The invention relates generally to methods and devices for facilitation of tissue and bone guided regeneration of a bony deficit. A mechanical barrier dimension to cover the deficit is provided as are means for securing the barrier in place.

The invention relates generally to devices and methods to promote guided bone and tissue healing after occurrence of an inflammatory traumatic or surgical wound. More specifically, the invention relates to the guided healing of a bony deficit of the maxillae or mandible after extraction of an impacted molar tooth or after periodontal surgery, or after fracture repair, or jaw surgery for any reason.
Normally, when a patient's wisdom tooth or molar is removed or when the above surgeries are performed, a surgeon incises a flap of soft tissue in back of, or posterior to, an adjacent tooth so as to visualize the impacted tooth or surgical field. This operation is routine. Sometimes the bone in the field is absent or unhealthy. This problem may be present before the operation or after the surgery is completed. For example, pre-operatively the bone may have begun a resorptive process due to the inflammation or tumor around an impacted third molar or other described injury or deficit.
The oral surgeon attempts to suture the incised tissue flap back together, creating an environment for bone healing. If the bone does not heal properly and regenerate, then the patient may develop a periodontal pocket or an open space in back of the surgerized area. Because this area tends to retain trapped food or become infected, it rarely heals well. Poor bone healing in this circumstance is more prevalent in the older population, but can also occur in young patients.
The dental profession has some experience with a technique called "Tissue Guided Regeneration" or TGR. When the bone does not heal well, i.e., up to its proper level, one factor is the need to protect the proper environment required by the precursor bone cells, called progenitor cells, to form new bone. These multipotential bone cells which form new bone are undifferentiated and demand a specific type of biological medium to form mature bone. This process may take about one or two months. When a surgeon closes a wound, the epithelium in that wound invaginates or creeps into the field that has been created by removing the tooth or performing surgery. The invagination process is very fast, usually taking 7-14 days. Once invagination of epithelium occurs, it is impossible for the progenitor bone cells to occupy this location to create new bone. Thus, the bone healing is compromised, and the level of potential bone growth is not achieved.

Guided bone and tissue generation device and method to be used during or after dental surgery or jaw surgery


A simple device for blocking and unblocking the locking member of an undercarriage having a breaker strut and including an unlocking device. The device comprises a rotary actuator of axis parallel to the hinge axis of the links of the stabilizing member; a crank connected to a shaft of the actuator; a pawl hinged to the end of the crank and including a step; a pin secured to and at a distance from one of the links of the stabilizing member; and return means for urging the pawl towards the pin. The actuator is actuatable between a first angular position in which the pin is in contact with the pawl facing the step while the links are substantially in alignment, and a second angular position that the crank reaches when the step of the pawl has pushed back the pin, taking the links of the stabilizer member out of alignment.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art undercarriage. The undercarriage is mounted to pivot about an axis 5 relative to an aircraft structure between a retracted position and a deployed position, the undercarriage being stabilized in the deployed position by a brace member comprising a breaker strut 2 having two hinged-together connecting rods 2a and 2b. When the undercarriage is in the deployed position, the two connecting rods 2a and 2b are held substantially in mutual alignment by a stabilizing member 3 having two hinged-together links 3a and 3b that are likewise held substantially in mutual alignment by a locking member that comprises, in this example, springs coupled to one of the links in order to urge them towards a substantially-aligned position that is defined by internal abutments.
The strut 2 is coupled firstly to the leg of the undercarriage, and secondly to the structure of the aircraft, while the locking member is coupled firstly to the strut 2 and secondly to the leg, or else to the structure of the aircraft.
It is known to cause the undercarriage to move by making use firstly of a raising actuator, e.g. an actuator 8 coupled to the leg of the undercarriage, and secondly an unlocking actuator 9 that serves to make the locking member inactive.
Thus, starting from the deployed position, the unlocking actuator 9 is actuated initially, which acts against the stabilizing member 3 in order to force the two links of the stabilizing member 3 to move out of alignment, consequently forcing the two connecting rods of the strut to move out of alignment. Once moved out of alignment in this way, they can no longer oppose raising of the undercarriage under drive from the raising actuator.
It is known to use a hydraulic actuator as the unlocking actuator 9. Nevertheless, in order to simplify the management of the various actuators within an aircraft, the person skilled in the art is seeking to replace hydraulic actuators with electric actuators. Electric actuators are already available, but they remain complex, cumbersome to implement, and also to keep in operational condition.

Device for unlocking an undercarriage in a deployed position, and an undercarriage fitted with such a device


A power conversion system includes a power converter that converts an input voltage into a DC output voltage. Additionally, the power conversion system also includes a controller that provides a self-adjusting set-point control scheme for the power converter. A method of power conversion system operation is also provided.

As the human population grows, there is a constant need to provide more power without using up or misusing Earth's resources. Power converter circuit market trends indicate that each new generation of converter products can sometimes deliver increased power density and higher efficiency, having reduced total power loss. In one example application, an intermediate bus power system includes a bus converter circuit that provides a DC bus voltage to a plurality of point-of-load converters circuits (POLs) through an intermediate bus structure. Each of the plurality of POLs provides a separate output voltage to a load. It is beneficial to have an efficient system because the power is distributed to multiple loads and end uses.

Regulated controller with self-adjusting output set-point control


An array type processor comprises a data path unit to execute processing, and a state management unit to control the state of the data path unit in accordance with a command that specifies processing on the data. An input DMA circuit reads from a memory information and data to be processed including a command corresponding to the data. The input DMA circuit first transfers the command to the state management unit, and then transfers the data to be processed to the data path unit.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a stream processor which comprises an array type processor for implementing a variety of processing, and an information processing apparatus which comprises the stream processor.
2. Description of the Related Art
Recent information processing apparatuses are utilized in increasingly wider applications because their processing capabilities are more improved, and because they are required to have capabilities that provide higher processing performance or process an immense amount of data such as still images and moving images at high speeds.
For satisfying such demands, there has been known an information processing apparatus which comprises, in addition to a host processor, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) which is dedicated to executing predetermined processing such as processing moving images. However, since the DSP is limited in the kind of processing, the applicant has proposed an array type processor which can be modified by software in the configuration of a data path for executing operational processing. Array type processors are described in Japanese laid-open patent publication No. 2001-312481 (hereinafter called "Patent Document 1"), Japanese laid-open patent publication No. 2003-196246 (hereinafter called "Patent Document 2"), and Non-Patent Document 1 (Hideharu Amano, Akiya Jouraku, Kenichiro Anjo, "A dynamically adaptive switch fabric on a multicontext reconfigurable device," Proceeding of International Field Programmable Logic and Application Conference, September 2003, p 161-170), and the like.
An array type processor comprises data path unit 105 for executing operational processing, and state management unit 106 for controlling the operation of data path unit 105. Data path unit 105 comprises a plurality of processor elements, and a plurality of switch elements associated therewith, and executes a variety of processing by using software to switch instruction codes supplied to each processor element and to each switch element. FIG. 1 illustrates an information processing apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 2. The information processing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 has MPU 101, stream processor 102 which comprises array type processor 104, and input/output control circuit 107 for controlling input/output of data to/from array type processor 104; memory 103 for temporarily storing data supplied to or delivered from stream processor 102; and bus 108 for interconnecting stream processor 102 and memory 103. Stream processor 104 can execute a plurality of processing sessions in parallel if it is provided with a plurality of array type processors 104.
The array type processor fundamentally differs from a CPU, a DSP and the like in structure and operation. To have the array type processor execute certain types of processing, the type of the processing needs to be specified before the data that is to be processed is sent to the array type processor, and the array type processor needs to have been set in a state before it can execute the processing. In other words, there is a problem with the array type processor in that a certain period of time is required until it is ready to execute processing after the type of processing has been specified, so that data processing efficiency is accordingly reduced.
For example, in the array type processor illustrated in FIG. 1, the data path unit first receives a command for specifying processing from the input/output control circuit. The command is decoded to generate an event which is then transferred to the state management unit. The state management unit returns to the data path unit an instruction pointer (indicative of an instruction code address at which an associated instruction code is stored) that corresponds to the event transferred from the data path unit. The data path unit switches the states of the processor element and switch element, respectively, in accordance with the instruction code specified by the instruction pointer (state transition). Then, the data path unit receives data to be processed from the input/output control circuit to start the specified processing after the state transition has been completed. In this way, the array type processor shown in FIG. 1 requires a long time before it starts processing data applied thereto because the array type processor analyzes the type of command in the data path unit, and transitions to a state in which it can execute processing specified by the command under control of the state management unit.
On the other hand, the aforementioned Non-Patent Document 1 shows an example which implements a four-input/four-output cross-bar switch using an array type processor. As illustrated in FIG. 2, Non-Patent Document 1 describes a state transition diagram, as an operation of a cross-bar switch, which shows that the array type processor transitions from initial state FC to state 00 among states 00/10/20/30, again transitions to state 01, 02 or 03, and returns to initial state FC after processing is terminated. Non-Patent Document 1 clearly states that a latency of several cycles is needed until a desired circuit is started after the array type processor determines a condition for transitioning to the next state.
There are a variety of types of processing which can be executed by array type processors. For example, other data can be read from memory during processing, and processing can be continued using the read data.
While an array type processor comprises a built-in memory, its memory capacity is often limited. Therefore, in processing that is executed by the array type processor, when reference is needed, in the middle of processing, to a table or data which requires a large storage capacity, access must be made to a memory which stores them. This memory corresponds, for example, to memory 103 shown in FIG. 1. To access memory from the array type processor, the array type processor may issue a command and an address for reading/writing data and transmit write data when the data is to be written, or it may receive read data retrieved from the memory when the data is read.
For example, when the array type processor execute processing session A and processing session B and processing session A is divided into processing sub-sessions A-a, A-b, A-c that correspond to accesses made to a memory in order to execute processing session A, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the array type processor, upon receipt of data, determines the type of the data, i.e., whether the data is intended for processing session A or processing session B. Then, determining that the data is intended for processing session A, the array type processor executes processing sub-session A-a for the data, accesses the memory to read data for use in the next processing sub-session A-b upon termination of processing sub-session A-a, and executes processing sub-session A-b together with data that results from processing sub-session A-a. When processing sub-session A-b is terminated, the array type processor again accesses memory to read data for use in the next processing sub-session A-c, and executes processing sub-session A-c together with data that results from processing sub-session A-b. Finally, when processing sub-session A-c is terminated, the array type processor accesses memory to write data that results from processing sub-session A-c, and returns to state of a determination of data type.
Here, in the conventional array type processor, when the array type processor issues a read address (issuance of the memory address) to the memory for reading data upon termination of processing sub-session A-a and processing sub-session A-b, the array type processor interrupts the operation (for waiting for data from the memory) until it receives data read from the memory (reception of memory data). Consequently, this interruption of the operation also causes a lower processing efficiency of the array type processor.

