Apparatus and method to process a pilot channel and a synchronization channel to obtain a combined noise estimate of the pilot channel and the synchronization channel that is synchronized to the pilot channel. The combined noise estimation is processed to determine a first noise component for a period when both the pilot channel and the synchronization channel are present. Then, the combined noise estimate is processed to determine a second noise component for a period when only the pilot channel is present. Next, the second noise component is subtracted from the first noise component to derive a noise estimation for the synchronization channel. The technique may be applied to the Common Pilot Channel (CPICH), and the Synchronization Channel (SCH) defined in a 3rd Generation Partnership Project standard specification.

1. Technical Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to wireless communication systems and, more particularly, to noise power estimation in a synchronization channel for a downlink receiver in such a wireless communication system.
2. Description of Related Art
Mobile communication has changed the way people communicate and mobile phones have been transformed from a luxury item to an essential part of every day life. The use of mobile phones today is generally dictated by social situations, rather than being hampered by location or technology. While voice connections fulfill the basic need to communicate, and mobile voice connections continue to filter even further into the fabric of every day life, the mobile Internet is the next step in the mobile communication revolution. The mobile Internet is poised to become a common source of everyday information, and easy, versatile mobile access to this data will be taken for granted.
Third generation (3G) cellular networks have been specifically designed to fulfill these future demands of the mobile Internet. As these services grow in popularity and usage, factors such as cost efficient optimization of network capacity and quality of service (QoS) will become even more essential to cellular operators than it is today. These factors may be achieved with careful network planning and operation, improvements in transmission methods, and advances in receiver techniques. To this end, carriers want technologies that will allow them to increase downlink throughput and, in turn, offer advanced QoS capabilities and speeds that rival those delivered by cable modem and/or DSL service providers. In this regard, networks based on Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) technology may make the delivery of data to end users a more feasible option for today's wireless carriers.
The General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) and Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) technologies may be utilized for enhancing the data throughput of present second generation (2G) systems such as GSM. The Global System for Mobile telecommunications (GSM) technology may support data rates of up to 14.4 kilobits per second (Kbps), while the GPRS technology may support data rates of up to 115 Kbps by allowing up to 8 data time slots per time division multiple access (TDMA) frame. The GSM technology, by contrast, may allow one data time slot per TDMA frame. The EDGE technology may support data rates of up to 384 Kbps. The EDGE technology may utilizes 8 phase shift keying (8-PSK) modulation for providing higher data rates than those that may be achieved by GPRS technology. The GPRS and EDGE technologies may be referred to as "2.5G" technologies.
The Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) technology with theoretical data rates as high as 2 Mbps, is an adaptation of the WCDMA 3G system by GSM. One reason for the high data rates that may be achieved by UMTS technology stems from the 5 MHz WCDMA channel bandwidths versus the 200 KHz GSM channel bandwidths. The High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) technology is an Internet protocol (IP) based service, oriented for data communications, which adapts WCDMA to support data transfer rates on the order of 10 megabits per second (Mbits/s). Developed by the 3G Partnership Project (3GPP) group, the HSDPA technology achieves higher data rates through a plurality of methods. For example, many transmission decisions may be made at the base station level, which is much closer to the user equipment as opposed to being made at a mobile switching center or office. These may include decisions about the scheduling of data to be transmitted, when data is to be retransmitted, and assessments about the quality of the transmission channel. The HSDPA technology may also utilize variable coding rates. The HSDPA technology supports 16-level Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (16-QAM) over a high-speed downlink shared channel (HS-DSCH), which permits a plurality of users to share an air interface channel.
In some instances, HSDPA may provide a two-fold improvement in network capacity as well as data speeds up to five times (over 10 Mbit/s) higher than those in even the most advanced 3G networks. HSDPA may also shorten the roundtrip time between network and terminal, while reducing variances in downlink transmission delay. These performance advances may translate directly into improved network performance and higher subscriber satisfaction. Since HSDPA is an extension of the GSM family, it also builds directly on the economies of scale offered by one of the world's most popular mobile technology. HSDPA may offer breakthrough advances in WCDMA network packet data capacity, enhanced spectral and radio access networks (RAN) hardware efficiencies, and streamlined network implementations, plus others. Those improvements may directly translate into lower cost-per-bit, faster and more available services, and a network that is positioned to compete more effectively in the data-centric markets of the future.
The capacity, quality and cost/performance advantages of HSDPA yield measurable benefits for network operators, and, in turn, their subscribers. For operators, this backwards-compatible upgrade to current WCDMA networks is a logical and cost-efficient next step in network evolution. When deployed, HSDPA may co-exist on the same carrier as the current WCDMA Release 99 services, allowing operators to introduce greater capacity and higher data speeds into existing WCDMA networks. Operators may leverage this solution to support a considerably higher number of high data rate users on a single radio carrier. HSDPA makes true mass-market mobile IP multimedia possible and drive the consumption of data-heavy services, while at the same time reducing the cost-per-bit of service delivery, thus boosting both revenue and bottom-line network profits. For data-hungry mobile subscribers, the performance advantages of HSDPA may translate into shorter service response times, less delay and faster perceived connections. Users may also download packet-data over HSDPA while conducting a simultaneous speech call.
HSDPA may provide a number of significant performance improvements when compared to previous or alternative technologies. For example, HSDPA extends the WCDMA bit rates up to 10 Mbps, achieving higher theoretical peak rates with higher-order modulation (16-QAM) and with adaptive coding and modulation schemes. The maximum QPSK bit rate is 5.3 Mbit/s and 10.7 Mbit/s with 16-QAM. Theoretical bit rates of up to 14.4 Mbit/s may be achieved with no channel coding. The terminal capability classes range from 900 kbit/s to 1.8 Mbit/s with QPSK modulation and 3.6 Mbit/s and up with 16-QAM modulation. The highest capability class supports the maximum theoretical bit rate of 14.4 Mbit/s.
Where HSDPA is a downlink protocol, High Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA) technology addresses the uplink communication. HSUPA is also specified by the 3GPP group to provide a complement data link to HSDPA. HSUPA also offers broadband IP and is based on software. HSUPA also extends the WCDMA bit rates, but the uplink rates may be less than the downlink rates of HSDPA. Where prior protocols severely limited the uplink connections, HSUPA allows for much higher uplink rates.
With the advent of HSUPA/HSDPA technology, a number of new, as well as existing, communication channels are specified under the 3GPP telecommunication standard. For example, two of the channels that are utilized for establishing a radio link (RL) between User Equipment (UE) and a base station are the common pilot channel and one or more synchronization channels. While common pilot channel and data channel for the UE may share the same scrambling code, a synchronization channel never uses the same scrambling code as the common pilot channel or data channel for the UE. Therefore, in reference to the data channel and the pilot channel, SCH acts as a source of interference. Since the synchronization channel occurs for just a fraction of a given slot of a channel, its effect is intermittent.
In application, the intermittent timing of the synchronization channel may have consequences for calculating certain parameters, such as SNR. Because power control at the UE is a fundamental interest for proper CDMA/WCDMA operation, correct power indication of the downlink channels is desirable. One technique for assessing performance is to determine a signal-to-noise (SNR) ratio for a given channel. In order to obtain a signal parameter, such as a SNR calculation, noise estimates are made from a pilot component of a signal and signal power estimates are made from the data component or the dedicated pilot symbols for the UE (e.g. transmitted in the DPCCH). Since a synchronization channel (such as SCH) is active for only a portion of a slot, the synchronization adds a noise component for only a portion of the slot. Thus, it is desirable to distinguish the power component of the synchronization channel from those interferences from other cells and multipaths.
Accordingly, it would be advantageous to detect the noise level of the synchronization channel in a downlink receiver.

Synchronization channel noise power estimation


The method for manufacturing core-shell structure fine particles, includes adding metal salt into an aqueous medium containing shell particles A and core particles B to thereby attach the shell particles A to the surface of each of the core particles B and the toner contains the core-shell structure fine particles.    (1) The zeta potential of the core particles B and the zeta potential of the shell particles A are the same polarity.    (2) |Zeta potential of the core particles B when adding metal salt|<|Zeta potential of the shell particles A when adding metal salt|    (3) (Median diameter based on the volume of the core particles B)>(Median diameter based on the volume of the shell particles A).

In image formation, measures for further lowering a toner fixing temperature have been increasingly taken with an increase in a demand for energy saving. As one of the measures, it has been proposed to further lower the fixing temperature by the use of resin with a low softening temperature as a constituent material of toner. However, when using the resin with a low softening temperature, blocking in which toner particles adhere to each other sometimes occur when allowed to stand still during storage or transportation. Then, a core-shell structure has been proposed in which the resin with a low softening point is covered with resin with a high softening point (PTLs 1 to 3). It is considered that the use of toner particle having the core-shell structure (hereinafter also referred to as core-shell structure toner particles) allows manufacturing of toner in which the resin with a low softening point is not exposed to the toner surface and heat-resistant storageability and low-temperature fixability have been achieved. Moreover, in order to manufacture the toner particle having the core-shell structure, a method has been reported which includes controlling a change in the zeta potential of the core and the shell during manufacturing (PTL 4).
In recent years, there is a tendency such that the use of organic solvents is restricted from the position of environmental protection, saving resources, regulation of dangerous substances by the Fire Services Act, and workplace environment improvement. Thus, a development of manufacturing a fine particle water dispersion under the conditions of substantially not using a solvent has been actively performed (PTLs 5 to 7).
As a result of our examination, it was confirmed that when it was attempted to form a core-shell structure by using fine particles manufactured under the conditions of substantially not using a solvent as shell particles, and then attaching the shell particles to core particles in an aqueous medium, the shell particles are aggregated to each other. Therefore, in such a state, the core-shell structure is not formed or an aggregate of the shell particles adhere to the core particles, resulting in the formation of a nonuniform core-shell structure.
Even when a manufacturing method described in PTL 4 is used and even when a fine particle dispersion manufactured under the conditions of substantially not using a solvent is used as the shell particles, the aggregation of the shell particles occurs, so that the core-shell structure cannot be formed.
Thus, it has been difficult to form the core-shell structure using the fine particles manufactured under the conditions of substantially not using a solvent as the shell particles.

