The invention provides an elongate turning vane for altering the direction of air flow in a duct, such as a wind tunnel, where the vane includes a device for attenuating sound propagation past the vane. The vane has extreme ends mounted to opposing sides of the duct, a longitudinal axis and an aerodynamically efficient profile. The vane comprises a rigid core having air permeable upper and lower surfaces, preferably a welded assembly of two perforated sheet metal plates with transverse profile plates, with vent holes, to provide the appropriate shape and venting. Two sound attenuating panels have interior surfaces bonded to the upper and lower core surfaces of the core, and exterior surfaces defining suction and pressure surfaces of the vane. Vent holes provide for passage of air axially within the core between the duct and the core surfaces. Venting is required to balance the air pressure on both sides of the sound attenuating panels to prevent distortion of the panels bonded to the core. Rippling and other distortions detrimentally effect the aerodynamic efficiency of the vane. To preserve the aerodynamic shape of the vane and structural integrity, a rigid nose fairing is mounted to a leading edge of the core, and a rigid tail fairing mounted to a trailing edge of the core. A protective layer on the exterior surfaces of the sound attenuating panels provides mechanical protection from air borne debris and contaminants. The protective layer is preferably a matte urethane film that is impervious to air for protection of the panels and is pervious to sound propagation between the duct and the sound attenuating panels to preserve the sound attenuating properties of the panels.

A common method used to reduce sound levels in aeroacoustic wind tunnels is to apply sound-attenuating material to the wind tunnel turning vanes. The invention relates to a novel design of turning vanes that are treated with sound-attenuating material to efficiently turn a flow of air through a 90 degree angle, while simultaneously attenuating the propagation of sound past the turning vanes. The turning vanes are designed to be used in closed circuit wind tunnels that are intended for aeroacoustic measurements however, the turning vanes can be used in any closed ductwork used to move air, and in which reduction of acoustic noise is a concern.
The prior art includes various structures and duct treatments to reduce sound propagation. The application of acoustic treatment to the turning vanes of an aeroacoustic wind tunnel typically comprises one part of an overall acoustic treatment package. Turning vanes offer an especially effective location for acoustic treatment, due to reflections of sound waves from the turning vanes at the wind tunnel corners, and due to the possibility of multiple reflections of sound waves between adjacent turning vanes.
In particular, the set of turning vanes located just downstream of the test section, generally known as corner #1, can have a substantial effect on the wind tunnel test section background noise level, since this set of turning vanes has a direct line of sight to the test section.
The prior art designs for acoustically treated turning vanes have several disadvantages. Specifically, the aerodynamic efficiency has been less than optimal leading to energy loss and directly contributing to the cost of operating the wind tunnel.
Although acoustically treated turning vanes may impede the propagation of sound, due to relatively poor surface treatment, the passage of air flow over the turning vanes often produces significant self noise which diminishes the effectiveness of the overall wind tunnel acoustic treatment.
Also, the maintenance of vane shape and protection given to the physical integrity of prior art turning vanes are lacking. During starting or stopping of the wind tunnel, the corner sections where the turning vanes are located may undergo a pressure change of up to 30% of test section dynamic pressure. This change in pressure can cause physical distortion of the sound absorbing materials used in the turning vanes. Since such distortion may adversely affect the aerodynamic and/or acoustic performance of the turning vanes, failure to address these disadvantages leads to less than optimal performance of prior art designs.
Further, the wind tunnel air may be subject to varying levels of humidity, or may carry dirt, flow visualization smokes, or other contaminants which could clog the open cells of the sound absorbing materials covering the vanes leading to a decrease in sound absorption efficiency over time. Failure to protect the sound absorbing materials used in the turning vanes against contamination leads to increased maintenance, downtime and a gradual deterioration in performance over time.
Possibly the simplest prior art turning vane design applied a layer of sound absorbing material directly to one side of a standard set of circular arc, flat-plate turning vanes. One such design is described in the document by H. V. Fuchs, D. Eckoldt, U. Essers, and J. Potthoff, entitled "New Design Concepts for Silencing Aeroacoustic Wind Tunnels," AIAA Paper 93-02-029, presented at the DGLR/AIAA 14.sup.th Aeroacoustic Conference, 1992.
This prior art method is neither aerodynamically efficient, nor does it ensure smooth external shapes. Thick turning vanes composed of double circular arcs have also been used, however, this shape is also not very aerodynamically efficient. In general, previous designs have only incorporated sound absorbing material on one side of the turning vane. In no instances have prior art methods considered the need to compensate for pressure variations on the turning vanes during changes in wind tunnel operating conditions.
Such designs have also failed to fully appreciate the effect of surface treatments on self noise generation. For example, previous designs have utilized perforated sheet metal covers over the sound attenuating material, however such a surface generates significant noise under operating conditions in the air flow. Also the presence of sharp edges, gaps or steps in surfaces increases self noise generation.
Preferably turning vanes should be aerodynamically efficient in that they turn the air flow efficiently through the 90 degree change of direction while presenting minimum energy loss to the passing air. The aerodynamic efficiency of the turning vanes directly affects the power requirements of the wind tunnel main fan, and thus the operating cost of the wind tunnel.
For example, in the document by RD, Moore, D. R. Boldman, and R. J. Shyne, entitled "Experimental Evaluation of Two Turning Vane Designs for High Speed Corner of 0.1 Scale Model of NASA Lewis Research Center's Proposed Altitude Wind Tunnel," NASA TP 2570, 1986, (hereinafter "the NASA reference") a comparison was made between an aerodynamically efficient controlled diffusion airfoil shape profile and the standard prior art circular arc airfoil shape profile.
In this experiment, it was reported that significant changes in loss coefficient result from adoption of varying turning vane profile shapes. However, in this NASA study, no provision was made to attenuate sound propagation or self noise generation of the turning vanes.
Therefore the disadvantages of prior art turning vanes include: aerodynamically inefficient shape: failure to include sound attenuating material applied in a manner in which self noise generation is considered; failure to protect the sound absorbing material from contamination and physical damage; and failure to prevent shape distortion of the sound absorbing material under load conditions in the wind tunnel.


This inventive discloses a method for transdifferentiating mesenchymal stem cells into neuronal cells, which comprises increasing the level of a basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor in the mesenchymal stem cells, said cells being useful in cell therapy or gene therapy for treating brain neurological diseases such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer disease, Hungtington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, cerebral paralysis and brain ischemia; and spine disfunction caused by a traumatic injury.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent bone marrow stromal cells aiding hematopoiesis and can differentiate into mesodermal lineage cells such as osteocytes, chondrocytes, adipocytes and myocytes. Thus, they can be utilized as sourced for the development of artificial tissues.
It has recently been reported that MSCs have a potential to differentiate into neuroglia in the brain (Azizi., et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 94, 4080-4085(1998); and Kopen., et. al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 96, 10711-10716(1999)), and therefore, it has been proposed the MSCs can be utilized as sources for the treatment of neurological diseases in the central nervous system (Li et al., Neurosci. Lett., 315, 67-70(2001); and Chen., et al., Stroke, 32, 1005-1011(2001)).
Several growth factors or hormones have been known to induce differentiation of MSCs into neuron like cells. However, those methods have the problem of highly producing non-neuronal cells together with neuronal cells (Sanchez-Ramos., et al., Exp. Neurol., 164, 247-256(2000); Woodbury., et al., J. Neurosci. Res., 61, 364-370(2000); and Deng., et al., Biochem. Biophys. Res. Comm., 282, 148-152(2001)). The problem is more pronounced when the cells are transplanted into the brain of experimental animals (Azizi., et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 94, 4080-4085(1998); and Kopen., et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 96, 10711-10716(1999)).
Thus, there has existed a need to develop a novel method for higher induction of MSCs into neuronal cells.
Neurogenin and neuroD are the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors which play important roles in the formation of the nervous system. They form heterodimers with other bHLH transcription factors, such as E12 or E47 and bind to DNAs containing E-box (CANNTG), or on rare occasions, DNAs containing N-box. Such binding to DNA has been reported to be an essential step for the bHLH transcription factors to induce expression of tissue-specific genes (Lee, Curr. Opni. Genet. Dev., 7, 13-20(1997)).
The present inventors have endeavored to develop an effective method for transdifferentiating MSCs into neuronal cells; and have unexpectedly found that MSCs transduced with bHLH transcription factors such as neurogenin and neuroD can continuously express the bHLH transcription factors; and that the MSCs expressing the bHLH transcription factors can be transdifferentiated into a high level of neuronal cells when MSCs are transplanted into the brain of experimental animals.

Method for transdifferentiating mesenchymal stem cells into neuronal cells

Ajoll University Industry Cooperation Foundation


A request is received from a first requester to write a second indicator that includes an identifier of the first requester to a first indicator that indicates if a component is available. In response it is determined whether the component is available. If the component is available, the first indicator is replaced with the second indicator reducing access to the component and permitting access to the component by the first requester.

