Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed to improve boundary excursion detection. An example apparatus to improve boundary excursion detection includes a metadata extractor to parse a first control stream to extract embedded metadata, a metadata label resolver to classify a boundary term of the extracted embedded metadata, a candidate stream selector to identify candidate second control streams that include a boundary term that matches the classified boundary term of the first control stream, and a boundary vector calculator to improve boundary excursion detection by calculating a boundary vector factor based on respective ones of the candidate second control streams that include the classified boundary term.

In recent years, manufacturing and industrial environments have become more automated. Such environments include industrial equipment that is controlled by one or more control systems (e.g., process control systems). The equipment may include conveyor belts, chemical tanks, air and/or fluid pumps, heating equipment, welding equipment, robotics, injection mold equipment, etc. Additionally, the equipment typically has different types of configuration settings depending on the objective of the manufacturing environment. As such, the same type of equipment may be used in a first manufacturing environment with first settings, and that same type of equipment may be used in a second manufacturing environment with second settings that are different than the first.
The figures are not to scale. Instead, the thickness of the layers or regions may be enlarged in the drawings. In general, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawing(s) and accompanying written description to refer to the same or like parts.

Methods, systems, articles of manufacture and apparatus to improve boundary excursion detection


A method for ultrasound imaging a target region including: (a) transmitting a tracking beam from at least a subset of the elements of the array to the region, each of the subset of the elements emitting a signal of the tracking beam with a respective transmission time shift; (b) receiving echo signals at at least some of the subset of the elements of the array, each echo signal being responsive to the tracking beam; (c) applying the time shift to at least some of the subset of the respective elements to the echo signals received at corresponding elements; (d) modifying the time shift and repeating (a)-(c) to provide an ultrasound dataset representing a recovered source element domain; (e) focusing and beamforming the dataset to map time signals of the dataset and combine channel signals to provide spatial pixel data; and (f) forming an ultrasound image from the spatial pixel data.

Synthetic transmit aperture generally refers to collecting data from multiple transmit events representing varying aperture information (amplitude, phase, position, etc.) and coherently combining it using the appropriate geometric delays to create an augmented effective transmit aperture. U.S. Pat. No. 5,951,479 describes a fundamental implementation of this method, emitting on different segments of the array and creating the full array by coherent combination in post-processing.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,951,479 describes extending the focal depth of field by splitting the transmit aperture into inner and outer segments and using the segments independently to focus at different depths. This achieves better focusing across the axial extent of the image, but sacrifices SNR by splitting the active elements.
Synthetic transmit aperture techniques can be generalized to various beam geometries (focused, planar, diverging). U.S. Pat. No. 9,384,530 describes a method to determine the overlap between these shaped beams in order to determine where in the reconstruction to coherently combine them, creating a synthetic transmit aperture. U.S. Pat. No. 8,679,018B2 describes performing the technique with various broad beams.
The most common commercially implemented synthetic transmit aperture is similar to the method presented in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20090306512. For each focused beam, parallel receive lines are produced with varying delays to account for differences in transmit time of flight. The method uses the virtual source concept, with spherically converging waves propagating toward the focal point. Each receive point is created using contributions from a small set of neighboring steered beams that have been time and phase adjusted to align coherently. Similar methods are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,231,511 and 8,137,272. U.S. Pat. No. 8,317,712 describes a similar method specifically for the application of spatial compounding.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,048,315 proposes a magnitude based coding (with values of +/−1) derived from the Hadamard matrix. This method allows for coherent combination of multiple transmit event data in order to recover individual channel data based on mathematical inversion of the Hadamard matrix. This method require accurate pulse inversion on transmit or reducing the number of elements emitting on each transmit (lowering signal-to-noise ratio) respectively.

Systems and methods for intra-beam compounding for ultrasound imaging


The present invention includes a terminal barrier for use in an electrical distribution load canter having a housing defined by side walls upstanding from a back wall. Within the housing are input terminals connecting a service line to a main circuit breaker and output terminals connected to a plurality of branch circuit breakers. The barrier is a generally flat, thin body positioned to separate the input terminals from the output terminals. The barrier includes interlocking elements for disengagingly connecting one end of the barrier to the side wall of the housing. The barrier also includes elements for fastening the opposite end of the barrier to the housing while simultaneously engaging the interlocking elements and supporting the barrier in a plane parallel to the back wall of the housing.

Enclosures for electrical equipment, such as circuit breaker panel boards or load centers, are designed to connect incoming service or main lines to the terminals of a main circuit breaker. The current is distributed through branch circuit breakers and output terminals to branch lines which exit the enclosure.
The standards promulgated by certain municipalities require that a removable barrier be installed between the main circuit breaker and the branch circuits in an electrical load center. Several methods are used to support this barrier which increase the cost and complexity of manufacturing, as well as, installing the enclosure.
One method of supporting the barrier requires riveting brackets to the side wall of the enclosure. Another method lances a part of the side wall flange. Both methods require multiple screws to be inserted at the factory to hold the barrier during shipping. Contending with all these parts during the subsequent installation is labor intensive.
The art needs a new and improved removable barrier to separate the input terminals from the remainder of the components in an electrical load center which is inexpensive to manufacture and easily installed. The present invention provides such a terminal barrier and load center assembly.

Terminal barrier for electrical load centers


A brewing system for brewing a beverage is disclosed having an inlet for receiving fresh water for brewing, and a first solenoid for directing water to a water storage tank when a level in the water storage tank falls below a predetermined level. A pair of pumps direct water from the storage tank to a second solenoid. Two or more brew paths lead away from the second solenoid, each brew path including a heating element to heat the water flowing therethrough. The second prevents overpressurization in the brew paths by routing excess pressurized water from the respective brew path back through the second solenoid and out a drain line leading to a drain, where the path to the drain is not part of the brew path.

There are many different types of espresso drinks, including cappuccino, cafe latte and cafe mocha. All are made with one or more shots of espresso. A shot of espresso is made by forcing about 1.5 ounces of hot water through tightly packed, finely ground espresso coffee. There are many variables in the process of making a shot of espresso. The temperature of the water, the pressure of the water, the fineness of the ground coffee and how tightly the coffee is packed to name a few. To force the water through the coffee, the simplest espresso machines use pressure that comes from heating water inside a sealed vessel. In this type of machine, the coffee is packed into a funnel-shaped piece of metal that has a tube extending to the bottom of the reservoir. A few ounces of water are put into the reservoir and the top is screwed on.
When the water is heated, pressure builds inside the vessel, and the only way for it to escape is up the tube, through the coffee and out of the tube in the top. Since the end of the tube is under water, the pressure forces the hot water up through the tube. To begin the operation, the brew process is started once the heating vessel has heated the water to the ideal temperature (just below boiling). Ground espresso coffee is poured into the basket and tamped down, and then the porta-filter is installed by twisting it into the machine. A small cup is placed beneath the spout, and the valve to the espresso position is opened. The opening of the valve engages the micro-switch that starts a pump, which in turn pressurizes the heating chamber and hot water to about 15 atmospheres (220 psi) of pressure. This forces the hot water through the ground coffee and out of the spouts. Ideally, it should take about 25 seconds for about 1.5 ounces of espresso to come out.
The problem with espresso machines of this type is that the excess buildup of pressure must be relieved after the operation is complete. The residual pressure is relieved through the same valve and spout as the coffee exits. The operator has the potential exposure to the espresso vessel bursting upon the release of the brew head interface. The residual heat and steam causes the potential pressure through the same brew/froth ports, if there is no other means of eliminating the pressure.

Pressure relief system for espresso maker


The aqueous hair fixing composition contains 0.1 to 30 percent by weight of at least one thickener, e.g. acrylic acid polymer; 0.1 to 25 percent by weight of a film-forming polymer ingredient which consists of vinyl acetate/crotonic acid copolymer, acrylic acid/acrylamide copolymer and/or methyl vinyl ether/maleic anhydride copolymer and 45 to 99.8 percent by weight water. This aqueous hair fixing composition necessarily contains no organic solvents, no cationic surfactants and no cationic polymers and a physiologically acceptable acid or base is added to it to adjust its pH so that the film-forming polymer ingredient is at least partially precipitated.