Stream processor and information processing apparatus


Methods for treating a substrate are disclosed. The substrate is deoxidized and then immersed in an electrodepositable pretreatment composition comprising a lanthanide series element and/or a Group IIIB metal, an oxidizing agent, and a metal-complexing agent to deposit a coating from the electrodepositable pretreatment composition onto a surface of the substrate. Optionally, the electrodepositable pretreatment composition may comprise a surfactant. A coating from a spontaneously depositable pretreatment composition comprising a Group IIIB and/or Group IVB metal may be deposited on the substrate surface prior to electrodepositing a coating from the electrodepositable pretreatment composition. Following electrodeposition of the electrodepositable pretreatment composition, the substrate optionally may be contacted with a sealing composition comprising phosphate and a Group IIIB and/or IVB metal. Substrates treated according to the methods also are disclosed.

The use of protective coatings on metal substrates for improved corrosion resistance and paint adhesion is common. Conventional techniques for coating such substrates include techniques that involve pretreating the metal substrate with chromium-containing compositions. The use of such chromate-containing compositions, however, imparts environmental and health concerns.
As a result, chromate-free pretreatment compositions have been developed. Such compositions are generally based on chemical mixtures that react with the substrate surface and bind to it to form a protective layer. For example, pretreatment compositions based on a Group IIIB or IVB metal compound have become more prevalent. Such compositions often contain a source of free fluoride, i.e., fluoride available as isolated ions in the pretreatment composition as opposed to fluoride that is bound to another element, such as the Group IIIB or IVB metal. Free fluoride can etch the surface of the metal substrate, thereby promoting deposition of a Group IIIB or IVB metal coating. Nevertheless, the corrosion resistance capability of these pretreatment compositions has generally been significantly inferior to conventional chromium-containing pretreatments.
It would be desirable to provide methods for treating a metal substrate that overcome at least some of the previously described drawbacks of the prior art, including the environmental drawbacks associated with the use of chromates. It also would be desirable to provide methods for treating metal substrate that impart corrosion resistance properties that are equivalent to, or even superior to, the corrosion resistance properties imparted through the use of phosphate- or chromium-containing conversion coatings. It would also be desirable to provide related coated metal substrates.

Methods for electrolytically depositing pretreatment compositions


A program recording device 10 compresses data of program recorded in a hard disk, at a user's desirable timing in a user's desirable compression level. A recording unit 11 records data of a program, and a re-compression scheduler 14 includes a compression setting table having a re-compression condition and an encoding method used in a compressing process. The re-compression condition and the encoding method are, in advance, established for each compressing timing. Then the scheduler 14 is activated in a predetermined interval and selects a program satisfying the re-compression condition among programs recorded by the recording unit 11. The re-compressing unit 15 compresses data of the selected program.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a program recording device which records data of a broadcast program into a hard disk.
2. Description of the Related Art
In a usual general family, a television program or the like has been recorded into a video tape by a video tape recorder (VTR). However, with a standardization of an encoding method of images or the like, a recording device recently appears which records the television program into a hard disk as data.
The device of this type is provided with a hard disk of big capacity and therefore, can record a large number of programs into the hard disk. However, there is a limit about data amount which can be recorded in the hard disk of the program recording device. Further, the hard disk of the program recording device can not be exchanged easily, unlike a video tape used for a video tape recorder.
To overcome the problem to an extent, many methods for re-compressing of data in a hard disk has been proposed to record as many programs as possible.
In Japanese Laid Open Publication No. 2000-217063, a device is disclosed which re-compresses data of programs stored in a hard disk.
According to the device, the data of the programs are re-compressed when a space area of the hard disk falls below a predetermined volume. The programs which are object of a re-compression process are selected automatically based on a priority designated by a user.
Also, In Japanese Laid Open Publication No. 2000-341627, a device is disclosed which repeats a re-compression process of data of programs in every predetermined period or performs the re-compression process when it is anticipated that there is no space area in a hard disk.
Alternatively, a device is proposed which automatically selects a program to be recorded based on designated tastes of a user (for example, designated by a keyword, a category, or the like), and it is deleted from data of a program of old recording date (and time) when a space area of a hard disk falls below a predetermined volume. In this case, data of programs which are manually designated by a user are not deleted by the above automatic deletion.
Further, in the device disclosed in Japanese Laid Open Publication No. 2000-217063, a user must designate a priority of each program for re-compression, and therefore, the user is compelled to perform a complex operation.
On the other hand, in the device disclosed in Japanese Laid Open Publication No. 2000-341627, since data of programs are re-compressed in every predetermined period or when there is no extra space in a hard disk, a user can not control a time when a re-compression process is performed, on the contrary, the data of the programs may be re-compressed to an undesirable compression rate at an undesirable moment.
Further, in a conventional device which deletes data of a program having the oldest recording date, data of a program which a user wants to keep are automatically deleted.

Program recording device and method of recording program


A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device is disclosed. In one embodiment a semiconductor die is formed overlying a substrate. The semiconductor die is flip chip mounted to the substrate, wherein the substrate comprises a plurality of conductive traces. The semiconductor die and substrate are encapsulated with an encapsulating material. A top side of the encapsulating material is subjected to one of polishing, etching, and grinding to expose a top side of the semiconductor die. Finally, the bottom side of the substrate is subjected to one of polishing, etching, and grinding to remove the substrate and to reduce a thickness of the plurality of conductive traces.

The trend in the semiconductor industry today is the production of ever increasingly more capable semiconductor components, while decreasing component size and total semiconductor package height. QFN/LGA configurations are popular methods to realize increased semiconductor device density. With the need to achieve ever smaller package sizes and thinner package heights being an ongoing driver, new methodologies are sought.
FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view of a Quad Flat No Leads configuration semiconductor package. As is well known in the art, QFN configurations are used to physically and electrically connect semiconductor devices making up integrated circuits to printed circuit boards. As illustrated in FIG. 1A, a semiconductor chip 102 is placed onto a substrate 104. In an exemplary embodiment, an adhesive 106 is used to bind the semiconductor chip 102 to the substrate 104. Wire loops 108 electrically connect the semiconductor chip 102 to the substrate 104. However, as further illustrated in FIG. 1A, the semiconductor chip die 102 thickness, the above mentioned wire loops 108, encapsulating material 110 thickness (as determined by the encapsulating mold thickness), and substrate material 104 thickness, all contribute to the overall package thickness and will result in overall package thicknesses in excess of 300 microns.
FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of a semiconductor configuration as disclosed by Asada (U.S. Pat. No. 6,239,496), hereinafter "Asada." As illustrated in FIG. 1B, the substrate 152 is an insulating polymide film 50-75 microns thick with 18 micron thick copper traces 154 laid onto it, with the copper traces laid as a thin film laminated to the substrate 152 which is later patterned. A semiconductor chip die 156 is electrically connected to the substrate 152 through gold bumps 158. The semiconductor chip 156 is allowed to flex using an anisotropically conductive adhesive as the connecting resin 160 that attaches the semiconductor chip 156 to the substrate 152. Lastly, the semiconductor chip die 156 is 50 microns thick. Therefore, as Asada discloses, and as illustrated in FIG. 1B, the semiconductor chip 156 thickness, the copper lead 154 thickness and the substrate 152 thickness still result in an overall semiconductor package thickness of about 200 microns.


