The present invention relates to a method of identifying a compound which modulates (enhances, inhibits, reduces) herpesvirus infection of a vertebrate cell comprising the steps of combining a phosphorylating enzyme capable of catalyzing the phosphorylation of ICP4, a substrate comprising a polypeptide which is phosphorylated by the enzyme, a phosphate source and the compound to be assessed; maintaining the combination under conditions appropriate for phosphorylation of the substrate; and determining phosphorylation of the substrate which occurs in the presence of the compound to be assessed. The present invention also relates to the compounds identified by the methods of the present invention.

Diseases caused by herpesviruses vary from mild to severe, and in some cases, infection with these viruses is life-threatening. Infected cell protein 4 (ICP4) is the major transcriptional regulatory protein of HSV-1. It is intimately involved in the control of viral gene expression during the course of infection. HSV-1 gene expression is regulated in an ordered fashion (Gu, B., et al., Mol. Cell. Biol., 15:3618-3626 (1995); 24, 50), such that three phases of gene expression can be distinguished: the immediate early (IE), early (E), and late (L) genes (Honess, R. W., and Roizman, B., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA., 72:1276-1280 (1975)). During this process, ICP4 acts as a negative regulator of IE gene expression as a positive transactivator of E and L gene expression (Courtney, R. J., and Benyesh-Melnick, M., Virology, 62:539-551 (1974); (Dixon, R. A. F. and Schaffer, P. A., J. Virol., 36:189-203 (1980); (Kemp, B. E., et al., J. Biol. Chem., 252:4888-4894 (1977); (Preston, C. M., J. Virol., 29:275-284 (1979a); (Preston, C. M., J. Virol., 32:357369 (1979b); Watson, R., and Clements, J. B., Nature (London), 285:329-330 (1980)). Because of its role in activation, ICP4 is absolutely required for viral growth (Godowski, P. J. and Knipe, D. M., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 83:256-260 (1986); (Preston, C. M., J. Virol., 29:275-284 (1979a)).
Genetic analyses of the functional organization of the ICP4 protein have shown the following: residues 143-210 and residues 800-1298 are required for transactivation (Paterson, T., and Everett, R. D., Virology, 166:186-196 (1988); Shepard, A. A., Imbalzano, A. N. and DeLuca, N. A., J. Virol., 63:3714-3728 (1989)); residues 263-487 are required for DNA-binding (Shepard, A. A., Imbalzano, A. N. and DeLuca, N. A., J. Virol., 63:3714-3728 (1989); Wu, C-L. and Wilcox, K. W., J. Virol., 65:1149-1159 (1991)); residues 723-732 are required for nuclear localization (DeLuca, N. A., and Schaffer, P. A., J. Virol., 62:732-743 (1988); Showalter, S. D., Zweig, M. and Hampar, B., Infect. Immun., 34:684-692 (1981)); residues 309-489 including the DNA-binding domain are required for dimerization (Shepard, A. A., Tolentino, P. and DeLuca, N. A., J. Virol., 64:3916-3926 (1990); Wu, C-L. and Wilcox, K. W., Nucl. Acids Res., 18:531-538 (1990)); and residues 171-251 of ICP4 are important for its phosphorylation (DeLuca, N. A., and Schaffer, P. A., J. Virol., 62:732-743 (1988)). Despite the extensive genetic analysis of the ICP4 gene, there is little information available about the phosphorylation on the molecule or its impact on infectivity.
Extensive research has been conducted to identify anti-herpesvirus agents for use in treating infection. For example, acyclovir and vidarabine inhibits viral DNA synthesis. However, vidarabine produces gastrointestinal and neurologic side effects and in some experimental models vidarabine has teratogenic, mutagenic and carcinogenic properties (Fields, B. N., et al., Fields Virology, 2nd ed., 1:448, Raven Press Publ. 1990). In addition, resistance of HSV to acyclovir develops readily in vitro and also occurs in vivo (Fields, B. N., et al., Fields Virology, 2nd ed., 1:450, Raven Press Publ. 1990). New medicaments and assays for identifying them are therefore desirable.

Method of identifying compounds which modulate herpesvirus infection

President and Fellows of Harvard College


A system for verifying the authenticity of data contained in a magnetic medium using the remanent noise characteristics of the magnetic medium. One embodiment of the invention includes an over-sampled modulator and at least one channel in communication with an output of the over-sampled modulator. The at least one channel is configured to filter the output of the over-sampled modulator and the at least one channel is configured to vary the bandwidth of the filter applied to the output of the over-sampled modulator in response to variations in the bandwidth of the signal generated by the sensing unit.

The present invention relates generally to systems and processes involving the utilization of repeatable magnetic stripe characteristics to authenticate magnetic stripe-bearing documents.
Various forms of cards bearing a magnetic stripe (e.g., magstripe cards) have long been used for a variety of different purposes. Such cards are currently used in large numbers, for example in the forms of credit cards, debit cards, transportation/transit/airline tickets, I.D. cards and so on. Typically the magnetic strips/stripes (also referred to as the magstripes) of such cards carry recorded data relating to the use of the card, and in some instances relating to the assigned user or owner of the card.
Although magnetic stripe cards are widely and successfully used in commerce and industry, counterfeiting and modification of cards (along with other forms of documents) are common occurrences, resulting in great losses. Consequently, the ability to reliably verify the authenticity of documents generally, and specifically of magnetic stripe cards is important.
Over the years, there have been numerous proposals for verifying documents, including the authenticity of magnetic stripe cards. A substantial number of prior proposals have been based on a concept of using certain magnetic characteristics of the magnetic stripe to identify cards. In that regard, it has been determined that generally, the magnetic stripes of individual cards possess inherent, substantially unique, remanent magnetic characteristics that can be repeatedly sensed. These characteristics have been recognized as contributing a noise-like component to sensed signals that is present in repeated sensings. Thus, along with the signal component representing recorded data, the repeatable noise-like signal component also appears. Just as the magnetic characteristics of individual stripes are distinct, the repeatable noise-like signals are virtually unique among cards. Accordingly, it has been proposed to employ such magnetic characteristics and the resulting repeatable noise-like signals (referred to as the "remanent noise characteristic") as a basis for authenticating individual magnetic stripe cards. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,365,586, 5,428,683, 5,546,462, 5,587,654, 5,625,689, 5,740,244, 5,920,628, and 5,959,794 (the disclosures of all of which are incorporated herein by reference) issued to Indeck et al. chronicle the invention of the use of remanent noise characteristics to authenticate various magnetic media. In addition, U.S. Pat. No. 6,098,881 issued to Deland et al., the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses using "relatively flat" portions representative of the remanent noise characteristics of the stripe that are located between magnetic transitions to authenticate individual documents.
A major consideration relating to the extensive use of magnetic characteristics for card recognition involves the number of cards in a system. For example, a typical reader must readily accommodate many billions of individual cards operating in combination with millions of individual processing units. In extensive systems, effectiveness and low error rate becomes exceedingly important, particularly in the realms of financial and security transactions, as are involved with bank cards.

Method and apparatus for authenticating a magnetic fingerprint signal using an adaptive analog to digital converter


A display panel, which realizes a 3D image in an active method, includes a first glass on which light is incident, a second glass which is aligned with the first glass and transmits an image, a first liquid crystal layer disposed between the first glass and the second glass and adjusts an amount of the light passing therethrough, and a second liquid crystal layer which is disposed between the second glass and the first liquid crystal layer and realizes the 3D image, wherein, in response to the display panel realizing the 3D image, the second liquid crystal layer is alternately arranged according to a first liquid crystal arrangement which corresponds to a first polarization direction and a second liquid crystal arrangement which corresponds to a second polarization direction which is different from the first polarization direction, so that images passing through the second liquid crystal layer are alternately polarized in the first polarization direction and the second polarization direction.

