In accordance with this invention, an endoscope is provided which has an imaging tissue or stone removal basket for removal of unwanted tissue or stone from an operative site, such as a body passageway or cavity. The endoscope includes an elongated tube, having a distal end and a proximal end. An elongated basket having a circular distal end with a central opening therein and a proximal end which is attached to the periphery of the distal end of the tube is provided. The basket is formed as a plurality of spaced flexible members which normally bow outwardly between the distal end and the proximal end of the basket. An optic fiber bundle is slidably received within the tube and is of smaller diameter than the tube. Structure is provided for selectively adjusting the optic fiber bundle along the tube so that the distal end of the bundle is selectively located from a position within the circular distal end of the basket to a position at the distal end of the tube. Structure is also provided for introducing fluid under pressure through the tube from the proximal@end thereof to the distal end. The fluid flows around the optic fiber bundle to the distal end of the tube for improving visibility of the operative site. Also, the fluid under pressure can be used for dislodging unwanted tissue or stone.

Tissue or stone extracting baskets have been available for several decades. For the most part, these devices are used blind in that the grasping of the stone is done by the feel of the surgeon rather than by visual observation. In gastroenterology, the basket may be passed down the working channel of the large endoscope such as a gastroduodenoscope. The basket is controlled under direct vision provided by the larger endoscope.
In case of very small internal channels, such as the human ureter and the human salivary gland duct or the cystic duct, the very small diameter of the channel makes it impossible to visually observe what is happening by use of current technology.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,046,149 to Komiya discloses an endoscope having a basket which can be retracted inside the sleeve. Optical means is provided in the endoscope above the sleeve.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,198,960 to Utsugi discloses an endoscope having a basket with individually retractable arms. The center of the endoscope is provided with a central passageway which can be used for viewing optics and illumination fibers, or these can be withdrawn for insertion of liquid injecting means or vacuum means.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,590,938 to Sequra et al. discloses a stone basket having a plurality of spring arms which are extendable for use and retractable within a sleeve during insertion.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,718,419 to Okada discloses an endoscope with a snare on the end thereof which can be partially drawn inside of a tubular member to reduce its size or pushed outside of the tube to enlarge its size. It has a handle assembly with a series of notches and set screw so that the adjustment of the size of the snare can be made incrementally and the device held in the appropriate position by the set screw.
Russian Patent No. 278,958 discloses an endoscope having a basket and optics within a tubular member.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,074,867 to Wilk, shows in FIG. 2F, an endoscope device for use with a collapsible membrane, having both a laser source and light source.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,059,199 to Okada et al.discloses an endoscope with a basket which can be extended or withdrawn into a sleeve.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,084,054 discloses a surgical gripping instrument having a loop which can be drawn into a tubular member.


Exercise apparatus has a belt tracking pulley having a hub insert with an eccentric bore therethrough for changing tracking angle. The tracking pulley mounting structure has adjustable eccentricity.

The invention relates to exercise apparatus, and more particularly to a tracking pulley and mounting therefor.
Exercise devices are known which employ a belt trained around a pulley system and connected to a source of resistance such as a weight stack. The present invention relates to improvements in a tracking pulley between guide pulleys, and enables simple and effective tracking adjustment.

Tracking pulley eccentric hub insert for exercise apparatus


Method, system, and programs for identifying a target metric. In one example, at least one first type of metric computed based on a first period associated with a first length of time is measured for each of a plurality of users. At least one second type of metric computed based on a second period associated with a second length of time is measured for each of the plurality of users. The second length of time is larger than the first length of time. Correlations between each of the at least one first type of metric and each of the at least one second type of metrics are computed with respect to the plurality of users. A target metric is identified from the at least one first type of metric based on the correlations. The target metric is correlated with the at least one second type of metric.

1. Technical Field
The present teaching relates to methods, systems, and programming for identifying a target metric. Particularly, the present teaching relates to methods, systems, and programming for identifying a target metric for optimizing content personalization and recommendation.
2. Discussion of Technical Background
Personalized content recommendation systems are a subclass of information filtering systems that predict an "interest" that a user would have in online content (such as articles, news, music, books, or movies), using a model built based on the characteristics of users and the content related thereto and the user's online behaviors. Personalized content recommendation systems usually optimize towards a known short-term target, but may not be tuned/optimized towards long-term goals because the optimization needs to assign a "score" immediately at the time of the learning. Typically, machine learning ranking algorithms need a fine-granular learning target per article per user, in order to be able to recommend good articles for each different user. Therefore, the learning-target typically can only be computed within a short-time period. As a result, it is very difficult to train personalized content recommendation systems to optimize for long-term goals like user engagement.
Most known prior works targeted on short-term metrics, in particular, click-through rate (CTR), which, however, does not necessarily lead to the long-term engagement that is ultimately desired. CTR has been widely used because it has a direct, measurable impact on short-term revenue for example, through advertisement impressions. Although many believed that it does not necessarily lead to long-term engagement, there is no known way to provide a better short-term optimization target. Therefore, there is a need to provide an improved solution for identifying a target metric for optimizing personalized content recommendation systems to solve the above-mentioned problems.

Method and system for mapping short term ranking optimization objective to long term engagement


A user adjustable switching controller for duty cycle regulating flow of current to an electrical load such as a resistance heater, particularly for cooking appliances. A load current switch, when closed by a user operated cam also energizes a heat motor which includes a resistive strip attached to one active leg of a U-shaped bi-metal member. In one embodiment the integrally formed load current switch snap spring is securely attached to the heated leg of a U-shaped bi-metal and the moveable contact arm pivoted on the base. The other leg of the U-shaped bi-metal is anchored to a base including one of the load-connecting stationary terminals; and, the anchored leg serves to provide ambient temperature compensation. In another embodiment, the integrally formed blade spring of the moveable contact member is pivoted on the active leg of the U-shaped bi-metal and the moveable contact arm welded to the base. User rotation of the cam deflects a bias spring which acts on the portion of the bi-metal attached to the load switch snap spring to effect closing of the load current switch and energization of the heat motor. Heating of the bi-metal causes warpage which overcomes the bias spring to open the load switch and shut off the heat motor. Cooling of the bi-metal allows the load current switch to re-close repeating the cycle. User adjustment of the cam varies the bias on the snap spring and thus the re-open point of the switch with respect to the cycle, thereby varying the ratio of "on" to "off" time of the load current. The heat motor sub-assembly including the base with the load connecting terminal, the U-shaped bi-metal, the heater and the moveable contact arm and heater connecting chip is pre-fabricated and installed in the controller housing as a unit.

The present invention relates to controllers or switch assemblies used for fractional duty cycle modulation of an electrical load, for example an electrical resistance heater employed in an oven or range top "burner" heater. Controllers of this type are employed in domestic cooking appliances; and, typically the duty cycle of the heater is variable by user rotation of a control knob associated with the switch assembly controlling the load current to the heater.
Heretofore, controllers for domestic cooking ovens of the aforesaid type, have utilized a cam which moves with the user rotatable knob for varying the bias on the load current switch which is actuated by a heat motor energized only when load current is flowing through the heater switch. The user rotation of the control knob positions the cam to provide a predetermined bias on the load current switch actuating mechanism which in turn varies the amount of time that the load heater is on. The heat motor includes a resistance which is typically connected for heating a bi-metal actuator which warps in response to heat transfer from the resistance to cause de-actuation of the switch which cuts off of the load current to the oven heater and to the heat motor. In such an arrangement, the time required for the bi-metal actuator to cool upon opening of the load current switch determines the ratio of the "on" time to "off" time.
Known constructions for variable duty cycle load or heater controllers have employed a bi-metal actuator for the load current switch which has a heat motor attached thereto comprising a relatively thin film resistive heater superposed on a rigid substrate and mounted on the bi-metal member. This arrangement of the heat motor has been found generally operative; however, as the bi-metal member is heated by heat transfer from the heat motor, the warpage or deflection induced in the bi-metal member causes the bi-metal to pull away from the rigid heat motor substrate, thereby diminishing the heat transfer from the heat motor to the bi-metal and introducing inaccuracies non-proportionality and hysteresis in the movement of the bi-metal with respect to the energy input to the heater. This warpage of the bi-metal away from the heater has resulted in difficulties in calibrating the heat motor with respect to the actuating point of the load current switch for the energy input to the heat motor. Additionally, the known arrangements for such controllers have applied to the bias from the user rotated cam to one portion of the snap acting load current switch and have applied the bias from the heat motor bi-metal to another portion of the switch. This arrangement has resulted in difficulty in calibrating the controller to provide the desired duty cycle or ratio of "on" time to "off" time of the load heater being controlled and has diminished the repeatability of the switch when calibrated.
Furthermore, known arrangements for the user actuated cam to vary the bias on the load current switch have resulted in numerous parts, complexity and difficulty in calibrating the controller as to the position of the cam with respect to the desired fractional duty cycle of the load heater.
Referring to FIGS. 7 and 10, a known heater controller for domestic cooking ovens is shown wherein the user cam 1 causes a cam follower 2 having one end attached to a blade member 3 cantilevered from stationary structure which causes the cam follower to bias the blade spring 3 in an upward direction. A snap acting blade spring 4 is attached to the blade member 3; and, the spring 4 has a moveable contact 5 on one end thereof which is effective upon movement of the spring 4 for opening and closing against the stationary contact 6. The end of the blade spring 4 is biased downwardly at the end distal contact 5 by the end of a bi-metal member 7, which has attached thereto a heat motor indicated generally at 8, which comprises a relatively thin film resistor mounted on a ceramic substrate 9 with one end of the resistor connected electrically to a cantilevered contact strip 10 with the other distal end thereof contacted by a wiper 11 which is connected to one side of a power line through a cam actuated switch 12. The member 10 and the blade spring 3 are connected to a common member 13 which is connected to the opposite side of the power line from switch 12. A calibration screw 14 which is accessible through a hole in the housing 15 is provided for adjustment of the upright position of the bi-metal actuator 7.
FIG. 7 shows the electrical schematic for the device of FIG. 10 in which the heat motor 8 has one side connected through junction 16 to one side of the switch 12; and, the other side of the heat motor is connected to junction 17 which is connected through a cam actuated switch 18 to a junction 19 which is connected to the opposite side of the power line.
Junctions 16 and 18 are connected through load terminals H1, H2 to the heater load indicated at 22. Switch 12 includes the stationary contact 6 and the movable contact 5 as shown in FIG. 10. The prior art device of FIG. 7 includes a pilot lamp 24 connected through a terminal denoted P and through cam operated switch 20 to junction 19.
Referring to FIG. 8, another known heat motor actuated controller is shown schematically wherein a first and second electrical load heaters 25, 26 are connected in parallel with the second load heater 26 being series connected to the switch 18'.
FIG. 9 shows another known heat motor actuated directional duty cycle heater controller having a single load heater 27 series connected with the heat motor 8 "to the cam actuated switch 12". Heat motor 8 " acts on cam actuated switch 12"in the same manner as in the device of FIG. 7.
The known devices are complex in that many parts are required; in particular, the assembly of the members 8, 9, 7, 10, 13 and 3 in the FIG. 10 prior art device are noted as requiring riveting or weldment and are consequently difficult to assemble in the housing. In addition, the three piece structure of members 2, 3 and 4 is difficult to form as a sub-assembly and install in the housing.
Therefore, it has long been desired to find a way or means of providing a heat motor actuated duty cycle modulating controller for an electrical load such as an electrical resistance heater and to provide such a device which is simple to assemble, has a minimum of parts and is low in manufacturing costs and easy to calibrate is accurately repeatable when calibrated and reliable in operation over extended service life.

