A virtual ion trap that uses electric focusing fields instead of machined metal electrodes that normally surround the trapping volume, wherein two opposing surfaces include a plurality of uniquely designed and coated electrodes, and wherein the electrodes can be disposed on the two opposing surfaces using plating techniques that enable much higher tolerances to be met than existing machining techniques.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to storage, separation and analysis of ions according to mass-to-charge ratios of charged particles and charged particles derived from atoms, molecules, particles, sub-atomic particles and ions. More specifically, the present invention is a device for performing mass spectrometry using a virtual ion trap, wherein the aspect of being virtual is in reference to the elimination of electrodes to thereby remove physical obstructions that result in more open access to a trapping volume.
2. Description of Related Art
Mass spectrometry (MS) is one of the most important techniques used by analytical chemists for identifying and quantifying trace levels of chemical elements and compounds in environmental and biological samples. Accordingly, MS can be performed as an independent process. However, MS becomes more powerful when coupled to separation techniques such as gas chromatography, liquid chromatography, capillary electrophoresis, and ion mobility spectrometry.
In MS, ions are separated according to their mass-to-charge ratios in various fields, including magnetic, electric, and quadrupole. One type of quadrupole mass spectrometer is an ion trap. Several variations of ion trap mass spectrometers have been developed for analyzing ions. These devices include hyperbolic configurations, as well as Paul, dynamic Penning, and dynamic Kingdon traps. In all of these devices, ions are collected and held in a trap by an oscillating electric field. Changes in the properties of the oscillating electric field, such as amplitude, frequency, superposition of an AC or DC field and other methods can be used to cause the ions to be selectively ejected from the trap to a detector according to the mass-to-charge ratios of the ions.
Mass spectrometers are mainly classified by reference to a mass analyzer that is used. These mass analyzers included magnetic and electric sector, ion cyclotron resonance (ICR), quadrupole, time-of-flight (TOF), and radio frequency (RF) ion trap.
Each of these mass analyzers has its own advantages and disadvantages. For example, sector and ICR instruments are known for their high mass resolution, TOF for its speed, and quadrupoles and ion traps for their simplicity and small size. ICR and sector instruments are typically large and complex to operate, and as with TOF, require high vacuum, while quadrupoles and ion traps operate at higher pressures, but deliver lower mass resolution. Most analytical problems can be solved using lower performance instruments. Therefore, quadrupole and ion trap mass spectrometers, that are significantly less expensive, are used ubiquitously in the industry.
A mass spectrometer is comprised of an ion source that prepares ions for analysis, an analyzer that separates the ions according to their mass-to-charge ratios, and a detector that amplifies the ion signals for recording and storage by a data system.
It was noted above that one particular advantage of ion trap mass spectrometers is that these devices typically do not require as high a vacuum within which to operate as other types of mass spectrometers. In fact, the performance of the ion trap mass spectrometer can be improved due to collisional dampening effects due to the background gas that is present. Ion trap mass spectrometers typically operate best at pressures in the mTorr range.
It is also observed that the smaller the ion trap, the higher the possible operating pressure. This is an important advantage for portable and handheld instruments, not only because of the reduced size of the ion trap, the electronics and power requirements, but also because of the reduced size of the vacuum pump that must be used.
It is important to also note that there has been considerable interest in reducing the size of ion trap mass spectrometers for portable and handheld use. Disadvantageously, a major problem with reducing the size of the ion trap is that machining tolerances become more critical at small sizes while trying to retain good ion trap resolution. One example of a small ion trap was reported by a research group at Oak Ridge. The device is basically a miniaturized version of a cylindrical ion trap with no real changes in the structure, but just the size.
It is also noted that the capacity for trapping ions is another issue when dealing with a small ion trap because of the issue of space-charge repulsion of particles within the trap.
Accordingly, what is needed is an ion trap that can be easily miniaturized without compromising resolution of the MS, provide easier access to the trapping volume, maximize space within a trapping volume, and meet manufacturing tolerances more easily than prior art machining techniques.


A distribution unit has a power circuit section including a plurality of bus bars with electronic parts mounted on at least some of the bus bars. Ends of specific bus bars are projected from a main body section of the power circuit section in a adjacent manner to form fuse connection terminals. Each of the fuse connection terminals has a tip placement part to place a fuse terminal. An insulating case made of an insulating material for covering the power circuit section is opened in the projection direction of the fuse connection terminals to enable the fuse terminal to be placed in the tip placement part of the fuse connection terminal from the outside of the insulating case. The insulating case has a short-circuit prevention section intervening between the fuse connection terminals for preventing a short circuit between the fuse connection terminals.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a distribution unit for implementing a power circuit section for distributing power to a plurality of electronic units from a vehicle-installed power supply in a vehicle, such as an automobile, and an electric connection box including the distribution unit.
2. Description of the Related Art
Hitherto, an electric connection box containing fuses and relay switches built in a power circuit section provided by stacking a plurality of bus bar boards as means for distributing power to each electronic unit from a common vehicle-installed power supply has been known.
By the way, in recent years, a power distributor as a distribution unit having semiconductor switching elements such as FETs in place of or together with the relay switches, interposed between input and output terminals has been developed to accomplish miniaturization of the electric connection box and high-speed switching control. A power distributor having a power circuit section disposed via an insulating layer on the circuit disposition face of a heat radiation member from the viewpoint of radiating heat generated from semiconductor switching elements is also proposed (for example, JP-A-2001-319708, JP-A-2002-165336, and JP-A-11-204700).
The power circuit section of such a power distributor includes a circuit main body section disposed on the circuit face of a heat radiation member and external connection terminals made up of a plurality of specific bus bar ends to electrically connect to a vehicle-installed power supply, various units, etc. The circuit main body section is formed in one piece by a resin sold. On the other hand, the external connection terminals are gathered in a plurality of areas to form a terminal assembly. Such external connection terminals include fuse connection tab terminals, connector pins, etc., for example.

Distribution unit and electric connection box including the same


Examples of implementations relate to metadata extraction. For example, a system of privacy preservation comprises a physical processor that executes machine-readable instructions that cause the system to normalize a network traffic payload with a hardware-based normalization engine controlled by a microcode program; parse the normalized network traffic payload, as the network traffic payload passes through a network, by performing a parsing operation of a portion of the normalized network traffic payload with a hardware-based function engine of a plurality of parallel-distributed hardware-based function engines controlled by the microcode program; and provide the hardware-based function engine with a different portion of the normalized network traffic payload responsive to an indication, communicated through a common status interface, that the different portion of the normalized network traffic payload is needed to complete the parsing operation.

Network communications between computing devices may be carried out by transmitting network packets from one device to another. For example, network packets may be transmitted utilizing a packet-switched network. Many different types of network packets having a variety of characteristics may be transmitted between computing devices. Network administrators may monitor various aspects of network traffic going into and out of their respectively managed networks. For example, a network administrator may analyze network traffic for problems or anomalies, such as malfunctioning devices, misconfigured devices, or malicious actors.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


A device for providing power from a non-standard battery or batteries to a battery operated device powered by one or more batteries contained within a battery compartment. The device includes an adapter, which is placed inside of the battery compartment of the battery operated device; electrical contacts, which are positioned inside of the battery compartment by the adapter so as to create an electrical connection between said contacts and the battery contacts of the battery operated device; a battery box, which is designed to contain a battery or batteries not standard for use inside the battery compartment; an electrical connection between said contacts and the non-standard battery or batteries when placed within said battery box; an electronic or mechanical controller of the direction of flow of the electrical current provided by this invention through a battery operated device, said controller directly or indirectly electrically connected to said contacts; and an electronic or mechanical limiter of the maximum voltage that may occur across said contacts.

