A magnetically-assisted fixturing process for optical components on a bench utilizes precision placement of an optical component on a bench. This placement can be done either entirely passively, actively, or using a combination of active and passive alignment. The optical component is then held on the bench using a magnetic field. Thus, the optical component is maintained in a stable relationship with respect to the bench, especially after it has been aligned. The optical component is then affixed to the bench, typically by a solder bonding process. Alternatively, other bonding processes can be used, such as epoxy bonding or laser welding. In one implementation, the magnetic fixturing is maintained during the process of affixing or bonding the optical component. Thus, in one example, the optical bench can be transported to a solder reflow oven while the optical component is held on the bench via the magnetic fixturing.

Component alignment is of critical importance in microoptical systems and especially semiconductor and/or MOEMS (microoptical electromechanical systems) optical system manufacturing. The basic nature of light requires that light generating, transmitting, and modifying components must be positioned accurately with respect to one another, especially in the context of free-space-interconnect optical systems, in order to function properly and effectively. Scales characteristic of optical semiconductor and MOEMS technologies can necessitate micron to sub-micron alignment accuracy.
Consider the specific example of coupling light from a semiconductor diode laser, such as a pump or transmitter laser, to single mode fiber. Only the power that is coupled into the fiber core is usable, and the coupling efficiency is highly dependent on accurate alignment between the laser output facet and the core; inaccurate alignment can result in partial or complete loss of signal transmission through the optical system. Moreover, if polarization-maintaining fiber is used, there is an added need to rotationally align the fiber relative to the laser to maintain the single polarization characteristic of the output signal.
Other more general examples include optical amplification, receiving and/or processing systems. Some alignment is typically required between an optical signal source, such as the fiber endface, and a defector. In more complex systems including tunable filters, for example, alignment is required not only to preserve signal power, dynamic range, but also to yield high quality systems through the suppression of undesirable optical modes within and without the systems.
In the example of a tunable filter system, light, typically supplied by fiber, is injected into an optical train, which includes a tunable filter, such as Fabry-Perot (FP) tunable filter. The launch characteristics of the light into the FP filter cavity determine the side mode suppression ratio (SMSR) of the system. This ratio, in part, dictates the quality of the system. If light is launched into the filter at the wrong position or with the wrong spot size, higher order modes are excited in the filter, degrading the system""s SMSR. Typically, filter train alignment is employed to extract the highest possible SMSR.
Generally, there are two types of alignment strategies: active and passive. Passive alignment relies on the precision placement of the optical components relative to some physical reference. For example, registration or alignment features can be fabricated directly on the optical components, such as the optical elements or element mounting structures, as well as on the platform to which the components are to be mounted. The components are then mounted and bonded directly to the platform using the alignment features. Other techniques rely on vision and/or metrology systems. Contrastingly, in active alignment, an optical signal is transmitted through the components and detected. The alignment is performed based on the transmission characteristics to enable the highest possible performance level for the system.
In the context of commercial volume manufacturing, selection between active and passive alignment, or some mix of the two, is determined based on the quality of part needed. Lower cost, lower performance devices are typically manufactured with entirely passive alignment strategies, whereas the manufacture of high performance devices typically involves at least some active alignment.
In the manufacture of optical systems, it is typically possible to passively align two optical components, such as components including lenses. In micro-optical trains, where beam diameters can be less than one millimeter and are usually less than 500 micrometers, alignment accuracies of 10 micrometers are possible by utilizing jigs, optical component templates and/or registration/alignment feature systems.
In other situations, such as carrier-class systems and/or systems that have tunable optical filters, alignment tolerances of better than 5 micrometers are common. Moreover, in some implementations, submicrometer alignment tolerances are required, and even sub-100 nanometer tolerances can be required to achieve high side mode suppression ratios, for example, in tunable filter systems or when maximizing coupling efficiency in high power laser systems. In such optical systems, the alignment tolerances are more rigorous than that obtainable with conventional passive alignment techniques. As a result, active alignment is required.
In either case, whether active or passive alignment or a combination of active and passive alignment is used with the result being that the optical component has been placed or otherwise located, the component must be affixed to its carrier, typically called a submount or optical bench. While an adhesive such as epoxy can be used, solder bonding or laser welding is typically the preferred modality of affixing the component, because of advantages associated with a well-understood behavior such as long-term stability over wide temperature ranges.
The bonding process can require the physical movement of the bench with the placed optical component and/or removal from placement/alignment systems. For example, the best solder bonds are typically achieved in solder reflow ovens, which provide a well-controlled reflow environment. Laser welding devices must have a clear path to the areas of the optical component where the welds are to be produced. This requirement can create contention with the placement strategy used.
