An occlusion device with particular utility in occlusion of left atrial appendages is described. The occlusion device embodiments utilize an inflatable balloon or expandable element used to occlude the treatment site.

The Left Atrial Appendage (LAA) is a small ear-shaped sac in the muscle wall of the left atrium. For people with atrial fibrillation or an irregular heartbeat, the heart impulse is irregular which can cause blood to collect in the LAA and clot over time. These clots can later migrate out of the LAA potentially causing a stroke and other complications.
Occlusion is one method of treating an LAA, where a device or structure is placed within the LAA to limit blood flow into the LAA. These occlusive structures fill the LAA space and thereby prevent blood accumulation and clot formation in the area. However, LAA's can be difficult to treat since they typically form complex, irregular shapes thereby making occlusion or filling of the structure difficult. Furthermore, since the LAA abuts the heart, the region is highly volatile and subject to high pulsation pressure, thereby making it difficult to keep any occlusive device at the target site without migrating. These factors make it difficult to occlude the LAA.
Embolic coils are small coils which fill the target space and are used for occlusive purposes in other areas of the vasculature (e.g., neurovascular aneurysms). These coils are not, however, suitable for placement in a LAA due to the tendency for the coils to migrate due to the odd shape of the LAA, the typically wide ostium or neck region of the LAA, the high pulsation pressure and the proximity of the LAA to the heart.
To address the high pulsatile pressure of the region, some occlusive devices specifically designed to treat LAA's utilize barbs to anchor within the LAA to thereby resist migration. These barbs can puncture the vessel wall and cause bleeding, which can lead to additional complications. Other devices forego these anchors, but then suffer from poor apposition relative to the LAA due to the high pulsatile forces and odd shape of the region.
There is a need for a device which can effectively treat LAA's without the above-enumerated complications while also addressing other deficiencies of the prior art devices not specifically discussed herein.


Solid state switching device including: a pair of line terminals including first and second line terminals for electrical connection with a corresponding phase conductor of an electric line; a switching assembly including one or more solid state power switches, the switching assembly having a first and second power terminals electrically connected with the first and second lines terminals, respectively; a heat sink element in thermal coupling with the switching assembly to adsorb heat from the switching assembly; an additional heat extraction arrangement to extract heat from the switching assembly and convey at least a portion of the adsorbed heat along the phase conductor through the first and second line terminals.

Solid state switching devices are widely used in low voltage switchboards or electric power distribution grids to switch a line current flowing along an electric line.
As is known, solid state switching devices comprise one or more solid state power switches (e.g. MOSFETs) capable of switching in a controlled manner between an interdiction state, in which the passage of a current between a pair of power terminals is blocked, and a conduction state, in which the passage of a current between said power terminals is allowed.
In operation, solid state power switches produce a significant amount of heat as they have to switch relatively high currents, e.g. in the range of 10-20 A.
As is known, in a solid state switching device, it is common practice to arrange a heat sink element (generally made of Al) in thermal coupling with the power switches to adsorb heat generated during operation and dissipate the adsorbed heat in the external environment through air convention. In this way, the temperature of the power switches may be kept under control, thereby avoiding malfunctioning or faults due to an excessive operating temperature.
In traditional switching devices, heat sink elements having a large size are generally used to ensure a sufficient heat dissipation.
Unfortunately, the employment of these cumbersome components entail an overall increase of the overall size.
This drawback entails serious difficulties in realizing solid state switching devices having size and form factor similar to those of electro-mechanical switching devices. As a result, solid state switching devices may be difficult to install when small installation spaces are available. Other solutions of the state of the art, in the attempt of reducing the size of the heat sink element, provide for employing heat sink elements realized in materials ensuring high levels of heat dissipation efficiency.
These solutions are however quite expensive and may entail a remarkable increase of the industrial costs of the switching devices.


A servo system positions a read head for following a magnetic tape track by determining position information from a composite signal read from the tape by the read head. The servo system includes the read head, a discriminator circuit that provides a drive signal in response to the composite signal, and a head positioner that moves the read head in response to the drive signal. One frame of the composite signal in one embodiment includes four sync pulses followed by four position pulses. Sync pulses have a pulse width less than the pulse width of position pulses. The discriminator includes range check circuits that validate sync and position pulses and includes an arithmetic circuit that determines a ratio of sync-to-position time divided by sync-to-sync time. The discriminator provides the drive signal in response to a moving average of such ratios.

As an introduction to problems solved by the present invention, consider the conventional magnetic tape drive used for storing information from a personal computer. Such a tape drive records data on magnetic tape spooled inside a removable tape cartridge. The tape drive includes a read/write head and a transport mechanism for moving the tape across the head. Magnetic tape generally includes dozens of tracks arranged either parallel to a center line along the length of the tape or arranged in a helical fashion at an angle to the center line of the tape.
The conventional head is a laminated structure that includes a tiny gap for each track. The gap for a particular track is more narrow in width than the width of the track to allow for some misalignment of the tape on the head without the gap departing from the particular track. Misalignment is corrected by moving the head across the width of the tape so that the gap returns to the center line of the particular track. When the head is moved, all gaps are realigned. Therefore as the tape is transported across the head, a gap for reading data is continuously aligned over a data track when a second gap is maintained by servo control over a second track containing prerecorded information that indicates the extent of misalignment.
Conventional track following servo systems position a read head by determining position information from a signal read by the head from a servo track. Reliable head positioning is made difficult by variation in the quality of the signal. Such variation is attributable to many sources including, for example, defects in the tape, defects in the manner in which the servo track was prerecorded, defects and dimensional changes in the tape including stretching that occurred since the servo track was prerecorded, debris between the servo read head and the tape, variation in tape tension and speed across the read head, and noise sources common to electromechanical systems.
In conventional servo systems, these difficulties are met in part by employing complex prerecorded information at the expense of tape capacity. Servo system accuracy limitations reduce the maximum safe data recording density, having similar undesirable effects on tape capacity and seek time. Attempts to increase servo system stability and positioning accuracy have led to higher tape speed requirements so that more media is available for more complex servo signal patterns. Use of conventional servo system design techniques in applications having low tape speed results in low tape capacity and weak reliability.
As a consequence of such limitations, further improvement of tape system responsiveness at a computer system level is impeded. Tape systems serve personal backup, as well as institutional services. The limitations described above have economic impact on virtually everyone who operates a tape library, provides database management services, or operates a computer with an expectation of reliable data storage and quick retrieval.
In view of the problems described above and related problems that consequently become apparent to those skilled in the applicable arts, the need remains in track following servo systems for improved circuits and methods for determining position information from a signal read from tape and for improved methods and apparatus for prerecording such signals.

Servo system for following a magnetic track having identifying pulse widths


A resistive element in the form of a bent metal plate is placed in a box-shaped case and has electrodes exposed out of the box-shaped case. A heat radiator in the form of a bent metal plate is also placed in the box-shaped case and has heat radiating electrodes exposed out of the box-shaped case. The resistive element and the heat radiator are held out of contact with each other and disposed in criss-cross relation to each other. The box-shaped case is filled with a cement material in surrounding relation to the resistive element and the heat radiator.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a cement resistor having a bent resistive element of metal which is placed in a box-shaped ceramic case with an open side and sealed by a cement material that is introduced through the open side to fill the ceramic case.
2. Description of the Related Art
Cement resistors are known in the art as small-size, high-power-capacity current-detecting resistors. For example, reference should be made to Japanese laid-open patent publication No. 11-251103. One cement resistor has a resistive element in the form of a bent plate of copper-nickel alloy which is placed in a box-shaped ceramic case and sealed by a cement material that fills the ceramic case. The cement resistor is fire-resistant, has a low resistance value of several tens mΩ or lower which is easy to obtain, and has a good temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR). Therefore, the cement resistor is widely used in the art as a small-size, high-power-capacity current-detecting resistor.
The heat dissipation of resistors is of great importance to small-size, high-power-capacity resistors. Various proposals have been made to improve the heat dissipation of resistors. For example, reference should be made to Japanese patent No. 3358844.
Demands are growing in the art for cement resistors which are of higher power capabilities, smaller sizes, higher performance, and greater reliability.


