Disclosed is a method of image formation comprising the steps of: (i) subjecting a silver halide color photographic material to scanning exposure with a beam modulated in accordance with image information to prepare a scanning-exposed photographic material, wherein the silver halide color photographic material comprises a support having provided thereon a photographic constituent layer containing at least one reducing agent for color formation represented by formula (I) and at least one dye-forming coupler, and wherein a scanning pitch of the beam is smaller than an effective beam diameter of the beam, and an inter-raster overlap width of the beam is from 5% to 95% of the effective beam diameter; and (ii) developing the scanning-exposed photographic material: EQU R.sup.11 --NHNH--X--R.sup.12 (I). wherein R.sup.11 represents an aryl group or a heterocyclic group; R.sup.12 represents an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an alkinyl group, an aryl group or a heterocyclic group; X represents --SO.sub.2 --, --CO--, --COCO--, --CO--O--, --CON(R.sup.13)--, --COCO--O--, --COCO--N(R.sup.13)-- or --SO.sub.2 --N(R.sup.13)--; and R.sup.13 is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an alkinyl group, an aryl group or a heterocyclic group.

Owing to recent advancement in computer technology, it has become comparatively easy to process the image read with a scanner on a computer (image processing). For the purpose of meeting the demands for formation of high-quality hard copies from such an image, the utilization of silver halide photographic materials has been examined; as a result, the image formation using a scanning exposure system has come to be carried out.
As examples of a method of image formation using a scanning exposure system, mention may be made of the method disclosed in JP-B-62-21305 (The term "JP-B" as used herein means an "examined Japanese patent publication") which comprises subjecting a photographic material to the scanning exposure using light emitting diodes as light source, the method disclosed in JP-A-62-35352 (The term "JP-A" as used herein means an "unexamined published Japanese patent application") which comprises subjecting a high chloride-content photographic material to the scanning exposure with laser beams, and the method disclosed in JP-A-63-18346 which uses as light source the second harmonic wave obtained by the use of a semiconductor laser device and an SHG element. In WO87/04534, on the other hand, reduction in the total time for image formation is attained-by using a silver halide having a high chloride content as the silver halide of a photosensitive material. However, the image formation according to those methods has a drawback such that it tends to provide blurred images since a variation in density between rasters is emphasized by a variation in quality between lots of a photosensitive material, a temperature condition upon exposure and a fluctuation in processing after exposure.
It is known that mitigation of such a drawback is possible by overlapping rasters in the scanning exposure operation. For instance, JP-A-04-249244 discloses the method of dissolving the blurred-image problem by adjusting the overlap between rasters to 15-95% of the beam diameter. In JP-A-05-19423, on the other hand, it is stated clearly that improvement in dependence on exposure temperature is possible by adjusting the overlap between rasters to 5-95% of the beam diameter. However, problems caused by the characteristic of scanning exposure, that is, short exposure with light of high illumination intensity, including the deterioration of photographic properties due to exposure of silver halide to light of high illumination intensity, e.g., lowering of the maximum density of a developed color (Dmax), cannot be prevented by the adoption of the aforementioned exposure methods alone. Thus, improvements in those exposure methods have been desired.
On the other hand, persons skilled in the art have been required to reduce wastes of photographic processing solutions, particularly to reduce the replenisher volume of a color developer and the effluent volume of a used color developer, and to simplify the composition of a color developer. A conventional color developer for silver halide color photographic materials is a basic solution in which a p-phenylenediamine derivative is dissolved, so that it is unstable and subject to deterioration due to ageing. Accordingly, such a conventional color developer requires frequent replenishment and many kinds of preservatives for maintaining the developing performance constant. Such being the case, the conventional color developer also has a problem that it gives rise to a large quantity of water solution which cannot be discharged unless it undergoes complex treatments for disposal.
As an effective means to solve the above problem, it is possible to adopt a method of incorporating an aromatic primary amine or its precursor as a reducing agent for color formation into a hydrophilic colloid layer. Specific examples of an aromatic primary amine developing agent or a precursor thereof which can be incorporated in hydrophilic colloid layers include the compounds described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,507,114 and 3,764,328, JP-A-56-6235 and JP-A-58-192031. However, these aromatic primary amines and the precursors thereof are unstable, so that the photosensitive materials in which they are incorporated have a disadvantage in generating stains upon long-range storage before photographic processing or upon color development. As another effective means, it is possible to use a method of incorporating the sulfonylhydrazide compounds described, e.g., in EP-A1-0545491 and EP-A1-0565165 into a hydrophilic colloid layer. According to this method, the processing with an alkali solution free from a developing agent becomes possible, provided that an auxiliary developing agent or its precursor is incorporated as well. Therefore, it becomes feasible to reduce the replenisher volume of a developer (an alkali solution) and the effluent volume of a used developer, and to simplify the composition of a developer.
As mentioned above, a fairly satisfactory density of developed color can be obtained by the processing method in which a basic aqueous solution containing a conventional p-phenylenediamine derivative is used as color developer, but the maximum density of a developed color is lowered in the case of high illumination intensity exposure. In addition, such a color developer requires complex handling. It is therefore desired to overcome these disadvantages by technological development.

Method of image formation using silver halide color photographic material


A lockable restraining device in a holster has a rigid body portion and two upwardly extending oppositely facing wall members forming a channel therebetween to receive a handgun trigger guard, a pivotable cam member in at least one wall member having two lobes; a first lobe being pivotable to extend inwardly of the channel when the holster is empty and being pivotable outwardly of the channel when the trigger guard of the handgun is seated in the channel; and a second lobe being pivoted outwardly of the channel when the holster is empty and being pivotable inwardly of the trigger guard when the gun is seated in the holster; and a locking means engagable with the cam to prevent it being pivoted and a finger operable member to unlock the locking means.

This invention relates to a handgun holster with a lockable trigger guard restraint for retaining the handgun in the holster and preventing it from being removed until desired by the wearer.
Law enforcement officers, and particularly competitive shooters who have a need to carry a handgun normally do so in a holster, and it is important that the holster permit a "quick draw", and yet be secure in the holster against falling out when the wearer is running or otherwise involved in activity, and against the possibility of withdrawal by someone other than the wearer. Various arrangements have been used such as, cover flaps, restraining straps, spring mechanisms, custom molding of the holster to fit each gun, and the like. Typical of such arrangements are those shown in my U.S. Pat. No. 4,694,980; in U.S. Pat. No. 4,101,060 to Bianchi; and my U.S. Pat. No. 4,925,075. The present invention discloses improvements over all of these prior art holsters. Our copending parent application Ser. No. 07/665,097 filed Mar. 6, 1991 now U.S. Pat. No. 5,100,031 issued Mar. 31, 1992, discloses and claims a handgun holster having a restraining device which frictionally engages the trigger guard of a handgun and obstructs its removal except when moved in specific directions.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved handgun holster. It is another object of this invention to provide an improved holster having a novel means for locking the handgun in the holster until the wearer unlocks it for removal. Still other objects will become apparent from the more detailed description which follows.

Handgun holster with a lockable trigger guard restraint


A method and apparatus for manipulating particles (micro, nano, and pico) having one or more characteristics with an optical trap formed by modulating a laser beam with a Diffractive Optical Element (DOE). At least one characteristic of the material is selected; and a laser beam having a selected wavelength corresponding to the at least one selected characteristic of the material is generated. Values of the DOE are calculated corresponding to the at least one selected characteristic of the material. The beam and the DOE are modulated to produce a holographic optical trap having properties corresponding to the at least one selected characteristic. The trap is focused to a beam focus or selected spot size; and the beam focus is located near a particle location for trapping the particle therein.

The present invention relates to a system and method for manipulating and processing nanomaterials, micromaterials and picomaterials using holographic trapping.
Nano materials may be generally described as materials and structures characterized as having at least one dimension in the nano-region. These materials have many and various applications. Nano materials include elemental materials e.g. clumps of elemental atoms, such as gold; and more ordered structures such as nanotubes and buckey balls. Nanotubes are hollow symmetrical objects formed of one or more atomic or molecular layers of particular interest are nanotubes made of carbon. Buckey balls are hollow spheres of atomic or elemental carbon. Other examples of nanomaterials and ordered nanostructures are discussed below.
Nanotubes are particularly interesting nanostructures because their extraordinary mechanical, electrical, and optical properties enable a large array of applications. Nanotubes made from carbon offer the high degree of versatility associated with carbon structures, for example, the ability to interface with DNA molecules. Sustained nanotube research for over a decade has created a myriad of successful technologies. Insulating materials impregnated with nanotubes can be turned into conductors. Nanotube-reinforced materials are being developed for their improved mechanical strength. Researchers have grown large arrays of aligned nanotubes for use as electron emitters in displays.
Other applications are envisioned which capitalize on the unique properties of carbon nanotubes. These applications include bulk materials with enormous elastic module, nanotube based electronic components, and structures employing nanotubes for guiding light.
There are widely acknowledged challenges in the development of many of these technologies. One challenge involves the separation or purification of nanomaterials based on structural properties such as their chirality, diameter, length, and other properties. Recent progress involving the separation of various species of nanotubes, for example, make use of specific bonding to DNA, or employ electrophoresis. Another serious challenge involves the manipulation of nanomaterials for controlled assembly, deposition, and orientation. Although methods exist for certain types of deposition, the capability to move single objects in three dimensions and to pattern large groups of objects is still lacking.

