A current-mode differential transmitter, receiving a single-end input voltage signal and accordingly generating a differential output current signal, is provided. The transmitter includes a first switch, a second switch and a current mirror. The first switch is coupled in a first current path and controlled by the single-end input voltage signal. The second switch is coupled in a second current path and controlled by an inverted signal of the single-end input voltage signal. The current mirror mirrors a reference current to the first current path when the first switch is turned on, and mirrors the reference current to the second current path when the second switch is turned on. The differential output current signal is derived from the currents on the first and second current paths.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates in general to a current-mode differential transmitter and receiver and more particularly to a current-mode differential transmitter and receiver with low noise and large data swing.
2. Description of the Related Art
FIG. 1 shows a circuit diagram of a conventional current-mode transmitter. The current-mode transmitter 100 receives an input voltage signal VI, and accordingly generates an output current signal Iout. The current-mode transmitter 100 includes two switches implemented by NMOS transistors M6 and M7, and a current mirror composed of NMOS transistors M1˜M5. The switch M6 is coupled in a current path CP11 and controlled by the input voltage signal VI. The switch M7 has one end receiving a supply voltage VDD and the other end coupled to one end of the switch M6, and controlled by the inverted signal VIB of the input voltage signal VI.
The current mirror mirrors a reference current IB to a current path CP12. The current mirror also mirrors the reference current IB to the current path CP11 when the switch M6 is turned on. The current value of the output current signal Iout is a sum of the currents on the current paths CP11 and CP12. When a voltage level of the input voltage signal VI is a low voltage level, the switch M6 is turned on. Thus, the current signal Iout has a current value of 2IB. When a voltage level of the signal VI is a high voltage level, the switch M6 is turned off. Thus, the current signal Iout has a current value of IB.
FIG. 2 shows a circuit diagram of a conventional current-mode receiver. The current-mode receiver 200 receives an input current signal Iout, and accordingly generates an output voltage signal on an output terminal OUT. The current-mode receiver 200 includes a PMOS transistor M10, a NMOS transistor M9, a current source implemented by a PMOS transistor M8, and a current mirror composed of PMOS transistors M4 and M6, and NMOS transistors M7.
The current mirror mirrors the input current signal Iout to a current path CP21, and the current source generates a reference current ICM flowing in a current path CP22. The transistor M10 has a source receiving a supply voltage VDD and a drain coupled to the output terminal OUT. The transistor M9 has a drain coupled to the output terminal OUT and a source receiving a ground voltage GND. The gate-to-source voltages of the transistors M9 and M10 are determined respectively according to currents flowing in the current paths CP21 and CP22.
The current-mode receiver 200 further includes a NMOS transistor M5, and a bias voltage generation circuit composed of PMOS transistors M1 and M2, and a NMOS transistor M3. The bias voltage generation circuit provides a bias voltage as the gate-to-source voltage of the transistor M5 such that it is turned on. If the input current signal Iout has a current value smaller than that of the reference current ICM, the voltage level on the output terminal OUT is the supply voltage VDD. If the input current signal Iout has a current value larger than that of the reference current ICM, the voltage level on the output terminal OUT is the ground voltage GND.
The above-mentioned current-mode transmitter and receiver both have a form of single-end output or input and thus are subject to noise interference.

Current-mode differential transmitter and receiver


A golf club head including a front strike face, a sole extending rearwardly from a bottom region of the front strike face, a rear surface opposed to the front strike face, and a vibration damper provided on the rear surface. The vibration damper includes a constraining member having a high Young's modulus connected to the rear surface of the club head through an interposed visco-elastic material.

The invention concerns a golf club head.
It is known that the head of a golf club, either a "metal wood" or "iron" is forged, molded, cast, or milled and will be joined to a shaft. In the case of irons, the head includes a planar strike face on one side thereof, a sole on an underside thereof, and an open cavity on a rear side, opposite the strike face, above the sole. Depending on the manufacturer and on the desired effects and fabrication method, this cavity assumes very different shapes. With the case of metal woods, a top surface and the sole of the club extend back from the strike face and are joined at a skirt portion of the club to define a closed cavity.
It is further known that when the club head strikes a ball, vibrations are generated which are annoying to the player. Thus, it is desirable to dampen such vibrations.
Vibration dampers have been used in sports equipment. For example, the assignee of the present application has proposed, in French patent document A-2,575,393, integrating a vibration damper in skis, wherein the damper consists of a stress plate with a high Young's modulus and is bonded to the ski by a visco-elastic material. This plate is located either near the ski heel, where the ski tip begins, or at the front of the boot fastening zone.

Golf club head having vibration damping means


A digital device 310 with a plurality of collocated wireless networks encounters inter-network interference if the collocated wireless networks operate in a common operating frequency. A coordinator unit 510, coupled to the plurality of wireless networks, provides a transmission reservation system wherein a wireless network with a need to transmit can request and receive a reservation for time to transmit. The coordinator unit 510 provides a way to schedule transmissions from the plurality of wireless networks and to reduce the probability of collisions.

Radio frequency (RF) spectrum is a valuable commodity in today's world. There are more people desiring to use the RF spectrum than there is spectrum to go around, so use of the spectrum must be regulated. In many countries, the RF spectrum is regulated by governmental bodies. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates the RF spectrum in the United States.
The RF spectrum is regulated usually in one of two ways. A first way that governmental bodies regulates the RF spectrum is to sell portions of it to the highest bidder. The winning bidder, then has exclusive use of the particular portion of the RF spectrum that he has just purchased. This is way that RF spectrum for cellular telephones, television and radio channels are allocated. Single user allocations are the preferred method for applications where interference from other sources cannot be tolerated.
A second way that the government regulates RF spectrum usage is to create certain bands where anyone can use the RF spectrum as long as they comply with specified spectrum usage rules. For example, in the United States, the FCC has created three such bands. These bands are called the industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) and the unified national information infrastructure (UNII) bands and are in the 900 MHz, 2.4 GHz, and 5.7 GHz portions of the RF spectrum. Anyone may use the spectrum in these bands as long as they are able to accept interference from other users and do not cause undue interference to other users.
The ISM and UNII bands have created a huge market for wireless consumer electronics products, such as cordless telephones, wireless computer products, and wireless computer networks. However, the popularity of the bands has resulted in a problem that many product developers did not anticipate, namely, performance degradation due to inter-product interference.
In wireless computer networks, the performance degradation is seen mainly in the network's data transfer rates. A wireless network today is capable of delivering a data transfer rate of 11 Mbps or more in an interference free environment, but if interference is introduced, the data transfer rate may drop to only a small fraction of the maximum.
Interference to a wireless computer network may come from many different forms. Sources of interference may include large appliances in the environment, other electronic devices such as pagers, cordless telephones, and microwave ovens, and other wireless computer networks. The relatively simple sources of interference such as appliances and pagers and telephones are relatively simple to deal with because their interference is periodic and is usually predictable. Because the interference is predictable, it is usually easy to avoid.
When multiple wireless computer networks are collocated, the wireless networks may interfere with one another. If the wireless computer networks are of the same type (the networks use a common technical standard), then there are often built-in mechanisms that permit the networks to remain operating at near optimal levels. However, if the wireless computers networks are of differing types, then there normally no built-in techniques that will permit the networks to work around each other.
Interference from wireless networks are more difficult to deal with due to the bursty nature of computer traffic and the fact the networks are often adaptive and can adjust their behavior depending on network conditions. The adaptive behavior often makes the interference worse because in many cases the network simply increases its transmission power when it detects a decrease in data rate. The increased transmission power results in a corresponding increase in the interference to other networks.
The collocation problem is at its worst when a single device has wireless network cards for multiple wireless networks installed. For example, a personal computer may have two (or more) wireless network interface cards installed inside it. A first card may be used with an IEEE 802.11 (802.11) wireless Ethernet network that permits the personal computer access to a company's corporate intranet and access to the Internet. A second card may be used with a Bluetooth (BT) network that permits the personal computer short-range access to personal digital assistants, printers, cellular telephones, etc.
Unfortunately, since the two network cards are often only a few inches (or less) from one another, when one card transmits, it often saturates the receiver of the other. This prevents the other card from receiving any information transmitted in its own network. A similar problem occurs when one card is receiving information, where the received information from one network may be so powerful that it obliterates any information intended for the other network.
One proposed solution for the collocation of multiple wireless computer networks in a single device involves regulating traffic flow from the networks with fixed priorities. This involves assigning different traffic classes in each of the networks a different priority and then allowing the traffic classes with higher priorities to transmit at the expense of lower priority traffic. However, with a fixed priority structure, it is very possible to have the higher priority traffic dominate access to the networks and starve the lower priority traffic. Additionally, by using fixed priorities, it is not possible to adjust the priorities to meet changing network conditions.
A need has therefore arisen for a solution that allows multiple wireless computer networks to collocate and at the same time, permit sufficient flexibility so that the solution itself may be adjusted to meet changing network conditions.