A temperature sensing circuit has numerous trip points in conformity with a temperature change without adding decrease resistance branches, so as to obtain a fine control based on the temperature change. Accordingly, when employed in a semiconductor memory device, the temperature sensing circuit substantially reduces the consumption of refresh electrical power in a stand-by state without decreasing the reliability of the semiconductor memory device.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a temperature sensor. More particularly, the present invention relates to a temperature sensor circuit for use in a semiconductor integrated circuit.
2. Description of the Related Art
Various semiconductor devices embodied with integrated circuit chips, such as CPUs, memories and gate arrays etc., are incorporated in various electrical products such as portable personal computers, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), servers or workstations. While these electrical products have a sleep mode for saving electrical power, most circuit components become a turn-off state. However, a Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) as a volatile memory should refresh data of memory cells by itself in order to continuously preserve the data stored in the memory cells. The self-refresh operation requires self-refresh electrical power in the DRAM. Meanwhile, however, reducing the electrical power in a battery operated system requiring a lower electrical power is very important and critical.
One technique to reduce the electrical power needed for the self-refresh is to change the refresh cycle in conformity with the temperature. The data preservation time in a DRAM becomes longer at reduced temperatures. Thus, the temperature range is divided into several regions, and the frequency of the refresh clock is lowered relatively at a low temperature region, to thus reduce the consumption of electrical power. Herewith, in order to obtain an internal temperature of a DRAM, a built-in temperature sensor having low electrical power consumption is required.
FIG. 1 illustrates a circuit configuration of a conventional temperature sensor using a band-gap reference circuit. Referring to FIG. 1, a temperature sensor 100 comprises a current mirror type differential amplifier DA, a decrease resistance (R1) branch in which the current decreases with an increase in temperature, an increase resistance (R) branch in which the current increases with an increase in temperature, and a comparator OP1 for outputting as a comparison output signal OUT a comparison result between a reference temperature ORef and a sense temperature OT1. P-type MOS transistors MP1, MP2, MP3 have a size ratio of 1:1:1, and N-type MOS transistors MN1, MN2, MN3 also have a size ratio of 1:1:1, wherein the size indicates the product of the channel length L and the gate width W.
The temperature sensor shown in FIG. 1 operates as follows. A current of IO:Ir=1:1 flows by a current mirror operation of the PMOS transistors MP1,MP2 and the NMOS transistors MN1,MN2 equipped within the differential amplifier DA, and the voltages at the branches A, B have the same level.
A current equation for a turn-on section in a general junction diode becomes I=Is{e(VD/VT)−1}≈Is*e(VD/VT), wherein Is indicates a reverse saturation current, VD is a diode voltage, and VT is kT/q and indicates a thermal voltage.
Voltages appearing in the branches A, B are the same as each other, thus VA=VB=VD1=VD2+Ir*R. Also, IO=Is1*e(VD1/VT)→VD1=VT*ln(IO/Is1).
Further, since Ir=Is2*e(VD2/VT)→VD2=VT*ln(Ir/Is2)=VT*ln(IO/IS2)=VT*ln(IO/M*Is1), where M is a natural number indicating a size ratio of the diodes D2 and D1, i.e., M=(size of D2)/(size of D1).
Therefore, VD1=VD2+Ir*R becomes VT*ln(IO/Is1)=VT*ln(IO/M*Is1)+Ir*R.
That is, Ir=VT*ln(M)/R. Accordingly, a current proportional to the temperature flows at the branch A. In addition, when a similar amount of current flows in I1 and IO, a voltage VC of branch C is about equal to a value of VB, and therefore VC=VD1=VT*ln(IO/Is).
In general, the reverse saturation current Is increases greatly in comparison with VT, according to the increase of temperature, thus a diode voltage has a characteristic of a reduction based on a temperature. In other words, since VC is reduced by the temperature increase, Il is reduced by increasing temperature.
Hence, a resistance value of the resistor R1 of the decrease resistance (R1) branch is tuned so that a value of Ir and Il cross at a specific temperature T1 as shown in FIG. 2. The temperature sensor 100 of FIG. 1 functions as a temperature sensor designed to have a trip point at the specific temperature T1. FIG. 2 is a graph showing a temperature-to-current change that appears in the resistance branches by operation of the temperature sensor of FIG. 1. In FIG. 2, if the specific temperature T1 is, e.g., 45° C., an output signal OUT outputted from the comparator OP1 within the temperature sensor 100 is provided as a waveform OUT as shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 3 illustrates an output waveform of the comparator through an operation of the temperature sensor of FIG. 1.
In applying a general built-in temperature sensor shown in FIG. 1 to a semiconductor memory device such as a DRAM, a temperature tuning operation is performed on the temperature sensor. Accordingly, devices constituting the temperature sensor have a characteristic sensitive to a manufacturing process change so as to change the trip point. The temperature tuning process wherein the changed trip point is matched to a designed temperature point, is generally performed for every separate chip at a wafer level; and a process of detecting a shift temperature shifted by the manufacturing process change, and an operation of performing a temperature trimming through a cutting of device such as a fuse etc., are executed sequentially.
Herewith, the temperature sensor of FIG. 1 has only one decrease resistance branch, thus there is only a trip point for one specific temperature. Thus, refresh cycles controlled by a temperature provided before/after a specific temperature have a remarked difference. For example, if the specific temperature is 45° C., the refresh cycle is relatively lengthened from 1° C. to 44° C., but is relatively shortened at 46° C. that is a temperature greater than the trip point.
Thus, in order to mitigate the remarked difference of the refresh cycles at temperatures greater than, and less than, the specific temperature, a separate decrease resistance branch is connected in parallel with the decrease resistance branch of the temperature sensor in the prior art. For instance, in order that the temperature sensor has two trip points, another branch should be arranged in parallel with the branch C of FIG. 1, and the branch should be connected to a resistance. Hence, resistance branches corresponding to the necessary number of trip points are installed in order to have more than two trip points.
However, in a general control of the refresh cycle, the temperature sensor having two trip points is used, which is why there are problems such an increased time to perform a resistance trimming operation based on a process change, and an extension of the area occupied by the temperature sensor, in case the temperature sensor is provided with more than two branches.
That is, there was the difficulty to have numerous trip points in the conventional temperature sensor. In employing the conventional temperature sensor in the semiconductor memory device, a refresh cycle of the semiconductor memory is difficult to be appropriately controlled by a temperature change without a rapid change of a refresh cycle control, thus reliability of a semiconductor device may be dropped.
Hence, it would be desirable to provide an improved temperature sensor and temperature sensing circuit capable of having numerous trip points even without an extension in the number of decrease resistance branches in the temperature sensor.
Some example embodiments of the present invention provide a built-in temperature sensor and a temperature sensing circuit having the temperature sensor, which is adaptable to the interior of a semiconductor integrated circuit and has numerous trip points without extending the number decrease resistance branches in the temperature sensor.
Some example embodiments of the present invention provide an on-chip temperature sensing circuit for adequately controlling a refresh cycle in conformity with a temperature change in equipping the temperature sensing circuit with the semiconductor memory device.
Some example embodiments of the present invention provide a built-in temperature sensing circuit capable of substantially reducing a self-refresh electrical power consumption of a semiconductor memory device in conformity with a temperature change.
In one aspect of the invention, a temperature sensing circuit comprises sampling signal generator adapted to generate a reset signal and sampling signals; a temperature sensor, comprising, a decrease resistance branch in which current decreases in response to an increase in temperature, and a current mirror differential amplifier connected to the decrease resistance branch, wherein said temperature sensor is adapted to output temperature sensing data generated in response to the sampling signals; and a counting output part adapted to count and latch the temperature sensing data from the temperature sensor, and adapted to output counting data, said counting output part being reset by the reset signal of the sampling signal generator.
Beneficially, the differential amplifier includes an increase resistance terminal and a decrease resistance terminal, and the temperature sensor further comprises an increase resistance branch, which is connected between the increase resistance terminal of the differential amplifier and a lower supply voltage, in which current increases in response to an increase in temperature; a first resistance string having a plurality of resistances connected in series with the decrease resistance branch, between the decrease resistance terminal and the lower supply voltage; a short-circuit switching part adapted to selectively short-out one or more of the plurality of resistances in response to the sampling signals; and a comparator adapted to compare a reference temperature output appearing at the increase resistance with a sensing temperature output appearing at the decrease resistance terminal, and outputting the comparison result as the temperature sensing data.
Beneficially, the sampling signal generator comprises a plurality of unit sampling signal generating parts connected in cascade, each said unit sampling signal generating part being adapted to apply a NOR operation to an applied input signal and an inverted and delayed signal of the input signal, and outputting a result of the NOR operation as a corresponding one of the sampling signals, wherein a first unit sampling signal generating part outputs a first sampling signal, a second unit sampling signal generating part outputs a second sampling signal, the last unit sampling signal generating part outputs the reset signal, and a unit sampling signal generating part immediately preceding the last unit sampling signal generating part outputs a pass gate control signal.
Also beneficially, the counting output part comprises a plurality of flipflops connected in cascade, each flip-flop having an input terminal, an output terminal, and a clock terminal, wherein the input terminal of each flipflop is connected to a fixed voltage level, wherein the temperature sensing data is received at the clock terminal of a first-stage flipflop, and wherein an output signal appearing at the output terminal of each flip-flop is connected with the clock terminal of a subsequent flipflop; a pass gate adapted to transmit the output signals of the plurality of flipflops in response to the pass gate control signal; and a latch adapted to latch the outputs of the plurality of flipflops transmitted by the pass gate.
Beneficially, the temperature sensing circuit also includes an oscillator outputting an oscillation signal having an oscillating period controlled in response to the counting data output by the counting output part.
In one embodiment, the oscillator comprises an inverter chain having an odd number of inverters; a capacitor connected between an output terminal of the inverter chain and a lower supply voltage; a plurality of resistances cascade-connected between inverters of the inverter chain; and switching transistors connected in parallel across resistances, said switching transistors being adapted to selectively short-out the resistances in response to the counting data.
Also beneficially, the temperature sensing circuit also includes a refresh counter refresh counter comprising a plurality of flipflops connected in cascade, each said flipflop having an input terminal, an output terminal, and a clock terminal, wherein the input terminal of each flipflop is connected to a fixed voltage level, wherein the oscillation signal is received at the clock terminal of a first-stage flipflop, and wherein an output signal appearing at the output terminal of each flip-flop is connected with the clock terminal of a subsequent flip-flop.
Also beneficially, the temperature sensing circuit also includes a resistance value trimming part connected to the first resistance string and adapted to individually vary resistance values for respective resistances of the first resistance string part.
Beneficially, the temperature sensor can further include a second resistance string having a plurality of resistances connected in series with the decrease resistance branch, between the decrease resistance terminal and the lower supply voltage; and a short-circuit release switching part adapted to selectively disconnect a short across one or more of the plurality of resistances of the second resistance string in response to the sampling signals.
In another aspect of the invention, a temperature sensor, comprises a decrease resistance branch having a first current that decreases in response to an increase in temperature, the decrease resistance branch comprising, a plurality of resistors connected in series, and means for selectively shorting-out one or more of the plurality of resistors to adjust a total series resistance in the decrease resistance branch; an increase resistance branch having a second current that increases in response to an increase in temperature; a current mirror differential amplifier having an increase resistance terminal connected to the increase resistance branch, a decrease resistance terminal connected to the decrease resistance branch, and adapted to output a first voltage representing a reference temperature corresponding to the first current and a second voltage representing a sense temperature corresponding to the second current; and a comparator adapted to compare the first voltage and the second voltage and to output an output signal having a first logic level when the first voltage is greater than the second voltage, and a second logic level when the first voltage is less than the second voltage.
Beneficially, the means for selectively shorting-out one or more of the plurality of resistors comprises a plurality of switches connected in parallel across resistances, said switches being adapted to selectively short-out the resistances in response to control signals.
Beneficially, the decrease resistance branch further comprises a resistance value trimming part connected across the plurality of resistances and adapted to individually vary resistance values for respective resistances.
Beneficially, the resistance value trimming part comprises a plurality of fuses.
Beneficially, the comparator has an enable input and outputs the output signal at a fixed logic level in response to the enable signal being inactive, regardless of the first and second voltages
Accordingly, numerous trip points can be provided by a temperature change without extending the number of decrease resistance branches, that is, a required fine control can be performed in conformity with the temperature change.

