A structure for resistors and the method for tuning the same. The resistor comprises an electrically conducting region coupled to a liner region. Both the electrically conducting region and the liner region are electrically coupled to first and second contact regions. A voltage difference is applied between the first and second contact regions. As a result, a current flows between the first and second contact regions in the electrically conducting region. The voltage difference and the materials of the electrically conducting region and the liner region are such that electromigration occurs only in the electrically conducting region. As a result, a void region within the electrically conducting region expands in the direction of the flow of the charged particles constituting the current. Because the resistor loses a conducting portion of the electrically conducting region to the void region, the resistance of the resistor is increased (i.e., tuned).

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to methods for tuning (i.e., trimming) resistors of a chip, and more particularly, to a method for tuning resistors of a chip that can be used both before and after chip packaging.
2. Related Art
Conventional manufacturing controls on processes for forming passive devices, such as resistors in CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Silicon) chips, fall short of current circuit design requirements. Current industry standard I/O (Input/Output) specifications are exceeding what can be achieved in current manufacturing processes. Within analog and RF (radio frequency) semiconductors, the need for tuning the electrical resistance values of the resistors on an integrated circuit to a specific nominal value is growing to meet complex design specification requirements. Manufacturing excess chips and then sorting for required parameters is one solution, but this is a costly and not consistent with manufacturing techniques. Laser ablation is used to trim in the manufacture of some precision passive devices, but this process is inconsistent with the CMOS/BiCMOS or Analog process flow as a measurement and feedback loop is required as well as individual laser trimming of a multitude of devices on a single chip. A third known solution is to design active controls into the circuitry to compensate for manufacturing variability, but this takes up space, increases complexity, and can lead to trade-offs in performance.
Therefore, there is a need for a novel resistance structure that can be tuned to a specification. Also, there is a need for a method for tuning the novel resistance structure.

International Business Machines Corporation


The geographical position, or measured information from which the geographical position may be deduced, of a mobile terminal is determined via requests to the terminal and positional information or measured information transmitted to a control device. The speed of displacement of the mobile terminal is determined from the transmitted positional information or measured information and the frequency of requests controlled depending on the determined speed of displacement of the mobile terminal. The communication exchange, in particular, for mobile terminals with low speeds of displacement is therefore significantly reduced and the mobile terminals and central devices provided with dynamic load reduction.

In location/position based applications, e.g. conference management or communication management for hotels, it is necessary to determine the geographical position of associated or assigned mobile terminals. For this purpose the mobile terminals are increasingly equipped with functions with the aid of which they are able to determine their geographical position. For example GPS receivers are integrated in the mobile terminals with the aid of which the geographical position can be determined. Other methods are also used e.g. for determining the position of the corresponding mobile terminal by measuring the levels of different transmission stations. All these methods and functions are initiated by means of queries to the respective mobile terminal, or its position/positional information is interrogated. These queries and interrogations are usually performed by a central device in which the location based applications are realized.

Siemens Enterprise Communications GmbH & Co. KG


A method of selectively adjusting one or more cruise droop settings based on past and present road loads includes receiving a cruise control operating mode initiation for a vehicle; receiving vehicle operation data; determining a current road load for the vehicle based on the vehicle operation data, wherein the current road load provides an indication of a load on the vehicle; maintaining a history of determined road loads while the vehicle is in the cruise control operating mode; and selectively adjusting a cruise control droop characteristic based on the current road load and the history of determined road loads.

Today, many vehicles include a cruise control operating mode. Cruise control enables the vehicle to operate at or near a set speed without operator input (e.g., depression of the accelerator pedal). For example, during highway or freeway driving, an operator may set a cruise control speed near the posted speed limit. At which point, the operator need not control the accelerator pedal to control the vehicle's speed. Furthermore, by relieving operator speed input, inconsistent and transient acceleration/deceleration events are reduced, which consequently reduces the acceleration/deceleration spikes that cause unsmooth vehicle operation. As such, cruise control provides for a relatively smoother vehicle operation while permitting reduced operator input.

Systems and methods of cruise droop control


A sensor unit of a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assay system includes a transparent dielectric medium. A thin film has a first surface and a sensing surface. The first surface is connected with the dielectric medium to constitute an interface. The sensing surface is back to the first surface, for detecting (bio) chemical reaction. A flow cell block has a flow channel for flowing of the sample to the sensing surface. Attenuated total reflection of illuminating light is checked at the interface, to analyze interaction between ligand and analyte as samples. The flow channel includes a first inner surface, disposed opposite to the sensing surface to extend along, for passing the sample to flow between. The first inner surface has a height, defined with reference to the sensing surface, and in a range of 200-500 microns.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a sensor unit and assay method of assay in utilizing attenuated total reflection. More particularly, the present invention relates to a sensor unit and assay method of assay in utilizing attenuated total reflection, in which a flow channel is constructed for assay with high precision.
2. Description of the Related Art
An assay apparatus for assay in utilizing attenuated total reflection is used for various kinds of studies in a biochemical field or the like, for example to study interaction of protein, DNA and various biomaterials, and to select candidate drugs by screening. Also, the technique is useful in the fields of the clinical medicine, food industries and the like.
A surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor is known as an assay apparatus in utilizing attenuated total reflection. A thin film/dielectric interface of a metal film is fitted on a dielectric block. Light is directed to the thin film/dielectric interface in a manner conditioned for total reflection. Surface plasmon is a term to mean the compressional wave created on the surface of the metal and included in plasmon as quantized expression of the compressional wave. Free electrons in a metal vibrate to generate the compressional wave.
In the assay apparatus, the sensing surface is positioned opposite to the interface where the metal thin film is connected with the dielectric block. The sensing surface is caused to create surface plasmon resonance. Reaction of samples is assayed by detecting the SPR on the sensing surface.
Illuminating light is applied to an interface between the thin film and the prism or a surface back to the sensing surface at an angle of incidence equal to or more than a critical angle to satisfy a condition of total reflection. Then total reflection of the illuminating light occurs. Upon the total reflection created on the metal/dielectric interface, a small component of the light passes through the metal film without reflection, and penetrates to the sensing surface. A wave of the penetrating component is called an evanescent wave. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) is created when frequency of the evanescent wave coincides with that of the surface plasmon. In response to this, intensity of the reflected light attenuates remarkably. In the assay apparatus, the attenuation in the reflected light reflected by the metal/dielectric interface is detected, to recognize creation of the SPR on the sensing surface.
A resonance angle or an angle of incidence of light for creation of surface plasmon resonance depends upon a refractive index of a medium of transmission of evanescent waves and surface plasmon. In other words, a change in the refractive index of the medium of transmission causes a change in the resonance angle of creation of SPR. The substance or sample in contact with the sensing surface is the medium for transmitting the evanescent waves and surface plasmon. When binding, dissociation or other reaction occurs on the sensing surface between two molecules or samples, the resonance angle changes because of a change in the refractive index of the medium of transmission. The SPR assay apparatus finds the changes in the resonance angle, to assay the interaction between the molecules or samples.
An assay apparatus for assay in utilizing attenuated total reflection is used for various kinds of studies in a biochemical field or the like, for example to study interaction of protein, DNA and various biomaterials, and to select candidate drugs by screening. Also, the technique is useful in the fields of the clinical medicine, food industries and the like. A sample or biomaterial, such as protein, is handled as sample fluid for the purpose of preventing deactivation or modification due to drying. The sample fluid contains biomaterial and fluid medium, examples of which include pure water, physiological saline water, liquid buffer and the like.
JP-A 6-167443 discloses an SPR assay apparatus in which an optical system of Kretschmann configuration is used for incidence of light to the metal film. According to the Kretschmann configuration, the thin film/dielectric interface of the metal film is fitted on a prism, which condenses light and directs the light to the thin film/dielectric interface in a manner conditioned for total reflection. A sensing surface is overlaid inside the flow channel, for immobilizing the sample. Ligand fluid is introduced to the flow channel for immobilizing the ligand on the sensing surface. After this, analyte fluid is introduced for contact of the analyte and the ligand, to assay the interaction between those.
In JP-A 6-167443, a body of the assay apparatus has a prism and an assay stage loadable with a flow cell block having a flow channel. A chip type of sensor unit is set on the assay stage, the chip type having a transparent glass substrate of a dielectric material, and a thin film overlaid thereon. The chip type of the sensor unit is removable from the body of the apparatus, to set the flow channel at the sensing surface and to fit a surface of the thin film on the prism as an interface. Prior to the assay, there is a process of immobilizing a ligand on the thin film in the sensor unit of the chip type. In JP-A 6-167443, the sensor unit of the chip type is kept located on the assay stage also in the sample immobilizing flow process.
In the flow cell block is formed a flow cell recess, which is set opposite to the sensing surface, and causes a flow of fluid on the sensing surface by contacting ligand or analyte in the fluid with the sensing surface. A confronting portion or retraction portion of the flow channel is constituted by the flow cell recess. In relation to a chip type of sensor unit, the sensing surface externally appears. When the sensor unit is loaded on an assay stage, the retraction portion is hermetically closed by closing an open portion of the flow channel with the sensing surface. Then delivery of the sample fluid to the sensing surface is enabled.
Then the ligand is introduced to the flow channel for the sample immobilizing flow. After this, cleaning liquid is introduced to the flow channel for washing. Before introducing the cleaning liquid, fluid of the ligand has been filled in the flow channel. The cleaning liquid is forcibly delivered despite the ligand. The fluid of the ligand is pushed by the cleaning liquid and flows out of the flow channel. This is substitution of fluids in the flow channel by changing over the content.
After washing, the flow channel is supplied with the buffer liquid and then the analyte fluid, for conducting an assay. At a lapse of a predetermined time, the buffer liquid is introduced again to complete the assay. The buffer liquid is introduced for the purpose of detecting a base line of the output of the SPR. Acquisition of the output is started when the flow channel is filled with the buffer liquid, and is ended upon draining the analyte fluid by flowing again of the buffer liquid. Then the interaction of the analyte and ligand from the association until the dissociation can be detected.
To raise the sample amount of an immobilized ligand to the sensing surface, it is effective to increase the sample amount of an introduced ligand to the flow channel. A volume of the flow channel must be greater by enlarging an area of a section of the flow channel at the retraction portion before the sample amount of the introduced ligand can be greater. Assuming that a channel width of the flow channel is constant, the area of the section is determined by the height of depth of the flow channel from the sensing surface to the upper surface of the flow channel. Consequently, a greater height or depth of the flow channel is preferable.
For the purpose of detecting a reaction speed of samples by the surface plasmon resonance system, the height of the flow channel should be small because of short time of reaction of binding or dissociation of the ligand with the analyte. In general, a fluid flows in the flow channel in such a manner that a gradient in the speed occurs from the center of the flow channel in its section toward the inner surface of the flow channel due to viscosity of the fluid. The speed is lower according to closeness to the inner surface. In operation of substitution of the buffer for the analyte, there is a delay in the sensing surface for the substitution in comparison with the center of the flow channel. A small portion of the analyte remains on the sensing surface. Note that a quantitative level of the residual analyte is represented by a parameter of a ratio of substitution of the flow channel. Note that the ratio of substitution is such of an amount of substituting fluid to the preceding fluid amount of the flow channel. The ratio of substitution rises if the introduction of fluid is repeated for a number of times, or if considerable time is taken for waiting. However, the ratio of substitution of a high level at a short time by introduction at one time is required for accurately measuring the reaction speed. If a height of the flow channel is lowered, a distance from the center of the flow channel to the sensing surface is shortened. The ratio of substitution at a high ratio of substitution in a short time can be obtained by reducing a gradient in the speed due to the fluid viscosity.
The channel height of the flow channel should be conditioned differently between the processes of the sample immobilizing flow and assay. No known technique suggests an optimization of the channel height determined suitably for both of the sample immobilizing flow and assay.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Sensor unit and assay method of assay in utilizing attenuated total reflection