Method for manufacturing core-shell structure fine particles and toner


An articulating infrared window to be installed into a panel of a cabinet is disclosed. The window includes a window housing and an infrared transparent pane. The infrared transparent pane is installed within the window housing. Embodiments of the window housing can include various articulation mechanisms including individually or in combination a double gimbal assembly, a single gimbal and rotary stage, a ball and socket joint, and an extension joint (such as a bellows) for articulating the infrared transparent pane.

Infrared (IR) imaging has increasingly been used in the preventative maintenance of high voltage electrical circuits and components. An IR image of the components can often reveal hot spots which may indicate malfunctioning, improperly connected, or overloaded components. Timely identification of problem components can save on system downtime and expenses associated with replacing blown or destroyed components.
To effectively inspect electrical components, a thermographer should view the components with an IR camera while the components are operating or energized. However, this can be difficult because electrical components are often kept in high voltage electrical cabinets. Because an IR camera requires a line of sight to deliver a suitably accurate thermal image, components within a cabinet cannot be imaged adequately without either opening the cabinet or providing some other view into the cabinet.
Opening a high voltage electrical cabinet while the components within are energized poses a risk of arc flashing. To avoid this risk, most cabinets include door interlocks which require that the components within be powered off before the cabinet can be opened. But when the power is turned off the components within the cabinet begin to cool and heat within the cabinet is rapidly dissipated or redistributed. This rapid heat dissipation precludes adequate identification of hot spots in a particular thermal image.
As an alternative to imaging cool components by opening the cabinet door, the thermography industry has placed fixed IR transmitting windows in a panel or door of high voltage electrical cabinets. These windows can provide a line of sight within the cabinet so that it may be inspected without being opened while the components within are energized. However, the view into the cabinet is limited through a single fixed window which usually cannot provide a view of all components or areas to be inspected. Some vendors have proposed the installation of multiple windows in a single cabinet, but this approach can be expensive to implement and inefficient for a thermographer having to maneuver to inspect the cabinet at each window location.
Others have addressed the limited view problem by adding an expensive wide angle lens to the inspection camera in addition to the fixed window or a small open portal. Such a lens may provide an increased field of view within a cabinet, but it also requires the user to exchange lenses to switch between this application and other thermography applications where a narrower field of view is preferred. Moreover in many cabinet applications, it is desirable to use a standard field of view camera because such a camera provides higher spatial resolution images of devices in the cabinet.


The difference in linear thermal expansion coefficient between the fins (57) and the adsorbent layer (58) is made smaller than the difference in the linear thermal expansion coefficient between the fins (57) and the adsorbent.

As an example of a heat exchanger having a function of adsorbing moisture from the air and releasing the moisture into the air, Patent Publication 1 discloses a heat exchanger including a copper tube as a heat transfer tube and plate-like fins arranged to fit the circumference of the copper tube. An adsorbent capable of adsorbing and desorbing moisture from and into the air is supported on the surfaces of the copper tube and the fins.
The heat exchanger is used in a humidity control system using an adsorbent and a refrigeration cycle to control humidity in the air as disclosed in Patent Publication 1.
The humidity control system includes two heat exchangers. When the system is working, a hot refrigerant is supplied to the copper tube of one of the two heat exchangers such that the heat exchanger functions as an evaporator, while a cool refrigerant is supplied to the copper tube of the other heat exchanger such that the heat exchanger functions as a condenser. If the cool and hot refrigerants supplied to the copper tubes are switched alternately, the heat exchangers alternately function as the evaporator and the condenser.
Patent Publication 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. H7-265649


The cap screw (1) has a threaded portion (1b) having a nominal diameter (D1) that is greater than the diameter (D3) of its shank. The device comprises an anti-creep ring (4) designed to receive screw (1), one end of which has features (4a-4b-4c-4d) suitable for delineating, before ring (4) is engaged in a recess (2a) of element (2) that is to be screw fastened, a circular area having a diameter (D) that is greater than the nominal diameter (D1) of threaded portion (1b) and, after said ring (4) has been engaged in said recess (2a), a circular area (D) having a diameter (D2) that is less than the nominal diameter (D1) of threaded portion (1b), but greater than the diameter (D3) of shank (1a), so as to act as a stop for said threaded portion and trap screw (1) in ring (4) while permitting limited movement of the screw.

1. Technical Field
The invention relates to the technical field of fasteners and, more particularly, to a device for securing a cap screw to an element that is to be attached to another element.
The invention has a particularly advantageous application in the field of automotive engineering, for example, in order to attach a cable to its cable stop.
2. Description of the Related Art
When a cable for changing or selecting a gear is mounted on its cable stop by means of a screw, the operator finds it very difficult to hold both the cable, the cable stop, the screwing member and the actual screws. In fact, the cable stop must be correctly positioned relative to the support and the holes intended to receive the cap screws must line up perfectly in order to be able to fit and tighten said screws.
To try and overcome these drawbacks, equipping the element that is to be screw fastened to a support of any kind with captive screws has been suggested. These captive screws are generally secured in the element by crimping, are of a special design and are consequently more expensive than standard screws.

Device for securing a cap screw to an element that is to be attached to another element


A method for inhibiting angiogenesis and treating angiogenesis related diseases comprising administering an anti-c-Met antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof, and an anti-Ang-2 antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof, in combination simultaneously or sequentially; as well as related compositions and methods.

1. Field
Provided is a pharmaceutical composition for combination therapy for an angiogenesis-associated disease, including a combination of an anti-c-Met antibody and an anti-Ang-2 antibody as an active ingredient.
2. Description of the Related Art
Angiogenesis is a physiological process through which new blood vessels form from pre-existing vessels. This is a normal and vital process in growth and development, as well as in wound healing and in the formation of granulation tissue. However, it is also a fundamental step in the transition of tumors from a benign state to a malignant state, in the onset of various other diseases including age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, and in driving psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic inflammation.
Particularly, angiogenesis plays a critical role in the growth and metastasis of tumors, leading to the use of angiogenesis inhibitors in the treatment of cancer. In fact, extensive and intensive research on angiogenesis has been conducted by advanced countries and multinational pharmaceutical companies to develop cancer therapeutics with this new concept. Many therapeutic targets have been disclosed by the research. Among them are angiopoietins, protein growth factors promoting vasculature development and post-natal angiogenesis. There are now four identified angiopoietins: Ang-1, Ang-2, Ang-3 and Ang-4.
Ang-2 is known as an antagonist ligand for Tie-2, a vascular endothelial cell-specific receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK), used to block Tie-2-mediated cell signaling. This ligand competes with the agonist ligand Ang-1 for binding to Tie-2, interfering with the Ang-1-Tie-2-mediated signaling which contributes to the stability of endothelial cells, and thereby promoting angiogenesis through the dynamic rearrangement of blood vessels.
Because angiogenesis plays an essential role in tumor growth, inhibition of Tie-2-dependent Ang-2 function is expected to prevent the progression of cancer. In practice, active research has been conducted using Ang-2-specific antibodies in an attempt to prevent the progression of cancer.
However, a recent report indicates that, in the presence of angiogenesis inhibitors such as anti-Ag2 antibodies, cancer cells are rather prone to metastasis as a result of the mechanism by which cancer cells avoid a rapid hypoxic condition (Nat Rev Clin Oncol. 2011 Mar. 1; 8(4): 210-21). Thus, a technique for inhibiting angiogenesis even in a hypoxic condition is needed to prevent side effects.

Combination therapy using anti-C-met antibody and anti-ang-2 antibody


Disclosed are hirudin analogs, a method of manufacture thereof, and anticoagulant compositions containing the same. Sequences Asp.sup.33 -Gly.sup.34 or Asp.sup.62 -Ala.sup.63 of naturally-occurring hirudins or their analogs were substituted as disclosed to suppress the formation of succinimide- or beta- forms, thereby yielding hirudin analogs with high stability, high anti-thrombin activity, and therapeutic potential as anticoagulants. Hirudin analogs having Val.sup.1 -Val.sup.2 of naturally-occurring hirudin substituted with Ile.sup.1 -Ile.sup.2 are preferred for their high antithrombiin activity. The invention also provides DNAs encoding the amino acid sequence of hirudin analogs, expression vectors, recombinant microogranisms, and a method of manufacturing hirudin analogs using recombinant microorganisms.