Heat motor operated load regulating switch assembly and knob attachment therefor


A spring for use in a process cartridge for use in a printing machine is provided. The spring for urging a development roll mounted to a development housing pivotably mounted to a process cartridge housing toward a latent image to form a developed image. The spring includes an arm fixedly secured to either the process cartridge housing or the development housing. The arm includes a distal end thereof. The distal end of the arm is contactable with the other of either the process cartridge housing or the development housing.

This invention relates to electrostatographic reproduction machines, and more particularly to an economical and capacity-extendible all-in-one process cartridge for easy adaptive use in a family of compact electrostatographic reproduction machines having different volume capacities and consumable life cycles. Specifically this invention relates to such a cartridge including a printing cartridge with a molded cantilever developer roller spacing spring.
Generally, the process of electrostatographic reproduction, as practiced in electrostatographic reproduction machines, includes charging a photoconductive member to a substantially uniform potential so as to sensitize the surface thereof. A charged portion of the photoconductive surface is exposed at an exposure station to a light image of an original document to be reproduced. Typically, an original document to be reproduced is placed in registration, either manually or by means of an automatic document handler, on a platen for such exposure.
Exposing an image of an original document as such at the exposure station, records an electrostatic latent image of the original image onto the photoconductive member. The recorded latent image is subsequently developed using a development apparatus by bringing a charged dry or liquid developer material into contact with the latent image. Two component and single component developer materials are commonly used. A typical two-component dry developer material has magnetic carrier granules with fusible toner particles adhering triboelectrically thereto. A single component dry developer material typically comprising toner particles only can also be used. The toner image formed by such development is subsequently transferred at a transfer station onto a copy sheet fed to such transfer station, and on which the toner particles image is then heated and permanently fused so as to form a "hardcopy" of the original image.
It is well known to provide a number of the elements and components, of an electrostatographic reproduction machine, in the form of a customer or user replaceable unit (CRU). Typically such units are each formed as a cartridge that can be inserted or removed from the machine frame by a customer or user. Reproduction machines such as copiers and printers ordinarily include consumable materials such as toner, volume limiting components such as a waste toner container, and life cycle limiting components such as a photoreceptor and a cleaning device. Because these elements of the copying machine or printer must be replaced frequently, they are more likely to be incorporated into a replaceable cartridge as above.
There are therefore various types and sizes of cartridges, varying from single machine element cartridges such as a toner cartridge, to all-in-one electrostatographic toner image forming and transfer process cartridges. The design, particularly of an all-in-one cartridge can be very costly and complicated by a need to optimize the life cycles of different elements, as well as to integrate all the included elements, while not undermining the image quality. This is particularly true for all-in-one process cartridges to be used in a family of compact electrostatographic reproduction machines having different volume capacities and elements having different life cycles.
There is therefore a need for a quality image producing, economical and capacity-extendible all-in-one process cartridge that is easily adapted for use in various machines in a family of compact electrostatographic reproduction machines having different volume capacities and elements with different life cycles.
The step of development or placing the toner particles in contact with the latent image on the photoconductor drum to form the developed image requires that the marking particles or toner be presented to the photoconductive drum. Typically, a donor roll or a roll including a stationary internal magnetic shaft with a rotatable aluminum steel positioned around the outer peripheral of the shaft is utilized to advance the marking particles toward the photoconductive drum.
The spacing between the developer roll and the photoconductive drum surface is important. Spacers placed on the developer roll are often used to ride against the photoconductive surface of the photoconductive drum to maintain an accurate distance between the developer roll and the photoconductive drum. To assure that the spacer remains in contact with the photoconductive surface of the photoconductive drum, preferably, the developer roll is pivotably positioned into contact with the photoconductive drum. A device, usually in the form of a spring, is used to urge the developer roll against the photoconductive drum.
To maintain the urging force of the developer roll against the photoconductive drum, springs typically in the form of a coil spring are positioned between the pivotable developer housing and the printing machine or a fixed printing or process cartridge within the printing machine. The use of this spring adds assembly costs to the printing machine or print cartridge in which the springs are located.
Further, the springs must be assembled into the developer cartridge and print cartridge requiring added cost. Also, the springs are small loose parts and may become dislodged from their desired position during assembly and these assembly errors may cost quality problems within the printing cartridge.
The following disclosures may be relevant to various aspects of the present invention:
U.S. Pat. No. 4,556,308 PA1 Patentee: Hoppner, et al. PA1 Issue Date: Dec. 3, 1985 PA1 U.S. Pat. No. 4,987,446 PA1 Patentee: Mochimaru, et al. PA1 Issue Date: Jan. 22, 1991 PA1 U.S. Pat. No. 5,581,325 PA1 Patentee: Yashiro PA1 Issue Date: Sep. 12, 1995 PA1 U.S. Pat. No. 4,556,308 discloses a process cartridge including a mounting device including a pair of locating pivot pins. Mounting hinge slots are in engagement with cartridge latch blocks. The latch blocks have arcuate slots and a curved outer deflectable cantilever spring arm. The spring arm provides an interference with the cartridge mounting pins and is deflected thereby providing a counterbalance to the cartridge. PA1 U.S. Pat. No. 4,987,446 discloses a process cartridge for use in a electrophotographic apparatus. The cartridge includes a charger and a cleaning unit which are mounted on the cartridge integrally with each other. PA1 U.S. Pat. No. 5,581,325 discloses a process cartridge including a first support member for supporting an image bearing member, a second support member for supporting a development unit and a compression spring for generating an elastic force between the image bearing member and the development unit.

Printing cartridge with molded cantilever developer roller spacing spring


Embodiments of the present application disclose a processing method, a device, a storage medium, and a mobile terminal for implementing automatic startup. The method includes: acquiring, by a processing device for implementing automatic startup, at least one of program startup information and startup call information of an application when it is detected that a startup event for the application occurs; sending, by the processing device for implementing automatic startup, the at least one of the program startup information and the startup call information to a server for acquiring a determination strategy for the application serving as a startup control strategy for the application, wherein the determination strategy is obtained by the server through analyzing the at least one of the program startup information and the startup call information; controlling, by the processing device for implementing automatic startup, startup of the application according to the startup control strategy for the application.

Intelligent systems have become the most acceptable mobile terminal operating systems for users. A user will actively or passively install various third-party applications while using the mobile terminal. Startup manners of some third-party applications are known and can be controlled by some means; while the startup manners of some third-party applications are unknown and cannot be controlled by valid strategies. Startup of these applications affects a standby capability of the mobile terminal, and causes excessive memory overhead, thus affecting a running speed of the mobile terminal. Therefore, the application with an unknown startup manner is required to be processed.

Processing method, device and storage medium for implementing automatic startup

GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP., LTD.


