A liquid sealed suspension unit includes a first member and a second member which are independent of each other and which are coupled together. A cylindrical rubber mount (43) is fastened to the first member, and the second member is mounted so as to be slidable in an axial direction thereof relative to the cylindrical rubber mount (43). The cylindrical rubber mount (43) has a plurality of rubber layers (46a, 46b, 46c) laminated via a plurality of cylindrical members (45a, 45b, 45c) such that they are different with respect to at least either of (i) thickness in their radial direction and (ii) height in their axial direction. A spring member (57), in the form of at least one spring coil, is interposed between a damper plate member (50) and an inner surface of a vessel (40) at the bottom of the vessel. This construction provides an increased displacement amplitude in the axial direction, and an excellent vibration absorptivity for both a roll and a pitch can be achieved.

FIG. 1 of the drawings attached hereto shows the entire construction of a part whereby a cab is mounted on a dump truck. A dump truck 1 has a frame 2 to which are fastened a pair of brackets 3 and 4 for supporting a floor 6 of a cab 5 via a pair of liquid sealed suspension units 10 and 10. A said liquid sealed suspension unit 10 is effective to prevent vibrations from a road and so forth from being transmitted directly to the said cab 5.
FIG. 2 is a detailed view of a portion .PI. of FIG. 1. To the said bracket 4 there is fastened a casing 11 of the said liquid sealed suspension unit 10 by means of a bolt 12 and a nut 13. The said liquid sealed suspension unit 10 has a guide shaft 14 that is fastened to the said floor 6 by means of a nut (or bolt) 15. Thus, the said cab 5 in a state in which vibrations may be absorbed by means of the said liquid sealed suspension 10 is mounted on the said bracket 4.
As a said liquid sealed suspension unit 10 of this sort which effectuates a vibration absorption requirement there have hitherto be known what are shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.
In what is shown in FIG. 3, the said guide shaft 14 having a bolt 16 is coupled to the said casing 11 via a cylindrical rubber mount 17. The said casing 11 has one end fastened to a vessel 20, that is formed therein with a liquid sealed chamber 29 in which a damping liquid 21 is sealed. The said liquid sealed chamber 29 contains a damper plate member 23 with a rubber stopper 24, which is fastened to the downward end of the said guide shaft 14 by means of a bolt 22. The said damper plate member 23 is formed with a bore 25 whereas the said vessel 20 is formed with an inlet port 26.
The said damping liquid 21 is injected or poured into the said liquid sealed chamber 29 through the inlet port 26 of the said vessel 20, and the bore 25 in the said damper plate member 23 is used to inject or pour the said damping liquid 21 into an upper cavity of the said damper plate member 23.
And, if a vertical (axial) vibratory load is applied to the said guide shaft 14, the said damper plate member 23 acts to agitate the damping liquid 21 so that the vibrations may be damped with a damping force that is then generated.
Also, in what is shown in FIG. 4, a casing 30 is coupled with a guide shaft 31 having a bolt 16 via a cylindrical rubber mount 33 that consists of cylindrical rubber sections of an identical thickness laminated with intervening cylindrical plate members 32. The said guide shaft 31 has a whirl-stop pin 34 that is effective, when the said bolt 16 is fastened, to prevent the said guide shaft 31 itself from being turned. A downward end of the said casing 30 and a stopper plate 36 has fastened thereto a vessel 35 in which a said liquid sealed chamber 29 containing a said damping liquid 21 is formed. The said liquid sealed chamber 29 also contains a said damper plate member 23 fastened to the downward end of the said guide shaft 31 by means of a said bolt 22 as well as the said stopper plate 36. The said damper plate member 23 has a rubber stopper 37 fastened to its upper surface and a foamed elastic body 38 securely sandwiched between its lower surface and a plate 39.
Of the above mentioned constructions which have been adopted in the prior art, what is shown in FIG. 3 has the problem that the said damper plate 23, due to its circular configuration, has only been effective to generate a damping force in its axial direction. However, the said rubber mount 17 which is designed to produce a vibration absorbing action both in its axial and transverse directions has, due to its transverse rubber stiffness that is lower than its vertical rubber stiffness because of its unitary structure with a large thickness, allows vibrations with a complicated orientation to be set free in the transverse direction, and hence a cause to generate a rolling from side to side.
On the other hand, what is shown in FIG. 4 and has been adopted also in the prior art is characterized by a construction in which the said rubber mount 33, due to its laminated structure, has had its transverse spring constant that is higher than that in what is shown in FIG. 3 and its axial spring constant that is reasonably high as well. However, with such a construction, the displacement component attainable in the axial direction, rather than the radial rubber distortion constant related to the rubber durability, remains within the order of .+-.6 mm and cannot be largely taken. Therefore, this has the problem that a vehicle therewith is not comfortable to ride in and its vibration absorptivity is thus poor in spite of the fact that there may not be a roll due to a transverse vibratory component since the transverse spring constant is large (stiffness is high) because of a laminated structure of rubber sections which are of an identical thickness.
The present invention has taken account of the above mentioned problems in the prior art and has for its object to provide a liquid sealed suspension unit whereby a vehicle therewith becomes comfortable to ride in owing to the fact that an increased vibratory amplitude can be taken in the axial direction and the rubber durability that is related to the said increased vibratory amplitude and hence the damping effect can be markedly enhanced, and an excellent vibration absorbing effect as a whole can be obtained owing to the fact that there can be no roll due to vibrations in complicated directions because of both the transverse damping action and the small amplitude vibration absorbing action which can be enhanced.


Systems and methods are provided for regulating network resources to improve data-transmission quality. In one implementation, a method includes searching one or more computer-readable memory locations for prior-session data that matches current-session data. The prior-session data may comprise information describing a prior data-transmission session and the current-session data may comprise information describing a current data-transmission session. Data describing a cause of transmission degradation may be stored in association with the prior data-transmission session. The method may also include identifying, by at least one processor, the cause of transmission degradation in the prior data-transmission session as being a cause of transmission degradation in the current data-transmission session if the prior-session data matches the current-session data. The method may also include initiating correction of the cause of transmission degradation based on the identification.

Communication and data transmission over cloud-based networks has proliferated business and personal activities. Cloud-networking architectures have reduced users' capital and maintenance costs associated with network infrastructures by providing users with centralized computing resources that are shared by the cloud provider's clients. Such resources may include applications, servers, data storage, etc. While more users access the centralized resources and require faster transmission of more data with fewer errors and interruptions, cloud providers compete for customers by attempting to maximize the quality of their clients' user-experiences. When a data-transmission session exhibits problems, such as slow speeds or transmission errors, cloud vendors may take corrective action to prevent or mitigate such problems in the future. Such corrective action may include adjusting or regulating network resources in a manner that will prevent or mitigate the problem. In some cases, however, it may be unclear which network resources to regulate to mitigate a given problem or it may be unclear how to regulate the relevant resource to mitigate a given problem.
Accordingly, methods and systems are needed for regulating network resources to improve data-transmission quality.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Systems and methods for regulating network resources to improve data-transmission quality


A method and apparatus for operating an aircraft. The aircraft is flown. A skin panel is held on a support structure. The support structure has flanges on a number of edges of the support structure, the flanges being substantially orthogonal to the edges. The support structure also has openings into the support structure substantially orthogonal to the flanges. First connecting structures on clips are connected to the flanges and positioned such that an opening in each clip is aligned with one of the openings in the support structure. The skin panel is positioned such that the clips are received in holes in the skin panel. Fasteners are attached to the second connecting structures such that the support structure holds the skin panel.

1. Field
The present disclosure relates generally to aircraft and, in particular, to skin panels for aircraft. Still more particularly, the present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for attaching skin panels to an aircraft.
2. Background
An aircraft is a complex vehicle with many different parts. In manufacturing an aircraft, different components are assembled to form the aircraft. These components include, for example, electrical systems, hydraulics, monuments, engines, landing gear, skin panels, and other components.
The skin or outer surface of an aircraft may be formed in many different ways. For example, skin panels may be attached to a frame for the aircraft. The skin panels may be comprised of various materials and may have different configurations. For example, a skin panel may be a sheet of metal, a sheet of composite material, a honeycomb sandwich panel, or other suitable forms.
Attaching a skin panel to a frame may be performed using fasteners. For example, the skin panel may be placed onto the frame. Holes may then be drilled into the skin panel and frame. Thereafter, fasteners may be installed to connect the skin panel to the frame.
The design of the frame in the use of fasteners to attach skin panels to the frame may be more expensive and difficult to install than desired.
Therefore, it would be desirable to have a method and apparatus that take into account at least some of the issues discussed above, as well as other possible issues.


There is provided a dispensing mechanism for a liquid to be dispensed that does not damage microspherical bodies such as an erythrocyte and a liposome in the liquid to be dispensed when the liquid to be dispensed such as a sample and test liquid is sucked/discharged with a pipette.

In autoanalyzers, a pipette (probe) for dispensing a sample is used for dispensing the sample from a sample tube to a cell.
For the pipette, the inside thereof is filled with a liquid (prime water) such as purified water for the purpose of collecting/dispensing a minute amount of sample with high accuracy. This is because, by sucking/discharging the sample via the liquid, the minute amount of sample can be sucked/discharged with high accuracy.
Conventionally, air and a sample are sequentially sucked into a pipette filled with prime water, and then the sample is discharged to a measuring cell.

Dispensing mechanism, dispensing apparatus and dispensing method for liquid to be dispensed

Abstract: When a liquid to be dispensed of a sample or a test liquid being an object to be measured includes a microspherical body, and the microspherical body is one with such property that it may be damaged when being contacted with a liquid having an osmotic pressure different from that of the liquid in the microspherical body, the damage of the microspherical body is prevented by sequentially sucking a gas, a solution exhibiting an osmotic pressure that does not damage the microspherical body in the liquid to be dispensed and not having a bad effect on the measurement, the gas, and the liquid to be dispensed in a pipette the inside of which is filled with a liquid, because the pipette inside wall is substituted with the solution having an osmotic pressure that does not damage the microspherical body.


