A lower leg appliance provides padding and cushion support for the knee, ankle and hip joints in the leg, by providing a hard surfaced knee pad, a hard surfaced ankle pad and a soft surface calf and thigh pad positioned between the calf and thigh, held in place by at least three adjustable straps having a closure means, the three pads working in conjunction to provide relief and support to a persons knees, ankles and hips while squatting or kneeling during chores, activities or labor.

1. Field of Invention
A lower leg appliance provides padding and cushion support for the knee, ankle and hip joints in the leg, by providing a hard surfaced knee pad, a hard surfaced ankle pad and a soft surface calf and thigh pad positioned between the calf and thigh, held in place by at least three adjustable straps having a closure means, the three pads working in conjunction to provide relief and support to a persons knees, ankles and hips while squatting or kneeling during chores, activities or labor.
2. Description of Prior Art
The following United States patents are identified and disclosed herein. Several devices are disclosed relating to leg pads and supports.
In two U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,073,986 to Farrago and 4,371,985 to Pokhis, a strap-on pad is disclosed which is placed on the back of the calf of the lower leg which provides a cushion for a person squatting which is oriented between the calf and back of the thigh, with Pokhis being an inflatable cushion and Farrago being a flexible enclosure with a flexible and resilient filling. These do not provide a knee cushion or an ankle cushion in the same apparatus. A set of leggings is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,654,962 to DeMott, which has a padded knee portion and is worn over pants.
A kneeling cushion is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,298,508 to McClosky and appears to be a solid apparatus with openings for placing the feet through, while providing a cushion for the lower legs and another attached cushion between the calf and thigh portion of the legs. U.S. Pat. No. 6,578,217 to Roberson also discloses a similar device, except that it has the pads separate and is carried by a shoulder strap.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,772,071 to Richards discloses a very complex mechanical device which include lower knee pads each having a first section attached to a lower leg and provided with a knee seat accommodation for the upper end of the tibia and a second section connected to the first section and provided with a seat engagable by a buttocks and a portion of the associated upper leg when the wearer kneels. Each knee pad also includes a support engagable with the floor or other surface on which the wearer kneels and which has the function of bearing the weight of the wearer's body and helps avoid strain to the flexed knee. An adjustment along the lower portion also elevates the toes and foot above the kneeling surface, with the first and second sections being length adjustable with pins to hold the device in a kneeling position which are released to stand up.
Strap-on knee and shin guards are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. D462,886 to Cantu, Jr. and 3,735,419 to Byrd, which cover and protect the shin and knee of the wearer, as commonly used by catchers in baseball games.


Methods and apparatus relating to improving dynamic response of hybrid power boost technology are described. In one embodiment, two or more levels of charger over-current are used for AC adapters/chargers during transition from charging (e.g., one or more battery packs) to boosting platform performance (e.g., by increasing the operating frequency of one or more processor cores of a processor). In another embodiment, an adapter's voltage level is used as a trigger for fast transition from charging to boosting. Other embodiments are also disclosed and claimed.

To improve performance, some processors may use a "turbo" mode. For example, turbo mode may allow a processor to increase its frequency to meet workload demands when there is a thermal margin available on the platform. The level of power consumption by the processor in this case may drastically exceed the thermal design levels, and the total platform consumption may also exceed a power adapter's capability.

Dynamic response improvement of hybrid power boost technology


A pen input apparatus includes an inversion signal generation circuit for generating an inversion signal to invert the direction of applied voltage to liquid crystal of a liquid crystal panel. There is a first conversion circuit to detect a voltage induced at a detection pen according to the inversion signal generated by the inversion signal generation circuit for converting the induced voltage into a direct-current voltage. A comparator circuit is included for comparing a voltage value of the direct-current voltage converted by the first conversion circuit with a predetermined value to determine whether the detection pen is close to the liquid crystal panel. A detection period signal generation circuit is used for turning on a back light of the liquid crystal panel when the first conversion circuit is not detecting an induced voltage, and for turning off the back light when the first conversion circuit is detecting an induced voltage.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a pen input apparatus and a pen input method used in input for a personal computer, a word processor, and the like. More particularly, the present invention relates to a pen input apparatus and a pen input method for entering hand written characters and graphic symbols on a tablet provided at the display screen of a display.
2. Description of the Background Art
Referring to FIG. 1, a conventional pen input apparatus includes a liquid crystal panel 101, a back light 102, a detection pen 103, an amplifier 104 for amplifying induced voltage generated at detection pen 103, an inversion signal generation circuit 105 for generating a signal to invert the apply direction of a voltage applied to liquid crystal panel 101, a gate signal generation circuit 107 for generating first and second gate signals in synchronization with the inversion signal, a full-wave rectifier circuit 108 including a diode bridge and the like, a first processing circuit 109 for entering and integrating a signal from full-wave rectifier circuit 108 according to the first gate signal, a second processing circuit for entering and integrating a signal from full-wave rectifier circuit 108 according to the second gate signal, and a comparator circuit 114. First processing circuit 109 includes an analog gate circuit 109a and an integration circuit 109b. Second processing circuit 110 includes an analog gate circuit 110a and an integration circuit 110b.
For the purpose of preventing degradation of the liquid crystal of liquid crystal panel 101 due to electrolysis, the apply direction of the voltage applied to the liquid crystal is inverted periodically according to the level of the inversion signal generated by inversion signal generation circuit 105. At this inversion, the voltage of the drive signals applied to the electrodes of liquid crystal panel 101 are all altered. If detection pen 103 is in the proximity of the surface of liquid crystal panel 101 when the apply direction of the voltage to the electrode of liquid crystal panel 101 is inverted, a spike voltage is induced depending upon the distance between the leading electrode of detection pen 103 and the electrode of liquid crystal panel 101.
Determination can be made that detection pen 103 is in the proximity of liquid crystal panel 101 when the spike induced voltage is greater than a predetermined level. Also, determination can be made that detection pen 103 is remote from liquid crystal panel 101 when the spike induced voltage is below a predetermined level.
FIG. 2 shows in detail first and second processing circuits 109 and 110, and comparator circuit 114 of FIG. 1. First analog gate circuit 109a is formed of a FET (Field Effect Transistor) and the like that is turned on and off when a first gate signal gl generated by gate signal generation circuit 107 attains a high level and a low level, respectively. Similarly, second analog gate circuit 110a is formed of a FET and the like that is turned on and off when a second gate signal g2 generated by gate signal generation circuit 107 attains a high level and a low level, respectively.
Integration circuit 109b includes an operational amplifier 115, a capacitor C1, and a resistor R1. Integration circuit 110b includes an operational amplifier 116, a capacitor C2, and a resistor R2. An integration circuit superior in the S/N ratio can be obtained by setting an appropriate value for the time constant by capacitor C1 and resistor R1, or by capacitor C2 and resistor R2. Comparator circuit 114 includes an operational amplifier 117 to compare the levels of the output voltages of integration circuits 109b and 110b, whereby a detection mode signal pm1 is output attaining a high level when the output of integration circuit 109b has a higher voltage level and a low level when the output of integration circuit 109b has a lower voltage level.
FIGS. 3(A)-(O) is the timing chart of various signals of each component of the pen input apparatus of FIG. 1. Inversion signal generation circuit 105 provides an inversion signal as for inverting the apply direction of the voltage to the electrode of liquid crystal panel 101 to liquid crystal panel 101 and gate signal generation circuit 107. Gate signal generation circuit 107 generates and outputs first and second gate signals g1 and g2 in synchronization with the entered inversion signal as.
Amplifier 104 amplifies the spike induced voltage generated by inversion of the direction of the applied voltage to liquid crystal panel 101 when detection pen 103 is in the proximity of liquid crystal panel 101. The amplified voltage is output as a signal sk. Full-wave rectifier circuit 108 rectifies signal sk and outputs the rectified signal.
First analog gate circuit 109a samples an output signal of full-wave rectifier circuit 108 by first gate signal g1 to output a signal sp1. More specifically, first analog gate circuit 109a is turned on when first gate signal g1 attains a high level, whereby a signal from full-wave rectifier circuit 108 is output. When first gate signal g1 attains a low level, first analog gate circuit 109a is turned off. Similarly, second analog gate circuit 110a samples an output signal of full-wave rectifier circuit 108 according to second gate signal g2 to output a signal sp2.
Integration circuit 109b integrates signal sp1 to output a direct-current voltage dv1. Similarly, integration circuit 110b integrates signal sp2 to output a direct-current voltage dv2. Comparator circuit 114 compares direct-current voltages dv1 and dv2 to provide a detection mode signal pm1 of a high level and a low level when voltage dv1 has a higher and lower level, respectively, than voltage dv2.
However, a noise signal ns that is generated periodically is sampled by analog gate circuit 110a (signal sp4), whereby the voltage level of signal dv4 integrated by integration circuit 110b is increased. There is a possibility that output voltage dv3 from integration circuit 109b does not become higher than output voltage dv4 from integration circuit 110b so that detection mode signal pm2 output from comparator circuit 114 remains at the low level even though detection pen 103 is in the proximity of liquid crystal panel 101. There is a problem that approach of detection pen 103 to liquid crystal panel 101 cannot be properly detected.
Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 5-265650 discloses a display integrated type tablet apparatus that prevents erroneous detection of the coordinates from the detection pen due to noise by detecting only induced voltage that is generated in response to inversion of the direction of the applied voltage to the liquid crystal when the detection pen approaches the liquid crystal panel.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a structure of this display integrated type tablet apparatus. The display integrated type tablet apparatus includes a detection pen 208, an operational amplifier 209 connected to a leading electrode of detection pen 208, an analog gate AGt for coordinate-detection, analog gates AG.sub.1 and AG.sub.2 for detecting induced voltage, an x-coordinate detection circuit 210 for detecting the x-coordinate, a y-coordinate detection circuit 211 for detecting the y-coordinate, a first processing circuit 223 for rectifying an induced voltage signal sampled by first analog gate AG.sub.1 to obtain an average voltage, a second processing circuit 224 for rectifying an induced voltage signal sampled by second analog gate AG.sub.2 to obtain an average voltage, a first comparator 225 for comparing an average voltage obtained by first processing circuit 223 with a reference value, a second comparator 226 for comparing an average voltage obtained by second processing circuit 224 with a reference value, an AND gate 227, and a coordinate output sorting circuit 228 for discriminating and providing the x-coordinate and the y-coordinate.
The operation of the display integrated type tablet apparatus of FIG. 4 will be described hereinafter while appropriately referring to the timing chart of FIG. 5. An inversion signal for inverting the direction of the applied voltage to the liquid crystal is generated from a clock signal cplo. Gate signal g.sub.1 provides a pulse of a width tg.sub.1 at the transition of inversion signal fro. Gate signal g.sub.2 attains a low level when gate signal g.sub.1 is high, and is driven to a high level at an elapse of a time td from the fall of gate signal g.sub.1.
A spike induced voltage signal E.sub.1 indicates the induced voltage generated by inversion of the direction of the applied voltage to the liquid crystal when detection pen 208 is in the proximity of the liquid crystal panel. Spike induced voltage signal E.sub.1 of one frame period sampled by first analog gate AG.sub.1 is rectified by first processing circuit 223 (signal E.sub.1 g.sub.1) and integrated. First comparator 225 provides a signal of a high level when this integrated voltage value is greater than a reference value.
An induced voltage signal arising from the noise of one frame period sampled by second analog gate AG.sub.2 is rectified by second processing circuit 224 and integrated. Second comparator 226 provides a signal of a high level when this integrated voltage value is smaller than a reference value.
AND gate 227 provides a mode signal of a high level only when the tip of detection pen 208 is close to the liquid crystal panel and the noise is small. Determination is made whether detection of the coordinates is carried out according to this mode signal.
When the noise becomes so great that the integrated voltage value of the induced voltage signal arising from the noise becomes greater than the reference value compared in second comparator 226, there is a problem that detection of the coordinates cannot be carried out.