A method and system operate to secure and efficiently manage data. The method includes performing steps such as generating independent keys corresponding to multiple portions of segmented data and utilizing the independent keys to encrypt the multiple portions of segmented data. The method additionally includes generating a master key, encrypting the independent keys with the master key, and storing each portion of the segmented data adjacent to the corresponding independent key in a data and key storage device. The method additionally includes segmenting the master key, thereby creating multiple master key segments and storing the multiple master key segments in disparate locations separate from the data.

The proliferation of online transactions has led to the need for efficient storage and management of large amounts of data. Because the nature of the data is often sensitive, it is also necessary to secure the data for storage and management. Fraudulent data access in many industries, such as, for example, insurance, banking, healthcare, finance, government, retail etc., has become increasingly sophisticated and problematic. Because of the need to secure these large quantities of data, various data security techniques have evolved.
In many systems storing large amounts of data, data encryption schemes are provided to enhance the security of data. The data encryption schemes have evolved over time to provide increased security and enhanced performance characteristics.
The development of data encryption schemes should take into account the evolving threats to data security and deficiencies with presently existing schemes. For example, systems are known that utilize keys to encrypt and decrypt data. However, use of a single key to encrypt and decrypt multiple segments of data can result in the compromise of a large amount of data if the key is compromised. Thus, systems such as public key cryptography or asymmetric cryptography use pairs of keys including public keys that are widely disseminated and private keys known only to the owner. The public key can be used to encrypt the data, but the private key is necessary to decrypt the data. Because of the computational complexity of asymmetric encryption, it is generally used only for small blocks of data as it can be too slow to efficiently manage large amounts of data.
To overcome this difficulty, a technique known as envelope encryption, utilizes multiple layers of keys. In other words, envelope encryption is the process of encrypting a first key with another second key. Thus, the second key is used to protect the first key. The first key and the data may be packaged together in an envelope, while the second key may be maintained at a key management server.
As set forth above, while public key encryption is generally considered secure, it is too slow for efficient use with large amounts of data. Symmetric encryption (using a single key for encryption and decryption) is more efficient, but less secure because the single key presents a single point of failure. Envelope encryption adds a layer of security to the symmetric encryption; however, significant risk remains that the master key may be compromised. If compromised, the master key used to encrypt the first key also presents a significant risk.
Accordingly, an opportunity exists to significantly enhance data security and efficient data management in systems storing large amounts of data. A system is needed that improves upon the speed of public key encryption and improves upon the security of symmetric encryption and envelope encryption.

Distributed parallel data protection system and method


A system for monitoring the operatibility of catalytic converters and/or lambda probes in exhaust gas detoxification systems. It is characterised in that a pollutant sensor is placed downstream of (in relation to the exhaust gas stream) or in the catalytic converter, in that the lambda value and/or oxygen content of the exhaust gas are altered by a specific amount either by the engine or by a device, and in that the electrical output signal from the pollutant sensor is compared in a comparator circuit to a value curve stored in a storage unit and corresponding to the defined alteration of the lambda value.

The invention relates to a system for monitoring the functional ability of catalytic converters and/or lambda sensors in detoxification systems for exhaust.
Systems of this kind are known especially for exhaust from internal combustion engines in a plurality of embodiments (for example DE 23 04 464 C2).
These known systems suffer from the disadvantages that they cannot monitor functional ability sufficiently reliably since indirect measurement is performed either with two lambda sensors (DE 40 39 429) or by temperature probes. In particular, reliable determination of functional ability is not possible in aged catalytic converters because of the conversion rate of hydrocarbons and other pollutants that no longer correlate with the oxygen storage capacity.
A device is also known (DE 42 11 116) with which the lambda value of a mixture can be modulated to determine the functional ability of the catalytic converter in such fashion that an oxygen excess periodically alternates with an oxygen deficiency. On the basis of the sudden reaction of a lambda sensor located downstream from the catalytic converter in the flow direction, the functional ability and/or degree of conversion capacity of the catalytic converter is detected. Here again the indirect acquisition of information about the function of the catalytic converter is disadvantageous.

System for monitoring the functioning ability of catalytic converters and/or lambda sensors


Methods and apparatuses for wafer support and release using sacrificial materials in wafer processing. In one embodiment, a solution of a sacrificial polymer is spray-coated on the wafer bump side to form a thin layer of the sacrificial polymer after solvent vaporization. An adhesive layer is then used to attach the wafer bump side onto a wafer support substrate over the sacrificial polymer to support the wafer in backside processing. After wafer thinning and backside metal deposition, the wafer is exposed to heat to thermally decompose the sacrificial polymer into gases. The decomposition of the sacrificial polymer reduces the adhesion of the adhesive layer to the bump side of the wafer such that, when the support substrate is detached from the wafer, the adhesive layer is detached together with the support substrate from the wafer bump side, leaving almost no residual traces.

Adhesive tapes and adhesive materials, such as epoxy, acrylics, cyanate ester, have been used for temporary bonding in wafer processing. During wafer processing, a wafer may be temporarily bonded to a support substrate and later released from bonding to the support substrate after certain processing operations. For example, a wafer may be temporarily bonded to a glass substrate for support during the grinding of the backside of the wafer before backside metal (BSM) deposition. Backside grind may be performed to thin the wafer and aid sawing the wafer into chips for packaging and/or to rough the backside surface for improved adhesion of backside metal, such as Gold. After the backside grind and backside metal deposition, the support substrate is detached from the wafer.
There exist commercially available adhesive tapes with the capability of ultraviolet (UV) light activated release of temporary bonding. The adhesion of the UV-releasing tapes reduces greatly after the exposure to the UV light. Such tapes may be used as wafer dicing tapes, providing temporary bonding of the wafer to the wafer dicing frame under the temperature of 80° C. or less in the absence of the UV light.

Wafer support and release in wafer processing


Systems and methods are described for automatically processing mortgage insurance claims. In one described system, a central server computer receives inputs from, and provides outputs to, a servicer terminal connected into a network. The servicer terminal captures data from a servicer submitting a mortgage insurance claim. A claims database is connected into the network, containing data relating to the mortgage insurance claim. A claim audit rulebase is connected into the network, for automatically performing an audit and adjustment of the submitted mortgage insurance claim. The system automatically provides results of the audit and adjustment to the servicer at the servicer terminal, and presents the servicer with an option to interact with a claim representative to resolve any issues.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to improvements to systems and methods for processing insurance claims, and more particularly to advantageous aspects of systems and methods for submission, audit, adjustment and payment of mortgage insurance claims.
2. Description of the Prior Art
When a servicer submits a claim under a mortgage insurance policy, the servicer typically wants to reach an acceptable settlement of the claim as expeditiously as possible. In addition, if some or all of the submitted claim is disallowed by the mortgage insurance company, a servicer typically would like to know the reasons behind the disallowance as soon as possible in order to take appropriate action including, for example, submitting a supplementary claim. Further, from the point of view of the insurance company, it is desirable to make the claims settlement process more efficient in order to optimize the company's use of its human resources.

Systems and methods for automatic submission, audit and adjustment of mortgage insurance claims


Encapsulated electrostatographic toner particles and a process for making toner particles. The toner particles comprise a pressure fixable core encapsulated in a pressure rupturable shell with the outer surface of the shell being hydrophobic. Preferably, the outer surface of the shell is rendered hydrophobic by having a thermosetting resin precipitated thereon. The process for producing electrostatographic toner particles comprises preparing a core material, encapsulating a discrete portion of the core material in a shell by interfacial polycondensation, and then treating the outer surfaces of the shells with a thermosetting resin to render them hydrophobic. This enables the particles to be formed as a free-flowing, dry powder without requiring costly spray drying.

The present invention relates to encapsulated electrostatographic toners and, more particularly, to an electrostatographic toner material which comprises a pressure fixable core encapsulated in a pressure rupturable shell with the outer surface of the shell being hydrophobic. Preferably, the outer surface of the shell is rendered hydrophobic by precipitating at least one thermosetting resin onto the pressure rupturable shell. The present invention also relates to a process for preparing an encapsulated electrostatographic toner material.
Electrostatography involves developing a tone electrostatic latent image contained on a photoconductive or dielectric surface with a toner material containing a colorant and a binder to produce a visible toner image, and then transferring and fixing the visible toner image onto a surface such as a paper sheet. The development of the latent image utilizes either a combination of a toner material with carrier particles or a toner material only. The process for fixing the toner image to the paper sheet can be accomplished by heat fixing, solvent fixing or pressure fixing.
Encapsulated electrostatographic toner materials for use in pressure fixing are well-known, as disclosed by, for instance, U.S. Pat. No. 4,307,169 which discloses production of such toners by interfacial polymerization. In this prior art process, it has been necessary to spray dry the resulting slurry of particles to produce a free-flowing, dry powder. Obtaining a toner material in the form of a free-flowing, dry powder is desirable to permit easy handling of the toner.
However, the spray drying process suffers from the disadvantages that it can require costly spray drying equipment, can consume a large quantity of energy and can also restrict the potential use of heat sensitive or volatile components in the core material of the toner. Therefore, there has been a need for a process of producing encapsulated toner materials in the form of a dry, free-flowing powder that does not require spray drying.
Various attempts have been made to produce dry, free-flowing encapsulated toner particles by interfacial polymerization without spray drying. The inventor has attempted to obtain toner particles in the form of a dry powder by filtering, by air drying and by oven drying the slurry of capsules; however, such attempts have been unsuccessful due to the tendency for the capsules to cake and agglomerate. Up to now, spray drying has been necessary to keep the particles separated during the drying process.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved encapsulated toner material that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art.
It is another object of the present invention to produce electrostatographic toner particles by interfacial polymerization that are in the form of a dry, free-flowing powder.
It is another object of the present invention to produce encapsulated electrostatographic toner particles by interfacial polymerization without the necessity of spray drying the particles produced.
It is another object of the present invention to minimize the caking or agglomerating of capsules during the process for producing an encapsulated electrostatographic toner material.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an energy efficient process for producing dry, free-flowing electrostatographic toner particles by interfacial polymerization.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide encapsulated electrostatographic toner materials capable of containing volatile or heat sensitive core materials.