Temperature sensing circuit for use in semiconductor integrated circuit


A mechanical soft-start type coupling is used as an interface between a line start, synchronous motor and a heavy load to enable the synchronous motor to bring the heavy load up to or near synchronous speed. The soft-start coupling effectively isolates the synchronous motor from the load for enough time to enable the synchronous motor to come up to full speed. The soft-start coupling then brings the load up to or near synchronous speed.

Synchronous motors, including permanent magnet motors and line-start permanent magnet motors, are typically very efficient. However, synchronous motors have limited capability to pull into synchronism loads that have a high torque or high inertia. Accordingly, the benefits in efficiency gains and energy savings ordinarily associated with synchronous motors are not typically achieved in applications having loads with high inertia and/or high torque characteristics. In the past, an inverter has been used with synchronous motors in such applications to power the motor during starting. However, an inverter adds substantial costs and degrades system efficiency.
To achieve the benefits of efficiency provided by synchronous motors, for instance, permanent magnet line-start motors, a mechanical soft-start coupling may be used as an interface between the synchronous motor and a high inertia and/or high torque load to enable the synchronous motor to bring the load up to or near synchronous speed. The soft-start coupling effectively isolates the synchronous motor from the high inertia and/or high torque load for enough time to enable the synchronous motor to come up to full synchronous speed. The soft-start coupling then brings the load up to or near synchronous speed. In the case of a lockingtype of soft-start coupling, the load speed will eventually be the same as the speed of the synchronous motor. For the case of a soft-start coupling that continues to slip even at steady state, the load speed will only approach but not equal the motor speed. As described below, a synchronous motor with a soft start coupling may be started directly across a polyphase power system and provide a dramatic reduction in noise and mechanical stress during the starting process due to a great reduction in torque ripple transmitted to the driven load. The soft-start coupling enables rapid acceleration of the motor by isolating the load from the motor temporarily until the motor comes up to synchronous speed.

System and method to allow a synchronous motor to successfully synchronize with loads that have high inertia and/or high torque


An interactive call is set up by a method including the steps of: emitting a message from the terminal to the connection network defining the resources required for all of the connections and for all the periods of the call, and emitting a message from the connection network to the terminal indicating that the network possesses such resources for at least one call. During each interactive call, prior to each new period requiring different resources, and for each connection of the call, the method further includes the steps of: emitting a message from the terminal to the connection network indicating each connection that is going to be necessary during the new period and indicating the resources that will be required for the connection, emitting a message from the connection network to the terminal confirming that the resources have been reserved by the network, and storing in the terminal data to be transmitted over the connection network until the terminal receives the message. Thus, at each instant, the capacity of the resources reserved by the network for an interactive call is accurately matched to the binary bit rate to be transmitted during the call. The method is particularly applicable to telecommunications networks using the ATM technique.

Such a network can be used for transmitting any type of data in the form of packets having a fixed number of bits and called "cells". These cells are transmitted asynchronously and the rate at which binary data is transmitted by each of the terminals connected to the network may be highly variable.
In such a network, flow management has two objectives:
protecting normal operation of the network by avoiding congestion regardless of the rate at which any of the terminals connected to the network may be attempting to transmit; and
maximizing the number of calls that are successfully processed.
A flow management method must achieve these two objectives simultaneously, and not one to the detriment of the other, by dynamically adapting the capacity of the transmission and switching resources of the network as a function of the varying binary flow rates present on the various connections established via the network at each instant in time. Such adaptation must be performed both at the interfaces between the network and the terminals, and within the network itself. Two types of flow must be taken into account: flows at constant rates and flows at variable rates.
Binary flows at constant rates are easy to manage. It is possible to ask each user terminal setting up a call to specify the rate at which it is going to transmit data; to dimension network resources as a function of the bit rate specified by the terminal; to monitor the bit rate actually transmitted while the call is in progress; and possibly to limit said rate should it exceed the rate specified while the call was being set up.
Managing variable bit rates is more difficult. It is possible to ask each user terminal that is setting up a call to specify the maximum bit rate that it can deliver. However, to avoid tying up resource capacity that is excessive for most of the time, the network reserves resource capacity that is less than the maximum value specified by the terminal. Consequently, at certain moments, the bit rate transmitted by such a terminal exceeds the transmission and switching capacity available in the network.
Known methods of managing flows in a digital telecommunications network are defensive methods that consist in causing the network to react as a function of the flow rates actually transmitted by the terminals. The following courses of action can be taken:
storing data in queues in the nodes of the network;
explicitly rejecting a portion of the traffic; and
voluntarily allowing a portion of the data to be transmitted to be lost.
Transit time is modulated to vary the time during which data is stored in queues in the network. Such storage is naturally limited by the queue capacity. Feedback on terminals is based on the fact that a terminal can detect a limit being imposed on the bit rate transmitted by the terminal, and giving rise to a loss of data. The terminal can respond by reducing the rate at which it transmits data.
Such a defensive method is described, for example, in French patent application No. 89 1551. That known method takes account of the type of service provided by each connection in order simultaneously to optimize resource utilization and quality of service, and it consists essentially of allowing data cells to be delayed or lost within limits that are predetermined as a function of the type of service provided by the terminals connected to the connection under consideration.
Those known methods of the defensive type satisfy the objective of avoiding network congestion, but the second objective, namely maximizing the number of calls that terminate successfully, depends on the ability of the higher network layers of the user application in each terminal to tolerate the flow rate limitations imposed by the network. In traditional data transmission applications, such bit rate limitations are acceptable since such applications are relatively tolerant of changes in the transmission delay through the network. In contrast, other types of application cannot tolerate an increase in transit time or an increase in data loss during transmission through the network.
An interactive call is a variable bit rate type of call which corresponds typically to an application in which the quantity of data interchanged at various instants is determined by the user of the terminal during the call itself. A typical example of an interactive call is consulting a data base by using menus. During the call, the terminal user makes decisions concerning the nature and the quantity of data that are to be transmitted or received by the terminal, as a function of information provided by dialog with the data base. Under such circumstances, the user of the terminal cannot tell the network while a call is being set up how much resource capacity is going to be required during each period of the call. The user can only specify the type of resources that may be required and the maximum capacity thereof. However, during a call, the user can specify how much resource capacity is going to be required during the period immediately following an instant under consideration.
The object of the invention is to provide a method of managing flows that is not based on an a priori acceptance of reduced quality of service as a means of protecting the network, but which is based on predicting certain variable binary flow rates so as to adjust resource reservation as accurately as possible as a function of predicted binary flow rates.