A semaphore is a variable in a location in system memory, and indicates the availability of a resource shared by multiple processes in a computer system. Typically, each shared resource has its own semaphore. There are two main types of semaphores: counting semaphores and binary semaphores. A counting semaphore, the value of which can vary between zero and a predetermined positive number that represents the number of processes that can access the shared resource at the same time, is used when more than one process can access the shared resource at the same time. A binary semaphore, however, is used when only one process at a time can access the shared resource. Accordingly, a binary semaphore has only two values, one to show that a process is using the shared resource, and the other to show that no process is using the shared resource.
In order to access a shared resource using a binary semaphore, a process first reads the binary semaphore. If the current value of the binary semaphore indicates that the shared resource is not available, the process can do one of two things. The process can either abandon attempts to access the shared resource, or begin "spinning," i.e., periodically re-reading the binary semaphore until the shared resource becomes available. Conversely, if the process reads the binary semaphore and the current value indicates that the shared resource is available, the process writes to the binary semaphore a value indicating to other processes that the shared resource is not available, and accesses the shared resource. When finished using the shared resource, the process releases it by writing to the binary semaphore a value indicating that the shared resource is available. If another process has been spinning, the read executed after the shared resource becomes available will reveal to the spinning process that the shared resource is available. The spinning process can then write to the binary semaphore a value indicating to other processes that the shared resource is not available and access the shared resource, as explained previously.
The sequence of reading a binary semaphore, determining that a shared resource is available, writing to the binary semaphore a value indicating to other processes that the shared resource is not available, and accessing the shared resource, is known as "read modify write" (RMW) access. RMW access must be "atomic," i.e., continuous without interference, during the period between reading the binary semaphore when the shared resource is available, and writing to the binary semaphore a value indicating to other processes that the shared resource is not available. If an RMW by a first process is not atomic, then a second process can execute a separate read on the binary semaphore after the first process' read but prior to the first process' write. That is, if the first process does not write to the binary semaphore prior to the second process' read a value indicating that the shared resource is not available, the second process determines that the shared resource is available. Consequently, both the first process and the second process can write to the binary semaphore values indicating to other processes that the shared resource is not available. Each process will therefore believe it has exclusive access to the shared resource, thus resulting in a collision of accesses.
A process can use a "bus lock" to restrict access to a binary semaphore, thereby preventing another process from executing a read during an in-progress RMW, and eliminating the possibility of a collision of accesses to the shared resource. With a bus lock, a process, prior to reading the binary semaphore, locks the bus that provides access to the binary semaphore. The process then attempts RMW access, after which the bus is automatically unlocked. Finally, the process determines whether it was able to write to the binary semaphore a value indicating to other processes that the shared resource is not available. If so, then the shared resource was available at the time of the read, and thus the process can access the shared resource. If not, then the shared resource was not available at the time of the read, and the process cannot access the shared resource.
Though preventing an intervening read during an in-progress RMW, a bus lock can be implemented to restrict access to all semaphores, not just the semaphore subject to the RMW, until the RMW is complete. Furthermore, because semaphores are located in system memory, in some implementations a bus lock might prevent all processes, including those not attempting to read a semaphore, from accessing system memory. In addition, some computer systems do not have bus lock capability. These systems therefore use highly complex algorithms to provide atomic access to semaphores, which reduces system performance.

Use of set-by-read and set-by-write registers as semaphores


The present invention is an improved .30 caliber cartridge that overcomes the limitations of the prior art by providing a centerfire cartridge with a case having a head with a rim, a body extending from the head to a tapered shoulder to a mouth that seats a bullet. The cartridge having a dimension that is short enough to fit in an automatic pistol's magazine and when fired from such a pistol's barrel will achieve ballistics closely resembling that of a rifle carbine.

Relevant prior art references that teach .30 caliber cartridges include: Ammo Encyclopedia by Michael Bussard, Blue Book Publications, Inc., 50th edition (18 Aug. 2014); Cartridges of the World by Frank C. Barnes, Gun Digest Books 14th edition (19 Dec. 2014); Quick Load Interior Ballistic Program V 3.8 (2013).
As is the norm in the prior art, the cartridge case includes a cylindrical body portion with a central aperture in the head end for the placement of a primer and a cartridge extraction groove formed around the periphery of the body portion adjacent to the head end. A frusto-conical shoulder portion tapers radically inwardly from the body portion and a generally cylindrical neck portion extends longitudinally from the shoulder portion.
Precise and accurate pistol shooting requires the optimization of velocity, chamber pressure and the correct ratio between projectile weight and caliber [i.e., sectional density] as calculated by the formulas well known to the people of the art.
A firearm is designed to produce a predictable velocity and accuracy outcome for a range of projectiles [bullets] intended to be tired from a designed cartridge. A firearm is designed to support the operation and tolerances needed for the cartridge to perform as designed. Prior art in pistol cartridge design constrains the upper limit on velocity and accuracy due to the geometry of the case design as it has to fit in a magazine that fits in a frame that has to fit in a regular-size human hand that is gripping it. In addition, modern pistols are designed to operate within certain limits on chamber pressure.
For longer range, precision shooting, it is desirable to send heavier caliber projectiles at higher velocities without exceeding the standard chamber pressure operational parameters of regular modern pistol frame designs.
Previous cartridge designs attempting to improve longer range ballistics for pistols have used either
a) smaller caliber lighter projectiles such as the 57×28 mm FN, or the 4.6×30 mm HK, which resulted in a much reduced external and terminal ballistic profile due to the unfavorable weight to caliber ratio [sectional density] and the lower kinetic energy retained of the lighter and smaller projectile; or
b) high case volume revolver cartridges with heavy projectiles in specially designed pistols, which rendered the pistols with a lower magazine capacity, a grip size that is too big for regular human hand size and recoil action that is very difficult to control by shooters, and subsequently the inability to shoot accurately.
Therefore, it would be advantageous to remedy the deficiencies inherent in the prior art.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


One embodiment of the present invention provides a universal remote control, which includes a display screen and a user input mechanism. The universal remote control also includes a processing unit that is configured to display information on the display screen and to accept selection data from the user input mechanism. The universal remote control additionally includes a wireless communication mechanism that is configured to provide communications between the processing unit and an appliance or computer program running on a computer system. The appliance provides information to be displayed on the display screen, and information entered through the user input mechanism is communicated to the appliance. Since the appliance provides the information to be displayed on the display screen and also interprets the entries on the input mechanism, the universal remote control needs no special knowledge about the appliance.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to remote controls. More specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus and a method to facilitate a just-in-time universal remote control for controlling multiple appliances.
2. Related Art
Modern appliances typically include a remote control that allows the user to control the functions of the appliance without having to go to the appliance. Remote controls for complex appliances such as home stereo systems or video disk players have myriad buttons and switches to control the many functions of the appliance. While all of these buttons and switches are necessary for complete control of the appliance, users typically use only a small subset of the total controls on the remote control. The controls that are not normally used clutter the remote control and can cause confusion to the user when trying to locate a seldom-used feature.
Users are also confronted with multiple remote controls, one for each remotely controllable appliance in the home, such as a television, a video tape player, a video disk player, a stereo system, and a home device control system. Remote controls from different manufacturers can have widely different user interfaces, which can also lead to user confusion even after selecting the proper remote control device.
Manufacturers have created so-called universal remote controls, which can be trained to mimic several remote controls, and can then control each appliance for which they have been trained. While universal remote controls attempt to address the problem of multiple remote controls, these devices are even more complex to operate, further confusing the user. Additionally, a universal remote control may not be able to duplicate every command sequence designed into a remote control designed for the appliance, and for future appliances.
Hence, users must spend time learning a new remote control or programming an existing universal remote control each time they purchase a new remotely controllable appliance, which detracts from the enjoyment of using the appliance after it is first purchased.
What is needed is an apparatus and a method to provide remote control over multiple appliances without the difficulties described above.