A lower tie plate for a nuclear fuel assembly is provided via an integral casting including a frame containing a first plurality of guide tube bosses in a central portion thereof, a second plurality of guide tube bosses concentric with the first plurality of guide tube bosses, and a plurality of teardrop shaped struts connecting the first and second guide tube bosses to one another and to the frame. The guide tube bosses serve to respectively directly receive individual guide tube cap screws of guide tubes of the nuclear fuel assembly. The interior top portion of the lower tie plate is configured to receive and support a debris screen.

There have been many attempts in the prior art to improve upon the mechanical configuration for nuclear fuel assemblies. It is important in the design of such assemblies that premature wear of the mechanical structure due to coolant flow be minimized, and that the design is able to withstand thermal stresses. It is also important in such nuclear fuel assemblies that the flow of coolant about the fuel rods not be restricted, and that any debris within the coolant be trapped in a manner not restricting coolant flow. Even with the demanding design parameters for nuclear fuel assemblies, it is also important that the number of components associated with the structure be minimized for enhancing reliability, and reducing cost.
There are many examples of nuclear fuel assembly designs in the prior art that include some form of tie plate or tie plates within the assembly, for both supporting the fuel rods therein and providing rigidity to the structure. A number of such prior nuclear fuel assemblies are briefly described below.
Yates et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,030,412, having the same assignee as the present invention, shows a debris screen for a nuclear fuel assembly. In FIG. 8 thereof a lower tie plate 30(30') is shown that incorporates a debris screen having a configuration as shown in FIG. 7. The debris screen is secured into a bottom portion of the tie plate 30(30'). Guide tube and instrument tube bushings must be provided separately for use in tie plate 30(30'). The present invention overcomes this disadvantage by providing integral guide tube bosses in the associated lower plate for the location of guide tube cap screws. Also, the present invention provides a lower tie plate produced from an integral casting configured for receiving a debris screen in a top portion thereof.
Bryan et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,071,617, shows a nuclear fuel assembly that includes a cast lower end fitting 20. The end fitting 20 includes a top plate or a grid 22 configured with a plurality of rectangular through holes 24 for manifolding coolant through the fuel assembly. One centrally located hollow boss 26, and four hollow bosses 26 are included thereon at individual corners thereof, for receiving guide tubes 30(30'). Also, at opposing corners of the plate 22, leg members 28 are included for supporting the fuel assembly. Unlike the present invention, no provision is made in the lower end fitting 20 for receiving a debris screen in the top portion thereof. The present invention provides a lower tie plate casting configured for receiving a debris screen in the top portion of the tie plate, with the design of the top portion including a ribbing design configured to provide a strong support for the debris screen. The ribbing is formed integral with a webbing between associated integral guide tube bosses for substantially maximizing the strength of the frame without adversely restricting flow. Bryan et al. does not show such a structure for a lower tie plate, nor does Bryan et al. teach the elimination of separate guide tube and instrument tube bushings, as provided by the present invention.


There is provided a rope reel provided in a recoil starter including: a rope holding groove; a flange portion disposed on both sides of the rope holding groove; a through hole provided in the flange portion and configured to allow an end of the rope wound around the rope holding groove to pass through; and an arch portion provided on a side surface of the rope reel and adjacent to the through hole. The arch portion is configured such that the rope is inserted therein, and the arch portion is capable of holding the inserted rope along the side surface of the rope reel. According to the above configuration, a front end portion of the rope is prevented from interfering with a rotation member at an engine side.

As a starting device for starting an engine, there is known a recoil starter in which a rope reel is rotated by pulling a rope wound around the rope reel, and the rotation of the rope reel is transmitted to a rotation member coupled to a crankshaft of an engine, and the crankshaft of the engine is rotated by the rotation member to start the engine.
An end of the rope wound around the rope reel is pulled out to an outside of a case so that one of ends of the rope can be pulled, and the other end of the rope is attached to the rope reel. For example, in a configuration described in JP2012-251561A, the end of the rope attached to the rope reel is locked to a side surface of the rope reel by forming a knot. The knot of the rope is not fixed to a side of a starter case covering the rope reel but to a side surface of the rope reel on an engine side. According to the above configuration, since there is no need to provide a gap for holding the knot of the rope between the rope reel and the starter case covering the rope reel, the starter case and the rope reel can be disposed as close as possible to each other. Therefore, a width of the recoil starter can be reduced as much as possible, and the recoil starter can be made compact.
However, in the configuration described in JP2012-251561A, since a portion of the rope on a front end side with respect to the knot is not fixed, a front end portion of the rope may interfere with the rotation member on the engine side.
As a method of preventing the interference, a method of sandwiching the front end portion of the rope near the knot can be considered. However, in the method of sandwiching the front end portion of the rope, the front end portion sandwiched near the knot may come off due to loosening of the rope.
As another method of preventing the interference, a method of fixing the front end portion of the rope by means of an adhesive or the like may be considered. However, if the front end portion of the rope is fixed by means of an adhesive or the like, there is a problem that the rope cannot be replaced.

Rope reel for recoil starter, and recoil


The chain saw handle apparatus provides for removable attachment to a chain saw handle wherein the elongate arm of the apparatus is disposed above or lateral to the center of gravity of the chain saw and the lower section of the apparatus attached medially to the chain saw handle. The apparatus provides needed leverage for starting and operating the chain saw while reducing fatigue typically experienced in the operation thereof.

Anyone using a chain saw becomes instantly aware of several problems faced. First, starting a chain saw is arduous because trying to steady the saw while pulling the starter rope is extremely difficult, and dangerous. Correctly guiding and balancing a chain saw during operation is also difficult. Incorrect saw guidance results in inaccurate cuts and in chain saw loading, especially on the clutch, and also causes the saw to dangerously buck. These difficulties contribute to chain saw overheating and wear. Without question, use of chain saw is dangerous, fatiguing and can cause muscle and joint pain. The present apparatus solves these problems.


A system reads an identifier from a hand of cards to identify the cards. For example, the system can read an identifier from a pair of cards forming the initial hand in blackjack, where the one card is face up and the other card is face down. The system determines the value of a hand of cards form the read identifiers. For example, the system can determine a value of an initial hand of two cards in blackjack, while only one card is face up. The system can inform a dealer of the value, or status based on value, of the hand. The system can determine whether cards forming a hand of cards are authentic by validating the cards based on the read identifier. The system can determine if the cards forming the hand of cards are in an expected sequence based on knowledge of the initial sequence of cards in a deck. A decision tree to validate the results of the card game can be created to provide possible solutions or outcomes for each hand, and then, invalid solutions can be eliminated from the decision tree based on known card identities, rules of the game, possible outcomes of other player hands, and other information.

Card games are a well-known form of recreation and entertainment. Games are typically played with one or more decks of cards, where each deck typically includes 52 cards. Each deck of cards will typically include four suits of cards, including: hearts, diamonds, clubs, and spades, each suit including fourteen cards having rank: 2-10, Jack, Queen, King and Ace. Card games may, or may not, include wagering based on the game's outcome.
One popular card game is known as blackjack. In blackjack, one or more players each compete against a dealer. The players attempt to collect a hand having a total value equal to, or as close to twenty-one, without going over. The value of the hand is determined by the rank of the card. Thus, cards having rank 2-10 have the value 2-10, respectively. Face cards (i.e., Jack, Queen, King) have the value 10, while Aces can have the value 1 or 10 at the player's discretion. An initial hand of two cards having the value of twenty-one (i.e., an Ace plus a ten or a face card) is referred to as a natural "21", or blackjack, and beats other hands with the value of twenty-one. Suits have no bearing on the game of blackjack.
In blackjack, the dealer will initially deal two cards to each of the players and the dealer. The dealer deals in two passes around the table, starting with players at the dealer's far left (i.e., first base) and extending through players at the dealer's far right (i.e., third base) and finally to the dealer. The players' cards are dealt face up in games where the cards are dealt from a shoe, and face down in hand-held games (i.e., games dealt by hand). The rules of play for the dealer are strictly dictated, leaving no decisions up to the dealer. Therefore, there is not a problem with the dealer, or any of the other players at the table, seeing the cards in a player's hand.
The dealer turns over or is dealt one of the dealer's first two cards face up, such that the value of the card is visible to the players at the table. This card is commonly referred to as the "top" card. The dealer leaves or is dealt the second card face down, such that the value of the card is not visible to the players at the table. The face down card is commonly referred to as the "hole" card. In some variations of blackjack, the dealer will immediately determine the value of the hole card, while in other variations of the game the dealer waits until all players have played their hands before checking the value of the hole card.
The dealer then offers each player in succession, from the dealer's left to right the opportunity to accept additional cards from the deck. Each player's hand is completed before the dealer offers the next player the opportunity to receive additional cards. Accepting cards is commonly referred to as "hitting" or taking a "hit." At each player's turn, the player may accept cards, one at a time, trying to build a hand with a value as close to twenty-one as possible, without going over twenty-one. The player may decline further cards at anytime, which is commonly referred to as "standing." The player must terminate play if the value of the player's hand exceeds twenty-one. A hand with a value exceeding twenty-one is commonly referred to as a "bust" or "busted." If the player busts, or has a natural twenty-one (i.e., blackjack), the dealer must complete the player's hand and place that player's cards into a discard holder. Before receiving a third card after the initial hands are dealt, a player can split the player's initial hand. This is commonly referred to as "splitting." The player uses one of the initial cards to form a new hand, placing a wager for the new hand, and retains the other of the initial cards as a part of the original hand.
After each player in turn has declined to accept further cards, the dealer may accept further cards from the deck, with goal of obtaining a hand having a value as close to twenty-one as possible, without exceeding twenty-one. Casinos have rules based on the value of the dealer's hand that dictate when the dealer must take an additional card from the deck (i.e., hit) and when the player must decline further additional cards (i.e., stand). For example, many casinos require the dealer to stand if the dealer's hand has a value of seventeen or more. Some, casinos permit the dealer to take an additional card if the value of the dealer's hand is a soft seventeen, that is, if the value of the dealer's hand is seventeen by counting an Ace held by the dealer as eleven.
If the dealer busts, players who have not also busted win. If the dealer does not bust, all remaining players and the dealer must display their hands to allow the dealer to compare each of the player's hands to the dealer's hand. Those players having a hand with a higher value than the dealer's hand, and who have not exceed twenty-one win. The winning players are paid based on the size of their wager and the odds. Blackjack includes additional rules such as "doubling down" and "insurance" bets, and other variations that are commonly known by those who play blackjack, and will not be further described in the interest of brevity.
Blackjack is particularly popular in casinos and other gaming establishments. Players wager large sums of money while playing blackjack. Thus, it is important to ensure that those playing the game are not cheating. It is also important to monitor the game in a relatively unobtrusive manner to allow casino customers to feel comfortable in their surroundings.