The invention relates to an aqueous composition for treating hair, especially to a hair fixing composition, which contains a thickener and a fixing or film-forming polymer which can be precipitated completely or partially in aqueous solution by changing the pH value, has a pH value at which it is precipitated completely or partially and is soluble at other pH values.
Conventional hair treatment compositions containing natural, synthetic or modified natural film-forming polymers generally take the form of alcoholic preparations, aqueous-alcoholic preparations or preparations containing some other organic solvent.
When used daily, organic solvents in hair grooming products have a negative effect on humans and on the environment. They also have an unpleasant odor. If the organic solvent contained in such compositions is replaced by water, this usually leads to a deterioration of its useful properties, e.g., results in slow drying of hair. In such cases, the hair usually feels sticky.
Hair fixing compositions with an intensive setting or fixing action contain high proportions of one or more film-forming fixing polymers so that the use of such compositions greatly burdens the hair, particularly fine hair. Moreover, hair can become sticky.
Currently conventional forms for such compositions are sprays, lotions, foams and gels. The problems mentioned above frequently occur with gels in particular.
Further, hair treatment compositions in gel form have limited fixing or holding power.
European Patent Application EP-OS 0 445 714 describes hair fixing compositions containing sodium alginate, a fixing polymer and water as solvent. However, the fixing power of such compositions is limited. Furthermore, they can burden hair.
European Patent Application EP-OS 0 412 705 discloses a cosmetic hair composition which contains a nonionic, water-soluble thickening polymer which is modified with respect to hydrophobic properties, a second water-soluble thickening polymer and a hair-fixing polymer which is soluble or insoluble in water. Special silicone copolymers which are dissolved in liquid silicone derivatives are worked into the composition as preferred fixing polymers. Due to the use of silicon-organic solvents, such compositions are not sufficiently environmentally friendly.
A hair care composition with holding properties containing a water-insoluble polymeric complex is described in European Patent Application EP 0 034 190 A1. The insoluble polymeric complex is a reaction product of an anionic polymer and a cationic surfactant. This reaction product imparts body and stiffness to the hair (page 1, lines 20 to 32). However, the hair fixing power of such compositions is limited and the requirement of the complex forming cationic surfactant substantially increases the production costs.

Aqueous hair fixing composition containing a water-soluble hair fixing polymer and a thickener


According to a computer-implemented method for the automatic localization of a structure, an individual image which maps an object with the structure is displayed on a display surface. A gaze movement of a user is captured by a gaze capture system and, on the basis thereof, a gaze capture signal is generated. By a computer unit, dependent upon the gaze capture signal, at least one image point of the individual image is identified, which at least partially maps the structure.

In different applications in which an object is analyzed or manipulated by a person with the support of imaging, (e.g., in the field of medical applications), the correct determination of a position of a structure in the image data is of decisive significance for further method acts. In the medical context, this is the case, for example, for analytical or diagnostic methods or for interventions that are supported by imaging methods, (e.g., fluorescence-based methods). In particular, for many medical uses, a correct segmentation of an anatomical object is decisive for further treatment or analytical acts.
Existing segmentation methods and other methods for structure localization in image data require user input or the selection of image points or image regions by the user in order to be able to provide adequate results. For example, the user may manually place seed points, which may be designated initial points for segmentation and lie within the anatomical structure of interest or which draw approximate outlines round the structure.
The manual interaction of the user with the localization system or the segmentation algorithm is disadvantageous because the interaction interrupts the operational processes of the user, deflects the user thereby, and also takes up a corresponding amount of time. These interactions also require a physical operation of an input device by the user, which is disadvantageous particularly in sterile environments.


A method for synthesizing aluminum nitride is disclosed, wherein an ignition agent is formed by mixing an azide powder (such as sodium azide; NaN3) and aluminum powder, and is paved on an ignition portion of a reactant-containing body having a plurality of ratios of aluminum to a diluent, wherein the content of the diluent is gradually increased in accordance with the propagation direction of combustion wave generated in the combustion synthesis process. The method for synthesizing aluminum nitride is to ignite the ignition agent located in the ignition portion of the reactant-containing body under an ambience in which the pressure is less than 1 atm, and to introduce nitrogen gas as the nitrogen source into the reaction chamber after ignition.

Recently, aluminum nitride (AlN) has become a very important material in industrial applications due to its unique physical properties, such as high thermal conductivity close to that of metals and more than 10 times as much as that of alumina, high electrical resistivity and low thermal expansion coefficient comparable to silicon and silicon carbide; a high electrical resistivity; good thermal-shock resistance; mechanical strength comparable to alumina ceramics; and good corrosion resistance. Aluminum nitride has been popularly considered for use in many commercial applications, such as substrates for electronic components; integrated circuit packaging materials; heat dissipation materials; and vessels for containing or processing molten metals and salts.
Aluminum nitride are generally manufactured via the method of, carbothermally reducing and nitriding alumina; directly reacting aluminum metal with nitrogen; reacting aluminum chloride and ammonia in a vapor phase; and self-propagating high temperature synthesis (SHS), i.e. combustion synthesis. The first three methods mentioned above and their modified processes all have the common drawbacks of taking relatively much time; consuming relatively much energy; having relatively low conversion rate, etc. In comparison with those methods, the method of combustion synthesis is newly developed to produce aluminum nitride, and has the advantages including fast reaction rate; less energy consumption; simple manufacturing steps suitable for use in mass production; and higher conversion rate. The method of combustion synthesis basically uses a spontaneous chemical reaction initiated by igniting and rapidly propagating a combustion wave through a reactant admixture to produce aluminum nitride.
Several prior arts for preparing aluminum nitride by the combustion synthesis method are described hereinafter:
(1) U.S. Pat. No. 5,649,278 disclosed a method for preparing aluminum nitride by igniting a particulate material composed of aluminum or aluminum alloy in the presence of gaseous nitrogen at a pressure of from 0.75 to 30 atmospheres, wherein the diluent being present in an amount of from 20 to 80 percent by weight is added to the particulate material, and at least 75 percent by weight (% wt) of the aluminum in the particulate material is converted to aluminum nitride.
(2) Uda et al. ("Preparation of Mixed Ultrafine (Al+AlN) Powders and Their Nitridation", Physical Chemistry of Powder Metals Production and Processing, The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society, 1989.) disclosed the preparation of AlN sintered compacts using a simple furnace, wherein the compact of mixed ultra-fine (Al+AlN) powder is placed in a cold furnace and heated in a nitrogen atmosphere. When the temperature reached about 870 K, the combustion of the compact accompanied by an intense emission of light occurs, and the temperature of the compact rises from about 870 K to about 1700 K in a few seconds, thereby obtaining a hard and porous sintered compact of AlN.
(3) Clark et al. ("Combustion Synthesis Using Microwave Energy", Ceram. Eng. Sci Proc. 11[9–10], pp. 1729–1742, 1990.) disclosed a combustion synthesis process of pouring Al powder into a fused silica crucible; then placing the crucible in a microwave for 5 minutes with consistent nitrogen gas, so as to purge the air; and thereafter actuating microwave source to initiate SHS.
(4) In the paper of Long et al. ("Aluminum Nitride, a Refractory for Aluminum for 2000° C.", Journal of American Ceramic Society, Vol. 42, No. 2, pp53–59, Feb. 1, 1959), it is stated that Mellor ("Comprehensive Treatise On Inorganic and Theoretical Chemistry", Vol. VIII, Nitrogen and Phosphorus. Longmans, Green and Co., New York, 1928.) reported that Brieglib and Geuther, in 1862, produced aluminum nitride by heating aluminum turnings in an atmosphere of nitrogen, wherein the reaction proceeds to about 700° C. Mellor also reports that Zengheis disclosed the formation of aluminum nitride, wherein aluminum was burned in oxygen, and nitrogen is substituted with oxygen while the metal was still burning.
The conventional combustion synthesis methods for preparing aluminum nitride can be roughly divided in two categories: forming a compact by molding the reactant admixture; and filling the reactants into a refractory container, such as a graphite or ceramic crucible, wherein the former needs to preprocess the reactant admixture into a compact before reaction, resulting in higher operation cost and complicated operation steps, and the latter has difficulty in achieving the preparation of aluminum nitride of good quality and production. Moreover, the conventional technologies are disadvantageous in difficult ignition, being susceptible to oxygen and moisture contamination in atmosphere, thus lowering the quality of aluminum nitride produced.
Hence, there is an urgent need to develop a method for synthesizing aluminum nitride for simplifying operation steps; lowering operation cost; easily igniting reactants; avoiding oxygen and moisture contamination in atmosphere; and improving the quality and yield of aluminum nitride produced.

Method for synthesizing aluminum nitride


An apparatus and method of improving the quality of a speech codec are provided. In the method, a first energy of a signal decoded by a low-band codec is calculated, and a second energy of a signal decoded by a low-band enhancement mode is calculated. Then, when the first energy is less than a first threshold value or less than a product of the second energy and a second threshold value, a size of the decoded signal is scaled. Accordingly, generation of a quantization error with respect to a silence segment is reduced.