1. Field
Methods and apparatuses consistent with exemplary embodiments relate to a display panel and a display apparatus having a display panel. More particularly, the exemplary embodiments relate to a display panel which includes a liquid crystal layer which alternately polarize images in two different polarization directions in response to a 3-dimensional (3D) image being realized in an active method, and a display apparatus having the same.
2. Description of the Related Art
With the development of electronic technologies, various kinds of electronic apparatuses have been developed and distributed. In particular, various types of display apparatuses including a television, a mobile phone, a computer, and a personal digital assistant (PDA) are being widely used in general households.
As display apparatuses are increasingly used, user expectations for a wide variety of functions are also increasing. To meet the user's expectations, products equipped with new functions have appeared. In recent years, a display apparatus capable of realizing a 3D image has been in the spotlight.
A method of realizing a 3D image is largely divided into an active method and a passive method.
The active method uses shutter-type glasses and is called a shutter glasses method. In the active method, in response to a display apparatus outputting a left-eye image and a right-eye image alternately, shutter glasses alternately close a right shutter and a left shutter, thereby realizing a 3D image on the eyes of the user. That is, the active method allows the left eye of the user who wears the shutter glasses to view only the left-eye image and allows the right eye of the user to view only the right-eye image, so that the user can recognize the 3D image.
The passive method uses polarized glasses having different phases on a left glass and a right glass. In the passive method, in response to a display apparatus dividing an image on a horizontal line basis and outputting images having two phases which correspond to polarized glasses, a 3D image is realized by the eyes of the user wearing the polarized glasses.
Since the active method reproduces the left-eye image and the right-eye image in sequence, it is possible to realize a high-resolution 3D image. However, a frame rate greater than 120 Hz is required. Also, the shutter glasses are weighty and expensive, and the user's eyes get easily tired due to flickering produced by the shutter method.
The passive method uses polarized glasses that are light and inexpensive. However, dividing an image on a horizontal line basis may result in reduction in horizontal resolution and degradation of image quality.
Therefore, there is a demand for a method of maximizing advantages of the active method and the passive method in response to a 3D image being realized on a display apparatus.

Display panel and display apparatus having a display panel


A cylinder is interposed between a machine frame and each of outriggers, which are vertically swingably disposed at opposite sides of the machine frame, so as to lift up and down the outrigger. Fluid passages are formed in a rod part of the hydraulic cylinder. Connection portions of fluid suction and delivery ports of the respective fluid passages to be connected to the respective hydraulic pressure hoses are disposed adjacent to a pivot of the hydraulic cylinder.

Conventionally, there is a well-known technology about an outrigger equipped on a construction machine, such as a backhoe and a crane, to be used for stabilizing work at a high place.
Normally, the outrigger is provided with a hydraulic cylinder whose telescopic actuation vertically swings the outrigger. The hydraulic cylinder of the outrigger is disposed so that, when the outrigger is lowered to support the vehicle, the hydraulic cylinder is disposed so as to have its cylinder part above its rod part (as disclosed in JP 5-71139A).
The conventional hydraulic cylinder of the outrigger is vertically rotated together with the vertically rotated outrigger, thereby bending a hydraulic pressure hose. Therefore, the hydraulic pressure hose has a length enough to be prevented from being damaged. Still, during the rotation of the cylinder, it happens that the hydraulic pressure hose is bent and rubbed with a nearby frame or another part so as to be damaged.
Moreover, when the outrigger is lowered to support the vehicle, heavy load is applied on the rod part disposed under the cylinder part. Further, dust such as soil easily sticks to the outer peripheral surface of the rod part at this position close to the ground, so as to damage the rod part during telescopic actuation of the hydraulic cylinder, to interfere with the telescopic actuation of the hydraulic cylinder, and to cause oil leak from the hydraulic cylinder.


Improved capacitive sensor operation is achieved with improved discrimination between environmental drift and apparent drift attributable to human proximity to the sensor. A proximity algorithm detects conditions interpreted as indicating a user is close to, but not touching, a sensor. When such proximity is detected, ambient value calibration is halted, thereby avoiding treating the human's proximity as environmental drift requiring compensation and preventing miscalculation of calibration. The proximity algorithm employs two moving-average filters (implemented in hardware or software) to monitor the CDC output values over time and to make appropriate adjustments to a signal representing the ambient, while distinguishing environmental drift from proximity-induced pseudo-drift. Accurate ambient values allow for improved proximity detection by providing this environmentally compensated average value to an adaptive threshold algorithm which features a fast attack, slow decay peak detection to automatically track and compensate for different response characteristics (typically finger sizes).

In capacitive sensor devices, a capacitor arrangement is created and structured so that circuitry attached to the capacitor plates can sense a change in capacitance Such a change can occur, for example, when one plate of the capacitor is pressed toward an opposite plate by an externally (directly or indirectly) applied touch force, or as a result of a human hand altering the electrical field of the capacitor through interaction with the fringing fields around the plates. Additionally, the presence of a human finger or similar object may be sensed even without an actual touching, when it is in close proximity to one plate of one or more capacitors, as the electrical field—and hence the capacitance—of the arrangement is altered by the presence of the finger or other object. The mere proximity of a portion of the human body, such as a finger, can create a sufficient variation in capacitance, without the need to apply pressure to a plate so as to move the plates closer together, to permit sensing of that condition.
Unfortunately, this sensitivity to approaching fingers is problematic. It is well known that capacitive sensors also are very sensitive to capacitance variability due to environmental changes, such as humidity, temperature, dirt, and so forth. A capacitive sensing system must, therefore, be able to distinguish reliably between capacitance changes that are due to environmental changes and capacitance changes that are due to an operator actually touching or approaching the sensor. It is undesirable to allow environmental changes to produce an output that could be interpreted as a touch or near touch. Conversely, it is also undesirable that a hand hovering in the vicinity of the sensor be interpreted as an environmental condition, for doing so may cause an environmental compensation process to change the sensitivity profile of the sensor and render it insensitive to an actual touch.
In the example of FIG. 1, there is shown diagrammatically the construction and operation of a capacitive sensor, for tutorial purposes. Reference will be made to this diagram in aid of explaining how environmental factors and a "hovering" hand can complicate the operation of such sensors, reducing their sensitivity and sometimes doing so to the point of rendering a sensor unresponsive to a user's touch. A differential construction is shown, with two capacitors 10A and 10B sharing one plate 12 in common, but it will be appreciated that single-ended designs may be substituted. Common plate 12 is connected to receive a transmit signal 14 on line 15 from a signal source (not shown). Opposing the common plate 12 are second and third plates 16A and 16B, each of which forms the second plate of a capacitor with common plate 12. In turn, these two plates 16A and 16B are connected, respectively, to the non-inverting and inverting inputs of a differential capacitance-to-digital converter (CDC), such as 18, having, for example, a 16-bit output. The plates (electrodes) 12 and 16 may typically be arranged so that a portion of the electric field between them, represented by lines 22, arcs into the region above or in front of the electrodes; most of the field, though, is directly between the electrodes, as indicated by field lines 24. When a user's hand approaches the electrodes, it resembles to the circuit, electrically speaking, a large "ground" mass, and reduces the field intensity between the transmitter and receiver electrodes 12, 16A and 16B, respectively. This alters the capacitance of the capacitor. The output value, or code, of CDC 18 is indicative of the close position of the ground mass (e.g., hand). Naturally, comparable single-ended arrangements are known, as well.
Now, referring to FIG. 2, assume that a user first presses down with a finger on the left-hand capacitor, which we will call sensor 16A, and then withdraws that finger and then puts it on the right-hand capacitor, which we will call sensor 16B. FIG. 2 shows the ideal output 30 of the CDC. Prior to the first sensor press, between sensor presses and after the second sensor press, the CDC output is stable at a fairly constant ambient value indicated within dotted rectangles 42. When the user's finger presses on sensor 16A, the output CDC value rises to a maximum output CDCmax and when the user's finger is put on sensor 16B, the CDC output falls to a minimum value CDCmin. The output value of the CDC is read by a processor (not shown). Typically, the processor uses a first threshold value 48 to determine when the output of the CDC indicates that the first sensor has been pressed and a second threshold value 52 to indicate when the second sensor has been pressed. When a threshold is crossed, an interrupt is generated. Real-world operation, however, rarely produces such idealized operation. Rather, when the environment changes, the ambient value of the CDC output drifts. With stationary thresholds, this would be quite problematic, as illustrated by the CDC value waveform 30′ in FIG. 3. There, ambient drift is indicated in the changes in ambient levels of waveform 30′ from 54 to 56 to 58. As a consequence, though a finger on sensor A is still detected (i.e., threshold 48 is crossed), a finger on sensor B does not cause the CDC output value to cross the threshold 52, so no interrupt is generated and the processor never detects that the second sensor was pressed.
This problem can be overcome if the ambient value of the CDC output changes due only to environmental factors and the threshold values can be made to change with changes in the ambient CDC output. (The "ambient" value of the CDC output to be tracked is the background value of the CDC output with all human hands kept distant so as not to touch the sensors. This ambient value is calculated from the CDC output when the user is not close to or touching a sensor.) More particularly, it would be desired that the threshold values remain at equal distance from the (moving) ambient value while tracking or calibrating for environmental changes, but this ideal often is not achieved. FIG. 4 shows at 62 and 64 the situation that would result with the threshold values 48 and 52 changing to track the ambient drift. That is, both sensor presses generate interrupts.
While various techniques exist to compensate for ambient drift in capacitive sensing arrangements, these approaches have not proven to be ideal and, indeed, some will still permit environmentally-induced drift to allow input devices to become temporarily insensitive to touch. For example, with some systems, if a user's finger hovers in the vicinity of a key or input button, but does not press the key or button, the hovering presence of the user's body is interpreted as a sign of drift that requires compensation, and the resulting over-compensation may render the key or button actually insensitive to touch for a period of time.

