A 2N-point and N-point FFT/IFFT dual mode processor is provided. The processor includes a butterfly operator, the first and second MUXs, and the first and second N-point FFT processors. The butterfly operator receives 2N data and butterfly-operates on the received 2N data when receiving a control signal ‘0’ from the controller. The first and second MUXs respectively receive results from the butterfly operator to output the results in an increment of N when receiving a control signal ‘0’ from the controller, and respectively outputs different N data when receiving a control signal ‘1’ from the controller. The first and second N-point FFT processors N-point FFT operate on the results from the first and second MUXs and respectively output the same under control of the controller. Since the N-point FFT operation can be simultaneously performed two times at a receiver, the performance of the receiver can be enhanced.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a 2N-point and N-point fast Fourier transform (FFT)/inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) dual mode processor, and more particularly, to a 2N-point and N-point FFT/IFFT dual mode processor for allowing a 2N-point FFT processor and a N-point FFT processor to operate in a dual mode in achieving an IFFT/FFT processor used in a orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) system.
2. Description of the Related Art
As known in the art, OFDM means a method for dividing data having a high-speed transmission rate into a plurality of data lines having a low-speed transmission rate and simultaneously transmitting the plurality of data lines using a plurality of sub-carrier waves. A process for making such sub-carrier waves and conveying the data on the sub-carrier waves is an IFFT/FFT operation. The transmission terminal of OFDM requires an IFET operation so as to convey data on a plurality of sub-carrier waves, and the reception terminal of OFDM requires an FET operation so as to obtain data from a plurality of sub-carrier waves.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating processes performed by an IFFT processor of the transmission terminal and by an FFT processor of the reception terminal. Referring to FIG. 1, an N-point IFFT processor 10 of an OFDM system conveys data on n sub-carrier waves. At this point, after a guard interval (GI) is added to an N-point IFFT-processed signal at a next block 11, an N-point IFFT-processed signal is delivered to a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) 12. After that, the spectrum of a signal from the DAC 12 has frequency spectrum waveforms 1a, 1b, and 1c as illustrated in FIG. 2A. A low pass filter (LPF) 13 is used to pass only a baseband signal component 1a from the repeated frequency components.
FIG. 2 is a view illustrating the spectrum of an N-point IFFT signal after the DAC 12 of the transmission terminal illustrated in FIG. 1. At this point, the frequency spectrums 1a, 1b, and 1c of a signal are repeated by a period F(b). To convey a signal on a carrier wave frequency, only a baseband signal component 1a should be obtained and the other signal components 1b and 1c should be removed. For that purpose, the LPF 13 is required as described above.
The above obtained baseband signal 1a is wirelessly transmitted through a local oscillator 14 and an antenna 15. The reception terminals 16, 17, and 18 recover data using reverse processes with respect to the processes performed at the transmission terminals 11 to 15. Referring to FIG. 1, the OFDM system requires the N-point IFFT processor 10 of the transmission terminal and the N-point FFT processor 18 of the reception terminal. At this point, the IFFT processor can be replaced by the FFT processor. That is, when inputs of the real part and the imaginary part in the FFT processor are exchanged and the real part and the imaginary part of an output are exchanged, the IFFT operation can be possible. The proof thereof can be provided when A(k) and B(k) of Equation 1 is compared with a(n) and b(n) of Equation 2 in the following Equations 1 and 2.
                                          FFT                                      :                                                                                X                                            (                k                )                                              =                                    ∑                              n                =                0                                            N                -                1                                                                                x                                                  (                  n                  )                                                                          ⅇ                                                      -                    j                                                                                2                                            π                                        N                                                      kn                                                                                X                                            (                k                )                                      =                                          A                                                  (                  k                  )                                            +                              j                                                                                B                                                        (                    k                    )                                                                                ,                                                                              x                                            (                n                )                                      =                                          a                                                  (                  n                  )                                            +                              j                                                                                b                                                        (                    n                    )                                                                                so                                                              that                                                                                A                                                              (                      k                      )                                                        +                                      j                                                                                B                                                                    (                        k                        )                                                                                =                                                      ∑                                          n                      =                      0                                                              N                      -                      1                                                                                {                                                                        a                                                                                (                            n                            )                                                                          +                                                  j                                                                                b                                                                                (                              n                              )                                                                                }                                                                                {                                                                        cos                                                                                (                                                          j                                                                                2                                                                    π                                                                N                                                                                kn                                                        )                                                                          -                                                  j                                                                                sin                                                                                (                                                              j                                                                                2                                                                        π                                                                    N                                                                                kn                                                            )                                                                                }                                                                                =                                                      ∑                                          n                      =                      0                                                              N                      -                      1                                                                                [                                                                  {                                                                                a                                                                                (                                n                                )                                                                                cos                                                                                θ                              kn                                                                                +                                                                                b                                                                                (                                n                                )                                                                                sin                                                                                θ                              kn                                                                                }                                            +                                              j                                                                          {                                                                                -                                                                  a                                                                                (                                    n                                    )                                                                                sin                                                                                θ                                kn                                                                                +                                                                                b                                                                                (                                  n                                  )                                                                                cos                                                                                θ                                kn                                                                                }                                                                                ]                                                                                A                                      (              k              )                                =                                    ∑                              n                =                0                                            N                -                1                                                                {                                                                    a                                                              (                      n                      )                                                                          cos                                                                                θ                    kn                                                  +                                                      b                                                              (                      n                      )                                                                          sin                                                                                θ                    kn                                                              }                                                                                B                                      (              k              )                                =                                    ∑                              n                =                0                                            N                -                1                                                                {                                                                    -                                          a                                                                    (                        n                        )                                                                                sin                                                                                θ                    kn                                                  +                                                      b                                                              (                      n                      )                                                                          cos                                                                                θ                    kn                                                              }                                                          Equation                                                  1
                                          IFFT                                      :                                                                                X                                            (                n                )                                              =                                    ∑                              k                =                0                                            N                -                1                                                                                X                                                  (                  k                  )                                                                          ⅇ                                  j                                                                              2                                            π                                        N                                                      kn                                                                                a                                                              (                      n                      )                                                        +                                      j                                                                                b                                                                    (                        n                        )                                                                                =                                                      1                    N                                                                                ∑                                              k                        =                        0                                                                    N                        -                        1                                                                                {                                                                              A                                                                                (                              k                              )                                                                                +                                                      j                                                                                B                                                                                (                                k                                )                                                                                }                                                                                {                                                                              cos                                                                                (                                                              j                                                                                2                                                                        π                                                                    N                                                                                kn                                                            )                                                                                +                                                      j                                                                                sin                                                                                (                                                                  j                                                                                2                                                                            π                                                                        N                                                                                kn                                                                )                                                                                }                                                                                =                                                            1                      N                                                                                ∑                                                  k                          =                          0                                                                          N                          -                          1                                                                                [                                                                              {                                                                                A                                                                                (                                    k                                    )                                                                                cos                                                                                θ                                  kn                                                                                -                                                                                B                                                                                (                                    k                                    )                                                                                sin                                                                                θ                                  kn                                                                                }                                                    +                                                      j                                                                                {                                                                                A                                                                                (                                      k                                      )                                                                                sin                                                                                θ                                    kn                                                                                +                                                                                B                                                                                (                                      k                                      )                                                                                cos                                                                                θ                                    kn                                                                                }                                                                                ]                                                                                a                                                              (                      n                      )                                                        =                                                            ∑                                              k                        =                        0                                                                    N                        -                        1                                                                                {                                                                                A                                                                                (                              k                              )                                                                                sin                                                                                θ                            kn                                                                          +                                                                              A                                                                                (                              k                              )                                                                                cos                                                                                θ                            kn                                                                                }                                                                                b                                                              (                      n                      )                                                        =                                                            ∑                                              k                        =                        0                                                                    N                        -                        1                                                                                {                                                                                B                                                                                (                              k                              )                                                                                cos                                                                                θ                            kn                                                                          +                                                                              A                                                                                (                              k                              )                                                                                sin                                                                                θ                            kn                                                                                }                                                                                Equation                                                  2
As described above, the N-point FFT processor is replaced by the N-point IFFT processor in the OFDM system of FIG. 1.
Referring to FIG. 2, to convey a signal on a desired carrier wave frequency, only a baseband signal component 1a should be obtained and the other signal components 1b and 1c should be removed. For that purpose, the LPF 13 is required as described above. To pass only the baseband signal component 1a and remove the signal 1b having a main frequency F(b) in its frequency components, the LPF 13 having a very narrow transition band is required. However, when the transition band of the LPF 13 is larger than the interval of the repeated OFDM signal spectrum, noises are generated.
To solve such a problem, the transition band of the LPF 13 is made very narrow or the interval of the repeated OFDM signal spectrum is widened so that noises may not be generated.
At this point, when the interval between the intervals of the repeated frequency spectrums is too narrow, the LPF 13 is difficult to realize and filtering cannot be performed properly. To solve this problem, it is possible to widen the interval between the repeated frequency spectrums by inserting, at the IFFT processor, N-point '0' into N-point data. In that case, the IFFT processor performs an operation using 2N-point and the FFT processor performs an operation using N-point. As described above, the N-point FFT processor and the 2N-point IFFT processor can be simultaneously required in one system.
However, in the case where the N-point FFT processor and the 2N-point IFFT processor can be simultaneously required in one system in the conventional art, the N-point FFT processor and the 2N-point FFT processor are separately and respectively designed to realize a system, so that a system design is difficult and the manufacturing costs increase.

Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute


A system, device, and method for localized information processing in a multiprotocol label switching network enables one or more intermediate devices to process locally significant information in certain packets. Each locally significant packet includes a local significance indicator and optionally includes a processed indicator indicating whether or not the packet has been locally processed. A designated intermediate device decides whether to locally process the packet based upon the local significance indicator and optionally the processed indicator.

In today's information age, communication devices, such as computers and computer peripherals, are often internetworked over a communication network. A common networking model routes packets of information within the communication network using a networking protocol such as the Internet Protocol (IP) or other network layer protocol. Some networking protocols, such as IP, are considered to be "connectionless" networking protocols. In a connectionless networking protocol, each packet of information includes a network layer address, and each router forwards the packet of information based upon the network layer address according to predetermined signaling and routing protocols, such as the Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) protocol, the Routing Information Protocol (RIP), Hello, Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), RSVP, or other routing protocol.
Thus, each router makes an independent forwarding decision for the packet based upon the network layer address. Essentially, each router partitions the entire set of network layer addresses into a number of Forwarding Equivalence Classes (FECs), and each FEC is mapped to a particular outgoing path (or set of paths, in the case of multi-path routing) based upon the routing protocol. The router determines an FEC for each packet of information based upon the network layer address of the packet, and forwards the packet of information to the corresponding outgoing path (or set of paths).
Network layer routing requires each router to process each packet of information at the network layer. This is an expensive and time-consuming operation that limits the performance of some routers and even prevents certain devices that do not support the networking protocol from performing routing and other functions on the packets.
Label switching can be used to eliminate the network layer processing by certain devices in the communication network. Label switching enables a packet to be transported across a network domain (referred to hereinafter as an "autonomous system" or "AS") using labels rather than the network layer address. Specifically, a label switched path (LSP) is established from an ingress point border device to an egress point border device in the AS. The LSP traverses a number of intermediate label switching devices. When the packet enters the ingress point border device, the ingress point border device uses the network address to assign the packet to a particular FEC, and inserts the corresponding label into the packet, specifically within a label header. Each intermediate label switching device along the LSP forwards the packet based upon the label. The egress point border device removes the label from the packet and forwards the packet based upon the network address. Thus, only the border devices process the packet at the network layer, while the intermediate devices process the packet based upon the label only.
In order to establish and remove LSPs, the various label switching devices exchange label switching information using a signaling protocol. Label switching information can be exchanged using a dedicated label distribution protocol, or can be exchanged ("piggy-backed") in other signaling and routing protocols, such as OSPF, IS-IS, and RIP.
Each label switching device maintains mapping information for mapping each FEC to a corresponding label. The label mapping information is typically maintained in the various forwarding/routing tables maintained by the label switching device. It is common for the label switching device to maintain a forwarding table for each incoming interface and a forwarding table for each outgoing interface. The label mapping information maintained by the label switching device in the incoming forwarding tables enables the label switching device to quickly forward received packets that include label switching information. The label mapping information maintained by the label switching device in the outgoing forwarding tables enables the label switching device to insert label switching information into packets. For convenience, a forwarding table that includes label mapping information may be referred to as a label information base (LIB).
An architecture for multi-protocol label switching (MPLS) is discussed in E. Rosen et. al., Multiprotocol Label Switching Architecture, Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) Request For Comments (RFC) 3031, January 2001, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. One signaling protocol for exchanging label switching information for MPLS is commonly known as the Label Distribution Protocol (LDP). LDP is described in L. Andersson et. al., LDP Specification, Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) Request For Comments (RFC) 3036, January 2001, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. An encoding technique for producing and processing labeled packets for MPLS is described in E. Rosen et. al., MPLS Label Stack Encoding, Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) Request For Comments (RFC) 3032, January 2001, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

System, device, and method for localized information processing in a multiprotocol label switching network


Disclosed and claimed is a method of non-invasive immunization in an animal and/or a method of inducing a systemic immune response or systemic therapeutic response to a gene product. The skin of the animal is contacted with a non-replicative vector chosen from the group of bacterium, virus, and fungus, wherein the vector comprises and expresses a nucleic acid molecule encoding the gene product, in an amount effective to induce the response.