Apparatus and method to facilitate universal remote control


A method and apparatus of operating a CT imaging apparatus having a cone beam radiation source and a 2D detector arrangement, for exactly reconstructing an image of a 3D region of interest (ROI) in an object. Measurement data acquired by the 2D detector is processed to develop sub-sets of Radon data. Each of the sub-sets of Radon data is targeted for reconstructing a corresponding local 2D ROI in a 2D parallel projection of the object. Accordingly, after a sub-set of Radon data is completely developed, it is subjected to a first inversion processing step for developing the corresponding local 2D ROI. Multiple ones of the local ROIs are then grouped together and subjected to a second inversion processing step to develop an image reconstruction of a part of the 3D ROI in the object.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to computed tomographic (CT) imaging using a cone beam radiation source for performing an exact image reconstruction of an object, and more specifically to a method and apparatus for performing image reconstruction by individually processing multiple sub-sets of Radon data. Each of the sub-sets of Radon data is targeted for reconstructing a local 2D region-of-interest (ROI) in a 2D parallel projection of the object, and after multiple local 2D ROI's are reconstructed they are jointly processed for developing a portion of the image reconstruction of the object.
2. Description of the Background Art
Recently a system employing cone beam geometry has been developed for three-dimensional (3D) computed tomographic (CT) imaging that includes a cone beam x-ray source and a 2D area detector. An object to be imaged is scanned, preferably over a 360.degree. angular range and along its entire length, by any one of various methods wherein the position of the area detector is fixed relative to the source, and relative rotational and translational movement between the source and object provides the scanning (irradiation of the object by radiation energy). The cone beam approach for 3D CT has the potential to achieve 3D imaging in both medical and industrial applications with improved speed, as well as improved dose utilization when compared with conventional 3D CT apparatus (i.e., a stack of slices approach obtained using parallel or fan beam x-rays).
As a result of the relative movement of the cone beam source to a plurality of source positions (i.e., "views") along the scan path, the detector acquires a corresponding plurality of sets of cone beam projected measurement data (referred to hereinafter as measurement data), each set of measurement data being representative of x-ray attenuation caused by the object at a respective one of the source positions. After completion of measurement data acquisition, the measurement data is processed for reconstructing a 3D image of the object.
However, before one can perform accurate 3D imaging of the object (or a region of interest in the object), one needs a complete set of measurement data, i.e., one needs to satisfy completeness criteria. Basically, what is required is that planes, referred to hereinafter as "integration planes", that are within the field of view of the radiation source that pass through the object, or 3D region of interest of the object, and also intersect the scan path at one or more locations, develop measurement data that must be processed to accurately perform the image reconstruction. These criteria are well known, and are described in detail, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,383,119 entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ACQUIRING COMPLETE RADON DATA FOR EXACTLY RECONSTRUCTING A THREE-DIMENSIONAL COMPUTERIZED TOMOGRAPHY IMAGE OF A PORTION OF AN OBJECT RADIATED BY A CONE BEAM SOURCE issued on Jan. 17, 1995, hereby incorporated by reference. This patent notes that the acquired sets of measurement data are complete only if they can be processed so as to develop Radon data of sufficient density in a so-called "region of support" (a region which topologically corresponds to the field of view occupied by the region of interest of the object in real space), which can subsequently be processed to reconstruct the object with the desired resolution, and without artifacts. Typically, sufficient Radon data is acquired by exposing the entire object within the field of view to the radiation source.
Sufficient filling of the Radon space by cone beam CT apparatus having various scanning trajectories (paths) and using an area detector which is smaller than the region of interest being imaged, are known for performing an exact image reconstruction. For example, FIG. 1 herein illustrates the scanning technique disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,463,666 entitled HELICAL AND CIRCLE SCAN REGION OF INTEREST COMPUTERIZED TOMOGRAPHY issued Oct. 31, 1995. A region of interest portion 10 (dark shading) of an object 12 can be imaged without blurring or artifact introduction by providing a scan path 14 consisting of a central spiral portion 16 having a circle portion 18.sub.U and 18.sub.L at upper and lower ends, respectively, of the spiral portion which are level with upper and lower boundaries of the region of interest of the object. The switch from a spiral scan path to a circular scan path is necessary in order to obtain complete cone beam data at the upper and lower boundaries of the region of interest without causing blurring caused by imaging portions of the object not within the region of interest, as described in greater detail in the fore-noted U.S. Pat. No. 5,463,666.
Although the above and other techniques have been useful, they require scan paths which have abrupt shifts in movement. Such abrupt shifts in scan movement are undesirable in that they either subject the patient to undesired jostling, or subject the imaging system equipment to extra mechanical stress. It would be desirable to only provide a smoothly changing scan path.
Furthermore, it is noted that compared with the processing required for reconstructing an image when using an x-ray source supplying parallel or fan beams, the processing of the measurement data acquired when using a cone beam source is computationally much more complex. This is because when using a parallel or fan beam source, the measurement data is already directly representative of a 2D Radon transform of a cross-section of the object. However, this is not the case when using a cone beam source, and complex processing of the acquired measurement data is required to develop appropriate Radon transform data. Such processing for exactly reconstructing an image of the object typically, comprises:
1) conversion of the measurement data to Radon derivative data. This may be accomplished using the techniques described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,257,183 entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONVERTING CONE BEAM X-RAY PROJECTION DATA TO PLANAR INTEGRAL AND RECONSTRUCTING A THREE-DIMENSIONAL COMPUTERIZED TOMOGRAPHY (CT) IMAGE OF AN OBJECT issued Oct. 26, 1993, hereby incorporated by reference, PA1 2) conversion of the Radon derivative data to Radon data at polar grid points using, for example, the technique described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,446,776 entitled TOMOGRAPHY WITH GENERATION OF RADON DATA ON POLAR GRID POINTS issued Aug. 8, 1995, also hereby incorporated by reference, and PA1 3) performing an inverse 3D Radon transformation of the Radon data using known techniques, such as those described in detail in the forenoted U.S. Pat. No. 5,257,183 for reconstructing image data that, when applied to a display, provides a view of the 3D CT image of the object.
Although the theory for exactly reconstructing an image using cone beam measurement data is generally known, such as from the US patents noted above, a practical implementation of the processing turns out to be quite problematic. Not only is the amount of measurement data to be processed very large and rapidly acquired in accordance with a timing that is mainly determined by the geometry of the scan path, but, as noted above, the calculations required on the acquired data are quite complex. The most computationally expensive part of the object reconstruction is the calculation of the Radon derivative data (steps 1 and 2 noted above). Typically one needs to calculate about 100.times.10.sup.6 line integral derivatives during object reconstruction. Since each line integral derivative requires the calculation of two single line integrals (because one uses the difference between two closely spaced line integrals to calculate a single line integral derivative) 200.times.10.sup.6 single line integral calculations are required. However, before one can even begin to perform these line integral derivative calculations, one has to compute for each Radon sample which source positions will provide the measurement data that must be processed, and determine the extent of the lines on the measurement data along which the integration must be performed. These latter determinations involve highly nonlinear calculations and are therefore computationally costly and time consuming, undesirably delaying an image reconstruction of the object.
FIG. 2 herein generally illustrates the conventional prior art technique for processing the acquired measurement data for image reconstruction. As shown, sets of measurement data MD.sub.1, MD.sub.2, MD.sub.3 . . . MD.sub.N obtained at corresponding source positions SP.sub.1, SP.sub.2, SP.sub.3 . . . SP.sub.N of the radiation source along scan path 16, are sequentially processed to develop a sufficient amount of Radon data to uniformly fill up a Radon space 200 defined by a spherical coordinate system (r, .theta., .psi.), with sufficient density to allow image reconstruction of object 16 at a desired resolution and without artifacts. The Radon data is developed at a large number of radially arranged polar grid points on a plurality of .psi.-planes 202, by conversion processor 204 operating according to the above steps 1) and 2). As previously noted, the development of the Radon data is not complete until measurement data has been obtained from all the source positions of the scan path, including those that lie on both of the top and bottom circle portions. Only after the Radon data is completely developed is it subjected to inverse transform processing according to the above step 3), via processor 206, and then passed to a display 208 for visualizing the image reconstruction.
The consequence of the above is two-fold, 1) image reconstruction is undesirably delayed until the entire 3D region-of-interest of the object is scanned by the source/detector arrangement, and 2) a very large amount of system memory must be allocated for storage of all of the calculated Radon data, since inversion processing uses the global Radon transform of the entire 3D region-of-interest of the object.
It would be desirable to reduce the time delay before which the user can begin to obtain image reconstruction, and at the same time, reduce the data storage requirements of the imaging system. Furthermore, it would be desirable that these goals be achieved in a practical manner that doesn't significantly increase the complexity or degrade the performance of the exact cone beam image reconstruction.