The active carrier particles of even size of the polymerization catalyst are prepared so that a melt of a complex composition is provided having the formula (I) EQU MgCl.sub.2 nROH mED (I). in which ROH depicts an aliphatic alcohol, R is a C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl, ED depicts an electron donor, n is 1 to 6 and m is 0 to 1; the melt provided is fed to a nozzle (4); the melt is sprayed from the nozzle (4) to the spraying area (5), in which it is divided into fine melt droplets and possibly partly solidifies; the possibly partly solidified melt particles are transferred to a cooled crystallization area (6), where they crystallize to solid carrier particles; and the solid carrier particles are recovered. The melt mentioned is sprayed through a nozzle (4), which is rotated or which has attached to it a member that rotates and throws melt outwards from the rotating center to the spraying area (5).

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a method for the preparation of solid carrier particles for a polymerization catalyst, in which there is provided a melt of a complex composition having the formula (I) EQU MgCl.sub.2 nROH mED (I)
in which ROH depicts an aliphatic alcohol, R is a C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl, ED depicts an electron donor, n is 1 to 6 and m is 0 to 1; the melt provided is fed to a nozzle; the melt is sprayed from the nozzle to a spraying area in which it is divided into fine melt droplets and solidifies to solid carrier particles; and the solid carrier particles are recovered. The invention also relates to a method in which the olefin polymerization catalyst is provided by bringing the recovered solid carrier particles together with a transition metal compound being catalytically capable of activation, such as titanium tetrachloride, and the use of the olefin polymerization catalyst thus prepared together with a cocatalyst and alternately an external electron donor for the polymerization of olefins.
2. Description of the Related Art
Polymerization catalysts and particularly catalysts of Ziegler-Natta type nowadays typically comprise an inert solid carrier, on which the actual active catalyst component or the mixture or complex formed by the catalytical compounds is layered. The chemical composition of the particles, the structure of the surface, the morphology, the particle size and the particle size distribution of such a carrier are of major significance for the activity of the catalyst and the properties of the polymer to be obtained. With a very active catalyst, namely, polymer can be produced from which thanks to its purity no catalyst residues need to be removed. The surface structure and the morphology of the carrier, on the other hand, affect on the morphology of the polymerization product itself, for it has been noticed that the morphology of the catalyst is repeated in the structure of the polymer (the so-called replica phenomenon). When the aim is a flowing product polymer having the desired morphology and a narrow particle size distribution, which is desirable in view of the objects of use of many of the processing processes, the properties of the carrier should, because of the replica phenomenon, correspond to those of the desired polymer particle.
The catalysts of the above-mentioned type are nowadays often formed of magnesium based carrier substance, which has been treated with a transition metal compound like titanium halide and often also with an electron donor compound. It is also known that a carrier can be brought into a preferred chemical composition having a certain surface structure, a certain morphology, a certain particle size and a certain particle size distribution by letting it crystallize as a complex of one of its crystal solvents.
In the method according to EP publication 65,700 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,421,674 the titanium halide is brought to react with a magnesium chloride catalyst carrier being in the form of micro balls, after which the reaction product particles are recovered by physical means and are mixed together with an organometallic compound. In this method the carrier is prepared by providing a solution, which essentially contains magnesium dichloride dissolved in ethanol and a spray-drying of the solution is carried out by spraying it into a flow of nitrogen gas, the inlet and outlet temperatures of which are high. As a result magnesium dichloride particles of very even size having the form of a ball are obtained. In this method the high temperature evaporates, however, a great deal of the crystallization solvent, whereby porosity is created on the surface of the carrier and its activation capability decreases. This leads to a solid catalyst having a satisfactory particle size distribution, but the activity and mechanical strength of the catalyst is poor due to the porosity.
In the FI-patent application 862459 (Neste Oy) there is disclosed a method for the preparation of a carrier, in which there does not appear any porosity decreasing the activity and the mechanical strength.
In the method the carrier complex formed by the carrier and the crystal solvent is melted to a clear liquid. When the liquid is conducted through the nozzle and the spraying space into the crystallizing space cooled with cold nitrogen gas the carrier complex crystallizes to small particles having a spherical form which are very flowing and loose. Furthermore, the carrier complex crystallizes without considerable evaporation of the crystal solvent. Hereby a nacreous non-porous surface is obtained, which is particularly well suitable for the preparation of an active catalyst. When such a preactivated carrier is brought into contact with a titanium compound, abundantly of catalytically active complexes between the MgCl.sub.2 and the titanium compound, are formed onto the surface of the carrier, when the crystal solvent leaves.
The above-mentioned Finnish method has in result easily activating carrier compounds and complexes. A drawback of this so-called spray-crystallizing method is, however, that the droplets formed are not of fully equal size and that they are partly agglomerated. Although, as to their surface structure, more useful carrier particles are obtained by this method than e.g. by spray-drying, the problem thus is that an unsatisfactory particle size distribution is formed and that the particles are partly agglomerated.

Method for preparing active carrier particles of equal size for a polymerization catalyst


A removable bass drum head cover with a printed display is provided. The drum head cover may be releasably attachable to a bass drum head. In certain embodiments, the drum head cover may be releasably attachable to the bass drum head cover by a hook and loop fastener. Therefore, drummers may easily interchange the designs, artwork, and band names displayed on their bass drum heads.

The present invention relates to a bass drum head cover and, more particularly, to a custom printed removable bass drum head cover.
A drummer is a musician who plays drums, which includes a drum kit ("drum set" or "trap set", including but not limited to cymbals) and accessory based hardware which includes an assortment of pedals and standing support mechanisms, marching percussion, and/or any musical instrument that is struck within the context of a wide assortment of musical genres. To promote a band, it is common for drummers to place band logos or names on the bass drum. To do this, drummers having to invest in an expensive permanent application to display band logos, artwork or advertising on their bass drum heads. This may be inconvenient if the drummer is part of multiple bands, or multiple bands are sharing the same drum set on tour.
As can be seen, there is a need for removable designs that are attachable to bass drum heads.

Custom printed removable bass drum head cover


Backbone-substituted 1,4,7,10-tetraaza cyclododecane-N,N′,N″,N′″-tetraacetic acid compounds, metal complexes thereof, compositions thereof, conjugates thereof, and methods of use in diagnostic imaging and treatment of a cellular disorder.

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have been employed as targeting biomolecules for the delivery of radionuclides into tumor cells in radioimmunotherapy (RIT). Numerous clinical trials have been performed to validate this modality of cancer therapy (see, for example, Parker et al., Pure Appl. Chem., 63, 427-463 (1991); Chakrabarti et al., J. Nuc. Med., 3.7, 1384-1388 (1996); Sharkey et al., Cancer Res., 48, 3270-3275 (1988); Sharkey et al., Cancer Res., 48, 3270-3275 (1988); and Lee et al., Cancer Res., 50, 4546-4551 (1990)). Several useful β−-emitting radionuclides, including 131I, 90Y, 177Lu, 153Sm, 213Bi, 212Bi, 212Pb and 225Ac, have been employed for labeling mAbs for RIT applications (Denardo et al., Cancer, 73, 1012-1022 (1994); Scott et al., Cancer, 73, 993-998 (1994); Schlom et al., Cancer Res., 51, 2889-96 (1991)).
While one critical variable that influences the effectiveness of RIT is the choice of the radionuclide and its associated emission characteristics, an equally important aspect is the choice of the chemical means by which the radionuclide is bound to the protein. For RIT applications, 90Y or 177Lu must be linked as the metal complex to a monoclonal antibody (mAb) or immunoprotein via a suitable bifunctional chelating agent, wherein that complex must be adequately thermodynamically and kinetically stable to minimize release of the isotope in order to minimize toxicity in vivo (Gansow et al., Nucl. Med Biol., 18, 369-381 (1991)).
The pure β−-emitting radionuclide 90Y (Emax=2.28 MeV; t1/2=64.1 h) has been extensively studied in RIT due to its physical properties (see, for example, Martell et al., Critical Stability Constants, Vol. 1: Amino Acids. Plenum Press: New York, 1974; pp. 281-284; Wessels et al., Med Phys., 11, 638-645 (1984); Chinol et al., J. Nucl. Med., 28, 1465-1470 (1987); and Mausner et al., Med Phys., 20, 503-509 (1993)). The macrocyclic chelating agent 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-N,N′,N″,N′″-tetraacetic acid ("DOTA")
is well-known to be an effective chelator of Y(III) and lanthanides. Numerous bifunctional analogs of DOTA suitable for protein conjugation have been reported in the literature (Szilágyi et al., Inorg. Chim. Acta., 298, 226-234 (2000); Kodama et al., Inorg. Chem., 30, 1270-1273 (1991); Kasprzyk et al., Inorg Chem., 21, 3349-3352 (1982); Cox et al., J. Chem. Soc. Perkin Trans. 1, 2567-2576 (1990); Kline et al., Bioconjugate Chem., 2, 26-31 (1991); and McCall et al., Bioconjugate Chem., 1, 222-226 (1991)).
However, the formation kinetics associated with the DOTA chelating agent also has been found to be less than optimal, requiring either lengthy radiolabeling protocols and/or the use of elevated temperatures to achieve acceptable yields and specific activities. (Ruegg et al., Cancer Res., 50, 4221-4226 (1990); Lewis et al., Bioconjugate Chem. 5, 565-576 (1994)) Alternate approaches for using DOTA have resulted in the development of numerous derivatives wherein modifications of the DOTA framework have been explored to address this deficiency. This has been pursued by either the addition of external chelating moieties (Takenouchi et al., J. Org. Chem., 58, 6895-6899 (1993)), conversion of one of the carboxylates to an amide for conjugation purposes (Lewis et al., Bioconjugate Chem., 5, 565-576 (1994); Lewis et al., Bioconjugate Chem., 12, 320-324 (2001); and Peterson et al., Bioconjugate Chem., 10, 316-320 (1999)), or altering the carbon chain length of the carboxylate (Keire et al., Inorg Chem., 40, 4310-4318 (2001)). While all of these investigations have met with varying levels of success with actual use, resolution of inherently slow formation kinetics and radiolabeling inefficiency remains.
For example, several bifunctional derivatives of DOTA have been synthesized for radiolabeling proteins, including 2-(p-isothiocyanatobenzyl)-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid (C-DOTA), and 1,4,7,10-tetraaza-N-(1-carboxy-3-(4-nitrophenyl)propyl)-N′,N″,N′″-tris(acetic acid) cyclododecane (PA-DOTA)