Activation of the immune system of vertebrates is an important mechanism for protecting animals against pathogens and malignant tumors. The immune system consists of many interacting components including the humoral and cellular branches. Humoral immunity involves antibodies that directly bind to antigens. Antibody molecules as the effectors of humoral immunity are secreted by B lymphocytes. Cellular immunity involves specialized cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) which recognize and kill other cells which produce non-self antigens. CTLs respond to degraded peptide fragments that appear on the surface of the target cell bound to MHC (major histocompatibility complex) class I molecules. It is understood that proteins produced within the cell are continually degraded to peptides as part of cellular metabolism. These fragments are bound to the MHC molecules and are transported to the cell surface. Thus the cellular immune system is constantly monitoring the spectra of proteins produced in all cells in the body and is poised to eliminate any cells producing non-self antigens.
Vaccination is the process of priming an animal for responding to an antigen. The antigen can be administered as purified protein, protein contained in killed/attenuated pathogens, or as a gene which then expresses the antigen in host cells (genetic immunization). The process involves T and B lymphocytes, other types of lymphoid cells, as well as specialized antigen presenting cells (APCs) which can process the antigen and display it in a form which can activate the immune system. Current modes for the administration of vaccines has focused on invasive procedures including needle injections, scarification, and gene gun-mediated penetration. Inoculation of vaccines in an invasive mode requires equipment and personnel with special medical training, and is usually associated with discomfort and potential hazards (bleeding, infection).
The efficacy of a vaccine is measured by the extent of protection against a later challenge by a tumor or a pathogen. Effective vaccines are immunogens that can induce high titer and long-lasting protective immunity for targeted intervention against diseases after a minimum number of inoculations. For example, genetic immunization is an approach to elicit immune responses against specific proteins by expressing genes encoding the proteins in an animal's own cells. The substantial antigen amplification and immune stimulation resulting from prolonged antigen presentation in vivo can induce a solid immunity against the antigen. Genetic immunization simplifies the vaccination protocol to produce immune responses against particular proteins because the often difficult steps of protein purification and combination with adjuvant, both routinely required for vaccine development, are eliminated. Since genetic immunization does not require the isolation of proteins, it is especially valuable for proteins that may lose conformational epitopes when purified biochemically. Genetic vaccines may also be delivered in combination without eliciting interference or affecting efficacy (Tang et al., 1992; Barry et al., 1995), which may simplify the vaccination scheme against multiple antigens.
Although topical application of protein-based vaccines in conjunction with cholera toxin may also immunize animals in a non-invasive mode (Glenn et al., 1998), skin-targeted non-invasive genetic vaccines activate the immune system via a different mechanism than protein-based vaccines. These two vaccination modalities may complement each other as they may induce different immune profiles. Although U.S. Pat. No. 3,837,340 relates to a method for vaccinating animals by contacting skin with dried viruses, the viruses that are employed therein are not genetic vectors capable of expressing transgenes or heterologous or exogenous nucleic acid molecules. In addition, the immunogen may be protein in the viral coat, instead of protein produced from recombinant DNA or expression of exogenous genes in the animals' own cells, and ergo U.S. Pat. No. 3,837,340 is non-analogous to the present invention.
Vaccination using live bacteria has been studied, and often utilizes a live bacteria strain in which a mutation has been induced to knock out the lethal gene. However, this method requires extreme safety precautions to ensure that a further mutation does not occur that would allow the bacterium to return to virulence. A more reliable method is to utilize a weakened bacterium to express a protein to which the host can then produce antibodies against. Often, a bacterial vector is studied for oral administration of a vaccine; for example, Salmonella-based vaccines are being researched for oral administration to protect against HIV, Lyme disease, and Epstein-Barr virus.
In addition, baculovirus, yeast and tissue culture cells have also been studied for use in vaccines, Examples are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,287,759 where baculovirus is employed to produce a protein used in a vaccine against Hepatitis E; U.S. Pat. No. 6,290,962 wherein yeast is used as a vector to produce a Helicobacter polypeptide for use in a vaccine; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,254,873 wherein vertebrate tissue culture cells are used to propagate purified inactivated dengue virus for use in a vaccine. In all of these examples, the vectors were used to produce a protein of interest, after which the protein would then be used in the vaccine.
Additionally, it has now been demonstrated (as evidenced by the following examples) that it can be advantageous to utilize irradiated bacterial vectors that are non-replicative. Non-replicative vectors are by nature safer than live vectors because there is no danger of mutations causing the vector to return to virulence.
Furthermore, it has now also been demonstrated (as evidenced by the following examples) that it can be advantageous to utilize cell-free extracts, wherein the extracts are prepared by filtration of disrupted cells chosen from the group consisting of bacterium, fungus, cultured animal cells, and cultured plant cells, and wherein the cell comprises and expresses a nucleic acid molecule encoding the gene product. These cell-free extracts can be applied directly to the skin, and are by nature safer than the use of live vectors.
Vaccines are often augmented through the use of adjuvants. Vaccine adjuvants are useful for improving an immune response obtained with any particular antigen in a vaccine composition. Adjuvants are used to increase the amount of antibody and effector T cells produced and to reduce the quantity of antigen and the frequency of injection. Although some antigens are administered in vaccines without an adjuvant, there are many antigens that lack sufficient immunogenicity to stimulate a useful immune response in the absence of an effective adjuvant. Adjuvants also improve the immune response from "self-sufficient" antigens, in that the immune response obtained can be increased or the amount of antigen administered can be reduced.
Heat shock proteins are a class of molecular chaperones which function by associating with cellular proteins and regulating their conformation. Heat shock proteins are located in all major cellular compartments and function as monomers, multimers, or are complexed with other cellular proteins. Heat shock proteins bind to steroid hormone receptors, repress transcription in the absence of the ligand, and provide the proper folding of the ligand-binding domain in the presence of the hormone. Specific heat shock proteins bind immunosuppressive drugs and can play a role in modulation of immune responses. In the present invention, it is demonstrated that the use of heat shock protein 27 can be used as a vaccine adjuvant to modulate immune responses.
The prior art of vaccination usually requires equipment, e.g., syringe needles or a gene gun, and special skill for the administration of vaccines. There is a great need and desire in the art for the inoculation of vaccines by personnel without medical training and equipment. A large number of diseases could potentially be immunized against through the development of non-invasive vaccination onto the skin (NIVS) because the procedure is simple, effective, economical, painless, and potentially safe. As a consequence, NIVS can boost vaccine coverages in developing countries where medical resources are in short supply, as well as in developed countries due to patient comfort. Infectious diseases caused by viruses, including AIDS and flu, by bacteria, including tetanus and TB, and by parasites, including malaria, and malignant tumors including a wide variety of cancer types may all be prevented or treated with skin-targeted non-invasive vaccines without requiring special equipment and medical personnel. The present invention addresses this longstanding need and desire in the art.
Additionally, the present invention also addresses the problems associated with new plastic surgery techniques involving the bacteria Clostridium (C) botulinum. In 2002, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of botulinum toxin A (Botox) for cosmetic treatment of glabellar lines. However, the current procedure requires multiple injections associated with a number of undesirable side effects.
The anaerobic, gram-positive bacterium Clostridium botulinum produces a potent polypeptide neurotoxin, botulinum toxin, which causes a neuroparalytic illness in humans and animals referred to as botulism.
Seven immunologically distinct botulinum neurotoxins have been characterized, these being respectively botulinum neurotoxin serotypes A, B, C.sub.1, D, B, F and G each of which is distinguished by neutralization with type-specific antibodies. The different serotypes of botulinum toxin vary in the animal species that they affect and in the severity and duration of the paralysis they evoke.
The neuroparalytic syndromes of tetanus and botulism are both caused by these neurotoxins produced by the bacteria. After binding to the presynaptic membrane of motoneurons, tetanus neurotoxin is internalized and transported retroaxonally to the spinal cord, where it blocks neurotransmitter release from spinal inhibitory interneurons. In contrast, the seven botulinum neurotoxins act at the periphery and inhibit acetylcholine release from peripheral cholinergic nerve terminals, inducing a flaccid paralysis due to intoxication of the neuromuscular junction. The clostridial neurotoxins responsible for tetanus and botulism are both metallo-proteases that enter nerve cells and block neurotransmitter release via zinc-dependent cleavage of protein components of the neuroexocytosis apparatus.
Besides the use of botulinum toxin A for cosmetic applications, botulinum toxins have been used in clinical settings for the treatment of neuromuscular disorders characterized by hyperactive skeletal muscles. Botulinum toxin type A has been previously approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of blepharospasm, strabismus and hemifacial spasm. Botulinum toxin type A is also being studied as a treatment for other neuro/muscular disorders including spasmodic dysphonia, dystonias in general, hyperhidrosis, and cerebal palsy.
Non-type A botulinum toxin serotypes apparently have a lower potency and/or a shorter duration of activity as compared to botulinum toxin type A. Clinical effects of peripheral intramuscular botulinum toxin type A are usually seen within one week of injection. The typical duration of symptomatic relief from a single intramuscular injection of botulinum toxin type A averages about three months.
The demonstration that topical application of a patch containing irradiated C. tetani cells could induce tetanus provides evidence and rationale in support of a novel protocol for the delivery of proteins capable of triggering beneficial pharmacological effects by topical application of irradiated bacterial cells containing the proteins using a patch. Topical application of a Botox patch will improve the degree of patient comfort and can eliminate some of the side effects associated with the contemporary needle-dependent method.