Practical cone beam image reconstruction using local regions-of-interest


A pneumatically powered pump for liquid color adapted to fit partially within a liquid color container having a body portion of the pump within the liquid color container adapted to be mounted on the underside of the container lid and being a single piece of molded plastic overlying an aperture in the container lid.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to liquid color used to color molded and extruded plastic parts during fabrication thereof, and more particularly relates to diaphragm pumps for pumping liquid color, and even more specifically to diaphragm pumps for pumping liquid color where the pump has a molded pump body and is equipped with a quick release mechanism so that the pump can be quickly removed from a container of liquid color to which the pump is attached, for rapid changeover when the liquid color container is empty, or a change in color is desired.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Pumps for liquid color are known, with one such pump being disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,416,096, with another being disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,980,834, and yet another being disclosed in United States patent application publication 2011/0200464. The disclosures of U.S. Pat. No. 7,416,096, U.S. Pat. No. 7,980,834, and United States patent application publication 2011/0200464 are hereby incorporated by reference.
The '096 patent discloses a container of liquid color material having a diaphragm liquid color pump located in the container for providing liquid color from the container. The diaphragm liquid color pump is located in the container at the container bottom, where the pump can collect liquid color as the container empties. The pump is driven by a pneumatic piston-cylinder combination located outside the container, with a shaft extending downwardly from the pneumatic piston-cylinder combination to the diaphragm pump, to reciprocate the diaphragm back and forth to effectuate pumping action.
The apparatus disclosed in '096 is relatively low in cost. The apparatus includes a liquid-tight fitting allowing the liquid color output from the pump to be supplied directly to a plastics material processing machine, for the liquid color to impart color directly to plastic parts as they are manufactured.
The '834 apparatus provides pressure boosting, permitting liquid color to be injected into an extruder screw or a molding machine screw barrel at a position downstream from the throat, closer to the position at which the finished plastic parts are molded or extruded.
Published application 2011/0200464 discloses a disposable low-cost pump in a container for liquid color, where the pump is fabricated from a plurality of PVC tubular members connected in a way to provide a pumping chamber. A piston is displaceable into the pumping chamber. A spring biases the piston outwardly from the chamber, in opposition to force applied by an air cylinder.
While these devices have merit and have proved commercially successful, there is a continuing need for lower cost, higher reliability apparatus to provide liquid color from liquid color containers to injection and compression molding machines and to extruders, to color plastic parts in the course of manufacture thereof. Moreover, there is a need to regulate flow of liquid color by regulating the pump in order to provide the most accurate flow of liquid color into the molding machine or extruder.
While disposable pumps for liquid color are known in the sense that those pumps can be removed from the liquid color containers and discarded, there is a need for a pump that fits integrally with a liquid color container in a manner to be a part of the container so that the complete assembled pump cannot be removed without compromising the container and leaving an open hole. This is to discourage pump scavenging.
There is a further need in practice, which is somewhat inconsistent with the foregoing, for the relatively high cost portions of the pump to be easily and quickly removable once the container has been emptied, so that those high cost portions of the pump may be used with a new, full container of liquid color, while low cost portions of the pump remain with an empty container to prevent flow of any remaining liquid color out of the container, so that these low cost portions of the pump may be used when the container is refilled, and the pump is reassembled to pump liquid color from the new container.

Injection molded diaphragm pump for liquid color with quick release


The apparatus serves to distribute a random stream of items into several lanes in which the items are transported individually one after the other. The apparatus has a transport device for the items, wherein the transport device has one or more driven conveyor belts and side rails as well as a lane divider. The lane divider has at least one movable divider which divides the stream of transported items. A middle divider can project against the direction of transport and side dividers can be set back staggered. In an embodiment, the lane divider has a frame to which the dividers are attached. The apparatus also has a device for driving the lane divider, so that the at least one divider carries out a back-and-forth movement in the direction of transport and/or transversely to it.

Distribution apparatuses are used in drink bottling plants between the filling device and the packaging station. The drink bottles coming from the filling device are first collected in a buffer. The buffer consists of an area formed from several conveyor belts lying parallel which represents a widened section of the transport device. The bottles are transported from this buffer to the distribution apparatus by banking-up pressure. The distribution of the bottles into individual lanes is necessary, as only in this way can the bottles from the packaging station be received and then fitted into boxes or other packaging with a specific number of bottles in each case.
The problem with distribution apparatuses is that the bottles can become wedged or form bridges and then are no longer taken along by the transport device.
A distribution apparatus is known from U.S. Pat. No. 4,173,276 in which the dividers are fixed at their downstream end and attached at their upstream end to a bracket which spans the transport device and is movable back and forth.
A distribution apparatus is known from EP 1 038 808 in which the random stream of bottles is distributed into four lanes. Three dividers are arranged between the two side rails, the middle one projecting somewhat further forward. The front ends of the dividers are developed as a swivellable flap, moved by a motor. Sensors serve to detect a blockage of the items and when a blockage occurs the flaps are swivelled by the motor.
A similar distribution apparatus is known from DE-C2-39 26 735, the bottles being distributed into eight parallel lanes lying alongside each other. The front ends of the dividers are arranged staggered and the middle divider projects furthest forward. In order to facilitate the entry of the bottles into the lanes the dividers can move transversely to the transport device.
Plastic (PET) bottles, because of their elasticity and the greater friction coefficient of plastic, have a particularly marked tendency to become wedged against one another and thus cause a blockage.
There is a need for an apparatus for the distribution of a random stream of items into individual lanes which largely prevents such blockages, particularly with regard to plastic bottles.

Device for dividing a disorderly flow of cylindrical objects, for example drinks bottles, into several pathways


An oil separating device for separating micron and sub-micron particles of oil from crankcase gases is provided. The oil separating device includes a housing having a first chamber in communication with a second chamber, and a narrow wave-shaped passage disposed between the first chamber and the second chamber. The narrow wave-shaped passage is defined by a first inner wall having a first undulating surface opposite and spaced apart from a second inner wall having a second undulating surface mirroring the first undulating surface. The narrow wave-shaped passage is disposed downstream of the first chamber and above the oil drain so as to allow oil particles in crankcase gases passing from the inlet to the outlet to accumulate on the first and second inner walls and assist gravity in forcing the accumulated oil through the narrow wave-shaped passage into the oil drain.

An internal combustion engine includes a combustion chamber, where a fuel air mixture is burned to cause movement of a set of reciprocating pistons, and a crankcase, which contains the crankshaft driven by the pistons. During operation, it is normal for the engine to experience "blow-by," wherein combusted crankcase gases leak past the piston-cylinder gap from the combustion chamber and into the crankcase. These blow-by or crankcase gases contain moisture, acids and other undesired by-products of the combustion process.
It is normal for crankcase gases to also include a very fine oil mist. The oil mist escapes from the engine to the manifold. The oil mist is then carried from the manifold back into the combustion chamber along with the fuel/air mixture. This results in an increase in oil consumption. Additionally the combustion of the oil mist causes a build up of residuals in the combustion chamber and on pistons which over time decreases engine efficiency. An engine typically includes a Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) system for removing harmful gases from the engine and prevents those gases from being expelled into the atmosphere. Accordingly, it is known to incorporate an oil separating device into a PCV system to remove oil from these crankcase gases. The crankcase gases flow through into localized high velocity areas of the oil separator to promote separation of oil from the gases. The oil is re-introduced back to a sump via a drain device which is located generally at the bottom of the oil separator to allow for gravity to assist the drainage of oil. The sump generally holds excess oil in the system.
Though introducing crankcase gases into a localized high velocity area is sufficient to remove large particles of oil from the crankcase gases, micron and sub-micron particles of oil still remain. Oil separating devices such as Punching and Impactor Plates (PIP), or Cyclone Separators may be used to capture small particles of oil, however these oil separating devices are inefficient at capturing sub-micron oil particles. Furthermore, these devices create a high pressure drop which interferes with the drainage of captured oil. Specifically, the high pressure drop across the device interferes with the force of gravity pulling separated oil particles towards the oil drain. Accordingly, it remains desirable to provide an improved oil separator that is more efficient than conventional oil separator designs in removing micron and sub-micron particles of oil from crankcase gases while at the same time assisting gravity in directing oil towards the oil drain.

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.


Various embodiments of the present invention relate to a method and apparatus for data copy. Specifically, in one embodiment of the present invention there is provided a method for data copy, comprising: obtaining a data source on which data copy is to be executed; determining a size P of a block extent based on which the data source is divided; dividing the data source into at least one data block based on the size P of the block extent; and copying data from the data source to a data target in the basic unit of the at least one data block; wherein the size P of the block extent is an integral multiple of a size R of a read/write unit supported by underlying architecture. In one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for data copy.

With developments of computer hardware and software technology, storage devices such as hard drives are capable of providing a large number of users with an increasingly large data storage capacity, and speed of accessing these storage devices has also significantly improved. During usage of various applications, data copying and data migration are frequently involved, in which copy operation from a data source to a data target are typically performed. Generally as understood by one skilled in the art, data copying (or sometimes also referred to as data copy) refers to retaining data at a data source after completion of copying process, while data migration refers to deleting data at the data source after completion of the copying process.
Currently, data amount involved in various applications is becoming increasingly larger, for example, as large as dozens of gigabytes or even more. The frequency of executing data copy has been showing trends of gradually increasing. For example, database systems of enterprises such as banks might perform data backup regularly based on the decision, such as per day, per hour, or event at higher frequency, so that efficiency of data backup becomes one of the important factors that affect the operating efficiency of computer systems.
Although such technical solutions have been developed as recording the difference between a current version of a to-be-copied data source and its previous backup version by using record element sets such as metadata and bitmap, these technical solutions fail to make sufficient use of various resources as a function of time; and moreover, since the to-be-copied data might be divided into data blocks having improper sizes, occurrences of making copy via a copy buffer and/or occurrences of read/write to hardware devices are increased, and further the efficiency of data copy is lowered.