This invention relates generally to a device which enables a battery or batteries, whose shape and dimensions are non-standard, to be used as a source of non-damaging power for a battery operated device, such as a camera, which uses a standard battery, such as type 2CR5 or 223.
As is well recognized in the art, conventional disposable batteries have a short life. At the end of that life they must be disposed of, at significant expense to the environment, and replaced, at significant expense to the consumer. Rechargeable batteries, such as those comprised of nickel-cadmium, have a greatly extended useful life. As a result, the use of rechargeable batteries has gained great favor with environmentalists because far fewer disposable batteries are being placed in our landfills. Rechargeable batteries are also popular with consumers because the cost of using the battery operated device is substantially reduced. Rechargeable batteries to directly replace many common battery sizes, such as AA, C and D, are readily available to the consumer. No rechargeable batteries are currently produced to directly replace less common battery sizes such as type 2CR5 or 223.
Various devices exist to adapt a smaller battery or batteries so that they may be positioned within a battery compartment designed for a larger or differently dimensioned standard battery or batteries so as to provide power for a battery operated device. All currently available rechargeable batteries are of such size or shape that they cannot be placed within a battery compartment designed to house less common battery sizes such as type 2CR5 or 223. As a result, existing adaptive devices are not capable of adapting currently available rechargeable batteries for use with battery operated devices requiring battery sizes such as type 2CR5 or 223.
It would not be desirable to modify the battery compartment of a battery operated device in order to make use of the commonly available rechargeable batteries within the battery compartment. An alteration of this nature might lead to substantial changes in the design of the battery operated device. Such a modification might also permit severe damage to the electrically sensitive portions of the battery operated device due to the misapplication of power from the substituted non-standard batteries.
Various devices exist which employ an appropriately shaped adapter to locate contacts within a battery operated device's battery compartment and a connection to permit the use of a domestic electrical power supply to power the battery operated device. Such devices severely restrict the portability of the battery operated device which they power.
Many battery operated devices, such as toys, contain components that are not adversely affected when exposed to a reverse in the flow of electrical current through the components. Battery operated devices, such as cameras, containing electronic circuits or devices may be severely damaged by a current flow that is reversed from that provided by the standard battery.
Many battery operated devices, such as toys, contain components that may not be damaged by brief exposure to voltages in excess of those normally provided by their standard batteries. Battery operated devices, such as cameras, containing electronic circuits or devices may be severely damaged by even a brief exposure to voltages in excess of those normally provided by their standard batteries.
Accordingly it would be highly desirable to develop a device which would permit the use of non-standard batteries, particularly of a rechargeable type, to power battery operated devices as desired such that those battery operated devices are not exposed to damaging electrical potentials or restricted in their portability or utility.

Device to permit the use of non-standard batteries to power battery operated devices


An ink reservoir bag of flexible, plastic sheet material for an ink delivery system for an ink cartridge is constructed of two sheets of plastic material having peripheral edges bonded together to provide an ink chamber therebetween and has separate fill and exit ports opening into the chamber and respectively defined by a fill tube and an exit tube bonded to the bag between the peripheral edges thereof. Flexible tubing is connected to the exit port through a check valve interposed between the port and tubing, and a lure lock is interconnected with the fill tube to provide an injection sight for filling the bag. The bag is filled by connecting the tubing to a vacuum source, evacuating air from the bag and tubing, connecting the fill port to a source of ink and using the negative pressure to draw ink into the bag and tubing.

This invention relates to the art of ink jet printers and, more particularly, to a reservoir bag for use in an ink delivery system for the continuous refill of disposable ink jet cartridges.
Disposable ink jet cartridges are of course well known and are designed to operate for a useful life during which the head elements will function appropriately a very high percentage of the time during the life of the cartridge. To insure high performance, such cartridges have a predetermined amount of ink contained therein, and the amount of ink in the cartridge is a function of the quantity of printing that the printhead element can do before failing to function at the desired high performance level. When the ink in the cartridge is used up, the cartridge is thrown away. Most often, the printhead of the empty cartridge is still adequately functional and, therefore, it is wasteful to discard the cartridge. Furthermore, frequent replacement of ink jet cartridges is expensive from the standpoint of product usage and is inefficient with respect to the time and energy required of a user making these changes.
Systems have been provided heretofore for refilling ink jet cartridges in order to prolong the life thereof. Such systems have included the manual refilling of cartridges, such as through the use of refill kits, refilling through the use of systems including valves and pumps, as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,680,696 to Ebinuma, et al., for example, and continuous ink refill systems such as those shown, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,831,389 to Chan, U.S. Pat. No. 5,159,348 to Dietl, et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 5,469,201 to Erickson, et al., all of which are incorporated herein by reference for background information. In a system of continuous ink supply such as that to which the present invention is directed, ink is continuously supplied to a cartridge from a remotely located ink reservoir bag through flexible tubing between the bag and cartridge. The reservoir bag is located in the printer below the cartridge and ink is drawn into the cartridge from the reservoir bag by a slight vacuum that is created as the ink within the cartridge is depleted. The reservoir bag is positioned below the cartridge to prevent flooding of the cartridge which can occur if the bag is positioned above the cartridge. More particularly in this respect, flooding can occur if the bag is above the cartridge such that the head pressure of the ink in the supply line causes ink to be forced out of the cartridge nozzles. In contrast, if the remote ink supply is positioned too far below the cartridge, the vacuum within the cartridge will not be sufficient to pull the ink into the cartridge from the reservoir bag. This is especially true during the early life of the cartridge and filling system when the continuity of the ink supply is most susceptible to interruption. Such susceptibility to interruption is due to the existence of air bubbles in the reservoir bag and tubing which results from the filling and/or storage process. If these air bubbles are large enough, they can interrupt the siphoning effect which enables the ink to flow upward from the reservoir bag to the cartridge. Accordingly, there is a very narrow operating window for the position of the reservoir bag relative to the cartridge and, since all of the ink in the reservoir bag must fall within the operating window in order for the bag to be depleted of ink, the size of the reservoir bag can be severely limited. Other concerns exist with respect to maximizing the utilization of space for the reservoir bag and maximizing the quantity of the volume of ink therein which is withdrawn from the reservoir bag.

External ink supply bag and method of filling the same


Disclosed are a polyester/polycarbonate alloy resin composition that includes: (A) a mixed resin including (A-1) a polycarbonate resin having a weight average molecular weight ranging from about 30,000 to about 200,000 g/mol and (A-2) a polyester resin having an intrinsic viscosity of about 0.85 to about 1.52 dl/g; (B) an acryl-based resin; and (C) an impact-reinforcing agent, and a molded product made using the polyester/polycarbonate alloy resin composition.