Method of managing flows in a wideband integrated services digital telecommunications network


An elastic clutch of disk design is used with a divided flywheel for an internal combustion engine having two clutch halves which are rotatable relative to each other and include several cutouts about their circumference. Helical springs are disposed in a parallel and nested manner and upon mutual rotation of the two clutch halves are operable essentially simultaneously. The elastic clutch elements include a main spring and at least two partial springs which are arranged within the main spring. A one-part or multiple-part guide component disposed between the partial springs centers the partial springs and supports them in relation to the main spring.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is directed to an elastic clutch of disk design used in conjunction with a split flywheel for an internal combustion engine, and, more particularly, to an elastic clutch of disk design having a plurality of elastic clutch elements respectively disposed within a plurality of cutouts formed in the circumference of the split flywheel.
2. Description of the Related Art
Elastic clutches of disk design used in conjunction with a split flywheel for an internal combustion engine are known in the art, e.g., DE-PS 36 35 043. Such clutches segregate the rotational vibrations of the internal combustion engine from the drive train connected thereto. The elastic clutch elements of the clutch may be formed having suitable elastic properties so as to have an effect on the operating and resonance performance of the entire drive train. The elastic clutch elements, which preferably are fashioned as helical springs, serve primarily to transfer the torque of the internal combustion engine to the drive train.
Congested installation conditions in modern drive trains and the tendency for internal combustion engines to have ever higher engine torques mandates optimal utilization of the space available for the clutch; this in turn requires accommodating a maximum spring volume within a minimum space.
One approach for maximizing the spring volume within a given design space is to arrange the helical springs within one another in a nested fashion. This approach has proven satisfactory in the dampers of classic clutch disks since relatively short springs are used with such clutches.
Long helical springs, which are preferably used in an engine having a split flywheel, display a much more unfavorable wear performance than the relatively short springs used in classic clutch disks. The unfavorable spring wear makes it necessary to use a more expensive spring guide, especially if the springs operate dry or with poor lubrication.
DE-PS 36 35 043 and DE-PS 39 16 575, both of which are incorporated herein by reference, disclose helical spring guides for individual helical springs which reduce the possibility of buckling of the springs under centrifugal force and may consist of selected materials forming a suitable pairing with the helical springs. Such spring guides minimize the spring wear and increase the fatigue strength of the clutch.
What is needed in the art is a spring guide for nested helical springs which substantially prevents the helical springs from touching one another and minimizes the wear of the helical springs and spring guide.


A transmitter includes a coupler (318) to measure output power. The output power is compared to a set value and a threshold. If the power is above the threshold, the gain of an output amplifier (316) is adjusted toward the set value. If the power is below the threshold, an extrapolation of the linear portion is used to obtain the set power level.

The present invention relates to telecommunications devices and, in particular, to an improved automatic power control loop for a wireless telecommunications transmitter.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates the use of the radio frequency (RF) spectrum in the United States. Users of allocated bandwidth of the RF spectrum must take measures to ensure that radiated emissions inside and outside the allocated bandwidth are maintained within acceptable levels to avoid interfering with other users' operating in the same or other bandwidths. For example, users of cellular telephone systems must ensure that they are compliant with the level of radiated emissions allowable inside or outside the channels they have been assigned.
Cellular telephones such as, for example, CDMA (code division multiple access) or TDMA (time division multiple access) cellular telephones, include power amplifiers in the transmitter in which the power amplifier can be driven beyond a point where acceptable out of channel emissions are maintained. This is primarily due to the increased distortion output levels of the power amplifier at high powers.
Thus, regulating the transmitted signal power can reduce the amount of interference and spectral regrowth to a desired level. Certain wireless telecommunications transmitters, such as those used for cellular telephony, employ a transmit power control loop to regulate the transmitted signal power. In the mobile radio standard IS-95, for example, poorly regulated transmit power at the wireless terminal can lead to near-far effect at the base station demodulator, thus degrading the performance of the system. Similarly, in IS-136, drift in the transmit power loop can cause additional interference in the uplink channel, as well as spectral regrowth.
Regulating the transmitted signal power requires measurement or estimation of the actual transmitted signal power. However, this can be difficult, because modulation schemes such as DQPSK introduce signal power variations on the order of several decibels. On the digital side, this is due largely to the use of a square root raised cosine filter for pulse shaping as is required by the IS-136 standard, for example. FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary instantaneous transmit power plot. As can be seen, the instantaneous transmit power fluctuates between −4 and −22 dB for eight times oversampling. FIG. 2 illustrates the corresponding signal constellation. Again, there is considerable fluctuation about the points of interest. The power is constant only is sampled at the maximum symbol peak.
Furthermore, components in the transmit chain, and particularly the power amplifier, tend to have a relatively wide variation in gain with respect to unit, temperature and frequency. Maintaining a given output power over all units, temperature, and frequency would typically require a multidimensional calibration table. This requires additional memory and software and, hence, adds to the cost of the telephone.


An output-decision-based negative feedback control method and system. The method includes: receiving, by an output decider, output responses of at least two heterogeneous functional equivalents, and dividing numbers corresponding to the at least two heterogeneous functional equivalents into at least one set according to the output responses; determining, by the output decider, credibility of each set according to the output responses, and sending the at least one set and the credibility corresponding to each set to a feedback controller via decision information; generating, by the feedback controller, a first scheduling policy and/or a second scheduling policy according to the decision information; and sending, by the feedback controller, the first scheduling policy to an input proxy, and/or sending a change instruction to the heterogeneous functional equivalent indicated by the second scheduling policy. The method can prevent in advance and process a heterogeneous functional equivalent that may be faulty.

Computers and the cyberspace environment composed of computers bring great convenience to people's life, work, and study. The cyberspace environment composed of computers includes a network equipment terminal (e.g., a mobile phone or a computer), network-related software (e.g., a browser or communication software) executing on the terminal, a server, and various equipment (e.g., a switch and a router) providing interconnections for the network, and the like. The software and hardware apparatuses in the cyberspace may be a system, a sub-system, a unit, a module, a component, and even a device. The structural state presented externally by these software and hardware apparatuses is referred to as structural characterization.
In the existing cyberspace, the software and hardware apparatuses that provide given service functions usually have a lot of unknown vulnerabilities and backdoors. If the apparatuses in the cyberspace are not to be checked in time, the network security would be threatened once these vulnerabilities and backdoors are took advantage by attackers. In addition, if it is not able to detect in time a network equipment that may be faulty or being attacked, the service function provided by the network equipment may affect the overall performance of the software and hardware apparatuses.

Output-decision-based negative feedback control method and system

SHANGHAI HONGZHEN INFORMATION SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

CHINA NATIONAL DIGITAL SWITCHING SYSTEM ENGINEERIN


A universal focal plane DEWAR assembly for cryogenic cooling of an infrared detector DEWAR, which includes an infrared transmissive window attached to a hollow support cylinder under vacuum conditions, with a glass bore in the cylinder, which contains focal plane infrared structure inside of a cold shield, which is attached to a cold plate, with a cold button in contact therewith, and with a cold finger from a cryogenically cooled expander, which is spring mounted in the glass bore for removal and replacement without disturbing the focal plane structure.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a universal focal plane DEWAR assembly and more particularly to a glass infrared detector DEWAR of the cryogenically cooled type, which is of three components, a front window, a glass housing and glass bore, wherein the expander and cold finger is not integral with the assembly.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Infrared detectors and sensors (IFA) integrated focal plane arrays such as used with infrared cameras require cooling, and often use expanders and cold fingers as part of their cryogenic cooling systems which are integrated into a welded enclosure which complicates servicing the system. The cryogenic cooling systems have relatively short lives, are expensive to replace, and by the nature of their construction there is a large risk of damage to the focal plane of the assembly when the cryogenic cooling system requires rework, and/or replacement.
The unavailability of reliable low-cost cryocoolers for use with electronic devices has been known in the industry, and is extensively discussed in an article in the publication Superconductor Industry, issue fall of 1992, entitled: Building The Better Cryocooler, pages 22-28. The universal focal plane DEWAR assembly of the invention is easy to assemble and disassemble, and does not suffer from the shortcomings of the previously available devices.


In one embodiment, a cable management bracket for managing cables connected to a modular electronic system mounted on a rack comprises a fixed portion and a rotatable portion extending from the fixed portion and comprising a support member for supporting the cables, the rotatable portion rotatable with the cables to allow for removal and insertion of a module of the modular electronic system.

Modular electronic systems are designed to provide flexibility to configure systems as per user needs. These systems typically have multiple slots to accommodate a variety of modules. With increased packaging density of networking interconnects to provide higher bandwidth, effective cable management is becoming an increasingly important issue.
Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

Adjustable cable management bracket for modular electronic system


A boom sprayer having an inner boom section and an extendable outer boom section with a plurality of spray head valves which are moved to an on or off position as the extendable boom section extends and retracts relative to the inner boom section. The invention also relates to a method of spraying with a boom sprayer and a mechanism for attaching the spray booms to a support vehicle.