Collaborative mechanism of enhanced coexistence of collocated wireless networks


A mechanical response of an implantable medical device (IMD) to a first static magnetic field and a first gradient magnetic field slew rate is simulated by exposing the IMD to a second static magnetic field having a magnitude greater than the first static magnetic field and generating a second gradient magnetic field at the IMD such that a product of the second static magnetic field and a second gradient magnetic field slew rate is substantially equal to a product of the first static magnetic field and the first gradient magnetic field slew rate.

The present invention relates to implantable medical devices. In particular, the present invention relates to the simulation and testing of magnetic field induced vibrations in implantable medical devices.
In a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner, a magnet creates a strong magnetic field that aligns the protons of hydrogen atoms in the body. The MRI scanner then exposes the protons to radio frequency (RF) energy, which spins the various protons to produce a faint signal that is detected and subsequently rendered into an image. During this process, a static magnetic field and a time-varying gradient magnetic field are produced. These fields may result in mechanical interactions between an implantable medical device (IMD) and the MRI environment. In particular, interactions between the static magnetic field and the gradient magnetic field produce vibrations in the IMD. The vibration response of the IMD depends on the frequency and magnitude of the gradient magnetic field. The magnitude of the gradient magnetic field varies with position in the MRI scanner.
As MRI scanner technology evolves, the rate of change of the gradient magnetic field will increase to produce more detailed scans of human tissue. As the slew rate of the gradient magnetic field increases, the intensity of the vibration response of the IMD will also increase. Thus, it is important to test the reliability of IMDs in field strengths and slew rates beyond those produced by contemporary clinical MRI scanners to assure that IMDs perform reliably in future generations of clinical MRI scanners.

Simulation of magnetic field induced vibrations in implantable medical devices


The invention provides a novel method for manufacturing iodinated resin particulates that have widespread utility as disinfectants. The invention also provides novel iodinated demand disinfectant iodinated resins that have superior properties than resins known in the art. The novel manufacturing process of the current invention is highly efficient and environmentally friendly and is conducted without the presence of water. Additionally, the manufacturing process produces iodinated resins that have better overall biological performance than resins produced by prior art methods owing to higher degrees of iodine in the manufactured resin particulates and higher degrees of uniformity of iodine content when comparing particulate to particulate.

Demand disinfectant iodinated resins have been used in a variety of applications. For instance, iodinated resins may be used to sterilize fluids such as water, air, blood and other bodily secretions by devitalizing microorganisms such as fungi, protozoan, bacteria and viruses that may be present in the fluid. Additionally, iodinated resins can be used in wound dressings, disinfectants, filters, clothing, fibers, facemasks, polymers, non-polymeric structures and coatings.
Numerous manufacturing processes for making demand disinfectant iodinated resins are disclosed in the prior art. U.S. Pat. No. 5,639,452 to Messier, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses a disinfectant substance comprising iodine impregnated ion exchange resin and a process for the preparation thereof. The Messier patent discloses that this disinfectant is a demand-type broad spectrum resin-polyiodide disinfectant useful in sterilizing fluids, and particularly a polyiodide disinfectant in which the iodine is more tenaciously associated with the resin than with previously known disinfectants, such that it leaves behind nondetectable or otherwise acceptable residual diatomic iodine in treated fluids. The demand disinfectant iodinated resins disclosed in Messier are generally formed by contacting a strongly basic anionic resin with an aqueous solution of iodine and potassium iodide under conditions of high temperature and pressure. Iodinated resin beads (Triosyn®) are made by Triosyn Research Inc., a division of Triosyn Corporation of Vermont, USA.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,431,908 to Lund also teaches a method of preparing halide-impregnated ion exchange resins useful in purifying fluids such as water. The method involves circulating an effective amount of polyhalide salt carrier solution between an effective amount of elemental iodide and a strong base anion exchange resin until all of the resin is converted to the polyhalide form.
The processes disclosed in Messier and Lund are useful in preparing iodinated resin granules or beads with diameters ranging from 0.2 mm (200 microns) to 0.8 mm (800 microns). However, smaller particulates are required for the production of some filters, polymeric or non-polymeric extrusions, wound dressings, fibers and coatings Moreover, use of iodinated resins in coatings and in aerosols requires smaller particulates. It is possible to produce small iodinated resin particulates of the desired size by grinding the beads produced by the method described in Messier. In addition, U.S. Pat. No. 6,562,885, to Moorehead, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses a method of manufacturing smaller iodinated resin particulates, on the scale of 0.1-300 microns. Moorehead starts with iodinated resin beads, as prepared in Messier, and grinds them into smaller particulates. After selecting particulates of the appropriate size, the particulates may be re-iodinated by contacting them with an aqueous solution of iodine and potassium iodide under conditions of high temperature and pressure.
The methods described above for producing micronized iodinated resin particulates have several disadvantages. The pieces of particulate iodinated resin formed following the grinding of the larger iodinated resin beads have different iodine content because the large beads cannot be homogeneously iodinated from the surface to the core of the sphere of the bead. In the larger beads, there is less iodine in the center of the bead than on the edges of the bead. As a result, the individual particulates, after grinding of the larger resin bead, have differential amounts of iodine. Although the particulates can be re-iodinated, as described in Moorehead, the re-iodination process does not produce uniformly iodinated particulates. While the iodine content of the initially less impregnated particulates is increased, the iodine content of the particulates that were already optimal prior to re-iodination is increased as well. Additionally, the process results in a considerable amount of iodine waste, which is environmentally toxic.
Being that the percent iodine content of a resin determines the toxicological properties and the biocidal properties thereof, such nonuniformity translates into a large fluctuation of the biocidal performances of individual particulates. As a result, when the particulates are incorporated into filters, polymeric extrusions or coatings, for example, the resultant product (e.g., filter, wound dressing or wipe) may not behave uniformly. Consequently, if iodinated resin particulates are incorporated into a filter, it is possible that microorganisms migrating through areas of the material containing particulates of low iodine content will not be devitalized while microorganisms migrating through areas of the filter containing areas of high iodine content will be devitalized. Moreover, being that the particles are dispersed in a medium having an area much larger than the iodinated resin particulates, different areas of the medium may have different toxicological properties.
In addition to problems with nonuniformity described in the preceding paragraphs, the methods described in Messier, Lund and Moorehead are time-consuming, technologically challenging and costly. For instance, methods described in Messier and Moorehead necessitate the use of a step for iodine impregnation with requires water or other liquids, or batch blending. In particular, prior art methods require the use of an aqueous sludge of iodine and potassium iodide. Working with such a sludge is complicated, particularly when dealing with small resin particulates. Moreover, in order to obtain a dry iodinated powder to be used in filters, coatings, polymeric and non-polymeric extrusions, the additional step of drying the water content is required. Generating smaller particulates is particularly challenging. Using the Moorehead process, for instance, requires two iodination steps, one to produce the larger beads and one to re-iodinate the smaller particulates after grinding. Hence, the batch process and drying steps must be performed twice. When a specific range of particulate size is required a sieving step is also required. Accordingly, the multiple manufacturing steps are extensive and cost-prohibitive.
Furthermore, the prior art manufacturing processes may have negative environmental consequences owing to the loss of iodine to the environment. Processes requiring multiple iodination steps are particularly unfriendly to the environment. Additionally, the use of water in the prior art processes generates considerable toxicological waste because fluid containing iodine are generated.
Hence, there exists a need to develop a new manufacturing process to generate iodinated resins that is technologically simpler, less costly, yielding a more biologically potent and more environmentally friendly resin. Additionally, there exists a need to generate small iodinated resin particulates that have a uniform content of iodine and thereby can be applied to antimicrobial products including filters, coatings and wound dressings.

Iodinated resin manufacturing process and product


In an infant-restraining protective seat, a cover seat (98) is tiltably supported on a turning shaft (20) which tiltably supports a seat back (3) on a seat portion (2). When the cover seat (98) is at a position at which it closes a second recess of a seat-portion body (7), the cover seat (98) forms a seat surface on the upper side of the seat-portion body (7). When the cover seat (98) is at a position at which it opens the second recess (14), the operation for fastening and unfastening a tongue (123) and buckle (124) of a seat belt device installed in a vehicle seat, which operation is performed in the second recess (14), can be performed with ease from above the front of the protective seat (1).

