A system and method for determining an optimal antenna position of a directional antenna in a wireless communication system are described. The optimal antenna position is determined by calculating a steering metric value for possible antenna positions and the antenna position with the highest steering metric value is selected as the optimal antenna position.

1. Field of the Invention
The present disclosure relates to wireless data communication in general, and, in particular, to wireless data communication systems using switched-beam or other directional antenna technology, and the computation of a steering metric (SM) to enable optimization of antenna position (antenna pointing direction).
2. Description of the Related Art
Wireless data communications systems enable data transmission among two or more network elements. An example is a wireless local-area network (WLAN) system, widely used for connecting network elements in homes and offices, based on IEEE standard 802.11x (data rates from 6 to 54 Mbps). Operating range in a wireless system typically decreases with increasing data rate, for a given transmit power (which is often limited by law). Typical wireless network elements such as a WLAN access point (AP) use omni-directional antennas for receiving and transmitting data because network elements typically have no knowledge of the location of other network elements desiring a wireless connection.
Directional antennas have the desirable property of increasing the gain and hence communication range, by focusing the transmitted or received energy into a narrower beam. Many known approaches for generating such directional beams are used, including switched antennas, phased arrays of antenna elements, and others. One such approach is known as switched-beam antenna. The switched-beam antenna has plurality of typically identical beams, each covering an angular range with some fraction of 360 degrees, and oriented to direct the energy of the beam in a different direction. For example, a 6-beam antenna has six beams approximately 60 degrees wide, each beam typically oriented 60 degrees from the other, to provide full 360 degree coverage. Such antenna provides improved gain compared with an omni-directional antenna, and also provide increased transmit and receive range.
Application of such directional antenna in a wireless data communication system typically requires an automated means of determining the optimal antenna position to use for communication with other network elements at a given time. The "antenna position" refers to the angular position of a directional beam, or the omni-directional pattern. Typically, each of the many given antenna positions is tried to determine which position gives the best results. Each trial evaluates a parameter directly or indirectly indicative of the quality of data and compares the result for each position to determine the optimal position to use for communication. One widely-used such parameter is received signal strength indication (RSSI), which is typically available as analog or digital data from the automatic gain control (AGC) circuit in the network element receiver.
At lower data rates, and/or in an environment with minimum multipath, the use of RSSI to determine optimal antenna position can be quite effective. The determination of RSSI, as the antenna position changes, is typically simpler and quicker than the determination of packet error rate (PER). As a result, training time and data overhead is reduced by using RSSI at low data rates.
However, at higher data rates, multipath effects the quality of the received data (as measured by packet error rate PER) more that than RSSI. The PER might be significantly better using an antenna position having a lower-than-peak RSSI. Many wireless communication systems support widely-varying data rates. For example, WLAN standard 802.11g provides for data rates typically ranging from 6 to 54 Mbps. Lower rates are used in difficult transmission path conditions (long distance, high multi-path, interference from other network elements), while higher rates are used in better conditions. Use of only PER or RSSI to determine optimum antenna position over such a wide range of bandwidth is non-optimal. Therefore, a system and method is needed to effectively optimize antenna positioning when using a directional antenna wireless communication system while minimizing overhead (data bits not directly carrying user information) with a relatively shorter training time than traditionally used.

System and method for steering directional antenna for wireless communications


The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for use in revascularization of damaged areas of myocardium through application of one or more radiation type treatment modalities.

Myocardial ischemia is typically caused by stenosis of one or more coronary arteries. Treatment of this condition can be accomplished by many different techniques, such as coronary bypass surgery, balloon angioplasty, or laser angioplasty. While these treatments are commonly successful, they are not always feasible. For example, a patient may be too frail to withstand the open-heart surgery required for coronary bypass surgery. In addition, if the stenosis is extremely diffuse or totally occluded, angioplasty may not be possible.
Recently, it has been discovered that myocardial ischemia can be treated by forming channels through the myocardium at the location of the ischemia. This procedure is commonly called transluminal myocardial revascularization (TMR). It is theorized that the channels provide oxygenated blood from the left ventricular lumen to the myocardium, thereby alleviating the ischemia. One way of accomplishing TMR is by using a laser or needle to form channels from the exterior of the heart and through the epicardium, myocardium and endocardium. Another way of forming the channels is by percutaneous access through the aorta such that channels can be formed from the inside of the left ventricular lumen. However, recent studies have demonstrated that these channels do not remain patent, and that the major mechanism for long-term success is angiogenesis.
It has been discovered that the above-described TMR technique results in a small amount of angiogenesis (i.e., formation of new blood vessels) in the heart muscle near the formed channels. These new blood vessels enhance the amount of heart muscle that can take advantage of the increased availability of oxygenated blood.
It can be appreciated that it would be advantageous to further promote angiogenesis in damaged heart muscle in order to enhance the availability of oxygen and nutrients to the muscle.

Method and apparatus for increasing angiogenic, growth factor in heart muscle


A saw includes a C-shaped frame having a C-shaped channel and having a beam and an arm dependent downward from the front portion of the beam and a handle secured to the rear portion of the beam. An endless abrasive coating cable is engaged in the channel of the frame and includes an exposing portion disposed between the arm and the handle. A fastener is secured to the lower portion of the arm and includes a passage for receiving the cable and for securing the cable to the frame.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a saw, and more particularly to a saw having a coated abrasive cable.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Typical saws comprise a C-shaped frame and a saw blade secured to the frame. The saw blade is normally strip shaped and includes a thickness such that the frame should be maintained in a particular direction while sawing an object with such a saw blade. The saw blade will be easily damaged or broken when the frame is tilted or is rotated for an angle.
The present invention has arisen to mitigate and/or obviate the afore-described disadvantages of the conventional saws.


A body structure of a microwave oven having a cooking chamber for cooking foods includes an electronic part mounting member for mounting electronic parts thereon, a partition wall formed with the electronic part mounting member in one body therewith, and a bottom plate arranged at one side of the partition wall, thereby covering the cooking chamber at a bottom position thereof.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a microwave oven and, in particular, to a cooking chamber cavity structure for microwave ovens.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A conventional microwave oven, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, includes: a partition wall 5 formed in a "U" shape for partitioning off the microwave oven into a cooking chamber 1 and a machine room 3; a top plate 6 disposed at an upper side of the partion wall 5 for covering a cooking chamber; a rear panel 7 assembled at one side of the partition wall 5 to house the cooking chamber 1 and the machine room 3; a front panel 9 disposed at the other side of the partion wall 5; and a bottom plate 11 placed beneath a bottom of the partition wall 5, thus supporting the bottom of the partition wall 5 and at the same time, mounted thereon with various electronic parts.
The front panel 9 is formed at one side thereof with an opening 9a for receiving foods therethrough into the cooking chamber 1. The front panel 9 formed with the opening 9a is provided at one side thereof a door member 13, thereby opening or closing the cooking chamber 1. The cooking chamber is removably mounted at a floor thereof with a turntable 15 for placing foods thereon.
The machine room 3 is mounted at one side thereof with a high frequency generating means 17 for generating a high voltage. The machine room is also provided at one side thereof with a magnetron 19 for generating a high frequency when a high voltage generated by the high frequency generating means 17 is applied thereto.
The magnetron 19 and the partition are assembled at their upper sides with a waveguide 21 for guiding high frequency produced by the magnetron into the cooking chamber. The rear panel 7 is provided at one side thereof with a fan 23, which allows air to flow into and to be discharged outside the microwave oven after circulation of the air therein when electric power is supplied thereto, thereby cooling an inner side of the microwave oven.
Furthermore, a lateral wall of the cooking chamber 1 is formed at an upper side thereof with a number of outlets 5a for serving to discharge the air therethrough after its circulation. The front panel 9 is disposed at a side of the machine room with an exterior duct 25 for discharging the air infused into the machine room 3 toward a kitchen.
The exterior duct 25 is mounted at above a control unit 27 provided with a manipulating button, by which a driving condition, heating time and the like are selected.
In order to drive the microwave oven thus constructed, first, the door 13 is opened and food F is placed on the turntable disposed on the floor of the cooking chamber 1, thereafter the door 13 is closed, desired cooking time and cooking menu and the like are input by the control unit 27, and a start button is pressed. Then the turntable 15 is rotated in one direction as a high frequency is generated according to an oscillating operation of a magnetron (not shown) to thereafter be dispersed in the cooking chamber 1.
The high frequency dispersed in the cooking chamber 1 is reflected from metal walls therein and is radiated to the food on the turntable 15 to thereby heat the food.
At this time, a heat generated by operations of the high frequency generating means 17 and magnetron 19 is cooled by an exterior air flowing into the machine room 3 through a number of inlets 7a formed in the rear panel 7 when the fan 23 is operated by electric power applied thereto, and the air is discharged through the exterior duct 25 outside the oven thereafter.
Meanwhile, some exterior air sucked through the inlet 7a formed at the rear panel 7 flows into the cooking chamber 1 and cool the heated air, thereafter being discharged toward the outside the oven through a number of outlets 5a formed at an upper side of the wall of the cooking chamber 1.
However, there is a problem in the conventional microwave oven thus constructed in that as the cooking chamber cavity structure requires five parts, that is, the partition wall 5, the top plate 6, the front panel 9, the rear panel 7, and the bottom plate 11 to form the cooking chamber 1, the cavity structure wastes material and increases the manufacturing cost.