1. Field of the Art
The present invention relates generally to a boom sprayer, and more particularly to a telescoping boom sprayer having a plurality of telescoping booms carrying spray heads and moveable relative to one another. Still further, the present invention relates to a telescoping boom sprayer with spray head deactivation means to provide variable width spraying without an overlap in spraying and an improved means for connecting the same to the power unit. The invention also relates to an improved method of spraying agricultural crops and the like with a boom sprayer.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A variety of agricultural sprayers currently exist in the art. One common type of agricultural sprayer is a fixed boom or fixed length sprayer comprised of a tractor or other towing vehicle and a pair of articulated spray booms extending outwardly from opposite sides of the tractor or other towing vehicle. These booms, when extended, have a fixed length and are comprised of either single length booms or articulated boom sections which are folded in chicken wing fashion during non-use or transport. Agricultural sprayers and the like also exist which have a plurality of booms moveable relative to one another between an extended position and a retracted position.
Examples of existing spray implements include the McMahon U.S. Pat. No. 2,995,307 which discloses an articulated boom sprayer and the Nansel U.S. Pat. No. 3,055,594 which discloses an articulated, foldable boom type sprayer. The Atkinson U.S. Pat. No. 3,074,649 discloses a spraying apparatus having a single spray head at the end of a telescoping boom for spraying or washing a single element.
The High U.S. Pat. No. 2,962,307 discloses a plurality of extendable booms, with each boom having a plurality of spray heads. This patent discloses separate hoses and valves for each line of spray heads. Thus if it is desired for one spray head in a particular line to be used, all spray heads in that line must necessarily be used.
The DeWitt et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,784,324 discloses a spraying apparatus for herbicidal and insecticidal application with an articulated and telescoping boom and with spray heads positioned on the boom.
Although many of the prior art sprayers, and in particular boom sprayers, are capable of spraying agricultural crops and the like over an extended width, they are generally incapable of spraying at lesser widths or at variable widths without a spraying overlap. Thus, to spray widths less than the maximum width of the sprayer, or to accommodate trees, posts or other obstacles that might be in the path of the sprayer booms, spraying overlap is necessary. This not only results in spraying more of the spray liquid than is needed and thereby increasing the spraying cost, but more importantly, results in double application or no application for portions of the crop being sprayed. This can lead to significantly reduced production for those areas or in some cases killing the crop as a result of over application.
Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an improved boom sprayer, and more particularly to an improved telescoping boom sprayer which is capable of spraying various widths without spray overlap.
In contrast to the prior art, the present invention relates to an improved telescoping boom sprayer which can spray crops and the like from a width of 75 feet to 120 feet or more and any width in between, with no spray overlap and with a single spray material supply to the extendable boom. Further, the boom sprayer in accordance with the present invention can fold up into a compact structure for transport or during non-use.
More specifically, the present invention includes a first elongated boom which has an inner end connected to a towing or support vehicle or the like and a second free end. A second telescoping or extendable boom is associated with the first boom and is designed for telescoping movement outwardly and inwardly relative to the first boom. In the preferred embodiment, both the first boom as well as the second boom are provided with a plurality of spray heads which are positioned in spaced relationship along the first and second booms, respectively. Each of the plurality of spray heads in the second or extendable boom is provided with a spray head valve which is moveable between an xe2x80x9conxe2x80x9d or spray position and an xe2x80x9coffxe2x80x9d or non-spray position in response to movement of the second boom outwardly and inwardly relative to the first. With this structure, spray heads of the second boom which are positioned inwardly at the outer end of the first boom remain in an xe2x80x9coffxe2x80x9d or non-spray position, while second boom spray heads which are extended outwardly from the outer end of the first boom are moved to an xe2x80x9conxe2x80x9d or spray position. This enables the boom sprayer of the present invention to spray over a variable width with no overlap.
A further aspect of the present invention relates to a boom sprayer having first and second or inner and outer booms moveable relative to one another and an improved means for supplying spray material to both the spray heads in the first or inner boom as well as the spray heads in the second or outer boom. In the preferred embodiment, this means includes an improved spray supply conduit having a first portion extending from near the inner end of the inner boom, a central portion connected to the inner boom at a connection point between the inner and outer ends of the inner boom and a second portion extending from the connection point to a spray supply conduit and thus to the plurality of spray heads on the outer or extendable boom.
Preferably at least the second portion of the spray supply conduit is comprised of a flexible hose to accommodate the varying length between the connection point and the inner end of the extendable boom as such boom is extended and retracted. A spray supply support is provided in the form of a pulley member associated with the flexible hose and a spring or bias member acting on the pulley to support the flexible hose and maintain it in a taut position during movement of the extendable boom.
A further aspect of the present invention relates to an improved method of agricultural spraying with a boom sprayer which includes an initial step of providing a boom sprayer having a first boom, a second boom moveable outwardly and inwardly relative to the first boom and a plurality of spray heads positioned along the second boom. Further steps include providing a supply of spray fluid to the spray heads, selectively moving the second or outer boom outwardly and inwardly relative to the first boom and individually actuating and de-actuating the spray heads as the second boom moves outwardly and inwardly relative to the first. This method enables the boom sprayer of the present invention to spray over variable widths with no spray overlap.
A still further aspect of the present invention is to provide an improved means for connecting the boom sprayer to the support or towing vehicle. This means includes a rear gantry which is both self leveling and is capable of independent actuation for each spray boom. The specific structure of the support means includes a pendulum-type support which is pivotally connected to the support vehicle. The pendulum includes shock absorbers which stabilize the rotational movement of the support relative to the vehicle and a pair of parallel linkages to support the respective booms so that they can be raised and lowered independently of one another.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved telescoping boom sprayer.
Another objection of the present invention is to provide a telescoping boom sprayer which is capable of spraying over variable widths without spray overlap.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved agricultural boom sprayer having a fixed boom and an extendable boom with a plurality of spray heads and improved means for opening the spray heads on the extendable boom as they move outwardly from the outer end of the fixed boom and closing such spray heads as they move inwardly from the outer end of the fixed boom to thereby provide variable width spraying.
A further object of the present invention is to provide an improved means for providing spray material to the spray heads on the extendable boom of a telescoping boom sprayer.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide an improved boom sprayer, preferably of the telescoping type, with an improved means to mount the sprayer to the support or towing vehicle.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide an improved method of spraying with a boom sprayer.
These and other objects of the present invention become apparent with reference to the drawings, the description of the preferred embodiment and the appended claims.


A compact roll arrangement has a device and method for regulating the roll nip so that intermittently coated films may be calendared precisely. A bearing block is arranged in a bearing jewel, and first lever arms of the clamping latch of the upper roll and the lower roll are connected rigidly to one another. Bearing jewels which lie opposite to one another, of the upper roll and the lower roll are connected to one another via a second actuating element. A controller acts on first and second actuating elements, so that the first actuating elements are moved to adjust the roll nip according to a predetermined thrust and a predetermined linear load, and the second actuating elements are moved to maintain the bearing jewels in a relative rest position which is defined by specified densification of a material web passing the roll nip.

