A rotary ram compressor for use in gas turbine engines and the like, having a plurality of vanes attached to discs, with the opposing parts of each two adjacent vanes and the opposing parts of the disks' surfaces confined between the opposing parts of the surfaces of the two adjacent vanes defining a channel in-between. Each channel is formed of two successive freely communicating portions: a first diverging inlet portion; and a second constant cross-sectional area outlet portion. In operation, gases are rammed into the first diverging inlet portion of the channel and are gradually displaced to the second constant cross-sectional area outlet portion of the channel, while being diverged, resulting into a rise in the static pressure energy of the gases, followed by smoothening of the stream of flow of the pressurized gases within the second constant cross-sectional area outlet portion of the channel.

Rotary ram compressors are disclosed in the inventor's earlier International Patent Application serial number: PCT/US00/17044, entitled "Rotary ram fluid pressurizing machine", wherein the phenomenon of ram pressure rise, which occurs when a gas is rammed into a suitably shaped diffuser moving at a high speed, is utilized to develop a pressure gradient between two points across a gas stream. In an exemplary embodiment, vanes attached to rotary disks form channels, which act as diffusers when the disks are rotated, wherein the kinetic energy of the rammed in gases relative to the moving channels is converted into a ram pressure rise.
As rotary ram compressors have no rubbing parts within them, so, they can be used in the applications wherein relatively high operating rotational speeds are needed, i.e. gas turbine engines and the like. In the before mentioned patent application, the diverging stream of the rammed-in gases are admitted directly from the channels to the relatively inner (or outer) part of the compressor's rotor. The admission of a diverging stream of gases will be associated with turbulence of the gases at the point of admission, which leads to an additional increase in the temperature of pressurized gases supplied by the compressor, and thus decreasing the operating efficiency of any following compressor stage.
Thus, there is a need for a rotary ram compressor having improved channel configuration, which decreases the overall rise in the temperature of gases during the compression process, and thus improving the operating efficiency of any subsequent compressor stage.
Prior art made of record, which is not relied upon, includes U.S. Pat. No. 4,227,868 by Nishikawa et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,278,399 by Erickson, U.S. Pat. No. 4,358,244 by Nishikawa et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,739,835 by Kim, Japan Pat. No. JP354013002A, Japan Pat. No. JP35508794A, and German Pat. No. DE3243169A1. Each of them showing a compressor impeller having a first disk and a second disk and a plurality of vanes arranged there-between,


A collector for fecal discharge is provided comprising a self-expanding resilient collection component, a housing sheath and a transit component. The collection component has an open proximal and distal end and a lumen connecting them. The component comprises interconnected resilient arms circumscribing its contour, wherein adjacent arms are resiliently biased away from each other for exerting outwardly radial pressure for expanding and anchoring the component to rectal walls upon deployment. The housing sheath comprises a flexible and resilient material overlaying at least one of inner or outer contour of collection component without interfering with or blocking its ends or lumen. The transit component provides a conduit for fecal discharge to migrate from collection component to a receptacle and comprises a flexible, tubular sheath having a first open end connected to a second end by a lumen, wherein the first end engages with the proximal end of the collection component.

The present invention relates to solutions for containment or management of fecal output. Options for containment or management of fecal output known in the art include absorbent pads in the form of diapers or sanitary napkins, anal plugs, fecal collectors in the form of collection bags or pouches, and indwelling catheters.
Of the various available solutions, indwelling catheters provide a promising solution for managing fecal incontinence. An indwelling catheter is placed inside the rectum and a retaining member comprising a resilient ring or an inflatable balloon or cuff is used to hold the catheter inside the rectum. The retaining member is delivered in a compressed state into the rectum through the anal opening, and is allowed to, or caused to expand within the rectum. In its expanded state, the retaining member abuts against the shelf provided by the anorectal junction (which provides a shelf at the junction between the broader passage of the rectum and the narrower anal canal) and is prevented from being unintentionally withdrawn from the rectum and through the anal opening. The retaining member also provides an annular lumen to allow passage of stool. The retaining member is connected to a collection bag, for feces.
Existing indwelling catheters have several shortcomings.
A primary drawback of prior art devices is that the retaining member is configured to assume and retain its expanded state within the rectum, causing the resilient ring or inflatable structure to apply a continuous externally directed radial force against the walls of the rectum, causing rectal tissue aggravation, mucosal damage, rectal stenosis, degeneration of the internal or external nerves and rupture of the superior rectal blood vessels.
Additionally, in the natural state, fecal matter is expelled from the colon and rectum by a wave like muscular contraction of the colon and rectal walls (peristalsis) and a corresponding relaxation of the sphincter. Peristaltic contractions cause the rectal walls to expand and contract to move fecal matter towards the anal opening. In cases where a prior art indwelling catheter has been inserted into the rectum, externally directed radial forces exerted by the retaining member interferes with peristaltic contractions at the point at which said member has been disposed within the rectum. The continual pressure exerted by the resilient member also causes damage to the rectal walls and to the internal or external sphincter leading to permanent dysfunction.
In certain cases, the resistance presented by the resilient member to the rectal walls during peristaltic contractions causes said resilient member itself to be expelled towards the anal opening, until it is forced to abut against the anorectal junction, or in some cases is expelled entirely from the anal canal.
Prior art devices additionally fail to taken into account physiology of the rectum and anal canal. The anorectal junction (the common boundary of the rectum and anal canal) provides a limiting boundary for particular nerve types. Visceral nerves are found above the anorectal junction, while somatic nerves are found below said junction. Somatic nerves are capable of sensing pain, while visceral nerves only sense pressure and not pain. By virtue of the somatic nerves, the anorectal junction and portions below it are extremely sensitive, and cause a high level of discomfort in case of foreign objects located within the anal canal.
A large number of prior art devices rely on a retaining member located at and abutting against the shelf provided by the anorectal junction. In other prior art devices, as a consequence of resistance of the retaining member to peristaltic contractions, said devices are moved as a consequence of the peristaltic contractions toward the anal opening, until they rest against the shelf provided by the anorectal junction. As a result of the retaining member residing at the anorectal junction, the patient is constantly aware of a foreign body sensation with resulting discomfort. For this reason, prior art devices have not been particularly successful for patients, other than those in intensive care.
In terms of effectiveness, prior art devices have so far only been successful with respect to non-solid fecal matter. Limitations to effectiveness have multiple causes. First, the anal canal and anorectal junction provide passages with a limited lumen diameter for passage of fecal matter. Situating a retaining member comprising either a continuous ring (or cylinder) of resilient material, or an inflated cuff or balloon, within the rectum further reduces the lumen diameter to a significant extent, which reduces the available volume for passage of fecal matter. The reduction in available lumen diameter precludes the passage of any significant quantity of solid fecal waste.
Another constraint faced by prior art devices is the likelihood of being dislodged. Regardless of whether the retaining member comprises a resilient ring or an inflatable cuff, the upper rim of such resilient ring or cuff (the rim which is furthest from the anal opening) presents an abutment surface against which descending fecal waste would necessarily impact. Pressure exerted by descending solid fecal waste against the abutment surface causes the retaining member to be dislodged, so that it no longer presents the complete annular lumen for passage of stool, consequently causing leakage or seepage along outside walls of the resilient member. Moreover, once dislodged, the resilient member presents an increased abutment surface area, against which pressure continues to be exerted by solid fecal waste, eventually leading to the entire device being expelled from the anal opening.
Owing to the limitations in addressing solid fecal discharge, usefulness of prior art devices is limited to addressing liquid fecal discharge, which is typically observed only in patients in intensive care.
Prior art devices also face a serious drawback in terms of leakage/seepage caused by peristaltic contractions. FIGS. 16 to 17A illustrate cross sectional plan views of the retaining member of prior art devices and the consequences of peristaltic contractions by the rectal walls. The teachings of said figures are equally applicable to cases where the retaining member is a resilient ring, and where the retaining member is an inflatable cuff. In both cases, the retaining member presents a solid, continuous annular surface that resides against the rectal walls.
In FIG. 16 a retaining member 10 of the kind observed in prior art devices is in its fully expanded state, and assumes a uniformly circular (or substantially circular) shape. FIG. 16A demonstrates the effect of inwardly directed radial forces F along certain points on the circumference of said retaining member 10, in that portions of the resilient member on which inward forces F are directed, deform inwards, while other portions are correspondingly deformed outwards. Corresponding outward deformation of portions of retaining member 10 is a consequence of the solid and continuous annular structure of said retaining member 10. Where retaining member 10 is a resilient ring, the outward deformation is a consequence of the resilient properties of the constituting material. Where the retaining member 10 is an inflated cuff or balloon, the outward deformation is a consequence of relative incompressibility of air within the cuff or balloon, which applies corresponding pressure on other portions of the resilient member.
FIG. 17 illustrates retaining member 10 in its fully expanded state when disposed within the rectum. Adjacent rectal walls 94 are illustrated in a relaxed state, wherein no inwardly directed forces are applied on retaining member 10. In FIG. 17A the rectal walls 94 are illustrated undergoing a peristaltic contraction, wherein inwardly directed radial forces F are applied at various points on the circumference of retaining member 10. Since the inwardly directed compressive forces F are applied across the circumference of retaining member 10, said member 10 is forced to collapse inwardly into a series of substantially U-shaped deformations, with a view to reduce the circumferential surface area presented by retaining member 10 adjacent to rectal walls 94. The U-shaped deformations interfere with and reduce available lumen volume for passage of fecal matter through the retaining member. Simultaneously, such U-shaped deformations created gaps between rectal wall 94 and circumference of retaining member 10, through which fecal matter can pass, leading to seepage or leakage along the outside of the device.
In addition to the disadvantages set out above, it has generally been observed that prior art devices require a trained care provider to prescribe, insert, maintain and remove the device.
The applicant has recognized a need for a collection device for fecal discharge that addresses all of the above shortcomings, embodiments whereof are described herein.

