal combustion engine


In a communications network wherein a central station (CS) is coupled to a plurality of network terminals (T1, T2, T3, T4) via the cascade connection of a common link (L) and respective individual links (L1, L2, L3, L4), and wherein the network terminals (T1, T2, T3, T4) transmit information in a time multiplexed way towards the central station (CS), the central station (CS) assigns timeslots for the upstream transmission to the network terminals (T1, T2, T3, T4) by broadcasting group identifiers (GI1, GI2, GI3, GI4). Each group identifier (GI2) identifies a precomposed group (G2) of network terminals (T2, T3) which respect a predetermined order for occupying upstream timeslots. In this way, the central station (CS) can assign a plurality of timeslots to a plurality of network terminals (T2, T3) by transmission of only one single group identifier (GI2).

Such a method is already known in the art, e.g. from the proposal to the FSAN-OAN (Full Service Access Network—Optical Access Network) Workgroup entitled 'Short Slot Proposal'. This proposal is written by the authors Mark Bridger, Dan Donovan, Paul Welton, and Mike Haynes, and dated Apr. 22–23, 1997. Therein, the central station of a passive optical network (PON) with point-to-multipoint architecture regularly broadcasts so called PLOAM (Physical Layer Operation Administration and Maintenance) cells containing identifiers of the network terminals which are allowed to send a burst in the upstream timeslots of an upstream frame. The central station in the optical network of the mentioned proposal is called the OLT (Optical Line Termination), whereas the network terminals are named ONU's (Optical Network Units). The contents of such a PLOAM cell as proposed by Mark Bridger et al. is shown in a figure on page 4 of the just cited proposal. The 30 grant messages therein each contain an ONU identifier. Each ONU identified in the PLOAM cell is permitted to occupy one timeslot. By downstream broadcasting this message, all ONU's in the network become aware of the order wherein they are allowed to occupy upstream timeslots for transmission of data bursts towards the OLT. The upstream timeslots may be standard full size upstream slots with a length of 56 bytes or short slots with a length of 7 bytes. Schemes of the contents of such a short slot and such a standard full size slot are drawn in the figures on pages 2 and 3 of the proposal.
Broadcasting for each upstream timeslot an identifier of the network terminal that is allowed to send an upstream burst in it inevitably involves a high downstream bandwidth occupancy by grant messages. Especially the upstream transmission of short bursts in short timeslots requires a relatively high downstream bandwidth capacity for transfer of overhead information. In networks such as the passive optical network in the cited proposal, the length and transmit rate of PLOAM cells are fixed, and thus the bandwidth available for downstream transmission of grant messages is fixed and limited. Applying the known method for assigning timeslots to network terminals in such networks puts a severe limit on the number of timeslots within an upstream frame, irrespective of the length of these timeslots.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Time multiplexing method, and related arrangements to be used in a central station and network terminals of a communications network


A cushioned cover is used to put on the outside of the back or the seat of a car seat. This includes an upper longer mat, an lower shorter mat, and a soft resilient cylindrical pillow in between. All three parts are sewed up together in proper order to form a whole cushioned cover. There are four elastic anchorages sewed on the two ends of the top of the longer mat and on the two ends of the bottom of the shorter mat. The soft resilient cylindrical pillow is formed by by putting the foam rubber into the hollow bag. The cushioned cover is not only used to be the seat mats but also to support the thighs, or waist of the passengers by the soft resilient pillow, and to make the passengers feel comfortable.

Car seats are used to support the back and the buttock of the passengers. Car owners like to cover their car seats with seat covers to embellish the car seat. However, passengers often feel uncomfortable while siting for prolonged periods in their car seats due to pains in the legs, loins and backs. This is why they have to change their postures frequently to reduce the pain. A principle reason for their discomfort is that they lean and sit their backs and buttocks on the hard and fixed seats for a long time.
Because the conventional car seats can not provide passengers with a comfortable seating, therefore the primary objective of the present invention is to provide a cushioned car seat covering that contributes to passenger comfort. The cushioned covering not only can be used to cover the car seat, but also to cushionably support the thigh and spine areas of the passengers.


In a method of classifying data for deduplication, data to be classified is accessed. The data is classified into a deduplication classification in accordance with a data content aware data classification policy such that classified data is created. The data classification policy includes a plurality of deduplication classifications.

Data deduplication reduces the overall amount of data storage required to represent and retain data by identifying duplicate portions of the data and replacing those duplicate portions with pointers to existing copies of that data. Presently, solutions that provide data deduplication capability use a static and consistent method for all data that is processed, with no differentiation based on the data being deduplicated. As a result, various algorithm parameters used in deduplicating the data are established up front in an attempt to provide the best overall performance, in terms of metrics such as: data deduplication ratio: write throughput; read throughput; and resource consumption and overhead (e.g., CPU cycles, memory and disk capacity consumed/needed).
Presently, tradeoffs are necessitated in order to establish the parameters of a deduplication algorithm (such as average block size) or choice of the particular deduplication algorithm that is used. File-based deduplication (e.g., Single Instance Storage (SIS)) may be chosen to maximize throughput performance, minimize overhead, but sacrifice deduplication ratios. Block-based deduplication may be chosen to achieve better deduplication, but at the expense of throughput. Within block-based deduplication, fixed-length or variable-length methods may be used, and average lengths of greater or smaller size may be used, with each predetermined choice having additional tradeoff considerations (e.g., deduplication ratio vs. block size; indexing overhead; and long-term fragmentation effects, to name a few).
As but one example, a conventional deduplication solution might settle in advance on using a variable length block-based approach to deduplicating all data that is being stored in a data storage system, such as a virtual tape library or an automated storage system. Based on the chosen solution, all data will be processed in the exact same way with the same static parameters, with the output of all deduplication being stored in a single blockpool. A blockpool is a repository for storing a (typically) unique sequence of data known as a "block" that is referenced to find/replace redundant instances of the sequence. A block may be large, such as an entire file, or small such as a number of sequential bytes in a file or data stream. A sub-file sized portion of data is still a block, but may be referred to as a blocklet. The characteristics of this single blockpool are, likewise, determined in advance (often based upon tradeoffs) and remain static for all data that is processed. Some examples of these static characteristics include the mean block length, minimum block length, and maximum block length.
The drawings referred to in this brief description should be understood as not being drawn to scale unless specifically noted.