Method and apparatus for efficient data copying and data migration


A user-friendly programmable thermostat is described that includes a body having a central electronic display surrounded by a ring that can be rotated and pressed inwardly to provide user input in a simple and elegant fashion. The thermostat can be used to graphically display a two-dimensional setpoint plot area that includes a number of setpoint symbols each being positioned according to the time of day and temperature associated with the setpoint. The user can initiate the “birth” of a new setpoint, which includes presenting an animated sequence in which a new setpoint symbol is moved to a position on the plot area associated with the time of day and temperature for the new setpoint.

While substantial effort and attention continues toward the development of newer and more sustainable energy supplies, the conservation of energy by increased energy efficiency remains crucial to the world's energy future. According to an October 2010 report from the U.S. Department of Energy, heating and cooling account for 56% of the energy use in a typical U.S. home, making it the largest energy expense for most homes. Along with improvements in the physical plant associated with home heating and cooling (e.g., improved insulation, higher efficiency furnaces), substantial increases in energy efficiency can be achieved by better control and regulation of home heating and cooling equipment. By activating heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment for judiciously selected time intervals and carefully chosen operating levels, substantial energy can be saved while at the same time keeping the living space suitably comfortable for its occupants.
Historically, however, most known HVAC thermostatic control systems have tended to fall into one of two opposing categories, neither of which is believed be optimal in most practical home environments. In a first category are many simple, non-programmable home thermostats, each typically consisting of a single mechanical or electrical dial for setting a desired temperature and a single HEAT-FAN-OFF-AC switch. While being easy to use for even the most unsophisticated occupant, any energy-saving control activity, such as adjusting the nighttime temperature or turning off all heating/cooling just before departing the home, must be performed manually by the user. As such, substantial energy-saving opportunities are often missed for all but the most vigilant users. Moreover, more advanced energy-saving capabilities are not provided, such as the ability for the thermostat to be programmed for less energy-intensive temperature setpoints ("setback temperatures") during planned intervals of non-occupancy, and for more comfortable temperature setpoints during planned intervals of occupancy.
In a second category, on the other hand, are many programmable thermostats, which have become more prevalent in recent years in view of Energy Star (US) and TCO (Europe) standards, and which have progressed considerably in the number of different settings for an HVAC system that can be individually manipulated. Unfortunately, however, users are often intimidated by a dizzying array of switches and controls laid out in various configurations on the face of the thermostat or behind a panel door on the thermostat, and seldom adjust the manufacturer defaults to optimize their own energy usage. Thus, even though the installed programmable thermostats in a large number of homes are technologically capable of operating the HVAC equipment with energy-saving profiles, it is often the case that only the one-size-fits-all manufacturer default profiles are ever implemented in a large number of homes. Indeed, in an unfortunately large number of cases, a home user may permanently operate the unit in a "temporary" or "hold" mode, manually manipulating the displayed set temperature as if the unit were a simple, non-programmable thermostat.
Proposals have been made for so-called self-programming thermostats, including a proposal for establishing learned setpoints based on patterns of recent manual user setpoint entries as discussed in US20080191045A1, and including a proposal for automatic computation of a setback schedule based on sensed occupancy patterns in the home as discussed in G. Gao and K. Whitehouse, "The Self-Programming Thermostat: Optimizing Setback Schedules Based on Home Occupancy Patterns," Proceedings of the First ACM Workshop on Embedded Sensing Systems for Energy-Efficiency in Buildings, pp. 67-72, Association for Computing Machinery (November 2009). It has been found, however, that crucial and substantial issues arise when it comes to the practical integration of self-programming behaviors into mainstream residential and/or business use, issues that appear unaddressed and unresolved in such self-programming thermostat proposals. By way of example, just as there are many users who are intimidated by dizzying arrays of controls on user-programmable thermostats, there are also many users who would be equally uncomfortable with a thermostat that fails to give the user a sense of control and self-determination over their own comfort, or that otherwise fails to give confidence to the user that their wishes are indeed being properly accepted and carried out at the proper times. At a more general level, because of the fact that human beings must inevitably be involved, there is a tension that arises between (i) the amount of energy-saving sophistication that can be offered by an HVAC control system, and (ii) the extent to which that energy-saving sophistication can be put to practical, everyday use in a large number of homes. Similar issues arise in the context of multi-unit apartment buildings, hotels, retail stores, office buildings, industrial buildings, and more generally any living space or work space having one or more HVAC systems. It has been found that the user interface of a thermostat, which so often seems to be an afterthought in known commercially available products, represents a crucial link in the successful integration of self-programming thermostats into widespread residential and business use, and that even subtle visual and tactile cues can make an large difference in whether those efforts are successful.
Thus, it would be desirable to provide a thermostat having an improved user interface that is simple, intuitive, elegant, and easy to use such that the typical user is able to access many of the energy-saving and comfort-maintaining features, while at the same time not being overwhelmed by the choices presented. It would be further desirable to provide a user interface for a self-programming or learning thermostat that provides a user setup and learning instantiation process that is relatively fast and easy to complete, while at the same time inspiring confidence in the user that their setpoint wishes will be properly respected. It would be still further desirable to provide a user interface for a self-programming or learning thermostat that provides convenient access to the results of the learning algorithms and methods for fast, intuitive alteration of scheduled setpoints including learned setpoints. It would be even further desirable to provide a user interface for a self-programming or learning thermostat that provides insightful feedback and encouragement regarding energy saving behaviors, performance, and/or results associated with the operation of the thermostat. Notably, although one or more of the embodiments described infra is particularly advantageous when incorporated with a self-programming or learning thermostat, it is to be appreciated that their incorporation into non-learning thermostats can be advantageous as well and is within the scope of the present teachings. Other issues arise as would be apparent to one skilled in the art upon reading the present disclosure.

Graphical user interface for setpoint creation and modification


A system for collecting and recovering de-icing fluid that is sprayed onto an aircraft. The de-icing system includes a mat that is assembled onto the approaching ramp of a runway. The de-icing mat has a plurality of channels that collect and direct the de-icing fluid to the outer edges of the mat. The de-icing fluid is removed from the mat by a vacuum system. Coupled to the vacuum system is a filter system that separates the de-icing fluid from other fluids such as oil, water, etc., so that the de-icing fluid can be used again. The mat has a plurality of heating elements that prevent the de-icing fluid from freezing on the mat and provide heat to the underside of the aircraft.

1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a system for collecting and recovering de-icing fluid that is sprayed onto an aircraft.
2. DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART
The formation of ice on the wings of an airplane can reduce the lift and increase the drag by degrading the performance of the airfoil. Additionally, the ice may break away from the wing and be ingested by an engine, possibly causing a failure of the engine and endangering the safety of the passengers of the aircraft. To remove and prevent the build-up of ice on the wings, the skin of the wings can be sprayed with a fluid that has a low freezing point, such as a glycol. In cold climates the wings are typically sprayed at the airport before takeoff. The glycol forms a protective layer on the aircraft. The glycol has a low shear strength and allows the ice to be sheared from the wings.
Most of the glycol that is sprayed onto the wings falls off of the plane and flows into a drainage system which removes the de-icing fluid. An aircraft is typically sprayed with gallons of de-icing fluid that is used only one time. It would be desirable to provide a recovery system that can collect and recycle de-icing fluid sprayed onto an airplane so that the fluid can be reused. Recycling the de-icing fluid would decrease the cost of spraying the aircraft.
Glycol is generally considered a hazardous material that requires special handling and storage. For this reason, aircraft are typically sprayed with de-icing fluid at a remote location. Having to maneuver each airplane to the de-icing area requires valuable time which can disrupt airport scheduling. It would therefore be desirable to provide a portable de-icing fluid recovery system that can store hazardous material and be assembled at a location adjacent to the runway of an airport so that each aircraft can be readily sprayed with de-icing fluid.


A dry type toilet system which includes a toilet bowl, the toilet bowl having a hinged clamping ring adapted for clamping on a rim thereof to hold a poly bag therein in an open status for collecting waste matter discharged from a person sitting on the toilet bowl, permitting used poly bag with collected waste matter to fall out of the toilet bowl through a bottom passage way in the toilet bowl, a crushing and separating unit controlled to crush waste poly bag with collected waste matter and to separate wastewater from solid waste matter, a filter tank adapted to filter waste water delivered from the crushing and separating unit, and a storage unit adapted to collect and dry solid waste matter delivered from the crushing and separating unit.

The present invention relates to toilet systems for collecting and treating waste matter discharged from the users, and more particularly to a dry type toilet system which does not use water to flush waste matter away.
Regular toilet systems commonly use running water to flush waste matter away from the toilet bowl. These toilet systems consume a big amount of water daily, and must be used with a cesspool, so that discharged wastes can be collected and well treated. If waste matter discharged from a toilet system is directly guided to a river, the river will be contaminated.