Pen input apparatus and pen input method for detecting approach of pen to display integrated tablet by controlling lighting of back light


A current mirror circuit is modified to supply bias current to the input transistor that varies in accordance with variations in the base-emitter voltages of the input and output transistors, and in accordance with the variations in collector voltage of the output transistor. The bias current variations are controlled by a pair of complementary conductivity type transistors that are closely coupled in manner similar to the coupling of the input and output transistors with associated bias supplies and unity gain amplifier connected to alter bias conditions in accordance with variations in the base-emitter voltage and the collector voltage of the output transistor.

Current mirror circuits are commonly used in circuit applications that require an output current level that remains proportional to the level of input current. Such circuits after include complementary conductivity type transistors connected in close-coupled relationship that rely upon the base-emitter voltage drops being substantially equal but of opposite polarity to cancel out in normal operation. However, error results from variations of the base-emitter voltage of one transistor of one conductivity type relative to the base-emitter voltage of the other transistor of opposite conductivity type. In addition, the Early effect (i.e., modulation of the width of the base region as a function of collector voltage) can cause modulation of the base-emitter voltage of one transistor relative to the modulation of the base-emitter voltage of the other transistor. Further, thermal variations attributable to different heat dissipation in the transistors can modulate the base-emitter voltage of one transistor relative to the base-emitter voltage of the other transistor.


In a driver training program, a manager conducts an observation drive with a program participant. During the observation drive, the manager observes the participant's driving without commenting on the driving. The manager discusses the observations with the participant during the conference, and provides reports to appropriate departments of the company, e.g., human resources, benefits, and fleet maintenance departments. Based on the manager's observations during the observation drive and other information regarding driving skills of the participant, a driver training curriculum is designed for the participant. The information regarding driving skills may include: the participant's driving record; actual driving information obtained by monitoring driving of the participant with a global positioning system and/or acceleration, braking, and cornering forces sensors; the participant's psychological profile; the participant's health-related information; and information regarding the participant's previous driver training. Future observation drive may be scheduled responsive to the information regarding the participant's driving skills.

For an employer, traffic accidents result in increased costs of conducting business. The costs of accidents include legal fees and settlements; workers compensation, health and vehicle insurance; and employees' time off work. Many of these costs, particularly costs of insurance, have being increasing at a rate faster than the rate of consumer price inflation. Yet driving is often an almost indispensable part of conducting business. This is particularly true for companies with representatives and sales people who need to visit existing and potential customers on a regular basis. In order to reduce accident costs, many companies that need employees to drive regularly on company business implement driver safety and training programs.
Conventional driver safety programs typically employ "commentary drives" in which a manager (1) rides with an employee who drives one or more company vehicles (for example, cars, vans, or trucks), and (2) evaluates and critiques the employee's actions behind the wheel in a number of specific categories, such as vehicle spacing (tailgating), use of directional signals, seat belt use, observation of traffic control devices, and similar driving behavior. The manager instructs the employee-driver as to the proper methodologies for these categories during the commentary drive; the manager may also provide a written and/or verbal report to the employee-driver, the company, or both.
The conventional driver safety programs suffer from several drawbacks. First, most managers receive limited, if any, training in evaluating and correcting driving habits of employees. For example, the training may be limited to reading a short pamphlet or attending a limited scope course. Such limited training may not properly prepare the manager to educate the employee regarding proper driving habits, techniques, and laws.
Second, it should be remembered that the manager has other duties—e.g., sales performance management—which the manager probably considers to be his or her primary job duties. While such assessment of the relative importance of the various duties by the manager may be correct, it is likely to lead the manager to place insufficient emphasis on the driver training of the employees supervised by the manager.
Third, during the commentary drive the manager's attention may be diverted to a new driver problem before the manager fully addresses a previous driver problem. The manager may thus neglect to provide an adequate explanation of how to correct the previously-identified driver problem.
Fourth, the corrective effect of the commentary provided during the commentary drive may be both weak and short-lived, because both the employee-driver and the manager are preoccupied with other tasks and discussions during the drive. The attention of the employee-driver is necessarily divided between (1) actual driving, and (2) absorbing and responding to the comments provided by the manager. Similarly, the manager's attention may also be divided between (1) evaluating the actual driving of the employee-driver, (2) commenting on the problem driving behavior seen, and (3) taking written notes for a report. Such "multitasking" interferes with proper instructions by the manager, and with learning and retention of the learned material by the employee-driver.
Fifth, the manager may not be aware of information that, if it were known to the manager, would affect the manager's evaluation and the commentary provided to the employee-driver. For example, the manager may not be aware of the health status and typical driving patterns of the employee-driver, and of the mechanical state of the vehicle used during the commentary drive. For example, the manager may not be aware that the employee-driver requires corrective lenses for driving, or that the employee-driver takes medications that induce drowsiness. Because the employee-driver is likely to be on his or her best driving behavior during the commentary drive, the manager may also not become aware that the employee-driver has formed unsafe or otherwise undesirable driving habits, such as hard acceleration and braking, or excessive speed in turns. Similarly, the manager may not be aware that the employee does not schedule his or her daily appointments in a preferred sequence (generally, the first appointment of the day should be geographically farthest from home or office location of the employee-driver).
Sixth, after evaluating the employee-driver and commenting on the drive, typically very little—if any—further training takes place; and if further training does take place, it is usually generalized training, not specifically targeted to correct the problem driving behavior that the manager noticed in the course of the commentary drive, or the problem driving behavior exhibited by the employee-driver at other times.
Seventh, the critiquing portion of the commentary drive may engender or enhance personal tensions between the manager and the employee-driver. Critiquing and criticizing in an inoffensive way is an art possessed by few, and even the gentlest of criticisms may offend some people.
These shortcomings pose potential risk management and liability problems, and may cause decreased employee performance.


