A tensioner (1, 1′) for a traction mechanism such as a belt, chain or the like, with a tensioning lever (4) which can be acted on by a helical spring (2), can pivot about a stationary shaft and on which a tensioning element is provided for abutment against the traction mechanism to be tensioned. The helical spring (2) is held at its ends by spring receptacles (6, 7) and a means (8, 9, 71) is provided for delimiting the spring excursion.

Generic tensioners or tensioning devices are used for example for tensioning drive belts and control belts in motor vehicles and are intended to ensure, by ensuring an optimum traction mechanism tensioning force even as the traction mechanism ages, at all times optimum functioning and transmission of this force without slippage and without disruptive vibrations. In addition, the connection between the helical spring and axially end-side spring receptacles of the tensioner is intended to be non-detachable during transportation of said tensioner and to be sufficiently secure in dynamic mode. The helical spring can in this case be embodied as a traction spring or else as a compression spring. Embodiment as a compression spring can in particular give rise to the problem that a tear in the traction mechanism causes the compression spring suddenly to expand during operation and the tensioner to break up with high pressure (so-called snapping). This can lead to destruction of the traction mechanism drive as a whole. Generic tensioners are therefore equipped with a suitable means (snapping securing means) to delimit the spring excursion.
DE 195 01 685 C1 discloses a generic tensioner of this type in which the spring excursion delimiting means used is a sheet metal strip which is made of spring steel, is inserted coaxially into the compression spring, is held in a lower spring receptacle by a first securing pin and mounted in the opposing spring receptacle so as to be longitudinally displaceable via balls in a through-guide. In the region of the through-guide, the sheet metal strip is bent over at its end 90° about its longitudinal axis and axially held by a second pin, so that said second pin cannot, with the bent part, pass through the through-guide and said through-guide can thus serve as a spring excursion delimiting means for transport and also snapping securing. This tensioner is mounted on the traction mechanism drive with the spring tensioned and its belt pulley placed against the belt. For tensioning the belt, the securing pin is removed at the belt pulley-side end of the sheet metal strip, so that the compression spring expands as a tensioning lever pivots and presses the tensioning roller against the belt. During this tensioning process the sheet metal strip is displaced in its mounting. However, this does not normally lead to abutment of the stop, formed by the angled segment, of the sheet metal strip against the spring receptacle. This extreme stop state occurs only when the belt to be tensioned tears or stretches excessively owing to ageing or as a result of temperature influences. The described construction provides on this tensioner transport and snapping securing.


A system for mounting a light emitting diode (LED) wave guide down light retrofit fixture. The system can include a mounting plate having a number of apertures symmetrically positioned around a center of the mounting plate. The system can also include at least one fastening device mechanically coupled to an upper surface of the mounting plate using at least a first aperture of the apertures, where the at least one fastening device mechanically couples to a base of an existing fixture. The system can further include a coupling device mechanically coupled to a lower surface of the mounting plate. The system can also include a trim assembly having a frame and a LED light source mechanically coupled to the frame. The frame can have a coupling feature disposed on a top surface of the frame, where the coupling feature mechanically couples to the coupling device.

People with light fixtures at times replace one or more of these fixtures. Replacing a light fixture often requires decoupling the old fixture both mechanically and electrically and coupling the new fixture both mechanically and electrically in the area that the fixture will be positioned. Many consumers are not comfortable with personally handling electrical issues, which can result in them delaying replacement of the fixture and/or having to hire an experienced electrician to help them with the replacement. Replacement of the fixture can also entail painting or repairing a wall or other surface that the replacement fixture is being coupled to and can result in other additional expenses. In addition, many light fixtures use lighting technologies that are not as efficient and/or effective as LED-based lighting systems.

Light-emitting diode wave guide down light retrofit fixtures


There is disclosed a fabric label, a method of making a label, a method of marking a garment, and a tool for inserting a marker. The label preferably has a closed or essentially closed pocket, into which a marker, such as an electronic article surveillance (EAS) or radio frequency identification device (RFID) marker is inserted after the pocket has been formed. In one embodiment the marker is inserted through a slit in the pocket and in other embodiment the marker is inserted into a closed pocket by a hollow needle which has penetrated through a wall of the pocket.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a label, a method of making a label, a method of marking a garment or the like, and a tool for inserting a marker.
2. Brief Description of the Prior Art
U.S. Pat. No. 5,583,489 to Thomas R. Loemker et al; U.S. Pat. No. 5,869,612 to Dennis M. Gadonniex et al; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,067,015 to Ming-Ren Lian et al are made of record.
It has been known to insert a marker into the open end of a tubular label prior to permanently closing that open end using a push rod having a terminal end which abuts the marker and pushes the marker to the inside of the tubular label.
As illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,583,489, markers such as security devices have been disclosed as being applied to garments, soft goods such as towels and socks, shoes and the like. The marker is included in the label during the label manufacturing process. It is necessary to provide labels on garments and the like in order to provide care information relating to washing or dry cleaning, and as to the material or materials of which the garment is composed, country of origin, and so on. While every garment requires a label for this purpose sewn into or heat sealed by the garment manufacturer during the manufacturing process, not every retailer desires that garments in the retailer's store incorporate a marker such as an electronic article surveillance (EAS) device, a radio frequency identification device (RFID) or the like. This may be due to the fact that different retailers have different EAS and RFID systems, or that the retailer may desire to have markers in labels for only certain merchandise, or use them only in stores which have suitable EAS or RFID, as the case may be, sensing gates.

Fabric garment label having detectable EAS or RFID marker in pocket and method of making same


A noise filter to eliminate short, multiple pulses output from an address transition detection ("ATD") circuit caused by address line noise occurring during a read operation of a nonvolatile semiconductor memory. The ATD circuit includes a pulse summation circuit. Each address line sends an input pulse to the pulse summation circuit when the address bit corresponding to the address line changes. The pulse summation circuit adds and extends the input pulses to form output pulses. Pulse extension is performed by a delay chain formed by NAND and NOR gates. Each output pulse begins after a first predetermined time from the leading edge of an input pulse. The delay chain is set on the leading edge of each input pulse. The trailing edge of each input pulse determines when the delay chain will begin to reset. The extended pulse ends after a delay caused by the delay chain unless a subsequent pulse leading edge occurs within a second predetermined time from each trailing edge. In this way, short, multiple input pulses are turned into one long continuous output pulse. This prevents the sending of short pulses into sensing circuits where they would cause the wrong data to be sensed and latched.

Although it is a relatively new semiconductor technology, flash memory is well known and widely used in the art. Flash memory is nonvolatile, meaning that it retains its content even if power is removed. This is in contrast to volatile memory technologies like static random access memory ("SRAM") and dynamic random access memory ("DRAM") that require continuous power to store information. Flash memory's cell structure and erasable programmable read-only memory ("EPROM") foundation also insure that it is extremely cost-effective to manufacture, continually scalable to higher densities, and highly reliable. This is a combination of characteristics that other semiconductor memory technologies currently lack.
In contrast to EPROM's, however, which can only be erased through exposure to ultra violet light, the flash memory array is electrically erasable in bulk. This distinguishes it from traditional electrically erasable programmable read-only memory ("EEPROM") that are by definition byte-alterable. The flash memory erase function empties part of the device all at once. The device can be programmed (written to) incrementally, however, which is an important capability for applications that require data/file updates.
Flash memory can be read very quickly. However, it takes a significantly longer amount of time to write information into flash memory or to erase the flash memory than it does to read the memory. Part of the reason for this is that, while a location is simply read from flash memory, writing and erasing is an iterative process. Each erase or write operation must be repeated several times and verified to insure that the erasure or write operation has completed successfully. Normally, when neither the write nor erase operations are enabled, the flash memory unit is by default in a read state.
Address transition detection ("ATD") is also well known in the art and has been widely used in SRAM and EPROMs. The purpose of address transition detection circuitry is to increase the speed with which data can be read from memory. This is accomplished by performing operations which are required for every memory read operation as soon as an address transition has been detected.
These operations include equalizing sense amplifiers and latching the previous output. The sense amplifiers are used to increase weak signals sensed from the memory cells to be read during the read operation. Equalizing the sense amplifiers causes the amplifiers to be cleared or otherwise set up so that they are ready to process the new data to be read. Latching the previous output of the output to stay static until the new data from the read operation has been output from the sense amplifiers. The previous output is latched because the output of the sense amplifiers fluctuates before it finally reaches a steady value. Latching the previous output ensures that the swing does not pass down to the outputs.
Circuitry to equalize the sense amplifiers and latch pervious output is well known in the art. In fact, both operations are normally performed during a memory read operation. The address detection circuitry of the present invention simply permits these operations to be performed earlier than would be the case where address transition detection is not employed. However, noise on address lines can cause an ATD scheme to fail by beginning a read operation on an improper address.

Address transition detection noise filter in pulse summation circuit for nonvolatile semiconductor memory


A reset control apparatus may include a first reference generator adapted to output a first reference value in response to an enable signal from an external power source, a second reference generator adapted to receive the first reference value and to output a second reference value, and a set signal generator adapted to output a set signal when the second reference value exceeds a predetermined value.

