A method for eliminating the systematic measurement errors from a measurement system, for example a vector network analyzer, such that an accurate representation of the behavior of a nonlinear device can be measured or characterized. The cross-frequency phase and absolute amplitude of the measured voltage waves applied to and emanating from the nonlinear device are measured and error corrected. These waves may be used for nonlinear device characterization or modeling.

Accurate nonlinear measurements on a device under test performed by a measurement system, for example a Vector Network Analyzer (VNA), require relative and absolute error correction to be performed on the measurement equipment itself.
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a traditional four-wave reflectometer 101 commonly used in measurement systems, for example a VNA. The VNA uses an RF source 109 and a source transfer switch 105 to characterize a two port electrical system, referred to as a device under test (DUT) 103. A local oscillator (LO) 107 is identified in the four-wave reflectometer 101. The VNA is able to measure voltage waves of the four-wave reflectometer in the forward and reverse stimulation directions simultaneously. The reflectometers separate the incident and reflected voltage waves of the DUT 103. These voltage waves are then corrected so that the actual performance (using Scattering Parameters or absolute voltage waves) of the DUT 103 can be accurately measured.
In FIG. 1, the variables used are described as:
axy=the incident voltage wave (independent variable); and
bxy=the reflected voltage wave (dependent variable), where x is the port number and y is the error term designation.
Scattering Parameters ("S-parameters") are properties used in electrical systems to describe the electrical behavior of linear electrical networks when undergoing various steady state stimuli by small signals. The reflectometer 101 can be characterized using S-parameters described in Equations 1.
                                                                                b                        1                        1                                            =                                                                                a                            1                            1                                                                                S                            11                                                                          +                                                                              a                            2                            1                                                                                S                            12                                                                                b                      2                      1                                        =                                                                                a                          2                          1                                                                                S                          22                                                                    +                                                                        a                          1                          1                                                                                S                          21                                                                                [                                                                                b                        1                        1                                                                                b                        2                        1                                                                                ]                            =                                                [                                                                                S                          11                                                                                S                          12                                                                                S                          21                                                                                S                          22                                                                                ]                                                                  [                                                                                a                          1                          1                                                                                a                          2                          1                                                                                ]                                                                                Equations                                                  1
The DUT 103 S-parameters can be calculated from the corrected voltage waves. A corrected voltage wave is one where the measurement system's systematic errors have been removed by performing a calibration and error correction on un-corrected voltage waves, resulting in accurate voltage waves from the DUT. To apply the S-parameters to the DUT, all four of the corrected independent and dependent voltage waves are measured, and then applied to the generalized S-parameter matrix formulations in Equations 1.
Imperfections in the VNA hardware make it necessary to perform error correction to get an accurate representation of the actual voltage waves of the DUT.
A thorough way to characterize the electrical system is through error models. Error models account for systematic errors. Vector error correction is an accurate form of error correction as it accounts for major sources of systematic error.
Vector error correction is a process of characterizing systematic errors by measuring known calibration standards, and then removing the effects of these errors from subsequent measurements. Vector error correction is an example of relative error correction.
A majority of VNAs have a 12-term error model for error correction built into the VNA. The 12-term error model is divided into two sections: a forward and reverse error model. Two-port calibration usually requires twelve measurements on four known hardware standards, short-open-load-through or SOLT. The two-port calibration quantifies twelve systematic error correction terms that are used for subsequent measurements.
An 8-term error model is another generalized error model to correct systematic errors. A benefit of using this model is the ability to supply a signal on both ports at the same time without affecting the error correction process. Any differences to the match seen at the source with respect to the match seen at the terminating load are measured and accounted for. This is performed with all four incident and reflected waves. This identifies the 8-term error model as a single mathematical model that can account for measurements when either port 1, port 2, or both port 1 and 2 are supplying a signal when making both forward and reverse measurements. Error adapters or error correction terms on each side (port 1 and port 2) of the measurement system relate the measured waves to the corrected waves and have no implied relationship to the direction of device stimulation or changes in source or load match of the VNA.
A third error correction model, the 16-term error model, can also be used to correct the systematic errors in a measurement system. However, the 16-term error model is an elaborate process and is difficult to implement practically.
As mentioned above, VNAs utilize vector error correction to correct the systematic measurement errors. In vector error correction, the input frequency to the DUT 103 is the same as the output frequency of the DUT 103. The error correction (typically 12-term) is applied to ratios of measurements (S11, S21, etc).
The 12 and 8-term error models are implicitly known as linear models.
Present error correction is insufficient to meet the needs of characterizing complex electrical systems that exhibit nonlinear behavior. One challenging aspect of measurements with the VNA is to get error corrected nonlinear measurements for the DUT 103.
Error correction for nonlinear measurements can be described as two types: relative and absolute. With relative error correction, linear systematic measurement errors are adjusted for by the vector error correction or by using hardware standards common in the art.
Absolute error correction relies on the absolute amplitude of each measured frequency component. In addition to this, the cross-frequency phase of each frequency component is related to a common time base. The cross-frequency phase is the relative phase difference between each frequency in the measured spectrum. Relating the phase in this way provides a phase difference between all the measured frequency components.
Contemporary VNAs do not accurately measure the nonlinear behavior of the DUT 103 wherein the absolute amplitude and cross-frequency phase of the measured spectral content is required. As a result, a time domain signal representation cannot be constructed accurately from the frequency domain measurements of the waveforms emanating from a nonlinear DUT 103. Additionally, this lack of accuracy inhibits the generation of precise nonlinear behavior models, primarily for use in simulation and design.
Accordingly, a need exists to determine and characterize an electrical system accurately.

Nonlinear measurement system error correction


The invention relates to a method for measuring objects for measurement, by means of a network analyzer with several measurement ports, at least one signal generator, for stimulating the object for measurement and at least one local oscillator, for measurement of the signal transmitted or reflected from the object for measurement by the superposition principle. According to the invention, on a frequency change, only the frequency of the local oscillator or the frequency of the signal generator is changed but not the frequency of the local oscillator and the signal generator simultaneously.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a method, which allows a phase-stable frequency change of the signal generator and of the local oscillator, for example, of a network analyzer. Within the context of the present application, this method is referred to as the Secum-Trahenz method.
2. Related Technology
A vectorial network analyzer with controllable signal generators and controllable oscillators is known from DE 102 46 700 A1. Only a single local oscillator is often provided in the network analyzers used in practice. Several signal generators are generally provided in more-recent network analyzers with more than two test ports. For example, with a network analyzer comprising three test ports, two signal generators are present, one of which can be switched between two of the three test ports. A mixer, which is connected to a directional coupler, by means of which the wave travelling outwards via the test port or respectively the wave travelling inwards via the test port is de-coupled and fed into the mixer, is provided for each test port. The other input of the mixer is connected to the local oscillator.
With network analyzers and also other measuring instruments, for example, with connected signal generators, it is problematic that a frequency change of the signal generators has to be implemented in a phase-stable manner, that is to say, no sudden phase changes should occur during the frequency change. Signal generators generally comprise synthesisers with several phase-locked-loop (PLL) stages with fractional dividers. A division by a fractional-rational division factor is implemented in the dividers. If the division factor is varied not exclusively with regard to its integer component, this generally leads to a sudden phase change. Even if only the integer division factor is varied, a sudden phase change by π/n, where n is a whole number, can occur. The necessity for implementing a phase-stable frequency change is relevant particularly when measuring frequency-converting devices under test, such as mixers.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Secum-trahenz method, especially for a network analyzer, for measurement of a device


A tube-type tire to be mounted on the rim of a (e.g., spoke-type) wheel such as that commonly used by a bicycle or a motorcycle, whereby the tube-type tire will operate without a conventional inner tube and as if it were tubeless. The tire includes a main tire section that is seated upon the generally flat shelf of the rim and a pneumatic sealing ring having an inner tube that is seated upon the beadwell of the rim. An air chamber of the inner tube of the sealing ring is inflated to a greater pressure than an air chamber of the main tire section so as to isolate the air chamber of the main tire section from the rim and force the main tire section against the vertical lip of the rim. The sealing ring also has an outer inflatable liner that is located in surrounding engagement with the inner tube to separate the inner tube from the air chamber of the main tire section. The outer liner has one or more O-ring seals projecting outwardly from the side walls thereof and a centering lip projecting downwardly from the side walls. The O-ring seals are moved into sealing engagement with the inside of the main tire section when the air chamber of the inner tube is inflated and the liner is expanded. The centering lips of the liner are seated upon the beadwell of the rim to cause the liner to be automatically centered over the inner tube.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to pneumatic sealing ring including an inner tube and an expandable liner extending in surrounding engagement thereover to be used with a tube-type tire and rim so that the tube-type tire will operate without a conventional inner tube and as if it were tubeless.
2. Background Art
A conventional tube-type tire is commonly known to have an inner tube associated therewith. A primary disadvantage of such a tube-type tire is that the rubber material of the inner tube is subject to pinching during use. Such a pinch may result in a tear and, ultimately, a pinch flat, whereby to place the tire out of service or in need of repair. The tools that are commonly used when a new tube-type tire is installed can also cause a pinch in the inner tube and the resulting damage to the tire.
In this same regard, the inner tube associated with the conventional tube-type tire is characteristically large, bulky and correspondingly heavy. These characteristics are not well suited for achieving the high performance that is required by racing vehicles on which such a tube-type tire may be used. In fact, such conventional tube-type tires can contribute to significant poundage when mounted on a wheel which is likely to reduce speed and increase energy (e.g., fuel) consumption.
Therefore, what is desirable is a tube-type tire that can be used by high performance (e.g., racing) vehicles but has the characteristics of a tubeless tire so as to avoid the shortcomings that have heretofor been associated with conventional tube-type tires.