One aspect that all of these previously reported derivatives have in common is that the tetraaza ring was retained without any modification. There have been numerous detailed studies of the mechanism of metal ion complex formation with DOTA, as well as with amido and phosphorus analogues (Forsberg et al., Inorg. Chem., 34, 3705-3715 (1995); and Howard et al., Chem. Commun., 1381-1382 (1998)). These studies generally propose a two-step mechanism of electrostatic capture of the metal, followed by encapsulation, during which there is deprotonation of the amines and an associated energy cost due to arrangement of the carboxylates in the proper geometries for metal binding (Howard et al. (1998), supra). One aspect of this process also includes arranging the 12-membered ring into the proper spatial geometry, a process that also has an associated energy cost. The final geometry of the lanthanide DOTA complexes has been well reported (Forsberg et al., (1995), supra; and Howard et al. (1998), supra). Forsberg and co-workers have reported on the preferential ring geometry of these complexes via modeling the tetra-amido DOTA complexes (Forsberg et al., (1995), supra).
The value of having a ligand conjugate to chelate metal ions for therapeutic, diagnostic, or other uses is of commercial importance. This commercial importance is due to the fact that many metal ions have desirable characteristics for these various uses, but the delivery systems for the metal ions lack specificity to target cells or do not adequately bind the metal ions.
Therefore, there is still a need for compounds that possess complex stability comparable to that of DOTA and increased stability in vitro and in vivo. The invention provides such compounds, complexes and compositions thereof and methods related thereto. These and other objects and advantages, as well as additional inventive features, will be apparent from the description of the invention provided herein.

Backbone-substituted bifunctional DOTA ligands, complexes and compositions thereof, and methods of using same

The United States of America, represented by the Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services


Catalysts for preparing ethylene by conversion of methane or purified natural gas and preparation thereof, and process for preparation of ethylene by direct conversion of methane or purified natural gas using said catalysts. The catalysts have the formula I as follows: EQU Ma,Pc/S (I). wherein, M is a compound selected from the group consisting of RuCl.sub.2 (PPh.sub.3).sub.3, RuCl.sub.2 (CO).sub.2 (PPh.sub.3).sub.2, Ru.sub.3 (CO).sub.12, RhCl(CO)(PPh.sub.3).sub.2, IrCl(CO)PPh.sub.3).sub.3, Pd(PPh.sub.3).sub.4, Pt(PPh.sub.3).sub.4 and RuCl.sub.3.xH.sub.2 O, S is an inorganic carrier selected from the group consisting of .alpha.-Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, .gamma.-Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, SiO.sub.2, SiO.sub.2 -Al.sub.2 O.sub.3,Y-zeolite, MgO and TiO.sub.2, and P is a phosphorus compound promoter selected from the group consisting of PPh.sub.3, P(OCH.sub.3).sub.3, P(OC.sub.2 H.sub.5).sub.3, and P(O)(OC.sub.2 H.sub.5).sub.3 ; wherein a is the amount of metal in the catalyst, ranging from 0.25 to 5 wt % of the catalyst and c is the amount of promoter in the catalyst, ranging from 1.0 to 20.0 wt % of the catalyst.

There are very few processes known in the art which use a catalyst to produce ethylene by direct conversion of methane; moreover, what is known is in a different technical field from the present invention. In conventional processes, large amounts of by-product such as carbon dioxide are produced, separation and removal thereof is difficult and environmental pollution is likely to be caused. Also, synthesis of hydrocarbon(s) by conventional dehydrogenation is conducted at relatively high temperatures, i.e., about 1500 to 1550.degree. C. via thermal or electric cracking reactions which require a high energy supply, expensive high temperature equipment (plan), as well as running at an enormous loss of thermal energy, which is costly, such as severe corrosion of the reactor.
Various patents which describe synthesis of hydrocarbon(s) by oxidative coupling or dehydrogenation reactions, include U.S. Pat. Nos. 5066629, 5068486 and 5118654, Canadian Patent No. 2016675 and Japanese Patent Nos. 04352730, 04368342.

Catalysts for converting methane or purified natural gas, preparation thereof, and process for preparation of ethylene using the catalysts

Korean Research Institute of Chemical Technology


A method for planning a task based on a graphical representation of time is provided. The method includes (i) displaying at a display unit a first graphical representation of time at a first magnification level, (ii) processing a first input including a gesture on the first graphical representation of time, and (iii) displaying, at the display unit, a second graphical representation of time of a different shape at a second magnification level based on the gesture, (iv) processing a second input including a gesture on the second graphical representation of time to select a third duration from the second graphical representation of time, (v) processing a third input including content associated with the task, and (vi) generating the task associated with the third duration. The first graphical representation of time represents a first duration, and the second graphical representation of time represents a second duration.

Technical Field
The embodiments herein generally relate to a system and method for planning tasks in a less time and in an intuitive manner, and more particularly to a system and method for planning tasks based on a graphical representation of time.
Description of the Related Art
Planning and organizing tasks helps users to achieve their goals. Typically, there are applications that allow the users to plan tasks and facilitate note-taking and setting reminders. In these applications, the user has to provide a lot of input data. For instance, when the user intends to plan a task (e.g., meeting), the user has to provide input data such as the time the meeting starts, the time the meeting ends, the people to meet, the location of the meeting, etc. Hence, the user may find it difficult and inefficient to plan tasks that can be completed in few minutes or seconds (known as micro-tasks), since planning itself takes a time which is more or less equal to completion of the tasks. Hence, the user may not think off planning small tasks at all.
Further, the user may find it tedious to provide the information for planning, since he/she has to type that information. Also, typical applications treat planning of macro-tasks (e.g., that require hours for completion) and micro-tasks at a same level. An approach associated with planning macro-tasks may not be suited for micro-tasks. Existing applications are not user friendly, because the user has to still provide a lot of information for planning a task with such applications. Accordingly there remains a need for a tool that can assist the user in planning, note-taking, and setting reminders irrespective of task size without having to spend much time.

System and method for planning tasks based on a graphical representation of time


2D images are registered with 3D volume data. In order to provide 2D/3D registration with a facilitated workflow 3D volume data (112) of an object, having a frame of reference is received. A transformation plane (116) is defined in relation to the 3D volume data. A 2D image of the object with an image plane is received. The transformation plane is projected on the image plane. The frame of reference is aligned with the 2D image. At least one alignment interaction value (128) is projected (130) on the transformation plane to determine (134) at least one transformed interaction value (132). The frame of reference is translated with the at least one transformed interaction value.

A combination of a 2D image with three-dimensional volume data is helpful, for example, during medical examination and intervention procedures. As an example, a combination of 2D and 3D data, wherein the two are registered to each other, allows the combination of a live image in form of the 2D image, added by additional visual information in form of the 3D image data. The registration of the 2D image to the 3D image data is necessary in order to allow a visual combination. Registration can be provided, for example, by two 2D images taken at different projections. These can then be used for a manual registration in an iterative multi-step procedure. WO 2008/120136 A1 describes a machine-based registration of a 3D volume data and a 2D image data. As a further possibility, a peri-interventional 3D scan, i.e. peri-interventional three-dimensional image data, can be acquired for the image-based registration. However, it has been shown that registration modes are either cumbersome, and time-consuming for the user, or have a limited range of use due to technical restrictions.


A method for fabricating integrated capacitors, of particular utility in forming a ferroelectric capacitor array for a ferroelectric memory integrated circuits, begins with provision of a substrate. The substrate is typically a partially-processed CMOS integrated circuit wafer coated with an adhesion layer. Upon the substrate is deposited a bottom electrode layer, typically of noble metal, a dielectric layer, typically doped PZT, and a top electrode layer, typically a noble metal oxide. Next is deposited a hardmask layer of strontium ruthenium oxide, followed by a photoresist layer. The photoresist layer is aligned, exposed, developed, and cured as known in the art of integrated circuit photolithography. The resulting stack is then dry etched to remove undesired portions of the hardmask layer, the top electrode layer, and the dielectric layer. A principle advantage of the process is that a single photomasking operation is sufficient to define the top electrode and dielectric layers.