1. Field of the Invention
Embodiments are directed to a reset control method and apparatus. More particularly, embodiments are directed to a reset control method and apparatus in a power management integrated circuit.
2. Description of the Related Art
Proper enablement of functional circuit blocks includes delaying operation of these blocks until the output of the power supply is stable. Ensuring proper enablement of functional circuit blocks on an integrated circuit (IC) is relatively simple when a regulated power supply is external to the IC. When a power converter is on the IC, however, proper enablement is more difficult to ensure, especially during power transition periods.
Power management circuits (PMCs) may be used to prevent functional circuit blocks from malfunctioning during an initial transition period, e.g., rising or falling period. In particular, during the transition period, the output voltage that the PMC is configured to control may be lower than a desired voltage. Functional circuit blocks that use the output voltage as a voltage source may malfunction due to the low voltage and/or a variation in voltage. To avoid these potential problems, the functional circuit blocks may be placed in a reset state during the transition period.
There are numerous advantages to using PMCs, including simpler dynamics, simpler robust output voltage control, and mitigation of transformer saturation problems. However, power supplied using PMCs may be more susceptible to noise than externally supplied power.

Reset control method and apparatus in power management integrated circuit


A diaphragm for a diaphragm pressure switch used to sense paint pressure in an airless, piston-type paint spray gun includes a disc-shaped, deflectable, chemically-inert primary member and a washer-shaped, secondary, resilient member located behind the primary member. The switch includes a hollow body which connects to the spray gun to form a sensing zone therebetween. The switch body houses a spring-biased, linearly displaceable piston with a head which extends through an opening in the body. The primary member of the diaphragm has a first surface exposed to paint in the sensing zone and a second surface with a central region which contacts the piston head. High pressure in the sensing zone deflects the primary member, and deflection of the primary member displaces the piston. The chemically inert primary member withstands the chemically-corrosive effects of solvents in the paint. The secondary member besides between the primary member and the switch body and circumscribes the piston head, thereby eliminating stress on the primary member caused by sharp edges of the piston head.

In an airless, piston-type paint spray gun, a piston pumps the paint from a supply line and into a paint holding chamber. The gun has a trigger which, when depressed, opens a valve to cause the pressurized paint in the chamber to be sprayed out of a nozzle in the direction of a surface to be coated.
For ideal spraying conditions, the pressure of the paint in the chamber should be in the range of about 1800-2100 p.s.i. This pressure range is maintained by controlling the operation of a motor which drives the piston pump. More particularly, a diaphragm pressure switch senses the fluid pressure of the paint in the chamber, and in response, generates a signal to the motor to either start or stop the piston. According to a typical sequence of operation, the chamber is initially empty, and therefore the fluid pressure is zero. A "pump" signal to the motor causes the piston pump to begin, thereby commencing priming of the pump. During priming, an electrical contact of the diaphragm pressure switch remains in a normally-closed position. The contact is in series with a conductive lead which conveys the pump signal to the motor. At a predetermined pressure, i.e. an upper limit for paint pressure in the chamber, a diaphragm in the switch deflects to displace a spring-biased piston and open a piston, thereby opening the normally-closed electrical contact. Opening of the electrical contact terminates the pump signal to the motor and de-energizes the pump.
Thereafter, when the trigger is depressed, pressurized paint from the chamber will be expelled through the nozzle. As a result, the fluid pressure of the paint in the chamber decreases. At a predetermined lower limit for paint pressure in the chamber, i.e. about 1700 p.s.i., the diaphragm begins to move toward its original position, and the piston moves with the diaphragm, due to the spring. Eventually, the diaphragm and piston move a sufficient distance to close the contact and deactivate the switch, thus restarting the motor which drives the pump. The pump operates until the pressure diaphragm switch again senses that the upper pressure limit has been reached, whereupon the contact again opens to disconnect the pump. In this manner, the switch provides continuous, cyclical control of the motor which drives the pump.
The pressure diaphragm switch plays an important role in maintaining sufficient spraying pressure for an airless, piston-type spray gun. In one common diaphragm pressure switch, opening of the electrical contact is caused by mechanical contact with one end of a switch piston. An opposite end of the piston contacts the rear surface of a deflectable diaphragm. The front surface of the diaphragm contacts the fluid to be sensed. The diaphragm has a diameter which is greater than that of the piston head. The diaphragm spans across a recess in the forward end of a hollow, cylindrical switch body. In use, the recess is in fluid communication with the paint chamber, and the diaphragm deflects according to the fluid pressure of the paint in the recess. The switch body houses the piston and a spring. The head of the piston extends through an opening in a transverse wall at a forward end of the switch body. The spring biases the piston head into contact with the back surface of the diaphragm.
For an airless, piston-type paint spray gun, it is desirable to provide a diaphragm pressure switch which outlasts the useful life of the spray gun, thereby eliminating the need for replacement or servicing of parts. Unfortunately, the structural and environmental requirements for the diaphragm of a diaphragm pressure switch have proved that this objective is more easily stated than attained.
More particularly, the diaphragm must deflect with changes in fluid pressure in a manner which is predictable and repeatable, within the necessary pressure ranges, for its entire useful life. Because the deflection of the diaphragm must displace a piston, the diaphragm must be of a relatively sturdy material. Moreover, for optimum accuracy and repeatability in fluid pressure sensing, it is also desirable to locate the diaphragm in direct fluid contact with the paint in the chamber. Unfortunately, because of the chemically-corrosive nature of many types of paint, a diaphragm for use in an airless, piston-type paint spray gun must be made of a material which is chemically inert, or not susceptible to chemical corrosion from the paint.
These diverse requirements limit the number of materials which are suitable for use in a pressure diaphragm switch. Rubber is a suitable diaphragm material from the standpoint of both deflectability and relatively low cost. However, rubber is particularly susceptible to chemical corrosion from paint solvents. Rigid plastic has also been used in the past as a diaphragm material. Unfortunately, when contacting sharp metal edges such as the side edges of a switch piston, these rigid plastics tend to extrude around the edges of the piston.
Prior attempts to combine two diverse materials in a single diaphragm have also failed. One attempt involved a diaphragm which included a rigid plastic layer in direct contact with the paint and a backing layer of rubber located between the switch body and the plastic layer. Unfortunately, this two-component diaphragm needed repair after only six hours of use. By comparison, the normal useful life of an airless, piston-type paint spray gun is about 75 hours.
One problem with this particular two-component diaphragm related directly to the relatively high pressures used in this type of paint spray gun. More specifically, at above 1000 p.s.i., the rubber backing layer became squeezed to a paper thin width between the plastic layer and the piston, causing the excess rubber to move outwardly from therebetween and obstruct or inhibit normal movement of the piston, particularly in returning to its original, undeflected position, and thereby reducing the sensitivity of the switch. In some cases, the diaphragm and piston did not return to their undeflected positions until the fluid pressure had lowered to about 1000 p.s.i., resulting in a hysterisis range for the switch of about 800 to 1000 p.s.i. While some hysterisis for a diaphragm pressure switch is acceptable, this amount of hysterisis for the diaphragm pressure switch used in a piston-type paint spray gun is too great. Due to this hysterisis, the electrical contact remains open too long, and the pump is not energized quickly enough to sufficiently pressurize the paint in the chamber for adequate spraying when spraying is resumed.
It is an objective of the invention to extend the useful life of a diaphragm for a pressure diaphragm switch beyond the useful life of an airless, piston-type paint spray gun in which it is used.
It is another objective of the invention to reduce the fluid pressure hysterisis of a diaphragm pressure switch used in an airless, piston-type paint spray gun.
It is still another objective of the invention to minimize the effects of chemical corrosion, the cost and the pressure susceptibility of a diaphragm used in a pressure diaphragm switch.
The objectives of this invention are met by a diaphragm for a diaphragm pressure switch which includes a deflectable, chemically-inert primary member which is disc-shaped and made of rigid plastic and a resilient, ring-shaped, secondary member for supporting the primary member. The resilient, washer-shaped secondary member supports the periphery of the rear surface of the primary member around the outside of the piston head.
The primary member is rigid plastic, to withstand chemical corrosion from direct contact with paint solvents and also to shield the rubber secondary member from contact with the paint. At the same time, the rubber secondary diaphragm provides resilient support for the deflectable primary member, thereby eliminating stress on the primary member caused by the sharp edges of the piston and reducing the susceptibility to undesired extrusion of the primary member around the sharp edges of the piston under high pressure conditions.
Under normal operating conditions, i.e. paint chamber pressures ranging from 0-2700 p.s.i., the dual component diaphragm structure of this invention extends the useful life of a diaphragm pressure switch beyond the useful life of an airless, piston-type paint spray gun in which it is used. For a useful life which exceeds the normal seventy-five-hour life span of a paint spray gun, a pressure diaphragm switch equipped with this dual component diaphragm is capable of accurately sensing paint pressure and effectively controlling the operation of the piston pump. During its useful life, the hysterisis of this dual component diaphragm remains relatively constant, in the range of about 300-400 p.s.i. Thus, with this diaphragm, the switch may be set to accurately and repeatably turn off the piston pump when pressure in the chamber reaches 2000-2400 p.s.i. and to turn on the piston pump again when the paint pressure falls to about 1600-1700 p.s.i.
According to a preferred embodiment, this dual component diaphragm is located within a recess at a forward end of a hollow, cylindrical switch body. The switch body connects to the pump housing to place the recess in fluid communication with the paint chamber. Together, the recess and the chamber from a fluid sensing zone. The dual component diaphragm defines one end of the sensing zone. The diaphragm deflects with changes in the fluid pressure of the paint in the chamber. Because a central region of the primary member contacts the head of a linearly displaceable, spring-biased piston, the diaphragm deflections displace the piston. This piston displacement opens a normally-closed electrical contact in the diaphragm pressure switch, thereby de-energizing the motor which drives the piston pump.
With this switch, the distance between the piston and the contact may be varied to change the desired upper pressure limit for de-energizing the motor. Preferably, during painting, the paint pressure in the chamber should be maintained at about 1800-2100 p.s.i.
These and other features of the invention will be more readily understood in view of the following detailed description and the drawing.