This invention relates to an infant-restraining protective seat having at least a seat portion for seating an infant. More particularly, the invention relates to an infant-restraining protective seat which is secured to the seat of a vehicle by fastening, within the seat portion, fastening means of a seat belt device installed in the seat of the vehicle and having at least the fastening means, such as a tongue and buckle.
In a vehicle such as an automobile or airplane, restraining protective seats for infants have been used in order to maintain the seated posture of an infant during travel and protect the infant from shock at the time of acceleration and deceleration. An infant restraining and protective seat of this kind has a reclinable seat main body reclinably attached to a base member and integrally molded to include a seat portion which seats an infant and a seat back for supporting the back of the seated infant, and an infant seat belt device for restraining the seated infant. The infant seat belt device has an infant seat belt, a chest-contact pad attached to the end of the infant seat belt, a tongue provided on the end of the chest-contact pad, and a buckle with which the tongue is engaged in a fastenable and unfastenable manner. In a state in which the tongue of the infant seat belt is engaged with and locked by the buckle, the infant seated on the seat portion is restrained by the infant seat belt and chest-contact pad.
The infant-restraining protective seat of this kind is secured to a vehicle seat by a seat belt device installed in a seat of the vehicle for the purpose of restraining a passenger seated in the seat. More specifically, the protective seat has a base portion formed to have large through-holes on the right and left. The tongue and buckle of the vehicle seat belt are passed through these holes from the left and right and are fastened within the base portion, thereby securing the protective seat to the vehicle seat.
However, depending upon the type of vehicle, there are instances where the width of the vehicle seat in which the infant-restraining protective seat is to be secured, namely the distance between the left and right side walls or left and right arm rests of the vehicle seat, is small. When an attempt is made to insert the tongue and buckle of the seat belt from the left and right of the protective seat and fasten them within the base portion of the protective seat in order to secure the protective seat in such a vehicle seat, the clearance between the left and right sides of the protective seat and the left and right side walls or left and right arm rests of the vehicle seat will be too small, thus making it extremely troublesome to insert the tongue and buckle through the through-holes of the base portion and difficult to fasten and unfasten the tongue and buckle. Accordingly, a problem which arises is that labor is required to fixedly attach the infant-restraining protective seat to the vehicle seat belt and detach it from the vehicle seat.

Apparatus for adjusting fastening position of fastening means in seat belt device


A gas operating system for a firearm renders the firearm capable of firing a wide range of shot loads by passively or automatically compensating for different shot loads. The firearm includes a plurality of ports formed in the firearm barrel, and corresponding ports formed in a gas cylinder of the gas operating system. The ports tap gases generated during firing which are used to cycle the firearm. When firing different cartridge loads, differing combinations of the ports are selectively at least partially blocked or otherwise obstructed by the cartridge casing according to the size of the cartridge.

1. Technical Field
The present invention generally relates to a gas operating system for firearms that allows firing of different cartridge loads for a given shell caliber or gauge.
2. Related Art
Automatic and semiautomatic shotguns having user-adjustable gas systems are known. Adjustable gas systems allow a user to control the amount of gas entering into and/or vented from the system, which allows a wider range of cartridge loads to be fired from a single firearm. However, if an adjustable gas system is set for heavy loads and the weapon is used to fire light loads, the firearm may not fully cycle, which may require the user to manually cycle the bolt in order to load the next round. If the adjustable gas system is set for light loads and the weapon is used to fire a heavy load, the bolt velocity after firing may result in improper cycling and the weapon may suffer reduced part life for certain components.
Firearms such as the Remington M/1187 have self-compensating gas systems. Self-compensating gas systems allow a wider range of loads to be fired without requiring adjustment of the gas system. However, the wide range of available cartridge loads may not be sufficiently compensated by conventional self-compensating systems. For example, 12 gauge loads have a wide spread from light 2¾″ loads to heavy 3½″ loads. As a result, some self-compensating designs may not reliably operate light loads under all conditions, and may suffer undesirably high bolt velocities when firing heavy magnum loads.


Memory module adapters and methods for connecting memory modules to computing systems are disclosed. The memory module adapter includes memory connectors, a multi-memory connector, and a support that supports the memory connectors and multi-memory connector. The memory connectors are electrically connected to the multi-memory connector. Memory modules are connected to a computing system by inserting the memory modules along a first insertion axis into a memory connector of a memory module adapter and inserting the memory module adapter along a second insertion axis to a platform connector of a computing platform within the computing system.

Conventional memory modules for use in computing systems include one or more memory chips on a printed circuit board. To install such memory modules into a computing system, or remove memory modules therefrom, the cover of a chassis housing the computing system typically must be removed. In the case of servers, this is difficult because there may be numerous cables connected to the server that need to be disconnected such that the server can be removed from a cabinet holding the server prior to removing the cover. Depending on the number and types of cables that need to be disconnected, this may be a time consuming operation.
Several issues exist with conventional computing system designs and the ease of memory module installation. For example, service technicians are reluctant to service a computer system that is powered on with the cover removed for fear of electrical shock or causing damage to the system. Thus, the service technicians typically shut down the system to install or remove memory modules. In addition, current computing systems are designed such that memory modules are inserted into memory module slots on a computing platform such as a motherboard. Installing memory modules onto the motherboard, however, utilizes valuable space on the motherboard.
For the above reasons, there is a need for improved apparatus and methods for installing memory modules into computing systems. The present invention addresses this need among others.


A modular connector includes a housing, a circuit board located in the housing, a connector assembly connected to the circuit board, and a coil module mounted to the circuit board. The connector assembly includes a number of conductive terminals. The coil module includes a first coil module and a second coil module. The first coil module includes a number of first coils and a number of first coil groups. The second coil module includes a second coil. The second coil is divided into a number of second coil groups along its circumference. The first coil groups and corresponding second coil groups are coupled, thereby improving the electromagnetic shielding effect of the modular connector.

In order to improve the shielding effect of connectors, some existing RJ45 connectors include coil modules. In general, there are two types of coil modules. One type of the coil modules has eight coils and the other type of the coil modules has twelve coils. Each coil includes a ring-shaped magnetic body and a coil wire wound on the ring-shaped magnetic body. In other words, one type of the existing coils has eight ring-shaped magnetic bodies and eight coil wires, and the other type of the existing coil modules has twelve ring-shaped magnetic bodies and twelve coil wires. However, the electromagnetic shielding effect of the coil module with eight coils is general, which is not suitable for applications with strict electromagnetic shielding requirements. The coil module with twelve coils is generally composed of eight coils and four coils. Although it can achieve a better electromagnetic shielding effect, the cost is higher.

Modular electrical connector with coils providing electromagnetic shielding

DONGGUAN LEADER PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.


A computer-implemented method upgrades an edge network based on analysis by a learning model. The method includes identifying, in a network, a plurality of devices, where each device in the network is configured to provide data on at least one other device in the network. The method also includes determining capabilities of each device of the plurality of devices. The method further includes monitoring, for each device, capacity information and tasks performed during operation of the network. The method includes analyzing, based on the monitoring, each use of each device. The method also includes recommending, in response to the analyzing and by a learning model, a first upgrade to the network. The method further includes implementing the first upgrade.

The present disclosure relates to edge computing, and, more specifically, to optimizing edge computing system based on analysis by artificial intelligence.
Modern computing networks can include a wide variety of sensors that collect and attempt to analyze large amounts of data in real time. This can be generally known as an Internet of Things (IoT). The data is gathered by various sensors, sent to a processor, analyzed, and then returned to the source to provide information and/or perform a function within the network.

Identifying upgrades to an edge network by artificial intelligence

International Business Machines Corporation


A system and method for improved imaging is disclosed. An exemplary system provides a peripheral ultrasound system connected to a host computer with a plug-and-play interface such as a USB. An exemplary system utilizes a dedicated graphics processing unit such as a graphics card to analyze data obtained from a region of interest to produce an image on one or more output units for the user's viewing. Based on the image displayed on the output units, the user can determine the velocity of the moving tissue and fluid. The system of the present invention can be used to produce a Doppler color flow map or for power Doppler imaging.