Device for collecting material from a body cavity


The disclosed embodiments provide a system that facilitates the development and compilation of a software program. During operation, the system provides, in a programming language platform associated with source code for the software program, an indicator for a resource with an idempotent close method. Next, the system enables use of the indicator with a resource-management statement in the source code, wherein the indicator facilitates the use of a wrapped resource in the resource-management statement.

1. Field
The present embodiments relate to exception handling in programming languages. More specifically, the present embodiments relate to indicators for resources with idempotent close methods to facilitate the execution of resource-management statements with wrapped resources in software programs.
2. Related Art
Programming language platforms may include resources that must be manually closed, such as file descriptors, formatters, sockets, input/output (I/O) channels, database connections, and/or graphics contexts. However, manual closing of resources is often performed incorrectly and/or increases code length and complexity. For example, a resource may be initialized and used within a "try-catch" block and closed within a "finally" block following the "try-catch" block. If the resource's close method can complete erroneously (e.g., complete abruptly with a checked exception), an exception-handling construct must be included. For example, the exception-handling construct may include a catch block for checked exceptions and/or a throws clause for checked exceptions on the enclosing method and/or constructor. Moreover, if the close method is not called (e.g., due to omission of a call to the close method and/or a thrown exception before a call to the close method is made), resource leaks and/or failures may occur.
To simplify use of such resources, the resources may be declared using resource-management statements that automatically close the resources after the resources are no longer used. For example, a resource-management statement may correspond to a form of a "try" block that declares one or more resources, with the scope of the resource declaration(s) limited to the "try" block. During compilation of the resource-management statement, a compiler may insert a "finally" block and/or a nested "try-catch" block containing calls to the resources' close methods after the resource-management statement. Finally, once the resource-management statement finishes executing (e.g., normally or abruptly), the inserted code is executed and the declared resources are automatically closed.
As a result, use of resource-management statements to initialize and close resources may streamline source code, simplify development, and/or reduce the incidence of resource leaks and/or failures.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Indicators for resources with idempotent close methods in software programs


A treatment element and an exhaust emission control device for the treatment of gases in an exhaust passage of an internal combustion engine and methods of making thereof are described. In the method, at least two different catalyst compositions are applied along the major axis length of a single substrate to form a treatment element having at least two different zones of catalyst composition.

This disclosure relates to NOx adsorber catalyst systems for reduction of the amount of undesirable emissions components emitted in automotive exhaust gases and to methods of making NOx adsorber catalyst systems.
In order to meet exhaust gas emission standards, the exhaust emitted from internal combustion engines is treated prior to emission into the atmosphere. Typically, exhaust gases are routed through an exhaust emission control device disposed in fluid communication with the exhaust outlet system of the engine, where the gases are treated by reactions with a catalyst composition deposited on a porous support material. The exhaust gases generally contain undesirable emission components such as carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), and nitrogen oxides (NOx). As a means of simultaneously removing the objectionable CO, HC, and NOx components from the exhaust stream, various "three-way" catalyst compositions have been developed for internal combustion engines operating with stoichiometric air-to-fuel ratios. When operating under lean-combustion conditions (i.e, where the air-to-fuel ratio is adjusted to be somewhat greater than the stoichiometric ratio), however, typical three-way catalyst systems are relatively efficient in oxidizing unburned HC and CO, but are inefficient in reducing NOx emission components. To remove nitrogen oxides from the exhaust gases of internal combustion engines operating under lean-combustion conditions, NOx adsorbers are one approach for treating nitrogen oxides in exhaust gases.
NOx adsorbers comprise precious metals such as platinum group metals, in combination with alkali or alkaline earth elements, and combinations thereof. The catalytic material in the adsorber acts first to oxidize NO to NO2. The NO2 then reacts with the alkali and/or alkaline earth materials to form nitrate salts. While the alkali element potassium, for example, forms more stable nitrate salts than the alkaline earth element barium, potassium can deactivate the platinum group metals. U.S. Pat. No. 6,391,822 discloses a dual NOx adsorber catalyst system in which a first catalyst composition comprises a noble metal component and an alkaline earth element component and a second catalyst composition comprises a noble metal component, an alkaline earth element component and an alkali element component. The separation of the two catalyst compositions is accomplished by providing each catalyst on a separate substrate component or "brick" within the exhaust emission control device. While suitable for its intended purpose, there nonetheless remains a need for alternative methods of providing catalyst compositions in NOx adsorber catalyst systems.

Method of making a NOx adsorber catalyst


The present invention relates to a built-in light and/or camera (1) for arrangement in an installation opening (4) of a wall (5), in particular an inner wall of a machine, having a housing (10) with a front side area (12), a rear side area (14) and side walls (15, 16, 17, 18), wherein at least one camera (30) and/or at least one light source (40) is arranged in the front side area (12), wherein a stop (20) is arranged in the front side area (12), wherein at least one fastening (50) is provided that protrudes over one of the side walls (15, 16, 17, 18), and wherein the at least one fastening (50) is configured to form a spring-loaded form fit of the wall (5) between the stop (20) and the at least one fastening (50) like a trap when inserted into the installation opening (4).

Built-in lights and/or cameras are previously known from prior art in different configurations. Generic built-in lights and/or cameras are used in prior art to illuminate an interior of a machine in order to be able to observe the machine during a manufacturing process. The requirements for such built-in lights and/or cameras are high, since they should have a high power density on the one hand and must withstand the conditions in the interior of the machine on the other hand. The production process within the machine can be observed directly through an optical access in the wall of the machine or directly via a camera, which records what is happening inside the machine either by analog means or digitally.
Such lights and/or cameras have proven successful in the past, but it has turned out to be a disadvantage that the fastenings used for the built-in lights and/or cameras require time-consuming assembly and disassembly for maintenance and, on the other hand, that the fastenings used for the built-in light and/or camera lead to accumulations of contamination. Vibrations can cause a disconnecting or loosening of the fastenings used and gaps and pockets provide space for the accumulation of germs, which means that use in the food industry is not possible.


System and method for automatic computer aided optical recognition of toys, for example, construction toy elements, recognition of those elements on digital images and associating the elements with existing information is presented. The method and system may recognize toy elements of various sizes invariant of toy element distance from the image acquiring device for example camera, invariant of rotation of the toy element, invariant of angle of the camera, invariant of background, invariant of illumination and without the need of predefined region where a toy element should be placed. The system and method may detect more than one toy element on the image and identify them.

Different attempts of integrating virtual representations of physical objects into a virtual game play have been made. However, a close link between the physical world and a virtual game play stimulating the interactive involvement of the user and, in particular, stimulating the development of different skills by children's game playing is still missing. Therefore there is a need for a new approach to interactive game play.
Most toy-enhanced computer games or so-called toys-to-life systems currently involve systems wherein toys must have a physical component configured to communicate with a special reader via some form of wireless communication like RFID, NFC etc. Examples of such systems are disclosed in e.g. US 2012/0295703, EP 2749327 and US 2014/256430. It would be generally desirable to provide game systems that do not require the toy to comprise elements that are capable of communicating with a reader device so as to be able to identify a toy element, and to create its virtual digital representation and associate it with additional digital data.
WO 2011/017393 describes a system that uses computer vision to detect a toy construction model on a special background. To this end, an assembled model is on a special background plate with a specific pattern printed on it. In some systems the image-acquiring device may even need to be aligned to a specific angle relative to the toy element assembly for the recognition to take place. It would thus generally be desirable to increase the robustness of such methods, e.g. by reducing their sensitivity to one or more of the following parameters: The distance between a toy element from the image acquiring device, for example a camera, the rotation of the toy element, the angle of the camera, the background, the illumination, or the need for a predefined region where a toy element should be placed.
Document U.S. Pat. No. 8,855,366 discloses a method and apparatus for tracking three-dimensional (3D) objects. This prior art method of tracking a 3D object includes constructing a database to store a set of two-dimensional (2D) images of the 3D object using a tracking background, where the tracking background includes at least one known pattern, receiving a tracking image, determining whether the tracking image matches at least one image in the database in accordance with feature points of the tracking image, and providing information about the tracking image in respond to the tracking image matches the at least one image in the database. The method of constructing a database also includes capturing the set of 2D images of the 3D object with the tracking background, extracting a set of feature points from each 2D image, and storing the set of feature points in the database. However, the above prior art method requires the extraction of feature points and it requires a tracking background. It would thus be desirable to provide a method that is robust with respect to the choice of background and with respect to the rotation of the object. Accordingly it is desirable to provide a robust method that enables easy application. It is further desirable to provide a method that results in accurate detection and recognition. In particular, it is desirable to provide a method whose accuracy of recognition depends only little on factors such as rotation, size, scale, illumination or background change.