A module for compressing a speech signal is called an encoder, and a module for decompressing a compressed speech signal is called a decoder. The most basic speech codec is an ITU-T G.711 codec which samples an input signal at 8 kHz and quantizes the sampled input signal to 8 bits. Where, in order to increase quantization efficiency, an A-law log quantizer as shown in Equation 1 or a u-law log quantizer as shown in Equation 2 is used.
                                          AL                                      (              x              )                                =                                                    Ax                                  1                  +                                                            log                      10                                                                                (                      A                      )                                                                                for                                                                                O                        ≤            x            ≤                          1              A                                                                                AL                                      (              x              )                                =                                                                      1                  +                                                            log                      10                                                                                (                      Ax                      )                                                                                1                  +                                                            log                      10                                                                                (                      A                      )                                                                                for                                                                                1                A                                      ≤            x            ≤            1                                              (        1        )                                          uL                                (            x            )                          =                              sign                                      (              x              )                                                                                V                0                                                                            log                  10                                                                  [                                      1                    +                                                                  u                                                                                                    x                                                                                                          V                        0                                                                              ]                                                                                log                10                                                          [                                  1                  +                  u                                ]                                                                        (        2        )
A conventional log quantizer as described above applies different quantizing intervals according to the magnitudes of input signals. For example, a relatively wide quantizing interval is set for a signal having a small magnitude, and a relatively narrow quantizing interval is set for a signal having a large magnitude, that is, a signal highly likely to be generated. Accordingly, the efficiency of quantization is increased.
It is well known that quantization noise is evenly distributed over the entire bandwidth. However, according to the characteristics of human hearing, a quantization error existing in a segment of a signal having a large magnitude is not clearly heard as it is buried in the signal, and a quantization error existing in a segment of a signal having a small magnitude is easily heard as a noise. Accordingly, not only a speech segment but also a silence segment needs to be effectively coded because the coding of the silence segment affects the overall performance of a codec. In other words, noise caused by a quantization error in a silence segment may affect the overall sound quality.
A codec may have different performances according to the magnitudes of an input signal. In order to evaluate the performance of a speech codec, signals having different magnitudes, for example, signals of −16, −26, and −36 dBoV, are usually evaluated. In other words, a codec evaluates how its performance varies according to a change in the amplitude of an input signal.
In a codec such as G.711 or G.722, noise is generated due to a quantization error with respect to an input signal of −36 dBoV. In particular, a quantization error generated in a silence segment of the input signal serves as a factor in reducing the overall quality of the codec. Results of a subjective hearing test show that a mean opinion score (MOS) with respect to the input signal of −26 dBoV is higher than −36 dBoV.

Apparatus and method of enhancing quality of speech codec

ELECTRONICS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH INSTITUTE


A device for assisting the development of an infant's visual acuity and for transferring the mother's scent to an infantile environment. Smooth and supple fabric contacts an area of the mother's body for absorbing a portion of the mother's scent and is thereafter transferred and located in proximity with the infantile environment for venting the transferred scent about the infantile environment. Due to the device's contrasting colors, the training of the infant's visual acuity can be enhanced.

1. Field of the Invention
In the most general sense, the present invention relates to devices that can be assimilated with an infantile environment, such as, incubators, cradles, cribs or bassinets. The invention is useful in hospital wards for newborns and premature babies as well as day care facilitates or other infantile environments. Due to the device's contrasting colors, the training of the infant's visual acuity can be enhanced. In conjunction with the contrasting colors, fabrics or other supple materials which can absorb and thereafter transfer a portion of the scent of the infant's mother to a location apart from the mother create another attribute of the invention. When the device is placed near the infantile environment, the mother's scent is vented about the infant's environment such that the infant's olfactory senses can be stimulated by the mother's scent without the mother being present.
2. Description of the Previous Art
a) U.S. Pat. No. 5,423,711—Dorland enables a convertible body garment with odor absorbing properties and process of using the convertible body garment. The Dorland garment is formed from a rectangular piece of fabric (16) which may be made from naturally occurring materials or blends thereof, such as cotton and/or blends with man made materials which absorb perspiration or body secretions. A pair of removable straps (18) are attached to the elongated side (20) of the rectangular shaped garment. Pockets (32) are attached to the inner surface of the garment in proximity to the breasts or axillae. The pockets are defined by a loose weave designed to retain body order absorbing material. After the method's body odor has been absorbed, the garment (10) is attached to a crib's mattress (50). In another embodiment, the '711 garment is attached to an infant seat, carrier or swing. And Column 4, lines 23-44, teach, "In a preferred application of the invention, the use of body odor absorbing material attached to the inner surface of the garment enhances the absorbency of odor . . . A process of promoting bonding between a person and an infant in accordance with the invention includes wearing a garment in contact with at least the person's body, such as the torso, comprising a material which absorbs odor from the body and a fastening means for attaching the garment to the body for a time sufficient to retain the odor; and attaching the worn garment to a garment support with fastening means sufficiently close to the infant so that the infant may smell the retained odor for a time sufficient to promote bonding." By reference, the disclosure of the Dorland Patent is specifically incorporated into the current Application, and more particularly, the disclosure therein related to odor absorbing materials and the resultant olfactory bonding between infants and their mothers.
2) U.S. Pat. No. 6,112,749—Hall, et. al., discloses the use of an absorbent pad made of cotton, felt, paper, etc. that has been impregnated with an odor, preferably vanilla, that is pleasing to the infant. Application of moisture activates the odor dot on the baby bottle. In another embodiment, an odor ring rather than a dot is affixed to the baby bottle. The '749 device also enables a methods including greater consumption of liquids, as well as, enriching the olfactory environment of the bottle's user.
3) U.S. Pat. No. 4,283,011—Spector enables a scented sticker that can be applied to clothing. The Spector stickers are embedded with a volatile having the odor analogous to the shape of the sticker.
4) U.S. Pat. No. 4,989,285—Troncone, et al., teaches a security blanket, preferably 35 centimeters by 45 centimeters, constructed to feel like the amnion lining in which the baby resides before birth. The Troncone blanket has one side that is soft brushed flannel and a second side made of charmeuse satin.
5) U.S. Pat. No. 4,582,492—Etter, et. al., enables a behavioral modification method using microencapsulation of odors on a patch. Dominant and subservient odors are microencapsulated onto disks. When the subject's urge becomes so strong that he feels as if he is loosing control, the disk is scratched which releases the subservient odor. After a period of time, the subservient odor fades and the dominant pleasant odor becomes pervasive once again and the subject is rewarded for avoiding the bad habit.
6) U.S. Pat. No. 5,813,866—Maeda describes a bed sheet or a lap robe including a cloth chart for learning characters. A plurality of pieces and kinds of cloth in color are connected in a continuous manner along the circumference of the face of the learning chart so that beautiful feelings for infants and children are formed. Pieces (41), (42), (43), (44) and (45) are respectively red, green, yellow, brown and blue.
7) U.S. Pat. No. 3,570,139—Ladd, et al., enables an instructional apparatus for use in early child development. The Ladd book includes visual and chemical-odor producing stimuli that allow the child to associate the thing displayed with its aroma. The display sheets (28) include incentive means (14) that are integrated with the story line as well as illustrative material to encourage the student to operate the Ladd, et al., apparatus. For example, the '139 Patent teaches that the candy canes exemplified therein also smell like peppermint.
8) U.S. Pat. No. 5,199,842—Watt et al., describes a nursing scarf and enables a method of nursing an infant utilizing the scarf.
9) U.S. Pat. No. 6,247,178—Bilda enables a convertible, scent retaining garment blanket. Bilda utilizes a shirt with detachable sleeves. To practice of the '178 detachable shirt, the parent wears the shirt and then detaches the sleeves from the body of the shirt. Either one of the sleeves or the torso of the shirt is used as a baby blanket.
10) U.S. Published patent application No. 20020006455 A1—Levine describes a baby food selection and method. Levine utilizes scratch and sniff technology to incorporate food flavor and food odors onto food containers, cards, game pieces or toys. By smelling or tasting the flavor or scent imparted to the food containers, cards, game pieces or toys, the pre-speaking baby can indicate the preferred food.
11) U.S. Pat. No. 6,626,536 B2—Mesplay enables a device and method for assisting development of an infant's visual acuity and for transferring a mother's scent to an infantile environment. The Mesplay Description of the Preferred Embodiments, in part, reads:                FIG. 1 depicts a black side (32) of supple fabric (30) including an aperture (34) that can be hooked onto a projection of an infantile environment (not shown), thereby attaching supple factor (30) to the infantile environment. FIG. 2 discloses a neutral white side (38) of supple fabric (30) and aperture (34). FIG. 3 portrays device (30) where aperture (34) has received thread (42). However, those skilled in the art recognize that thread (42) can be sewn directly into supple fabric (30), thereby circumventing use of aperture (34). FIG. 4 exemplifies, device (30) suspended from canopy (44) of bassinet (40) by thread (42). In FIGS. 5-8, linear (FIG. 5) and other geometric black on white patterns (FIG. 6, polka dot; FIG. 7, rectangular or square; FIG. 8, triangular) are depicted. Importantly, those skilled in the art recognized the patterns could just as easily be white on black backgrounds. Moreover, practice of the present invention is not limited to patterns disclosed in FIGS. 5-8, but can easily accommodate other geometric patterns. And still in accordance with the present invention, the sides (not shown) opposite the geometric pattern sides (50, 52, 54 and 56) of supple fabric (30) are neutral, i.e., white, off-white, pastel beige, pastel yellow, pastel gray, pastel blue, pastel pink, to name a few of the plethora of neutral colors available for use. Additionally, opposite sides (not shown) can be composed of a backing separate from supple fabric (30), or it can be composed solely of supple fabric (30).
The '536 Patent appears to enable supple fabrics that have either a solid black side and a solid neutral or white side or a geometric black and while pattern on a first side of the fabric and a neutral solid colored second side. In accordance with Mesplay, the colors of the neutral side can be either white, off-white, pastel beige, pastel yellow, pastel gray, pastel blue or pastel pink. Mesplay appears to be silent regarding the use of black and white patterns on both sides of the fabric, a black and while pattern on a first side of the device and a pattern of other colors on the second side of the device or colors other than black and white utilized on each side of the '536 device.
12) U.S. Pat. No. 6,772,891—Song enables a confort grip bottle holder. The Song Detailed Description of the Drawings reads:                The bottle sleeve 100 includes an elastic portion 104 and a fabric portion 102. The elastic portion 104 is expandable to accept bottle 200. The elastic portion 104 then constricts around the bottle 200 to securely fasten the bottle sleeve 100 to the bottle 200. The elastic portion 104 can be manufactured from a variety of different materials including but not limited to, foam, rubber or an elastic fabric such as those used in the manufacture of athletic socks. The use of a variety of elastic materials does not detract from the spirit of the invention. The fabric portion 102 is attached to the elastic portion 104. In one disclosed embodiment, the fabric portion 102 is sewn together with the elastic portion 104. However, a wide variety of attachment schemes can be implemented without detracting from the spirit of the invention. The fabric portion 102 is made from a soft, scent absorbing fabric. The fabric portion 102 surrounds the nipple 106 of the bottle 200 such that the tip of the nipple 106 is accessible by an animal. The fabric portion 102, in one disclosed embodiment, can be manufactured in a donut shape with padding to provide a soft nuzzle area for an animal feeding from the nipple 106. The soft, scent absorbing fabric of the fabric portion 102 allows for the scent of the animal feeding from the bottle 200 to be absorbed so that the animal will recognize its own scent at subsequent feedings. This recognition will assist in later feedings. The claws of the animal on both the front and rear feet typically do not grasp a plastic or glass bottle such as those shown in FIG. 6. This causes difficulty in allowing the animal to nurse. However, the claws of the front and back feet can securely grip the elastic portion 104 and fabric portion 102 of the bottle sleeve 100 of the present disclosed embodiment.
Song requires an elastic member for enveloping the bottle that is connected to a ring like fabric portion that surrounds the nipple. The ring like fabric portion can absorb the mother animal's scent. Since the '891 Patent refers to "the claws of the animal on both the front and rear feet typically do not grasp a plastic or glass bottle," it appears that Song's device is directed toward animals other than humans. Song is silent regarding any assonance with the development of an infant's visual acuity or the transfer of the mother's scent to an infantile environment.
13) U.S. Pat. No. 4,514,995—Curtis, et al. enables a knit cover for a beverage container. The Curtis Summary of the Invention reads:                In order to prevent slippage from the hand when placed on a beverage container, an outwardly bulging hand engagable annular band is formed around the upper medial portion of the sleeve. This band is formed during the knitting of the sleeve and is produced by holding the stitch loops on one set of needles while knitting several courses of stitch loops on the other set of needles, and then again knitting on both sets of needles.  The present knit cover also has a uniform bottom portion which is adapted to partially enclose the flat bottom of a beverage container which is slidably inserted in the sleeve. This bottom portion is formed by discontinuing the ribbed pattern and providing a non-elastic lower terminal edge opening. This lower opening has a diameter which is smaller than the upper opening, and the lower opening preferably does note stretch as much as the remainder of the sleeve when a container is inserted therein. This prevents the beverage container from slipping out of the lower end of the sleeve while at the seam time functioning as a coaster having a substantially uniform bottom portion, which, having no irregularities, is unlikely to cause the container to tip over and spill its contents. The knit cover may be economically formed on a circular knitting machine having two sets of needles and capable of knitting seamless tube or sleeve of rib fabric, preferably in a one-by-one rib pattern. This pattern is continued for approximately one and one half inches or twenty to thirty courses in a preferred embodiment, and then the needles knitting the inwardly facing stitch loops hold their stitch loops while the needles knitting the outwardly facing or plain stitch loops continue to knit for about three to eight courses, to form the outwardly bulging band. All needles then again knit and the rib pattern is continued to an overall length of between about six to seven inches. The diameter of the knit cover of the present invention is dependent in part upon yarn weight, the tension used, the diameter and gauge of the machine, and the number of stitch loops formed in each course. Working with a sport or worsted weight acrylic fiber yarn, and a one-by-one rib knit pattern, a machine provided with 60 needles produces an appreciate diameter for the knit cover. Yarn of acrylic fiber is preferred due to its inherent elasticity and heat insulating characteristics, although yarns of polypropylene, 100% wool, or wool blends may be used. It has ben found that for optimum performance, a one-by-one rib knit stitch pattern in a sport or worsted weight yarn of acrylic fiber provides the best combination of inherent elasticity or stretchability and heat insulating properties. To provide greater elasticity, elastic yarn, such as spandex, may be laid in the courses of stitch loops in the top portion as well as in other portions of the knit cover.
Along with being limited to the acrylic knits, Curtis is silent regarding any assistance with the development of an infant's visual acuity or the transfer of the mother's scent to an infantile environment.
14) U.S. Pat. No. 3,065,944—Libendorfer enables a nursing bottle holder. Among other things, the Libendorfer tubular bottle holder includes a securing ribbon, snaps, heat insulating material and a nylon layer. The '944 device is not intended to be worn inside the mother's undergarment; rather, the Libendorfer device is to be worn about the neck and on the outside of the mother's clothing. The '944 Patent is silent regarding any assistance with the development of an infant's visual acuity or the transfer of the mother's scent to an infantile environment.
15) U.S. Pat. No. 2,522,381—Kramer enables a temperature retaining cover for baby bottles and other receptacles. The Kramer baby bottle hood includes three layers of material with an insulator sandwiched between the two outer layers of fabric and a draw string. The '381 Patent is silent regarding any assistance with the development of an infant's visual acuity or the transfer of the mother's scent to an infantile environment.
16) U.S. Pat. No. 1,669,061—Meltzer enables a combined heat insulator and protector for milk bottles and the like. Meltzer enables a bag-like structure for a baby bottle that includes an outer casing and insulator, an inner pad and binding tapes (18) or ties. The '061 Patent is silent regarding any assistance with the development of an infant's visual acuity or the transfer of the mother's scent to an infantile environment.
17) The Enfamil® Family of Formulas™ Baby Book© 1997, Mead Johnson & Company. The Mead Johnson soft plastic Baby Book teaches, ". . . black and white patterns are easier for babies to distinguish than colors. While they can see colors, the sharp contrast of black and white holds their attention for longer periods of time." And the soft plastic Baby Book features pages of black patterns on white backgrounds.