Classifying data for deduplication and storage


The present invention provides a configurable logic array that includes a plurality of individually configurable logic cells arranged in a matrix that includes a plurality of rows of logic cells and a plurality of columns of logic cells. The array further includes at least one horizontally aligned local bus running between adjacent rows of logic cells, the logic cells in the adjacent rows being connectable thereto, and at least one vertically aligned local bus running between adjacent columns of logic cells, the logic cells in the adjacent columns being connectable thereto. The array also includes means for configuring the array such that any logic cell A in the array can write to a local bus which can be linked through the array's bussing network so that logic cell A can be read by any other logic cell B; correspondingly, logic cell B can write to a local bus which is linked through the same components such that data written by logic cell B can be read by logic cell A. Whether a logic element is reading from or writing to a local bus in controlled by a logic function created in the array. The configuration capability is due to means for placing the bus drivers in a high impedance state, means for bidirectional bussing capability due to extra passgates in the array repeaters, and means for connecting horizontal busses to vertical busses through the use of a core cell to bus interface.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to user programmable integrated circuit devices and, in particular, to a mechanism that allows three-state busses to be routed from any core cell in a configurable logic array to any other core cell in the array.
2. Discussion of the Prior Art
A configurable logic array (CLA) is a matrix of interconnected, programmable logic cells. The individual logic function and the active inputs and outputs of each logic cell are determined by parameter flip-flops and logic gates within the cell, rather than by physically customizing the array during manufacture. Thus, the individual cell functions and the interconnections between cells are dynamically programmable to provide a wide variety of functions. The greater the number of cells in the array, the greater the functional flexibility of the CLA device.
The configurable logic array concept was first introduced by Sven E. Wahlstrom in 1967. Wahlstrom, Electronics, Dec. 11, 1967, pp. 90-95.
Since then, Xilinx Inc., Actel Inc., Pilkington Micro-electronics Ltd. and Concurrent Logic, Inc., among others, have proposed implementations of CLA devices.
The basic Xilinx CLA architecture is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,870,302which issued to Ross H. Freeman on Feb. 19, 1988.
The CLA device described by the Xilinx '302 patent and shown in FIG. 1 includes an array of configurable logic elements that are variably interconnected in response to control signals to perform selected overall logic functions. Each configurable element in the array is capable of performing a number of logic functions depending upon the control information provided to that element. The array can have its function varied at any time by changing its control information.
FIG. 2 shows a CLA interconnect structure currently utilized in the Xilinx array. In addition to the single-length interconnect lines between logic elements, as shown in FIG. 2, the Xilinx array utilizes lines that connect switch matrices, e.g., two vertical and two horizontal double-length lines per logic-element column. The Xilinx array also utilizes "global" interconnect lines, e.g., six vertical global lines and six horizontal global lines per logic-element column, for clocks, resets and other global signals. Two of the horizontal global lines may be placed in a high impedance.
FIG. 3 shows a logic-element currently utilized in the Xilinx array. The Xilinx logic element has three function generators, two flip-flops, and several multiplexers. The first two function generators can perform a Boolean function of four inputs. The function generators are implemented as memory look-up tables. The outputs of these two function generators are provided to the multiplexers and to a three-input function generator which can perform a Boolean function of G', F', and an external input. The output of the third function generator is also provided to the multiplexers. The multiplexers select whether the signals are provided to the output of the logic element or to the input of the flip-flops. The flip-flops have common clock, enable, and set or reset inputs. The configuration bits that determine the function of the logic element also determine how the C1 through C4 inputs are mapped into the four inputs H1, DIN, S/R, and EC.
The basic Pilkington CLA architecture is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,935,734, which issued to Kenneth Austin on Sep. 10, 1986.
An implementation of the CLA architecture disclosed in the Pilkington '734 patent is shown in FIG. 4. Each logic element in the Pilkington array accepts inputs from four other logic elements in the illustrated pattern. Each logic element output drives multiple other elements as illustrated. In the array disclosed in the '734 patent, there is no additional wiring. However, the Plessey Company, under license from Pilkington, has marketed a product wherein bus wiring is added as shown in FIG. 4; i.e. in every third column, a bus provides inputs to every right-direction logic element in that column, and every third row has a bus providing inputs to every left-direction logic element in that row.
FIG. 5 shows a logic cell currently utilized in the FIG. 4 array. As shown in FIG. 5, each of the two inputs to a NAND gate are provided by a user configured multiplexer the inputs of which are provided by other logic elements or inputs. Plessey has also added circuitry to the logic element to permit it to be a latch or a 2-input NAND gate.
The basic Actel CLA architecture is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,873,459, issued to El Gamal et al on Oct. 10, 1989.
The Actel architecture relies on one-time programmable anti-fuses for configurability and, thus, is not re-programmable.
The Concurrent Logic, Inc. (CLI) CLA architecture, which is most relevant to the present invention, is discussed below in conjunction with FIGS. 6-17. Features of the CLI CLA architecture are disclosed in the following U.S. patents issued to Frederick C. Furtek: U.S. Pat. No. 4,700,187, issued Oct. 13, 1987; U.S. Pat. No. 4,918,440, issued Apr. 17, 1990; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,019,736, issued May 28, 1991.
As discussed in above-cited related application Ser. No. 07/608,415, a CLA may be viewed as an array of programmable logic on which a flexible bussing network is superimposed. As shown in FIG. 6, the heart of the CLI CLA 10 is a two-dimensional array of logic cells 12 each of which receives inputs from and provides outputs to its four adjacent neighbors. The core logic cell 12, which is shown in detail in FIG. 7, can be programmed to provide all the wiring and logic functions needed to create any digital circuit.
Each logic cell 12 in the array, other than those on the periphery, receives eight inputs from and provides eight outputs to its North (N), East (E), South (S), and West (W) neighbors. These sixteen inputs and outputs are divided into two types, "A" and "B", with an A input, an A output, a B input and a B output for each neighboring cell 12. Between cells 12, an A output is always connected to an A input and a B output is always connected to a B input.
As further shown in FIG. 7, within a cell 12, the four A inputs enter a user-configurable multiplexer 14, while the four B inputs enter a second user-configurable multiplexer 16. The two multiplexer outputs feed the logic components of the cell 12. In logic cell 12, these components include a NAND gate 18, a register 20, an XOR gate 22, and two additional user-configurable multiplexers 24 and 26.
The two four-input multiplexers 24 and 26 are controlled in tandem (unlike the input multiplexers), giving rise to four possible logic configurations, shown in FIGS. 8A-8D.
In the FIG. 8A configuration, corresponding to the "0" inputs of the multiplexers 24 and 26, the A outputs are connected to a single A input and the B outputs are connected to a single B input.
In the FIG. 8B configuration, corresponding to the "1" inputs of the multiplexers 24 and 26, the A outputs are connected to a single B input and the B outputs are connected to a single A input.
In the FIG. 8C configuration, corresponding to the "2" inputs of the multiplexers 24 and 26, the A outputs provide the NAND and the B outputs the XOR of a single A input and a single B input. This is the equivalent of a half adder circuit.
In the FIG. 8D configuration, corresponding to the "3" inputs of the multiplexers 24 and 26, the Q output of edge-triggered D flip-flop 20 is connected to the A outputs, the D input of the flip-flop 20 is connected to a single A input, the enable (EN) input of the flip-flop 20 is connected to a single B input and the B outputs provide the logical constant "1". A global clock input and register reset are provided for this configuration, but are not illustrated in FIG. 8D. This configuration is equivalent to a one bit register.
The cell 12 thus provides the most fundamental routing and logic functions: extensive routing capabilities, NAND and XOR (half adder), a one-bit register, the logical constant "1", and fan-out capabilities.
These functions permit the basic CLA array 10 to implement arbitrary digital circuits. A register and half adder (NAND and XOR) included in each cell 12, together with a high cell density, make the array 10 well adapted for both register-intensive and combinatorial applications. In addition, signals passing through a cell 12 are always regenerated, ensuring regular and predictable timing.
Although the basic logic array 10 is completely regular, routing wires through individual cells 12 can cause increased delays over long distances. To address this issue, the neighboring interconnect provided by the array 10 is augmented with three types of programmable busses: local, turning, and express.
Local busses provide connections between the array of cells and the bussing network. They also provide the wired-AND function.
Turning busses provide for 90.degree. turns within the bussing network, enabling T-intersections and corners. Turning busses provide faster connections than do local busses, since they do not have the delays associated with using a cell as a wire.
Express busses are designed purely for speed. They are the fastest way to cover straight-line distances.
There is one bus of each type described above for each row and each column of logic cells 12 in the array 10. Connective units, called repeaters, are spaced every eight cells 12 and divide each bus into segments spanning eight cells 12. Repeaters are aligned into rows and columns, thereby partitioning the basic array 10 into 8.times.8 blocks of cells 12 called "superblocks". FIG. 9 illustrates a simplified view of a bussing network containing four superblocks. Cell-to-cell connections are not shown.
As shown in FIG. 10, each local bus segment 13 is connected to eight consecutive cells 12. As shown in FIG. 11, each turning bus segment 15 is connected to eight orthogonal turning busses through programmable turn points. As shown in FIG. 12, each express bus segment 17 is connected only to the repeaters at either end of the 8.times.8 superblock. FIG. 13 shows the three types of busses combined to form the bussing network of the array 10.
In order for the bussing network to communicate with the array 10, each core logic cell 12 is augmented as shown in FIG. 14 to permit the reading and writing of local busses L. The cell 12 reads a horizontal local bus through the "L.sub.x " input of the B input multiplexer 16 and reads a vertical local bus through the "L.sub.y " input of the B input multiplexer 16. The cell 12 writes to a local bus through the driver 28 connected to the A output.
While the cell 12 may read either a horizontal or a vertical bus under program control, the cell 12 may write to only one bus of fixed orientation. Whether a cell 12 writes to a horizontal or vertical bus is determined by its location with the array 10. Referring back to FIG. 10, the cell 12 in the upper-left corner of the illustrated superblock writes to a horizontal local bus. If a particular cell 12 writes to a horizontal local bus, then its four immediate neighbors write to vertical local busses, and vice versa.
As shown in FIG. 13, the two types of cells 12 are thus arranged in a checker-board pattern where the black cells 12 write to horizontal busses and the white cells 12 write to vertical busses.
The CLA busses can be driven by the bus driver 28 in two ways. The bus driver 28 has two control bits, "TS" and "OC", which provide high impedance and open-collector capabilities, respectively. The tri-state capability, which is independently programmable for each cell 12, allows the bus driver to be disconnected from the bus when the cell 12 is not being used to write to the bus.
The open-collector capability provides the wired-AND function when multiple cells 12 are driving the same local bus simultaneously. Unlike the high impedance function, which is controlled at the cell level, the open-collector function is controlled at the bus level; all cells 12 driving the same local bus are in the same open-collector state. The programming environment insures that if there is exactly one driver 28 driving a local bus, then that driver 28 provides active pull-up and active pull-down. (The open-collector capability is turned off.) In all other cases, the drivers 28 driving a local bus provide passive pull-up and active pull-down. (The open-collector capability is turned on.)
In the special case when there are no drivers 28 driving a local bus (that is, when the bus is not used), the open-collector capability is turned on and the bus is pulled high through the passive pull-up resistor. An unused local bus, therefore, provides a logical "1" to those cells reading the bus.
As stated above, repeaters provide connections between busses. Each repeater is programmable so that any bus on one side of a repeater can be connected to any bus on the other side of the repeater, as shown in FIG. 15. Each connection is unidirectional (direction is not depicted in FIG. 15) since repeaters always provide signal regeneration. The direction, like the connection itself, is programmable. Including direction, there are 18 (2.times.9) repeater configurations providing one connection, 72 (4.times.18) providing two connections, and 48 (8.times.6) providing three connections.
As shown in FIG. 16, logic 19 for distributing clock signals to the D flip-flops 20 in the logic cells 12 is located along one edge of the array 10. The distribution network is organized by column and permits columns of cells 12 to be independently clocked. At the head of each column is a user-configurable multiplexer 30 providing the clock signal for that column. There are four inputs to each multiplexer 30: an external clock supplied from off chip, the logical constant "0", the express bus adjacent to the distribution logic, and the A output of the cell 12 at the head of the corresponding column.
Through the global clock, the network provides low-skew distribution of an externally supplied clock to any or all of the columns of the array 10. The constant "0" is used to reduce power dissipation in columns containing no registers. The express bus is useful in distributing a secondary clock to multiple columns when the external clock line is used as a primary clock. The A output of a cell is useful in providing a clock signal to a signal column.
All D flip-flops 20 of the cells 12 of the array 10 may be globally reset through an externally supplied signal entering the RESET control pin.
The CLA array 10 provides a flexible interface between the logic array, configuration control logic and the I/O pads of the CLA device. As shown in FIG. 17, two adjacent cells, an "exit" cell 12a and an "entrance" cell 12b, on the perimeter of the logic array are associated with each I/O pad 32. The A output of the exit cell 12a is connected, under program control, to an output buffer 34. The edge-facing A input of the adjacent entrance cell 12b is connected to an input buffer 36. The output of the output buffer 34 and the input to the input buffer 36 are both connected to the I/O pad 32. Control of the I/O logic is provided by various control signals and bits, as shown in FIG. 17.
While the CLA array 10 described above provides a wide range of configuration options, it would be desirable to have available a CLA device that provides an even greater level of programmable flexibility.
The present invention provides a configurable logic array that includes a plurality of individually configurable logic cells arranged in a matrix that includes a plurality of rows of logic cells and a plurality of columns of logic cells. The array further includes at least one horizontally aligned local bus running between adjacent rows of logic cells, the logic cells in the adjacent rows being connectable thereto, and at least one vertically aligned local bus running between adjacent columns of logic cells, the logic cells in the adjacent columns being connectable thereto. The array also includes means for configuring the array such that any logic cell A in the array can write to a local bus which can be linked through the array's bussing network so that logic cell A can be read by any other logic cell B; correspondingly, logic cell B can write to a local bus which is linked through the same components such that data written by logic cell B can be read by logic cell A. Whether a logic element is reading from or writing to a local bus in controlled by a logic function created in the array. The configuration capability is due to means for placing the bus drivers in a high impedance state, means for bidirectional bussing capability due to extra passgates in the array repeaters, and means for connecting horizontal busses to vertical busses through the use of a core cell to bus interface.
A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings which set forth an illustrative embodiment in which the principles of the invention are utilized.