A curable coating composition comprises a hydroxy-functional component (A) having at least two hydroxy groups per molecule and an anhydride-functional component (B) having at least two carboxylic acid anhydride groups per molecule. At least one of the components (A) and (B) is a film-forming polymer. The coating composition contains amidine groups for accelerating the curing reaction between the hydroxy groups of component (A) and the anhydride groups of component (B). The amidine groups are present in the molecule of either of the components (A) or (B) and/or are present in the form of a separate compound containing an amidine group. The component or compound containing an amidine group generally has the formula ##STR1## in which R.sup.1 represents hydrogen, or an organic group attached through a carbon atom, or an amine group which can be substituted, or a hydroxy group or etherified hydroxy group; R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 each independently represent hydrogen or an organic group attached through a carbon atom or are joined to one another to form (with the linking --N.dbd.C--N--) a heterocyclic ring; and R.sup.4 represents hydrogen, an organic group attached through a carbon atom, or a hydroxyl group which can be etherified. Preferably, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are joined to form an imidazoline, imidazole, tetrahydropyrimidine, dihydropyrimidine or pyrimidine ring.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,452,948 describes a coating composition suitable for use as a glossy pigmented coating for a rigid substrate, particularly where hardening of the coating at ambient temperatures is required, for example as a vehicle refinishing paint. The coating composition comprises a hydroxy component having at least two free hydroxy groups per molecule and an anhydride component having at least two cyclic carboxylic acid anhydride groups per molecule, at least one of these components being a film-forming polymer. The composition also includes a catalytically effective amount of amine groups, preferably present on the hydroxy component, for accelerating the curing reaction between the hydroxl groups and the anhydride groups.
European Patent Application 259172 describes a coating composition comprising an anhydride polymer containing at least two cyclic carboxylic acid anhydride groups and a polymer containing at least two functional groups reactive with anhydride groups. These reactive groups are selected from hydroxyalkylamino, hydroxyalkoxyalkylamino, hydroxy-substituted acyloxyalkylamino, hydroxy-substituted polyacyloxyalkylamino, mercaptoalkylamino and oxazolidino groups. One of the polymers comprises a flexible polymer chain selected from polyether, polyester, silicone, diene polymer, hydrogenated diene polymer, polyurethane, polyisobutylene and polyacrylate chains. The functional groups characteristic of that polymer are each present as a terminal group at the end of a flexible polymer chain. The cured coatings have increased resistance to impact and abrasion.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,798,745 describes a coating composition comprising a hydroxy component having at least two free hydroxy groups per molecule and an anhydride component having at least two carboxylic anhydride groups per molecule used in amounts to provide a ratio of equivalents of hydroxy groups to equivalents of anhydride groups of 3:1 to 1:3. The anhydride component is a copolymer of at least 11% by weight of an ethylenically unsaturated anhydride with a vinyl comonomer such as styrene which is used in a molar proportion of at least 1:1 with respect to the unsaturated anhydride.
Liu et al in J. Polymer Science, Part A: Polymer Chemistry, 26, pages 3015 to 3029 (1988), describe the preparation of 1,1'-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-2,2'-biimidazole and its use in synthesising a series of new polyurethanes based on aromatic diisocyanates. Derwent Patent Abstract 83-829562 (an abstract of Japanese Patent Application 58-179271) describes a coating composition comprising a reaction product of a bis(hydroxy-imidazoline) and an epoxy resin, the product being neutralised with a volatile acid.


A gaming device with a scatter pay formed by enabling a player to pick a plurality of symbol display areas. The symbols generated to be displayed in the picked symbol display areas of the scatter pay are evaluated by the gaming device for a winning combination. In one embodiment, whether an award is associated with a combination of symbols generated in the picked symbol display areas of the scatter pay is based on a separate scatter pay paytable. In one embodiment, the player is enabled to pick a predetermined number of symbol display areas upon the generation of a triggering symbol. Alternatively, the player is enabled to pick the symbol display areas to be included in a scatter pay based on making a wager of a predetermined amount.

Conventional gaming devices such as slot machines provide a player an award based on combinations of symbols generated along one or more paylines. Traditional paylines include fixed predetermined symbol display areas arranged adjacently along lines which are horizontal, vertical, diagonal and combinations thereof. The player is able to choose which of the predetermined combinations of symbol display areas will be evaluated for winning combinations of symbols generated in those symbol display areas by activating or wagering on one or more of the predetermined paylines. The player activates a payline based on the amount of the wager made by the player.
Another type of payout in slot games is based on a "scatter pay." A scatter pay includes a pay for the occurrence of designated symbols anywhere on the symbol display. Symbols generated on the symbol display are evaluated for winning combinations as if the symbols were generated along a traditional payline of adjacently arranged symbols. The player, however, has no control over traditional scatter pays.
To increase player enjoyment and excitement, it is desirable to provide players with increased player interaction and control of a gaming feature in a slot machine.

Gaming device having player selection of scatter pay symbol positions


A method and system in a computer system having a display and a keyboard for automatically adjusting a pointing device to accommodate both left-handed and right-handed users, wherein the pointing device is utilized in association with a graphical user interface displayed within the computer system. Initially, the location of the pointing device with respect to a central location is electronically determined. The graphical user interface is subsequently automatically altered to indicate a left-handed pointing device preference, if the pointing device is located to the left of the central location. Likewise, the graphical user interface is automatically altered to indicate a right-handed pointing device preference, if the pointing device is located to the right of the central location. The pointing device can comprise a mouse, and the central location can be identified as the keyboard or the display. In addition, the location of the mouse with respect to the central location can be electronically determined via microwave, infrared, optical, radio frequency or magnetic techniques.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates in general to improved information processing systems. In particular, the present invention relates to improved graphical user interfaces utilized in association with such information processing systems. Still more particularly, the present invention relates to improved pointing devices which can be utilized in accordance with graphic user interfaces, such as a mouse pointing device, which may be a wireless or wireline mouse.
2. Description of the Related Art
A graphical user interface is a type of display format which enables a user to choose commands, start programs, and see lists of files and other options by pointing to pictorial representations and lists of menu items on a computer display screen. Choices can generally be activated by either a keyboard or a pointing device. A pointing device is a type of input device utilized to control on-screen cursor actions such as "pressing" on-screen buttons, and selecting ranges of cells in spreadsheets or groups of words in a document. Pointing devices are often utilized to create drawings or graphical shapes. The most commonly utilized pointing device known today is a so-called "mouse."
A mouse is a commonly utilized pointing device, containing one or more buttons, that allows a user to interact with a product or operating environment such as a graphical user interface. A mouse typically includes a casing with a flat bottom. The mouse is designed to be gripped by one hand, and includes one or more buttons on the top of the mouse and a multidirectional detection device, usually shaped like a ball, on the bottom of the mouse. A cable typically connects the mouse to a computer. By moving the mouse on a surface such as a desk or mouse pad, a user can control an on-screen cursor. Because there are no defined limits to the mouse's movement and because the placement of the mouse on a surface does not map directly to a specific screen location, the mouse is considered to be a relative pointing device. Thus, to select items or choose commands on the screen, the user presses one of the mouse's buttons, producing a so-called mouse "click."
The user can interact with on-screen graphical elements via the mouse. The mouse controls a mouse pointer, which is a type of on-screen graphical element utilized by the mouse. The mouse pointer is displayed on a computer monitor screen such that its location on-screen changes as the user moves the mouse. Depending on the location of the mouse pointer and the operation of the program (i.e., the graphical user interface within which the mouse pointer is displayed), the area of the screen where the mouse pointer appears serves as the target for an action when the user presses one of the mouse buttons.
Some conventional graphical user interfaces provide a cursor and scroll bar for scrolling through portions of a viewable object. A viewable object can contain multiple components such as spreadsheets, text, hotlinks, pictures, sound, and video object. However, a viewable object is not limited to these components. In many types of graphical user interfaces, a vertical or horizontal bar at the side or bottom of a graphical user interface window can be utilized in conjunction with the mouse to move about in a viewable object. Scrolling permits viewing of any desired portion of a viewable object and is so named because it is the electronic equivalent of reading through a rolled (i.e., scrolled) viewable object rather than flipping through pages of a book. A vertical scroll bar is usually utilized to control up and down movement (e.g., through lines and pages of a viewable object), while a horizontal scroll bar controls movement across a viewable object.
In utilizing a mouse to interact with a graphical user interface via mouse pointers and viewable objects, users who are left-handed often have difficulty utilizing a mouse that has been previously designated a right-handed mouse. Although it is not terribly difficult to switch a mouse between left- and right-handedness, a mouse in the wrong handedness presents a significant nuisance to the user. A left-handed person often feels uncomfortable altering a right-handed person's computer settings from a right-handed mouse to a left-handed mouse. Left-handed users in particular, when borrowing a computer having a mouse are likely to forget to reset the mouse preference, which takes time and can often be a frustrating task.
Likewise, individuals who are right-handed and attempt to install software or fix problems on a computer that has been previously designated as a left-handed computer via the mouse, can find it frustrating to make the repairs or install the software or may even conclude that the computer is working improperly simply because the mouse does not perform as expected. In situations where computers are shared (e.g., laboratories, homes, public kiosks, etc.), the frequency with which a user desires to switch a mouse preference is even higher.
Although nearly every operating system allows users to alter mouse preferences, many operating systems also allow users to hide the dialog boxes that allow users to access the mouse preference. Such situations are commonly encountered in "demo" scenarios, where a particular product is demonstrated via a graphical user interface. A salesman, for example, might hand the system to a customer to demonstrate the product and when the left-handed or right-handed customer finds that the mouse has been set to an opposite setting, the customer quickly loses his or her enthusiasm for the product simply because the mouse will not operate properly due to their left- or right-handedness.
From the foregoing, it can be seen that a need exists for a mouse which would automatically alleviate the problems faced by left- or right-handed users in utilizing a mouse having an opposite "preferences" setting (i.e., an ambidextrous mouse). Such a mouse, if implemented, would prevent the frustration and time in altering mouse preferences, and would also in particular benefit left-handed users.