Device and method for assisting development of an infant's visual acuity and for transferring a mother's scent to an infantile environment


This invention relates to a fusion protein comprising the TMD of the transcription factor and PTD, an inhibitor for transcription factor function comprising the same, and a method for producing the same. Various diseases associated with malfunctions or defects of the transcription factor are effectively treated using the fusion protein according to the present invention.

Transcription factor is an element to control the transcription of a gene which can modulate the transcriptional activity through binding to specific sequences in DNA or binding to other factor(s). If this binding or interaction does not function correctly, various diseases associated with the malfunctions or defects of the transcription factor could be induced.
In 1998, the identity of Protein Transduction Domain (PTD) was originally reported in that a part of HIV-TAT protein can facilitate the delivery of BRM (Biological Response Modifier) into the cells. About 50 different PTDs have been discovered so far, and Tat, VP22, Antp HP4 and Hph-1 have been used frequently for basic and therapeutic research. It has been demonstrated that these PTDs effectively deliver a protein bigger than 120 kDa into the cells within a short period of time, and DNA/RNA or the undeliverable chemical compound can be transduced into the cells by PTD. PTD is a novel drug delivery system to facilitate intracellular delivery of the BRM into the brain across BBB (Blood Brain Barrier) or into the body through a local administration route such as skin, intranasal or ocular pathway.
Therefore, this inventor completes the generation of the fusion protein comprising the part of a transcription factor and PTD on the basis of the fact that the transcription factor exerts the function(s) through its interaction with DNA or other proteins.

Fusion protein having transcription factor transactivation-regulating domain and protein transduction domain, and transcription factor function inhibitor comprising the same


A system and method for programming a digital video recorder (DVR) over a scheduling network. Program schedule information is provided to a user of a DVR via the scheduling network. A program selection is received from the scheduling client associated with a subscriber via the scheduling network. State information indicative of a state of a program provisioning system is used to determine whether the program selection is deliverable to the DVR via the program provisioning system. If the program selection is deliverable to the DVR via the program provisioning system, then the program is scheduled for recording by the DVR. The subscriber is notified if the program selection is deliverable or undeliverable.