Dynamic three-state bussing capability in a configurable logic array


A pacemaker includes an electrode line having a lead and an electrode. The electrode includes a carbon nanotube composite structure having a matrix and a carbon nanotube structure located in the matrix. The matrix comprises a first surface and a second surface substantially perpendicular to the first surface. The carbon nanotube structure includes a first end electrically connect to the lead. The carbon nanotube structure is substantially parallel to the second surface of the matrix. A distance between the carbon nanotube structure and the second surface of the matrix is less than 10 micrometers.

1. Technical Field
The present application is related to pacemakers and pacemaker electrodes, and more particularly to pacemakers and pacemaker electrodes using carbon nanotubes.
2. Description of Related Art
Pacemakers are electrical therapy apparatuses which can be implanted into an organ or a tissue of human beings to treat the organ or the tissue. The pacemaker includes power, a pulse generator and an electrode line. An electrical pulse signal can be generated by the pulse generator through the electrode line to stimulate the organ or tissue. Thus, dysfunctions of the organ or the tissue of human beings can be treated.
However, an electrode in the electrode line is made of metal or alloy and the electrode has a small diameter, so the mechanical strength and toughness of the electrode is relatively low.
What is needed, therefore, is to provide a pacemaker and a pacemaker electrode, which can overcome the above-described shortcomings.


Various linkage arrangements link rotation of left and right cranks to movement of left and right foot supports through generally elliptical paths. The linkage arrangements may also link rotation of the cranks to reciprocal movement of left and right handles. Also, connection points defined by the linkage arrangements may be moved relative to one another and/or a supporting frame to adjust the size, shape, and/or orientation of the elliptical paths.

Exercise equipment has been designed to facilitate a variety of exercise motions (including treadmills for walking or running in place; stepper machines for climbing in place; bicycle machines for pedaling in place; and other machines for skating and/or striding in place. Yet another type of exercise equipment has been designed to facilitate relatively more complicated exercise motions and/or to better simulate real life activity. Such equipment converts a relatively simple motion, such as circular, into a relatively more complex motion, such as elliptical. Despite various advances in the elliptical exercise category, room for improvement remains.