Method, apparatus and article for evaluating card games, such as blackjack


An electron gun is provided, in which a capacitance between a cathode and other electrodes, especially a control electrode is reduced largely without substantially changing a structure for supporting the cathode with an insulator. The cathode of this electron gun is disposed inside of the cylindrical metal shell. The cathode and the cylindrical metal shell are connected by three metal tabs. The cylindrical metal shell fits into a hole formed in the center portion of the insulator, and a metal outer frame is attached to the periphery of the insulator. The metal outer frame is welded to the inner surface of a cathode metal support. There is a control electrode facing the electron emitting surface of the cathode at a predetermined distance. Plural electrodes including an accelerating electrode are disposed in turn beyond the control electrode. Peripheries of the cathode metal support, control electrode, an accelerating electrode and other electrodes are embedded into sides of a pair of supporting rods that extend axially, so that the electrodes are fixed with a predetermined space between the electrodes.

The present invention relates to an electron gun of a cathode-ray tube used for a television set or a computer display.
It is important to reduce an input capacitance between a cathode and other electrodes, especially a control electrode for adapting the cathode-ray tube to high frequency scanning for a high definition image.
FIGS. 6A and 6B show an example of a structure of the cathode and the control electrode in a conventional electron gun. FIG. 6A is a partial section along a plane perpendicular to the axis of the gun, and FIG. 6B is a partial section along a plane including the axis of the gun. The cathode includes a cylindrical sleeve 1, a cap 2 that closes one end of the sleeve, and an electron emitting substance 3 applied on the outer surface of the cap. The cathode 11 is surrounded by a cylindrical metal shell 5, which is disposed coaxially with the cathode 11. The cylindrical metal shell 5 and the cathode 11 are connected by three metal tabs 4 disposed at an angular spacing of 120 degrees.
The cylindrical metal shell 5 is engaged and fixed in an opening formed in the center portion of an insulator 7. The insulator 7 has an outer metal frame 6, which is attached to the periphery of the insulator 7 and is welded to an inner surface of a cap-shaped control electrode 14. Two brackets 18 are welded to an outer surface of the control electrode 14 at an angular spacing of 180 degrees. Each bracket 18 is embedded in a side of one of the support rods (so-called multiform rods) 13, so that the control electrode 14 is fixed.
The cathode 11 is heated by a heater (not shown in Figures) disposed inside of the cathode 11. The cathode 11 is supported by the insulator 7 indirectly via the cylindrical metal shell 5 and plural tabs 4, as mentioned above, in order to prevent heat of the cathode 11 from escaping via the supporting members for the cathode 11. However, this cylindrical metal shell 5 has an outer surface that faces the inner surface of the control electrode 14 via the insulator 7. Therefore, a substantially large capacitance is formed between the cathode 11 and the control electrode 14.
An improved structure for supporting the cathode is described in Japanese laid-open patent application (Tokkaihei) 3-155026, where the capacitance between the cathode and the control electrode is reduced compared with the above mentioned structure. This supporting structure, which is shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, uses three metal pins 9 arranged in a circle instead of the cylindrical metal shell 5 used in FIGS. 6A and 6B, and three metal tabs 4. Each tab 4 is welded to the metal pin 9 and the cathode 11 to connect them. Thus, the cathode 11 is supported by the insulator 7' via the tabs 4 and the pins 9. This insulator 7' is different in shape from the insulator 7 in FIGS. 7A and 7B. The insulator 7' has an opening in the center portion and three small holes for fixing the pins 9 around the opening. The diameter of the center opening is a little larger than the outer diameter of the cathode 11. In this supporting structure, the capacitance between the cathode 11 and the control electrode 14 is reduced since the pins 9 have little surface facing the control electrode 14.
However, this supporting structure requires changing the shape of the insulator 7 and more time for manufacturing, so that the cost rises. In addition, the degree of parallelization and the distance between the surface of the electron emitting substance and the control electrode 14 must be controlled precisely. Therefore, the pins 9 have to be fixed to the insulator 7 at the same height and without slant before welding the tabs 4 to the pins 9 precisely. Thus, it is difficult to improve productivity.
The reduction rate of the capacitance by using the plural pins 9 instead of the cylindrical metal shell 5 is about 20-30%, from 5.0 pF to 3.5-4.0 pF, for example. This reduction rate is not enough for high frequency scanning above 100 kHz so as to obtain a high resolution image.
The present invention seeks a large reduction of the capacitance between the cathode and the control electrode without substantial change in the supporting structure for the cathode. It is another purpose of the present invention to reduce capacitance between the cathode and other electrodes such as an accelerating electrode or a focusing electrode, too.

Electron gun with reduced capacitance between electrodes and cathode-ray tube using the gun


An electrodeless HID lamp formed with a power balanced coupling structure is disclosed. Microwave transmission to the discharge capsule is divided into two channels having an electrical length differential of about a half wave length. A balancing strap line is coupled between the two transmission lines where they deliver power to the field applicators for the discharge capsule. The strap line balances the power delivery between the two ends of the discharge tube.

Microwave power may be used to power a high intensity discharge. The lamp typically comprises a quartz capsule containing an excitable set of gases and chemical dopants. Microwave radiation is then directed at the capsule, causing the fill materials to heat to a plasma state and emit light. The discharge may have high intensity, and because there are no electrodes penetrating the capsule wall, the lamps are referred to as electrodeless high intensity discharge lamps, or electrodeless HID lamps.
Microwave electrodeless HID lamps in the past have been coupled to power sources using termination fixtures which were typically large, bulky shielded coaxial structures. The shielding has been an incumberance to the efficient capture and display of the emitted light.
A novel dual ended excitation scheme was disclosed by Lapatovich in U.S. Pat. No. 5,070,277. Microstrip line conductors were coupled to microwave applicators directed at a tubular capsule. Microwave applicators that have been used with tubular capsules include slow wave helices, end cups, loop applicators and so forth. The dual ended excitation scheme provides substantial flexibility with respect to impedance matching techniques compared with the older termination fixture techniques. Considerable reduction in size and weight of the microwave coupler was achieved. With the reduced size of the applicator, more of the emitted light could be used in an optical system. The coil coupling and strip line patterning structures required an external variable impedance matching means, which can be bulky and expensive. There is then a need for a microwave circuit pattern for electrodeless lamps having balanced power distribution.
Nevertheless, when certain combinations of discharge capsules and power couplers, are implemented with a half wave balun, or a T junction and half wave balun, there is a greater power loss in the longer arm of the half wave balun structure. The power difference is then manifest as a power imbalance in the discharge tube with one end of the tube receiving more power than the other. The power imbalance leads to preferential heating of one end of the discharge capsule and applicator. The additional heat affects lamp performance, lamp longevity, and reliability of the applicator, and transmission line structures. There is then a need for means of overcoming the power imbalance.

Power balanced coupling structure for electrodeless discharge lamp


The disclosure is directed to high efficiency solar still assemblies and their components, and more particularly, to a solar still capable of absorbing direct sunlight and redirected sunlight using a mobile heliostat configured to align the still evaporator, the heliostat and a counter-current heat exchanger with the sun.