Hirudin is a polypeptide with anti-thrombotic activity which is isolated from the salivary glands of the medicinal leech, Hirudo medicinalis. Three hirudin analogs, HV1, HV2 and HV3 are known as natural hirudins. The amino acid sequence of these natural hirudins has been identified. The genes coding the identified amino acid sequence been cloned as c-DNAs, and the DNA sequences have also been identified.
Expression vectors were prepared using the c-DNAs cloned from natural genes. Expression of the polypeptides, the hirudin analogs, has been carried out by introducing the expression vectors into host microorganisms such as E. coli (Escherichia coli) and yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae).
Furthermore, based on knowledge related to the amino acid sequences of the natural hirudins, hirudin analogs with an artificial mutation of the amino acid sequence have been produced. The following are reported as examples. HV2(Lys.sup.47) was made by introducing one amino acid substitution into the natural hirudin HV2. This hirudin analog exhibited an increased antithrombin activity as compared with that of the natural hirudin HV2, and exhibited a high antithrombin activity equivalent to that of the natural hirudin HV1. Other examples include an analog of the natural hirudin HV1 in which the amino acid sequence of the N-terminal region was substituted with other amino acids, and the HV1-like analog having extra amino acids attached to its N-terminal. An analog made by replacing the amino acid sequence of the N-terminal of natural hirudin HV1 from Val.sup.1 -Val.sup.2 - to Ile.sup.2 -Ile.sup.2 - was reported to exhibit a higher antithrombin activity than that of the natural hirudin HV1. The N-terminal region of a hirudin is thought to form an intermolecular bond with the enzyme active center or its adjacent region in the thrombin polypeptide chain. This region is also thought to control the dissociation rate of the hirudin-thrombin complex.
In contrast to the idea of making hirudin analogs by introducing artificial point mutations to the natural type hirudins as mentioned above, the present inventors have produced hybrid hirudins such as HV1C3 by substituting the C-terminal region polypeptide of the HV1 with an C-terminal region polypeptide of the HV3. Among these, the present inventors have demonstrated that this hybrid type hirudin HV1C3 shows a higher antithrombin activity than that of the hirudin HV1 preferably insert EP-A-511393 (Japanese laid-open patent publication 4-173798). Furthermore, such hirudins exhibiting high antithrombin activities were shown to have pharmacological efficacy as antithrombotics which suppress the coagulation process caused by the digestion of polypeptide chains by thrombin. In other words, it has been clearly demonstrated that the coagulation inhibition or suppression properties of the compounds were due to their antithrombin activity.
The present inventors have prepared anticoagulants with the above-mentioned hybrid hirudin analogs such as HV1C3, which was proposed in our previous patent application, as active ingredients in such a manner so that one pure hirudin analog is contained in a certain pharmacological equivalent amount. When these formulations were stored at room temperature for an extended period, changes in the apparent pharmacological activities were observed. The present inventors have investigated the causes of these changes and have discovered the fact that, in the case of HV1C3, a succinimide form and a .beta. form of the Asp.sup.33 -Gly.sup.34 were formed between the carboxyl residue of the Asp.sup.33 and its C-terminal adjacent to Gly.sup.34 (Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 5-310788). This succinimide form and .beta. form exhibit antithrombin activities like the original hirudin, but the activities are lower, which lead to a decrease in the apparent antithrombotic activities. Furthermore, based on a report that a succinimide form or a .beta. form can be produced by a chemical reaction between the Asp and the amino acid adjacent to it on the C-terminal side, the present inventors have studied this chemical conversion in more detail and have found a possibility that the succinimide form or .beta. form can also be produced at Asp.sup.62 -Ala63-.
This succinimide form and .beta. form (hereafter "hirudin variants") can be produced during the storage following preparation of a hirudin anticoagulant in an appropriate formulation, and this requires extra considerations to keep the pharmacological activity of the anticoagulant agent above a certain preferred level of activity. These might include a low temperature storage, for example, or an increase in the initial amount of hirudin analogs in the formulation in consideration of loss of the pharmacological activity during room temperature storage. Increasing the initial amount of hirudin analogs in the formulation, however, causes problems by unnecessarily elongating the clearance time of the drug in the blood following administration.

Hirudin analogs, methods of manufacture thereof and anticoagulant compositions having these as active ingredients


A stent with a selectively curved region. The stent includes a radially expandable tubular framework and a covering surrounding the tubular framework. A stent also includes a drawstring having a first end attached to the tubular framework at a first attachment location proximate the distal end of the tubular framework. The second end of the first drawstring is manipulatable proximate the proximal end of the tubular framework to deflect the tubular framework into a curved configuration.

Stents may be spaced at various anatomical locations within a patient's body. For example, a stent may be placed in a patient's gastrointestinal tract during or following a bariatric surgical procedure. In some instances, the stent may be used to treat or mitigate leakage along a staple line created during the bariatric surgical procedure and/or can reduce irritation of healing tissue by nutritional contents. Accordingly, there is an ongoing need to provide alternative stents as well as alternative methods for manufacturing and using stents for bariatric surgical needs and/or conform to the post bariatric surgery anatomy of a patient.


A system and method is disclosed that allows resources to be shared among multiple entities, but which can appropriately release system resources after the failure or shutdown of the calling entity. In one approach, a monitoring entity is available to check for session failures. If a session failure is detected, the session is identified in a shared list that is accessible to other related entities. The related entities can be configured to piggyback a message to an appropriate node to kill, shutdown, or release resources associated with the failed session. Alternatively, a related entity can be specifically initiated to send a message to the appropriate node to kill, shutdown, or release the resources.

The present invention relates to a method and system for implementing computing systems that perform work in a networked environment. To enable communications between two networked computing nodes, a physical pathway must exist between the two nodes. This physical pathway may exist, for example, as a networking infrastructure comprising either wired or wireless networking components. In addition, some type of logical pathway may be created over the physical pathway to carry messages between the two nodes. The logical pathway, often termed a "connection", is a communications pathway between an entity on a first node and an entity on a second node that may be established using available inter-process communications mechanisms.
In one approach to implementing a networked computing environments, an entity on the first node that seeks to communicate with a second node will initiate and maintain a dedicated connection between the two nodes. In this approach, the connection is a dedicated resource that can only be used by the entity that is associated with it. Other resources opened at the remote node because of this connection may also be configured as dedicated resource. One advantage with this approach is that since the dedicated resources are closely tied to the specific entity that initiates these resources, the shutdown or failure of that entity allows easy/automatic identification and cleanup of those resources. This reliably frees up those resources to be used by other entities on the system after the shutdown or failure of the entity that initiates the dedicated resources.
A disadvantage with this approach is that since the resources are dedicated to a single entity, other entities that wish to communicate between the same two nodes must initiate their own dedicated connections. This could be inefficient since the connections/resources are not always in active use by their associated entities, but being dedicated resources, cannot be shared with other entities even if idle. Moreover, on most systems, there is a limit upon the number of available connections that may be simultaneously opened. If every entity must open its own dedicated connections/resources, then the limited supply of available connections/resources may be a bottleneck that restricts the amount of work performed at the computing system.
To address this problem, a computing system could allow non-dedicated connections that are de-coupled from the entities that make use of these connections. In this approach, multiple entities may share the same set of connections between a first node and a second node. By de-coupling the calling entity from the connection, any connection initiated by another entity, if idle, may be used by other entities having the requisite authority to share the non-dedicated connection.
However, because resources are now de-coupled from their calling entity, it is possible that the failure or shutdown of the calling entity may not result in the automatic release of some or all of those resources. These "zombie" resources may continue to exist long after the shutdown or failure of the specific entity that initiates the resources. Each such resource consumes a quantity of system resources that is therefore not available to be used by others for useful purposes. Over time, the number of extraneous resources that exist in the computing system could cause a significant decrease in system efficiency.
Accordingly, a system and method is disclosed that allows resources to be shared among multiple entities, but which can appropriately release system resources after the failure or shutdown of the calling entity. In one embodiment, a monitoring entity is available to check for session failures. If a session failure is detected, the session is identified in a shared list that is accessible to other related entities. The related entities can be configured to piggyback a message to an appropriate node to kill, shutdown, or release resources associated with the failed session. Alternatively, a related entity can be specifically initiated to send a message to the appropriate node to kill, shutdown, or release the resources.
Further details of aspects, objects, and advantages of the invention are described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims.

Method and system for reliably de-allocating resources in a networked computing environment


According to the present invention, there are provided a green fluorescent material of the general formula: EQU Sr.sub.1-3/2(x+y+z) Ga.sub.2 S.sub.4 :Eu.sub.x, Tb.sub.y, Sm.sub.z. where, 0.01.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.0.2; 0.0001.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.0.007; and 0.0001.ltoreq.z.ltoreq.0.002, and a blue fluorescent material of the general formula: EQU Ba.sub.a Mg.sub.b Al.sub.c O.sub.a+b+1.5c :Eu.sub.x, Tb.sub.v, Sm.sub.w. where, 0.1.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.2.4; 0.1.ltoreq.b.ltoreq.5; 8.ltoreq.c.ltoreq.64; 0.01.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.0.2; 0.00005.ltoreq.v.ltoreq.0.002; and 0.00001.ltoreq.w.ltoreq.0.001.. A fluorescent material of the present invention enhances the luminous efficiency of the active dynamic liquid display device.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a fluorescent material, and more particularly, to a fluorescent material used in an active dynamic liquid crystal display device and a method for manufacturing the same.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Generally, in an active dynamic liquid crystal display device, a light emitted from a back light is directed to a liquid crystal layer through a polarizer. The light directed to the liquid crystal layer is transmitted to a fluorescent material or interrupted in accordance with orientations of the liquid crystal molecules. The light transmitted to the fluorescent material excites the material to display an image.
As described above, since the active dynamic liquid crystal display device is designed such that the light emitted from the back light directly excites the fluorescent material, there is a need for a fluorescent material with high luminance.
In general, SrGa.sub.2 S.sub.4 :Eu which is excited by violet light having a wavelength of about 380 to about 420 nm has been used as a green fluorescent material, and BaMgAl.sub.10 O.sub.17 :Eu has been used as a blue fluorescent material.
However, the light emission luminance of these materials are not enough to apply to the active dynamic liquid crystal display device.
Therefore, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,249,108 and 4,733,126 have proposed a method for improving the luminous efficiency by changing composition of the fluorescent material or adding another material to the fluorescent material, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,350,971 has proposed a method for improving the luminous efficiency by adjusting a diameter of each grains of the fluorescent material.
However, the fluorescent materials proposed by the above patents are not still enough in light emission luminance.
In addition, to increase the luminous efficiency, there has been proposed SrGa.sub.2 S.sub.4 :Eu,Tb and BaMgAl.sub.10 O.sub.17 :Eu,Tb. These materials are not also still enough in luminance.
As is well known, the active dynamic liquid display device requires a fluorescent material which is excited in a dark blue color range. The luminous efficiency of SrGa.sub.2 S.sub.4 :Eu and BaMgAl.sub.10 O.sub.17 :Eu is determined by transmission efficiency of light emission energy to Eu. Tb is used to transmit the light emission energy to Eu.