Polybutylene terephthalate resin has good mechanical and electrical properties and chemical resistance. In particular, it has a rapid crystallization rate, which gives the polybutylene terephthalate excellent molding characteristics. For this reason, polybutylene terephthalate is drawing attention as a thermosetting resin for injection molding and as a substitute for metal, and it is used in automotive, electric, and electronic industries. However, since polybutylene terephthalate resin has a glass transition temperature of about 40 to 60° C., it has a low thermal distortion temperature. Also, since polybutylene terephthalate has low impact resistance at room temperature as well as a low thermal distortion temperature, research has focused on the development of a polyester/polycarbonate alloy for high impact resistance applications.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,393,153, 4,180,494, 4,906,202, and 4,034,013 disclose a method of improving impact resistance by adding ethylene-propylene copolymer (EPR), ethylene-propylene-diene copolymer (EPDM), or a methylmethacrylate-butadiene-styrene copolymer (MBS) into a polyester resin. However, when these additives are added without a compatibilizer, the phases of polyester and polycarbonate become unstable, which may lead to deterioration of mechanical properties.
European Patent Nos. 33,393 and 180,417 disclose a method of increasing compatibility by introducing a functional group into a polyester resin, or a method of cross-linking a terminal group of a polyester resin. The above methods may improve the impact resistance of a polyester resin but they leave un-reacted functional groups, which can cause a color change and generate gas during injection molding. In particular, when glycidyl methacrylate is used, the external surface of an injection molded product can turn milky-white so that the product typically has to be painted before use.

Polyester/polycarbonate alloy resin composition and molded product made using the same


A capacitor manufacturing method provides variable capacitors whose capacitances remain stable under the influence of temperature change. Such a variable capacitor includes a fixed electrode, a movable electrode film facing the fixed electrode, and an anchor portion that provides partial connection between the fixed electrode and the movable electrode film. For making this variable capacitor, a first electrode is formed to serve as the fixed electrode. Then, an anchor portion is formed on the fixed electrode, and a sacrifice film is formed to cover the fixed electrode but partially expose the anchor portion. A second electrode is formed on the sacrifice film to serve as the movable electrode film, bonded to the anchor portion. Finally, the sacrifice film is removed.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to variable capacitors, and to a method of making them.
2. Description of the Related Art
There is an increasing requirement in the field of radio communications apparatuses such as mobile telephones, for smaller high-frequency circuits or RF circuits in order to cope with increase in the number of parts necessary to be mounted for advanced functions. In response to the requirement, numerous efforts have been made for miniaturization of parts or devices which constitute the circuits, using MEMS (micro-electromechanical systems) technologies. Variable capacitors are one of such parts. Variable capacitors are essential in variable frequency transmitters, tuning amplifiers, impedance matcher circuits and so on. Variable capacitors manufactured by using the MEMS technology are disclosed in the following Patent Documents 1 and 2 for example.                Patent Document 1: JP-A-2004-6588        Patent Document 2: JP-A-2004-127973
FIG. 86 is a partial sectional view of a conventional variable capacitor Y. The variable capacitor Y includes a substrate 91, a fixed electrode 92, a movable electrode 93 and a pair of supporting portions 94. The movable electrode 93 is formed to bridge the supporting portions 94, and has a portion which faces the fixed electrode 92. The substrate 91 is made of a silicon material, while the fixed electrode 92 and the movable electrode 93 are made of a metal material.
In the variable capacitor Y, an electrostatic attraction is generated when a voltage is applied between the fixed electrode 92 and the movable electrode 93. By using the electrostatic attraction, it is possible to draw the movable electrode 93 toward the fixed electrode 92 thereby varying the distance between the fixed electrode 92 and the movable electrode 93. The electrostatic capacitance of the variable capacitor Y, i.e. the electrostatic capacitance between the fixed electrode 92 and the movable electrode 93, changes in accordance with the distance. Therefore, according to the variable capacitor Y, it is possible to vary the electrostatic capacitance by varying the voltage which is applied between the fixed electrode 92 and the movable electrode 93. With such a structure, the variable capacitor Y is driven so that a predetermined voltage is applied between the fixed electrode 92 and the movable electrode 93 for obtaining a predetermined electrostatic capacitance.
In the conventional variable capacitor Y, temperature changes (e.g. a temperature increase) can easily cause the movable electrode 93 to curve as shown in FIG. 87 and FIG. 88 for example, even when the device is not being driven (when no voltage is applied between the fixed electrode 92 and the movable electrode 93). Such a curving of the movable electrode 93 is caused by a greater thermal expansion rate of the movable electrode 93 than that of the substrate 91.
The distance between the movable electrode 93 and the fixed electrode 92 when the movable electrode 93 is already curved in the initial state (the state when the device is not driven) as shown in FIG. 87 and FIG. 88 is different from the distance between the movable electrode 93 and the fixed electrode 92 when the movable electrode 93 is not curved in the initial state as shown in FIG. 86. Presence or absence and the extent of the curvature of the movable electrode 93 in the non-operating state change the initial electrostatic capacitance of the variable capacitor Y in the non-operating state. Further, the presence or absence and the extent of the curvature of the movable electrode 93 in the non-operating state also change the relationship between the electrostatic capacitance and the driving voltage (the voltage to be applied in order to obtain a predetermined electrostatic capacitance) in the operation of the variable capacitor Y. The degree of change in these factors is relatively large in the conventional variable capacitor Y.

Variable capacitor and method of making the same


An even bus clock circuit generates logic pulses in response to substantially coincident rising edges of a processor clock and a bus clock over a given range of processor clock to bus clock ratios that includes whole integers and half integers. The even bus clock circuit includes a delay element for receiving the bus clock and generating a delayed bus clock, a first flip-flop for receiving the processor clock at a data input and receiving the delayed bus clock at a clock input, and a second flip-flop for receiving a data output of the first flip-flop at a data input, receiving the processor clock at a clock input and generating a data output that is coupled to an asynchronous reset input of the first flip-flop. The logic pulses are generated at the data output of the first flip-flop and have a pulse width of substantially the same duration as a single cycle of the processor clock.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to electronic circuits, and more particularly to logic circuits that generate logic pulses in response to coincident edges of processor clocks and bus clocks.
2. Description of Related Art
In computer systems, the processor clock usually has a far higher frequency than the bus clock. For example, in personal computers (PC's or Pentium.TM.-compatible systems), the processor clock normally runs at least twice as fast as the bus clock. As newer generations of processors become available for personal computers, processor clock speeds tend to exceed bus clock speeds by increasingly wide margins. In order to facilitate compatibility between the processor and the bus, processors are often designed so that the processor clock to bus clock ratio is a whole integer or a half integer. Typical processor clock to bus clock ratios for personal computers are listed below in Table 1.
TABLE 1 ______________________________________ PROCESSOR CLOCK TO BUS CLOCK RATIOS Processor Clock Bus Clock Frequency Frequency Ratio ______________________________________ 133 MHz 66 MHz 2 200 MHz 66 MHz 3 233 MHz 66 MHz 3.5 266 MHz 66 MHz 4 300 MHz 66 MHz 4.5 ______________________________________
Processors often include synchronization circuitry such as a phase-locked loop for establishing a timing relationship between the processor clock and the bus clock. Consequently, when the processor clock to bus clock ratio is whole integer, each rising edge of the bus clock is coincident with a rising edge of the processor clock. However, when the processor clock to bus clock ratio is a half integer, then alternating rising edges (such as even rising edges) of the bus clock are coincident with rising edges of the processor clock, and the other rising edges (such as odd rising edges) of the bus clock are not coincident with rising edges of the processor clock.
In order to coordinate operations between the processor and the bus, it may be necessary to generate a logic signal that goes active for a single processor clock cycle every time a rising edge of the processor clock coincides with a rising edge of the bus clock. In the event the processor clock to bus clock ratio is a whole integer, the logic signal becomes active upon each rising edge of the bus clock. On the other hand, when the processor clock to bus clock ratio is a half integer, the logic signal goes active only upon alternate rising edges of the bus clock.
In a processor family with similar functionality across a wide range of processor clock speeds (such as 200 MHz, 233 MHz and 266 MHz), it is highly desirable to use the same circuitry in as much of the processor as possible, despite the differing clock speeds. A logic circuit that generates the logic signal described above whenever a rising edge of the bus clock is detected is suitable when the processor clock to bus clock ratio is a whole integer but not a half integer. Similarly, a logic circuit that generates the logic signal described above whenever an alternate rising edge of the bus clock is detected is suitable when the processor clock to bus clock ratio is a half integer but not a whole integer.
Accordingly, a need exists for an even bus clock circuit that generates logic pulses in response to substantially coincident rising edges of a processor clock and a bus clock over a range of processor clock to bus clock ratios that includes whole integers and half integers, particularly where the even bus clock circuit is compact and efficient.