Pneumatic sealing ring having an inner tube and expandable liner for a tube-type tire


A portable device search system for an electronic key system is formed by a portable device and handy equipment such as a cellular phone, PDA and the like, which is separate from the portable device. When a predetermined operation is performed on the handy equipment, the handy equipment transmits a search signal. On receiving the search signal, the portable device generates a specific sound and vibration to notify the location. In addition, an image near the portable device may be transmitted to the handy equipment to be displayed on the handy equipment.

An electronic key system for a motor vehicle is conventionally known. In this system, in response to a request (transmission request signal) transmitted from an on-vehicle device, a portable device as an electronic key carried by a user of a vehicle transmits a reply signal containing an identification code. If the code that the on-vehicle device receives from the portable device matches a code stored in advance in a memory of the on-vehicle device, predetermined operations such as door unlocking/locking and engine startup are performed. Such an electronic key system is generally referred to as a smart key system or a smart keyless entry system [e.g., JP-2000-170420 and U.S. 2003/0095039 A1 (JP-2003-157483)].
In the above electronic key system, desired functions (door unlocking, locking, etc.) are achieved if the user only carries the portable device without performing intentional operations on the portable device. Therefore, the user often leaves the portable device in a bag, a purse, a jacket pocket or the like. As a result, the user often forgets where the portable device was put, and has difficulty in locating the lost portable device.

Portable device for electronic key system and portable device search system


A vascular closure device comprised of a sheath-delivered expandable, umbrella-like device with structural radial members with terminal and non-terminal hooks that engage the vessel wall. Unlike other vascular closure umbrella-type devices that effect closure by opening of the umbrella to cover an opening, the present invention effects closure of the aperture with closure of the umbrella. The closure can be maintained by a retainer lock that slides down the members, causing contraction, bringing the members into a compressed configuration (e.g., a parallel orientation of linear members) and the wound edges together, permitting immediate vascular closure and healing of the blood vessel. The device can be delivered and recovered by an intravascular sheath.

The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for closing punctures and apertures in human and animal tissue and to methods and apparatuses for inserting such an apparatus into such tissue to perform such closure functions.
During angiography and related procedures, catheters are inserted through an incision or puncture in the skin and underlying tissues to access an artery or vein, typically in the groin, neck, or subclavian areas of a patient. The catheter can be inserted through a puncture in the blood vessel and guided to the desired site to perform interventional procedures such as angiography, angioplasty, plaque removal, and infusion of a therapeutic substance. After the procedure is completed and the catheter is removed from the patient, the access hole must be closed to prevent massive hemorrhage. This is conventionally achieved by applying pressure over the blood vessel manually and then by applying a pressure bandage, compressive weight, or clamp device. With conventional methods, the rate of post-puncture hemorrhage is high, which causes considerable complications. This complication is exacerbated by the concomitant use of anticoagulant medications such as heparin or warfarin and by antiplatelet drugs, which are commonly used to treat vascular disease.
Sutures have been used to close access puncture wounds in blood vessels. U.S. Pat. No. 05,613,974 describes a device and method for applying sutures to a vascular puncture. US2004/0093027A1 describes barbed suture-like material that apposes the puncture site. US 2005/0121042 A1 describes a device and method for applying suture to a vascular puncture. Difficulties with these methods include the large number of steps necessary to deploy the needles, capture the suture, withdraw the suture, tie the knot, and cut the suture. In addition, the hole in the blood vessel is often widened by insertion of the instrument, and the suture remains intravascularly on the endothelial surface, and thus can be a nidus for thrombus or intravascular mural hyperplasia with later spontaneous and catastrophic closure of the vessel.
Extravascular plugs have also been proposed for closure of vascular punctures. U.S. Pat. Nos. 05,254,105 and 05,330,445 describe an extravascular plug which is slid down the external surface of the catheter or introducer and is placed into the puncture site in this manner. U.S. Pat. No. 05,643,318 relates to a similar device that has its own vessel locator device. US22022822A1 and US2004/0158287A1 describe an extravascular plug that is delivered with a specialized system. US24215232A1 describes an extravascular plug with an intravascular anchor set with a sheath with a detection port. US2005/0085855A1 describes an extravascular collagen plug, held in place with an intravascular anchor, and a device that locks over a piece of suture.
U.S. Pat. No. 05,906,631 describes a plug made of hydrophilic material. U.S. Pat. No. 06,126,675 describes an intravascular anchor and a bioabsorble extravascular plug. U.S. Pat. No. 06,623,509 describes a bioabsorbable plug. U.S. Pat. Nos. 06,296,657 and 06,743,195 describe an inflatable balloon that puts pressure on the puncture site. U.S. Pat. No. 06,569, 185 describes an injectable vascular plug. U.S. Pat. No. 06,663,655 describes a plug that screws in the puncture tract. US2004/0143290 A1 describes a combination of an intraluminal balloon and injectable sealant. Disadvantages to these methods are related to the high likelihood of thrombosis associated with the intravascular plug or anchor, and the presence of collagen or other bioabsorble materials which cause inflammation, activate the clotting cascade, and increase the likelihood of thrombosis, which, in an arterial system, is catastrophic.
Vascular patches have also been used for repairing blood vessels, but usually only for large areas of damage. U.S. Pat. No. 05,100,422 describes a vascular patch that is sutured to the external surface of the damaged blood vessel. U.S. Pat. No. 05,100,422 describes a vascular patch achieved by instilled adhesives and the device for doing such. These are generally impractical for catheter-based methods. U.S. Pat. Nos. 06,248,124 and 05,507,744 describe devices and methods that use electrocautery for sealing vascular punctures. This also requires a complicated device, and perforation and thrombosis are very real possibilities.
Vascular clips or staples delivered through a catheter device have also been proposed. These devices have penetrating members that bring the edges of the tissue together. U.S. Pat. No. 06,695,867 describes a clip or staple that is delivered by a specialized device. U.S. Pat. No. 0,674,9622 describes a number of different clips with sharpened barbs or ends that include both intra- and extravascular portions, made of metal with memory characteristics. U.S. Pat. No. 05,861,005 describes an arterial staple that is delivered with a specialized device. U.S. Pat. No. 05,919,207 describes a stapling system based on long hooked wires that appose the surfaces, with a small staple gun to close the lesion. U.S. Pat. No. 06,022,372 describes a similar staple gun. U.S. Pat. Nos. 06,296,657, 06,663,655, and 06,749,621 describe a clip that is external to the vessel, but clips the two sides of the puncture together, and a device for achieving such. U.S. Pat. No. 5,782,861 and 5,964,782 describe clip devices composed of two or more prongs or hooks that, depending on the direction of the prongs, can clip together the puncture site from the intra- or extravascular position, through the use of a collar which forces the prongs together or other mechanisms. These clip devices are composed of thick semi-rigid material, and can be placed only with a specialized instruments, and because of the rigidity have great potential to injure or cut the blood vessel. Disadvantages of these clip devices in general include difficulty in retrieving the device if misplaced, excessive manipulation required, the thickness of the clip material which tends to cut or shear the blood vessel, the large forces that must be used to curve the staples and fix the clips, the increased possibility of tearing the blood vessel, and the general lack of control of the forces being applied to the blood vessel.
Accordingly, there is a need for methods and apparatuses that are suitable for closure of vascular punctures or other openings, and that do not suffer from the drawbacks of conventional approaches.