A process is provided for preparing a dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitor of the structure

Dipeptidyl peptidase IV is a membrane bound non-classical serine aminopeptidase which is located in a variety of tissues including, but not limited to, intestine, liver, lung, and kidney. This enzyme is also located on circulating T-lymphocytes wherein it is referred to as CD-26. Dipeptidyl peptidase IV is responsible for the metabolic cleavage of the endogenous peptides GLP-1(7-36) and glucagons in vivo and has demonstrated proteolytic activity against other peptides such as GHRH, NPY, GLP-2 and VIP in vitro.
GLP-1(7-36) is a 29 amino acid peptide derived from post-translational processing of proglucagon in the small intestine. This peptide has multiple actions in vivo. For example, GLP-1(7-36) stimulates insulin secretion and inhibits glucagon secretion. This peptide promotes satiety and slows gastric emptying. Exogenous administration of GLP-1(7-36) via continuous infusion has been shown to be efficacious in diabetic patients. However, the exogenous peptide is degraded too rapidly for continual therapeutic use.
Inhibitors of dipeptidyl peptidase IV have been developed to potentiate endogenous levels of GLP-1(7-36). U.S. Pat. No. 6,395,767 discloses cyclopropyl-fused pyrrolidine-based inhibitors of dipeptidyl peptidase IV. Methods for chemically synthesizing these inhibitors are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,395,767 as well as in the literature. For example, see Sagnard et al. Tet-Lett. 1995 36:3148-3152; Tverezovsky et al. Tetrahedron 1997 53:14773-14792; and Hanessian et al. Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 1998 8:2123-2128. Inhibitors disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,395,767 include (1S,3S,5S)-2-[(2S)-2-amino-2-(3-hydroxytricyclo[220.127.116.11,7]dec-1-yl)-1-oxoethyl]-2-azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-3-carbonitrile, benzoate (1:1) as depicted in Formula M.
and the corresponding free base, (1S,3S,5S)-2-[(2S)-2-amino-2-(3-hydroxy-tricyclo[188.8.131.52,7]dec-1-yl)-1-oxoethyl]-2-azabicyclo-[3.1.0]hexane-3-carbonitrile (M′) and its monohydrate (M″)
                free base M′ or its monohydrate M″
Methods adapted for preparing intermediates used in the production of this dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitor are disclosed in EP 0 808 824 A2. Also see Imashiro and Kuroda Tetrahedron Letters 2001 42:1313-1315, Reetz et al. Chem. Int. Ed. Engl. 1979 18:72, Reetz and Heimbach Chem. Ber. 1983 116:3702-3707, Reetz et al. Chem. Ber. 1983 116:3708-3724.
The present invention provides new methods and compounds for use in the production of cyclopropyl-fused pyrrolidine-based inhibitors of dipeptidyl peptidase IV.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Process for preparing a dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitor and intermediates employed therein

Abstract: is treated with TFAA in isopropyl acetate to protect the tertiary hydroxyl group as a trifluoroacetate group to form 4

Abstract: (which is a novel intermediate) which is converted to acid chloride compound 5

Abstract: (which is a novel compound) using Vilsmeier reagent or other chloro reaget and coupled with compound 6 in a heterogeneous mixture of ethyl acetate and aqueous bicabonate to give compound 7

Abstract: The N,O-bis(trifluoroacetyl) groups of compound 7 are deprotected to give free base compound 10.


A programmable firmware store for a personal computer system includes a plurality of nonvolatile alterable electronic memories connected in a mutually paralleled circuit arrangement. The memories are connected to a controller that controls the memories to read firmware from and write firmware into the electronic memories, and to write-protect at least one of the memories. Any memory can be write-protected as initially selected by a user or technician of the system. The initial selection can be changed easily to write-protect another of the memories. The firmware in one memory includes code for checking the validity of firmware stored in another memory, and for selecting one or the other of the memories dependent upon a version code of the firmware. The controller also includes an update code for updating the firmware in a selected memory.

Personal computer systems in general, and IBM personal computers in particular, have attained widespread use for providing computer power to many segments of today's society. A personal computer system can usually be defined as a desk top, floor standing, or portable computer that includes a system unit having a system processor, a display monitor, a keyboard, one or more diskette drives, a fixed disk storage, an optional pointing device such as a "mouse," and an optional printer. These systems are designed primarily to give independent computing power to a single user or small group of users and are inexpensively priced for purchase by individuals or businesses. Examples of such personal computer systems are sold under the trademarks: IBM's PERSONAL COMPUTER, PERSONAL COMPUTER XT, PERSONAL COMPUTER AT and IBM's PERSONAL SYSTEM/2 (hereinafter referred to as the IBM PC, XT, AT, and PS/2, respectively) Models 25, 30, 50, 55, 57, 60, 65, 70, 80, 90 and 95.
These systems can be classified into two general families. The first family, usually referred to as Family 1 Models, uses a bus architecture exemplified by the IBM AT computer and other "IBM compatible" machines. The second family, referred to as Family 2 Models, uses IBM's MICRO CHANNEL bus architecture (MCA) exemplified by IBM's PS/2 Models 50 through 95. The bus architectures used in Family 1 and Family 2 are well known in the art.
Beginning with the earliest personal computer system of the Family 1 models, the IBM PC, and through the Family 2 models the system processor was chosen from the Intel "86 Family" of processors (i.e., microprocessors). The Intel 86 Family of processors includes the 8088, 8086, 80286, 80386, and 80486 processors commercially available from Intel Corporation. The architecture of the Intel 86 Family of processors provides an upwardly compatible instruction set which assists in preserving software investments from previous processors in the 86 Family of processors. This upward compatibility preserves the software application base and is one of the major factors which contributed to the enormous success of the IBM PC and subsequent models.
The IBM PC and XT were the first models of the IBM personal computer line and used the Intel 8088 processor. The next significant change to IBM personal computer systems was the IBM AT which used the Intel 80286 processor. The PS/2 line spanned several of the Intel processors. A system similar to the PC and XT was a version of the PS/2 Model 30 which used an Intel 8086. The PS/2 Models 50 and 60 both used the Intel 80286 processor. The Intel 80386 processor is used in the IBM PS/2 Model 80 and certain versions of the IBM PS/2 Model 70. Other versions of the IBM PS/2 Model 70, as well as the PS/2 Models 90 XP 486 and 95 XP 486, used the Intel 80486 processor. One of the common points in all these systems is the use of an Intel 86 Family processor. A variety of commonly available and well known software operating systems, such as a DOS or an OS/2 operating system, can operate on various members of the Intel Family of processors.
The processors in the Intel 86 Family support a variety of "modes." The basic mode in the Intel 86 Family of processors is a "Real" mode. Real mode is the only operating mode of the 8088 and 8086 processors. Real mode supports a one megabyte address space. There are no protection mechanisms available in the 8088 and 8086 processors. The 80286 supports both a Real and a "Protected" mode of operation. As the name "Protected" implies, Protected mode provides a protected mode of operation. This protection prevents an application from interfering with the operation of other applications or the operating system. The 80286 provides extended addressing capabilities over the 8088 and 8086 by allowing up to sixteen megabytes of memory to be addressed directly. To maintain downward compatibility, the 80286 can be operated in Real mode to emulate the Real mode of the 8088 or 8086. The 80386 and 80486 extend the Intel 86 Family architecture even further by providing the ability to address up to four gigabytes of physical memory. The 80386 and 80486 also support a "Virtual 86" mode of operation. The Virtual 86 mode supports the operational characteristics of the Real mode within the overall confines of the Protected mode environment. This Virtual 86 mode is useful for providing a very high level of compatibility with applications which run under the DOS operating system but must now operate within an overall Protected mode operating system.
Beginning also with the earliest personal computer system of the Family 1 models, such as the IBM Personal Computer, it was recognized that a goal of achieving software-hardware compatibility would be of great importance. In order to achieve this goal, an insulation layer of system resident code, also referred to as "microcode," was established between the hardware and the software. This code provided an operational interface between a user's application program/operating system and the hardware device to relieve the user of the concern about the characteristics of hardware devices. Eventually, the code developed into a basic input/output system (BIOS), for allowing new devices to be added to the system, while insulating the application program from the peculiarities of the hardware. The importance of BIOS was immediately evident because it freed a device driver from depending on specific device hardware characteristics while providing the device driver with an intermediate interface to the device. Because BIOS was an integral part of the system and controlled the movement of data in and out of the system processor, it was resident on a system planar of the system unit and was shipped to the user in a read-only memory (ROM). For example, BIOS in the original IBM Personal Computer occupied 8K (a kilobyte or "K" refers to a quantity of 1024 bytes) of ROM resident on the planar board. In addition to the ROM, the planar board included the system processor, a main random access memory (RAM), and other components which were fixed in a substantially coplanar relationship on the board. The ROM also contained a power-on self test (POST) program which was used to test and initialize the computer system. The accumulation of code resident in the computer system ROM became known as the "system firmware," or simply "firmware." Thus, the firmware included a POST portion and a BIOS portion.
As new models of the personal computer family were introduced, the firmware had to be updated and expanded to support new hardware devices such as input/output (I/O) devices. As could be expected, the firmware started to increase in memory size. For example, with the introduction of the IBM PERSONAL COMPUTER AT, the firmware grew to require 32K bytes of ROM. With the introduction of the IBM PERSONAL SYSTEM/2 computer system with MICRO CHANNEL architecture, a significantly new BIOS, known as Advanced BIOS, or ABIOS, was developed. However, to maintain software compatibility, BIOS from the Family 1 models had to be included in the Family 2 models. The Family 1 BIOS became known as compatibility BIOS or CBIOS. Thus, BIOS evolved to include more than one type of BIOS such as the Compatibility Basic Input Output System (CBIOS) and the Advanced Basic Input Output System (ABIOS). Present architectural definitions for personal computer systems allow for up to 128K of system firmware address space.
Today, with the continuing development of new technology, personal computer systems are becoming even more sophisticated and are being enhanced more frequently. Because the technology is changing rapidly and new I/O devices are being added to the personal computer systems, implementing modifications and effecting extensions to the firmware have become significant problems in the development cycle of personal computer systems. In addition, maintenance of the firmware in computer systems which are installed at user locations is also a problem.
Sometimes, personal computer systems are linked to form a network (e.g., a Local Area Network) so that users can exchange information, share I/O devices, and utilize a particular direct access storage device (DASD) such as a particular fixed disk storage. Typically, the LAN includes "Clients" and a "Server." A Client includes a computer system having usually no DASD other than possibly a diskette drive. A Server is a computer system which includes a DASD for supplying the storage for the Clients of the local area network. Clients may require modifications, updates, extensions or maintenance of the firmware.
As a result of these problems and requirements, and of a desire to modify the firmware as late as possible in the development cycle, it has become necessary to provide the ability to modify the firmware with a minimal disruption to the operation of the personal computer system. Because marketability and consumer acceptance of personal computer systems appear to require the ability to add new I/O devices and to minimize cost, it should be appreciated that an easy modification of the firmware is a substantial factor in achieving success in marketing personal computer systems. Personal computer systems have traditionally stored at least a part of the system firmware in ROM. See, for example, commonly owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/398,865, entitled "Initial BIOS Load for a Personal Computer System," which is hereby incorporated by reference. The major drawback of ROM is that once the ROM is manufactured its contents cannot be altered. For example, if the POST program code must be changed, the ROM must be physically changed. The ROM has traditionally been socketed to allow for the ROM to be replaced. However, changing the ROM in the field (i.e., at a customer location) is time consuming and, thus, costly.
It is known to replace the ROM with an electrically erasable and reprogrammable (i.e., alterable) nonvolatile random access memory (e.g., Flash memory), and to store POST and/or BIOS therein. See, for example, the publication from Intel Corporation, entitled Memory Products 1991, Intel Order No. 210830, ISBN 1-55512-117-9, and particularly Chapter 6 (Flash Memories, pgs. 6-1 through 6-420), which chapter is hereby incorporated by reference. This permits the firmware to be modified easily.
However, the present inventors believe that there exists a need to ensure the integrity of system firmware efficiently while permitting the system firmware to be modified easily.