The present invention is directed to a magnetically-assisted fixturing process for optical components on a bench. Basically, the process and associated system alignment station utilize precision placement of an optical component on a bench. This placement can be done either entirely passively, actively, or using a combination of active and passive alignment. The optical component is then held on the bench using a magnetic field. Thus, the optical component is maintained in a stable relationship with respect to the bench, especially after it has been aligned. The optical component is then affixed to the bench, typically by a solder bonding process. Alternatively, other bonding processes can be used, such as epoxy bonding or laser welding. In one implementation, the magnetic fixturing is maintained during the process of affixing or bonding the optical component. Thus, in one example, the optical bench can be transported to a solder reflow oven while the optical component is held on the bench via the magnetic fixturing.
Moreover, in some implementations, the magnetic field is maintained during the solder reflow process. This can restrict both lateral movement of the component, while the solder is molten, and also yield a final solder layer between that component and the bench that has a uniform thickness from component-to-component. This can be an important advantage of the system since it yields a uniform y-axis, i.e., orthogonal to the plane of the optical bench, optical axis height.
In general, according to one aspect, the invention features a magnetically-assisted fixturing process for optical components to a bench. The process comprises placing at least one optical component on the bench, and then holding the optical component on the bench with a magnetic field. The optical component is then affixed to the bench.
In one implementation, the bench is constructed from a non-magnetic material. The optical component, however, comprises ferromagnetic material. The magnetic field is oriented to pull the optical component against the bench.
In the current implementation, the optical component comprises an optical element, such as a lens or tunable or fixed filter. A mounting structure is used to support this optical element on and above the optical bench. The mounting structures are made from nickel or an alloy including nickel in current implementations.
Depending on the implementation, permanent magnets or electromagnets are used to generate the magnetic field. Electromagnets have an advantage in that their electric field can be modulated without removing the magnet structure. Thus, the strength of the magnetic field can be temporarily reduced while optical component is placed or during replacement of the optical component in which its alignment is improved.
In one embodiment, an active alignment process is used for the optical component. Specifically, an optical signal is generated that interacts with the optical component. For example, the optical signal may be transmitted through the optical component or reflected by the optical component. The optical signal is then subsequently detected. The optical component is then positioned relative to the optical system in response to the detected optical signal.
In any case, once the optical component is placed, its position is preferably confirmed. If the alignment is inadequate, a repositioning or realignment step can be performed. According to the preferred embodiment, once the optical component has been placed, the optical bench is removed from the alignment station and installed in an SRO for solder reflow. If permanent magnets are used, they can be easily kept with the bench during the solder reflow process to maintain the positioning of the optical component. Alternatively, the magnetic field is removed during the reflow process.
Alternatively or in addition to: active alignment, passive alignment techniques are preferably employed to at least initially locate the optical component on the bench. For example, bench registration features such as raised bench features can be used and the optical component abutted against these features. Alternatively, marks on the bench can be used for the optical component placing process.
In general, according to another aspect, the invention also features an optical system alignment station. The station comprises an optical system chuck that secures the optical system. An optical component alignment system supports an optical component in proximity to or on the optical system bench and enables orientation of the optical component relative to the bench. A magnetic field generator then generates a magnetic field that pulls the optical component into engagement with the bench.
In one embodiment, an active alignment system is used. Specific an alignment signal generator generates an optical signal that interacts with the optical component. An optical signal detector then detects the alignment signal after interaction with the optical component. The optical component alignment system then positions the optical component in response to the alignment signal detector. Depending on the configuration of the optical signal, the optical signal generator can be a laser system that is part of the optical system. Alternatively, the alignment signal generator can be a separate system that generates an optical signal that is used during the alignment process. Further, the alignment signal detector can be part of the optical system or a separate detector that is inserted into the optical signal only for the alignment process.
The above and other features of the invention including various novel details of construction and combinations of parts, and other advantages, will now be more particularly described with reference to the accompanying drawings and pointed out in the claims. It will be understood that the particular method and device embodying the invention are shown by way of illustration and not as a limitation of the invention. The principles and features of this invention may be employed in various and numerous embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention.