Methods, systems, and techniques for sharing a remoted user interface are described. Example embodiments provide a Remote Session Sharing Protocol (“RSSP”) for sharing a remoted user interface and/or graphics of a same computer system operating system or application. Use of the RSSP enables server computing systems to optimize the utilization of frame buffers and state information when multiple clients connect to the same remote session (e.g., connect to the same user interface of an application or operating system) at substantially the same time.

Application publishing and server-based computing allow a client computing device to access and utilize an application program or operating system that runs on a remote server computing system (a server). The server sends a user interface, such as a graphical user interface for the application or a desktop user interface for the operating system, over a network to the client device. As a user provides input to an input device associated with the client device, the client device sends the received input over the network to the server so that the application or operating system can process the input and, potentially, update the client user interface, which is eventually rendered on the client device.
When such an interface is rendered on the client device, it may be referred to as a "remoted" interface, because the interface rendered on the client device corresponds to code running remotely on either a physical or virtual server computing system (a server). In some cases, the client device (the client) may be resident on the same physical computing system as the server, and hence "remoted" refers to the server executing outside the client process. In other cases the client device and server computing system are executing on different physical or virtual machines and may communicate over standard networking mechanisms such as using TCP/IP or other protocols and "remoted" refers to running over a network, such as a local or wide-area network.
Different mechanisms exist for providing a remoted user interface. Remote Desktop Services (RDS) is a component of the Microsoft Windows operating system that allows a user (via a client device) to access the operating system, applications, and data on a remote computer over a network. RDS employs a protocol known as the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) for remoting a desktop over a network. The server component of RDS is called Terminal Server, which listens on a configured TCP port. When an RDP client connects to this port, it is associated with a unique TCP session. Microsoft Windows authenticates the user and the Microsoft Windows RDS virtual display driver presents the user interface (UI) to the client device. Once a client initiates a connection and is informed of a successful connection to the server, it loads keyboard/mouse drivers delivered to it over the network by the server. The graphical user interface (GUI) data received over RDP is decoded and rendered as a GUI on the client machine using the downloaded keyboard/mouse drivers. Keyboard and mouse inputs by the user to the client device ordinarily are transmitted to the server to allow a user control and access applications and data on the remote server.
Virtual Network Computing (VNC) is a graphical desktop sharing system that typically uses the Remote Frame Buffer (RFB) protocol to allow a client to remotely control a server computing system over a persistent TCP connection. The RFB protocol allows the server to update the frame buffer displayed on a VNC viewer running on the client device. In general terms, a frame buffer typically occupies a portion of a RAM used for temporary storage of image data that is available for display. A VNC viewer running on an operating system on a client device may connect to a VNC server running on the same or a different operating system to receive data. According to the RFB protocol, the server sends small rectangles of the server machine frame buffer to the client, which the client then assembles to form and render the graphical user interface on the client. VNC allows for various encoding methods to determine the most efficient way to transfer the rectangles from the server frame buffer to the client VNC viewer. The VNC protocol ordinarily allows the client and server to negotiate which encoding will be used. One encoding method supported by most VNC clients and servers, is "raw encoding," in which pixel data is sent in left-to-right scan-line order, and in which after the first or original full screen has been transmitted, only frame buffer rectangles that have changed are transferred.
Some VNC implementations, e.g., "RealVNC," available from RealVNC Ltd. of Cambridge, UK, use a Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) server to provide a VNC viewer to the client as a Java applet. The Java applet then connects to the VNC server for remote UI access over a separate persistent TCP connection. Yet another VNC implementation, referred to as "ThinVNC," available from Cybele Software, Inc. of Wilmington, Del., uses the Web Socket protocol of HTML5 for remote access to a user interface. Web Socket involves use of a persistent TCP connection between a client and a server that runs a remote application. WebSocket uses HTTP as a conduit to set up persistent connection between client and server. In particular, WebSocket features an HTTP-compatible handshake that allows a server to interpret part of the handshake request as HTTP and then switch to WebSocket.
Existing technologies therefore require persistent connections for remoting a user interface or use advanced, and potentially insecure, web technologies such as WebSockets, which are not always available. In addition, for each client access to the data, a separate connection to the server is maintained, and the server typically keeps a separate frame buffer and state information for each such client device connected—even if they are sharing and/or viewing the same data or user interface. Such duplication results in many inefficiencies including drag on the network and may increase latency for each user.
In particular, a server typically maintains state information for each client device (user) that is viewing the remoted user interface. This state information may encompass maintaining a connection, keeping one or more copies of the physical screen buffer (or virtual screen buffer, depending upon the remoting mechanism) of the server that corresponds to the client. In addition, a series of state machines and/or change rectangles may be stored by the server to remember the state of the client for use calculating screen updates (image updates). Such state information is often used to save bandwidth to allow the server to just send frame buffer updates instead of the entire frame buffer at each user interface update cycle. Some remoting protocols even keep multiple copies of the frame buffer and/or state machine (also referred to as a "stack") for each user. Thus, if multiple users/client devices are sharing the same application or user interface, the overhead of maintaining state for the remote display protocols for each user/client can be significant, especially when interfaces are shared with thousands or even tens of thousands of user.

Sharing remote sessions of a user interface and/or graphics of a computer


Methods, systems, and computer program products for detecting and restoring missing or corrupted data in a distributed, scalable, redundant measurement platform database are disclosed. According to one method, a local database including local database entries is audited to identify suspect local database entries having at least one of missing and corrupted data. The local database is cross-compared with a redundant remote database that is a peer of the local database and that includes redundant remote database entries that are associated with the local database entries to identify local database entries that are inconsistent with the redundant remote database entries. For each local database entry identified as suspect and inconsistent with the corresponding redundant remote database entry, the local database entry is replaced with the redundant remote database entry.

Telecommunication systems record and maintain operational parameters for billing, performance monitoring, and other related purposes. These operational parameters are often referred to as peg counts. Peg counts typically record the number of times that certain events within the system occur for an interval of time referenced by the peg count. For example, among other values, peg counts are recorded and maintained to indicate the number of messages processed system wide, the number of messages per link, and the number of messages per link set. In some systems, historical peg count data is often maintained for up to seven days in memory, resulting in a large volume of data that must be stored.
Hard disk drives are typically not used for storage of these peg counts and data is often stored in persistent memory. Persistent memory may maintain data through reset cycles for a piece of hardware, but will not preserve data through a power cycle beyond its design duration for power-fault tolerance. The design duration for power-fault tolerance will typically be very short and is typically achieved by use of bulk energy storage capacitors. Persistent memory may preserve data as long as the energy stored in the capacitors can maintain a voltage level at the memory sufficient for the retention of data. When the energy store in the capacitors is depleted to a point that the capacitors cannot maintain the voltage level necessary for the retention of data, the persistent memory will lose its data.
In conventional systems, a single operations, administration, and maintenance (OAM) module with a single persistent memory performs the task of collecting, maintaining and reporting peg counts. The OAM module also handles report generation and distribution to client servers. Based upon the potential for data loss, this single point of failure for peg count collection and storage may no longer be desirable.
Accordingly, in light of these difficulties associated with conventional peg count collection, maintenance and reporting systems, there exists a need for improved methods, systems, and computer program products for detecting and restoring missing or corrupted data in a distributed, scalable, redundant measurement platform database.