Cooking chamber cavity structure of microwave ovens


Strain gauges that can provide information with regard to the state of implantable devices are described. The strain gauges can exhibit luminescence that is detectable through living tissue, and the detectable luminescent emission can vary according to the strain applied to the gauge. A change in residual strain of the device can signify a loss of mechanical integrity and/or loosening of the implant, and this can be non-invasively detected either by simple visual detection of the luminescent emission or through examination of the emission with a detector such as a spectrometer or a camera.

Over 28 million musculoskeletal injuries are treated annually in the US, including approximately 2 million fracture fixation surgeries. While fixation is highly effective, refracture, malunion and non-union can occur, especially if load bearing begins before proper healing. Other potential problems include loosening from infection (5-10% of cases) and asceptic loosening. All of these problems relate to the mechanics of the implant and bone, and methods to detect the in situ stress are important in determining proper treatment course.
There are two known classes of fixation devices: external fixation devices, where pins pass through the skin and are locked with an external plate, and internal devices, with all materials implanted. External devices can be easily instrumented with electronic strain sensors and bone stiffness can be measured by applying known stresses to the pins and measuring the resulting strain. These external measurements are a highly promising diagnostic for bone healing. The rate of stiffening has been used to diagnose non-union, and using specific stiffness endpoints can reduce the average time until load bearing by weeks while also reducing the number of refractures due to premature load bearing in unhealed fractures. However, external fixation devices are more prone to infection than internal fixation devices and are less often used. For internal fixation devices, currently available strain sensors (e.g. resistive and capacitive strain gauges, fiber optic Bragg gratings, ultrasound of liquid-filled cavities, X-ray diffraction, optical moiré pattern analysis, and video tracking) are either unsuitable for non-invasive transdermal measurements or require relatively large and complex devices for power, detection, and telemetry.
In addition to fracture fixation, mechanical measurements are also important in many other biomedical applications, including tendon repair. For example, the ability to make direct assessments of the mechanical capabilities of a tendon may help to prevent failures in various types of tendon repairs, such as rotator cuff repairs.
There are various known methodologies for measuring strain and displacement in the absence of tissue, such as various optical-based methods. Specifically, Moiré pattern analysis and photoelastic polarimetry are used to map strain fields, while video tracking is used to track the position of individual mechanical components. For example video tracking was used to measure the position of dots drawn on a tendon during stress in a cadaveric model in order to determine strain on the implant. The position and velocity of motors and stages are also often measured using the reflection from optically patterned rotational and linear optical encoders. In addition, strain indicating bolts are known that include a component that changes color based upon displacement of fluid during bolt elongation and relative displacement of two components. However, it has been found that the above optical techniques are insufficient for measuring implanted medical devices through tissue for three principle reasons. First, when using any of such optical techniques, most of the incident ambient light reflects directly from the skin and superficial tissue providing a large background that obscures the very dim signal from light which penetrates through the tissue, reflects from the optical strain gauge, and penetrates back through the tissue and skin. Second, even if there is no background, optical scattering of the reflected light in the tissue results in blurring of the image, with a point spread function approximately equal to the depth through the tissue. Third, the point spread function depends significantly upon the sample orientation and depth. Thus strain measurements that depend on optical imaging will not work through tissue.
Electrical impedance and optical fiber strain gauges have also been developed for studying dynamic strain in vivo, but these require transdermal wires which can easily lead to infection. In addition, wireless devices have been developed, but these require complex electronics for power, sensing, and telemetry, which limits the size and necessitates significant modification of the implants. Non-invasive methods usually rely upon tracking the position of fiduciary markers using X-ray or ultrasound imaging, but these are ineffective at measuring displacements less than about 100 micrometers (μm). X-ray images also require acquisition at multiple angles to account for changes in sample position and angle.
What are needed in the art are strain gauges that allow for displacement and/or strain on musculoskeletal structures and/or implantable devices to be measured optically through living tissue without the need for invasive technologies so as to limit patient stress and infection opportunities.

Luminescent tension-indicating orthopedic strain gauges for non-invasive measurements through tissue


A method is provided for selecting a representative set of training data for training a statistical model in a machine condition monitoring system. The method reduces the time required to choose representative samples from a large data set by using a nearest-neighbor sequential clustering technique in combination with a kd-tree. A distance threshold is used to limit the geometric size the clusters. Each node of the kd-tree is assigned a representative sample from the training data, and similar samples are subsequently discarded.

Many manufacturing and service equipment installations today include, in addition to systems for controlling machines and processes, systems for machine condition monitoring. Machine condition monitoring systems include an array of sensors installed on the equipment, a communications network linking those sensors, and a processor connected to the network for receiving signals from the sensors and making determinations on machine conditions from those signals.
The purpose of machine condition monitoring is to detect faults as early as possible to avoid further damage to machines. Traditionally, physical models were employed to describe the relationship between sensors that measure performance of a machine. Violation of those physical relationships could indicate faults. However, accurate physical models are often difficult to acquire.
An alternative to the use of physical models is the use of statistical models based on machine learning techniques. That approach has gained increased interest in recent decades. In contrast to a physical model, which assumes known sensor relationships, a statistical model learns the relationships among sensors from historical data. That characteristic of the statistical models is a big advantage in that the same generic model can be applied to different machines. The learned models differ only in their parameters.
There are two basic types of statistical models used in machine condition monitoring: a regression-based model and a classification-based model. In a regression model, a set of sensors is used to predict (or estimate) another sensor. Since a regression model can produce a continuous estimate, the deviation of the actual value from the estimate can be used directly for fault diagnosis. For example, a simple logic can be built as "the larger the deviation, the greater the chance of a fault."
In a classification-based model, the output is discrete. One application of a classification-based model is an out-of-range detector, wherein a one-class classifier is often employed. A one-class classifier output indicates whether there is an out-of-range condition or not.
To be able to use statistical models for machine condition monitoring, it is necessary to train the model based on labeled historical data. In a classification-based model, a data point label may be either "normal" (representing good data) or "abnormal" (representing data indicating a fault).
One approach to training is to include all available data in the training set. The advantage of an all-inclusive approach is that the trained statistical model is expected to generalize well, because the training data covers most variations that may occur in future. Two issues, however, exist in that approach. First, there may be too much training data, making the training process time-consuming or even intractable. Second, much of the data may be very similar. It is not necessary to use similar training samples. Similar data may furthermore cause over-training if, during the selected training period, the machine happens to be working in the same mode for most of the time. Simple sub-sampling can solve the first of the above issues, but not the second. Sub-sampling may also cause loss of useful data points. A human operator can manually select training instances; however, such a process is tedious and also intractable if multiple sensors are present in a model.
There is therefore a need for an improved method for selecting training data. Such an improved method would find representative training instances and at the same time reduce data redundancy.
One approach might be to use standard clustering techniques to cluster the training data, and then use each cluster center as a selected instance. The two most frequently used clustering algorithms are the k-means algorithm and the ISODATA clustering algorithm. Both of those algorithms are iterative procedures. For the k-means algorithm k cluster centers are initially randomly selected. Each training sample is assigned to the closest cluster based on the distance from the sample to the cluster center. Then all cluster centers are updated based on the new assignments. The process is repeated until it converges.
The ISODATA algorithm is more advanced in that it is able to split and merge clusters. A cluster is merged with another cluster if the cluster is too small or very close to another cluster. A cluster is split if it is too big or its standard deviation exceeds a predefined value.
Neither algorithm, however, is appropriate for use in selecting training data in the present application, for at least two reasons. First, both the k-means and ISODATA algorithms create a virtual data point, while the present application requires selecting a real data point. Second, both clustering methods lack a precise control of the geometric size of each cluster. For example, the technique may yield a number of large clusters. The center of a large cluster is not representative of all its members, because the distance between the members is too large.
There is therefore presently a need for a method for selecting training data from a large data set. That method should limit the number of training samples, while assuring that the selected samples are representative of the data.

Use of sequential nearest neighbor clustering for instance selection in machine condition monitoring


Disclosed herein is a structure for cooling the stator of a superconducting rotating machine. The structure includes a stator coil. Slots are axially disposed at the stator coil to support the stator coil, and a space is defined between the slots to allow the stator coil to be partially exposed. A stator yoke is disposed on the slots such that a space is defined between the exposed portion of the stator coil, the slots and the stator yoke. A cooling tube is disposed in the space defined between the exposed portion of the stator coil, the slots and the stator yoke, thus simultaneously cooling both the stator coil and the stator yoke.