Method and system for an ambidextrous mouse

International Business Machines Corporation


A plier device includes two elongated handle member each having an intermediate neck portion formed between a jaw and a handle, an elongated channel and a number of teeth are formed in one of the handle members, and an orifice is formed in the other handle member for pivotally engaging a shaft of a pawl member which includes one or more teeth for engaging with the teeth of the handle member. A spring member is attached to one of the handle members and has a leg engaged with the pawl member and the other leg engaged with the handle member for biasing the tooth of the pawl member to engage with the teeth of the handle member. A frame may solidly anchor the pawl member to the handle members.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a plier device, and more particularly to a self-adjusting plier device including a structure or arrangement for allowing the parts or elements of the plier device to be easily and quickly assembled and to be solidly anchored and assembled together.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Typical plier devices comprise two longitudinal handle members each having an intermediate neck portion formed or defined between a jaw end and a handle end, an elongated channel and a number of ratchet teeth formed in the intermediate neck portion of one of the handle members, and a pawl member pivotally attached to the other handle member and engageable into the elongated channel of the handle member for forming a self-adjusting plier device.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,651,598 to Warheit discloses one of the typical self-adjusting utility pliers also comprising a pawl member pivotally attached to one of two handle members and engageable into an elongated channel of the other handle member for automatically adjusting to positions of positive gripping and holding of any size workpiece within the size range defined by the maximum opening between the jaws of the pliers.
Normally, the pawl member is pivotally attached or secured between the handle members with a bolt and a nut, and the bolt will be engaged through the pawl member and one of the handle members such that the bolt will suffer a great shear force formed or generated between the handle members. In addition, the bolt and the nut will have a good chance to be disengaged from the pawl member and the handle members after operations.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,020,399 to Annis et al. discloses another typical self-adjusting utility pliers also comprising a pawl member pivotally attached to one of two handle members and engageable into an elongated channel of the other handle member for automatically adjusting to positions of positive gripping and holding of any size workpiece within the size range defined by the maximum opening between the jaws of the pliers.
However, similarly, the pawl member is also pivotally attached or secured between the handle members with a bolt and a nut, and the bolt will also suffer a great shear force formed or generated between the handle members, such that the bolt and the nut will also have a good chance to be disengaged from the pawl member and the handle members after operations.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,060,543 to Warheit discloses a further typical self-adjusting utility plier device also comprising a pawl member pivotally attached to one of two handle members and engageable into an elongated channel of the other handle member for automatically adjusting to positions of positive gripping and holding of any size workpiece within the size range defined by the maximum opening between the jaws of the pliers.
However, similarly, the pawl member is also required to be pivotally attached or secured between the handle members with such as a bolt and a nut, and the bolt will also suffer a great shear force formed or generated between the handle members, such that the bolt and the nut will also have a good chance to be disengaged from the pawl member and the handle members after operations.
The present invention has arisen to mitigate and/or obviate the afore-described disadvantages of the conventional self-adjusting plier devices.


A portable guitar pick holder apparatus. The portable guitar pick holder apparatus includes a receptacle means that includes plural guitar pick storage openings contained therein for storing plural guitar picks. The plural guitar pick storage openings include a manual pick removal means and an automatic pick removal means. The pocket may further include plural guitar pick openings on the exterior of the front or back of the pocket. The portable guitar pick holder apparatus is selectively attachable to and removable from a human guitar player, a guitar strap or other objects to provide a readily and quickly available, organized supply of guitar picks.

There are many types of music that can be composed and played on string instruments. There is classical music, rock-n-roll, hip-hop and other types of music that are played on string instruments.
One popular type of string instrument is the guitar. Most guitar player uses guitar picks to play music on the guitar. There are several problems associated with using guitar picks to play music on the guitar. One problem is that guitar players typically use many different picks during a musical performance. The guitar player may drop, break or otherwise desire to select a certain pick to play a song. It is desirable to have a supply of picks readily available during musical performance.
Another problem is that a guitar player typically desires to store his/her picks with the guitar. The picks are often placed in a guitar case or other container. The picks are often lost or become unorganized in the guitar case or other container.
Another problem is that a guitar player typically has one or more favorite picks that he/she would like to organize and display when the guitar is not being played.
Another problem is that guitar pick holders often lack aesthetic appeal, shake loose from their holders and/or require permanent mounting to a guitar.
There have been attempts to solve some of these problems. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,135,431 that issued to Ferguson teaches a stringed musical pick or plectrum dispenser for receiving, retaining, and dispensing a pick, the dispenser being mounted in fixed relation to an instrument sound board adjacent the instrument strings. Each pick is wafer thin and generally triangular in shape. The dispenser may be mounted on a pick guard which has a first edge alignable with the instrument string that is last plucked to guard against, and prevent, continued downward travel of the pick thus protecting the finish on the instrument sound board. A dispenser housing has a perimetral wall with upper and lower edges. The housing defines in cross-section the general configuration of a pick. A bottom side is affixed to the lower wall edge and a top side is affixed to the upper wall edge. A pick receiving and dispensative opening is formed in the top side. The opening receives a pick and provides an inner surface for engaging and retaining the pick in the dispenser while exposing a pick surface through the opening. Resilient means are mounted in the housing for exerting a uniform resilient force against the pick urging it towards the retaining surface. The housing is mounted to the pick guard adjacent a second guard edge opposite the first edge with the dispensative opening being more distant from the first edge than the retaining surface so that the dispensative direction of the pick is away from the first edge.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,785,708 that issued to Vaughan teaches a pick holder for a guitar is mounted in a cradle portion of a side wall of a guitar and contains a strip having a plurality of pick-receiving pockets. The pick holder has a first fastening portion affixed to the guitar body and a second fastening portion containing the pick-receiving pockets. The two fastening portions enable the strip of pick-receiving pockets to be detachably fastened to the guitar body.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,890,531 that issued to Tischer teaches a holder for stringed instrument picks is provided in which picks may be temporarily stored by inserting them between adjacent pairs of parallel vanes, which are resiliently displaced to retain the pick. In one embodiment, the vanes may be formed by the coils of a helical spring, and the holder may be attached to the face of a musical instrument or to another convenient flat or curved surface. For more secure or longer term storage, a pick may be inserted in compression between the spring and an underlying pad. A rod may be passed through the spring coils to prevent distortion and movement of the spring.
U.S. Pat. No. D355,667 that issued to Burger teaches an ornamental design for a guitar pick holder.
Thus, it is desirable to provide a portable pick holder for guitars and other musical instruments.


Provided is a multi-view video coding/decoding method and apparatus which uses coded and decoded multi-view videos to code and decode depth information videos corresponding to the multi-view videos. The multi-view video coding method includes: controlling the scales of first and second depth information videos corresponding to a multi-view video such that the scales are equalized; and coding the second depth information video, of which the scale is controlled, by referring to the first depth information video of which the scale is controlled.