Encapsulated electrostatographic toner particles and a process for producing such toners


Apparatus (1) for permitting release of a motor vehicle foot pedal, in a frontal crash, having a primary pedal arm (12) carrying a foot pad (14) and a secondary pedal arm (2) linked to the primary pedal arm (12) and provided at its lower end an open aperture (5) to receive a portion of a linkage pin (17). A trigger lever (6) is mounted on the secondary pedal arm (15) to be struck in a crash situation, and displaced, by a non-deformable portion (20) of a motor vehicle. The trigger lever (6) is provided at its other end with an open aperture (10) also to receive the linkage pin (17) and, in normal operation of the arrangement, to captivate the linkage pin (17) within the open aperture (5). A shearable rivet (7) connects the trigger lever (6) and the secondary pedal arm (2), restraining displacement of the trigger lever (6) with respect to the secondary pedal arm (2) so as to retain captivation of the linkage pin (17) until a crash occurs.

The prior art is replete with proposals for disconnecting, or otherwise rendering ineffective, the connection of a push rod eg of a brake booster, to a brake pedal, such that in a frontal crash of sufficient magnitude, the pedal is no longer a rigid obstruction capable of injuring or trapping a driver's lower legs or feet.

Arrangement for permitting motor vehicle foot pedal release, and motor vehicle incorporating same


A liquid ejection device of a first aspect of the invention includes a sub tank capable of fluid communicating with the main tank removably mountable to the liquid ejection device. The sub tank is configured to satisfy the formula: SH−SL≦MH−MN where SH is a liquid amount in the sub tank in a balanced state at which the liquid has flowed into the sub tank by a hydraulic head pressure on mounting the main tank with the liquid fully filled; SL is a liquid amount in the sub tank in a state where the liquid level is positioned at the outlet of the sub tank; MH is a liquid amount in the main tank when the liquid is fully filled in the main tank; and MN is a liquid amount in the main tank in a state where the liquid level is positioned at a threshold level.

As an inkjet printer to which a cartridge type main tank storing ink is removably mounted, there is an inkjet printer including a sensor configured to detect a remaining amount of ink in the main tank. As an example of the detection of the remaining ink amount, the remaining ink amount sensor optically detects a position of a float provided in the main tank which descends with the lowering of the ink level. Accordingly, the remaining ink amount can be detected with high accuracy. However, the float reaches the bottom of the main tank even in a state where the ink remains in the main tank. Therefore, a state where the remaining ink amount becomes zero cannot be detected, and the ink cannot be used up.
Meanwhile, as another method for detecting the remaining ink amount in the main tank, there is a method of cumulatively calculating an ink amount ejected from an inkjet head with software. This method enables the state of zero remaining ink amount to be detected. However, since minute errors may be contained in the ejected liquid amount used in the calculation for each ejection, such errors accumulate by the time the ink in the main tank is used up. Therefore, the remaining ink amount cannot be detected with high accuracy.
In JP-A-2005-246781, the former method for optically detecting the remaining ink amount using the float and the latter method for detecting the remaining ink amount with software are combined to enable the ink to be fully used up and detect the remaining ink amount precisely. Specifically, a seesaw-like float blocks light to a light receiving unit of an optical sensor when ink is filled, and with the lowering of the liquid level according to ink consumption, the float swings and allows the light to enter the light receiving unit of the optical sensor. Accordingly, it is firstly detected that the ink has decreased up to a threshold level (remaining amount detection). Then, the number of ink droplets ejected from the inkjet head is cumulatively calculated with software, which starts at the time of the remaining amount detection. Accordingly, it is secondarily calculated and detected that the remaining ink amount becomes zero (remaining amount calculation). That is, since the calculation of the remaining ink amount with software starts after the amount of ink in the main tank becomes low, error does not accumulate so much and the remaining ink amount can be detected accurately.
In a case where the ink in the main tank is used up and then the main tank is exchanged with a new one, air may enter an ink supplying path leading up to the inkjet head. In a tube supplying type inkjet printer disclosed in JP-A-2005-66906, a sub tank open to an atmosphere is disposed between the main tank and an ink supplying tube to prevent the entry of air into the ink supplying path even if the ink in the cartridge type main tank is used up. Accordingly, even if the ink in the main tank is used up, air does not enter the ink supplying tube since the ink remains in the sub tank. Moreover, even if air enters a connection portion between the main tank and the sub tank during exchange of the main tank, the air is separated by buoyancy from the ink in the sub tank and is thereby prevented from entering the ink supplying tube.


Woodworking machines are disclosed having a blade adapted to cut workpieces, and an actuating mechanism operable to move the blade toward the workpiece. The machines also include a detection system configured to detect one or more dangerous conditions between a user and the blade, and a reaction system configured to stop the movement of the blade toward the user upon detection of a dangerous condition by the detection system.

Power equipment such as miter saws and radial arm saws include circular blades that move down onto or across a workpiece to cut the workpiece. Pneumatic up-cut chop saws often have a blade that rises through a slot in a table to cut a board. The blades, however, present a risk of injury to a user of the equipment as the blades move to make a cut. Accordingly, those saws often include blade guards that physically block an operator from making contact with the blade to minimize the risk of injury. In many cases, guards effectively reduce the risk of injury; however, there are many instances where the nature of the operations to be performed precludes using a guard that completely blocks access to hazardous machine parts. For example, a user of a radial arm saw draws the blade toward him as he cuts a workpiece. The user typically holds the workpiece with one hand while operating the saw with his other hand. In such a situation, the saw blade is at least partially exposed so that the blade can cut the workpiece. While the blade is at least partially exposed, the blade may accidentally contact the user's finger and the user may continue pulling the blade into his finger before he can react. Similarly, in a pneumatic up-cut chop saw, the user may position the material to be cut and accidentally place their hand in the path of the blade. When the saw is actuated the blade rises so quickly that the user does not have time to remove their hand. In some cases, a guard placed above the blade drops down prior to the cut, and the guard may trap the user's hand in the path of the blade.

Translation stop for use in power equipment


In regeneration apparatus and method for a particulate filter that collects a particulate in exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine, a timing at which an accumulated particulate is combusted to regenerate the particulate filter is determined and a control is performed for a combustion of the particulate, during the control for the combustion of the particulate, a temperature of the engine exhaust gas is raised to a first target temperature set at a temperature equal to or higher than a criterion temperature which provides a criterion of whether the particulate is combusted to regenerate the particulate filter when the engine falls in a first driving region, and the engine exhaust gas temperature is raised to a second target temperature set at a temperature lower than the criterion temperature when the engine falls in a second driving region different from the first driving region.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to regeneration apparatus and method for a particulate filter used for a post process of an exhaust gas of, mainly, a Diesel engine and an exhaust gas purifying device using the regeneration apparatus and method described above.
2. Description of the Related Art
A Diesel particulate filter is a particulate trap (or collection) device constituted by molding a ceramic to a honeycomb-like monolithic and, generally, is used to remove a particulate matter (hereinafter, referred to simply as a particulate) exhausted from the Diesel engine. During a drive of the Diesel engine, the particulate is progressively accumulated as the time has passed. If the accumulated quantity of the particulate is in excess of an allowance quantity, a filter clog occurs and exhaust (gas) pressure is raised so as to give an ill influence on a driveability. It is, therefore, necessary to remove the accumulated particulate at a regular time interval from the exhaust gas so as to prevent the filter clog from occurring.
A Japanese Patent Application First
Publication No. 2000-179326 published on Jun. 27, 2000 exemplifies a previously proposed regeneration method for a Diesel particulate filter in which the particulate is combusted and removed and by operating an engine control device such as injectors so that a temperature of the exhaust gas is raised up to a temperature value higher than that in an ordinary time and the particulate accumulated is heated up to a temperature equal to or higher than a combustion temperature. In the disclosed regeneration method, the exhaust gas temperature is raised from a time at which it is determined to be a time for the Diesel particulate filter to be regenerated to a time at which the particulate has combusted and its accumulation quantity has sufficiently been decreased so that it is expected that the Diesel particulate filter is deemed to have been regenerated. A target temperature of the exhaust gas to be reached to during this time period is set to a temperature such as 600° C. as high as a temperature required for an active combustion of the particulate. A method to raise the temperature of the exhaust gas to such a target temperature as described above is that injectors as the engine control device are operated on the Diesel engine in which a fuel injection is distributed a plurality of number of times and an injection timing of a post injection to be carried out after a main injection is retarded than that in the ordinary time.