Vascular closure methods and apparatuses


This invention relates to a lithium secondary battery, in which a nonaqueous solvent is used for an electrolyte and a carbonaceous material is used for a negative active material; and especially relates to the electrolyte. Namely, the electrolyte includes one or more kinds of tertiary amines, and the tertiary amines include one or more substituents having two or more numbers of carbon. Further, the electrolyte includes a cyclic ester and includes a solvent having a reduction potential higher than that of the cyclic ester.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a lithium secondary battery, in which a nonaqueous solvent is used for an electrolyte and a carbonaceous material is used for a negative active material.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Recently, a secondary battery utilizing a metallic lithium as its negative electrode has become the object of public attention, and a great technical advance has been made in putting it into practical use. However, this secondary battery has included such a disadvantage as a short charge/discharge cycle life. This problem is caused by a fact that a lithium is deposited in a dendrite-form at time of charge/discharge operation so that its negative electrode is deteriorated.
Therefore, a secondary battery, in which the above problem is solved by using a powdery or fibrous carbon material having a lithium absorbing property to the metallic lithium as the negative electrode, is proposed in Published Unexamined Patent Application (KOKAI) No. 62-268058, for example.


When a synchronization point is determined to maintain the coherence of data in a multi-processor system, and data write-back operations from caches to a main memory are simultaneously performed at the determined point, the traffic is concentrated, resulting in poor efficiency. In view of this problem, the write-back operations of cache data are arbitrarily performed when a predetermined condition is satisfied. Alternatively, when the number of copies which are updated in the cache and do not match the corresponding data in the main memory exceeds a predetermined value, cache data are written back. With this control, the write-back operations of copies stored in cache can be prevented from being concentrated at the synchronization point.

The present invention relates to a coherence maintenance method for cache memories in information processing apparatus in which a plurality of processors which are connected by an interconnection network via caches operate parallel to each other.
In a parallel computer system, in order to attain a high-speed response to an access request issued from a processor to a main memory, and to reduce the traffic on the interconnection network, each processor often has a cache memory. Memory access requests issued from each processor are executed via a cache memory that stores copies of data blocks to be subjected to these memory accesses. In the parallel computer system, a plurality of cache memories may often store copies of an identical data block. In order to guarantee the coherence of these copies, various methods have been proposed and realized.
A snoop method is generally used in a parallel computer system which uses a bus or the like that can monitor all the transactions as a connection network for interconnecting between processors, and between processors and a main memory. In the snoop method, the cache memory monitors all the transactions issued on the connection network, and if the memory stores a copy of a data block as a transaction target, the cache memory performs a required coherence maintenance operation.
On the other hand, a directory method is used in a parallel computer system which uses a network that cannot monitor all the transactions as a connection network for interconnecting between processors, and between processors and a main memory. In the directory method, caching information indicating a cache memory that stores a copy of a data block is stored and managed in a storage device called a directory in units of data blocks or an equivalent. When a processor issues a transaction, a cache memory that stores a copy of the data block as a transaction target is informed of the generation of the transaction, on the basis of the caching information obtained from the directory, thus maintaining the coherence among copies.
In order to suppress access latency with respect to a memory, various relaxed memory coherence models have been proposed and realized.
In general, in a relaxed memory coherence model, a synchronization point is set in a processing sequence, and when the processing has reached the synchronization point, memory transactions issued so far must be reflected in a system. This means that memory transaction results need not be reflected in the system before the synchronization point.
When a conventional cache coherence maintenance method is used in a parallel computer system that adopts such relaxed memory coherence model, an unnecessary coherence maintenance operation is executed every transaction, and its overhead inadvertently increases the memory access latency contrary to the purpose of the relaxed memory coherence model.
In order to solve this problem, the assignee of the present applicant has already proposed a system which can reduce the overhead and can improve the performance of the system by delaying execution of the cache coherence maintenance operation to the timing of the synchronization point at which memory transactions need be reflected in the system in the relaxed memory coherence model.
However, in such system which reduces the overhead due to unnecessary cache coherence maintenance operations by delaying the execution of the cache coherence maintenance operation to the timing of the synchronization point at which memory transactions need be reflected in the relaxed memory coherence model, the cache coherence maintenance operations are all performed at the timing of the synchronization point. For this reason, the traffic concentrates on the interconnection network at the timing of the synchronization point, and as a result, the utilization efficiency of the interconnection network falls considerably at the timing of the synchronization point.

Conference maintenance method for cache memories in multi-processor system triggered by a predetermined synchronization point and a predetermined condition


A horizontal pillow packing apparatus includes a center sealer configured to wrap a packing target object by bringing both end portions of a back surface of a belt-shaped film in a width direction into contact with each other and seal a center seal portion at which the both end portions of the back surface in the width direction are in contact with each other, and an end sealer configured to seal and cut both side portions of the belt-shaped film wrapping the packing target object in the width direction. The center sealer includes at least two pairs of heating rollers configured to nip and heat the center seal portion of the belt-shaped film wrapping the packing target object, and a pair of compression rollers configured to cool and compress, to bond the center seal portion, the center seal portion heated by the at least two pairs of heating rollers.

A horizontal pillow packing apparatus configured to pack a packing target object includes a center sealer and an end sealer. The center sealer disposed on the upstream side brings both end portions of a back surface of a continuously-supplied belt-shaped film in a width direction into contact with each other to wrap packing target objects sequentially supplied with predetermined intervals, and seals a center seal portion at which the both end portions of the back surface of the belt-shaped film in the width direction are in contact with each other. The end sealer disposed on the downstream side seals and cuts, in the width direction, end seal portions of the belt-shaped film, which is conveyed from the center sealer and wrapping a packing target object, provided on both sides of the packing target object (for example, see Patent Literature 1).
As described in Patent Literature 1, the center sealer includes a pair of conveyance rollers and a pair of heating rollers. The pair of conveyance rollers disposed on the upstream side nips the center seal portion at which the both end portions of the back surface of the belt-shaped film wrapping the packing target object in the width direction and conveys the belt-shaped film. The pair of heating rollers disposed on the downstream side nips and heats the center seal portion of the belt-shaped film conveyed thereto. The center seal portion of the belt-shaped film is bonded via thermocompression bonding by being heated and pressurized by the pair of heating rollers.

Horizontal pillow packing apparatus and horizontal pillow packing method


A stabilized PV system comprises an array of photovoltaic (PV) assemblies mounted to a support surface. Each PV assembly comprises a PV module and a support assembly securing the PV module to a position overlying the support surface. The array of modules is circumscribed by a continuous, belt-like perimeter assembly. Cross strapping, extending above, below or through the array, or some combination of above, below and through the array, secures a first position along the perimeter assembly to at least a second position along the perimeter assembly thereby stabilizing the array against wind uplift forces. The first and second positions may be on opposite sides on the array.

Air moving across an array of photovoltaic (PV) assemblies mounted to the roof of a building, or other support surface, creates wind uplift forces on the PV assemblies. Much work has been done in the design and evaluation of arrays of PV assemblies to minimize wind uplift forces. See U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,316,592; 5,505,788; 5,746,839; 6,061,978; and 6,148,570. Reducing wind uplift forces provides several advantages. First, it reduces the necessary weight per unit area of the array. This reduces or eliminates the need for strengthening the support surface to support the weight of the array, thus making retrofit easier and reducing the cost for both retrofit and new construction. Second, it reduces or eliminates the need for the use of roof membrane- (or other support surface-) penetrating fasteners; this helps to maintain the integrity of the membrane. Third, the cost of transporting and installing the assembly is reduced because of its decreased weight. Fourth, lightweight PV assemblies are easier to install than assemblies that rely on ballast weight to counteract wind uplift forces. Fifth, when designed properly, the assembly can serve as a protective layer over the roof membrane or support surface, shielding from temperature extremes and ultraviolet radiation.
The invention is directed to a stabilized PV system comprising a support surface and an array of photovoltaic (PV) assemblies mounted to the support surface. Each PV assembly comprises a PV module and a support assembly securing the PV module to a position overlying the support surface. The array of modules is circumscribed by a continuous, belt-like perimeter assembly. Cross strapping, extending above, below or through the array, or some combination of above, below and through the array, secures a first position along the perimeter assembly to at least a second position along the perimeter assembly thereby stabilizing the array against wind uplift forces. The first and second positions may be on opposite sides on the array.
Various features and advantages of the invention will appear from the following description in which the preferred embodiments have been set forth in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.


A process is described for forming a catalyst precursor, for copolymerizing ethylene and an alpha-olefin of 3 to 10 carbon atoms, by preparing a contact mixture of an inert solvent, dibutylmagnesium and tetraalkyl orthosilicate which is free of precipitate and adding silica to the contact mixture to form a slurry to form a supported catalyst precursor. Titanium tetrachloride is then incorporated into the support in a specific ratio to the magnesium and silane components. Activation of this catalyst precursor with a trialkylaluminum compound results in a catalyst system which is effective for the production of ethylene copolymers.

