A power tool comprising a housing displaceably mounted to a foot plate, a blade, a motor, an electric switch and an interlock for controlling movement of the housing with respect to the foot plate. The interlock has a control button mounted to one of the housing or foot plate which cooperates with a channel fixed in relation to the other of the housing or foot plate. The control button can select between a plunge cut mode wherein the blade can protrude below the foot plate, or a blade change mode wherein the blade is prepared for a blade change operation. The channel comprises a major leg in communication with a minor leg. Cooperation between the button and the major leg selects the plunge cut mode. Cooperation between the button and the minor leg selects the blade change mode. The interlock may also comprise a housing lock and a spindle lock.

If the power tool is a plunge-cut circular saw its circular saw blade is shielded by a guard, except for when the housing is pushed towards the foot plate so that the saw blade protrudes through an aperture in the foot plate to perform a cutting operation. The housing and saw blade of a plunge-cut circular saw move relative to the foot plate about a pivot connecting the housing and foot plate.
If the power tool is a router it normally does not have a guard because its router bit is at least partially shielded by a pair of support columns, but the router blade does protrude through an aperture in the foot plate to perform a cutting operation when the housing is pushed towards the foot plate. The housing and router blade move relative to the foot plate in a straight line path guided by the pair of support columns which connect the housing and foot plate.
At the point of maximum protrusion of the circular saw blade, or the router bit, as the case may be, through the footplate, the housing is said to be in the "plunged" position.
An interlock may be used to control the extent to which the housing can move towards the foot plate and the conditions under which such movement occurs, like, for example, the isolation or de-isolation of the on-off switch, or locking or unlocking of the housing's movement or the blade's rotation.
FIG. 3 of patent publication DE 40 23 101 discloses an embodiment of a plunge saw comprising a tool housing displaceably mounted to a foot plate, a rotatable blade the rotational axis of which is fixed in relation to the housing, an electric motor for driving the blade, an electric switch manually operable by a switch button to energize the motor; and an interlock for controlling movement of the housing with respect to the foot plate. The interlock has a manually operable control button mounted to the housing and the control button cooperates with a side of a rail which is fixed in relation to the foot plate. This enables the control button to select between a plunge cut mode whereby movement of the housing is limited to between a parked position whereat the blade is entirely above the foot plate and a plunged position whereat the blade protrudes below the foot plate, or a blade change mode whereby movement of the housing is limited to between the parked position and a "blade change" position whereat the blade is prepared for a blade change operation.
When blade change mode is selected, the control button maintains isolation of the on-off switch by blocking manual movement of the switch button. This prevents energization of the motor. The housing is moveable into the blade change position. However, if ever the housing is accidentally released it naturally returns to the parked position under the bias of a plunge spring. The control button adopts a default mode which prevents the housing from leaving the parked position. The user must take care to maintain pressure on the housing otherwise blade change mode is automatically de-selected. It can be re-selected, but this requires repetition of a two-stage process which may require two hands: one hand to operate the control button and another hand to push the housing toward the foot plate. No hand is free to steady the plunge saw.
When plunge cut mode is selected, the control button de-isolates the on-off switch by unblocking movement of the switch button. Subsequent manual movement of the switch button energizes the motor and latches the switch button behind the control button to hold the latter in situ. The housing can move between the parked and plunge cut positions. However, if ever the switch button is accidentally released it naturally de-energizes the motor and unlatches the control button. The blade stops rotating and, if the control button is not manually held in situ, the control button adopts either the blade change mode, or, if the housing hasn't yet descended towards the plunged position, a default mode which prevents from leaving the parked position. Again, the user must take care to maintain pressure on the switch button otherwise plunge cut mode is automatically de-selected. It can be re-selected, but, again, this requires a two-stage process which may require two hands: one hand to operate the control button and another hand to operate the switch button. No hand is free to steady the plunge saw or a work piece upon which the plunge saw is performing a cutting operation.


Techniques for scheduling transmission of video streams in a network are described. It may be determined whether an amount of data in a buffer of a wireless transceiver is above a threshold. A first video stream and a second video stream are buffered using the buffer. The first video stream is associated with a first transmission schedule. If determined that the amount of data is above the first threshold, a characteristic of the first video stream may be compared to a characteristic of the second video stream. The first video stream may be selected based, at least in part, on the comparison of the characteristic of the first video stream to the characteristic of the second video stream. The first transmission schedule of the first video stream may be modified upon selecting the first video stream.

1. Field of the Disclosure
Embodiments of the inventive subject matter relate generally to wireless communication, and more particularly to a system and method for protecting video streams transmitted over a wireless medium.
2. Description of the Related Art
Wireless video streaming applications are becoming increasingly common. In particular, video streaming over 802.11 (WLAN) wireless networks, including simultaneous streaming of multiple video feeds to different client devices, has become more commonplace. Video streaming tends to have stringent Quality of Service (QoS) requirements, especially in terms of packet loss rate, jitter, and latency. These QoS requirements mean that video streaming over a wireless medium demands a certain amount of dedicated bandwidth in order to be successful. The dynamic nature of a shared wireless medium presents challenges to consistently providing this dedicated bandwidth to video streams.
For example, although a wireless network may initially be able to support multiple video streams, changing medium conditions may create a situation in which net available bandwidth is not sufficient for all of the video streams which were initially supported. In this case, all of the video streams may be negatively impacted, potentially including glitches on all of the video streams, which of course may present a severe negative impact on the video quality and user experience. Accordingly, improvements in the field would be desirable.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


Key structures are provided. A key structure comprises a key cap, a substrate, a resilient unit, a first rod and a second rod. The first and second rods connect the substrate and the key cap. When the resilient unit is in a first position, the resilient unit abuts the first rod and exerts a lateral pre-tension force on the first rod, to hold the key cap at a first height with respect to the substrate, such that the key structure is in a normal state. When the resilient unit moves to a second position, the first rod is released from the resilient unit, and the key cap descends to a second height by gravity or an external force, such that the key structure is in a depressed state.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates in general to key structures and in particular to input devices having elevated key structures for space reduction and enhanced convenience.
2. Description of the Related Art
Referring to FIG. 1A, a conventional key structure can be vertically depressed by moving a slider S in a first direction A. The conventional key structure in FIG. 1a primarily comprises a substrate B, a first rod L1, a second rod L2, an elastic dome E, a slider S and a key cap K. The first rod L1 has a first end L11 and a second end L12, and the second rod L2 has a third end L23 and a fourth end L24. The first rod L1 and the second rod L2 are pivotally connected via a hinge P. The first and fourth ends L11 and L24 are movable and pivotally connected to the substrate B and key cap K, respectively. The second and third ends L12 and L23 are pivotally connected to the key cap K and the substrate B, respectively.
As shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b, when the slider S moves from a first position A1, as shown in FIG. 1A to a second position A2, as shown in FIG. 1B, the slider S impels the first end L11 along the first direction A. The key cap K is therefore depressed from height H to height H′, and the key structure is in a depressed state. This conventional key structure is usually employed in a keyboard of a laptop computer. The keyboard can be normally used or miniaturized by shifting the slider S.
When the slider S impels the first rod L1 in first direction A, the key structure descends from the original state shown in FIG. 1A to the depressed state shown in FIG. 1B. However, it can be difficult to depress the key cap K by shifting the slider S because the key cap K inevitably exerts an upward recovery force perpendicular to the substrate B from the compressed elastic dome E. Moreover, the key structure may be in the depressed state as shown in FIG. 1B for a long time, adversely decreasing the utility life of the elastic dome E due to long-term deformation.

Input devices and key structures thereof having resilient mechanisms


A gypsum composition comprising water, stucco, clay, an amine compound, a polyoxyalkylene, and a comb-branched copolymer is disclosed. The gypsum composition has improved fluidity. A method for preparing the gypsum composition is also disclosed. The method comprises mixing the components to form a slurry, casting the slurry into a product, and drying the product.

Hemihydrate gypsum (stucco) is commonly produced from gypsum ore by drying, grinding and calcining it. The calcination step is employed to convert the dihydrate gypsum to the hemihydrate gypsum as shown in the forward reaction:CaSO4.2H2O+heat>CaSO4.1/2H2O+3/2H2O.
The above reaction is reversible. When water is added to the hemihydrate gypsum the reverse reaction occurs resulting in dihydrate gypsum.
One common application of gypsum is the manufacture of wallboard. The amount of water necessary to produce the required fluidity to manufacture wallboards exceeds the amount of water necessary to convert the hemihydrate to the dihydrate gypsum. The excess water increases the time required for the slurry to set and the time required for the product to dry in a kiln.
One method of reducing the amount of water and improving the fluidity in a gypsum composition is to add a polymeric dispersant. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,527,850 discloses the use of a comb-branched copolymer in gypsum compositions to improve the fluidity. Similarly, U.S. Pat Nos. 6,869,988 and 7,070,648 respectively disclose the addition of a supported acrylic/polyether comb-branched copolymer and a sulfonate-containing comb-branched copolymer to gypsum compositions to improve the fluidity.
While gypsum rock or ore is predominantly gypsum, it may also contain clay. We have observed a negative interaction between the clay and the comb-branched copolymer dispersant. This results in the copolymeric dispersants becoming less effective. It would be commercially useful, if polymeric dispersants retain their effectiveness in the presence of clay.