Vaccine and drug delivery by intranasal application of vector and vector extracts


A distributed radio base station includes a first radio equipment controller (REC) node, a second radio equipment controller (REC) node, and a radio equipment (RE) node for transceiving information over a radio interface with one or more radio terminals. The first REC node and the second REC node are physically separate from the RE node. The first REC node and/or the second REC node are/is connected to the RE node by a transmission link. Synchronization reference information is provided to one of the REC and RE nodes. The synchronization reference information in the one node is compared with timing information received from another of the REC nodes to generate a timing difference. The timing difference is used to adjust a timing unit at the another node in order to achieve timing synchronization between the RE node, the first REC node, and the second REC node.

A distributed radio base station (RBS) typically includes one radio equipment controller (REC) coupled to one or more local or remote radio equipments (REs). But there are situations when it would be desirable to include multiple RECs in the distributed radio base station. For example, it is technically feasible for an RE to supporting multiple wireless communication standards simultaneously. Multiple low-cost RECs connected to one RE may be employed to service radio communications based on different radio wireless standards, e.g., WCDMA and the Long Term Evolution (LTE) of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) wireless communication standards. Multiple RECs connected to one RE may also be useful to increase the capacity and/or performance of the radio base station.
Synchronization is an important issue in distributed radio base stations. Some wireless communication standards, e.g., LTE, require time synchronization accuracy on the order of 1 microsecond. In practice, this kind of time synchronization accuracy may require a GPS receiver or other accurate timing reference on the radio base station site. Accordingly, it is desirable that base stations in evolving generations of wireless communications systems support low-cost global positioning (GPS) deployment. A GPS receiver should be located for good satellite reception. This often means a placement on the base station tower or mast, which suggest at least close proximity to the RE. It is desirable to mount the GPS receiver within the mechanical solution of the RE, e.g., bolted directly on the RE to provide an aesthetically appealing appearance. In such an installation, if the GPS receiver is connected to the REC, this requires long cable runs and lightning protection, both of which are not desirable.
A distributed radio base station may, for example, be based on the Common Public Radio Interface (CPRI) standard which defines the interface between the REC and one or more local or remote REs. The CPRI standard version 3.0 is incorporated herein by reference. Commonly-assigned and related U.S. patent application entitled "Determining A Time Difference Between First And Second Clock Domains," Ser. No. 11/131,347, filed on May 18, 2005, is also incorporated here by reference. Multi-REC distributed radio base stations are not supported in the current CPRI standard. If an REC is built using multiple boards or units, dedicated and proprietary synchronization solutions can be used, but it would be desirable to standardize multiple-REC distributed radio base stations in CPRI.
Two or more RECs serving the same RE must have a common frequency reference. Otherwise multiple problems occur such as no coordination to achieve a common the transmission/reception frequency and "bit slips" on the interface between RECs and RE(s), such as the CPRI interface, which in turn generate distortion in the air interface. The RECs should also have a common time reference; otherwise, the RE needs to maintain multiple time bases (one for each REC) to refer air interface measurements to.
Traditionally, base stations are synchronized to the incoming transport network by extracting the bit clock of the transport network. If one of multiple RECs in a base station has access to an SDH or PDH transport network, it can regenerate a frequency reference. But some RECs may not have direct access to a transport network providing a stable bit clock, e.g., the RECs only have access to an Ethernet interface. An REC only connected to an Ethernet transport network needs to have a highly stable oscillator or access to a GPS receiver.
Two RECs sharing an RE may be connected with an extra dedicated cable to make sure they are synchronized. But this approach decreases the reliability of the base station because of an increased probability of a fatal fault (the extra cable may break) and increases the cost of the base station. It is more advantageous to utilize a cable already present in the base station.

Radio equipment (RE)-based synchronization


In one of many possible embodiments, a method is provided for controlling trick mode playback speed. Frame indices associated with video frames of a digital video stream are monitored and a Group-of-Pictures (GOP) size is determined from the frame indices. One or more trick mode play speed parameters are calculated based on the determined GOP size. Presentation of the video frames is controlled based on the calculated trick mode play speed parameters. In one embodiment, the trick mode play speed parameters include a frame-skip count (FSC) and a frame-repeat count (FRC).

Digital video recorders (DVRs) (also known as personal video recorders (PVRs)) provide flexible features for recording and playing back audiovisual programming (e.g., television programs). DVR users are able to record programming content to hard disc drives (HDDs) and later play back the recorded content as desired. Because the content being played back is accessed from a local data store, DVR users are able to fast-forward, rewind, pause, and skip programming content. Further, DVR users are able to view content in slow motion, or even rapidly jump forward or backward though the content to desired points in programs. Such DVR playback features are commonly referred to as trick play modes and allow DVR users to play back recorded programs at selected speeds in forward or reverse directions.
The programming content recorded and played back by DVRs is typically in the form of Motion Pictures Expert Group Two (MPEG-2) streams (e.g., program or transport streams), which carry video content in sequentially ordered picture frames commonly referred to as elementary video streams. The picture frames include several different types of picture frames, such as I, B, and P frames. In MPEG-2 video streams, B and P type frames are positioned between I-frames to form groups of frames known as Groups of Pictures (GOPs). A GOP typically includes an I-frame and sequentially subsequent B and P frames up to the next I-frame in the video stream (e.g., see (250) of FIG. 2). The number of frames in a GOP defines the size, or length, of the GOP.
Of I, B, and P picture frames, only the video data content of I-frames can be reconstructed independently of other picture frames. Several trick play modes, referred to as I-frame trick modes, utilize this attribute of I-frames by processing and displaying only the I-frames of an MPEG-2 video stream. That is, DVRs utilizing I-frame trick play modes present only the video content contained in the I-frames for display during I-frame trick mode playback. Because I-frames make up only a small portion of the total frames in MPEG-2 video streams, I-frame trick play modes enable high-speed playback functions (e.g., high-speed fast forward or rewind), as well as functions for jumping forward or backward over large amounts of recorded programming content.
However, conventional I-frame trick play modes cannot maintain a selected playback speed when the GOP size varies during trick mode playback. Unfortunately, many different events can cause GOP size to vary within MPEG-2 video streams. For example, transitions of programming content from high-definition (HD) content to standard-definition (SD) content (and vice versa) are common occurrences that cause GOP sizes to vary. Further, the insertion of commercials into programming content can also cause GOP sizes to change.
As a result, when a recorded MPEG-2 video stream is played back with an I-frame trick mode, any changes in GOP size during playback undesirably causes the selected trick mode playback speed to vary. For example, if a viewer selects a trick mode play speed of fifteen times (15×) normal speed, playback speed parameters are typically set based on the GOP size of the first GOP to be played back in the trick mode. If the GOP size changes during playback, the trick mode play speed will not be maintained at 15×, which can cause a host of problems, including unpredictable quality of service (QoS) levels. For example, a user may easily have a negative experience if the selected trick mode playback speed drastically changes without any user input. Such negative experiences may be intensified by the presence of an on-screen playback progress bar, which provides a graphical representation of the selected trick mode type, the playback location in a recorded program, and the speed at which the recorded program is being traversed by the selected trick play mode. Thus, it would be desirable to maintain trick mode play speeds, especially when GOP size varies during trick mode playback.

Methods and systems for controlling trick mode play speeds


A device is described for forming a signature from an input signal (input). According to the present invention, a plurality of transformation elements is provided, each having a finite-state machine, to which, on the input end, in each case the input signal (input) and/or a signal (input′), that is a function of the input signal, is able to be fed, all the finite-state machines are similar and are configured in such a way, particularly able to be initialized, that each finite-state machine always respectively has a different state than do all the other finite-state machines, and the signature is formable as a function of state data of at least one finite-state machine.