System and process for magnetic fixturing of optical components on bench for solder attach


An adjuvant composition for agricultural chemicals comprising at least one sorbitan/fatty acid ester surfactant (A) and at least one surfactant (B) selected from the group consisting of resin acid surfactants and anionic oligomer or polymer type quaternary ammonium salt surfactants can be used for various crops in safety without causing injury thereof to the crops, and can enhance the efficacies of various agricultural chemicals.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a novel adjuvant composition for agricultural chemicals, a method for enhancing the efficacies of agricultural chemicals which comprises using said composition together with an agricultural chemical, a use of said composition for enhancing the efficacies of agricultural chemicals and a novel agricultural chemical composition.
2. Description of the Related Art
Agricultural chemicals including insecticides, fungicides (or bactericides), herbicides, miticides (or acaricides) and plant growth regulators have been used in the forms of, for example, emulsions, wettable powders, granules, dusts and flowables. In the properties of these agricultural chemical preparations, various attempts have been made to achieve the maximum efficacy of the agricultural chemical. However, it has been difficult to enhance the efficacies of agricultural chemicals through adjustments in formulations. It is further difficult to develop novel agricultural chemicals. Therefore, further enhancement of the efficacies of existing agricultural chemicals would highly contribute to the industry.
As substances capable of enhancing the efficacies of agricultural chemicals, surfactants comprising various nitrogen-containing compounds such as quaternary ammonium salts, betaines and amine oxides have been known. It is known that quaternized or further polyoxyethylenated long-chain amines, among the above-mentioned compounds, are effective for this purpose. However, the effects of the above-described surfactants comprising the nitrogen-containing compound capable of enhancing the efficacies of agricultural chemicals are not always satisfactory.
On the other hand, Japanese Patent Publication-B No. 62-43968 (published on Sep. 17, 1987) and Japanese Patent Publication-A No. 6-145003 (published on May 24, 1994) disclose the use of a sorbitan/fatty acid ester as an ingredient of an agrohorticultural pest control composition and the use of a polyoxyalkylene/resin acid ester as an ingredient of an adjuvant for an agrohorticultural biocide, respectively. However, one of the sorbitan/fatty acid ester and the polyoxyalkylene/resin acid ester exhibits an insufficient effect for enhancing the efficacies of agricultural chemicals.

Adjuvant composition for agricultural chemicals and method for enhancing the efficacy of agricultural chemical


The systems and/or processes described herein may establish a controlled and limited vocabulary that may serve as explicit associative relationships. The explicit associative relationships may define the nature of relationships between items and/or categories of items. In response to determining that a user has interacted with or selected an item via a website, an application, etc., associated with a service provider, explicit associative relationships associated with the selected item may be parsed in order to identify additional items related to the selected item. The additional related items may then be dynamically recommended to the user via the website, the application, etc., associated with the service provider.

Consumers continue to shop, search for, and purchase items (e.g., products, services, etc.) from websites that are operated by merchants and/or service providers. While navigating those websites, the consumers may receive recommendations for items that the merchant and/or the service provider believe to likely be of interest to the consumers. Some of these recommendations may be based on transactional data. For instance, if two items are frequently purchased together, and a consumer views, searches for, or purchases one of those items, the other item may be recommended to that consumer. However, the fact that the items have been purchased together does not necessarily mean that those items are related, or that both items would be of interest to the consumer. In other instances, the recommendations may be based on behavioral data, which may correspond to the viewing, search, navigation, and/or purchase history of a consumer, or a manner in which the consumer navigates through a website. Yet, such behavioral data may not accurately reflect the interests or preferences of that user. As a result, establishing relationships between items based on such data may result in the consumer having little to no interest in recommendations provided thereto.

