In one form, an acoustic distance measuring circuit includes a transmitter amplifier, an acoustic transducer, and a sensing circuit. The sensing circuit includes an input adapted to be coupled to the acoustic transducer, a first correlation output for providing a chirp tail correlation signal, and a second output for providing a full chirp correlation signal. The sensing circuit provides the chirp tail correlation signal in response to correlating a chirp tail signal pattern with a received signal, and provides a full chirp correlation signal in response to correlating a full chirp signal pattern with the received signal. Further, the acoustic distance measuring circuit includes a controller adapted to be coupled to the sensing circuit that has a first input for receiving the chirp tail correlation signal and the full chirp correlation signal for determining a short range time of flight signal and a long range time of flight signal.

Acoustic measuring systems and distance measuring systems are utilized in a variety of applications. For example, acoustic measuring systems are utilized to measure obstacle distance in applications ranging from automotive systems to fossil discovery. Acoustic measuring systems generally operate by first transmitting a pulse of acoustic energy, creating a sound wave. Then a measurement of the time of flight of the sound wave is recorded. The time of flight, which is the time from transmission of the sound wave until a reflection of the sound wave is received, determines the distance of the obstacle. Automotive applications that utilize acoustic measuring systems require reliable detection of the presence of obstacles within a broad measurement range. Currently, single modulation acoustic measuring sensors have reliable detection at a short distance detection range or a long distance detection range, but not both. For example, acoustic sensors are reliable at minimum distance detection, but limited in the maximum distance detection. Similarly, acoustic measuring sensors have reliable maximum distance detection, but are limited in the minimum distance detection.
Acoustic measuring systems often utilize acoustic transducers both to transmit the generated sound wave, and to receive the reflected signal, or echo signal. These systems often have a certain distance within which an obstacle cannot be detected, or multiple measurement modes are needed to cover the desired detection range. Low minimal distance detection and high maximum distance is preferred in acoustic measuring systems; however, dependence on the time when an echo signal crosses a threshold in response to a short distance measurement is not always detectable because the echo signal may be masked by detection of an obstacle at a longer distance. Accuracy of acoustic measuring systems is important. Switching between modulation modes to increase minimum and maximum detection ranges during distance detection could result in slow or errored object detection. Slow and/or errored object detection at any level could be detrimental in automotive and other acoustic measuring applications. Therefore, avoiding low resolution object detection related to limitations of the acoustic measuring system is important. Accuracy in time of flight calculations ensures proper acoustic measuring system functionality and related reliability.
The use of the same reference symbols in different drawings indicates similar or identical items. Unless otherwise noted, the word "coupled" and its associated verb forms include both direct connection and indirect electrical connection by means known in the art, and unless otherwise noted any description of direct connection implies alternate embodiments using suitable forms of indirect electrical connection as well.

Low frequency modulated chirp minimum distance measurement

SEMICONDUCTOR COMPONENTS INDUSTRIES, LLC


A communication apparatus includes a connection unit configured to connect the communication apparatus to an external apparatus, a determination unit configured to determine whether the external apparatus is connected to the communication apparatus via the connection unit in a first connection mode, the first connection mode being a mode in which the external apparatus establishes a connection to a pre-registered apparatus, and a control unit configured to decide, based on a determination result obtained by the determination unit, whether to allow an operation for powering off the external apparatus to be performed.

Field
An aspect of the present invention generally relates to a communication apparatus and an information processing apparatus each configured to be connected to another apparatus and perform data transmission with the other apparatus.
Description of the Related Art
Recently, apparatuses have been developed which implement a content transfer system in which content is transmitted from an apparatus to another apparatus using a wireless communication function. For example, digital cameras having a wireless communication function and capable of wirelessly transmitting image data obtained by image capturing to an external apparatus are available. Such digital cameras are utilized, for example, in such a manner that image data stored in the digital cameras is disclosed to an external apparatus and image data that the user wishes to acquire is selected at the external apparatus side (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2009-44251).
Various types of control may be performed for a digital camera from an external apparatus. Also, there may be various connection modes for connection between the external apparatus and the digital camera. Accordingly, the type of control is desirably decided while taking the connection mode into consideration.

Method for terminating or powering a wireless connection to image processing apparatus based on type of connection mode


The sound board assembly is made up of a sound board, a plurality of ribs attached to one face of the sound board, two bridges attached to the other face of the sound board, a sound board liner and two cut-off bars. One cut-off bar is attached to the sound board and at each of its ends to the liner. The other is attached to the sound board and at one of its ends to the liner. The end attached to the liner is attached near an end of the rib near the end of the treble bridge which supports the highest treble string. The acoustically free end is positioned near the end of the bass bridge which supports the highest bass string.

1. Field
The subject invention is in the field of pianos and, more specifically, in the field of sound board assemblies used in pianos. Still more specifically, it is in the field of the bridges, ribs and cut-off bars used in sound board assemblies and, in particular, the cut-off bars.
Prior Art
In manufacturing pianos, particularly upright pianos, considerable attention is addressed to the problems involved in providing desired tonal qualities and in avoiding tonal discontinuities along the scale of the piano. For example, the rate of decay of the tones produced in the range of the fifth octave of the piano may tend to be too rapid. Also substantial tonal discontinuity may occur between the higher notes produced by strings supported on the bridge for the bass strings (i.e. the bass bridge) and the lower notes produced by strings supported on the bridge for the tenor strings (i.e. the tenor/treble bridge).
Various techniques have been and are used in prior art pianos to minimize and attempt to avoid inconsistencies and discontinuities in tonal qualities and characteristics along the scale of a piano. FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 attached schematically illustrate examples of prior art techniques used on rectangular sound board assemblies and all involve the use of cut-off bars. Cut-off bars are pieces of structure attached to the sound board of the sound board assembly and to the frame to which the sound board is attached, the technical term for such a frame being the liner. Cut-off bars define and limit the effective working area of a rectangular sound board.
The sound board assembly in FIG. 1 comprises sound board 10, liner components 11, 12, 13 and 14, ribs 15 through 23, cut-off bars 24 and 25 and bridges 26 and 27 attached to the face of the sound board opposite to the face showing in this view. The phantom lines in all the drawings indicate the shapes and positions of bridge attached to the sound boards. Both cut-off bars are attached to the sound board and, at each of their ends, to a liner components. The sound board assemblies in FIGS. 2 and 3 are basically the same as that of FIG. 1, differing only in details of rib and bridge spacings and placements and in cut-off bar sizes and placements and, in the case of cut-off bar 28 in FIG. 3, the curved instead of straight shape. It is stated here for reference purposes that the operation of sound board assemblies is a function of the amounts and distribution of stiffness and mass over the area of the board and that the liner and cut-off bars effectively present infinite mass and stiffness where they contact the sound board.
These configurations, and others, have alleviated to various degrees and not eliminated the problems of discontinuities in tonal qualities and characteristics along the scale of a piano.
Accordingly, the primary objective of the subject invention is to provide a better solution to the problems noted above. Secondary objectives are that the solution be easily implemented and adapted to tuning techniques not possible in prior art solutions.

Sound board assembly comprising a cut-off bar having an acoustically free end


A method for the oxidation of substrates comprising treating an aqueous, basic solution of a substrate having an oxidizable functionality using an elemental halogen as terminal oxidant in the presence of an oxoammonium catalyst/halide co-catalyst system. Use of elemental halogen, preferably chlorine gas or elemental bromine, unexpectedly allows oxidation without significant degradation of the substrate. The substrate is preferably a monosaccharide, oligosaccharide, or polysaccharide, and the oxidizable functionality is preferably an aldehyde, hemiacetal, or a primary alcohol. An effective source of the oxoammonium catalyst is 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyl-1-oxy (TEMPO) and a particularly economical and effective catalyst is 4-acetylamino-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyl-1-oxy.