The stators of most conventional motors are cooled through the natural convection or forced convection of air. Some stators may be cooled using water or oil. The density of an electric current which may flow in a stator coil in the case of using the air cooling method is relatively lower than that of an electric current in the case of using the water or oil cooling method. However, the air cooling method using natural convection never requires an additional cooling device, and the air cooling method using forced convection requires the installation of only a cooling fan (blower).
The water/oil cooling method is used in relatively large capacity motors of 1000 horsepower or more, and is higher in the density of current which may flow in the stator coil in comparison with the air cooling method. But, a cooling device using the water/oil cooling method becomes very complicated.
Generally, as shown in FIG. 1, the conventional water or oil cooling method for motors is not the method of directly cooling stator coils 1 from which the most heat is emitted, but is the method of cooling a stator core 2 surrounding the coils 1, thus eliminating generated heat through heat transfer between the stator core 2 and the stator coils 1. Therefore, thanks to passages 3 through which water or oil flows, the stator yoke core is cooled.
In the conventional motor, the stator coils are surrounded by the core which has superior heat transfer ability. Thus, even though the cooling passages are provided only in a stator yoke part, the stator coils can be sufficiently cooled.
Meanwhile, a superconducting rotating machine such as a superconducting motor or generator uses superconducting coils which may generate the strong magnetic field without using the core. Since a conventional rotating machine uses coils made of copper, it is difficult to obtain a desired output power unless the core is used, and an air gap between a stator core and a rotor core is very small so as to maximize flux linkage between stator coils and rotor coils. Thus, the stator coils are disposed between slots formed in the core, thus minimizing the air gap between the stator and the rotor. However, a magnetic field concentrates on the slots formed in the core, so that the loss of an alternating current in the slots is larger than that in other parts when the magnetic field generated by the rotor rotates. Further, the slots are different in permeability from the coils, thus causing the increase in the distortion factor of the waveform of generated voltage.
In order to solve the problems of the conventional machine, the stator slot of the superconducting rotating machine is not made of the iron core but is made of a non-magnetic material such as fiber-glass reinforced plastics (FRP). Therefore, this is advantageous in that there is no loss in the slot and the waveform of generated voltage is very sinusoidal. However, since the heat conductivity of FRP is a lot smaller than that of the core, heat generated in the stator coils is not easily dissipated.
In an existing large machine such as a vessel propelling motor or turbine generator, cooling tubes 4 are disposed between the stator coils as shown in FIG. 2 or a cooling passage is provided in each coil, thus forming a water/oil cooling structure.
Most water/oil cooling structures for stators of superconducting rotating machines which have been developed until now have a configuration used in the conventional rotating machine, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. That is, cooling tubes 8 must be wound together with stator coils 5 in narrow slots in FRP 6. According to the bent shape of each stator coil 5, the cooling tubes 8 are bent, thus forming bent portions 17. The cooling tubes 8 of the respective portions must be welded in several places. Thus, the cooling tubes 8 are apt to become narrow or clogged, and it is very difficult to manufacture. Further, since the cooling tubes 8 are disposed in spaces in the stator slots which are to be occupied by conductors, the ratio of the stator conductors occupied in the slots is reduced, thus causing an increase in the size of the machine.
As a stator cooling structure which is different from the conventional cooling structure, U.S. Pat. No. 6,489,701 B1 has been proposed, which is shown in FIG. 5. The stator cooling structure is configured such that a slot is omitted and stator coils 9 are wound in a single layer. Cooling tubes 10 are provided on the upper and lower portions of the stator coils 9 of the single layer in such a way as to surround the stator coils 9 in a spiral form. Since the stator cooling structure has no structure for supporting electromagnetic force (torque) applied to the stator coils 9, it is suitable for an industrial motor which rotates at 1800 rpm or higher and applies relatively small electromagnetic force on the stator coils.
However, a very large electromagnetic force acts on the stator coils of a vessel propelling motor or wind turbine which rotates ten or more times slower than a general industrial motor but on which large torque acts. Thus, unless a slot for supporting the stator coils 9 is used as shown in FIG. 5, a machine may be broken or damaged.
Further, the cooling structure is an integrated structure wherein the cooling tubes 10 completely surround the stator coils. Hence, when the stator coils 9 are burn out, it is difficult to repair just them in isolation. The multiple phase coils overlap each other, so that electric insulation may easily deteriorate. Thus, the cooling structure may be applied to a high-speed and low-torque industrial motor, in which a relatively small electromagnetic force acts on the stator coils. However, the cooling structure is unsuitable for a low-speed and high-torque industrial vessel propelling motor or wind turbine, in which a very large electromagnetic force acts on the stator coils. A structure for supporting high torque is required.
Further, because of the cooling tubes 10 covering the upper and lower portions of the coils, the volume of the stator coils is increased, and thus the size of the machine is further increased. When the cooling structure is compared with other structures, the air gap between superconducting field coils and stator coils is increased. Thus, in order to ensure a flux linkage for a desired output power, a larger amount of expensive superconducting wires is required in filed coils, so that manufacturing costs are undesirably increased.

Stator cooling structure for superconducting rotating machine

Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute


Disclosed is an automatic icemaker has a rotatably supported ice making portion having first and second ice making trays arranged in a back-to-back manner, a motor for rotating the ice making portion, a first and a second temperature detecting sensors for detecting the temperature of the first and second ice making tray or the temperature of ice within a compartment of the first and second ice making tray, and a signal processor for controlling the motor to turn over the ice making portion after the temperature of the first or second ice making tray, or the temperature of ice within a compartment of the first or second ice making tray, looking upward, detected by the first temperature detecting sensor or the second temperature detecting sensor has become stabilized in the vicinity of 0° C.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an automatic icemaker for producing ice.
2. Description of the Related Art
In a conventional automatic icemaker, ice is produced in this way. With use of an ice making tray, supported for rotation and having a first and a second face, the first and the second faces having pluralities of first and second small compartments provided thereon, respectively, water is poured into the first compartments while the first face of the ice making tray is looking upward. After the water in the first compartments has been frozen, the ice making tray is turned over, so that the ice in the first compartments is discharged into an ice bin disposed under the ice making tray. Then, water is poured into the second compartments on the second face which is now looking upward, and after the water in the second compartments has been frozen, the ice making tray is turned over so that the ice in the second compartments are discharged into the ice bin disposed under the ice making tray. Ice is thus produced through repetition of similar operations.
However, while ice is being produced with the use, for example, of the first face of the ice making tray, the second face is not operating to produce ice. Thus, it has been unable to produce ice efficiently.


Adjustable pairs of eyeglasses are disclosed which retain the precise adjustments during long periods of wear. Apparatus and methods are provided for so adjusting rim separation at the bridge of the frame of the eyeglasses and for so adjusting the effective length of temples between shoulders and bow of the frame. Two embodiments of a special tool used in the adjustment processes is also provided

The necessity of custom fitting eyeglasses and their associated frame to an individual wearer of the glasses is well known in optometry. Discomfort associated with ill-fitting glasses is well known often used in commercial advertisements related to marketing of new eye wear. For this reason, it is common practice for an optometrist to carefully and precisely calibrate the dimensions of various critical head contacting points of each eyeglass frame to the widely variable facial characteristics of each wearer.
In a manufacturing or other high eye-hazard environments where the wearing of eyeglasses is mandatory to maintain an acceptable safety standard, it is important that eyeglasses be worn without noticeable or even sub-liminal discomfort so that proper attention can be continuously paid to work at hand. In such environments, it is common for safety glasses to be provided from a general, but usually limited inventory, for people who do not normally wear safety glasses or glasses of any kind.
The variety of over-the-counter and non-prescription eyeglasses, such as sun glasses, is often restricted in sizes available to a customer by the number of different sizes which are commercially available and economically supportable by the volume of glasses sold at each particular store. In the case of reading and other vision correcting eyeglasses, it is as important that each pair of eyeglasses fit properly and provide wear comfort similar to an optometrist fitted pair of eyeglasses.
Customarily, in such circumstances, glasses are available in, at best, a limited number of sizes on each occasion where a new pair of eyeglasses is selected for use by the wearer. It is more often the case that such glasses do not fit each wearer in a manner consistent with needs established by safety and comfort standards. After a period of wear, it is not uncommon to see such a wearer remove the glasses, if only for a moment, to provide relief from some discomfort.
A limited number of safety and non-prescription eyeglasses comprise adjustable features such as wire forms of sides or temples which are bendable to adjust each bow which forms the curved extremity of the side or temple to fit a particular auricular dimension. Slidable adjustments for both temples and bridges are known in the art. However, such adjustments are often imprecise and short lived and become poorly adjusted after a period of continued wear.
It also known in the art to provide a rotary expansion screw coupler for adjusting separatable parts of eyeglasses. Each rotary expansion screw coupler usually comprises a medially disposed knurled portion for relatively facile finger adjustment. Generally, the spatial relation of adjusted parts of the eyeglasses is dependent upon the freedom of movement of the screw coupler, itself, or upon parts separate from the coupler, existing at other parts of the eyeglass frame. As such, long term, stable and spatially precise adjustment is not inherently realized by current rotary expansion screw coupled eyeglasses.