System and method for manipulating and processing materials using holographic optical trapping


A thermosetting resin composition capable of providing a molding, such as a resin sheet, that excels in not only dielectric characteristics but also dimensional stability at high temperature and even after exposure to high temperature thermal history, exhibits little dimensional change by the thermal history, namely, exhibiting low linear expansion coefficient. There are further provided a resin sheet and resin sheet for insulated substrate produced from the thermosetting resin composition. In particular, there is provided a thermosetting resin composition comprising an epoxy resin of 100 to 2000 epoxy equivalent, an epoxy resin hardening agent consisting of a phenolated compound, and a layered silicate, and are further provided a resin sheet comprised of the thermosetting resin composition and a resin sheet for insulated substrate comprised of the resin sheet.

As recent technology continues to rapidly increase performance, operation and compactness levels of electronic devices, there is an increasing demand to further reduce sizes and weights of electronic parts for use in such electronic devices. Accordingly, there also is a strong demand to further improve properties of electronic part materials, including heat resistance, mechanical strength and electrical properties.
A multilayer printed board for use in electronic devices has plural insulating layers arranged alternately with circuit patterns. Conventionally used for such an insulating layer is a hardened product of a thermosetting resin prepreg made by impregnating a thermosetting resin in a glass cloth, and a resin sheet comprised of a thermosetting or photosetting resin, for example.
It is to be desired that an interlayer spacing of the insulating layers in the multilayer printed board is narrowed considerably to increase a density and a thickness of the multilayer printed board. This raises a need for insulating layers which incorporate a thin glass cloth or consist of a resin containing an inorganic filler. The use of such a thin glass cloth or inorganic filler not only ensures a mechanical strength or other mechanical properties of the multilayer printed board even if having considerably narrow interlayer spacings, but also reduces a dimensional change of the multilayer printed board prior to and subsequent to application of a thermal history, i.e., lowers its linear expansion coefficient (thermal linear expansion coefficient).
Thermosetting resin materials incorporating a large amount of inorganic fillers are conventionally known to constitute such resins containing inorganic fillers that exhibit the above-described functions.
The below-specified Patent Literature 1 discloses a method for fabricating a multilayer printed circuit board (multilayer printed board) by using an epoxy adhesive film as an insulating layer. In the fabrication method described in Patent Literature 1, for example, a bifunctional epoxy resin and a bifunctional phenol in a solvent are polymerized under the presence of a catalyst to obtain a high-molecular weight epoxy polymer having a weight average molecular weight of at least 50,000. Nonfibrous inorganic fillers having a mean particle size of 0.8-5 μm are incorporated in a varnish comprised mainly of the above epoxy polymer, a polyfunctional epoxy resin, a hardener and a crosslinker. This varnish is coated onto one or both surfaces of a support. Subsequent removal of the solvent results in obtaining a multilayer printed circuit board. Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2000-183539

Thermosetting resin composition, resin sheet and resin sheet for insulated substrate


A termination unit includes two termination pucks. A first termination puck (20) includes a plurality of first connectors (21). The first connectors (21) are of a first type. A main connector (22) of the first termination puck (20) is electrically connected to each first connector within the plurality of first connectors (21). A second termination puck (40) includes a first main connector (42) for connection to the main connector (22) of the first termination puck (20). The second termination puck (40) also includes a plurality of second connectors (44-49) that may be formed as wire receptacles. The second connectors (44-49) are of different connector type than the first connectors (21) on the first termination puck (20). Each of a plurality of switches (51-54) on the second termination puck (40) select either a control/status pin from the first main connector (42) or a control/status pin from one of the second connectors (44-49) to be electrically connected to a control/status pin of a second main connector (43). With the two pucks electrically interconnected, tools may be joined by cables to first connectors (21) on the first termination puck (20) or by individual wires to the wire receptacles (44-49) on the second termination puck (40) and switches (51-54) on the second puck may be used to selectively electrically join first connectors (21) or wire receptacles (44-49) to second main connector (43).

The present invention concerns automated tooling and pertains particularly to a versatile input/output control and power distribution block for use with automated tooling.
When using automated tooling, a programmable logic controller is often required to send output control signals to and receive input sensor signals from several automated tools. Typically the connection to each automated tool consists of three wires: a wire which carries a ground signal, a wire which carries a power signal, and a wire which either carries control/status signal which either forwards a control signal to the automated tool or receives a sensor signal from the automated tool.
The connections from the automated tools are typically terminated at a termination block. At the termination block, the ground signals and the power signals connected to the automated tools are combined. The termination block passes the control signals and the sensor signals between the programmable logic controller and the individual automated tools.
The three individual wires from each automated tool, grouped together in a sensor cable, have been connected to a terminator block using wire leads held in individual wire receptacles. However, when the automation tools are used in production, often this can result in the sensor cables being subject to repetitive motion. Over the course of time, this can result in the wires within the cables becoming permanently or intermittently defective. When wire leads are held in individual wire receptacles, replacement of the sensor cables can be time consuming.
To alleviate this problem, some manufacturers have utilized sensor cables with connectors which can be plugged into a terminator block. This has provided for an easier replacement of defective sensor cables. However, existing units which utilize these types of connectors typically can connect to no more than eight sensor connector cables and are not backward compatible with automated tools which require the use of pull-up/down resistors or which have wires with flying leads.

Versatile input/output control and power distribution block for use with automated tooling


An improved musical instrument string is provided. The string includes a polymer cover that protects the string, from contamination while maintaining the original "lively" sound of the musical string. By supplying the cover over a conventional string and preferable over a conventional wound string, the string is protected against contamination while also making the string easier to play. The preferred cover comprises at least one layer of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) that is most preferably sealed with a polymer coating. In particularly preferred embodiments, a cover is applied over a portion of the length of the string having a relatively reduced variable mass. The result is that the string has relatively uniform mass along its entire length thereby assuring correct intonation.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to strings for musical instruments, and particularly to strings for musical instruments such as strings for guitars and the like that may be manipulated along their length.
2. Description of Related Art
There are a multitude of different types of musical strings employed today, each performing a different function. A typical guitar employs a straight (non-wound) string (such as "catgut," metal, or synthetic polymer (e.g., those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,339,499 and 4,382,358)) for higher pitched notes, and wound metal or polymer strings (usually a wrapped metal or polymer winding over a core of nylon or similar material) for lower pitch notes. Wound strings rely on the additional string mass per unit length supplied by the spiral wrap of the wound string to supply lower pitched notes at an acceptable string tension. Existing string designs have been refined over many years to provide excellent musical tones, but the strings continue to be limited in many respects.
There is a large variety of stringed musical instruments employed today that require human contact along at least a portion of the strings, such as in the fingering and plucking of guitar strings in order to be played. While straight gage strings can be easily wiped of dirt and oil after use, wound strings tend to become contaminated with dirt, skin oils, and perspiration after even a few hours of playing. It is believed that dirt and other contaminants infiltrate windings of the string causing the windings to have limited motion. After a relatively short period of time, a typical wound string will become musically "dead," apparently due to the build-up of this contamination. Presently wound strings that lose their tonal qualities must be removed from the instrument and either cleaned or replaced. This process is burdensome, time consuming, and expensive for musicians who play frequently and care about tonal quality.
Another problem encountered with strings requiring fingering along a fingering board (e.g., a guitar fret board) is that a substantial amount of pressure must often be applied by the musician against the fingering board in order to produce different musical notes. This can be discouraging for beginning music students. Accomplished musicians normally develop extensive calluses on their fingers from years of playing their instruments. Despite such calluses, the pressure and friction generated by playing the instruments tends to be one of the primary causes of frustration and fatigue or injury for many musicians.
Still another problem with conventional strings, and particularly conventional wound strings, is that the action of fingering quickly across the strings often generates unwanted noises. For instance, it is common to hear a "squeak" from guitar wound strings as a musician fingers rapidly across a fret board or finger board. In order to avoid such squeaks, the musician must make a concerted effort to completely separate his or her fingers from the strings when repositioning on the fret or finger board. This repositioning action slows the musician's note changes and further increases fatigue.
It would seem that some of these problems could be addressed if the strings could be coated with some substance to avoid contamination of the wound string windings and/or to provide some cushioning or smooth, non-squeak, cover for the strings. For example, Fender Corporation offers a bass guitar string that employs a spiral wrap of a flat, stiff polymer tape (such as nylon) around the wound string. The polymer tape is not adhered to the wound string and does not conform to the underlying bass string, but, instead, is held in place merely by tightly helically wrapping the stiff flat tape around the bass string and holding the tape from unwinding with an outer-wrapping of thread at each end of the guitar string. The polymer tape is wrapped with its side edges abutting without overlap of or adhesion to adjacent tape wraps. Further, if the thread holding the polymer tape is damaged or removed, the polymer tape rapidly uncoils in a helical coil. It is possible to restore the string to the original condition by rewinding the polymer tape about the string and securing it with a thread winding.
While Fender Corporation's use of a stiff tape wrap may help reduce some contamination problems (which does not appear to be claimed by Fender) or may make the string somewhat more comfortable to play, the Fender bass guitar string has a distinctly "dead" sound when played. The relatively heavy and stiff wrapping is believed to limit the amount and duration of vibration of the string, particularly at higher harmonic or overtone frequencies, muffling or "deadening" its sound. As a result of the use of such a non-deformable covering, the string is unsuitable for most guitar applications where a conventional "bright" or "lively" guitar sound is sought.
These problems are addressed in the invention described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/561,774, filed Nov. 22, 1995. These strings employ a unique cover that is deformable along the length of the string. The deformable cover protects the strings from contamination, protects the musician's fingers from abrasion, and reduces or eliminates "squeak." The deformability of the cover allows for the movement of the windings of the strings. The result is a string that has excellent tonal quality.
Despite the tremendous benefits delivered by the strings of the U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/561,774, a number of possible problems have emerged. First, where the cover is wrapped along the entire length of a guitar string or the like, the cover may wear and fray where the string is strummed with a pick. This does not appear to diminish string sound, but it has raised aesthetic objections. Second, where the cover is wrapped only along the fingering board, the fraying problem is eliminated but a slight intonation problem has been observed. The intonation problem becomes a greater concern when higher notes are played (i.e., when fingering occurs near the 12th fret). These problems have spurred the need for an even more effective covered string.
It is accordingly a primary purpose of the present invention to provide an improved covered musical instrument string that maintains correct intonation.
It is a further purpose of the present invention to provide an improved musical instrument string that retains all the benefits of a covered musical string, including being corrosion resistant in the fret region, and faster, easier, and/or more comfortable to play than conventional strings, and less prone to generating unwanted noises when a musician's fingers are moved along the string.
These and other purposes of the present invention will become evident from review of the following description.