Associative relationship based recommendations


A network system of the present invention includes a switch and controllers. The switch processes on a received packet in accordance with a flow entry in which are defined a rule and an action. The controllers set the flow entry to a flow table of the switch. The switch assigns a flow table to each controller, searches when receiving a packet from outside for a flow table matching with the packet in all flow tables, ignores a flow entry set by a controller of which a status of connection is invalid among flow entries matching with the packet and processes the packet in accordance with an action of a flow entry set by a controller of which a status of connection is valid.

A conventional network device is a black box and a control rich in flexibility for load balancing or deviation cannot be performed from outside. Thus, there was a problem in that, when a network size becomes greater, understanding and improving system behavior becomes difficult and designing and reconfiguration are accompanied by an enormous cost.
As a technique of resolving such subjects, a method is considered to separate packet transferring function and path controlling function of network devices. For example, by making a network device handle the packet transferring function and making a control apparatus separated outside of the network device handle the controlling function, a control becomes easier and a network rich in flexibility becomes able to be configured.
(Description of C/U Separation Type Network)
A C/U (Control plane/User plane) separation type network, in which an outside control device (control plane) controls a node device (user plane), is proposed as one network system with separated functions.
An OpenFlow™ network using OpenFlow™ technology in which network path control is performed by controlling a switch from a controller can be shown as an example of C/U separation type network. Details of OpenFlow™ technology is disclosed in Non-Patent Literature 1. It should be noted that OpenFlow™ network is only one example.
(Description of OpenFlow™ Network)
In an OpenFlow™ network, a control device such as an OpenFlow™ controller (OFC) operates a flow table related to path control of a node device such as an OpenFlow™ Switch (OFS) to control the node device behavior.
Hereinafter, for a simplification of description, an OpenFlow™ controller (OFC) will be denoted "controller (OFC)" and an OpenFlow™ switch (OFS) will be denoted "switch (OFS)".
A secure channel, which is a leased line or a communication path protected by SSL (Secure Socket Layer) or the like, connects between a controller (OFC) and a switch (OFS). The controller (OFC) and the switch (OFS) transmit and receive an OpenFlow™ message conformed to (compliant with) OpenFlow™ protocol via the security channel.
A switch (OFS) in an OpenFlow™ network is an edge switch and a core switch, configuring the OpenFlow™ network and under control of a controller (OFC). A series of packet flow, from a reception of packet at an edge switch on entrance (Ingress) side of an OpenFlow™ network to a transmission of packet at an edge switch on exit (Engress) side, will be called a flow.
A packet can be read as a frame. A difference between a packet and a frame is only a difference of Protocol Data Unit (PDU). A packet is a PDU of "TCP/IP" (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol). On the other hand, a frame is a PDU of "Ethernet".
A flow table is a table in which is registered a flow entry in which is defined a specified operation (action) to be performed to a packet (communication data) matching to a specified matching condition (rule).
A rule of a flow entry is defined by various combinations using some or all of a destination address, a source address, a destination port and a source port included in a header area of each protocol layer of the packet and is distinguishable. It should be noted that the above addresses include a MAC (Media Access Control) address and an IP (Internet Protocol) address. In addition to the above, information of entrance port (Ingress Port) can be used as a rule of a flow entry, too. In addition, a part (or the whole) of header area value of the packet showing a flow can be set with an expression such as a regular expression, a wild card "*" or the like as a rule of a flow entry.
An action of a flow entry shows an operation such as "output to a specific port", "drop", "rewrite header" or the like. For example, if identification information of exit port (such as an output port number, etc) is shown, a switch (OFS) outputs a packet to the corresponding port and if identification information of exit port is not shown, the switch (OFS) drops the packet. Alternatively, if header information is shown in an action of the flow entry, the switch (OFS) rewrites the header of the packet on a basis of the relevant header information.