Adjustable anatomical spectacle framework systems and methods


The present disclosure is an altered backpack with more than one shoulder strap, which allows the wearer to reconfigure the shoulder straps while wearing, swing the backpack around to the wearer's front, and access the contents of the backpack, while still wearing the backpack.

1. Technical Field
The subject disclosure relates generally to backpacks for hiking, camping, or carrying cameras, school paraphernalia, or other equipment.
2. Background
The typical backpack is a bag with a closure and two shoulder straps, which are slung over the shoulders so that the weight of the backpack is distributed on the shoulders and the backpack is carried on the upper back. Each shoulder strap is attached near the upper corner and lower corner of the bag, and each makes a rough loop, between the strap and the bag, through which one of the wearer's arms is stuck. The shoulder straps are typically made from padded material and nylon webbing, to make it more comfortable for the wearer's shoulders to bear the weight of the backpack.
Generally, using two shoulder straps is preferable to slinging the backpack over a single shoulder because the weight load is distributed between two shoulders, making it easier to carry heavy loads for longer periods. Single-shoulder-strap backpacks, such as the common "messenger-bag" style do not offer this, and other, advantages.
The major drawback of using two shoulder straps and carrying the backpack on the back is that the backpack can not be accessed while wearing. That is, accessing the contents of the backpack requires taking at least one shoulder strap off.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Backpack accessible from the user's front while wearing


A 3D data analysis apparatus includes a data storage unit configured to store measurement data of microparticles, an input unit configured to select four independent variables from the measurement data, a data processing unit configured to calculate a position in a coordinate space using three variables of the selected variables as coordinate axes, calculate a figure from one residual variable of the selected variables, and create a 3D stereoscopic image showing a characteristic distribution of the microparticles, and a display unit configured to display the 3D stereoscopic image.

The present disclosure relates to a 3D data analysis apparatus, a 3D data analysis method and a 3D data analysis program, and, more particularly, to a 3D data analysis apparatus for displaying measurement data of microparticles by a 3D stereoscopic image, and the like.
In order to analyze microparticles such as bio-related particles such as cells, microorganisms and liposomes or synthetic particles such as latex particles, gel particles and industrial particles, a microparticle measurement device of introducing dispersed liquid of microparticles into a channel and measuring optically, electrically or magnetically microparticles has been used.
As an example, there is a particle analyzer for discriminating synthetic particles according to the size or shape thereof. As parameters which may be measured by the particle analyzer, there are an elementary composition and a particle diameter of a microparticle and the like.
A flow cytometer (flow cytometry) is used to analyze bio-related particles. As parameters which may be measured by the flow cytometer, there are forward scattered light (FS), side scattered light (SS), fluorescence (FL), impedance and the like of the microparticles. Forward scattered light (FS), side scattered light (SS) and fluorescence (FL) are used as parameters showing optical characteristics of cells or microorganism (hereinafter, merely referred to as "cells") and impedance is used as a parameter showing the electrical characteristics of cells.
More specifically, first, forward scattered light is light which is scattered at a small angle in a front direction with respect to a laser light axis and includes scattered light, diffracted light and refracted light of laser light generated at surfaces of cells. Forward scattered light is mainly used as a parameter showing the size of the cells. Next, side scattered light is light scattered at an angle of about 90 degrees with respect to a laser light axis, and is a scattered light of the laser light generated in a granule or nucleus inside the cell. Side scattered light is mainly used as a parameter showing the internal structure of cells. Fluorescence is light generated from a fluorescent pigment which is labeled at the cells and is used as a parameter showing presence/absence of a cell surface antigen recognized by a fluorescent pigment labeled antibody, the amount of nucleic acid coupled with a fluorescent pigment and the like. In addition, impedance is measured by an electrical resistance method and used as a parameter showing the volume of cells.
In order to analyze measurement data in a flow cytometer, a data analysis apparatus for plotting a measurement value of each cell with respect to the axis of such a measurement parameter and creating and displaying a drawing showing a characteristic distribution of cells in a cell group is used. A one-dimensional distribution map using one measurement parameter is also referred to as a histogram and is created as a graph in which an X axis denotes a measurement parameter and a Y axis denotes the number (count) of cells. A two-dimensional distribution map using two measurement parameters is also referred to as a cytogram and is created by plotting cells based on the measurement values thereof in a coordinate plane in which an X axis denotes one measurement parameter and a Y axis denotes the other measurement parameter.
Since unnecessary cells which are not analysis objects are included in a cell group used as a sample, measurement data is analyzed after picking out a cell sub-group, which is an analysis object, from the cell group used as the sample. The cell sub-group, which is the analysis object, is picked out by specifying a region, in which the cell sub-group is present, on the histogram or the cytogram. This operation is called "gating" because target cells are surrounded in the region specified on the histogram or the cytogram.
On the histogram having one measurement parameter as an axis or the cytogram having one combined measurement parameter as an axis, a cell sub-group which is an analysis object and unnecessary cells may be present in an overlap region. For example, when a lymphocyte is analyzed using human peripheral blood as a sample, some monocyte and lymphocyte may be present in the same region on the cytogram having forward scattered light (FS) and side scattered light (SS) as axes. Accordingly, when gating is performed, it is necessary for the user to specify the region in which monocyte is not surrounded and only lymphocyte is present.
In order to specify the region so as to surround only the cell sub-group to be analyzed without surrounding unnecessary cells, in the related art, it is necessary for the user to perform gating with reference to a plurality of histograms or cytograms. The number of measurable parameters has been increased in association with improvement in performance of a flow cytometer. Thus, it is necessary for the user to refer to more histograms or cytograms. At this time, it is necessary for the user to perform a gating operation while recalling a stereoscopic distribution map (3-dimensional distribution map) obtained by two cytograms.
In order to support the gating operation of the user, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2006-17497 proposes an analysis apparatus including measurement data acquiring means for acquiring first, second and third measurement data from an analyte, three-dimensional distribution map creating means for creating a three-dimensional distribution map showing a distribution of a tangible component included in the analyte using the first, second and third measurement data as the axes, region setting means for setting the fraction region on the three-dimensional distribution map to be changable, and a reference distribution map creating means for creating at least one of a two-dimensional distribution diagram using the first and second measurement data as axes and a frequency distribution map using the first measurement data as the axis with respect to the tangible component belonging to the fraction region set by the region setting means (see claim 9 of Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2006-17497). According to the analyzing apparatus, it is possible to set the fraction region on the three-dimensional distribution map while referring to the two-dimensional distribution map (cytogram) and the frequency distribution map (histogram) displayed along with the three-dimensional distribution map. In addition, the three-dimensional distribution map of this analysis apparatus is planarly displayed on the display and is not stereoscopic.
In association with the present disclosure, a two-eye stereo three-dimensional image technique (3D stereoscopic image technique) will be described. In the two-eye stereo three-dimensional image, first two images are obtained when a right eye and a left eye view of an object are prepared. Such images are simultaneously displayed, a right-eye image is provided only to a right eye and a left-eye image is provided only to a left eye. Thus, an image projected on the eye when viewing an object in a three-dimensional space is reproduced such that the user stereoscopically views the object.
In a 3D display in which a stereoscopic view is enabled, (a) a glasses system, (b) a naked-eye system and (c) a viewer system are mainly employed. In (a) the glasses system, there are an anaglyph system, a polarized filter system and a time division system. In (b) the naked-eye system, there are a parallax barrier system and a lenticular system and, in (c) the viewer system, there are a stereoscope system and a head mount system.

Stereoscopic display of biological particle measurement data


Disclosed herein are isolated immunogens including variant gp120 polypeptides. In an example, a variant gp120 polypeptide includes a deletion of at least 8 consecutive residues of the fourth conserved loop (C4) between residues 419 and 434 of gp120 according to HXB2 numbering. Also provided are isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding the disclosed isolated immunogens. In an example, an isolated nucleic acid molecule further includes a nucleic acid molecule encoding a hepatitis B surface antigen or a variant thereof. Compositions including the isolated immunogens including variant gp120 polypeptides are also disclosed. In some examples, a composition further includes a carrier protein, such as a hepatitis B surface antigen or a variant thereof (natural or recombinant). Viral-like particles are also provided including any of the disclosed isolated immunogens or compositions. Also disclosed are uses of these variant gp120 polypeptides and nucleic acids encoding variant polypeptides, such as to induce an immune response to HIV-1.

Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is recognized as one of the greatest health threats facing modern society. Treatments for HIV-infected individuals as well as the development of vaccines to protect against infection are urgently needed. One difficulty has been in eliciting neutralizing antibodies to the virus.
The HIV-1 envelope glycoproteins (gp120 and gp41), which mediate receptor binding and entry, are the major targets for neutralizing antibodies. Although the envelope glycoproteins are immunogenic and induce a variety of antibodies, the neutralizing antibodies that are induced are strain-specific, and the majority of the immune response is diverted to non-neutralizing determinants (Weiss, R. A., et al., Nature, 316 (6023): 69-72, 1985; Wyatt, R. and J. Sodroski, Science, 280 (5371): 1884-1888, 1998). Broadly neutralizing monoclonal antibodies have been isolated only rarely from natural HIV infection. For example, only three gp41-directed neutralizing antibodies (2F5, 4E10 and Z13) and a few gp120-directed neutralizing antibodies have been identified to date.
The HIV envelope spike mediates binding to receptors and virus entry (Wyatt and Sodroski, Science 280:188, 1998). The spike is trimeric and composed of three gp120 exterior and three gp41 transmembrane envelope glycoproteins. CD4 binding to gp120 in the spike induces conformational changes that allow binding to a coreceptor, either CCR5 or CXCR4, which is required for viral entry (Dalgleish et al., Nature 312:763, 1984; Sattentau and Moore, J. Exp. Med. 174:407, 1991; Feng at al., Science 272:872, 1996; Wu et al., Nature 384:179, 1996; and Trkola et al., Nature 384:184, 1996).
The mature gp120 glycoprotein is approximately 470-490 amino acids long depending on the HIV strain of origin. N-linked glycosylation at approximately 20 to 25 sites makes up nearly half of the mass of the molecule. Sequence analysis shows that the polypeptide is composed of five conserved regions (C1-C5) and five regions of high variability (V1-V5).
With the number of individuals infected with HIV-I approaching 1% of the world's population, an effective vaccine is urgently needed. As an enveloped virus, HIV-I hides most of its proteins and genes from humoral recognition behind a protective lipid bilayer. An available exposed viral target for neutralizing antibodies is the envelope spike. Genetic, immunologic and structural studies of the HIV-I envelope glycoproteins have revealed extraordinary diversity as well as multiple overlapping mechanisms of humoral evasion, including self-masquerading glycan, immunodominant variable loops, and conformational masking. These evolutionarily-honed barriers of antigenic diversity and immune evasion have confounded traditional means of vaccine development. It is believed that immunization with effectively immunogenic HIV gp120 envelope glycoprotein can elicit a neutralizing response directed against gp120, and thus HIV. The need exists for immunogens that are capable of eliciting a protective immune response in a suitable subject. In order to be effective, the antibodies raised must be capable of neutralizing a broad range of HIV strains and subtypes.

Deletion of the beta 20-21 loop in HIV GP120 exposes the CD4 binding site for improved antibody binding and antibody induction

The United States of America, as Represented by the Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services


Systems and methods for reducing the effects of stray magnetic flux are provided. For example, an electronic device can employ the system and can include a first audio component configured to have a first acoustic phase and a first magnetic phase. The electronic device can also include a second audio component configured to have the first acoustic phase and a second magnetic phase that is opposite the first magnetic phase. The first audio component can be positioned with respect to the second audio component, such that any stray magnetic flux from the first audio component enters the second audio component during operation of the first and second audio components.

As electronic devices and, more particularly, portable electronic devices (e.g., laptop computers, tablets, and cellular telephones) continue to get smaller, components of the devices continue to be positioned closer to one another. Certain device components, such as electrodynamic transducers (e.g., loudspeakers) often produce stray magnetic flux that is potentially disruptive to adjacent magnetically sensitive device components (e.g., Hall sensors and hard drives). If stray flux is not adequately kept away from certain magnetically sensitive components, those components may fail and/or cause damage to the electronic device. A traditional way to reduce such stray magnetic flux interference is to provide a shield about the component generating the stray magnetic flux and/or about the component to be protected from the stray magnetic flux. However, such a shield often takes up valuable real estate within a device.

Systems and methods for reducing stray magnetic flux


A bi-directional ratchet spanner with a ratchet control structure includes a first receiving portion for receiving a ratchet; a second receiving portion for receiving a braking block; and a third receiving portion for receiving a switch unit. The wall of the third receiving portion has a first trench and a second trench. One end of the switch unit in the third receiving portion is formed with a concave portion and a through hole. The concave portion receives one end of a positioning rod. Another end of the positioning rod is received in a sliding trench of the braking block; and a control element is received in the through hole. By moving the switch unit, the positioning rod and control element will control the rotation direction of the ratchet. The conductive wire includes a steel ball, a spring and a top rod.

In the prior art bi-directional ratchet spanner has a head and a handle. The head and handle are formed with respective recesses. A braking block is received in the recess of the head and a wing portion of a switch unit is received in the recess of the handle. A lower end of the wing portion is formed with a positioning block. One end of the positioning block is received in a groove of the braking block. By moving the switch unit, the positioning block is driven so as to drive the braking block and thus the direction of the ratchet can be changed.
In the prior art the recess is small and thus the switch unit is also small so that the whole spanner has a strong structure. As a result the user must apply a great force to move the switch unit so that the user's fingers will feel ache.
In another improvement, the head and handle are formed with respective recesses. The head is formed with a via hole for receiving a post-like direction change switch. The switch is formed with a trumpet groove. A thicken driving block can be buckled in the groove so as to change the direction of the braking block and ratchet.
However, above mentioned prior art has the following disadvantages.
The switch unit is thick so as to weaken the structure. Thereby, the groove makes the strength of the head decrease dramatically. Thus, it is not suitable to rotate a rusted screwing element.
Moreover, the post-like direction change switch and the driving block are separated. However, if the manufacturing errors will cause that the operation cannot be performed accurately. Moreover, the trumpet like groove and the recess will make the manufacturing process becomes complicated. Finally, as the above mentioned spanner, the recesses are formed at weak portions of the structure so that the structure is further weakened.

Ratchet control structure of bidirectional ratchet spanner


In one embodiment, a signal processing system is provided that includes:                (a) a video input 400 operable to receive a first analog video signal and remove the DC voltage offset component from the video signal to form a DC-adjusted analog video signal; and        (b) DC restore circuitry 416 operable to set an average DC voltage of a first portion of the DC-adjusted analog video signal to a ground reference voltage to yield a DC-adjusted analog video signal. The DC-restored analog video signal is then provided to an Analog-to-Digital or A/D converter 112 for conversion into a digital video signal.