The advanced vertical array beamformer signal processor accomplishes acoustic beamforming of an underwater vertical array used in shallow water utilizing matched beam processing to suppress generated noise and/or ship radiated noise thereby increasing the detectability of a submerged source emitting only a low noise signal. The processor exploits the difference of the signal arrival angle of both active and passive signals with that of the wind generated noise and ship radiated noise which is prominent in downward refractive sound speed profiles. After filtering the undesired noise, the processor uses the depth of the source as a clue for detection; the processor is an energy detector focused on the returns of a deep source.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention pertains generally to a device for acoustic beamforming for an underwater vertical array and more specifically to a device for use in shallow water wherein an advanced signal processor utilizing matched beam processing is used to suppress surface generated noise and/or ship radiated noise thereby increasing the detectability of a submerged source emitting only a low noise signal.
2. Description of the Related Art
In underwater acoustics, signal processing is an important tool to enhance the detectability of a signal among unwanted signals (noise) originating from various sources. Since the signal and noise show characteristic directionality in elevation angles, the detection and localization of a submerged source can be improved by adaptive array signal processing which exploits this difference in signal and noise arrival angles. A well known example is adaptive nulling of strong interferences for a horizontal array using adaptive beamforming.
Air-deployed sonobuoy vertical arrays use fixed pre-formed beams to detect signal returns from a passive acoustic source or echo from a submerged object when the signal arrival angle is distinctly different from that of the noise or an interfering source such as a surface ship. With a bottom bounced arrival of a signal the processor uses a delay and sum technique assuming a plane wave arrival for the signal in what is commonly known as the conventional beamformer. The beams are normally focused on the bottom returns of the signal in the first convergence zone of the signal arrivals. A submerged source will be detected by the bottom bounced arrival in deep water as the bottom arrival is relatively clean and free of clutter.
In shallow water, because the signal arrives via many bottom bounced arrivals, the signal energy can be split over several beams. This results in less than theoretical signal gain. The less than optimal signal gain degrades the detection range of the vertical array. There is no clearly defined convergence zone in shallow water. Target range cannot be estimated easily as the difference in multipath arrival angles is comparable or larger than the beam width.
A highly directional noise field can be found in shallow water in summer with a downward refractive sound speed profile. The detection and localization performance of a vertical array against a submerged target in shallow water can be significantly improved if the noise field is directional and the signal arrives in the null (notch) of the noise field. This often happens in a summer environment with the downward refractive sound speed profile in which the surface generated noise field exhibits a notch in the noise vertical directionality distribution at mid (e.g., 500 Hz) frequencies. The noise notch can be weakened or disappear when sound propagation is associated with strong mode coupling.
In a directional noise field when the signal arrives in directions near the noise notch, conventional beamforming can be used to improve the array gain by steering the beams to the shallow arrival angle of the target signal where the noise level is weak. Array gain is a maximum where the incoming wave is confined to one beam. In a multipath environment, the signal arriving on a vertical array can be split into several beams. The signal gain (SG) degradation due to beam splitting often results in a less than theoretical array gain (AG) for conventional beamforming.
Conventional beamforming has been widely used for detection and estimation of a target. In the target look direction, the signals are delayed and summed to yield the highest beam power. In conventional beamforming, the signal gain (SG) of a vertical array is obtained by ##EQU1## where R is the covariance matrix of the signal averaged over many data samples, s is a steering vector with elements of e.sup.-ikzjsin.theta. and p is the data field. The angle bracket denotes average of data over different samples. The k is the wavenumber of the propagating sound wave, z.sub.j, is the depth of the j-th phone and N is the total number of phones in the array. The angle .theta. is measured from the broad side of the array. As it is clear from the above equation, SG will be maximized when .theta. is chosen to match the strongest signal power direction. The noise gain (NG) is similarly defined with a replacement of signal power with a noise power in the above expression.
Matched field processing overcomes the signal gain degradation problem by using a replica field which matches the signal field. When the replical source range and depth coincides with the true source range and depth, the processor yields a theoretical signal gain of 20 log N, where N is the number of sensors. Matched field processing yields a theoretical 10 log N array gain assuming Gaussian white or uncorrelated noise. While noise can be assumed uncorrelated for a horizontal array with proper spacing, it is not in the case of the vertical array. Numerical simulation, theoretical models, and experimental data have all indicated that the surface generated noise is non-isotropic, non-Gaussian, and highly directional in shallow water. For the shallow water case, matched field processing has a limited ability to reject the noise as the correlation of the replica filed with the noise field is not always negligible.
For a vertical array, the matched field processor uses range and depth to discriminate the source from the noise. In principle, the signal would show up as a high level peak at the true source location in the range-depth ambiguity plot where the replica field matches the signal data. Likewise, when the replica field matches the noise data, the local peak will show up in the ambiguity plot indicating the location of the noise sources which should be near the surface. As such, the signal and noise sources are separated by their depths and hence in principle, the signal will be enhanced using depth and range as a discriminator. In practice, this does not work very well in shallow water, because of the extended sidelobes to the source depth. Each surface noise source will produce sidelobes at other depths and ranges other than the true noise source range and depth. Since there are many noise sources spread over the ocean surfaces, the sidelobes from these noise sources accumulate and produce a sizable noise background at the range and depth of the submerged source. This noise background reduces the array gain to below the theoretical array gain.

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


There is provided a device for recovering and dispensing the unusable portion of a pasty substance, such as that of a personal health and beauty product, that is located in the base portion of the original packaging. The device includes a casing having a closed end, an open end and a wall extending between the closed end and the open end. An extractor is associated with the casing and has a predetermined cross-section and an inner surface that cooperate to exert gripping forces to maintain a pasty substance in the extractor. There is a dispenser also associated with the casing and operable to overcome the gripping forces of the extractor to expel a pasty substance being maintained in the extractor.

In the personal care, health and beauty industry, it is common for viscid substances, such as lip coloring, moisturizers, crayons and other cosmetic products, as well as hemostatic and other pharmaceutical products, or polishes and other maintenance products, to be packaged in a stick-like shape in a small cylindrical protective case. Typically, these cases are referred to as compacts and, generally, are operable to move the stick between an extended position for personal application and a retracted position for storage.
In most conventional cases of this type, a cup-like base or reservoir supports the stick at its bottom end. The base is connected to a mechanism that is operable to shift the cup axially in the case. This axial movement shifts the opposite, or applicator, end of the stick between the extended application position, in which the applicator end is beyond the case, and back to the retracted position, in which the entire stick is drawn back within the case.
It is important that the base be securely attached to the bottom end of the stick otherwise it will become detached and unable to draw the stick back in to the case for storage. This attachment is commonly achieved by having a significant amount of the bottom end of the stick in the base portion. It is not uncommon for about five to thirty percent of the entire stick to reside in the base. The stick portion located in the base is inaccessible and unusable when the stick is worn down to the base.
For example, a conventional lipstick type compact may include a stick of lip coloring of about 2 inches in total length with about one-half of an inch of this stick being located in the base. In other words, a significant portion, (i.e., about twenty-five percent) of the stick is located in the base of the case and, therefore, is rendered inaccessible and unusable.
Considering the cost of personal care, health and beauty products, it is important to consumers to be able to use as much of the stick as possible. For example, the cost of a stick of lip coloring can be any where in the range of about 10 to 150 dollars per stick, and with as much as twenty-five percent or more of the stick inaccessible and unusable, the cost of the wasted lip coloring becomes significant to the consumer.
Experience has revealed that most cases do not readily dispense the portion of the stick in the base cup, and those that have the ability tend to entail intricate operating mechanisms. One known case that does enable an entire stick of lipstick to be used is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,677,654 issued to Davis on Jul. 18, 1972 ("the '654 patent"). As disclosed in the '654 patent, the lipstick dispenser includes a cup that supports the lipstick and that is operable to move the majority of the lipstick longitudinally in the case between its use position and storage position. The cup includes a longitudinally moveable bottom to eject the remaining portion of the lipstick located in the cup when it is the only remaining portion of the stick.
A known shortcoming with the dispenser disclosed in the '654 patent is its commercial availability and wide spread acceptance. As mentioned previously, most available dispensers of this packaging type do not have the capability to dispense the portion of the stick in the base. Since dispensers such as that disclosed by the '654 patent tend to include precision working components cooperating to dispense the remaining portion of the stick only when necessary, they tend to be relatively expensive to manufacture in comparison to the conventional dispensers and, therefore, for the most part, have not become widely accepted by the personal health and beauty industry. Another shortcoming includes the fact that the '654 dispenser is not directed to the recovery of the remaining portion of the stick from a conventional type dispenser.
To recover the inaccessible portion of the stick from conventional dispensers, consumers are typically required to use a simple tool, such as a brush or scoop-like accessory, to dig out this portion of the stick and to apply it. This method of recovery is unpleasant, tedious, sloppy and overall time consuming.
An example of variations of one known tool design for removing the inaccessible portion of the stick for the base is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,343,668 issued to Politzer on Sep. 26, 1967 ("the '668 patent"). The '668 patent discloses a hood that may use different types of projections, such as blades and hooks, to penetrate the lipstick when the hood is slid over the base and to draw the lipstick out of the base as the hood is withdrawn from the base. As disclosed in the '668 patent, the purpose of this design is to clean the remainder of the lipstick from the base in order to insert a refill lipstick. It is not concerned with application of such extracted lipstick after removal. The projections obliterate such portion to the extent that it becomes unpleasant, tedious, sloppy and overall time consuming to apply.
Thus, it is desirable to have a device that, in a pleasant, neat and time efficient manner, both recovers in one process most, if not all, of the inaccessible portion of a stick of a health and beauty product from its original packaging and is able to assist the application of such portion of the stick. It is also desirable that such device be economical to manufacture and use.