A circuit for measuring an eye size generates first sampled data by sampling received data with recovered clock signals and generates second sampled data by sampling the received data with shifted clock signals, in which the recovered clock signals, having different phases, are recovered from the received data. The shifted clock signals are obtained by shifting each phase of at least one of recovered clock signals by respectively predetermined phases. The circuit generates error counts for calculating the eye size of the received data by comparing the first sampled data and the second sampled data and measures the eye size by obtaining a phase range where the error counts are equal to zero. Therefore, the circuit may measure the eye size without interference of frequency offsets and/or jitter of the received data.

1. Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to a serial data receiver of a data communication system, and more particularly to a circuit and a method of measuring eye size of serial data in a serial data receiver of a data communication system.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
A serializer-deserializer in a data communication system serializes data so as to transfer the serialized data via transmission lines, such as a printed line, and deserializes serialized data that is received.
Typically, the serializer-deserializer includes a preamplifier, an equalizer, a sampler, and a clock data recovery (CDR) circuit.
The serializer-deserializer recovers a frequency of the serialized data in the CDR circuit and supplies a clock signal with the recovered frequency to the sampler. Therefore, the receiver can receive the serialized data even though a transmitter operates and transmits the serialized data with a clock signal having a different frequency from that of a reference clock used in the receiver.
When data are transmitted at a high speed via a transmission line, such as a printed line, inter-symbol interference (ISI) may occur due to the properties of the transmission line. The amplitude and phase of the received data signal can be seriously distorted by the inter-symbol interference, and the distorted amplitude and phase may cause bit errors in the receiver. Thus, as the length of the transmission line becomes longer and the data transmission rate becomes higher, the distortion of the received signal increases.
Since the serializer-deserializer is a kind of a serial interface, the received serial data may include a high degree of jitter. Therefore, when flip-flops or latches used in the sampler receive the data, the eye size of the data is critical to the performance of the device or the entire system.
The preamplifier in the serializer-deserializer amplifies a voltage level of the received data and the equalizer in the serializer-deserializer executes an equalization of the received data to reduce jitter, specifically ISI, in the received data, and then outputs the equalized signal to the sampler.
The equalizer is provided with a control bit to adjust an equalizing strength, based on the jitter properties of the received data. The equalizer can control the equalization function based on the jitter properties. A relatively small eye size of the received data indicates that the equalization is inadequate, and then the equalizer strengthens the equalization. On the contrary, a relatively large eye size of the received data indicates that the equalization is excessive, and the equalizer weakens the equalization so as to obtain an optimized eye size.
The conventional serializer-deserializer uses a decision feedback circuit to detect a variation of the eye size of the signal, instead of directly measuring the eye size of signal at an output node of the equalizer.

Circuit for measuring an eye size of data, and method of measuring the eye size of data


A belt flaw detector has a light source, a sensor, and processing and signalling means to indicate and warn of the flaw in the belt.

In many present day automobiles, a timing belt has the vital functions of operating the camshaft controlling the intake and exhaust valves in synchronicity with the ignition and fuel injection systems. The advancements in design and materials for the modern car have brought better performance, lower fuel consumption, and lessened air pollution, all of which come at a price of necessarily improved reliability and precision of all components.
One of the components of the modern engine, the timing belt, which operates the camshaft and ignition components, is a most critical and yet one of the most vulnerable components, since it is composed of fiber reinforced high polymer elastomer, an organic structure in a high temperature stressful environment. A failure of the timing belt can be catastrophic, destroying the whole engine, and to the end of preventing or delaying this failure, much research and development has gone into providing a durable combination of reinforcing fiber and elastomer.
In spite of these efforts, timing belts still fail, usually at the most inopportune times and places in which the engine has been overstressed e.g. in a desert with its high temperature.
1. U.S. Pat. No. 5,095,214 discloses a hole seeking device for a web using two laser scanning devices and an electronic processor comparing the signals thus detected.
2. U.S. Pat. No. 4,988,204 discloses a light scanning device for detecting a flaw in the joint between the leader and tape in audio and video cassettes.
3. U.S. Pat. No. 4,933,566 discloses a light scanning device for detecting edge flaws using the differential between satisfactory and unsatisfactory edges of a magnetic tape.
4. U.S. Pat. No. 4,866,289 discloses a flaw detector for wound yarn packages having two light sources and sensors and a comparator for determining if the yarn package is faulty.
5. U.S. Pat. No. 4,842,413 discloses a laser apparatus useful for inspecting welds in belt layers on radial tires.
6. U.S. Pat. No. 4,788,442 discloses a laser inspection device for detecting flaws on the edges of a moving sheet of paper or cardboard, using light transmission as the flaw detecting means.
7. U.S. Pat. No. 4,591,726 discloses an optical laser scanning device for detecting a flaw in a web of rapidly advancing material.
8. U.S. Pat. No. 4,306,813 discloses an optical scanner for detecting color and surface distortion in a strip of material.


Decorative combination structure comprising a combination of a flexible bag member and a flexible sheet which together simulate a fanciful conception of the appearance of a giant bat. The flexible bag is arranged for receiving a plurality of light-weight and preferably inflatable filler elements and for assuming a substantially tubular shape with rounded ends when so filled so as to simulate a bat body, and the bag member is provided with facial indicia of a bat. The flexible sheet is shaped to simulate bat wings and is attached to the bag. A plurality of closure or bunching means for the flexible bag are provided to cause ear-like protrusions at be formed at the initially open end of the bag member. A plurality of fastener means are provided for fastening the bag and the wing-like sheet together.

This invention relates to decorative objects. More particularly, the invention relates to a combination of a specially produced otherwise common materials which when arranged in appropriate juxtaposition, decoratively simulates or represents a fanciful image or conception of the appearance of a giant bat.
At certain times of the year, such as during late fall, decorative objects are very popular. It is not uncommon to see two-dimensional pictures of witches, goblins, bats, jack-o'-lanterns, etc. pasted in windows or on walls. While three dimensional representative objects are less common than the pictures, some three dimensional objects such as heavy plastic jack-o'-lanterns are known in the art. However, until recently, when a new type of leaf bag (the details of which are disclosed in the parent application hereto, Ser. No. 07/554,967) was sold during the Halloween season to represent or simulate a jack-o'-lantern, thin plastic leaf- or garbage-type bags were not used for three dimensional decorative purposes. Indeed, leaf bags of the prior art were never used in conjunction with other common articles such as spread clips, golf tees, etc., and indicia indicative of the universal image or conception of an object were never printed or placed on plastic leaf bags. Further, common leaf bags were never used in conjunction with other common articles and indicia to represent a flying bat.

206
FSC 383
FSC D 9
FSC 40
FSC 428
FSC 446
FSC D21


The present invention provides a system and a method for a portable attachment device. The portable attachment device includes a narrow attachment end, a wide wrap end, a fastening means on the narrow attachment end, a fastening means on the wide wrap end, and padding located within the wide wrap end. The portable attachment device is attachable to a first item by wrapping the narrow attachment end around a portion of the first item and attaching the narrow attachment end to a portion of the wide wrap end, securing the portable attachment device to the item. The first item is then attachable to a second item by wrapping the wide wrap end of the attachment device around the second item. In one embodiment the portable attachment device is used to secure the leg and calf of a wearer to a construction stilt, securely and comfortably holding the leg in place.