Video imaging systems are used in a broad variety of applications, including telecommunications, entertainment, security monitoring, and the like. Video imaging systems are generally placed in one of two categories, namely computer and television. In television applications, baseband video signals can follow a number of different formats, including the National Television Systems Committee or NTSC standard (the U.S. and Japan standard), the Phase Alternating Line or PAL standard (the European standard), and the High Definition/Standard Definition Digital Television format.
In television, there are three basic levels of baseband signal interfaces. In order of increasing quality, they are composite video (or Color, Video, Blanking, and Sync or CVBS), which uses one wire pair, Y/C (or S-video), which uses two wire pairs, and component, which uses three wire pairs. Each wire pair includes a signal and a ground. Composite signals are the most commonly used analog video interface and combine the brightness information (luma) and the color information (chroma) and the synchronizing signals on just one cable.
FIG. 2 depicts the horizontal blanking portion of a typical NTSC composite video waveform that includes color information and represents one horizontal scan line. The signal includes a front porch 200 (which is the area of the signal between the end of the active video and the leading edge of a sync pulse), the sync pulse or tip 204, (which provides synchronizing timing information), a breezeway 208 (which is the area of the signal representing the time between the rising edge of the synch pulse 204 and the start of a color burst 212, the color burst 212 (or color subcarrier) (which is 8-10 cycles of the color reference frequency and is positioned between the rising edge of the sync pulse and the start of the active video), and the back porch 216 (which is the time between the end of the color burst and the start of active video).
In video imaging and video recording systems, analog composite video signals are often converted to a digital video signal for subsequent enhancement, display, and/or recording. While it is desirable that the analog composite video signal input to an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter fully meets the appropriate composite video standard (either the NTSC or PAL standards), in practice the composite video signal is often degraded and does not meet the desired standard due to some combination of low signal output from the video camera, signal loss, interference, or improper AC or DC signal levels. When the analog composite video signal fed to the A/D converter is degraded, the resulting digital video signal may be distorted. For example, the sync tip 204 may be disfigured. This distortion may be very slight or severe, depending on the type and level of degradation to the analog video signal.
The most common causes of composite video signal distortion in video imaging and video recording systems are as follows:                Signal loss in the transmission means. This loss may be due to attenuation, mismatched transmission lines, splitters or other passive devices within the transmission path.
Low output from the video source. If the signal output from the video camera or other source is not of sufficient amplitude, the video signal at the input to the A/D converter may not meet the desired standard even if the transmission line is virtually lossless.
Interference due to ground loops. Ground loops result when the ground potential is different between two components within a video system. This difference in ground potential can result in "hum bars" on the video picture caused by 60 Hz commercial power, or herringbone interference on the video picture caused by AM broadcast signals, or a combination of 60 Hz and AM broadcast interference that can result in hum bars, herringbone, blanking, color distortion, or other degradation to the video picture.                DC Offset. A DC voltage may be superimposed on the video signal by the video source or by another device within the signal path. If sufficiently large, the DC offset can result in physical damage to the A/D conversion means and/or to other components within the system. Even a small DC offset may not cause noticeable degradation to the video picture in an analog system but may cause errors in the A/D conversion process as described above. Many video components utilize AC coupling to eliminate DC offset, however, this approach results in the signal not having a fixed (e.g., DC) reference, which is critical to producing an analog composite video signal that fully meets the NTSC or PAL specifications.
One exemplary application for the present invention is video security systems, such as that shown in FIG. 1. Such systems typically incorporate a multiplicity of video cameras 100 in continuous operation. The analog composite video signals from these cameras are transmitted via a transmission line 104 (e.g., coaxial cable, twisted pair, fiber optics, or radio being the most common transmission line) to a central location where the video signals may be monitored and are recorded. The video monitors and recorders 108 at the central location most commonly accept baseband composite video signals following either the NTSC format or the PAL format. Until recently, most video security systems utilized analog recorders. New systems and upgrades to existing video security systems typically incorporate one or more digital video recorders, or DVRs, that are designed to accept analog baseband video signals. A/D conversion circuitry 112, which is typically integrated within the DVR, is designed to work with either or both of the two signal standards (NTSC and PAL).
When the input video signal is even slightly degraded and does not meet the desired standard, the A/D conversion process may distort the digitized video signal, causing the resultant video picture to be significantly worse in terms of picture quality than would be the case with an analog video recorder. Whereas an analog video recorder might record a useable, though degraded, picture, the picture recorded by the DVR may be distorted to such an extent that much or all of the information is lost. Additionally many DVRs are designed to detect motion within the video picture based on an algorithm performed on the digitized video signal. If the digitized video signal is not an accurate and true representation of the video picture captured by the video camera, then the DVR algorithm may falsely detect motion when no motion is present, or conversely not detect motion when motion is actually present. In the first instance, the DVR will rapidly fill its available digital storage medium resulting in loss of data due to either insufficient storage capacity or earlier data being overwritten; in the second instance, the DVR will not record the desired data at all.
The common causes of video signal degradation within a video security system are well understood by video engineers and other experienced technical people. However, video security system installers typically have neither the necessary training to know the causes of video signal degradation, the needed test equipment (or training) to identify the specific cause of degradation in a video system installation, nor the knowledge to determine the most cost-effective solution even if the cause of a problem is identified. Additionally, in many installations the level of video signal degradation would be acceptable with an analog video recorder but results in severe picture degradation, continuous recording, or no recording, when a DVR is installed. There is currently no system able to simultaneously correct many of the common causes of video signal degradation within a video security system. With the increasing use of digital video recorders in video security systems, the need for such a solution is immediate and growing.
Another application for the present invention is video imaging systems. Analog composite video cameras are commonly used to capture video pictures that are converted to a digital video signal, then digitally manipulated or enhanced, displayed and/or recorded. Such applications, which include medical, satellite and airborne imaging systems, utilize an A/D conversion process as described above, and these systems may suffer from the same distortion effects described above if the analog video signal input is degraded. Since imaging systems typically require the highest possible picture resolution, any loss of intelligence due to degradation of the analog composite video system is highly undesirable.
Another application for the present invention is radar system displays. In many radar systems, the output from the radar receiver is a composite video signal. Many radar systems digitally enhance the displayed signal. Such systems utilize an A/D conversion process as described above, and these systems may suffer from the same distortion effects described above if the analog video signal input is degraded. Such display systems are utilized to produce the highest possible picture resolution, and the loss of intelligence due to degradation of the analog composite video system is highly undesirable.

Composite video signal correction unit for video imaging and video recording systems


A redundant power system includes plural load-sharing power supplies connected to a common AC output bus. Identical circuitry is provided in each supply to control the redundant operation and is connected to each of the others via a common redundancy bus. An arbitration circuit in each supply selects a master power supply based on which supply detects the lack of a master supply first via the redundancy bus. A synchronization circuit in each slave supply synchronizes the polarity of the respective AC output with that of the master supply via the redundancy bus. A redundant bias circuit in each supply provides operating power to the redundancy circuitry in the respective supply from a common bulk voltage provided on the redundancy bus. A soft-start circuit in each supply allows all the supplies to start producing power at the AC output bus in unison. An overvoltage correction circuit in each supply detects an overvoltage on the AC output bus and shuts down only the supply which is causing the overvoltage.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to the field of power supplies and specifically to a load-sharing redundant power system.
2. Relevant Art
Power supplies are used in many mission critical applications where it is desirable to continue to provide operating power to certain electrical and electronic systems even in the event of a utility power outage or power supply failure.
An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system provides backup power-for the protected system from a battery source that is charged by the utility power. It is desirable to utilize an efficient connection from the battery to the load when the utility power is not available. Power management is often part of the UPS system operation.
UPSs are used in many different applications, some of which demand particular output power waveforms from the UPS. Therefore, it is advantageous for a UPS to have a configurable output waveform. It is also advantageous for the UPS to operate from a wide variety of input voltages and frequencies.
When a single UPS is used, there is still a possibility that the UPS could fail and leave the application without power. Thus, in mission critical applications, such as telecommunications, it is desirable to redundantly operate several UPSs or other power supplies connected together to provide power to the same load or system.
Such a redundant power scheme is often referred to as xe2x80x9cload sharing.xe2x80x9d If one of the power supplies operating redundantly fails or must be otherwise shutdown, the remaining redundant supply or supplies continue to supply power to the load.
Such redundant, load-sharing power supplies should have their outputs synchronized so that the desired waveform is supplied to the load and so that the power supplies do not damage one another or the load.
The present invention provides a redundant power system comprising a plurality of power supplies each connected to a common master-present bus and a common AC output bus. The plurality of power supplies each comprise an AC output connected to the common AC output bus.
Each power supply further comprises a redundant circuit for redundantly operating the power supply in cooperation with the respective redundant circuits of each of the other power supplies, the redundant circuit operating as determined by a local master/slave status as one of a master and a slave.
Each power supply further comprises arbitration logic in communication with the common master-present bus, wherein if the arbitration logic senses a master-not-present signal on the common master-present bus, then the arbitration logic sets the local master/slave status to master and transmits a master-present signal to the common master-present bus node, and wherein if the arbitration logic senses a master-present signal on the master bus and the local master/slave status is not set to master, then the arbitration logic sets the local master/slave status to slave.
According to a further aspect, the present invention provides a redundant power system comprising a plurality of power supplies each connected to a common polarity bus. The plurality of power supplies each comprises a local master/slave status settable to one of master and slave, and a synchronization circuit which reads a polarity value from the common polarity bus and if the local master/slave status is set to master, then the synchronization circuit transmits a master polarity signal to the common polarity bus. Each power supply further comprises a power section comprising an AC output and a polarity control connected to set the polarity of the AC output according to the polarity value of the common polarity bus.
According to a still further aspect, the present invention provides a redundant power system comprising a plurality of power supplies each connected to a common bias bus. The plurality of power supplies each comprises a redundant circuit for cooperation with a corresponding redundant circuit of each of the other power supplies and a power section for providing a local bias voltage. Each power supply further comprises a redundant bias circuit for contributing to a common bias voltage at the common bias bus, the redundant bias circuit providing operating power to the redundant circuit.
Each power supply further comprises a bias diode for performing a logical OR operation of the local bias voltage onto the common bias connection, wherein the redundant bias circuit is adapted to provide the operating power to the redundant circuit from the local bias voltage and to alternatively provide the operating power to the redundant circuit from the common bias connection when the local bias voltage is unavailable.
According to yet a further aspect, the present invention provides a power supply for operation in a redundant power system. The power supply comprises a power section comprising an AC output and a start-up cycle. The power supply further comprises a start-ready connection for connection to a corresponding start-ready connection of at least one other power supply. The power supply further comprises a soft-start circuit for transmitting a not-ready signal to the start-ready connection until the start-up cycle has completed, wherein the soft-start circuit disrupts the operation of the AC output until the soft-start circuit senses no not-ready signal at the start-ready connection.
According to yet a still further aspect, the present invention provides a power supply for operation in a redundant power system. The power supply comprises a power section comprising a pulse-width modulation signal and an AC output for connection to a corresponding AC output of at least, one other power supply.
The power supply further comprises an overvoltage detection circuit sensing a peak voltage level of the AC output, wherein the overvoltage detection circuit transmits an overvoltage signal if the peak voltage level exceeds a predetermined peak voltage level. The power supply further comprises a duty-cycle detection circuit sensing a duty cycle level of the pulse-width modulation signal, wherein the duty-cycle detection circuit transmits a maximum-duty-cycle signal when the duty-cycle level of the pulse-width modulation signal exceeds a predetermined maximum duty-cycle level.
The power supply further comprises an overvoltage correction circuit in communication with the overvoltage detection circuit and in communication with the duty-cycle detection circuit, wherein the overvoltage correction circuit disrupts the operation of the AC output when the overvoltage correction circuit detects both the overvoltage signal and the maximum-duty-cycle signal.