Regeneration apparatus and method for particulate filter applicable to engine exhaust gas purifying device


A device to enable touchless operation of an instrument is disclosed. The device includes an actuator configured to vibrate the instrument, a controller configured to control the actuator, and an interval detector configured to detect an interval between the instrument and an object to operate the instrument. The controller is configured to start vibrating the actuator having been still after the interval detected by the interval detector reaches a first threshold, keep vibrating the actuator until the interval detected by the interval detector reaches a second threshold larger than the first threshold after the interval reaches the first threshold, and stop vibrating the actuator after the interval detected by the interval detector reaches the second threshold.

This disclosure relates to a technology to enable touchless operation of an instrument.
To prevent fingerprints from sticking or contagious diseases from spreading, there are known input devices that accept inputs without being touched on their touch surfaces. An example of such an input device measures the electrostatic capacitance between a finger and a touch panel to detect the finger located a several centimeters away from the touch panel.
As another technology, JP 2017-072901 A discloses a tactile sense presentation device for presenting an operational sense of a push operation by controlling a floating force given by a squeeze film to an operating finger. The technique according to JP 2017-072901 A stops the vibration of the touch surface to allow the finger to touch the touch surface when the interval between the finger and the touch surface decreases to less than a predetermined value. Such control of the floating force caused by the squeeze film provides the user with a natural operational sense of a push operation.

SHANGHAI TIANMA MICRO-ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.


Devices and methods for aiding practitioners in the implementation of arthroplasty prosthetics. Example devices may include a base and an alignment arm, and may be used for finding and recording the native alignment of a bone head, such as the femoral or humeral head. The base may be attached to the bone and the alignment arm may be adjusted to reflect the native alignment of the bone. Once the alignment is recorded, the native bone head may be removed and the prosthetic bone head may be attached to the bone, and properly oriented using the alignment arm of the device.

Prosthetic bone implantation and joint replacement is well known in the art. Proper alignment of the implanted prosthesis is critical to the long term success of the implantation, and improper positioning can cause instability, impingement and increased wear. Misalignment of a prosthesis can also lead to soft tissue imbalance, joint dislocation, compromised range of motion and increased pain to the patient.
Having been in use since the mid-20th century, a conventional method of aligning a prosthesis relies on a statistical range of alignment values based on statistical anatomic studies. Using the statistical range as a guide, the surgeon visually estimates the proper angle to implant the prosthesis. As an example, for implantation of a humeral prosthesis, the statistical range for the retroversion angle is about 25 degrees to about 35 degrees based on anatomical studies. However, the retroversion angle can vary up to about 82 degrees and may be influenced by such factors as age, sex, race, and handedness. Similar variability exists for other prosthetic implants and alignment variables in other joints such as the femur for hip arthroplasty procedures.
Some researchers have experimented with computer-aided navigation systems. However, the utility of computer-aided navigation systems has not been fully explored, and the technique is expected to increase surgical times, particularly with medical professionals new to such technology. Preoperative CT scans can also be used to determine the proper alignment, but use of this technique results in increased radiation exposure to the patient, which is undesirable. Some mechanical devices to align prosthetic implants exist, but these devices rely on the statistical average range of alignment values based on the anatomical studies and do not account for the full range of variability. These devices do not re-create the native alignment and, therefore, often result in misalignment leading to the aforementioned consequences.

Native version alignment devices and methods


A method and apparatus for routing calls for a subscriber based on the probability of call completion for a set of routing destinations. The present invention operates to route calls to destinations in a routing list, maintain a success indicator for each routing attempt, and route calls based on the success indicator. When a call is received, the routing list is sorted according to a call completion probability indicator associated with each destination. Destinations will be selected in accordance to the sorted order (325), and the call will be routed to that destination (350). If the routed call is not answered (355), the next destination will be extracted from the list and the call will be routed thereto (350). If the call is answered (355), an identification announcement is provided to the answering party (360), and processing will wait until disposition information is received (365). If the disposition information indicates that the call is accepted by the answering party, the call completion probability indicator will be updated and the call will be established (375). If the disposition information indicates that the call is rejected by the answering party, the call will be routed to a default destination and the call completion probability indicator will be updated (380). If the call is neither accepted nor rejected, the next destination will be extracted from the routing list and the call will be routed thereto (350).

As technological advances are made in communication equipment, and computers are more highly integrated into the telecommunication networks and systems, the ultimate goal of communication service providers: obtaining "real-time", "seamless" access to all parties, is becoming an ascertainable target. "Real-time" access includes the ability to contact a party instantaneously as opposed to paging the party or leaving a message. "Seamless" access includes the ability to reach a party regardless of the party's physical location, or the time of day. Thus, there are few moments when the party cannot be contacted. The task of maintaining seamless access with a moving party is difficult.
One solution presently in operation is the Personal Number Service ("PNS"), which is described in commonly owned U.S. application Ser. No. 07/936,384. PNS from BellSouth Wireless gives a subscriber the ability to be in contact with other callers regardless of the subscriber's location. PNS provides a single point of contact for each subscriber in the form of a personal number. Thus, the personal number is used to access the subscriber at various destination numbers. The personal number can be a special number dedicated to the personal number system or can be a mobile phone number which the system recognizes. Each subscriber provides the system with communication routing information in the form of one or more "destination lists" or "routing lists". Each routing list contains the various directory numbers where the subscriber can be contacted. The subscriber also has the flexibility to change the routing lists or alter the manner in which they are utilized. Methods to alter the use of the routing lists include enabling an "override" feature. The override feature allows the subscriber to disable the use of the routing list for a particular caller or all callers, and force the incoming call to be routed to a particular alternate number. Upon disabling the override feature, the system will resume the use of the routing lists. Another feature of the personal number communication system is to allow the subscriber to provide different routing lists for different days of the week or specific time slots within the day. Thus, one routing list may be used on weekdays from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, another routing list on weekdays after 6:00 PM, and a third routing list on weekends.
The general operation of the PNS call routing feature can be described in the following steps:
(1) When a call is placed to a subscriber's personal number, the telephone system will receive the call. PA0 (2) The telephone system will then identify the number that was called as belonging to a subscriber of the personal number communication system and will then determine the type of service to be provided. PA0 (3) Finally, if the call requires routing, a routing list will be retrieved and call attempts to the various destinations will be made until the subscriber is located; however, if the subscriber cannot be located, the incoming call will be routed to a default destination such as voice mail.
More specifically, when the telephone system detects that a call to a personal number has been initiated, PNS first determines if the personal number includes facsimile services. If so, the system will first determine whether or not the call attempt is a facsimile transmission. If the call is a facsimile transmission, then the system will store the facsimile data until the subscriber retrieves this information at a later time. If the call attempt is not a facsimile transmission, then the system will determine whether the call is an administration call. An administration call is initiated by the subscriber and allows the subscriber to modify his service options, retrieve any voice mail that might have previously been stored, or obtain prior facsimile transmissions. If the call is not an administration call, the system will then check to see if the incoming call is a priority call. For priority calls, the system indicates to the subscriber that the call being received is from a priority caller.
Finally, if the call requires a routing service, the PNS will identify the calling party and prepare an identification announcement for the subscriber. The identity of the calling party may be determined by performing a reverse white pages database lookup based on the phone number of the calling party or by prompting the calling party to provide identification by either making a voice announcement or by keypad entries. Next, the PNS provides the calling party with a personal greeting from the subscriber, or a standard greeting, which requests the calling party to hold while an attempt to place the call is made.
While the calling party is holding, the PNS continues by retrieving a routing list for the subscriber based on the time of day or day of the week or any other system established criteria. Next, the numbers in the selected routing list will be sequentially accessed until either the call has been successfully routed, rejected, or the list has been exhausted. The routing operation is performed by: placing the received call on hold; selecting a first directory number from the routing list; placing a second call to the selected number; and if it is accepted, connecting the two calls. If the number selected is a mobile phone number, the system will determine if the mobile phone is powered on prior to redirecting the call. This determination is made by verifying whether an autonomous registration for that mobile number has been recently received. The autonomous registration is an indication that the mobile is on and is within the service provider area. Once the first destination has been selected (and the phone is powered on in the case of a mobile number), the system places lo a call to that number.
When the call is answered, an announcement identifying the caller is made to the answering party. In addition, the answering party is prompted to provide disposition information to identify if the call is formally accepted, formally rejected or passively rejected. A formal acceptance occurs when the call is answered and the answering party provides an indication that the call is accepted. This indication may take the form of pressing a key on the phone to transmit a particular DTMF signal or simply maintaining the phone in an "off-hook" state for a specific period of time. A formal rejection occurs when the call is answered and the answering party decides not to accept the call. Similar to a formal acceptance, a formal rejection can include pressing a key to transmit a DTMF signal. In addition, the party can return the receiver to an "on-hook" state within a specific period of time. A call is considered to be successfully routed if a formal acceptance or formal rejection is received. An unsuccessful or failed routing occurs when the call does not result in a formal acceptance or formal rejection. A failed routing, also termed an informal rejection, can take the form of (a) a failure of a call to be answered; (b) the detection of a busy signal; (c) or the answering of the call by an answering machine. Thus, an informal rejection occurs when the call is unsuccessfully routed to the destination.
If the call is formally accepted, the system routes the communication to the destination. If the call is formally rejected, the system routes the communication to a default destination which can be specified by the subscriber. If the call is informally rejected, the system then attempts to route the call to the next destination in the routing list and again requests communication disposition information. The system continues to request communication disposition information from each sequential destination in the routing list until the communication is formally accepted, formally rejected or until the last destination on the routing list is reached. Once the destinations on the routing list have been exhausted, the communication is routed to a last or a default destination. PNS thus includes features similar to call routing, call forwarding, call screening, priority call routing, voice messaging and fax service on a network-based system.
Although the PNS has made substantial advances towards providing seamless access to a subscriber, there is a desire for additional features that can operate to minimize the amount of time required to provide access to a subscriber. For subscribers that utilize routing lists with several destination numbers, the calling party must wait while the subscriber is located. The present invention minimizes this time by determining which destinations have the highest probability of yielding successful results. By creating and retaining this type of information, calls could be routed to the destinations in the routing list based on the probability of successfully completing the call. On the average, this ability would help to reduce the amount of time that a calling party would have to wait in order to contact the subscriber.
Therefore, there is a need in the art for a method that would improve the response time in delivering communications to a called party.
Further, there is a need in the art for a method to route calls in a routing list based system, that given a particular routing list, destinations from within that list can be selected based on the probability of completing the call to that destination.
Furthermore, there is a need in the art for a method to update dynamically the order that a list of numbers is called in order to route calls to a subscriber within the personal number communication system.