Construction stilts are leg-extension devices that advantageously allow the wearer to work and maneuver at an increased height above a floor or other base surface. Such stilts are often used in the construction industry. Construction stilts are helpful, for example, to those persons installing ceilings who need additional height to hold a drywall board in place while at the same time securing the drywall board to the woodwork material behind it. Many construction stilts provide an additional eighteen to forty inches in height to the wearer.
Many of the attachment devices used in construction stilts, connecting the legs of the user to the stilt frames, are rigid, uncomfortable, and cumbersome to wear. In the interest of comfort and safety, there is a need for an improved attachment device for use with construction stilts.
These and other problems exist. Previous attempts to solve these and other problems include the following:
U.S. Pat. No. 6,648,803, issued to Jay on Nov. 18, 2003 discloses a stilt having a multiple-articulating, three segment base, providing enhanced stability and a better translation of walking forces. The stilt disclosed uses a calf band and a removable calf pad.
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0203793 A1, filed by Emmert and published on Oct. 30, 2003, discloses a stilt device for supporting a user above a base support surface. The stilt device includes a shoe plate, a base member and at least one intermediary strut. A leg attachment assembly comprises an elongated support pole which extends upwardly from the strut. In some embodiments, a clam-shell assembly is attached to a distal end of the support pole and comprises opposing, curved inner and outer plates configured to surround and support the user's leg. A hinge assembly facilitates rotation of the inner plate with respect to the outer plate between open and closed positions. In other embodiments, a support attachment assembly utilizes a u-shaped bracket and a nested, h-shaped clamp to attach the medial portion of the support pole to the shoe plate. The support attachment assembly establishes and secures both the angular extent and length of the support pole.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,517,586, issued to Lin on Feb. 11, 2003, discloses a support structure having a shoe platform and a floor platform, with the said shoe platform and floor platform movably conjoined, and retained by a sprung component, to a set of supports. Moreover, there are a plurality of leg section supports that are coupled to one of the supports by means of a pivot sleeve having an axial hole and a locating mount. Movably conjoined between the leg section supports is an adjustable calf harness consisting of two adjoined fittings. The shoe platform includes heel rest consisting of a stop mount and a slide mount having selectable position mounting holes. Disposed on the shoe platform are clasp mounts for the positioning of toe straps and strap fastener as well as ankle straps and strap fasteners into shoe platform clasp slots.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,645,515, issued to Armstrong et al. on Jul. 8, 1997, discloses an improved spring-loaded parallelogram stilt. An improved leg support attachment is provided in which the leg support is attached by a capturing bracket to the rearward vertical support. Improved straps are also provided, made of a suitable belt or strap material and have on the surface of the straps or belts hook and loop fastening material. The hook and loop fastening material is arranged on the surface of the straps such that multiple folds of the material create a firm, yet readily adjusted and released, attachment of the straps. This is achieved by having one flap of the strap having loop fastening material on both sides. The remaining surfaces of the strap are covered with hook fastening material. A gap or space is provided between the different fastening material patches so that fold lines are created in which a fastening buckle is engaged. The length of the strap is adjusted using an adjustment buckle.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,514,054, issued to Rowan on May 7, 1996, discloses a pair of stilts, each stilt having a user foot support coupled to an upper leg and to a lower leg. The upper leg is secured to the leg of a user. A foot is coupled to the lower end of the lower leg. The upper leg includes two side members each configured to resist torsional forces and thus to provide stability. Each stilt may include a knee protector mounted to the upper end of the upper leg and arranged to prevent hyperextension of the knee of the user. An adjustable strap with padding is disclosed.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,295,932, issued to Rowan on Mar. 22, 1994, discloses a pair of stilts. Each of the stilts has a resilient flexible foot which can be hinged or integral with the lower stilt leg portion. The resilient flexible foot has first and second projections defining a channel that receives a third projection from the lower stilt portion. The third projection has a horizontal slot to register with vertical slots in the first and second projections. In another embodiment the stilt further includes a shin protector. A height adjustable foam knee protector and an adjustable padded ski-type binding is disclosed.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,449,256, issued to Prueitt on May 22, 1984, discloses a unique arrangement for leg extension jumpers consisting of elastic members connecting movable extension tubes to guide tubes located at the front and rear of a foot platform. The foot platform is pivotally connected at its front to the front guide tube or tubes and at its rear to a support tube or tubes fixed to and extending above the rear guide tube or tubes. A leg strap is fixed to the top of the support tube or tubes. The leg strap is constructed of rigid material with a pad half-way around the leg with the other half being a flexible belt.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,415,063, issued to Hutchison on Nov. 15, 1983, discloses a leg stilt device. The leg stilt device permits the user to safely adjust the height of the stilt while thereon and is stable, holding the user in a level safe position. The device includes one or more pairs of hollow tubular telescoping vertical support members, a horizontal platform secured to the upper end of the uppermost-extending such member, a broad flat horizontal base connected to the lower end of the lowermost extending vertical member of each pair and providing the desired stability, a tubular leg brace connected to and extending above the platform, and a stilt height adjusting mechanism releasably coupling the two vertical members together. An openable leg strap is attached to the brace for releasably securing the leg of the stilt when the wearer's shoe is in the strap.
The following patents also disclose various stilt devices as they have evolved over the last one-hundred-plus years: U.S. Pat. No. 3,626,519, issued to Baker on Dec. 14, 1969; No. 3,102,272 issued to Emmert on Sep. 3, 1963; No. 3,058,120 issued to Smith et al. on Oct. 16, 1962; No. 2,832,079 issued to Bailey on Apr. 29, 1958; No. 2,802,217 issued to Wilhoyte on Apr. 13, 1957; No. 1,613,535 issued to Root on Jan. 4, 1927; No. 514,600 issued to Johnson on Feb. 13, 1894; and No. 433,365 issued to Pitman on Jul. 29, 1890. In each of patents, a similar rigid attachment system is disclosed.
Additionally, there are several products in the construction industry related to construction stilts and leg attachment assemblies. For example, www.All-Wall.com sales a leg band kit available online. The leg band kit includes leg bands with pads, buckles, straps, and laces. Warner Tool Products also sells construction stilts and accessories online at www.warnertool.com.
Thus, in the prior art, many devices have been disclosed for stilts, construction stilts, and various leg attachment mechanisms. However, despite over a hundred-plus years in product evolution of stilt devices, many of these devices still remain rigid, uncomfortable, and cumbersome to wear. Such devices are simply straps and are not designed for comfort. Additionally, such disclosed stilts require the use of cumbersome and time-consuming buckles or fasteners. The bands or straps used for calf support are often very narrow and thus less comfortable and potentially less safe than a wider, thicker band which provides significantly more comfort and stability. Furthermore, the attachment devices known in the prior art for use with such stilts are not quickly and easily removable for adaptability and/or use on other equipment, such as easily removing the attachment device from one construction stilt and using it on another construction stilt of another height adjustment or another type of device altogether.
However, while such devices may be suitable for their particular purposes, they are not suitable for the purposes of the present invention. Therefore, a need exists for the portable attachment device and method of the present invention.

Portable attachment device and method for comfort and support


A multi-channel thin-film magnetic head includes a substrate, a plurality of thin-film magnetic head elements formed on the substrate, a closure fixed onto the plurality of thin-film magnetic head elements, a protection film laminated on a whole area of a TBS of the plurality of thin-film magnetic head elements and the closure, and many micro-grooves formed in a surface of the protection film.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a multi-channel thin-film magnetic head, to a multi-channel magnetic tape drive apparatus with the multi-channel thin-film magnetic head, and to a manufacturing method of a multi-channel thin-film magnetic head.
2. Description of the Related Art
In the multi-channel magnetic tape drive apparatus, a multi-channel thin-film magnetic head with read head elements and write head elements for a large number of channels is provided. For example, in the multi-channel magnetic tape drive apparatus (the fourth generation) with the LTO (linear tape open) technical standard, a multi-channel thin-film magnetic head provided with read head elements of 16 channels, write head elements of 16 channels and servo magnetic head elements of 2 channels is used.
Recently, with enhancement in the performance of the multi-channel magnetic tape drive apparatus, required is adoption of high performance multi-channel thin film magnetic head. Thus, an inductive write head element is used as the write head element of each channel and also a giant magnetoresistive effect (GMR) read head element is put to practical use as the read head element of each channel, and demand for high output read head element becomes more increased.
In order to expect stable travel of the magnetic tape in the magnetic tape drive apparatus, it is necessary to optimize a receiving area and a receiving angle of a tape support member for supporting the traveling tape and also to apply a suitable tension to the traveling tape. For example, if the receiving area for supporting the traveling magnetic tape is decreased, a frictional force between the magnetic tape and the magnetic head lowers to provide stable travel of magnetic tape for a short term. However, since the load concentrates to the small receiving region, abrasion occurs in this region to make difficult a stable traveling of the magnetic tape for a long term. Also, in case that some kind of particles exist between a TBS (tape bearing surface) of the magnetic tape and the magnetic head, an influence of these particles increases and sudden deterioration of the head occurs even though an area of contact is reduced.
In a thin-film magnetic head with GMR read head elements, a protection layer is coated on its TBS so as to increase a resistance property of the GMR read head element against corrosion. However, when a traveling magnetic tape makes in contact with both a material coated as the protection film and a material constituting the TBS, the tape intensively grinds down either the protection film or the TBS (in general, the protection film will be easily ground), and thus it is difficult to expect a stable traveling of the magnetic tape for a long term.