The present invention relates generally to methods for the oxidation of aldehydes, hemiacetals, and primary alcohols. The method finds particular utility in the production of monosaccharide aldaric acids and polyuronic acids.
Carbohydrates, or saccharides, have great promise as a renewable resource in the large-scale production of chemicals for industrial, pharmaceutical, and home use. Not only is the promise of tapping a renewable resource of great economic interest, but a number of carbohydrate-based polymers have been shown to be biodegradable. These materials may therefore also satisfy growing environmental concerns. This appealing combination of advantages is, however, often offset by the unavailability of economical processes for the production of carbohydrate-based raw materials.
D-glucose (also known as dextrose) is the building block of starch, cellulose, and maltose, and is widely used in the food industry, as a feedstock for sorbitol production, and as a carbon source in industrial fermentations. It is currently produced on large industrial scale by the enzymatic hydrolysis of starch. However, broader industrial use of the oxidized forms of D-glucose is hampered by a number of problems, including reaction selectivity. Use of oxidized forms of oligocarbohydrates and polycarbohydrates (as phosphate-free detergent builders, metal chelators, and additives for glues, inks, and the like) is similarly limited by lack of reaction selectivity.
Glucaric acid, a diacid in which both terminal ends of the glucose molecule are in the forms of acid finctionalities, is an especially useful oxidation product of glucose. Not only glucaric acid, but carbohydrate-based acids (e.g. aldaric acids, polyuronic acids) in general show great promise as raw materials for the formation of biodegradable detergents, metal complexation agents (special sequestrants/preservatives in, for instance, cooling fluids and or foods), biodegradable polymers for high tensile strength fibers, films, adhesives and plant fertilizers. Glucaric acid has also been shown to have anti-tumor and chemopreventive properties, cholesterol-lowering effects, and has been shown to be a viable chelating agent for radioisotopes of biomedical interest such as 99mTc. This isotope is used for the radioimaging of tumors, bone structures and the early detection of myocardial infarction.
D-glucaric acid is generally made by direct oxidation of D-glucose as shown below:
The current difficulty in obtaining D-glucaric acid on a commercial scale is reflected in its price, which is more than 100-fold that of glucose. Classic prior art methods for the production of glucaric acid from glucose use strong oxidants such as nitric acid or nitrogen oxides. These methods are characterized by low overall yields due to poor selectivity of these oxidations and large quantities of undesired degradation products formed. The number of side products and decomposition products formed require economically inefficient separation steps for the isolation of the glucaric acid or its salts. Other oxidation methods require use of expensive precious metal catalysts such as platinum, palladium, ruthenium or their oxides, or have other requirements, which render them less suitable for large-scale industrial processes, such as expensive and/or environmentally unfavorable solvents or reaction conditions.
Hypochloride (M+OClxe2x88x92, bleach) and hypbromide (M+OBrxe2x88x92) are known to oxidize carbohydrates, but the reaction is characterized by long reaction times, destruction of the backbone of polymeric saccharides and thus low yields, on the order of 12% based on the starting material (Mehltretter, et al., Adv. Carbohydr. Chem. Vol. 8, pp. 231-249 (1953).
As reviewed by de Nooy et al. in Synthesis, Vol. 10, pp. 1153-1174 (1996), addition of a nitroxide-based catalyst to a sodium hypochloride solution results in improved yields, such that up to quantitative yields of oxidation product can be observed. The outcome of these oxidation reactions is strongly dependent on the particular reaction conditions chosen, as detailed by de Nooy, et aL in Tetrahedron, Vol. 51, pp. 8023-32 (1995). Oxidations using bleach are only possible with solutions containing no more than 15 weight percent of total dissolved solids, and addition of commercial bleach solution results in further dilution of the reaction mixture. Scale-up of this process is accordingly difficult, requiring larger and more expensive equipment, more space, and more energy, and generating more waste. Product isolation from dilute solutions is also more difficult.
Yamaguchi et al., in Bull. Chem. Soc. Jpn., Vol. 63, 947-948 (1990) disclose the oxidation of primary and secondary alcohols to using a nitroxide/chlorine system in organic solvents in yields in the range from bout 60 to 70%. The reported oxidation is non-selective, and thus unsuitable for use in oxidations of carbohydrate substrates such as glucose to the corresponding acids.
There accordingly remains a need in the art for efficient, environmentally favorable methods for the high yield production of carbohydrate diacids suitable for large-scale industrial production. It would be a further benefit if the method were generally applicable for the oxidation of aldehydes, hemiacetals, and primary alcohols in the presence of other functional groups.
The above described drawbacks and disadvantages are alleviated by a method for the oxidation of substrates comprising treating an aqueous, basic solution of a substrate having an oxidizable functionality using an elemental halogen as terminal oxidant in the presence of an oxoammonium catalyst/halide co-catalyst system. In contrast to the prior art, use of elemental halogen, preferably chlorine gas or elemental bromine, unexpectedly allows selective oxidation without significant degradation of the substrate. The substrate is preferably a monosaccharide, oligosaccharide, or polysaccharide, and the oxidizable functionality is preferably an aldehyde, hemiacetal, or a primary alcohol. An effective source of the oxoammonium catalyst is based on 2,2,6,6-tetrarnethylpiperidinyl-1-oxy (TEMPO) and a particularly economical and effective catalyst is 4-acetylamnino-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyl-1-oxy.
In a particularly preferred embodiment, a 5- or 6-carbon monosaccharide is oxidized to the corresponding aldaric acid, without substantial degradation of the backbone. The oxidized product may be isolated by filtration of the corresponding salts, or by acidification and extraction. The oxidation is highly selective for terminal groups, such that direct isolation of the product alkaline or alkaline metal salt from the reaction mixture yields analytically pure product.
This straightforward process produces highly desirable products in high yield and with high selectivity. Use of an inexpensive oxidant such as chlorine in an aqueous solvent allows for scaling up of the oxidation method to industrially relevant scales, thus providing significant advantages over other prior art methods. The above discussed and other features and advantages of the present invention will be appreciated and understood by those skilled in the art from the following detailed description.
A high-yield, selective method for the oxidation of functional groups such as aldehydes, hemiacetals, and primary alcohols comprises treating an aqueous, basic solution of a substrate having an oxidizable functional group with an elemental halogen in the presence of a catalytic quantity of an oxoammonium catalyst/halide co-catalyst system. In an important and unexpected feature, use of elemental halogen does not result in the degradation of the substrate. In the case of the oxidation of D-glucose to D-glucaric acid, the reaction may result in the production of high yields ( greater than 90%) of analytically pure potassium salts, or the glucaric acid may be isolated by acidification and extraction.
Substrates suitable for oxidation have at least one oxidizable functional group, for example an aldehyde, hemiacetal, or primary alcohol. Under suitable conditions, other functional groups may also be oxidized, for example secondary alcohols, diols, polyols, phenols, thiols, thioethers, amines, imines, and alkylhalides
Saccharides are a preferred substrate. Suitable saccharides have at least one functional group capable of oxidation, usually a terminal alcohol, a hemiacetal, or an aldehyde group. As used herein, xe2x80x9csaccharidexe2x80x9d refers to polyhydroxy aldehydes, hemiacetals, or ketones and their derivatives. xe2x80x9cDerivativesxe2x80x9d is intended to encompass both synthetic and naturally occurring variations in the basic polyhydroxy carbonyl structure, including but not being limited to substitutions and deletions, e.g., deoxy, deoxyamino, and sulfonate derivatives. Monosaccharides consist of a single polyhydroxy aldehyde, hemiacetal, or ketone unit, or a derivative of a single polyhydroxy aldehyde, hemiacetal, or ketone unit. Suitable monosaccharides include 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 7-, and 8-carbon and higher monosaccharides and their derivatives such as their X-deoxy-derivatives and aminosugars.
Suitable saccharides include trioses such as glyceraldehyde, tetroses such as erythrose, and threoses. Five- and six-carbon monosaccharides and their derivatives are most preferred, including but not limited to the D and L forms of sugars and their keto-analogs (ketoses) such as ribose, arabinose, xylose, lyxose, ribulose, and xylulose; as well as allose, altrose, glucose, mannose, gulose, idose, galactose, talose, psicose, fructose, sorbose, and tagatose. This method provides a convenient method for the conversion galactose to mucic acid and mannose to mannaric acid.
Other suitable substrates include oligosaccharides (having from two to about ten monosaccharide units) and polysaccharides (having more than about ten monosaccharide units), as well as derivatives of oligosaccharides and polysaccharides. Suitable oligosaccharides include, without limitation, maltose, lactose, cellobiose, gentibiose, and sucrose; as well as raffinose, melezitose, and cyclodextrins. Suitable polysaccharides include homopolysaccharides and their derivatives, for example cellulose, hemicelluloses, chitin, pectins, starches such as amylose and amylopectin, inulin, nigeran, pullulan, dextrans, fructans, mannans, xylans, and arabinans; and heteropolysaccharides, as are exemplified by agar(ose), alginic acid, gum Arabic, and glucosaminoglucans such as dermatan sulfate, chondroitin and hyaluronic acid. The foregoing lists are illustrative, rather than limiting.
While a significant advantage of the present method is its selectivity in the presence of secondary alcohol groups, the method is also suitable for use with saccharides (or other compounds) having derivatized (i.e., protected) alcohol groups. Other functional groups may also be present on the substrate, as long as the presence of such groups does not interfere with the oxidation. For convenience, the following discussion will be directed to a xe2x80x9csaccharidexe2x80x9d, but it is to be understood that other compounds containing at least one oxidizable group are included.
In accordance with the present method, oxidizable saccharide is first dissolved in an aqueous, basic solution. Solvents other than water may be present as long as they do not interfere with the oxidation. Preferably, the dissolved solids (saccharide, base, catalyst, and co-catalyst) comprises up to about 20%, and more preferably, up to about 15% by weight of the aqueous solution. The pH of the solution is adjusted to at least about 9 to about 14, preferably at least about 10 to about 12, and most preferably from about 11 to about 11.5. Suitable agents for adjusting the pH include potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, calcium hydroxide, and the like.
The solution further comprises an alkali or alkaline earth metal halide salt, for example potassium bromide, sodium bromide or sodium iodide. The halide acts as a co-catalyst in the oxidation reaction, and is thus preferably present in an amount of about 0.01 to about 0.3, preferably about 0.10 to about 0.25, and most preferably about 0.15 equivalents, based on the amount of oxidizable saccharide groups.
The solution still further comprises an oxammonium catalyst, preferably in catalytic quantities. As used herein (and explained in greater detail below), xe2x80x9coxoammonium catalystxe2x80x9d denotes the catalytic species generated from the addition of a stabilized nitroxide, oxoammonium salt, and/or hydroxylamine to an aqueous, basic solution comprising a halide and an elemental halogen. Nitroxides have the structure (1); the salt forms of their oxidation products, oxammonium salts, have the structure (2); and the corresponding hydroxylarnines have the structure (3):
wherein each of R1 and R2 are the same or different, being alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl aryl, a heteroatom substituted alkyl or aryl, or taken together, a cycloalkyl group, the groups having from 1 to about 35 carbons; and X is an anionic species, preferably inorganic, for example, chloride, bromide, perchlorate or perbromate. Preferably, no hydrogen atoms are bound to the carbons directly adjacent the oxoarnmonium nitrogen.
Particularly preferred catalysts are based on 2,2,6,6-tetrasubstituted piperidines having the structure (4), (5), or (6):
wherein each of R4, R5, R6, and R7 is the same or different, being an alkyl, aryl, or heteroatom-substituted alkyl group, each group having from 1 to about 15 carbons; each of R3 and R8 is the same or different, being a hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, heteroatom substituent, or, taken together, oxygen; and X is an anionic group, preferably inorganic. Preferably, R4, R5, R6, and R7 are methyl, ethyl, propyl, or butyl groups.
In addition to hydrogen, the heteroatom substituent may include halogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and the like. Preferably, one of R3 and R8 is hydrogen while the other is a heteroatom substituent that does not interfere with the reaction. Suitable heteroatom substituents include but are not limited to xe2x80x94OR1, xe2x80x94OC(O)R1, xe2x80x94NHC(O)R1, xe2x80x94N(CH3)3Cl, xe2x80x94OSO3H, and the like. Taken together, R3 and R4 may form a carbonyl group.
Without being bound by theory, it is presently hypothesized that upon dissolution of an elemental halide in an aqueous, basic solution, the corresponding hypohalide is formed. The hypohalide then oxidizes the nitroxide species to the corresponding oxammonium species, which is presumed to be the active form of the catalyst. Upon oxidizing the substrate, the oxammonium species is reduced to the corresponding hydroxylamine. The hydroxylamine syn conproportionates with an equivalent of oxammonium to form two equivalents of nitroxide, closing the catalytic cycle. These catalytic cycles make it possible to use the nitroxide, hydroxylamine, or oxoammonium catalyst and halide co-catalyst in catalytic quantities. In a preferred embodiment, elemental chlorine and a metal bromide salt is used. In this case, it is hypothesized that the hypochloride oxidizes the bromide anion to hypobromide, which oxidizes nitroxides to oxoammonium faster than hypochlorides.
It is because the oxoammonium species is presently hypothesized to oxidize the substrate that the phrase xe2x80x9coxoammonium catalystxe2x80x9d is used herein. However, it is to be understood that the catalyst may in fact be a different species, and that the term xe2x80x9coxoammonium catalystsxe2x80x9d means that catalyst or catalyst system formed by the addition of an effective stabilized nitroxide, oxoammonium salt, and/or hydroxylamine to an aqueous, basic solution comprising a halide and an elemental halogen. Such species are generally known in the art. For example, oxidation of a nitroxide precursor to form an isolated, oxoammonium salt (3) is described in J. Organic Chemistry, Vol. 50, 1332 (1985). Bobbitt and Flores provide a list of methods for the preparation of oxoammonium salts in Heterocycles, Vol. 27, No. 2, 509-533 (1988).
2,2,6,6-Tetramethylpiperidinyl-1-oxy derivatives are presently preferred for reasons of both safety and cost, for example, 4-acetylamino-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyl-1-oxy, 4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyl-1-oxy, 4-oxo-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyl-1-oxy, and 4-methoxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyl-1-oxy. A preferred oxoammonium salt is 4-acetylamino-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxoammmonium tetrafluoroborate.
An effective amount of catalyst may vary widely, and is readily determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, depending on cost, effectiveness, and the like. In general, from about 0.001 to 0.1 equivalents of catalyst (based on the oxidizable groups) is effective.
The above-described pH-adjusted aqueous solution of saccharide, salts, and catalyst is preferably chilled prior to introduction of the oxidant and maintained at a lower temperature over the course of the reaction in order to maintain the selectivity of the reaction and to minimize side products. Temperatures in the range from about 0 to about 60xc2x0 C., about 0 to about 20xc2x0 C., about 0 to about 10xc2x0 C., and most preferably from about 0 to about 5xc2x0 C. are preferred.
After chilling, the elemental halogen (chlorine, bromine, or iodine) is next introduced into the aqueous solution. Preferred halogens are gaseous chlorine (Cl2) or liquid bromine (Br2). Gaseous chlorine is one of the least expensive oxidants available, and is well suited to industrial scale processes. The incoming stream of Cl2 can be diluted, to up to about 1% by volume of Cl2 with nitrogen, air, or other inert gas for better dissipation of the heat of reaction and/or the heat generated by dissolution of Cl2 in the aqueous solution. The amount of Cl2 required is at least one half equivalent per desired oxidation equivalent as defined as electrons involved in the oxidation process. The halogen is preferably introduced into the solution at a rate effective to prevent the temperature of the solution to rise above the ceiling temperature determined ideal for the reaction (e.g., 5xc2x0 C.). Liquid bromine provides ease of handling for laboratory purposes. The amount of Br2 used is at least one half equivalent per desired oxidation equivalent.
During oxidation, the pH of the solution is preferably maintained in the range from about 10 to about 11.5, preferably in the range from about 11 to about 11.5, and most preferably at about 11.5. The pH may be conveniently adjusted by the addition of a concentrated aqueous solution of a base, such as a 2 molar solution of sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide.
After completion of the oxidation, the product acid may be isolated by conventional means. In a particularly advantageous feature, using potassium hydroxide or carbonate as a base, the potassium salt of D-glucaric acid may be obtained by adding 1 equivalent of concentrated acid (e.g., HCl) to the solution, followed by filtration of the crystalline salt, which is analytically pure. Adjusting the pH of the mother liquor to 3.4 and reducing the volume by about one-third yields a second crop, bringing the total yield of the reaction to about 80 to about 90%, based on starting glucose. Use of filtration to isolate the product diacid derivative or salt is particularly valuable feature, especially as purification of saccharides can be difficult.
Using sodium hydroxide or carbonate as a base, the sodium salt of D-glucaric acid can be isolated by reducing the volume of the reaction solution by about one-third, and adding about four volumes of ethanol to yield the sodium salt in the form of a syrup. The mother liquor is decanted, the syrup is dissolved in water, precipitated with ethanol, and the mother liquor is again decanted. The procedure is repeated until the desired level of purity is obtained.
Alternatively, the sodium salt may be converted to the potassium salt and then isolated as described above. For example, the crude glucaric acid disodium salt may be passed as an aqueous solution through an ion exchange resin in its hydrogen ion form. The pH of the resulting aqueous solution of glucaric acid is then adjusted to 3.4 with aqueous potassium hydroxide and the potassium salt is then isolated as described above. Or, one equivalent of a concentrated acid such as HCl and 3-4 equivalents of KCl may be added to the aqueous solution of the crude glucaric acid disodium salt, whereupon which the glucaric acid monopotassium salt precipitates and is isolated by filtration.
In yet another variation, 1 equivalent of CaCl2 can be added to the warm (about 45xc2x0 C.) solution of the disodium or dipotassium salt of glucaric acid, whereupon the calcium salt of glucaric acid as its monohydrate crystallizes and can be isolated by filtration.
Where sodium or potassium hydroxide and sodium or potassium halides are used, the side products of the above-described method are primarily water and sodium chloride (rock salt, NaCl) or potassium chloride (KCl) Sodium chloride and potassium chloride are starting materials for the industrial synthesis of chlorine and potassium or sodium hydroxide (KOH or NaOH). The above-described process is accordingly a closed-loop process, which generates minimal waste products.
The present process provides an efficient, environmentally favorable method for the production of saccharide diacids, which have heretofore been unavailable on large, industrial scale. Use of elemental halogens allows for the use of one of the cost-effective oxidants available in industry and reaction of more concentrated solutions with minimal degradation of the saccharide backbone. Use of the nitroxide-based catalysts allows their use as heterogeneous catalysts in biphasic systems using phase transfer catalysis or heterogenized (solid phase bound) catalysts, thus allowing an easier recovery of the catalyst.