Viscid substance recovery and dispenser device


Plastic railing systems include extruded hollow fiberglass reinforced top and bottom rail sections and newel posts, and hollow plastic balusters having locking tabs on one end adapted to be snap locked into mounting holes in a bottom wall of the top rail section. The locking tabs are retained within the mounting holes by retaining lips protruding from a front edge of the locking tabs into overlying relation with an inner surface of the bottom wall of the top rail section surrounding the holes. At the bottoms of the balusters are dowels that are adapted to be received in predrilled holes in a top wall of the bottom rail section and secured in place as by driving fasteners through predrilled pilot holes in a bottom wall of the bottom rail section into the dowels. Rake balusters are made by filling the balusters with a rigid high density plastic foam material and cutting off the ends of the balusters at the desired rake angle for attachment to the top and bottom rail sections using suitable fasteners. The lower end portions of the newel posts are filled with a rigid high density plastic foam that permits the posts to be mounted to any type of floor surface using the same basic mounting methods used to attach wood newel posts to such floor surface.

This invention relates generally to plastic railing systems for installation around porches and decks and the like and to the different component parts of such railing systems.
Plastic porch or deck railing systems are generally known. A major advantage plastic porch or deck railing systems have over wood railing systems is that plastic railing systems are impervious to insect attack and fungus and won""t rot or decay. Also, if properly designed, plastic railing systems won""t warp, twist or split, and are virtually maintenance free.
However, there is a need for plastic railing systems that are quicker to install than previous known railing systems. Also, there is a need for improved concealed attachments between various plastic component parts of the railing systems. In addition, there is a need to be able to mount extruded plastic newel posts for such railing systems to different floor surfaces using the same basic mounting methods used to attach newel posts made out of wood.
The plastic railing systems of the present invention are easy to install and include concealed attachments between most plastic component parts. Also, the railing systems include extruded hollow fiberglass reinforced plastic newel posts that may be installed on any type of floor surface using substantially the same basic mounting methods used to attach wood newel posts to the same type of floor surface.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a concealed snap-lock attachment is provided between the tops of the balusters and top rail sections of the plastic railing systems for ease of assembly.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the bottoms of the balusters may be secured in predrilled holes in the bottom rail sections using available screws.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, hollow plastic rake balusters may easily be attached to plastic top rail sections using flexible fillet strips for angled installations on stairs.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the ends of the rail sections may easily be attached to newel posts using concealed attachment blocks.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the lower end portions of hollow extruded plastic newel posts are filled with a rigid high density plastic foam that permits the posts to be mounted to any type of floor surface using the same basic mounting methods used to attach wood newel posts to such floor surfaces.
These and other aspects, objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent as the following description proceeds.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the invention, then, comprises the features hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims, the following description and the annexed drawings setting forth in detail certain illustrative embodiments of the invention, these being indicative, however, of but several of the various ways in which the principles of the invention may be employed.

Plastic porch or deck railing systems and component parts thereof


A last system and a method of making the last system are disclosed. The last system includes a last member and an exterior layer. The exterior layer becomes deformable when heated above a characteristic temperature. The method can include forming a braided footwear component on the last system. The exterior layer may be joined with the braided footwear component by heating the last system above the characteristic temperature.

The present embodiments relate generally to articles of footwear, and in particular to a last system for making articles of footwear. Articles of footwear generally include two primary elements: an upper and a sole structure. The upper may be formed from a variety of materials that are stitched or adhesively bonded together to form a void within the footwear for comfortably and securely receiving a foot. The sole structure is secured to a lower portion of the upper and is generally positioned between the foot and the ground. In many articles of footwear, including athletic footwear styles, the sole structure often incorporates an insole, a midsole, and an outsole. An upper may be manufactured using a last. The last may be a foot-shaped form around which the upper may be assembled so that the upper has the approximate shape of a foot.

Last system for articles with braided components


The present disclosure relates to water dispersible granular pesticide compositions, and methods of making and using the compositions. The pesticide compositions include an inner layer including a first pesticide coated on to a substrate, and an outer layer comprising a second pesticide coated on the inner layer. The outer layer increases the water dispersibility of the granular composition, and protects the first pesticide against hydrolysis and photolysis.

Left unattended, pests such as insects and rodents can quickly infest enclosed structures, such as restaurants and homes. Examples of pests which can infest areas in and around enclosed structures include cockroaches, ants, ground beetles and spiders. In addition to being a nuisance, some of these pests can also bring pathogens into the restaurant or home, creating unsanitary eating and living conditions. The use of pesticide compositions has aided in decreasing the infestation of insects in and around residential and commercial structures.
Various types of pesticide compositions and methods of repelling or terminating crawling pests are currently available, including gel baits, glue pads and poisons. Because the pests can enter walls through small cracks and crevices and inhabit relatively inaccessible areas, such as within floors and behind walls, various tools can be used to "flush" the pests from the wall. For example, flushing agents can be sprayed into the areas to irritate or agitate the pests and cause them to leave the inaccessible areas and come out into the open and expose themselves. Once the pests enter the open environment, they are exposed to a pesticide composition that terminates them.
There is an ongoing need to provide effective pesticides.

Highly wettable, water dispersible, granules including two pesticides


Provided is a gimbal mechanism comprising a support stand, an outer frame and an inner frame. The support stand includes a spaced pair of L-shaped legs comprising a first member having at least one first slot formed therethrough. The outer frame is nested within the support stand and comprises outer frame sides joined to outer frame ends. Each one of the outer frame sides is pivotally engagable to the first slot of an adjacent one of the first members such that the outer frame is selectively angularly and laterally positionable relative to the support stand. The inner frame is nested within the outer frame and comprises inner frame ends joined to inner frame sides. Each one of the inner frame ends is pivotally engagable to an adjacent one of the outer frame ends such that the inner frame is selectively angularly adjusted relative to the outer frame about an inner frame axis.