Automatic environmental compensation of capacitance based proximity sensors


A data storage device is disclosed comprising a non-volatile memory powered by a supply voltage. The supply voltage is compared to a power loss threshold, and when the supply voltage falls below the power loss threshold, a power loss event is detected and an emergency operation is executed. The power loss threshold is decreased, and after an interval the power loss threshold is increased.

Data storage devices, such as disk drives and solid state drives are employed in numerous areas such as computer systems (e.g., desktops, laptops, portables, etc.) and consumer devices (e.g., music players, cell phones, cameras, etc.). User data is typically stored in a non-volatile memory, such as a magnetic disk or a non-volatile semiconductor memory (e.g., Flash memory). When a power loss event occurs, the data storage device may execute an emergency operation such as flushing write data stored in a write cache to the non-volatile memory to avoid data loss, or parking a head on a ramp to avoid damaging the head.

Data storage device employing glitch compensation for power loss detection


A rig control interface includes a plurality of interface systems. Each of the interface systems is configured to manipulate a rig control based on a signal received from an automated rig control system. The interface systems includes a mechanical control interface. The mechanical control interface includes an actuator configured to mechanically move a control handle from a first position to a second position responsive to the signal.

Rigs, such as drilling rigs or production rigs, used in exploration and production of oil and gas, apply a variety of tools and rig systems to implement the operations performed by the rig. For example, a drilling rig includes a draw works to raise and lower a drill string, a top drive or rotary table to rotate the drill string, pumps to circulate drilling fluid in the bore hole, and various other tools. The rig includes controls that an operator uses to manipulate the tools.


The present invention is to provide a continuous composite steel girder bridge using an apparatus to provide a temperature gradient to the steel girder (2) by circulation hot water. The apparatus is comprised of: a hot water circulation pipe (11) attached to steel girder (2) for providing hot water circulation before the composition of the steel girder (2) and the concrete slab (1) starts and until such a composition is completed; a temperature control sensor (12), attached to the steel girder (2) for sensing the temperature of the steel girder (2); and a controller (13) for controlling the temperature of the steel girder (2) to retain a predetermined temperature gradient while the composition effect takes place.

The present invention relates to a continuous steel girder bridge applying a temperature gradient to improve the bridge behavior due to the (xe2x88x92)bending moment acting near the inner supports of continuous steel girder bridges. More particularly, it relates to the continuous steel girder bridge constructed by temporarily applying an artificial temperature gradient to the steel girder of the composite girder bridge from shortly before the slab concrete is casted and until full composition effect between the girder and slab takes place. By removing the artificial temperature gradient after composition is completed, prestressing effects like the followings are acquired; cracks can be prevented by offsetting the tensile stress acting on concrete slab resulted from the (xe2x88x92) moment, reducing the amount of the slab reinforcement bar and decreasing the cross-section of steel girder are also possible.
Hereafter, the composite bridge of prior art will be schematically described, referring to FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B.
Referring to FIG. 1, the composite steel bridge of prior art is comprised of reinforced concrete slab 1, a steel girder 2 supporting the slab 1 and shear connectors 3 disposed over all length of the steel girder 2 to combine the steel girder 2 with the slab 1. Above components operate as a composite section. In this case, stresses of steel girder and concrete slab under design loadings have to be restricted under the allowable stresses. There is no particular problem in the case of a simply supported beam, but in the case of a multispan beam, the (xe2x88x92) bending moments develop near the inner supports due to the live load as well as dead load and cause tensile stresses in the concrete slab and upper section of the steel girder. To prevent the tensile stresses from developing in the concrete slab, it is necessary to arrange the longitudinal reinforcing bars or to adopt up and down construction method or prestressing method using prestressing tendon. All of these traditional techniques make construction process complicated.
FIGS. 2A and 2B show the typical bending moment diagrams of general 2-span continuous bridge and 3-span continuous bridge, respectively. The tensile stress occurs in the concrete slab under the (xe2x88x92) bending moment, causing tensile cracks. In the design and construction of composite bridges, additional reinforcements in the longitudinal direction are placed to resist the tensile stresses acting on concrete slab. However, the tensile cracks of the concrete slab can not be prevented. Sometimes in designing this kind of continuous composite bridge, sections under the (+) bending moment are assumed to be composed and sections under the (xe2x88x92) bending moment are assumed to be non-composed. However, the tensile stresses still develop due to partial composite action between the slab and girders.
According to the previous studies, by placing reinforcement bars in the longitudinal direction by more than 2% of the concrete slab section area, and by keeping the ratio of the total circumference of the reinforcement bar to the cross-section of the concrete slab above 0.045 cm/cm2, the tensile crack of the concrete slab can be limited to allowable crack width. Also the longitudinal reinforcement bars have to be extended up to the compressive stress region.
Therefore, in practice, the longitudinal reinforcing bars are excessively arranged in the (xe2x88x92) moment region, thereby increasing the amount of steel needed and decreasing the workability at site.
It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide continuous Composite steel girder bridge using temporary temperature gradient to generate compressive stress in the concrete slab near the inner supports, offsetting the tensile stress due to the (xe2x88x92) bending moment caused by the live and dead load, and thereby preventing the tensile cracks.
Further, another object of the present invention is provide continuous Composite steel girder bridge and method for constructing the same capable of decreasing the amount of longitudinal reinforcing bars needed to limit the tensile crack size, and reducing the cross section of the steel girder by applying a temporary temperature gradient to the steel girder before the composite effect takes place.
Furthermore, the other object of the present invention is to provide a method of constructing continuous composite bridge applying an artificial temperature gradient with simple equipments.
In order to accomplish the objects mentioned above, the continuous composite girder bridge constructing method using temperature gradient comprises: a first step of placing a continuous steel girders over predetermined spans; a second step of providing heating source over the upper and lower parts of said steel girder to generate a desired temperature gradient; a third step of composing after casting and curing the concrete slab on the continuous steel girder having the desired temperature gradient; and a fourth step of offsetting the tensile stress in the concrete slab occurring due to the dead load and live load, through the compressive stress simultaneously occurring in the upper section of the steel girder and the concrete slab, by removing the temperature gradient after said third step is completed.
Further, the apparatus which generates the temperature gradient is placed on the steel girder. It is comprised of the heat source, thermo-sensor that output the temperature of the heat source and a system controller to keep the artificial temperature gradient steady, based on the information collected from the thermo-sensor, until composition effect takes place.
Furthermore, the present invention presents a continuous composite bridge constructed using temporary temperature gradient yielding the compressive stresses in the concrete slab which offsets the tensile stress caused by the dead and live load.

Continuous composite steel girder bridge constructed by applying a temperature gradient and method for constructing the same

#1-902 Daerim Apt., Yeonhee 3-dong, Seodaemun-ku


A starter includes a motor and an electromagnetic switch disposed close to and radially outward of the motor. The switch includes a contacts cover, a terminal bolt, and a conductive metal member. The contacts cover is cup-shaped. The terminal bolt is secured in the contacts cover so as to extend in the axial direction of the motor through an end wall of the contacts cover. The metal member has a first and a second end portion. The first end portion is inserted in the contacts cover through a side wall of the contacts cover. The second end portion is located outside the contacts cover and electrically connected to the motor. The switch further includes a movable contact, a first fixed contact that is electrically connected to a power source via the terminal bolt, and a second fixed contact made up of the first end portion of the metal member.

1. Technical Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a starter for starting an engine, which includes a motor and a minimized electromagnetic switch working to operate electric power supply to the motor.
2. Description of the Related Art
Conventionally, a starter for starting an engine generally includes a motor and an electromagnetic switch that is disposed close to and radially outward of the motor and works to operate main contacts of a motor circuit.
More specifically, the electromagnetic switch includes a solenoid, a pair of fixed contacts that serve as the main contacts of the motor circuit, and a movable contact. The solenoid includes an electromagnetic coil and a plunger. The fixed contacts are connected to the motor circuit through a pair of terminal bolts.
When the electromagnetic coil is energized, the plunger is attracted by a magnetic attraction to move the movable contact, thereby causing the movable contact to bridge or electrically connect the fixed contacts. As a result, the motor circuit is closed to supply electric power from a battery to the motor.
On the contrary, when the electromagnetic coil is deenergized, the magnetic attraction disappears, causing the plunger and the movable contact to return to their initial positions. As a result, the fixed contacts are electrically disconnected, so that the motor circuit is opened and the electric power supply to the motor is thus interrupted.
Further, Japanese Patent No. 3478211 discloses an electromagnetic switch for a starter, in which the fixed contacts are integrally formed with the terminal bolts, respectively. One of the terminal bolts is electrically connected to the battery via a battery cable; the other is electrically connected to a lead taken out from the motor. Both the terminal bolts are fixed to a resin-made contacts cover.
However, in the above electromagnetic switch, the terminal bolts are arranged to extend in the axial direction of the motor and align with each other in the radial direction of the motor. Accordingly, it is difficult to minimize the electromagnetic switch in the radial direction of the motor.
More specifically, it is necessary to secure a sufficient insulation distance between the two terminal bolts, and thus there is a limit to closely disposing them in the radial direction. Further, it is also necessary to secure a sufficient distance between the two terminal bolts, so as to prevent an insulator that retains the movable contact from interfering with the fixed contacts when the movable contact makes contact with the fixed contacts. Therefore, it is difficult to minimize the electromagnetic switch in the radial direction of the motor, even if the other parts of the electromagnetic switch can be individually minimized.