A scene is reconstructed by transmitting pulses into a scene from an array of transmitters so that only one pulse is transmitted by one transmitter at any one time. The one pulse is reflection by the scene and received as a set of signals. Each signal is sampled and decomposed to produce frequency coefficients stacked in a set of linear systems modeling a reflectivity of the scene. Then, a reconstruction method is applied to the set of linear systems. The reconstruction method solves each linear system separately to obtain corresponding solutions, which are shared and combined to reconstruct the scene.

In the prior application U.S. application Ser. No. 12/895,408, pulses are transmitted into a scene by an array of transducers. A pattern of wideband ultrasound frequencies in each pulse is unique with respect to the patterns of each other pulse. Received signals are sampled and decomposed using a Fourier transform to produce frequency coefficients, which are stacked to produce a linear system modeling a reflectivity of the scene, which is reconstructed as an image. The principles in the signal acquisition described therein are similar as for the present application, however the reconstruction methodology is not.
In the prior application Ser. No. 13/721,350, a scene is also reconstructed by receiving reflected signals due to pulses transmitted by a virtual array of transducers. The virtual array has a set of configurations subject to positioning errors. The received signal are sampled and decomposed to produce frequency coefficients stacked in a set of linear systems modeling a reflectivity of the scene. There is one linear system for each array configuration. A reconstruction method is applied to the set of linear systems. The reconstruction method solves each linear system separately to obtain a corresponding solution. The corresponding solutions share information during the solving, and the solutions are combined to reconstruct the scene.
One issue with the prior applications is the accuracy the array positioning. An ultrasonic array operating at 50 kHz has a wavelength of approximately 6.88 mm, which means that element positioning needs be accurate to less than a millimeter. Such tolerances are difficult to manufacture, especially in a mass-produced system. Another issue is the computational complexity of the reconstruction process, particularly when convex optimization or greedy methods are used in and embedded system with limited resources.
It is desired to improve on the reconstruction used in the related applications.

Pairwise grouping of joint sparsity models for sensing array processing

MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC RESEARCH LABORATORIES, INC.


This invention uses various solid-state semiconductor lasers along with frequency doublers as needed to achieve the required three-color light beam wavelengths for input to available light combiners and to a state-of-the-art scanner. The scanner projects a color laser beam to a screen or other equipment. A number of alternate solid-state laser means are described, each combination providing the required light output. Use of the described solid-state lasers instead of the commonly used gas lasers results in considerable savings in required electrical power, cooling and system size.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a color laser system that can be utilized for laser projection of television, video pictures, computer generated pictures or other information on small or large screens. In particular, the invention relates to the type of lasers used in the system.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Shortly after the demonstration of the laser in 1960, there were several demonstrations of projection of video images using laser systems. Descriptions of these laser displays can be found in the following references:
1. Baker, Charles E., IEEE Spectrum p 39 (1968), "Laser Display Technology". PA0 2. Koppel, A. et al, Applied Optics p 1667 (1966), "A Television Display using Acoustic Deflection and Modulation of Coherent Light". PA0 3. Stavis, G., U.S. Pat. No. 3,507,984, Apr. 21, 1970, "Laser Multicolor Television Display Apparatus". PA0 4. Korpel, A., U.S. Pat. No. 3,524,011, Aug. 11, 1990, "Laser Color Display Utilizing Acoustical Light Modulators". PA0 5. Baker, C. E., U.S. Pat. No. 4,549,800, Dec. 22, 1970, "Laser Display". PA0 6. Pinnow, D. A. and Van Ultert, Le Grand G., U.S. Pat. No. 3,691,482 Sep. 12, 1972, "Display System". PA0 7. Yamamoto, M., U.S. Pat. No. 3,818,129, Jun. 18, 1974, "Laser Imaging Device". PA0 8. Driskell, C., U.S. Pat. No. 3,992,718, Nov. 16, 1976, "Color Panoramic Laser Projector". PA0 9. Spooner, A. M., and Lobb, D. R., U.S. Pat. No. 414,572, Mar. 20, 1979, "Laser Elimination of Mode Beating". PA0 10. Whitby, C. M., U.S. Pat. No. 4,297,723, Oct. 27, 1981, "Wide Angle Laser Display System". PA0 11. Shortle, M. C., and Lobb, D. R., U.S. Pat. No. 4,613,201, Sep. 23, 1986, "Light Projection Apparatus". PA0 12. Crowley, R. P., U.S. Pat. No. 4,720,747, Jan. 19, 1988, "Sequential Plane Projection By Laser Video Projector". PA0 13. Kobayashi, K., U.S. Pat. No. 4,833,528, May 23, 1989, "Color Video Projecting Apparatus Using Acousto-Optical Deflector". PA0 14. Crowley, R. P., U.S. Pat. No. 4,851,918, Jul. 25, 1989, "Sequential Plane Projection By Laser Video Projector". PA0 15. Yang, K. Y., U.S. Pat. No. 4,978,202, Dec. 18, 1980, "Laser Scanning System for Displaying Three-Dimensional Color Image". PA0 16. Linden, P. A., and Pease, R. W., U.S. Pat. No. 5,136,426, Aug. 04, 1992, "Laser Projection Apparatus".
Various laser display systems and devices are described in the following U.S. Patents:
The foregoing patents and papers demonstrate that high definition full color television projection of images can be accomplished using laser based systems. In particular, the use of modulators, scan systems and associated electronics have been fairly well developed. However, these laser systems have significant limitations, a primary limitation being the lack of availability of the lasers in a suitable small efficient form.
Requirements on the laser sources are as follows for a full color system:
a) A red laser with a proximate wavelength of 610 to 640 nm. PA1 b) A green laser with a proximate wavelength of 510 to 540 nm. PA1 c) A blue laser with a proximate wavelength of 460 to 480 nm.
These particular wavelengths are required in order to achieve full color in the projection of color images. Additional requirements are that the lasers produce at least a fraction (1/10) of a watt so that a suitable luminosity or brightness can be produced. Ideally, the lasers should be small, efficient and inexpensive. Most designs use continuous wave (CW) lasers to simplify the timing.
Several different lasers have been utilized, the most common choice being an Argon ion laser for the blue and green components, and a Krypton or He Ne or Argon pumped dye laser for the red light. Other possible lasers include the He Cd laser and a pulsed copper vapor laser.
The major problem with the forementioned lasers is that they have a very low electrical input to light conversion efficiency, typically less than 0.1%. This means that they require large amounts of electrical power input to the system (typically more than 10 Kw) and also the removal of large heat loads, usually by water cooling. The laser systems also, as a result, tend to be relatively large. Thus their use is generally limited to applications suitable for large, immobile and expensive equipment. It would therefore be desirable to provide a laser projection system which uses lasers that are efficient, small in size and relatively inexpensive, permitting the laser system to be used for a host of applications where small size is a paramount requirement.

Full color solid state laser projector system


A battery charger includes a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of a battery, a charge completion sensor for detecting a fully charged state of the battery, a controller for controlling the charging of the battery, and a display. The controller starts the charging of the battery when the temperature sensor detects a temperature of the battery lower than a predetermined temperature and temporarily suspends charging of the battery whenever the temperature of the battery detected by the temperature sensor rises above the predetermined temperature. When either the temperature sensor has detected a temperature above the predetermined temperature a predetermined number of times or the charge completion sensor detects the fully charged state of the battery, the controller displays a charge completion indication on the display.

This invention relates to a battery charger.
A conventional battery charger includes a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of a battery; a charging completion sensor for detecting whether a battery has been fully charged; and a means for displaying whether a battery is being charged or whether charging of a battery has been completed. With the conventional battery charger, when the temperature sensor detects that the temperature of the battery is lower than a predetermined value, the charging of the battery is carried out. Charging of the battery is suspended temporarily when the temperature sensor detects that the temperature of the battery is higher than the predetermined value. The charging of the battery is stopped when the charging completion sensor detects that the battery has been fully charged.
With respect to a secondary battery such as a nickel-hydrogen battery, the following facts have been well known in the art: A secondary battery is raised in temperature when charged. When the ambient temperature is high, then the temperature of the battery is greatly increased, which may shorten the service life of the battery. Hence, in charging such a battery, a temperature sensor is provided to detect the temperature of the battery. That is, when the temperature of the battery is abnormally raised, the temperature sensor detects this abnormal temperature rise, so that the charging of the battery is suspended. When, thereafter, the temperature of the battery is lowered to the predetermined value, the charging of the battery is restarted again. The charging of the battery, and the suspending of the charging of the battery are repeatedly carried out until the battery is fully charged. When the charging completion sensor detects that the battery has been fully charged up, the charging of the battery is finished.
As was described above, in the case where the ambient temperature is high, the battery is charged intermittently, and therefore it takes a long time of period to charge the battery completely. On the other hand, during charging, the display means displays the fact that the battery is in being charged. Hence, when compared with a standard charging time determined from a charging current and a battery capacity, the actual charging time is considerably long. This may lead the user to a misunderstanding that the charging completion sensor does not work and the battery charger runs continuously.