Fluorescent material used in an active dynamic liquid crystal display device and method for manufacturing the same


Multi-layer golf balls having a thin, relatively hard outer core layer surrounding a large, relatively soft inner core layer are provided. The inner core layer generally has a diameter of from 1.5 inches to 1.55 inches. The outer core layer generally has an outer diameter of from 1.6 inches to 1.64 inches. A cover is provided to surround the outer core layer. A moisture barrier layer is optionally provided between the outer core layer and the cover.

Dual- and multi-layer cover golf balls having desirable performance properties, such as spin profile, have been constructed using an ionomeric inner cover layer and a polyurethane outer cover layer. However, there remains a need in the industry for a golf ball construction which provides similar performance properties without requiring more than one cover layer. The present invention provides such golf ball construction, which includes the use of a large, relatively soft inner core layer surrounded by a thin, relatively hard outer core layer, and a cover layer. By eliminating the need for more than one cover layer, while maintaining desirable performance characteristics, golf ball of the present invention provide a viable, cost efficient alternative to current dual- and multi-layer cover golf balls.


A coaxial two-wheel vehicle is provided. The coaxial two-wheel vehicle includes a step plate for a rider to ride on; a vehicle body supporting the step plate to be capable of changing a posture in a roll direction of rotating around a roll axis as the center when a traveling direction is set to the roll axis; and a pair of wheels disposed on the same axis at both sides of the vehicle body in a direction orthogonal to the traveling direction and rotatably supported by the vehicle body. Further, the coaxial two-wheel vehicle includes a pair of wheel drivers driving and rotating the pair of wheels independently and a control lever directly changing a posture of the step plate or indirectly changing the posture through the vehicle body.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a coaxial two-wheel vehicle including two wheels disposed on the same axis center line, particularly relates to a coaxial two-wheel vehicle which can travel freely with a person riding thereon.
2. Description of the Related Art
Japanese Published Patent Application No. 04-201793 discloses a coaxial two-wheel vehicle of this kind in related art, for example. This patent reference discloses a travel controller for an unstable vehicle, which enables an easily falling unstable vehicle to travel stably. The travel controller described in this patent reference is an apparatus controlling a travel of an unstable vehicle which includes at least two wheels disposed at other positions than a position on the same straight line parallel with a forwarding direction and a seat fixed on a wheel shaft connecting those wheels and in which the center of gravity is positioned above a rotational axis line of those wheels. Further, this apparatus includes a detector, a driver and a control value decider. The detector detects a tilt angle and/or a tilt angular velocity of a line connecting the rotational axis line and the center-of-gravity position with respect to a gravitational direction orthogonal to the wheel shaft. The driver is fixed to the wheels to drive the wheels. The control value decider decides a control value of this driver such that the above-described detection value is reduced.
According to the travel controller for an unstable vehicle having such configuration described in the above patent reference, it is expected to have such effectiveness that the vehicle is inclined in a desired back and forth direction and so the vehicle can travel in that desired direction. In addition, since only two wheels contact the ground, the vehicle is capable of making a small turn and of traveling through a narrow place without difficulty (refer to a paragraph regarding "The Effect of The Invention").
Japanese Published Patent Application No. 2005-6436 discloses another coaxial two-wheel vehicle in related art, for example. This patent reference discloses a coaxial two-wheel vehicle including wheels at both ends on the same axle. The coaxial two-wheel vehicle described in this patent reference includes a pair of wheels, a wheel axle, a base, a pair of drive motors and a controller. The wheel axle is installed between the pair of wheels. The base is supported on the wheel axle in a manner capable of moving on a tilt. The pair of drive motors are mounted on the base in order to drive each of the pair of wheels. The controller sends an operation command to the pair of drive motors. The base includes an acceleration detector detecting acceleration in the vertical direction, and the controller sends the operation command to decelerate the vehicle to each of the pair of drive motors when an absolute value of acceleration detected by the acceleration detector during a travel is equal to or more than a predetermined threshold value.
According to the coaxial two-wheel vehicle of the above Japanese Published Patent Application No. 2005-6436 having such configuration, it is expected to have such effectiveness as in the followings. The coaxial two-wheel vehicle includes the acceleration detector to detect the acceleration in the vertical direction. Therefore, in the case where the absolute value of acceleration detected by the acceleration detector during the travel is equal to or more than the predetermined threshold value such as the case of the vehicle running on a step, for example, the vehicle can travel safely by following the step or the like, because the detector sends the operation command of deceleration to each of the pair of drive motors.
Further, Specification of U.S. Pat. No. 5,791,425 discloses further another coaxial two-wheel vehicle in related art. This patent reference discloses a transportation vehicle with a loop control. The transportation vehicle described in this patent reference includes a platform for a rider to ride on, right and left wheel groups, a pair of wheel drivers, a handle, and the like. The right and left wheel groups each have a plurality of wheels disposed in a direction orthogonal to a traveling direction of the platform. The pair of wheel drivers drive and rotate the right and left wheel groups individually. The handle with a grip on the top end is installed upright on the upper surface of the platform.
However, in each of the coaxial two-wheel vehicles described in the above-described patent references, the handle is installed upright by fixing the bottom end thereof to a step plate (a frame in the first patent reference, a base in the second patent reference, and a platform in the third patent reference) as a riding portion for a person to ride on. Further, a support portion supporting the wheels in a freely rotatable manner (a DC servo motor in the first patent reference, a motor and the like in the second patent reference, a drive with motor in the last patent reference) is fixed to the step plate. Therefore, the upper surface of the step plate (riding surface) is continuously parallel with a traveling surface (road surface). Accordingly, when the center of gravity is at a high position where a person is riding on the vehicle in a standing posture, an upper body of the rider is swayed right and left and becomes unstable by the action of the gravitational force during a travel on a cant road surface where the road surface inclines in the direction orthogonal to the traveling direction or by the action of the centrifugal force during making a turn. Accordingly, there is a possibility that the vehicle body falls in a lateral direction when such force becomes considerably large.
Details are explained in this regard by referring to FIGS. 1 through 3. FIGS. 1A through 1C are explanatory diagrams respectively showing a state of the coaxial two-wheel vehicle of related art viewed from the front side of the vehicle. FIGS. 1A through 1C show the whole of a coaxial two-wheel vehicle 1 including a vehicle body 2 also used as a step plate. Left and right wheels 3L and 3R are rotatably provided on both sides in the direction orthogonal to a traveling direction of the vehicle body 2. In addition, reference numeral 4 denotes a riding object (such as a person, for example) riding on the vehicle body 2, reference symbol G denotes the center of gravity of the rider 4, and reference symbol W denotes the weight (load) of the rider 4.
FIG. 1A shows a state of the coaxial two-wheel vehicle 1 traveling straight on a flat road surface without an influence of lateral force and centrifugal force. In this state, the center of gravity G of the rider 4 is positioned approximately above the center of the coaxial two-wheel vehicle 1 and the load W acts vertically to work at the approximately center of the vehicle body 2. Accordingly, approximately the same load acts on the left and right wheels 3L and 3R, and the reaction force thereof becomes approximately the same at ground contact points TL and TR where those wheels 3L and 3R contact with a road surface E.
FIG. 1B shows a state of the coaxial two-wheel vehicle 1 making a turn on the flat road surface E. In this state, centrifugal force (lateral force) F acts on the rider 4 from the right wheel 3R side, and a weight vector W of the load W slants by an angle θ due to the influence of the centrifugal force F. When a ground contact point R where an extended line of the weight vector W intersects the road surface E is inside the ground contact point TL of the left wheel 3L, the coaxial two-wheel vehicle 1 can make a turn with stability. However, when the ground contact point R shifts to the outside of the ground contact point TL as shown in FIG. 1C, the stability of the traveling may not be obtained because the left and right wheels 3L, 3R are unable to bear the centrifugal force F. Then, the coaxial two-wheel vehicle 1 may overturn (falling in the lateral direction) when the centrifugal force F that acts on the rider 4 becomes considerably large.
A difficulty level causing this coaxial two-wheel vehicle 1 to overturn greatly depends on the height of the center of gravity G of the rider 4. FIG. 2 is a diagram to explain the above. When the center of gravity G of the rider 4 is at a low position, a tilt angle allowed to the weight vector W of the center of gravity G is an angle θ as shown in FIG. 2. However, when the center of gravity G of the rider 4 is shifted to a high position, that is, to the center of gravity G1, the tilt angle at the center of gravity G1 becomes an angle θ1 which is smaller than the angle θ (θ1<θ), because a distance S from the center of the vehicle body 2 to the ground contact points TL and TR of the left and right wheel 3L and 3R remains unchanged.
From the above, the difficulty level of causing the coaxial two-wheel vehicle 1 to overturn is expressed by a product of the height of the center of gravity G and the centrifugal force F. Specifically, assuming that the ground contact point R of the weight vector W corresponds to the ground contact point TL of the left wheel 3L when the centrifugal force F acts on the center of gravity G, F×H=S (expression 1) can be obtained. Similarly, assuming that the ground contact point R of a weight vector W1 corresponds to the ground contact point TL of the left wheel 3L when a centrifugal force F1 acts on the center of gravity G1, F1×H1=S (expression 2) can be obtained. Accordingly, F×H=F1×H1. Here, F>F1 because H<H1. Therefore, when the center of gravity is positioned higher, the coaxial two-wheel vehicle 1 may overturn, even if the centrifugal force becomes smaller to that extent.
Such overturn of the coaxial two-wheel vehicle 1 can be prevented with a structure shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the vehicle body 2 being inclined toward the road surface E on the right wheel 3R side where the centrifugal force F acts. When the vehicle body 2 is thus inclined to the side where the centrifugal force F acts, overturn of the coaxial two-wheel vehicle 1 can be prevented and a stable turning can be made, because the ground contact point R of the weight vector W1 shifts to the inside of the ground contact point TL of the left wheel 3L.