The invention relates to the field of fabricating integrated capacitors. In particular it relates to structure of, and methods for fabrication of, integrated capacitors as used in ferroelectric memory integrated circuits. The invention relates in particular to deposition, masking, and etching, of the dielectric and electrode layers of ferroelectric capacitors in ferroelectric memory integrated circuits.
Standard Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) and Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) devices are considered volatile memory devices because data stored therein is lost when power is lost. Nonvolatile memory devices are those that can retain data despite loss of power.
At present, there is a strong market for EEPROM (Electrically Erasable, Programmable Read Only Memory), and Flash EEPROM nonvolatile memory devices. These devices tend to be slow to write, often having write times on the order of milliseconds, while read times range generally between one nanosecond and one microsecond. The great difference between read and write times, together with the block-erase character of Flash EEPROM, complicates design of some systems. CMOS SRAM or DRAM with battery backup power for data retention can provide symmetrical, fast, read and write times in nonvolatile memory but is expensive, requires presence of a battery, and limits system life or requires eventual battery replacement.
It is known that Ferroelectric Random Access Memory (FRAM) is a nonvolatile memory technology having potential for both read and write times below one microsecond. FRAM nonvolatile memory devices based on Lead Zirconium Titanate (PZT) ferroelectric storage capacitors as memory elements integrated with CMOS addressing, selection, and control logic are known in the art and are commercially available. PLZT is a Lanthanum-doped form of PZT wherein some of the lead is replaced with Lanthanum, for purposes of this patent the term PZT includes PLZT. It is known that PZT may additionally be doped with strontium and calcium to improve its ferroelectric dielectric properties. Ferroelectric storage capacitors having a strontium bismuth tantalate (SBT) dielectric are also known in the art. For purposes of this patent the term Ferroelectric Dielectric includes both PZT and SBT materials.
It is expected that FRAM devices having smaller device geometries and smaller ferroelectric storage capacitors than currently available devices will offer greater speed and storage density at lower cost. Producing such FRAM devices requires production of well-defined, uniform, high quality, ferroelectric storage capacitors integrated with CMOS addressing and control logic.
Ferroelectric storage capacitors of FRAM devices have a bottom electrode interfacing with a ferroelectric layer, often PZT or SBT, that serves as the ferroelectric dielectric. The ferroelectric layer is typically deposited on top of the bottom electrode, and a top electrode is deposited on top of the ferroelectric layer. These layers are masked and etched to define the size and location of each capacitor. A passivation layer is formed over the resulting capacitors. This layer is masked and etched to allow connection of each capacitor to other components of each memory cell and to other components, such as CMOS addressing, selection, and control logic of the integrated circuit.
A prior process for fabricating an array of ferroelectric storage capacitors is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,090,443, (the ""443 patent) entitled xe2x80x9cMulti-Layer approach for optimizing Ferroelectric Film Performancexe2x80x9d and assigned to Ramtron International Corporation, Colorado Springs, Colo., the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. This process involves the following steps all performed after deposition of an adhesion layer onto a substrate, the substrate may be a partially processed CMOS integrated circuit wafer:
Deposition of a metallic bottom electrode layer.
Deposition of a PZT layer.
Annealing the deposited PZT.
Depositing a top electrode layer.
Once these layers are deposited, they must be patterned to form an array through at least one masking and etching sequence. Each masking and etching sequence requires deposition of a photoresist over the array of partially processed capacitors, aligning the array with a photomask, exposing, developing, and curing the photoresist, and etching to remove undesired portions of the layers. The etching is controlled by remaining cured photoresist. Etching is typically performed with dry etch techniques, such as plasma etching or ion milling.
It is known that typical dry etch techniques as commonly used in processing capacitor arrays cause damage to the cured photoresist used to control etching. This damage may result in undercutting at edges of resist opening. As cured photoresist layers are eaten away, this damage may also result in undesired etching of those portions of the layers that should remain to form the array.
Typically, fabricating such a capacitor array is performed through a sequence of two or more masking and etching sequences because excessive damage to the photoresist occurs before the undesired portions of the layers are adequately removed. It is known, however, that repeated masking and etching sequences are expensive and can result in undesirable edge profiles of remaining portions as a result of misalignment. The undesirable edge profiles may necessitate greater spacing between capacitor array elements than may be otherwise possible. In particular, it is repeated photomasking operations that drive up cost.
It is also known that exposure of photoresist to dry etch causes release of an assortment of chemical compounds that contain carbon and hydrogen. It is also known that excessive exposure of ferroelectric dielectrics, such as PZT, to these compounds, including hydrogen, can induce undesirable properties in the dielectrics. For this patent, induction of undesirable properties by these compounds is known as photoresist byproduct poisoning of the dielectric. It is therefore desirable to protect the dielectric layer from these chemical compounds during the etching process.
A hardmask is a layer of resistant material that is patterned with photolithographic techniques as known in the art and used to control circuit processing. The resistant material is a material that is more stable than cured photoresist under at least some conditions, these conditions may include etching, diffusing, or oxidizing conditions. Hardmask layers are occasionally used in the processing of integrated circuits; although they are typically formed of nonconductive material. For example, standard CMOS processing uses a nonconductive silicon nitride hardmask layer to protect future diffused areas during field oxidation. U.S. Pat. No. 5,936,306 describes a process utilizing a titanium silicide layer as a conductive hard mask for controlling wet etch of titanium nitride. U.S. Pat. No. 5,998,258 discloses a process for forming capacitors having a barium strontium titanate dielectric wherein a hardmask layer of titanium or tantalum nitride is used to pattern a top electrode. U.S. Pat. No. 5,998,258 also suggests, in column 4, using a hardmask layer in fabrication of capacitors having PZT ferroelectric dielectric and metallic top electrode.
Strontium ruthenium oxide, SrRuO3 (SRO) is known to be a conductive metal oxide that has interesting magnetic properties. J. C. Jiang, X. Q. Pan and C. L. Chen discuss deposition of SRO films by laser ablation in an article entitled: xe2x80x9cMicrostructure of Epitaxial SrRuO3 Thin Films on (001) SrTiO3xe2x80x9d.
This process involves the following steps all performed after deposition of an adhesion layer onto a substrate, the substrate may be a partially processed CMOS integrated circuit wafer:
Deposition of a metallic bottom electrode layer.
Deposition of a PZT dielectric layer.
Annealing the deposited dielectric.
Depositing a top electrode layer.
Depositing a strontium ruthenium oxide (SRO) hardmask layer over the top electrode layer.
Depositing, exposing, developing, and curing a photoresist layer over the SRO layer.
Dry etching of the SRO and top electrode layers, while destroying the photoresist layer.
Dry etching of the dielectric as defined by openings etched in the SRO and top electrode layers.
Depositing of a passivation and/or encapsulation layer.
Once these steps are performed, processing of the ferroelectric memory integrated circuit and its capacitor array continues as known in the art. Further processing includes: masking and etching of undesired bottom electrode portions, masking and etching of vias in the passivation layer to allow contact to electrodes of the capacitors array, as well as deposition, masking, and etching of circuit metalization and insulator layers.
The great advantage of the process is that depositing, masking, exposing, and curing of only one photoresist layer is required to define areas of the top electrode and ferroelectric dielectric layers.
A secondary advantage of the present process is that photoresist byproduct poisoning of the dielectric is prevented because the photoresist layer is removed before the PZT dielectric is exposed to etching plasma.
Since the process of the present invention can result in removal of the photoresist layer before the dielectric is exposed, less photoresist byproduct poisoning occurs than with standard processing. Further, it becomes possible to define the top electrode and ferroelectric dielectric layers of the capacitor array with a single masking and etching sequence, thereby reducing costs.
The foregoing and other features, utilities and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of a preferred embodiment of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

Structure for masking integrated capacitors of particular utility for ferroelectric memory integrated circuits


Loading an operating system of a diskless compute node using a single Virtual Protocol Interconnect (VPI) adapter, including: setting, by a VPI firmware module during startup of the compute node, an operational mode of the VPI adapter to operate in accordance with a first data communications protocol, the VPI adapter including a preboot execution environment module that supports the first data communications protocol prior to loading an operating system and a driver for the first data communications protocol; retrieving, by the VPI firmware module from a network source via the VPI adapter in accordance with the first data communications protocol, the operating system and a driver for the second data communications protocol; and responsive to loading the operating system and the driver for the second data communications protocol, switching the operational mode of the VPI adapter to operate in accordance with the second data communications protocol.

1. Field of the Invention
The field of the invention is data processing, or, more specifically, methods, apparatus, and products for loading an operating system of a diskless compute node using a single Virtual Protocol Interconnect ('VPI') adapter.
2. Description of Related Art
Modern computing systems can include many compute nodes that operate independently of each other. One example of such a computing system is a blade center that includes a large number of blade servers. It can be desirable to reduce the hardware resources in each compute node, as hardware resources can be expensive and space-consuming.

Loading an operating system of a diskless compute node using a single virtual protocol interconnect (‘VPI’) adapter

Lenovo Enterprise Solutions (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.


A distinct cultivar of Petunia plant named xe2x80x98Kirimaji Double Pink Veinxe2x80x99, characterized by its cascading and prostrate plant habit; freely branching growth habit; early flowering habit; light purple-colored semi-double flowers with red purple-colored venation; and good weather tolerance.