Multi-channel thin-film magnetic head, magnetic tape drive apparatus with the multi-channel thin-film magnetic head and manufacturing method of multi-channel thin-film magnetic head


A mixing device and method for mixing at least one first ingredient and at least one second ingredient. The device includes a body which has a wall defining a cavity. A first inlet communicates with the cavity for introducing the first ingredient and a second inlet communicates with the cavity for introducing the second ingredient. An outlet is provided in communication with the cavity receiving the mixed first and second ingredient which have been mixed in the cavity. The ingredients are mixed by introducing one ingredient as a stream and the second ingredient as a forcefully introduced stream. An area upstream of the ingredients is provided for mixing ingredients. Once mixed the ingredients must flow through the body before reaching the outlet. Multiple mixing devices can be cascaded to produce additional variations and mixing methods. The device can be in the form of a kit for retrofitting on existing devices such as beverage dispensers.

In the food preparation industry, it is important to mix ingredients to achieve an interim or final product. Prior mixing devices include passive, as well as active, mixing devices. Examples of passive mixing devices are devices which, by way of example, but not limitation, introduce beverage concentrate flowing into a stream of diluent, such as water. In some situations, this passive mixing may be acceptable depending on the type and nature of the concentrate as well as the diluent material, such as water.
An example of such a passive mixing device might be a venturi mixing apparatus in which two ingredients or components are brought together to produce a final mixed product. In a venturi device a stream of diluent, such as water, flows through a water feed line. Water flow is restricted and then expanded to produce a desired flow characteristic. On the expansion side of the venturi device is a connection to a second component. For example, the second component may be a beverage concentrate. The beverage concentrate connection or tube is connected to and communicates with the expansion side of the venturi device. When water flows through the water line and flows through the venturi device the venturi device creates a vacuum on the second component line thereby drawing second component from its source or container.
Another example of a passive mixing device occurs in the beverage industry in which concentrate is mixed with water by use of two separate lines and corresponding controllable valves. For example, the controllable valves are operated to allow the diluent, such as water, to be dispensed and a second component, such as a beverage concentrate, to be dispensed into the water stream. The water and beverage concentrate can be pumped to the valve, pressurized, fed by gravity or otherwise delivered to the corresponding valve. When the valves are activated, the ingredients or components come together for mixing in a passive manner. The combined stream produces some degree of turbulence thereby mixing or at least combining the components.
Examples of active mixing may include dispensing ingredients into a conical mixing chamber that may include rotating blades or other agitators. While mechanical mixing is essential in some situations, it requires additional time and effort to periodically cleanse the mechanical mixing components. Additionally, the use of mechanical mixing components results in a more complex and, possibly, more expensive system. Further, the use of mechanical mixing or active mixing components often requires a cleansing cycle. The clean-out cycle often involves rinsing the system with the diluent at the end of a dispensing cycle. The dispensing of the diluent such as water at the end of a dispense cycle may not be preferred because it adds a very diluted juice on the top of the cup. This may appear to the consumer as an improperly mixed solution or over diluted solution. In some situations the user or consumer of the product may find this rinsing unattractive or question whether their product is being over diluted or improperly diluted or watered-down.
In situations where passive mixing may be preferable for a variety of reasons, it is also important to make sure that the desired mixing results are achieved. Recently, in the area of beverage concentrates, the trend by the concentrate manufacturers is to increase the viscosity of the concentrate material. For example, while concentrate to diluent ratios of 4:1 are common, beverage concentrate manufacturers are increasing ratios to 5:1 and beyond. This increase in concentrate viscosity requires new systems, methods and apparatus for mixing the concentrate with water.
Additional features will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of drawings exemplifying the best mode as presently perceived.

Component mixing method, apparatus and system


A cutting data generator includes a control device configured to obtain provisional hole arrangement data usable to arrange a plurality of provisional holes and to obtain an intercentral distance between two of the provisional holes. The provisional holes are adjacent to each other. The control device is also configured to connect the provisional holes with an auxiliary hole and to determine that the provisional holes and the auxiliary hole are contained in a group, thereby extracting an outermost outline of the group of the provisional holes arranged, when the intercentral distance between the provisional holes is not less than a sum of radii of the provisional holes and not more than a predetermined value. The control device is further configured to generate cutting data usable to cut the sheet along the outline extracted. The auxiliary hole having a smaller diameter than the provisional holes.

1. Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to a cutting data generator generating cutting data for forming holes in a sheet using a cutting apparatus, in which holes decorative pieces are disposed, the cutting apparatus and a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a cutting data generating program.
2. Related Art
Clothes and small goods have conventionally been decorated with small granular decorative pieces or artificial gems called "rhinestones." A large number of decorative pieces are arranged on a surface of clothes or small goods into a desired pattern and thereafter fixed by an adhesive agent.
For example, a ruler formed with a large number of holes is used for the arrangement of decorative pieces. The holes have respective inner diameters slightly larger than outer diameters of the decorative pieces and are arranged in a plurality of patterns. A user selects holes composing a desired pattern from those of the ruler, putting the decorative pieces into the selected holes thereby to arrange the decorative pieces.
However, in use of the above-mentioned ruler, an arrangement of decorative pieces is limited to arrangements of holes formed in the ruler. Accordingly, when decorative pieces are arranged into user's favorite pattern, the user necessitates to make a new ruler suitable for his or her favorite pattern or to arrange decorative pieces completely manually without use of a ruler.

Cutting data generator, cutting apparatus and non-transitory computer-readable medium storing cutting data generating program


A merchant evaluation method includes: acquiring multi-dimensional evaluation index data of a merchant to be evaluated; for the multi-dimensional evaluation index data, obtaining, by calculation based on standard normal distribution, a health portrait of the merchant to be evaluated, and obtaining, by calculation based on a geometric mean, a health score of the merchant to be evaluated, wherein the health portrait is data representing at least one evaluation result of the merchant to be evaluated; and outputting the health portrait and the health score of the merchant to be evaluated.

With the popularization of smart terminals, users are more and more relying on e-commerce for shopping without going out. In order to improve user satisfaction, to avoid fake commodities as much as possible, and to ensure the safe operation of e-commerce platforms, it is crucial for e-commerce to select and certify merchants. Therefore, there is a need for evaluating merchants to provide a basis for the certification of the merchants.