Recently, research for broadcasting multi-view videos through a Digital Television (DTV) has been conducted. To broadcast multi-view videos similar to actual videos seen with human eyes, the multi-view videos should be created and transmitted. Then, the multi-view videos should be received and reproduced by a display apparatus. However, since the multi-view videos have a large amount of data, it is difficult to receive the multi-view videos at the bandwidth of channels used in a current digital broadcasting system. Accordingly, research is being conducted on a technology for coding and decoding multi-view videos.
Multi-view Video Coding (MVC) is a technology which codes a plurality of videos acquired from a plurality of cameras having different views and a plurality of depth information videos corresponding to the plurality of videos, that is, multi-view videos. For an identical object, the plurality of cameras are disposed so as to be spaced from each other in accordance with predetermined rules in distance and direction. As a result, a high correlation exists between the respective videos having different views and composing the multi-view videos. When the high correlation between the respective videos is properly used, it is possible to remarkably improve the coding efficiency of the MVC. However, since lights reflected from the identical object may differ from each other depending on directions, the lights may be considered to maximize the coding efficiency.
The MVC of which the standardization is being actively conducted is based on H.264/MPEG part 10 Advanced Video Coding (hereafter, referred to as H.264/AVC), which is an existing international moving picture coding standard. In the MVC, the above-described characteristics of the multi-view video are considered to find a method for improving the coding efficiency. For example, a hierarchical B-pictures coding process, which is performed to support temporal scalability in Joint Scalable Video Coding (JSVC) defined in the H.264/AVC, is applied to intra-view prediction coding. Furthermore, the inter-view prediction coding is performed side by side with the intra-view prediction coding to improve the coding efficiency in the MVC. Accordingly, much research on reception and transmission of three-dimensional (3D) videos through the DTV broadcasting is being conducted by the associated groups which research 3D videos. Currently, the research is aiming at the transmission and reception of High Definition (HD) stereo videos. The HD stereo video refers to an interlaced video having a size of 1920×1080 or a progressive video having a size of 1024×720.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram explaining a conventional multi-view video coding/decoding system.
Referring to FIG. 1, the conventional multi-view video coding/decoding system includes a first video coding unit 101, a first video decoding unit 103, a first depth information video coding unit 105, a first depth information video decoding unit 107, a second video coding unit 109, a second video decoding unit 111, a second depth information video coding unit 113, and a second depth video information decoding unit 115.
First and second videos and first and second depth information videos are inputted to the first and second video coding units 101 and 109 and the first and second depth information video coding units 105 and 113, respectively. The first and second videos have a different view from each other, and the first and second depth information videos correspond to the first and second videos, respectively, and include depth information. In the conventional multi-view video coding/decoding system, two or more videos may be used, and the number of depth information videos may correspond to the number of videos. At this time, multi-view videos may be coded using videos having different views. That is, a high correlation exists between the multi-view videos. Therefore, when the first video is first coded, the second video coding unit 109 may code the second video by referring to the coded first video. The depth information video may be coded in the same manner.
The respective coded videos are inputted to the first and second video decoding units 103 and 111 and the first and second depth information video decoding units 107 and 115, and then decoded.
A two-dimensional (2D) video is a video obtained by decoding the coded first or second video, and a 3D video is a video obtained by decoding the coded first and second videos and the coded first depth information video. The first video may be a video having a reference view. A multi-view video is a video obtained by decoding the coded first and second videos and the coded first and second depth information videos.
That is, in the conventional multi-view video coding/decoding system, the coding and decoding of the multi-view video and the depth information video are performed independently.

Multi-view video coding/decoding method and apparatus

Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute


A light diffuser containing light diffusing elements is arranged in the most appropriate position between a spatial light modulator and an illumination optical system. Thereby, particles as light diffusing elements diffuse rays of light emitted from a laser light source. Accordingly, indefinite numbers of speckle pattern are formed so that, for example, a speckle noise which occurs on an image projected to a screen is reduced. As a result, loss of light amount after light diffusion is suppressed to small amount, and thereby a laser image display apparatus capable of displaying a bright and high-quality image having no luminosity irregularity is provided.

FIG. 7 shows a schematic construction of a conventional laser display. At first, rays of light emitted from laser light sources 101a-101c including three RGB colors (R: red, G: green, B: blue) are beam-expanded by an expander optical system 102 including collective lens 109a-109c. Next, expanded light rays are beam-formed by an integrator optical system including lenses and arrays of small lenses to provide a uniform illumination to a spatial light modulator 105. Herein, field lenses 104a-104c are adapted for converting the rays of light having been passed through the spatial light modulators 105a-105c into collected or collected light rays so as to make rays of light pass through an aperture of a projection lens 107 efficiently.
Then, an intensity modulation is executed to the beam-formed rays of light in the spatial light modulators 105a-105c in response to an input image signal, and the rays of light are combined in a dichroic prism 106. A combined ray of light is diverged in the projection lens 107 and projected to a screen 108. Accordingly, a two-dimensional image is displayed on the screen 108. In the display having this construction, the light sources for RGB respectively emit single color lights. Accordingly, an image having high color purity and brightness can be displayed by using laser light sources having appropriate wavelength.
However, such display has a problem of the so-called speckle noise which is likely to occur due to use of a laser light source having high coherency. The speckle noise is fine irregular noises which occur when rays of laser light are diffused on the screen 8 and the diffused light rays on respective portions of the screen 8 interfere with each other.
Conventionally, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, the speckle noise is eliminated by operating a motor 110 to oscillate a screen 108 or, as disclosed in Patent Document 2, by applying an external force to oscillate/rotate a diffuser. These methods change the speckle pattern within a time segment shorter than a display changing time which enables the human to see to average out a speckle pattern so that the observer cannot see the speckle noise. Further, Patent Document 3 discloses a method which prevents the speckle noise by changing a state of polarization of a laser light in a time frame and projects the laser light to a screen on which particles made of anisotropic crystals are applied.
Further, as described in Patent Document 4, the speckle noise can be reduced also by using a mobile diffuser, but there is a problem of noises such as motor driving sounds generated at the time when the diffuser is operated. To prevent sound noises caused by operation of a motor and the like, accordingly, Patent Document 5 discloses a method which prevents the speckle noise at a low cost without mechanical operation using a light diffusing optical system where microparticles are contained in a cell and the microparticles are electrically oscillated. However, in the case of using the speckle reducing method disclosed in Patent Document 5, the light rays diffused in the diffuser optical system are more likely to partially come outside of an image display area of the spatial light modulator as the distance between the spatial light modulator and the diffuser optical system becomes longer. As a result, the loss in the light intensity becomes larger, and the brightness of the screen lowers.
Furthermore, in the case of the diffuser optical system using microparticles, the microparticles in the cell are deviated so that a local diffusing angle and transmittance efficiency in the diffuser optical system differs at different locations. Therefore, as the distance between the diffuser optical system and the spatial light modulator comes closer, this deviated distribution of transmittance efficiency causes localization (luminosity irregularity) of light intensity on the spatial light modulator. The luminosity irregularity moves on the projection display following a movement of the diffuser optical system, and consequently runs over an image. Accordingly, in order to suppress image deterioration due to the luminosity irregularity, it is necessary to arrange the diffuser apart from the spatial light modulator with a predetermined distance.
In other words, speckle noise prevention optical systems, typically diffuser optical systems using microparticles, cannot eliminate the speckle noise and realize a high-resolution, bright image having no luminosity irregularity if the optical system is not set in an appropriate position with respect to the spatial light modulator. However, an appropriate positional relationship between the diffuser optical system and the spatial light modulator has not been discussed until now.
Patent Document 1:
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. Sho55-65940
Patent Document 2:
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. Hei6-208089
Patent Document 3:
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. Hei3-109591
Patent Document 4:
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2003-98476
Patent Document 5:
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. Heill-218726

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.