Petuniaxc3x97hybrida cultivar Kirimaji Double Pink Vein.
The present Invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of Petunia plant, botanically known as Petuniaxc3x97hybrida, and hereinafter referred to by the name xe2x80x98Kirimaji Double Pink Veinxe2x80x99.
The new Petunia is a product of a planned breeding program conducted by the Inventors in Tochigi, Japan. The objective of the breeding program is to create new double Petunia cultivars that have stronger growth and attractive flower coloration.
The new Petunia originated from a cross-pollination made by the Inventors in March, 1999, in Tochigi, Japan, of an unnamed proprietary Petunia selection, not patented, as the female, or seed, parent with the Petunia cultivar Sonata Pure White, not patented, as the male, or pollen, parent. The new Petunia was discovered and selected by the Inventors as a single flowering plant within the progeny of the stated cross-pollination grown in a controlled environment in Tochigi, Japan, in July, 2000. The selection of this plant was based on its strong plant growth habit and attractive flower coloration.
Asexual reproduction of the new cultivar by terminal cuttings taken in a controlled environment in Tochigi, Japan, since July, 2000, has shown that the unique features of this new Petunia are stable and reproduced true to type in successive generations.
Plants of the cultivar Kirimaji Double Pink Vein have not been observed under all possible environmental conditions. The phenotype may vary somewhat with variations in environment such as temperature and light intensity without, however, any variance in genotype.
The following traits have been repeatedly observed and are determined to be the unique characteristics of xe2x80x98Kirimaji Double Pink Veinxe2x80x99. These characteristics in combination distinguish xe2x80x98Kirimaji Double Pink Veinxe2x80x99 as a new and distinct cultivar of Petunia:
1. Cascading and prostrate plant habit.
2. Freely branching growth habit.
3. Early flowering habit.
4. Light purple-colored semi-double flowers with red purple-colored venation.
5. Good weather tolerance; tolerant to wind, rain, and low and high temperatures.
Plants of the new Petunia can be compared to plants of the female parent, an unnamed proprietary Petunia selection. In side-by-side comparisons conducted by the Inventors in Tochigi, Japan, plants of the new Petunia differed from plants of the female parent primarily in flower form and color as plants of the female parent had white-colored single flowers.
Plants of the new Petunia can be compared to plants of the male parent, the cultivar Sonata Pure White. In side-by-side comparisons conducted by the Inventors in Tochigi, Japan, plants of the new Petunia differed from plants of the cultivar Sonata Pure White in the following characteristics:
1. Plants of the new Petunia were more prostrate and not as upright as plants of the cultivar Sonata Pure White.
2. Plants of the new Petunia had slightly smaller flowers than plants of the cultivar Sonata Pure White.
3. Plants of the new Petunia had light purple-colored flowers with red purple-colored venation whereas plants of the cultivar Sonata Pure White had white-colored flowers.
Plants of the new cultivar can be compared to plants of the cultivar Doubloon Pink Star, not patented. In side-by-side comparisons conducted by the Inventors in Tochigi, Japan, plants of the new Petunia differed from plants of the cultivar Doubloon Pink Star in the following characteristics:
1. Plants of the new Petunia had slightly smaller flowers than plants of the cultivar Doubloon Pink Star.
2. Plants of the new Petunia had light purple-colored flowers with red purple-colored venation whereas plants of the cultivar Doubloon Pink Star had light pink-colored flowers with dark purple-colored venation.


A multiple gear transmission for a bicycle with an input shaft and an output shaft supported in a transmission housing, whereby the input shaft is embodied to receive pedal cranks and both ends of the input shaft protrude from the transmission housing. One of the ends of the output shaft protrudes from the transmission housing and the output shaft is embodied at this end to receive a drive sprocket. At least one intermediate shaft is supported in the transmission housing parallel between the input shaft and the output shaft. Respectively, at least two gear wheels are arranged on the input shaft, the at least one intermediate shaft and the output shaft. The gear wheels arranged on at least two of the shafts can be connected in a torque-proof manner to the respective shaft via clutch mechanism. All the gear wheels are permanently meshed with another gear wheel.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a multiple gear transmission for a bicycle with an input shaft and an output shaft supported in a transmission housing, whereby the input shaft is embodied to receive pedal cranks and both ends of the input shaft protrude from the transmission housing, and one of the ends of the output shaft protrudes from the transmission housing and the output shaft is embodied at this end to receive a drive sprocket.
2. Discussion of Background Information
A transmission of this type is known, e.g., from U.S. Pat. No. 5,553,510. Gear wheels are arranged on both shafts, which gear wheels can be respectively connected to the respective shaft in a torque-proof manner via a freewheel. Pivotable connector sprockets are provided for shifting the transmission, which sprockets can mesh respectively with two gear wheels lying opposite. A transmission of this type is not only designed in a very complex manner in terms of construction, but it is also very susceptible to faults, since it is not ensured that the gear wheels are stationary when the clutch wheel is engaged. Loud shifting noises are inevitable.
In the past forty years the chain drive with a shifting capability at the rear axle has become widely used with bicycles. To this end, a rotatable bottom bracket with one or more chain rings is mounted onto the frame which forms the load-bearing component of the bicycle with all its receiving points for the front wheel fork, the seat post and the rear wheel. A cassette comprising up to ten sprockets of different sizes is located on the hub of the rear wheel. At one drop-out located directly at the rear axle a rear derailleur is installed, which has the task of guiding the chain in the sprockets of the cassette and to render possible shifting processes. Through a derailer that is usually installed at the seat tube it is possible to switch between the various chain rings at the bottom bracket. The capability of shifting allows the rider to adapt the gear ratio of his/her drive to the respective riding situation. Bicycles with a shifting system as described above are generally referred to as bicycles with derailleur gears.
As the components are mounted outside on the frame for constructional reasons with a bicycle with derailleur gears, the components are particularly strongly exposed to environmental influences. Dirt and water thus come into contact with rear derailleur, chain, cassette and other components in an unobstructed manner. This drastically reduces the efficiency of derailleur gears, which is initially very good, so that a considerable part of the force must be used to overcome the resistances within the shifting system. In order to ensure functionality it is necessary to regularly service the components of the derailleur gears, which includes cleaning and greasing the components and adjusting them precisely. This adjustment can easily change, e.g., with falls or contact with objects (stones, branches, etc.). As tiny dirt particles always remain in the shifting system and in particular in the bearings even with the most intensive servicing, some parts need to be replaced regularly. In particular the parts susceptible to wear, such as chain rings and chain require an annual replacement, which in turn incurs additional expenses. Furthermore, components can be damaged or torn off the frame with a fall or contact with stones or branches.
Alternatively to the "derailleur gears" the so-called "integral rear hub" was developed, in which the shifting processes take place in a transmission in the rear wheel hub. The parts required with the derailleur gears; rear derailleur, derailer and cassette are thus omitted. Bicycles of this type are generally called bicycles with integral rear hub. An integral rear hub thus avoids the disadvantages of derailleur gears. Because of the transmission integrated into the rear wheel hub, however, the weight of the rear wheel increases. In particular with so-called mountain bikes, which are moved off-road, an increase in mass at the rear wheel becomes highly noticeable. This applies in particular to bicycles with rear wheel suspension. The ratio of sprung to unsprung mass is of decisive importance for the riding behavior of a sprung wheel. The larger the unsprung mass is in relation to the sprung mass, the more critical is the riding behavior of the wheel. With high unsprung mass (heavy rear wheel) thrusts caused by road bumps cannot be compensated for in an optimum manner by the chassis.
With a known bicycle (cf. DE 103 39 207) the transmission is located within the bicycle frame. The bottom bracket shell of the classic bicycle frame is omitted and replaced by a transmission housing. This is a joint housing for transmission and bottom bracket. Similar to the bicycles with transmission hub, the power is transmitted to the rear wheel via a chain or a toothed belt, the chain and the rear wheel hub do not have a shifting function with this system. The rear wheel hub can thus be built in a very light manner, which results in a more efficient rear wheel suspension. Furthermore, the center of gravity shifts to the center of the wheel, directly below the rider, which results in a more agile and controlled riding behavior. In addition, the so-called "platform strategy" can be used with the aid of the transmission integrated into the frame. Whereas it has hitherto been customary in bicycle construction to first build a frame and then subsequently to equip it with its components, the concept of the transmission integrated into the frame renders it possible to use the platform strategy known from automobile construction in bicycle production. For example components, such as shifting system, suspension, the complete power transmission, but also brakes, generator and lighting are firmly installed in the transmission housing as a platform. The customer-specific parts, which complete the bicycle according to customer specification, are then mounted to the transmission thus equipped. The transmission comprises a planetary transmission and a primary drive. The primary drive is necessary because the planetary transmission developed for the use in a transmission hub does not withstand the high torques acting in the bottom bracket. The primary drive brings the planetary transmission to a higher rotational speed, so that it can withstand the acting forces. This construction, however, lowers the efficiency of the drive.
Based on these problems, the multiple gear transmission described at the outset is to be improved.