Method for the oxidation of aldehydes, hemiacetals and primary alcohols


A system and method for measuring a parameter level is provided. The system including an electricity meter, the meter having an electricity measurement sensor having a source side and a load side. A socket and a collar are provided. The collar being electrically connected between the socket and the electricity meter, the collar having at least one first connector for a first phase of electricity and at least one second connector for a second phase of electricity, the first connector and second connector being electrically coupled to the load side, and a sensor electrically connected to at least one of the at least one first connector and the at least one second connector.

The present invention relates generally to a system for detecting a condition, such as but not limited to gas, smoke, or temperature, and in particular to a system that is coupled to an electric meter for powering a sensor.
The detection and measurement of gases such as combustible gases is desirable by an utility or electricity provider for early detection or prevention of an undesired condition. Gas sensors may be installed on natural gas services or building walls where meters are located within buildings in the vicinity of the gas service point of entry. These sensors are powered by a battery which is a finite supply of power governed by its having an operating life i.e. for five years. It should be appreciated that with a large volume of customers, the utility desiring gas detection by the electric meter will very quickly be spending a large number of resources at a large cost on simply changing batteries in sensors on a periodic basis.
Thus, there remains a need for improvements in gas sensors installed at end use customer buildings. In particular, there remains a need for improvements in extending the operating life of the sensor.