Battery charger having charging completion indicator


A database system maintains table data in sorted order. The table data becomes unsorted over time due to add, delete, and update operations. These operations are performed such that the table comprises an initial sorted region followed by an unsorted region. The database system performs an incremental operation to rewrite the table in sorted order. The database system partitions the unsorted region into a plurality of partitions comprising sorted rows within each partition. The database system iteratively merges rows from the partitions to the sorted region of the table. The database system selects a set of lowest tanked rows from the partitions. The database system merges these lowest ranked rows with the sorted region while maintaining the sort order of the sorted region. The database system repeats these steps until all the partitions are processed. The database may store data in columnar fashion.

This invention relates in general to databases and in particular to maintaining tables of databases in sorted order.
Relational databases store information as tables or relations. For example, in a database schema describing an organization, one relation may store information describing employees and another relation may store information describing departments. Each row of the department relation may represent a department and each row of the employee relation may represent an employee. Databases provide query language interfaces for users to access data stored in databases. An example query language interface typically supported by databases is the structured query language (SQL). The query languages allow users to perform various operations to extract desired set of results from tables stored in database. For example, a user can join two tables, return a subset of columns of one or more tables, perform aggregate operations, and so on.
Processing database queries often requires sorting of a data. Databases perform sort operation on tables as well as intermediate results while processing queries. The efficiency of the sort operation affects performance of several queries. If a database performs sorting inefficiently, queries using sorted data also perform inefficiently. Some databases store table data in sorted form on persistent storage so that the data is ready for use while processing queries. However, databases often perform modify data stored in tables, thereby changing the values stored in the tables. As a result, a sorted table over time becomes unsorted. If the stored data becomes unsorted, the database needs to perform sort the data while processing queries resulting in inefficient processing of queries.

Maintaining sort order of data in databases


Apparatus for determining the distance, accurate to within an error of no more than 1 mm, from a first position to a second position. The apparatus includes a distance marker that includes a first strip having a sequence of uniformly spaced light-reflecting (or light-transmitting) regions in one embodiment and includes a second strip having a sequence of uniformly spaced light-reflecting (or light-transmitting) regions, the two strips being positioned parallel and adjacent to each other with the positions of the light-reflecting (or light-transmitting) regions of the first strip being translated relative to the positions of the light-reflecting (or light-transmitting) regions of the second strip by a fixed translation distance. The apparatus also includes a light sensor positioned adjacent to the strip to sense each such light-reflecting region (or light-transmitting region) and/or each non-reflecting region (or non-transmitting region) as that region moves past the light sensor. When the strip is extended to measure the distance from the first position to the second position, the number of light-reflecting (or light-transmitting) regions and/or non-reflecting (or non-transmitting) regions moving past the light sensor is counted to determine the distance. When the extended portion of the distance marker is reduced in length, the counting process is reversed to determine a new distance. The number of strips on the distance marker can be increased to N.gtoreq.3 for improved distance measurement accuracy.

In many fields of activity, such as surveying, construction and navigation, accurate measurement of short and medium size distances, generally no more than 100 meters is needed. The required accuracy will vary with the activity. In some activities such as global surveying and navigation, distance measurement that is accurate to within a fraction of a millimeter (mm) is required for purposes of initial positioning.
Several non-contact distance measurement schemes have been proposed by workers in this field. One approach is frequency modulation/phase detection, which can be used over distances as large as 100 meters with a distance uncertainty, about 3,000 parts per million over the full measurement range. The accuracy obtainable is often limited by phase shift due to the dynamic range of the signals received. The full measurement range is often limited to 1 meter in order to obtain measurements accurate to within 1 mm. Schiek et al, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,238,795, disclose a microwave range measuring device in which microwaves are emitted at a first frequency, then at a second frequency, and are reflected from the object whose distance is to be determined. The reflected waves return to and are sensed by the device to determined the distance. A medium distance measuring device, disclosed by Budde in U.S. Pat. No. 4,829,305, also uses return of reflected microwaves from a target to determine the distance from the device to the target.
Optical triangulation of position is another attractive approach, possibly allowing distance measurements that are accurate to within a fraction of a millimeter over a modest distance range. This approach requires emission of a collimated beam from a reference position and determination of the distance by use of geometrical calculations based upon measurements of angles of reflection of the beam at the object. Sawabe et al, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,908,648, disclose use of radiation transmitted toward and reflected by the target, using two radiation signals that can overlap in space or in time. Resolution is very much dependent upon the distance measured and becomes monotonically worse as the distance increases. Further, the emitted beam would need to be modulated to insure immunity from changes in ambient conditions.
What is needed is apparatus for distance measurements that is good to within a millimeter or a fraction thereof, that does not require use of complex, movement-sensitive optical and electronics components, that provides approximately the same accuracy over the entire measurement range, that takes account of changing ambient temperature, that requires no recalibration at subsequent times, and that is compact and rugged enough for field work.

Distance measuring system of an extendable strip having light reflecting and non-reflecting polygons


The invention includes compositions, kits and methods comprising a monoclonal antibody which shares key functional properties with the polyclonal antibodies which participate in the pathogenesis of heparin induced thrombocytopenia/thrombosis (HIT/HITT) in a mammal. The monoclonal antibody of the invention preferentially binds with a PF4/heparin complex relative to the binding of the antibody with PF4 or heparin alone. The monoclonal antibody of the invention also binds specifically with PF4 in a complex with other glycosaminoglycans besides heparin, and also activates platelets. The monoclonal antibody of the invention is useful in methods for diagnosing and treating HIT/HITT in a mammal. A humanized version of the monoclonal antibody of the invention is also included, along with a process for humanizing the monoclonal antibody of the invention.

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a drug-induced blood disorder that affects 1-5% of patients who are treated with the blood-thinning drug heparin (Chong, 1995, British Journal of Haematology, 89(3):431-9). Patients who develop HIT are at risk for developing life-threatening clots in the heart, the brain, the extremities or the lungs (Arepally et al., 1998, Clinical Reviews in Allergy and Immunology, 16:1-11). HIT is caused by antibodies which bind specifically with a complex comprising the protein Platelet Factor 4 (PF4) and heparin, a sugar compound classified as a glycosaminoglycan (Amiral et al., 1992, Thrombosis & Haemostasis, 68(1):95-6). Antibodies directed against the PF4/heparin complex can be demonstrated in the blood of patients with HIT, and are associated with the clotting problems seen in these patients. Antibodies to the PF4/heparin complex which have been isolated from humans (Suh et al. 1998, Blood, 91(3):916-22) and mice (Blank et al., 1997, Clin. Exp. Immunol. 108(2):333-9) are polyclonal and heterogeneous since they are derived from the natural polyclonal immune response of an organism to an antigen.
Although autoantibodies against the PF4/heparin complex can be identified in the plasma of more than 90% of patients who develop the clinical syndrome of HIT (Arepally et al., 1995, Am. J. Clin. Pathol. 104:648), these antibodies can also be demonstrated in a significant proportion (15-70%) of asymptomatic patients repetitively exposed to heparin (Amiral et al., 1996, Am. J. Hematol. 52:90; Visentin et al., 1996, J. Lab. Clin. Med. 128:376; Trossaert et al., 1998, Br. J. Haematol. 101:653; Bauer et al., 1997, Circulation 95:1242). The reason why only a subset of immunized patients develop symptomatic disease is unknown (Schmitt et al., 1993. Am. J. Med. Sci. 305:208; Warkentin et al., 1996, Am. J. Med. 101:502; Sheridan et al., 1986, Blood 67:27). The molecular basis for a pathogenic role of antibodies to the PF4/heparin complex has been difficult to establish, since the antibodies are polyclonal and polyspecific.
Heterogeneity in disease expression may, in part, reflect differences in co-morbid factors that predispose to thrombosis, such as atherosclerosis, surgery and vascular trauma (Boshkov et al., 1993, Br. J. Haematol. 84:322; Lee et al., 1998, Thromb. Haemost. 79:50). Others have implicated differences in antibody titer (Suh et al., 1997, Am. J. Hematol. 54:196), affinity (Suh et al., 1998, Blood 91:916), isotype (Amiral et al., 1996, Br. J. Haematol. 92:954), subclass (Suh et al., 1997, Am. J. Hematol. 54:196; Arepally et al., 1997, Blood 89:370), and platelet Fc receptor polymorphism (FcγRIIA-H/R131) (Carlsson et al., 1998, Blood 92:1526) in affected individuals. However, it is clear that such serologic or clinical differences do not permit unambiguous segregation of asymptomatic patients with anti-PF4/heparin complex antibodies from those who develop thrombocytopenia and those who develop thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (Arepally et al., 1997, Blood 89:370; Bachelot-Loza et al., 1998, Thromb. Haemost. 79:523; Herbert et al., 1998, Thromb. Haemost. 80:326).
An additional explanation for the observed heterogeneity in disease expression may lie in the heterogeneity of anti-PF4/heparin complex antibodies themselves. Because PF4 modulates heparin-dependent anti-thrombin (Stern et al., 1985, J. Clin. Invest. 75:272) and protein C co-factor activities (i.e., pro- and anti-coagulant activities {Dudek et al., 1997, C. J. Biol Chem 272:31785}), the effects on these or other coagulant functions of PF4 by antibodies to the PF4/heparin complex remains to be elucidated. Anti-PF4/heparin complex antibodies differ in their antigen specificities, although the responsible determinants have not been clearly delineated (Suh et al., 1997, Am. J. Hematol. 54:196; Ziporen et al., 1998, Blood 92: 3250; Amiral et al., 1996, Blood 88:410; Horsewood et al., 1996, Br. J. Haematol. 95:161). However, the polyclonal nature of the naturally occurring immune response complicates any attempt to determine whether a subset of anti-PF4 antibodies are responsible for thrombosis.
Because of the limited and heterogeneous supply of antibodies from patients with heparin induced thrombocytopenia and/or thrombosis (HIT/HITT), it has been difficult to characterize the pathogenic properties of antibodies to the PF4/heparin complex. Furthermore, in diagnosing HIT/HITT, antibodies to the PF4/heparin complex are needed as a positive control. Until now, tests have relied on the availability of antibodies from patients with HIT/HITT as a "positive control". Thus, there remains a need in the art for compositions and methods which are useful in the diagnosis and treatment of HIT/HITT, or in the elucidation of the role of antibodies to the PF4/heparin complex in the development of HIT/HITT. The present invention meets this need.