Devices and methods of the abovementioned type are used in cryptographic methods, for example, in order to form signatures from input signals specifiable by a user. Modern cryptographic methods, according to AES, advanced encryption standard, for example, are usually protected sufficiently well against "brute force" attacks, based on comparatively great key lengths and the complexity of the method at the current state of computing technology. That is why attacks on cryptographic methods are directed, at this time, increasingly on specific implementations, which are usually implemented by certain electronic circuits. Within the scope of so-called side channel attacks, for example, an attacker tries to obtain information via the current usage of a device implementing the cryptographic method which permit drawing a conclusion on the algorithm or a secret key used by the device. Similar inferences are also possible from electromagnetic fields radiated by the device.
In one attack method also designated as differential power analysis (DPA), operand-dependent current characteristics of a subfunction of the cryptographic method is ascertained in response to as many as possible different input data, and while using a model of the attacked cryptographic algorithm, the method having different keys is submitted to a correlation analysis.

Device and method for forming a signature


A meter for measuring the turbidity of a fluid includes a light source for directing a light beam through a fluid under test towards a reflective surface and a sensor for detecting light reflected from the reflective surface and passing back through the fluid under test. The meter outputs a signal indicative of the turbidity of the fluid under test.

Modern homes are filled with sensors. They are used extensively in many major appliances such as washing machines, cloths dryers, dishwashers, water heaters, refrigerators, freezers, ovens and microwave ovens. Growth in the home appliance sensor market is being fueled by end-user demand for smarter and more compact products. Meeting this need has been possible with the development of more compact, accurate, efficient and reliable photo-sensors for replacing conventional mechanical sensors which are generally bulkier, less accurate, less efficient and less reliable.
Advances in color sensors are also helping to meet this need for sensors in appliances. Here, color sensor is defined as a sensor that can simultaneously detect and identify multiple colors. Color sensors can be inexpensive, compact and allow for convenient interfaces with modern control systems. They provide superior readings, enable faster data acquisition and provide more reliable data on the operating conditions of appliances.
U.S. patent application Publication No. U.S. 2004/0135089 to Manz et al. describes a transmission sensor. The sensor measures the turbidity of a liquid by shining light along two paths. One of the paths is a longer path and is detected by a first receiver. The other path is a shorter path and is detected by a second receiver. The light is directly transmitted from a light transmitter, through the fluid media, to the receivers.
FIG. 1 shows another prior-art transmissive device 101 for measuring the turbidity of a liquid media 103, for example dyed water or cloudy water, whereby light 105 is directly transmitted from a phosphor white LED light source 107, through the liquid 103, to a color sensor 109.
The light source 107 and the color sensor 109 are mounted opposite and perpendicularly to each other with a transparent cavity 111 placed between them. The light source 107 illuminates the cavity 111 and the optical characteristics of the transmitted light 105 are determined by the liquid 103 in the cavity.
The liquid 103 can act as a filter. For example, the transmitted light 105 received by the color sensor 109 will appear bluish if the liquid is bluish. That is because the bluish liquid mainly passes the blue light component and absorbs most of the rest.
In an appliance such as a washing machine, the luminance/intensity and chromaticity/color information of light exiting from the fluid is used to determine if any discoloration or contamination has occurred.
However, the transmission sensor described in FIG. 1 has several disadvantages.
The design is very bulky. As shown in FIG. 1, the light source 107 is mounted opposite to the light sensor 109. Therefore, the setup takes up more space and is not practical for applications where space is critical.
The design is complicated and requires difficult routing. The relative positioning between the light source 107, cavity 111 and light sensor is critical and even a slight displacement will affect the accuracy of the result. If, for example, the light sensor 109 is not aligned with the light source 107, the transmitted light 105 detected will not be able to indicate the level or contamination or discoloration correctly.
The transmission sensor design also does not have very good sensitivity for measuring fluids with low contamination or discoloration levels. For a given apparatus size, the transmitted light beam 105 only passes through the liquid 103 once with the effective beam path equal to the distance "d". The signal attenuation caused by the low contamination level is not able to give a significant or accurate measurement of how discolored or contaminated the liquid is.
The transmission sensor of Manz et al. described above has these same disadvantages and additionally makes no use of modern color sensors or color data.
It would be desirable to have a meter for measuring the turbidity of fluids that is compact, simple to manufacture and has good sensitivity for measuring fluids having low turbidity.

Meter for measuring the turbidity of fluids using reflected light


A method and system for determining timing recovery information in a positron emission tomography (PET) system. One method includes determining energy information from pairs of light sensors of detectors of the TOF PET system, determining timing information from the pairs of light sensors of the detectors of the TOF PET system and calculating timing recovery information using the determined energy and timing information.

This subject matter disclosed herein relates generally to medical imaging systems, and more particularly, to Positron Emission Tomography (PET) systems, such as Time of Flight (TOF) PET systems.
A PET system generates images that represent the distribution of positron-emitting nuclides within the body of a patient. When a positron interacts with an electron by annihilation, the entire mass of the positron-electron pair is converted into two 511 keV photons. The photons are emitted in opposite directions along a line of response. The annihilation photons are detected by detectors that are placed along the line of response on a detector ring. When these photons arrive and are detected at the detector elements at the same time, this is referred to as coincidence. An image is then generated based on the acquired image data that includes the annihilation photon detection information.
In PET systems, the image quality depends on image statistics. The image statistics may be improved by acquiring the image data for longer durations. However, the total time required to acquire the image data is limited by the lifetime of the radioactive isotope used in the imaging process and by the inability of the patients to remain immobile for extended durations. Image quality may be improved by including TOF information of the emission data, which generally refers to the difference in the time at which the photons are detected by the detector elements. The timing difference is used to localize the source of emission along the line joining two detector elements in TOF PET systems.
In order to maintain a good signal-to-noise ratio in the images in the reconstruction process in TOF PET systems, these systems need to accurately calculate the timing difference. The timing capability of PET systems depends on different factors including the amount of "fast" light output from the scintillator and the quantum efficiency of photosensors of detectors of these systems, as well as geometrical factors, such as the transmission efficiency in scintillators of the detectors, light collection methods and efficiency, the size of the detectors, the reflective material used, and the refractive index of matching of the material used, among others.
With respect to the timing resolution of PET systems, the crystal size of the detectors affects the timing resolution due to the spread of gamma ray interaction points and the degree of scintillation light spread/loss inside a crystal. Smaller and more flat crystals are less sensitive to both types of spreads and can provide improved timing resolution. However, smaller crystals may not have enough stopping power to be used in particular detectors, such as whole body PET detectors.

Methods and systems for determining timing recovery information in a positron emission tomography (PET) system