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to desalination and purification and more particularly to liquid purification through evaporation and condensation assisted by solar energy.
Desalination systems are systems that remove sugar or other dissolved solids from water, most often to produce potable water. Currently, several methods of desalination are employed by commercial desalination systems, the most popular being reverse osmosis and flash vaporization. Both of these methods are relatively expensive, have large energy requirements and certain components that wear out frequently. For example, reverse osmosis systems force water through membranes and these membranes, which are expensive in and of themselves, could become clogged and torn, thus necessitating frequent replacement. Similarly, flash vaporization systems have corrosion and erosion problems due to the spraying of hot brine within these systems. The energy requirements for a reverse osmosis system may be approximately 6 kWh of electricity per cubic meter, of water, while a flash vaporization system may require as much as 200 kWh per cubic meter of water. Due to the high energy inputs, frequent maintenance, and associated costs desalination of water on a large scale basis has been relatively expensive, often more expensive than finding alternate sources of groundwater. These same factors have made desalination using these methods on a small scale unfeasible.
Solar energy can be harnessed for desalination either directly or indirectly. Collection systems, which use solar energy to produce distillate directly in the solar collector, are called direct collection systems, whereas systems that combine solar energy collection systems with conventional desalination systems are called indirect systems. In indirect systems, solar energy is used to either generate the heat required for desalination or generate electricity subsequently used to provide electric power for conventional desalination plants such as multi-effect, multi-stage flash or reverse osmosis systems as mentioned above.
Direct solar desalination although suited for very small production systems, such as solar stills, suffer from a very low production rate caused by a low operating temperature and near atmospheric pressure of a resulting steam. Solar stills use exactly the same processes, which in nature generate rainfall, namely evaporation and condensation: a transparent cover encloses a pan of saline water that is first evaporated by the trapped solar energy within the enclosure and then condensed on the inner face of the sloping transparent cover. This distilled water is generally potable; the quality of the distillate is very high because all the salts, inorganic and organic components, and microbes are left behind in the bath. One of the problems that negatively influence the still performance is the direct contact between the collector and the saline water, which may lead to corrosion and scaling in the still. The biggest issue for the solar stills however are their rather low efficiency and water production rate: a typical production rate of a solar still is about 4 L/m2/day or less.
Accordingly, a need exists for a desalination and or purification devices that are suitable for a small scale operation that is low cost and reliable.


The present invention provides novel uses of compounds of general formula I ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 are individually hydrogen, hydroxy, halogen, trifluoromethyl, lower alkyl lower alkoxy or (tertiary amino)(lower alkoxy); and R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are individually hydrogen or lower alkyl, or as a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier for the manufacture of a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment or prophylaxis of prostatic carcinoma

Cancer of the prostate is the second most common malignancy in men and is the third most common cause of cancer death in men older than age 55. The cause is unknown, but hormonal factors appear to play a role in the development of prostatic cancer. The disease does not occur in eunuchs castrated before puberty, and its incidence is low in patients with hyper-estrogenism due to liver cirrhosis. Most cases is diagnosed after the age of 50 years, but they can be seen in younger adults. Total prostatoseminovesi-colectomy is the oldest treatment for carcinoma of the prostate. The operation may cause impotence and has its clearest indication only in stage B disease. Radiation therapy has major chronic complications after full courses of treatment and include impotence, chronic proctitis, rectal strictures, rectal fistulas and rectal bleeding. Additionally, current data suggest that radiotherapy may be less curative than radical prostatectomy. Androgen deprivation by means of bilateral orchiectomy, diethylstilbestrol therapy or combined orchiectomy plus diethylstilbestrol has been the standard form of treatment for carcinoma of the prostate for many years. However, recent prospective studies have not demonstrated a clear cut beneficial effect of this type of treatment. Furthermore death from cardiovascular disease appear to be more frequent in patients treated with large doses of diethylstilbestrol. Complete response to ordinary chemotherapy (e.g. estramustine phosphate, prednimusitne and cisplatin) is rare and only one-tenth of stage D patients have an objective partial response. Taken together, therefore, the treatment possibilities for this common malignancy is poor.
Centchroman is a non-steroidal compound known to have antiestrogenic activity. It is in use in India as an oral contraceptive (see, for example, Salman et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,447,622; Singh et al., Acta Endocrinal (Copenh) 126 (1992), 444-450; Grubb, Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 3 (1991), 491-495; Sankaran et al., Contraception 9 (1974), 279-289; Indian Patent Specification No. 129187). Centchroman has also been investigated as an anti-cancer agent for treatment of advanced breast cancer (Misra et al., Int J Cancer 43 (1989), 781-783. Recently, centchroman as a racemate has been found as a potent cholesterol lowering pharmaceutical expressed by a significant decrease of the serum concentrations (S. D. Bain et al., J Min Bon Res 9 (1994), S 394).
U.S. Pat. No. 5,453,442 describes methods of lowering serum cholesterol and inhibiting smoother muscle cell proliferation in humans and inhibiting uterine fibroid disease and endometriosis in women by administering compounds of formula I as shown therein. Furthermore U.S. Pat. No. 5,280,040 describes methods and pharmaceutical compositions for reducing bone loss using 3,4-diarylchromans and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts. There is no disclosure in the patents of using the compounds to treat prostatic carcinoma.
One object of the present invention is to provide compounds which can effectively be used in the treatment or prophylaxis of prostatic carcinoma.


Apparatus and methods using rotational advancement and emplacement of various devices for catheterization, dilation and occlusion of mammalian genito-urinary and gastro-intestinal passages and organs, where devices and assemblies have an external helical element present near the distal end which provides a longitudinal pull on the wall of the passage when rotational force is applied to the proximal end of the device.