System for measuring a parameter with an electrical meter

CONSOLIDATED EDISON COMPANY OF NEW YORK, INC.


A new cultivar of Pelargonium named ‘KLEPP08207’ particularly characterized by ivy pelargonium with brilliant red inflorescences, good, medium growth, good branching, and excellent tolerance to heat and rain, is disclosed.

The present invention comprises a new and distinct cultivar of Pelargonium, botanically known as Pelargonium peltatum, and hereinafter referred to by the cultivar name 'KLEPP08207'. 'KLEPP08207' was discovered as a seedling resulting from a cross in July 2003 in Stuttgart, Germany between the proprietary female Pelargonium parent, 'KLERODER' (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 13,388) and the proprietary male Pelargonium parent, 'KLEP04114' (U.S. Plant patent application Ser. No. 11/349,714, now abandoned). A single plant selection was subsequently chosen for further evaluation and for asexual propagation.
The new cultivar was created in 2003 and first propagated in September 2004 in Stuttgart, Germany and has been asexually reproduced repeatedly by vegetative cuttings in Stuttgart, Germany over a four year period. 'KLEPP08207' has been found to retain its distinctive characteristics through successive asexual propagations.
Plant Breeder's Rights for this cultivar were applied for in Switzerland on Jun. 19, 2008 and in Canada on Mar. 28, 2008. 'KLEPP08207' has not been made publicly available more than one year prior to the filing date of this application.


An improved air conditioning system is provided for an aircraft, particularly with respect to providing an enhanced supply of fresh air to the aircraft cabin or cockpit. The system includes a dual inlet turbine driven at least in part by pressurized bleed air from an aircraft engine, wherein the turbine expands and cools the air preparatory to supply thereof as conditioned air to the aircraft cabin. During relatively low altitude operation, the bleed air flow is supplemented by compressed fresh air discharged from a turbine-driven compressor and supplied to the dual inlet turbine. At relatively higher altitude operation, this fresh air flow is bypassed around the turbine for addition to the bleed air flow at a downstream side of the turbine, and the entire nozzle area of the turbine is opened to the bleed air flow.

This invention relates generally to air conditioning systems and methods for providing conditioned air to the cabin or cockpit of an aircraft. More specifically, this invention relates to an improved aircraft air conditioning system of the type designed to utilize pressurized bleed air from one or more aircraft engines, wherein the engine bleed air is supplemented by a substantial fresh air inflow throughout a broad range of low to high altitude operation.
Air conditioning and/or cabin pressurization systems for aircraft are generally known in the art wherein engine bleed air is used as a source of fresh air which can be supplied to the aircraft cabin or cockpit at a selected temperature, pressure, and relative humidity. In such systems, a portion of a compressed air supply from an engine compressor is diverted or bled off from the engine to drive a turbine which expands and cools the otherwise heated high pressure air in preparation for supply to the aircraft cabin. The expansion turbine is normally associated with one or more heat exchangers and/or water extraction devices for conditioning the air to the desired parameters for the comfort of cabin occupants. While such systems operate in a generally satisfactory manner, the reduced ambient air pressure at higher altitudes inherently requires an increased proportion of the engine air flow to be diverted to the aircraft cabin to maintain the requisite cabin air flow. This diversion of air from the engine undesirably decreases engine fuel efficiency and thus directly results in increased engine fuel consumption.
In the past, modified aircraft air conditioning systems have been proposed in an effort to reduce requirements for engine air. For example, systems have been developed wherein the expansion turbine is used to drive a compressor which draws in and compresses additional fresh air as a supplement to the engine bleed air. In these systems, the compressed fresh air is added to the engine bleed air to provide a combined pressurized flow which is expanded and cooled by driving passage through the turbine. Unfortunately, however, the decreasing pressure of ambient air at increasing altitude results in excessive compressor power consumption and/or prohibitive compressor pressure boost ratios at high altitude operation. Some systems have attempted to avoid these disadvantages by recirculating cabin air through the compressor during high altitude operation, but this approach generally does not provide the cabin with a desired level of incoming fresh air. Instead, increased fresh air has been available only by increasing the proportion of bleed flow from the engine, with accompanying fuel penalty.
There exists, therefore, a significant need for an improved aircraft cabin air conditioning system designed to provide a substantial fresh air inflow as a supplement to engine bleed air throughout a broad range of low to high altitude operation, and thereby substantially minimize system requirements for engine bleed air to correspondingly improve overall engine fuel efficiency. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides further related advantages.

Aircraft cabin air conditioning system with improved fresh air supply


Systems and methods are provided or use with a light source which generates a light beam. These systems may include a detector which detects light beam information and which determines whether multiple modes are present in the light beam so that the light source may be adjusted. These systems may further include a beam splitting device, such as an optical wedge, to provide two sample beams that intersect to provide a fringe pattern. The detector may then detect this fringe pattern and compute a visibility value that may be used to determine whether multiple modes are present.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to laser systems, and more particularly, to improved laser mode stabilization.
2. Related Art
Developers of information storage devices continue to seek increased storage capacity. As part of this development, holographic memory systems have been suggested as alternatives to conventional memory devices. Holographic memory systems may be designed to record data one bit of information (i.e., bit-wise data storage). See McLeod et al. "Micro-Holographic Multi-Layer Optical Disk Data Storage," International Symposium on Optical Memory and Optical Data Storage (July 2005). Holographic memory systems may also be designed to record an array of data that may be a 1-dimensional linear array (i.e., a 1×N array, where N is the number linear data bits), or a 2-dimension array commonly referred to as a "page-wise" memory systems. Page-wise memory systems may involve the storage and readout of an entire two-dimensional representation, e.g., a page of data. Typically, recording light passes through a two-dimensional array of dark and transparent areas representing data, and the system stores, in three dimensions, the pages of data holographically as patterns of varying refractive index imprinted into a storage medium. See Psaltis et al., "Holographic Memories," Scientific American, November 1995, where holographic systems are discussed generally, including page-wise memory systems.
In a holographic data storage system, information is recorded by making changes to the physical (e.g., optical) and chemical characteristics of the holographic storage medium. These changes in the holographic medium take place in response to the local intensity of the recording light. That intensity is modulated by the interference between a data-bearing beam (the data beam) and a non-data-bearing beam (the reference beam). The pattern created by the interference of the data beam and the reference beam forms a hologram which may then be recorded or written in the holographic medium. If the data-bearing beam is encoded by passing the data beam through, for example, a spatial light modulator (SLM), the hologram(s) may be recorded or written in the holographic medium as holographic data.
The formation of the hologram may be a function of the relative amplitudes, phase, coherence, and polarization states of the data and reference beams. It may also depend on the relative wavelength of the data and reference beams, as well as the three dimensional geometry at which the data and reference beams are projected towards the storage medium. The holographically-stored data may be retrieved by performing a data read operation, also referred to as a data reconstruction operation (collectively referred to herein as a "read" operation). The read operation may be performed by projecting a reconstruction or probe beam into the storage medium at the same angle, wavelength, phase, position, etc., as the reference beam used to record or write the data, or compensated equivalents thereof. The hologram and the reconstruction beam interact to reconstruct the data beam which may then be detected by using a sensor, such as a photo-detector, sensor array, camera, etc. The detected reconstructed data may then be processed for delivery to, for example, an output device.
Because the recording and reading of the hologram is a function of the wavelengths, amplitudes, phase, coherence, and polarization states of the light beams used, errors in these light beams may result in errors in the recording and reading of the holographic data. For example, it may be desired that the light beams include only a single longitudinal mode (i.e., a single dominant wavelength), as the presence of multiple longitudinal modes (i.e., multiple wavelengths with significant power) within a light beam may result in reduced hologram strength and subsequently errors when recording data to and/or reading data from a holographic storage medium. The presence of multiple modes in a light beam (e.g., a laser) is typically characterized by the Side Mode Suppression Ratio (SMSR). This is a ratio of the power in the primary wavelength peak to the power in the second most prevalent wavelength peak. A laser operating in single mode has a much higher value of SMSR than one operating in multimode. For example, if the single mode requirement was that the secondary wavelength had a peak power of <1% of the primary lasing wavelength, the SMSR would need to be >20 dB to meet this requirement.
Thus, there may be a need for improved methods and systems for determining whether or not multiple modes are or may be present within a light beam and for adjusting the light source so that is in single mode operation.