Starter having minimized electromagnetic switch


A vibration damper includes at least one damper mass and at least one bush bearing, the bush bearing having an inner supporting core surrounded with radial clearance by an outer supporting sleeve, a spring mass made of elastomer material that extends essentially radially and joins the supporting core and the supporting casing being arranged in the gap formed by the clearance. The damper mass has an essentially pot-shaped recess, in which the bush bearing is arranged, the supporting casing being pressed in an essentially airtight manner into the recess, and the hollow space delimited by the damper mass and the bush bearing being designed as a pneumatic spring.

In generally known vibration dampers, it is only possible, in particular, to damp low-frequency, large-amplitude vibrations by using spring bodies made of high-damping elastomer mixtures. On the other hand, when high-damping elastomer mixtures are used, insulation against high-frequency vibrations is not very satisfactory. Heretofore, no provision has been made in known vibration dampers to separate the cushioning and damping functions.
In view of the deficiencies of existing vibration dampers, there remains a need to further develop a vibration damper which has separate cushioning and damping functions, so that a larger selection of elastomer mixtures can be used to facilitate adjustment to the respective applications, and so that the vibration damper will provide a broad-band vibration insulation/damping within a wide frequency range.


Devices, systems, and methods are disclosed for routing data to mobile devices that undergo handovers from one access point to another. In one embodiment, a processor performs operations including obtaining a network location of a mobile device, updating a mapping table with the network location of the mobile device, obtaining a request to transfer a data packet to the mobile device, routing the data packet to the mobile device according to the mapping table, and forwarding the network location to a source of the data packet. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

In modern cellular networks, Internet Protocol (IP) addressing is being used more extensively than ever before. Mobile devices are equipped with not only cellular transceivers but also data MODEMs such as General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) transceivers, Wi-Fi transceivers, etc. Further, additional network elements such as those that are part of an IP Multimedia System (IMS) use IP addressing to transmit data packets across network elements.
However, these network elements are not being used to the fullest potential. A UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN) includes, inter alia, a plurality of access points such as Node Bs (equivalent to GSM Base Transceiver Stations) that are controlled by a controller such as a Radio Network Controller (RNC). The RNC interfaces with other network elements such as a Mobile Switching Center (MSC), and gateways enabling communication with IP networks, such as G-GSN and S-GSN. The problem arises when a mobile device moves from one area serviced by one access point/Node B to another area served by another access point. A seamless handover from one radio to another requires an uninterrupted flow of data to and from the mobile device. Today, seamless handovers require tremendous network resources, and under heavy use, data packets can be lost and connections dropped because existing RNCs are not equipped to re-route data packets as they are performing handovers. Although MSCs perform handover duties, MSCs are not directly involved with base stations/Node Bs, and the precise updated network location of the mobile device is not known to all the intermediary elements. Consequently, data from a source network element is routed across several additional elements before it ever reaches the mobile device.
The problem is compounded by the addition of access points in the form of Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) hotspots. Since modern mobile devices are able to communicate with different types of networks, additional processing is required to bring awareness of the new location to the network elements routing the data. At present, there is no efficient method for the core network elements to be made aware of the location of the mobile device such that data is transferred effectively to the mobile device via the new access point.
Therefore, what is needed is a device, system, or method to seamlessly route data packets to mobile devices that traverse multiple access points.
The present invention solves the above problems by enabling a controller, such as a RNC or BSC, to map the locations of mobile devices that are connected to various access points on one or more networks. The access points include base stations, Node Bs, wireless LAN, etc., and incorporate or are coupled to network agents. The network agent reports the location of the mobile device to the controller via a plurality of means such as over an IP network, a powerline network, or a satellite network. Using the database, or IP mapping table, having the most current locations of all the mobile devices under its domain or area, the controller can route data packets to the mobile devices using the most effective routing paths.
In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention is a controller for routing a data packet to a mobile device on a network, including a processor, a memory in communication with the processor, the memory including a database containing an Internet Protocol (IP) address associated with a corresponding mobile device, a transceiver in communication with the processor, and routing logic on the memory for receiving a network location from a network agent in communication with the mobile device, updating the database with the network location, and routing a data packet to the mobile device via the network location. The controller may be a radio network controller (RNC) or a Base Station Controller (BSC). The network agent is coupled to an access point enabling the mobile device to access the network. The access point is any one of a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) router and a Node B. The controller further performs handovers between the WLAN router and the Node B, or between several WLAN routers or Node Bs. The network agent transmits the network location to the controller via a powerline or satellite network.
In another exemplary embodiment, the present invention is a system for routing a data packet to a mobile device on a network, including a radio network controller, a plurality of access points in communication with the radio network controller, the plurality of access points including at least a Node B and a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) router, a network agent coupled to each of the plurality of access points, and a mobile device in communication with one of the plurality of access points, wherein the radio network controller includes a database of network locations for the mobile device, the database including an Internet Protocol (IP) address of the mobile device, a unique identifier of the mobile device, and a network address of access point in communication with the mobile device, the network address being provided to the radio network controller from the network agent, and wherein the radio network controller comprises routing logic to update the database with the network address received from the network agent and route an incoming data packet to the mobile device based on the network address of the access point in communication with the mobile device. The system further includes a Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) in communication with the RNC, wherein the network location is transmitted to the RNC via the SGSN.
In yet another exemplary embodiment, the present invention is a method for routing a data packet to a mobile device on a network, including storing an Internet Protocol (IP) address and location information for a mobile device on the network, receiving a network location from a network agent in communication with the mobile device, the network agent being co-located with an access point providing a network access to the mobile device, updating the stored location information for the mobile device with the network location of the access point, receiving a request to transfer a data packet to the mobile device, and routing the data packet to the mobile device via the updated location information. The routing further comprises forwarding the network location of the access point to a source of the request to transfer the data packet.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Radio network controller with IP mapping table


A system is configured to manage connectors configured to engage with corresponding connector ports. The system maintains the relative position of the connectors. For example, the connectors can be plugged into, or unplugged from, a network component, while retaining a desired arrangement. In some embodiments, the system includes one or more connector blocks, one or more cable blocks, one or more crossbars, one or more latching mechanisms, or a combination thereof. The connector blocks engage the connector tab of each connector, allowing the connector to be inserted/removed without a user having to engage/disengage each connector tab by hand. The cable blocks maintain a relative position among connectors and cables. The crossbar rigidly couples the connector blocks together and provides a rigid connection to a mounting reference such as, for example, a standard networking rack. The latching mechanisms secure and release the crossbar from the mounting reference.

Network devices typically include multiple wired connections. Some, if not all, of the connections are arranged in one or more arrays. The removal of any one connection can present challenges, in terms of accessibility and selection. For example, RJ45 connectors and ports may be arranged in a tight array, with little room for a user's hands. The removal of multiple connections at the same time gives rise to the possibility of re-plugging one or more connectors into different ports than those from which they were removed. In some circumstances, plugging a connector into an incorrect port can lead to electrical damage, mechanical damage, or both. It would be advantageous to be able to remove multiple wired connections with a convenient action, and without specialized training, while maintaining the spatial arrangement of the connections.

Methods and systems for managing connector arrays


The present invention provides a novel cellulase-producing fungus, i.e. Acremonium cellulolyticus CF-2612 strain or a mutant thereof, which has an ability to produce cellulase so highly, a method for producing cellulase and/or hemicellulase by culturing said fungus, and a method for degrading or saccharifying biomass using the cellulase and/or hemicellulase.