The invention relates to a roll arrangement having a device for regulating the roll nip, comprising a roll pair which consists of an upper roll and a lower roll, between which a roll nip is formed, wherein each roll is provided with two roll journals which lie axially diametrically opposite one another, at least two bearing blocks for each roll journal, wherein one or more bearings are received in a bearing block, and a bearing block which lies in each case on the outside on the roll journal, in a clamping latch which has a first lever arm and a second lever arm, wherein the second lever arm of the respective clamping latch of the upper roll and the second lever arm of the respective clamping latch of the lower roll are connected to one another via a first actuating element, mutually corresponding bearing jewels and clamping latches of the upper roll and the lower roll lie opposite one another, and a controller which acts on the first and the second actuating element. Further, the invention relates to a method for regulating the roll nip in that roll arrangement. An arrangement of that type and a method of that type are known from CN 101 254 509 A.
It is a long-standing need to provide a roll arrangement having a device for regulating the roll nip, wherein a homogenous thickness of a material web passing the roll nip is guaranteed. This means essentially that the roll nip must be kept constant independent of the existing linear load.
A roll arrangement having one or more pressing devices for keeping the roll nip constant is known from DE 16 02 099 A1. The roll arrangement comprises chocks for respective supporting rolls which the work rolls are abutting which in turn are supported in respective chocks. The chocks for the supporting rolls are compensated by small pressure cylinders providing for the control pressure during the roll process. The roll pressure occurring in the roll arrangement during the roll process is generally substantially higher than the control pressure. By introducing the rolling workpieces into the roll nip, a sudden pressure or a load rise between the rolls results which has as a consequence that the rolling workpiece is thicker when exiting the roll nip than expected with respect to the previous adjustment. In order to compensate for that, the roll nip is adjusted to the desired rolling workpiece thickness by means of a wedge. The wedge absorbs the load, so that the load within the roll nip is constantly zero. It has proven that only a comparatively narrow control range can be controlled by this type of regulation and that moreover now as before undesired impact on the thickness of the rolling workpiece is the result which adversely affects thickness deviations, since only a comparatively slowly reacting regulation is taking place.
For an improvement, DE 22 64 333 C3 proposes to further provide back bending bearings at roll journals with displacement sensors detecting the distance thereof and to provide regulating means acting on the back bending cylinders with a feedback control system to keep superimposed distances constant which are defined by set points and/or supporting forces.
Further, DE 199 24 860 A1 describes a roll arrangement in which the distance between a hydrostatic thrust bearing and a roll can always be maintained, even in a transition state before and after start of rolling, in order to prevent damages of these components caused by a contact between them. Hydrostatic thrust bearings for contact-free support of cylinder section of idle rolls by means of fluid pressure are substantially provided along the horizontal direction, wherein these idle rolls support the work rolls substantially along the horizontal direction. Rolls for keeping the gap constant are provided which prevent that the gaps between the hydrostatic thrust bearing and the idle rolls will become smaller than a predetermined value.
It is known from DE 103 05 511 C3 to arrange inner bearing blocks in bearing jewels on roll journals.
The difficulties arise when the material web falls below a critical value with respect to the calendar size, i.e. when particularly thin materials having a thickness of less than 1 mm having high density and high stiffness must be processed. There is a risk in conventional roll arrangement that, when the calendar passes a thin region or a disruption, the pre-tensioned mechanical elements, such as bearings, bearing seats, rolls, roll journals, fall on each other caused by their spring pre-tensions, and thus local overstress of roll surfaces or the material web will result.
Particular problems are posed in a situation that the material web comprises different thicknesses while passing the roll nip. This can be the case when material webs are intermittently coated, laminated or consist of several layers. One example is coated aluminum or copper films for producing lithium ion batteries. An exact densification must be assured across the entire working width by the micrometer. If this is successful, the contact between the particles within the electrode materials is improved on the one hand, and electron transport is optimized, on the other hand, also the volume power density of the batteries is increased.
The problem of producing electrode materials which are densified by means of rolls is addressed, for example, in JP 2000/133 251 A. A roll pair, where the center distance of the rolls is variable, is exposed to hydraulic cylinders which apply a previously defined pressure in one direction to decrease the distance between rolls. Compensation cylinders for roll bending are provided, and the roll pairs are each shaped that they have, in a center region, a slightly larger diameter than at both ends.
The velocity problem when calendaring material webs of varying thickness is addressed in JP 2000/079 407 A. An upper roll and a lower roll are freely rotatable supported in bearing blocks which are exposed to hydraulic cylinders. These hydraulic cylinders urge the upper roll downwards, the lower roll upwards. Counter bending forces are exerted to independent auxiliary bearings at the respective rolls.
It is the object of the present invention to provide for a compact roll arrangement having a device for regulating the roll nip as well as a corresponding method, so that in particular intermittently coated films may be calendared precisely.
This object is achieved by a roll arrangement of claim 1 and a method of claim 4. Preferred embodiments are subject-matter of respective subclaims referring thereto.
According to the invention, in a roll arrangement of the type mentioned in the introductory, it is provided that the bearing block which lies in each case on the inside on the roll journal is arranged in a bearing jewel and the first lever arm of the clamping latch of the upper roll and the first lever arm of the clamping latch of the lower roll are connected rigidly to one another, and bearing jewels which lie opposite to one another, of the upper roll and the lower roll are connected to one another via the second actuating element. A controller is provided acting on the first actuating elements and the second actuating elements, so that the first actuating elements are moved to adjust the roll nip according to a predetermined thrust and a predetermined linear load, and the second actuating elements are moved to maintain the bearing jewels in a relative rest position which is defined by specified densification of a material web passing the roll nip.
Thus, the roll nip is initially adjusted according to the required thrust and the required linear load. This is achieved in that the clamping latches are respectively adjusted by means of an actuating element. Simultaneously, however, the bearing jewels rest with the bearings on the journals on the first actuating elements which, for example, dependent on the information from a position sensor keep the bearing jewels in a rest position relatively to another. The distance of the bearing jewels is adjusted until the required densification of the material web is achieved.
By applying the loads to the individual introduction points, the bearing shells of rolling elements are pushed free of play and are internally pre-tensioned across the entire hole bearing. In addition, the roles deform spring elastically. This depends on the construction mainly in the transitions from the journals to the barrel and in the barrel itself in a negligible amount, since these are adequately selected according to their diameter.
According to an advantageous embodiment, the first actuating element and/or the second actuating element are embodied as a hydraulically operating actuating element, a pneumatically operating element, or as a mechanically operating element which is electrically driven. The required load may, for example, be introduced via a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder or via a spindle mechanism. The construction is embodied so that the clamping latches introduce the load into the journal according to the principal of the lever. The clamping latches, the bearing jewels and the roll journals, respectively, are associated with a position sensor system which, by means of a program and corresponding drives, such as hydraulic cylinders or electric linear gearings, recognizes the position of the roll journals and keeps it constant.
When the power rise in the roll nip is changed by different material thicknesses within the material web, in particular caused by an intermittently formed coating, the first actuating elements of the bearing jewels are moved upwards. This is achieved in that the role bending caused by the previously increased line load is now maintained by the introduced equivalent load. Regulation is performed so that a vibrational response will not occur since the roll pair remains in a deformed state. Rolls bend caused by process forces in the roll nip. Edge forces applied to the bearing produced thereby significantly reduce the lifetime thereof.
Consequently, it is advantageous that a bearing block comprises a pivoted bearing housing in which the bearings accommodated therein are arranged pivotally about a common axis. Accordingly, the bearing is freed corresponding to the load direction in the decrease of freedom by spherical receptacles so that no excessive load occurs. The total bearing depends on the tilting motion caused by roll bending, production of undesired edge forces acting on the bearing blocks is avoided.
Moreover, it is provided that the bearing bias is always maintained in the same direction, so that hopping of the bearing elasticity is avoided.


The present invention provides a composition and a method for cleaving a peptide from a solid support resin. Hydrochloric acid in an organic water miscible solvent is used to cleave the peptide-resin attachment. Optionally, trifluoroethanol or hexafluoroisopropanol may be added to the cleavage composition to improve results. When using the present cleavage composition, an evaporation or other step to remove carboxylic byproducts is not necessary following the cleavage reaction. After the resin is filtered out of the cleavage mixture, the peptide may be immediately precipitated with water.

The present invention relates to peptide synthesis and, in particular, to solid phase peptide synthesis, or a combination of solid and liquid phase peptide synthesis. Many methods for peptide synthesis are described in the literature (for examples, see U.S. Pat. No. 6,015,881; Mergler et al. (1988) Tetrahedron Letters 29: 4005-4008; Mergler et al. (1988) Tetrahedron Letters 29: 4009-4012; Kamber et al. (eds), Peptides, Chemistry and Biology, ESCOM, Leiden (1992) 525-526; Riniker et al. (1993) Tetrahedron Letters 49: 11065-11133; and Andersson et al. (2000) Biopolymers 55: 227-250).
In solid phase peptide synthesis (SPPS), an amino acid or peptide group is bound to a solid support resin. Successive amino acids are attached to the support-bound peptide until the peptide of interest is formed. After the desired peptide is formed, it is cleaved from the resin. This requires cleaving the attachment between the peptide and resin and thereafter recovering the cleaved peptide using a suitable recovery technique.
Amino acids from which peptides are synthesized tend to have reactive side groups as well as reactive terminal ends. When synthesizing a peptide, it is important that the amine group on one peptide react with the carboxyl group on another peptide. Undesired reactions of side groups or at the wrong terminal end of a reactant produce unwanted by-products. To minimize side reactions, it is common practice to block reactive side groups and terminal ends of reactants to help make sure that the desired reaction occurs.
For example, a typical solid phase synthesis scheme involves attaching a first amino acid to the support resin via the carboxyl moiety of the first amino acid (although some synthesis schemes attach the first amino acid via the amine group). This allows the amine group of the resin bound amino acid to couple with an additional amino acid. Therefore, the carboxyl moiety of a new amino acid reacts with the free amine group of the resin bound material. To avoid side reactions involving the amine group of the new amino acid, the amine group is blocked with a protecting group during the coupling reaction. Two well-known amine protecting groups are the tert-butyloxycarbonyl (BOC) group and the 9-fluorenylmethyl carbamate (FMOC) group. Many others also have been described in the literature. After coupling, the protecting group (usually BOC or FMOC) on the N-terminus of the resin bound peptide can be removed, allowing additional amino acids to be added to the growing chain in a similar fashion. Reactive side chain groups of the amino acid reactants and the resin bound peptide can also be blocked with side chain protecting groups and remain blocked throughout the synthesis.
After synthesis, some or all of the side chain protecting groups can be removed from the peptide product. When substantially all of the protecting groups are removed, this is referred to as global deprotection. Global deprotection can occur contemporaneously with cleaving or can be carried out later if the peptide is to be further processed, modified, coupled to additional peptides or other material, etc. Some cleaving reagents not only cleave the peptide from the support resin, but also cause global deprotection to occur at the same time. For example, the strongly acidic cleaving reagents associated with BOC chemistry tend to cause global deprotection at the time of cleaving. Using the FMOC strategy, however, allows cleavage of the peptide from the resin while allowing the side chain protecting groups to remain so that further reactions, such as fragment condensation can, occur without substantial interference from side chain groups. Thus, the peptide is cleaved in a protected state.
Typically, the yield of a peptide synthesized by solid phase peptide synthesis decreases with increasing length of the peptide chain, i.e., the longer the peptide chain, the more likely undesirable side products will be produced along with the desired peptide. Therefore, for particularly long peptides, the final peptide product is produced in fragments, which are then combined later to form the desired peptide product. For example, a hypothetical 75 amino acid peptide may be synthesized in three peptide fragments, each fragment synthesized separately by solid-phase peptide synthesis. The fragments consisting of amino acids 1-25, amino acids 26-50, and amino acids 51-75 can be synthesized separately, then combined in fragment condensation steps to form the complete 75 amino acid final peptide product.
The prior art methods of cleaving a peptide from the resin support in a protected state typically create byproducts having carboxylic acids. Carboxylic acids will interfere with the subsequent fragment condensation reaction, creating unwanted byproducts. The prior art methods solved this problem by including an additional step following cleavage to remove the unwanted carboxylic acids, usually by evaporation of the cleavage solution. This extra step and the solvents needed cost additional time, expense, and create waste which must be disposed of, creating further expense. Therefore, there is a need for a method of cleaving a peptide from a resin more easily, cheaply, and efficiently by avoiding the production of unwanted carboxylic acid byproducts and, thereby, avoiding subsequent steps that remove the carboxylic acids.