A reading apparatus according to an embodiment includes a captured-image reading section, an article detecting section, an object recognizing section, and a code reading section. The captured-image reading section reads, from an imaging apparatus that captures a captured image associated with distance information indicating distances to articles, the captured image associated with the distance information. The article detecting section detects images of articles in a preset predetermined imaging region in the captured image. The object recognizing section performs, based on the distance information, object recognition processing of an object, the object being an article closest from the imaging apparatus among the articles. The code reading section performs, based on the distance information, if a distance between the object and the imaging apparatus is equal to or smaller than a predetermined distance, code reading processing for detecting a code symbol from the predetermined imaging region and reading code information from the code symbol.

There has been used, in sales registration in a store, a technique for supporting commodity registration by performing processing for specifying a commodity using a reading apparatus having a function of object recognition (generic object recognition) or a processing for selecting candidates of a commodity and causing an operator to select a candidate. For example, as related art, there has been disclosed a technique concerning a commodity reading apparatus that specifies a commodity by switching code reading processing for reading a commodity code from a code symbol such as a barcode and object recognition processing and performs sales registration.
In recent years, for improvement of efficiency of registration processing or a reduction in a burden on a checker, there has been developed a reading apparatus that can perform commodity specifying or selection of a commodity candidate by object recognition even if a commodity to be registered is left placed in a basket or on a register counter. In such a reading apparatus, there has been desired a technique that can achieve optimization of switching of object recognition processing and code reading processing and achieve improvement of reading accuracy or reading efficiency.


A polybutylene based hot melt adhesive composition having a variety of end uses, particularly in construction and elastic attachment applications on nonwoven disposable articles. Unlike typical hot melt adhesives, the present composition can withstand exposure to mineral oil and other oil based ointments without experiencing catastrophic bond failure. The composition includes polybutylene copolymer or a mixture of polybutylene and polyolefin polymers, a tackifier resin, a plasticizer, a wax and a stabilizer. The hot melt adhesive composition can be applied using common application techniques such as extruding or spraying.

Numerous types of nonwoven disposable absorbent articles are commercially available, and are manufactured for use in the absorption and containment of bodily waste such as urine and feces. Typical of such articles are disposable diapers for infants, and undergarments for incontinent adults. In the construction of such disposable articles, an inner leg gather or cuff is employed to prevent leakage of the bodily waste from around the user's legs. During use, this cuff or flap is held in place with one or more elastic bands surrounding the leg. These elastic bands are typically held in place and attached to the disposable article by a hot melt adhesive.
While a wide range of hot melt adhesive compositions are known and used in the construction of disposable articles, it is also well known that a hot melt adhesive used for bonding in a particular use or application may be completely unsuitable for other uses or applications. Thus, various hot melt adhesive compositions are used in the construction of disposable articles. For example, it is well known that polyolefin based hot melt adhesives are suitable for the construction of diapers, particularly in the bonding of polyethylene films, or the like, to tissue or nonwoven substrates in the production of such articles. However, it is also known that polyolefin based hot melt adhesives are not suitable for bonding of the elastic bands in the diapers because creep resistance is insufficient for such an application. For this reason, hot melt adhesives based on styrene such as styrene-isoprene-styrene (SIS) block copolymers or styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) block copolymers are used. These block copolymer adhesives, however, also possess shortcomings such as viscosity instability which manifests itself at elevated temperature.
Another shortcoming is that these block copolymers lose most of their bond strength upon exposure to mineral oil or other oil based ointments. Mineral oil and other oil based ointments are often used on infants to treat skin rashes, and thus prior hot melt adhesive compositions, upon exposure thereto, experience adhesive bond failure. As a result, the elastic leg bands may actually let loose from the diaper resulting in complete failure and break down of the inner leg cuff. Therefore, an adhesive that is capable of withstanding exposure to mineral oil or other oil based ointments while still providing sufficient bond strength for elastic band attachment in the inner leg cuff would be highly desirable.
Manufacturers of nonwoven disposable articles, such as diapers, would also prefer using only a single hot melt adhesive in the manufacture of such articles. Clearly, the use of two or more hot melt adhesives on the same article poses some problems such as different handling procedures, clean up procedures, etc. which the manufacturer would prefer to avoid. Therefore, a single adhesive that is capable of performing bonding functions in both construction applications as well as elastic attachment applications in nonwoven disposable articles would be highly desirable.

Oil resistant polybutylene based hot melt adhesive


A host apparatus capable of sensing failure in an external device connected thereto through communication cable, comprises an external signal detector for sensing failure in the external device by detecting signals of the external device through the communication cable; a display for outputting a predetermined message; and a controller for displaying a predetermined warning message informing the failure on the display, if the external signal detector senses the failure in the external device. Therefore, a user can be informed of the failure in the external device.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a host apparatus and a method for sensing failure in an external device connected through a communication cable. More particularly, the present invention relates to a host apparatus and a method for sensing failure in a power line and/or a data transmission line of an external device and informing a user of the failure.
2. Description of the Related Art
Recently, external devices such as Moving Picture Experts Group audio layer-3 (MP3) players and personal digital assistants (PDAs) have been produced without an internal power source. Instead, power is supplied from a host apparatus, such as a personal computer (PC), to allow for miniaturization and light weight. Likewise, as set-top boxes become miniaturized and light-weight, power may be supplied from a digital television (DTV) through a communication cable. The external device connected with the host apparatus through a communication cable such as a universal serial bus (USB) cable can be supplied with power from the host apparatus and perform data communication with the host apparatus.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a conventional host apparatus for supplying power to an external device. The conventional host apparatus 10 comprises a power source 12, a power protector 14, and a communication port 16. The power source 12 receives an alternating current power of 110V or 220V from an alternating current power source 19 and converts the alternating current power into a power corresponding to the rated range of the host apparatus 10 and the external device 18. The power protector 14 shuts off the connection between the external device 18 and the power source 12, if the power source 12 provides a power beyond the rated range of the external device 18 to the external device 18. In other words, if the power line of the external device 18 is grounded or short-circuited with the data transmission line, an over current is supplied from the power source 12 to the external device 18. The power protector 14 such as a fuse shuts off the over current. Also, if the power is supplied abnormally to the external device 18 due to a problem in the power source 12, the power protector 14 shuts off the abnormal current. The communication port 16 is connected to the external device 18 through the communication cable.
In the above-described conventional method, if the external device 18 is connected to the host apparatus 10 and if the power supplied to the external device 18 is shut off to stop the operation of the external device 18, the user cannot determine whether the failure originates from the host apparatus 10 or from the external device 18.

Host apparatus for sensing failure of external device connected through communication cable and a method thereof


An apparatus for communication and balancing in a battery system includes a battery pack connected to a management network. The management network is configured to communicate with a master controller via a communication bus. The apparatus is configured to operate in a communication mode and a balancing mode.

An increasing number of battery-powered systems that are equipped with a battery pack (i.e., series-connected batteries) utilize active balancing techniques to improve storage capacity and life cycle of the battery pack. Switched-capacitor balancing techniques are commonly used for this purpose. In addition, it is generally desirable to monitor each battery in the battery pack to prevent unsafe conditions, such as over-voltage, under-voltage, excessive temperature, etc., by enabling a safety mechanism in the event that such a condition is detected. Conventional monitoring of each battery cell in battery pack requires extra wiring in addition to the basic pack wiring.

Methods and apparatus for autonomous balancing and communication in a battery system

SEMICONDUCTOR COMPONENTS INDUSTRIES, LLC


Example embodiments disclosed herein relate to a case having a base unit and a display unit. The base unit includes an emitting surface. The display unit includes a dissipating member. A hinge connects the base unit and the display unit, the hinge connected below at least part of the heat emitting surface or first vent and the heat dissipating member or second vent. The emitting surface and the dissipating member are to overlap or align when the display unit is in a closed position.