Ultrasound technology is an efficient and accurate way to examine and measure internal body structures and detect bodily abnormalities. Ultrasound technology works by emitting high frequency sound waves into a region of interest. The sound waves are emitted from a probe, strike the region of interest, and then reflect back to the probe. For example, certain sound waves strike tissues or fluid in the region of interest before other sound waves do and are thus reflected back to the probe sooner than other sound waves. The ultrasound machine measures the difference in time for various ultrasonic waves to be emitted and reflected back to the transducer probe and produces a picture of the region of interest based on those time differences.
Besides producing an image of the region of interest, ultrasound is capable of determining the velocity of moving tissue and fluids. For example, an ultrasound user can observe a patient's blood as it flows through the heart, determine the speed or flow rate of the blood's movement, and whether the blood is moving towards or away from the heart.
One method of measuring velocity of moving tissue and fluid is the use of Doppler ultrasound with color mapping. Doppler ultrasound is based upon the Doppler effect. When the object reflecting the sound waves is moving, it changes the frequency of the echoes that are reflected back to the probe. A Doppler ultrasound machine measures the change in frequency of the sound wave echoes and calculates how fast a particular object is moving within the region of interest. Doppler color flow mapping utilizes color to depict the directional movement of tissue and fluid (such as blood) within the region of interest. Color flow mapping produces a two-dimensional image in color with flow towards the probe shown in one color and flow away from the probe shown in another color.
Another method for measuring the displacement of moving tissue and fluid is power Doppler imaging. Power Doppler imaging is similar to color flow mapping in that is can produce an image that shows the presence or absence of blood flow and the directional movement of the flow. Power Doppler is advantageous because it is up to five times more sensitive in detecting blood flow and other forms of tissue and fluid movement than color mapping. But, power Doppler imaging is not used to determine the velocity of the moving tissue and fluid.
Ultrasound equipment used for ultrasound imaging and treatment can be divided into three main components. First, there is a peripheral ultrasound system that comprises a probe with a transducer array or a single element for emitting ultrasound waves and equipment that produces and conditions the ultrasound waves for emission from the probe. Second, a host computer system connected to the peripheral ultrasound system serves as to interface with the ultrasound user. Specifically, the host computer comprises a keyboard or other equipment to help control the ultrasound equipment and a monitor to display the image to the user. Finally, known ultrasound equipment comprises a microprocessor within, or connected to, the host computer.
The microprocessor is the "brain" of an ultrasound system because it performs all the computing tasks to covert the data collected at the peripheral ultrasound system into the images shown on the monitor to the user. In a Doppler ultrasound system with color flow mapping, the microprocessor will process all the data and generate the velocities of the moving tissues and fluid as well as associated colors to show the directional movement of the tissues and fluid.
To properly process this data, the microprocessor comprises memory and software. The software utilizes known algorithms to measure the velocity and to chart the color of the tissue and fluid to depict the directional movement of the tissue and fluid.
Unfortunately, known Doppler ultrasound systems have numerous disadvantages. Microprocessors are not capable of quickly processing the vast information obtained during a Doppler ultrasound. Color flow mapping complicates the problem because producing color images requires a large memory and the processing capabilities that are not appropriate for processing by known microprocessors. Another drawback with Doppler ultrasound systems is despite their accuracy, they are relatively slow in producing images.
Another problem with known ultrasound equipment is the interface between the peripheral ultrasound equipment and the host computer. Specifically, known ultrasound machines utilize an uncommon type of interface which requires the user to modify his personal computer to use it as a host computer.

Ultrasound system and method for imaging and/or measuring displacement of moving tissue and fluid


A piece of styling for a motor vehicle having an outside skin placed in visible manner on a support of the vehicle. The outside skin has an outside surface that is semi-reflecting so as to allow light to pass through it in one direction only.

Such pieces of styling are known in the state of the art. Generally they are placed on the front hood of a motor vehicle and comprise a logo that is distinctive of the trademark of the motor vehicle. In order to make the logo visible, the piece of styling is generally chromium-plated and is thus clearly distinguished from the background on which it is placed, i.e. the front hood of the motor vehicle which is painted some other color.
Nevertheless, depending on outside light levels, and in particular at night, the logo is not always visible.

Piece of styling and a motor vehicle including such a piece of styling


A tubular skylight is provided with a solar-powered light damper unit that includes a damper supported by an axle within a light-conveying tube, a solar cell, and a motor powered by the solar cell. The motor includes a cam that connects to the axle and that rotates the damper between a fully open position and a fully closed position. The solar cell is housed protectively within the skylight assembly, and may be attached to one of the damper itself or an interior surface of the light-conveying structure. The damper unit may be operated by remote control. The unit may be provided with new skylight installations or may be sold separately for retro-fitting existing installations.

Skylights provide for the transmission of natural light to the interior of buildings. Popular both in commercial and residential structures, skylights provide a pleasing and desirable source of interior illumination and reduce the consumption and expense of electricity for lighting.
One especially useful type of skylight is a tubular skylight. A tubular skylight may include an exterior dome upon the roof of the building, an interior light diffuser at the interior building ceiling, and one or more light conveyors disposed between the dome and diffuser, such as light-conveying tubes.
In some configurations, tubular skylights may be purchased as pre-assembled systems, which make installation easier and which require less construction expertise. Tubular skylights also may be used without the need for reinforcing structural supports. In some applications, tubular skylights may require less complicated construction logistics than other types of skylights.
The light tubes used to convey light between the rooftop dome and the interior light diffuser may include a highly reflective interior surface that provides high efficiency light capture. Nevertheless, it may be desirable at times for some users to block light, in whole or in part, from being transmitted through the skylight, for example, to darken a room during daylight. Alternatively, sometimes it may be desirable to reduce the amount of light being transmitted through the skylight, by varying degrees for example, when the sun is at its brightest, without otherwise completely darkening the room.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,082,726 describes one approach for reducing light transmitted through a tubular skylight. The patentee therein sought to use a butterfly valve inserted into the light tube, the butterfly valve having two semicircular elements rotating about parallel axes toward one another (to open the valve and permit light transmittance) and away from one another (to close the valve and block light transmittance). Unfortunately, the light-damper system disclosed by this reference is complicated and expensive to manufacture and to install, requiring an electrician to install the wiring for the motor, and, having multiple parts, is more prone to failure.
Accordingly, what is needed is a light damper for a tubular skylight that is easy to manufacture, easy to install, reliable in use, and simple and efficient in construction. Further, a solar-powered light damper unit is desirable to reduce operational costs.

Solar-powered light damper for tubular skylight


A solid state power control apparatus includes a switch and a microcontroller that controls the switch. The microcontroller receives serial communication and switches between an active state and a sleep state in response to the serial communication.

This invention relates to vehicle power systems and, more particularly, to solid state power controls.
Vehicles, such as aircraft, typically utilize one or more power distribution units to distribute power from a primary power source to various vehicle systems. The solid state power controls in a power distribution unit typically includes an electronic switch, such as a FET, and electronic circuitry that provides wiring protection. The FET and circuitry are often referred to as a solid state power controller ("SSPC"). The SSPC provides a circuit breaker function to protect downstream loads and has found widespread use because of its desirable status capability, reliability, and packaging density. A typical power distribution unit may include hundreds or thousands of SSPC's.
The electronic circuitry of the SSPC typically includes a microcontroller that uses power from the primary power source to control the FET. In one arrangement, a DC to DC converter converts the voltage from the primary power source to a lower voltage for the SSPC. Additional power stages may also be used to provide isolation on a per FET basis. The voltage conversion is not 100% efficient and results in a power loss in each stage of power conversion.
One disadvantage of a typical SSPC is that the microcontroller continually draws power from the converter and power source. This results in continuous power losses in the converters. In a power distribution unit that includes hundreds or thousands of SSPC's, the cumulative power losses represent a significant inefficiency. Further, the SSPC power usage may occupy significant amounts of the available power from the primary power source.
There is a need for a SSPC that uses less power and reduces power losses. This invention addresses those needs while avoiding the shortcomings and drawbacks of the prior art.

Solid state power control and method for reducing control power


Systems and methods for operating a thermodynamic engine are disclosed. The systems and methods may effect cyclic motion of a working fluid between hot and cold regions of a thermodynamic engine and inject a dispersible material into the working fluid at the hot or cold region during a heat-addition or heat-rejection process. The system and methods may also evacuate the dispersible material from the hot or cold region.

This application relates generally to thermodynamic engines, including heat pumps. More specifically, this application relates to a direct-contact thermal-exchange heat engine or heat pump.
Many thermodynamic cycles that transform thermal energy into work or vice versa are inherently limited to an efficiency that is less than 100% of the fundamental Carnot efficiency limit. This shortcoming arises because the addition or rejection of heat may take place at points in the thermodynamic cycle other than at the hottest and coldest temperature limits. There therefore exists a need in the art for improved methods and systems for converting between thermal and other forms of energy, and for improved methods and systems that add or reject heat at hot and cold temperature limits of a thermodynamic cycle.

Direct contact thermal exchange heat engine or heat pump


A protection control circuit for a variable speed hoisting device driven by an induction motor includes, in addition to the inverter unit 1 for supplying power to the induction motor 2 and relays, a rotary encoder 16 and an abnormality detector 15. When the rotary encoder 16 does not generate output in spite of the fact that an operation instruction is input, the abnormality detector 15 opens the normally closed contact 15b2 to stop the inverter unit 1 and turns on the invertor abnormality display lamp 15d1 and rotation detector abnormality display lamp 15d2.