Redundant power system and power supply therefor


Processes for producing the multi-layered optical recording medium shown in FIG. 2 using the embossing master (20) shown in FIG. 3, where an etched metal thin layer (22) has been electroplated with a thick metal layer and the luminescent recording layer (25) cast thereover forming pits (24) between adjacent metallized areas. The luminescent layer may then be cured using UV light (26).

The present invention relates to the production technology of the CD-ROM-, WORM-, WER-class multi-layered optical discs. More particularly, it refers to the methods of replication of the multi-layered optical discs by using the relief-carrying master-discs produced by the technology similar to the contact lithography, as well as to the relief-carrying master-discs with various wetting properties on their surface and in the micro-cavities (pits and grooves), as well as to the liquid light-sensitive compositions of the informative luminescencing media for implementation of the said methods.
The inventive method has advantages, which enable the production of polychrome discs, and thus increase the information. capacity of the discs a few times (approximately, by the number of times equal to the number of chromatic components utilized in a polychrome disc).
1. N. K. Arter et al., xe2x80x9cOptical Disc Familyxe2x80x9d, IBM Technical Disclosure Bulletin, 30, N2, p.667, 1987.
2. S. Brown, xe2x80x9cThe decade of the CDxe2x80x9d, San Jose Mercury News, p.8, Jan. 9, 1994.
3. Y.Okino et al., xe2x80x9cDevelopments in fabrication of optical discsxe2x80x9d, Optical Disc Technology, p.236, 1982.
4. S. Horigome, xe2x80x9cNovel stamper process for optical discxe2x80x9d, Optical Storage Technology, p.121, 1988.
Multi-layered fluorescent optical discs can find wide use owing to the possibility of reaching high bulk density when recording information on them, as well as of retrieving the information with high contract and signal-to-noise ratio.
For this purpose it is desirable to locate a luminescence-emitting information medium only in the pits of CD-ROM or in the pre-recording grooves of CD-WORM or CD-WER. In the present invention, this problem is resolved by using the photolithography technology, or specific types of original master-discs.
Use of contact photolithography to record elements with the resolution as defined in standards for the polycarbonate-base CD is rather difficult, since it is necessary to provide spaces less than 0.2xcexc between the photomask and disc surfaces. The disc surface has a roughness of the order of few microns; moreover, disc thickness can vary gradually by tens of microns. As a result, it is impossible to press the disc to photomask uniformly all over the surface.
By means of modern lithographic devices with adaptive-optics projectors, it is possible to create the required recording elements, but only not on very large disc surfaces; in addition, the projector optics must be adjusted separately when recording each region, and that requires a lot of time and creates problems with recording at the borders of such regions. Besides, these devices are very expensive.

Production of optical recording media having plural luminescent recording layers by embossing the recording layer


A device for lifting a framework (65) optionally together with a portion of a building resting on said framework (65), and in particular a roof, relative to underlying walls. The device (63) is designed to be used as one of a plurality of such devices distributed around the framework (65) and it includes a wall plate (1) suitable for being fixed to the wall (3) and connected to guides (64) for guiding a cursor (76) suitable for co-operating with the framework (65), and controlled thruster (108) for said cursor (76) by common connections (42) that ensure they are identically oriented. The device is particularly applicable to lifting two-slope or four-slope roofs, or floors, or bare frameworks, by suitable adaptations to the cursor (76).

Lifting devices that are supported either on the ground surrounding the building whose roof is to be lifted, or that are supported on a floor or story of the building are already known. For example, reference may be made to documents WO-A-94 11596 and FR-A-2 540 543 which describe lifting devices using jacks supported on a floor of the building whose roof is to be raised. Reference may also be made to document U.S. Pat. No. 4,980,999 which describes a lifting device supported on the surrounding ground, and constituted either by lifting towers incorporating winch systems, or else by jacks mounted on a support itself standing on the ground.
Those known devices are not organized to be capable of being fixed to the surface of a wall, and in addition their structure is extremely bulky, thus giving rise to high manufacturing cost.
Document FR-A-2 720 430 in the name of the Applicant and published on Dec. 1, 1995, describes a lifting device of the above type, and comprising:
support means suitable for being fixed to a substantially vertical surface of a wall, in particular an outside surface thereof; PA1 a cursor suitable for being placed substantially vertically above the support means and for co-operating with an element of the framework resting thereon; PA1 guide means for guiding the cursor in translation relative to the support means, in a direction that is capable of being oriented substantially vertically; and PA1 in an application to lifting a roof, and in an embodiment in which the support means are constituted by three distinct wall plates that are fixed independently of one another to the wall, comprising a low plate serving as a support for a jack constituting the controlled thrust means, and a high plate and an intermediate plate co-operating with stanchions carrying the cursor for the purpose of constituting guide means therefor.
That embodiment of a device for lifting a roof suffers from the drawback of being complex, expensive to manufacture, lengthy and fiddly for fixing to and adjusting on the surface of a wall, lengthy to dismantle after the roof has been lifted to the desired level and the wall has been built up to the roof lifted in this way, and it is particularly detrimental to the appearance of the wall since it is necessary to drill numerous holes therein for fixing the various plates.

Device for lifting a framework, optionally together with a portion of a building resting on said framework

Pavillon Justine, 11 rue Marie Douce 64200


Automation and network components of an industrial automation network are discovered and evaluated using a configured tool that can access the components and determine their interconnection and configuration. The equipment on the network may include automation and monitoring devices, such as controllers, drives, switchgear, and so forth, as well as network components such as servers, routers, industrial managed switches, and so forth. The configuration may be graphically mapped for an operator, and known issues or deficiencies in the detected configuration may be used to evaluate potential problems that can be addressed. The access and evaluation can be done during real-time operation of the system without perturbing its normal automation functions.

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the field of automation control, and more particularly to discovery and evaluation of network components and their configuration, and presentation of the configuration to a user for evaluation.
Designing, installing, operating, and maintaining automation control systems for processes can be complex and expensive operations. Such systems may include a wide array of different automation and monitoring devices that interact to perform highly complex automation functions, such as manufacturing, process control, assembly, material handling, packaging, and so forth. In modern systems, the components are interconnected by networks, and large amounts of data are generated and exchanged to properly perform the desired automated processes, and to collect feedback and performance data used to monitor and control the related machinery, and to detect any issues or needs as they arise.
While individual components, both for control/monitoring and for networking are configured, programmed, interconnected, and commissioned initially in such environments, in many cases their configuration may not be coordinated or optimized. Moreover, changes or additions are commonly made to the networks and components over time, so that no really reliable model of the network and component configuration is available in case of need. In practice, it is common to assign human analysts to access the network and components and to laboriously determine the components present, and how they are networked and configured. This can be a very time consuming and expensive process. Moreover, because such systems are ordinarily functioning and their operation should not be perturbed, the manual access and evaluation tasks are further complicated by the need to respect the ongoing operation of the systems being evaluated. Further, the field of industrial automation is unique in its requirements for production and production control insomuch as physical objects are commonly being manipulated, many at high speed, and network evaluation should ideally happen in the background, and with the data and communications remaining secure and isolated as dictated by the automated process and enterprise.
There is a pressing need in the field of industrial automation for improved techniques that can allow access to industrial networks, and that can, during normal operation of the equipment, evaluate network topologies, and determine component configurations, and then present the resulting determinations to operators for further review and action.

Industrial automation network evaluation system and method


The invention provides methods of treating a diabetic subject comprising administering a glucosylceramide synthase inhibitor to the subject.