The "cellulase" is a collective name denoting the enzyme group that catalyzes an enzyme reaction system in which cellulose is hydrolyzed into glucose, cellobiose, or cellooligotose. Depending on the catalytic mechanism, there are enzymes referred to as FPase, CMCase, cellobiase, and the like. Cellulase degrades cellulose into glucose as an end product of degradation via interaction among such enzymes.
The "hemicellulase" is a collective name denoting the enzyme group that catalyzes an enzyme reaction system in which hemicellulose is hydrolyzed into xylose, arabinose, mannose, galactose, or the like. Depending on the catalytic mechanism, there are enzymes referred to as xylanase, arabinanase, arabinofuranosidase, mannanase, galactanase, xylosidase, mannosidase, and the like.
Hitherto, microorganisms such as Trichoderma reesei (Biotechnol. Bioeng., 23, 1837-1849 (1981)), Trichoderma viride (T. viride) (Appl. Biochem. Biotechnol., 57-58, 349-360 (1996)), and microorganisms belonging to the genera Aspergillus, Penicillium, and the like, have been used as cellulase-producing fungi for producing cellulase and/or hemicellulase, which can be used for saccharification of lignocellulose biomass. However, by use of such microorganisms, satisfied productivity of cellulase was not able to be achieved, which was a drawback. In addition, the produced cellulase did not have a sufficient ability to degrade cellulose, meaning that the known cellulose enzymes cannot completely degrade cellulose into glucose. Accordingly, there is a problem that a large amount of cellobiose and cellooligosaccharide, which are intermediates, are produced and remains during the degradation of cellulose.
To solve the above-mentioned problems, it has been attempted to intensively isolate from the nature, microorganisms which have a high ability to produce cellulase and an ability to produce cellulase having high activity. As a result, a microorganism belonging to Acremonium cellulolyticus, which can substantially completely degrade cellulose into glucose, was isolated from soil by us (JP 59-166081 A (1984)). We have further found that the mutant Acremonium cellulolyticus C1 strain (FERM P-18508) had a higher ability to produce cellulase when compared with said parent microorganism (JP 2003-135052 A).
In recent years, there has been a great interest in that biomass is subjected to enzymatic degradation and saccharification using cellulase and/or hemicellulase to convert it into constituent units like glucose, xylose, arabinose, mannose, and galactose, which are used to produce fermentation products such as ethanol and lactic acid that can be utilized as a liquid fuel or chemicals. Thus, the development of a technology for practical application of biomass has been carried out actively. Hence, for the purpose of an economical and practical use of biomass, there is a great demand on microorganisms with an ability to produce cellulase more highly than the known cellulase-producing fungi as described above.
Under the above-described circumstances, it is an objective of the present invention to efficiently produce cellulase and/or hemicellulase and to efficiently degrade or saccharify biomass, through improving the ability to produce cellulose in cellulase-producing microorganisms.

Method for producing cellulase and hemicellulase having high hydrolytic activity

National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology


Methods for handling zero-length allocations are disclosed. An example of such a method may include returning a self-describing/diagnosing dynamic address that has all the properties required for a secure implementation. Another example may include returning a series of different addresses (instead of a single address per process) to improve supportability. Yet another example may include maintaining diagnostic information about the original allocation for ease of problem resolution.

Memory allocations have the behavior that they return a pointer to memory that can be read from and written to for a requested length. Additionally, such a pointer can be passed into another memory allocation routine, like "realloc" or "free," for example.
A zero-length allocation is a special case. Because the requested length is zero bytes, an attempt should not be made to read from or write to the memory. Existing C/C++ code that treats zero-length allocations as a completely normal part of the process flow is pervasive. However, incorrect use of these zero-length allocations can be a source of software defects that are difficult to track down. Traditional implementations tend to present one or more of the following issues: 1) they break existing code; 2) they have security problems and make it easier for poorly written code to overwrite memory; and 3) their behavior is unpredictable (i.e., faulty code make work some of the time). When they do expose problematic code, the problem is difficult to diagnose.
A traditional memory allocator may handle a zero-length allocation in any of a number of different ways. For example, it may return a NULL (i. e., treat it as a failed allocation). This can break existing coding patterns that use zero-length allocations as normal cases in loops or user inputs. Though these coding patterns are arguably risky, they are pervasive in existing C/C++ code and perfectly safe if implemented correctly.
Another approach is to return the smallest possible allocation (i.e., treat the request as 1 byte instead of 0 bytes). This allows the existing C/C++ code to work, but has the drawback that it allows poorly written code to read to and write from the memory allocation. The may cause a runtime failure sporadically depending on the contents of memory surrounding the allocation. Additionally, this has security implications as any attempt to write to this memory location is, by definition, a memory corruption and buffer-overrun.
Still another approach is to return a well-known address. Previous versions of MICROSOFT EXCHANGE, for example, improve on this by returning a constant (like 0x00000001, for example) that points to memory that can neither be written to or read from. If improperly written code accesses this address an access violation occurs and the problem can be diagnosed. Though this is an improvement on the above methods, it has the following drawbacks. First, any constant value that is guaranteed to be inaccessible on any running system will have the drawback of being innocuous (like the number 1). Developers who see this in a problem report may not realize that this constant is associated with a zero-length allocation. Also, though the code that references that invalid memory address is often at fault, there are also cases where the code that does the allocation is at fault and is not near the code accessing the memory (like when the allocation is passed across an API boundary). This requires a customer to reproduce the problem with additional diagnostics enabled.

Runtime detection for invalid use of zero-length memory allocations


An adjustable length, releasable holder for rope, cord, and other flaccid materials, comprising a longitudinal member into which is inserted an insertion member. The length of insertion is adjustable and immediately releasable. Winding posts with right angles provide for winding the materials about the invention. A handle eases transport or hanging of the invention. Release of the wing screw allows for coiled materials to be instantly released from the invention, thereby saving time and dangerous situations that sometimes arise with ropes and the like.

Storing and carrying flaccid materials, such as rope, cord, and the like has long been a troublesome task. Typically, what ever flaccid material is wound about a storage device must also be unwound. Difficulties further abound with ropes used in boating, and often dangerous situation occur. Coils of rope holding anchors can be especially dangerous to boaters and passengers alike. Attempting to throw a life preserver, for example, can be difficult, as coils of rope must be perfect in order for the preserver to be properly cast. Cords such as extension and power cords have also long been troublesome in their storage, conveyance, and unwinding. Virtually any flaccid material offers difficulties in storage, conveyance, and use. The present invention offers a unique and basic solution to these problems.

Adjustable releasable rope and chord holder


A data processing device is described including one or more processors implementing a plurality of data processing entities, one or more software interrupt nodes and an access register for each software interrupt node. The access register specifies which one or more data processing entities of the plurality of data processing entities is/are each allowed to, as interrupt source data processing entity, trigger an interrupt service request on the software interrupt node for another one of the plurality of data processing entities as an interrupt target processing entity. Each software interrupt node is configured to forward an interrupt service request triggered by an interrupt source data processing entity which is allowed to trigger an interrupt service request on the software interrupt node to an interrupt target processing entity.

The processing of interrupts is a typical functionality in a data processing system such as a computer or microcontroller. With an increasing number of data processing entities in a data processing system, e.g. multiple processors (CPUs), tasks and virtual machines, the requirements regarding the distribution of interrupt requests or triggers to interrupt handling entities (also referred to as interrupt service providers) increase accordingly. Since the hardware requirements of interrupt handling should nevertheless be kept low, efficient and flexible approaches for interrupt processing are desirable.

Data processing device and method for processing an interrupt


There is disclosed a system and method for transmission of data signals from a mobile device to a network. In an embodiment, the method comprises encoding video data at a first encoding rate into a plurality of video frames using a first encoding module; encoding video data at a second encoding rate into a plurality of video frames using a second encoding module; detecting a change in the availability of wireless bandwidth in the network; and switching a selector to retrieve frames from either the first encoding module or the second encoding module for transmission in dependence upon the available wireless bandwidth. The encoding rate of whichever one of the first encoding module and the second encoding module is currently not selected is successively increased or decreased, and a selector is switched to retrieve frames from either the first encoding module or the second encoding module.

In the area of video and audio data transmission there are many solutions to handle the loss of information through the delivery process. Typical poor delivery issues are solved today using either retransmission of data, or re-synchronization of the video and audio streams. Also used are buffering methods at the receiver that allow for small delays to access the data to allow for some data loss and slow delivery issues. It is also conceived that by splitting the video transmission into multiple paths that it is much less likely that a transmission failure occurs simultaneously on all paths. Therefore if each path contains enough data to build a video transmission there will generally always be data to display video information. When all paths are fully working then video information increases in quality. These traditional methods continue to be used today when transferring data over networks of all kinds.
In a closely related area, the recording and transmission of live video from a mobile device requires the solution of two different problems: a fixed hardware encoding rate, and a recording delay resulting from limited device resources.
For example it should be understood that the hardware based H.264 encoder used in an iPhone™ has a fixed encoding rate. And therefore once the encoding session is started, the application cannot change the session parameters (encoding rate, frame rate, etc.) until the session is stopped and restarted. Yet if conventional wireless mobile technologies are used for audio or video transmissions, variations in bandwidth (both bit rate and latency) must be accommodated to avoid frames being dropped by the receiver resulting in scrambled output (lost video signal/black screen).