Efficient architecture for a secure access enforcement proxy is described. The proxy interfaces with multiple subsystems and multiple shared resources. The proxy identifies an original transaction command being sent from one of the subsystems to one of the shared resources, identifies a policy corresponding to the subsystem, performs an action pertaining to the original transaction command based on the policy, and sends a response to the subsystem based on the action.

Advanced system-on-chips (SOCs) and processors can incorporate multiple subsystems on a single die. The control of these subsystems is typically divided into discrete areas. The subsystems may access shared resources, such as a flash memory controller, power management controller, etc. on the SOC/processor. Some software that executes on the SOC/processor may have stringent requirements. For example, a conditional access (CA)/Pay Television (Pay TV) provider may place requirements and/or a certification process on the software, which executes on the SOC/processor, for accessing premium digital content and/or television content. In particular, conditional access providers may be concerned that a non-certified subsystem may access a portion of the certified subsystems' flash memory area when performing read/write access to the flash memory and either launch a Denial of Service attack (DOS) or read confidential portions of the flash memory.
Traditional solutions may isolate shared resources (e.g., flash memory) by simply placing another controller for the shared resource and/or another device in the system, such that each subsystem may have access to its own resource. Such conventional solutions typically greatly increase the cost of the platform, which may make the platform unmarketable. Some other conventional solutions may include an interface for a shared resource that places all of the necessary commands for an access operation into a single command. Such solutions generally do not allow interpretation or modification of the command. Some other conventional solutions may include a dual head controller, which allows each head to independently support devices. Each head controller can issue transactions atomically, which does not allow for interference or customization of the transaction.


Disclosed herein are influenza vaccine compositions, related preparations and intermediates, formulations, production methods, immunization methods, and use thereof, for achieving improved immune-protection in human subjects. More specifically, non-egg-based influenza vaccines are described, which provide improved antigenic match.

Influenza can lead to severe illness and even death. The best way to protect against the disease is to get vaccinated as a preventive measure. However, a major challenge for influenza vaccine manufacturers is that influenza viruses are constantly changing, thus requiring influenza vaccines to be adapted to the circulating strains each year. To this end, the World Health Organization (WHO) monitors influenza globally and proposes influenza strains each year that should be included in influenza vaccines in the forthcoming influenza season.
Whilst the influenza strains chosen by the WHO have generally proven to be a good match for the circulating influenza strains, there have been occasions where the circulating strains no longer matched the influenza strain found in the vaccine well and where the influenza vaccine therefore had a lower efficacy. For example, in the 2014/2015 season there was a mismatch between the H3N2 strain selected for the vaccine and the circulating H3N2 strain, resulting in the vaccine providing poor protection against this strain.
Antigenic mismatch observed in vaccine preparations has been attributed to so-called adaptation, e.g., egg adaptation. This is illustrated in studies that showed egg passage resulted in egg-adaptive loss of glycosylation that affects antigenicity. Kishida et al. (Ref. 119), for example, reported egg-adaptive loss of glycosylation in a B-Victoria virus which resulted in changes in antigenicity.
In the 1986/87 season, two influenza vaccines were manufactured as a result of the emergence of a new H1N1 influenza strain later in the season. Regulators in that case recommended for a monovalent influenza vaccine prepared from an influenza virus grown in eggs against the new H1N1 strain to be manufactured and administered to high-risk persons in addition to the trivalent seasonal influenza vaccine which had been made available earlier in the season.
Limited efficacy/effectiveness in immuno-protection caused by antigenic mismatch in influenza vaccines remains a challenge.

Antigenically matched influenza vaccines


A clutch comprises an input pinion and an output pinion associated with a rotatable locking member that has a surface inclined with respect to an axis of rotation of the locking member. The surface cooperates with an engagement member, and the locking member is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the surface forms a recess to receive the engagement member, and in the second position, the surface forms a projection to force the engagement member into abutment with the input pinion to establish a driveable connection between the input pinion and the output pinion.

The present invention generally relates to an electromechanical clutch. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to an electromechanical ball clutch for use in a power driven system such as a motorized tailgate or hatchback door for a vehicle, for example.
In power driven systems, there is a need to provide a manual back-up mode in case there is a battery failure, for example. Such a manual back-up mode should provide an effort similar to a standard manual system. It is necessary to disengage a drive unit during the manual back-up mode and also when a user wishes to operate the system manually. One way of allowing disengagement of the drive unit is to provide an electromagnetic clutch between mechanical elements, for example between a motor and a reduction unit that benefits from a lower torque provided by the electromagnetic clutch.
In existing systems, clutching is done by clamping two metal plates together with a magnetic force produced by an electromagnetic coil. The transmitted torque is dependent on a coil pull force and a clutch diameter; i.e., the larger the required torque, the bigger the electromagnetic clutch needs to be. Therefore, in order to have an electromagnetic clutch that transfers a large torque, packaging and weight of the electromagnetic clutch must be increased, which is inconvenient and costly. To reduce the power demand on the electromagnetic coil, a permanent magnet can be added in the electromagnetic clutch to work in conjunction with an electromagnet. The permanent magnetic field of this magnet will then create a permanent drag in the system. When this system is used in a tailgate, for example, this drag can be used to hold the tailgate in an intermediate position without having to keep the power on to power the electromagnetic coil. However, the drag caused by the permanent magnet is very uncomfortable for a user operating a tailgate manually in the event of a power failure because the presence of drag means that it is very difficult to open and close the tailgate.
The present invention has been devised with the foregoing in mind.