Compositions and methods useful for the diagnosis and treatment of heparin induced thrombocytopenia/thrombosis


A security service layer and method for controlling a communication between a client running an application and a target wherein a message including parameters specifying the communication is analyzed and, based on the analyzing result, at least one service routine is selected from a number of available service routines. The communication is then controlled on the basis of the selected service routines. The client and the application running at the client may be security unaware since all security relevant functions are executed on behalf of the application by the service security layer. Application dependent service routines are selected dynamically during the communication between the client and the target. A service routine may include security mechanisms or support mechanisms, such as data handling.

Increasing numbers of security relevant communications and transactions are performed making use of today's communication networks. For example, an increasing number of bank transactions is carried out using worldwide data networks, allowing a user to be located independent of the location of the servicing institution. However, as a matter of fact, these international data networks may generally be accessed by anybody for any purpose and therefore data transactions such as the above banking transactions must be secured from unauthorized reading or deciphering of messages, passwords, acknowledgements and similar exchanged in connection with a transaction. The same may apply to e.g. subscribers of mobile phone services, accessing personal subscriber data over a network, research institutions exchanging data, or customers submitting credit card information over a network for purchases.
Many different approaches for securing data transmission via public networks are available, including, e.g., passwords, encryption and access control for example at a target server allowing only limited access and/or a limited set of actions allowed after access. However, the number of different types of available and necessary security measures and the number of different entities using different applications communicating over today's networks requires a substantial programming overhead when designing applications requiring security sensitive data transmissions over a network.
A security relevant data transmission over the network could be construed to follow the following steps.
An application running at a client server and planning to access a target (running at a server, e.g. at a bank office), which preferably is also executing an application, generates a message for transmission from the client to the server. As this message needs to be protected from unauthorized reviewing, the message will be encrypted for transmission and further, at the target certain access rights will be set in dependence on the application and the type of communication.
For a successful data transmission the application running at the client and the server must use, for example, the same set of encryption/decryption tools and therefore, the application at the client and the application used for receiving and processing the transmitted data at the target need to be adapted to each other. This however poses the problem that any type of application accessing a server or target needs to be fully compatible, including security aspects, with the software at the server. In case a large number of applications is designed to access the server, considerable programming efforts are necessary in order to keep the software at the server compatible to all applications.
To secure management applications in a distributed environment is one of the challenges designers and programmers of management applications have to take up and it is desirable to separate application specific routines, serving a transmission of information from the application to a server and security relevant activities, so that each group of activities may be executed by different entities of the system.
A number of different approaches to group application relevant actions and security relevant actions in a data communication over a network have been proposed, one of which is CORBA (Common Object Request Broker Architecture), as for example described in "CORBA", Object Management Group, The CORBA Security Service Specification (Version 1.5), December 1998.
CORBA is a distributed platform layer available at entities communicating over a network, e.g., at a client and at an target. CORBA allows the execution of a number of service routines during a communication between a client running an application and a target or server, preferably also executing an application. Upon access by the client, the CORBA distributed layer invokes a predetermined set of security activities to be executed in connection with data transmitted from the client. This may include security association, access control, message protection, audit and similar. At the target side, the CORBA layer allows the execution of corresponding security activities in order to allow a successful data transmission from the client to the target. This may include, as before at the client, security association, access control, message protection, audit and similar.
The security or support activities executed by the CORBA layer are only invoked at access time, i.e., at a time the client accesses the network for a data transmission session. Further, security activities executed by CORBA are only dependent on the client but not designed to be dependent on a particular application, i.e., the security activities invoked are independent from the type application or communication the client is executing. For example, specific service routines related to a transfer of security relevant data to a bank (or from a bank server to a customer) or a transmission request from a client to a server of a telecommunication service, for retrieving subscriber relevant data, are not supported by CORBA.
With CORBA the application itself has to execute further security relevant functions concerning the application itself or the data transmission performed, including, e.g., access control, non-repudiation, audit, delegation and similar. Further, the target (also running an application) receiving a data transmission from the client application has to execute corresponding security activities, e.g. including target application access control, non-repudiation, audit, delegation and similar.
FIG. 5 shows a security service arrangement including a client 200, a target 210 and a distributed layer 220, e.g. a CORBA Common Object Request Broker Architecture layer. The client is running an application 201, and the target may run a corresponding application 211. As described above, in this scheme on one hand the distributed platform layer and on the other hand the client and the target execute security relevant activities, wherein the activities at the distributed platform layer level are application independent and the security activities executed at the client and at the target are application dependent security activities.
Even though this architecture provides an advantage over the initially described basic system, wherein all security or support relevant activities are performed at the client, more specifically, by the application running at the client, and at the target, i.e., the software or application running at the target and receiving the message from the client application, security or support relevant activities still need to be executed by the application running at the client and possibly at the application running at the target. In other words, security or support activities depending on the client accessing the network are moved from the application to the distributed platform layer constituting part of the network, while service or support routines dependent on the application running at the client (and target) remain on an application level.
Therefore, there is still a disadvantage with the system described with respect to FIG. 5, and security or support relevant aspects must be still treated by applications, still involving considerable programming efforts.
Because of the complexity of handling security measures it is desirable to put a specific component in charge of all security measures needed to run a management application in a secure manner.

GMD - Forschungszentrum Informationstechnik GmbH


A system comprising a computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program, and a computer-implemented method for responsive web page delivery based on network bandwidth. Upon initiation of a network communication session, a bandwidth of a network connection of the client device involved in the network communication session is determined. At least one initial display element to provide as part of a webpage for display on the client device is selected based on the bandwidth of the network connection. Instructions are then provided to the client device which cause the client device to display the at least one display element. In some embodiments, an updated bandwidth is subsequently determined and updated display elements are selected based on the updated bandwidth.

Current approaches in web page design focus on providing websites crafted to provide an optimal viewing experience across a range of different network devices (e.g., desktops, laptops, tablets, smart phones, etc.) used to access the Internet. Such approaches focus on presenting websites in a manner that can be easily read on each type of device and navigated with a minimum amount of resizing, panning, scrolling or other user gestures. As such, a number of different designs for each web page may be created to deliver the optimal viewing experience to each different type of device.
Because these network devices are capable of accessing the Internet from nearly any location, users of these devices often access the Internet and view web pages in a mobile manner. For example, a user may begin a network session while in one physical location and the user may continue the session as they move to another location. This mobility causes devices to switch between different communication networks and access the internet over a variety of different network connections. Each of these networks and network connections have different attributes (e.g., network speed, signal strength, bandwidth, signal-to-noise ratio, etc.) affecting the delivery of web pages to the devices. In some instances, a network or network connection may limit the user's viewing experience of a particular web page due to the limited capabilities of the network or network connection.