Embodiments of this invention are generally related to interactive cable television services and more particularly related to enabling a cable television service user to remotely manage a digital video recorder (DVR) over a network.
Cable networks have evolved from downstream broadcast systems provided over coax cable to hybrid fiber cable (HFC) networks capable of both downstream and upstream communications using both analog and digital signals. With respect to video services, modern set top boxes send upstream signals to the headend to request video on demand (VOD) services, pay per view (PPV) services, and switched video broadcast (SVB) services and to issue control commands (play, stop, fast forward, rewind, and pause) that affect the video stream. Two-way STBs are addressable, can be associated with a user, and can be associated with a physical location within an HFC cable network. DVRs allow subscribers to determine what to watch and when.
DVRs have become extremely popular over the last several years. Millions of people rely on these devices to pause and rewind live television, and to keep track of broadcast schedules and record programs for them. Many consider them just as essential to their daily lives as their cell phones. The DVR records television shows to a hard disk in digital format. The DVR receives programming in digital format or converts analog signals to digital format.
Because the recording is digital, it can be manipulated to provide features not available to analog recorders. For example, a DVR allows a user to pause live TV, provide instant replay of interesting scenes, and skip advertising.
One of the most compelling features of a DVR is the ability to schedule program recordings based on an interactive program guide (IPG). IPG's are typically downloaded to a DVR and used by a user to select programs for recording. Some DVRs interact with the IPG to allow programs to be recorded on a recurring basis. Other DVRs provide for recording programs by "type." In this mode, the DVR uses an algorithm to select programs for recording that meet preference criteria established by the user or that are similar to programs selected by the user.
Downloading of the IPG is typically accomplished via a network. Some DVRs support an Internet connection while others comprise a modem for downloading files via the public switched telephone network. In a cable environment, the IPG may be acquired from a set top box using an out-of-band channel or from a DOCSIS-compliant set top box via a high speed digital link. IPGs vary in detail and the frequency with which the programming data is updated.
A DVR that supports a network connection is a candidate for network based remote scheduling. Remote scheduling is similar to scheduling programming at the DVR. For example, in a Web-based remote scheduling system, a searchable IPG is provided on a Web page. A program is selected and the program selection is downloaded to the DVR during a communication session between the IPG server and the DVR using the network connection established for the IPG download.
While remote scheduling of programs enhances the user experience with a DVR, the current systems use a store-and-forward model that does not provide a user with confirmation that the selected program will actually be recorded. For example, if the network connection between an IPG remote scheduler and the DVR is faulty, the program selection may not be communicated to the DVR in time for recording the selected program. The DVR may not be able to record the selected program because it is turned off or is not properly connected, or because the DVR does not have sufficient storage space. The program receiver, such as a set top box (STB), may not be able to acquire the selected program because of problems with the STB, problems with the network to which it is connected, and/or problems with the programming source, such as a video-on-demand server.
What would be useful is a remote scheduling system that evaluates current diagnostic information relevant to the recording of a selected program and informs a DVR user that the selected program will not be saved to the DVR.


A multidimensional camouflage outer wear garment system including garments made of various combinations of two-dimensional and three-dimensional camouflage material. The two-dimensional and three-dimensional camouflage materials are positioned within garments so as to distort the smooth line silhouette of the wearer, thereby enhancing the total effectiveness of the camouflage. Zones of three-dimensional material are disposed across limited selected regions of the garments to maintain continuity of silhouette distortion while two-dimensional material is disposed over predefined extended regions adjacent the zones of three-dimensional material.

The present invention is directed to camouflaged clothing generally to be used by sportspersons, hunters, photographers, and others observing wildlife in their natural environment. More precisely, the invention addresses the use of two and three-dimensional materials in the manufacture of camouflage garments. Even more specifically, the invention addresses selective utilization of three-dimensional material in combination with two-dimensional material.
The use of manufactured camouflage material is an extension of the use of natural materials to cause a structure or individual to blend into its natural background and escape visual detection. The development of camouflage materials has led to the manufacture of clothing with the same purpose as the use of natural materials, causing the wearer to blend into the natural background with emphasis on vegetation and terrain.
For purposes of this invention, camouflage material is divided into two distinct categories: two-dimensional material which is generally flat in profile having a length dimension and a width dimension, but a negligible thickness dimension, and three-dimensional material having length, width, and a significant thickness dimension. Two-dimensional materials may be made from woven, knit or other fabric constructions as will be well known to those of skill in the art as well as from non-fabric constructions. Although the two-dimensional material may be a solid camouflage color, most frequently the material is dyed or colored in a multi-colored pattern to simulate the pattern and coloration of the terrain and vegetation in which the camouflaged item is to be used.
In addition to the benefits of coloration and pattern provided by two-dimensional material, three-dimensional materials provide the additional feature of disrupting the outline or silhouette of an object when viewed from a reasonable distance. Such material not only looks like the native vegetation, but the three-dimensional aspect of the material allows it to move like native vegetation and to disrupt the normal silhouette of the wearer. It is known to create a three-dimensional fabric by utilizing a two layered structure and cutting the exposed outer layer in flaps, loops and similar shapes that simulate the shapes and sizes of natural vegetation, such as leaves, twigs, branches, and open spaces. As will be appreciated, cut pieces create the third, thickness dimension of the three-dimensional camouflage material.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,069,796, 4,323,605, and 4,375,488 (all incorporated by reference) disclose camouflaged material manufactured from variously colored, flexible, patterned sheets of fabric with patterned cuts employed to produce flaps and holes simulating the appearance of natural vegetation at a distance. U.S. Pat. No. 4,931,320 (incorporated by reference) discloses three-dimensional, camouflage fabric manufactured from a net base to which is affixed along spaced lines an overlaying sheet of two-dimensional camouflaged material. The sheet of camouflaged material is cut along opposite sides of the spaced lines in shapes and patterns to simulate natural vegetation, terrain, and shadows.
In recent years, the superior concealment afforded three-dimensional materials has increased the popularity of sports clothing manufactured from three-dimensional camouflage material. While three-dimensional materials provide excellent camouflage, the manufacture of such garments may be relatively complex. Moreover, the outwardly projecting surface elements may at times disrupt the desired activity. As noted in U.S. Pat. No. 5,695,835 (incorporated by reference), bow hunters must contend with the potential that the bow string or other moving parts of a bow might become entangled with exposed elements, loops or tongues, of the three-dimensional material. In addition, the exposed elements of the three-dimensional, camouflage fabric is subject to snagging on brush, other vegetation, hunting stands, and blinds resulting in damage to the fabric and disturbance of potential game or other animals of interest to hunters, photographers, or others.

Multidimensional camouflage outer wear garment system


Methods, systems and computer program products for copying data between templates having data stored in fields. The field designations of the source and target template are read and compared and data is copied between fields having matching field designations. For example, each field in the target template with the same field name and field size as a field in the source template receives the data from the corresponding field of the first template. Non-matching fields are presented to a user to obtain instructions on how to complete the copying operation. The user may specify concatenation, splitting, or renaming/resizing to provide source data for the target template. Alternatively, the non-matching fields in the target template may be left empty or the user may manually enter data by using a clipboard function or keying in new data.