A hydraulically actuated limited slip differential which can be configured to be either speed and torque sensitive or speed sensitive. The differential includes a hydraulic pump mechanism comprising a plurality of fluid supply passages disposed in a side gear and in fluid communication with a cavity defined by the side gear and a piston. The hydraulic pump mechanism transfers fluid into the cavity in response to meshing rotation between the pinion gears and the side gears. Sufficiently high differentiation between the output shafts increases the pressure in the cavity to increase frictional pressure between a frictional clutch mechanism and the differential casing to provide braking action between the side gears and the differential casing. The angular relationship between the clutch surfaces of the clutch mechanism and the differential casing may be configured such that the side gear separating forces and hydraulic pressure act in either a reinforcing or opposing manner. The side gear may be indirectly engaged with the differential casing to provide a speed and torque sensitive differential or directly contact the differential casing to provide a speed sensitive differential.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to differentials, and more particularly, to limited slip differentials.
2. Description of the Related Art
Differentials are well known in the prior art and allow a pair of output shafts operatively coupled to an input shaft to rotate at different speeds, thereby allowing the wheel associated with each output shaft to maintain traction with the road while the vehicle is turning. Such a device essentially distributes the torque provided by the input shaft between the output shafts. However, the necessity for a differential which limits the differential rotation between the output shafts to provide traction on slippery surfaces is well known.
The completely open differential, i.e. a differential without clutches or springs, is unsuitable in slippery conditions where one wheel experiences a much lower coefficient of friction than the other wheel, for instance, when one wheel of a vehicle is located on a patch of ice and the other wheel is on dry pavement. In such a condition, the wheel experiencing the lower coefficient of friction loses traction and a small amount of torque to that wheel will cause a "spin out" of that wheel. Since the maximum amount of torque which can be developed on the wheel with traction is equal to torque on the wheel without traction, i.e. the slipping wheel, the engine is unable to develop any torque and the wheel with traction is unable to rotate. A number of methods have been developed to limit wheel slippage under such conditions.
Prior methods of limiting slippage between the side gears and the differential casing use a frictional clutch mechanism, either clutch plates or a frusto-conical structure, and a bias mechanism, usually a spring, to apply an initial preload between the frictional clutch mechanism and the differential casing. By using a frictional clutch mechanism with an initial preload, for example a spring, a minimum amount of torque can always be applied to the wheel having traction, i.e. the wheel located on dry pavement. The initial torque generates gear separating forces which further engage the frictional clutch and develop additional torque. Examples of such limited slip differentials are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,612,825 (Engle), 5,226,861 (Engle) and 5,556,344 (Fox), which are assigned to the assignee of the present invention and expressly incorporated herein by reference.
The initial preload initiates the development of side gear separating forces which provide further braking action between the side gears and the differential casing. In general, gear separating forces are forces induced on any set of meshing gears by the application of torque to the gears and which forces tend to separate the gears. In a differential, the development of torque will create side gear separating forces which tend to move the side gears away from the pinion gears. On a surface having a low coefficient of friction, the initial preload creates contact and friction pressure between the differential casing and the clutch mechanism disposed between the side gears and the differential casing to allow the engine to develop an initial torque. This initiation of torque transfer induces gear separating forces on the side gears which tend to separate the side gears to further increase friction between the clutch mechanism and the casing. The increased friction pressure of the clutch allows more torque to be developed, thus further increasing the side gear separating forces and limiting the slippage between the side gears and the differential casing.
However, such preloaded clutches are usually always engaged, and thus are susceptible to wear, causing undesirable repair and replacement costs. Additionally, such clutch mechanisms usually employ spring mechanisms which add to the cost and difficulty of manufacture.
Additionally, such a preloaded clutch mechanism may lock the output shafts together in situations where differential rotation is necessary. For example, if the vehicle is making a turn when the wheels are sufficiently engaged on the road surface and a sufficient amount of torque is developed, the differential will tend to lock up the output shafts due to the action of the side gear separating forces created by the developed torque. This may occur, for example, during tight turns on surfaces with a low coefficient of friction. In such a case, even though differential rotation is required, the torque and side gear separating forces lock up the two output shafts causing either wheel to drag and slide along the road surface. This problem is evident in rear drive vehicles during tight turns as the portion of the vehicle near the dragging wheel may tend to bounce up and down.
Another method of limiting slippage involves the use of a frictional clutch between the side gears and the differential casing based on the difference in rotational speeds between the two output shafts. The frictional clutch may be actuated by various hydraulic pump mechanisms which may be external to the differential case or may be constructed of elements disposed inside the differential casing. However, such mechanisms usually are complicated and also add to the cost and difficulty of manufacture.
Thus, what is needed is a simple, durable and reliable limited slip differential which can effectively provide torque to the wheel with traction.
What is also needed is a limited slip differential which is responsive to both the torque and speed difference to provide the limited slip function only when required, i.e. limited slip when one wheel has lost traction and relatively open when sufficient torque is developed.

Hydraulically operated limited slip differential


An internal combustion engine with oil pressure rush adjustable valve actuating mechanism has a cylinder head having a lash adjuster mounting hole with an upper opening, an oil gallery formed on an inner circumference of the lash adjuster mounting hole for supplying an actuating oil, an oil pressure lash adjuster having a lash adjuster main body inserted in the lash adjuster mounting hole and a plunger located in the lash adjuster main body and lockable by the actuating oil supplied from the oil gallery, a valve actuating member having a swingable rocker arm arranged so that the lash adjuster main body forms a supporting point for swinging of the rocker arm and an air vent communicating a lower end portion of the lash adjuster mounting hole with the oil gallery.

The present invention relates to an oil pressure rush adjuster to be used for a valve actuating mechanism in an internal combustion engine, in which a space or a clearance formed at the valve is automatically rectified or corrected, particularly to an oil pressure lash adjuster equipped with an air vent which is capable of smoothly mounting the main body (or main assembly) of the lash adjuster to a rush adjuster mounting hole.
A valve actuating mechanism to be used in an internal combustion engine is generally liable to be subjected to the influence of wear or thermal expansion, so that a space or clearance formed at the valve used in the mechanism may be changed during the operation thereof. Accordingly, an oil pressure lash adjuster has been used so as to rectify or correct the above space or clearance.
As shown in FIG. 7, a conventional oil pressure rush adjuster has a structure such that a main body 2 of the lash adjuster (hereinafter referred to as "adjuster main body") is mounted to a mounting hole 30 formed in a cylinder head 10. The adjuster main body 2 comprises a body 24 and a plunger 26 which is arranged in the body 24 so that it is slidable in the upward and downward directions. In the plunger 26, there is formed a reservoir 28 which communicates with an oil gallery 32 which opens in the mounting hole 30 through small holes 24b and 27a. The reservoir 28 communicates with a high pressure chamber 29 through a small hole 27b. The reservoir 28 and the high pressure chamber 29 are filled with an actuating oil which is supplied from the oil gallery 32. In FIG. 7, the reference numerals 14, 16 and 17 denote a valve member, a cam and a rocker arm, respectively, which are members constituting the valve actuating mechanism. When a pressure is applied to the actuating oil, a check ball 25a disposed in the high pressure chamber 29 blocks the small hole 27b and the plunger 26 in a locked state constitutes a swinging supporting point for the rocker arm 17. In addition, when a nose 16a of the cam presses to rocker arm 17, the locker arm 17 is swung so that the valve member 14 is slid against a restoring spring 15 to be opened. Thereafter, when the cam 16 is rotated, the valve member 14 is closed under the action of the restoring spring 15. The reference numeral 23 denotes a plunger spring. The plunger 26 is always kept in a state such that it is caused to contact the rocker arm 17 under the action of the plunger spring 23. The plunger 26 is operated so that it corrects the space or clearance formed in the valve actuating mechanism due to the thermal deformation thereof, and the occurrence the space or clearance is prevented. In addition, in the cylinder head 10, there is formed an air vent 4 which extends from the mounting hole 30 to the ambient air, and the air vent 4 may function as an air vent when the adjuster main body 2 is inserted into the mounting hole 30. More specifically, when the adjuster main body 2 is intended to be mounted to the mounting hole 30, the adjuster main body 2 which has been disposed above the mounting hole 30 is inserted into the mounting hole 30. At this time, the air contained in the mounting hole 30 is discharged through the air vent 4 so that the insertion of the adjuster main body 2 is not prevented. As a result, it is possible to insert the adjuster main body 2 into the mounting hole 30. However, in the conventional oil pressure lash adjuster as described above, there is provided the air vent 4 which extends from the inside of the mounting hole 30 to the ambient air. Accordingly, when the internal combustion engine is stopped, the actuating oil filling the reservoir 28 and the oil gallery 32 is passed through the clearance between the body 24 and the mounting hole 30 and leaks out through the air vent 4 toward the outside of the mounting hole 30. Accordingly, the oil level is lowered to a position denoted by H in FIG. 7. In such a case, when the engine is restarted, etc., and the actuating oil is drawn from the reservoir 28, the air disposed above the oil level can simultaneously be drawn into the high pressure chamber 29 together with the actuating oil. Particularly, when the internal combustion engine is stopped while the cam nose 16a is caused to contact the rocker arm 17, the plunger 26 is compressed and is in a most shortened state (or bottomed condition). If the engine is restarted under the above condition, the sliding stroke between the plunger 26 and the body 24 becomes maximum, and the amount of the actuating oil drawn into the high pressure chamber 29 also becomes maximum. However, since the actuating oil is not supplied from the internal combustion engine side while the engine is stopped, it is almost impossible to ensure the proper amount of the oil contained in the reservoir 28. As a result, in such a case, the air is drawn into the high pressure chamber 29 most drastically, when the engine is restarted. When the air is drawn into the high pressure chamber 29, the rigidity of the actuating oil which is to be generated in the high pressure chamber 29 when the plunger 26 is pressed, is extremely reduced so that a sponge condition is provided. As a result, the space or clearance of the valve cannot be rectified. In addition, when an internal combustion engine is driven while the actuating oil is supplied to the reservoir 28, the actuating oil leaks out through the air vent 4 through the same passage through which the actuating oil leaks out at the time of the stoppage of the internal combustion engine as described above, whereby the actuating oil is wastefully consumed. When the actuating oil is wastefully consumed, it is possible that the oil is not sufficiently supplied to the parts such as the metal constituting the crank shaft and the cam shaft, etc., to which the oil is to be supplied, and the seizure (or seizing) thereof occurs. Further, there can also be posed a problem such that a pump having a large capacity is required in view of the amount of the oil which can leak out.