A digital-to-analog conversion circuit (60) for converting a digital input sequence to an analog representation is disclosed. It comprises a first DAC, (100) wherein the first DAC (100) is of a capacitive voltage division type having a capacitive load (110). Furthermore, it comprises a second DAC (120) having a resistive load (130). An output (104) of the first DAC (100) and an output (124) of the second DAC (120) are connected, such that said capacitive load (110) and said resistive load (130) are connected in parallel.

A digital-to-analog converter (DAC) is an interface circuit between the digital domain and the analog domain, and serves to convert a digital signal representation to an analog signal representation. DACs may for instance be employed in transmitter circuits, wherein signals to be transmitted are generated in the digital domain, but need to be converted to the analog domain before transmission.
Several different DAC architectures have been developed over the years. In for example communications applications, requirements for frequency bandwidth have increased. Examples of approaches that have been suggested for enhancing DAC frequency bandwidth are disclosed e.g. in US 2008/0316076 A1, U.S. Pat. No. 7,042,381 B1, and U.S. Pat. No. 9,007,250 B1.


A data structure allowing the necessary amount of memory to be reduced while maintaining or improving search performance is disclosed. The data structure in which items of data are stored for search includes: a tree structure in which the items or data are stored except for a portion of the items of data corresponding to a sub-tree structure, which is a selected portion of an assumed tree structure formed by all the items of data; and an equivalent table storing the portion of the items of data in table form.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a data search system, and in particular to a data structure for search and a method of constructing the same.
2. Description of the Related Art
As a data search method, there have been known a table search that uses a table for search and a radix search that uses a tree structure for search. The table search such as a linear search or a binary search has a disadvantage that it takes increasingly much time for search with increase in the amount of data to be searched.
The radix search treats data as strings of symbols selected from a limited number of kinds of symbols and uses a tree structure in which a set of the strings of symbols is classified according to a sequential one of symbols starting at the top of each string of symbols and each node is linked to several others by branches. Each node linked to zero or more children stores pointers to zero or more children as many as the number of kinds included in the string of symbols. Provided with search data consisting of a plurality of symbols, the radix search is carried out by following nodes of the tree from a parent to its selected child according to a sequential one symbol of the given search data until a target is found.
Taking a longest prefix search method as an example, the radix search method will be described in detail. In the longest prefix search method, each item of data to be searched is represented by a fixed-length (L) or loss string of bits and has its related information. When provided with search data, all items of data matching the search data are found and one item having the longest match among them is selected as a target.
In the case where each item of data to be searched and its related information as shown in FIG. 1, a binary tree in which the data is stored is shown in FIG. 2. For example, when search data "0001111" is provided, the search is carried out by following nodes in the order presented: N1, N2, N3, N4, N6, and N7 while reading the related information from a node having a node information flag set (indicated by blacked circle). In this case, at the nodes N3, N6, and N7, the node information flag is set. In other words, the item of data stored in each of these nodes N3, N6, and N7 matches the search data. Among them, the related information "D" stored in the node N7 having the longest match (the lowest level) is obtained as a target. Assuming that the time required to follow one node is T, the maximum search time is 6T in the case of FIG. 2.
In order to reduce the depth of a tree to shorten the maximum search time, N-ary tree structure (N>2) is usually employed. In the case of N=4 (quad tree structure), the search data is sequentially read in units of two bits. Accordingly, an item of data consisting of an odd number of bits is expanded to data having a bit length of an integral multiple of 2 so as to meet the quad tree structure. For example, 5 bit data "00011" having the related information "D" is expanded to two items of 6-bit data: "000110" and "000111", each having the same related information "D", as shown in FIG. 3.
In the case where each item of expanded data to be searched and its related information as shown in FIG. 3, a quad tree in which the data is stored is shown in FIG. 4. Each node stores data having a format composed of a node information flag field FG, a pointer field having four pointers each corresponding branches: "00", "01", "10", and "11" to its child nodes, and a related information field. The node information flag FG is set to 1 when storing data and to 0 when storing no data. In the node N2, for example, the node information flag FG is set to 1. The respective four pointers each corresponding to "00", "01", "10", and "11" indicate N3, N4, N5 and NULL, which means that the node N2 has three corresponding branches to the child nodes N3, N4, and N5 and has no branch for "11". The node N2 stores the related information A.
For example, when search data "0001111" is provided, the search is carried out by following nodes in the order presented: N1, N2, N4, and N7 while reading the related information from nodes N2, N4, and N7 each having the node information flag FG set to 1 (indicated by blacked circle). In this case, the item of data stored in each of these nodes N2, N4, and N7 matches the search data "0001111". Among them, the related information "D" stored in the node N7 having the longest match (the lowest level) is obtained as a target. Assuming that the time required to follow one node is T. the maximum search time is 4T in the case of FIG. 4. Compared with the binary tree as shown in FIG. 2, the quad tree reduces its maximum search time to two-thirds the maximum search time of the binary tree.
However, if N for N-ary tree is set to a large number so as to shorten the maximum search time, then the number of nodes having the same related information is increased by expanding the data to meet the N-ary tree. In addition, since the size of one node and the number of pointers included therein are also increased in proportion to N, an increasing amount of memory is needed.
For example, in the case of each node storing 1-bit node information flag FG, four 6-bit pointers, and 8-bit related information, each node needs 21 bits (=1+6×2+8) for the binary tree and 33 bits (=1+6×4+8) for the quad tree. The total of bits needed in the binary tree as shown in FIG. 2 is 21(bits)×15(nodes)=315 bits and the total of bits needed in the quad tree as shown in FIG. 4 is 33(bits)×14(nodes)=462 bits. Assuming that the length of bits per address in a memory storing the data to be searched is 32 bits, 15 addresses are needed for the binary tree but 28 addresses for the quad tree.
As described above, according to a conventional N-ary tree data structure, the number of nodes having the same related information is increased by expanding the data to meet the N-ary tree. In addition, since the size of one node and the number of pointers included therein are also increased in proportion to N, an increasing amount of memory is needed.


Techniques for independent column detection in selectivity estimations are provided. Values for database statistics are sampled and two independent tests are performed against the values for a first column and a second column. When each test determines that the first and second columns are independent, the first and second columns are said to be independent columns for selectivity estimation.