Method and apparatus for routing calls based on call success history


The high chair apparatus focuses on safety by providing no sharp edges. External edges and features of the apparatus are rounded to avoid potential injury to a child, whether in or around the apparatus. The seat prevents a child's escape from the chair via the harness and the divider. The built-in vacuum has a substantially selectively hidden hose so that the hose is out of the way except during use. The hose extends sufficiently to clean the apparatus and any area around the apparatus. The removable tray cover and chair back cover further aid in cleanup by providing removable washability. The pedestal housing the vacuum components is insulated to negate excessive noise. Triangularly positioned wheels provide mobility.

High chairs for infants and toddlers are well known in the arts. It is also well known that young ones typically make a mess when eating in them. What has been needed is a high chair that is designed for safety as well as ease of cleanup. The present apparatus provides such, along with a built-in vacuum for total chair and surrounding area cleanup.


A multi-layered polymer having (a) a core layer of an aromatic vinyl polymer, (b) an intermediate layer of a butadienic rubbery polymer and (c) an outer layer of an aromatic vinyl glassy polymer, the amount of the components (a), (b) and (c) being 12 to 42 weight %, 48 to 78 weight % and 10 to 40 weight %, respectively, provides a thermoplastic resin composition excellent not only in impact strength, especially in impact strength at low temperatures, but also in, in the case of containing a coloring agent, color-stability including less mottlings, and giving a molded article improved in preventing occurrence of delamination around the gate region.

While polycarbonate resin is tough and excellent in impact strength or electrical properties and also in dimensional stability, it has such drawbacks as high melting viscosity, poor moldability, thickness dependency observed in impact strength, poor chemical resistance as exemplified by occurrence of cracks when contacted with an aromatic solvent or gasoline. For example, at 23.degree. C., when the thickness exceeds 1/4 inch, brittle fracture is caused, and, even in a test piece of 1/8 inch thickness, impact strength tends to lower as temperatures go down. Thus, polycarbonate resin is inevitably limited in the field of its application.
For overcoming these drawbacks, a variety of improvements have been proposed. For example, in JPA S56(1981)-45946 and JPA S56(1981)-45947, an improvement in the impact strength of aromatic polycarbonate resin is seen by incorporating an acrylic impact modifier thereinto. According to this method, the impact strength is indeed improved, but, in colored molded articles, non-uniformity of color appearance which is, so called, color shading or pearlessence is caused. This phenomenon is especially remarkable at the site where the resin composition receives a high shear rate as in the gate region in the process of molding. Therefore, uses of such colored molded articles as above are inevitably restricted without applying further treatments such as surface painting. And, as mentioned above, at the site where the resin composition receives a high shear rate in the process of molding, delamination is often observed, leading, in some instances, to molded articles which can hardly be put to practical uses. In JPA S56(1981)-28234, there is disclosed a thermoplastic resin composition from which a molded article excellent in impact strength can be prepared by incorporating a multi-stage graft copolymer containing dienic rubber into aromatic polycarbonate resin. This is still not free from remarkable appearance of color shading or pearlessence on the molded articles.
On the other hand, in JPB S61(1986)-9982, it is disclosed that the impact strength of polycarbonate resin can be improved without losing its transparency by incorporating a multi-layered polymer consisting of a polymer of the first layer prepared by polymerization of an aromatic vinyl monomer, a polymer of the second layer prepared by polymerization of an alkyl acrylate monomer whose alkyl group has 1 to 8 carbon atoms and a third layer polymer, whose glass transition temperature is not lower than 50.degree. C., prepared by polymerization of an aromatic vinyl monomer, into the polycarbonate resin together with a homopolymer or copolymer of an aromatic vinyl monomer.
According to this method, the transparency of the resulting resin composition is indeed not lost, but the object of this method is clearly different from that aiming at preventing a resin composition from appearance of color shading. Besides, in the impact strength, no reference is made to thickness dependence or impact strength at low temperature, and the result of improvement in impact strength is far from being satisfactory.
And, for overcoming such drawbacks observed in polycarbonate resin as less satisfactory moldability and chemical resistance, various proposals have been made. For example, in JPB S36(1961)-14035, an improvement of aromatic polycarbonate resin in its chemical resistance by incorporating polyethylene terephthalate resin thereinto is proposed. Also, in JPA S48(1973)-54160, an improvement of aromatic polycarbonate resin in its surface hardness and chemical resistance by incorporating polybutylene terephthalate resin thereinto is proposed. But, in these resin compositions, impact strength is not satisfactory.
Furthermore, in JPB S55(1980)-9435, a method of improving aromatic polycarbonate in its impact strength by incorporation of aromatic polyester and butadienic elastomer, and, in JPB S62(1987)-37671, a method of improving aromatic polycarbonate resin in its impact strength by incorporation of polyester resin and acrylic elastomer, are respectively proposed. According to these methods, impact strength is indeed improved, but, on colored molded articles, color shading or pearlessence appears, and, especially at the site where the resin composition receives a high shear rate in the process of molding, these phenomena are conspicuous. And, at the site where the resin composition receives a high shear rate in the process of molding, delamination is often observed, resulting sometimes in providing molded articles which cannot be put to practical use.
For solving such problems as involved in color shading possibly caused in the production of colored articles, in JPB H1(1989)-34463, there is proposed incorporation of a multi-layered polymer consisting of a first layer polymer prepared by polymerization of a styrenic monomer, a second layer polymer prepared by polymerization of an alkylacrylate monomer whose alkyl group has 1 to 8 carbon atoms and a third layer polymer prepared by polymerization of an alkylmethacrylate monomer whose alkyl group has 1 to 8 carbon atoms into a mixture of colored polycarbonate resin and polyester resin. However, even by this method, the problem of color shading is not solved sufficiently, and the impact strength of the resultant product at low temperatures is not satisfactory.
On the other hand, polyester resin is excellent in chemical resistance, thermal resistance, weatherability and moldability, but low in impact strength. For improving the impact strength, various proposals have been made so far. For example, in JPA S52(1977)-74652 and JPA H2(1990)-191614, a method of incorporating a core-shell elastomer containing epoxy group into polyester resin, and, in JPA S52(1977)-150466, a method of incorporating a core-shell elastomer containing no epoxy group into polyester resin. Even in colored molded articles prepared from these compositions, however, color shading or pearlessence is still observed, and the color appearance is still problematic.


Systems and devices relating to a biconical antenna. The antenna has a top cone assembly and a bottom cone assembly, each cone assembly being coupled to a dielectric spacer at its apex. Each cone assembly has a cone section and a truncated cone section. The cone section is a cone with an apex which forms the apex of the cone assembly. The truncated cone section is coupled to the cone of the cone section at the cone's rim. The cone has an opening angle which is larger than the opening angle of the truncated cone. The biconical antenna can be fed by way of a coaxial cable with the outer cable feeding the bottom cone assembly and the inner cable feeding the top cone assembly.