System and method for implementation of dynamic encoding rates for mobile devices


A composition for the treatment of municipal and industrial waste-water. The composition comprises a yeast fermentation supernatant, preservatives and a non-ionic surfactant. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the composition comprises a fermentation supernatant from a Saccharomyces cerevisiae culture, sodium benzoate, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea and a non-ionic surfactant.

Since the passage of the Clean Water Act many industries have been required to institute treatment programs for the waste-water they generate before these waters are discharged into public drains and waterways. These programs often include on-site waste-water treatment processes, discharge into public treatment works or both.
Waste-water typically contains a wide variety of contaminants which must be removed prior to discharge of the waste-water into public waterways, such contaminants include: organic matter, such as proteins, carbohydrates and lipids; chemicals, such as pesticides, insecticides, heavy metals and fertilizers; and sewage. The waste-water is typically assessed in terms of its biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), total suspended solids (TSS) and dissolved oxygen (DO).
A number of processes have been developed which are directed at specific contaminants, for example: phenol oxidases and hydrogen peroxide have been used to decolorize pulp and paper mill waste-water (U.S. Pat. No. 5,407,577); enzymes from an atypical strain of Bacillus stearothermophilus have been used to degrade algal cell walls (U.S. Pat. No. 5,139,945); a combination of bacteria and enzymes have been used to improve the water quality of standing bodies of water (U.S. Pat. No. 5,227,067); cellulases have been used to digest wood/paper compositions (U.S. Pat. No. 5,326,477); Xanthomonas maltophilia and Bacillus thuringiensis have been used to degrade polar organic solvents (U.S. Pat. No. 5,369,031); yeast have been used to digest carbohydrate-containing waste-water (U.S. Pat. No. 5,075,008); a combination of .beta.-glucanase, (.alpha.-amylase and proteases have been used to digest microbial slime (U.S. Pat. No. 5,071,765); and a combination of amylase, lipase and/or proteases have been used to digest colloidal material such as starch, grease, fat and protein (U.S. Pat. No. 5,882,059). However, each of these compositions are directed at only a specific contaminant and they do not address the variety of contaminants which are usually found in waste-water and polluted water. A composition described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,635,797 used a yeast fermentation composition to deodorize sewage ponds and degrade organic waste. However, this composition has been found to be unstable and yielded variable results from one batch to another.
It is desirable to provide a composition and method for the digestion and decontamination of a variety of pollutants which are typically found in waste-water.

Composition for the treatment for municipal and industrial waste-water


A system for integrating flight crew decision aid applications in an aircraft cockpit includes a touch screen controller (TSC) that comprises a data mining engine configured to mine aircraft data from the already existing avionics interface and a flight plan and trajectory generating engine (FPTGE) configured to retrieve a trajectory request from a requesting flight crew decision aid application, compute one or more theoretical trajectories using the mined aircraft data, and transmit the one or more theoretical trajectories to the requesting flight crew decision aid application. The TSC also comprises a flight crew decision aid application configured to receive a flight crew request for simulated data from a touch screen user interface, generate and transmit one or more requested trajectory requests to the FPTGE, receive data from the one or more theoretical trajectories from the FPTGE, and display the requested simulated data on the touch screen user interface.

An aircraft cockpit may include multi-function control and display units (MCDUs) that may interface with flight deck equipment such as the flight management system (FMS) on the aircraft for the entry and display of flight data. The existing MCDUs do not have the capability to provide smart/advanced features, such as What-IF simulations that allow the flight crew to preview proposed flight path changes, due to their limited hardware and graphical display capabilities.
Providing smart/advanced features in legacy cockpits may require infrastructure upgrades such as the addition of wireless gateways such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and/or cockpit wiring changes. Providing smart/advanced features in legacy cockpits may also require avionics software upgrades. When these types of upgrades are introduced, certification of hardware and software may be required with the upgrade, if the upgrade is even possible. Making upgrades may have a large impact on other cockpit systems.
Hence, it is desirable to provide systems and methods for providing advanced avionics functions in legacy and/or in-service aircrafts with minimum or no impact to the other cockpit systems. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the foregoing technical field and background.

System and method for integration of smart trajectory generation and decision aid applications in legacy cockpits


A railroad crossing structure has a plurality of paving plates placed between a pair of rails of a railway track, with the opposed front and rear ends of the adjacent paving plates supported on the sleepers of the track and abutting each other. Each paving plate has a rubber covering, and a plurality of hollow steel pipes arranged in such a way as to bear a predetermined load and embedded in the rubber. Projections provided at both sides of each paving plate are engaged in the recessed portions of the rails. The projections are formed with holes extending parallel to the rails and fitted with packings. Further, a plurality of second paving plates are placed at the outer sides of the pair of rails. They are arranged in the same manner and have the same construction as those placed between the rails. Each of the second paving plates has a projection provided at one side thereof near the respective rail and engaged with the rail.

This invention relates to a railroad crossing structure made of reinforced concrete (RC) plates which can be built or repaired in a long-rail track without the need for cutting and reconnecting the rails or changing the setting of the rails.
When constructing a rigid crossing structure in a long-rail track, it was heretofore necessary to cut and reconnect the rails and change the setting of the long rails.
One problem with a conventional crossing structure, which is constructed of prestressed concrete (PC) sleepers and RC plates, is that its design load is only two tons, which is enough to bear the weight of people and light-weight vehicles but not enough to bear the weight of heavier vehicles, e.g. those weighing 20 tons.
Further, if packings are interposed between the recessed portion of the rails and the paving plates in order to prevent the paving plates from floating or if the paving plates are made of rubber, their ends have to be jammed into the recessed portion while twisting them by use of a jig. Then, by removing the twisting force, the ends of the paving plates are brought into engagement with the recessed portion of the rails with their own resilient restoring force. Such an arrangement involves assembling parts for preventing the paving plates from floating and the use of a jig.


Immersion ultrasonic NDE is performed within cavities of inanimate objects, having downwardly directed openings, such as for in situ inspection of steam inlet sleeves and steam inlet necks within steam turbine housings. A shaft assembly has one or more single angle or phased array ultrasonic probes that are affixed on an upstream or distal end. An inflatable bladder is affixed to the shaft on a proximal end of the shaft assembly downstream the ultrasonic probe(s). The shaft is inserted into the cavity opening, and the bladder is inflated to form a fluid tight seal against the cavity. Immersion fluid is introduced upstream the bladder in the volume occupied by the probes. Immersion ultrasonic inspection of the object is then performed.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to immersion ultrasonic non-destructive evaluation within internally defined cavities of inanimate test objects, including in downwardly facing cavities by a test system and test methods that block the cavity opening so that ultrasonic immersion fluid remains in the cavity during the inspection procedure. Embodiments of the immersion ultrasound inspection system and test methods described herein are suitable for immersion inspection of test objects with inclined or vertical bottom opening cavities that otherwise are not capable of retaining ultrasonic testing immersion fluid. Embodiments of the methods and apparatus of the invention are suitable for in situ inspection of steam turbine engine steam inlets, including steam inlet sleeve necks, while the steam inlet remains in situ within a steam turbine upper housing.
2. Description of the Prior Art
FIG. 1 shows a known High Pressure (HP) and HP/Intermediate Pressure (IP) steam turbine engine 8, having a rotating rotor 9 that includes a row of turbine blades 10. The turbine engine 8 has an upper housing 11 that includes a plurality of steam inlets 12. An inlet sleeve 14 used in the steam turbine directs steam from the inlet and its piping, 12, including the elbow portion 13, through the outer and inner cylinder walls of the upper housing 11. The steam inlet sleeve downstream outlet portion 16 adjoins a nozzle chamber for directing the pressurized steam onto the turbine blades 10. As shown in greater detail in FIGS. 2 and 3, the inlet sleeve 14 is essentially a cantilevered tubular structure fixed at the upstream inlet sleeve neck 18 adjoining the elbow portion 13, while the outlet portion 16 is only restrained by a friction interlocked sealing device proximal the nozzle chamber/turbine blades 10. Steam flow in the steam inlet structure 12 can induce vibration in the inlet sleeve 14, especially if there is a loss of frictional damping between the sleeve and the sealing device. Either constant or intermittent vibration of the sleeve 14 can result in a fatigue crack at the trepan fillet radius of the inlet sleeve neck 18. These fatigue cracks, if undetected, can result in a through wall failure of the sleeve 14 and eventually force the unit out of service.
Frequent NDE inspection and early detection is required to preclude such events. For that reason, the sleeves are inspected periodically during scheduled maintenance service outages and replaced if cracks are present. During inspection the steam turbine engine 10 upper housing is removed and elevated on a service pad, so that inspectors can insert NDE inspection instruments into the upwardly facing inlet sleeve downstream outlets 16 of the steam inlet sleeves 14. The sleeve necks 18 are inspected by inserting NDE test instruments up the inclined vertically oriented steam sleeves 14. Known ultrasonic inspection methods for steam inlet sleeve neck 18 NDE involve cleaning the inner surface of the generally tubular steam sleeve proximal the sleeve neck 18 and performing contact-type ultrasonic inspection of the neck structure by directing ultrasonic waves through the neck with either single angle or phased array transducers that are oriented relative to the neck with ultrasonically transparent orientation wedges. It is difficult and inconvenient to clean the steam sleeve 14 internal surfaces, align transducer orientation wedges at an extended distance upstream the sleeve 14 and then maneuver the wedges and transducer probe to capture a satisfactory inspection image. Also surface texture or physical condition of some cavities makes them difficult to establish satisfactory direct contact with the transducer orientation wedge that is necessary to obtain a satisfactory inspection image.