Enterprises now track all aspects of their business electronically. Every transaction with a customer, information about the customer, inventory, capital, expenses, etc. are captured, indexed, and stored in an enterprise's data warehouse. Very quickly the enterprise warehouse becomes enormous in size and operations against the warehouse can be time consuming even with the most robust architectures and database techniques.
Often an enterprise wants to gather statistics about its data warehouse to help the enterprise better manage and organize database tables within the warehouse.
One particular technique is called selectivity estimation. With selectivity estimation a probability is computed to determine the probability with which any particular row in a database table will be returned with a given predicate (search condition with a comparison operation). Any particular predicate is said to be highly selective if that predicate is less than 10% (0.10) indicating that just 10% or less of the rows of a database table are likely to be returned when that predicate is used in a search query.
For non-equality predicates, traditional multi-column statistics cannot be used to estimate the combined selectivity of all predicates. For example, selectivity of the predicate "market-segment IN ('FURNITURE', 'MACHINERY') AND account-balance BETWEEN 100.23 and 200.0" cannot be accurately estimated using the current multi-column statistics on (account-balance, market-segment). Therefore, combined selectivity is computed by either using a fudge factor or simply multiplying the individual selectivities. The former is just a pure guess and the latter serves well only when the two columns are truly independent. For other cases, it can cause severe underestimation. So, the problem here is to identify the cases where two columns are independent so that the combined selectivity can be computed using multiplication of two individual selectivities.
Thus, improved mechanisms for independent column detection for use in selectivity estimation are needed.

Independent column detection in selectivity estimation


A conveyor device may include first and second conveyor units, and a movable member. The first conveyor unit includes a first roller that contacts an upper surface of a sheet and a second roller that contacts a lower surface of the sheet. The second conveyor unit includes a third roller that contacts the lower surface of the sheet and a fourth roller that contacts the upper surface of the sheet. The first and second rollers and the third and fourth rollers nip and convey the sheet along a conveyance path. When the movable member is located in a first position, the first roller contacts the second roller and the third roller contacts the fourth roller. When the movable member moves to the second position, the first roller is moved away from the second roller and the third roller is moved away from the fourth roller.

In an image recording apparatus which records an image on a recording sheet, a recording sheet may be jammed on a conveyance path in a state of being held by a conveyor roller pair or a discharge roller pair which conveys a recording sheet. In such a case, it is necessary to remove the recording sheet jammed on the conveyance path (to perform a so-called jam process).

Conveyor device and image recording apparatus


A caliper pig for detecting geometrical deformation of a pipeline is disclosed. The caliper pig includes a body and a first sensor arm assembly. The first sensor arm assembly includes a primary caliper sensor ring adapted to be mounted on the body. Further, the first sensor arm assembly includes a plurality of sensor arms adapted circumferentially distributed on the primary caliper sensor ring. Each of the plurality of sensor arms includes a sensing arm adapted to be in contact with an internal surface of the pipeline and a pair of magnets adapted to rotate along the sensing arm. Each of the plurality of sensor arms includes a sensing unit configured to detect a change in magnetic field based on the movement of the sensing arm. The sensing unit is configured to generate an output indicative of an angle of deflection of the sensing arm while traversing on the internal surface of the pipeline.

Inspection of buried cross-country pipelines is carried out by running Intelligent PIGS (IPIG) through a pipeline. The pipelines are subject to structural damages frequently during operation & maintenance and may develop physical deformations like ovalities and dents besides the corrosion on the external and internal surfaces of the pipeline. The geometrical deformations may also be a potential threat to the integrity of the pipeline structure. Caliper Pigs are run through the pipeline to identify these geometrical deformations. Moreover, it is a common practice to carry out caliper pigging before running Intelligent Pigs to ensure a clear pipe bore for safe passage of IPIG. Caliper pigging & Intelligent pigging are mandatory inspections to be carried out at periodicity defined by statutory authorities of the state. The information about geometrical deformation helps the pipeline owner to take corrective actions to maintain the integrity of the pipeline.
India, being a vast country, the pipeline infrastructure is a necessity for the transport of crude oil and petroleum products over long distances. Pipelines are energy efficient, safe, and environment-friendly modes of transport of fossil fuels. Pigging helps maintain the integrity of pipelines by monitoring their metal loss, geometry, and structural defects. An accurate and reliable Caliper pigging tool will be a great help in maintaining the integrity of the transmission pipelines used for transportation for oil and gas over large distances.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,570,047B2 discloses the magnetic rotational position sensor that employs a single magnet mounted on a rotating turret that rotates on a housing that is fixedly mounted about a fixed ball stud. The turret is arranged to rotate around the hall stud in a first plane. A magnetic field orientation sensor is mounted to the housing, such that the magnet rotates along an arc tangent to the Hall effect sensor. The ball of the ball stud forms one half of a universal joint, the other half being formed by a shall termination that is mounted to rotate with the turret, and also mounted for rotation in a second plane perpendicular to the first plane of the turret.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,879,240B2 relates to the Ball joint with an integrated angle sensor—a permanent magnet is arranged on the ball as the field transducer. In the area of the housing directly opposite the magnet in the un-ejected state of the ball pivot, a magneto-resistive sensor is arranged such that this sensor interacts with the magnetic field produced by the permanent magnet. A rotation of the un-ejected ball pivot around its longitudinal axis can be detected by means of the magneto-resistive sensor, in which case the angle detected can be used.
WO2009002368 discloses the magnetic rotational position sensor employs a single diametrically magnetized magnet mounted on a rotating turret that rotates about a single axis on housing. The housing is mounted about a fixed ball stud and the turret is arranged to rotate about the single ball stud in a plane. A magnetic field orientation type Hall effect sensor is mounted to the housing, such that the magnet rotates about 45 degrees on either side of the sensor along the arctangent to the sensor.
Development of the Caliper System for a Geometry PIG Based on Magnetic Field Analysis covers the developed caliper system consists of a finger arm, an anisotropic permanent magnet, a back yoke, pins, pinholes, and a linear hall effect sensor. The angle displacement of the finger arm is measured by the change of the magnetic field in sensing module. Therefore, the sensitivity of the caliper system mainly depends on the magnitude of the magnetic field inside the sensing module. In this research, the ring-shaped anisotropic permanent magnet and linear hall effect sensors were used to produce and measure the magnetic field.

Caliper pig for detecting geometrical deformation of a pipeline


A pharmaceutical tablet dispensing and packaging system comprising a tablet packaging unit and a tablet dispensing unit having door cabinets and a base cabinet with each door cabinet rear portion detachably engaged to the base cabinet rear portion. Each cabinet rear portion is vertically wrinkled to form ridges and furrows so that when the door cabinets are attached to the base cabinet, spatial shafts are formed by the furrows and ridges.