A financial transaction card includes a substrate and a visual distortion member. The substrate defines an aperture and includes an account identifier. The account identifier links the financial transaction card to at least one of a financial account and a financial record. The visual distortion member is positioned at least partially within the aperture and coupled with the substrate, and the visual distortion member is configured to distort images viewed therethrough. Methods of encouraging purchase and facilitating use of a stored-value card, and other financial transaction card embodiments are also disclosed.

Stored-value cards and other financial transactions cards come in many forms. A gift card, for example, is a type of stored-value card that includes pre-loaded or selectively loaded monetary value. In one example, a consumer buys a gift card having a specified value for presentation as a gift to another person. In another example, a consumer is offered a gift card as an incentive to make a purchase. A gift card, like other stored-value cards, can be "recharged" or "reloaded" at the direction of the bearer. The balance associated with the gift card declines as the gift card is used, encouraging repeat visits to the retailer or other provider issuing the gift card. Additionally, the gift card generally remains in the user's purse or wallet, serving as an advertisement or reminder to revisit the associated retailer. Gift cards and other stored-value cards provide a number of advantages to both the consumer and the retailer.

Financial transaction card with visual effect


A variety of methods, apparatus, and data structures for managing transient and persistent distributed objects are disclosed. Objects for use as object references are described, both for transient and persistent objects. In one aspect of the invention, a data structure that is intended for use as an object reference for a transient object is disclosed having a set of endpoint addresses, an incarnation number, and an object key. These elements serve to uniquely identify and locate the transient object. In another aspect of the invention, an object that is intended for use as an object reference for a persistent object is disclosed having a host computer name, a locator identification, an object key, and a subobject identifier. The first three elements serve as an indirection to the persistent object and the third element is for use by the persistent object. These data structures enable a distributed object operating environment which integrates both transient and persistent objects. A variety of methods utilizing one or more of the elements of the abovementioned object references to provide a system resource efficient interaction between a client requesting service from a server object. One particular method selects the fastest transport mode between the client and the server object. Another specific method teaches reading addressing information directly from local cache memory. If the addressing information is not available in cache memory, the information is first found and then stored in cache memory thereby perpetuating the efficiency of the invention.

The present invention relates to the fields of distributed computing systems, client-server computing and object-oriented programming. More specifically, the present invention teaches methods, apparatus and data structures for managing transient and persistent objects.
Object oriented programming methodologies have received increasing attention over the past several years in response to the growing tendency for software developed using traditional programming methods to be delivered late and over budget. This stems from the fact that traditional programming techniques that emphasize procedural models and "linear" code tend to be difficult to design and maintain in many circumstances. Generally, large programs created using traditional methods are "brittle". That is, even small changes can effect numerous elements of the programming code. Thus, minor changes made to the software in response to user demands can require major redesign and rewriting of the entire program.
Object oriented programming strategies tend to avoid these problems because object methodologies focus on manipulating data rather than procedures; thus providing the programmer with a more intuitive approach to modeling real world problems. In addition objects encapsulate related data and procedures so as to hide that information from the remainder of the program by allowing access to the data and procedures only through the object's interface. Hence changes to the data and or procedures of the object are relatively isolated from the remainder of the program. This provides code that is more easily maintained as compared to code written using traditional methods, as changes to an object's code do not affect the code in the other objects. In addition, the inherent modular nature of objects allows individual objects and interfaces to be reused in different programs. Thus, programmers can develop libraries of "tried and true" objects and interfaces that can be used over and over again in different applications. This increases software reliability while decreasing development time, as reliable programming code may be used repeatedly.
A more recent advance in the field of object oriented methodologies has been the implementation of distributed object operating environments over computers interconnected via a computer network. As used herein, the term "distributed object" or "object" refers to an encapsulated package of code and data that can be manipulated by operations through an interface. Thus, distributed objects will be see.) by those skilled in the art of object oriented programming (OOP) as including the basic properties that define traditional programming objects. However, distributed objects differ from traditional programming objects by the inclusion of two important features. First, distributed objects are multilingual. That is, the interfaces of distributed objects are defined using an interface definition language (IDL) that can be mapped to a variety of different programming languages. One such interface definition language is the Object Management Group's IDL. Second, distributed objects are location-independent, i.e., distributed objects can be located anywhere in a network. This contrasts sharply with traditional programming objects which typically exist only in a single address space which is shared with the their clients.
Distributed objects can be object clients or object servers, depending upon whether they are sending requests to other objects or replying to requests from clients. In a distributed object environment, requests and replies are made through an Object Request Broker (ORB) that is aware of the locations and status of the objects. One architecture which is suitable for implementing such an ORB is provided by the Common Object Request Broker Architecture (CORBA) specification. The CORBA specification was developed by the Object Management Group (OMG) to define the distributed computing environment world in terms of objects in a distributed client-server environment, where server objects are capable of providing services to clients requesting the service. In the following discussion, the terms "object" and "distributed object" will be used interchangeably.
In the field of distributed object environments, there are potentially two predominant kinds of objects, the transient object and the persistent object. Transient objects typically have a short life span and are bound to a single host process. That is, when a host process ceases, all transient objects running under the process also cease. Thus there is no continuity of identity of a transient object from one process to another. Because transient objects are bound to a single process, they inherently cannot change their location. Hence transient objects could also be renamed "immobile" objects, as their addresses never change.
In contrast, persistent objects are not bound to a single process and their location may change over time. Thus persistent objects could be called "mobile" objects, as their addresses may change. With a persistent object, there is continuity of identity from one process to another. However, a persistent object can exist in only one process at a time.
When discussing the transient or persistent nature of an object, what is typically being envisioned is the transient or persistent nature of the object state. As will be well familiar to those skilled in the art, a computer entity such as a process or an object may have two components: executable code and state. Executable code is essentially the instructions by which the entity operates. Thus state is the remaining portion such as data which is not code. The motivation behind different kinds of state, e.g. transient and persistent, is fairly straight forward. Persistent state requires additional system resources such as mass-storage devices and corresponding management resources to ensure persistence, which may or may not be desired. For example, information stored in a database is typically intended for long term storage, and thus persistence is required. In situations such as this it is well worth the extra system resources required to maintain this data.
However, there are a variety of scenarios where persistence is not required and thus the extra system resources required for persistent state are in effect wasted. Any situation where the state is necessary only for a short period and/or if needed later can be easily recreated is a candidate for transient state. A familiar example of this is icons such as formatting and editing buttons in many window based word-processing programs. When implementing buttons such as these, there will be (roughly speaking) code which makes them operate and state which gives them their appearance. This state would include the bit map of the icon. When the word-processing window is closed, the icon disappears and there is no need to maintain the bit map of the different icons. By using transient state, the system can forget about maintaining these bit maps until they are needed again, at which time they can be recreated.
Prior solutions for dealing with transient and/or persistent state fail to provide a framework which effectively enables the integration of transient and persistent objects within a distributed object operating environment. For example, database technology, including object oriented database technology, has generally dealt only with maintaining persistent state. As another example, personal computing systems are designed so that all resources and services start up the same each time by utilizing persistent state. The well known Distributed Computing Environment (DCE) implements only persistent distributed objects, using a 128 bit identifier to manage each individual object. In general, prior technology deals mostly with persistent objects, and if it does deal with transient objects, it tends to focus on only transient objects. What is needed is a framework for efficiently integrating transient and persistent objects under a distributed object operating environment. This will require data structures which will allow for the differences between the two yet still provide an integrated framework. Moreover, effective methods for managing these persistent and transient objects will be required.

Methods, apparatus and data structures for managing objects


A coupling apparatus for adjusting and axially coupling first and second shafts about a feathering axis, comprising a collar having an end face having a plurality of axial notches, an insert having an extended portion and at least one radial pin and a cam ring circumscribing the collar. The collar is securable to a free end of a first. The insert is securable in a free end of a second shaft such that the extended portion extends axially from the second shaft and are receivable in the free end of the first shaft such that the pins engage upon the notches so as to axially couple the first and second shafts. The cam ring includes a plurality of radial flange segments and is rotatable to engage the pins so as to retain the pins in engagement with the notches.