ArvinMeritor Light Vehicle Systems —France


Among other things, the present invention provides systems and methods for fulfilling reward redemptions. In some cases, the systems and methods receive redemption requests associated with an account. The redemption request can be satisfied from a reward associated with the account, or by accessing a reward associated with another account. Redeeming a reward from another account can involve transferring value from one account to another, or grouping the related accounts and allowing members of the group to perform the settlement function. Various of the systems and method further provide for performing automatic reward redemptions, either by an entity maintaining the account to which the reward is associated, or through use of a fulfillment entity.

The present invention relates to rewards associated with accounts. More particularly, the present invention provides systems and methods for performing reward redemptions.
Rewards may be accrued in association with various accounts. For example, frequent flyer miles may be accrued in association with a credit card account, and based on activity in the credit card account. These frequent flyer miles may then be exchanged by the owner of the credit card account for travel. However, in general, the frequent flyer miles may not be exchanged by another individual unrelated to the credit card account.
As another example, such frequent flyer miles can be donated to a charitable organization, such as, the Make-a-Wish™ foundation. These miles can then be used by someone other than the owner of the credit card account. However, the frequent flyer miles can no longer be used by the account owner as they are no longer associated with the account, but rather convert to the charitable organization.
As yet another example, value exchangeable for merchandise can be accrued in relation to another credit card account. This can become problematic as this value remains a liability on the books of an issuer of the credit card account. Further, existing mechanisms for controlling or reducing this liability by forcing redemption of the value are cumbersome, and unfriendly to an account owner. In addition, the forced redemption often involves direct intervention by the entity maintaining the account. This increases the costs of account maintenance.
Thus, there exists a need in the art to address the various problems outlined above. As will be appreciated from the following disclosure, the systems and methods according to the present invention address these, and a number of other problems related to accruing and redeeming rewards.

Systems and methods for redeeming rewards associated with accounts


A gate wire including gate lines, gate electrodes, and gate pads and extending in a transverse direction is formed on a substrate. A gate insulating layer is formed thereafter, and a semiconductor layer and an ohmic contact layer are sequentially formed thereon. A conductive material is deposited and patterned to form a data wire inducing data lines intersecting the gate lines, source electrodes, drain electrodes, and data pads. A protective layer made of silicon nitride is deposited on the substrate, and an organic insulating layer made of a photosensitive organic insulating material is coated on the protective layer. The organic insulating layer is patterned to form an unevenness pattern on its surface and first contact holes exposing the protective layer opposite the drain electrodes. Subsequently, the surface of the organic insulating layer is treated using inactive gas such as Ar, and then the protective layer is patterned together with the gate insulating layer by photo etch using a photoresist pattern to form contact holes respectively exposing the drain electrodes, the gate pads, and the data pads. Next, indium-tin-oxide or indium-zinc-oxide is deposited and patterned to form transparent electrodes, subsidiary gate pads, and subsidiary data pads respectively connected to the drain electrodes, the gate pads and the data pads. Finally, a reflective conductive material is deposited and patterned to form reflecting films having respective apertures in the pixel area on the transparent electrodes.

(a) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a manufacturing method of a thin film transistor array panel for a display device.
(b) Description of the Related Art
At present, a liquid crystal display ("LCD") is one of the most widely used flat panel displays. An LCD, which includes two panels having electrodes and a liquid crystal layer interposed therebetween, controls the transmittance of light passing through the liquid crystal layer by realigning liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer with voltages applied to the electrodes. Among these LCDs, the most commonly used one provides at least one electrode on each panel and includes thin film transistors ("TFTs") switching the voltages applied to the electrodes.
Generally, a panel with TFTs ("TFT array panel") includes, in addition to the TFTs, signal wires including gate lines transmitting scanning signals, data lines transmitting image signals, gate pads transmitting the scanning signals from external devices to the gate lines, and data pads transmitting the image signals from external devices to the data lines. The TFT array panel further includes pixel electrodes electrically connected to the TFTs and located in respective pixel areas defined by the intersections of the gate lines and the data lines.
In a reflective LCD or a transflective LCD, the pixel electrodes are made of a transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide ("ITO") and overlap signal wires to ensure aperture ratio of pixels. Also, an insulating layer made of organic insulating material with low dielectric constant is formed between the signal wires and the pixel electrodes to minimize the interference of the signals transferred through them.
Moreover, the pixel electrodes of the transflective LCD are made of using a reflective conductive material such as Al or Ag as well as ITO, and formed to have embossment for increasing the reflecting ratio of the pixel electrodes. The embossment of the reflecting film is formed by providing an organic insulating layer with unevenness under the pixel electrode.
However, adhesiveness between the organic insulating layer and the ITO film is deteriorated when forming the ITO film on the insulating layer made of the organic insulating material. To solve the problem the roughness of the surface of the organic insulating layer is increased by performing a plasma process before depositing the ITO film.
However, contact resistance of a contact exposing the wire to be connected to the pixel electrode is increased since the organic material is re-deposited on the wire in the contact during the plasma process.

Method for manufacturing thin film transistor array panel for display device


A blood pump actuator to generate a driving force for driving a blood pump is disclosed. The blood pump actuator includes: a motor unit having a stator and a rotor, and rotating to generate a rotating force; a cam unit to convert the rotating motion of the motor unit into a rectilinear reciprocating motion; and a bellows unit having a bellows, which is expandable and contractible and contains a fluid therein, and an upper bellows plate and a lower bellows plate respectively attached to the upper and lower ends of the bellows, wherein the lower bellows plate moves upwards and downwards in a vertical direction according to the rectilinear reciprocating motion of the cam unit engaging with the lower bellows plate, and the bellows repeatedly expands and contracts according to the vertical movement of the lower bellows plate.

An artificial heart may be used for a heart patient if a surgeon determines that the actual heart of the patient cannot operate normally and thereby cannot maintain the blood pumping function. Conventional artificial hearts are classified into two types, which are total artificial hearts (TAH) and ventricular assist devices (VAD), according to the original intended function of the heart and the actual function of the heart in the body of a patient. The TAH is implanted in the body of a patient after the human heart has been removed from the body, so that the TAH must execute the heart's function in place of the removed human heart. However, the VAD is implanted in the body of a patient without removing the human heart from the body, and assists the function of the left or right ventricle.
Conventional VADs are classified into two types, which are intracorporeal VADs and extracorporeal VADs, according to the location of a VAD relative to the body of a patient. Because the TAH completely replaces the human heart of a patient, that is, occupies the physical space and provides the entire functionality of the human heart, the TAH requires a donor, thereby causing several problems. However, the VAD, which is used in conjunction with the human heart without removing the human heart from a patient, comprises an artificial blood pump connected to the ventricles of the human heart and to the artery of the patient through blood conduits, thus feeding blood from an inlet to an outlet of the pump to discharge the blood to the artery. Unlike the TAHs, the VADs replace only some of the functionality of the human heart.
The VAD uses an artificial blood pump to assist the blood pumping function of the human heart to efficiently pump the blood required by the body of a patient as long as some of the functionality of the human heart is maintained. When surgeons determine that the functioning of the human heart of the patient using the artificial blood pump of the VAD has improved and the human heart can execute its normal functions, the blood pump of the VAD may be disconnected from the patient so that the patient may live normally.
The blood pumps are classified into a pulsatile blood pump and a non-pulsatile blood pump according to the blood current generation manner of the blood pump. The pulsatile blood pump is configured such that, when a blood bag or a blood containing part functioning as an artificial ventricle is compressed, the pump discharges blood under pressure. The non-pulsatile blood pump is configured such that an impeller, which is in direct contact with blood, is rotated at a high speed and generates a rotating force to pump blood out.
The conventional pulsatile blood pump is used with a pump actuating device to cause variation in pressure in an artificial ventricle. The conventional actuating devices for pulsatile blood pumps are classified into a pneumatic device to compress a blood sac or diaphragm using compressed air and a mechanical device to mechanically compress a blood sac or diaphragm using a mechanical mechanism. The pneumatic actuating device for pulsatile blood pumps connects compressed air, prepared in a hospital, compresses a blood bag of the pump using the compressed air and restores the blood bag using a vacuum. Furthermore, a mobile actuating device for pulsatile blood pumps, which has both a vacuum pump and an air compressor and is connected to an artificial ventricle, has been proposed and used. However, the conventional mobile actuating device having a vacuum pump and an air compressor is problematic in that the device has a large size and a heavy weight so that the device is not easy to use in a place other than hospitals, thus restricting the movement of a patient.