A way of optimizing communication by minimizing the momentary overall radiated energy under constraints in respect to coverage and maintenance of communication with the users, is provided herein. Channel parameters are estimated from downlink and/or uplink communications or from user equipment messages and desirable gain factors are derived from the minimization. The optimization is reiterated continuously to dynamically adapt the communication system to varying conditions.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to the field of wireless communication, and more particularly, to a system architecture for management and coordination of multiple distributed remote radio units.
2. Discussion of Related Art
There is an ever growing need for faster communication with larger capacity, especially regarding cellular communication in crowded areas. One example is the distributed antennas system (DAS).
DAS system may be passive or active. Passive DAS uses passive components to distribute the RF signal. These passive components are coax cable, splitters, terminators, attenuators, circulators, couplers and filters (duplexer, diplexer or triplexer). Planning DAS includes calculating the maximum loss from base station to each antenna in the systems and the link budget for the particular area that each antenna covers. The passive DAS design needs to adapt to the limitation of the building regarding the restriction to where and how the heavy coax cable can be installed. A detail site survey of the building needed to be done to make sure that there are cable routes to all antennas.
Active DAS consists of a master unit (MU) connected to multiple expansion units (EU) with optical fiber up to 6 km in length. Each EU in turns connects to multiple remote units (RU) with thin coax or CAT5 cable up to 400 m in length. The MU controls and monitors the performance of the DAS. The UEs are distributed throughout the building and the RUs are installed close to the antenna. Active DAS has the ability to compensate for the losses of the cables interconnecting the components in the system by using internal calibrating signals and amplifiers. It does not matter what the distance between the antenna and the base station, all antennas in an active DAS will have the same performance (same noise figure and downlink power).
Both active and passive DAS suffer from several disadvantages. On the UL side the SNR is sensitivity limited due to the contribution of noise level from each RU reception signal. Furthermore, the brute force combining of all the RUs, could add interferences from RUs that don't receive any UE and "contribute" only interferers. On the DL side, the same signal is transmitted via all the RU's although it could contain irrelevant traffic for other spotted areas. That would cause DL interference for the macro deployment, neighbor small cells and redundant use of the radio resources. The DAS being RAN agnostic create a situation where the UL/DL signals couldn't be dynamically coordinated with respect to the RU. It would be agnostic to dynamic of the network traffic.
Another indoor solution is the small cell approach, deploying small IP-based cells as compact, standalone base stations with an integrated radio, baseband, and antenna unit. Base stations typically have integrated antennas, but sometimes antennas come separately. Femtocells can sit on desks, or mount on walls. Generally, picocells and femtocells connect to an IP Ethernet cable as backhaul or, in some cases, receive power over Ethernet. The small cell solution is based on deployment of Femto Access Points (FAP) or Pico cell that coordinated by SON management entity. The FAPs are connected to the Femto-GW via ethernet cables and the Femto-GW that concentrate all the FAPs is connected to the core network entities (SGSN and MCS). Small cells mainly come to provide capacity solution, but it has some challenges and limitations. Since it is most likely that the femto deployment would be in reuse, the system suffers from UL and DL interference between FAP's. Furthermore, the small cell deployment suffers from ping pong handovers due to the multitude of cells within a relevant small area. As a result it harms the QoE in mobility scenarios. Another disadvantage is the lack of effective utilization with regard to number of supported users, meaning that each small cell has a fixed maximum number of supported users (typically up to 32 active users) and as a result it could not support "hot zone" scenarios where many users are located near a single FAP.
There are systems which are using a coordinated small cell solution based on a local controller. The local controller unifies all small cells within each cluster and provides overall traffic aggregation and mobile session management for all services delivered through the cluster. Although it possess a coordination element the coordination inputs are limited to the information provided by L3 and the outputs are limited to the small cell flexibility, for instance it couldn't perform weight and combine, since this is a manipulation on the radio level.

Assigning dynamic gain factors to coordinate distributed radio units


A method and apparatus for keypads, for conveying audible, visual or tactile information to a user regarding the identity, function, proper usage or potential utility of a given key or group of keys. The information being invoked by the user through superficial or proximal manipulation of the given key without having pressed or manipulated it in a way that would invoke its normal function. The primary concern of the system is as an informational adjunct to a more traditional keypad.

This invention relates to key and pushbutton apparatus and a method of conveying identification, instruction, or description information about such keys or buttons, primarily when they are manipulated superficially by the user (touched) as opposed to being used in their normal fashion (pressed; i.e., having their normal functions invoked by the user). The preferred apparatus of the invention is embodied to serve this need most concisely by combining the informational key means above the ordinary functional key means in a vertical "layered" format rather than a horizontal "planar" format, such that it can be accessed informationally by a user (e.g., for identification of or instruction about the underlying ordinary function key) without actuating the (possibly erroneous or unknown) ordinary function. With audible informational means, this aspect the invention is particularly adaptable to numeric keypad/pushbutton systems with mixed functions such as modern telephone keypads, and especially suited to applications where visual distraction of the user is a problem, such as with cellular telephone keypads.
Over the past years great strides have been made in both voice-synthesis and keypad technology, and many present-day products and systems use one or both in some form. Many microprocessors and dedicated IC-circuits capable of voice-synthesis, keypad-handling, or both are available, as are many forms of matrix and pushbutton keypads utilizing both traditional (mechanical movement-and-contact) methods and more sophisticated electronic methods for non-mechanical detection of key usage. The latter include, among others, resistive and/or capacitive electrical systems using conductive or semiconductive keypad materials, low-pressure-contact matrix materials (a la LCD touch-screens), piezo-mechanical materials, as well as infra-red and other "touch-free" detection systems which detect proximity to a key rather than actual contact. Thus, as one will understand, a wide variety of such technologies is available to the present-day systems-designer for implementing both voice-synthesis and keys, and the prior art is cognizant of many techniques and applications thereof. Numerous products are also available which marry the two technologies, typically by emitting a synthesized voice message regarding the pressed key, given after a key is pressed and/or its function executes.
The prior art does not, however, disclose or anticipate the marriage of the two technologies in a form that allows a user to obtain information or instruction about a key prior to making normal use of the key by manipulating it in a superficial or characteristic manner that does not activate its normal function. The state of current electronics switching and keypad catalogs aptly reveals this, as one can find only traditional rocker switches as a potential "off-the-shelf" embodiment of the switching needs of the invention. Even OFF-MOM-MOM mechanical pushbuttons, which are not unknown to the state of the art and could implement a system closer to the preferred embodiment than rockers, are semi-custom items not listed in short-form catalogs. No catalog hardware even approximating the preferred embodiment, which foresees a substantially zero-effort "touch-sensitive" key positioned above a substantially existent-effort "pressure-sensitive" key, is available even in semi-custom form.
It is understood, of course, that any technique which enables the user to obtain information or instruction about a key (or group of keys) before functional use of it would enhance the operation of complex keypad systems, and would particularly enhance the safe and accurate use of keypad systems (such as mobile telephones) wherein visual distraction of the user is unsafe or undesirable. There have been many articles written which describe the hazards imposed by dialing on a cellular system while manipulating an automobile, and it is obvious that any improvement or enhancement of the dialing procedure which will keep the driver's eyes on the road will be particularly advantageous and valuable. Likewise, such a device would be of immense value as a system for the handicapped, particularly the visually impaired for whom keypad use is literally a hit-or-miss affair. In both instances, the characteristic of giving identification information regarding a touched key before it is pressed and its function is executed would be of great value.
The apparatus and methods to be described enable information in a wide variety of forms to be passed to a user in a variety of ways prior to the pressing and functional invocation of a key.
The method and apparatus of the instant invention depend upon a two-level keypad system wherein a first (Touch) subsystem responds to an informational manipulation of a key and a second (Press) subsystem responds to a functional manipulation of the same key. This is accomplished most simply by vertically laminating a Touch-responsive keypad requiring little or no physical actuation pressure (such as a conductive-pad capacitive-discharge system) over the top of a traditional (mechanical throw-and-contact) Press-responsive system requiring significant actuation pressure. The former (Touch) system would then be linked to a voice-synthesizer or other information-giving means capable of decoding the Touch and passing appropriate information to the user regarding the underlying, functionally associated key.
It should be noted, however, that there are many alternative means by which the informational and keypad needs of the invention could be met. Some examples of the former are visual responses such as display messages giving help to the user regarding keypress function, or tactile feedback from the key itself for specialized identification purposes, while some examples of the latter are proximity-sensing systems rather than touch-sensing ones (e.g., infra-red), dual-throw mechanical keys wherein a moderate actuation-pressure results in the informational function while a harder pressure actuates a second throw resulting in the functional function, or even dual-press systems wherein keys are pressed once for informational use and a second time, perhaps within a given time-frame, to accomplish functional use. None of the above examples violate the spirit of the invention, which is to provide some sort of information regarding a given key or key-group to a user without invoking the normal functionality of that key or key-group. Many implementations that would accomplish this are possible.
As one can understand, the main object of the invention is to advantageously utilize the characteristics of the many voice-generation and keypad technologies available at the present time. Numerous examples of appropriate technology are readily available in independent forms well known to the state of the art, and they can be married in a wide variety of ways to accomplish the precepts of the invention.

Method and apparatus for pre-identification of keys and switches


A method for user detachment when a handover or change occurs in a heterogeneous network is provided. The method includes: a user equipment (UE) is handed over or switched from a source network to a target network; a network element on a network side determines whether to detach the UE from the source network, and if yes, the network element on the network side detaches the UE from the source network. A system and a device for user detachment when a handover or change occurs in a heterogeneous network, and another method for user detachment when a handover or change occurs in a heterogeneous network are also provided.