According to one embodiment, a storage device includes a nonvolatile memory, an interface, a register, and a controller. The nonvolatile memory stores communication speed information. The interface communicates with a host. The register is included in the interface. The controller controls the nonvolatile memory and the interface. The controller reads the speed information from the nonvolatile memory and sets the speed information in the register when the device is started, and the interface communicates with the host based on the speed information set in the register.

For example, communication protocols and the communication speed of SATA interfaces are determined by the SATA standard. SATA devices which use SATA interfaces, such as SSDs and hard disk devices, and hosts which use the devices are equipped with functions based on the SATA standard.
The SATA standard, however, includes parts which the vendors who develop the devices and the hosts can independently define, and a vague part which allows desired specifications. Therefore, when communication is performed between an SATA device and a host, the communication becomes unstable, and the communication may end in failure. In this case, the SATA device cannot be used. Since SATA devices are mainly used as storage devices, the fact that the SATA device cannot be used causes a large problem, since data cannot be stored in the storage device and data cannot be read from the storage device. Therefore, it is desired to enable stable communication between the host and the storage device.

Storage device which can perform stable communication between host and storage device, and method of controlling the same


A self propelled upright vacuum cleaner is provided with a Hall effect sensor to provide a Hall voltage that varies according to the position of a handgrip maintained by the vacuum cleaner. A microprocessor generates a PWM control signal to control the movement of the vacuum based on the magnitude of the Hall voltage with respect to various response characteristics, including a non-linear logistic function. As such, the vacuum cleaner imparts a user-friendly responsiveness to the user during the operation of the vacuum cleaner.

It is known to produce a self-propelled upright vacuum cleaner by providing a transmission in the foot or lower portion of the vacuum cleaner for selectively driving at least one drive wheel in forward rotation and reverse rotation to propel the vacuum cleaner in forward and reverse directions over a floor. A handgrip is commonly mounted to the top of the upper housing in a sliding fashion for limited reciprocal motion relative to the upper housing as a user pushes and pulls on the handgrip to direct the movement of the vacuum cleaner 10. A Bowden type control cable typically extends from the hand grip to the transmission for transferring the pushing and pulling forces applied to the hand grip by the user to the transmission, which selectively actuates a forward drive clutch and a reverse drive clutch of the transmission so as to propel the vacuum cleaner 10 in similar directions.
However, such arrangements provide little or no flexibility in providing for controlling the speed of the propulsion drive motor. That is, the vacuum cleaner typically tends to abruptly move forward and backward, in coordination with the movement of the handgrip. This results in a vacuum that is difficult for the average user to effectively control and maneuver. For example, in environments, such as a living room or bedroom, where the vacuum encounters many obstacles in its path it may be especially difficult for the user to exercise precise control so at to prevent the vacuum cleaner from colliding with such obstacles. Moreover, the abrupt movements of the vacuum cleaner may cause physical injury to the user of the vacuum cleaner as well.
Therefore, there is a need for a self-propelled vacuum cleaner that provides a programmable control system that can control the movement of the vacuum cleaner in accordance with various response characteristics. Furthermore, there is a need for a self-propelled vacuum cleaner that provides a programmable control system that controls the movement of the vacuum cleaner in accordance with a logistic function based response characteristic. In addition, there is a need for a self-propelled vacuum cleaner that includes a selection switch that allows an operator to select a desired response characteristic that is to be used to control the vacuum cleaner. Still yet, there is a need for a self-propelled vacuum cleaner that includes a response button that allows an operator to adjust the responsiveness of a particular response characteristic.

Control arrangement for a propulsion unit for a self-propelled floor care appliance

Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited


A method and apparatus for enlarging data eyes in a wireline communication system involves pre-coding a data signal before transmission to generate a constant frequency characteristic independent of a state of the pre-coded data signal. The receiving circuit includes a circuit that temporally expands at least a portion of the pre-coded data signal. The portion of the temporally expanded data signal is latched by the receiving circuit.

In wireline communication systems, a data signal received at a receiving circuit may have a low voltage potential or a high voltage potential to represent a binary value of zero or one, respectively. A portion of the data signal is transmitted for a duration of time, also known as a bit time. The bit time represents the time during which a single binary value is transmitted. The bit time is inversely proportional to the frequency of the data signal transmission.
The data signal transmission for a bit time has a portion of time in which the binary value is represented by a valid voltage potential. The remaining portion of time is needed for transitions from one voltage potential to another. The portion of time that the binary value is valid is referred to as a data eye.
To increase processor performance, clock frequencies used by microprocessors, often referred to as "CPUs," have increased. Also, as the number of circuits that can be used in a CPU has increased, the number of parallel operations has risen. As processor performance continues to increase, the result has been a larger number of circuits switching at faster rates. Thus, from a design perspective, important considerations, such as switching noise and signal integrity must be taken into account. Signals may have undesirable switching characteristics caused by noise.
As the frequencies of modem computers continue to increase, the need to rapidly transmit data between chip interfaces also increases. To accurately receive the data signal, a clock is often sent to help recover the data signal (also known as source synchronous transmission). The clock determines when the data signal should be latched by a receiver's circuits. As the frequency of the data signal transmission increases, the bit time decreases. Accordingly, the data eye becomes narrower.
FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a typical computer system component (10). The computer system (10) includes a link, where the link may include data lines and an associated clock line. Data lines (14) that are N bits wide connect between circuit A (12) and circuit B (34). To aid in the recovery of a transmitted data signal on the data lines (14), a clock signal on the clock line (16) is transmitted with the data signal to determine when the data signal should be latched. Multiple links may connect between circuit A (12) and circuit B (34).
The data signal on the data lines (14) are transmitted from circuit A (12) to circuit B (34). Circuit A (12) and circuit B (34) could also have one or more links to transmit data from circuit B (34) to circuit A (12) including one or more additional clock signals (not shown). Alternatively, the links between circuit A (12) and circuit B (34) could be bi-directional. The decision as to which circuit may transmit at any given time is defined by a protocol.
FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a communication system (200). A data signal (201) is transmitted by an output buffer (202). A transmitting circuit (208) includes the output buffer (202), and generates, or receives, the data signal (201). The transmitted data signal is output onto a data line (214). The transmitted data signal on data line (214) may attenuate during transmission from the transmitting circuit (208) to a receiving circuit (210). An input buffer (204) included in the receiving circuit (210) recovers and regenerates the transmitted data signal to valid voltage potentials.
In FIG. 2, a recovered data signal (220) is input to a latch (206). The latch (206) outputs a copy of the recovered data signal (220) as a latched data signal (222) when a clock signal (224) transitions from a low voltage potential to a high voltage potential. The clock signal (224) is responsive to a clock signal generated by the transmitting circuit (208). The clock signal (224) may be connected directly to the transmitting circuit (208). The clock signal (224) may incur a phase shift as a result of additional circuitry (not shown) included in the receiving circuit (210). The additional circuitry (not shown) may be directly connected to the clock signal generated by the transmitting circuit (208).
FIG. 3 shows a timing diagram (300). A data signal (301) is recovered after transmission across a data line. The data signal (301) is input to a latch, for example, latch (206) in FIG. 2. Clock signal (303) causes the data signal (301) to be latched on a low voltage potential to high voltage potential transition of the clock signal (303).
One common signal performance issue is jitter. Jitter is the time domain error from poor spectral purity of a signal. In a repeated signal pattern, such as a clock signal, a transition that occurs from one state to another that does not happen at the same time relative to other transitions is said to have jitter. Jitter represents the perturbations that result in the intermittent shortening or lengthening of signal elements.
In FIG. 3, the clock signal (303) may jitter. The clock signal (303) is shown with added jitter (305). In this example, the clock signal with jitter (305) has enough jitter that the clock transition from a low voltage potential to a high voltage potential does not occur during the bit time. In other words, the clock signal with jitter (305) transitions outside of the data eye.
To properly latch a data signal, the data eye must be wider than the jitter in the clock signal. Jitter in the clock signal limits the frequency of a data signal transmission. One approach has been to use external inductors to help regulate clock generation. However, adding inductors increases a communication system's cost.