Blood pump actuator and a blood pump system thereof

Korea University Industry and Academy Cooperation Foundation


A medium for ink jet imaging includes a bottom layer of material having a very high absorption for the polar, solvent component of an ink jet imaging ink, together with a top layer of image receptor material disposed in fluid communication therewith. The bottom layer has a very high affinity for the solvent component of the ink and tends to draw the solvent from a body of ink thereby preventing image spread and producing a localized, highly saturated image.

Ink jet printing is a process whereby a stream of ink, preferably in the form of droplets, is propelled against a medium so as to create an imagewise pattern, and while the present invention may be utilized in any recording medium of the type which imbibes a fluid ink, the primary utility of the present invention is in the production of ink jet recording media; and accordingly, will be explained primarily in that context.
Media used for ink jet recording must be dimensionally stable, absorptive of ink, capable of providing a fixed image, and compatible with imaging materials and hardware. In many instances, ink jet printing is carried out on simple paper media, particularly in those instances where correspondence and the like is being reproduced. However, certain applications will require that ink jet printing be carried out on a medium having a transparent base. Such applications include the production of backlit graphic displays, decals, posters and banners.
Particular problems arise when ink jet imaging is carried out on transparent media, and these problems are further enhanced when backlit images are produced. The typical inks employed in ink jet processes have a fairly high solvent content, and the solvents generally include high boiling, slow drying, relatively polar materials such as glycols, glycol ethers and water. The presence of fairly large amounts of relatively high boiling solvents in the medium can result in the production of an image having a tacky and/or greasy feeling surface. As a result, problems of blocking, smearing and image spread can occur.
One approach to these problems is detailed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,374,475, wherein an ink jet imaging medium is disclosed, which has an outer surface comprised of a non-ink-absorbing layer of material having a plurality of capillary passages defined therethrough which communicate with an ink receptive layer. An analogous approach is taken in patents 4,785,313 and 4,481,244 wherein a top, preferably porous, low absorbency layer is used to convey ink to a receptor layer therebeneath. Another approach is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,190,805, which shows an imaging medium which includes a hydrogel comprised of a complex of a comb graft copolymer together with relatively large amounts of a water soluble polymer. The hydrogel functions as an image receptor and requires the presence of significant amounts of pigment therein in order to enhance drying of the ink, and to limit lateral image diffusion. In some instances, a top coat may be present, provided it is fabricated from a material having an ink absorbtivity greater than that of the hydrogel.
In contrast, the present invention, is directed to an imaging medium having an image receptor layer on the top surface thereof, and a high absorbtivity, solvent imbibing layer therebeneath. The present invention provides an imaging medium which is durable, stable and receptive to a variety of inks including pigment based inks as well as dye based inks. The medium of the present invention provides a dry to the touch image which does not smear, block or spread. These and other advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the drawings, discussion, description and examples which follow.


A method, computer program product, and computing system for automating a monitoring process is executed on a computing device and includes obtaining encounter information of a patient encounter. The encounter information is processed to determine if the encounter information is indicative of a potential medical situation. An inquiry is initiated concerning the potential medical situation.

As is known in the art, clinical documentation is the creation of medical records and documentation that details the medical history of medical patients. As would be expected, traditional clinical documentation includes various types of data, examples of which may include but are not limited to paper-based documents and transcripts, as well as various images and diagrams.
As the world moved from paper-based content to digital content, clinical documentation also moved in that direction, where medical records and documentation were gradually transitioned from stacks of paper geographically-dispersed across multiple locations/institutions to consolidated and readily accessible digital content.

Automated clinical documentation system and method


A vibration type measuring instrument measures at least one of density and mass flow rate of a fluid in a straight measurement pipe by vibrating the pipe. The vibration type measuring instrument comprises the pipe; a sensor for detecting the vibration of the pipe; and a signal processing circuit for obtaining the resonant angular frequency .omega. and axial force T based on the detection signal of the sensor, and obtaining the density .rho.w of the fluid flowing through the pipe using the obtained resonant angular frequency .omega. and axial force T. The density .rho.w is obtained by the following equation (E1). ##EQU1## (E: the Young's modulus of the pipe, I: a cross-sectional secondary moment of the pipe, Si: a cross-sectional area of the hollow portion of the pipe, .rho.t: a density of the pipe, St: the actual cross-sectional area of the pipe, L: the length in the axial direction of the pipe, x: a position in the axial direction of the pipe, y: a vibration amplitude of the pipe at position x, n: a number of masses added to the pipe, mk: a mass of a k-th added mass, and yk: a vibration amplitude of the k-th added mass).