Two major application areas of ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymers high density polyethylene (HDPE) and linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) resins, include film and injection-molded articles.
When HDPE or LLDPE resins are fabricated into injection-molded products, it is imperative to assure that the manufacture of such products is not accompanied by warping or shrinking. As is known to those skilled in the art, the degree of warping or shrinking can be predicted from the molecular weight distributions of the resins. Resins having relatively narrow molecular weight distribution produce injection-molded products exhibiting a minimum amount of warping or shrinkage. Conversely, resins having relatively broader molecular weight distributions, produce injection-molded products more likely to suffer from warping or shrinkage.
One of the measures of the molecular weight distribution of an LLDPE or a HDPE resin is the melt flow ratio (MFR), which is the ratio of the high-load melt index (I.sub.21) to the melt index (I.sub.2) for a given resin: EQU MFR=I.sub.21 /I.sub.2
The melt flow ratio is an indication of the molecular weight distribution of the polymer: the higher the MFR value, the broader the molecular weight distribution. Resins having relatively low MFR values, e.g., of about 20 to about 30, have relatively narrow molecular weight distributions. LLDPE resins having such relatively low MFR values produce warpage-free injection-molded articles and film with better strength properties compared to resins with high MFR values.
Another important property of an ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymerization catalyst is the ability to effectively copolymerize ethylene with higher alpha-olefins, e.g., C.sub.3 -C.sub.10 alpha-olefins, and to produce LLDPE resins with low densities. Such resins have important advantages. They are used to produce LLDPE film which has excellent physical properties, and, in particular, is substantially more resistant to tearing and puncturing than a film made from similar resins of higher densities. This property of the catalyst is referred to as "alpha-olefin incorporation property" and is usually evaluated by determining the amount of an alpha-olefin (e.g., 1-butene, 1-hexene or 1-octene) required in the polymerization process to produce an ethylene copolymer with a given density. The lower is the amount of the alpha-olefin required to produce a resin of a given density, the higher is the production rates and, therefore, the lower is the cost of producing such a copolymer. High alpha-olefin incorporation ability is especially important in the gas-phase fluidized-bed processes, because relatively high concentrations of an alpha-olefin in the fluidized-bed reactor may cause poor fluidization due to resin stickiness. To avoid it, production rates must be significantly reduced. Consequently, catalyst compositions with a relatively high alpha-olefin incorporation ability avoid these problems and are more desirable.

Process for forming a catalyst precursor for copolymerizing ethylene and an alpha-olefin of 3 to 10 carbon atoms


A disk-shaped object dispenser includes a trough disposed in a substantially horizontal orientation for holding disk-shaped objects face to face. A guide is disposed at one end of the objects and movably engaged to the trough to urge the objects toward a dispending end. The guide is urged by a biasing device. A dispensing blade is disposed at an end of the trough and is movable transversely to a direction of the trough. The dispensing blade holds the disk-shaped objects in place when in a rest position and separates a forwardmost one of the objects when moved while retaining in place a remainder of the objects. A separator is operatively coupled with the dispensing blade and having a device to rotate fingers on lateral ends thereof. The fingers engage a bottom of the object separated by the blade to urge the separated object away from the dispensing blade.

This disclosure relates generally to the field of disk dispensing devices. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a beverage lid dispenser
When a beverage is purchased from a customer or user operating dispensing device, e.g. at a convenience store or restaurant, the beverage is dispensed into a cup or similar container inserted into the dispensing device either automatically or by the user. It is also common to obtain and secure a lid to the top of the container to prevent the contents from spilling. It is common for the user to obtain a lid from a stack of lids placed near the beverage dispenser. A drawback to such simple procedure is that when picking up the lid one may accidentally pick up several lids at the same time. This may lead to some of the lids being wasted. Another issue is that as users pick up more than one lid the users touch the other lids in the stack and consequently may contaminate some of the other lids in the stack.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,337,919 issued to Walsh et al. discloses a lid dispenser that uses a blade like mechanism movably in a direction transverse to a stack of lids to separate a single lid from the bottom of the bottom of the stack and move it outwardly for retrieval by the user.


A hand-held instrument has a variable contour grip, a main body having a grip-attaching portion, and a tubular grip body made of a resilient material and mounted around the grip-attaching portion of the main body for undergoing rotation relative thereto. Each of an outer circumferential surface of the grip-attaching portion and an inner circumferential surface of the grip body has a non-circular cross-sectional shape so that when the grip-attaching portion and the grip body are rotated relative to one another, the grip body undergoes deformation so that portions thereof or contracted and other portions thereof are expanded to thereby change an outer configuration or contour of the grip body.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to hand-held instruments and, more specifically, to a hand-held instrument, such as a writing instrument (e.g., a mechanical pencil or a ballpoint pen), having a deformable grip section providing a variable contour grip.
2. Background Information
Conventional hand-held instruments include, for example, writing instruments having a tubular grip body of the type to be held between the fingers of the hand for use. Conventional writing instruments of this type having a tubular grip body made of a soft resilient material provided on the grip section of a writing instrument main body are generally known. Further, various types of such conventional writing instruments of which the thickness, position, etc. of the grip body can be changed have been proposed. Since the foregoing structure of the conventional writing instruments has been adopted primarily for the purpose of increasing or decreasing a diameter of the grip body, a cross-section of the grip body still maintains a circular shape. Furthermore, in order to deform the grip body into a shape other than a circular shape, it is required to provide a means for pressing the grip body in the axial direction of the writing instrument main body as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,146,038. Accordingly, the resulting structure of the foregoing conventional writing instruments has been complex and expensive to manufacture.

Hand-held instrument having variable contour grip


A low-profile robust switch having low pre-travel and high overtravel is provided through the use of counteracting biasing elements that operate upon the actuating area of the switch in the absence of externally applied forces. These biasing elements set the switch very close to its actuation point. In the disclosed embodiments, these counteracting biasing elements include a lever and at least one spring which are arranged to provide a low-profile switch.

Pre-travel and overtravel are two commonly specified requirements for a switch. Pre-travel is the amount of movement of the switch actuator mechanism before switch changes its electrical state, i.e., the electrical state between the terminals of the switch changes. The electrical state between a pair of switch terminals is typically either an electrical open circuit or a short circuit. Overtravel is the amount of movement that the switch actuator is designed to accommodate after the switch changes state. The sum of pre-travel and overtravel is the total travel of the switch actuator.
The rise of terrorism in the world has created the need to secure and protect activities of a general commercial nature. One such need is that of securing shipping containers against unauthorized opening after the container has been readied and sealed for shipment. Electronic systems that utilize electrical switches are being designed to track and monitor containers with respect to unauthorized opening as the containers are in transit to their respective destinations. As there is a large embedded base of shipping containers, the switches for this application must be compatible with existing container designs and must be capable of withstanding rough treatment and operate flawlessly with different containers having rather large part tolerances. In one proposed application, it is contemplated that a door switch be mounted on each shipping container between the small space between the door and door jamb. For this application, the switch must be robust and possess particular pre-travel and overtravel requirements. While electrical switches exist in a myriad of shapes, sizes, and designs, no existing switch exists that can met the requirements of the shipping container application. Accordingly, providing a door switch for a system designed to detect unauthorized opening of shipping containers would be desirable.

Switch with low pre-travel and high overtravel


An electronic telephone directory-dialer module which makes it possible for a user to automatically dial any party listed in the directory by using a dial tone telephone set for this purpose, without having to manually dial the telephone number code on the keyboard of this set. Included in the module is a data base and a keyboard by which one enters into the base the names, addresses and telephone number codes of all parties of interest to users of the directory. Operatively coupled to the electronic directory is a dialer constituted by a tone generator adapted to convert the telephone number code of any selected party into corresponding dial tones and to reproduce those tones in a loud speaker. The base of the telephone set is provided with a slot for receiving the module, the slot incorporating a microphone which registers with the loud speaker of the socketed module and is coupled to the telephone line. In this way, dial tones emitted by the speaker and picked up by the microphone are conveyed over the telephone line to automatically dial the selected party.