Method and apparatus for providing updated firmware in a data processing system


A single-lens reflex camera comprises a taking lens having a zooming optical system, a finder whose angle of view is determined according to a focal length of the taking lens, and an operation member which is manually operated. In the single-lens reflex camera, the focal length of the taking lens is changed by driving the zooming optical system, and the zooming operation is controlled in response to an operation of the operation member so that the focal length of the taking lens is changed in the wide-angle direction by a predetermined amount. An angle of view corresponding to that which is seen before the focal length is changed is displayed within the finder.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates a camera having a finder whose angle of view is variable.
2. Description of the Related Art
In conventional cameras, only an object situated in a taking area can be viewed through a finder since the taking area and the finder field area almost coincide. Such cameras have the following problems:
For example, when an object is violently moving, the object is immediately out of the taking area even if the camera is trained on the object and the object is captured within the taking area. At this time, since the object is out of the finder field, the location of the object cannot be found, and therefore it is difficult to capture the object within the taking area again.
In photographing with a telephoto lens, since the finder shows a part of the object which is enlarged, it is difficult to find out which part of the object is shown in the finder.
Such problems can be solved by a finder designed so that the finder field is larger than the taking area. However, it is inevitable that the size of such a finder is large, which increases the size of the camera. Moreover, in single-lens reflex cameras, it is impossible to make a finder field larger than the taking area sine only object light that is within, or almost within, the taking area is conveyed to the finder.


An interconnection method comprises: a master device in a NAN group sends a discovery beacon frame outside a sending window, and a peripheral device joins the NAN group on the basis of the discovery beacon frame; the master device or a non-master synchronization device in the NAN group sends a synchronization beacon frame in a sending window to synchronize the clocks of the devices in the entire NAN group; a device in the NAN group acquires upper-level application information of other devices by means of a service discovery frame, and generates a NAN group device application statistical table locally in the device to complete networking; two or more devices in the NAN group start an upper layer application by means of looking up the NAN group device application statistical table.

The present disclosure relates to the field of Internet of Things (JOT) networking, more particularly, to a Wi-Fi Aware protocol based interconnection method, a system and a master device in a neighbor awareness networking (NAN) group.
At present, as the concept of smart homes deepens more and more, an increasing number of smart devices appear in homes, such as smart phones, tablet computers, PCs, smart TVs, smart air conditioners, smart refrigerators, smart washing machines, wireless printers, wireless speakers, etc. These smart homes are basically equipped with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
At the same time, the concept of Family Internet of Things is gradually emerging. The more common IoT networking solution is to use routers or gateways as the central equipment of the IoT. Many smart homes join the IoT through Wi-Fi networks. However, this solution has one drawback. Once the central equipment of the IoT leaves the network or cannot work, the whole IoT will be paralyzed. Therefore, the operations of IoT in the related art rely on the central equipment, and the IoT is no longer effective if there is a problem with the central equipment.

Interconnection method and system based on Wi-Fi aware protocol, and master device in NAN group


A tank valve for installation on a compressed gas container has a base body having a shared gas connection for refueling/extraction which is divided inside the base body into a refueling line and an extraction line as part of an extraction path, and has an extraction valve in the extraction line. The tank valve has a check valve disposed in the extraction path in series with the extraction valve, blocking the flow against the flow direction when gas is extracted.