Technique to enlarge data eyes in wireline communication systems


A system for decoding a variable-length codeword includes a buffer circuit storing the codeword, a detection circuit detecting the number of bits of a prefix portion of the codeword by use of a detection table while updating the codeword, an extraction circuit extracting a codeword of a suffix portion of the codeword based on the number of bits of the prefix portion while updating the codeword, and a first decoding circuit decoding the codeword base on the number of bits of the prefix portion and the codeword of the suffix portion.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a system for decoding a variable-length codeword and a method for the same.
2. Description of the Related Art
In data transmission, a variable-length codeword having a prefix portion and a suffix portion is used. The code length of the suffix portion is determined by the number of bits of the prefix portion. For example, with regard to an exp-golomb codeword, the decoding result is determined by the number of zeros in the prefix portion and the codeword of the suffix portion.
In the related art, a variable-length codeword is decoded by use of a general-purpose processor having a zero detection command. The processor executes the following steps:
(1) The number of zeros located in a line from the top of the variable-length codeword stored in a buffer circuit is counted by the zero detection command.
(2) The location of the first bit of the suffix portion of the variable-length codeword stored in the buffer circuit is calculated on the basis of the number of zeros.
(3) The suffix portion is stored in the buffer circuit.
(4) The decoding result is obtained from the number of zeros in the prefix portion and the codeword of the suffix portion.
Each of the steps listed above requires an execution time corresponding to at least one cycle of the processor. Moreover, also in the case of a short codeword within the capacity of the buffer circuit, the codeword is decoded using the above steps. Accordingly, in the case of the short codeword, a period of approximately 5 to 10 cycles is required to decode the exp-golomb codeword.
There is a method for decoding a variable-length codeword in which the codeword is divided into halves having a half-length of the maximum code length when the number of bits of the variable-length codeword is larger than the number of bits which can be stored in the buffer circuit. However, in this method, a buffer circuit which can store the codeword having a half-length of the maximum code length is required.

System and method for decoding a variable-length codeword while updating the variable-length codeword


The present invention provides a novel optically active bidentate phosphine ligand palladium complex of formula (I) or (II) which can be used for the preparation of optically active .beta.-hydroxyketones: ##STR1## wherein Y.sup.- represents an anion pair which may form salt; X represents ##STR2## {wherein R.sup.1 represents hydrogen atom, C.sub.1-6 alkyl group, C.sub.1-6 alkoxyl group, cyano group, nitro group, halogen atom or phenyl group, etc.; m represents 1 or 2; when m is 2, two R.sup.1 s may be same or different}; and. A and B each independently represents phenyl group or cyclohexyl group {said phenyl group and cyclohexyl group each is unsubstituted or substituted by R.sup.2 (R.sup.2 has the same meaning as defined in R.sup.1)}).

Recently, the organic synthesis reaction using a transition metal complex as a catalyst has been intensively developed, and especially, the asymmetric synthesis using an optically active bidentate phosphine ligand has been enthusiastically studied as a method of efficiently obtaining desired optically active substances. For instance, some reports disclose the development of the asymmetric catalyst using palladium as a transition metal, and there are known Pd(BINAP).sub.2 having the structure (A), (B) (Ozawa, F.; Kubo, A.; Matsumoto, Y.; Hayashi, T. Organometallics, 1993, 12, 4188), shown below, etc.; however, the palladium complex having the optically active bidentate phosphine as a ligand and coordinating with an water molecule or a hydroxyl group has not been known. ##STR3##
The catalytic asymmetric aldol reaction yielding an optically active .beta.-hydroxyketone is the condensation reaction of silyl enol ether, ketene silylacetal or ketene silylthioacetal and an aldehyde with an optically active Lewis acid catalyst. The examples are described in the literatures such as (a) Heathcock, C. H., In Asymmetric Synthesis; Morison, J. D., Ed.; Academic press: New York:, 1984; Vol. 3, Chapter 2, (b) Heathcock, C. H., In Comprehensive Organic Synthesis; Perganon Press: Oxford, 1991; Vol. 2, Chapter 1.5-1.9, and the like. In the aldol reaction with these asymmetric Lewis acid catalysts, although extremely high asymmetric yields are reported, in view of the nature of the Lewis acid, the catalyst is expected to have an affinity for various oxygen-functional groups and the like in the preparation of medicines, and therefore, the application of such a reaction to complicated compounds is expected to have difficulty.
On the other hand, although the literatures such as Reetz, M. T.; Vougioukas, A. E., Tetrahedron Lett., 1987, 28, 793; Roos, G. H. P.; Haines, R. J.; Raab, C. E., Synth. Commun., 1993, 23, 1251, and the like disclose the catalytic asymmetric aldol reaction via a transition metal enolate which is not expected to have an affinity for various oxygen-functionnal groups and the like, yet the asymmetric yields are not much more than 20%, and hence the development of the transition metal complex having a novel optically active ligand and the efficient asymmetric synthesis using the complex has been desired. Since the asymmetric aldol reaction is applicable to the asymmetric synthesis of the aglycon of polyoxomacrolides such as erythromycin A, erythromycin B and the like, stereochemistry in the aldol reaction has been enthusiastically studied. The compound having a .beta.-hydroxyketone as a moiety is exemplified by gingerol analogues. The gingerols are known as a compound which has cardiotonic activity (Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. Sho 64-921 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. Hei 6-40895), activity for platelet-aggregation (Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. Sho 63-72625), analgesic activity (Japanese Patent Application No. Sho 59-1684), anti-inflammatory activity (Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. Hei 3-90021), anti-parasitic activity (Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. Hei 2-4711), and the like. Moreover, the mevalonic acid moiety of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors has a .beta.-hydroxyester, and therefore, a method of efficiently obtaining an optically active .beta.-hydroxyketone is useful. However, the aldol reaction does not proceed and the .beta.-hydroxyketone is not obtained even if the known complex of (A) or (B) is used.

Optically active bidentate phosphine ligand palladium complex


Techniques for distributed production control include tagging unfinished products with electronically accessible production information that identifies aspects in which the products are to be produced differently. The production information is used to control an aspect of the production of a given product.

Modern production line systems are capable of fabricating customized products having characteristics based on specifications provided by a party such as a customer. These systems may track the products during the production process to ensure that the products receive the proper characteristics. For example, a customer may place an order for an automobile having certain characteristics such as a red interior, a blue exterior, and a manual transmission. During the production of the custom automobile, the manufacturer must ensure that the automobile receives the exact characteristics specified by the customer. These systems may require maintaining a centralized database for tracking the product during the production process and confirm that the product receives the proper characteristics.


In order to process by the same step even if the processing directions are different, reduce the number of the constituting parts of the die required for all the steps of the press dying as much as possible, easily design, and easily respond to the design change a double acting cam die comprising a slide cam base, a slide cam guided by the slide cam base and having a first processing member mounted thereto. An energizing body which is interposed between the slide cam base and the slide cam so as to energize the slide cam. An actuating cam which is brought into contact with the slide cam base and the slide cam so as to drive the slide cam, and has a second processing member mounted thereto. A guiding member which guides the actuating cam, and an energizing body which is interposed between the guiding member and the actuating cam so as to energize the actuating cam. An angle of processing incline of the second processing member is brought into line with an angle of cam incline of the slide cam base.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a double acting cam die which can process in different processing directions by using a first processing member and a second processing member.
2. Description of Background Art
A press dying includes a drawing process in a first step, a trimming process in a second step, a piercing process in a specific direction in a third step, a piercing process in a different specific direction from the specific direction in a fourth step, and the like.
Even in the same piercing process, if the processing direction is different, it is impossible to process in the same step.
Further, in the press dying, the number of constituting parts of a die required for all the steps of the press dying is fixed. In the process having an angle of incline, three members comprising a slide cam base, a slide cam and an actuating cam are required as the constituting parts.
Further, each time the angle of incline for the processing is different, a new design is executed.
Even in the same piercing process, if the processing direction is different, it is impossible to process in the same process. Accordingly, it is required to execute the processes in the different processing directions by the same step.
Further, in the process having the angle of incline, since three members comprising the slide cam base, the slide cam and the actuating cam are required as the constituting parts, it is required to reduce the number of the constituting parts of the die required for all the steps of the press dying.
Further, since the new design is executed each time the angle of incline for the processing is different, it is required to easily design and easily respond to the design change.


The present invention includes: connecting a pressure varying device to a sample gas introduction port and a gas discharge port of a gas analysis apparatus; depressurizing or pressurizing the sample gas introduction port and the gas discharge port by the pressure varying device; introducing calibration gas from a calibration gas introduction port of the gas analysis apparatus in a depressurized or pressurized state; and calculating a pressure correction factor for the gas analysis apparatus with use of a measurement result of the calibration gas by the gas analysis apparatus.