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a vibration type measuring instrument for measuring at least one of density and mass flow rate of a fluid flowed in a straight measurement pipe by vibrating the straight measurement pipe.
2. Description of the Related Art
FIG. 1A shows the configuration of an example of a vibration type measurement instrument. FIG. 1B is a top view of the detecting unit of the vibration type measuring instrument.
The vibration type measuring instrument comprises a detecting unit 1, a driving circuit 8, and a signal processing circuit 9 as shown in FIG. 1A. The detecting unit 1 comprises a hollow straight measurement pipe 2, fixtures 3a and 3b for fixing both ends of the straight measurement pipe 2, supporters 4a and 4b for connecting the fixtures 3a and 3b, a driver 5 for vibrating the straight measurement pipe 2, sensors 6a and 6b for detecting the vibration of the straight measurement pipe 2, and adapters 7a, 7b, and 7c for respectively fixing the driver 5 sensors 6a and 6b as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. The straight measurement pipe 2 is provided with a temperature sensor 10 for detecting the temperature of the measurement pipe.
The straight measurement pipe 2 is connected to external pipes not shown in FIG. 1A in such a way that the fluid to be measured can flow through the straight measurement pipe 2. Both ends of the straight measurement pipe 2 are fixed with wax or welded to the fixtures 3a and 3b respectively so that the end portions can be vibration nodes. The supporters 4a and 4b stably support the driver 5, and sensors 6a and 6b. They have greater rigidity than the straight measurement pipe 2, and are connected to the fixtures 3a and 3b through soldering, welding, etc. The sensors 6a and 6b can be speed detecting sensors, displacement sensors, acceleration sensors, etc.
The driver 5 is mounted at the center of the straight measurement pipe 2. The sensors 6a and 6b are mounted symmetrically about the driver 5 in contact with the measurement pipe. When the vibration type measuring instrument is used as a Coriolis mass flow meter, the density of the fluid is measured using at least one of the sensors 6a and 6b by the method described below. Simultaneously, the mass flow rate of the fluid is measured based on the phase difference (time difference) of the fluid vibration between the two sensors 6a and 6b mounted up stream and down stream of the driver 5. When the vibration type measuring instrument is used as a density meter for only measuring the density of a fluid, only one of the sensors 6a and 6b may be mounted (for example, the sensor 6a only) as a sensor for measuring the density.
The straight measurement pipe 2 is vibrated at its resonant frequency by the driver 5 operated according to the drive signal from the driving circuit 8. The detection signals from the sensors 6a and 6b and the temperature detection signal from the temperature sensor 10 are transmitted to the signal processing circuit 9. The signal processing circuit 9 obtains the resonant frequency of the straight measurement pipe 2 according to the detection signals from the sensors 6a and 6b, and calculates the density of the fluid by the operation described below, according to the resultant resonant frequency and the temperature of the straight measurement pipe 2.
The following differential equation (1) is expressed relating to the straight measurement pipe 2 having uniform cross-section, where E indicates the Young's modulus of the straight measurement pipe 2; I indicates the cross-sectional secondary moment of the straight measurement pipe 2; x indicates a position on the straight measurement pipe 2 in the axial direction (x=0 at one end of the measurement pipe 2, and x=L at the other end of the measurement pipe 2); y indicates the vibration amplitude of the straight measurement pipe 2 at the position x (a function with the variable x); .rho.w indicates the density of the fluid; Si indicates the cross-sectional area of the hollow portion of the straight measurement pipe 2; .rho.t indicates the density of the straight measurement pipe 2; St indicates the cross-sectional area of the straight measurement pipe 2; and t indicates time. EQU EI(.differential..sup.4 /.differential.x.sup.4)+(.rho.wSi+.rho.tSt)(.differential..sup.2 y/.differential.t.sup.2)=0 (1)
Solving the equation (1) using given boundary conditions, the resonant frequency f of the horizontal vibration of the straight measurement pipe 2 is obtained by the following equation (2). EQU f=.lambda..sup.2 {EI/(.rho.wSi+.rho.tSt)}.sup.1/2 /(2.pi.L.sup.2)(2)
(.lambda. indicates the constant determined by the boundary conditions and vibration mode of the straight measurement pipe 2; and L indicates the length of the straight measurement pipe 2 in the axial direction)
The above described equation (2) is solved for .rho.w as indicated below. EQU .rho.w{(.lambda..sup.4 EI/4.pi..sup.2 L.sup.4 f.sup.2)-.rho.tSt}/Si(3)
The density .rho.w of the fluid can be obtained by substituting the detected resonant frequency f of the straight measurement pipe 2 in the above equation (3), and further substituting the Young's modulus E after a temperature amendment is performed based on the temperature of the straight measurement pipe 2 measured by the temperature sensor 10, the secondary cross-sectional moment I obtained by amending the thermal expansion according to the temperature, length L of the measurement pipe, and the cross-sectional areas St and Si.
However, in the case of the device using the straight measurement pipe 2 as shown in FIG. 1, a temperature difference arises between the straight measurement pipe 2 and the supporters 4a and 4b by a change in temperature of, for example, the fluid, surrounding atmosphere, etc., thereby generating a force (axial force) in the straight measurement pipe 2 in the axial direction. The axial force changes, as is well-known, the resonant frequency f of the straight measurement pipe 2, and generates an error in the density .rho.w calculated by the above described equation (3).
The conventional countermeasures to the above problems are to prevent the influence of the axial force by providing a curved measurement pipe, applying a bellows or diaphragm structure at both ends of the measurement pipe, etc., or to limit the difference in temperature between the fluid and the surrounding atmosphere. However, a curved measurement pipe raises hygienic problems such as corrosions caused by the puddles of the fluid, which is hard to clean, and can create a large pressure loss in the fluid, thereby making problems for the user. There are additional problems with the bellows and diaphragm structures in that they are complicated in configuration, they are weak against shock when transported because of their mechanical fragility, and they cannot completely eliminate the axial force. Additionally, the method of limiting the temperature difference between the fluid and the surrounding atmosphere imposes large limitations on field online measurements. This is not a desired phenomenon in measurement technology.
Another method of solving the problem due to axial force changes, is to amend a measured density value based on the measured axial force by measuring the axial force working on the measurement pipe by measuring the temperature difference between the measurement pipe and a supporter, measuring the distortion of the measurement pipe using a strain gauge, etc. However, this method also has the following problems.
That is, the above described differential equation (1) is expressed as follows when the axial force (tension) T is present. EQU EI(.differential..sup.4 y/.differential.x.sup.4)-T(.differential..sup.2 y/.differential.x.sup.2)+(.rho.wSi+.rho.tSt)(.differential..sup.2 y/.differential.t.sup.2)=0 (4)
Solving the differential equation (4) under the given boundary conditions, the equations (2) and (3) for obtaining the density values, which are expressed as follows, are obtained. EQU g (f, .rho.w, T, E, I, Si, .rho.t, St)=0 (5)
This is an extremely complicated function not explicitly containing the density .rho.w. Therefore, in this case, the density .rho.w cannot be directly obtained as shown by equation (3), and a numerical analysis such as a successive approximation cannot be applied in practical use because of the complicated equation.
In addition to the above described problems, the mass of the components in contact with or added to the measurement pipe, such as the driver 5, sensors 6a and 6b, and temperature sensor 10, can be a factor in lowering the density measurement precision. The inertial force of such an added mass functions as a shearing force for the measurement pipe, and furthermore complicates the differential equation (4) and function (5), thereby making the computation of the density .rho.w more difficult.
In the method of obtaining the axial force based on the temperature difference between a measurement pipe and a supporter, the temperature distribution of the supporter changes with the thermal conductivity of the supporter and the temperature of the fluid and the surrounding atmosphere, therefore the axial force cannot be correctly measured. The method of fixing a strain gauge to a measurement pipe has problems in the fixing technology and long-term reliability. Therefore, it is difficult to use this method for mass production.


Rotatably engaged to the filter (4, 104) of a pressurized-steam container (5, 105) is a closing member (2, 102) provided at the upper part thereof with an operating cap (6, 108). Through 180.degree. rotations of the closing member (2, 102) the fluid communication between the container (5, 105) and the surrounding environment via a filling header (8, 109) having a supply opening (110) at the upper part thereof, is selectively opened and closed. The closing member (2, 102) is driven in rotation by means of a grip element (20, 117) that, upon command of a diaphragm (17, 113) submitted to the inner pressure of the container (105), is moved to an embedded condition in the presence of pressure in the container, thereby being inaccessible to the user.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a device for filling and closing pressurized-steam containers of the type comprising: a closing member operatively and sealingly engaged to a filler exhibited by the container: an operating cap integral with the closing member and operable in rotation so as to bring the closing member from a sealing position in which said filler is hermetically closed to the surrounding environment to a supply position in which the filler is in communication with the surrounding environment.
In more detail, the invention relates to the field of safety devices associated with fillers in steam boilers of the type used, for example, for supplying steam irons and/or washing apparatus for domestic or industrial use with water.
2. Prior Art
It is known that boilers for steam production of the above type are usually provided with a filler enabling the water required for producing steam to be introduced thereinto. A closing member is engaged by screwing to said filler. The closing member is provided with an opening cap adapted to enable the closing member to be screwed down and unscrewed manually. In addition, provision is generally also made for means adapted to eliminate or at least reduce the risk that the user may suffer from severe burns, should he/she imprudently try to remove the closing member when there is still pressurized steam in the boiler.
To this end, in the simplest construction solutions at least one vent canalization is formed in the closing member and/or the filler. Said canalization, as soon as the plug is loosened from the tightened condition, causes possible steam still present in the boiler to escape therethrough in small amounts, so that the user is visually warned about the presence of pressure in the boiler before completely removing the closing member. However, since said canalization must necessarily have a very narrow passage section, it can be easily obstructed by lime scale or other impurities, which results in its impossibility of performing the intended functions.
According to other technical solutions, the closing member is combined with a visual signaller consisting for example of a pin that, upon command of a diaphragm communicating with the inside of the boiler, protrudes from the operating cap when pressure is present in the boiler, in order to signal said pressure presence.
However, the presence of said signaller does not prevent the user from removing the closing member from the filler, due to unawareness or carelessness or perhaps because the signalling device is out of order.
There are solutions too in which a pin is provided to be associated with the boiler, which pin, in the presence of pressure, is pushed into a corresponding housing formed in the operating cap of the closing member. The engagement of the pin is said housing prevents the closing member from being removed in the presence of pressure. On the other hand, such a device has been found to be of difficult construction because it is necessary to ensure that, under tightening conditions of the closing member, said housing be perfectly aligned with the pin.
In another known construction solution the operating cap is rotatably engaged to the closing member, and can be clamped thereto by a coupling mechanism controlled by a diagram responsive to the inner boiler pressure. In greater detail, this diaphragm acts in such a manner that the operating cap rotates freely relative to the closing member in the presence of pressure in the boiler, thereby preventing the closing member from being removed therefrom. When the inner boiler pressure goes below a predetermined value, the coupling device acted upon by the diaphragm makes the operating cap integral in rotation with the closing member. Under this situation, the closing member can be removed and the boiler can be filled.
After the above description it is apparent that, irrespective of all measures adopted for safety purposes, all closing devices presently in use need the closing member to be completely removed for carrying out the boiler filling. Thus, frequent filling operations are particularly troublesome taking also into account the fact that their execution requires the aid of accessories such as funnels or the like in order to facilitate the introduction of water into the boiler.
In addition since the closing member is made as an element physically independent of the boiler, it can be easily damaged, if it is for example dropped, and maybe even inadvertently lost by the user.
It is also and above all pointed out that none of the known solutions is capable of preventing the closing member from being removed from the filler and therefore eliminating the risks of burns, should the provided safety devices be out of order.

Device for filling and closing pressurized-steam containers


A latch-up protector, and an associated method, for an electronic circuit powered by both a fixed power supply and a pumped power supply. Operation of the latch-up protector prevents the occurrence of latch-up of the circuit during powering-up of the circuit. During powering-up of the electronic circuit, the latch-up protector prevents the application of an input signal to the electronic circuit which might instigate the occurrence of latch-up until the pumped power supply reaches a selected voltage level.