The invention relates to a tank valve and also relates to the use of such a tank valve.
A tank valve which is installed on a compressed gas container is known in the general prior art. Such a tank valve is also often referred to in English by the term "on-tank valve," or its abbreviation "OTV." Such a tank valve is a construction having a base body which has at least two sections, wherein a first base body section projects, when in the installed state, into the compressed gas container and is connected thereto in a manner which seals them together. Typically, this first base body section is screwed via an external thread into an internal thread of a corresponding receptacle of the compressed gas container. In addition to this first base body section which, in the installed state, is situated inside the compressed gas container and/or its connecting thread, the base body typically has a second base body section which is situated, in the installed state, outside of the compressed gas container. One or typically both of the base body sections also have so-called functional subgroups which are necessary for realizing the functionality of the tank valve. Such functional sub-groups may be, for example, an extraction valve, a check valve in a refueling line, a safety valve, a (manual) shut-off valve, a filter, a gas connection for a refueling and/or extraction line, or the like.
By way of example, such a tank valve can be found in the generic JP 2009-168165 A, which shows such a valve as a high-pressure valve. The generic high-pressure valve has a duel gas connection which serves both for refueling and for the removal of gas. It branches inside a base body of the tank valve into a refueling line with a first, larger cross-section and a check valve, on the one hand, and into an extraction line with a smaller cross-section and a pilot valve, on the other. The construction also has two filters for filtering out impurities from the flowing gas. One of the filters is inserted between the pilot valve and the interior of the compressed gas container in the extraction line, and the other filter is inserted in the refueling line. This construction is accordingly complex to manufacture, since the creation of different line elements having different diameters—made by drilling the line elements out of the base body—makes it necessary to re-fit the drilling tool each time. This increases the set-up times and manufacturing costs for the tank valve. Particularly for vehicular applications, this represents a significant disadvantage.
Further valves are known from US 2009/0146094 A1, for example, or—designed as pilot valves—also from EP 1 682 801 B1.
The object of the present invention is to avoid the mentioned disadvantage and to specify a reliably functioning tank valve.
The tank valve according to the invention comprises, similarly to the tank valve according to the generic prior art, a base body and an extraction valve—in particular a pilot valve—in the extraction path. According to the invention, a check valve is arranged in the extraction path in series with the extraction valve, blocking the flow against the flow direction when gas is extracted. This means that the check valve is arranged in such a manner that it prevents flow through the extraction path during refueling. The check valve therefore also serves to automatically select the flow path through the refueling line, which typically has a check valve which opens during refueling, during refueling through the refueling line, as well as through the extraction line during the extraction.
Without the check valve according to the invention, the pressure of the gas could propagate in the extraction path as well during refueling—particularly if both lines provide comparable conditions in terms of flow and pressure losses as a result of having comparable flow cross-sections. Since an extraction valve, in particular when it is constructed as a pilot valve, generally does not withstand a correspondingly high pressure difference—as typically occurs during refueling—and rather is at least temporarily pushed open by such a high pressure differential, gas could flow into the interior of the compressed gas container via this path. The gas could possibly lead to an impairment of the subsequent functioning of the extraction valve as a result of the typically high volume flow and high flow rate. This can be prevented by the check valve according to the invention, which can also be supported by a spring element in the direction opposing its desired flow path.
In addition, an inflow of gas during refueling through the extraction line would lead to gas escaping through the extraction path. This may be undesirable under certain circumstances, since a temperature sensor is typically arranged in the region in which the extraction line ends in the base body, and gas directly flows to this temperature sensor, leading to the reporting of erroneous temperature values since the gas with a direct flow has a different temperature than the gas which has mixed accordingly in the interior of the compressed gas container.
A pipe section which has a greater axial length than a temperature sensor arranged on the base body, and which is angled or curved in the tank valve screwed into the compressed gas container relative to a central axis of the compressed gas container, is arranged where the refueling line opens into the compressed gas container. Such a pipe section facilitates a function whereby, during refueling, the gas does not flow directly into the region of the temperature sensor, which would lead to the disadvantages described above, and rather flows into the compressed gas container before mixing with the gas already located inside the compressed gas container. As such, the temperature actually prevailing in the compressed gas container can be measured more reliably by the temperature sensor.
In a further advantageous embodiment of the idea according to the invention, there is a pipe burst protection in the extraction line, which prevents flow through the extraction line in the extraction direction when the back pressure drops below a threshold on the side of the pipe burst protection facing away from the interior of the compressed gas container. Such a pipe burst protection closes off the extraction line in the event that the pressure drops sharply, or there is no build-up of back pressure, in the extraction line on the side of the pipe burst protection facing away from the compressed gas container. In this case, a defect in the extraction line or components adjoining the extraction line is assumed, and the pipe burst protection automatically closes the extraction line such that no gas escapes in an uncontrolled manner from the compressed gas container as a result of the defect or leakage—such as a pipe broken off by an accident or the like, by way of example.
According to a very advantageous development of the tank valve according to the invention, a valve body of the check valve in the extraction line and/or a valve body of the pipe burst protection is lifted off a valve seat by a spring element. The check valve in the extraction line or the pipe burst protection—or, particularly preferably, both—therefore has/have a construction with a valve body and a valve seat, wherein in each case a spring element of the valve body is lifted, in normal operation, off the valve seat. If the check valve in the extraction line closes—for example, during refueling of the compressed gas container—then the pressure prevailing in the extraction line opposes the force of the spring and closes the check valve. In the case of the construction of the pipe burst protection, which is installed in a comparable manner but in a different direction of action, the valve body is held off the valve seat by the spring when the pressure is balanced or only slightly different. If the pressure on the side of the valve seat facing away from the compressed gas container drops accordingly, then the force built up by the pressure against the spring element is removed. As a result, the spring element, supported by the pressure in the compressed gas container, presses the valve body against the valve seat and thus closes the pipe burst protection. This automatically prevents the escape of gas into the region damaged by, for example, a leak or a pipe which has been broken off or torn off.
According to a very advantageous development of the tank valve according to the invention, the check valve in the extraction line and the pipe burst protection are made of the same components, installed in opposite directions. This use of the same components allows for economies of scale, especially for larger quantities, such that the costs for each individual component can be reduced accordingly. In addition to the check valve in the extraction line and the pipe burst protection being made of the same parts, the known check valve can also be constructed in the refueling line via the same components, so as to make the scaling effect even greater, thereby achieving even greater cost savings.
In an alternative, particularly advantageous development of the tank valve according to the invention, the valve body of the pipe burst protection and the check valve in the extraction line can be designed as one component. Such a component, as an integrated structure, can be an elongate component with hemispherical ends as the structures, guided in a line element via attached or integrally constructed ribs, by way of example. Of course, it is also conceivable to attach the ribs in the region of the line element, such that the integral valve body consists only of a cylindrical component having the already mentioned—for example, hemispherical or frustoconical—ends. Such an integral structure can then be supported via two spring elements, in the first direction and in the second direction, and can therefore assume the functionality of both the check valve in the extraction line and the pipe burst protection with a single component and the two spring elements. The valve seats can be designed, for example, as conical valve seats at the two ends of the line element which accommodates the integral valve body.
According to an advantageous embodiment of this idea, the valve body and/or the valve seat of the pipe burst protection also has/have a flow channel with a defined cross-section, which connects the high-pressure side with the low-pressure side even in the closed state. Such a flow channel, which can be included, for example, in the valve body and/or in the valve seat, should have, according to an advantageous development, a small flow cross-section—for example, for applications in a hydrogen tank at a nominal pressure of 70 MPa, a flow cross-section of approx. 50 to 300 μm, preferably about 200 μm. It enables pressure equalization between the high-pressure side and the low-pressure side over a longer period of operation. In a situation where the pipe burst protection has reacted defectively—for example, because of pressure fluctuations in the gas extraction region of the extraction line—a pressure equalization can take place via such a flow channel, as a kind of reset bore, such that the pipe burst protection in this case automatically reopens after a certain period of operation, and thus no maintenance is necessary to restore the desired functionality. When identical parts are used in the manner described above, the valve body and/or the valve seat of the pipe burst protection would then differ slightly, for example by such a flow channel being retrofitted to the same. The flow channel can be formed according to an advantageous development of the idea as a bore hole or, in a complementary or alternative embodiment variant, as a straight or spiral circumferential groove in both the valve body and/or the valve seat.
According to a very favorable development of the flow channel, the same can be formed by the already-existing leakage of a thread. By way of example, if the components or, in particular, the valve seat is screwed into a counter-element via a sleeve, then, if no special measures are provided for sealing the thread, an unavoidable leakage will occur through the thread. If, in particular, a thread sealant and/or thread adhesive is omitted, minimal leakage occurs between the partners of the thread. This is sufficient as a flow channel in the sense described above, such that, for example, simply omitting a sealant between the thread partners can achieve a structure with the desired flow channel. The further advantage is that there is no need for different components. As such, the identical parts concept described above can be easily maintained even with an existing flow channel.
In a further, very advantageous embodiment variant of the tank valve according to the invention, the extraction path further comprises a filter which is arranged between the extraction valve, on the one hand, and the check valve and the pipe burst protection, on the other. The arrangement of a filter in the extraction path between the check valve and the pipe burst protection, on the one hand, and the extraction valve on the other hand ensures that particles which are produced during the operation of the check valve or the extraction valve, by way of example—for example, when they are abraded off of the valve seat or valve body of either valve—do not pass into the highly-sensitive extraction valve. The construction is made very safe and reliable as a result, especially if a further filter is arranged on the opposite side of the extraction valve—for example, between the extraction valve and a gas connection in the extraction line—to make it possible to also protect the extraction valve from impurities which are brought in during refueling.
In a very advantageous embodiment of this idea, the filter, the pipe burst protection, and the check valve are assembled to form a component. Such a component, which could also be referred to as an assembly filter, can therefore comprise the filter and both of the valves. In particular, in the assembly of the individual components by screwing them together, a thread which is required anyway can be provided to form the flow channel in the above-described particularly advantageous embodiment, for pressure equalization over a longer period of operation.
In a further, very favorable embodiment of this idea, the component—that is, the assembly filter—adjoins the extraction line in the extraction path in the direction of the interior of the compressed gas container. The construction consisting of the check valve, the pipe burst protection, and the filter can therefore be mounted on the end of the extraction line on the side of the compressed gas container, and would therefore protrude into the interior of the compressed gas container after the installation of the tank valve. Depending on the length of the construction of this component, it therefore prevents gas from flowing over the temperature sensor, on the one hand. On the other hand, valuable space is saved inside the base body of the tank valve. In addition, the integration of, in particular, the pipe burst protection as a safety-critical component into the heavily-protected interior of the compressed gas container is advantageous.
In an advantageous embodiment of the tank valve according to the invention, the extraction line and the filling line can also have approximately the same flow cross-section and/or nominal diameter for flow. The line elements, which are typically formed by drilled channels inside the base body of the tank valve, therefore have the same cross-section. This simplifies the tank valve manufacturing process and ensures uniform flow through the two lines. For the refueling line, particles which may be present in the lines are moved through the lines and collect in the interior of the compressed gas container.
The decisive advantage of the tank valve according to the invention lies in the very reliable and simple functionality. This is accordingly particularly advantageous in automotive applications. Therefore, the invention specifies a use of the tank valve on a compressed gas container for storing hydrogen or natural gas, and in particular at a nominal pressure of more than 65 MPa, as fuel in a vehicle.
Further advantageous embodiments of the tank valve according to the invention, as well as its use, also emerge from the embodiment which is described in more detail below with reference to the Figures.


An electrically erasable and programmable non-volatile memory device comprises at least one memory sector comprising an array of memory cells arranged in rows and first-level columns, the first-level columns being grouped together in groups of first-level columns each coupled to a respective second-level column, first-level selection means for selectively coupling one first-level column for each group to the respective second-level column, second-level selection means for selecting one of the second-level columns, first direct memory access test means activatable in a first test mode for directly coupling a selected memory cell of the array to a respective output terminal of the memory device, redundancy columns of redundancy memory cells for replacing defective columns of memory cells, and a redundancy control circuit comprising defective-address storage means for storing addresses of the defective columns and activating respective redundancy columns when the defective columns are addressed. The redundancy control circuit comprises second direct memory access test means activatable in a second test mode together with the first direct memory access test means for directly coupling memory elements of the defective-address storage means to respective second-level columns of the array, whereby the memory elements of the defective-address storage means can be directly coupled to output terminals of the memory device.