Oil pressure lash adjuster equipped with air vent


An improved spinnerbait and buzzbait are assembled with a bent wire having a medial bend for securing to a fish line and a pair of legs diverging outwardly from the medial bend. A blade is rotatably connected to the blade leg for spinning movement of the blade. The hook leg eliminates the fixed molded lead head connection of a fish hook to the bent wire and substitutes a movable connection enabling replacement of the fish hook. A cotter pin style flexible bend in the hook leg defines a fixed leg portion and a free leg portion which are capable of being pinched together for receipt within the bore of a steel or non-lead head. An interference device resists movement of the head from the position over the legs of the cotter pin bend.

1. Technical Field
This invention is directed generally to spinnerbaits and buzzbaits and, more particularly, to such baits having a movable non-molded head and a hook movably connected to the bent wire.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Lures resembling spinnerbaits have been popular and in the same general design since the early 1900's. The safety-pin spinnerbait is perhaps the most versatile fish catcher ever devised. It acquired the name "safety-pin spinners" because the wire that connects the blade and leadhead resembles an open safety-pin. This lure can be worked successfully on top of the water, on the bottom or anywhere in between and will take almost every fresh or saltwater species. On the retrieve, a spinnerbait can be ripped, slow-rolled, bounced along the bottom, dropped along a ledge, buzzed on the surface, fished stop-and-go, or merely cast out and cranked straight in. It is difficult to fish a spinnerbait incorrectly. The spinnerbait is relatively trouble-free on the retrieve because it is quite snagless.
Likewise, the most common buzzbaits are made on a bent-wire form that resembles a "J" lying on its side, with the longer end of the shaft holding the molded head and skirted hook, and the upper, or shorter, arm supporting a spinning propeller blade.
Whereas spinnerbaits and buzzbaits are designed primarily for bass, both work well for a host of other, primarily freshwater, game fish, including walleye, muskie, pike and crappie.
Like fly tying, there are multiple ways of making and dressing leadhead spinnerbaits and buzzbaits. Important variables are wire design and choice of blade. New dressing materials, new paints that bond to leadheads, the ever-increasing selection of spinner blades and the availability of inexpensive molds of good quality open up almost infinite possibilities for anglers. All of these possibilities, however, include a fishhook fixed to a bent wire by molding the hook and wire with molten lead, tin or some metal alloy poured into a mold of some configuration.
Despite the immense popularity of this lure, the fixed molded connection of the hook and bent wire has certain disadvantages. First, the most common material for the molded head is lead. There is growing concern and activity in the fishing industry advocating the elimination of lead from fishing products. Secondly, because the hook is molded directly to the bent wire, the hook is not replaceable or interchangeable. Changing the hook generally required substituting an entire spinnerbait or buzzbait. Thirdly, the rigid connection of the hook and bent wire decreases the action and vibration which attract fish. Fourthly, the fixed hook can increase the chance that a fish will become unhooked because the fighting fish can use the fixed spinnerbait for leverage. Fifthly, the fixed molded spinnerbait increases the chances that a fish will deform the bent wire, likewise because the fighting fish can use the spinnerbait for leverage. Sixthly, the fixed spinnerbaits cannot be used without a hook for pre-fishing for a tournament, for example, since the hook is a permanently molded part of the lure.
Further, the molding of the head over a portion of the hook shank shortens the length of the exposed portion of the hook, often requiring a stringer or trailer hook and the snagging and alignment problems associated with it.
Finally, a problem with conventional molded leadhead spinnerbaits and buzzbaits is the required molding operation itself. Required tools include a furnace, pot, ladles and safety equipment. The molding process itself takes much time and skill. The mold must be preheated sufficiently that the lead or other molten metal fills the cavity evenly but not so hot as to be dangerous or warp the mold. Because the wires or hooks extend into the molding area and out from the sides, it may be difficult to support the mold. The time and labor required for the molding step likewise increase the cost of the resulting lure.
Accordingly, a primary object of the invention is to provide improved spinnerbaits and buzzbaits.
Another object is to provide improved spinnerbaits and buzzbaits which are free of lead material.
Another object is to provide improved spinnerbaits and buzzbaits which eliminate the need for molding the hook and bent wire together.
Another object is to provide improved spinnerbaits and buzzbaits wherein the fish hook is replaceable and interchangeable.
Another object is to provide improved spinnerbaits and buzzbaits with increased vibration and action in the water for better attraction of fish.
Another object is to provide improved spinnerbaits and buzzbaits which help prevent fish from becoming unhooked from the lure.
Another object is to provide improved spinnerbaits and buzzbaits which decrease the chance of a fish bending the wire of the lure.
Another object is to provide improved spinnerbaits and buzzbaits which may be used with or without a hook.
Another object is to provide improved spinnerbaits and buzzbaits with a longer exposed hook shank to eliminate the need for a stringer or trailer.
Finally, it is an object of the invention to provide improved spinnerbaits and buzzbaits which are simple and rugged in construction, economical to manufacture and efficient in operation.


This invention provides a decorative sheet having a high glossy impression, comprising a surface protective layer formed of an ionizing radiation curing resin, which is excellent in surface specularity and marker ink erasing capability and has suppressed slipperiness as a decorative sheet, and a decorative plate comprising the sheet and a substrate jointed to each other. In the decorative sheet, a silicone having a high lifting effect (the effect of lifting on the surface) and a silicone having high compatibility with the ionizing radiation curing resin are incorporated, either separately from each other or simultaneously, into an ionizing radiation curing resin for forming the surface protective layer. According to this constitution, properties, which are generally likely to be offset by each other, that is, excellent contamination resistance, marker ink erasing capability, and cellophane tape resistance, high leveling properties, surface smoothness, and transparency, and suppressed slipperiness, can be maintained on a high level.

The present invention relates to a decorative sheet having a high gloss feeling which is excellent in a specularity and an oil base ink erasability on a surface and inhibited in a slippiness (hereinafter referred to as a slippiness) of a plate processed to a decorative plate and which has an ionizing radiation-curable resin in a surface protective layer and a decorative plate prepared by bonding the above decorative sheet on a substrate.