1. Technical Field of the Invention
This invention most generally relates to the apparatus and methods of catheterization and related treatments of the genito-urinary and gastro-intestinal passages of mammals.
More particularly, the invention relates to catheters, dilators, occluders and stents, and means of emplacement and application of the same to mammalian genito-urinary and gastro-intestinal passages.
2. Background Art
The background of this invention is bound up in the traditional "push to advance" methodology of catheter emplacement, which is characterized by external pressure on a stiff or thick-walled catheter to traverse a delicate, mucosal-lined passage. While the topic was extensively discussed in a prior pending application by this inventor, the following further remarks will provide additional context to aid in understanding the prior art and the problems associated with it, as well as the further disclosure and claims which follow.
As many men age, their prostates become enlarged and obstruct the flow of urine through the urethra. This condition is known as benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH, and results in a partial or total inability to urinate. The most common surgical intervention for BPH, transurethral resection of the prostate, or TURP, has a lengthy recovery period of up to one year, and presents a high operative risk for complications such as sexual dysfunction. Up to 10% of those subjected to such surgery are left with mild to moderate stress incontinence.
Approximately 400,000 patients in the United States and approximately 500,000 patients internationally were diagnosed in 1994 with BPH or cancer-induced bladder outlet obstructions that were sufficiently severe to warrant TURP or alternative surgery, according to industry sources.
Because of the high costs, medical risks and quality of life compromises associated with TURP, new technologies have begun to challenge TURP's position as the standard treatment for severe BPH. Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved two drugs, tera zosin hydrochloride and rinasteride, to treat BPH. These drugs generally do not improve symptoms for six to nine months after treatment begins, and are not without side effects.
Urethral strictures are often due to fibrous tissue growth resulting from reaction to catheters or cystoscopes or from injury, birth defects or disease, and are commonly treated by urethral dilation, catheterization or surgery. Men with urethral strictures also experience a limited ability to urinate, which may cause extreme discomfort and, if left untreated may cause complications that necessitate catheterization.
The standard catheterization means for hospitalized and bed ridden patients is the Foley Catheter. The Foley or indwelling urethral catheter is pushed into the bladder and retained by a water-filled balloon at the distal end. It drains urine continuously from the bladder via a connecting tube into a bag worn on the leg or hung on the bed. But difficulty in placement has always been inherent in this design. This is due to the traditional "push to advance" technology, which necessitates a stiff thick-walled catheter to traverse the delicate mucosal lined urethra.
Often the French (unit of measurement) size of the catheter is dictated by the need for stiffness to insert rather than the lumen size to pass urine. A 14 French or smaller Foley is rarely used because catheters of this size lack the column strength needed to push the full length of the urethra into the bladder. The larger French Foley catheters are painful to place, uncomfortable when indwelling, and require a highly skilled care provider to insert.
Dilation is accomplished by pushing successively larger urethral dilation tubes through the urethra to increase the size of the lumen, a procedure which is painful and traumatic to the patient. Of course, any catheterization of a restricted passageway is inherently a dilation process. Surgical treatment of strictures involves surgical risks as well as complications, including infection, bleeding and restenosis, which requires further treatment.
Approximately 50,000 patients in the United States were diagnosed with recurrent urethral strictures in 1994, according to industry sources. The inventor estimates that approximately 75,000 additional patients were diagnosed internationally.
Women suffer from urinary incontinence far more often than men and at an younger age primarily because of the stress associated with pregnancy and childbirth, the shorter length of the female urethra, and the absence of a prostate. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) estimates that the involuntary loss of urine affects approximately 10 million Americans of which 8.5 million are women. Seven million of these women are non-institutionalized, or community-dwelling.
For women between the ages of 15 and 64, the prevalence of urinary incontinence is estimated to range from 10 to 25 percent of the population. For non-institutionalized persons over the age of 60, the prevalence of urinary incontinence ranges from 15 to 30 percent, with the prevalence in women twice that of men.
The involuntary loss of urine can be caused by a variety of anatomical and physiological factors. The type and cause of urinary incontinence is important to how the condition is treated and managed. The two broad categories of urinary incontinence are urge and stress incontinence. Some people suffer from what is termed mixed incontinence or a combination of stress and urge incontinence
Urge incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine associated with an abrupt and strong desire to void. In most cases, urge incontinence is caused by involuntary detrusor (the smooth muscle in the wall of the bladder) contractions or over-activity. For many people, urge incontinence can be satisfactorily managed with pharmaceuticals.
The more frequently occurring stress incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine caused by movement or activity that increases abdominal pressure. The most common cause of stress incontinence is hypermobility or significant displacement of the urethra and bladder neck during exertion. A less frequent cause of stress incontinence is intrinsic urethral sphincter deficiency (ISD), a condition in which the sphincter is unable to generate enough resistance to retain urine in the bladder. Medical professionals have categorized stress incontinence into three types. They are:
Type I--slight amount of hypermobility. This is a mild form of incontinence: about 25% of stress incontinence are in the group. PA1 Type II--A severe condition of hypermobility that characterizes an estimated 60% of stress incontinence sufferers. PA1 Type III--Caused by ISD and often so severe that a patient will leak while standing still. This group constitutes about 15% of the stress incontinence population.
Occluders are used in some cases to control incontinence. Occluders of the prior art are constructed and applied with the same push-to-advance concept as catheters and dilators described above, with the same liabilities. The basic occluder is a bulb or plug on a shaft which is inserted within a passageway to stop or prevent the normal flow of materials through the passageway, or driven all the way into the bladder, for example, and allowed to seat as a plug at the neck of the urethra to prevent the flow of urine from the bladder.
Intermittent catheterization is mainly used by people who are incontinent due to a failure of the nerves that link the bladder and the brain. This is called neuropathic bladder, and may occur in a wide variety conditions which include spina bifida, multiple sclerosis, spinal injury, slipped disc and diabetes. Intermittent catheterization may also be utilized by people who cannot empty the bladder because the bladder muscle is weak and does not contract properly.
Conventional intermittent catheters are simple tubes with a drain port at the internal end that enters the bladder. These tubes are usually smaller in diameter and stiffer than an indwelling catheter of the same size. This stiffness can make traditional push-to-advance catheterization difficult in men because the urethra is long and has an acute bend within the prostate. When the external sphincter is reached with a conventional catheter the sphincter muscle will contract making passage difficult.
Dilators, occluders and catheters of the prior art share the 4000 year-old push-to-advance technology where an ever present problem exists in making them stiff enough for full penetration of the subject passage and yet flexible enough to make the turns without undue risk of trauma, pain or puncture to the wall of the passageway when being pushed in. Self-administration is inhibited by all of the short-comings of the present art, and further injury, infection and discomfort may result from the resulting improper self-care.
In some patients, an alternate apparatus and method used to maintain long term drainage of the bladder is the use of a suprapubic tube.
Suprapubic catheterization of the bladder is performed via transabdominal puncture which enters the body above the pubic arch and is directed into the bladder using ultrasound or fluoroscopy to guide the trocar introducer and suprapubic catheter. The needle introducer is then removed when proper catheter placement within the bladder is confirmed, leaving the drainage catheter in place.
Long term drainage may require the fixation of the catheter at the skin using standard adhesive based interface components to address mechanical fixation, inflection control, and skin compatibility.
The distal end of the catheter is commonly contained within the bladder by inflated balloon, winged-shaped tip configurations which expand within the bladder, or preshaped curved catheter tips which curl to their original J-shape when stiffening wire is removed from the catheter lumen.
A problem with this form of distal end emplacement is that it is only unidirectional; that is, it only resists the inadvertent pulling out of the tip of the catheter from the wall of the bladder, while allowing the catheter to freely pass further into the bladder, and back out up to the point of the containment structure. This continuing catheter motion in and out of the bladder may irritate tissue and cause infection or other difficulty at the bladder-catheter interface. Urine is especially irritating to most parts of the human body that are outside the urinary tract.


Provided are a method of authenticating a voice input provided from a user and a method of detecting a voice input having a strong attack tendency. The voice input authentication method includes: receiving the voice input; obtaining, from the voice input, signal characteristic data representing signal characteristics of the voice input; and authenticating the voice input by applying the obtained signal characteristic data to a first learning model configured to determine an attribute of the voice input, wherein the first learning model is trained to determine the attribute of the voice input based on a voice uttered by a person and a voice output by an apparatus.

An artificial intelligence (AI) system is a computer system that implements human-level intelligence. Unlike an existing rule-based smart system, the AI system is a system that performs machine learning and problem solving by itself and becomes intelligent. As the use of AI systems has increased, a recognition rate thereof has been improved and a user's preference may be understood more accurately. The existing rule-based smart system is gradually being replaced with a deep learning-based AI system.
AI technology includes machine learning (deep learning) and element technologies using machine learning. Machine learning is an algorithm technology for classifying and learning characteristics of input data by itself. The element technology is a technology using a machine learning algorithm such as deep learning. The element technology includes technical fields such as linguistic understanding, visual understanding, inference or prediction, knowledge representation, and motion control.
Various fields to which AI technology is applied are as follows. Linguistic understanding is a technology for recognizing, applying, and processing human languages and characters and includes natural language processing, machine translation, dialogue system, query and answering, speech recognition and synthesis, and the like. Visual understanding is a technology for recognizing and processing objects like human vision and includes object recognition, object tracking, image retrieval, person recognition, scene understanding, spatial understanding, image enhancement, and the like. Inference or prediction is a technology for determining, logically inferring, and predicting information and includes knowledge/probability-based inference, optimization prediction, preference-based planning, recommendation, and the like. Knowledge representation is a technology for automatically processing human experience information into knowledge data and includes knowledge construction (data generation and classification), knowledge management (data utilization), and the like. Motion control is a technology for controlling autonomous driving of vehicles and movements of robots and includes movement control (navigation, collision avoidance, driving, etc.), operation control (behavior control), and the like.
As AI technology has advanced, users have become able to operate or use various devices or services through voice inputs. Therefore, the importance of security and authentication for the voice inputs provided by the users is emerging.

Voice input authentication device and method


A roller bearing for the radial support of two component parts, includes an inner race, an outer race and rolling elements disposal between the inner and outer races, as well as a damping layer between at least one race and one of the component parts. The outer race has an outer contour facing the component part. The component part has an inner contour that faces the outer race, and essentially corresponds to the shape of the outer contour. With respect to an outer race having a cylindrical outer contour, the outer race according to the present invention shows an increase in thickness, at least sectionally, preferably in the area of the rolling element. The outer contour is shaped such that a pendulum motion of the bearing or of the component part, with deformation of the damping layer, is limited.

The in-company state of technological development for producing vibrationally damped bearing units consists in joining conventional bearings to the bearing flange through vulcanization, with the assistance of the elastomeric damping layer. However, because of the high temperatures necessary to carry out the vulcanization, the use of permanently lubricated bearings causes special problems, since the lubricant is heated beyond the normal operating temperature of the bearing, and the seal washers of the bearing are no longer impervious. Therefore, solely because of the manufacturing process, it is necessary to use high-quality, specially sealed bearings in order to produce a vibrationally damped bearing unit.


When a user selects an input element from entertainment elements, related to a game, possessed by the user and accepts an advertisement output offer, advertisement watching control starts. Improvement control including 1) improving a parameter value associated with the input element, or 2) improving the parameter value associated with the input element and changing a display mode of the input element is performed in return for advertisement watching.

A "reward advertisement" has become a popular means for gaining profits in an online game. The reward advertisement is an advertisement that is displayed on an advertisement screen in a computer such as a user terminal, and features a reward given to a user who has watched the advertisement, accessed a website presented by the advertisement, or installed an application presented by the advertisement (see Japanese Translation of PCT International Application Publication No. JP-T-2003-529093 for example).
In the above-described reward advertisement, the content of the reward advertisement does not basically change within a determined advertising period. Thus, a user playing a game watches the same advertisement over and over again. The advertisement could be regarded as an entertainment when it is seen for the first time. However, watching the same advertisement over and over again is nothing more than a cumbersome obligation. Thus, the user is extremely less incentivized to watch the advertisement despite the reward, and might start skipping the advertisement to be watched or might even feel negative about the advertised product.
This is a problem not only in an advertisement watched during gameplay, but is also a problem in other situations where a given advertisement is watched on a display screen operated by a user while a main program is being executed (an example other than the game includes a web browser).