Multiple gear transmission for a bicycle


A kit for quantitatively detecting HBsAg and a method for quantitatively detecting an HBsAg content in a sample containing HBsAg. The kit comprises a first antibody specifically binding to HBsAg and a reagent composition. The reagent composition comprises tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine hydrochloride (TCEP) and urea.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, especially chronic hepatitis B virus infection, is one of the most serious global public health problems. At present, there are more than 350 million people infected with chronic hepatitis B virus worldwide. Chronic hepatitis B virus infection can cause liver diseases such as chronic hepatitis B (CHB), liver cirrhosis (Liver cirrhosis, LC), and primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The deaths caused by chronic hepatitis B virus infection and the diseases induced thereby are more than one million worldwide each year (Dienstag J L. Hepatitis B virus infection. N Engl J Med 2008; 359: 1486-1500).
Hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) is an outer membrane protein of HBV. HBsAg is clinically the most important diagnostic marker of HBV infection. Long-term presence of HBsAg indicates chronic HBV infection. In recent years, the clinical significance of HBsAg quantitative detection has been gradually revealed and the detection is widely used.
The decrease of HBsAg during the treatment with nucleoside analogs is consistent with the decrease of HBV DNA (Chen Xiangsheng, Liao Wenjun. Clinical diagnostic significance of quantitative detection of hepatitis B HBsAg, [J]. Journal of Hubei College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2009, 11 (2): 21-23). When drug-resistant strains appear, serum HBsAg level will increase and often precede HBV DNA rebound and biochemical breakthrough (an increase in ALT level) (Chen Xiangsheng, Liao Wenjun. Clinical diagnostic significance of quantitative detection of hepatitis B HBsAg, [J]. Journal of Hubei College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2009, 11(2): 21-23; and Chen Ruilie, et al. Relationship between serum HBV DNA level and liver function and immune parameters in patients with severe hepatitis B, [J]. China Journal of Primary Medicine, 2006, 13 (9): 1449-1450).
In detection and prediction of response to interferon therapy, a rapid appearance with a significant decrease of the quantitative level of HBsAg at an early stage of treatment, or a lower baseline level of HBsAg before treatment, is conducive to obtaining sustained virological response (SVR) and HBeAg seroconversion (Luo Weimin, Wang Chaohui, Liu Zhongjing. The relationship and significance of HBV DNA and its five detection indexes, [J]. Qilu Journal of Medicine, 2009, 24 (1): 4-5; and Liu Can, Weng Yirui, Chen Yongdong. Comparative study of HBsAg quantification with HBV-DNA and hepatitis B marker patterns in patients with hepatitis B, [J]. Fujian Journal of Medicine, 2006, 28 (4): 124-125). During the treatment of HBeAg-positive patients with PEG-IFN, it is an important predictive indicator for HBeAg seroconversion that HBsAg quantification is <1500 IU/mL at week 12 of treatment, while it is a potent predictive indicator for non-responding that HBsAg quantification is >20,000 IU/mL at week 12 of treatment (Piratvisuth T, et al. Hepatol Int. 2013 June; 7(2): 429-36.; and Sonneveld M J, et al. Hepatology. 2010; 52: 1251-1257). During the treatment of HBeAg-negative patients with PEG-IFN, no decrease of HBsAg concentration with an HBV DNA decline of less than 2 Log 10 IU/ml is a potent predictive indicator for non-response to treatment, indicating that the treatment can be stopped and replaced with other drugs (Rijckborst V, et al. Hepatology 2010, 52: 454-461; and Rijckborst V, et al. Journal of hepatology 2012, 56: 1006-1011).
The current HBsAg quantitative reagents use the "sandwich" detection method of "coated antibody-antigen-labeled antibody". The difference between different reagents mainly lies in the difference of the coating mediums and labels. In addition, the quantitative ranges of different reagents are also different in certain extent. For example, Roche reagent uses biotin and rare metal "ruthenium" to respectively label the two antibodies for detecting the antigen, and then captures the double-antibody sandwich complex formed by the reaction between the antigen and the antibodies via an avidin-labeled magnetic particle so as to detect an electrochemical signal, in which the detection range of the reagent is 0 to 130 IU/mL under a condition without diluting the sample; while for Abbott reagent, an antibody is directly coated on a magnetic particle, and the other antibody is labeled with acridinium ester, the double-antibody sandwich complex is formed by reacting with the sample, and the chemiluminescence signal is detected, in which the detection range of the reagent is 0 to 250 IU/mL under a condition without diluting the sample.
However, most patients with chronic hepatitis B currently have an HBsAg quantitative level of above 100 IU/ml (Jaroszewicz J, et al. Journal of Hepatology, 2010, 52 (4): 514-522; and Nguyen T, et al. Journal of Hepatology, 2010 52 (4): 508-513). Therefore, for most clinical samples, the quantitative values of the samples can be detected by use of the existing commercial reagents only when the samples are diluted before testing. However, due to the large dilution fold, the dilution operation has to be repeated for several times to dilute the sample, and the dilution process takes time. Taking Abbott reagent as an example, when manually making a 500-fold dilution, 25 μl of a sample is firstly added to 475 μl of a dilution solution to make a 20-fold dilution, and then 20 μl of the 1:20 diluted sample is added to 480 μl of the dilution solution to achieve the 500-fold dilution, and manual dilution reduces accuracy. Even the automatic dilution by a fully automatic instrument also requires multiple dilution operations, and the larger the dilution fold, the lower the detection throughput of the instrument, which reduces the detection accuracy.
Therefore, there is a need in the art to develop a HBsAg quantitative detection method that does not require sample dilution and has a higher upper limit of detection, in order to achieve a simpler, faster and more accurate determination of HBsAg content in a clinical sample.

Kit and method for quantitative detection of HBsAg


In retrieval of a registered image that resembles an input image, retrieval is performed accurately in a short period of time irrespective of orientation of the input image. Specifically, there is disclosed an information processing method for retrieving image data, which has a high degree of similarity to input image data, from registered image data, the method includes an area identification step (S402) of identifying a text area and a non-text area in the input image data; a direction identification step (S404) of recognizing text in the identified text area and identifying orientation of the input image data based upon orientation of the text recognized; a rotation step (S406) of rotating the identified input image data to a prescribed orientation based upon the orientation identified; and a retrieval step (S409) of retrieving image data, which has a high degree of similarity to the input image data after the rotation thereof, from the registered image data.

Rapid progress has been made in terms of achieving paperless systems in offices. Paper documents created on a personal computer and old paper documents that have been accumulated in a binder or the like may now be stored in a database by converting these documents to electronic documents such as image data by means of a scanner.
Materials distributed at a meeting even now are preferred to be paper documents, and there are also many opportunities for electronic documents that have been stored in a database to be printed out as paper documents which are then delivered to users.
Consider a case where a user who has received a paper document wishes to archive or transmit the document electronically or wishes to extract content from the document and reutilize it. If instead of using data obtained by putting the paper document back into electronic form it were possible to acquire the original data from a database and utilize this data, then convenience would be enhanced to the extent that loss of information through intermediate use of paper documents is eliminated.
A system that has been proposed in order to meet this need reads a paper document by a scanner and retrieves data that is similar in content from a database, as described in the specification of Japanese Patent No. 3017851.
In order to raise retrieval accuracy, the applicant has given consideration to dividing a read document (an input image) into text information and non-text information (photographs and pictures, etc.) using an area identification technique (which may be well known, for example, the technique described in the specification of U.S. Pat. No. 5,680,478) and using similarity-degree calculation processing that conforms to the characteristic of the particular information.
More specifically, the approach includes extracting a text area and a photograph area from a page image of a read document and a page image of a registered document by area identification processing, obtaining degree of similarity, which is obtained based upon the feature of a character string that has undergone character recognition processing, in regard to the text areas, and obtaining degree of similarity with regard to the photograph areas using image features such as color and edges, etc.
In particular, since a photograph or picture contained in a document page represents the feature of the page to a large extent, it can be anticipated that thus finding the degree of similarity of a photograph or picture in highly precise fashion will contribute to a major improvement in the performance of the retrieval system.
On the other hand, in relation to finding the degree of similarity between an input image and a registered image using an image feature in such a retrieval system, it is essential that the orientations of both images be the same. If the orientations are different, a high retrieval precision cannot be expected.
However, if a paper document has been read using a scanner or the like, there is a possibility that the orientation of the input image acquired will change in any of four directions depending upon the manner in which the paper is placed on the document glass. Forcing the user to place the paper in the correct manner for the purpose of solving this problem may detract from the user friendliness of the system. Moreover, depending upon the paper size, there are cases where scanning in the desired direction may not be possible owing to the structure of the document glass or automatic document feeder.
There is a method available for avoiding the problem relating to image orientation. Specifically, when degree of similarity of an image feature is calculated, a difference in image orientation is taken into account and four types of images obtained by rotation through angles of 0°, 90°, 180° and 270° with respect to the image on the input side are prepared, or four types of features are created by performing a feature coefficient conversion. Degree of similarity is then found and whichever image or feature has the highest degree of similarity is employed. Regardless of the method used, however, processing for obtaining the degree of similarity must always be executed four times and the processing time required increases fourfold.

Information processing apparatus, method, storage medium and program


An adjustable gamma correction circuit that is operative to adjust grey scale distortion in a projected video signal by dynamically changing the gamma transfer function without the need to reset projector high and low amplification thresholds. The circuit includes both a linear amplification stage and a non-linear amplification stage that function to reshape the projector transfer function. At the non-linear stage consists of two pairs of emitter coupled amplifiers set at different voltage thresholds. The two pairs of emitter coupled transistors allow adjustment of the grey level of the circuit transfer function to thereby compensate for mid-level variations in the projector transfer function, thereby resulting in improved projected image quality.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates generally to video projection systems, and more particularly to a gamma correction circuit that adjusts the grey scale distortion in a projected video signal by dynamically changing the projector system gamma transfer function without the need to reset the projector system high and low threshold levels.
2. Discussion
Conventional video display devices exhibit a non-linear light input to light output, or gamma, relationship. Particularly, in liquid crystal light valve (LCLV) projectors, the associated light valves exhibit a non-linear characteristic that is in addition to the normal gamma characteristic of the cathode ray tube used to illuminate the photo sensitive side of the light valve. The resulting output of the video display devices often include color errors caused by imbalances of the above mentioned system gamma characteristics.
Conventional video projectors include controls to adjust video offsets and gains between black and white light levels to correct projector grey scale linearity. Projector grey scale linearity must be maintained, as a projector having an unbalanced or nonlinear grey scale characteristics projects images with fewer shades of grey, thus causing the images to look "washed-out" or "over-saturated" and have poor color qualities. While conventional video projectors are set-up based on low and high level adjustments, errors still exist at the mid-grey levels. An existing gamma correction circuit is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,461,430 to Hagerman (the "Hagerman patent") which is assigned to the assignee of the present invention and incorporated herein by reference. The gamma correction circuit in the Hagerman patent predistorts the video wave forms to match the general nonlinearity characteristics of the system to correct the nonlinearities associated with the individual light valves and the projector CRT. The circuit in the Hagerman patent primarily corrects the low and high extremes of the gamma function.
While the above gamma correction circuit provides adequate performance characteristics, there is still a need for improvement in the art. Specifically, there is a need for a gamma correction circuit for video display devices that is adjustable to compensate for individual variations in the projector light valves and CRTs. In addition, there is a need for the gamma correction circuit that may be adjusted to affect the nonlinearity compensation in the middle grey scale levels without affecting the low and high levels and therefore minimizes reiteration of projector set-up routines.