An image retrieval information storing apparatus capable of extracting a featured frame adaptively in the process of retrieval includes a coding information reading unit reading prescribed coding information which will be information representing frame feature among coded image data, a frame feature value generating unit connected to the coding information reading unit and generating a frame feature value which is a numerical representation of the frame feature based on the coding information, and a frame feature value storing unit connected to the frame feature value generating unit and storing the frame feature value in correspondence with each frame of the image data.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image retrieval information storing apparatus and an image retrieving apparatus, retrieving an image based on the image retrieval information. More specifically, the present invention relates to an image retrieval information storing apparatus and an image retrieving apparatus, using coding information utilized for featured frame extraction or feature values of respective frames, as image retrieval information.
2. Description of the Background Art
When a user retrieves a motion picture, it is important that the user recognizes the contents of the motion picture, that is, what is the object picked up in the motion picture. Except when the motion picture has a text title or description, in most cases it is necessary for the user to confirm the contents by playing the whole motion picture. As the number of motion pictures among which a desired one is to be retrieved increases, it becomes harder for the user to play the motion pictures one by one and to confirm the contents thereof, and the efficiency of retrieval is quite poor. The efficiency of retrieval further lowers when each motion picture is in the form of coded compressed data requiring decoding and reproduction before retrieval. In order to solve this problem, a method of retrieval may be effective in which one or a plurality of frames characteristic of the motion picture, typically representing the contents of the motion picture are extracted and displayed, so that the contents of the motion picture can be displayed in schematic manner.
The characteristic frame (hereinafter referred to as featured frame) used for motion picture retrieval includes, for example, a scene change frame. Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 9-261648 discloses a method in which a scene change frame is extracted, based on prediction mode information included in image data, from image data coded in accordance with interframe prediction coding. Over one frame, the number of I blocks which are coded in accordance with intraframe prediction, P blocks coded in accordance with forward interframe prediction, B blocks coded in accordance with backward interframe prediction and Bi blocks coded in accordance with bidirectional interframe prediction are counted. Frequency information of respective blocks reflects correlation among frames in the motion picture. Thus, based on the frequency information of each block, a frame immediately following a scene change (= scene change frame) is detected. Further, Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 10-23421 discloses a method of extracting a scene change frame, based on the change in amount of each piece of coding information contained in the coded image data. A conventional image retrieval information storing apparatus in accordance with the prior art is as shown in FIG. 14.
Referring to FIG. 14, the conventional image retrieval information storing apparatus includes a coding information reading unit 1401, a frame feature value generating unit 1402 connected to coding information reading unit 1401, an index information generating unit 1403 connected to frame feature value generating unit 1402, and an index information storing unit 1404 connected to index information generating unit 1403.
Coding information reading unit 1401 reads, according to Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 9-261648, block by block prediction mode information from coded image data, and reads, according to Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 10-23421, respective pieces of coding information of different types. Frame feature value generating unit 1402 calculates, from the various pieces of coding information read by coding information reading unit 1401, frequency of respective prediction mode blocks according to Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 9-261648, and calculates accumulated value of amount of respective pieces of coding information according to Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 10-23421. Index information generating unit 1403 determines the scene change frame which is the featured frame, based on the frame by frame feature value obtained in frame feature value generating unit 1402, that is, frequency information of respective prediction mode blocks according to Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 9-261648, and accumulated amount of respective pieces of coding information according to Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 10-23421. Index information generating unit 1403 outputs positional information of the scene change frame as index information. Index information storing unit 1404 stores the index information output from the index information generating unit 1403 as image retrieval information.
FIG. 15 represents a conventional image retrieving apparatus using the image retrieval information stored in this manner. Referring to FIG. 15, the conventional image retrieving apparatus includes an image retrieval executing unit 1501 executing retrieval using the image retrieval information and the coded image data as inputs and outputting the results of retrieval.
The featured frame includes, in addition to the scene change frame, a scene change frame based on rapid/slow movement, disclosed in Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 9-284702. According to the invention disclosed in Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 9-284702, a motion vector for detecting a scene change frame is obtained from the original image, not from the coded information, and the scene change frame is detected based on the total sum of motion vectors in a frame.
In the above described conventional image retrieval information storing apparatus, positional information of the extracted featured frame is obtained, and the positional information only is stored as the index information. Therefore, even when a plurality of images which are the objects of retrieval have mutually different features, only a featured frame representing one same feature only can be obtained. If feature frames reflecting features of respective images are to be obtained, it is necessary for the user to again generate the image retrieval information from the coded image data. In the process of retrieval, when featured frames corresponding to various features of images which are the object of retrieval are to be taken out in an interactive manner, re-generation of the image retrieval information from the coded image data significantly lowers retrieval efficiency. Further, preparation of featured frame indexes corresponding to every possible features for all the image data is not practical. Further, it is not possible by the prior art to meet with high efficiency a request for extracting a featured frame which has not been expected by the provider providing the image retrieval information.

Image retrieving apparatus performing retrieval based on coding information utilized for feature frame extraction or feature values of frames


Embodiments related to configurable Media Access Controllers (MACs) are described and depicted.

Communication is nowadays provided in digital form for many purposes and many types of applications. In digital communication a wide range of data types such as audio data, video data, digital TV data, email data, computer application data, etc are transmitted and distributed to devices to which they are respectively destined. The data may be provided at a user location to a single device such as a personal computer (PC) or to a plurality of devices such as a plurality of PCs or a plurality of different types of devices, for example personal computers, laptops or notebooks, handhelds, set-top boxes or television devices, wireless phones etc. To distribute the data at a user location, networks such as home networks are provided to connect a plurality of devices to provide a local area network (LAN) or other types of networks.


An embodiment of the invention relates to a method of phase detection in a receiver circuit with decision feedback equalization. Partial-equalization and full-equalization edge signals are generated. The feedback from the first tap of the decision feedback equalizer is separated from the feedback of the remaining plurality of taps. The feedback from the plurality of taps (not including the first tap) is used to generate partial-equalization edge signals, while the feedback from all the taps is used to generate full-equalization edge signals. The partial-equalization and full-equalization edge signals are utilized by phase-detection circuitry to provide highly-accurate data sampling locations for improved performance.

Technical Field
The present invention relates generally to data communication links. More particularly, the present invention relates to phase detection in a clock-data recovery circuit with decision feedback equalization.
Description of the Background Art
High-speed serial interfaces may be used to communicate data between devices in a system. Such serial interfaces may provide a high data bandwidth across backplanes or between chip devices.
However, challenges and problems are faced due to the high-speed signaling that may be used by these serial interfaces. One challenge relates to obtaining sufficient timing error information for timing recovery in a high-speed transceiver with speculative decision feedback equalization (DFE).

Phase detection in an analog clock data recovery circuit with decision feedback equalization


Systems and methods for improved visual prosthetic and orthodontic treatment planning are provided herein. In some aspects, a method for preparing a tooth of a patient is disclosed. The method may comprise building a model of a dentition of the patient including a model of the initial shape of tooth. The method may also include determining a final prepared shape of the tooth. In some aspects, the method may also include generating a treatment plan comprising a plurality of steps to modify the initial shape of the tooth to the final prepared shape of the tooth. The method may also include rendering visualizations for the plurality of steps of the treatment plan. The visualizations may depict the removal of tooth material to modify the initial shape of the tooth to the final prepared shape of the tooth.

Prior prosthetic and orthodontic procedures typically involve preparing teeth for receiving prosthetics and for orthodontic movement. Preparation for these treatments may include material removal to shape the teeth to receive a prosthetic or material removal to provide space for orthodontic movement such as interproximal reduction. To achieve these objectives, a dental practitioner may use various tools to remove material when shaping the teeth. The dental practitioner may make an educated guess as to the appropriate tools to use, and when and how to use them.
Sometimes, these prior prosthetic and orthodontic methods and systems can result in less than ideal preparation and treatment, in at least some respects. In light of the above, improved prosthetic and orthodontic treatment planning, preparation, and treatment are needed. Ideally such prosthetic and orthodontic treatment planning, preparation, and treatment would provide more reliable and easier to follow treatment steps, more accurately prepared teeth, and greater dental practitioner confidence.

Visual prosthetic and orthodontic treatment planning


A method includes training a plurality of different types of machine learning models using a training dataset to produce a set of trained machine learning models and determining a lift of each trained machine learning model in the set of trained machine learning models using a validation dataset. The method also includes selecting a trained machine learning model from the set of trained machine learning models that has a highest lift of the set of trained machine learning models and predicting a likelihood that a person will perform an action by applying the selected trained machine learning model to data about the person.

Machine learning models are used to determine the likelihood that people will perform certain actions if a treatment were applied to those people. For example, traditional machine learning models may be used to determine the likelihood that a person will purchase a product if the person received direct marketing (e.g., a flier in the mail). The machine learning models may be applied to a group of people to determine which people in the group should receive direct marketing (P(buy|treatment)). Direct marketing may be sent to the people in the group who have the highest likelihood of making a purchase if they received direct marketing. These predictions, however, may be wasteful (e.g., wasted computing resources, paper, postage, etc.) because the predictions encompass both (1) the people who would make the purchase even if they did not receive direct marketing and (2) the people who would not have made the purchase unless they received direct marketing. The more accurate approach would be to target only the people who would not have made the purchase unless they received direct marketing (P(buy|treatment)−P(buy|no treatment)), which may be referred to as uplift model prediction.
Traditional approaches to uplift model prediction, however, are inaccurate. For example, one approach involves building two different models, one for a group that received treatment and another for another group that did not receive treatment. The likelihoods predicted by both models is then subtracted to determine lift. These two models, however, are independent, each fitting a different population, and so the difference between their predictions may not be an accurate predictor when applied to another person. This approach is especially fragile when either of the models is trained using a small sample size. Another approach involves building one model for both populations, but these approaches are locked into one model type, which may not be the best model type for different datasets for other populations.

International Business Machines Corporation


A method of treating asthma in a subject in need of such treatment comprises contacting Interleukin-8 or an active fragment thereof to the respiratory epithelium of the subject. The active agent is preferably human endothelial IL-8, and is preferably contacted to the subject's respiratory epithelium by causing the subject to inhale respirable particles comprised of the active agent.

Four years ago we attempted to isolate a protein, produced by platelets, which causes histamine release from human basophils. R. Fisher et al., J. Allergy Clin. Immunol. 79, 196 (1987). This platelet-derived histamine releasing factor (PD-HRF) was present in supernatants obtained from washed platelets, and the supernatant was found to induce allergic skin reactions in human asthma patients. M. Weiss et al., J. J. Allergy Clin. Immunol. 81, 224 (1988). In order to further define its role in asthma, PD-HRF supernatants were used to challenge normal or allergic asthmatic rabbits by inhalation challenge. While normal rabbits in general were unaffected, asthmatic rabbits developed the typical changes associated with an asthma attack including early and late airway obstruction and increased hyperresponsiveness. W. Metzger et al. J. Allergy Clin. Immunol. 85(1) (1990); R. Fisher et al. J. Allergy Clin. Immunol. 85(1) (1990).