Many applications require wideband antennas. Some of these applications are military related and may need an ultra-wideband antenna with an omni-directional pattern and which can be used to illuminate the ground around a vehicle for jamming radio control signals. These radio control signals may be used to detonate improvised explosive devices.
Several dipole-types antennas, forming an antenna farm, have been used with some success but they create a clutter on the vehicle and can interfere with each others. For a single-antenna solution, the bicone has been used by many manufacturers but the problem is that, for ultra-wideband, the beam splits in two parts over some frequency bands and creates nulls or minimums in the directions of interest. Also, it is difficult to maintain a good impedance match over such ultra-widebands.
Because such a wideband antenna will need to be deployed on combat vehicles, such an antenna would need to be ruggedized and designed to withstand at least some of the rigors of combat.
There is therefore a need for an antenna that mitigates if not overcomes the issues with the prior art and which solves at least part of the problems noted above.

Ultra-wideband biconical antenna with excellent gain and impedance matching

HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN IN RIGHT OF CANADA, AS REPRESENTED BY THE MINISTER OF NATIONAL DEFENCE


Disclosed are modeling and process control techniques for manufacturing products. More specifically, computer-aided modeling techniques are described that allow the manufacturer to predict a profile for a multivariate output that is necessary to achieve a target performance property for a manufactured product.

In an industrial manufacturing environment, accurate control of the manufacturing process is important. Ineffective process control can lead to manufacture of products that fail to meet desired yield and quality levels. Furthermore, poor process control can significantly increase costs due to increased raw material usage, labor costs and the like. Accordingly, many manufactures seek to develop computational models or simulations for the manufacturing process. Other manufacturers rely heavily on operator experience to control the process.

Computer-aided modeling and manufacture of products


A fixed-focus lens including a first lens group and a second lens group is provided. The first lens group has a negative refractive power, and consists essentially of a first lens, a second lens, a third lens, and a fourth lens arranged in sequence from an object side to an image side. Refractive powers of the first, second, third, and fourth lenses are negative, negative, positive, and negative respectively. The second lens group is disposed between the first lens group and the image side, and has a positive refractive power. The second lens group includes a fifth lens and a sixth lens arranged in sequence from the object side to the image side. Refractive powers of the fifth lens and the sixth lens are both positive.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a lens. More particularly, the present invention relates to a fixed-focus lens.
2. Description of Related Art
With the development of modern video technology, image apparatuses such as digital video cameras (DVC) and digital cameras (DC) are widely used in a variety of fields. One of the core elements of the image apparatuses is lens, which is used for forming clear images on a screen or a charge coupled device (CCD). When the image apparatuses are applied in some specific fields, wide angle lenses are used to widen the field of view (FOV). For example, the wide angle lenses are used in car reverse cameras or driving assist cameras. Generally speaking, the horizontal FOV of wide angle lenses for cars is about 100 degrees. In addition, the f-number of normal wide angle lenses for cars is about 2.8. Furthermore, the length and volume of wide angle lenses for cars must be small enough to be mounted in bumpers or at other positions of the cars.
Referring to FIG. 1, a wide angle lens 100 disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,853,495 includes two lens groups 110 and 120 arranged in sequence from an object side to an image side. The refractive powers of the two lens groups 110 and 120 are negative and positive, respectively. The lens group 110 consists of two lenses 112 and 114. The refractive powers of the lenses 112 and 114 are both negative, and the lens 114 is an aspheric lens. The lens group 120 consists of five lenses 121, 122, 123, 124, and 125, and the refractive powers of the five lenses 121, 122, 123, 124, and 125 are negative, positive, positive, positive, and negative, respectively. As the wide angle lens 100 has an aspheric lens (i.e. the lens 114) that requires high manufacturing cost, the cost of the wide angle lens 100 is high. Moreover, the wide angle lens 100 has seven lenses 112, 114, 121, 122, 123, 124, and 125 altogether, so that the length and the volume of the wide angle lens 100 are relatively great.


An apparatus for protecting an integrated circuit is applied to an electrical apparatus having a control unit. The control unit is used for controlling the integrated circuit and the protecting apparatus. The protecting apparatus includes a power input terminal, a power output terminal, and a control terminal. The power input terminal is used for receiving a power, and the power output terminal is used for outputting the power to the integrated circuit. The control terminal is used for receiving a control voltage of the control unit. When the control unit is at the power on mode, the control unit outputs the control voltage of a first level to prevent the power being input to the integrated circuit. Over a predetermined period of time, the control unit outputs the control voltage of a second level, so that the power can be input to the integrated through the protecting apparatus.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates in general to an apparatus for protecting an integrated circuit and method thereof, and more particularly to an apparatus for protecting an integrated circuit, which can prevent the latch up of the integrated circuit by controlling the power input to the integrated circuit and method thereof.
2. Description of the Related Art
Referring to FIG. 1, a structural diagram of a conventional projector is shown. The conventional projector 100 includes a lamp 110, a lamp igniter 120, a microprocessor 130, and an integrated circuit 140. The lamp igniter 120 controlled by the microprocessor 130, uses an instant high voltage of 25,000 V approximately to ignite the lamp 110. Normally the integrated circuit 140 is an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), which is controlled by the microprocessor 230 and performs various operations, such as driving the fan, under power on mode. The integrated circuit 140 receives power from the power source 150 via power source pins (not shown in the figure).
Normally, the projector 100 is at standby mode as switched on. Meanwhile, power of the power source 150 is inputted to the microprocessor 130 and the integrated circuit 140, the lamp igniter 120 has not ignited the lamp 110, neither has the integrated circuit 140 been driven to perform various operations. When the projector 100 enters the above-mentioned power on mode, the lamp igniter 120 will ignite the lamp 110, and the microprocessor 130 will send a signal instructing the integrated circuit 140 to perform normal operations. However, the instant high voltage required for igniting the lamp will generate a large amount of electromagnetic waves, which will easily enter the integrated circuit 140 via the power pins along with power output by the power source 150. Having a high voltage of 100 V approximately, the electromagnetic waves will reduce the impedance between the power pins of the integrated circuit and the ground level to be below 100 ohms, which is almost short-circuited, and causes the integrated circuit 140 to be latched up. After the integrated circuit 140 has been latched up, if the power source 150 still continues to supply power, the integrated circuit 140 will be penetrated and damaged by a large amount of currents accordingly.
In the prior art, a capacitance is installed at the power pins of the integrated circuit 140 to filter noises. However, the electromagnetic wave (100 V approximately) generated by the instant high voltage cannot be filtered without using a large amount of capacitance or a large capacitor, not only is it uneconomic but ineffective. Besides, an iron piece or a copper piece can be disposed on the peripheral of the integrated circuit to prevent the radiation of the electromagnetic waves. However, such mechanism has several limitations and has a complicated design.

Apparatus for protecting an integrated circuit and method thereof


The invention relates to a connector arrangement for optical wave guides for establishing multimedia connections in motor vehicles, e.g. in accordance with the MOST®-Standard wherein a first and a second fiber section are each enclosed by a sleeve and by connecting it fixedly with the sleeve, both sleeves form an integrally constructed, common fiber holder for the two fiber sections, which can be inserted into the rear fiber receptable of the connector housing.

Due to the increasing complexity of applications in the field of informative motor vehicle electronics, which can be called multimedia by now, new concepts have become necessary for networking various devices.
E.g., at least the car radio, mobile telephone and navigation system should be able to communicate with one another bidirectionally so that, e.g. music reproduction of the car radio can be muted and the mobile radio connection can be operated via the radio loudspeakers when the user wishes to call by telephone. However, it can be seen that this is only a very simple application and that hardly any limits are set to the multimedia networking of on-board electronics in order to satisfy the requirements of the customers.
To meet these complex requirements, optical data transmission has been successfully used for these connections in the motor vehicle field. A new standard by the name of MOST® has been separately developed in this regard. The specifications of the MOST® standard are published as "MAMAC specification" Rev 1.0, November 2002, version 1.0-00 at http://www.mostnet.de/downloads/Specifications/MAMACSpecification—1V0-00.pdf and at http://www.mostnet.de/downloads/Specifications/MOST%20Physical%20Layer%20Specification/010233WgPhy Drawings.zip. Reference is herewith made to the aforementioned specification and its content is incorporated into the subject matter of the present disclosure to its full extent by reference.
Optical MOST® connectors are designed for connecting at least two optical waveguides. A number of such connectors are known today.
Referring to the rear connection of the optical waveguides at the connector, it is known to provide the optical waveguides with ferrules and to install these in a holder, each ferrule being pressed by a spiral spring.
However, this construction comprises at least six individual parts which is associated with relatively high production costs.
However, the complex assembly of the multi-part arrangement, which can be called "fumbling" in the case of manual assembly which may be necessary, e.g. during a repair is even more serious.
In this process, there is a risk, for example, that individual parts such as the spiral springs or the holder can be lost during disassembly or assembly so that a replacement part must be procured again before the assembly can be finished. Furthermore, these connectors are subject to faults due to their complexity.
Altogether, this solution is greatly in need of improvement, particularly in order to be competitive in quality and price in the hotly contested market and to be able to withstand the hard workshop operation.


A short-circuit charge-sharing technique which allows charge-sharing between two or more circuits with a simple shorting transistor controlled to achieve the desired operating voltage levels. The shorting transistor which can be either a P-channel Metal Oxide Semiconductor (PMOS) or an N-channel Metal Oxide Semiconductor (NMOS) device and can be controlled utilizing the same clock that enables the drive of the signals between which charge-sharing occurs. In operation, the desired operating voltage levels can be regulated by increasing and decreasing the pulse width of the control circuit output to the gate of the shorting transistor.