This invention relates to variable speed hoisting driven by an induction motor for hoisting a suspended load, and more particularly to protection control circuits for the induction motor thereof.
FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram showing a conventional protection control circuit for a variable speed hoisting device, which is disclosed, for example, in Japanese Laid-Open Patent (Kokai) No. 62-46879. An inverter unit 1 is supplied with a three-phase alternating current from current supply lines R, S, and T. A hoisting induction motor 2 is supplied with the three-phase alternating current from the inverter unit 1 and rotates in a direction and at a speed corresponding to the phase rotational direction and the frequency, respectively, of the three-phase alternating current supplied thereto. A break coil 3 activates a break to lock the induction motor 2, when the current supply thereto stops. The break coil 3 releases the break to allow a free rotation of the induction motor 2, when current is supplied thereto.
When a normally open push button switch for upward operation PBu is pushed to the first level, the first contact PBul is closed. When it is pushed to the second level, the second contact PBuh is closed. When a normally open push button switch for downward operation PBd is pushed to the first level, the first contact PBdl is closed. When it is pushed to the second level, the second contact PBdh is closed. By the way, the normally open push button switch for upward operation PBu and the normally open push button switch for downward operation PBd are mechanically interlocked such that they cannot be pushed in simultaneously.
When excited, an electromagnetic relay coil 4 closes the normally open contacts 4a1 and 4a2. When the normally open contact 4a1 is closed, the inverter unit 1 supplies a three-phase alternating current upward hoisting direction. Similarly, when excited, an electromagnetic relay coil 5 closes the normally open contact 5a1 and the normally open contact 5a2. When the normally open contact 5a1 is closed, the inverter unit 1 outputs a three-phase alternating current in the downward hoisting direction. When the inverter unit 1 is outputting the three-phase alternating current, an electromagnetic relay coil 6 is excited to close a normally open contact 6a1. Further, when excited, an electromagnetic relay coil 7 closes normally open contacts 7a1 and 7a2 to supply current to the break coil 3 such that the break for stopping the induction motor 2 is released.
A high-speed level setter 8 and a low-speed level setter 9 consist of a variable resistor respectively. An electromagnetic relay coil 11 is excited when either the normally open push button switch for upward operation PBu or the normally open push button switch for downward operation PBd is pushed to the second level. Then, the normally open contacts 11a1 and 11a2 are closed and the normally closed contacts 11b1 and 11b2 are opened, so as to change over the speed setting from that by the low-speed level setter 9 to that by the high-speed level setter 8.
When excited, an electromagnetic relay coil 13 closes the normally open contacts 13a1 and 13a2. The normally open contact 13a1 is a self-keeping contact which is kept closed once the electromagnetic relay coil 13 is excited by the closure of the normally open contact 5a2. When the normally open contact 13a2 is closed together with the normally open contact 4a1, the inverter unit 1 outputs a three-phase alternating current to the induction motor 2 in the phase rotational direction of upward hoisting operation. A rotational speed indicating generator 14 (rotation detector) generates a DC voltage having a voltage level and a polarity corresponding to the rotational speed and rotational direction, respectively, of the induction motor 2. An abnormality detector 15 is supplied with the outputs of the rotational speed indicating generator 14 and the normally open contact 4a2. Assume that, in spite of the fact that the normally open contact 4a2 is closed (namely, the upward hoisting operation is instructed by the operator), the polarity of the DC voltage of the rotational speed indicating generator 14 corresponds to the downward hoisting direction of the induction motor 2. Then, the abnormality detector 15 judges that the suspended load which should be hoisted up is falling abnormally, and thus opens the normally closed contact 15b1, thereby stopping the upward hoisting operation as described below.
Next the method of operation of the protection control circuit for the variable speed hoisting device of FIG. 5 is described by referring to FIG. 6.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the variation of the output frequency of the inverter of the variable speed hoisting device. When the current supply lines R, S, and T are connected to the respective power source lines, the electromagnetic relay coil 13 is not in the self-keeping state. When, however, the normally open push button switch for downward operation PBd is pushed in, the electromagnetic relay coil 5 is excited to close the normally open contact 5a2. Then, since the normally closed contact 15b1 of the abnormality detector 15 is closed, the electromagnetic relay coil 13 is excited to close the normally open contact 13a1, to be retained in the self-keeping state. Then, even when the normally open push button switch for downward operation PBd is released and the normally open contact 5a2 is opened, the normally open contacts 13a1 and 13a2 are kept closed.
When, under this circumstance, the normally open push button switch for upward operation PBu is pushed to the first level at time point t.sub.1, the normally open contact 4a1 of the electromagnetic relay coil 4 is closed. Since the normally open contact 13a2 is already closed by the self-keeping electromagnetic relay coil 13, a signal indicating an instruction for an upward hoisting operation is input to the inverter unit 1. Thus, the frequency of the inverter unit 1 begins to increase at a predetermined rate from 0 Hz to f.sub.2 Hz set by the low-speed level setter 9. When the frequency reaches at f.sub.1 Hz at time point t.sub.2, the inverter unit 1, detecting the frequency by means of a built-in frequency detector (not shown), starts to supply the three-phase alternating current to the induction motor 2 and, simultaneously therewith, excites the electromagnetic relay coil 6. As a result, the normally open contact 6a1 is closed and the electromagnetic relay coil 7 is excited, thereby closing the normally open contacts 7a1 and 7a2. Thus, the break coil 3 is supplied with a current, and releases the break of the induction motor 2. The induction motor 2 thereupon starts to rotate in the upward hoisting operation and gradually gains speed.
When the frequency of the inverter unit 1 reaches a f.sub.2 Hz set by the low-speed level setter 9 at time point t.sub.3, the inverter unit 1 stops increasing the frequency thereof. Thus, the induction motor 2 is operated at a fixed low speed. When the normally open push button switch for upward operation PBu is pushed to the second level at time point t.sub.4, the electromagnetic relay coil 11 is excited to close the normally open contacts 11a1 and 11a2 and to open the normally closed contacts 11b1 and 11b2. Thus, the low-speed level setter 9 is separated from the inverter unit 1, while the high-speed level setter 8 is connected thereto. As a result the inverter unit 1 starts to increase the frequency at a predetermined rate, from f.sub.2 Hz set by the low-speed level setter 9 to f.sub.3 Hz set by the high-speed level setter 8. Thus the induction motor 2 again accelerates.
When the frequency reaches at f.sub.3 Hz at time point t.sub.5, the inverter unit 1 stops increasing the frequency thereof. Thus, the induction motor 2 is operated at a fixed high speed. Thereafter, when the normally open push button switch for upward operation PBu is returned from the second to the first level at time point t.sub.6, the speed setting is changed over from that by the high-speed level setter 8 to that by the low-speed level setter 9. As a result, the frequency of the inverter unit 1 begins to decrease at a predetermined rate. When the frequency reaches at f.sub.2 Hz at time point t.sub.7, the inverter unit 1 stops decreasing the frequency thereof. Thus the induction motor 2 is again operated at a fixed low speed.
Further, when the operator completely ceases to push the normally open push button switch for upward operation PBu, the electromagnetic relay coil 4 ceases to be excited and the normally open contact 4a1 is opened. As a result, the frequency of the inverter unit 1 begins to decrease toward 0 Hz at a predetermined rate. When the frequency reaches at f.sub.1 Hz at time point t.sub.9, the inverter unit 1 stops supplying the induction motor 2 and exciting the electromagnetic relay coil 6, thereby opening the normally open contact 6a1. As a result, the excitation of the electromagnetic relay coil 7 ceases, and the normally open contacts 7a1 and 7a2 are opened. Thus, the supply of current to the break coil 3 is stopped, and the break coil 3 activates the break to stop and lock the induction motor 2.
The downward hoisting operation which is initiated by pushing the normally open push button switch for downward operation PBd is similar to the upward hoisting operation described above. In the case of the downward hoisting operation, however, the electromagnetic relay coil 5 is excited to close the normally open contact 5a1, such that the induction motor 2 is rotated in the downward hoisting direction.
During the upward hoisting operation, the abnormality detector 15 operates as follows. As described above, when the electromagnetic relay coil 13 is self-keeping, the normally open contact 13a1 is closed and the upward hoisting operation can be performed. Assume that a suspended load which exceeds the rating of the hoisting device is suspended and the normally open push button switch for upward operation PBu is pushed to the first level. Then the induction motor 2 tries to start the upward hoisting operation. However, the torque of the induction motor 2 is insufficient to hoist the load, and the suspended load begins to fall. Then, the rotational speed indicating generator 14 outputs a voltage whose polarity corresponds to the downward hoisting direction. The normally open contact 4a2, however, is closed at this time, to inform the abnormality detector 15 that the upward hoisting operation is being performed. Thus, the abnormality detector 15 judges that the suspended load which should be hoisted up is abnormally failing, and hence opens the normally closed contact 15b1. As a result, the self-keeping action of the electromagnetic relay coil 13 is broken, and the normally open contact 13a2 is opened. In response thereto, the inverter unit 1 stops the upward hoisting operation.
When the induction motor 2 is thus stopped, the output from the rotational speed indicating generator 14 ceases and thus the abnormality detector 15 closes the normally closed contact 15b1. When the normally open push button switch for downward operation PBd is again pushed in, the electromagnetic relay coil 5 is excited to close the normally open contacts 5a1 and 5a2. As a result, the electromagnetic relay coil 13 is again brought into the self-keeping state, and the normally open contact 13a2 is closed. Thus, the upward hoisting operation again becomes feasible.
The above conventional variable speed hoisting device, however, has the following disadvantage. When the rotational speed indicating generator 14 stops generating its output due to a failure thereof or a disconnection from the abnormality detector 15, etc., the abnormality detector 15 becomes incapable of detecting the abnormal operation of the hoisting device such as the abnormal fall of the suspended load.