Systems and methods for responsive web page delivery based on network bandwidth


A composite nonwoven for controlled acquisition and distribution of liquid, comprising at least a first support layer and a first bulky layer, the bulky layer functioning to acquire and distribute liquid and the support layer being suitable for use either as a coverstock or as a transfer layer between the bulky layer and a liquid retention layer, the support layer and the bulky layer being bonded together, by non-chemical bonding, by a network of individual bonding points to form a liquid control system that facilitates liquid distribution within the individual layers and liquid transfer between the layers, the composite nonwoven showing a combination of a low strike-through time and a low rewet; and a high-speed in-line process for producing the composite nonwoven, the process comprising forming a first support layer, e.g. by carding or spunbonding, consolidating the first support layer, forming at least a first bulky layer containing carded fibers on top of the first support layer, and bonding the combination of the support layer and the bulky layer by non-chemical bonding means, e.g. thermobonding, during which process draft is reduced at least during formation of the first bulky layer by means of at least one laydown suction box providing suction at least at the point at which the bulky layer is formed and by means of at least one holddown suction box providing suction after formation of the bulky layer and until the point at which bonding between the layers takes place, said laydown and holddown suction boxes being located beneath an air-permeable conveyor belt.

Hygienic absorbent products such as disposable diapers, feminine hygiene products and adult incontinence pads consist of a number of different layers, including a liquid permeable "topsheet" or "coverstock" layer which in use is located against the skin of the wearer, an absorbent core for retaining liquid and a liquid impermeable "backsheet" away from the skin of the wearer to maintain the absorbed liquid inside of the absorbent product. Additional layers are commonly provided with the aim of obtaining the desired characteristics in terms of acquisition and distribution of liquid, and the construction and function of such hygienic absorbent products is the subject of numerous patents and patent applications.
Although the characteristics of hygienic absorbent articles can vary depending upon the intended use, a few basic characteristics are generally sought, in particular the ability to absorb liquid at a sufficient rate and the ability to hold the absorbed liquid within the absorbent article, in addition to features such as comfort for the wearer and ease of production. Although such absorbent articles have undergone many advances in recent years, significant efforts continue to be made to improve their characteristics and to develop absorbent articles that are specially designed for specific uses. This has led to the development of a number of different composite nonwovens for the acquisition, distribution and/or storage of liquid in hygienic absorbent articles, some examples of which are the following:
EP 0 359 501-B1 discloses an absorbent structure containing cover, transfer and reservoir layers, each of which has preselected fluid retention and transfer capacity, in which the cover layer has a lower density than the transfer layer and tends to promote transfer of liquid to the transfer layer, and the transfer layer has a lower density than the reservoir layer and tends to promote transfer to the reservoir layer.
EP 0 532 005-A1 describes absorbent articles containing a backsheet layer, an absorbent body, an intermediate transfer layer and a bodyside liner layer, the bodyside liner layer being a bonded carded web composed of bicomponent fibres and having a basis weight of 15-40 g/m.sup.2.
EP 0 539 703-A1 discloses an absorbent article that includes, between a topsheet and a backsheet, an absorbent body containing a retention portion and, adjacent the topsheet, a surge management layer comprising bicomponent fibres and optionally also non-bicomponent fibres.
EP 0 596 191-A1 discloses a fibrous laminated material in which the two fibrous layers are bonded together in a bonding pattern with discrete bonding areas containing apertures, the first fibrous layer comprising fibres of one or more thermoplastic polymeric materials and the second fibrous layer comprising fibres of two or more thermoplastic polymeric materials.
FR 2 690 843-A1 discloses a process for manufacturing multilayer nonwovens in which a nonwoven web is formed on each of two different shaping cylinders, the webs then being joined together on a suction cylinder.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,892,534 discloses a nonwoven web for use as a bodyside liner, in particular for feminine pads, and containing at least 3 layers of thermoplastic filaments bonded together, the web being formed by spunbonding.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,300,054 discloses absorbent articles in which the absorbent core comprises pairs of layers, where each pair of layers comprises an acquisition/distribution layer and a storage layer, the storage layer of each pair of layers being located subjacent the acquisition/distribution layer.
WO 94/12713 discloses a multilayer nonwoven material comprising at least two layers of natural or synthetic textile fibres with progressively decreasing fibre denier from one layer to the next.
WO 94/14397 discloses an absorbent structure containing a first surge management layer of polymeric fibres and a second surge management layer of hydrophilic fibres, e.g. cellulosic fibres, with an absorbent layer including a high-absorbency material between the first and second surge management layers.
WO 94/22393 describes a topsheet having three separate layers, namely a first and second polymeric layer with an intermediate fibrous layer between the two polymeric layers, in which the fibrous material of the intermediate layer extends below the inner surface of the second polymeric layer, containing capillaries, e.g. in the form of apertures, that extend from a first surface of the topsheet to a second surface of the topsheet.
WO 94/28222 discloses a composite nonwoven containing at least two layers of carded fibres with progressively decreasing fibre denier from one layer to the next, the layers been joined together by needling.
WO 95/13776 describes absorbent articles containing, in addition to a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core, an acquisition layer between the topsheet and the core, and optionally also an intermediate "liquid stable layer" with a structural support function between the acquisition layer and the core.
Despite the fact that many different composite nonwoven products are known and that many advances have been made in this field in recent years, prior art composite nonwovens for use in hygiene absorbent products suffer from certain disadvantages. One of these is the manner in which liquid is distributed in those nonwoven products having or functioning as an acquisition/distribution layer. Thus, although many nonwovens are designed to provide a certain distribution of absorbed liquid within the acquisition/distribution layer before the liquid is transferred to the absorbent core, this distribution is in general one which could be termed "passive distribution", meaning that liquid is absorbed and in most cases initially flows essentially directly to the absorbent core without any substantial distribution before being transferred to the core layer where liquid is stored. Such absorbent cores normally store liquid with the aid of a super absorbent polymer. These super absorbent polymers are extremely effective, since they are able to absorb many times their own weight of urine or other liquids, but upon wetting they form a gel which, while being effective to hold onto absorbed liquid, has the disadvantage that liquid is not easily transferred through such a gel agglomeration.
This results in a phenomenon known as "gel blocking", in which the first portion of liquid is readily absorbed, while subsequent portions must migrate around the gel area before they can be taken up by other parts of the absorbent core, with the possibility for leakage and retained liquid on the surface of the diaper. It is in this case that the prior art nonwovens distribute and transfer liquid by means of passive distribution, so that subsequent portions of liquid bypass the already wetted and gelled area of the core. With passive distribution, the first portion of liquid thus flows more or less directly to the absorbent core, and it is only subsequent portions that are directed--in a "passive manner" (because of the lack of access there where the core is already wetted)--to other portions of the core. It would thus be desirable to be have an acquisition/distribution layer with a more active distribution function, so that the liquid holding capacity of the absorbent core could be more effectively utilized.
A further problem in the prior art composite nonwovens and absorbent products is that the liquid absorbency rate is often limited by the topsheet. Thus, the "strike-through time" for known topsheets is at the best about 2.5 sec, and it would therefore be desirable to be able to improve the absorbency characteristics of absorbent articles by improving the strike-through time of the topsheet.
Another problem encountered is that of "rewet", i.e. leakage of absorbed liquid from the absorbent core. Prior art composite nonwovens typically have a rewet of not less than about 0.2 g (as determined by EDANA standard No. ERT 151.0-93) and it would be desirable to reduce the rewet value to below 0.2, and preferably as low as possible, thereby ensuring that absorbed liquid is maintained in the absorbent core.
With regard to the methods used for the production of nonwovens, including composite nonwovens, it is a general aim to be able to increase the production speed while at the same time maintaining sufficient strength and uniformity of the nonwovens. The problem arises, however, that an increase in production speed tends to lead to a decrease in strength and uniformity of the resulting nonwoven. In the case of composite nonwovens, it is important to be able to both produce individual layers having sufficient quality at a sufficient speed and to be able to assemble the composite nonwoven in an advantageous manner. A high-speed, in-line process resulting in composite nonwovens with the desired properties in terms of strength, uniformity and absorption characteristics would be particularly desirable. Related to this is the aim of providing a basic production process that is flexible enough to be suitable for producing a variety of different composite nonwovens in terms of varying acquisition and distribution patterns and in which the order of the layers can be adjusted as required.
The above problems associated with prior art composite nonwovens and methods for their production are addressed by the present invention.

Composite nonwovens and methods for the preparation thereof


A magnet unit, which can realize uniform film thickness distribution of a thin film formed on a substrate without increasing the length and width of a target. The magnet unit includes a peripheral magnet, which is disposed on the yoke on the back side of a cathode electrode so as to follow the outline of a target, and an inner magnet disposed in the peripheral magnet and having a polarity different from the polarity of the peripheral magnet. The magnet unit provides a magnetic track MT that is a set of regions which tangents of magnetic field lines M generated on the target parallels to the target surface. The magnet unit further includes n (n is a positive integer of two or more) extending magnetic pole portions and n−1 projecting magnetic pole portions, which form 2n−1 folded shape portions U at the both ends in the longitudinal direction of the magnetic track.