The present invention relates generally to computer systems, methods, and program products, and more particularly to computer systems, methods, and program products for copying data.
Data is frequently maintained on computers in a template format where data is placed in fields within the template. The fields typically have an associated field designation such as a field name and may further include a specification of field size and type. Field type may include text, currency or other data type. An example of a template containing fields is an address directory database including a plurality of records each representing address information for a different customer, client or other contact for an individual or company. The various fields within an address book template may include name, address, city, state, zip code or other field information.
If data is stored on a computer in a template format within fields, a problem may arise when it is necessary to copy data from one template to another. The field designations of a source template may not identically match those of a target template. For example, a user may wish to copy address book information from one application program database to another which uses a slightly modified data field format. Typically, database programs provided with an ability to import records to populate the fields of the database with data assume an import file format based on ordering of the data rather than field designations associated with individual pieces of data in the import file. For example, comma delimited import files may be provided where commas are placed to mark demarcations between fields within a record and CR/LF (carriage return/line feed) characters mark the end of individual records. Import operations copying the import file into the template format of the receiving database then proceed sequentially with field transition and record transition decisions being made based upon the CR/LF and comma characters as they are encountered during the read operation. Similarly, clipboard type copy and paste operations typically provided by various computer operating systems presently in use typically will copy and paste data contained in a template but will do so without maintaining information related to the field designations associated with the various data segments.
These approaches to copying of data to field based templates each have various limitations which create difficulties for a user in copying data from a first template to a second template. Both of these conventional approaches may require user formatting or intervention to provide the logical association between data blocks in the source template and the target location in the destination template. Therefore, it would be desirable to provide improved methods, systems and computer program products for copying between templates.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide methods, system:; and computer program products for copying data between templates using field designation information.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide such methods, systems and computer program products that provide for copying of data from matching and non-matching fields.
These and other objects are provided, according to the present invention, by methods, systems and computer program products for copying data between templates having data stored in fields. The field designations of the source and target template are read and compared and data is copied between fields having matching field designations. For example, each field in the target template with the same field name and field size as a field in the source template receives the data from the corresponding field of the first template. Non-matching fields are present d to a user to obtain instructions on how to complete the copying operation. The user may specify concatenation, splitting, or renaming/resizing to provide source data for the target template. Alternatively, the non-matching fields in the target template may be left empty or the user may manually enter data by using a clipboard function or keying in new data.
In one embodiment of the present invention, a method for copying data between templates contained on a computer is provided including receiving a designation of a first template containing data associated with a plurality of fields and of, second template to which the data is to be copied. A first plurality of field designations associated with the fields of the first template and a second plurality of field designations associated with a plurality of fields of the second template are read. Data associated with ones of the plurality of fields of the first template is then co pied to corresponding ones of the plurality of fields of the second template having field designations matching field designations associated with the fields of the first template.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the designation of the first template may be a designation of a portion of the first template containing the data to be copied, the portion including a plurality of the plurality of fields of the first template. In one embodiment the field designations have an associated name and size ant copying is provided by comparing the field designations of the first template to the field designations of the second template to identify ones of the field designations of the first template having associated names and sizes which are identical to ones of the field designations of the second template to determine identical fields. Data associated with identical fields from the first template is copied o the second template.
In a further embodiment of the present invention ones of the first plurality of field designations and ones of the second plurality of field designations having non-matching field designations are displayed to a user. Designations of data to be copied into designated ones of the plurality of fields of the second template are received from the user and the designated data is copied into the designated ones of the plurality of fields of the second template. The user designation may be provided as a user selection of a field designation from the second template to be associated with a field designation selected by the user from the first template for copying data. Alternatively, data may be received from the user for placement in a field of the second template selected by the user.
In another embodiment of the present invention, one of the matching field designations is displayed to a user and a designation of whether copying of a field associated with the displayed field designation is desired is received from the user. Data associated with the field associated with the displayed field designation is copied if the user designations copying as desired. These operations are repeated for each of the matching field designations.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, one of the non-matching field designations is displayed to a user and a designation of a type of copying to be use for the displayed field designation is received from the user. Data is copied into a field of the second template responsive to the received designation of a type of copying to be used. The type of copying may be selected from the group consisting of manual copying, renaming, concatenating and splitting. For manual copying data received from the user is placed in a field of the second template selected by the user. For renaming, at least one of renaming or resizing a field of at least one of the first template or the second template selected by the user to provide a new matching field designation is performed and then data is copied into a field of the second template having a field designation corresponding to the new matching field designation from a field of the first template having a field designation corresponding to the new matching field designation. For concatenating, a plurality of fields of at least one of the first template or the second template selected by the user are concatenated and data is copied from the concatenated plurality of fields to one of the fields of the other of the first template or the second template selected by the user. For splitting, data from a field of at least one of the first template or the second template selected by the user is split into at least two portions and a first one of the portions is copied into a first one of the fields of the other of the first template or the second template selected by the user and a second one of the portions is copied into a second one of the fields of the other of the first template or the second template selected by the user.
In one embodiment of the present invention, copy operations are performed using a clipboard function. In another embodiment, data is copied using memory mapping.
While the invention has been described above primarily with respect to the method aspects of the invention, both systems and computer program products are also provided.
Accordingly, the present invention provides for intelligent copying of data between templates based upon the information contained in the field designations of the source and target templates.

Methods, systems and computer program products for copying between templates having associated field designations

International Business Machines Corporation


A simplified piercing valve stem assembly system and apparatus which includes a valve stem component to which a piercing point has been securely affixed, and an easily manufactured stub-out with a flattened or partially flattened end adapted for piercing.

The current practice in the construction of a new dwelling is to "rough-in" the waste and water supply lines where the new fixtures are to be located utilizing a stub-out pipe which generally protrudes from the wall or floor. A stub-out pipe is a short length of pipe installed during construction, which is connected to the main plumbing pipes. Fixtures are eventually installed and connected to the stub-out.
Currently, water line stub-outs generally consist of commercially available preformed pieces of copper pipe with a sealed, rounded end which protrudes from the wall or floor. Generally, plumbing systems must be pressure tested before fixtures are installed. Once the plumbing system has been pressure tested, it is common practice to leave the water supply turned on, with the water remaining in the lines.
In the past, plumbing rough-ins were accomplished by cutting the copper tubing used for plumbing and applying an end cap to the cut pipe. Current practice in the plumbing industry is to use copper or plastic tubing of various compositions to which a copper (or other metal) stub-out is attached.
When the plumber subsequently installs the new fixtures, it is presently required that the water supply be turned off, and the water in the lines drained away. The plumber must locate the water supply shutoff valve, turn off the water supply, and then drain the water from the system. The plumber then returns to the fixture, and uses a tube-cutting tool to cut off the sealed end of the stub-out and installs a commercially available angle stop device which allows the water to the fixture to be turned on and off. An angle stop is a device which connects to the water supply pipe in the wall and to the faucet or toilet. After installing the standard angle stop, the plumber then returns to the water supply shutoff valve and turns the water supply back on. At this point, there will likely be air remaining in the system, which can cause problems with any previously installed and functioning fixtures.
After restoring the water supply, the plumber then returns to the fixture, connects the supply line to the fixture and opens the angle stop supplying water to the fixture. A traditional angle stop works to control the flow of water to a fixture through the opening and closing of its valve [means] through the rotation of an exposed gripping member.
To stop the flow of fluids through a traditional angle stop, the operator turns the gripping member of the valve, either clockwise or counter-clockwise depending upon design, threading the valve stem further into the valve body and pressing the valve stem against the body of the valve. Leakage may further be prevented by the use of either or both of a valve seat formed in the valve body and a resilient washer situated on the leading end of the valve stem. When used, the resilient washer resiliently deforms against the valve body or the valve seat providing an enhanced seal further inhibiting fluid flow.
To allow water to flow through a traditional angle stop, the operator turns the gripping member of the valve in the opposite direction threading the valve stem further out of the valve body relieving the pressure of the valve stem against the valve body permitting the flow of fluid. When using either or both of a valve seat or resilient washer, fluid flow is permitted when the pressure is reduced on these components.
Attempts have been made in the prior art to develop an angle stop valve for installation on pressurized lines. U.S. Pat. No. 4,598,731 (Colson 1986) teaches an angle stop valve assembly incorporating a piercing point on the leading edge of the valve stem. However, the valve assembly taught in the Colson patent is complex and technologically inefficient. The Colson device is obsolete due to the introduction of commercially available, standard size stub-outs in the market place. The Colson patent teaches several complex embodiments of a valve assembly primarily used to accommodate varying dimensions of stub-out pipes which are no longer marketed for this purpose. One embodiment requires two halves of a hinged anchoring clamp be split and affixed around the stub-out pipe. Then the installer must secure the halves together with threaded and capped fasteners using a suitable tool for the capped fastener. After anchoring the clamp to the stub-out, the installer must then attach the valve assembly to the anchoring clamp before piercing the stub-out pipe. Other embodiments utilized special locking pins and locking slots or toggle subassemblies on anchoring clamps to secure the valve assembly to the stub-out pipe. The installer must learn the new and special ways in which these embodiments are attached to the stub-outs. These embodiments add a number of extra components to the angle stop valve requiring complex and expensive manufacturing methods, and are difficult to master and use.
It is therefore desirable to create a simplified system for installing plumbing fixtures that does not require shutoff of the water supply.


In certain aspects, disclosed methods include directing test light reflected from an object to form an image of the object on a detector, where the object includes a diffractive structure. The test light at the detector includes both specularly and non-specularly reflected light from the diffractive structure, and the diffractive structure is under-resolved in the image. The method further includes directing reference light to interfere with the test light at the detector where the reference and test light being derived from a common source, varying an optical path length difference between the test and reference light, acquiring an interference signal from the detector while varying the optical path length difference, and determining information about the diffractive structure based on the interference signal and on predetermined information derived from a mathematical model of light reflection from a model diffractive structure.