Protection control circuit for a variable speed hoisting device


A method and system in an object oriented programming environment within a data processing system are provided for enhancement of the efficiency of entry of operator inputs utilizing a complex object. The complex object is associated with a plurality of objects within the object oriented programming environment. Each of the plurality of objects is associated with a different one of a plurality of operator input fields. Each of the plurality of operator input fields is associated with a plurality of selectable operator inputs. In response to a selection of an attribute by an operator, permitted combinations of the selectable operator inputs are automatically determined utilizing the complex object. The permitted combinations of the selectable operator inputs which have been automatically determined are then presented to an operator for selection. Each of the selectable operator inputs included within the permitted combination selected by an operator is then automatically entered into a different one of the operator input fields for each of the plurality of objects.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates in general to data processing systems and in particular to the automatic entering of associated operator inputs into multiple related operator input fields in a data processing system. Still more particularly, the present invention relates to the automatic entering of associated operator inputs into multiple related operator input fields in response to a selection of a set of permitted combinations of associated operator inputs which are automatically determined within a data processing system.
2. Description of the Related Art
Graphical user interfaces are well known in the art. Users may select a particular activity for the data processing system to perform utilizing graphical input devices such as a keyboard, pointing stick, mouse, track ball, pen, or touch display screen. These particular activities, such as "print document" or "select a document" may be represented to the user in the form of input fields which are graphically displayed on the computer display screen and selected by the user by striking a particular key or series of keys on the keyboard, or by utilizing a graphical pointing device such as a mouse, by positioning the mouse pointer over an input field and clicking a mouse button.
Once an input field has been selected, a user may be prompted to enter appropriate information into the field in order to perform the function represented by the field. For example, a user may be prompted to enter a document name into the "print document" field in order to have the entered document printed by the data processing system. Modern data processing systems may also present to a user a suggested entry or list of entries for entry into the selected field. An example of such a system is an auto-install program that automatically installs an operating system or application program into a data processing system. Such auto-install programs present input fields to a user and suggest a possible entry. The user may select the suggested entry or may select an entry from a list of all possible entries. After a user has selected an entry for the input field presented, the auto-install program presents a second input field and suggests a possible entry for that input field. This process typically continues until each input field has been presented and filled utilizing either a suggested entry or an entry from a list of all possible entries for the presented field.
It should therefore be apparent that a need exits for a method and system for enhancing the efficiency of user inputs into multiple user input fields.

Method and system within an object oriented programming environment for enhanced efficiency of entry of operator inputs utilizing a complex object

International Business Machines Corporation


An inverter has three redundant modes of thermal protection providing fire protection and secures protection of the inverter from thermal damage. An embodiment of the present invention is disclosed wherein thermal transducers or actuators are located on a control circuit board, a heat sink, and a power circuit board. Two of the modes of thermal protection are active and one is passive.

The solar energy industry is expanding at a rapid pace. Much of that expansion is due to increases in residential and small commercial photovoltaic (PV) installations. Increasingly these installations are directly connected to the utility grid without the use of batteries. Inverters are the power electronics equipment that converts DC electricity produced by PV panels (collectively a PV array) into AC required by the grid.
Thermal requirements are a major element in the design of inverters. An inverter's output power rating is often determined by insulation ratings and other thermal limitations. Thus, inverters are often designed to closely approach these limitations in order to get the most out of a given piece of hardware. Furthermore, inverters are often located on residential structures and therefore must not pose any significant fire risk. It would be advantageous to provide an inverter with redundant thermal protection systems limiting the risk of damage to the inverter and the risk of fire.


Provided herein are microorganisms that include one or more heterologous nucleic acid selected from the group of a sequence encoding a 7-methylxanthosine synthase, a sequence encoding a theobromine synthase; and a sequence encoding a caffeine synthase, where the microorganism is capable of producing one or more purine alkaloid in a culture medium, when the microorganism is cultured under conditions sufficient to produce the one or more purine alkaloid. Also provided compositions and kits that include at least one of these microorganisms, and methods of producing one or more purine alkaloid that include culturing one of these microorganisms under conditions sufficient to produce the one or more purine alkaloid.

Purine alkaloids are secondary metabolites produced in certain plants from purine nucleotides. These alkaloids are known to be present in more than 100 species across 13 orders of plant kingdom (Ashihara and Crozier, Adv. Bot. Res. 30, 118-205, 1999). Caffeine is the well-known member of the purine alkaloids. Other purine alkaloids are also pharmaceutically important and include, e.g., xanthine, methylxanthine, theobromine, and theophylline.
Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant of the methylxanthine class (Nehlig et al., Brain Res. Brain Res. Rev. 17(2):139-170, 1992), and is the world's most widely consumed psychoactive drug. Caffeine reversibly blocks the action of adenosine on its receptor and consequently prevents the onset of drowsiness induced by adenosine. Caffeine also stimulates certain portions of the autonomic nervous system. The most well-known natural source of caffeine is the coffee bean. Caffeine is also chemically synthesized (known as synthetic caffeine) and used for human consumption. Beverages containing caffeine are ingested to relieve or prevent drowsiness and to improve performance. To make these beverages, caffeine is extracted by steeping the plant product in water, a process called infusion, as well as other methods that utilize organic solvents such as dichloromethane. Caffeine-containing beverages, such as coffee, tea, and colas, are very popular; in 2005, 90% of North American adults consumed caffeine daily (Lovett, New Scientist website, www.newscientist.com, Sep. 21, 2005). Energy drinks containing higher amount of caffeine are also very popular in certain market segments.

Purine alkaloid-producing microorganisms and methods of making and using the same


A dental device (such as a temporary dental crown or dental space maintainer), which may be fabricated in an intra-office process while the patient is located onsite, for use in securing to one or more teeth during a dental restoration procedure or another dental procedure.

Dental caries afflicts people world-wide. In some cases, dental caries can be repaired through a process that involves removing decayed portions of a tooth and replacing the removed portions with a filling. Some cases of severe dental caries require the application of a dental crown. A dental crown can also be used to restore a tooth that has suffered a significant fracture, or has undermined dentinal support. In a typical crowning process, an impression of targeted tooth to be treated, surrounding teeth, and an opposing arch are taken. A dentist will then use a local anesthetic to numb the area around the targeted tooth. The dentist can then use a drill or laser to remove decayed portions of the tooth and perhaps other portions of the tooth. The dentist can then prepare the remaining portions of the tooth by isolating the tooth of bacteria, blood and/or debris. The dentist can then take an impression of the prepared tooth. A crown is created using impression models, but the crown can sometimes take days or weeks to manufacture, usually at a location remote from the dentist's office. When the crown is fabricated and delivered to the dentist, it can be inserted over the prepared tooth during a subsequent office visit. For example, a bonding agent (e.g., dental cement) can be used to adhere the crown to the prepared tooth.
In some circumstances, the dentist can insert a temporary crown over the prepared tooth after the impressions have been taken to allow a patient to eat and bite in a relatively normal fashion and protect sensitive dentin between the time the impressions are taken and the permanent crown is available for insertion over the prepared tooth. Such temporary crowns may be prefabricated in generic shapes and sizes by a third party supplier, and then stored in inventory at the dentist's office.