Methods and systems for laser mode stabilization


Storage devices for paint rollers, paint roller covers, and paint brushes. The storage devices for the paint rollers and paint roller covers are cylindrical containers, having a lid, which are flared outwardly at their upper portions and have a foam insert at the bottom for forming a spongy seal with the painting implement. The container for the cover has a core in it over and around which the roller cover fits. The paint implement holder may be a foam insert which is sized to fit inside of a paint can, e.g. a one or a five gallon can. The foam inserts have openings for receiving one or more paint implements. Alternatively, the paint brush holder is a rectangular-shaped container having a foam insert fitted to its upper portion. The exterior of the insert is sized to fit the container. The insert has an opening for holding a paint brush collar to allow the bristles to be in the container without touching the bottom. The insert keeps the brush wet and from drying out. Additionally, the invention encompasses devices to grip the handle of a paint implement so that it can be submerged in paint during storage.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to storage devices for painting implements, specifically paint rollers, covers, and paint brushes.
2. Description of the Related Art
Containers for storing painting implements are well-known in the related art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,782,909, issued on Feb. 26, 1957 to Paul E. McNamara, teaches a retaining sleeve for holding a paint brush in a container. Unlike this prior apparatus, the instant invention can be used to hold different sizes of brushes merely by replacing the insert because it holds the brush at the collar, which varies with the size of the brush. Further, the instant invention maintains a foam insert in contact with the paint implement to prevent its drying out.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,341,969, issued on Aug. 30, 1994 to Carl Accardo et al., a lid for covering a painting container and having openings for allowing the protrusion of a brush or roller. However, the instant foam insert which provides the spongy seal is lacking.
Less relevant patents and publications generally describing containers for use with paint brushes include U.S. Pat. No. 2,533,355 issued to Comfort, U.S. Pat. No. 3,918,582 issued to Wallace, U.S. Pat. No. 4,533,044 issued to Ban, U.S. Pat. No. 4,771,501 issued to Leiter; U.S. Pat. No. 5,301,799 issued to Gurba, Jr.; and foreign publications from Canada No. 585,262, Germany No. 2,351,248, and WO No. 92/20,596. Therefore, it is desired to provide an insert that allows for the protrusion of brushes and rollers while preventing them from drying out.


A current sensor for measuring an electric current flowing through a conductor includes a ring shaped magnetic core, a bare semiconductor chip, and a case. The magnetic core has a gap and surrounds the conductor. The bare semiconductor chip has a front surface and a vertical Hall effect element formed on the front surface. The bare semiconductor chip is arranged in the gap of the magnetic core to detect a magnetic field generated by the electric current. The magnetic core and the bare semiconductor chip are accommodated in the case. A back surface of the bare semiconductor chip is fixed in the case in such a manner that the front surface of the bare semiconductor chip is parallel to a direction of the magnetic field.

A current sensor has been proposed that measures an electric current by using a Hall effect integrated circuit (IC) made of a semiconductor material such as silicon (Si), indium arsenide (InAs), indium antimonide (InSb), or gallium arsenide (GaAs). Nowadays, a Hall effect IC, in particular, made of silicon is provided as a molded IC chip package. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 10A-10C, a sensor chip 101 mounted on a lead frame 100 is encapsulated in a molding resin 102 so that a sensor package 103 is provided.
A current sensor disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 7,084,617 corresponding to JP 2005-308526 and JP 2005-308527 uses the sensor package 103. As shown in FIG. 11, the conventional current sensor includes a case 110, a magnetic core 111 accommodated in the case 110, the sensor package 103 placed in a gap 112 of the magnetic core 111, a capacitor 120 for preventing noise from entering the sensor package 103, and a thermistor 121 for temperature detection.
In such a sensor package, a Hall effect element is encapsulated with molding material such as epoxy or plastic. Therefore, the Hall effect element may be subjected to stress from the molding material, in particular, thermal stress caused by a thermal strain due to a change in temperature. The stress causes a reduction in accuracy of an output signal of the Hall effect element. Accordingly, the conventional current sensor cannot accurately measure an electric current. Further, the conventional current sensor still has room for improvement in assembly. In short, the conventional current sensor is relatively difficult to assemble.


A device may include logic configured to process a request for a keypad layout, and to provide a keypad layout via keypad display in response to the processed request.

1. Technical Field of the Invention
Implementations described herein relate generally to input devices, and more particularly, to input devices that can be used in handheld devices.
2. Description of Related Art
Devices, such as mobile communication devices, may be used by individuals in a variety of settings due to the portability of these devices. For example, individuals may use their mobile devices while at work, home, or in transit from one location to another location. As a result, individuals may find it convenient to carry their mobile devices with them substantially all of the time.
Since individuals may have their mobile devices with them in many situations, these individuals may find it convenient if the mobile devices can be used to perform functions other than receiving or making calls. For example, individuals may find it convenient to play recorded songs on their mobile devices or to play games on their mobile devices when not engaged in a communication session.
Individuals may find keypads on mobile devices cumbersome to use when mobile devices are used for applications other than placing or receiving calls. For example, keypads on mobile devices may be configured to allow the user to enter numbers into the mobile device for performing particular functions. As a result, individuals may need to memorize special sequences when using a keypad for non-calling functions, such as remembering that key "5" causes a song to play, while key "6" causes a song to pause.


A method and apparatus for applying ceiling panels to a light tunnel is provided. The applicator hereof includes a gantry, a frame, and a shifter for vertically shifting said frame relative to said gantry. The frame is presents a pair of generally arcuate spaced-apart rails each having a pair of terminal feet, with a bridge interconnecting the feet. The gantry includes a plurality of towers each having a pair of upright tower legs. The tower legs are attached to a base and preferably further supported by braces to maintain an upright configuration. A shifter is provided to operatively interconnect the gantry and the frame for raising the latter and the panel placed thereon into juxtaposition with a framework of the light tunnel. In accordance with the method, the applicator is placed within the framework of the light tunnel, a panel is placed on the platform, and the platform is shifted to place the panel in position for attachment to the framework.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a mobile applicator for receiving and positioning semi-rigid panels in an arcuate arrangement. More particularly, it is concerned with an applicator for ceiling panels which must be raised into position in a substantially smooth archway for reflecting light into a light tunnel.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In final finishing and inspection of many manufactured goods, it is often desirable to have a skin or body without blemishes and a smooth and even protective coating of paint. This is particularly true of automobiles, which command an increasingly higher price and for which the purchaser expects to receive a high level of finish. To meet this consumer demand, automobile manufacturers have instituted inspection processes to examine the fit and finish of the automobile as it leaves the assembly line. The automobile is examined for defects such as dimpled or damaged body panels, poor fit, or unsatisfactory paint applications. At various times, these inspections may be tactile, visual, or both.
To improve the inspection process, it is desirable that the product, particularly an automobile, be properly illuminated. The light must be directed onto the automobile with sufficient brilliance, but also evenly and without glare. Proper illumination enhances the ability of the inspectors to focus their attention on imperfections which might otherwise escape detection because the inspector is blinded by glare, the presence of shadows, or uneven lighting which may inhibit the ability of the inspector to discover faded or discolored surfaces due to variations in pigment, application or during application of a final clear coat. There has developed a need for an improved lighting environment to permit better inspections. Concomitantly, there has developed a need for an apparatus capable of erecting the lighting facility to provide this environment.

Applicator for ceiling panels of light tunnel


A range-finding device includes a plurality of image pickup units disposed at a predetermined interval with each other, a lens unit to form subject images of a subject on the plurality of image pickup units, the image pickup units on which the subject image is formed outputting signals of the subject image, and a distance calculation unit to calculate a distance to the subject based on the signals output from the image pickup units. The plurality of image pickup units are formed on a single substrate. The subject image is formed through the lens unit on at least two image pickup units of the plurality of image pickup units. The distance calculation unit calculates a distance to the subject based on the signals output from the at least two image pickup units on each of which the subject image is formed.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a range-finding device configured to measure a distance to a subject to be photographed, and an imaging apparatus such as a digital still camera, a digital video camera, and the like, which has the range-finding device.
2. Description of the Related Art
As a digital still camera (referred to as a digital camera, hereinafter) having an autofocus (AF) function, a range-finding device in which an outer measurement triangulation system is applied is conventionally known (see Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-90616).
The range-finding device having a triangulation system includes a pair of range-finding lenses disposed at a predetermined interval and a pair of planar range-finding image pickup units on which subject images are formed through the range-finding lenses, respectively. By detecting a disparity between the subject images formed on the range-finding image pickup units based on pixel output signal output from the range-finding image pickup units, respectively, a distance to the subject to be photographed can be obtained.
In the range-finding device using the triangulation system as described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-90616, in order to perform range-finding with high accuracy, it is necessary that the range-finding image pickup units are accurately arranged at predetermined positions and arranged in a planar state so as to avoid angle deviation (inclination) on light receiving surfaces of the range-finding image pickup units.
Therefore, conventionally, during assembling the range-finding device, when the separately formed image pickup unit is arranged on a substrate, it is required to correct positional and angle deviations of the range-finding image pickup units to cause worsened work efficiency.

Range-finding device and imaging apparatus


Systems, methods, and computer program products to perform an operation comprising identifying a set of attributes of an application specified in a request to deploy the application in a cloud computing environment, determining a set of dependencies for the application, selecting a first virtual machine format, of a plurality of virtual machine formats, based on the set of attributes and set of dependencies, and deploying the application in a first virtual machine of the first virtual machine format on a host in the cloud computing environment.

The present disclosure relates to cloud computing, and more specifically, to automatic, analysis-based scheduling of jobs to appropriate cloud resources.
In current cloud computing environments, users must know how to select an image and system type to create an instance in the cloud to run their workload (or applications). This requires the user to have knowledge of the cloud topology and associated resources. As cloud computing moves to larger hybrid cloud environments, these problems will only be exacerbated. In addition, heterogeneous clouds that combine different types of hardware, software, and add-ons will further complicate user attempts to deploy their applications. Existing schedulers assume a homogeneous hardware environment with an appropriately pre-compiled binary file for the application.

Automatic analysis based scheduling of jobs to appropriate cloud resources

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION


The present invention relates to a device and a method for regulating the output power of an amplifier stage, e.g. an amplifier stage in a mobile data transmission system.