Lignocellulosic carbonaceous material is activated to produce a high activity, high density gas-phase activated carbon under conditions which effectively alter the particle pore volume size distribution to optimize the carbon's mesoporosity. An improved process is disclosed for producing the carbon, as are its application in emission control for vehicles.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to activated carbon and methods for preparing same. Particularly, this invention relates to new carbons useful in vapor adsorption and methods for their production. More particularly, this invention relates to activated carbon derived from lignocellulosic material prepared by chemical activation and shaping to produce carbon of high density and high activity.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Activated carbon is a microcrystalline, nongraphitic form of carbon which has been processed to increase internal porosity. Activated carbons are characterized by a large specific surface area typically in the range of 500-2500 m.sup.2 /g, which permits its industrial us in the purification of liquids and gases by the adsorption of gases and vapors from gases and of dissolved or dispersed substances from liquids. Commercial grades of activated carbon are designated as either gas-phase or liquid-phase adsorbents. Liquid-phase carbons generally may be powdered, granular, or shaped; gas-phase, vapor-adsorbent carbons are hard granules or hard, relatively dust-free shaped pellets.
Generally, the larger the surface area of the activated carbon, the greater its adsorption capacity. The available surface area of activated carbon is dependent on its pore volume. Since the surface area per unit volume decreases as individual pore size increases, large surface area is maximized by maximizing the number of pores of very small dimensions and/or minimizing the number of pores of very large dimensions. Pore sizes are defined as micropores (pore width <1.8 nm), mesopores (pore width=1.8-50 nm), and macropores (pore width >50 nm). Micropores and mesopores contribute to the adsorptive capacity of the activated carbon; whereas, the macropores reduce the density and can be detrimental to the adsorbant effectiveness of the activated carbon, on a carbon volume basis. The adsorption capacity and rate of adsorption depend to a large extent upon the internal surface area and pore size distribution. Conventional chemically activated lignocellulose-based carbons generally exhibit macroporosity (macropore volume) of greater than 20% of the carbon particle total volume. Gas-phase activated carbon macroporosity of less than 20% of the carbon particle volume would be desirable. Likewise, a high percentage of mesoporosity (i.e., above 50% of total particle volume) is desirable.
Commercial activated carbon has been made from material of plant origin, such as hardwood and softwood, corncobs, kelp, coffee beans, rice hulls, fruit pits, nutshells, and wastes such as bagasse and lignin. Activated carbon also has been made from peat, lignite, soft and hard coals, tars and pitches, asphalt, petroleum residues, and carbon black.
Activation of the raw material is accomplished by one of two distinct processes: (1) chemical activation, or (2) thermal activation. The effective porosity of activated carbon produced by thermal activation is the result of gasification of the carbon at relatively high temperatures (after an initial carbonization of the raw material), but the porosity of chemically activated products generally is created by chemical dehydration/condensation reactions occurring at significantly lower temperatures.
Chemical activation typically is carried out commercially in a single kiln. The carbonaceous material precursor is impregnated with a chemical activation agent, and the blend is heated to a temperature of 450.degree.-700.degree. C. Chemical activation agents reduce the formation of tar and other by-products, thereby increasing yield.
A "hard active carbon of high adsorptive power in the shaped or moulded state" is taught in U.S. Pat. No. 2,083,303 to be prepared by impregnating pulverized organic raw material, such as "sawdust, peat, lignite or the like" with "known activating agents, such as zinc chloride or phosphoric acid" and heated to 100.degree.-200.degree. C. for one to one and a half hours producing a partially carbonized state wherein the material is somewhat plastic. Without reducing the temperature, the material is molded under pressure to a desired shape. The shaped material then is activated in a rotary activating retort and brought to a temperature of 450.degree.-600.degree. C. for about four hours.
Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 2,508,474 teaches a gas mask activated carbon to be prepared by impregnating low density cellulosic material, such as finely divided wood in the form of wood shavings or sawdust, with concentrated zinc chloride, and heating to 120.degree.-145.degree. C. while agitating for not less than fifty minutes. The reacted mass then is compacted into "forms of appreciable size;" said forms are dried at 160.degree.-300.degree. C.; the dried forms are crushed into granular particles; the granules are calcined at 675.degree.-725.degree. C.; and, after leaching out of the particles a greater portion of residual zinc chloride, recalcining the activated carbon product at 1000.degree.-1100.degree. C. for at least thirty minutes.
These representative techniques have produced activated carbon of adequate activity and density for many gas-phase applications, especially for purification and separation of gases as in industrial gas streams, in odor removal in air conditioning systems, and in gas masks. However, older technology gas-phase activated carbons have not proven entirely satisfactory in some applications for recovery (not just removal) of organic vapors which involves adsorption onto the carbon surface followed by desorption from the carbon for recapture. In fact, due to environmental concerns and regulatory mandates, one of the largest single applications for gas-phase carbon is in gasoline vapor emission control canisters on automobiles. Evaporative emissions vented from both fuel tank and carburetor are captured by activated carbon.
Fuel vapors, vented when the fuel tank or carburetor is heated are captured in canisters generally containing from 0.5 to 2 liters of activated carbon. Regeneration of the carbon is accomplished by using intake manifold vacuum to draw air through the canister. The air carries desorbed vapor into the engine where it is burned during normal operation. An evaporative emission control carbon should have suitable hardness, a high vapor working capacity and a high saturation capacity. The working capacity of a carbon for gasoline vapor is determined by the adsorption-desorption temperature differential, by the volume of purge air which flows through the carbon canister, and by the extent to which irreversibly adsorbed, high molecular weight gasoline components accumulate on the carbon.
Because of various economic considerations and space limitations in placing the carbon canister on-board a vehicle, this particular application of granular or shaped activated carbon requires higher activity and higher density properties than typically produced by the older technology noted. One method to control product density is taught by published European Patent Application 0 423 967 A2. The applicants note "a number of problems inherent in the use of wood as a raw material to produce directly a chemically activated pelletised form," claiming it to be "impossible to produce a high density activated carbon from a wood flour material" for lack of sufficient natural binding agent. An improved product (of substantially increased density) is claimed by use of, as a starting material, a "young carbonaceous vegetable product" having a "high concentration of natural binding agent." Such materials include nut shell, fruit stone and kernel, and in particular olive stone, almond shell, and coconut shell.
Also, U.S. Pat. No. 5,039,651 teaches densification of activated carbon product from cellulose materials including coconut shells, wood chips, and sawdust by pressing after initially heating to a relatively low temperature, followed by extrusion and calcination. Yet, with this improved processing the patentees could produce only carbons that were measured to have a volumetric working capacity (in terms of butane working capacity, or BWC) of up to 12.3 g/100 cm.sup.3, although BWC values up to 15 g/100 cm.sup.3 are claimed.
These prior art gas-phase carbons may have been satisfactory for limited volumes of vapors emitted from the carburetor and fuel tank. Because of impending environmental regulations requiring capture of greater amounts of fuel vapor emissions, it is anticipated that the volume of these additional vapors, combined with the space limitations and economic considerations which limit expansion of the size of canister systems, will require activated carbons with higher densities, higher activities, and higher volumetric working capacities than disclosed by prior art (e.g., BWC >15 g/100 cm.sup.3).
Therefore, it is an object of this invention to provide activated carbons of high activity and relatively high density suitable for solvent and vapor capture and recovery. It is a further object of this invention to provide chemical activation processes for producing higher activity gas-phase activate carbons without sacrificing density. Also, it is an object of this invention to employ the high density, high activity chemically activated carbon for vehicle emission control.

Preparation for high activity, high density carbon