Dental devices and methods for treating one or more teeth


In some embodiments, a chip includes chip interface transmitters, a chip, and clock gearing logic. The transmitters are to transmit signals in frames including slots. The scheduler is to schedule signals at a first frequency including commands for first slots of the frames in general and commands for second slots of at least some frames immediately preceding frequency mismatch bubbles occurring when the frames are at a second frequency. The clock gearing logic is to provide the signals having the first frequency from the scheduler to the transmitters at the second frequency. Other embodiments are described.

1. Technical Field
The present inventions relate to systems, such as memory systems, in which commands are scheduled to be delivered during frequency mismatch bubbles.
2. Background Art
Various arrangements for memory chips in a memory system have been proposed. One such system is referred to as a Fully-Buffered Dual In-Line Memory Module (FBD or FBDIMM) system. FIG. 1 provides an example of an FBD system that includes a memory controller (host) 12, clock circuitry 14, a memory module 24, and a memory module 26. Memory module 24 includes a substrate 32 that supports a buffer 34 and eight synchronous dynamic random access memory devices (DRAMs) 38-1 . . . 38-8. (The number of DRAMs does not have to be eight.) Command, address, and write data (CAW) signals are provided from memory controller 12 to buffer 34 on conductors 42, and read data signals are provided from buffer 34 to memory controller 12 on conductors 44. The CAW are provided by buffer 34 to memory chips 38-1 . . . 38-8 and buffer 54, and read data is provided by memory chips 38-1 . . . 38-8 to buffer 34.
CAW signals are also provided from buffer 34 to buffer 54 through conductors 46 and read data signals are provided from buffer 54 to buffer 34 through conductors 48. The CAW are provided by buffer 54 to memory chips 58-1 . . . 58-8, supported by substrate 52, and read data is provided from memory chips 58-1 . . . 58-8 to buffer 54.
Memory controller 12 includes a scheduler 16 to schedule signals (including commands, address, and write data) to be provided through chip interface transmitters (FBD physical layer) 20. Clock (Clk) 1 is provided to scheduler 16 and clock gearing logic 18. Clock (Clk) 2 is provided to clock gearing logic 18, transmitting circuitry 20, and modules 24 and 26. Clock 2 is received by buffers 34 and 54 and passed on to the DRAM chips. Clock 2 has a higher frequency than clock 1. As an example, clock 2 may have a frequency of 533 MHz (1066 MHz double data rate (DDR)) and clock 1 may have a frequency of 400 MHz. This is a ratio of 4:3. Because of the difference in frequency, a frequency mismatch bubble between scheduled frames will occur in buffers 34 and 54 as shown in FIG. 3. Clock gearing logic 18 transitions signals from the frequency of clock 1 to the frequency of clock 2, and can determine the location of the bubbles and notify scheduler 16 of the temporal location of the bubbles through a beat rate signal. The temporal location of the bubbles may be expressed in various ways including identifying between which frames of scheduled commands the bubbles (BBL) will occur.
Transmitter circuitry 20 increases the frequency of the frames to 6 times that of clock 2 so that the CAW signals on conductors 42 have a frequency that is six times that of clock 2. However, buffer 34 reduces the frequency by a factor of six so that the signals from buffer 34 have the frequency of clock 2. Although the frequency is increased through transmitter circuitry 20, the number of conductors is reduced, and as the frequency is reduced through buffer 34, the number of conductors is increased.
The CAW signals are provided in frames that include three slots (the A slot, the B slot, and the C slot), each of which can hold a command, including operation commands and no operation (NOP) signals. The B and C slots can hold write data that is provided before or after the associated write command.
FIG. 2 shows frames 1, 2, . . . 6 as provided by scheduler 16 during cycles of clock 1 (the scheduler clock), referred to as cycles 1 , 2 . . . 6. Each frame includes A, B, and C slots. In FIG. 2, the A slot is shown as holding alternating RAS and CAS signals (RAS 1, CAS 1, RAS 2, CAS 2, RAS 3, CAS 3), although this is not always the case. Addresses are included in at least some of the RAS and CAS signals. The B and C slots are shown as including no operation (NOP) or write data (WD) signals in frames 2-6, but this is not required. In some implementations, it takes four frames of B and C slots to provide the write data for a write command. The designation frame 1 does not mean that it is the first frame from schedule 16. There may be other frames before frame 1.
In some FBD implementations, conductors 42 and 46 each have 10 lanes, and conductors 44 and 48 each have 14 lanes, with each lane having two conductors for differential signaling. With single ended signaling, each lane would have one conductor. While the frames are in conductors 42, the frames each are 10 lanes wide and 12 clock units in duration (six times a double data rate of clock 2 (DRAM clock)).
FIG. 3 illustrates the frames received by buffer 34 in which in the frequency of the signals is reduced by a factor of six as compared to the frames on conductors 42. The FBD frame clock is at the reduced frequency. A duration of a frame corresponds to one cycle of clock 2 (the DRAM clock). As illustrated, frames 1, 2, and 3 occur during cycles of clock 2 referred to as cycles 1, 2, and 3. The A slots of frames 1, 2, and 3 during cycles 1-3 include commands RAS 1, CAS 1, and RAS 2, and the B and C slots include NOP or write data. Because of the frequency of clock 2 is 4/3 times greater than that of clock 1, during cycle 4 of clock 2, signals scheduled by scheduler 16 for frame 4 are not provided until cycle 5 of clock 2. Cycle 4 is referred to as a bubble (BBL). Note that there is not a similar bubble in FIG. 2. The A slots of frames 4, 5, and 6 in cycles 5, 6, and 7 include CAS 2, RAS 3, and CAS 3 commands, and slots B and C include NOP or write data signals. Cycle 8 is also a bubble.
According to the FBD specification, the contents in B and C slots get delivered in the next DRAM cycle after delivering the command in the A slot. Accordingly, the contents in B and C slots and next frame's A slot gets delivered in same cycle to the DRAM. For example, during one clock cycle, buffer 34 provides the contents of the A slot (CAS 1) of frame 2 and the contents of the B and C slots of frame 1 to DRAMs 38-1 . . . 38-8 and buffer 54. During the next cycle, buffer 34 provides the contents of the A slot (RAS 2) of frame 3 and the contents of the B and C slots of frame 2 to DRAMs 38-1 . . . 38-8 and buffer 54.
The DRAMs may be double data rate 2 (DDR 2) DRAMs on some other type of DRAMs. The signaling between memory buffer 34 and DRAMs 38-1 . . . 38-8 may be like traditional DDR 2 signaling. There may be more or less than eight DRAM chips in the modules. DRAMs may be on only one side or both sides of the substrate. Multiple modules may be in series and/or parallel. A system may include one or more than one memory channel.
Memory controllers have been used in chipset hubs and in a chip that includes processor cores. Some computer systems include wireless transmitter and receiver circuits.