1. Field of Invention
This invention relates to a shaft coupling apparatus, and more particularly, to an apparatus for providing a repositionable paddle assembly for varying the relative pitch angle between oppositely disposed paddle blades.
2. Description of Related Art
The sport or activity of kayaking is rapidly growing in popularity as it provides a source of enjoyment/entertainment, rigorous exercise, and a unique connection with nature. One can analogize kayaking to the sport of cycling inasmuch as each involves individual effort, self-motivation, and self-propulsion.
While kayaking has many similarities to cycling, there is a large disparity in the number of individuals who enjoy each activity. Aside from the obvious need for a body of water, the cost and convenience of kayaking is, perhaps, the largest deterrent to involvement in the sport. Fortunately, recent innovations in kayak and kayak paddle design and manufacture have made kayaking more affordable, easier to handle/maneuver, and less cumbersome to transport.
Consequently, there is a constant evolution in kayak paddle design aimed at making kayaking more enjoyable. For example, Aqua-Bound Technology Ltd., one of the largest manufacturer's of kayak paddles and accessories, were one of the first to introduce gas assist injection molded kayak paddles which made paddles, previously one of the most expensive accessories required, much more affordable.
Other advances in the area of kayak design and construction, to which the present invention is directed, relates to reconfiguring twin-bladed paddle assemblies to vary the pitch angle between opposing blades. Paddle blade assemblies are often constructed with a pair of paddle blades mounted at opposite ends of a central handle. While such paddle assemblies facilitate an ergonomically smooth motion i.e., as a paddler passes each paddle blade through the water to either side of a kayak, the paddle blade which rises above the water can produce significant aerodynamic drag especially in windy conditions. That is, when a paddler passes one paddle blade through the water, the opposing blade can, if disposed at a high angle of attack relative to the freestream airflow, produce significant profile drag. Such drag forces are, it will be appreciated, exacerbated by high wind speeds/gusts commonly produced on the water. To counteract such drag forces, it is typical for paddle assemblies to include a center coupling capable of varying the relative pitch angle of the paddle blades. That is, by disposing the blades at a relative pitch angle of, for example, 60 to 90 degrees, the paddle blade in the free stream airflow can be feathered to an angle close to a zero angle of attack. Furthermore, depending upon the direction of the wind relative to the watercraft, other pitch angles may be desired to minimize drag.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,605,378 to Hamilton discloses a repositionable coupling which employs a spring biased pin disposed in telescoping segments of a paddle assembly. The pin, which is connected to one of the paddle segments, seats within an aperture of the other segment. By depressing the spring biased pin, the paddle assemblies may be rotated until the pin is reset into a second aperture, e.g., disposed 90 degrees apart from the first, to change the relative pitch angle of the paddle blades. While this paddle design addresses the difficulties associated with aerodynamic drag, the repositionable coupling has certain design deficiencies. For example, only a limited number of apertures can be employed without impacting the structural integrity of the paddle assembly. Hence, the relative rotational position of the paddle assemblies is limited to several choices, e.g., +/−90 degrees.
Furthermore, after extended use, the coupling can fail or develop "play" due to fretting wear between the pin and aperture. That is, the aperture can become elongated or oval-shaped over time such that the coupled components become loose and prematurely fail.
Yet other prior art coupling arrangements such as that illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,881,111 to Bridge, et al. employ a combination of spring biased pins and a spline for accepting an elongate key. While this coupling design eliminates the structural deficiencies of the Hamilton '378 patent, i.e., by separating the axial and torsional load paths, this arrangement employs a number of moving parts and/or high tolerance connections. As such salt water corrosion of the spring mechanism as well as debris from sand or salt deposits can jam or otherwise render the coupling inoperable.
A need, therefore, exists for a reliable and secure repositionable coupling which enables greater flexibility in terms of paddle blade positioning.


The invention relates to new esterquats which are obtained by reacting trialkanolamines with a mixture of fatty acids and dicarboxylic acids and quaternizing the resulting esters in known manner, optionally after alkoxylation. Cationic surfactants are obtained which show particularly high ecotoxicological compatibility, provide synthetic and natural fibers with a pleasant feel and, at the same time, reduce electrostatic charging between the filaments.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to new esterquats which are obtained by reacting trialkanolamines with fatty acids and dicarboxylic acids and quaternizing the resulting esters--optionally after alkoxylation--in known manner.
2. Discussion of Related Art
"Esterquats" are generally understood to be quaternized fatty acid triethanolamine ester salts which are broadly suitable both for softening fibers and for conditioning hair. In recent years, these substances have significantly displaced conventional quaternary ammonium compounds, for example distearyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, from the market by virtue of their better ecotoxicological compatibility. Reviews of this subject have been published, for example, by O. Ponsati in C. R. CED-Congress, Barcelona, 1992, page 167, by R. Puchta et al. in Tens. Surf. Det. 30 , 186 (1993), by M. Brock in Tens. Surf. Det. 30, 394 (1993) and by R. Lagerman et al. in J. Am. Oil. Chem. Soc., 71, 97 (1994).
Although known esterquats have very favorable performance properties and show satisfactory biodegradability and high compatibility with the skin, consumers are still demanding improved product properties.
Accordingly, the problem addressed by the present invention was to provide new esterquat types which would be distinguished by further improved ecotoxocological compatibility and which, at the same time, would exhibit favorable conditioning and antistatic behavior.


A method and system for detecting moving objects and controlling a surveillance system includes a processing module adapted to receive image information from at least one imaging sensor. The system performs motion detection analysis upon captured images and controls the camera in a specific manner upon detection of a moving object. The image processing uses the camera's physical orientation to a surveillance area to facilitate mapping images captured by the camera to a reference map of the surveillance area. Using the camera orientation, a moving object's position (e.g., latitude, longitude and altitude) within a scene can be derived.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to image processing. More specifically, the invention relates to a surveillance system for detecting static or moving objects from a static or panning camera.
2. Description of the Related Art
In order to provide security of a specific area, adequate surveillance methods and equipment for conducting such surveillance are necessary. Ordinarily, surveillance systems consists of one or more cameras placed on top of a pole or other location of a desired altitude so as to allow the camera a wide field of view that covers the area under surveillance. The cameras may be fixed or may be mounted on a mechanism that allows the cameras to pan (rotate on an axis to expand the angular field of view) and tilt to adjust the angle of the camera's view. The images provided by the cameras are displayed on a plurality of monitors that are viewed or otherwise attended by one or more system operators or guards. Such a system has a number of inherent flaws. Specifically, these systems cannot automatically detect and subsequently track a moving object in the surveillance area. These tasks are the responsibility of the guard or system operator. The guard or system operator may not be able to focus his attention on each monitor simultaneously; therefore, creating a condition where a moving object in one camera's field of view may not be detected because the operator was attending a different monitor. Another problem is that such systems cannot detect or otherwise process moving images when the camera is moving (i.e., either panning or tilting through different fields of view). Such systems also cannot account for momentary image degradation (i.e., if the camera shakes because of wind or ground vibrations) or if a momentary dropout of the signal transmitted from the camera to the system occurs.
Therefore, there is a need in the art for a system that can automatically detect static or moving objects from a static or panning camera. Furthermore, such a system is capable of reducing or eliminating false motion detection that occurs because of minor changes in the monitored environment or momentary system degradation or breakdown.

Method and system for performing surveillance


A method and appratus for transporting a lead frame on air rails, wherein the lead frame is moved by pressurized air, and an in-line package assembly system using the method and apparatus.