In semiconductor memories, redundancy refers to the complexity of circuits and additional memory elements provided in the memory device to "repair" defective memory elements. By means of redundancy, a memory device affected by at most a limited number of defects can be recovered.
Redundancy memory elements are formed by memory cells identical to the memory cells of the memory matrix, and are arranged in rows (redundancy row) or columns (redundancy columns). The redundancy circuits control the selection of a given redundancy row or redundancy column in substitution for a defective row or column of the memory matrix, i.e., a row or column in which at least one defective memory cell is detected. To this purpose, the redundancy circuits comprise non-volatile memory registers to store addresses of the defective rows or columns, so that when the defective rows or columns are accessed (during reading or programming) they are not selected, and the corresponding redundancy rows or redundancy columns are instead selected.
The provision of redundancy in a memory device clearly has a cost in terms of chip area. The number of redundancy memory elements (redundancy rows or columns) to be provided must be evaluated on the basis of the overall yield, taking into account the degree of defectivity of the manufacturing process and the number of defective memory device chips which can be recovered thanks to the provision of redundancy.
The functional substitution of defective rows or columns with redundancy ones is performed during the in-factory testing of the memory device, and is normally transparent to the end user.
It is useful to have the possibility of testing the redundancy circuits. This is necessary to verify the complete functionality of the redundancy circuits, for example to ascertain that the non-volatile memory registers which must store the defective addresses are free of errors. Testing of the redundancy circuits is also necessary to extrapolate statistic informations on the degree of defectivity of the manufacturing process, so that the number of redundancy memory elements can be adjusted to attain the maximum process yield.

Electrically erasable and programmable non-volatile memory device with testable redundancy circuits


A socket (10) for electronic devices has a plurality of retainers (500). Each retainer (500) has a first member (501), a first shaft (507) for pivotably connecting a proximal portion of the first member with a lower frame (200) so the distal portion of the first member moves between an operative position in which the distal portion of the first member stays on the electronic device to make contact with an upper surface of the electronic device and an inoperative position in which the distal portion of the first member stays away from the electronic device, a second member (512) having a distal portion and a proximal portion, a second shaft (510) for pivotably connecting the distal portion of the second member with the intermediate portion of the first member; and a third shaft (517) for pivotably connecting the proximal portion of the second member with the upper frame.

Japanese Patent Publication 2003-187937A discloses a test apparatus or socket for applying Burn-In Test to electronic devices such as integrated circuits and integrated circuit packages (e.g., BGA and LGA packages).
Generally, the socket includes a substrate having a number of contacts and a rectangular cover capable of moving vertically between elevated and lowered positions relative to the substrate and is forced in the elevated position by a plurality of springs mounted between the substrate and the cover. Also provided to the socket are a plurality of latching mechanisms, forcing downwardly the mounted electronic device toward the contacts to make reliable contacts between the terminals of the electronic device and the contacts of the socket. Each of the latch mechanism has a latching member pivotably mounted on the substrate and a link pivotably connected at its one end to the cover and at its opposite end to the latching member.
Referring to FIG. 15 depicting a conventional socket for testing electronic devices, the latching member 1001 has a distal end 1002 and a proximal end 1003 and is pivotably supported at its intermediate portion 1004 by the substrate 1005 so that the distal end 1002 is capable of making a contact with the upper surface of the mounted electronic device to be tested. The link 1005 includes a distal end 1006 pivotably connected to the proximal end 1003 of the latch 1001 and a proximal end 1007 pivotably connected to the cover 1008. With the illustrated arrangement, when the distal end 1002 of the latch 1001 is depressed onto the upper surface of the electronic device 1, it is subject to a reactive force F2 from resiliently supported contacts. The reactive force F2 is transformed through the link 1002 into another force F2′ which forces the cover 1008 downward. This results in that, in order to force the electronic device 1 downward by the latches 1001 for making a reliable contacts between the terminals and the corresponding contact members, the biasing force F1 from the springs provided between the substrate 1005 and the cover 1008 should be increased considerably, which in turn requires a larger initial force F0 for depressing the cover. Disadvantageously, this results in a larger deformation such as warp of the circuit board for supporting the sockets. The deformation may result in an insufficient depressing of the covers, causing defective contact between the terminals and the contact members.


An externally splined clutch hub and method for making the same is disclosed wherein a flat circular metal preform with a central opening is provided and contacted with a single forging die to simultaneously cold forge a centrally disposed tubular neck extending outwardly from one side of the preform and simultaneously a splined annular ring at the periphery of the preform and extending outwardly from the other side of the preform wherein the tubular neck and the annular ring are coaxial.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a low cost, externally splined clutch hub and a process for making the same.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Currently externally splined clutch hubs are produced by a roll forming process from tubular preforms. The process requires the use of tubes formed of very high quality low carbon steel. These tubes are expensive and currently are available from one overseas source. The roll forming process typically exerts severe loads on the tools and the associated machinery. Process downtime is a frequent occurrence.
An alternate process for producing externally splined clutch hubs is a progressive stamping process. In the progressive stamping process, a strip of sheet metal, or individual disks of steel, are transferred along a multiple station-stamping tool. These multiple stations progressively change the shape of the workpiece by stretching and drawing the material to achieve the final shape. The process requires very expensive tools and associated machines.

Splined clutch hub and method of making same


To include a plurality of circuit blocks each including a plurality of nonvolatile memory elements arranged in the X direction, a plurality of comparing circuits that are respectively allocated to the nonvolatile memory elements, and a determining circuit that is commonly allocated to the comparing circuits. The nonvolatile memory elements included in a predetermined circuit block among the circuit blocks are arranged in a first area. The comparing circuits and the determining circuit included in the predetermined circuit block are arranged side by side in the X direction in a second area that is located in the Y direction with respect to the first area. With this arrangement, because the circuit block becomes a shaped block, even when a plurality of circuit blocks are repeatedly arranged, it is possible to realize a further reduction of the chip area.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a semiconductor device, and more particularly relates to a layout of a plurality of circuit blocks formed on a semiconductor substrate.
2. Description of Related Art
A semiconductor memory device such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) often includes a redundant circuit for saving a defective address in the device. As described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2001-43695, the redundant circuit includes a fuse element that stores therein a defective address, a comparing circuit that compares an address stored in the fuse element with an address for which an access is requested, and a determining circuit that determines whether all bits of the address for which the access is requested match those of the defective address stored in the fuse element. When the determination result shows a match of all the bits, an alternative access is performed to a redundant word line or a redundant bit line instead of a defective word line or a defective bit line. With this method, an address assigned to the defective word line or the defective bit line is saved, so that the device is handled as a good chip.
As a well-known layout of a redundant circuit, there is a layout described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2006-237642. In the patent document, as shown in FIG. 1 thereof, there is disclosed a layout in which a plurality of fuse elements are arranged in one direction and a plurality of comparing circuits corresponding to the fuse elements are arranged close to the fuse elements, respectively, in the same direction. A pitch of the comparing circuit array is set to be smaller than a pitch of the fuse element array, thus providing a space in the comparing circuit array, in which a common signal line required for a plurality of comparing circuits is arranged.
The application of the fuse elements is not limited to semiconductor memory devices, and the fuse elements are used in general semiconductor products such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MCU (Micro Control Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), and an ASSP (Application Specific Standard Circuit). These products include a large number of fuse elements and processing circuits for processing signals from the fuse elements, which are compactly arranged in a predetermined area on a semiconductor substrate. A variety of systems are applied to the fuse elements, such as a technique of blowing a wiring with an optical laser, a technique of melting down a wiring with an electric fuse, and a technique of breaking down a gate insulating layer of a transistor or a PN junction with an antifuse.
However, because the layout described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2006-237642 is for simply laying out wirings in a space obtained in a comparing circuit array, a determining circuit that collects a plurality of comparison result signals output from a plurality of comparing circuits respectively corresponding to fuse elements and generates a determination result signal indicating whether it is redundant or not should be laid out in a separate area. Because one determining circuit is required for a plurality of comparing circuits, in the layout described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2006-237642, a plurality of determining circuits are arranged in a scattered manner along the direction of arranging the comparing circuits. As a result, the shape of the layout of the redundant circuit becomes an irregular shape that is wasteful, resulting in a problem of increasing a chip area.
The problems explained above are not limited to a redundant circuit of a semiconductor memory device, but are problems that usually occur in a semiconductor device that includes a plurality of circuit blocks formed on a semiconductor substrate in which each of the circuit blocks includes a plurality of unit circuits, a plurality of processing circuits each being allocated to each of the unit circuits, and a common circuit that is commonly allocated to a plurality of processing circuits.