A support structure for a vehicle is interposed between a vehicle body and a vehicle part and is connected with fastening members to support the vehicle part. The support structure is made of a non-ferrous light alloy. Among connecting surfaces of the support structure to which the vehicle body and the vehicle part are connected, an electrochemical corrosion inhibitor is applied to a connecting surface that is located on a lower side, in a vertical direction of the vehicle, of one of the vehicle body and the vehicle part. The one of the vehicle body and the vehicle part corresponds to the applied connecting surface.

1. Technical Field
The invention relates to a support structure for a vehicle such as a mount bracket that supports, for example, an engine.
2. Description of the Related Art
Examples of a support structure for a vehicle include an engine mount bracket. The engine mount bracket is disposed between a body and an engine to support the engine on a vehicle body. In association with a demand for a reduction in vehicle weight, castings (by the gravity die casting (GDC) process, the die casting (DC) process, or the like) made of a non-ferrous light alloy such as aluminum, copper, magnesium or an alloy thereof have been used for the support structures that support a vehicle part such as an engine. On the other hand, most of vehicle bodies, vehicle parts such as an engine and fastening members (bolts and the like) for fastening the vehicle part to a support structure for a vehicle are made of iron. When these dissimilar metals are combined together, a local corrosion cell may be formed on a surface of the support structure, which leads to as a so-called electrochemical corrosion reaction in which an aluminum alloy is dissolved.
In order to prevent the electrochemical corrosion reaction, for example, JP 2005-343418 A describes applying an corrosion proof treatment to an aluminum adapter (an example of a support structure for a vehicle) used to mount an engine on an iron rear frame (a vehicle body) by forming an insulating coating on the aluminum adapter.
Also, JP UM H03-026337 Y describes applying an anti-rust coating to outer surfaces of an aluminum holding member and an iron mounting bracket that is brought into contact with the holding member so as to cover the outer surfaces with the anti-rust coating.


A nonvolatile memory card includes a power supply input for receiving a device power supply voltage for the memory card and a plurality of memories arranged in an array. Each of the plurality of memories receives the device power supply voltage from the power supply input. Each of the plurality of memories receives a device power supply voltage indication signal that indicates voltage level of the device power supply voltage and configures circuitry within each of the plurality of memories to operate in accordance with the voltage level of the device power supply voltage. A voltage detection circuit is coupled to the power supply input for detecting the voltage level of the device power supply voltage and for generating the device power supply voltage indication signal. A logic is coupled to the voltage detection circuit and each of the plurality of memories for (1) receiving the device power supply voltage indication signal from the voltage detection circuit, (2) applying the device power supply voltage indication signal to each of the plurality of memories such that the circuitry of each of the plurality of memories is configured in accordance with the device power supply voltage indication signal, and (3) supplying data of the nonvolatile memory card with respect to the voltage level of the device power supply voltage to external circuitry.

One type of prior nonvolatile memory is the flash erasable and electrically programmable read-only memory ("flash EPROM"). The flash EPROM can be programmed by a user. Once programmed, the entire contents of the flash EPROM can be erased by electrical erasure. The flash EPROM may then be reprogrammed with new data.
Prior art personal computer systems typically employ removable data storage media. One common prior art removable storage medium is a floppy disk. A relatively new prior art storage medium is an integrated circuit-based memory card ("IC memory card").
Prior art flash EPROMs are nonvolatile and reprogrammable, and this has permitted the flash EPROM technology to be used for removable data storage. One such prior art application is the flash EPROM memory card ("flash memory card"). The flash memory card typically includes a number of flash EPROMs. The flash memory card can be erased and programmed electrically.
One category of prior art personal computer systems typically include desk-top computers and another category of prior art personal computer systems typically include laptop computers. Many prior art desk-top computers typically employ a 5 volt power supply and many prior art laptop computers typically employ a 3 volt power supply.
Like the prior art personal computer systems, one type of prior flash memory card is typically designed to be used in the 3 volt power supply environment ("3 volt flash memory card"). Another type of prior flash memory card is typically designed to be used in the 5 volt power supply environment ("5 volt flash memory card"). The 3 volt flash memory card is typically used in the 3 volt power supply prior art personal computers and the 5 volt flash memory card is typically used in the 5 volt power supply prior art personal computers.
One disadvantage associated with such prior flash memory cards is that a 5 volt flash memory card is typically unsuitable for use in a 3 volt power supply personal computer and a 3 volt flash memory card is typically unsuitable for use in a 5 volt power supply personal computer. Mismatching the power supply of a flash memory card with that of a personal computer typically causes damages to data store in the flash memory card and the flash memory card itself. Therefore, before inserting a flash memory card into a personal computer, the user typically needs to know the power supply of the personal computer and to the power supply for the flash memory card. This typically causes inconvenience to the user. When the user does not know or loses track of the power supply of a particular flash memory card, the user typically cannot use that flash memory card.
Another disadvantage associated with the prior flash memory cards is that the prior flash memory cards typically cannot be automatically self-configured to different power supply voltages. Typically, when the power supply of a 5 volt flash memory card accidentally drops from 5 volts to 3 volts, the 5 volt flash memory card typically cannot function properly and the data stored in that flash memory card may be damaged. Likewise, when the power supply of a 3 volt flash memory card accidentally rises from 3 volts to 5 volts, the 3 volt flash memory card typically cannot function properly and the data stored as well as circuitry of the memory card may also be damaged.

Nonvolatile memory card with automatic power supply configuration


A magnetic disc storage system, in which operation for erasing information otherwise left to remain in succession to data records on a rotatable storage medium during a remaining period of one rotation of the medium is omitted. In response to a command commanding access to the stored data, a table containing the lengths of the stored data is referred to. When it is detected that a record having a storage location commanded to be accessed exceeds the associated stored length of the recorded data, a command error is messaged to a controller of the rotatable storage medium in place of executing the access.

The present invention generally relates to a magnetic disc system and a control technique therefor and more particularly to a technique which can effectively and profitably be applied to a control of a format write operation performed upon writing of data on a storage (recording) medium.
In a magnetic disc system which may be employed, for example, as an external storage device or equipment of an electronic computer system or the like, it is known that data are stored or recorded on a plurality of circular tracks provided concentrically on a rotatable magnetic disc serving as the storage medium by means of a magnetic head adapted to be positioned above a desired one of the tracks.
In this conjunction, it is noted that when a file or the like is to be implemented in a magnetic disc, a so-called format write operation for writing such control information as storage location of data on the recording medium or disc and on the track, the length of the data and other information is required to be performed simultaneously with the recording of the data. Further, with a view to preventing erroneous data reading in the future from the track for which the format writing of the control information has been performed, erasing operation is commonly practiced in succession to the format write operation for erasing the old data which may remain in the region located outside of the range where the format write operation has validly been performed on each of the tracks. However, performing such an erasing operation on the remnant or remaining region of the track means that the time required for restrainingly holding the magnetic head to the track is correspondingly lengthened. This involves an increase in the overall time taken for the input/output of data to or from the magnetic disc system itself and thus presenting a cause for degradation in the performance of the whole computer system inclusive of the magnetic disc system.
Under the circumstances, there has been developed a technique for protecting the system performance against degradation due to the erasing operation carried out in succession to the format write operation in the magnetic disc system, as disclosed, for example in U.S. Pat. No. 3,801,969 corresponding to Japanese Patent Publication JP-B-56-17692. According to this known technique, arrangement is made such that the erasing operation is performed internally within the magnetic disc system itself after the format write operation without resorting to the aid of a magnetic disc controller employed for controlling the magnetic disc system, to thereby spare the time for which the magnetic disc controller is occupied by the magnetic disc system.
Further, according to the technique disclosed in JP-A-61-241824, it is attempted to reduce the time taken for the format write operation by avoiding a duplicate erasing operation for a region for which the erasing operation has once been performed.
In either of the prior art techniques mentioned above, the erasing operation is still necessarily required more or less in succession to the format write operation. Thus, the magnetic disc system is placed in the occupied state at least until the erasing operation has been completed and is rendered to be incapable of reading other recorded data or executing a move or a like command of the magnetic head during the erasing period. In other words, the prior art magnetic disc system still suffers from the problem that a lot of time is taken for the data input/output operation as a whole, being accompanied by degradation in the utilization efficiency of the magnetic disc system as well as the data stored therein.

Disk control method of format write operation using data distance on a track


An installation for fighting fire in a space which includes a spray head (1a', 2a') of such a type that it is capable of producing extinguishing medium in the form of a finely divided liquid mist with a great penetrating ability and a simultaneous suction near the spray head. To obtain an installation which as regards its construction is simple and with which a fire in a space can be very efficiently extinguished so that the fumes are purified at the same time as the amount of water can be very small, the spray head (1a', 2a", 1b', 2b') is arranged in a pipe (3a', 3b') with a suction opening (67a', 67b') at a distance of 1 to 10 m from the floor level (24) of the room and a spray opening (45a', 45') near the floor level, whereby the spray head is arranged to spray in the direction from the suction opening to the spray opening to create a suction in the suction opening.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an installation for fighting fire in a space, the installation including a spray head of such a type that it is capable of producing extinguishing medium in the form of a finely divided liquid mist with a great penetrating ability and a simultaneous suction near the spray head.
2. The Prior Art
Such installations are known from the publications WO 92120453, WO 92/22353 and WO 94/16771. These known installations have proved to function very well for fire extinguishing. To prevent the drop size of the extinguishing liquid from becoming too large, an installation in which gas is mixed into the extinguishing liquid has been disclosed in WO 94/08659. As a result of the intermixing of gas, it has been possible to keep the drop size comparatively small during the emptying of an hydraulic accumulator.
Some spaces, such as rooms for computers and other machines, contain, in addition to expensive machines, bundles of electric cables, which in the event of a fire cause great damage. The electric cables typically have a plastic mantle of PVC. If a fire breaks out in such a room and the cables catch fire, poisonous fumes are formed and these fumes are not only dangerous to humans but also destroy sensitive machines, such as computers. Known installations for extinguishing such fires are not capable of rapidly extinguishing a fire with a small amount of water. The use of something else than a water-based extinguishing medium, e.g. halogen, for extinguishing produces chemicals that are harmful to the surrounding, wherefore the use of a water-based extinguishing medium is to be preferred. It is important that the quantity of water used for extinguishing a fire is not large, since the water damages can then be kept small.
The present invention relates to a new installation which has, if desired, a simple construction and with which a fire in a space, e.g. a room, can be extinguished very efficiently so that the smoke gases and fumes are purified and the amount of extinguishing liquid used can be very small at the same time.