Computer system for performing display control for advertisement


Data busses are configured as N differential channels driven by a data signal and its complement through two off-chip drivers (OCDs). Each OCD is preceded by a programmable delay element and a two way MUX. The two data channels either transmit the data signals or a common clock signal as determined by a select signal from a skew controller. The differential signals are received in a differential receiver and a phase detector. The output of the phase detector in each differential channel is routed through an N×1 MUX. The N×1 MUX is controlled by the skew controller. The output of the N×1 MUX is fed back as a phase error feedback signal to the skew controller. Each differential data channel is sequentially selected and the programmable delays are adjusted until the phase error feedback signal from the selected phase detector reaches a predetermined minimum allowable value. Periodic adjustment may be implemented for calibration.

Digital computer systems have a history of continually increasing the speed of the processors used in the system. As computer systems have migrated towards multiprocessor systems, sharing information between processors and memory systems has also generated a requirement for increased speed for the off-chip communication networks. Designers usually have more control over on-chip communication paths than for off-chip communication paths. Off-chip communication paths are longer, have higher noise, impedance mismatches, and have more discontinuities than on-chip communication paths. Since off-chip communication paths are of lower impedance, they require more current and thus more power to drive.
When using inter-chip high-speed signaling, noise and coupling between signal lines (cross talk) affects signal quality. One way to alleviate the detrimental effects of noise and coupling is through the use of differential signaling. Differential signaling comprises sending a signal and its compliment to a differential receiver. In this manner, noise and coupling affect both the signal and the compliment equally. The differential receiver only senses the difference between the signal and its compliment as the noise and coupling represent common mode signals. Therefore, differential signaling is resistant to the effects that noise and cross talk have on signal quality. On the negative side, differential signaling increases pin count by a factor of two for each data line. Additionally, an empty wiring channel is usually added between each differential channel which further adds to the wiring inefficiency.
The structure of a printed circuit board (PCB) is sometimes not homogeneous. It is common to find a weave structure on many laminates as shown in FIG. 1. Given the space between the components of a differential pair and the weave structure of PCBs, it is possible to find differential pairs with an orientation as shown in FIG. 1 where the exemplary signal traces Data 103 and Data_b 105 do not have the same substrate configuration. In one case, the signal trace Data 103 has a dielectric substrate comprising the continuous fiberglass strand material 102. In the other case, the signal trace Data_b has a dielectric substrate comprising fiberglass strands 101 in one direction and an epoxy fiberglass mix 104 in between the channels of fiberglass strands 101. This results in the transmission lines formed by the signal traces having differing relative permittivities which results in the transmission lines having differing propagation delays.
A differential pair having a signal and complement signal transmitted over matched transmission lines would have a received signal waveform substantially represented by the waveforms of FIG. 2A where the transition cross over points 203 and 204 are symmetrical. However, if the two transmission lines had different propagation delays, the resulting waveforms may look like the waveforms of FIG. 2B where the transition cross over points 203 and 204 are no longer symmetrical and occur at differing voltage levels resulting in timing skew between the two signals when detected in a differential receiver.
With net lengths of tens of centimeters, differential skew delays due to PCB laminate weaves may approach tens of picoseconds. Presently transmission data rates of 10 gigabits per second means a bit width of only 100 picoseconds. Clearly, tens of picoseconds of in-pair timing skew for differential pairs is not negligible for these high data rates. In-pair differential skew may cause asymmetric crossover and aggravate common mode sensitivities. One solution that is been proposed is to use a diagonal trace pattern as shown in FIG. 3 where signal traces Data 301 and Data_b 302 are run at a diagonal with respect to the orthogonal strands 101 and 102. See U.S. Pat. No. 6,304,700 and U.S. Patent Application 2004/0181764. This solution allows both signal traces Data 301 and Data_b 302 to have an equal mix of substrate composition. While this may be an improvement of FIG. 1, adhering to this configuration may make wiring rules difficult.
There is, therefore, a need for a signaling scheme that enables the skew between differential data channels to be compensated without complicating layout rules. The scheme must be programmable and easy to implement and modify.

International Business Machines Corporation


Systems and methods for mobile connectivity provisioning at an access network are described. The access network has a service connection to a service center that is external to the access network. The method includes receiving, from a mobile vehicle, an indication of a connection request for a device on the mobile vehicle. The connection request identifies the device using a media access control (MAC) address. The method includes generating a globally unique identifier (GUID) associated with the MAC address and transmitting a first message comprising the GUID to a network access terminal on the vehicle. The network access terminal redirects the connection request to the service center via a traffic connection. The redirected connection request includes the GUID. The access network receives an indication of a network service for the device from the service center; the indication identifies the device based on the GUID.

Many mass transportation vehicles, such as aircraft, ships, and trains, provide on-board network communications to enable passengers to access the Internet and other network services. In some cases, a network service provider may provision the network communications that are used to provide such services. In some cases, an external service provider, such as a fleet operator, may want to control some or all of the user interfaces and order management processes associated with providing premium network services that may require a payment by a user. Restrictions on transmission of personal information may create challenges for coordinating network provisioning and order management between a network service provider and an external service provider. Improved systems and methods for mobile connectivity provisioning for segregated order management may be useful.

Mobile connectivity provisioning for segregated order management


An imaging system (200) includes a plurality of laser sources (201) configured to produce a plurality of light beams (204). One or more optical alignment devices (220) orient the light beams (204) into a collimated light beam (205). A light modulator (203) modulates the collimated light beam (205) such that images (206) can be presented on a display surface (207). Speckle is reduced with an optical feedback device (221) that causes the laser sources (201) to operate in a coherence collapsed state. Examples of optical feedback devices (221) include partially reflective mirrors and beam splitter-mirror combinations.

1. Technical Field
This invention relates generally to optical projection systems configured to reduce perceived speckle, and more particularly to a laser-based system employing optical feedback in an external cavity to cause multiple lasers to operate in a coherence collapsed state, thereby reducing speckle as perceived by a viewer.
2. Background Art
Laser projection devices facilitate the production of brilliant images created with vibrant colors. The image quality associated with laser-based projection systems is unmatched by systems using conventional projection devices. The advent of semiconductor lasers, such as laser diodes, allows these brilliant images to be created at a reasonable cost, while using small amounts of power. Laser diodes are small, compact, and relatively inexpensive. Further, the light from laser diodes is easily modulated to form complex images.
One practical drawback associated with using lasers in projection systems is the image artifact known as "speckle." Speckle occurs when a coherent light source is projected onto an imperfect projection medium. As the light is highly coherent, when it reflects off a rough surface, components of the light combine with other components to form patches of higher intensity light and lower intensity light. In a detector with a finite aperture, such as a human eye, these varied patches of intensity appear as speckles, as some small portions of the image look brighter than other small portions. Further, this spot-to-spot intensity difference can vary, which makes the speckles appear to move.
Turning now to FIG. 1, illustrated therein is a prior art system 100 in which an observer 101 may perceive speckle. Specifically, a coherent light source 101, such as a semiconductor-type laser, delivers a coherent beam 104 to a modulation device 103. The modulation device 103 modulates the coherent beam 104 into a modulated coherent beam 105 capable of forming an image. This modulated coherent beam 105 is then delivered to a projection medium, such as the projection screen 107 shown in FIG. 1.
As the projection screen 107 is imperfect, i.e., as it includes tiny bumps and crevices, the reflected light 108 has portions that combine and portions that cancel. As a result, the observer 102 views an image 106 that appears to be speckled. The presence of speckle often tends to perceptibly degrade the quality of the image produced using the laser projection system.
Numerous attempts have been made to control speckle. Prior art speckle reduction systems include attempts to introduce angle diversity into the coherent beam, attempts to introduce polarization diversity into the coherent beam, attempts to introduce wavelength diversity into the coherent beam, and so forth. Other devices employ diffusers, image displacing devices, and other complex systems. Some speckle reduction systems, such as those used with microscopes, employ long lengths of optical fiber in an attempt to stretch the projected light beyond a corresponding coherence length prior to delivering it to a user. A drawback associated with each of these systems is that they add substantial cost and complexity to the overall system design. For instance, time-varying diffusers require moving or vibrating parts that adversely affect the overall system size and complexity. Further, such systems tend to increase the power requirements of the overall system, thereby degrading efficiency.
There is thus a need for an improved speckle-reducing system for use with laser-based projection systems such as those employing semiconductor-type lasers.
Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.

Laser display system with optical feedback configured to reduce speckle artifacts


A power assisted crimping tool is disclosed particularly suited to crimping and dimpling of structural steel decking and roofing panels together. The invention comprises a frame supporting a pair of jaws which are opened and closed by means of a toggle linkage that is driven by an operator-controlled pneumatic cylinder. The input pivot of the toggle linkage is constrained to move linearly by means of a cross head formed in the frame which, in turn, causes the jaws to move in unison rather than one jaw moving against the other. According to one embodiment, the jaws are provided with a plurality of punch and die sets disposed in opposite orientations, such that as the decking or roofing panel joint is crimped by the jaws, the punch and die sets raise a plurality of dimples having alternating orientations. The alternating dimples provide a substantial increase in the lateral resistance (shear strength) of the crimped seam, thereby obviating the need to additionally weld or screw the seam to provide the necessary shear strength.