Diabetes mellitus (hereinafter "diabetes") presents a growing worldwide health problem. It is estimated that more than 135 million people suffer from the disease. Type 2 diabetes, also known as non-insulin-dependent diabetes (NIDD) or adult-onset diabetes, accounts for approximately 90-95% of these cases. It is expected that this number will increase 4-5% annually. Serious health problems associated with diabetes include blindness, renal disease, neuropathy, amputation, cardio-vascular disease, stroke and increased risk of mortality. The cost of treating diabetics in the United States alone is estimated be approximately $132 billion per year. Limited resources present a challenge to clinicians to provide comprehensive care to diabetic patients (Florence et al., American Family Physician 59(10):2835 (1999)). Thus, there is a significant need for more effective treatment of diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes is linked to obesity, and is characterized by insulin resistance or an inability to respond properly to one's own insulin. In non-diabetic subjects, insulin promotes cellular uptake of glucose from the blood, thereby lowering blood sugar levels while, at the same time, promoting anabolic reactions such as the cellular synthesis of glycogen, fatty acids and proteins (Stryer, 1981, Biochemistry, W. H. Freeman and Company, San Francisco).
Resistance to the metabolic actions of insulin is a hallmark of type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance is characterized by impaired uptake and utilization of glucose in insulin sensitive target organs such as adipocytes and skeletal muscle, and impaired inhibition of hepatic glucose output. The functional insulin deficiency and the failure of insulin to suppress hepatic glucose output results in fasting hyperglycemia. Pancreatic β-cells compensate, at first, for the insulin resistance by secreting increased levels of insulin. However, the β-cells are unable to maintain the high output of insulin and eventually the glucose-induced insulin secretion falls, leading to the deterioration of glucose homeostasis and to subsequent development of overt diabetes.
While the exact cause of type 2 diabetes remains unknown, in vitro results suggest that the interruption of the insulin induced signaling cascade may be associated with elevated levels of the ganglioside GM3. It has also been suggested that the cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), implicated in insulin resistance, results in increased expression of GM3 (Tagami et al., J. Biol. Chem. 277(5):3085 (2002)). Intriguingly, mutant mice lacking GM3 synthase, and thus lacking in GM3, are protected from insulin resistance caused by a high-fat diet (Yamashita et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 100:3445-3449 (2003)).
Gangliosides such as GM3 are sphingolipids comprised of ceramide and at least one acidic sugar. Gangliosides are generally found in the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane (Nojri et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 83:782 (1986)). They are involved in cell signaling and act as modulators of receptor activity (Yamashita et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 100(6):3445 (2003)).
GM3 consists of a ceramide molecule linked to a trisaccharide consisting of glucose linked to galactose which in turn is linked to the acidic sugar N-acetylneuraminate. GM3 is synthesized in the cell by the enzymatic step-wise addition of activated sugar molecules to a ceramide molecule. The first step in the biosynthesis of GM3 is the addition of glucose to ceramide to form glucosylceramide. This step is catalyzed by the enzyme glucosylceramide synthase. In the second step, a galactose moiety is added to form lactosylceramide, followed by the addition of sialic acid to the terminal galactose residue of lactosylceramide to form GM3.
Regulation of GM3 levels, e.g., by the inhibition of glucosylceramide synthase, has been proposed as a method of treating Gaucher's disease (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,569,889). Two types of glucosylceramide synthase inhibitors have been described for treating lysosomal storage diseases such as Gaucher's disease. Both are enzyme substrate analogs which bind to the enzyme active site and prevent substrate binding. The first type of inhibitors are ceramide analogs (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,569,889; 6,255,336; 5,916,911; 5,302,609; Lee et al., J. Biol. Chem. 274(21):14662 (1999)). The second type of inhibitors are sugar analogs (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,660,749; 6,610,703; 5,472,969; 5,525,616; Overkleef et al., J. Biol. Chem. 273(41):26522 (1998)).
The instant invention provides methods for treating diabetes with inhibitors of glycosphingolipid synthesis as therapeutic agents for diabetes.


A column select circuit in a Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) having a three-dimensional layout can include a lower CMOS layer in a substrate and an upper NMOS layer above the lower layer. An intermediate PMOS layer is located between the upper NMOS layer and the lower CMOS layer.

To keep pace with the capability of electronic systems, such as personal computers and electronic communication devices, volatile semiconductor memory devices (such as static random access memories (SRAMs)) can be made faster and more highly integrated. Accordingly, the layout of memory cells and functional circuits connected to the memory cells can be arranged according to a scaled-down critical dimension. It is known that the layout of circuit lines in a functional circuit region of an SRAM may be a factor in the integration thereof. The functional circuit region is sometimes referred to as a peripheral circuit region, namely, a cell core region, which is adjacent to a cell region including scaled-down memory cells. The functional circuit region can include a column path circuit (also referred to as a column select circuit, which can operate as part of a column address decoder) functioning as an interface circuit that drives a unit memory cell.
In the case where a design rule is less than 80 nanometers, normally, six transistors of a full CMOS SRAM cell may be laid out on different layers (i.e., in three dimensions) rather than on the same layer. As a result, if the cell pitch of the SRAM cell is further scaled down to a resolution limitation of a photolithography process, it may be difficult to layout the P- and N-type metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) transistors (such as P1 to P4 and N1 to N4) constituting the column path circuit, and the lines 10 and 11, PBL0 to PBL3, and GBL connected thereto as shown in FIG. 1.
Thus, as semiconductor memory devices become faster and more highly integrated, there may be a need for more efficient layout of circuits. In particular, with the advent of a so-called three-dimensional memory cells in which transistors constituting the SRAM memory cell are laid out on different layers, the cell core region which is connected to the memory cell, may need to be implemented in a smaller area without the degradation of functionality of the memory cell circuit.

3-D column select circuit layout in semiconductor memory devices


This invention relates to the use of a parenteral formulation comprising an anti-virally effective amount of TMC278 or a pharmaceutically acceptable acid-addition salt thereof, and a carrier, for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of a subject being infected with HIV, wherein the formulation is to be administered intermittently at a time interval of at least one week.

The treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection, known as cause of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), remains a major medical challenge. HIV is able to evade immunological pressure, to adapt to a variety of cell types and growth conditions and to develop resistance against currently available drug therapies. The latter include nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NtRTIs), HIV-protease inhibitors (PIs) and the more recent fusion inhibitors.
Although effective in suppressing HIV, each of these drugs, when used alone, is confronted with the emergence of resistant mutants. This led to the introduction of combination therapy of several anti-HIV agents usually having a different activity profile. In particular the introduction of "HAART" (Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy) resulted in a remarkable improvement in anti-HIV therapy, leading to a large reduction in HIV-associated morbity and mortality. Current guidelines for antiretroviral therapy recommend such triple combination therapy regimen even for initial treatment. However, none of the currently available drug therapies is capable of completely eradicating HIV. Even HAART can face the emergence of resistance, often due to non-adherence and non-persistence with antiretroviral therapy. In these cases HAART can be made effective again by replacing one of its components by one of another class. If applied correctly, treatment with HAART combinations can suppress the virus for many years, up to decades, to a level where it no longer can cause the outbreak of AIDS.
One class of HIV drugs often used in HAART is that of the NNRTIs, a number of which are currently on the market and several others are in various stages of development. An NNRTI currently in development is the compound 4-[[4-[[4-(2-cyanoethenyl)-2,6-dimethylphenyl]-amino]-2-pyrimidinyl]-amino]-benzonitrile, also referred to as TMC278. This compound not only shows pronounced activity against wild type HIV, but also against many of its mutated variants. The compound TMC278, its pharmacological activity as well as a number of procedures for its preparation have been described in WO-03/16306. Various conventional pharmaceutical dosage forms, including tablets, capsules, drops, suppositories, oral solutions and injectable solutions are exemplified therein.
Because of their pharmacokinetic properties and the need to keep plasma levels above a minimum level, currently used anti-HIV drugs require frequent administration of relatively high doses. The number and/or volume of dosage forms that need to be administered are commonly referred to as the "pill burden". A high pill burden is undesirable for many reasons, such as the frequency of intake, often combined with the inconvenience of having to swallow large dosage forms, as well as the need to store and transport a large number or volume of pills. A high pill burden increases the risk of patients not taking their entire dose, thereby failing to comply with the prescribed dosage regimen. As well as reducing the effectiveness of the treatment, this also leads to the emergence of viral resistance. The problems associated with a high pill burden are multiplied where a patient must take a combination of different anti-HIV agents.
Therefore, it would be desirable to provide HIV inhibitory therapy that reduces pill burden in that it involves the administration of dosage forms of relatively small size and additionally does not require frequent dosing. It would be attractive to provide anti-HIV therapy involving the administration of dosage forms at long time intervals such as one week or longer, or even one month or longer.
It now has been found that the intermittent administration of parenteral formulations of the NNRTI TMC278 at time intervals of one week or longer such as up to one year, results in plasma levels that are adequate in suppressing HIV. This allows for a reduced number of administrations thereby being beneficial in terms of pill burden and drug compliance of the patient.

Long term treatment of HIV-infection with TMC278

Janssen Sciences Ireland Unlimited Company