Semiconductor device having circuit blocks with mutually the same circuit configuration


An analysis device includes: a cell image acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of cell images in which a stimulated cell has been captured; a feature value calculation unit that calculates a feature value for each of first and second constituent elements constituting the cell, from the cell images acquired by the cell image acquisition unit; a correlation calculation unit that calculates correlations between first feature values and between second feature values in the first and second constituent elements calculated by the feature value calculation unit; a correlation extraction unit that extracts the correlation between the first feature values by selecting the first feature values with respect to the correlations between the feature values in the first and second constituent elements calculated by the correlation calculation unit; and a display unit that displays the correlation between the first feature values extracted by the correlation extraction unit.

In biological science, medical science and the like, it is known that there is a correlation, for example, between a state of health, disease, or the like; and a state of cells, organelles inside the cells, and the like. As a consequence, analyzing signaling pathways of information transmitted within cells or between cells can be helpful for research relating to biosensors in industrial applications, in the manufacture of drugs with the aim of preventing disease and the like. In various analysis techniques relating to cells and tissue slices, techniques that use image processing are known, for example (see Patent Document 1, for example).

Analysis device, analysis method, and program


An improved turf aeration device is provided, where the device has a frame having a journalled drive shaft, and the frame is attachable to a pulling vehicle having a power take-off portion; where the device has a power transfer means, attachable between the drive shaft and the power take-off portion, for transferring power from the power take-off portion to the drive shaft; and a plurality of aerator mechanisms operatively attached to the drive shaft and the frame, each aerator mechanism having a lower link member, with a base end and a distal end, where the base end is pivotally attached to the frame; a tine holder pivotally attached to the distal end of the lower link member, where the improvement includes a roller frame rigidly attached to the frame, the roller frame having two spaced apart, and a slideable member adapted to allow limited rotation of the aeration device toward or away from the pulling device.

I. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an improved soil aeration device.
II. Description of Prior Art
In grass fields and other lawn areas which experience sustained vehicular and pedestrian traffic, the turf surface and underlying soil can become undesirably compacted. The problems associated with soil compaction are that rain and fertilizing chemicals are prevented from fully penetrating the ground. The short-term effect of such a condition is that the field will remain soggy for longer periods after a rain, and the long-term effect is the prevention of deep and healthy root system and proper grass growth. Turf aeration is the process of creating channels in the soil so that water, air, and fertilizers can penetrate the ground and be dispersed effectively throughout the soil.
Many devices have been developed to alleviate soil-compaction problems ranging from pitchforks to heavy, tractor-pulled machinery having multiple, reciprocating tines. One tractor pulled heavy commercial device common in the industry today is the turf aerator manufactured by Verti-Drain® under U.S. Pat. No. 4,422,510 issued to de Ridder (hereinafter "de Ridder"), hereby incorporated by reference. That device teaches a main frame which supports several rotary shafts, drive links, and connecting rods which reciprocate a number of pantograph-type mechanisms. In each mechanism, a tine holder having soil-piercing tines is pivotally attached to an upper link in the mechanism, and a lower link supports a spring device which allows the tines to rotate within the soil to create a drain channel. The device is typically powered by the power take-off (PTO) drive of the pulling tractor. The chief advantage claimed by that reference is that the turf surface remains largely undisturbed because of the manner in which the path of the tines is substantially vertical during penetration and withdrawal due to the action of the pantograph mechanism. Examples of Verti-Drains are shown in FIGS. 1-5.
Another device common in the industry is the "Soil Reliever", manufactured by Southern Green, Inc. and described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,709,272 and 5,570,746, both incorporated by reference in their entirety. The Soil Reliever is a tractor pulled device, PTO powered, and also has a main frame supporting a rotary shaft which drives upper links. Associated with each upper link is a lower link pivotally attached to the frame. The upper link connects to the lower link to cause the lower link to reciprocate. Pivotally attached to the distal end of the lower link is a tine holder, containing a number of removable times. Attached between the tine holder 30 and the frame, below the lower link, is a spring member for biasing the spring against a stop positioned on the lower link. Examples of the Soil Reliever are shown in FIGS. 6-7.
The main frames of both the Verti-Drain device and the Soil Reliever device contains a rotatable "front" roller (shown in FIGS. 1, 5 and 7 as reference 10) attached to the main frame 6 (for reference purposes, the "front" of the aeration devise is the PTO end, that is, the end closest to the tractor). Front roller 10 is generally placed forward of the plane of the main frame, and hence, may be attached to the main frame with wings 15 as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7. Front roller 10 may be vertically adjustable as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7. Several Verti-Drain models also have a rear roller (shown as 12 in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4) positioned rearward of the plane of the main frame 6 and behind the tine heads 30. On these Verti-Drain devices, the rear roller 12 rotates in a frame 13, and the frame 13 is generally pivotally connected to the main frame 6 of the device (See FIG. 3).
Both the Verti-Drain and the Soil Reliever's main frame is connected to the tractor through a three point pick up harness on the device, generally consisting of two lower attachment points 100 rigidly connected to the main frame 6 and a top attachment point 101 also rigidly connected to the main frame 6. See generally, FIGS. 1, 5 and 8. Powered adjustment arm 200 can be powered by the PTO, hydraulics or other means, and can include an intermediate arm positioned between the tractor powered adjustment arm and top attachment point (see FIGS. 8 and 12).
Lower attachment points connect pivotally to arms on the tractor, and top attachment point 101 also pivotally connects directly or indirectly to a powered adjustment arm 200 on the tractor. The top attachment point 101 of the three point harness, as shown in FIGS. 1, 5 and 7, consists of two splayed arms 101a and a top rail 101b. The two splayed arms 101 fixedly connect at one end to the lower main frame, and at the other end to the top rail 101b. Top rail 101b is rigidly attached between the top of the main frame 6 and the two splayed arms. Additionally stiffening of the top rail 101a can be provided as shown in FIG. 12. The splayed arms 101a diverge from the top attachment point 101 to allow the PTO to attach therebetween, as shown in FIG. 5. The top attachment point 101 of the harness thus forms a rigid structure located between the bottom and top of the main frame 6, and has a coupling means 101c (as shown, a pin, but other types of couplings could be used) to couple the top attachment point 101 to the tractor's powered adjustable arm 200.
Hence, the aerator's three point harness is a rigid structure on the device but is pivotally mounted at the three connection points with the tractor or pulling vehicle. This three point harness is used in conjunction with the tractor's three point hitch system to raise and lower the aerator. When lowered or deployed, the aerator's front roller contacts the ground allowing the working end (the tines) to be placed in operational contact with the ground (shown in FIG. 6A). When lifted, the entire aerator is lifted off the ground (as shown in FIG. 6B) to allow for ease transportation of the aeration between working sites or locations.
The position of the working end of the device (the tine heads) with respect to the ground is set by adjusting the length of the pulling vehicles powered adjustment arm (or intermediary member) 200. As this arm is shortened, the coupling point 101c of the top rail 101b to the powered adjustment arm 200 is drawn closer to the tractor, thereby raising the tine heads upwardly. As this powered adjustment arm 200 is lengthened, the coupling point 101c of the top rail 101b to the powered adjustment arm 200 is pushed further from the tractor, lowering the tine heads downwardly. If the tine head is not properly positioned with respect to the ground, entry angle and depth of penetration will be improper, as shown in FIG. 18. Hence, to keep the times in proper position with respect to the ground when covering complex terrain; the tractor operator must constantly monitor and adjust the length of the top adjustment bar.


A method and ionic liquid for the electrorecovery of metal from a metal salt including at least one metal ion. The method includes the steps of dissolving the metal salt in an ionic liquid, the ionic liquid including an ionic liquid cation and an ionic liquid anion; whereby the metal ion of the metal salt forms a metal complex in solution with at least the ionic liquid cation; and subjecting the metal complex to an electrical potential between a cathode and anode to recover metal at the cathode. The ionic liquid includes an ionic liquid cation and an ionic liquid anion, wherein the ionic liquid cation has an affinity for the metal ion which is at least about equal to that of the ionic liquid anion for the metal ion.