Case designs of devices are increasingly changing to accommodate for user preferences. For example, some cases have adopted a dropped hinge to lower a height of a display of the device. Device manufacturers are challenged to provide new case designs that enhance or do not limit a functionality of the device.

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.


A steel characterized in that its composition is percentages by weight:                C=0.18-0.30%        Co=1.5-4%        Cr=2-5%        Al=1-2%        Mo+W/2=1-4%        V=traces-0.3%        Nb=traces-0.1%        B=traces-30 ppm        Ni=11-16% where Ni≧7+3.5 Al        Si=traces-1.0%        Mn=traces-2.0%        Ca=traces-20 ppm        Rare earths=traces-100 ppm        if N≦10 ppm, Ti+Zr/2=traces-100 ppm where Ti+Zr/2≦10 N        if 10 ppm<N≦20 ppm, Ti+Zr/2=traces-150 ppm        O=traces-50 ppm        N=traces-20 ppm        S=traces-20 ppm        Cu=traces-1%        P=traces-200 ppm        the remainder being iron and inevitable impurities resulting from the smelting. A process for manufacturing a part from this steel, and part thus obtained.

This type of steel provides:
very high mechanical strength, but at the same time high toughness and ductility, in other words low sensitivity to brittle failure; this very high strength subsists under hot conditions up to temperatures of the order of 400° C.;
good fatigue properties, which notably implies the absence of harmful inclusions such as nitrides and oxides; this characteristic has to be obtained by a suitable composition and careful conditions for elaborating the liquid metal.
Further, it is carburizable and nitridable, so as to be able to harden its surface in order to give it good resistance to abrasion and lubricated friction.
Conceivable applications of this steel concern all fields of mechanics where structural or transmission parts are required which have to combine very high loads, under dynamic stresses and in the presence of induced or surrounding heating. In a non-exhaustive way, mention will be made of transmission shafts, gearbox shafts, bearing axles, . . . .
The requirement of excellent hot mechanical strength in certain applications prevents the use of carbon steels or so-called "weakly alloyed" steels, the strength of which starts to degrade from 200° C. Further, the toughness of these steels is generally no longer satisfactory when they are treated for mechanical strength levels of more than 2,000 MPa, and, generally, their "true" yield strength is much smaller than their maximum strength measured in the tensile test: the yield strength is therefore a dimensioning criterion which becomes a penalty in this case. Maraging steels may then be used, for which the yield strength limit is notably closer to their maximum tensile strength value, which have satisfactory strength up to 350-400° C., and which further provide good toughness for very high mechanical strength levels. But these maraging steels quite systematically contain high nickel, cobalt and molybdenum contents, all elements which are costly and subject to notable variations of their quotation on the commodity market. They also contain titanium, used for its strong contribution to secondary hardening, but which is mainly involved in the lowering of the fatigue strength of maraging steels due to the nitride TiN, the formation of which is quasi impossible to avoid during the smelting of steels even containing only a few tenths of percents.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,393,488, a steel composition with secondary hardening was proposed without addition of titanium, aiming at improving hot strength and especially improving fatigue properties, ductility and toughness. This composition has the drawback of requiring a high Co content (8 to 16%), which makes the steel very expensive (N.B.: in the present text, all the contents of the different elements are expressed in weight %).
In document WO-A-2006/114499, a composition of hardened martinsitic steel was proposed as well as an optimized series of heat treatments adapted to this composition which, relatively to the prior art represented by U.S. Pat. No. 5,393,388, have the advantage of only requiring a more reduced cobalt content i.e. between 5 and 7%. By adjusting the contents of the other elements and the parameters of the heat treatments, accordingly, it was possible to obtain parts providing a set of very satisfactory mechanical properties, notably for aeronautical applications. These notably are a cold tensile strength comprised between 2,200 MPa and 2,350 MPa, ductility and resilience at least equal to those of the best high-strength steels, and under hot conditions (400° C.), a tensile strength of the order of 1,800 MPa, as well as optimum fatigue properties.
This steel is said to be "with duplex hardening" since its hardening is obtained by simultaneous hardening precipitation of intermetallic compounds and of carbides of the M2C type.
However, this steel always contains relatively large amounts of cobalt. As this element is in any case expensive and its price is likely to be subject to significant fluctuations on the commodity market, it would be important to find means for further reducing its presence very substantially, notably in materials intended for more ordinary mechanical applications than aeronautical applications.
With the steels as proposed in WO-A-20061114499 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,393,488, it is possible to obtain good resilience but for certain applications the latter may prove to be insufficient.
For the same applications, obtaining a very high tensile strength (Rm) is also required.

Hardened martensitic steel having a low cobalt content, process for manufacturing a part from steel, and part thus obtained


A capacitor cell is provided. A first PMOS transistor is coupled between a power supply and a first node, and has a gate connected to a second node. A first NMOS transistor is coupled between a ground and the second node, and has a gate connected to the first node. A second PMOS transistor is coupled between the second node and the first node, and has a gate connected to the second node. A second NMOS transistor has a drain connected to the first node, a gate connected to the first node, and a source connected to the ground or the second node. The first and second PMOS transistors and the first and second NMOS transistors are arranged in the same row. The second PMOS transistor is disposed between the first PMOS transistor and the first and second NMOS transistors.

Power supply lines in an integrated circuit (IC) can supply current to charge and discharge active and passive devices in the IC. For example, digital complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) circuits draw current when the clock makes a transition. During operation of circuits, the power supply lines supply transient currents with a relatively high intensity, which can result in voltage noise in the power supply lines. The voltage in the power supply line will fluctuate when the fluctuation time of the transient current is short or when its parasitic inductance or parasitic resistance is large.
The operational frequency of the IC may be on the order of several hundreds of mega-hertz (MHz) to several giga-hertz (GHz). In such circuits, the rising time of clock signals is very short, and voltage fluctuations in the supply line may be very large. Undesired voltage fluctuations in the power supply line powering a circuit can cause noise on its internal signals and degrade noise margins. The degradation of noise margins can reduce circuit reliability or even cause circuit malfunction.
To reduce the magnitude of voltage fluctuations in the power supply lines, filtering or de-coupling capacitors are usually used between the different power supply lines or between the power supply line and the ground line. De-coupling capacitors act as charge reservoirs that additionally supply currents to circuits to prevent momentary drops in supply voltage.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD


A warp correction apparatus includes an injection mechanism including a nozzle that performs injection treatment, an adsorption table that holds the semiconductor element substrate by adsorption at a principal surface side or a film surface side, a moving mechanism that moves the adsorption table so that the semiconductor element substrate relatively moves with respect to an injection area of an injection particle by the nozzle, an injection treatment chamber that houses the semiconductor element substrate held on the adsorption table and in the interior of which injection treatment is performed, a measurement mechanism that measures a warp of the semiconductor element substrate, and a control device that, based on a difference between a target warp amount and a warp amount measured by the measurement mechanism, performs at least either one of a setting processing of an injection treatment condition of the injection mechanism and an accept/reject determination of the semiconductor element substrate for which injection treatment has been performed.

A semiconductor element such as a light-emitting diode is manufactured by forming a semiconductor film, for example, a GaN-based compound semiconductor film, by epitaxial crystal growth on a principal surface (polished surface) of a semiconductor element substrate made of sapphire or the like, and forming electrodes and others. The semiconductor layer is formed heating the semiconductor element substrate, and is thereafter cooled to room temperature. Therefore, a warp that is convex to the semiconductor film side is produced during cooling due to a difference in thermal expansion between the semiconductor element substrate and the semiconductor film.
In order to correct this warp, for example, cited document 1 discloses a technique for correcting a warp using a large-sized press device that is for pressing at a pressure of 4.9×104 to 4.9×106 Pa. Moreover, cited document 2 discuses a technique for correcting a warp through modification of the interior of a sapphire substrate by converging and scanning pulsed laser light on the interior.

Warp correction device and warp correction method for semiconductor element substrate


A bottle-cap identification system includes a double or, alternatively, single layer coating applied to top and sides of a twist-top bottle cap and its appendant stationary connection ring. The double layer coating consists of an inner colored painting with stripe pattern and an outer opaque black layer. The single layer coating includes only the opaque substance and is applied directly to a cap and ring, whereby the cap and ring is either of solid color or features the genuine brand design. The black layer is composed of a polymer with weaker cohesive than adhesive bonds, which prevents the color of cap and ring from being seen through and enables its removal by scratching. Such scratching results in a marking randomly exposing the inner layer or, respectively, the cap and ring itself. The marking and its alignment on cap and ring serve as criterion for recognition and identification of the bottle.