The present invention relates generally to camera mounting systems and, more particularly, to a uniquely configured gimbal mechanism such as may be used to mount a surveillance camera and which is specifically adapted to be angularly positionable about multiple axes of orientation as well as laterally positionable relative to a mounting surface upon which the gimbal mechanism may be mounted.
As a deterrent to crime, many residential and commercial buildings incorporate various security measures such as surveillance cameras which allow for remote detection, observation and recording of activity in a given area inside or outside of the building. One of the critical factors in the effectiveness of such surveillance cameras is the accuracy with which such cameras are directed toward areas where suspicious activity is likely to occur.
For example, in department stores, it is common practice to openly display goods in order to attract customers. Unfortunately, the open display of retail goods may result in a relatively high rate of theft from customers as well as from store personell. Strategically placed closed-circuit surveillance cameras enable security personnel to monitor suspicious activity and to apprehend shoplifters before actual loss of store merchandise, but only if the suspicious activity is within the field of view of the camera.
Included in the prior art are several gimbal mechanisms for surveillance cameras that provide automted adjustment of the orientation of the camera in a three-hundred-sixty degree field of view such that the camera covers a relatively broad area. In addition, zoom capability may be included with the surveillance camera in order to allow for surveillance of areas at high resolution. Unfortunately, for situations where a relatively narrow field of view is required, the capability of such automated gimbal mechanisms is underutilized. For example, in a retail situation where the area under surveillance is limited to the area surrounding a cash register, the use of an automated gimbal mechanism is not cost effective.
Fixed gimbal mechanisms may be used in areas where the area under surveillance is relatively small. Included in the prior art are several fixed gimbal mechanisms that allow for manual adjustment of the orientation of the camera. For example, one such prior art gimbal mechanism is comprised of several components each having a set of relatively intricate surface features that are formed on the components for maintaining the relative positions of the components once they are adjusted to a desired orientation. Unfortunately, such intricate surface features necessitate the use of precision machining or fabrication techniques. Such gimbal mechanisms are therefore costly and time-consuming to manufacture.
As can be seen, there exists a need in the art for a gimbal mechanism which is easily adjustable over a wide field of view. In addition, there exists a need in the art for a gimbal mechanism that is of simple construction and which has a relatively small number of components. Furthermore, there exists a need in the art for a gimbal mechanism that is of low cost to manufacture, assemble and maintain. Finally, there exists a need in the art for a gimbal mechanism that is of relatively compact design such that the gimbal can be covertly mounted in confined areas.


Embodiments described herein provide a microwave coupler that utilizes a microwave shield within an interior of the microwave coupler to mitigate Radio Frequency (RF) leakage from an end of the microwave coupler. The microwave coupler includes a ramp section that is configured to mate to a microwave source, with the ramp section extending from an opening in a top wall of an enclosure. One end of the enclosure is configured to mate to a microwave waveguide, while an opposing end may be open or partially open. The microwave shield is located between the opposing end of the enclosure and the opening in the top wall, and extends from the top wall of the enclosure towards a bottom wall of the enclosure.

A microwave dryer utilizes microwave energy to heat a material applied to a medium, thereby fixing the material to the medium. In the microwave dryer, a microwave coupler is attached to a waveguide, and a microwave source attached to the microwave coupler directs microwave energy down a long axis of the waveguide. A passageway through the microwave coupler and the waveguide is sized to enable the medium to pass through the microwave coupler and the waveguide. As the medium traverses the passageway through the microwave coupler and the waveguide, the material applied to the medium is exposed to the microwave energy and is heated, thereby fixing the material to the medium. Since a passageway exists in the microwave coupler that allows the medium to traverse through the microwave coupler, RF energy injected into the microwave coupler can leak from the end of the microwave coupler where the medium enters the microwave coupler. The RF energy that leaks from the end is not available to provide heating to the material on the medium, which reduces the efficiency of the microwave dryer.

Microwave coupler with integrated microwave shield


Spatial filters are generated that map response of an audio capture device to head related transfer functions (HRTFs) for different positions of the audio capture device relative to the HRTFs. A current set of spatial filters are determined based on the plurality of spatial filters and a head position of a user. The microphone signals are convolved with the current set of spatial filters, resulting in a left audio channel and right audio channel that form output binaural audio channels. The binaural audio channels can be used to drive speakers of a headphone set to generate sound that is perceived to have a spatial quality. Other aspects are described and claimed.

Spatial audio rendering includes processing of an audio signal (such as a microphone signal or other recorded or synthesized audio content) so as to yield sound produced by a multi-channel speaker setup. Examples of speaker setups include stereo speakers, surround-sound loudspeakers, speaker arrays, and headphones. Sound produced by the speakers can be perceived by the listener as coming from a particular direction or all around the listener in three-dimensional space.
Head-tracked spatial audio is spatial audio that adjusts depending on a position of a user's head. For example, suppose that a sound, played through a headphone set, is rendered to be perceived as emanating from the left side of a user. If the user turns her head to the right by 90 degrees, then the audio processing should render the sound so as to be perceived behind the user. If not, then the sound will still be perceived as emanating to the left of the user, even though the user has turned her head, which is not how sound behaves in the real world. Thus, head-tracked spatial audio provides an improved spatial audio experience where sounds are spatially adjusted, dynamically, to reflect a user's head position, as in the real world.


A method for determining the most likely composition of a sample, including obtaining data from a sample, wherein the data includes a representation of a measured spectrum; determining the precision state of the representation of the measured spectrum; providing a plurality of library candidates and, for each library candidate, providing data representing each library candidate, wherein the data includes a representation of a library spectrum; determining a representation of the similarity of the sample to each library candidate using (i) the representation of the measured spectrum; (ii) the precision state of the representation of the measured spectrum; and (iii) the representation of the library spectrum for that library candidate; determining the most likely composition of the sample based upon the determined representations of similarity of the sample to each library candidate; and displaying the most likely composition of the sample to a user.