Electrochemical recovery of metals from ionic liquids, that is, the recovery of metals from a solution by applying a sufficiently negative electric potential to the solution causing electrochemical reduction of a metal complex, and electrodeposition of a metal or metals at the cathode is a commonly used process. The metal complex may be formed, for instance, from the dissolution or leaching of an ore. As another example, the metal complex may be formed by the dissolution or corrosion of bulk metal from, or impurities within, a metallic object. The corrosion may also be actively accelerated by, for example, making the metal object the positive electrode (anode) in an electrochemical cell and oxidising its metal constituents electrochemically. The electrochemical reduction process, wherein the metal ions in the metal complex are reduced at the cathode from their charged states and deposited on the cathode in their zero valence states, may be called, for instance, electrolysis, electrowinning, electroplating, electrodeposition and electrorefining. In this specification, the process will be conveniently referred to as electrorecovery.
Ionic liquids are molten salts which typically melt below 100° C. The properties of these liquids vary widely, but some are very stable to oxidation and reduction and also have high conductivity. Ionic liquids with these properties are useful as solvents and electrolytes for numerous electrochemical applications including metal electrodeposition. Metal complexes in ionic liquid solution are almost always negatively charged (anionic) which inhibits their electrochemical reduction because coulombic forces repel them from negatively charged electrodes (cathodes) as reducing potentials are applied.
The electrochemical reduction of metal complexes in solution to form metals requires the metal complex to approach the negative electrode (cathode) closely. The electrical potential that must be applied to a cathode for reduction to occur varies depending on the identity of the metal complex but in most cases the electrode develops a negative surface charge when the potential is applied; that is, when the electrode is polarized. As a consequence of this surface charge, Coulombic forces affect the populations of ions near the surface of a polarized electrode.
In the vast majority of cases, cations such as metal ions dissolved in ionic liquids co-ordinate with the anion of the ionic liquid, for instance the bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide, abbreviated NTf2−, to produce negatively-charged complexes in solution. This is particularly true for metal complexes formed by dissolving metal salts in ionic liquids where the metal ion is attracted to, and often binds with, the negative ion (anion) of the ionic liquid. By contrast, metal salts in aqueous solution form positively charged metal aquo complexes.
When the metal complex is electrochemically reduced, during for example, electrodeposition, the complex diffuses towards the electrode where reduction takes place (the cathode) which itself is often negatively charged. The Coulombic force between the metal complex—which has a net negative charge—and the negatively-charged cathode, is repulsive. Moreover, as the metal complex approaches the cathode, the Coulombic force increases. However, the complex needs to approach the cathode to within a few nanometers (nm) before it will be electrochemically reduced at any appreciable rate. Thus, Coulombic forces repel almost all metal complexes in ionic liquids from a negatively charged electrode making their electrochemical reduction difficult and inefficient.
To overcome this repulsive force so that electrochemical reduction of the metal complex will occur at an appreciable rate, it is necessary to significantly increase the concentration of the metal complex and/or impart vigorous relative motion between the cathode and the solution by, for example, stirring. Neither step is commercially attractive.
Thus, there is a need to provide an electrolyte solution that removes, or at least reduces, the above described issues.
Reference to any prior art in the specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that this prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia or any other jurisdiction or that this prior art could reasonably be expected to be ascertained, understood and regarded as relevant by a person skilled in the art.

Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation


The present invention comprises aqueous nitrocellulose compositions and methods of their making. The compositions of the invention provide coatings and can be employed as nail coatings, protective coatings and non-wax polishes.

Nitrocellulose has long been used as a base film forming material for various films and coatings. One of its many applications is in lacquer emulsions used in the manufacture of nail coatings or polishes.
Nitrocellulose emulsions used in coatings are generally obtained through either direct emulsification or indirectly through various inversion techniques. For example, a conventional lacquer of nitrocellulose and solvent with emulsifiers is emulsified with the addition of water, inverting from a water-in-lacquer to a lacquer-in-water emulsion. Another inversion technique begins with water-wet nitrocellulose which is dissolved in the solvent system, with water from the mixture dispersing throughout the solvent phase. Additional water containing an emulsifying agent is added forming a lacquer-in-water emulsion by inversion.
Although many improvements have been made in nail coating performance, conventional nail coatings still employ a relatively high percentage of volatile water-immiscible solvents which are relatively toxic, in order to emulsify the nitrocellulose based material. Water-miscible solvents are not ordinarily used because they promote formation of water-in-lacquer rather than lacquer-in-water emulsions. Due to the high percentage of water-immiscible solvents ordinarily employed to emulsify the nitrocellulose, the resultant coatings are flammable and potentially toxic, with a high rate of volatilization and an unpleasant odor. In addition, some individuals become sensitized and develop reactions to these nail coatings.
It is therefore desirable to provide a method for emulsifying nitrocellulose with less reliance on a high percentage of harsh solvents. It is also desirable to provide nitrocellulose-based compositions which have reduced environmental impact by employing a greater percentage of water. It is further desirable to provide nitrocellulose-based compositions for coatings with a lower percentage of solvent. It is further desirable to provide improved nail coatings with a lower percentage of solvents, but which do not sacrifice durability and hardness characteristics.


A rotation mechanism of a television includes a rotation unit, a box, a frame which is connected on the box and connected with the television, and a driving unit. The driving unit has a stationary fan-shaped rack with a positioning rod and a pivot. The rack is connected to the rotation unit and box is rotated about the rack when the driving unit is activated so that the rotation unit and the frame are rotated. By this arrangement, the television is rotated with the rotation unit.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a rotation mechanism for televisions or monitors and the rotation mechanism is driven by a motor which can be controlled by a remote controller.
2. Description of the Prior Arts
A conventional LCD television set 40 is shown in FIG. 1 and generally includes a base 401 and the television 402 is connected to the base 401. The screen of the television 402 is oriented to a certain direction so that if the viewers are located at an angle relative to the screen, the viewers cannot see the programs on the screen clearly because of refection. Therefore, the viewers have to rotate the television 402 to adjust the angle that the screen faces and the viewers usually adjust the television 402 several times back and forth.
The present invention intends to provide a rotation mechanism which includes a driving unit to rotate the television within a pre-set range of angles.


The invention relates to a steering device for a vehicle, with at least one actuator which pivots at least one steerable vehicle wheel by a steering angle which can be stipulated by way of a steering angle transducer. According to the invention, the actuator has a wheel-side pivoted part and an axle-side pivoted part which can be turned around their axes of rotation to one another and that to set the steering angle of the vehicle wheel, the wheel-side pivoted part can be deflected in the turning of the two pivoted parts by the swivel angle (φ) relative to the axle-side pivoted part.

Conventional steering systems, in particular steering systems on multitrack vehicles, can only be used in conjunction with a vehicle axle whose axle kinematics is steerable. Thus rotary motion of the steering wheel by way of the steering column is delivered into the steering gear and relayed as linear motion to the swivel bearing.
A generic steering device for a motor vehicle has at least one actuator which pivots at least one steerable vehicle wheel and a steering angle. The steering angle is dictated by the rotary motion of the steering wheel.
Generally, this combination is designed with a fixed transmission ratio for left-right deflection of the wheels. Analogously, the camber curve and/or track curve is determined by the mechanically dictated axle kinematics of the respective wheel suspension and thus cannot be actively set.
The aforementioned swivel bearing of conventional pivoting systems is associated with a complex axle construction due to the rotary bearing points to the chassis. The axle kinematics is moreover not variable, but mechanically fixed. Moreover, the steering gear of conventional steering systems is positioned in a fixed manner to the axles due to the steering geometry and thus determines the front end concept. This often leads to complex component designs, such as, for example, a split transmission. In addition, the steering column of conventional steering systems in a vehicle crash is often a major safety risk to the occupants.
The object of the invention is to make available a mechanically simple steering device with reduced installation space.


There is disclosed a work vehicle having an openable/closable hood for covering an engine and a radiator mounted on a vehicle body frame, an air cleaner having an intake pipe and an elastic body for closing a gap present around the intake pipe. The elastic body includes a radiator side first elastic portion, a hood side second elastic portion and an engaging portion for engaging and retaining the second elastic portion to the first elastic portion. Under a closed state of the hood, the engaging portion maintains the second elastic portion under the engaged state, and the elastic body maintains the intake pipe at a predetermined position and closes the gap.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a work vehicle, more particularly, to an engine section of a work vehicle. It is understood, however, that the present invention is not limited thereto.
2. Description of the Related Art
According to a known engine section for a work vehicle noted above, a radiator and a cooling fan are disposed on upstream side in a flowing direction of cooling air to an engine, and upwardly of a shielding plate fixedly disposed at a boundary portion between the radiator and the cooling fan, a recessed portion is formed for defining a space relative to a hood for allowing passage of an intake pipe of an air cleaner. A sealing member is bonded to an inner face of the hood for sealing a gap formed between the shielding plate and the hood. In operation, while the cooling air prior to its passage by the radiator is supplied to the engine via the air cleaner, the arrangement prevents entry of the cooling air after its passage by the radiator to be mixed with the cooling air prior to its passage by the radiator, through e.g. the gap between the shielding plate and the hood such as the space allowing passage of the intake pipe, so that reduction in cooling effect due to the mixing thereof with the cooling air before its radiator passage is prevented (see e.g. JP11-078987A, or US606875A corresponding thereto).
With the above-described arrangement, since the sealing member is bonded to the inner face of the hood, this sealing member, under a closed state of the hood, is to provide its sealing effect as coming into contact with the intake pipe of the air cleaner which passes through the space between the recessed portion of the shielding plate and the hood.
Therefore, it is not possible to visually check whether this sealing member is providing its effect to the air cleaner intake pipe appropriately or not. When it is not functioning appropriately, the cooling air with elevated temperature after its passage by the radiator will flow through the gap between the air cleaner intake pipe and the sealing member to be mixed inadvertently with the cooling air prior to passage by the radiator, so that this mixing may invite reduction in the cooling efficiency.
The object of the present invention is to prevent reliably such reduction of cooling efficiency due to mixing of heated cooling air having passed by the radiator with cooling air prior to radiator passage, via a gap present around an intake pipe of an air cleaner in space where this intake pipe extends through.