The present invention relates generally to a bottle-cap identification system and more particularly to a personalized and individualized bottle-cap identification. Specifically this invention relates to a user removing a portion of an outer black layer from the cap and the ring by scratching through it, exposing either the inner colored layer or the multi colored bottle cap and connection ring. Further, the subject matter also relates generally to a means for providing personalized bottle-cap identification.
Traditional bottle-cap identification systems are well known in the art. The following patents reflect the state of art of which Applicant is aware and is included herewith to discharge Applicant's acknowledged duty to disclose prior art. It is respectfully stipulated, however, that none of the patents teach singly nor render obvious when considered in an inconceivable, permissible combination, the nexus of the instant invention as described herein after and as particularly claimed.
In some published patents, existing systems are shown ranging from a bottle, bottle cap or can with a preprinted marking or symbol. To use these types of inventions, a person must indicate one of the symbols usually through a pointing mechanism or other means. Four of the patents, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,753,189; 6,834,763; 5,799,815; 6,868,627 and 6,745,505 collectively seem to appear to reflect the commonly understood structure associated with a Bottle-Cap Identification System.
One patent discloses a medicine bottle having a closure for indicating dosage and other information which changes automatically as the closure is rotated on the bottle of the unit.
Another patent discloses a personal identification method and system for improving personal hygiene in which provision is made for identifying a beverage, food product, or the like, with a particular person so that another person does not inadvertently access the identified item unintentionally. This invention is not limited to bottle caps but to food and beverages in general.
Further, a device for identifying an individual pop-top can having a pull tab for levering open the can was patented. The device includes a flexible resilient sleeve of plastic or rubber which slides over the free end of the pop-top can tab. Additionally, there is a patent that discloses a can with a movable tab that can be used to point to different symbols as a way to indicate which can is yours. The example in the patent shows a movable tab that can be pointed to sport logos.
The last patent in this field discloses a Color Coded Beverage Cap Collection with permanent passive indicia indicating beverage bottle user identities. The color-coded bottle caps are used as the actual caps for conventional beverage bottles. The color-coded caps do not add cumulative indicia to the bottle caps, in additional to pre-existing indicia, such as brand name logos, on the bottle caps.
Though all of these progenitors have a similar purpose and identify the bottle or its user, none of them is exactly on point of the Applicant's invention. For example, these devices fail to allow the user to create his or her coincidentally or purposefully marking. Additionally, these devices use different methods to facilitate the identification of the bottle.
The present invention relates generally to an improved bottle cap identification system and more particularly to a bottle cap itself being manufactured using multiple colored plastic, arranged in stripes. Covering the inner multiple colored plastic layer, is the outer layer of a solid application of black paint, easily fractionally removable by scratching, or scuffing. The outer-black layer completely covers the inner-colored layer in its entirety and is opaque.
The outer-black layer is intended to be partially removed by scratching through this layer, exposing the inner-colored surface below. The randomness of the scratched outer black layer coupled to the exposed inner-colored layer uniquely identifies a bottle cap among similar bottle-caps.
An alternative to the bottle cap itself being manufactured using multiple colored plastic (arranged in stripes) is a multilayered substance applied to the top, side, and the connection ring of a twist-top bottle cap. The inner layer is a solid application of stripes of brightly colored paints, durable against peeling, scratching, or scuffing. The inner-colored layer is intended to be permanently affixed to the top of the twist-top bottle cap. Covering the inner-colored layer is the outer layer of a solid application of black paint, easily removable by scratching, or scuffing. The outer-black layer completely covers the inner-colored layer in its entirety and is opaque.
One problem with such a system is that the outer layer could become scuffed or scratched inadvertently during the manufacturing, packaging, transport, or distribution process. If this condition occurs there is the possibility that multiple caps could be sold in a "pre-scratched" condition whereby the bottle-cap is considered un-disguisable. This issue could be mitigated by applying a thin plastic membrane over the top of the bottle-cap making it more unlikely that the outer-black layer would inadvertently become scratched of scuffed. This thin plastic membrane is commonly found on computer screens, watch faces, and stereo equipment displays in their packaged state. It is designed to be easily removed with just your fingers. However, if a certain type of polymer is used, such unintended scratching is unlikely to happen.
Another problem in such a system is that after the bottle cap is dislodged from the connection ring there might be the possibility that the scratch mark that extended from the bottle cap's side onto the connection ring directly below no longer line up to appear as a continues band of scratch mark. This might reduce the ability to quickly determine which container aligns with caps scratched in a similar manner. Thus, it is important to insure that the connection ring remains stationary on the neck of the bottle once the seal between bottle cap and the connection ring is broken.
In case the connection ring is being dislodged identification is still possible. Almost like tumblers in a safe lock the user can spin the connection ring to ultimately line up the marking of ring and cap.
Providing a bottle cap identification system where the randomness of the outer layer is coupled to an exposable inner-colored layer to uniquely identify one particular bottle cap among many similar bottle caps, thus allowing a user a more useful way to identify their own bottle of consumer product from a plurality of other consumer containers with bottle caps.
The obvious problem that the bottle cap identification system solves is the ability to easily personalize and distinguish two identical containers by their bottle caps. The benefit of this solution is personal hygiene and public health. With the increase in the prevalence of world health issues like AIDS, ARC, SARS, and TB the ability to identify someone else's container form you own container becomes immediately clear. Therefore it is desirable to provide such an improved system that overcomes the above and other problems.


A field emission element includes at least one supporting wire and at least one carbon nanotube wire. The supporting wire and the carbon nanotube wire are twisted together. A method for manufacturing the described field emission element is also provided. The method includes the steps of: (a) providing at least one carbon nanotube wire and at least one supporting wire; (b) twisting the carbon nanotube wire and the supporting wire together to form a multi-strand structure by a spinning process; and (c) cutting the multi-strand structure according to a predetermined length to form a field emission element.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates generally to field emission elements and manufacturing methods thereof and, more particularly, to field emission elements employing a carbon nanotube wire and a manufacturing method thereof.
2. Discussion of Related Art
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) produced by means of arc discharge between graphite rods were first discovered and reported in an article by Sumio Iijima, entitled "Helical Microtubules of Graphitic Carbon" (Nature, Vol. 354, Nov. 7, 1991, pp. 56-58). Carbon nanotubes are electrically conductive along their length, chemically stable, and each can have a very small diameter (much less than 100 nanometers) and large aspect ratios (length/diameter). Due to these and other properties, it has been suggested that carbon nanotubes can play an important role in fields such as microscopic electronics, field emission devices, thermal interface materials, etc.
Generally, a CNT field emission element includes a conductive cathode electrode and a carbon nanotube formed on the cathode electrode. The carbon nanotube acts as an emitter of the field emission element. The methods adopted for forming the carbon nanotube on the conductive cathode electrode mainly include mechanical methods and in-situ synthesis methods. One mechanical method is performed by using an Atomic force microscope (AFM) to place a synthesized carbon nanotube on a conductive cathode electrode, then fixing the carbon nanotube on the conductive cathode electrode, via a conductive paste or adhesive. The mechanical method is relatively easy/straightforward. However, the precision and efficiency thereof are relatively low. Furthermore, the electrical connection between the conductive base and the carbon nanotube tends to be poor because of the limitations of the conductive adhesives/pastes used therebetween. Thus, the field emission characteristics of the carbon nanotube are generally unsatisfactory.
One in-situ synthesis method is performed by coating metal catalysts on a conductive cathode electrode and directly synthesizing a carbon nanotube on the conductive cathode electrode by means of chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The in-situ synthesis method is relatively easy. Furthermore, the electrical connection between the conductive base and the carbon nanotube is typically good because of the direct engagement therebetween. However, the mechanical connection between the carbon nanotube and the conductive base often is relatively weak and thus unreliable. Thus, in use, such a carbon nanotube is apt, after a period of time, to break away (partially or even completely) from the conductive cathode electrode due to the mechanical stress associated with the electric field force. Such breakage would damage the field emission electron source and/or decrease its performance. Furthermore, in the in-situ synthesis method, controlling of the growth direction of the carbon nanotube is difficult to achieve during the synthesis process. Thus, the production efficiency thereof can be relatively low, and the controllability thereof is often less than desired. Still furthermore, the in-situ synthesis method has a relatively high cost.
What is needed, therefore, is a field emission element that promotes a good mechanical and electrical connection between the carbon nanotube and the conductive cathode electrode and that, thus, tends to have satisfactory field emission characteristics.
What is also needed is a method for manufacturing the above-described field emission electron source, the method having a relatively low cost, relatively high production efficiency, and an improved controllability.

Field emission element and manufacturing method thereof


This document provides materials and methods related to PAPP-A polypeptides, aging, and transgenic non-human mammals whose genomes comprise a disrupted PAPP-A allele. Methods for making such transgenic non-human mammals, and using them and other mammals to identify and characterize agents that affect conditions related to PAPP-A activity, such as vascular restenosis, atherosclerosis, wound healing, cancer, fibrosis, bone development, fetal development, longevity, and fracture repair, also are provided.