The identification and quantification of chemical entities is largely the domain of analytical chemistry. Both the identification and quantification tasks are made easier with the use of multi-element analytical instrumentation since more analytical information is available to aid the analysis. Examples of contemporary analytical instrumentation capable of producing multi-element (vector) data include multiwavelength infrared and Raman spectrometers, mass spectrometers, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometers, and chromatographic separation-detection systems. Conveniently, as these techniques became more prevalent in the analytical laboratory, computational power also became more affordable and available, and analysts were quick to recognize that computer-aided methods could dramatically speed up the identification and quantification tasks.
In the computer-aided identification task, which is the focus of this patent, the analytical data is submitted to a system (the search appliance) which scours a library of known materials looking for similarities in the instrument response of the unknown material to the stored responses for known materials. Typically, the search appliance returns to the user a list of materials in the library along with their associated similarity to the submitted data. This entire process is usually termed "spectral library searching". The vast majority of proposed similarity measures cannot be interpreted absolutely, but the relative similarity of the measured data to the various library records is deemed meaningful for ranking purposes. This is akin to today's web search utilities that return to the user a list of sites, ordered by a similarity measure of site-to-query. As with web search utilities, the critical differentiation among competing methods is usually the definition of the similarity measure.
The most common similarity measure in use today for spectral library searching is correlation based (see S. R. Lowry, "Automated Spectral Searching In Infrared, Raman And Near-infrared Spectroscopy", J. Wiley & Sons, pp. 1948–1961). This approach exploits a linear instrument response, assuming that a chemical species and its spectrum (InfraRed, Raman, mass spectrum, etc.) are immutably tied, and the vector orientation of the spectrum does not depend on the concentration of the species. Other well-known measures of similarly include Euclidean distance and least-squares methodologies (see S. R. Lowry, "Automated Spectral Searching In Infrared, Raman And Near-Infrared Spectroscopy", J. Wiley & Sons, pp. 1948–1961), which are equivalent to the correlation similarity within elementary scalar manipulations. These similarity measures are implemented in many commercial spectral library search software packages.
In web searching, there are minimal end-user consequences (other than wasted time and frustration) if a page is suggested that does not actually pertain to the query (a "false-positive"). However, many applications of spectral library searching are used to guide actions, such as how chemicals are to be treated in hazardous materials situations, so it is critical to know when an evidence-based decision can be made, and when it cannot. The correlation similarity measure does not suffice to guide actions, as we will illustrate by way example.
FIGS. 1a and 1b illustrate the challenges posed by spectral library search methods using non-absolute similarity measures such as correlation. In both FIGS. 1a and 1b, the measured material is in fact kerosene, a mixture of petroleum distillates in the C12 to C15 range, but due to different measurement conditions, it is apparent that the precision-states of the two measurements are quite different. In FIG. 1a, the measured kerosene is compared to a library record spectrum of kerosene, yielding a correlation similarity measure of 0.950. In FIG. 1b, the measured kersosene spectrum is compared to a library record spectrum of Japan Drier, a common solvent for painting (a mixture of lighter petroleum distillates), yielding a correlation similarity measure of 0.945. Recall that for any case at hand, the analyst needs to make one of the following judgments based on the similarity measure:
(i) the measured material is likely the top-ranked library material;
(ii) the measured material is likely one of several top-ranked library materials; or
(iii) the measured material is not any of the top-ranked materials (i.e., there is no library match).
FIGS. 1a and 1b illustrate the complication in such a decision based on the correlation similarity measure. The different precision states of the two measurements mean that even though the similarity measure is the same in the two cases, one is a valid match (i.e., FIG. 1a), while the other is an invalid match (i.e., FIG. 1b). A simple rule cannot be formulated based on correlation that allows one to reliably decide between judgments (i), (ii) and (iii) above. This is because the correlation similarity measure (and equivalently, least-squares or Euclidean distance measures) does not account for the precision state of the measurement, and therefore does not consistently reflect the amount of scientific evidence favoring a judgment.
Counter-intuitively, when the signal-to-noise ratio is poor, similarity measures in the art tend to more emphatically suggest that the measured material is not in the library; in reality, the evidence provided by the data in such a circumstance is weak—little can be said about whether the material is or is not in the library. Furthermore, when the signal-to-noise ratio increases, the similarity measure tends to increase for all records in the library, when the analyst knows intuitively that with higher quality data, it should be easier to distinguish one library component from another. Indeed, even in FIG. 1b with a very high correlation similarity measure, several obvious mismatched spectral features can be identified (indicated by the arrows in the figure).
What is needed, and to date lacking, in spectral library search algorithms, are similarity measures that are directly interpretable in terms of the scientific evidence supporting one library "hit" over another.

Spectrum searching method that uses non-chemical qualities of the measurement


Products include autonomic logic to self-monitor one or more parameters associated with the products to provide product usage information. Data relating to the product usage information generated by the products is automatically disseminated to interested entities. The interested entities may analyze the provided data and automatically forward information relating to the provided data back towards the products. The interested entities may also effect changes to products based on the data.

The testing of products prior to production is a critical stage in the development of the products. Although a great deal of information is learned during testing, even more information may be learned during actual usage in production. Further, some information learned during actual usage of the product is not discoverable during testing. The problem, however, is how to collect this information and forward this information back to the designers, manufacturers, etc. that can use the information to enhance the products.
Thus, a need exists for a capability that facilitates collection and dissemination of product usage information. A further need exists for a capability that facilitates analysis of such information.

Automatic collection and dissemination of product usage information

International Business Machines Corporation


This child car seat includes a child car seat body, a back portion rotatably held in inclination by the child car seat body, a seat portion rotatably connected to a lower part of the back portion and a shock absorbing mechanism arranged between the child car seat body and either one or both of the back portion and the seat portion. The seat portion and the back portion hold a newborn. When an impact force directing from a front face side of the back portion toward its back face side is applied on the newborn, the back portion rotates in its rising direction and the shock absorbing mechanism operates to reduce the impact force applied on the newborn. Consequently, the newborn can be held on the child car seat in a state close to a condition where the newborn lies on its back. Since the back portion stands up at the time of impact, the newborn is capable of receiving the impact through the whole area of a newborn's back.

In order to reduce the impact force applied to a passenger at a vehicle collision, generally, it is preferable to make a back face of a seat nearly perpendicular thereby receiving an impact by a back of the passenger.
However, when a youth, particularly, a newborn (child) is placed on a child car seat, an angle between a seat face and a back face of the seat is increased as much as possible so that the newborn can lie on its back in the seat because the neck of the newborn is not firm yet. Particularly, when the child weighing less than 10 kg is placed, the child car seat is held backward to a vehicle traveling direction and further, the newborn's body is fixed on the child car seat with a belt.
When an impact acts on the front part of a vehicle with the seat fixed in the above way, the newborn's shoulder is subjected to a concentrated load through a shoulder belt. In particular, there is a problem that the more the seat is reclined, in other words, the newborn is laid down, the more a load exerted to the newborn's shoulder is increased.
In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, it is an object of the present invention to provide a child car seat which allows an impact acting on the newborn's body at a vehicle collision to be reduced while the child car seat is normally holding a newborn in a manner that it nearly lies on its back.


A silicon oxide film is formed at a surface of a silicon substrate of a first conductive type, and then patterned to have an opening. PSG is deposited on the silicon substrate having the insulating film thereon, and then etched to leave the PSG only on a side wall of the opening. An impurity is implanted to the silicon substrate through the opening, and then thermal treatment is effected.

1. Field of the Invention:
The present invention relates to a semiconductor device and a method for producing the same, in particular, to a bipolar LSI and a BiMOS LSI and a method for producing the same.
2. Description of the Prior Art:
FIGS. 3a through 3d sequentially illustrate a common method for producing a bipolar LSI. The method will be described with reference to the figures.
AS is shown in FIG. 3a, an n.sup.+ buried layer 11 is formed in a specified pattern at a surface of a p-silicon substrate 10, and then an n.sup.- epitaxial layer 12 is formed by epitaxial growth.
Next, as is shown in FIG. 3b, a p.sup.+ isolating layer 14 is formed by diffusing a p.sup.+ ion in the n.sup.- epitaxial layer 12 for isolation. A silicon oxide film 13 is formed at a surface of the n.sup.- epitaxial layer 12 by selective oxidation. Then, an n.sup.+ collector region 15 is formed by diffusion of an n.sup.+ ion.
As is shown in FIG. 3c, a p-base region 16 is formed at an area of a surface of the n.sup.- epitaxial layer 12, the area having no silicon oxide film 13, and then an n.sup.+ emitter region 17 is formed within the p-base region 16.
As is shown in FIG. 3d, a window is formed in each of the n.sup.+ collector region 15, the p-base region 16, and the n.sup.+ emitter region 17, and then a collector electrode C, a base electrode B, and an emitter electrode E are formed at the respective windows in specified patterns by depositing aluminum by use of a sputtering method.
In a bipolar LSI produced in the abovementioned conventional method, a parasitic pnp transistor 18 is formed by the p-base region 16, the n.sup.- epitaxial layer 12, the p.sup.+ isolating layer 14 and the p-silicon substrate 10 as is shown in FIG. 4. The parasitic pnp transistor 18 causes problems such as latch-up during the operation of the bipolar LSI, which results in a malfunction.

Method for producing the bipolar transistor