In a magnetron sputtering apparatus, a magnet unit disposed on the back side of a cathode electrode supporting a target causes generation of magnetron on a discharge surface of the target to entrap a plasma, and, thus, to realize high density. Then, ions of the plasma generated in this apparatus collide with the target to thereby flick a target material. The target material is then adhered onto a substrate, whereby a thin film is formed.
Thus, a film formation rate strongly depends on an electric field and leakage magnetic field strength applied to a target. Especially, magnetron strength of a magnet unit strongly acts on a plasma density, and a film thickness distribution of a thin film formed on a substrate is influenced. In general, as the magnetron strength increases, the plasma density of the corresponding target is increased to increase a sputtering rate, and therefore, the film formation rate at the corresponding substrate position is also increased.
FIGS. 15A to 15D are explanatory views showing a magnetron sputtering apparatus that forms a film on a substrate while passing the substrate through the front of a target. For this type of pass-type film formation system, as shown in FIG. 15A, in general, a substrate 87 is passed so as to be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of a rectangular target 86, as shown in FIG. 15A. Thus, as shown in FIG. 15C, the amount of sputtered particles from both ends in the longitudinal direction of the target 86 is small, and, as shown in FIG. 15B, the film thickness of the both ends of the substrate 87 is small, leading to deterioration of the film thickness distribution. Thus, as shown in FIG. 15D, in order to improve the deterioration of the film thickness distribution, the length in the longitudinal direction of the target 86 is increased, and a cathode electrode and a magnet unit 80 are extended so as to correspond to the target 86 to thereby respond to the deterioration of the film thickness distribution.
However, when the length of a target is increased in order to improve film thickness reduction at both ends of a substrate, not only consumption of a target material is increased, but also a running cost is increased.
Based on this point of view, in the prior art, there have been proposed various methods for adjusting the film thickness distribution of a thin film formed on a substrate. For example, a magnetic field strength on a target corresponding to a region on a substrate, in which the film thickness distribution of a thin film will be improved, is regulated by optimizing the height of each magnet, whereby the film thickness distribution is improved (see, Patent Document 1). Namely, in this film thickness adjusting method, the magnetic field strength on a target corresponding to a region on a substrate, in which the film thickness of a thin film is small, is increased, whereby the film formation rate is increased to increase the film thickness, and, thus, to improve the film thickness distribution.
There has been further provided a technique that in a magnet unit comprising a center magnet and an annular peripheral magnet surrounding the center magnet and having a polarity different from the polarity of the center magnet, the center magnet has T-shaped portions at its both ends, and magnetic tracks at the both ends are expanded, whereby the film thickness distribution of a thin film on a substrate is improved (see, Patent Document 2).

Magnet unit and magnetron sputtering apparatus


A method and apparatus are disclosed for detecting disturbances in an alternating current (AC) supply. A method includes a step of indicating a relationship between supplied AC voltage and a threshold voltage for at least a portion of each cycle of the supplied AC voltage. A circuit for detecting disturbances in supplied alternating current (AC) is provided. The circuit includes a threshold detector coupled to a source of supplied AC. The threshold detector provides a signal indicating a relationship of the supplied AC levels to a threshold level for at least a portion of each cycle of the supplied AC.

Many electronic and electrical devices, for example, recording devices such as personal video recorders (PVRs), set top boxes (STBs), personal computers (PCs), and the like, rely on undisturbed alternating current (AC) derived power to complete critical system operations. AC power sources can suffer from a variety of long-term and transient disturbances. The term "power disturbance", as used herein, refers to any out of tolerance condition of AC power input to any electrical, electromechanical or electronic device. Out of tolerance conditions include out of regulation conditions. Examples of power disturbances include variations in the frequency and/or amplitude of the input power. Though the former is usually acceptably stable, amplitude variations occur frequently. Unfortunately, in some cases AC power is lost altogether.
Computer systems, set top boxes, PVRs, DVD and CD recorders, etc. typically employ various memory devices to store program and system information. Memory devices include hard disk drives, recordable disks, semiconductor memory devices and the like. A power failure, brownout, or other disturbance can occur at any time. When power is disturbed in the middle of a memory write operation, data in the memory is sometimes corrupted. In some cases, a device will fail to operate after a power disturbance. For example a computer will sometimes fail to boot up because critical system information stored in memory was corrupted when a power disturbance interrupted a write operation. In addition, many electro-mechanical devices rely on undisturbed power to complete critical mechanical movements. Therefore, vulnerability to power disturbances remains a problem for many electronic, electrical and electro-mechanical devices.
Some conventional systems attempt to solve the problem by means of an early power fail (EPF) warning circuit to indicate an impending power disturbance. Existing EPF warning approaches typically rely upon voltage monitoring of a power supply output to detect disturbances. This approach has drawbacks. A switch-mode power supply, for example, may stay in regulation for some time after the input AC voltage drops, due to the charge held on its input capacitor. Therefore, any warning based on a decrease in output voltage level is delayed in time from the actual occurrence of the corresponding power disturbance. This delay time is typically a function of the discharge time constant of the input capacitor. Because of this delay time, prior art approaches often fail to provide adequate advance warning of an AC power disturbance.
Accordingly, circuits and methods are needed that are capable of indicating a power disturbance with decreased delay.

Power disturbance detection circuit and method


A fuel cell powered vehicle fuel storage system is disclosed having a suspension system, a fuel tank, and a support system, wherein the suspension system, fuel tank, and support system cooperate to carry vehicle structural loads and the reaction loads of the suspension system and to maximize a volume of the fuel tank.

Typical fuel cell powered vehicles use fuel cell power systems that convert a fuel and an oxidant into electricity. One type of fuel cell power system employs use of a proton exchange membrane (hereinafter "PEM") to catalytically facilitate reaction of fuels (such as hydrogen) and oxidants (such as air or oxygen) into electricity. The fuel is typically stored in large pressurized fuel tanks and stored on an undercarriage of the vehicle.
Fuel cell powered vehicles, like conventional powered vehicles, have suspension systems designed to cooperate with the vehicle handling and braking systems and keep the vehicle substantially isolated from road noise, bumps, and vibrations. Typically, the vehicle will have a suspension system affiliated with the tires disposed adjacent to the fuel tanks. The large size and shape of the fuel tank often restricts the function of the vehicle suspension system and limits the suspension linkage shape and suspension configuration. Space for the fuel tank is usually limited to a space beneath a floorpan of the vehicle and adjacent the second row of seats. Due to space constraints created by the suspension system and the fuel tanks, interior passenger space or cargo space may be reduced to provide a fuel tank capable of storing enough fuel to meet vehicle performance requirements.
It would be desirable to develop a fuel cell powered vehicle incorporating a storage system including a suspension system, a fuel tank, and a support system adapted to cooperate to carry vehicle structural loads and reaction loads of a suspension system and maximize a volume of the fuel tank to maximize fuel storage capacity.

Rear integration of a suspension system and fuel tanks in fuel cell vehicles


An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a solar humidifier. The solar humidifier includes a solar collector comprises perforations, wherein the solar collector exhibits an absorptance in the range of 0.70 to 0.95 when dry. The solar humidifier also includes a frame on which the solar collector is mounted, wherein the frame provides at least one opening for supplying brine to a surface of the solar collector. The solar humidifier further includes a collection box, wherein the collection box includes an interior volume and is enclosed on a side by the solar collector.