The insulin-like growth factors (IGF-I and -II) are important determinants of fetal growth and postnatal development. Baker, J., et al. Cell 75, 73-82 (1993); and Stewart, C. E. H., and Rotwein, P. Physiol. Rev. 76, 1005-1026 (1996). IGF bioactivity is modulated by IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs), which, in turn, are regulated by specific proteases. Clemmons, D. R. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev. 8, 45-62 (1977); and Fowlkes, J. L. Trends Endocrinol. Metab. 8, 299-306 (1997).
PAPP-A increases IGF bioavailability and mitogenic effectiveness in vitro through regulated cleavage of IGFBP-4. PAPP-A is a large placental glycoprotein, present in the serum of pregnant women in increasing concentrations throughout pregnancy. PAPP-A in pregnancy serum is linked via a disulfide bond to the proform of eosinophil major basic protein (proMBP), forming an approximately 500 kDa 2:2 complex, denoted PAPP-A/proMBP. The serum form of PAPP-A is derived from a pre-proprotein containing a putative 22-residue signal peptide, a pro-part of 58 residues, and a 1547-residue circulating mature polypeptide. The amino acid sequence shows no global similarity to any known protein, but it contains two sequence motifs common to the metzincins, a superfamily of metalloproteases, three Lin-12/Notch repeats known from the Notch protein superfamily, and five short consensus repeats known from components of the complement system. Free PAPP-A cannot be isolated from pregnancy serum, but can be isolated in conditioned media from human fibroblasts.
The PAPP-A/proMBP complex is absent from maternal serum in pregnancies where the mother is carrying a fetus with Cornelia de Lange syndrome. Recently, PAPP-A and proMBP in conjunction with SP1 have been shown to be effective markers for detecting fetuses affected with Down's syndrome in weeks 7-12 of gestation.

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research


An imaging apparatus generates one piece of image including a moving image and a still image which are continuously shot. The apparatus includes an imaging unit, a still image acquisition instruction unit, a moving image acquisition start instruction unit, a time measuring unit, and a moving image time determination unit. The imaging unit acquires the moving image and the still image. The moving image acquisition start instruction unit instructs to start acquisition of the moving image prior to acquisition of the still image. The time measuring unit measures a time from a start of acquisition of the moving image to acquisition of the still image. The moving image time determination unit determines a moving image time which is a time of the moving image included in the image.

In general, digital cameras that record still images and moving images are known. For example, Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 2007-215086 discloses a digital camera capable of shooting moving images, which can shoot a still image during shooting of a moving image. In this digital camera, recording of a moving image starts simultaneously with turning on a power supply. Further, Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 2007-215086 discloses that a moving image is recorded while changing time allocation before and after each still image. Further, for example, Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 2004-297177 discloses that, when preparations for shooting still pictures are completed, recording of a moving image is started and the moving image and the still images are recorded in association with each other in a ring buffer. When the moving image and the still images are recorded in association with each other, an atmosphere at the time of shooting the still image can be conveyed to a viewer. Further, Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 2004-297177 discloses that, in regard to recording moving images before and after a still image, sound is recorded at the same time to convey an atmosphere.

Imaging apparatus and image generation method for generating one piece of image including a moving image and still image


A method includes receiving data related to an individual, the data comprising a plurality of elements of personally-identifying information (PII). The method further includes building, via the plurality of elements of the PII, a compositional key for the individual. In addition, the method includes storing the compositional key and a biometric print for the individual as a biometric record in a biometric repository. The method also includes, via the compositional key, providing a plurality of federated entity (FE) computer systems with access to the biometric repository.

1. Technical Field
The invention relates generally to information security and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to systems and methods for using a biometric repository.
2. History of Related Art
Identity theft is one of the fastest-growing crimes in the United States and worldwide. Identity theft generally involves a use of personally-identifying information (PII) that is not authorized by an owner of the PII. PII, as used herein, refers to information that can be used to uniquely identify, contact, or locate a person or can be used with other sources to uniquely identify, contact, or locate a person. PII may include, but is not limited to, social security numbers (SSN), bank or credit card account numbers, passwords, birth dates, and addresses. Identity theft may include, for example, an unauthorized change to PII or an unauthorized use of PII to access resources or to obtain credit or other benefits.
Businesses and consumers alike are victims of identity-theft crimes. For example, in 2008, approximately ten million U.S. adults were victims of identity theft and businesses suffered approximately $56 billion as a direct result thereof. The Identity Fraud Survey Report created by Javelin Strategy & Research found that victims averaged a personal cost of $373 and 21 hours of time to resolve their identity fraud issues in 2009. The annual cost of identity theft currently exceeds $200 billion worldwide. Given that identity theft is a high-reward/low-risk crime as described by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), it appears that identity theft will continue to increase.
Therefore, it is advantageous for businesses to implement security practices that reduce the occurrence of identity theft. Biometric security is an example of an effective form of security. Biometric security generally involves an ability to identify and/or verify an identity of an individual person based upon one or more intrinsic physical or behavioral traits such as, for example, voice, fingerprints, DNA, and the like. However, biometric security is often too expensive and complex to be a viable option for businesses.

Systems and methods for secure and efficient enrollment into a federation which utilizes a biometric repository


Methods, systems, and apparatuses for determining a flexibility value K of a fastener. An illustrative system includes a test apparatus including three straps with a strain gauge coupled to each strap. A fastener, such as a bolt, is installed through the straps, with a tensile or compressive force then applied to the test apparatus. Responsively, the strain gauges generate signals indicative of elastic deformation of the straps. The signals are transmitted to a signal processor, which may display deformation values, or alternatively, may process the signals to calculate the value K. The elastic deformation values acquired from the strain gauges, together with cross sectional area and elastic moduli of the straps, are entered into a calculation which applies a predetermined relationship to arrive at the value K. The test apparatus may be a stand-alone device for use in calculating the value K.

Design of assemblies having fastened joints may require knowledge of fastener flexibilities for various types of fasteners in various materials. For a given joint geometry and fastener type, determining the percentage of load carried by each individual fastener depends, in part, upon the flexibility value of each fastener.
Methodologies for theoretically calculating fastener flexibilities are known. However, the values of fastener flexibility obtained using these methodologies may have questionable accuracy and reliability. For example, calculated results may not agree between the various theoretical methods.
Thus, obtaining fastener flexibilities from test data is desirable. However, known test methods may be associated with various drawbacks, such as the need to use sensitive and expensive test instrumentation as well as uncertainty and/or inaccessibility of the measurement locations of interest.

Methods, systems, and test articles for determining a flexibility value of a fastener


A lamp unit of a vehicular headlamp includes a projection lens with an optical axis; a light source formed from a semiconductor light-emitting element; a first reflector that reflects light from the light source so as to condense such light on or near the optical axis; and a shade positioned between the light source and the projection lens so as to extend along the optical axis direction. The shade shields part of the light reflected by the first reflector. In the lamp unit of the vehicular headlamp, a shielding surface extends rearward from a front end of the shade, where the shade is positioned near a rearward focal point Rf of the projection lens. The shielding surfaces serve as a second reflector that reflects light from the first reflector toward the projection lens. In addition, a transparent portion is formed on part of the second reflector such that part of the light reflected by the first reflector passes downward of the rearward focal point of the projection lens and is then incident to the projection lens.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a novel lamp unit of a vehicular headlamp. More specifically, the present invention relates to radiating light for viewing an overhead sign above a road (referred to as an overhead sign below) using part of headlamp light.
2. Related Art
A low-beam of a headlamp of a vehicle such as an automobile is strongly suppressed such that upward diffusion light is not generated, in order to ensure that dazzling light is not radiated to drivers of preceding vehicles, pedestrians, and the like. Therefore, little light reaches an upper side of a cut-off line limiting an upper end edge.
Meanwhile, in current transportation conditions, overhead signs are used to display a branch direction of a road, a distance to a major location, and the like. The overhead signs are formed from a highly reflective material to improve visibility. However, a low-beam with good performance radiates little light above the cut-off line. Therefore, there is a risk that the overhead sign may be missed.
Headlamps such as the vehicular headlamp disclosed in Patent Document 1 have been proposed that provide desired light distribution by collecting a plurality of so-called projector type lamp units. In the lamp units, a semiconductor light-emitting element such as a light-emitting diode (referred to as an LED below) is used as a light source. The light of the semiconductor light-emitting element is condensed by a reflector and part of the condensed light is shielded in the forward direction by a shade. In addition, the condensed light, which is partially shielded, is inverted and radiated forward by a projection lens with a rearward focal point in the condensed light region.
According to the lamp unit of the vehicular headlamp disclosed in Patent Document 1, the shade is disposed generally along an optical axis of the projection lens, and an upper surface of the shade is formed as a reflective surface. Light which reaches the reflective surface from the reflector is incident to the projection lens. In this manner, efficient use of the light from the light source is achieved. Accordingly, no light passes downward from a rearward focal point of the projection lens and reaches the projection lens. Therefore, no light heads toward an upper side of the cut-off line, resulting in no light for viewing the overhead sign.
According to the lamp unit of the vehicular headlamp disclosed in Patent Document 2, the shade has a window portion that is provided below the rearward focal point of the projection lens. Direct light from the LED passes through the window portion, reaches the projection lens, and illuminates a so-called overhead zone above the cut-off line. In this manner, it is possible to view the overhead sign.
[Patent Document 1] U.S. Pat. No. 6,948,836 B2
[Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (Kokai) No. 2005-235707


A media card comprising a leadframe having first and second die pads, a plurality of contacts, and a plurality of conductive traces extending from respective ones of the contacts towards the first and second die pads. The second die pad is bent in a manner facilitating the formation of a cavity therein. Attached to the first die pad is a semiconductor die which is electrically connected to the leadframe. Disposed within the cavity and electrically connected to the leadframe is an electronic component. A body at least partially encapsulates the leadframe, the semiconductor die and the electronic component such that the contacts are exposed in the bottom surface defined by the body. The electronic component is shielded from radio frequency as a result of its receipt into the cavity defined by the second die pad of the lead frame.