Method and system for immersion ultrasound inspection including within downwardly opening cavities


A magnetic disc medium comprising: a magnetic sheet in the form of a disk; a case encasing the magnetic sheet so as to be capable of rotating; and a nonwoven liner fastened on an inner face of the case so as to face the magnetic sheet, wherein the magnetic sheet comprises a support, a substantially nonmagnetic lower layer, and a magnetic layer containing hexagonal ferrite powder dispersed in a binder and having central plane average surface roughness of from 1 nm to 4 nm, and the liner comprises polyethylene terephthalate in an amount of 20% by weight or more.

In the field of the magnetic disc, a 2 MB MF-2HD floppy disc using Co-modified iron oxide has been generally loaded in a personal computer. However, along with the rapid increase in the amount of data to be dealt with, the capacity of the disc has become insufficient and the increase in the capacity of the floppy disc has been demanded.
Magnetic recording media comprising a magnetic layer containing an iron oxide, a Co-modified iron oxide, CrO2, ferromagnetic metal powder, or hexagonal ferrite powder dispersed in a binder coated on a nonmagnetic support have been conventionally widely used. Ferromagnetic hexagonal ferrite fine powders have been known to have excellent high density recording characteristics among these.
On the other hand, a disc-like magnetic recording medium (magnetic recording medium in the form of a disk) comprising a thin magnetic layer and a functional nonmagnetic layer has been developed and floppy discs of the class with the capacity of 100 MB are now on the market. As floppy discs showing these characteristics, the constitution comprising a magnetic layer having Hc of 1,400 Oe or more and a thickness of 0.5 μm or less and a nonmagnetic layer containing electrically conductive particles is proposed in JP-A-5-109061 (the term "JP-A" as used herein means an "unexamined published Japanese patent application").
However, with the rapid trend of the increase in the capacity and density of magnetic disc media, it has become difficult to obtain satisfactory characteristics even with these techniques. In particular, when high recording density is actualized, the smoothest possible surface is necessary for obtaining high electromagnetic characteristics.
A magnetic disc medium is generally designed so that the surface of the magnetic sheet is maintained clean by means of a liner (see JP-A-5-20832).
When hexagonal ferrite powder is used in a magnetic disc medium, however, a recording layer is scraped off due to the liner, and the resulting minute recording layer defects and the minute dusts of the liner flocks cause dropout, which suddenly increases an error rate. Patent literature 2 aims at preventing the mold growing in a magnetic disc medium and the above problem is not disclosed.
Accordingly, it has been desired to develop a liner material suitable for a magnetic layer containing a hexagonal ferrite powder and excellent in surface smoothness, which can ensure the surface property and the surface cleanliness of the magnetic layer and can get rid of the scraping of the liner, to thereby provide a magnetic disc medium free of dropout.


A transmitter comprises an amplifier operable for receiving an input signal and amplifying the input signal to produce an output signal. A power supply is coupled to the amplifier for supplying power to the amplifier, the power supply operable for tracking the input signal and varying the level of power supplied to the amplifier in response to variation of the input signal. A predistortion circuit is coupled to the power supply, the predistortion circuit operable for receiving the input signal and predistorting the input signal to the power supply for addressing input signal tracking capabilities of the power supply.

In wireless communication applications, such as cellular phone services or other wireless services, amplifiers are used to provide the desired signal coverage for the particular wireless application. For example, radio frequency (RF) power amplifiers are used for boosting the level of an RF signal prior to transmission of that signal. RF power amplification techniques, and particularly RF power amplification techniques used for wireless applications, have inherent drawbacks to which the industry continues to direct its efforts. Specifically, in developing an RF transmission system, considerable attention is given to amplifier efficiency and signal distortion of the amplified signal.
Amplifier efficiency, which is generally defined as the level of RF power that may be achieved at the output signal compared to the power that is input into the overall amplification process, is conventionally somewhat low in wireless applications. Therefore, considerable attention within the power amplifier industry has been devoted to methods of enhancing power amplifier efficiency. Small increases in amplifier efficiency can provide significant benefits in a wireless system and reduce the overall costs necessary to run the system.
Another drawback in RF power amplification, which must be addressed and taken into account with any methods for improving efficiency, is signal distortion. An RF power amplifier, to a greater or lesser extent, exerts a distorting effect on the RF signals that are amplified. Non-linearities of the amplifier, as well as other factors, contribute to the distortion. Such distortion must be controlled to ensure that the RF transmitter meets the various standards regarding RF interference.
To address amplifier efficiency, one current technique involves the use of envelope tracking of the input signal to the amplifier and use of the detected envelope to vary the amplifier operation. In an envelope tracking system, a variable power supply is utilized for supplying power to the amplifier. The envelope power levels of the input signal are monitored, and the power that is supplied to the power amplifier, or typically to the final stage(s) of the power amplifier, is varied based on the monitored envelope levels. More specifically, the power that is supplied to the amplifier is varied so as to be just sufficient to reproduce the power level required by the amplifier at a given instant of time. Therefore, at low envelope power levels, a low supply voltage is provided to the amplifier, and the full supply voltage is only provided when the maximum envelope power is required, that is, at the envelope peaks.
However, while envelope-tracking techniques improve efficiency, various current implementations of those envelope tracking techniques have various drawbacks. Such drawbacks are associated with the ability of the system to respond to the signal envelope. More specifically, in current envelope-tracking implementations, the detected input signal envelope is fed directly to the tracking input of the power supply. However, since there are imperfections or non-linearities in the tracking behavior of the power supply, the resulting output voltage from the power supply is only a crude approximation of the envelope levels actually required for the power amplifier. If, for a particular envelope peak, the power supply output is not sufficient for the amplifier requirements, the distortion produced by the amplifier could be greatly increased, even after predistortion of the input signal has been taken into account to address other inherent non-linearities in the power amplifier.
Therefore, it is desirable to improve upon the efficiency and linearity of an RF power amplifier, in a transmitter system. It is particularly desirable to improve upon the efficiency of a power amplifier by means of an envelope tracking power supply.

Transmitter with an envelope tracking power amplifier utilizing digital predistortion of the signal envelope


A system and method for testing of a memory during burn-in is disclosed. In one aspect, the method and system include an address generator. The address generator includes a shift register means. The shift register includes n bit positions. The n bit positions are for storing n bits. The n bits are capable of being in a plurality of patterns. The address generator further includes a counter coupled to the shift register means. The counter includes a value that is incremented in response to a particular pattern of the plurality of patterns. The address generator has a complement mechanism coupled to the shift register and the counter which provides a complement of at least a portion of the n bits stored in the n bit positions in response to the value in the counter. In another aspect, the method and system comprise the address generator previously discussed coupled to the memory undergoing testing. In this aspect, the method and system further have a data generator coupled to the address generator and the memory and compare circuitry coupled to the memory and the data generator. In this aspect, a fail is detected when data from the data generator does not match data stored in the memory.