The invention relates to a pharmaceutical automation system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a pharmaceutical tablet dispensing and packaging system which facilitates cleaning and maintenance of tablet passage channels through which tablets are released for tablet packaging.
In order to increase capacity for housing the tablet cassettes, a flat type cabinet or a cylindrical type cabinet have been widely adopted to stack therein as many tablet cassettes as the system allows. Each tablet in the tablet cassettes comes to fall through a tablet channel into a tablet packaging portion. So each tablet channel inevitably holds on its wall either dusts or debris out of the dropping tablets. A tiny amount of tablet debris may result in medical care for a patient taking tablets packaged through the conventional tablet dispensing and packaging system. FIG. 9 shows a conventional swingable tablet cassette cabinet 2 that results in difficulty cleaning tablet channels 4 between tablet cassettes 6 for tablets to fall from the cassettes.
As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, Korean Utility Model No. 0297047 discloses a main body 100, cassettes 102, a base cabinet 104, tablet channels 106, tablet packaging unit 108a, front door cabinet 110a, rear door cabinet 110b, and vertical plate 114. Tablets are released through the channels 106 formed by the waved vertical plates 114 of the cabinets 110a, 110b. The front and rear door cabinets 110a, 110b are selectively opened to clean tablet debris from the channels 106. However, the '047 does not allow total cleaning since the cabinets are formed in an undetachable format, disadvantageously requiring significant amount of time in cleaning the channels because the cabinets need to be detached from the system.

Pharmaceutical tablet dispensing and packaging system


The invention describes a combustion—operated working tool, in particular a setting tool for fastening elements, having a guide cylinder (5) axially displaceable relative to the device housing (1); a piston (9) displaceably mounted in the guide cylinder (6); a housing—integral stop (8), which projects into the guide cylinder (5) to delimit an engagement part of the piston (9) in the direction of advance of the piston (6), when the guide cylinder (5) is shifted in the direction of advance of the piston (6); and an elastic adjusting element (21–23), which is tensioned upon moving the guide cylinder (5) into the device housing (1) and by virtue of which an engagement part (28, 31) can be driven for carrying the piston (9) opposite to the direction of advance of the piston (6), after extension of the guide cylinder (5) out of the device housing (1).

The invention relates to a combustion-driven working tool, which is configured as a setting tool for fastening elements, a guide cylinder axially displaceable relative to the device housing; a piston mounted displaceably in the guide cylinder; a stop integral with the device housing, which projects into the guide cylinder to delimit an engagement of the piston in the direction of advance of the piston when the guide cylinder is shifted in the direction of advance of the piston; and an elastic adjusting element, which is tensions upon moving the guide cylinder into the device housing and by virtue of which, after extension of the guide cylinder out of the device housing an engagement part for engagement of the piston can be driven opposite to the direction of advance of the piston. It can be a working tool operated using fuel gas or a working tool operated using powder charge, to which cartridges are supplied.
In a conventional device, the extension movement of the device is used for piston return. Stated more precisely, for this purpose after execution of a setting operation, by means of a spring, a guide cylinder receiving the piston is moved forward; that is, towards the muzzle of the working tool or in the direction of advance of the piston, relative to the housing. Then, engaging parts or latches attached to the housing hold the piston back such that upon the extension movement of the guide cylinder, it moves rearward into its starting position; that is, in the direction opposite to that of the direction of advance of the piston.
In this solution, the drawback is that for resetting a specific piston stroke, the extension/contact movement must correspond at least to the length of the piston stroke. The contact stroke is accordingly relatively large. If the stroke is kept small, only short piston strokes can be executed.

Combustion—powered working tool, in particular a setting tool for fastening elements


A system and method for image recognition registration of an athlete into a sporting event. The athlete is registered in the sporting event using image recognition technology. A digital commencement image of the athlete taken by a camera (106) as the athlete crosses a starting line. The digital commencement image is compared with a stored profile image of the athlete to identify the athlete and enter them into the event without the need for the athlete to pre-register for the particular event. Enhanced recognition techniques incorporating pattern recognition may be used to increase identity accuracy.

In order to enter or register as a participant for an upcoming sporting event, an athlete will typically visit the event's web page and enter their details prior to the sporting event to become a "pre-registered" athlete. A problem with this method is that sometimes the athlete becomes injured, the weather turns inclement, or other circumstances prohibit or dissuade the athlete from showing up at the race venue and participating. As a result, the non-showing athlete typically loses their entry fee (if one was paid).
Often times, the sporting event will offer "race-day registration" so that athletes wishing to participate and who did not pre-register may enter the sporting event the day of the sporting event. Race-day registration typically involves the athlete showing up at the race venue before the start of the race, filling out a paper entry, and handing the paper entry to a race volunteer or employee. The race volunteer or employee then checks the form, associates a race number with the entry, and hands the race number to the athlete. In most timed events, a timing chip is also handed to the athlete with the race number. In events where an entry fee is charged, the race volunteer also collects a payment from the athlete. Race-day registration minimizes the risk that injury will lead to a wasted entry fee by the athlete, but there are notable problems. For example, a large influx of race-day registrants may overwhelm the limited number of race volunteers or employees, increasing pressure on the volunteers to rush the registration process so that entrants may get to the starting line on time. Race organizers have to guess as to how many race-day registrants might attend, and attempt to plan accordingly. Often times, this leads to not having enough resources, or having too much resources that then go to waste when less than estimated numbers of athletes show up.
What is needed is a system and method that renders the registration process more efficient, minimizes the potential for errors, and is easier to use than conventional systems.
A problem related to athlete entry and participation in a sporting event is athlete identification, particularly where image recognition technology is utilized. While image recognition has proven to be a reliable means to identify a person, sometimes an image is insufficient to accurately identify a person. The image might be too blurry, lighting may be insufficient, or the person might be wearing items which interfere with accurate identification. What is needed is a system and method to enhance the accuracy of identification when image recognition technology is utilized.


An isolated and purified DNA molecule encoding Candida albicans protein with integrin-like motifs, the protein itself, antibodies thereto, and methods of use, are provided.

Candida albicans is the leading fungal pathogen in normal hosts and in patients with damaged immune systems. In normal hosts, disease caused by C. albicans ranges from mild, easily treated, superficial disease (e.g., thrush in newborn infants; paronychia in workers whose hands are immersed in water) to more severe, chronic or recurrent infections (e.g., candidal vaginitis). It is estimated that 5% of women of child-bearing age will suffer from recurrent candidal vaginitis (Hurley, "Trends in candidal vaginitis." Proc. R. Soc. Med. 70 (Suppl. 4), 1-8 (1970), and that virtually every woman will experience at least one episode during her reproductive years. Vaginitis is particularly frequent in otherwise normal females with diabetes or a history of prolonged antibiotic or oral contraceptive use. While short-term topical therapy is effective in treating individual episodes of vaginitis, such agents do not prevent recurrences. Thus, even in the normal host, infection with C. albicans can occur at epithelial surfaces, and recurrences are not prevented by presently available therapies.
In immunocompromised hosts such as cancer patients, transplant patients, post-operative surgical patients, premature newborns, or HIV-infected people, C. albicans ranks as the leading fungal pathogen. In this population, disease ranges from aggressive local infections such as periodontitis, oral ulceration, or esophagitis in HIV-infected patients, to complex and potentially lethal infections of the bloodstream with subsequent dissemination to brain, eye, heart, liver, spleen, kidneys, or bone. Such grave prognoses require more toxic therapy, with attendant consequences from both the underlying infection and the treatment. Here again, the infection typically begins at an epithelial site, evades local defenses, and invades the bloodstream in the face of immunosuppression. Strategies to interrupt candidal adhesion therefore have broad applicability to the prevention of mild but recurrent disease in the normal host and to the reduction of substantial morbidity and mortality in the immunocompromised.
It is well recognized that C. albicans adheres to epithelial and endothelial cells in the human host, oftentimes by recognizing proteins of the extracellular matrix called ligands. These ligands include proteins such as fibronectin, vitronectin, fibrinogen, the C3 degradation fragment iC3b, or the shorter C3 degradation fragment C3d. Because recognition of all of these proteins except C3d is dependent upon the amino acid sequence ARGININE-GLYCINE-ASPARTIC ACID or R-G-D, these candidal adhesions are thought to operate like the vertebrate integrins and are called "integrin-like proteins" or "integrin analogs."
Vertebrate integrins are composed of two subunits: an .alpha.-subunit and a .beta.-subunit. There are approximately 14 .alpha. and 8 .beta. subunits described to date in vertebrate cells. Using monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies to vertebrate integrins, several investigators have obtained evidence for integrin-like proteins in C. albicans: an .alpha.M analog, an .alpha. 5/.beta.1 complex, or a .beta.1 analog. Neither the .alpha. 5/.beta.1 complex nor the .beta.1 analog has been isolated from C. albicans or from any other candidal species, and the responsible genes encoding these "integrin-like proteins" have not been identified.