The "background" description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventor, to the extent it is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description which may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure.
Water scarcity affects people all around the world, especially in developing countries. Desalination is a potential solution to the water scarcity problem in some regions as about 97% of water on the earth is salty. However, a hindrance to desalination in developing countries, in particular, is lack of energy and component cost. To help reduce energy consumption, solar desalination has been explored.
Solar desalination processes may be divided into two categories; direct and indirect methods. The direct method combines the heating process and the distilling process together. The advantage of the direct method is that both initial and operating costs are relatively low. In addition, direct systems may be relatively straightforward to operate. Two direct methods include the solar still and the humidification-dehumidification (HDH) solar desalination process; HDH systems can also operate from an indirect heat source. Both methods (still and HDH) mimic the natural rain cycle. In nature, sea water evaporates (by absorbing solar energy) and moistens the air. Then, with the aid of the collected heat, the humid air forms clouds. Sooner or later, the clouds condense (dehumidified) and fall as rain, generating pure water.
Conventional humidification-dehumidification (HDH) solar desalination often includes a solar collector, e.g., a single- or double-glazed flat-plate collector, a humidifier, and a condenser, as well as a recuperater, a fan, and a pump. First, the air and water are heated in a solar heater. The solar heater may be, e.g., a solar water heater or a solar air heater. Then, with the aid of collected heat the air is humidified in a humidifier. Finally, the air is cooled and condensed in a dehumidifier, generating fresh water. The air at higher temperature can carry more moisture than the air at lower temperature, thus promoting its humidification.
A number of studies have been performed on conventional HDH systems. However, many of the studies focus on the cycle configuration. The basic cycle configurations are the combination of a closed-air open-water (CAOW) or a closed-water open-air (CWOA) configuration using an air heater or a water heater to drive the cycle. In the basic cycle of the HDH solar desalination system, performance depends on, e.g., the heat capacity ratio, the effectiveness of the humidifier and dehumidifier, the top and bottom brine temperature and the relative humidity. The heat capacity ratio means that there is an optimal mass flow rate ratio (ratio between the brine and air flow rate). It was also found that the closed-air and closed-water cycles may exhibit a similar performance. Studies also examined cycles such as a multi-extraction, a multi-pressure and a thermal vapor compression cycle. However, some of the proposed new cycles have been difficult to implement.
Studies often do not involve alterations in components and there are not many components designed specifically for humidification-dehumidification (HDH) solar desalination systems. Thus, while HDH may provide relatively higher efficiency and water production per unit area it may also have a relatively higher investment cost than some traditional techniques. A potential drawback of the humidification—dehumidification desalination system is the relatively high investment cost when compared to the solar still. This relatively high cost may create a barrier for deployment of the technology in impoverished communities. So far, the relatively more efficient systems have the cost of water production around US $3-7/m3.
The solar still is perhaps the most common (by number) desalination process and also the most simple given its passivity. A solar still integrates the humidification—dehumidification desalination process in a black tray basin with a glass cover on top. However, its relative simplicity comes at a cost in terms of relatively low performance (energy efficiency<0:5), depending on boundary conditions. Several geometries and materials have been proposed and analyzed to improve its performance. In addition, several new methods were introduced such as adding a solar collector to the system, to implement an active solar still and a multi-effect solar still.
Indirect methods of desalination separate the heating process and the distilling process into different components, often resulting in relatively better energy utilization. The type of energy used in the indirect method is not only limited to the thermal energy, but may also include, e.g., mechanical energy and electrical energy, which may be received from a solar photovoltaic panel. Thermal energy driven systems include multi-stage flash (MSF), multi-effect distillation (MED), thermal vapor compression (TVC), membrane distillation (MD) and HDH distillation. Two technologies that use mechanical and/or electrical energy are reverse osmosis (RO) and electro-dialysis (ED) processes. Although indirect solar desalination methods can have relatively better efficiency and performance, the systems may be relatively more complicated and may not be suitable for rural areas in developing countries.
Apart from humidification and desalination systems, solar collectors have been utilized in heating and ventilation systems. One such solar collection system involves using a perforated metal sheet and a fan, providing a relatively high life cycle and cost effective transpired air heating solar heat source. The solar collectors heat outdoor ambient air that may be introduced into a ventilation system. However, these systems do not humidify air entering into the ventilation system. Studies on these systems have derived correlations for the heat transfer coefficient as function of hole diameter "D", plate spacing, orientation of the holes, wind speed and suction velocity "V".
Accordingly, room for improvement remains in the design and development of solar desalination systems and methods. Solar collector-desalination systems should be relatively simple; as rural areas, in which these systems would be most influential, lack not only infrastructure, but also maintenance technicians and services. The systems preferably exhibit relatively low cost and complexity in both set up and operation.

Solar humidifier in a humidification-dehumidification type desalination system

Khalifa University of Science and Technology


The present disclosure discloses a miniature circuit breaker operating mechanism and a miniature circuit breaker. The operating mechanism includes an operating handle and a lock catch. The operating handle and the lock catch are separately rotatably connected to a circuit breaker housing. The operating mechanism further includes: a first connecting rod, which is rotatably connected with the circuit breaker housing, and the rotating shaft of the first connecting rod and the rotating shaft of the lock catch shares the axis or on the same axis; a moving contact is arranged on the first connecting rod; a second connecting rod; the second connecting rod is connected with the operating handle, and the second connecting rod, the lock catch and the first connecting rod cooperate with a linkage structure.

The Chinese utility model patent CN207558723U discloses a miniature circuit breaker operating mechanism, which includes a mechanism frame, a handle, a first connecting rod, a second connecting rod, a third connecting rod, a tension spring and a moving contact. A third axis of the mechanism frame is rotatably provided with a jumping buckle, and the fourth axis of the mechanism frame is provided with a lock catch which is matched with the jumping buckle. The restoration tension spring is arranged between the lock catch and the side plate of the mechanism frame. The first connecting rod and the second connecting rod are connected through a U-shaped rod, and the second connecting rod corresponding to the jumping buckle is provided with an arc-shaped guide hole. One end of the U-shaped rod penetrates into the arc-shaped guide hole, and can slide back and forth in the arc-shaped guide hole with the first connecting rod. The other end of the U-shaped rod is connected with the handle, and the third axis is rotatedly provided with a rotating plate matched with the U-shaped rod. A torsional spring is provided between the rotating plate and the side plate of the mechanism frame, and the rotating plate is provided with an arc-shaped slot clamped with a U-shaped rod.

Miniature circuits breaker operating mechanism and miniature circuit breaker

Xiamen Hongfa Electrical Safety & Controls Co., Ltd.


A system includes a multi-tube fuel nozzle including a fuel nozzle head that includes an outer wall surrounding a chamber. The outer wall includes a downstream wall portion configured to face a combustion region. The multi-tube fuel nozzle also includes multiple tubes extending through the chamber to the downstream wall portion. Each tube of the multiple tubes includes an upstream portion, a downstream portion, and at least one fuel inlet disposed at the upstream portion, and is configured to receive air and mix the air with fuel from the at least one fuel inlet. The multi-tube fuel nozzle includes a fuel conduit extending through the chamber crosswise to and around the multiple tubes. The fuel conduit includes multiple impingement cooling orifices. A fuel flow path extends through the fuel conduit, through the impingement cooling orifices, through the chamber, and into the at least one fuel inlet of each tube.

The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a turbine engine and, more specifically, to a turbine fuel nozzle with cooling features.
A gas turbine engine combusts a mixture of fuel and air to generate hot combustion gases, which in turn drive one or more turbine stages. In particular, the hot combustion gases force turbine blades to rotate, thereby driving a shaft to rotate one or more loads, e.g., an electrical generator. The gas turbine engine includes a fuel nozzle to inject fuel and air into a combustor. Unfortunately, a portion of the fuel nozzle may experience high temperatures, which can result in potential damage to the fuel nozzle.

System for cooling a multi-tube fuel nozzle


To reduce overhead generated by maintaining a full mesh network with static spoke-to-spoke tunnels while providing the efficiency of spoke-to-spoke communication, BGP configuration is automated to provide for dynamic establishment of spoke-to-spoke tunnels. A virtual Internet Protocol (VIP) address is assigned to each spoke in the network. Spokes advertises their VIP address to the hub for communication to the other spokes. A spoke sets the route next hop in its routing table for a remote spoke to the VIP of the remote spoke. Establishment of a tunnel between spokes is initiated after detecting data is to be communicated between the spokes while data is temporarily routed through the hub. Data is routed directly to the receiving spoke through the dynamic tunnel once the tunnel is active. Tunnels between spokes are terminated dynamically after a period of inactivity to reduce overhead caused by consistent maintenance of dynamic tunnels with low use.

The disclosure generally relates to the field of information security, and to multicomputer data transferring.
A hub-and-spoke network is defined by one site acting as a hub through which other sites, or spokes, are connected. Traffic between spokes in a hub-and-spoke network is communicated through the hub. To ensure secure transmission of data in a hub-and-spoke network, a virtual private network (VPN) can be established such that traffic between entities is encrypted and securely routed through VPN tunnels. One routing protocol used for routing traffic between entities in a hub-and-spoke network configuration is the Border Gateway Protocol (BGP). BGP may be used for routing between different autonomous systems (ASs), in which the hub and each spoke correspond to different ASs, or within the same AS, in which the hub and each spoke correspond to different network components in the same AS. In networks using BGP as the routing protocol, routing information is exchanged between entities which have established a connection for exchanging data, or BGP peers. For instance, in a hub-and-spoke network, BGP peering is established between each hub-spoke pairing. A VPN tunnel can then be established between the hub and spoke which are connected as BGP peers.

Dynamic establishment and termination of VPN tunnels between spokes


The invention provides methods and materials for decontamination of surfaces and fabrics, such as non-woven fabrics, that are contaminated with infestations of microorganisms such as bacteria. Biocidal oligomers having conjugated oligo-(aryl/heteroaryl ethynyl) structures and comprising at least one cationic group can be used to decontaminate infested surfaces in the presence of oxygen and, optionally, illumination. Fibers incorporating biocidal oligomers having conjugated oligo-(aryl/heteroaryl ethynyl) structures and comprising at least one cationic group, wherein the oligomer is physically associated with or covalently bonded to, or both, the fiber-forming polymer can be used to form non-woven mats. Biocidal non-woven mats prepared by methods of the invention, incorporating the biocidal oligomers, can be used to suppress bacterial growth in wound and surgical dressings and personal hygiene products.