1. Field of the Invention.
The present invention generally relates to a method and apparatus for transporting lead frames, and to an in-line system using the same.
2. Description of the Related Art.
Usually, a semiconductor chip-assembly process begins with a die-bonding process in which an individual chip ("die") separated from a silicon wafer, and having a plurality of integrated circuit elements, is attached to a lead frame. A lead frame is a plate having leads for electrically connecting the chip to external electrical elements, and is made of copper alloys or iron-nickel alloys. It also supports the chip during subsequent steps in the assembly process. The lead frame onto which the chip is attached is electrically coupled to the chip through wires or by directly bonding parts ("inner leads") thereof to metal pads of the chip. Then, the chip semi-assembly is encapsulated to provide protection from environmental effects, such as moisture, dust, and physical and electrical shocks. A thus-obtained package is then subjected to a cutting/forming process to cut and form the leads to adapt the package which includes the chip to being mounted on a circuit board. Each package thus manufactured is then subjected to various electrical and reliability tests, and the packages which pass those tests are supplied to consumers.
As described above, the semiconductor package-assembly process includes many steps, and the capacity of each step is different. Therefore, carrying out continuously the steps as a succession of steps is very difficult. For example, four chips can be attached to die pads of four lead frames in the die-bonding process, while only one chip can be electrically connected to the lead frame in the wire-bonding process during the same period of time. Moreover, for the LOC (Lead On Chip) package assembly process, it approximately 0.8-2.0 seconds are required to bond the chip to the die pad with a polyimide tape by applying heat and pressure thereon, which is about half the time required for the subsequent wire-bonding process. To solve the problems associated with such differences between the required time in each of the steps, and to improve the productivity of the package-assembly process, an integration system called an in-line system has been proposed, in which one die-bonding apparatus is coupled with more than two wire bonding apparatuses. Such in-line system is particularly advantageous for large-scale assembly and production factories, such as memory element production factories.
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an in-line system. The system (40) comprises one die-bonding apparatus (10), four wire-bonding apparatuses (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) and a transport apparatus (30) for transporting the lead frames (16).
Each of a plurality of lead frames in a stocker (not shown) is fed into a working rail (9) by a lead frame separator (1). Lead frames (2) on the rail (9) have lead patterns which are to be electrically connected to the electrical pads of respective chips, these patterns being connected to each other through a side rail, forming a strip. The wafer cassette (5) contains wafers having integrated circuit elements and which have already been subjected to back-lapping, scribing and back-tape-attaching. When a wafer (not shown) is mounted on an xy-table (6), chip separator (7) separates a plurality of individual chips from the wafer. The separated chips are then transported to the die-bonding head (4) by the chip transport module (8). The die pad (not shown) of the lead frame (2) at the rail (9) beneath the bonding head (4) is supplied with dots of an adhesive such as Ag-epoxy. For the case where the chip is directly attached to the lead of the lead frame without a die pad, for example in LOC packages, the dotting of the adhesive is not required.
The bonding head (4) aligns the the lead frame and the chip at an appropriate position, where they will be attached together, and presses them under heat and pressure to bond them together.
The lead frame onto which a chip is attached by die-bonding apparatus (10) is then moved into a prebake chamber (12) where the adhesive is cured at a predetermined temperature and time.
Buffer (14) is composed of a plurality of inlet magazines (18), into which the lead frames are transported after the completion of die-bonding, and stacked, before they are transported to the wire-bonding stage. The reasons that a plurality of magazines are used to feed lead frames into the wire-bonding stage are that, first, even if the die-bonding apparatus (10) does not work, the lead frames can be continuously fed into the wire-bonding stage. Second, when the die-bonding apparatus (10) cannot output sufficient die-bonded lead frames, lead frames that have been die-bonded by a separate, ex-line die-bonding apparatus are fed into buffer (14) in order continuously to carry out wire-bonding. A lead frame (16a) having a chip attached thereto, which is transported to the lead frame-transport module (30) from one of the inlet magazines (18), undergoes wire-bonding by one of four wire-bonding apparatuses (20a through 20d).
Each wire-bonding apparatus (20) is composed of a loader (24), an unloader (26) and a wire-bonding head (22). The wire-bonded lead frame (16) is transported by the transport module (30) to one of the outlet magazines (28), from which the lead frame will be transferred to a subsequent assembly step, such as molding of a capsule of plastic material in protective relation to the chip and its connections to the frame. The outlet magazines (28) have the same structure as that of the inlet magazines (18) of buffer (14).
The control part (15) controls the transport of the lead frames and the overall operation of the system, and comprises a microprocessor. Its initial operational values are determined by the size and shape of the lead frames as well by the structure of the chips.
The lead frame transport module (30) in such an in-line system employs conveyor belts for transporting the lead frames, as shown in FIG. 2A. The lead frame transport module (30) is composed of two rail bodies, including first (50a) and second (50b) rail bodies, which have the same structure as one another. The rail body (50) has a large number of rollers (52), onto which belts (54) are wound. The first rail body (50a) is interconnected to the second rail body (50b) by a connector board (56). The width (W) of the board (56) is adjusted, depending on the width of the lead frame (16) which is to be transported. The power for moving the conveyor belt is supplied by a motor, which is located between the first rail body (50a) and the wire-bonding head (22), although not shown in FIG. 2A. The rotational power of the motor is transferred to the power transfer shaft (57), one end of which is coupled to the power transfer roller (58) of the first rail body, while the other end thereof is coupled to the power transfer roller (58) of the second rail body, thereby making it possible to control the moving speed of the conveyor belts (54) of the first rail body so that it is the same as that of the second rail body. The side rail of the lead frame is disposed in contact with the conveyor belt (54), and moves upon the moving of the conveyor belt (54) powered by the motor.
When the lead frame (16) reaches a certain predetermined position along the rail (50), sensor a (70) detects it and transfers the detected signal to a stop (72). The ""-shaped stop (72) is hidden within a split (74) formed in rail body (50) when the lead frame passes, and is projected outside the split when a signal is received from the sensor (70) to stop the lead frame. The moving lead frame stops when it collides with the stop (72). Since the moving and stopping of the lead frame is controlled by the control part of the in-line system (for example, the controller (15) in FIG. 1), the motor can be controlled to stop the conveyor belt (54) and consequently the lead frame. Nevertheless, in such case, since the lead frame leans toward its traveling direction by the action of inertia, the stop (72) should be employed in order accurately to control the stopping of the lead frame at a proper position.
Detection of the position of the lead frame is required when a lead frame arrives at the loader (24) and the unloader (26) of a certain wire-bonding apparatus among a plurality of wire-bonding apparatus. FIG. 2A shows a state in which the die-bonded lead frame (16a) is moved to the wire-bonding apparatus from the rail (50) by the loader (24) of wire-bonding apparatus, and the wire-bonded lead frame (16c), which is placed on unloader (26), stands ready for return to rail (50).
Since the loader the (24) and unloader (26) have the same structure and operation, only the loader (24) in FIG. 2A will be described. The loader (24) employs a belt for transporting lead frames. Thus, the loader and unloader are each composed of a belt (82), a roller (84) onto which belt is wound, and a motor (80) supplying power to the belt. The belt wound onto the roller, which is on the rail (50), is hidden in the split (74) formed in the rail (50) during the transport of lead frame. When the sensor (70) detects the position of the lead frame and the lead frame stops due to the stop (72), the belt (82), hidden in the split, and the roller (84) are moved upward, above the shaft (83), and the lead frame (16a) is transported to the wire-bonding apparatus, according to movement of the belt (82) of the loader.
The bonding head (22) of the wire-bonding apparatus is composed of a capillary (60), into which gold or aluminum wire (62) is fed, and a trimmer (64) for cutting the wire after the completion of wire-bonding between the leads of the lead frame and the metal pads of the chip. After completion of wire-bonding of each individual chip (66) attached to a lead frame (16b), the lead frame is moved to the unloader (26), where the lead frame is moved to the rail by movement of the belt of the unloader (26).
The above-described lead frame transport module (30) of a conveyor belt-type has problems associated with use of many rollers (52) (for example, 400 rollers) and belts (for example, 16 belts). For example, abrasions of parts thereof due to mechanical friction therebetween. That is to say, as shown in FIG. 2B, an individual roller (52) is composed of a pivotal shaft (53), a bushing (55) and a bearing (51), which will be abraded during rotation of the roller, and, therefore, reach a point where it needs to be replaced. Moreover, dust generated during the abrasions are critical contaminants, which cause significant semiconductor failures. Further, even if only one part is worn out, the whole system should be stopped in order to replace the worn part, resulting in a reduction in productivity, and in an increase in the production cost.
Such problems are not limited to in-line system, but are common to all apparatus employing conveyor belts for transport.
Besides, the conveyor belt-type transport systems also have other problems associated with instability of the transport rails, which will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.
FIGS. 3A and 3B are sectional views showing the transport of the lead frames using a conventional transport having a conveyor belt. In order to simplify the drawings, the sensor, motor and power transferring parts are omitted. As the belt (54) moves in the direction indicated by the arrow, a lead frame (16), which is disposed in contact with the belt through its side rail, moves accordingly. Although FIG. 3B shows wire-bonding of a chip (66) to a lead frame (16) by means of wires (62), if it shows lead frame fed into loader (24 in FIG. 2) of wire-bonding apparatus, the lead frame is just die-bonded.
As described above, since the surface the of belt (54) is not peripheral to the moving direction of the lead frame, and the belt (54) passes through split (74) of the lead frame stop (72) or the loader/unloader of the wire-bonding apparatus, many parts of the belt (54) cannot be contacted with the side rail of lead frame. Further, since each roller (52) is at a different height, and the belt (54) droops due to tension, the lead frame (16) moves on uneven surfaces of belt (54).
In particular, the lead frame (16), passing the vicinity of the split (74) is apt to be curled into the space between the belt (54) and a roller (52), causing a failure, as can be seen from FIG. 4A.
The difference between the moving speeds or heights of the rails (50a, 50b) may cause a reversion of the lead frames (see FIG. 4B), overlapping of two lead frames (see FIG. 4C), or, in the worst case, cause a swerving or derailment of the lead frame from the rail (see FIG. 4D).
Moreover, since the lead frame moves with waves, in the case of a very thin lead frame, for example, a TOSP (Thin Small Outline Package), the sagging of the bonded is so large that they may contact the, chip be or broken during the transport of lead frame (see FIG. 4E). According to the observation of the inventors, a thin lead frame with less than a 6 mil thickness cannot be transported using a conveyor belt-type system.
If LOC (Lead On Chip) packages each having a chip attached to the lower surface of a lead frame are applied to a conveyor belt-type transport system, they may be damaged, due to contact of the chip with the belt, and consequently they cannot be applied to a conveyor belt-type transport system.