The present disclosure illustrates a current balance method and a current balance circuit thereof. The current balance method is used in a multiphase digital pulse width modulator. Steps of the current balance method are as follows. A plurality of pulse width values of the pulse width modulated signals within a first period are recorded, and a minimum pulse width value is defined as a standard value. The method determines whether each pulse width value is larger than the sum of the standard value and a pulse width threshold, and if yes, the method adds 1 to a count value of the phase output stage corresponding to the pulse width value. The method determines whether each count value equals to a counting threshold, and if yes, the method adjusts the pulse width modulated signal, and initializing the count value as 0.

1. Field of the Invention
The instant disclosure relates to a current balance method and a current balance circuit; in particular, to a current balance method and a current balance circuit used in a multiphase digital pulse width modulator.
2. Description of Related Art
In recent years, the digital pulse width modulation technology has been widely used in the power management integrated circuit. Compared with the analog pulse width modulation technology, the digital pulse width modulation technology has lower cost and better features for controlling, which has made the digital pulse width modulation technology become main stream in the power control field in a short time.
On the other hand, compared with the traditional digital pulse width modulator with signal channel, the multiphase digital pulse width modulator has a plurality of parallel channels which can distribute the provided currents to each channel evenly. However, as the currents within the channels lose balance (for example, the current in certain channel is more than the currents in other channels), thermal runaway would happen and that channel would be thus burned. Therefore, there is still a current balance method needed to be used in the traditional multiphase digital pulse width modulator to make the currents distribute to each channel evenly so as to avoid the unbalance.
The current balance technology traditionally and commonly used in the traditional multiphase digital pulse width modulator is to detect the current of each phase and to calculate an average, so as to adjust the pulse width regarding to each phase. However, there is one analog to digital converter (ADC) needed for each phase to detect the current, which makes the analog to digital converter which has high converting rate and high transmission speed become rather important in the above traditional current balance method. Moreover, the above traditional current balance method has its working complexity.

Current balance method and current balance circuit thereof


A radio transceiver having an event-driven power control circuit that commands a digital processor to perform power control processing only when the output power exceeds a predetermined power range.

Many wireless radio communication systems use one or more base stations and a plurality of transceivers that communicate with the base stations. The transmitting power of each transceiver must exceed a minimum level in order to achieve an acceptable signal-to-noise ratio at the respective receiving base station. The signal strength of a transceiver received at the receiving base station can be increased by increasing the transmitting power of each transceiver. However, when two or more transceivers are communicating with a base station in a shared radiation frequency bandwidth, the communication signals produced by the transceivers may interfere with one another and hence can degrade the signals received at the receiving base station. Therefore, there is an upper limit to the maximum transmitting power of each transceiver.
Other restrictions may also limit the upper limit of the transmitting power of a transceiver. For example, if the transmitting power of one transceiver is too high when communicating with one base station that is adjacent to another base station, an sufficient amount of the transmitting signal may be received by the adjacent base station to which the signal is not intended to send. This may adversely affect the operation of the adjacent base station. For another example, undesirable sidebands may be generated by modulation or nonlinear distortion due to operation at a high power. These sidebands may also adversely affect other base stations or even a different wireless radio communication system that operates at a different radio frequency.
A cellular phone system, including both analog and digital systems, is one example of the above wireless radio communication system. A digital cellular phone system such a code division multiple access ("CDMA") system, a time division multiple access ("TDMA") system, or a frequency division multiple access ("FDMA") system , for example, is often required to limit the transmitting power of each handset within a specified power range defined by predetermined maximum and minimum power levels. Such power range for handsets for a particular cellular system is specified by a respective cellular system standard. IS-95 and IS-54, for example, are the current US standards for CDMA and TDMA systems, respectively.
The transmitted power level of a handset can be preset at a desired level within a specified power range. However, the transmitted power is often subject to variation due to the temperature variation, frequency drift or other changing conditions. Such power variation may cause the transmitted power drift out of the specified range. Hence, it is desirable to implement a power control mechanism in a handset. For a given cellular system standard, different methods and circuits may be used to implement the specified power range.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,193,223 to Walczak and Cahill discloses one implementation of such power control for a TDMA cellular phone by repeatedly sampling and adjusting the transmitting power levels. For each sampled output power level, a desired power level and the actual transmitted power level is compared to determine the difference therebetween. The gain of a variable gain stage in the output signal path is then adjusted to reduce the difference.
One limitation of the above implementation is that a digital controller in the handset needs to respond to a sampled power level each and every time to produce a command that would change the gain of the variable gain stage in a desired manner. The digital controller is configured to do so even when the sampled transmitted power indicates that the transmitted power is at a desired value within the specified power range. This prevents the digital controller from performing other processing tasks or reduces the amount of processing power of the digital controller for processing other tasks during the period when the comparison of power levels is performed.

Power control in wireless radio tranceivers


An apparatus for controlling a manufacturing system comprises a display device, including a pallet designation area for selecting a desired pallet and a machine tool designation area for selecting a desired machine tool, for displaying an operating status of the manufacturing system, an inputting device for selecting the desired pallet designation area and executing a moving operation to the desired machine tool designation area, and a conveyance controlling device for executing the control to carry the pallet indicated in the pallet designation area toward the machine tool indicated in the machine tool designation area in accordance with the moving operation performed by this inputting device. When starting up a manual conveying function for setting a remote conveyance indication by using this apparatus, a system status display screen is displayed. A pallet to be conveyed is selected from a pallet designation area on this system status display screen and dragged the pallet to a position of a station or a working device to which the pallet should be carried, and dropped. With such operations, a single indication of the remote conveyance is registered, and the conveyance is started. A conveyance setting screen is not displayed in overlap on the system status display, and therefore the conveyance can be indicated while monitoring the system.

The present invention relates generally to a control apparatus for controlling manufacturing system and a method of controlling a manufacturing system and, more particularly, to an apparatus for and a method of controlling a remote conveyance of a flexible manufacturing system (FMS) with displaying a system status information.
In general, the FMS is constructed of a numerical controlled machine tool, a conveying device and a numerical controller, etc. Then, the numerical controlled machine tool is controlled based on manufacturing data such as a working order, part numbers and the number of workpieces provided from the numerical controller. Herein, data needed when conveying the workpiece on the basis of the manufacturing data, are displayed on a display screen in a handling station, and an operator selects an item from a content of the display screen, thereby executing the remote conveyance.
In the remote conveyance in the prior art FMS, specifically the following operations are implemented.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing operations of the remote conveyance in the prior art FMS.
First of all, when starting up a manual conveying function (step S201), a system status display is displayed on a display unit in the FMS (step S203).
FIG. 6 shows one example of display contents of the conventional system status display screen displayed in step S203.
Herein, [Setting], [Data Management], [Operation Management], [Achievement Management], [Maintenance], [Help] etc. are displayed by way of a menu 51 in an upper part on the screen, and can be selected by properly clicking it by a mouse etc. Further, a [Scheduled Operation] 52 is [Off-line], and a [Mode] 53 is [Manned]. Moreover, [YY-MM-DD] (Year/Month/Date) data 54 is displayed. Further, in FIG. 6, an arrangement station #1 indicates [Standby].
Furthermore, a box 55 containing pallet numbers 1-16 for the respective pallets is displayed, and arrangement stations 56 (#1, #2) and working devices 57 (MC#1, MC#2) are displayed.
Herein, when properly selecting an item of [Setting] etc. in the menu 51 (step S205), a window for setting is displayed (step S207).
FIG. 7 shows one example of display contents of a conventional setting screen.
This setting screen 60 is displayed as a window overlapped on the system status display screen which has previously been displayed. Displayed on this setting screen are a pallet number setting area 61, conveying location setting areas 62, 63, and a conveyance mode setting area 64, which are selectable by a mouse etc. Further, a remote conveyance indication area 65 in which the set data are displayed, is also provided. Moreover, in addition to the [Registration] button 66, respective buttons for [Deletion], [Help] and [End] are provided.
Herein, to start with, a number of a pallet to be carried is selected in the pallet number setting area 61 (step S209). Then, an item of conveying location data indicating a location from and/or to which the selected pallet should be carried is set in the conveying location setting area [From] 62 and/or the conveying location setting area [To] 63 (step S211). Further, a conveying mode setting area 64 is set as the necessity arises. When the settings described above are effectuated, respective items of data are displayed in the remote conveyance indication area 65. In this example, there is indicated an operation of taking the pallet marked with the pallet number 1 out of a stocker and conveying this pallet. Note that the process is in an unselected status as to where the pallet should be carried.
The operator confirms a content of the display of the remote conveyance indication area 65 and, when the setting is finished, pushes the [Registration] button 66 (step S213). If this conveyance is possible (step S215), the setting contents are written to a file (step S217). Whereas if the conveyance is impossible (step S215), an error is displayed (step S219).
With these operations, the single indication of the remote conveyance is registered, and the carrying is thus started.
According to the prior art operating method, however, the setting screen as shown in FIG. 7 is displayed overlapped on the system display screen, and hence the system status display on which statuses of the respective devices and a working state of the workpiece are displayed, is hard to see, resulting in such a problem that it is incapable of appropriately monitor the system.