Regulation of the output power of an amplifier stage is subject to predefined requirements, particularly in data transmission systems. Thus, e.g., in the UMTS standard (Universal Mobile Telecommunication System), a modification of the output power of a transmitter in a mobile terminal device is prescribed [1]. This is required, because a poor or incorrect setting of the output power would influence other connections over the same channel or reduce their transmission quality. In a communication system, a base station therefore regularly, e.g. at a rate of 1.5 kHz, transmits commands that specify corrections for the output power values to the mobile terminal device. These corrections may lie in orders of magnitude of −3 dB to +3 dB. It is required that a mobile terminal device follows these commands and maintains predefined tolerances so as not to affect its own transmission quality and the transmission quality of other mobile terminal devices transmitting on a same channel. In comparison, the entire dynamic range of a UMTS data transmission system is more than 70 dB.
It is known for an "open-loop" approach to be adopted in the mobile terminal device. The output power in the mobile terminal device is not monitored directly, but merely modifications to the output power are carried out according to correction signals sent by the base station.
A "closed-loop" approach may be adopted due to more stringent requirements from network operators in terms of the equivalent radiated output power of mobile terminal devices. In the closed-loop approach, a feedback loop is provided within the mobile terminal device, by means of which the output power of the amplifier stage is monitored. The output power is regulated according to a output power measured in the mobile terminal device. E.g., a closed-loop approach may be applied in order to guarantee the quality of the mobile terminal devices in the event of a mismatching of antennas. At the same time, it is ensured that the maximum output power specified in the standard is not exceeded.

Apparatus and method for regulating the output power of an amplifier stage


A method and system for authorizing polling selections includes a polling server communicating to user terminals, optionally through the Internet, broadcast media, or the like. A polling account is created for each user. One or more issues are identified and the user is notified. The user's identity and, optionally, membership in a polling pool are verified. The user's polling input is stored and disseminated to the public. Optionally, the polling input, or a summary or graphical representation thereof, is disseminated along with a voting record or other objectively verifiable position of a representative of the users for comparison.

Information is accessible through various media. However, the quality of the information has not necessarily improved with improved access. That is, information from the desired sources with the proper verification is difficult to obtain. For example, opinion polls are subject to many constraints, some of which are somewhat contradictory, since polls need to be broad enough to obtain a representative cross-section, but focused enough to only obtain responses from those within the defined parameters of the poll. Thus, it may be difficult or impossible to obtain meaningful polling results from a representative cross-section of voters in a specific congressional district or other jurisdiction by randomly calling residents of the jurisdiction.
Similarly, it is difficult to obtain information about those representing people. Whether referring to a government official, government agency, or even a social, professional, or political organization, it is often difficult to determine the position of the person, agency, or group on a specific issue. As may be appreciated, objective information is often subjected to revision, reinterpretation, and distortion by officials, candidates, opposition candidates, agencies, organizations, or any one else with a stake in the accuracy or inaccuracy of the information. More significantly, it can be difficult or impossible for an individual to influence the position of the person, agency, or organization.
Therefore, it can be seen that there is a need for a method and system for verifying polling selections, such as opinion polls, that may be broadcast or otherwise disseminated to the public.

System and method for authorizing polling selections


Bases are disclosed that comprise a projecting portion designed to receive over it the hollow end of a pole or other elongate member, which may form part of a structure such as a pavilion or umbrella. The projecting portion of the base comprises wedges that move in response to the end of the pole moving over the projecting portion and in so moving, the wedges increase the effective cross section of the projecting portion to engage the inner surface of the end of the pole and to thereby stabilize the structure on a support surface, such as the ground. Braces are also disclosed that pull together adjacent poles of a pavilion to make the structure more rigid.

1. Field of the Invention
This application is concerned with wedge mechanisms and bases incorporating them for connecting poles, posts and the like to the ground, and sheltering structures, such as pavilions, incorporating such bases. This application is also concerned with braces for pavilions and similar shade structures.
2. Description of the Related Art
Shade or sheltering structures, such as pavilions and umbrellas, are well known. Pavilions typically comprise four or more support poles supporting a corresponding number of poles that extend from the top of the support poles to a common, central junction. A fabric or synthetic sheet covering extends over these poles and partially or completely over the support poles and the spaces between them to form a tent-like structure. Umbrellas typically comprise a single, upright support pole having at its top, or suspended from a transversely mounted suspending pole, a rib structure carrying a canopy.
All such structures depend upon a secure and firm base at the bottom of the support poles to connect the structure to a support surface, usually the ground. This is particularly important for large pavilions and patio or market umbrellas.
Also, since such structures are often temporary or movable, they need a convenient, preferably quick connecting base for ease of use.
In addition, pavilions are large and unwieldy structures that can be troublesome to erect or dismantle and need to resist wind and other forces applied to them. In another embodiment of this invention braces are provided that are convenient to install and remove and contribute to an improved rigid structure.

Bases and braces for support poles, such as poles for pavilions and umbrellas


A stable mount for mounting a narrow bandwidth beam generating source such as a laser or electron beam. The mount places two such devices in substantially vertical alignment with each other. One of the sources is completely adjustable with respect to the other. The device is especially suitable for the imaging field where it is desired to couple two laser heads each having one or a multiple of individual laser beams. The laser heads formerly subjected to mechanical vibration and temperature induced drift, can now be precisely located, adjusted and stabilized one to the next. This allows for increased job throughput without sacrificing the fidelity or macroscopic quality of the resulting image. The device is also suitable for use in photo microlithography where precise alignment is critical.

This invention relates to a method and apparatus for providing an ultrastable and readily adjustable mounting device. More particularly it relates to a mounting apparatus having a particular applicability to mounting two separate and distinct laser emitting devices, electron beam devices, or other extreme precision devices in ultrastable yet readily adjustable relation to one another.
A primary objective of the imaging industry in general is to create images containing a minimum of macroscopic image artifacts or defects. Fidelity of the image is critical to the quality of the graphic art job. Minor deviations in the image can be magnified greatly through the frequency in which they occur. Although these deviations can be in the neighborhood of 1-2 microns, the repetition of a number of these deviations manifests itself as banding of the image or some other visible defect in the finished product. Additionally, the goal of photo microlithography is to create images of the finest detail possible. High resolution images having extremely narrow line and space widths permit the manufacture of both integrated circuitry and electronic circuit boards. As such photoimaging is extensively used in areas where alignment precision within an accuracy of 0.2-0.3 micron is not unheard of.
Although the degree of precision may vary pursuant to the specific industry, the imaging industry in general utilize systems which typically include: an exposure source such as a high intensity lamp, electron beam, laser, or source of other radiation; mask and substrate positioning systems; a projection system to illuminate and image the pattern present on the mask onto a substrate; and an alignment system to accurately position the mask with the substrate prior to exposure. The illumination process is used to either: (1) illuminate portions of the substrate thus exposing these portions; or (2) ablate a coating from regions of the substrate. After one of these or a similar process, the substrate may later undergo further processing or treatment to render the finished product.
Lasers, possessing the requisite degree of precision, are ideal for graphic arts as well as photo microlithography. Over the years the lasers used in such devices have progressed from single beam lasers to multi-beam lasers. Continuous advances in laser technology have enabled ever greater numbers of laser light beams to be coupled into each individual laser head.
Typically, in a multi-beam laser head, each laser beam is located a fixed distance r.sub.h from its neighboring laser beam. To provide adjustability in the placement of each laser beam onto the substrate medium, the entire head is usually capable of rotation. Rotation has the effect of enabling the horizontal distance r.sub.x to vary between r.sub.min and r.sub.max which can range from 0 to r.sub.r. However, any decrease in the horizontal distance r.sub.x necessarily results in a corresponding increase in vertical distance r.sub.y between each laser beam. The effect is governed by the following simple equation: EQU r.sub.x =(r.sub.h.sup.2 +r.sub.y.sup.2).sup.1/2 ( 1)
For example, in some films or plates used in the context of graphic artwork, one possible laser imager design utilizes a cylindrical drum covered with either a photo-sensitive substrate or a substrate with an ablative coating which is rotated at a fixed velocity about its central axis. A laser beam or a number of laser beams are mounted to a carriage assembly which is located at the perimeter of the cylindrical drum and caused to move along the length of the cylindrical drum. In the event a plurality of laser beams are utilized, they are located within a single laser head. Each laser beam is the fixed distance r.sub.h from its neighboring laser beam. By rotating the laser head about its central axis, r.sub.x is reduced from its original dimension of r.sub.h to some desired value. Although vertical displacement of each laser beam is now greater, a computer is used to delay the pulse of each laser beam by a formula which takes into account the velocity of the drum at the drum's surface, the vertical distance r.sub.y between each laser beam, and the distance of each laser from the drum's surface. A carriage upon which the laser head may be mounted is made to move along the length of the drum and adjacent to its surface. The result of sequencing each laser beam pulse while the carriage moves along the drum provides the capability to reproduce any image by a series of microscopic dots. Proper sequencing of each laser beam pulse can provide images with extremely high resolutions and no visible defect or artifacts. In order to maintain the degree of fidelity required in an image, each element in the machine must be precise in its operation. This means that the laser head must be dimensionally stable, the drum must rotate at a velocity precisely correlated to the computer algorithm controlling each individual laser beam pulse, the carriage must move smoothly and the substrate must be accurately positioned on the rotating drum.
Solutions are known in the art to enable such a system to operate adequately. However, at the present time, the maximum number of laser beams which can be used upon devices of this nature are limited by the number of laser beams a manufacturer places into a laser beam head.
To increase production, the Applicants have desired to increase the number of laser beams capable of being used in the generation of a graphic image beyond that currently manufactured in a single head. Since the need to accurately control the placement of each laser beam pulse onto the substrate is critical to the image's fidelity, it was considered impossible to couple two laser heads together without significant deterioration to the fidelity as well as to the accuracy and resolution of the exposure on the substrate. Although each laser beam could be accurately adjusted with respect to an adjacent laser beam contained within the same laser beam head as discussed above, two laser heads could not be accurately adjusted with respect to each other. The problem was that the capability to adjust one laser beam head with respect to the other and to enable them to remain in stable relation simply could not be maintained accurately enough to create an image of the requisite quality. Not only did the mount used to support the laser beam head move under thermally induced expansion and contraction, but drift between the two laser beam heads occurred as well. Any movement between the two translated to a significant alteration in the dimensions r.sub.x and r.sub.y between any two or more laser beams. Though the displacement between each laser beam head appeared minor, the continuous propagation of the error manifests itself macroscopically as banding or some other deterioration in the fidelity ol the image. Furthermore mechanical vibration and drift in placement of the two laser beam heads compound the problem so that it was heretofore unfeasible to couple two laser heads together.