The present invention relates generally to media cards and, more particularly, to a leadframe based multi-media card having chip array, land grid array, and/or service mount technology like structures mounted to the leadframe using standard processing and equipment.
As is well known in the electronics industry, circuit modules or media cards are being used in increasing numbers to provide memory storage and other electronic functions for devices such as digital cameras, MP3 players, cellular phones, and personal digital assistants. In this regard, circuit modules are currently used in various memory card formats, including multi-media cards (MMC), secure digital cards (SDC), compact flash (CF), smart media, and memory stick.
Typically, circuit modules include multiple integrated circuit devices or semiconductor dies. The dies are interconnected using a circuit board substrate which adds to the weight, thickness, stiffness and complexity of the module. Circuit modules also include electrical contacts for providing an external interface to an insertion point or socket. These electrical contacts are typically disposed on the back side of the circuit board substrate, with the electrical connection to the dies being provided by vias which extend through the circuit board substrate.
In an effort to simplify the process steps needed to fabricate the circuit module and, hence, the memory card using the same, there has been developed by Applicant a circuit module wherein a leadframe assembly is used as an alternative to the circuit board substrate, as described in Applicant's co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 09/956,190 entitled LEAD-FRAME METHOD AND ASSEMBLY FOR INNERCONNECTING CIRCUITS WITHIN A CIRCUIT MODULE filed Sep. 19, 2001 and Ser. No. 10/266,329 entitled DIE DOWN MULTI-MEDIA CARD AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME filed Oct. 8, 2002, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
In certain multi-media card or secure digital card applications, it is desirable to mount or electrically connect passive structures such as chip array (CA), land grid array (LGA), and/or surface mount technology (SMT) like structures to the leadframe of the multi-media card. The inclusion of the CA, LGA and/or SMT structures typically requires that the traditional laminate circuit board substrate be employed in the multi-media card in lieu of the leadframe. However, the inclusion of the laminate circuit board substrate increases the number of process steps in the fabrication of the multi-media card, and thus increases the overall production cost. The present invention addresses this deficiency by providing a leadframe based multi-media card which is adapted to allow CA, LGA, and/or SMT structures to be mounted to the leadframe using standard D/A or standard W/B processing and equipment.


A karaoke system incorporating a backing chorus mixing device having a memory for storing backing chorus patterns converted to data form by breaking down and organizing the backing chorus for a particular piece of music into appropriate segments. Thus, when reproducing a piece of music created in accordance with the MIDI standard, all the chorus data corresponding to said piece of music can be read from said memory and synchronized with the music reproduction data, after which appropriate chorus patterns can be selected one by one and mixed into the music. The invention thus enables the requisite memory capacity to be kept to a minimum while at the same time enabling not only the reproduction of original sounds from music data created in accordance with the MIDI standard but also the reproduction of a mutual backing chorus sound created from data based not on the MIDI standard but obtained directly from natural human voices.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates essentially to a backing chorus mixing device which mixes backing choruses for music reproduced from music data created in accordance with the MIDI standard.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In general terms, devices that are used to create music data in accordance with the MIDI standard and then to convert the resultant data into analog signals to be used for reproduction of the music by a reproduction device are well known.
Creation of music data in accordance with the MIDI standard enables the production of original musical sounds. In the replication of existing sounds, however, while it is possible to copy the sounds produced by many different musical instruments, it is almost impossible to recreate the sound of a backing chorus owing to the extreme complexity of the wave forms of the human voice.

Backing chorus mixing device and karaoke system incorporating said device


A control circuit of a wireless user equipment includes: a message generating circuit for generating a first and a second RRC (radio resource control) messages, and configuring corresponding first and second priorities; a message reordering circuit for comparing the first and second priorities. If the first priority is higher than the second priority, the message reordering circuit assigns the second RRC message in a message queue to have a transmission order after the first RRC message. Afterward, when the message generating circuit generates a third RRC message, the message generating circuit configures a third priority for the third RRC message. The message reordering circuit compares the first through the third priorities to rearrange transmission orders of RRC messages, and if the third priority is equal to the second priority, the message reordering circuit replaces the second RRC message in the message queue with the third RRC message.

The disclosure generally relates to a mobile communication system and, more particularly, to a control circuit for dynamically replacing the messages to be transmitted from a wireless user equipment to a communication station.
In the conventional mobile communication system, a wireless UE (user equipment) detects the signal channel quality to determine whether to transmit a measurement report to the network side to thereby request the network side to assign radio resources. The aforementioned signal channel quality may be measured based on the retry ratio, the received signal strength indicator (RSSI), the reference signal received power (RSRP), the reference signal received quality (RSRQ), the packet error rate (PER), the bit error rate (BER), or other parameters.
The signal channel quality may vary as the wireless UE moves or signal environment changes, and thus the wireless UE frequently transmits many measurement reports to the network side. However, the network side needs to take time in handling the measurement report transmitted from the wireless UE, and the wireless UE may be moved to other place when the network side handles the received previous measurement report. Therefore, the configuration of the radio resource assigned to the wireless UE by the network side is often not the most suitable configuration for the current environment of the wireless UE. As a result, it may easily cause problems, such as connection lost or call drop, to the wireless UE.

Control circuit of wireless user equipment for dynamically replacing RRC messages


Compositions comprising renewable source derived polymer oil polymerization macroinitiators and multiblock polymer compositions derived therefrom by atom transfer radical polymerization are disclosed. Hard, glossy multiblock copolymers, thermoset multiblock copolymers, thermoplastic block copolymer elastomers, and methods of making and using these types of materials are disclosed.