Control apparatus for manufacturing system and method of controlling therefor


Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and apparatuses for enabling cluster scaling. Specifically, there is disclosed a method of recording a context of configuration for an initial node of a cluster, comprising: retrieving at least one file to be used for configuring the initial node; and recording a context while configuring the initial node using the at least one file, the recorded context being information on the configuration of the initial node and to be used for enabling addition of a new node into the cluster. There is also disclosed a method of enabling addition of a new node into a cluster. Corresponding apparatuses are also disclosed. According to embodiments of the present invention, the efficiency of improving cluster scaling may be effectively improved.

With the constant development of computing technology, a computer cluster system (or called briefly as a cluster) has become an important computing mode or system. A cluster is generally composed of a set of nodes that communicate with each other. These nodes cooperate on software and/or hardware levels to collaboratively carry out a computing task. It should be noted that in the context of the present application, the nodes in a cluster may be physical nodes like different physical computing devices, or virtual nodes like a plurality of virtual machines VM on a same physical computing device. The nodes in the cluster may communicate with each other through various proper means, including but not limited to a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), an IP protocol-based network (for example, Internet), a peer to peer network (for example, an ad hoc peer network), cellular communication, RF communication, Bluetooth communication, process/inter-process communication, etc.
An important factor for measuring the performance of a cluster is whether the cluster may be scaled effectively and dynamically. When a cluster is initially constructed and deployed, it may have n nodes (n is an integer) to perform a computing task. However, with the running of the cluster, the demands of computing tasks may increase. At this point, it is often required to add new node(s) into the cluster. Therefore, the new node should be properly configured according to the functionality and state of the cluster, and it is usually necessary to copy one or more files from a source external to the node for tasks such as installing or setting. In the prior art, such a configuration often consumes lots of time resources and computing resources.
In order to further explain this problem, a cluster comprising a plurality of virtual machines on a same physical machine is taken as an example. In order to add a new node (in this example, it is a new virtual machine) to the cluster, for example, it is generally required to perform the following configurations in sequence: obtaining and installing an operating system (OS) mirror, a middleware required for implementing functions of the cluster, and running user applications on the virtual machine, etc. With the middleware as an example, in the prior art, obtaining and installing a middleware always needs copying required files from a central repository to a local space of the VM, and then installing and configuring the middleware on the OS mirror using these files. Then the middleware may be initiated and the user-level applications may be deployed thereon. It may be understood that when the number of files is too much or the size of a file is too large, the above process will consume considerable processing time.
Further, in the prior art, in order to install an application on a new node, all files related to the application are usually copied from the central repository to the node, and then the actual installation process can be started. However, some files may be useless for node configuration, which causes waste of resources. Additionally, copying files is generally performed in sequence. However, some files may not have dependencies. As a result, the potential concurrency may not be effectively utilized. It may be further understood that, in order to configure a new node, it is likely needed to install a plurality of applications on the new node, which requires a plurality of files to be obtained for installing each application. This inevitably makes the file repository and communication channel, among other things, become bottleneck resources of the system. These problems further dampen the efficiency of cluster scaling.
Considering a specific example, when it is needed to configure a Websphere™ Application of the International Business Machine Corporation (IBM) on a virtual machine node, according to the prior art, it takes 10 minutes or longer to copy the required files from the central repository. It should be noted that although the above depiction is given with reference to a virtual machine, similar problems likewise exist in scaling a physical cluster.
In order to improve the efficiency of cluster scaling, it has been proposed to only perform "pseudo" configuration when a new node is to be added into the cluster. In other words, when a new node is added to the cluster, rather than actually copying and installing the required applications to the node and/or performing corresponding configurations, any operation is performed only when it is actually required at runtime (for example, copying a file from the central repository and locally installing it). Although such solutions may improve the speed of adding a new node into a cluster, it only postpones the time required for configuring a new node and resource overhead to the running time. Many of above-mentioned problems such as sequential access and bottleneck resource are not actually solved.

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION


In a method for cleaning a liquid delivery device such as a dispensing or pipetting device, the liquid chamber can be flushed in a cleaning step. To remove gas bubbles which might exist in the liquid chamber, for example, the liquid in the liquid chamber is vibrated during the cleaning step.

For dispensing and pipetting very small liquid amounts in the range of a few pl to μl, micropumps, for example, are utilized as a liquid delivery device, which eject drops through a nozzle of the dispensing or pipetting device. As a micropump, such dispensing or pipetting devices comprise a liquid chamber that contains a sample liquid or a system liquid. A wall of the sample chamber is configured to be, e.g., elastic, particularly as a diaphragm. A pulse generator such as a piezo actuator acts upon the elastic wall. Pressure pulses can be generated in the liquid chamber by the piezo actuator. They cause a delivery of liquid drops from the nozzle. The droplet volume is clearly defined so that the liquid amount delivered is clearly specified via the number of droplets. The volume of the individual drops is in the range of from 50-100 pl.
In principle, micropumps are very liable to fault. This is due to the very small dimensions and the sensitivity to precipitations and gaggings related thereto. Because of its compressibility, the presence of an air bubble, e.g., may result in that no delivery effect or a too small delivery effect occurs even if the diaphragm of the micropump is actuated. Furthermore, surface tension effects may impair the perfect function of such micropumps. Particularly with automation such as, for example, in medium or high throughput screening, a high reliability of such micropumps is required. Malfunctions which might nevertheless occur should be detected and repaired automatically. One problem which often occurs with micropumps, e.g., is that precipitations, e.g. of crystallizations of the liquid in the liquid chamber, are produced within the liquid chamber. Further, gas bubbles, particularly air bubbles, are often produced within the liquid chamber, a channel connected with the liquid chamber or the nozzle. This often results in a failure of the micropump. With micropumps used in dispensing and pipetting devices, gas bubbles at least lead to a falsification of the delivered drop size and thus to a falsification of the delivered liquid amount if they will not directly result in the failure of the micropump.
To avoid malfunctions in such liquid delivery devices, it is known to flush the liquid chamber with liquid in a cleaning step. The liquid in the liquid chamber, i.e., the sample or system liquid, is used for flushing. It is also possible to flush the chamber with flushing liquid via a separate connection of the liquid chamber with a reservoir. If necessary, the pump may be operated at an increased frequency or amplitude. Such known flushing methods, however, are time-consuming. This is particularly disadvantageous if such liquid delivery devices are used in medium or high throughput screening. Further, the liquid consumption in known flushing methods is extremely high. This is particularly disadvantageous when the flushing in a dispensing device has to be done with expensive sample liquid.
It is the object of the invention to provide a method for cleaning a liquid delivery device by means of which a quick and reliable cleaning is guaranteed.


Drywall joint formed by a sheet having a first side, a back side, and oppositely arranged beveled edges. A flap is arranged in an area of one of the beveled edges and has a free end which extends out beyond an end of the one of the beveled edges. At least one of the flap being an integral part of a facing forming the first side of the sheet and the flap being a separately formed member that is secured to a facing forming the first side of the sheet. The method provides for arranging the first beveled edge of one sheet adjacent to the second beveled edge of another sheet, securing the adjacent first and second beveled edges to a stud with fasteners, and applying a joint compound over at least a portion of the flap. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to a drywall joint system and method. The invention can be applied to any type of drywall whether conventional or otherwise. More specifically, the invention relates to a drywall sheet or panel which utilizes an attached or integrally formed joint tape. The invention also relates to a method of forming a drywall joint which does not require the use of conventional joint tape.
2. Discussion of Background Information
Drywall, also known as sheetrock or gypsum wall board, is typically available in sheets measuring 4×8 feet or 4×12 feet. Each sheet has a front side which is configured to receive, e.g., paint, wallpaper, and/or other covering layers, and a back side which is configured to contact wall studs, e.g., 2×4 (1.5″×3.5″) studs or 2×6 (1.5″×5.5″) studs. The sheets also typically include beveled edges on the longer sides (8′ or 12′ sides) and non-beveled edges on the shorter sides (4′ sides). As is shown in FIG. 1, adjacent sheets are typically secured to the wall studs WS with fasteners such as screws or nails.
With reference to FIG. 1, the process of forming a joint typically takes place as follows: the sheets SP1 and SP2 are secured to the studs WS so that adjacent beveled edges BE overlap one of the studs WS. Fasteners F are inserted into the beveled edges BE so that the edges are tightly secured to the wall stud WS. In order to hide the fasteners F and the beveled edges BE, a fairst layer of joint compound is applied over the fasteners F and the beveled edges BE. A joint tape JT is then pressed into the first layer and covered with a second layer of joint compound JC whereupon the joint tape JT becomes embedded in the joint compound JC. Once the joint compound JC dries, it is typically sanded and covered with additional successive layers (requiring drying and sanding) which can take place over a period of days. The result is a drywall joint having a relatively wide joint width JW.
One problem with the conventional system is that it is very labor intensive and requires installers to return to the jobsite many times to complete the joints to the point that they will not be visible after painting. Another problem with the conventional system is that it requires joint compound joints (JW being typically between about 12″ wide and about 24″ wide). Wider joints are preferred because they feather the compound and make it virtually impossible to detect the joint areas. However, they require more joint compound and more skill. Still another problem with the conventional system is that it requires significant skill to properly center the joint tape and place it without creating folds can require even wider joints to hide.