Disclosed is an alopecia healing apparatus. The alopecia healing apparatus has a case provided at a first end thereof with a handle section, and a second end thereof with a massage section having a plurality of massage protrusions, a light radiating section including a plurality of LEDs, which arc regularly aligned behind the massage protrusions of the case in equidistance, a laser radiating section aligned in the case corresponding to the massage section so as to radiate low-level laser beam, a vibration device installed in the case so as to vibrate the case, a control section including a microcomputer for controlling operations of the light radiating section, the laser radiating section and the vibration device, and a power source for supplying power to the light radiating section and the laser radiating section. The alopecia healing apparatus radiates low-level laser beam and optical pulses of the LEDs onto the scalp, so that the hair-root cells are activated, thereby promoting hair growth. Due to optical pulse of the LEDs and the vibration massage of the vibration device, the scalp is stimulated, so laser beam and drugs are effectively absorbed into the scalp.

In general, a low-level laser treatment (LLLT) is widely used in the world as a curative means, in which low-level laser beam is radiated onto a skin, so DNA of the skin receives stimulation, so that protein synthesis is increased and a cell division in the skin is activated, thereby causing a quick circulation of the blood, reproducing a damaged skin tissue, and effectively curing an ulcer of the skin.
That is, when low-level laser beam is radiated onto a human body, blood vessels of the human body are expanded and the circulation of the blood is improved, thereby curing the damaged cell tissue as a normal state. In addition, when low-level laser beam is radiated onto acupuncture points of the human body, the acupuncture points are stimulated so that a pain in the skin and muscle is removed and the affected part of the human body is cured.
Although the low-level laser treatment was established in the year 1895 A.D., it has been widely spread in the world from the year 1989 A.D. due to a treatise "photobiological reaction" written by Dr. Tiina Karu, who was a professor of a Russia scientific academy technology center. According to the Tiina Karu's treaties, low-level laser beam stimulates and activates cell functions. After the treaties of Dr. Tiina Karu, the low-level laser treatment has been widely studied and developed in U.S.A, Europe, Japan, Russia and etc, and is now used as an effective curative means in various medical treatment fields. Through various studies and clinical demonstrations, it has become clear that the low-level laser treatment is effectively adapted for anti-inflammation, anti-inflammatory activity, thrombolysis, biological stimulation, and tissue reproduction. In particular, the low-level laser treatment effectively recovers immunity.
In addition, low-level laser beam radiated onto a scalp causes a quick circulation of the blood in the scalp and activates hair-root cells, thereby promoting hair growth with curing hair loss.

Alopecia healing apparatus using laser and LED


A method performed by a first radio node for handling a beam pair with a second radio node is provided. The first radio node receives a first information from one or more other radio nodes. The first information comprises a number of quality values related to a number of beam pairs. The first radio node predicts a time to failure for a first beam pair. The first radio node then decides whether or not there is enough time until the predicted time to failure, for performing a beam pair switch from the first beam pair to a second beam pair. When there is enough time, the first radio node switches to the second beam pair before the predicted time to failure. When there is not enough time, the first radio node prepares an upcoming beam pair failure.

In a typical wireless communication network, wireless devices, also known as wireless communication devices, mobile stations, stations (STA) and/or User Equipments (UE), communicate via a Local Area Network such as a WiFi network or a Radio Access Network (RAN) to one or more core networks (CN). The RAN covers a geographical area which is divided into service areas or cell areas, which may also be referred to as a beam or a beam group, with each service area or cell area being served by a radio network node such as a radio access node e.g., a Wi-Fi access point or a radio base station (RBS), which in some networks may also be denoted, for example, a NodeB, eNodeB (eNB), or gNB as denoted in 5th Generation (5G). A service area or cell area is a geographical area where radio coverage is provided by the radio network node. The radio network node communicates over an air interface operating on radio frequencies with the wireless device within range of the radio network node. The radio network node communicates to the wireless device in DownLink (DL) and from the wireless device in UpLink (UL).
Specifications for the Evolved Packet System (EPS), also called a Fourth Generation (4G) network, have been completed within the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) and this work continues in the coming 3GPP releases, for example to specify a Fifth Generation (5G) network also referred to as 5G New Radio (NR). The EPS comprises the Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN), also known as the Long Term Evolution (LTE) radio access network, and the Evolved Packet Core (EPC), also known as System Architecture Evolution (SAE) core network. E-UTRAN/LTE is a variant of a 3GPP radio access network wherein the radio network nodes are directly connected to the EPC core network rather than to RNCs used in 3rd Generation (3G) networks. In general, in E-UTRAN/LTE the functions of a 3G RNC are distributed between the radio network nodes, e.g. eNodeBs in LTE, and the core network. As such, the RAN of an EPS has an essentially "flat" architecture comprising radio network nodes connected directly to one or more core networks, i.e. they are not connected to RNCs. To compensate for that, the E-UTRAN specification defines a direct interface between the radio network nodes, this interface being denoted the X2 interface.
Multi-antenna techniques may significantly increase the data rates and reliability of a wireless communication system. The performance is in particular improved if both the transmitter and the receiver are equipped with multiple antennas, which results in a Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) communication channel. Such systems and/or related techniques are commonly referred to as MIMO.
In addition to faster peak Internet connection speeds, 5G planning aims at higher capacity than current 4G, allowing higher number of mobile broadband users per area unit, and allowing consumption of higher or unlimited data quantities in gigabyte per month and user. This would make it feasible for a large portion of the population to stream high-definition media many hours per day with their mobile devices, when out of reach of Wi-Fi hotspots. 5G research and development also aims at improved support of machine to machine communication, also known as the Internet of things, aiming at lower cost, lower battery consumption and lower latency than 4G equipment.
To meet traffic demands in future wireless communication systems, new frequency bands are being considered, for example in the range of 30-100 GHz. These bands offer wide spectrum for high data rate communications. However, the coverage range is limited because of the system and channel characteristics. The propagation loss is higher for long range communications at high frequencies. A promising technology to overcome the range limitations is based on multi-antenna strategies. Massive Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output (MIMO) provides a large number of antenna elements, allowing beamforming of narrow beams and steering the signal towards a specific direction overcoming the high path loss for long range communication.
An important part to deal with in future systems such as New Radio (NR), also referred to as 5G, is beam management. Beam management relates to finding and maintaining the best beam pair between a transmitter TX in a transmitting radio node and a receiver RX in a receiving radio node. This may comprise three processes, P1, P2 and P3.
P1 relates to an initial access where the TX sends Synchronized Signal (SS) blocks in form of wide beams to establish initial beams for the TX and the RX. During P1, the TX and the RX performs a sweep, where they search through all available wide beams to find a best beam pair. A beam pair when used herein is a communication link between a TX in one node and an RX in another node, in which both nodes use beamforming.
P2 relates to refining the initial beam at the TX in the transmitting radio node and P3 relates to refining the initial beam at the RX in the receiving radio node. This establishes a link made up of two narrow beams between the transmitting radio node and the receiving radio node, which increases the gain and provides better communication.
P2 and P3 may either be done separately or jointly. A separate P2 and P3 sweep involves refining the beam at TX first, keeping the RX beam fixed, before refining the RX beam, keeping the TX beam fixed. In a joint P2 and P3 sweep, the TX and RX search through the available beams simultaneously. Beam indication is a procedure to exchange information between the TX and the RX to allow them to switch beams simultaneously. This is only required in the joint P2 and P3 sweep, otherwise the TX and the RX may adjust their beams without indication. In the separate sweep, all of the beam pair combinations are not observed and therefore it requires less overhead compared to the joint P2 and P3 sweep which performs an exhaustive search through all of the beams to find the best pair. In scenarios where there are many reflections there is a need to switch beams simultaneously to maintain the communication link. In these scenarios it is not useful to rely on the separate P2 and P3 sweep because the communication link may fail. Here, it is needed to use the joint P2 and P3 sweep because it is needed to switch TX and RX beams simultaneously.
In future 5G scenarios where there will be a large number of antenna elements, hence a large number of beams, the processes P1, P2 and P3 will be very costly in terms of overhead, and delay.
Beam failure is a situation where a serving beam fails. This is a situation that is likely to happen in 5G scenarios where it is tended towards smaller cells where there will be more interference. There is also lot of movement of radio nodes, such as user equipment, and blockage of the communication link may occur, which may lead to beam link failing. Beam failure requires beam recovery mechanisms that may be costly in terms of overhead and delay, essentially going through the P1, P2 and P3 processes again.
Therefore problems with existing techniques are that the beam refinement processes P2 and P3, taking place after the establishment of the initial TX and RX beams P1, may be costly in terms of signaling overhead and delay. Especially in high frequencies where there is a large number of antenna elements able to form many narrow beams. This is because Channel State Information-Reference Signals (CSI-RS) need to be reported for the selected number of narrow beams during the refinement process. The selected number of narrow beams spans an area of an SS block beam used in P1. The number of beams may vary but is typically high and therefore a large number of CSI-RS would need to be reported. A separate P2 and P3 sweep requires less CSI-RS reporting while a joint P2 and P3 sweep requires more because all of the possible beam pair combinations are swept. In scenarios where there are for example many reflections and the need to switch beams simultaneously, it is not suitable to rely on the separate P2 and P3 sweep without beam indication which would require less overhead. It is preferable to use the joint P2 and P3 with beam indication. This increases complexity, overhead and delay because of the increased CSI-RS reporting required.
Beam failures require a restart of the entire P1, P2 and P3 processes to recover a beam pair. It may be very costly to restart the processes, especially in the occurrence of multiple beam failures in the same transmission.