A vast array of electronic circuits have been implemented in the form of integrated circuits utilizing semi-conductor materials. Large numbers of circuit components are integrated upon a single integrated circuit to permit an electronic circuit formed therefrom to be of very small dimensions.
Continued advancements in the field of integrated circuit design have permitted increased miniaturization of the circuit components forming the electronic circuits implemented in integrated circuits.
Circuit elements of an integrated circuit are formed of groups of P-N regions. To facilitate circuit operation, during powering-up, charge pumping of selected portions of such groups of P-N regions is sometimes performed. Charge pumping is a relatively slow process by which to bias a region of an integrated circuit, at least relative to the significantly greater rate at which a fixed power supply can bias a region of an integrated circuit.
The relative time lag of biasing of an integrated circuit region by charge pumping relative to the application of another region of the integrated circuit with a fixed power supply can lead to a problem referred to as "latch-up". Injection of currents into an integrated circuit coupled to be biased both by a fixed supply and by charge pumping can instigate the occurrence of latch-up of the circuit device.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,321,324, assigned to the assignee of the present invention, discloses, inter alia, a voltage translator with latch-up immunity. Current injection which might otherwise instigate latch-up of the voltage translator disclosed therein is prevented until the charge-pumped regions of the integrated circuit forming the voltage translator are of levels great enough such that latch-up of the translator shall not occur.
A voltage translator translates the voltage levels of an input signal into a translated voltage level to form a translated signal of a translated voltage level. A voltage translator is utilized, for instance, in an electronic circuit which has both low and high voltage requirements. A DRAM (dynamic random access memory) is exemplary of an electronic circuit which has both low and high voltage requirements. Low voltages are required for normal operation of the DRAM, whereas the higher voltages may be used to write, restore, or refresh a high-voltage value stored in a memory cell. Translated voltages may also be utilized to form other signals, such as control signals utilized during operation of such a circuit.
Other electronic circuits embodied in integrated circuit devices in which charge pumping is utilized are similarly susceptible to the occurrence of latch-up. A manner by which to prevent latch-up is necessary to ensure proper functioning of the electronic circuit and to prevent damage to the circuit.
While the latch-up immunity provided to the voltage translator disclosed in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 5,321,324 prevents the occurrence of latch-up, such protection is provided through the use of a plurality of circuit elements. And, when the injection of the current is permitted, once the charge pumping biases the integrated circuit regions to an appropriate level, the signal permitted to be applied to the voltage translator is inverted.
Any manner by which to reduce the number of circuit elements required to prevent the occurrence of latch-up would advantageously facilitate the reduction in chip-space required to implement an electronic circuit including circuitry for preventing circuit latch-up.
A manner by which to permit the injection of current to the electronic circuit when such injection would not instigate the occurrence of latch-up without inverting the current signal, would also be advantageous.
It is in light of this background information related to integrated circuit devices that the significant advantages of the present invention have evolved.

Apparatus, and associated method, for preventing occurrence of latch-up in an electronic circuit


A remote intelligent communications device includes a primary RF communications port and an alternative modem communications port. The remote intelligent communications device receives configuration data for configuring the alternative modem communications port. The remote intelligent communications device obtains information data concerning a select attribute of an associated object. The information data is stored within internal memory of the remote intelligent communications device. Thereafter, the stored information data is retrieved, per one embodiment via the alternative modem port, from the remote intelligent communications device and analyzed for drawing conclusions regarding the select attribute of the associated object. Preferably, the remote intelligent communications device also includes a navigation (e.g. GPS) receiver that obtains navigation data, which navigation data is also stored within the internal memory of the remote intelligent communications device. By storing this navigation data together with the information data, once the stored data is retrieved from the remote intelligent communications device, the information data and navigation data can be analyzed for correlating the select attribute of the associated object with respective geographic position in accordance with the analyzed information and navigation data. In one exemplary application, the specific attribute is an open/close condition of a door of a cargo bay, monitored by an appropriate transducer disposed functionally proximate thereto.

The present invention relates generally to remote intelligent communications devices, and more particularly relates to associated devices and methods of operation thereof for remotely monitoring particular physical parameter(s) individually, or collectively, at a remote location.
Radio frequency (RF) identification devices are available for identifying select animate, or inanimate, objects in accordance with unique identification codes. As a part of a remote monitoring system, an interrogator interrogates select RF identification devices, by way of an RF communications medium, and determines the presence of associated identified devices.
Integrity of the remote monitoring system depends largely upon the quality of the communication link between the interrogator and the RF identification devices. Various factors can influence this link, including: power levels of the signals propagated from the respective interrogator and identification devices, presence or absence of RF blocking obstacles between the interrogator and identification devices, distance between the interrogator and the identification devices, in addition to a presence or absence of interfering RF signals within the communication channel of the RF communications link. Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a remote monitoring device and system capable of providing continued communication capabilities when one, or more, of the above factors would otherwise degrade the integrity of the communications link.
Typically, the RF identification device is associated with an object (animate or inanimate) and provides simple identification thereof, with perhaps additional previously programmed information about the device--such as contents, desired destination, ownership, etc. However, in addition to providing such previously programmed information, it would be desirable to monitor a select attribute of the object and to record data regarding the select attribute over time. Additionally, it would be desirable to monitor and record a plurality of attributes regarding the object, so that thereafter, data regarding the particular attributes may be retrieved and analyzed for correlating one attribute with another separate attribute.

Method and apparatus for remote monitoring


An apparatus for resurfacing an ice surface includes a dolly including a body, a handle and a plurality of wheels attached thereto. The apparatus includes a device for operably receiving fluid from a reservoir and distributing fluid substantially evenly onto an ice surface. The device includes a valve connecting the reservoir to an elongate pipe that has a plurality of substantially evenly spaced perforations for allowing fluid to pass therethrough. An elongate support member extends along the length of the pipe and is secured thereto. An applicator is preferably connected to the support member for receiving fluid and for assisting to evenly apply fluid onto an ice surface. The opposed end portions of the pipe and support member are movable between up and down positions for adjusting the amount of water dispensed onto an ice surface.

1. Technical Field
This invention relates to tools used to maintain ice rinks and, more particularly, to an apparatus for effectively resurfacing an ice rink.
2. Prior Art
The popularity of ice-skating has increased the demand for indoor-ice time that is difficult, or in the case of towns and cities without indoor ice facilities, impossible to meet. According to statistics gathered by American Demographics, 3,800,000 children from 7 and 17 years of age will participate in ice skating in the year 2000. There are currently more than 300,000 amateur hockey players in the U.S. and that number is increasing by about 10 percent a year. Using the improved ice tool of this invention to resurface an ice rink, one that can be built in back yards or neighborhood parks, is very appealing.
In order to build and maintain an outdoor ice rink, a maximum outside temperature of 25 degrees F. above zero to a low of minus 10 degrees F. are needed, therefore, most of the outdoor rinks are in the Midwest and Northeastern states. In those states where outdoor temperatures permit it, many outdoor rinks are being built. However, even in states with very cold temperatures a mild winter or a mid-January thaw can significantly reduce the length of the outdoor skating season. It is, therefore, important to make use of the short season for skating and not to waste excessive amounts of time in making ice.
The traditional methods of building an outdoor ice rink require the use of plastic liners or rigid panels. Before either can be used, all the snow must be removed and the area leveled as much as possible. Both the plastic liner and the plastic panels require that a side be built up around the perimeter of the rink area with either snow or side boards. The area is then flooded with water from a hose or water truck. Ground areas are typically uneven which results in deeper water accumulations in lower areas and much thinner accumulations in others. As the water freezes, the deeper water accumulations are subject to the formation of air pockets. These air pockets eventually break out and weaken the ice. This invention dispenses water in thin layers that can be controlled. The result is stronger, smoother rink ice. In addition, the tool can be used successfully on uneven ground surfaces.
The various methods mentioned and weather factors significantly impact the quality and strength of ice. If several inches of water accumulate before the water can freeze solid, the resulting ice does not have the same tenacity as ice that is built up through the application of thin layers of water, preferably about ⅛ inch thick. Thin applications of water that are allowed to freeze before another water layer is added will produce a superior quality ice. The apparatus and method of this invention allow the user to apply water in thin layers that freeze quickly.
After the initial base layer of rink ice is established, it becomes necessary to recondition the ice periodically to keep it in good shape for skating. The standard practice is to flood the base ice with yet another layer of water using a hose or water truck. Water applied by these methods often begins to freeze before it has leveled itself or completely filled the rink area. The result is an uneven ice surface. The time typically required to complete the flooding and freezing operation can be up to a full day. This represents a significant loss of rink time for skaters. The tool of this invention provides a method and means to resurface the base ice with a thin, smooth layer of ice that freezes quickly, thereby reducing the time required to resurface the rink from a day to only a few minutes under some circumstances.
There is a definite need in both the public and private sectors for the apparatus of this invention. It provides a quick, easy method of building and maintaining rink ice at a relatively low financial cost when compared to other methods. It saves the user of the apparatus valuable time in a relatively short skating season. It helps to conserve water, a valuable natural resource and, there are no emissions to harm the atmosphere. The ice tool of this invention is portable, hand operable and easy to use while producing superior results. It is also economical, making it highly possible for commercial rinks as well as the typical homeowner to afford. It is the general object of this invention to provide an apparatus and method, which overcome the limitations and shortcomings of the prior art.