Interferometric techniques are commonly used to measure the profile of a surface of an object. To do so, an interferometer combines a measurement wavefront reflected from the surface of interest with a reference wavefront reflected from a reference surface to produce an interferogram. Fringes in the interferogram are indicative of spatial variations between the surface of interest and the reference surface.
A scanning interferometer scans the optical path length difference (OPD) between the reference and measurement legs of the interferometer over a range comparable to, or larger than, the coherence length of the interfering wavefronts, to produce a scanning interferometry signal for each camera pixel (herein also referred to as an interference signal) used to measure the interferogram. A limited coherence length can be produced, for example, by using a white-light source, which is referred to as scanning white light interferometry (SWLI). An interference signal is typically characterized by a sinusoidal carrier modulation (referred to as interference fringes). For SWLI, the sinusoidal carrier modulation is typically modified by a bell-shaped fringe-contrast envelope. In general, a SWLI-signal has a few fringes, modulated by the bell-shaped envelope, localized near the zero optical path length difference (OPD) position. The conventional idea underlying SWLI metrology is to make use of the localization of the fringes to measure surface profiles.
SWLI processing techniques include two principle trends. The first approach is to locate the peak or center of the envelope, assuming that this position corresponds to the zero optical path length difference of a two-beam interferometer for which one beam reflects from the object surface. The second approach is to transform the signal into the frequency domain and calculate the rate of change of phase with wavelength, assuming that an essentially linear slope is directly proportional to object position. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,398,113 to Peter de Groot. This latter approach is referred to as Frequency Domain Analysis (FDA).
Scanning interferometry can be used to measure surface topography and/or other characteristics of objects having complex surface structures, such as thin film(s), discrete structures of dissimilar materials, or discrete structures that are under-resolved by the optical resolution of an interference microscope. Such measurements are relevant to the characterization of flat panel display components, semiconductor wafer metrology, and in-situ thin film and dissimilar materials analysis. See, e.g., U.S. Patent Publication No. US-2004-0189999-A1 by Peter de Groot et al. entitled "Profiling Complex Surface Structures Using Scanning Interferometry" and published on Sep. 30, 2004, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,139,081 by Peter de Groot entitled "Interferometry Method for Ellipsometry, Reflectometry, and Scatterometry Measurements, Including Characterization of Thin Film Structures" and issued on Nov. 21, 2006, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
Other techniques for optically determining information about an object include ellipsometry and reflectometry. Ellipsometry determines complex reflectivity of a surface when illuminated at an oblique angle (e.g., 60°) sometimes with a variable angle or with multiple wavelengths. To achieve greater resolution than is readily achievable in a conventional ellipsometer, microellipsometers measure phase and/or intensity distributions in the back focal plane of the objective, also known as the pupil plane, where the various illumination angles are mapped into field positions. Such devices are modernizations of traditional polarization microscopes or "conoscopes," linked historically to crystallography and mineralogy, which employ crossed polarizers and a Bertrand lens to analyze the pupil plane birefringent materials.
Conventional techniques used for surface characterization (e.g., ellipsometry and reflectometry) rely on the fact that the complex reflectivity of an unknown optical interface depends both on its intrinsic characteristics (material properties and thickness of individual layers) and on three properties of the light that is used for measuring the reflectivity: wavelength, angle of incidence, and polarization state. In practice, characterization instruments record reflectivity fluctuations resulting from varying these parameters over known ranges.
Optimization procedures such as least-squares fits are then used to get estimates for the unknown parameters by minimizing the difference between measured reflectivity data and a reflectivity function derived from a model of the optical structure. These derived candidate solutions are often calculated in advance and stored in a library, which is searched to determine the correct solution by a least-squares or equivalent matching and interpolation technique. See, for example, K. P. Bishop et al. "Grating line shape characterization using scatterometry," SPIE 1545, 64-73 (1991) and C. J. Raymond et al., "Scatterometry for CD measurements of etched structures," SPIE 2725, 720-728 (1996).
Detailed modeling such as Rigorous Coupled Wave Analysis solves the inverse problem of discovering the feature structure that generates the observed interference signal observed diffraction effects. See, for example, reference of M. G. Moharam and T. K. Gaylord "Rigorous coupled-wave analysis of planar-grating diffraction," JOSA, 71(7), 811 (1981) and S. S. H. Naqvi et al., "Linewidth measurement of gratings on photomasks: a simple technique," Appl. Opt., 31(10), 1377-1384 (1992).
Analysis of the diffraction patterns from grating test patterns on masks and wafers provides non-contact measurements of linewidth and other feature characteristics associated with process control. See, for example, H. P. Kleinknecht et al., "Linewidth measurement on IC masks and wafers by grating test patterns," Appl Opt. 19(4), 525-533 (1980) and C. J. Raymond, "Scatterometry for Semiconductor Metrology," in Handbook of silicon semiconductor metrology, A. J. Deibold, Ed., Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, 2001).

Interferometric analysis of under-resolved features


An eyeglass device may include a primary spectacle frame and an auxiliary spectacle frame (each of which frames may support respective lenses). The primary spectacle frame may include two legs pivotally coupled to two side extensions. Further, the auxiliary spectacle frame may include two arms for engagement with the primary spectacle frame. In addition, each of the primary spectacle frame and the auxiliary spectacle frame may include one or more magnetically interacting materials (e.g., one or more magnets and/or one or more ferrous metals). The one or more magnetically interacting materials of the primary spectacle frame may be disposed in the vicinity of a bridge of the primary spectacle frame and/or in the vicinity of one or both of the side extensions. Likewise, the one or more magnetically interacting materials of the auxiliary spectacle frame may be disposed in the vicinity of a bridge of the auxiliary spectacle frame and/or in the vicinity of one or both of the legs. The magnetically interacting materials of the primary spectacle frame and the auxiliary spectacle frame may cooperate to secure the spectacle frames together (e.g., so as to prevent the auxiliary spectacle frame from moving downward and/or upward relative to the primary spectacle frame). In addition, a magnetic field blocking member may be disposed adjacent at least a top or a bottom of at least one of the magnetically interacting materials (e.g., to aid in proper placement of the auxiliary spectacle frame relative to the primary spectacle frame).

U.S. Pat. No. 4,070,103 to Meeker relates to a spectacle frame with attachable one-piece slide-on rim. More particularly, U.S. Pat. No. 4,070,103 indicates that the spectacle combination allows the wearer of eye glasses to change a single pair of glasses to match any individual fashion or mood. The basic spectacle unit is a combination of two lens, two lens rims, two temple members and a nose bridge. To complete the combination there are a number of attachable pairs of one-piece lens rim covers of various colors, designs, shapes and materials. The easily slid on lens rim covers are securely held in position by a lip, friction tape, magnetic strips or a snap-on type of friction fitting arrangement.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,416,537 to Sadler relates to magnetic means for securing auxiliary lenses to eyeglasses. More particularly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,416,537 indicates that an eyeglass device is provided which includes frames adapted for fitting on and being supported by a human wearer's head. Primary lenses are set within the frames and have an external shape. The eyeglass device also has auxiliary lenses which have an external shape which generally corresponds to the external shape of the primary lenses. First magnetic members are attached to the frames, and second magnetic members are attached to the auxiliary lenses in positions which correspond to the positions of the first magnetic members in the frames. The second magnetic members are arranged for engagement with the first magnetic members to thereby secure the auxiliary lenses to the eyeglasses.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,696,571 to Spencer et al. relates to clip-on type sunglasses with bridge mounting. More particularly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,696,571 indicates that clip-on type sunglasses include a mounting arrangement in which the bridge portion of the sunglass frame is adapted to fit behind the bridge of the eyeglasses on which the sunglasses are mounted, forming part of the mounting arrangement which also includes a pair of mounting clips, one located at the bottom of each eyewire, at the middle thereof, which receive the lower edges of the frame of the eyeglasses on which the sunglasses are mounted.
A series of patents, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,343,858, 6,550,913 and 6,705,722 to Zelman relate to auxiliary eyewear attachment methods and apparatus. More particularly, these patents indicate that a method and apparatus for mounting auxiliary eyeglasses on conventional eyeglasses in which magnets are attached to appendages on the auxiliary eyeglasses mating with magnets mounted on the temple extensions of conventional eyeglasses are provided. The magnets on the auxiliary eyeglasses are mounted in sockets formed on the appendages of the auxiliary eyeglasses such that their maximum magnetic force is oriented vertically or parallel to the plane of the conventional eyeglass frame. The appendages on the auxiliary eyeglass frame fit beneath the temple extensions on the conventional eyeglasses frame to hold the auxiliary frames in place.
Of note, none of the above-mentioned patents provide for a magnetic field blocking member (e.g., to aid in proper placement of an auxiliary spectacle frame relative to a primary spectacle frame).

Eyeglasses with magnetic mounting including a magnetic field blocking member


A method and apparatus for protecting a low voltage system, such as an alarm system, is described. The method and apparatus includes power line surge protector and a plurality of low-voltage surge protectors housed within a common cabinet. The low-voltage surge protectors are mounted in connectors that provide physical support as well as electrical connections. These electrical connections are routed to a set of input and output terminals by a printed circuit board that also provides support for the connectors and terminals. The combination of power line surge protectors and low-voltage surge protectors may help reduce damage to equipment such as an alarm system during power surges, perhaps caused by electrical storms or heavy electrical equipment being operated nearby. Because of the radio frequency noise emanating from the power line and the power line surge protector, a shield is provided that reduces the amount of noise that is transferred to the low-voltage signal paths.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a method and apparatus for shielding low voltage equipment.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Security systems often comprise a network of initiating circuits such as smoke detectors, glass break detectors and intrusion detection switches. Often, they also comprise a network of notifying circuits such as strobe lights, horns and the like. Most often, these devices are connected to the alarm system by a dedicated wiring system using low voltages to signal between units. Furthermore, the alarm system is often connected to a phone line or network connection to communicate status and alarms to remote locations. And, of course, the alarm system needs power to operate, usually home or business AC line voltage, perhaps 120V or 220V. All of these wired connections act as antenna and conduit to power surges that might occur due to many reasons such as electrical storms or turning on/off heavy equipment and the like. These power surges introduce the risk of damage to the alarm system, whereby; a surge on one of the elements may destroy the entire alarm system.
In the past, several discrete products were deployed to protect the alarm system. One system may have been deployed to protect the initiating circuits; another for the notifying circuits; and another for the power. Additionally, if network connections or phone connections are made to the alarm system, discrete network surge protectors and phone line protectors may be deployed.
What is needed is an integrated system to protect the alarm system from external power surges, electrostatic discharge, lightning and other hazardous forces.