1. Field of Invention
This invention relates generally to an electronic telephone directory having a data base in which is entered the telephone number codes of the listed parties, and more particularly to a module in which an electronic telephone directory is combined with a dialer adapted to convert the telephone number code of a selected party into corresponding dial tones, the module making it possible for a user to automatically dial any party listed in the directory by means of a dial tone telephone set without having to dial the telephone number code of the selected party on the keyboard of this set.
2. Status of Prior Art
A conventional telephone directory is a book, usually in loose-leaf form, containing an alphabetical listing of the names, addresses and telephone number codes of persons, organizations and firms of interest to those for whom the directory is intended. Thus when a user of the directory wishes to call any listed party, he must first consult the directory to obtain the telephone number code of this party, say 212-986-2480, and then manually dial this number on his telephone set.
Conventional telephone directories have many practical drawbacks. When a user wishes to call a particular party and needs to consult the directory to obtain his telephone number code, the telephone directory book may not then be next to the telephone set, and may be difficult to locate. And since the listings in the directory are usually hand written, they may be difficult to read. Moreover, where it comes to dialing a listed telephone number code, because this code when it includes an area code then has 10 digits, it is easy to make a dialing mistake, making it necessary to redial.
Also when the user of the directory is away from his home or office where he keeps the telephone directory book, he does not have it available to consult when making a call from a remote location.
Telephone sets now in use are mainly of the dial tone type, referred to by the Bell System as a "Touch-Tone" telephone. In a set of this type, the telephone number code of the party being called is entered by the user into a keyboard operatively coupled to a tone generator adapted to convert the number code into corresponding tones. Each digit in the number code is converted in the tone generator to a pair of audio frequencies which are simultaneously transmitted over the telephone line to which the set is coupled.
Thus the digit 5 is signaled by the transmission of 772 Hz and 1335 Hz tones. And digit 3 is transmitted by 697 Hz and 1,477 Hz tones. Because these tone pairs lie in the voice frequency range, they can be transmitted over the telephone line. And they can also be used for purposes besides dialing in other data communication applications.
It is known to provide electronic telephone directories capable of producing dial tones corresponding to a telephone number code listed in the directory. Thus the 1996 patent to Talvard et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,583,919 notes that it is known to provide a telephone dialer and directory having "an alphanumeric keyboard and a small loudspeaker enabling dual-tone multifrequency (DTMF) dialing signals to be emitted corresponding to various digits of a telephone number."
The 1996 U.S. Pat. No. 5,557,662 to Kenmochi et al. notes that "Conventional so-called electronic telephone directories store telephone numbers and names in pairs. The user can search the telephone numbers and select one of such previously-stored telephone numbers, by manipulating the keys provided on the electronic telephone directory. When a start key is depressed, the electronic telephone directory generates acoustic tones (BP tones) corresponding to the telephone number on display. Thus the user can make a telephone call without using the keys of the telephone by depressing the start key."
The 1995 U.S. Pat. No. 5,452,352 to Talton discloses an automatic dialing system in a credit card format. The credit card includes a memory to which telephone numbers are stored, a keyboard to enter the numbers in the memory, a tone generator and a loud speaker. To dial a telephone number using this credit card, the card which emits the dial tones of the telephone number code to be called, is brought against the transmitter of a standard touch-tone telephone set.
Also in a card format for automatic dialing is the calling card shown in the 1995 McGuire U.S. Pat. No. 5,455,857. As in the above patents, audible dial tones representing a telephone number are generated by the card. Along the same lines is the telephone dialer card disclosed in the 1994 Bazemore et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,377,263.
As pointed out above, a telephone directory, in order to be useful, must be available to its user when he wishes to make a call. A directory which is not next to the telephone set or cannot be found, serves no useful purpose.
The electronic telephone directories and dialers disclosed in the above-identified patents are independent of the dial-tone telephone sets in connection with which they are useful. Hence if the electronic telephone directory is misplaced, it cannot be brought next to the transmitter of the telephone set to emit dial tones for dialing a selected telephone number code.
Another drawback of existing electronic telephone directories and dialers is that they depend on batteries as their power source, and therefore cease to function when these batteries are run down or exhausted. With an electronic telephone directory that is put to frequent use, the user may find that the batteries are no longer effective just as he is about to make a call. While these batteries may be replaced or recharged, the availability of the directory is then interrupted.
Yet another drawback of known types of electronic telephone directories is that it takes a fair amount of time and effort to correctly enter into the data base or memory of the directory all of the parties to be listed therein. If the user of this directory has in his home or office several touch-tone telephone sets at different sites, and he also wishes to consult the directory at telephone sets away from his office or home, he requires for this purpose several like electronic telephone directories. It becomes necessary therefore to enter into these additional directories the many listings entered into the first directory, a time consuming and tedious task.

Electronic telephone directory dialer module


An ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention includes a head, a first light source, a second light source. Liquid droplets of a photo-curable ink composition are applied to a recording medium. After one second or less elapses from the time when the liquid droplets are applied to the recording medium, the liquid droplets are illuminated with light of the first light source. After 0.1 second or more and one second or less elapses from the time when the liquid droplets are illuminated with light of the first light source, the liquid droplets are illuminated with light of the second light source.

1. Technical Field
The invention relates to an ink jet recording apparatus and an ink jet recording method.
2. Related Art
Recently, a photo-curable ink composition which is cured by light such as UV light or electron beams has been developed. The photo-curable ink composition generally includes a polymerizable compound, a polymerization initiator, a pigment, and other additive agents or the like. In addition, generally, in the case where an image is formed by using a photo-curable ink composition, after the photo-curable ink composition is applied to a recording medium by using, for example, an ink jet recording apparatus, the photo-curable ink composition is illuminated with light by using an appropriate light source and cured.
For example, JP-A-2004-216681 discloses an image forming method where activation ray curing type ink is illuminated with activation rays by two or more illumination units. It is disclosed in JP-A-2004-216681 that the ink curing ratio is set to be in the range of 6 to 70% by using a first activation ray, and after the entire printing is ended, the ink is completely cured through sufficient illumination of the activation ray, so that it is possible to form a high-definition image.
However, in some cases, the photo-curable ink composition is used for recording on a non-absorbable recording medium such as plastic, glass, or coated paper which does not or almost not absorb ink. In such recording, the photo-curable ink composition is applied on a non-absorbable recording medium and remains with the shape of liquid droplets for a certain period without permeation into the recording media. In addition, in the case where applied liquid droplets have fluidity, for example, adjacent liquid droplets may be combined to cause color bleeding, or liquid droplets may wet and spread to cause deterioration of definition of the image.
In addition, on the contrary, if the curing ratio is increased by, for example, fully illuminating the photo-curable ink composition with light immediately after the photo-curable ink composition is applied to the non-absorbable recording medium, since the liquid droplets do not have sufficient fluidity, the image may be formed in the state where the shape of the applied liquid droplets is maintained. In this case, for example, the wetting and spreading of the liquid droplets may be insufficient, the line width may be insufficient, and the glossiness or texture of the image may be deteriorated.
In the case where an image is formed on the non-absorbable recording medium by using the photo-curable ink composition in this manner, it is relatively difficult to form a desired image. For example, as disclosed in the aforementioned JP-A-2004-216681, in the method where the curing ratio is simply set to be in the range of 6 to 70% before the ink is completely cured, the fluidity of the liquid droplets is decreased and thus a high-definition image may be obtained. However, there is a problem in that, since the fluidity is insufficient, the line width may be insufficient, or the glossiness or the texture may not necessarily be good.

Ink jet recording apparatus and ink jet recording method


This application discloses a device that has a power-on reset generator. The power-on reset generator can include a power-on detector that receives an input electrical signal and outputs a digital signal that has predetermined value when the voltage of the input electrical signal exceeds a threshold voltage. The power-on detector can include multiple voltage-shaping elements arranged in series. Each voltage-shaping element can have a P-channel transistor and an N-channel transistor that differs in strength with respect to the P-channel transistor. The power-on detector can also include a switch that locks the digital signal at the predetermined value when the voltage of the input electrical signal exceeds the voltage threshold. In addition to the power-on detector, the power-on reset generator can include a digital delay that receives both the digital signal and a clock signal. The power-on reset generator can wait a predetermined time delay after the digital signal reaches the predetermined value then de-assert the reset signal.

Digital integrated circuits (ICs) or chips need a reset signal for a given duration after a power supply voltage is switched on. The reset signal can place the logic circuits of the digital IC in a known initial condition. The reset signal is normally asserted at a low voltage, relative to a stabilized power supply voltage, VDD, because the IC is initially de-powered. The polarity of the reset signal may be denoted with a trailing underscore, e.g., RESET_, to indicate it is asserted low.
Generally, external power-on reset (PORST) generators may include external capacitors, resistors, buffer amplifiers, and the like. For example, a PORST generator may sense the voltage at the junction of a pull-up resistor connected to a power supply and a large external Capacitor connected to ground. The PORST generator may de-assert the reset signal when the sensed voltage crosses the threshold or trip point of the buffer amplifier, which enables the logic circuits in the IC to operate.
Further, PORST generators may not be amenable to monolithic integration on a digital IC and may raise at least two additional concerns. First, the reset duration may vary as a function of semiconductor process corners, power supply voltages, power supply rise or fall times, temperature, buffer amplifier threshold voltages, resistor tolerances, capacitor tolerances, and other factors. For example, the sense voltage that is generated in a PORST generator may have a slow rise time that is on the order of milliseconds. A slowly rising sense voltage may result in a significant device-to-device variation of the duration of the RESET signal in PORST generators without well-controlled threshold voltages because the time to cross the threshold can vary. Second, if a brief power interruption or dropout occurs, then the capacitor may not discharge enough for the reset signal to be re-asserted during and just after the power interruption. Consequently, digital circuits that rely upon the reset signal may not be placed in a known initial condition.