Apparatus for resurfacing an ice surface


A steel connecting rod that is used mainly in a small-size internal combustion engine includes generally elongated first and second connecting rod forming plates (2) prepared from a steel plate by the use of a press work and having bearing holes (4, 5) defined in opposite ends of each of the first and second connecting rod forming plates (2) in the form of burrings (8, 9). The first and second connecting rod forming plates (2) are joined in face-to-face relation with each other. Bearings (10) are press-fitted into the bearing holes (4, 5) so as to straddle between the burrings (8, 9) at each end of the first and second connecting rod forming plates (2). The height (a) of a corner (11) formed at a radially inner base end of each burring (8, 9) is chosen to be smaller than the plate thickness (t) of each of the first and second connecting rod forming plates (2). Each of the first and second connecting rod forming plates (2) is made from a steel plate that is not heat-treated.

1. (Field of the Invention)
The present invention generally relates to a steel connecting rod of type having its opposite ends having a bearing built therein and, more particuarly, to the steel connecting rod for a small-size internal combustion engine such as used in a mower.
2. (Description of the Prior Art)
For reduction in weight and manufacturing cost, the connecting rod employed in a small-size internal combustion engine is generally of a structure comprising two connecting rod components, each in the form of an elongated steel plate, that are joined in face-to-face relation together. Different examples of the prior art connecting rods are shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B and FIGS. 8A and 8B, respectively. Each of the steel connecting rod components 51 has its opposite ends formed with respective bearing holes each being in the form of a burring 52, and a bearing (not shown) such as, for example, a shell-type needle roller bearing is press-fitted into each of the bearing holes so as to extend between the steel connecting rod components 51. For increasing the strength of a generally flattened shank 53 against buckling, the steel connecting rod components 51 are formed at side edges with respective reinforcement flanges 55 as shown in FIG. 7A or formed at a longitudinal mid-center area with reinforcement ribs 56 as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B.
However, when the bearing load is large, the burrings 52 tend to exhibit an insufficient strength. Increase of the plate thickness may result in increase of the strength, but the increase of the plate thickness is often limited because of a shaping work in a limited space and also because of the necessity of reducing the weight. Although it may be contemplated to increase the strength by the use of a heat treatment, the heat treatment may be accompanied by reduction in precision to which the machining is carried out and, therefore, increase in strength by the use of the heat treatment cannot be achieved without sacrificing the precision.


An apparatus and method for security object enhancement and management are provided. The apparatus and method make use of security objects in which security object data is encapsulated with security object attributes and methods defining the way in which the security object may be used. Because the security object is an encapsulated object, the security object may operate on itself to perform security object management operations. Furthermore, because the security object need not be linked to the items requiring security object protection a priori, the security object may be defined in any manner deemed appropriate by the user. As a result, users of the security objects are given greater freedom in defining the security object, the security object content type, and the way in which the security object may be used.

1. Technical Field
The present invention is directed to an improved computing device. More specifically, the present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for security object enhancement and management.
2. Description of Related Art
Passwords are used universally to control access to everything from computer resources to bank accounts, burglar alarms, automobiles, television viewing, and the like. Known passwords consist of simple text strings that a user must enter in order to obtain access to a secured item. The entered password is typically checked against the password stored to determine a match. If the entered password and the stored password match, access is granted.
There are many methods used to create passwords, ranging from assigning fixed and constant strings that must be memorized by the user to more elaborate methods allowing the user to recall a password string using a hint phrase, for example. Based on common human factors and tendencies for simplicity in recalling a password, a user may use a familiar but secret text string such as a family tradition, an important date, or even a common word from a dictionary.
Mechanisms for managing passwords must be programmed into the applications with which they are associated. That is, there must be a program external to the password that is used to authenticate the password, check to see if the password is about to expire, and determine the access granted. As a result, every single item, such as a web site, a computer resource, a bank account, a burglar alarm, and the like, must have password management operations coded into them to process and authenticate a specific type of password content. Therefore, the user has no control over how the password is to be used by the password management operations. Moreover, the owner/operator of the item with which the password management operations are associated must make changes directly to the code of the password management operations if she wishes to change the way in which passwords are used.
Furthermore, each item typically can only accept a single type of password content. Thus, there is very little freedom on the part of the user to define her own password, password content type, and how the password is to be used. Moreover, there is little freedom, due to the expense and effort required to modify password management operations, on the part of the owner/operator to allow different types of password contents and different usage of passwords. Therefore, it would be beneficial to have an apparatus and method for password enhancement and management in which users and owner/operators are provided greater freedom in defining passwords and the manner in which the passwords are used.

Apparatus and method for security object enhancement and management


Apparatus and methods for a two-lens optical system having a focal length that can be readily switched between a first focal length and a second focal length. The system includes first and second multi-element lenses, each of which includes a cavity for a fluid. The first lens has the first focal length in the absence of the fluid in its cavity and the second focal length when the fluid is present in its cavity. The second lens has the second focal length in the absence of the fluid in its cavity and the first focal length when the fluid is present in its cavity. The focal length of the optical system is controlled by controlling which cavity of the two lenses contains the fluid.

Presbyopia is a vision condition wherein the eye has a progressively reduced ability to focus on nearby objects. It is typically thought to arise from a loss of flexibility of the lens within the eye. Presbyopia affects the majority of human beings as they age, typically becoming noticeable when a person reaches their mid-forties.
Presbyopia, by itself, can be corrected in a straightforward manner using corrective eyeglasses, such as reading glasses. When a person is afflicted with both presbyopia and another condition that requires the use of corrective eyeglasses (e.g., myopia), however, vision correction becomes more complicated.
The most common prior-art correction for presbyopia in a patient that requires eyeglasses for another condition involves eyeglass lenses with different focal lengths in different areas of the lens. Examples of such lenses include "bifocals," which incorporate two different focal-length regions, "trifocals," which incorporate three different focal-length regions, and "progressive lenses," which incorporate a continuum of focal lengths. Typically, the lower part of these lenses incorporates the shorter focal length region allowing focus on near objects in the lower part of the field of view.
Unfortunately, such an optical configuration does not support focusing on nearby objects in the middle or upper part of the field of view. As a result, the eyeglass wearer must tilt their head backward to clearly see a nearby object located directly in front of the face. Often, the required tilt angle leads to patient discomfort.
Further, for progressive lens designs, it is normally necessary to make compromises that give rise to a significantly reduced width of the in-focus field of view at near distances.
In another prior-art approach for correction of presbyopia, eyeglass frames include deformable lenses whose shape is fluidically controlled. Each lens comprises a fluid that is encapsulated either between two deformable transparent membranes or a single deformable membrane and a rigid lens or plate. The shape of the lens is controlled by pumping the fluid into or out of the cavity of each lens.
Unfortunately, it is difficult to control of the membrane deformation to avoid gross distortion of the image. Typically, the lens shape is restricted to circular, since circular lenses tend to deform in a radially symmetric fashion. The need for circular lenses, however, is undesirable as many eyeglass wearers do not wish to be constrained to round lenses.
In addition, membrane deformation systems require one or more fluid reservoirs, as well as pump systems for pumping fluid in and out of the lens cavities to control their focal lengths. These pumping systems add weight and bulk to the eyeglass frames making them less comfortable for the user—particularly when worn for long periods of time. Further, the style and attractiveness of eyewear is strongly dependent on the design of their frames. Requiring fluid reservoirs and/or pumps in the frames limits the eyewear design space and can dramatically detract from their look and marketability.
An eyeglass system having lenses whose focal length is controllable across their entire clear aperture, can have any desired lens shape, and retain a broad design space for eyewear frames, would be a significant advance in the state-of-the-art of vision correction.

Apparatus and method for multi-focus lens system


A data sampler and a photo detecting apparatus compensate a reference signal with offset information measured from a unit pixel, and compare an offset-compensated reference signal with a data signal, thereby minimizing the impact of an offset occurring with an increase of gain in the data sampler.