Low voltage surge protectors with ground shield


A membrane capable of inhibiting agent release from a delivery system when no electrical current is flowing and yet provide minimal impedance to electrically-assisted agent delivery, useful both for incorporating into electrotransport agent delivery systems and for use in measuring agent release rates in in vitro testing.

Many drugs are not suitable for passive drug delivery because of their size, ionic charge characteristics and hydrophilicity. One method of overcoming this limitation in order to achieve transdermal administration of such drugs is the use of electrical current to actively transport drugs into the body, as for example, through intact skin. This concept is based upon basic principles of electrochemistry. An electrochemical cell in its simplest form consists of two electrodes and associated half cell reactions, between which electrical current can flow. Electrical current flowing through the metal portion of the circuit is carried by electrons (electronic conduction), while current flowing through the liquid phase is carried by ions (ionic conduction). Current flows as electrical charge is transferred to chemical species in solution by means of oxidation and reduction charge transfer reactions at the electrode surfaces. A detailed description of the electrochemical processes involved in electrically-assisted drug transport can be found in electrochemistry texts such as J. S. Newman, Electrochemical Systems (Prentice Hall, 1973) and A. J. Bard & L. R. Faulkner, Electrochemical Methods, Fundamentals and Applications (John Wiley & Sons, 1980). Therefore, only pertinent portions will be presented here.
Electrically-assisted transport or electrotransport, is defined as the mass transport of a particular chemical species in the presence of an electric potential. Typically, said transport is through a biological interface or membrane when the electrical potential gradient is imposed across it. Three physical processes contribute to transport under these conditions: passive diffusion, electromigration and convection.
The Nernst-Planck equation (1) expresses the sum of these fluxes for any particular chemical species i in the presence of an electrical field, .gradient..PHI.. EQU J.sub.i =-[D.sub.i .gradient.C.sub.i ]-[Z.sub.i Fu.sub.i C.sub.i .gradient..PHI.]+[C.sub.i v] (1)
where
J.sub.i =flux of species i (moles/cm.sup.2 -sec) PA1 D.sub.i =diffusion coefficient of i (cm.sup.2 /sec) PA1 .gradient.=the gradient operator PA1 C.sub.i =concentration of i PA1 Z.sub.i =number of charges per molecule of i PA1 F=Faraday's constant (96,500 coulombs/mole of charge) PA1 u.sub.i =mobility of i (velocity/force=sec/g) PA1 .PHI.=electrical potential (volts) PA1 v=velocity vector (cm/sec) PA1 J.sub.i,x =the total electrically-assisted flux of species i in the x direction PA1 E.sub.x =(d.PHI./dx)=the electrical field in the x direction i.e. the negative of the electrical potential gradient PA1 v.sub.x =the x component of the velocity vector PA1 I=the total current passing through the medium PA1 A =the area through which the current passes PA1 .epsilon.=the dielectric constant of the liquid medium PA1 .zeta.=the zeta potential of the membrane having a fixed charge PA1 .kappa..degree.=the conductivity of the liquid phase PA1 .mu.=the viscosity of the liquid phase
The Nernst-Plank equation (1) has three terms, one for each of the physical processes contributing to the mass transport. The first term is the flux due to passive diffusion and is proportional to the concentration gradient of species i. The second term is the flux due to electromigration, where the driving force is the gradient of electrical potential, i.e., the electric field strength. The third term is the flux due to convection or electroosmosis, where the mechanism of transport is the movement of material by bulk fluid flow which is determined by the magnitude and direction of the bulk fluid velocity vector.
Considering transport in only one direction of a rectilinear coordinate system, equation (1) may be simplified to: EQU J.sub.i,x =-[(D.sub.i)(dC.sub.i /dx)]+[Z.sub.i Fu.sub.i C.sub.i E.sub.x ]+[C.sub.i v.sub.x ] (2)
where
Equation (2) applies within each and every phase, and the physical constants and extensive properties must be applicable to the phase of interest. For the case of an electrotransport transdermal system positioned on the skin, one form of equation (2) holds within the drug containing reservoir of the electrotransport system where D.sub.i, c.sub.i,u.sub.i, etc., are the diffusion coefficient, concentration and mobility of species i within the system. Another identical form of equation (2) holds within the skin (assuming the skin is uniform) except that the diffusion coefficient, concentration and mobility of species i are now those within the skin. The extensive properties of these equations such as the concentration and electric field strength are linked at the interface by an appropriate proportionality constant such as the partition coefficient and the ratio of dielectric constants, respectively.
The second term in equation (2) describes the flux due to electromigration. Typically written in terms of the electrical field, it is often more convenient to express electromigration in terms of the electrical current. By using the transference number of species i, t.sub.i, which is the fraction of current carried by species i, the electromigration flux of species i, J.sub.i,EM, may be expressed as the product of the transference number and the current density passing through the medium: EQU J.sub.i,EM =[(t.sub.i)(I)]/A (3)
where
The third term in equation (2) describes the flux due to convection. Disregarding the possibility of significant hydrostatic pressure gradients across the membrane or chemical osmosis driving forces, and assuming the membrane has a fixed surface charge, it can be said that the only means of moving an appreciable amount of fluid across a membrane is through electroosmosis. Electroosmosis is defined as bulk fluid flow entrained by the migration of unpaired excess ions moving in response to an applied electric field. The electroosmotic flux of species i, J.sub.i,EO, is related to the total current passing through the membrane by the following equation: EQU J.sub.i,EO =(.epsilon..zeta.I)/(.kappa..degree..mu.A) (4)
where
Equations (3) and (4) demonstrate that the second and third terms of equation (2) may be written as functions of the total current passed through a system. Hereinafter, the sum of these two terms will be referred to as the electrokinetic flux, J.sub.EK.
As stated earlier, the first term of equation (2) is the passive diffusion term. This term is identical to that when passive diffusion is the only mechanism of mass transfer, i.e., it is independent of the electrical conditions of the system. This term will hereinafter by referred to as the passive flux component, J.sub.p, The sum of all three terms in equation (2) will be called the electrically-assisted flux, J.sub.EA : EQU J.sub.EA =J.sub.P +J.sub.EM +J.sub.EO (5)
Since the electrokinetic flux, J.sub.EK, is the sum of the flux due to electromigration and the flux due to electroosmosis, equation (5) can be simplified to: EQU J.sub.EA =J.sub.P +J.sub.EK (6)
A membrane which mimics the behavior of skin must exhibit the following mass transport properties: transport by convection should be negligible at high ionic strength, resistance to passive diffusion should be high, and resistance to electromigration should be relatively low. Ideally, when no electric field is imposed on the membrane, i.e., no current is passed across the membrane, no drug flux should be detected. When a field is applied and current is caused to flow across the membrane, appreciable drug flux should be detected. Furthermore, a relatively small voltage should be required in that a 100 .mu.A/cm.sup.2 current would require less than 1 volt.
The concept of electrotransport in drug delivery is known, and there are a number of categories in which drug delivery systems utilizing electrotransport principles can offer major therapeutic advantages. See P. Tyle & B. Kari, "Iontophoretic Devices" in DRUG DELIVERY DEVICES, pp. 421-454 (1988). There is a continuing need to develop systems with improved characteristics, specifically improved control of the drug delivery. State of the art rate controlling membranes such as are taught in U.S. Pat. No. 3,797,494, are suitable for passive transport but do not provide control over electrically-assisted delivery. Therefore, there is a need for a membrane which may be used to limit or control the electrically-assisted release from the system. Further, there is a need for an electrotransport drug delivery system which has a control membrane to inhibit the release of drug from the system when no current is flowing. The main feature is that use of such a membrane, by eliminating or greatly reducing passive transport, would allow release of the drug to be turned on and off, by simply turning the electric field (current) on and off.
Such a membrane would also provide a safety feature to prevent excess drug delivery from occurring if the electrotransport system is placed on abraded skin or on a body surface which has somehow been compromised. Further, such a safety feature would inhibit drug release during handling of the system.
Along with the growing interest in the development of electrotransport systems, there is a growing need for improved techniques of testing the properties of said systems. For example, state of the art techniques for measuring the in vitro release rates of passive transdermal systems are inadequate for testing electrotransport systems. Typically, such testing utilizes a synthetic membrane such as Hytrel.RTM. or an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer such as EVA 9, which exhibit characteristics similar to that of skin during passive drug diffusion. There is a need for a synthetic membrane that exhibits electrically-assisted ionic transport properties similar to that of skin.
Another use for such a membrane would be for system stability testing. Human cadaver skin cannot be used for this application because of the extent of natural donor to donor variation and large supplies are often needed for quality control, which are not always readily available. For stability testing, a membrane must behave consistently over time in order to provide an accurate measure of system stability.

Membrane for electrotransport transdermal drug delivery


A method and apparatus for depositing a film on a substrate includes subjecting material to an energy beam.

In the manufacture of a photovoltaic device, semiconductor material is deposited on a substrate. This may be accomplished by subliming or sputtering the semiconductor and directing the vaporized semiconductor towards the glass substrate surface, such that the vaporized semiconductor condenses and is deposited on the substrate, forming a solid, thin semiconductor film, or layer.