A conveyor apparatus for conveying and orienting multi-diameter plastic closures includes a conveyor belt having a plurality of conveyor flights each having a channel configuration. Each conveyor flight includes a pair of spaced apart sidewalls which are spaced apart by a distance greater than a portion of the associated closure having a smaller diameter, but by a distance less than a larger diameter of the associated closure. By this arrangement, whereby each conveyor flight is engageable with each of the closures at generally diametrically opposed portions thereof, efficient and consistent handling and orientation of multi-diameter closures is facilitated.

A conveyor apparatus embodying the principles of the present invention is particularly suited for handling closures having a so-called multi-diameter configuration, including an upper portion and a relatively larger lower portion. Notably, the present conveyor apparatus includes a plurality of conveyor flights, each having a channel configuration, with each flight desirably configured to engage each associated closure at multiple portions of the closure, generally at diametrically opposed portions thereof, thus desirably enhancing control and positioning of each closure after each closure is oriented by cooperation with the respective one of the conveyor flights. Efficient handling, particularly during vertical transport of the closures, is greatly facilitated.
In accordance with the illustrated embodiment, the present conveyor apparatus includes a conveyor belt comprising a plurality of pivotally interconnected conveyor belt elements. The pivotally interconnected conveyor belt elements thus configure the conveyor belt for articulation, as the belt is driven and guided through the conveyor apparatus. In a typical application, the conveyor belt moves from an associated feed hopper, at which a bulk supply of the closures is oriented and transferred by the conveyor belt, along a vertically oriented portion of the conveyor belt path, with the oriented closures ultimately discharged from the conveyor apparatus at a discharge station positioned above the feed hopper. The discharged closures are maintained in the desired orientation for subsequent application to respective containers.
In accordance with the present invention, the conveyor belt of the conveyor apparatus includes a plurality of conveyor flights connected to at least some of the conveyor belt elements. Notably, each of the conveyor flights has a channel configuration, including a pair of spaced apart sidewalls, and a base web extending between and interconnecting the sidewalls. The sidewalls are spaced apart by a distance greater than a diameter of the upper portion of each associated closure, with the sidewall spacing being less than a diameter of the lower portion of each closure. By this configuration, each of the sidewalls of each conveyor flight defines an edge portion engageable with the lower portion of each closure, as each closure is received within one of the conveyor flights in its desired, generally inverted orientation. Subsequently, as the closures are moved vertically by the conveyor apparatus, each of the channel-like conveyor flights engages plural, generally diametrically opposed portions of each correctly oriented closure, while closures which are improperly oriented fall by gravity from the conveyor belt into the bulk supply for eventual conveyance.
In accordance with the presently preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of the sidewalls of each conveyor flight has a stepped configuration, and includes an extension extending from the respective edge portion of the sidewall. The extensions of the conveyor flight are spaced apart by a dimension greater than the diameter of the lower base portion of each of the closures, to thereby receive the lower portion of each closure between the sidewall extensions. In one embodiment, each of the extensions of the sidewall is offset from the remaining portion of the respective sidewall, while in an alternative embodiment, each of the sidewall extensions has an outwardly facing surface aligned with an outwardly facing surface of the remaining portion of the respective sidewall.
In order to further facilitate the desired orientation and retention of the closures as they are carried by the conveyor flights, the sidewall extensions of each conveyor flight respectively correspond to leading and trailing portions of each flight, referring to the direction of movement of the conveyor flights as the conveyor apparatus is operated. In particular, the one of the extensions corresponding to the leading portion of the flight extends a greater distance from the base web of the conveyor flight than the other one of the respective extensions.
In a presently preferred embodiment, each of the conveyor flights comprises an extrusion to facilitate efficient and accurate formation, thereby facilitating cost-effective, and reliable handling and orientation of the illustrated multi-diameter closures.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

Conveyor apparatus for conveying closure

Alcoa Closure Systems International, Inc.


Various communication systems may benefit from techniques for handling inter-band carrier aggregation (CA). For example, systems of the third generation partnership project (3GPP) long term evolution (LTE) advanced (LTE-A) may benefit from a uplink (UL) downlink (DL) configuration zero handling, particularly in cases where there is no physical hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) indicator channel (PHICH). For example, certain embodiments may be applicable to inter-band CA having different UL/DL configuration in use. A method can include triggering in a downlink subframe a first physical uplink shared channel transmission in a first hybrid automatic repeat request process. The method can also include triggering in the downlink subframe a second physical uplink shared channel transmission in a second hybrid automatic repeat request process. The secondary cell can be configured with time division duplex uplink/downlink configuration number zero. The triggerings can be performed by means of a single uplink grant but without a hybrid automatic repeat request indicator.

Field
Various communication systems may benefit from techniques for handling inter-band carrier aggregation (CA). For example, systems of the third generation partnership project (3GPP) long term evolution (LTE) advanced (LTE-A) may benefit from inter-band TDD CA with different UL-DL configurations on different bands. Furthermore, it is beneficial to provide a uplink (UL) downlink (DL) configuration zero handling, particularly in cases where there is no physical hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) indicator channel (PHICH). For example, certain embodiments may be applicable to inter-band CA having different UL/DL configuration in use.
Description of the Related Art
In LTE release 10 (Rel-10), up to five component carriers with same time division duplex uplink/downlink (UL/DL) configurations can be supported in carrier aggregation. In LTE Rel-11, inter-band time division duplex carrier aggregation with different time division duplex uplink/downlink configurations on different bands may further enhance carrier aggregation.
Inter-band carrier aggregation of time division duplex component carriers (CCs) with different uplink/downlink configurations include characteristics such as co-existence with the neighboring legacy time division duplex system; support of aggregation of traffic-dependent carriers in heterogeneous networks; flexible configuration, for example, more uplink subframes in lower frequency band for better coverage and more downlink subframes in high frequency band for traffic transmission; and higher peak data rate.

PHICH-less operation for uplink-downlink configuration zero


The present invention provides an apparatus for measuring a property of a sample using low resolution Raman spectroscopy. The apparatus includes a multi-mode laser element, a wavelength dispersion element, a detector, and a processor. The multi-mode laser element irradiates a sample with laser radiation to produce a Raman spectrum. The collection element collects the radiation scattered from the molecules of the sample and transmits the scattered radiation to the dispersion element. The dispersion element disperses the scattered radiation into different wavelength components. The detection array detects the different wavelength components. A processor processes data from the detector array to identify a constituent or to measure a property of the sample. The apparatus preferably has a resolution of between 30 cm.sup.-1 and 50 cm.sup.-1. The resolution of the apparatus being determined in part by the spectral full width at half maximum of the multi-mode laser, and, in part, by the dispersion element.

The technical field of this invention is low resolution Raman spectroscopy and, in particular, the invention relates to analysis of a constituent or a property of a sample using low resolution Raman spectroscopy. The sample can be an liquid, such as an organic liquid. Alternatively, the sample can be a solid, such as a powdered drug.
It is known in the art that the chemical analysis of a liquid containing organic components either as the main constituent (e.g., hydrocarbon fuels, solvent mixtures, organic process streams) or as a contaminant (e.g., in aqueous solutions) can be based upon optical spectrum analysis of that liquid. The optical spectral analysis used can be near infrared (IR) analysis, despite its inherent low resolution. Near IR chemical analysis systems use inexpensive light sources and detectors. Advantageously, these systems also use optical fibers to deliver excitation radiation to the sample and to collect the resulting signal. In addition, chemometric analysis of broad spectral features improves the resolution of such near IR systems.
In contrast, mid IR analysis provides easily identifiable spectra for many samples of interest. Mid IR provides a "fingerprint" spectral region having sharp detail. The sharp detail of the fingerprint spectral region makes subsequent analysis easier.
Raman spectroscopy provides many of the advantages of near IR. Raman spectroscopy can also provide detailed spectral analysis, typical of mid IR spectroscopy, for organic systems, particularly for liquid organic systems. However, one drawback to Raman spectroscopy has been its expense relative to mid and near infrared systems.
A significant component of that expense is the laser system required to produce quality, high-resolution spectra. Even using a laser diode as the scattering source, the laser remains one of the major expenses in developing cost-effective Raman systems.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,139,334 issued to Clarke, and incorporated herein by reference, teaches a low resolution Raman spectral analysis system for determining properties related to the hydrocarbon content of fluids, in particular, the octane rating of gasoline. The system utilizes a laser Raman spectroscopic measurement of the hydrocarbon bands and relates specific band patterns to the property of interest. Different fuel properties are determined by a method that compares Raman-scattered light intensities over different wavelength ranges.
However, there remains a need for a low cost, portable, low resolution Raman spectroscopic system that does not depend on large and highly complex mechanical devices. Moreover, there exists a need for a low-resolution Raman spectroscopic system that provides a high intensity signal.

Sample analysis using low resolution Raman spectroscopy