The present invention relates to a data sampler, a data sampling method, and a photo detecting apparatus including the data sampler. In particular, the present invention relates to a method of compensating for an offset of sensor data from a sensor cell, such as a photodetector cell of a photo detecting apparatus, and more particularly, to a data sampler, a data sampling method and a photo detecting apparatus which can compensate a reference signal employed in the data sampler with the offset.
In a sensor apparatus including a sensor cell array which senses an effective physical characteristic, such as light intensity, temperature, mass, or time, and which outputs an electrical signal, there may be an offset between sensor cells due to differences in environmental conditions, such as a manufacturing process, operating voltage, temperature, etc. Due to such an offset, the sensor apparatus may not perform precise sensing. In particular, when a signal output from a sensor cell is so weak that it needs to be amplified, or when signal sensing or integration takes a long time, the effect of the offset increases.

Data sampler, data sampling method, and photo detecting apparatus including data sampler that minimizes the effect of offset


A method and apparatus for the transmission of data through multiple clock domains using synchronous and asynchronous FIFOs are described. In an embodiment, a method includes receiving data at a first data transfer rate. Additionally, the method includes storing the data at the first data transfer rate in a synchronous storage device having a first storage area. The data at the first data transfer rate stored in the synchronous storage device is processed. The processing includes removing the data from the synchronous storage device. The processing also includes storing the data at the first data transfer rate in an asynchronous storage device having a second storage area. Additionally, the processing includes transmitting the data out from the asynchronous storage device at a second data transfer rate, wherein the storage area of the synchronous storage device is larger than the second storage area of the asynchronous storage device.

Typically, first-in-first-out register arrays ("FIFOs") have been used to store and transmit data. When storing and transferring data within a same clock domain, i.e., rate of data transfer, a synchronous FIFO is used. In contrast, when storing and transferring data between two clock domains, an asynchronous FIFO is used. In particular, an asynchronous FIFO allows for the storage and extraction of data while converting the data from a first clock domain to a second clock domain. Control circuitry containing flip-flops, pointers, double-sync logic, gray code conversion tables, etc. is used to control the traversal of the data through the FIFOs.
When large amounts of data are to be stored and transmitted through multiple clock domains, a large asynchronous FIFO and corresponding control circuitry are necessary. For an asynchronous FIFO of size 2N bits, N-bit sized pointers are necessary for the operation of the FIFO. For example, if an asynchronous FIFO is of size 212 bits, the pointers and logic tables contained within the control circuitry can be as large as 12 bits each. This amounts to a large amount of space required for the control circuitry. Also, the amount of time required to implement such a large asynchronous FIFO is increased due to the large double-sync logic and gray code tables. For example, to determine whether the asynchronous FIFO is full, the control circuitry must traverse the entire asynchronous FIFO and cross multiple clock domains.

Method and apparatus for changing the data rate of a data signal


For an electronic apparatus in which data is transferred between a plurality of processing devices and a memory, a technique is provided which prevents the data transfer from being restricted and allows the processing devices to operate efficiently. The order of priorities of data transfer operations through channels is changed on the basis of a relation between thresholds and the amounts of data remaining respectively in FIFO buffers. This prevents the FIFO buffers from becoming empty of data, or from being filled up with data, which allows the devices to operate efficiently.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a technique for transferring data between a plurality of devices and memory in an electronic apparatus.
2. Description of the Background Art
Electronic apparatuses, such as digital still cameras, are equipped with a plurality of processing units (devices) that apply various processes to image data and the like. The operation of such an electronic apparatus proceeds as these devices process data while sequentially transferring the data between memory and themselves.
In such an electronic apparatus, each device is equipped with a buffer or buffers for temporarily storing the data transferred between the devices and memory. When data is transferred between a device and the memory, the data is once accumulated in a buffer of the device, and the accumulated data is sequentially sent to the destination. Data is thus transferred in succession without a break.
However, in conventional electronic apparatuses, the devices are previously assigned an order of priorities of data transfer. When some devices present requests for data transfer at the same time, the devices are allowed to transfer data according to the order of priorities.
Accordingly, in such conventional electronic apparatuses, devices having lower priorities are less likely to be allowed to transfer data, while devices having higher priorities can always preferentially transfer data. Therefore, the buffers in the lower-priority devices may become completely empty of data or filled up with data, which may force the devices to stop their operations.

Memory control apparatus and memory control method


A shock sensor detects shocks from all directions in a plane. A coil produces a magnetic field. A magnetic fluid is sealed in a closed container located in the magnetic field. A magnetoresistive effect element is also is located in the magnetic field and opposes the magnetic fluid. The magnetic fluid moves relative to the magnetoresistive effect element when the magnetic fluid receives a shock. When the magnetoresistive effect element is subjected to a change in magnetic field, the resistance of the magnetoresistive effect element changes. The magnetoresistive effect element may be formed of four elements in a bridge configuration and the output of the bridge is processed in an output circuit. The output circuit outputs a sensor output when the magnetic fluid moves relative to the magnetoresistive effect element.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a shock sensor and more particularly to a shock sensor for use in an air bag system for automobiles.
2. Description of Prior Art
An air bag system is employed in an automobile in order to protect the driver from a shock when the automobile collides with another automobile or the like. A shock sensor detects a shock and outputs a detection signal. The detection signal activates a firing device of an air bag which in turn causes the air bag to quickly inflate to protect the driver from the shock.
One such type of prior art shock sensor is disclosed in Japanese Patent Preliminary Publications No. 7-198738 and No. 8-29444.
FIG. 12 illustrates the general construction of a prior art reed switch type shock sensor, shown in JPA No. 8-29444, which is used in an air bag system for automobiles.
Referring to FIG. 12, a magnet 14 is housed in a case 11 and held in position by a spring 13. A reed switch 12 extends through the spring 13 and is loosely received in the magnet 14.
The reed switch 12 in the case 11 is open since the magnet 14 is located outside of an area in which the reed switch 12 is responsive to the magnetic field of the magnet 14.
A shock applied to the shock sensor, for example, in a direction shown by an arrow A imposes an acceleration on the mass of the spring 13. If the acceleration is large enough to overcome the resilient force of the spring 13, the magnet 14 moves into the area in which the reed switch 12 is responsive to the magnetic field of the magnet 14 to close its contacts.
However, a problem with the prior art reed switch type shock sensor is that the sensor is sensitive to shocks only in the direction shown by arrow A in FIG. 12. Another problem is that the sensitivity of the sensor varies with the weight, dimension, and magnetic flux density of the magnet 14. Further, the use of a reed switch as a shock-detecting element is an obstacle to miniaturizing the shock sensor.


A method includes: receiving communications from first and second tenants of a multi-tenant computing environment over first and second dedicated networks, respectively, the communications being transmitted to a first globally unique IP address in first and second dedicated environments, respectively; NATing the first globally unique IP address, to which the communication from the first tenant was transmitted, to a first non-globally unique IP address that is locally unique in the service provider environment; NATing the first globally unique IP address, to which the communication from the second tenant was transmitted, to a second non-globally unique IP address that is locally unique in the service provider environment; providing the communication from the first tenant and the communication from the second tenant access to a shared resource in the service provider environment using the first and second non-globally unique IP addresses, respectively.

The present invention relates generally to service provider management platforms and, more particularly, to a multi-tenant environment optimizing the placement of applications, in a secure manner, in a service provider environment connected to tenant premises with overlapping addresses.
Multi-tenant environments provided by service providers can have environments that include dedicated resources and environments that have shared resources. Some tenants access resources in both the shared resource environment and their dedicated resource environment.

Multi-tenant environment with overlapping address space

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION


A printed circuit board (PCB) adapted for mounting different kinds of light sensing modules thereon includes a lighting sensing area and a plurality of pads. The pads are disposed around the lighting sensing area, for configuring one light sensing module thereon. In the present invention, the PCB is suitable for different kinds of light sensing modules without redesign, which lowers the manufacturing cost of the PCB.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to printed circuit boards, and particularly to a printed circuit board and a light sensing device using the same.
2. Description of Related Art
Nowadays, liquid crystal display (LCD) panels are widely in devices, such as notebook computers or laptop computers. Generally, LCD panels use discharge lamps or other lamps of backlight modules as light sources, and employ a light sensor to sense ambient light to dynamically adjust the brightness of the LCD panel, consequently lowering power consumption of the backlight modules.
Normally, light sensors manufactured by various sensor suppliers are structurally different. Backlight module manufacturers have to design different PCB layouts to accommodate various light sensors, which complicates the PCB layouts. Especially, if one sensor supplier cannot provide light sensors to the backlight module manufacturer on time, the backlight module manufacturer should then redesign its PCB layout to fit another light sensor provided by some other supplier, which increases costs and leads to delays.

Printed circuit board and light sensing device using the same