A sophisticated volume hologram for dispersing an incident optical signal with uniform spectrum over an input plane to an output pattern with non-uniform spatial-spectral information, where the sophisticated volume hologram includes a plurality of holograms that map different input wavelengths into different locations on an output plane. The system further includes a detector for receiving and detecting light dispersed by the sophisticated volume hologram.

Compact and efficient spectrometers are essential for biological and environmental sensing applications in which optical signals of interest are usually very weak and portability is highly desired.
A key element of a spectrometer is a wavelength sensitive (or dispersive) device that allows for separation of different wavelength channels for detection. Holograms (or gratings) are well-known candidates for this task due to their wavelength selectivity, which results in non-uniform diffraction of different wavelength channels of a collimated optical beam. Most of the optical spectrometers built based on this phenomenon exploit surface relief or thin film gratings which primarily have single grating vectors. However, these spectroscopy techniques are not efficient for spatially incoherent light sources.
The reason is that for an incoherent source with uniform spectrum in the input plane of such spectrometers, the output will be an ambiguous pattern with contributions from different wavelength channels overlapping each other. The problem has been solved in conventional spectrometers by limiting the angular range of the incident beam by using spatial filtering. Unfortunately, spatial filtering drastically reduces the photon throughput for diffuse source spectroscopy. While such inefficiency might be tolerated in absorption spectroscopy (where a strong incoherent source can be used), it is a major limitation for weak diffuse sources, such as those generated in Raman spectroscopy. In such cases, the signal from the desired molecules is very weak and successful sensing requires a sensitive and efficient spectrometer.

High throughput holographic spectrometer using the multiplexed hologram


A light emitting diode, LED, filament arrangement (100) is provided. The LED filament arrangement comprises at least one LED filament (120) which in turn comprises an array of a plurality of light emitting diodes (140), LEDs. The at least one LED filament extends along an axis, A. The LED filament arrangement further comprises at least one reflector element (200) which is configured to at least partially reflect the light emitted from the at least one LED filament during operation. The at least one reflector element has a spiral shape and is arranged at least partially around the at least one LED filament such that the at least one reflector element extends along the axis, A.

The use of light emitting diodes (LEDs) for illumination purposes continues to attract attention. Compared to incandescent lamps, fluorescent lamps, neon tube lamps, etc., LEDs provide numerous advantages such as a longer operational life, a reduced power consumption, and an increased efficiency related to the ratio between light energy and heat energy.
In particular, there is currently a very large interest in lighting devices and/or arrangements (such as lamps) provided with LEDs, and incandescent lamps are rapidly being replaced by LED-based lighting solutions. It is nevertheless appreciated and desired to have retrofit lighting devices (e.g. lamps) which have the look of an incandescent bulb. For this purpose, it is possible to make use of the infrastructure for producing incandescent lamps based on LED filaments arranged in such a bulb. In particular, LED filament lamps are highly appreciated as they are very decorative.
However, there is a wish to provide alternatives for the arrangement of the components of the LED filament lamps, in particular regarding LED filament lamps comprising one or more reflectors. More specifically, LED filament lamps according to the prior art may have an unsatisfactory efficiency.
Hence, it is an object of the present invention to provide alternatives to LED filament lamps of the prior art in order to improve their efficiency during operation. WO 2016/162616 discloses a lighting device comprising several LED filaments disposed inside an external container at least partially transparent. Each LED filament comprising a slimline substrate, a plurality of light-emitting diodes regularly distributed in line on the substrate. The external container forming a hollow and slimline component provided with two opposite ends, and the LED filaments being laid out according to at least one lighting line, where the or each lighting line comprises several LED filaments disposed in alignment one after the other and their anodes are connected to the anode output terminal and their cathodes are connected to the cathode output terminal.


A terminal block is described in which each pole comprises a screw clamp (12, 14, 16) with a conductor protection element (20, 24) and a plug contact (18). The contact blades (26, 28) of the plug contact (18) are formed in each instance as a one-piece sheetmetal stamping with the conductor protection element (20) and bring about the electrically conducting connection between the screw terminal (12, 14, 16) and the plug contact (18).

This invention relates generally to terminal blocks and the like.
A terminal block of this type is known from German Patent Publication DE 39 22 072 Al. In this known terminal the plug contact consists of a bushing designed as a blind hole of the clamp body in which the contact blades are inserted. Such form of the clamp body is quite difficult to manufacture. Besides, a step of inserting the contact blades into the body complicates the assembly body for manufacture. Besides, inserting the contact blades constitutes.
It is the object of the invention to design a terminal block of the type referred to in such a way that its manufacture and assembly are further simplified and thus become more cost-efficient.
One of the ways to solve the above mentioned problem is to provide a terminal block contact blades which are formed during one-piece sheetmetal stamping along with the conductor protection element and are disposed in a bushing of the terminal housing.
In the case of the terminal block according to the invention, the conductor protection elements of the screw clamp are made and assembled in one piece with the contact blades of the plug contacts. The conductor protection elements and the contact blades are stamped in a single stamping operation from a sheetmetal strip and can be assembled as a cohering unit. This reduces the mannufacturing as well as the assembly costs. As the blades form a cohering unit with the conductor protection element, electrically conducting contact between a wire conductor clamped in the conductor receiving passage of the clamp body and a plug pin inserted into the plug is ensured. An electrically conducting connection of the contact blades with the clamp body is immaterial, so that the blades can be inserted into a bushing of the terminal housing made of plastic, which permits a simpler design and reduces the material requirement of the clamp body.
Generally the terminal block is made as a multi-pole terminal with several clamp bodies in one terminal housing. This results in results in further simplifies the manufacture and assembly. The conductor protection elements are stamped from the sheetmetal strip with the contact blades of all poles of the terminal, the stampings of the individual poles hanging together also through a longitudinal strip of the stamping strip which originates at one of the contact blades. The free legs of the conductor protection elements are then bent in U form and the clamp bodies are slipped onto the bent legs. The stamped parts are thus pre-assembled with the clamp bodies, the connecting longitudinal strip is removed and the contact blades are bent, whereupon the clamp bodies with the stampings are inserted into the housing. Largely automatic assembly by machine is thus possible.
In a preferred embodiment, the axis of the plug is perpendicular to the axis of the conductor receiving passage behind the end face of the clamp body opposite the conductor receiving passage. In this embodiment, appropriately the edge of the rear end face of the clamp body is formed as a bending edge over which the contact blades are bent away from the conductor protection element. Appropriately the rear end face is slanted in such a way that the contact blades can be bent over this bending edge by an angle of more than 90.degree. Due to the residual elasticity left during the bending, after release the contact blades then maintain the desired bending angle of 90.degree. stress-free.