In recent years, for component analysis of exhaust gas discharged from a vehicle running on a road and for a vehicle test, an exhaust gas analysis apparatus of a vehicle-mounted type has been used. This exhaust gas analysis apparatus includes analyzers for analyzing components such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), and carbon dioxide (CO2).
In each of the analyzers provided in the exhaust gas analysis apparatus, a measured value is subjected to pressure effect due to pressure variation caused by a variation in altitude during an on-road run. For this reason, the exhaust gas analysis apparatus makes a pressure correction to a measured value by each analyzer using a pressure correction factor for correcting for the pressure effect, and thereby calculates the concentration of each component normalized with reference pressure (e.g., pressure at the time of calibration curve preparation).
In addition, a pressure correction factor used for the exhaust gas analysis apparatus is a common one prepared in accordance with the following procedure.
Specifically, several exhaust gas analysis apparatuses are carried into a depressurization/pressurization test chamber, and calibration gas whose concentration is known is measured by the several exhaust gas analysis apparatuses under reduced/increased pressure. Then, from the relationship between the average value of multiple measured values obtained by the several exhaust gas analysis apparatuses and pressure at the time of the calibration gas measurement, the pressure correction factor is obtained. The pressure correction factor obtained in this manner is used as pressure correction factors for multiple exhaust gas analysis apparatuses.
However, there are variations in pressure variation characteristics among exhaust gas analysis apparatuses, and therefore the use of the common pressure correction factor may result in an exhaust gas analysis apparatus whose correction accuracy is low. On the other hand, in order to ensure the correction accuracy, it is necessary to employ a pressure correction factor specific to each exhaust gas analysis apparatus. For this purpose, the above-described depressurization/pressurization test chamber has to be used, which simultaneously requires large-scale work of carrying an exhaust gas analysis apparatus into the depressurization/pressurization test chamber. In addition, a manufacturer or a user who has no depressurization/pressurization test chamber has to borrow or purchase a depressurization/pressurization test chamber, causing low productivity.

Calibration method for gas analysis apparatus, gas analysis system, and pressure varying device


A method for controlling loop bandwidth of a phase locked loop is described. The method includes setting the loop bandwidth to a value, calculating at least one of a phase error and a frequency change that occur subsequent to any setting or adjusting of loop bandwidth, and adjusting the loop bandwidth based on at least one of the phase error and the frequency change.

This invention relates generally to operation of phase-locked loops, and more specifically, to methods and apparatus for loop bandwidth control of phase-locked loops.
Communications standards, such as GR-253-CORE, "SONET Transport Systems: Common Criteria" and GR-1 244-CORE, "Clocks for the Synchronized Network: Common Generic Criteria" specify criteria for the various clocks used in communications equipment for synchronous timing applications. These synchronous timing applications typically use phase-locked loops (PLLs), where a PLL can be an electronic circuit with a voltage or current-driven oscillator that is adjusted to match in phase (and thus lock on) the frequency of an input reference signal. The GR-253-CORE and GR-1244-CORE standards provide MTIE (Maximum Time interval Error) requirements for the cases: after the input reference has been switched, the input reference has changed in frequency or phase, after a holdover. In addition, these standards specify a low bandwidth in order to filter out jitter in the input reference signal. Furthermore, these standards specify a minimum phase error within the MTIE limits.
There are existing methods for controlling operation of PLLs. One existing method uses only two levels of bandwidth, i.e. locked or unlocked. Another existing method requires the capability to measure the instantaneous loop frequency and set the integral loop frequency.
The methods and apparatus described herein helps to achieve the requirements set forth in standards such as GR253-CORE and GR-1244-CORE for stabilizing the phase, after a change in reference or recovery from holdover, within the required time limit, while reducing the jitter associated with a large loop bandwidth change.

Methods and apparatus for loop bandwidth control for a phase-locked loop


A clock supply from a clock controller to portions other than a host interface controller is stopped while periodically monitoring a data receiving state from a host. While executing a predetermined maintenance process, a power supplying mode is shifted to a low-power-consumption mode each time before it is shifted to the low-power-consumption mode.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a print controlling apparatus for controlling a printing process for a printer main body by communicating with a data processing apparatus through a predetermined communication medium. The invention also relates to a low power controlling method of such a print controlling apparatus and a computer-readable memory medium in which a program used for such apparatus and method has been stored.
2. Related Background Art
Hitherto, such a kind of printer, for example, a printer connected to a host computer is in a data standby mode when the printing operation is not performed. When the printer is in the data standby mode, the printer controller controls an operating mode of each section in a manner such that each block of the printer main body can immediately operate so as to enable the printer to immediately start a printing process when it receives a printing instruction from the host.
Since the conventional print controlling apparatus is constructed as mentioned above, an electric power is supplied to a data processor for performing a data communicating process with the host even in the data standby mode. There is, consequently, a tendency such that an electric power consumption of the whole printer is large in spite of a fact that the printing process is not executed.
On the other hand, a method of turning off a power supply in the data standby mode in order to reduce the electric power consumption in the data standby mode is also considered. In this case, however, the power supply has to be turned on when the printing operation is started and there is a problem such that a print processing time (particularly, a first printing time) becomes longer in an initial sequence (initial operation until a printer engine enters a printable mode) (it is waited until a trial driving or the like of an ink head is finished) or the like at the time of power-on.
The invention is made to solve the above problems and it is an object of the invention to provide a print controlling apparatus in which while periodically monitoring a data receiving state of a host computer, by shifting the power supplying mode to a low-power-consumption mode while executing a predetermined maintenance process each time before a power supplying mode is shifted to the low-power-consumption mode, an electric power consumption can be reduced in a printer standby mode where the apparatus waits for data from the host and a time that is required from the standby mode to the start of printing can be reduced. Another object of the invention is to provide a low power controlling method of such a print controlling apparatus and a computer-readable memory medium in which a program which is used for such apparatus and method has been stored.

Power control for a printing unit with a maintenance function


Disclosed are various examples for platform independent graphics processing unit (GPU) profiles for more efficient utilization of GPU resources. A virtual machine configuration can be identified to include a platform independent graphics computing requirement. Hosts can be identified as available in a computing environment based on the platform independent graphics computing requirement. The virtual machine can be placed on a host based on a consideration of host priority.

Computer virtualization relates to the creation of a virtualized version of a generally physical device, such as a server, a storage device, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or other computing resources. A virtual machine (VM) is an emulation of a computer system and can be customized to include, for example, a predefined amount of random access memory (RAM), a predefined amount of hard drive storage space, an operating system, as well as other computing resources. Virtual machines resemble physical computer architectures and provide functionality of a physical computer. Virtual machines can be executed remotely traditionally in a data center, for example, to provide remote desktop computer sessions for employees of an enterprise. Thus, virtual machines can further utilize graphics processing resources of a data center to provide remote desktop computer sessions and other virtualized computer applications. Virtualization of various aspects of physical devices in a data center can ensure redundancy and provide an efficient distribution of computing resources.
NVIDIA® GRID is an advanced technology for sharing virtual GPUs (vGPUs) across multiple virtual desktop and application instances. Virtual machines can be assigned to respective vGPUs to perform graphics processing, for instance, to provide virtualized computer applications to an end user. To do so, an administrator can specify a profile for a virtual machine that causes the virtual machine to be assigned to a host having a corresponding type of NVIDA® graphics card. An administrator of an enterprise can assign a desired amount of graphics processing resources by creating a customized graphics profile for each employee of the enterprise. Each virtual desktop executing in a data center can have dedicated graphics memory. In some situations, NVIDIA® GRID™ permits up to sixteen users to share a single physical GPU in a data center. However, assignment of graphics profiles to physical GPUs remains problematic as does migrating a virtual machine from a host having one type of graphics card to another.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Platform independent GPU profiles for more efficient utilization of GPU resources


A rapidly deployable and adjustable arm support apparatus to be fastened to a user's body or user's apparel to support the arm of the user holding a rifle, bow, camera etc. In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, the adjustable arm support platform includes an arm support and a first extension member connected to the arm support. The arm support is adjustable along at least a first dimension and is shaped to accommodate a shooters arm. A second extension member is rotatably connected to the first extension member, wherein the first extension member is rotatably adjustable relative to the second extension member. This flexibility of orientation means that the user's arm can be comfortably supported in virtually any reasonable orientation relative to the shooting platform.

One of the significant challenges in marksmanship is holding the weapon steady while aiming. Even a slight movement of the human body, and hence the weapon, can reduce accuracy, particularly when shooting at long-range. Accuracy is improved by shooting in the prone position or by using some sort of gun rest. In certain circumstances, however, particularly in combat, law enforcement, and hunting, it is not practical to shoot from the prone position or look for a gun rest. The immediate circumstances demand that you rapidly shoulder the weapon and take aim, also known as shooting offhanded.
Offhand shooting is notoriously difficult, particularly at distance. Various devices have been developed in the past to provide support for a shooters forearm or elbow. U.S. Pat. No. 3,390,477 (Galbraith) entitled "Supporting Device for Sighting Firearms" describes an arm rest for supporting a gun in firing position. US Pub. No. 2009/0229162 (Loya) entitled "Shooting Support" describes a portable armrest fastened to the user for steadying the users arm when supporting a rifle. The shooting support described by Loya is an L-shaped support attached to the shooter's torso by a strap. It includes a simple hinge mechanism that supports an elbow support platform. Both the torso member and the elbow support member are fixed in orientation, other than the angle immediately between them. It is therefore relatively unadjustable and due to its shape and mode of attachment appears to suffer from limited stability as well. Accordingly, what is needed is a stable, attachable, shooting platform that can be readily folded so that it does not restrict the user's freedom of movement when it is in the stored position, but that can be readily deployed when needed. In addition, it should be easily and quickly adjusted in multiple dimensions to provide a stable, comfortable shooting position that works with the shooter's particular physiology.