Polymers from vegetable oils have obtained increasing attention as public policy makers and corporations alike have been interested in replacing traditional petrochemical feedstocks due to their environmental and economic impact. In recent years, the cost of renewable source derived monomers has become highly competitive (and in many cases more economical than petrochemical feedstocks). For example, with appropriate modification of soybean oil (such as conjugation of triglycerides, or development of soybean oil types that are particularly suitable for polymerization), the chemical properties, thermal properties, microstructure and morphology, and mechanical/rheological behaviors of soybean oil-based polymers could be fine-tuned to make these biopolymers highly useful in the plastics industry.
To date, some success has been achieved through the application of traditional cationic and free radical polymerization routes to vegetable oils to yield thermoset plastics. Pfister & Larock, Bioresource Technology 101:6200 (2010), which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, have researched a variety of polymers, ranging from soft rubbers to hard, tough plastics using cationic copolymerization of vegetable oils, mainly SBO, to produce thermoset plastics with boron triflouride diethyletherate (BFE) as the initiator. Lu et al. synthesized soybean-oil-based waterborne polyurethane films with different properties ranging from elastomeric polymers to rigid plastics by changing the polyol functionality and hard segment content of the polymers (Lu et al., Polymer 46:71 (2005); Lu et al., Progress in Organic Coatings 71:336 (2011), which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety). Bunker et al. have reported the use of soybean oil to synthesize different bio-based products such as sheet molding composites, elastomers, coatings, foams, etc. For instance, Bunker et al. were able to synthesize pressure-sensitive adhesives using mini-emulsion polymerization of acrylated methyl oleate, a monoglyceride derived from soy bean oil (Bunker et al, International Journal of Adhesion and Adhesives 23:29 (2003); Bunker & Wool, Journal of Polymer Science Part A: Polymer Chemistry 40:451 (2002), which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety). The polymers produced were comparable to their petroleum counterparts.
Zhu et al. were able to generate an elastic network based on acrylated oleic methyl ester through bulk polymerization using ethylene glycol as the crosslinker (Zhu & Wool, Polymer 47:8106 (2006), which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety). Lu et al. were also able to create thermosetting resins synthesized from soybean oil that can be used in sheet molding compound applications. These resins were synthesized by introducing acid functionality and onto the soybean. The acid groups reacted with divalent metallic oxides or hydroxides forming the sheet, while the carbon-carbon groups are subject to free radical polymerization (Lu et al., Polymer 46:71 (2005), which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety). Bonnaillie et al. were able to create a thermoset foam system using a pressurized carbon dioxide foaming process of acrylated epoxidized soybean oil (AESO) (Bonnaillie & Wool, Journal of Applied Polymer Science 105:1042 (2007), which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety). Wool et al. were able to synthesize liquid molding resins that were able to be cured into high modulus thermosetting polymers and composites using triglycerides derived from plant oils (U.S. Pat. No. 6,121,398 to Wool et al., which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety).
Block copolymers may be thermosetting or thermoplastic with broad areas of application including as rubbers or elastomers; as toughened engineering thermoplastics; as asphalt modifiers; as resin modifiers; as engineering resins; as leather and cement modifiers; in footwear, such as in rubber shoe heels, rubber shoe soles; in automobiles, such as in tires, hoses, power belts, conveyor belts, printing rolls, rubber wringers, automobile floor mats, mud flaps for trucks, ball mill liners, and weather strips; as adhesives, such as pressure sensitive adhesives; in aerospace equipment; as viscosity index improvers; as detergents; as diagnostic agents and supports therefore; as dispersants; as emulsifiers; as lubricants and/or surfactants; as paper additives and coating agents; and in packaging, such as food and beverage packaging materials.
Styrenic block copolymers (SBCs), such as styrene-butadiene type polymers (e.g., styrene-butadiene di-block, SB; styrene-butadiene-styrene tri-block, SBS) of the type sold by Kraton Performance Polymers, Inc. under the Kraton® mark, have historically served the asphalt and footwear industries for years, with markets also in the industries of packaging, pressure sensitive adhesives, packaging materials, pressure sensitive adhesives, tires, packaging materials, footwear, and as a modifier of bitumen/asphalt, which is one of its largest markets.
With the forecast of increasing demand of liquid asphalt for the next decade, a particularly strong need exists for a new type of cost effective, environmentally friendly, viable polymer that can be used as an asphalt modifier in lieu of standard styrene-butadiene type modifiers. The global asphalt market is predicted to reach 118.4 million metric tons by 2015, according to a January 2011 report by Global Industry Analysts, Inc. The asphalt paving industry accounts for the largest end-use market segment of asphalt. With increasing growth in the developing markets of China, India, and Eastern Europe, asphalt will be increasingly needed to construct roadway infrastructure for the next decade. The increased demand for asphalt, along with the need for improved asphalt materials/pavement performance, creates the opportunity for an asphalt modifier.
In this regard, as background, the grade of the asphalt governs the performance of paving mixtures at in-service temperatures. In many cases, the characteristics of bitumen need to be altered to improve its elastic recovery/ductility at low temperatures for sufficient cracking resistance as well as to increase its shearing resistance for sustained loads and/or at high temperatures for rutting resistance. The physical properties of bitumen are typically modified with the addition of SBS polymers to produce an improved asphalt grade that enhances the performance of asphalt paving mixtures. Of the asphalt mixtures that are polymer modified, approximately 80% of polymer modified asphalt uses SBS-type polymers.
Asphalt cement is commonly modified with poly (styrene-block-butadiene-block-styrene) (SBS), a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). Polymer modification is known to substantially improve the physical and mechanical properties of asphalt paving mixtures. Polymer modification increases asphalt elasticity at high temperatures, as a result of an increased storage modulus and a decreased phase angle, which improves rutting resistance. It also increases the complex modulus, but lowers creep stiffness at low temperatures, thus improving cracking resistance (Isacs son & Lu, "Characterization of Bitumens Modified With SEBS, EVA and EBA Polymer," Journal of Materials Science 4:737-745 (1999), which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety). SBS-type polymers are typically added to asphalt pavements when additional performance is desired or when optimizing life-cycle costs is warranted. SBS allows for the production of many specialty mixes including cold mixes, emulsion chip seals, and micro-surface mixes.
SBSTPEs are block copolymers (BCPs) comprised of styrene-butadiene-styrene polymer chains that create an ordered morphology of cylindrical glassy polystyrene block domains within a rubbery polybutadiene matrix (Bulatovic et al., "Polymer Modified Bitumen," Materials Research Innovations 16(1):1-6 (2012), which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety). SBS polymers are thermoplastic, meaning that they can be easily processed as liquids at temperatures higher than their glass transition temperature due to the linear nature of their chains. Upon cooling, the rigid polystyrene end-blocks vitrify and act as anchors for the liquid rubbery domains by providing a restoring force when stretched (FRrEn J. R., Polymer Science and Technology (Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, N.J., 2 ed. 2008), which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety).
SBS is incorporated into asphalt through mixing and shearing at high temperatures to uniformly disperse the polymer. When blended with asphalt binder, the polymer swells within the asphalt maltene phase to form a continuous tridimensional polymer network (Lesueur, "The Colloidal Structure of Bitumen: Consequences on the Rheology and on the Mechanisms of Bitumen Modification," Advances in Colloid and Interface Science 145:42-82 (2009), which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety). At high temperatures, the polymer network becomes fluid yet still provides a stiffening effect that increases the modulus of the mixture. At low temperatures, a crosslinked network within the asphalt redevelops without adversely affecting the low temperature cracking performance due to the elastic properties of the polybutadiene (Airey G. D., "Styrene Butadiene Styrene Polymer Modification of Road Bitumens," Journal of Materials Science 39:951-959 (2004), which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety). The resulting performance properties widen the working temperature range of the binder-polymer system.
The butadiene monomer used in SBS is typically derived from petrochemical feedstocks, a byproduct of ethylene production. Unfortunately, in light of the aforementioned growth in demand for liquid asphalt, however, the price of butadiene has been rapidly increasing not only due to increases in the price of crude oil, but also due to global market shifts in supply and demand. As shale gas supplies become more abundant, crackers are more commonly using lighter petrochemical feeds such as ethane to produce ethylene and its co-products. However, using lighter feeds lowers butadiene production, thus tightening the supply (Foster, "Lighter Feeds in US Steam Crackers Brings New Attitude Toward On-purpose Butadiene, Propylene Prospects," Platts Special Report: Petrochemicals 1-6 (2011), which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety).
As briefly summarized above, vegetable oils have been considered as monomeric feedstocks for the plastics industry in general for over 20 years. To date, moderate success has been achieved through the application of traditional cationic and free radical polymerization routes to vegetable oils to yield thermoset plastics (i.e., plastics which, once synthesized, permanently retain their shape and are not subject to further processing). However, the vast majority of commodity polymers are highly processable thermoplastic materials, and the body of work related to the development of vegetable oil-based alternatives to conventional monomers like butadiene is much more limited.
Recently published US 2013/0184383 A1 to Cochran et al., "Thermoplastic Elastomers Via Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization of Plant Oil" (hereafter, the "'383 Cochran et al." or "Cochran et al." application, hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety together with any publications incorporated by reference in turn by Cochran et al.), however, describes novel thermoplastic elastomer compositions from vegetable oil monomers and methods of making and using the same. In particular, thermoplastic block copolymers are described in the '383 Cochran et al. application which comprise a block of radically polymerizable monomer and a block of polymerized plant oil containing one or more triglyceride monomers.
In Cochran et al., the block copolymers in question are summarized as comprising at least one PA block and at least one PB block. The PA block represents a polymer block comprising one or more units of monomer A, and the PB block represents a polymer block comprising one or more units of monomer B. Monomer A is described as a vinyl, acrylic, diolefin, nitrile, dinitrile, or acrylonitrile monomer, while Monomer B is a radically polymerizable plant oil monomer containing one or more triglycerides. The vegetable oil triglycerides are discrete monomers comprising three fatty acid chains esterified to a glycerol backbone.
Cochran et al. as well contemplates a method of preparing a thermoplastic block copolymer or polymer block wherein a radically polymerizable plant oil monomer containing one or more triglyceride monomers is initially provided. This plant oil monomer is then radically polymerized, in the presence of an initiator added as a separate component and a transition-metal catalyst system to form a thermoplastic polymer. This thermoplastic polymer can itself be used as a thermoplastic elastomer or can be used as a thermoplastic polymer block and further polymerized with other monomers to form a polymerized plant oil-based thermoplastic block copolymer.
The addition of styrene to polymerized triglycerides helps improve the processability, aids in the control of the melt state properties of polymers (glass transition temperature (Tg), elastic moduli, etc.) (Woof, R. P. & Sun, X. S., Bio-based polymers and composites (Academic Press, Burlington, Mass. 2005), which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety), and can serve as physical crosslinking sites below the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the polystyrene (100° C.). In a typical SBS elastomer, the styrene composition is about 10-30 wt % such that spherical or cylindrical styrene domains form in a matrix of butadiene. When the temperature is below the glass transition temperature of polystyrene (T=100° C.), the polybutadiene matrix is liquid but is bound between the vitreous polystyrene spheres, which serve as physical crosslinks. When the temperature is above the glass transition temperature of polystyrene, the entire elastomer system is molten and may be processed easily. Crosslinked poly(soybean oil) has been reported to have T values as low as −56° C. (Yang et al., Journal of Polymers and the Environment 19:189 (2011), which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety). Accordingly, polymerized soybean oil is an excellent candidate to serve as the liquid component in thermoplastic elastomers based on styrenic block copolymers, and polymers based on radically polymerizable renewable source-derived polymer oil macroinitiator containing one or more polymer oils comprise a significant improvement due to their crosslinked nature.

Renewable source-derived polymer oil macroinitiators and thermoplastic block copolymers derived therefrom