Apparatus and associated methods relate to method of determining a treatment plan with Botulinum Toxin (BT) and other procedures able to modify facial expressions, the method includes using a series of facial images of a patient eliciting various expressions to select individual expressive features as candidates for modification, the selected expressive features mapping to muscles that are used to create such expressive features, the muscles mapping into related expressive features of facial images of the patient eliciting different expressions, the related expressive features being weighted so as to provide further information used in determining an optimum treatment dosing for each treatment location. In an illustrative example, the method may include mapping the facial image of the patient to a model image using facial markers. In an exemplary embodiment, the method may advantageously provide a treatment that results in optimum expressive features as revealed in many different expressions.

In today's society, the face is essential for human communication, social interactions, facial feedback processes, signaling emotion and the perception of attractiveness and youthfulness. Scientists have long recognized the importance of facial expressions to communicate states of mind—this may include not only emotions, sensations, feelings, moods, personality traits and mental conditions, but also motivational, behavioral and cognitive processes.
Most people want to have pleasant and functional facial expressions in a modern social and communicative environment. Factors such as looking good for one's age, looking relaxed and natural, avoiding frozen looks, and maintaining a functional degree of facial animation are among those deemed desirable. Facial expressions play a big role in perceived physical attractiveness of a person, and people who are considered physically attractive receive preferential treatment in education, employment, medical care, legal proceedings, and romantic encounters that may result in greater happiness and success. The facial expressions of emotions are transmitted normally using static, dynamic, transient and permanent facial components.
However, both hyperactive (hyperfunctional) and hypoactive (hypofunctional) features of facial expressions can also transmit miscues about age, emotions, intentions and other mental states. In other words, facial expressions are central to human communication and the wrong facial expression can convey the wrong social message.

System for multidimensional analysis, modulation and optimization of facial expressions


Ventilation system (1) of a tunnel or covered road section (2), in which the tunnel (2) comprises at least a first tunnel tube or carriageway (11; 11, 12) with a first entrance (3; 3, 5) and a first exit (4; 4, 6) for traffic (T1; T1, T2) through the at least first tunnel tube (11), and the ventilation system (1) is equipped for: —the production of a blind flow or recirculation flow of air inside the at least first tunnel tube during use, and —the controlled discharge of air from the blind flow or recirculation flow at the entrance and/or exit of the at least first tunnel tube.

Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a ventilation system for a tunnel section or a covered road.
Description of the Related Art
Increasing traffic congestion is constantly putting more pressure on the environment from polluting substances released from vehicles.
Vehicles, because of their use of fossil fuels, produce pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and also soot particles. In addition, traffic also produces particulates from products released through wear of the brakes and tyres of vehicles.
There are statutory regulations which provide standards for the maximum permitted exposure of the environment to the abovementioned pollutants caused by traffic, so that environmental pollution can be limited to some extent.
The release of pollutants is at its peak particularly during rush hours (peak loads of the section) when a very large number of vehicles are using the road.
A problem can occur at the mouths of tunnels and covered road sections, where the pollutants can accumulate inside the tunnel because of the reduced discharge to the environment, and such pollutants can be present in high concentrations at the mouths. There are ventilation systems which create a constant air flow in the tunnel in order to freshen the air and discharge the pollutants present in the tunnel to the environment at the entrance and/or exit or at an air outlet point.
An outflow of polluted air can then occur at the entrances and exits of the tunnel or at the air outlet point, so that the abovementioned standards can be seriously exceeded, in particular during peak loads of the tunnel.

Ventilation system for tunnel section or covered road


The present invention is directed to a non-volatile memory device and a method of operating the same. The non-volatile memory device includes a first transistor connected to an nth bitline and a second transistor connected to an (n+1)th bitline. The first transistor and the second transistor are serially coupled between the nth bitline and the (n+1)th bitline. The non-volatile memory device may include a 2-transistor 1-bit unit cell where a drain region and a source region of a memory cell have the same or similar structure. Since a cell array of a non-volatile memory device according to the invention may include a 2-transistor 2-bit unit cell, storage capacity of the non-volatile memory device may be doubled.

The present invention relates to semiconductor devices and methods of operating the same. More specifically, the present invention is directed to non-volatile memory devices and methods of operating the same.
Semiconductor memory devices require various characteristics such as high speed operation, low power dissipation, random access, and high capacity storage determined according to devices and systems in which they are applied. Among non-volatile memory devices, a 2-transistor FN tunneling type EEPROM cell has an array structure which is able to write/erase byte data. Therefore, the 2-transistor FN tunneling type EEPROM cell is being widely used as a data access type and data storage type memory device.
A unit cell of an EEPROM cell includes a memory cell transistor and a selection transistor. Accordingly, the EEPROM cell has disadvantages such as a larger area occupied by the unit cell and a lower integration density than a flash memory device. Similar to a flash memory device, an FN tunneling type EEPROM cell includes a FLOTOX-type memory cell transistor and has a structure in which a selection transistor is serially connected to the FLOTOX-type memory cell transistor. Conventionally, a memory cell transistor and a selection transistor are different in channel length, and a portion of a gate insulator of the memory cell transistor has a tunnel insulator structure.
In recent years, an EEPROM cell has been introduced in which a memory cell transistor and a selection transistor have a minimum-sized channel length to enhance an integration density. However, a conventional EEPROM cell experiences leakage current and increased resistance caused by a common source region because the common source region and a drain region are different in configuration.

Non-volatile memory device and method of operating the same


A chip-in-glass type vacuum fluorescent display device includes an integrated circuit chip for driving a display unit in a vacuum glass envelope. The integrated circuit chip is connected to plural number of external terminals to be supplied with an electric power from an external power supply, so that resistances of the external terminals themselves, and those of the connecting points of the external terminals and conductor patterns which connect the terminals to the integrated circuit chip. As a result, the potential change at pads of the integrated circuit chip, which causes unstableness in operation of the integrated circuit and changes of characteristics thereof, is decreased.

A conventional chip-in-glass type VFD device includes an integrated circuit chip for driving a display unit in a vacuum glass envelope thereof. The integrated circuit chip is connected to external terminals by conductor patterns to be supplied with an electric power from external power supply.
According to the conventional VFD device, however, there is a disadvantage in that potential change, which is caused by resistances of the external terminals themselves and connecting points of the external terminals and the conductor patterns, occurs at pads of the integrated circuit chip. When the integrated circuit chip has two inputs for power supplying, one of which is for low potential power supply (for instance, ground level) and other is for high potential power supply (for instance, +V.sub.C), potential of the pad for low potential power supply becomes higher than that of the external terminal for low potential power supply. On the other hand, the high potential power supply becomes lower than that of the external terminal for high potential power supply. That is, the potentials of the ground level and +V.sub.C are changed to be -V.sub.D and V.sub.C -V.sub.D, respectively, where V.sub.D is the potential change. As a result, the integrated circuit chip may not operate stably or may not produce expected characteristics.