The present invention relations to hand tools for forming crimp joints in structural steel decking and roofing commonly used in large commercial construction for example as subflooring for poured concrete floors or as roofing for large industrial buildings. Structural steel decking is typically manufactured in thicknesses ranging from 22 gauge to 16 gauge or more. The decking generally is supplied to the building site in panels ranging in size from 3 feet by 15 feet to about 3 feet by 35 feet. Longitudinal ribs, typically hat sections or flat-bottomed vee sections of from 11/2 to 3 inches in depth are formed in the panels to increase the section modulus of the panels. The individual panels are typically provided with one edge having an exposed upward "male" lip. The opposite edge is provided with a female inverted "U" shaped lip. The individual panels are joined together by placing the female lip over the male lip and crimping, welding, or screwing the seam at periodic intervals. In many applications, the joints must secure the panels together so as not only to prevent one panel from lifting off the other, but also to prevent the panels from shifting laterally along the seam (along the x-axis as shown in FIG. 1). By holding the panels securely enough to prevent lateral shifting, the assembled decking adds considerable membrane strength to the assembled building. Given the inherent weakness of crimped joints to lateral shifting, typically where high membrane strength was required, welding or screwing the seam has been specified.
A prior art method for crimping steel decking comprises use of a hand-operated tool shown in FIG. 1, known as the 601 SEAM LOCKER distributed by Miramar Specialties of Ventura Calif. The prior art apparatus comprises a compound-lever press in which the operator moves the handles apart to provide the force to crimp the panels together. An optional button punch is provided to upset a portion of the seam to provide some lateral stiffness. Since the apparatus comprises merely a compound lever arrangement, however, it provides a linear multiplication of the force exerted by the operator on the handles. As can be appreciated from the foregoing, hand crimping of thousands of seams is a laborious task and, given the inevitability of operator fatigue, an inherently unreliable method for providing seams having the uniformity necessary to compete with welded and screwed joints in the high stress applications.
Various portable power tools have been developed for setting rivets, crimping sheet metal trusses, and for other applications. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 1,743,209 to Groehn discloses a fastener setting device comprising a toggle-actuated jaw and anvil adapted for setting rivets, particularly in the construction of automobile bodies. U.S. Pat. No. 3,877,280 to Cornell discloses a hand operated power assisted punch and die for crimping sheet metal studs and joists together to form a modular wall panel. U.S. Pat. No. 4,989,438 to Simon discloses a hand operated power assisted punch and crimp for attaching comer bead to exterior comers in sheetrock or gypsum board walls. What is needed, and what the prior art lacks is a power assisted punch/crimping tool having the features of the present invention.


Techniques are disclosed that use an alternating current bridge circuit to determine whether an impedance change occurs at an input to DC-DC voltage converter(s). Techniques are also disclosed for a DC power distribution system that utilizes isolation circuitry coupled to an input of DC-DC voltage converter(s).

5G cellular radios can operate using millimeter-wave carrier frequencies. The effective range is short for remote radio units (RRUs) of distributed antenna systems, and 5G base stations (gNodeB or gNB), using millimeter-wave carrier frequencies. Thus, many RRUs and/or gNBs must be co-located to provide continuous coverage, particularly in regions where there is a high density of user equipment that utilize the RRUs and/or gNBs.
The RRUs and/or gNBs require direct current (DC) electrical power to power their radios of the RRUs and/or gNBs. Conventionally, such power is distributed using alternating current (AC) electrical power. However, the alternating current (AC) electrical power must be converted to DC electrical power to facilitate operation of the radios. Conversion of AC electrical power to DC electrical power results in electrical power loss, and thus is inefficient.
Alternatively, DC electrical power can be supplied, in lieu of AC electrical power, to the radios. To enhance efficiency, DC power can be distributed at a high DC voltage level, e.g., 380V, to reduce resistive power losses in a power distribution system electrically coupling the DC electrical power to the radios. For example, 380V DC results in lower dissipative power loss in cabling than 110V AC or even 220V AC.
However, if a human being makes electrical contact with a power distribution system using a high DC supply voltage, the human being can suffer strong muscle contractions or suffer ventricular fibrillation. For example, muscle contractions can cause a human being to fall off a ladder or a roof. As a result, the human being may be injured or killed.

Apparatuses and methods for averting human harm due to high voltage powerlines


A method of recording and reproducing information in a phase-change optical recording medium by irradiation of an electromagnetic wave for recording, reproducing and/or rewriting information is proposed, wherein when information is recorded in the phase-change optical recording medium by modulating an input signal and conducting pulse width modulation recording, a recording pulse string for recording and rewriting is a continuous electromagnetic wave, and a recording pulse string for recording and rewriting, after the modulation of the input signal, is an electromagnetic wave pulse string having a front-pulse portion fp, a multi-pulse portion mp with a total pulse duration period T and a duty ratio y, and an off-pulse portion op, wherein the duty ratio y is decreased as a recording linear velocity for the phase-change optical recording medium is increased, whereby multi-speed recording or CAV (constant angular velocity) recording is carried out. An information recording and reproducing apparatus, using the above method, is also proposed.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method of recording information in a phase-change optical recording medium, reproducing information therefrom, and rewriting information recorded in the phase-change optical recording medium.
The present invention also relates to an apparatus which is capable of recording information in a phase-change optical recording medium, reproducing information therefrom, and rewriting information recorded in the phase-change optical recording medium by use of the above-mentioned method.
2. Discussion of Background
For improving the quality of recording signals in the phase-change recording, various recording compensation methods have been disclosed.
For example, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application 63-266632 discloses, as an effective method for improving the quality of recording signals, a method of recording long amorphous marks by use of a pulse string in a PWM (pulse width modulation) recording, using a recording film having a high crystallization speed.
In Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application 63-266633 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,150,351, a laser energy level of a pulse string is increased at a leading edge and a trailing edge of the pulse string, or the duration of irradiation is lengthened, whereby the jitters of the mark edge positions are controlled and the quality of recording signals is improved.
Furthermore, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication 63-29336, there is known a method of recording information signals in an optical disk by use of an optical disk recording apparatus by having a light spot of a laser beam scan the optical disk as the optical disk is irradiated with the laser beam, and by subjecting the light spot of the laser beam to power modulation.
There is also known a method for appropriately adjusting and setting the recording conditions such as light power for recording and the width of recording light pulse by reproducing information signals recorded in the optical disk, and monitoring the amplitude of the reproduced signals and the length of recording marks.
Furthermore, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Applications 9-138946, 9-138947, and 9-219021 disclose, as a method of improving the quality of recording signals, a method of recording and reproducing information in an information recording medium as shown in FIG. 1, wherein when information is recorded in the information recording medium by modulating an input signal and conducting pulse width modulation recording,
(A) a recording pulse string for recording and rewriting, corresponding to a zero (0) signal with a signal width nT, in which n is a positive integer, and T is a clock unit time, after the modulation of the input signal, is a continuous electromagnetic wave with a power level e, and
(B) a recording pulse string for recording and rewriting, corresponding to a one (1) signal with a signal width nT, in which n is a positive integer, and T is a clock unit time, after the modulation of the input signal, is an electromagnetic wave pulse string having:
a front-pulse portion fp with a power level a and a pulse duration period x,
a multi-pulse portion mp comprising a low-level pulse with a power level b and a high-level pulse with a power level c, with a total pulse duration period T and a duty ratio y, alternately repeating (n-n′) times continuously, and
an off-pulse portion op with a power level d and a pulse duration period z, in which x, y and z respectively satisfy 0.5T≦x≦2.0T, 0.125≦y≦0.875, and 0.125T ≦z≦1.0T, n′ is a positive integer which satisfies the condition of n′≦n, and (a and c) ≧e≧(b and d).
These prior art references also disclose an apparatus for recording and reproducing information in an information recording medium by use of the above-mentioned method.
The above-mentioned method, however, is not always suitable for improving the quality of recording signals in phase change recording when multi-speed recording or CAV (constant angular velocity) recording is carried out.
Recently, in a rewritable information recording medium, in particular, in the phase-change optical recording medium, there is a keen demand for a technology that makes it possible to record information at a plurality of different linear velocities in one information recording medium. Furthermore, high speed recording is in demand. As a matter of course, the CAV recording which is advantageous to the attainment of high speed recording is also in demand.
However, the technologies described in the above-mentioned prior art references, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Applications 9-138946, 9-138947, and 9-219021, cannot meet the above-mentioned demands. Specifically, for example, a recording strategy having fp, mp and op, which is capable of recording at a 4× CD linear speed, cannot obtain sufficiently high signal quality at an 8× speed recording and at a 10× speed recording when multiple recording is conducted at the 8× speed recording and the 10× speed recording.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Method of recording and reproducing information and apparatus for recording and reproducing information using the method