Composition and method for the release of protected peptides from a resin


A method of forming a single diffusion break includes etching rows of fins into a substrate of a structure from a patterned fin hardmask, the remaining fin hardmask being self-aligned with the fins. A first dielectric fill material is disposed and planarized over the structure to expose the fin hardmask. A photoresist layer is disposed over the structure. An isolation region is patterned across the fins to form first and second parallel fin arrays, wherein any remaining photoresist layer has self-aligned edges which are self-aligned with the isolation region. The self-aligned edges are trimmed to expose end portions of the fin hardmask. The exposed end portions are removed. The remaining photoresist layer is removed. A second dielectric fill material is disposed and planarized over the structure to form a base for a single diffusion break (SDB) in the isolation region.

With constant down-scaling and increasingly demanding requirements to the speed and functionality of ultra-high density integrated circuits, semiconductor devices, such as transistors, diodes, capacitors and the like, need to continuously reduce space between active (Rx) regions on a semiconductor substrate. More specifically, as integrated circuits are scaled down, the shallow trench isolation (STI) regions used to electrically isolate Rx regions must also be scaled down.
Conventionally, multiple Rx regions in a semiconductor integrated circuit typically include arrays of parallel extending fins having distal ends abutting the edges of each Rx region. By way of example, this is particularly the case for FinFET technology at the 14 nm node and beyond. The fin arrays are terminated by dummy gates, which extend laterally across the distal ends of the fins at the edges of the Rx regions. The dummy gates are used to induce symmetrical epitaxial growth of source/drain regions (S/D regions) on the end portions of the fins located between the dummy gates and adjacent active gates.
Also conventionally, the multiple Rx regions are separated by isolation regions, such as STI regions, that are typically composed of an amorphous dielectric material, such as a flowable oxide (FOX), and have a width of about 70 to 80 nanometers (nm). There can be many thousands to millions of such isolation regions providing electrical isolation between the many Rx regions in a typical ultra-high density integrated circuit.
However, as integrated circuits are scaled down to such class sizes as 14 nm node or beyond, the width of a conventional isolation region becomes increasingly problematic as a region devoid of active devices. Therefore, in an effort to reduce the width of prior art isolation regions, single dummy gates disposed within such isolation regions that can terminate two opposing fin arrays (i.e., fin-ends to fin-ends) between adjacent Rx regions have been developed. These specially designed dummy gates on top of isolation structure are known as Single Diffusion Breaks (SDB) and reduce the distance between Rx regions, that is the distance between fin array edges or fin-ends, i.e., the width of an isolation region, to about 30 nm.
However the formation of prior art SDBs problematically require extra masking, deposition and etching steps. Additionally, the process of making such SDBs are sensitive to lithographic alignment tolerances, which limit their scalability.
Moreover, the structure of prior art SDBs limits the epitaxial growth of the S/D regions abutting the SDB, resulting in S/D regions having a smaller epitaxial volume and electrical contact area compared to that of S/D regions located between active gates. The smaller S/D region volume and contact area can lead to greater contact resistance and degrade device performance.
Accordingly, there is a need for an SDB structure, and method of making the same, which is not as sensitive to lithographic alignment issues. Further there is a need for an SDB structure and method, which does not limit adjacently located S/D region epitaxial volume and contact area compared to other S/D regions located between active gates. Additionally, there is a need for an SDB structure and method, which can be scaled for the 14 nm node and beyond.

Single diffusion break structure and cuts later method of making


In a method for determining the influence of a test substance on the heart activity of a vertebrate the following steps are performed:                a) preparation of a culture of spontaneously active heart cells of the vertebrate,        b) extracellular measurement of electrophysiological data of the heart cells from step a),        c) addition of the test substance to the culture from step a),        d) repetition of the measurement from step b), and        e) comparison of data from step b) and step d).

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method for determining the influence of a test substance on the heart activity of a vertebrate, in particular on the interval between ventricular depolarization and repolarization.
2. Related Prior Art
It has long been known that many substances with which animals and humans come into contact may have an influence on heart activity. These substances can generally be environmental factors which are absorbed by breathing or through the skin or in food, or intentionally administered pharmaceutical substances and cosmetic products. In the context of the present application, these substances are generally referred to as "substances" or "test substances".
To protect livestock animals, domestic animals and, in particular, human beings from the harmful or damaging influence of such substances, not only are the toxicity and the desired action of these substances tested, but increasingly also their undesired influence on heart activity, before said substances are released for use.
In addition, however, there is also a need to test substances already in use, in particular approved medicaments or those being used in clinical trials, in order to ascertain their influence on heart activity. In the case of medicines in particular, undesired side effects on heart rate activity often arise which are not detected in the context of the clinical trials conducted for approval of these medicines or in the preliminary stages of such clinical trials. This leads to a potential danger to persons participating in clinical studies in particular, and to all patients in general.
Such undesired side effects may only become apparent as harmful for example after pro-longed administration, in combination with other substances, or in the presence of risk factors, for example hypokalemia, or structural heart disease, so that they cannot be reliably detected either in the preliminary phases of or during the conduct of clinical trials and studies.
In the context of clinical trials and studies, the influence of substances on heart activity can be determined by what is called electrocardiography, that is to say by recording the ventricular stimulus conduction in the heart in the course of heart activity, the time course being plotted as a tracing, a so-called electrocardiogram. The tracings represent the sum of the intensities and directions of the electrical potentials in the individual myocardial and nerve fibres, and they are recorded by leads assigned in different spatial configurations with respect to the heart, for example on the extremities.
An electrocardiogram is divided into different elements which can be assigned to different physiological processes. The P wave records the excitation of the atrium, and it is followed by the isoelectric PQ segment which records the conduction time of the excitation to the ventricles. The QRS complex corresponds to the ventricular excitation; this is followed by the ST segment, which in turn is followed by the T wave which corresponds to the ventricular repolarization. From the changes in the segment duration and the shape of the elements in the recorded tracings, it is possible to draw important conclusions regarding the heart.
An important variable here is the QT interval, that is to say the time from the start of the QRS complex to the end of the T wave, reflecting the overall electrical action of the ventricle. This QT interval is therefore a measure of the duration of the ventricular depolarization and repolarization.
It is known that a change in the QT interval leads to increased health risks, particularly as a result of rhythm disturbances. For example, a prolongation of the QT interval leads to an increased risk of ventricular tachycardia and fatal arrhythmia. This change in the QT interval may be congenital or may have been acquired as a result of disease or ingestion of harmful substances.
Numerous medicaments are known with which a desired change in the QT interval can be effected in order to counteract pathological changes. On the other hand, there are many substances which have an undesired influence on the QT interval which in many cases goes unrecognized or cannot be detected in conventional clinical studies.
However, even if the influence of substances on heart activity and the associated side effects, for example QT prolongation, could be reliably and conclusively determined with the aid of electrocardiography in the context of clinical studies, the conduct of such studies nevertheless constitutes an unacceptable risk to those participating in these studies and investigations. Quite apart from the ethical problems surrounding the conduct of tests on animals, these tests in the final analysis are not purposeful because there is a limit to the extent to which data from animal tests can be transposed to humans.
In addition, not only would carrying out clinical studies or animal experiments to test the many substances already on the market for their influence on heart activity be associated with high costs, it would also take a considerable time before each particular study was concluded.