Antimicrobial treatment of materials is becoming an increasingly desirable mechanism for combating microbial pathogens. Microbial pathogens can be present on surfaces, e.g., bacterial biofilms disposed on the surface of materials such as metal, plastic, glass, wood, and the like, such as medical or food preparation tools or work areas; and microbial pathogens can be disposed within porous materials such as fibers, fabrics, and the like, such as wound treatment materials. Contamination of materials presents significant medical and public health risks, and biocidal treatment of surfaces and materials is vital, such as in blocking person to person transmission of diseases caused by microbial pathogens, in preventing infection of wounds by pathogens in the environment, in avoiding microbially-mediated food poisoning arising through contact of foodstuffs with contaminated work surfaces or personnel. Porous materials, such as fibers and fabrics, can be particularly difficult to block from microbial contamination, as the microorganisms can be protected from superficial sterilization procedures by the material itself. It is also important to develop materials having intrinsic antimicrobial properties that can avoid or reduce contamination over a period of time.
For example, surfaces of materials, such as food handling workspaces, surgical tools and equipment, and biological substrates such as the living tissues of patients, can be contaminated with bacterial biofilms. Bacterial biofilms are aggregates of bacteria in which cells adhere to each other on a surface and produce extracellular polymer matrix. The bacterial cells growing in biofilms are physiologically different from planktonic organism (freely suspended in a liquid medium); bacteria in biofilms can exhibit slow growth rates and higher resistance to antimicrobials, causing public health problems. Additionally biofilms naturally develop on living and inanimate surfaces. Biofilms can be found anywhere and widely involved in various infections in the body such as middle-ear infections, formation of dental plaque, and infections of indwelling medical devices.
Bacterial biofilms are aggregates of microbial cells adhered to one-another on a surface, producing an extracellular polymeric substance matrix.1,2 The bacterial cells growing in biofilms are physiologically distinct from planktonic bacteria (freely suspended in a liquid medium) and a major source of public health problems.2,3 Bacteria in these biofilms have slow growth rates and increased resistance to antimicrobials and the host defense systems. Additionally biofilms naturally develop on all types of surfaces: both living and inanimate surfaces. Biofilms can be associated with various microbial infections in the body such as dental plaque, kidney infections, urinary tract infections and infections of indwelling medical devices.2,4
Although several techniques5-9 have been developed to prevent biofilm formation and to produce disinfection on surfaces, it is difficult to completely inhibit biofilm formation due to the physiological heterogeneity of bacteria in biofilms and their resistance to antibiotics.10,11 Therefore, demand for new antimicrobials has been growing to prevent and eradicate biofilms.
Porous materials such as fibers and fabrics made therefrom can harbor and transmit microbial contaminants, so a treatment of such materials that can help prevent microbial contamination of the fabric and subsequent transmission, e.g., to tissue of a patient, such as healing wound tissue, would provide therapeutic benefits. Efforts have been made to develop fabrics having intrinsic biocidal activity.15 These include not only those used in healthcare settings, but also those used to enhance personal hygiene and prevent deterioration of fabric. Among the most effective strategies are those using heavy metals and their salts, quaternary ammonium compounds, polyhexamethylene biguanides, triclosan, N-halamine compounds, and peroxyacids. While all are effective, all have substantial drawbacks, including the need for regeneration (N-halamines, peroxyacids), low biocidal activity (triclosan, PHMB), toxic byproducts (triclosan) and development of resistant strains.

University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.


The invention relates to an electrical cabinet (1) for receiving electrical and/or electronic and/or optoelectronic devices, in particular low-current distribution devices, which is particularly suited for installation outdoors, comprising an inner cabin (2) and an outer cabin (3), a first cooling channel (12) and a second cooling channel (23) being configured to be bordering externally on boundary surfaces (6) of the inner cabin (2) and separated from each other.

The invention relates to an electrical cabinet for accommodating electrical and/or electronic and/or optoelectronic installations, which is suitable in particular for installation outdoors and comprises an inner box and an outer box. A weak-current distribution installation may be, for example, a telephone installation having associated power supply devices and outgoing and incoming cable connection devices for a specific physical area.
Such electrical cabinets need to satisfy various conditions. Firstly, they should protect the electrical or electronic components of the installation against mechanical influences. In addition, the electrical cabinets should provide the operating conditions for the electrical and electronic or optoelectronic installations in the interior of the inner box which are required for fault-free operation.
It is firstly necessary to protect the installations against external influences, such as dust, moisture or vermin. The inner box is therefore well sealed off from the environment during operation. In order to ensure electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), the inner box generally has a metallic casing, which likewise requires a conductive seal with virtually no gaps. The electrical, electronic and/or optoelectronic installations generate heat during operation. This heat needs to be dissipated from the inner box in order to avoid overheating of the installations. An air flow is generally formed in the interior of the inner box, in the case of which warm air rises upwards. Owing to the air flow forming in the interior of the inner box, the heat is at least partially guided towards the peripheral faces of the inner box. At least part of the generated heat can be dissipated via said peripheral faces.
EP 1 002 352 B1 has disclosed a generic electrical cabinet, in which an intermediate space is formed between an inner box and an outer box. The electrical cabinet is designed such that air can flow into the intermediate space from below, is heated at the peripheral faces of the inner box and as a result rises and exits again in an upper region of the electrical cabinet through exit openings in the outer box. Owing to the air circulation in the intermediate space between the inner box and the outer box, the peripheral faces of the inner box are cooled and therefore the heat generated by the electrical installations in the inner box is dissipated from the electrical cabinet.
In this case, the intermediate space between the inner box and side walls of the outer box is delimited at the top by an intermediate lid. Active elements, for example fans, are arranged in openings in the inter-mediate lid, with the result that cold air is sucked in through the essentially vertical intermediate spaces between the inner box and the outer walls of the outer box, exits through the openings in the intermediate lid and is deflected laterally by an upper cover, which protrudes laterally beyond the side walls of the outer box, and is guided through a gap to the outside, which gap is formed between the upper cover, which protrudes beyond the side wall, and the side wall of the outer box.
Although the known electrical cabinets provide a certain amount of cooling of the peripheral faces of the inner box and thereby cooling of the interior of the inner box, electrical cabinets with improved cooling performance are required in order to be used, in particular, in areas which have a particularly unfavorable climate and have a particularly high degree of insulation or a particularly high ambient air temperature.

Electrical cabinet with two cooling channels


A dual cam cover has a molded housing made, preferably, of a thermoset polyester composite material replacing an aluminum casting. An integral stiffening bar added between raised cam chamber walls includes retaining slots for holding associated spark plug wires. Peripheral mounting bosses include cylinder like angled ribs for sturdy support with a pleasant appearance. Isolated mounting screws combine with resilient gaskets in the peripheral flange and around central spark plug and fastener openings to provide sealing and mounting isolation. Improved oil separators include one piece metal baffles with formed drain openings. A bushing and a threaded insert are molded in for mounting a vent tube and an accessory.

It is known in the art relating to dual overhead cam engines to provide a cam cover defining a pair of laterally spaced cam chambers connected by a valley panel through which openings for spark plugs and fastening screws are provided. In a prior commercial cam cover embodiments, described in part in U.S. Pat. No. 5,129,371 assigned to the assignee of the present invention, an aluminum cover was provided with a peripheral flange and bosses for mounting screws, not described. Oil separation means were provided in the upper portions of the cam chambers.


In a control apparatus for a hydraulic power steering system including multiple electric pumps, a first ECU determines that start-up of a first motor is completed when a first current value, which is a value of current flowing to a first electric pump, has been within a prescribed current range continuously for a prescribed period of time or longer. An upper limit of the prescribed current range is set to be less than to a limit value provided as an upper limit of a current supplied simultaneously to the first and second electric pumps after completion of start-up. A lower limit of the prescribed current range is set to a minimum value of a current indicating that the first electric pump is in an energized state. After start-up of the first motor is determined to be completed, a second ECU starts electric power supply to the second electric pump.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a control apparatus for a hydraulic power steering system.
2. Description of the Related Art
Conventionally, a hydraulic power steering system that applies assist force to a steering system with the use of a hydraulic actuator such as a hydraulic cylinder has been widely known. For example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-238882 (JP 2008-238882 A) describes a hydraulic power steering system in which an electric pump that is driven by a motor to generate hydraulic pressure is used as a hydraulic power source for a hydraulic actuator. In such a hydraulic power steering system, even when a steering operation is not performed, the electric pump usually keeps driving at a relatively low rotational speed (standby rotational speed). This makes it possible to apply assist force promptly, thereby improving the responsiveness.
When the electric pump is started from a standstill (a supply of electric power for driving the electric pump is started), for example, when an ignition switch (IG) is turned on, a large current instantaneously flows to the motor because inductive voltage has not been generated in the motor. Especially when the ambient temperature is low, the current that flows to the motor at the time of starting the electric pump is likely to be large because the viscosity of hydraulic fluid becomes high and therefore the load on the motor becomes high. Therefore, an in-vehicle power supply mounted in a vehicle is required to have a capacity high enough not to affect the operation of electric equipment even if a large amount of current is consumed by the electric pump at the time of, for example, turning on the ignition switch.
In recent years, for the purpose of further improving the responsiveness, providing a plurality of electric pumps in a hydraulic power steering system has been proposed. However, in this case, a significantly large amount of current is consumed at the time of, for example, turning on an ignition switch. Therefore, it is necessary to increase the capacity of an in-vehicle power supply depending on the number of electric pumps. As a result, for example, the cost of manufacturing the hydraulic power steering system may significantly increase.

Control apparatus for hydraulic power steering system