The present invention relates, in general, to the field of integrated circuit (IC) devices having a need to conserve operating power. More particularly, the present invention relates to a short-circuit charge-sharing technique operative to conserve integrated circuit device operating power.
Power consumption is becoming one of the largest concerns for today's integrated circuit devices. Charge-sharing, or charge recycling, is a circuit design technique being explored in the industry to lower the power on many IC products. Conventional approaches to charge-sharing involve placing two circuit blocks in series with each other between power and ground. Each of the circuits then operates at approximately half of the total power supply level with the current consumed by one circuit being approximately the same as that consumed by the second. In operation, the current used by this first circuit is recycled and re-used by the second. An example of this technique is shown in FIG. 1 of Rajapandian et al., "High-Voltage Power Delivery Through Charge Recycling", IEEE Journal of Solid-Sate Circuits, Vol. 41, No. 6, June 2006 at pg. 1401.
This conventional approach can be carried further to more than two circuits as is also shown in FIG. 2 of this same article wherein the various supply nodes are now labeled 3VDD, 2VDD and VDD as three similar circuits are placed in series. There are at least two limitations with this approach, one of which is that the two circuit blocks may not be balanced to where the current ITOP is not similar to IBOTTOM. This results in a drift of these internal power supply nodes and a shift in their levels depending on the amount of time each circuit is active. This can be overcome with a regulator and hold circuit however, efficiency of the charge-sharing operation quickly decreases with this current imbalance.
Another limitation of this technique exists when something other than an equal fraction of the supply voltage is desired to supply voltage for the circuit blocks. This can occur when the lower, or reference, voltage for one circuit block is not desired to become the supply voltage of the second circuit block.

Short-circuit charge-sharing technique for integrated circuit devices


An apparatus to compensate for loss in a transmission path includes a circuit block that incorporates time constants into a signal transmitted via the transmission path. The time constants counteract at least part of inherent time constants that contribute to loss in the transmission path. The circuit block includes a resistive circuit and a capacitive circuit. The capacitive circuit and the resistive circuit together contribute to the time constants. The capacitive circuit includes plural capacitors that are each switchable via the circuit block. An amount of compensation provided by the apparatus corresponds, at least in part, to the loss in the transmission path.

High-speed signals have a tendency to travel on the outer edge, or "skin", of a conductor. Thus, the cross-sectional area of the conductor that is used to transmit the signals is reduced. Because less conductor is used, the transmission path is, effectively, more resistive. The resistance here is referred to as the "skin resistance". Losses in the signal that results from the skin resistance are referred to as "skin losses".
Skin losses become more prevalent as signal frequencies increase, and can have various deleterious effects on the signal. For example, skin losses can cause attenuation in the signal, which effectively results in a narrowing of signal pulses. In a square wave signal, such as a digital signal, the attenuation can cause a rounding of the signal. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, skin losses can transform original, complementary square-wave digital signals 5 into signals 7 having rounded edges. This results in a narrowing of pulse widths in the signals, thereby adversely affecting timing. In some cases, amplitude attenuation can be significant enough to prevent the signals from reaching a threshold required to register a change from a logic zero to a logic one.
Problems resulting from skin loss can occur in automatic test equipment (ATE). In this context, ATE is an automated, usually computer-driven, system for testing devices, such as semiconductors, electronic circuits, and printed circuit board assemblies. A device tested by ATE is referred to as a device under test (DUT).
ATE is capable of providing different types of signals to a DUT. Among these signals are test signals, which are used to test the DUT. The test signals may include analog signals and digital signals used to test and/or program the DUT. Heretofore, ATE provided a fixed loss compensation to counteract skin losses that occurred during transmission of signals between the ATE and the DUT. One problem with fixed loss compensation, however, is that it does not take into account that different signal transmission paths have different lengths, resulting in different amounts of loss. Circuit board traces, for example, can account for the differing lengths of a transmission path. Fixed loss compensation can under-compensate for skin losses and, in other cases, it can over-compensate for skin losses.

Compensating for loss in a transmission path


A superconducting infrared photodetector employing SQUID (Superconducting Quantum Interference Device) measurement of fluxon flow in thin superconducting granular films to provide sensitive, low-noise detection of infrared radiation. The superconducting infrared photodetector includes a plurality of superconducting detector elements connected in parallel or series, means for supplying a bias current to the detector elements, and a digital or analog SQUID readout circuit. Each detector element includes a thin granular film of superconducting material which forms a randomly connected array of weakly coupled superconductors. The weakly coupled superconductors promote the formation of oppositely-polarized fluxons, which are driven to opposite sides of the film when subjected to the bias current. Incident radiation causes an increase in this fluxon flow, generating a voltage change. The voltage change is measured by the SQUID readout circuit to provide a sensitive, low-noise measurement of the amount of radiation incident on the detector elements.

This invention relates generally to infrared photodetectors and, more particularly, to superconducting infrared photodetectors having thin granular film detector elements.
Infrared photodetectors are widely used in surveillance, monitoring, and imaging systems and are of two general types. Bolometric or thermal photodetectors rely on detector elements that undergo a change in some temperature-dependent parameter, such as resistance, when uniformly heated by infrared radiation. Bolometric photodetectors are typically broadband, but tend to have either a slow response time or poor sensitivity. Quantum or nonequilibrium photodetectors do not rely on a uniform heating of the detector elements and, therefore, usually provide both a fast response time and good sensitivity.
Quantum-type detector elements are frequently fabricated from either semiconducting or superconducting materials. Semiconducting materials generally provide good quantum detection of photons at energy levels corresponding to the energy gaps of these materials. The energy gaps of semiconducting materials are on the order of 1 eV, which is in the near infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. Superconducting materials generally provide good quantum detection of photons at much lower energy levels because of the much smaller energy gaps of these materials. The energy gaps of low-temperature superconducting materials are on the order of 1 meV, which is in the millimeter wave portion of the spectrum.
Thin superconducting granular films, however, have recently shown considerable promise in detecting radiation over a wide range of the electromagnetic spectrum, including the desirable infrared portion of the spectrum. These granular films contain small grains of superconducting material which form a randomly connected array of weakly coupled superconductors. The weakly coupled superconductors promote the formation of oppositely-polarized fluxons, which are driven toward opposite sides of the film when subjected to a bias current. Incident infrared radiation causes an increase in this fluxon flow, generating a measurable voltage change. Unfortunately, infrared photodetectors that utilize these granular films have typically suffered from poor sensitivity and low signal-to-noise ratios, and have been difficult to implement in focal plane arrays. Accordingly, there has been a need for a superconducting infrared photodetector having thin granular film detector elements that does not suffer from these limitations. The present invention is directed to this end.

Sensitive, low-noise superconducting infrared photodetector


One memory module includes a printed circuit board comprising an upper row of memory integrated circuits, a lower row of memory integrated circuits, and a first addressing register and a second addressing register, the first addressing register and a second addressing register each having at least one of address and control input routing primarily provided in a first layer, the first addressing register coupled to the upper row of memory integrated circuits and the second addressing register coupled to the lower row of memory integrated circuits.

A memory module for a computer or computer-based device generally comprises a circuit board having dynamic random access memory (DRAM) chips and a connector that enables communication with a motherboard. To operate successfully, a memory module typically meets standard timing and interface requirements for the type of memory module intended for use in the particular computer. These requirements may be proprietary, and/or defined in design specification documents that are published by either the original initiator of the standard (e.g., INTEL or IBM) or a standards issuing body such as JEDEC (Joint Electron Device Engineering Coucil).
DRAMs used in memory modules are often identified as ×4 or ×8 DRAMs. The distinction between ×4 and ×8 is determined by different number of data outputs per DRAM, with the total amount of memory available per memory module being the same. For example, error correction code (ECC) memory modules often feature 72 data bits (64 data bits plus 8-ECC bits). Therefore, a single-rank memory module with ×4 devices uses 72/4 or 18 total DRAM chips. Memory modules featuring ×8 devices use 72/8 or nine total chips. The 72-bit unit of devices (18 or 9) is referred to as a rank. In other words, rank is a term used to refer to the set of DRAM devices that are accessed during a single memory transfer. For example, the number of devices accessed is equal to the size of the data bus divided by the device width of the DRAM. A single chip select is common for all the devices in a single rank. Memory modules may also comprise two ranks, and are sometimes referred to as high density memory modules.
To respond to consumer demand for higher capacity memory modules, manufacturers of memory modules have attempted to place a higher density of memory integrated circuits on printed circuit boards. One mechanism for achieving high memory density is through the use of micro-ball grid array (micro-BGA) designs. Micro-BGA integrated circuits use a connection technique that places the connections for the integrated circuit between the body of the integrated circuit and the surface of the printed circuit board. Stacking is another technique, whereby a second layer of integrated circuits is provided on top of the integrated circuits disposed upon the surface of the printed circuit board.
The demand for high speed, high capacity memory modules for use in the computer industry has grown rapidly, fostering the need for continued improvements in these and other memory module designs and techniques.

Double-high DIMM with dual registers and related methods

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.