To improve the competitiveness of networks in the future, a new evolution network is now researched for a 3rd-generation partnership project (3GPP) network. FIG. 1 is a schematic structural view of an evolution network system for a 3GPP network. The system includes: an evolved UMTS terrestrial radio access network (E-UTRAN), for implementing all functions related to the wireless feature of the evolution network; a mobility management entity (MME), for mobility management of a control plane, including management of a user context and a mobility state and allocation of temporary user identities; a serving gateway (serving GW) entity, for acting as a user plane anchor point between access networks of the 3GPP network for terminating the E-UTRAN; a packet data network gateway (PDN GW) entity, for acting as a user anchor point between an access network of the 3GPP network and an access network of a non-3GPP network, and an interface for terminating the external PDN; a policy and charging rule function (PCRF) entity, for implementing functions of policy control decision and flow-based charging control; and a home subscriber server (HSS), for storing subscription information of users.
The UMTS terrestrial radio access network (UTRAN) or GSM/EDGE radio access network (GERAN) implements all functions relevant to the wireless feature of the existing UMTS/GPRS network; a serving GPRS supporting node (SGSN) implements functions of route forwarding, mobility management, session management, and user information storage in the GPRS/UMTS network.
IP access networks of the non-3GPP network mainly include access networks defined by non-3GPP network organizations, for example, wireless local area network (WLAN), worldwide interoperability for microwave access (Wimax), and code division multiple access (CDMA) network.
An authentication, authorization, and accounting server (AAA server) mainly implements access authentication, authorization, and accounting for user equipment (UE).
It should be noted that, the schematic structural view of FIG. 1 is not the only schematic structural view of the evolution network system for a 3GPP network. The evolution network of a 3GPP network may have various structures.
One requirement on the evolution network of a 3GPP network is to realize the handover or switching of the UE between a 3GPP network and a non-3GPP network. FIG. 2 is a flow chart of a process that the UE is handed over or switched from a 3GPP network to a non-3GPP network in the prior art. The process includes the following steps.
In Step 201, the UE accesses the 3GPP network through a serving GW and a PDN GW.
In FIG. 2, the mobility management network element (MME) and the serving GW belong to the 3GPP network, a non-3GPP GW belongs to the non-3GPP network, and the PDN GW and HSS/AAA server are common network elements shared by the 3GPP network and the non-3GPP network.
In Step 202, the UE triggers the handover or switching from the 3GPP network to the non-3GPP network.
In Step 203, the UE sends an Access Request message to the non-3GPP GW, and requests to access the non-3GPP GW.
As for a WLAN system, the non-3GPP GW in this step is an evolved packet data gateway (EPDG); as for a Wimax system, the non-3GPP GW in this step is an access service network gateway (ASN GW); and as for a CDMA system, the non-3GPP GW is an access gateway (AGW).
In Step 204, an access authentication process is performed between the UE, the non-3GPP GW, and the HSS/AAA server, and the non-3GPP GW obtains the PDN GW address information used by the UE.
In Step 205a, the non-3GPP GW sends a proxy binding update message to the PDN GW.
In this step, it is assumed that an interface protocol between the non-3GPP GW and the PDN GW is the proxy mobile internet protocol (PMIP). If an interface protocol between the UE and the PDN GW is the client mobile internet protocol (CMIP), Step 205a is replaced by Step 205b, in which the UE sends a binding update message to the PDN GW.
In Step 206a, the PDN GW sends a proxy binding acknowledgement message to the non-3GPP GW.
In this step, it is assumed that the interface protocol between the non-3GPP GW and the PDN GW is the PMIP. If the interface protocol between the UE and the PDN GW is the CMIP, Step 206a is replaced by Step 206b, in which the PDN GW sends a binding Ack message to the UE.
In Step 207, the non-3GPP GW returns an access accept message to the UE.
In Step 208, the PDN GW sends a delete bearer request message to the serving GW, and the serving GW sends the delete bearer request message to the MME.
In Step 209, the MME deletes bearer resources related to the UE, returns a delete bearer response message to the serving GW, and the serving GW returns the delete bearer response message to the PDN GW.
The above flow is a specific example of the process that the UE is handed over or switched from a 3GPP network to a non-3GPP network. Certainly, the handover or change process is not limited to the above descriptions. A 3GPP network involved in the handover or change may be GERAN, UTRAN, or EUTRAN. A non-3GPP network involved in the handover or change may be WLAN, Wimax, or CDMA system.
Once the UE accesses a 3GPP network, the 3GPP network creates bearer resources of the UE and a mobility management context of the UE. The mobility management context of the UE exists in the MME. Furthermore, bearer resources of a 3GPP network and a mobility management context of a 3GPP network are also created in the UE. Therefore, when the UE is handed over or switched from a 3GPP network to a non-3GPP network, user detachment needs to be performed to save network resources. The user detachment includes detachment of the 3GPP network and detachment of the UE. The detachment of the 3GPP network indicates that the 3GPP network deletes the bearer resources of the UE and the mobility management context of the UE, and the detachment of the UE indicates that the UE deletes the bearer resources of the 3GPP network and the mobility management context of the 3GPP network. Here, the mobility management context of the UE exists in the MME.
However, in the process shown in FIG. 2, when the UE is handed over or switched from a 3GPP network to a non-3GPP network, the 3GPP network merely deletes the bearer resources of the UE, but does not delete the mobility management context of the UE, and meanwhile, the UE does not delete the bearer resources and mobility management context of the 3GPP network as well.
As known from the above that, the prior art neither provides a method for 3GPP network detachment when the UE is handed over or switched from a 3GPP network to a non-3GPP network, nor provides a specific method for user detachment of the UE when the UE is handed over or switched from a 3GPP network to a non-3GPP network. That is to say, no specific solution for user detachment when handover or change occurs in a heterogeneous network is provided in the prior art.
In addition, if the UE has a single radio capability, that is, the UE can access only one network, after the UE is handed over or switched from a 3GPP network to a non-3GPP network, user detachment needs to be performed, that is, the 3GPP network needs to detach the UE, and the UE needs to be detached from the 3GPP network. The detaching, by the 3GPP network, the UE includes that the 3GPP network deletes the bearer resources of the UE on the 3GPP network side, and the mobility management context of the UE in the MME. The detaching, by the UE, from the 3GPP network includes that the UE deletes the bearer resources and mobility management context created when the UE accesses the 3GPP network.
If the UE has a dual radio capability, that is, the UE can access two networks at the same time, after the UE is handed over or switched from a 3GPP network to a non-3GPP network, it is judged whether the 3GPP network needs to detach the UE according to, for example, information of operator policies. In other words, the prior art does not provide a solution for determining whether to perform the user detachment when the UE is handed over or switched from a 3GPP network to a non-3GPP network.
To sum up, during researches and applications, the inventor(s) of the present invention finds that the prior art has at least the following problems: the prior art neither provides a specific solution for user detachment when a handover or change occurs in a heterogeneous network, nor provides a solution for judging whether to perform user detachment when handover or change occurs in a heterogeneous network.

User detachment when a handover or change occurs in heterogeneous network


This invention provides a new catalyst for purification of diesel engine exhaust gas comprising a carrier of at least one sulfur-resistant refractory oxide and at least one catalytic metal, wherein at least one solid acid and/or sulfuric acid is carried on the carrier by adding at least one precursor of said solid acid and/or sulfuric acid during the preparation of the carrier, and preparation thereof. The catalyst of this invention is thermally and chemically durable and can effectively remove particulate matters, hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides contained in the diesel engine exhaust gas at low temperatures.