Commands scheduled for frequency mismatch bubbles


A heavy-duty lubricating grease is shown which includes a synthetic fluid base and a thickener system. The heavy-duty grease can be used in both rolling element and journal type rock bit bearings to drill in heavy-duty, high temperature applications, such as in the bearing structures of rock bits used to drill hot subterranean formations.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to grease compositions designed for use in heavy-duty, high temperature applications such as the lubricating compositions which are used to lubricate journal bearing and rolling element type rock bits used to drill hot subterranean formations.
2. Description of the Prior Art
There is a continuing need to develop functional fluids capable of serving as lubricant compositions in extreme temperature and pressure environments. Such an example environment is that of bits used to drill subterranean formations.
Rock bits of the rolling element and journal bearing types are employed for drilling such subterranean formations in order to produce oil, gas, geothermal steam and other fluids. Such bits have a body with a threaded upper extent which is connected within a drill string leading to the surface and have several, typically three, cutter cones which are mounted on pins integral with the body of the bit at its lower end.
In use, the drill string and bit body are rotated within the borehole and each cone is caused to rotate on its respective pin as the cone contacts the bottom of the borehole to disintegrate earthen formations. As the rock bit begins to penetrate hard, tough earthen formations, high pressures and temperatures are encountered. Typical drilling operations thus take place in an abrasive atmosphere of drilling mud and rock particles which are thousands of feet from the engineer or supervisor, who does not typically have the benefit of oil pressure gauges or temperature sensors at the surfaces to be lubricated.
Lubricants used in the bearing regions of such rock bits are thus a critical element of the life of the rock bit. The grease utilized to lubricate a rock bit of this type will often encounter temperatures above 300.degree. F., thereby subjecting the lubrication system to severe and demanding constraints. The lubricant must not break down under the temperature and pressure conditions encountered, must not generate substantial internal pressures in the bit, must enable flow through passages to the surfaces to be lubricated and must prevent solid lubricant particles from settling out.
Failure of the lubrication system quickly results in failure of the rock bit as a whole. When the rock bit wears out or fails as the borehole is being drilled, it is necessary to withdraw the drill string for replacing the bit. The amount of time required to make a round trip for replacing a bit is essentially lost from drilling operations. This time can become a significant portion of the total time for completing a well, particularly as the well depths become greater and greater. A successful grease should have a useful life longer than other elements of the rock bit so that premature failures of bearings do not unduly limit drilling.
A variety of grease compositions have been employed in rock bits in the past. Such grease compositions typically comprise a high viscosity, refined petroleum (hydrocarbon) oil or mineral oil which provides the basic lubricity of the composition and may constitute about 3/4 of the total grease composition. The refined hydrocarbon or mineral oil is typically thickened with a metal soap or metal complex soap, the metals being typically selected from aluminum, barium, calcium, lithium, sodium or strontium. Complex, thickened greases are well known in the art and are discussed, for example, in Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, Kirk-Othmer, Second Edition, A. Standen, Editor, Interscience Publishers, John Wiley and Sons, Inc., New York, N.Y., 1967, pages 582-587. See also Modern Lubricating Greases, by C. J. Boner, Scientific Publications (GB) Limited, Chapter 4.
The prior art shows solid extreme pressure (EP) additives which have been employed to attempt to enhance the lubrication properties of oils and greases. For example, molybdenum disulfide has been used in a wide variety of lubricants as discussed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,062,741; 3,170,878; 3,281,355; and 3,384,582. Other solid additives which are widely used include copper, lead and graphite.
It is also known to include metallic oxides like zinc oxide in lubrication oils. U.S. Pat. No. 2,736,700 describes the use of molybdenum disulfide and a metallic oxide such as fumed lead oxide and zinc oxide in a paint-on composition or bonded lubricant. Such bonded lubricants are used for drawing tough metals such as uranium, thorium, zinc and titanium. Such bonded lubricants are inadequate and could not be used in the extreme wear, heavily loaded applications for which this invention is intended.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,935,114, assigned to the assignee of the present invention, teaches the use of molybdenum disulfide and antimony trioxide in a lubricating grease for a journal bearing used in a drill bit. This grease has proved particularly effective when used in copper inlay-on-boronized bearings of rock bits.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,015,401, issued May 14, 1991, and assigned to the assignee of the present invention shows a rock bit bearing grease which includes a refined petroleum or hydrocarbon oil fluid base which is thickened with an alkaline metal soap or metal soap complex and which contains as solid lubricants powdered molybdenum disulfide and calcium fluoride. This grease was especially useful in carb-on-carb bearings, providing extended wear life and load carrying capacity.
Despite these advances, the lubricating greases for rock bits of the prior art have all tended to use as the base or carrier fluid a refined hydrocarbon or mineral oil thickened with some type of thermally stable gelling agents, perhaps with solid lubricants or other oil soluble property enhancing additives being included, as well. Manufacturers of lubricating greases for rock bit bearings have not, to Applicants'knowledge, employed grease formulations with the base or carrier material being a substantial portion of a synthetic fluid or fluids. By "synthetic fluids", is meant, for example, synthetic hydrocarbon fluids or oils, polyol esters, dimer acids, synthetic polyethers and synthetic fluorinated polyethers, alkylene oxide polymers or interpolymers, esters of phosphorus containing acids, silicon based oils, or a mixture of the above type "synthetic" fluids. Commercially available base fluids of this type, such as Mobil Oil's "SHF-82", Emery Industries' "Emery 3000" and Amoco's "Polybutene Series", while utilized in, for example, the aircraft and automotive industries, have not been utilized in lubricating greases for rock bit bearings, to Applicants'knowledge.
The present invention is directed toward the discovery that a grease composition suitable for use in rock bit bearings can be formulated with a synthetic fluid base and thickened with specific thickener systems to produce a grease which is particularly effective for the slow speed and highly loaded bearing configurations of rolling element and journal type rock bit bearings used to drill earthen formations.
The preferred thickener systems of the present invention impart not only gel structure to the grease but also extreme pressure and antiwear properties. The thickener systems of this invention include calcium complex soap thickeners in which calcium hydroxide and acetic acid are two of the reactants forming the thickener as well as other metal soap thickeners and their complexes in combination with calcium acetate which is either added or formed in the synthetic fluid base. The thickener systems of this invention also include non-soap thickeners such as silica gellants or clays in combination with calcium acetate which is either added or formed in the synthetic fluid base.
A need exists, therefore, for such a bearing grease with superior lubricating properties which can be employed in lubricating the bearing surfaces of bits used for drilling in abrasive, subterranean atmospheres.
A need also exists for such a bearing grease exhibiting low wear characteristics which can be used in rock bit bearings to provide extended wear life and load carrying capacity.
A need also exists for such a grease for lubricating rock bits which has a prolonged useful life, which does not generate substantial internal pressures within the bit and which adequately protects metal bearing surfaces from premature wear or failure.


A video signal processing system for processing a video data VIN and graphic data DμP includes a filter unit, which receives the video data VIN. The filter unit filters the video data VIN to convert the video data VIN into video pictures formatted with a different number of columns and/or lines, and provides a filtered video signal indicative thereof. The filter unit buffers individual pixels and/or lines in a first memory device. A second memory device receives and stores the graphic data DμP and the filtered video signal and provides stored signals indicative thereof. A third memory device is connected to the second memory, and stores data received from the second memory device. A mixing unit receives and mixes the stored graphic data and the stored filtered video data to provide a video output signal VOUT.

The invention relates to a video signal processing system, and in particular to a system for processing both video data and graphic data to provide a mixed output signal.
Video signal processing systems often include a filter unit that converts video pictures from a first format to a second format. For example, the first format may be coded in accordance with the digital studio standard of the International Telecommunications Union UIT-R (or of the Comite Consultatif International des Radiocommunications: CCIR) 601. An example of converting from a first format to a second format is the conversion from a PAL 16×9 picture format with 720 pixels per line (P/L) and 576 lines (L), into the National Television System Committee (NTSC) 16×9 picture format, with 480 pixels per line and 480 lines.
In addition, video signal processing systems often include a computing unit for mixing video and graphic pictures (e.g., layering and alpha-blending). The computing unit for mixing may weight different pictures by adjustable factors (i.e., alpha blending), so that transparent pictures can be displayed by combining and superposing the images (i.e., layering). For example, transparent buttons may be inserted while the original video picture continues to be visible in the background.
At this time, such systems exist only as individual components. A disadvantage of combining such systems is the amount of memory required to filter and mix video and graphic pictures.
Therefore, there is a need for a memory efficient video signal processing system capable of converting video signals from a first format to second format, and mixing several pictures.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


An apparatus for amplifying an input signal is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first amplifying circuit and a first resonating circuit. The first amplifying circuit includes a first transistor having a first gate for receiving the input signal. The first amplifying circuit amplifies the input signal to generate a first output signal. The first resonating circuit is coupled to the first amplifying circuit, wherein a first resonating frequency of the first resonating circuit is not equal to the operating frequency.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an amplifying circuit, and more particularly to a power amplifying circuit for increasing linearity.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Power amplifiers have been widely used in different kinds of wired or wireless system applications. Normally, there are two means of determining the effectiveness of a power amplifier, the first one being the power gain and the second being the linearity of the power amplifier. The linearity can determine the distortion between the input signal and the output signal of the power amplifier. Furthermore, in advanced CMOS manufacturing techniques, utilizing the ideal system-on-chip (SOC) to implement the whole wireless transmitter chip is more popular. Please refer to C. Wang, M. Vaidyanathan, and L. E. Larson, "A Capacitance Compensation Technique for Improved Linearity in CMOS Class-AB Power amplifiers," IEEE-J. Solid-State-Circuits, vol. 39, no. 11, pp. 1927-1937, November 2004 for more information. According to the prior art, the nonlinearity of the CMOS power amplifier is mainly caused by two reasons: the first one is the transconductance Gm of the transistor, which determines the linearity of the transistor; and the second reason is the nonlinear capacitor Cgate at the gate of the transistor, which determines the linearity of the output of the previous stage circuit. The above-mentioned prior art has disclosed a capacitive compensation method to improve the nonlinear capacitor Cgate at the gate of the transistor. However, this conventional method can only be utilized in a CMOS power amplifier having a class AB configuration. Furthermore, the prior art requires an increased chip area and the power gain is not ideal. For the OFDM system, which requires a very high linearity (e.g. the linearity requirement of the specification of 802.11g is as high as 25 dBm at P1 dB), only a power amplifier implemented by a class A configuration can be adopted. However, a power amplifier with a class A configuration will have a bad linearity caused by the above-mentioned problem.

Amplifying circuit utilizing nonlinear gate capacitance for enhancing linearity and related method thereof