Power-on-reset generator using a voltage-shaping inverter chain


A cooling structure for a motor section of a working vehicle with an engine having a vertical output shaft and mounted in an engine hood having an ambient air intake opening defined in an upper surface thereof, and a fan disposed above the engine to draw in cooling air. The cooling air is guided by an air guide cover to flow to a cylinder head and a carburetor attached to a side wall of the cylinder head. The motor section further includes a muffler disposed adjacent and below the carburetor. A muffler cover is disposed between the carburetor and muffler. Part of the air having cooled the carburetor is used to cool an upper surface of the muffler cover. The remaining part of the air having cooled the carburetor is directed under the muffler cover for use in cooling the muffler.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a structure of a motor section of a working vehicle including a hood covering the motor section and defining an air intake opening in an upper surface thereof, an air-cooled engine mounted in the hood and having a vertical output shaft, a fan disposed above the engine to draw in ambient air, an air guide cover for guiding the air to the cylinder head of the engine and a carburetor disposed laterally of the cylinder head, and a muffler disposed below and adjacent the carburetor.
2. Description of the Related Art
In a conventional structure of a motor section of a working vehicle such as a riding type lawn mower, the muffler is usually surrounded by a muffler cover to stop heat of the muffler reaching other devices arranged around the engine. Consequently, this structure has the drawback that grass particles and dust entrained by engine cooling air tend to accumulate on an upper surface of the muffler cover. Further, in summertime, for example, radiant heat of the muffler tends to pass through the muffler cover to produce a high temperature condition in an engine room. As a result, the carburetor becomes overheated, and particles of air mixed into a fuel are thermally expanded to form bubbles. This may cause a vapor lock, hampering proper fuel supply.
It is conceivable to change position of the muffler in order to overcome the above inconveniences, i.e. to avoid heating of the carburetor due to the radiant heat of the muffler and accumulation of grass particles and dust on the muffler cover. However, this would necessitate rearrangement of the devices associated with the engine inside the hood. Such a rearrangement would involve an extensive change in design.


A memory system couples command, address or write data signals from a memory controller to a memory device and read data signals from the memory device to the memory controller. A respective strobe generator circuit in each of the memory controller and the memory device each generates an in-phase strobe signal and a quadrature strobe signal. Command, address or write data signals stored in respective output latches in the memory controller are clocked by the in-phase signals from the internal strobe generator circuit. These command, address or write data signals are latched into input latches in the memory device by the quadrature strobe signal coupled from the memory controller to the memory device. In substantially the same manner, read data signals are coupled from the memory device to the memory controller using the in-phase and quadrature strobe signals generated by the internal strobe generator circuit.

Command, address and write data signals are typically coupled from a memory controller or other device to memory devices, such as synchronous random access memory ("SDRAM") devices. These command, address and write data signals are typically transmitted in synchronism with a system clock signal. Similarly, read data signals are typically coupled from memory devices to a memory controller or other device in synchronism with the system clock signal. In some cases, the memory devices or memory controller may couple a strobe signal between the memory devices and memory controller along with the command, address and data signals. The system clock signal or strobe signal derived from the system clock signal is used to "capture" the command, address and data signals by clocking latches that store the command, address and data signals. The advantage of coupling a strobe signal between the memory devices and memory controller is that it will be affected by signal skews and propagation delays in the same manner that with the command, address and data signals with which it is transmitted will be affected.
The transitions of the system clock signal are typically substantially aligned with transitions of the command, address and data signals. Similarly, the transitions of a received strobe signal are typically substantially aligned with transitions of the command, address and data signals. During the period between these transitions, the command, address and data signals are "valid," and it is during this valid period, known as an "eye," that the command, address and data signals must be captured. The system clock signal or received strobe signal normally cannot be used to directly capture command, address and data signals because the transitions of the system clock signal or received strobe signal substantially coincide with the transitions of the command, address and data signals rather than the eye between those transitions. As a result, a quadrature strobe signal that is delayed from the system clock or received strobe signal by 90 degrees must be generated from the system clock signal or received strobe signal. The quadrature strobe signal can latch the command, address and write data signals into the memory device at the center of the "eye" in which the command, address or data signals are valid.
Various techniques have been used to generate a quadrature strobe signal in a memory device or memory controller based on a system clock signal. If the frequency of the system clock signal is fixed, a quadrature strobe signal can be generated by a timing circuit that simply generates a transition of the strobe signal a fixed time after a corresponding transition of the system clock signal. However, synchronous memory devices are typically designed and sold to be operated over a wide range of system clock frequencies. Therefore, it is generally not practical to use a fixed timing circuit to generate a quadrature strobe signal from the system clock signal. Instead, as a practical matter, a circuit that can adapt itself to a system clock signal having a range of frequencies must be used.
One technique that has been used to ensure the correct timing of a strobe signal relative to captured digital signals is to use a closed loop circuit, such as a phase-lock loop ("PLL") or delay-lock loop ("DLL"), to generate the quadrature strobe signal. In particular, a closed loop circuit allows the timing of the strobe signal to be adjusted to minimize the phase error between the quadrature strobe signal and the valid eye of the digital signal. Although these closed loop circuits can accurately generate a quadrature strobe signal based on the system clock signal over a substantial range of frequencies of the system clock signal, they are not without their limitations. For example, the propagation delays of the command, address and data signals coupled between a memory controller and a memory device may vary to such an extent that a quadrature strobe signal generated from the system clock can no longer capture these signals during their valid period or eye. A quadrature strobe signal that is generated from a strobe signal coupled from the memory controller or memory device with the transmitted the command, address or data signals can better track variations in the propagation times of the command, address or data signals. However, the phase of the quadrature strobe signal generated from the strobe signal coupled with the transmitted command, address or data signals may not adequately track variations in the propagation times of the transmitted command, address or data signals. The quadrature strobe signal may be further delayed relative to the command, address or data signals in coupling the quadrature strobe from the closed loop circuit generating the strobe signal to a latch that will be used to capture the transmitted command, address or data signals. Therefore, even a quadrature strobe signal generated from a strobe signal transmitted with the command, address or data signals may fail to capture these signals during their valid period or eye. As the speed of memory devices continues to increase, the "eye" during which the command, address and data signals must be captured becomes smaller and smaller, thus making the timing of the quadrature strobe signal even more critical. Capturing command, address and data signals during the eye becomes even more difficult in memory devices and memory controllers in which several bits of data are serially coupled from an external terminal each clock period.
There is therefore a need for a system and method for more precisely capturing transmitted command, address and data signals during their eye or valid period, particularly where multiple bits of a command, address or data are transmitted during each clock period.

Memory system and method for strobing data, command and address signals


A method and apparatus can be configured to perform the steps of displaying, on a display, a first visual representation of volume in three-dimensional space. The method can also display, on the display, a visual representation of a network security alert. The network security alert can correspond to a notification of a network attack, a network intrusion, or an unwanted activity. The representation of the network security alert can be positioned within the first visual representation of volume. The position of the representation of the network security alert within the first visual representation of volume reflects at least one characteristic of the network security alert.

1. Field
Embodiments of the invention are directed to a network security system that visually displays network security alerts.
2. Description of the Related Art
Network security systems rely on the ability to screen and monitor network traffic in order to identify unauthorized or malicious activity that may be considered harmful. In particular, network security systems seek to identify unwanted system usage while the usage is occurring or is about to occur so that appropriate action may be taken in response to the usage. The system can include computers, networks, or any combination thereof. In addition to identifying unwanted system usage, network security systems may record information about the unwanted system usage, attempt to prevent/stop the unwanted system usage, and/or report the unwanted system usage to appropriate personnel.

Method and apparatus for visualizing network security alerts


The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for transitioning small cell base stations out of a discontinuous transmission (DTX) mode. The system and method comprise monitoring at the small cell base stations uplink transmissions from user terminals (UTs) to a macrocell base station while the small cell base stations are in the DTX mode. The small cell base stations can use the monitored uplink transmissions to, for example, measure received power levels from the UTs and/or measure uplink path losses between the small cell base stations and the UTs. The small cell base stations can report these measured values back to the macrocell base station through a backhaul network. Based on these measurements, the macrocell base station can determine which small cell base stations can support which UTs without transitioning the small cell base stations out of the DTX mode.