During dynamic or in situ memory burn-in, the memory is tested. Typically, a memory burn-in runs for approximately eight to twenty-four hours. In order to test the memory, conventional systems utilize a test sequence which is repeated many times over this period.
For example, some conventional systems use a deterministic data generator to provide predetermined data for testing. In such conventional systems, a simple counter is typically used to generate addresses of the cells to be tested. Consequently, the test sequence is repeated many times. These conventional systems compare the data generated to the data from the memory. If the two do not match, an error has occurred.
The conventional system could also use a read modified write test. The test writes data, reads the data, and writes the complement of the data to the same address. The test then reads the data and moves to the next address. This test determines whether every cell can write to a one or zero and if each address is unique. However, the test does not detect certain fails due to a particular unusual configuration. For example, when a particular bit is set at zero but the adjacent bits are all one, the zero may flip to a one. As a result, such errors will go undetected.
Other conventional systems utilize a pair of linear feedback shift registers ("LFSR") to generate the addresses and the data. A multiple input shift register ("MISR") typically captures a unique signature for each pattern written to the memory. The MISR feeds back two of the data bits to an exclusive or ("XOR"), and uses the XOR as an input to one bit. The MISR also performs an XOR on each of the incoming and outgoing data bits. The MISR, therefore, captures a unique signature for each set of data. At the end of the memory burn-in, the final signature should match an expected signature. If the signatures do not match, an fail has occurred. In order to determine where the fail has occurred, further diagnosis is typically necessary.
A method akin to a binary search may be utilized to determine where the fail occurred. For example, if the signatures do not match at the end of the burn-in, half of the test may be run to determine if the signature correct half way through the burn in. If this signature matches what is expected, then one-fourth of a test is performed. This procedure continues until the fail is found. Thus, in order to determine where the error is, the data must be simulated to know what the MISR should read at the intervening points.
Although conventional systems provide testing in memory burn-in, only a limited number of address patterns are generated. Consequently, unusual patterns which may cause errors are not tested. In a system utilizing a MISR, additional steps are necessary to determine if an error has occurred and which pattern resulted in the error.
Accordingly, what is needed is a system and method for providing memory burn-in having a greater number of test patterns without a significant increase in circuitry. The present invention addresses such a need.

Pattern generator for memory burn-in and test

International Business Machines Corporation


A non-volatile memory device comprises an interface circuit for receiving a plurality of signals. The plurality of signals provides multiplexed address and data and command signals in a serial format. An input buffer stores a plurality of the plurality of signals received in serial format and reconstitutes the address, data and command signals, and has an output. A command circuit receives the output of the input buffer and stores the command signals therefrom. An address circuit receives the output of the input buffer and stores the address signals therefrom. A data buffer circuit receives the output of the input buffer and stores the data signals therefrom. An array of non-volatile memory cells stores data from and provides data to the data buffer in response to address signals from the address decoder. A state machine is connected to the command circuit and controls the array of non-volatile memory cells. An output buffer receives data from the data buffer circuit and provides data to the interface circuit.

Non-volatile memory devices are well known in the art. There have been two types of interface disclosed with regard to access to a non-volatile memory device: serial and parallel. In a parallel device, the data, address and command lines are typically provided separately to the device, in parallel. Although this architecture requires a large number of pins, the ability to provide data and address in parallel lines, permits what is called execute in place operation, i.e. the memory device can execute a command stored in the non-volatile memory cells. In a serial device, such as that exemplified by U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,038,185 and 5,663,922, the interface to the non-volatile memory device is typically by a single line providing data, address and commands in serial, and multiplexed. Thus, for example, to provide a one byte of data (one byte=8 bits) eight data signals must be provided on the single line. In addition the single line sometimes must also accommodate address signals, as well as command signals in a multiplexed manner. Although a serial device requires a minimal number of pins and can operate at a faster speed, the serial nature of the architecture does not permit execute in place commands. Other prior art that may be relevant include U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,943,962; 5,325,502; 5,991,841, and 7,027,348.

Non-volatile memory device having high speed serial interface


A thin-film magnetic head in which magnetic stability of a magnetoresistance effect film is improved for further stabilizing the playback output. The thin-film magnetic head includes a magnetoresistance effect stabilizing layer 11 having a hard magnetic member 11d and a soft magnetic member 11e, a non-magnetic insulating layer 12 layered on the magnetoresistance effect stabilizing layer 11, a magnetoresistance effect layer 13 layered on the non-magnetic insulating layer 12 and a pair of electrodes connected on both ends of the magnetoresistance effect layer 13. Under the effect of the hard magnetic member 11d, the magnetoresistance effect layer 13 is reduced in coercivity and, under the effect of the soft magnetic member 11e, the magnetic filed which proves to be the saturation flex density is increased.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a magnetoresistance effect type thin-film magnetic head for detecting playback signals by the magnetoresistance effect, convenient for use in, for example, a hard disc device.
2. Description of the Related Art
In a magnetic recording device, such as a hard disc device, there is a demand for a higher recording density for increasing its recording capacity. For increasing the recording density, the recent tendency is to use a magnetoresistance effect type thin film magnetic head (.ae butted.MR head") which is a magnetic head suited for reducing track width.
Basically, the MR head is made up of a magnetoresistance effect element 101 and electrodes mounted on both ends of the magnetoresistance effect element 101, as shown in FIG. 1. The magnetoresistance effect element 101 has a magnetoresistance effect film the specific resistance of which is changed depending on the intensity of the magnetic field. The sense current is supplied to this magnetoresistance effect element 101 from both electrodes 102 for detecting the changes in resistance in the magnetoresistance effect element 101 by the signal magnetic field from the magnetic recoding medium for obtaining the playback output based on the changes in resistance. The MR head has characteristics that the playback output is not dependent on the speed of the recording medium thus achieving high playback output despite low speed of the recording medium.
Usually, the magnetoresistance effect film is magnetically unstable such that the magnetic wall in the film is moved by the external magnetic field. Thus the MR head suffers from a problem that the Barkhausen noise is produced due to the movement of the magnetic wall of the magnetoresistance effect film in the magnetoresistance effect element. Thus it is crucial in the MR head to secure magnetic stability of the magnetoresistance effect film in the magnetoresistance effect element to reduce the Barkhausen noise.
For overcoming the above problem, there is proposed a magnetoresistance effect element having a magnetoresistance effect film stabilizing layer operating for increasing the magnetic stability of the magnetoresistance effect film. This magnetoresistance effect element has a magnetoresistance effect film having the magnetoresistance effect, a non-magnetic insulating film having this magnetoresistance effect film layered thereon, and a magnetoresistance effect film stabilizing layer having the non-magnetic insulating film layered thereon.
This magnetoresistance effect film stabilizing layer is made up of a hard magnetic film and a soft magnetic film layered together. This magnetoresistance effect film stabilizing layer is magnetically stabilized by the magnetized hard magnetic film producing a sole magnetic domain for the soft magnetic film. The magnetoresistance effect film stabilizing layer, thus magnetically stabilized, has been magnetically stabilized by providing a sole magnetic domain for the magnetoresistance effect film.
As described above, the conventional magnetoresistance effect film is provided with the magnetoresistance effect film stabilizing layer comprised of the hard magnetic film and the soft magnetic film layered together.
However, the soft magnetic film and the hard magnetic film need to be formed under strict control of the material type, film thickness and film-forming conditions. In particular, the soft magnetic film has been in need of strict control.
Thus, if it is not possible with the conventional magnetoresistance effect element to control the magnetic characteristics of the magnetic film, the magnetoresistance effect film cannot be formed into a sole magnetic domain, such that a magnetic wall is formed in the magnetoresistance effect film. Therefore, the conventional magnetoresistance effect element suffers from the problem that the Barkhausen noise is produced during playback due to this magnetic wall being moved discontinuously in the magnetoresistance effect film.

Thin-film magnetic head with MR element hard and soft magnetic films having a weak exchange reciprocal action


Systems, methods, and devices are provided for automatically configuring a display layout for a slide presentation to allow a presenter to seamlessly perform effective, professional slide presentation even in unfamiliar locales. A method for doing so may involve receiving connected display information that describes the electronic displays currently connected to the electronic device. When the connected display information indicates that multiple electronic displays are currently connected, the processor of the electronic device may automatically choose, without explicit user assignment, a main presentation display and one or more presenter displays. The main presentation display may display a slide presentation from among the multiple electronic displays, while the presenter displays may display information other than only the slide presentation to aid the presenter. The main presentation display and the presenter displays may be chosen based at least in part on the connected display information.

This disclosure relates to automatically configuring display layouts for slide presentations.
This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure, which are described and/or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.
A variety of electronic devices, such as desktop and notebook computers, tablet computers, and similar hand-held devices, use electronic displays to display graphical user interfaces (GUIs) and other image data. In some cases, these electronic devices may connect to more than one electronic display. For instance, a user may employ a multi-monitor configuration in which a desktop extends across more than one electronic display connected to an electronic device. In another example, a user may bring a notebook computer into a meeting room and connect to an electronic projector to perform a slide presentation.
When an electronic device employs a multi-display configuration with certain slide presentation programs (e.g., Keynote® by Apple Inc.), a slide presentation may be displayed on one display (e.g., a projector) while other information to aid a presenter is displayed on another display (e.g., a notebook computer screen). Although the presenter may produce beautiful, professional, and effective slide presentations using such a presentation program, operating in a multi-display configuration may entail some user configuration of the displays. When a presenter connects to multiple displays to give a presentation, however, the presenter may want the audience only to see the presentation, and not any other materials that might be used to aid the presenter. Connecting to multiple electronic displays and then selecting and/or configuring the multiple displays may be frustrating to the presenter and may reveal the assistive information to the audience.

Automatic configuration of displays for slide presentation