Handling beam pairs in a wireless network


A test board for a high-frequency system level test: The test board includes a main board having through holes filled with a conductive material. These holes may be located at a portion of the main board from which an existing module socket has been removed. An interface board has surface mounted device (SMD) pads on front and rear surfaces. The SMD pads on the front surface of the interface board are connected with the SMD pads on the rear surface thereof through cross connection wiring within the interface board for a pin swap. The through holes of the main board are connected with the SMD pads on the rear surface of the interface board via iron cores fixed at a guide. A test module socket is mounted on surfaces of the SMD pads on the front surface of the interface board.

This application claims the priority of Korean Patent Application No. 2004-35091, filed on May 18, 2004, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office. The entire content of Korean Patent Application No. 2004-35091 is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to semiconductor device test equipment, and more particularly, to a test board for a system level test in which a semiconductor memory device is tested on the main board of a computer.
2. Description of the Related Art
Generally, after semiconductor memory devices, (such as synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), Rambus (DRAM), and static RAM (SRAM)) are manufactured, an assembled semiconductor device is inserted into a socket and the device is tested using special test equipment.
Since semiconductor device test equipment is very expensive, the cost for testing semiconductor devices is significant. As a result, the price of semiconductor devices takes into account the cost of testing the devices. In addition, since semiconductor device test equipment tests a semiconductor device on a separate system, and not in the environment in which the semiconductor device is actually installed and used, the tests frequently cannot properly take into account environmental characteristics such as the noise that occurs when devices are on the main board of a computer. This can decrease test accuracy. As a result, problems may occur in the quality of the semiconductor devices.
To solve these problems, frequently, semiconductor devices are tested using a computer main board. With this type of testing, a socket is installed on the main board of a computer. A module or a device to be tested is inserted into the socket, and the computer is operated to monitor whether the module or the device is normal or if it has a defect.
Recently, due to high processing speed, the noise that occurs when devices are used in particular environments has become a significant issue relative to quality. Thus, testing semiconductor devices in an environment in which the devices are actually used, i.e., in an installation environment, is often preferred in contrast to testing semiconductor devices in the relatively silent environment provided by semiconductor device test equipment. A test in the installation environment is performed by inserting a semiconductor memory device into the main board of a personal computer or of a work station similar to the main board in which the semiconductor memory device will actually be used. The computer or the work station is then operated and the operation is monitored to determine if the semiconductor memory device is normal or has if it has a defect.
FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional test board for a system level test in which a semiconductor memory device can be tested in a environment similar to that in which the device will be actually used. Referring to FIG. 1, a test board 100 includes a main board 110 on which a central processing unit (CPU) and other electronic parts are installed. Preexisting module sockets 112 into which semiconductor memory devices would normally be inserted have been removed from a front surface 111 of the main board 110. The main board 110 is positioned upside down. Connectors 114 are installed on the rear surface 113 of the main board 110 and connected with connectors 124 on the rear surface 123 of interface board 120. A plurality of test module sockets 122 are installed on the front surface 121 of the interface board 120. The connectors 124 are connected with the test module sockets 122 via signal lines 125.
Electrical test signals generated in the main board 110 are transmitted to the test module sockets 122 via the connectors 114 and 124 and the signal lines 125. The inside of each test module socket 122 is separated when the test module socket 122 is pressed down using a hand, handler, or other tool so that an external contact, i.e., a lead line, of a semiconductor memory device can be inserted into the test module socket 122. After a test device, i.e., a semiconductor memory device, is put on the test module socket 122, pressure on the top of the test module socket 122 is released, and lead lines on the test device is held by and in contact with the test module socket 122.
As a processing speed of a semiconductor memory device increases, the test board 100 must perform tests at high frequency. However, high-frequency testing is often limited by parasitic resistance (R), inductance (L), and capacitance (C), the value of which depends on the height A between the main board 110 and the interface board 120 and a length B of the signal lines 125.
Therefore, an improved test board capable of reducing the length of the signal lines and capable of performing a high-frequency test is desired.

Test board for high-frequency system level test


The present hostler control of a computer control train brake system combines the computer control of the train and locomotive brake system with a manual control during a hostler mode to provide soft and safe operation of the vehicle. Interlocks provide efficient and safe transferring of the controls between the computer control brake system and the manual hostler control portion. The computer control train brake system includes an electropneumatic brake controller which automatically applies the independent brake once the hostler lead mode is determined. Next, the brake controller charges the brake pipe to release the train brakes. Control of the independent brake is transferred to a pneumatic independent brake control valve of the hostler stand after the brake pipe has been charged sufficiently to fully release the train brakes. The brake pipe is charged or the train brakes are released only after the independent brake application has reached a predetermined value. The computer controls the locomotive brakes in response to the pressure of the independent brake pipe and brake pipe. When the operator deactivates the hostler control, brake control is automatically transferred back to the computer control.

The present invention relates generally to computer controlled train brake systems and more specifically to a hostler control of a computer controlled train brake system.
Computer controlled train brake systems include electropneumatically controlled valves to control the train automatic brake system and the independent locomotive brake system. This is generally done by controlling the pressure in the train brake pipe and the locomotive independent application and release pipe. A typical example of such systems is the CCB and CCB II available from New York Air Brake Corporation, a Knorr-Bremse subsidiary of Watertown, N.Y. and as illustrated, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,249,125.
Computer controlled train brake systems as well as pneumatically controlled train brake systems include a hostler stand which is a control stand located at the rear of the locomotive to provide the operator with the ability to control the locomotive throttle and independent brake for yard moves and train make-up. The presently available hostler stands have been completely manual or completely electronic in the control of the brake system, with the transfer to and from hostler control obtained by a manual set-up process only, i.e., cut-out cocks. Prior computer controlled train brake systems, when being switched into the trail mode, shut down or go into an idle mode, and relinquished control to the hostler stand. The hostler stand operates independently of the computer controlled brakes and manually-pneumatically operate the independent brake of the locomotive. The throttle is also independently controlled through the throttle control at the hostler stand.
The present hostler control of a computer control train brake system combines the computer control of the train and locomotive brake system with manual control during hostler mode to provide soft and safe operation of the vehicle. Electric and pneumatic interlocks provide efficient and safe transferring of the controls between the computer control brake system and the hostler control portion. The computer control train brake system includes an electropneumatic brake controller which automatically applies the independent brake once the hostler lead mode is determined. Next, the brake controller charges the brake pipe to release the train brakes. Control of the independent brake is transferred to a pneumatic independent brake control valve at the hostler stand after the brake pipe has been charged sufficiently to fully release the train brakes. The brake pipe is charged or the train brakes are released only after the independent brake application has reached a predetermined value. The independent brakes are applied by charging an independent pipe and providing pressure to the brake cylinder. Charging the brake pipe includes charging a reservoir, for example, an equalization reservoir of a brake pipe control valve, and charging the brake pipe using the brake pipe control valve. The brake pipe is charged only after the reservoir has reached a predetermined pressure. After the independent brakes are applied to a given value, the brake pipe is charged only upon receipt of a brake pipe charge command from the operator.
Applying the independent brakes and charging the brake pipes are not initiated if the train is moving or if an emergency brake is active. If emergency brake is active, or the mode is changed from the hostler trail mode or a penalty is received, the independent brake is applied, if not already applied, the brake pipe is discharged to apply the train brakes and subsequently the independent brake is released. The brake pipe is discharged first at a service rate and then at an emergency rate. For a hostler penalty state, a predetermined independent braking is set using the brake controller. Independent brake control is transferred back to the independent brake control valve upon removal of the hostler penalty state.
Other objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Hoslter control of a computer train brake system