A conventional cellular network is deployed as a homogenous network of macrocell base stations. The macrocell base stations may all have similar antenna patterns and similar high-level transmit powers. To accommodate increases in data traffic, more macrocell base stations can be deployed in a homogenous network, but such a solution is often unattractive due to increased inter-cell interference on the downlink and due to the high costs associated with site acquisition for newly deployed macrocell base stations.
Because of these drawbacks, cellular network operators are turning to heterogeneous networks to meet the demands of increased data traffic. In heterogeneous networks, small cell base stations are used to provide small coverage areas that overlap with the comparatively larger coverage areas provided by macrocell base stations. The small coverage areas are specifically provided in areas with high data traffic (or so called hotspots) to increase capacity. Examples of small cell base stations include, in order of decreasing coverage area, microcell base stations, picocell base stations, and femtocell base stations or home base stations.
One problem with heterogeneous networks is that the addition of small cell base stations can lead to the cellular network being overprovisioned in terms of data traffic capacity during times when traffic is low. For example, during certain periods of time, many of the deployed small cell base stations may actually be serving no traffic or such a little amount of traffic that a macrocell base station can handle the traffic while still meeting quality of service (QoS) requirements. In these instances, the small cell base stations are consuming power that could otherwise be conserved. Because power costs contribute to a large percentage of the overall operational costs of running a cellular network, it would be beneficial to turn-off the small cell base stations (or at least portions of the small cell base stations) when they have little or no traffic load. In addition, it would be beneficial to turn-off the small cell base stations (or at least portions of the small cell base stations) when they have little or no traffic load to reduce downlink interference caused by these devices.
The embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawing in which an element first appears is typically indicated by the leftmost digit(s) in the corresponding reference number.


A method is provided to reduce differences between the way in which reticle chucking forces and gravity force act upon the reticle during use and during assembly of the pellicle, and to combine this with a similar reduction concerning pellicle chucking forces and gravity force acting upon the pellicle during bonding to the reticle and during quality control of the pellicle. The shape of the pellicle is measured for control in the same orientation of the pellicle with respect to gravity force as during use of the pellicle, and during bonding the pellicle and the reticle are held in the same way and in the same orientation as during control of the pellicle and use of the reticle in the lithographic apparatus, respectively.

A lithographic apparatus is a machine that applies a desired pattern onto a substrate, usually onto a target portion of the substrate. A lithographic apparatus can be used, for example, in the manufacture of integrated circuits (ICs). In that instance, a patterning device, which is alternatively referred to as a mask or a reticle, may be used to generate a circuit pattern to be formed on an individual layer of the IC. This pattern can be transferred onto a target portion (e.g. comprising part of, one, or several dies) on a substrate (e.g. a silicon wafer). Transfer of the pattern is typically via imaging onto a layer of radiation-sensitive material (resist) provided on the substrate. In general, a single substrate will contain a network of adjacent target portions that are successively patterned. Known lithographic apparatus include so-called steppers, in which each target portion is irradiated by exposing an entire pattern onto the target portion at one time, and so-called scanners, in which each target portion is irradiated by scanning the pattern through a radiation beam in a given direction (the "scanning"-direction) while synchronously scanning the substrate parallel or anti-parallel to this direction. It is also possible to transfer the pattern from the patterning device to the substrate by imprinting the pattern onto the substrate.
In optical projection lithography protection against particulate contamination of a patterning device surface carrying (or arranged to form) a pattern to be projected onto the substrate is typically realized by providing that surface with a pellicle. A pellicle generally comprises a pellicle membrane (a sheet or foil) transmissive for radiation used for exposure and a frame carrying the pellicle membrane. The frame carrying the pellicle membrane is bonded to, for example, a reticle surface so that the membrane is disposed at a distance from the patterned surface. In the presence of the pellicle, particulate contaminants cannot reach that surface, and hence stay out of focus during use of the reticle in the apparatus. The pellicle membrane can, for example, be a polymeric membrane or a fused silica membrane. Pellicles of the latter type are commonly referred to as "hard" pellicles. A pellicle membrane (a polymeric membrane or a hard pellicle membrane) acts as a refractive optical element on the projection beam, and therefore control of the shape of the refracting surfaces of the membrane is critical. For example, a non flat pellicle membrane shape may cause out of tolerance image errors of an image of the pattern, as projected onto the substrate. These image errors comprise optical aberrations such as, for example, distortion and defocus. Attachment of a pellicle to a reticle may also cause deformations of the reticle, which in turn cause similar image errors.
Pellicles are manufactured separate from lithographic apparatus, in accordance with specifications concerning maximum allowable deviations from a nominal shape of the pellicle membrane surface. Control of surface shape of the pellicle membrane is particularly critical with the use of hard pellicles, because generally hard pellicles are thicker than polymeric membranes, and may therefore act more strongly as a refractive optical element on the projection beam than the relatively thin polymeric membranes. For increasing Numerical Aperture (NA) of the projection system of the apparatus, the control of shape of the pellicle membrane becomes even more critical, and there is the problem of complying with pellicle-shape specifications not only after manufacture of a pellicle but also during use of the pellicle combined with a reticle, in a lithographic apparatus, while maintaining any reticle deformation, due to attachment of a pellicle to the reticle, within tolerance.

Method for bonding a pellicle to a patterning device and patterning device comprising a pellicle


A method for producing a thermoplastic elastomer composition including a thermoplastic resin composition as a continuous phase and also including a modified elastomer dispersed into the continuous phase as a dispersed phase, wherein the method comprises, in the stated order: (1) a step for reacting a polyamide resin and an epoxy group-containing polymer together to generate an end-capped polyamide resin; (2) a step for adding EVOH and a modified elastomer to the product obtained in step (1); (3) a step for dispersing the EVOH into the product obtained in step (1); (4) a step for adding a cross-linking agent for cross-linking the modified elastomer to the dispersion obtained in step (3); and (5) a step for cross-linking the modified elastomer using the cross-linking agent; and wherein the thermoplastic resin composition comprises EVOH and an end-capped polyamide resin.

Ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymers (EVOH) have been known to have excellent gas barrier properties, but have drawbacks in that they have poor flexibility, and particularly they are brittle at low temperature, whereas polyamide resins have been known to have excellent fatigue durability as well as excellent gas barrier properties. Although it is expected that a thermoplastic elastomer comprising as a continuous phase a thermoplastic resin composition comprising an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer and a polyamide resin as well as a modified elastomer as a dispersed phase has excellent gas barrier properties and fatigue durability as described above, there is a problem that, when an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, a polyamide resin and a modified elastomer are kneaded to produce such a thermoplastic elastomer composition, the reaction of the ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer with the polyamide resin results in gelation. Although a method of capping the end amino groups of a polyamide resin capable of reacting with an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer with an epoxy monomer is known (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2), epoxy monomers have a problem that they are difficult to handle, since, in general, they are liquid or gaseous at normal temperature and pressure, and are harmful to human health and environment, and also have a problem that it is necessary to allow a polyamide resin to react with an epoxy monomer in advance prior to kneading an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer and a modified elastomer. In case that a polyamide resin and an epoxy monomer are reacted with each other in advance prior to kneading them with an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer and a modified elastomer, a process for producing a thermoplastic elastomer composition is carried out in two steps of reacting the polyamide resin with the epoxy monomer, and kneading the resulting reaction product with the ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer and the modified elastomer, and therefore a more simple process for producing a thermoplastic elastomer composition has been required. In addition, in case that the reaction of a polyamide resin with an epoxy monomer is carried out using a twin-screw kneading extruder, it is difficult to knead a polyamide resin which is, with an epoxy monomer, since epoxy monomers are liquid or gaseous at normal temperature and pressure, and therefore it is necessary to introduce an epoxy monomer in the twin-screw kneading extruder from the middle of the kneading section of the twin-screw kneading extruder and to knead a polyamide resin in a molten state with the epoxy monomer. Accordingly, it is necessary to use a twin-screw kneading extruder having a high L/D ratio, a ratio of the effective screw length L to the screw diameter D. Twin-screw kneading extruders having a high L/D ratio are not practical, since they require a large facility investment and have a long residence time for materials within the extruder.

Method for producing thermoplastic elastomer composition


A disinfecting apparatus for cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing restraining devices used by law enforcement and correctional facilities is designed to allow the disinfectant solution to evaporate that comprises a compartment that includes an interior chamber and a door, a disinfectant chamber for retaining the disinfectant solution, a plurality of jets, at least one plenum, an air compressor for conveying the disinfectant solution from the disinfectant chamber to the compartment through the plurality of jets, a power switch, and an electrical power plug to electrically connect the disinfecting apparatus to a power supply. The rear wall of the compartment includes a plurality of support structures to support a plurality of restraining devices within the interior chamber. The outer side of the rear wall of the compartment includes a mounting system that secures the disinfecting apparatus to a vertical, planar surface.

Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a disinfecting apparatus for restraining devices, and more particularly, to a disinfecting apparatus that cleans, disinfects, and sanitizes restraining devices used by law enforcement and correctional facilities and that is designed to allow the disinfectant solution to substantially evaporate, eliminating the need for plumbing.
Description of the Prior Art
Law enforcement and correctional facilities utilize a wide variety of restraining devices such as handcuffs, shackles, and chains, to restrain individuals in their custody. The handcuffs, shackles, and chains make contact with the skin of the individual being restrained and with the skin of the law enforcement personnel applying the handcuffs, shackles, and chains. Over time, the restraining devices become dirty and can become contaminated with bacteria and disease. The restraining devices must be routinely cleaned, disinfected, and sanitized in order to prevent contamination and the spread of bacteria and disease. The disinfecting apparatus of the present invention is designed to clean, disinfect, and sanitize a plurality of restraining devices in a sealed chamber using an evaporating disinfectant solution or substantially evaporating disinfectant solution, eliminating the need for plumbing, drainage, or a backflow prevention device. The disinfecting apparatus of the present invention may also utilize a standard disinfectant solution as well.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,582,654 discloses a fluid spray system for cleaning and sterilizing medical devices on a rack that includes a fluid delivery system for an automated processor and includes spray nozzles for spraying and washing microbial decontaminant and rinsing solutions over a lumened device, such as an endoscope. The fluid delivery system also includes connection ports for connecting with internal passages of the device. A removable rack specially configured for the particular device, positions the device within a chamber. The spray nozzles are located on rear and side walls and on a door of the chamber and the nozzles are adapted to spray the device from all directions. Sets of the spray nozzles are pulsed in sequence so that the spray jets do not cancel each other out. Leaking connectors connect the automated processor connection ports with inlet ports of the device and allow a portion of the cleaning, decontaminant, and rinsing solutions to leak from each inlet port. A computer control system controls cleaning, decontamination, rinsing, and drying stages of a cycle, which are all carried out within the chamber. The system disclosed in the '654 patent includes a collection tank that receives the sprayed washing/decontaminant solution as it drips off the items. The '654 patent does not disclose a disinfecting apparatus that uses a substantially evaporating disinfectant solution, thereby eliminating the need for plumbing, drainage, and a backflow prevention device. The '654 patent also does not disclose a disinfecting apparatus that includes at least one plenum that connects a plurality of jets and evens out the pressure between each jet.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,585,943 discloses a liquid cleaning and sterilization system that includes a fluid delivery system for an automated processor that delivers washing, microbial decontaminant, and rinse fluids to spray nozzles in a chamber for spraying the fluids over a lumened device, such as an endoscope. The fluid delivery system also delivers the fluids to connection ports that connect with internal passages of the device. Leaking connectors connect the automated processor connection ports with the inlet ports of the device and allow a portion of the washing, decontaminant, and rinsing solutions to leak from each inlet port. A computer control system controls cleaning, decontamination, rinsing, and drying stages of a cycle, which are all carried out within the chamber. A door locking and latching mechanism ensures that the door remains locked during the washing, decontamination, and rinse cycle to avoid accidental injury to an operator from strong chemicals used in the system. The system disclosed in the '943 patent includes a collection tank that receives the sprayed washing/decontaminant solution as it drips off the items. The '943 patent does not disclose a disinfecting apparatus that uses a substantially evaporating disinfectant solution, thereby eliminating the need for plumbing, drainage, and a backflow prevention device. The '943 patent also does not disclose a disinfecting apparatus that includes at least one plenum that connects a plurality of jets and evens out the pressure between each jet.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,884,392 discloses an apparatus and method for steam reprocessing flexible endoscopes. The reprocessing system deploys steam to disinfect and/or sterilize the endoscopes, and designs, components, and methods for reducing or balancing the reprocessing cycle time and the effects of thermal expansion and contraction on the endoscopes. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an enclosure having a reprocessing bay for receiving the endoscope and a steam source in fluid communication with the reprocessing bay. A fluid sprayer is included for spraying steam onto the external surface of the endoscope. In another embodiment, the method includes placing the endoscope into a steam reprocessing bay of a reprocessing apparatus, applying steam to the exterior surface of the endoscope, flowing steam through the lumen of the endoscope, and controlling a dimensional change to the endoscope during the reprocessing method. The apparatus of patent '392 connects to a cold and hot water source that is used in the steam generator. The '392 patent does not disclose a disinfecting apparatus that uses a substantially evaporating disinfectant solution, thereby eliminating the need for plumbing, drainage, and a backflow prevention device. The '392 patent also does not disclose a disinfecting apparatus that includes at least one plenum that connects a plurality of jets and evens out the pressure between each jet.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,886,753 discloses a disinfection apparatus for disinfecting liquid cleaning of health care objects and the like. The disinfection equipment includes a washing system for supplying liquid to a chamber that is adapted to hold the objects during cleaning, a pump for pumping liquid in the washing system, and at least one collection space connected to the inlet of the pump for collecting liquid from the chamber to the pump. The collection space is defined by at least one partition that has an extent horizontally from the inlet of the pump and that screens the inlet of the pump from liquid descending into the chamber at least nearing the inlet of the pump. The apparatus of patent '753 includes a drain pump that is connected to a sump for discharging used liquid to a drain. The '753 patent does not disclose a disinfecting apparatus that uses a substantially evaporating disinfectant solution, thereby eliminating the need for plumbing, drainage, and a backflow prevention device. The '943 patent also does not disclose a disinfecting apparatus that includes at least one plenum that connects a plurality of jets and evens out the pressure between each jet.
The prior art to date does not disclose a disinfecting apparatus that is designed to use a substantially evaporating disinfectant solution, thereby eliminating the need for plumbing, drainage, and a backflow prevention device. None of the prior art can be combined in a way to suggest the necessary modifications to produce the disinfecting apparatus of the present invention. There is no teaching, suggestion, or motivation that would have enabled a person of ordinary skill in the art to modify any prior disinfecting apparatus in the manner embodied in the present invention.
It is a primary object of the present invention to provide a disinfecting apparatus for restraining devices that is designed to use an evaporating disinfectant solution, thereby eliminating the need for plumbing, drainage, and a backflow prevention device.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a disinfecting apparatus for restraining devices that includes at least one plenum that connects a plurality of jets and evens out the pressure applied to each jet.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a disinfecting apparatus for restraining devices that is designed to use an evaporating disinfectant solution that does not leave any biohazard residue.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a disinfecting apparatus for restraining devices that reduces or eliminates human contact with the disinfectant solution.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a disinfecting apparatus for restraining devices that cleans, disinfects, and sanitizes restraining devices used by law enforcement and correctional facilities.

Disinfecting apparatus for restraining devices


A program execution engine that facilitates generic type variance verification is provided. The execution engine receives a program executable in the form of intermediate language (IL). The program executable can be based on code that includes expression(s) with generic type(s) which have been identified as requiring variance verification (e.g., covariance and/or contra-variance). The execution engine includes a variance verification component that dynamically determines whether value(s) associated with the generic type(s) identified as requiring variance verification comply with the particular variance verification requirement. The variance verification component can provide error information (e.g., throw an exception), if the specified variance is not safely compliant. Variance verification can be based on static checking which places the burden on a source language compiler to emit the run-time checks in intermediate language (IL), if run-time checked variance is required. Additionally, language(s) that do not support variance can treat generic type(s) as non-variant.

In many statically typed object-oriented languages, arrays are covariant. This means that a value of type T[ ] can be passed/assigned to a value of type S[ ] whenever there is an implicit reference conversion from type T to type S. Assuming an implicit reference conversion from string to object exists, the following array assignment is valid:
string[ ] ss=new string[ ] {"Hello", "World"};
object[ ] os=ss;
While this is extremely convenient and intuitive for programmers, it requires that each write-access of a value x to a covariant array xs performs a dynamic type-check to ensure that there is an implicit reference conversion from the dynamic type of the value x to the dynamic element type of the array xs. Without this runtime check it would be possible to create an array whose values do not conform to the expected type of the array resulting in potentially unsafe and/or unknown consequences.
Continuing with this example, it is incorrect to insert a Button element into the array os, since that would mean that the array ss now has both string and Button elements (since ss and os both point to the same array instance). The following assignment thus throws a run-time exception:
os[0]=new Button( );
string s=ss[0];
Before the advent of generics, arrays were the only "generic types" available. Generic types form a powerful and ubiquitous aspect of object-oriented programming. Generic types, also known as parameterized types, define formal constructs of some type(s) (e.g., a list with elements of some type, a queue with elements of some type, a stack with elements of some type . . . ). This "some type(s)" is referred to in the art as the parameter(s) of generic types. A common notation for generic types is List<T>, where T represents the type parameter and List is the generic type. When a concrete type is used as a type parameter of a generic type, the resulting type is commonly referred to as generic instantiation or constructed type (e.g., a stack of integer values Stack<int>, list of strings List<string>, queue of floating-point values Queue<float> . . . ). Many programming languages (e.g., C# and Java) require generic type to be invariant which prohibits, for example, passing a List<string> where a List<object> is expected.