Improved bandwidths and oscillation uniformity is obtained through a rod type BAW TFR structure formed over a semiconductor support. The resonator includes a first and a second electrode and a plurality of distinct elemental piezoelectric structures between the electrodes. Each of the piezoelectric structures has a length, a width and a height, the height being the distance between the electrodes. The height of the piezoelectric structures is at least equal to or more than one of the length or the width, or both. Such resonator is made by forming on a common bottom a plurality of distinct piezoelectric structures each having a length, a width and a height, wherein the height is formed at least equal to the width or the length of the piezoelectric structure, and forming a common top electrode thereover.

The present invention relates to thin film resonators (TFR), and more particularly to a thin film bulk acoustic wave (BAW) resonator structure that provides increased bandwidth, and to the method of manufacturing such resonator structures.
Thin film resonators (hereinafter xe2x80x9cTFRxe2x80x9d) are typically used in high-frequency environments ranging from several hundred megahertz (MHz) to several Gigahertz (GHz). A TFR component typically comprises a piezoelectric material interposed between two conductive electrodes, one of which is formed on a support structure such as a membrane, or on a plurality of alternating reflecting layers formed on a semiconductor substrate which may be made of silicon or quartz, for example, or on another support structure. The piezoelectric material preferably comprises ZnO, CdS, AlN, or combinations thereof. The electrodes are most often formed from a conductive material such as Al, Mo, Pt, Cu, Au, Ti, Cr, and combinations thereof, but may be formed from other conductors as well.
TFR components are often used in filters, more particularly in TFR filter circuits applicable to a myriad of communication technologies. For example, TFR filter circuits may be employed in cellular, wireless and fiber-optic communications, as well as in computer or computer-related information-exchange or information-sharing systems.
The desire to render these increasingly complicated communication systems portable and even hand-held places significant demands on filtering technology, particularly in the context of increasingly crowded radio frequency resources. TFR filters must meet strict performance requirements which include: (a) being extremely robust, (b) being readily mass-produced and (c) being able to sharply increase performance to size ratio achievable in a frequency range extending into the Gigahertz region. Moreover, some of the typical applications noted above for these TFR filters require passband widths up to 4% of the center frequency (for example, for a 2 GHz center frequency, this would be a bandwidth of about 80 MHz). This bandwidth is vital to covering some of the wider bandwidth RF filter applications such as GSM (Global system for mobile communications.)
This bandwidth is not easily achieved using common piezoelectrics such as AIN, especially on solidly mounted resonators on acoustic mirrors which heretofore typically exhibit resonance/anti-resonance separations of 2% or less. Additionally these devices show undesirable lateral non uniform wave oscillation that degrades the device performance due to the large width to thickness ratios of TFR devices.
Some solutions to the inadequate bandwidth problem include the addition of external inductance to the TFR elements when used in filters. However such solution does not address the fundamental limitation in the TFR itself and incorporates at least one additional element in the manufacture of a TFR filter There is, therefore, still a need for a TFR structure for use in the 2 Gigahertz frequency range with an improved bandwidth.
This invention provides a thin film resonator comprising a plurality of distinct elemental resonators separated by spaces and connected in parallel. Each of the elemental resonators has a length, a width and a height. The elemental resonator height is at least equal to one of the width or length of the elemental resonator.
According to this invention there is also provided a thin film acoustic resonator comprising a support, a first electrode over said support, a piezoelectric layer on said first electrode and a second electrode on said piezoelectric layer wherein said piezoelectric layer comprises a plurality of substantially similar distinct piezoelectric structures adjacent and separated from each other by spaces. Each of said structures has a length, a width and a height, the height being at least equal to either width or length. The electrodes electrically connect the piezoelectric structures in parallel.
Still according to this invention, there is provided an acoustic resonator filter comprising at least one thin film acoustic resonator comprising a plurality of distinct elemental resonators separated by interstitial spaces and connected in parallel each of said elemental resonators having a length, a width and a height, wherein the height is at least equal to one of either the width or length of the elemental resonator.
The above described resonators exhibit improved bandwidths and oscillation uniformity.
Further according to the present invention, is provided a method of manufacturing a thin film resonator, the method comprising forming on a common first electrode a plurality of distinct piezoelectric structures each of said structures comprising a length, a width and a height, wherein the height is formed at least equal to either one of the width or length, and forming a common second electrode on said structures.

Increased bandwidth thin film resonator having a columnar structure


A flue gas denitration system includes a catalytic reactor accommodating a plurality of catalytic modules, into which a flue gas flows, and a flue gas heater provided on an upstream side of the catalytic reactor in a flow direction of the flue gas. In the flue gas denitration system, switched are a first denitration state in which the flue gas is denitrated by using the plurality of catalytic modules in the catalytic reactor and a second denitration state in which the flue gas is denitrated by using a catalytic module(s) less than those used in the first denitration state while a temperature of the flue gas flowing into the catalytic reactor is made higher than that in the first denitration state by using the flue gas heater. Thus, by making the temperature of the flue gas flowing into the catalytic reactor higher, it is possible to suppress deterioration in denitration performance in the case of using part of the plurality of catalytic modules for denitration.

It is well known that in a flue gas denitration system using catalysts, ammonium sulfate and acidic ammonium sulfate are deposited as reaction products on catalyst surfaces, with an operating temperature of a catalytic reactor and concentrations of moisture, sulfur trioxide, and ammonia in a flue gas as factors. With the deposition of the reaction products, the catalytic activity is deteriorated and required denitration performance cannot be achieved. Then, by regularly carrying the catalysts outside and performing a water washing treatment or a heating treatment on the catalysts, the catalysts are recovered. In the case of performing the above operation, however, it is necessary to stop the operations of the flue gas denitration system and a facility including the system. Then, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-192657 (Document 1) discloses a method of recovering catalysts without stopping a facility. In this method, the inside of a catalyst tower (catalytic reactor) is divided into two or more chambers, and recovery of the catalysts is performed in each chamber while a flue gas is caused to pass through the other chambers, to be thereby denitrated.
Further, in a combustion flue gas cleaning method disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-15345, a combustion flue gas is introduced to a moving layer type desulfurization layer, to be thereby desulfurized, and then the desulfurized combustion flue gas is divided into two, temperature rise adjustment is performed in accordance with a desulfurization state of each divided flue gas, and ammonia catalytic reduction denitration is performed thereon in a denitration layer.
In the method of Document 1, when it is understood that a plurality of catalytic modules are provided in the catalyst tower (catalytic reactor), the number of catalytic modules to be used for denitration decreases during the recovery of the catalysts in each chamber and therefore the denitration performance is deteriorated.

Flue gas denitration system, incinerator, and flue gas denitration method


A rack having a member; the member having a clip portion; the clip portion having a wall, the wall having a bottom indent and a top indent; whereby the top indent and the bottom indent are capable of being removably secured to an E-track.

This invention relates to a rack that may be attached to an E-track, particularly vertically oriented E-tracks.
Enclosed trailers use E-tracks with E-track straps to secure items therebetween, and adjacent to the sidewalls of the trailer. Before the present invention, E-track straps were used. These are straps made of fabric or cloth that can be secured or tied to the E-tracks. They are often not adjusted to the correct length, thus this looseness does not properly secure beams or cargo. Also, it may be difficult to tighten a strap that is above ones shoulders.
As can be seen, there is a need for a rigid rack that attaches to E-tracks to hold items in trailers.


A technique includes receiving seismic data indicative of a signal, which is produced by the interaction of reflection interfaces with a source wavelet. The reflection interfaces are associated with boundaries of a geological layer. The technique includes processing the seismic data to determine at least one slope change in the source wavelet caused by the interaction. The technique includes determining an attribute of the layer based at least in part on the determined slope change(s).

The invention generally relates to a technique and system to process a seismic signal to determine an attribute of a geological layer.
A seismic survey typically is employed for purposes of discovering hydrocarbon (oil and gas) deposits in geological formations. In the seismic survey, sources generate seismic waves, or signals, which propagate into the geological formations and create pressure changes and vibrations along their way. Changes in elastic properties of the geological formations scatter the seismic waves, changing the waves' directions of propagation and other properties. Part of the energy that is emitted by the sources reaches seismic sensors. Some seismic sensors are sensitive to pressure changes (hydrophones), others to particle motion (e.g., geophones), and industrial surveys may deploy only one type of sensors or both. In response to the detected seismic events, the seismic sensors generate electrical signals to produce seismic data. Analysis of the seismic data can then indicate the presence or absence of probable locations of hydrocarbon deposits.
Traditional seismic data processing is based on the premise that the seismic measurements are insufficient for purposes of resolving the thickness of a bedding layer, which is less than one quarter of the wavelength of the seismic signal. However, a hydrocarbon deposit may be contained in a relatively thin bedding layer that has a thickness that is less than the one quarter wavelength threshold. Examples of such thin bedding layers include sediment layers that are formed by streams, rivers, bay deposits, turbidic flows and the fragmented remains of talus slopes that are generated by wave action against reefs. Therefore, the one quarter wavelength limitation precludes the discrimination of relatively thin geological features and, in general, may prevent the discovery of certain oil and gas deposits.
Thus, there is a continuing need for better ways to process a seismic signal to detect an attribute (a thickness, for example) of a geological layer that has a thickness that is less than one quarter of the seismic signal's wavelength.

Technique and system to process a seismic signal to determine an attribute of a geological layer