Method for determining the influence of a test substance on the heart activity of a vertebrate


A latch/ejector mechanism (2), designed for use with components (6) such as power supplies, computer modules and circuit boards, is used to secure a component to and release the component from a housing (104) by engaging and disengaging a catch element (96) on the housing. The mechanism includes a handle (8) pivotally mounted to the component for moving between latched and unlatched positions. The handle has a latch (94) at one end (28) which engages with and disengages from the catch element during such pivotal movement of the handle. The mechanism also includes a trigger (10) which must be actuated to permit the handle to be moved from the latched position to the unlatched position. A security lock (12), movable between locked and unlocked positions, is used to prevent the actuation of the trigger. In the locked position the lock surface (86) of the security lock opposes a portion of the trigger, called a prevent element (90). However, moving the lock to the unlocked position causes the lock surface of the security lock to be misaligned with the prevent element to permit unimpeded movement of the trigger element thus permitting actuation of the trigger element to release the handle.

Various types of latching and ejecting mechanisms are used to secure components to housings. For example, see U.S. Pat. No. 4,931,907 which discloses a latch assembly particularly useful for mounting an electronic module to a housing.
Conventional latch assemblies typically include a handle pivotally mounted to the component. The handle has a latch element at one end defining a U-shaped opening. The U-shaped opening is positioned and sized to engage a catch element on the housing. Upon insertion of the component into the housing, the use of the latch assembly allows the latch to engage the catch element on the housing and, through the mechanical advantage created by the handle, securely seat the component within the housing. The latch is also configured so that pivoting the handle in the reverse direction during extraction causes the component to be partially extracted by engagement of a latch with the catch element, again aided by the mechanical advantage inherent with using the handle.


A fuel filler module fits in the filler pipe of an automotive fuel tank and includes a spring biased trap door that cooperates with a fuel nozzle restrictor to seal an open end of the filler pipe automatically when a fuel nozzle is withdrawn. The fuel filler module also includes a fuel nozzle guide that is part of a vent system for venting the fuel tank during the refuelling process and a splash guard feature that prevents splash back at the end of the refuelling process. The fuel filler module comprises four-snap together components that are largely plastic parts or assemblies of plastic parts that are designed for easy molding to facilitate economical manufacture.

This invention relates to fuel systems and more particularly to a fuel filler module for the filler pipe of a automotive fuel tank or the like.
Automotive fuel tanks are refuelled by means of a filler pipe that carries a detachable cap at the open end of the filler pipe. This detachable gas cap is customarily designed to seal the open end of the filler pipe when it is installed. However, there are instances when the gas cap is not properly installed after refuelling or forgotten altogether.
This is an undesirable situation for many reasons particularly for automotive vehicles that have an onboard diagnostic system that requires the filler pipe to be sealed in order to function properly.


The invention provides a human importin alpha homolog (IMPAH) and polynucleotides which identify and encode IMPAH. The invention also provides expression vectors, host cells, agonists, antibodies and antagonists. The invention also provides methods for treating disorders associated with expression of IMPAH.

Transport of proteins and RNA between the nucleus and the cytoplasm occurs through nuclear pore complexes (NPCs). NPC-mediated transport occurs in both directions through the nuclear envelope. All nuclear proteins are imported from the cytoplasm, their site of synthesis. Transfer RNA (tRNA) and messenger RNA (mRNA) are exported from the nucleus, their site of synthesis, to the cytoplasm, their site of function. Furthermore, the biogenesis of the ribonucleoproteins involves multiple transport steps. Processing of small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs) involves export into the cytoplasm, assembly with Sm proteins and modifications such as hypermethylation to produce small nuclear ribonuclear proteins (snRNPs), and subsequent import of the snRNPs back into the nucleus. The assembly of ribosomes requires the initial import of ribosomal proteins from the cytoplasm, their incorporation with RNA into ribosomal subunits, and export back to the cytoplasm. Gorlich, D. and Mattaj, I. W. (1996; Science 271:1513-1518) estimated that in a HeLa cell which divides every 24 hours, approximately 100 ribosomal proteins and 3 ribosomal subunits must travel through a single NPC per minute.
The transport of proteins and RNPs across the NPC is generally selective and signal-dependent. Nuclear localization sequences (NLSs) are usually characterized by one or more clusters of basic amino acids, but they do not conform to a tight consensus (Gorlich and Mattaj, supra). For instance, the NLS of the large T antigen of simian virus 40 (SV40) was initially found by point mutations which misdirected the protein to the cytoplasm. The SV40 T antigen NLS is a seven amino acid sequence which is sufficient to confer nuclear localization even when conjugated as a synthetic polypeptide to another protein such as serum albumin. Saturation of the protein import pathway by microinjection of high concentrations of NLS-peptide conjugates provided strong evidence for the existence of saturatable NLS receptors. Experimental evidence suggests that there are multiple receptors for different NLS-containing protein substrates (Gorlich and Mattaj, supra).
The NPCs, or nucleoporins, are estimated to contain about 100 different polypeptides. A heterodimeric protein complex consisting of importin alpha and importin beta (also known as karyopherin alpha and beta) targets the NLS-containing substrate proteins to the NPCs. The alpha subunit of importin functions as the NLS receptor, whereas the beta subunit mediates docking to the NPC. The small GTPase Ran mediates the energy-dependent translocation of the substrate-receptor complex through the NPC. After translocation, the importin heterodimer dissociates: importin alpha and the substrate enters and accumulates in the nucleoplasm, and importin beta accumulates at the nuclear pore complex. Ran-GTP induces the dissociation of the importin subunits by forming a complex with importin beta (Gorlich and Mattaj, supra). Multiple importin-alpha homologs have been identified in mouse and in man (Weis, K. et al (1995) Science 268:1049-1053; Seki, T. et al. (1997) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Comm. 234:48-53).
Defective nuclear transport plays a role in cancer. The BRCA1 protein contains three potential NLSs which interact with importin alpha and is transported into the nucleus by the importin/NPC pathway. Recently, Chen, C. F. et al. (1996; J. Biol. Chem. 271:32863-32868) reported that in breast cancer cells the BRCA1 protein is aberrantly localized in the cytoplasm. Wild-type BRCA1 protein expressed in six different breast cancer cell lines was localized in the cytoplasm. However, wild-type BRCA1 protein expressed in four non-breast cancer cell lines was localized in the nucleus. Chen et al. (supra) proposed that the mislocation of the BRCA1 protein in breast cancer cells may be due to a defect in the importin/NPC nuclear import pathway.
Moll, U. M. et al. (1992; Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 89:7262-7266) demonstrated that in 10 of 27 cases of breast cancer, p53 tumor suppressor protein was found in the cytoplasm. A majority of the p53 cDNAs derived from breast cancers with cytoplasmic p53 protein were wild type. In contrast, p53 cDNAs derived from breast cancers with nuclear p53 protein contained a variety of missense mutations and a nonsense mutation. Moll et al. (supra) suggested that in some breast cancers, the tumor-suppressing activity of p53 is inactivated by the sequestration of the protein in the cytoplasm, away from its site of action in the cell nucleus. Furthermore, the presence of wild-type p53 in the cytoplasm of normal lactating breast tissue suggested that this mechanism may be employed in specific physiologic situations to permit transient cell proliferation. Cytoplasmic wild-type p53 was also found in human cervical carcinoma cell lines (Liang, X. H. et al. (1993) Oncogene 8:2645-2652).
Nuclear transport by the importin/NPC pathway also plays a role in infection by HIV and other viruses. HIV can infect nondividing cells (such as terminally differentiated macrophages, mucosal dendritic cells, and quiescent T-lymphocytes) because its preintegration complex is recognized by and is actively transported through the NPC. The uncoated HIV-1 preintegration complex contains three proteins, matrix protein MA, Vpr, and integrase IN, known to contain NLSs which interact with importin alpha and which play important roles in the nuclear import and the viral integration processes (Gallay, P. et al. (1997) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 94:9825-9830). Furthermore, the NLS-dependent nuclear import activity of the HIV preintegration complex permits the in vivo delivery of transgenes by HIV-derived retroviral vectors into terminally differentiated cells such as neurons. In contrast, oncoretroviruses such as the murine leukemia virus and oncoretroviral vectors cannot traverse an intact nuclear envelope, which precludes their integration into nondividing cells (Gallay et al., supra).
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is the etiological agent of infectious mononucleosis and the putative inductive agent of several malignancies. The EBV nuclear antigen-1 (EBNA1), the only EBV protein necessary for replication and maintenance of the EBV genome in the infected cell, interacts with importin alpha through its NLS and is transported into the nucleus by the importin/NPC pathway (Fisher, N. et al. (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272:3999-4005). Other viral proteins known to contain NLSs include nucleoprotein and the RNA polymerase subunits of influenza virus; VP1, VP2, and VP3 proteins of SV40; and hexon and several coat proteins of adenovirus (Gallay et al., supra).
The discovery of a new human importin alpha homolog and the polynucleotides encoding it satisfies a need in the art by providing new compositions which are useful in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of disorders associated with cell proliferation, viral infection, and the immune response.