Diesel engines are advantageous over gasoline engines in that diesel engines are much more fuel-efficient and generate much less carbon oxides than gasoline engines. But, diesel engines may generate, owing to their fuel composition and incomplete combustion due to engine strokes, gaseous waste products, hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides, which pose a serious health problem to the population at large.
In addition to these gaseous pollutants, diesel engines also emit "soot" particles comprising carbonaceous solids containing adsorbable hydrocarbons and inorganic compounds or very fine droplets of condensate or a agglomerates of "particulate matters". The "particulate matter" referred to herein as "diesel soot" is particularly rich in condensed polynuclear hydrocarbons, some of which have been found to be carcinogenic. Owing to these factors, many countries have promulgated strict standards to minimize the discharge of diesel soot from automotive sources into the atmosphere.
For the last 50 years, many studies have been steadily and extensively carried out in order to solve the above problems involving diesel soot. A post-treatment method of removing such diesel soot which consists of capturing particulate matters with a ceramic filter and then oxidizing them has been considered as the most realistic method in practice. The most important feature of such post-treatment lies in designing the filter so that it can effectively capture the diesel soot as well as in developing a catalyst, which can completely oxidize the captured diesel soot at the temperature of the gas exhausted from the diesel engine.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,759,918, to Homeier, et al., describes a catalytic composite, which contains Pt, Pd, or Rh as the catalytic metal and comprises a particulate filter coated with a sulfur-resistant refractory inorganic oxide selected from the group consisting of titania, zirconia, silica, silica-alumina and alumina, that has been treated to be sulfur-resistant, i.e. alumina treated with titania, zirconia, tungsten oxide, etc.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,658,546, to Kobayashi, et al., describes a denitration (deNOx) catalyst excellent in denitration (deNOx) activity and durability at high temperature, for catalytically reducing NOx in exhaust gas by using a reducing agent such as ammonia. This denitration (deNOx) catalyst is obtained by preparing a titanium-tungsten mixed oxide (component A) by co-precipitating a soluble titanium compound and a soluble tungsten compound under specific conditions, drying and calcining the co-precipitated mixed oxide, and then depositing at least one catalytic metal (component B) selected from the group consisting of cerium (Ce), lanthanum (La), praseodymium (Pr), neodymium (Nd), nickel (Ni), and tin (Sn) on said titanium-tungsten mixed oxide.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,591,414, to Jacob, et al., describes a sorption-oxidation catalytic converter for the combined chemo-sorptive and oxidative cleaning of diesel engine exhaust gases, characterized in that the catalytic active materials consisting of a solid acid system V2O5/WO3/TiO2/SiO2/Al2O3 is doped with platinum in the form of an oxide. In this catalyst, sulfate is contained in an amount of less than 1%, and there is no description about the effect of the sulfate to the acidity and activity of the catalyst.
Rather, DE-A-42 29 471A, which is mentioned as prior art in said U.S. Pat. No. 5,591,414, describes that a titanium source can be selected from metatitanic acid, titanium sulfate, or sulfuric acid-treated titanium oxide and the difference of the titanium source does not give any difference in effects, and further the use of a sulfated titanium source cannot generate any improvement in the activity. Further, this German patent publication suggests that it is possible to use iron and vanadium in the form of their oxide or sulfates, and iron metal in its sulfate form has higher activity. However, there is no consistent tendency between the use of sulfate form and the catalytic activity, and it also fails to provide any reasonable explanation.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,911,961, to Horiuchi, et al., describes a catalyst for the purification of diesel engine exhaust gas, which uses Pt or Pd as the catalytic metal and titania or zirconia as the carrier, wherein the catalyst is a mixture of first catalyst particles and second catalyst particles, the first catalyst particles consisting of a catalytic metal and WOx carried on the first carrier particles and the second catalyst particles consisting of a catalytic metal carried on the second carrier particles.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,013,599, to Manson, describes a self-regenerating catalyst member, which may be used to remove particulate carbon and residual carbonaceous material from engine exhaust, wherein the catalyst contains at least one catalytic metal selected from a group consisting of metals of Group IB (e.g., copper), Group VIII (e.g., iron) and Group VB (e.g., vanadium). This patent describes that the use of a mixture of catalytic metal oxides may give several advantages.
Studies carried out so far show that a Pt/SiO2 catalyst has good activity because it can oxidize, in an indirect manner, the soot captured on a filter using nitrogen oxides, sulfurous acid gas, water, oxygen and the like contained in the exhaust gas. However, the platinum-silica catalyst system requires a high operation temperature of 400 to 600° C. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a new catalyst, which can completely remove the particulate matter at an operation temperature lower than 300° C.
Further, many other studies also have been carried out to develop catalysts for the purification of diesel engine exhaust gas, which use platinum as the catalytic metal. From these studies, it has been considered that titania carrier can produce better results than zirconia as the carrier material, and the higher acidity in the carrier can give the higher activity of the catalytic metal, that is, platinum [See, Am. Chem Soc. Symp. Ser., 552, 250 (1994)].
In this regard, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,911,961 and 5,591,414 mentioned above also describe that catalysts containing a solid acid such as tungsten oxide or molybdenum oxide are improved in activity for removing nitrogenous compound and durability at high temperatures. However, they do not describe any relationship between the acidity of the carrier and the activity of the catalytic metal, and thus they provide no finding or suggestion of any other means to increase the acidity of the catalyst carrier.
Another reason that the acidity of the carrier can influence the activity of the catalytic metal lies in that there are aromatic compounds [PAH (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon)] and particulate matters in the diesel engine exhaust gas. The aromatic compounds are of strong alkalinity, and the particulate matters have the same structure and properties as carbon black, which also have a strong alkalinity. It is believed that if the carrier has high acidity, PAH and the particulate matters can be easily adsorbed and oxidized on the carrier.
Methods to increase the acidity of the carrier material may include, for example, incorporation of a solid acid, use of sulfated titania, or the like. U.S. Pat. No. 5,591,414 describes the incorporation of a solid acid, such as WO3 or MoO3, and the use of sulfatized titania. However, the catalytic metal is vanadium, and platinum should be used in zero or a very small amount. Further, since the sulfate or sulfuric acid used in the preparation of titanium gel should be neutralized (to about pH 8) with ammonia, the amount of sulfate [SO42−] is very low, for example, less than 1% of the total weight of the catalyst. In addition, even if sulfated titania is present, the difference lies only in that the titanium precursor is used in a sulfate form instead of an oxide form. Although titanium sulfate is used as a precursor, theoretically, the acidity cannot increase or decrease. Thus, there is no statement in said document about the influence of the use of titanium sulfate on the acidity of the carrier prepared from titanium sulfate.
When sulfuric acid is added or impregnated directly into sulfur-resistant refractory oxide such as zirconia in order to increase the acidity of the catalyst, the sulfate or sulfuric acid on the surface of the zirconia can be easily detached by water or during the oxidation of hydrocarbon, thereby deteriorating the activity of the catalyst.
Further, the bonding between zirconium and platinum is stronger than that between titanium and platinum, When platinum as the catalytic metal is carried on a zirconia carrier, the activity on oxidation is low due to the strong bonding between platinum and zirconia.
The above mentioned problems make it more difficult to use sulfuric acid to increase the acidity of carriers comprising zirconia when platinum is used as the catalytic metal.
Under such circumstances, there has been no practical suggestion about a method to increase the acidity of catalyst or carrier, other than the use of a solid acid.
The inventor has extensively studied on the method to increase the acidity of a carrier by incorporating a solid acid such as tungsten oxide and/or sulfuric acid into the carrier when preparing a catalyst for the purification of diesel engine exhaust gases comprising at least one sulfur-resistant refractory oxide such as titania and at least one catalytic metal such as platinum or palladium.
Specifically, the inventor first prepared a catalyst composed of catalytic metal/tungsten oxide/titania by adding a tungsten oxide precursor and sulfuric acid to a titanium gel prepared from a titania precursor, shaping and calcining the resulted mixed gel at about 600 to 800° C. In such case, it was found that the more sulfuric acid was added, the higher acidity of the carrier was achieved to produce a catalyst metal with higher activity, that is, platinum or palladium. However, since the bonding force between the sulfate radical and the titanium atom is relatively weak, there arise problems in practice, in spite of the improvement in the acidity and activity.
However, it has been surprisingly found that, when zirconia or zirconia-based composite oxide, such as zirconia-titania composite oxide is employed as a carrier and tungsten oxide and sulfuric acid are added during the preparation of the carrier, the catalytic activity and durability of the catalyst are significantly improved without deterioration of the adhesion of the carrier particles to achieve excellent catalytic performance.

Catalyst for purification of diesel engine exhaust gas


A film cassette comprises a cassette shell, a spool core supported inside the cassette shell for rotation in an unwinding direction to advance a filmstrip coiled about the spool core out of the cassette shell and in a winding direction to draw the filmstrip into the cassette shell, at least one flange coaxially coupled with the spool core to prevent the filmstrip from uncoiling about the spool core and to permit the flange and the spool core to be rotated relative to each other in the unwinding and winding directions, and cooperating means located on the spool core and the flange for fixing the flange and the spool core to each other to make the flange rotate with the spool core in the unwinding direction but releasing the flange to permit it and the spool core to be rotated relative to each other in the winding direction. According to the invention, stop means are connected to the cassette shell, and the flange has engageable means for being engaged by the stop means when the flange is rotated with the spool core in the winding direction to prevent the flange from further rotating in that direction, whereby the flange will impose a frictional drag on the filmstrip as the filmstrip is wound onto the spool core to cause the filmstrip to be wound tightly to the spool core.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates generally to the field of photography, and in particular to a film cassette containing a film roll. More specifically, the invention relates to a film cassette that is capable of advancing a filmstrip including a non-protruding leader portion out of the cassette shell when a spool core about which the filmstrip is coiled is rotated in an unwinding direction.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Commonly assigned U.S. Pats. No. 5,151,730, issued Sep.29, 1992, No. 5,040,739, issued Aug. 20, 1991, and No. 5,151,730, issued Feb. 15, 1991, disclose a film cassette that is capable of advancing a filmstrip including a non-protruding leader portion out of the cassette shell. As can be seen from a reading of the patents, the film cassette includes a spool core supported inside the cassette shell for rotation in an unwinding direction to advance a filmstrip coiled about the spool core out of the cassette shell and in a winding direction to draw the filmstrip into the cassette shell, and a pair of flexible flanges coaxially arranged along the spool core to overlie opposite sides of the film roll to radially confine the film roll within skirted peripheries or annular lips of the flanges. The two flanges have respective central openings through which the spool core coaxially extends to permit the flanges and the spool core to be independently rotated in the two directions. A film stripper projects from the cassette shell to be received underneath a leading end of the leader portion when the spool core is rotated in the unwinding direction, to free the leader portion from the radial confinement of the flanges by inducing the leader portion to flex the flanges slightly away from each other at their skirted peripheries. Several engagement hooks are fixed to the spool core for rotation with the spool core relative to the flanges, to move into engagement with at least one of the flanges when the spool core is rotated in the unwinding direction, to make the engaged flange(s) rotate in unity with the spool core in the unwinding direction, and for movement out of engagement with the engaged flange(s) when the spool core is rotated in the winding direction, to permit the flanges and the spool core to be independently rotated in the winding direction.
It has been recognized that by fixing at least one of the flanges to the spool core during unwinding rotation of the spool core, as contrasted with allowing the flanges and the spool core to be independently rotated in the unwinding direction as in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,834,306 and 4,848,693, there is immediately affected a frictional relationship between the outermost convolution of the film roll and the skirted periphery(s) of the engaged flange(s) which improves the ability of the spool core to the cassette shell. In particular, the frictional relationship increases the pushing force necessary to thrust the leader portion out of the cassette shell.