A switch (OFS) in an OpenFlow™ network executes an action of a flow entry to a group f packets (a series of packets) matching to a rule of the flow entry.
(Subject in Existing OpenFlow™ Network)
Hereinafter, subject in existing OpenFlow™ network will be described.
(1) First subject: in an existing OpenFlow™ network, a controller (OFC) manages all the switches (OFS); consequently, a load of the controller easily increases and setting flow entry may take time.
Thus, a procedure may be taken such as, not setting all flow entries at a timing of detecting a packet, but setting a flow entry which can be set in advance not to time out and updating (rewriting) the flow entry at a timing of environment modification.
In this case, if only the controller (OFC) is made redundant and one flow table is shared by a plurality of controllers (OFC), controllers (OFC) need to synchronize between them the flow entry which is set and the flow entry synchronization function has to be supported by the controllers (OFC) side.
In addition, if the controllers are configured in a system with a redundant configuration (such as a fault tolerant system or a cluster system), when the system switches from an active system to a standby system, a status of synchronization between the old active system and the switch (OFS) and a status of synchronization between the new active system and the switch (OFS) has to be made identical, and this process takes time. It should be noted that the old active system is the controller (OFC) which switched from the active system to the standby system. In addition, the new active system is the controller (OFC) which switched from the standby system to the active system.
(2) Second subject: in addition, in an existing OpenFlow™ network, when a controller (OFC) stops, its influence may spread over whole network. Thus, a technology of making the controller redundant more freely is important or/and necessary. However, at present, such technology of making redundant is not established.
(3) Third subject: in addition, in existing OpenFlow™ network, a controller (OFC) manages whole the network. Consequently, a load of the controller (OFC) increases and performing load dispersion becomes important and necessary. However, at present, such technology related to a load balancing is not established.
(Subject Due to Difference of Flow Entry Setting Method)
In OpenFlow™, methods of setting a flow entry in a switch (OFS) can be roughly classified into two methods, a "reactive type" and "a proactive type".
The "reactive type" is a method of setting all flow entries at a trigger of packet-in. In should be noted that packet-in signifies transferring a copy of the relevant packet to the controller (OFC) to request a path calculation for the packet to the controller (OFC). In the "reactive type", when receiving an inquiry about a first packet (a new/first packet without corresponding flow entry) from the switch (OFS), the controller (OFC) calculates a path of the relevant packet set (flow) and registers a flow entry in a flow table of the switch (OFS) That is, the "reactive type" as used herein shows a "real-time flow entry registering" performed by the controller (OFC) in response to the inquiry from the switch (OFS) in an actual data communication.
The "proactive type" is basically a method of setting all flow entries which can be set in advance and adding minimal flow entry setting at a trigger of packet-in or the like in accordance with necessity. In the "proactive type", the controller (OFC) calculates "in advance (before data communication starts)" a path of a specific packet set (flow) and registers a flow entry in a flow table of the switch (OFS). That is, the "proactive type" as used herein shows a "flow entry registration in advance" voluntarily performed by the controller (OFC).
Between those two methods, the latter is better in scalability and stability. However, in fact, in an occasion of system exchanging at a failure, it can be considered that a flow is already put (some packets are already controlled as a flow) and thus the controller (OFC) which became a new active device has to inherit flow entries from the old active device and set so that the present flow status does not conflict. Therefore, a mechanism of synchronization between controllers (OFC) is necessary and controller (OFC) implementation becomes complicated. In addition, only redundant configuration supported by the controller (OFC) can be configured.
In addition, if controllers (OFC) are mutually synchronized as above and share one connection, when a failure occurs and systems switch, a difference may occurs between the synchronization status in controllers (OFC) and flow entry setting status for the switch (OFS).
Thus, a synchronization process becomes necessary between the controller (OFC) which became the new active device and the switch (OFS).

Network system, switch, and methods of network configuration


The present invention provides reagents, compounds, compositions, and methods relating to novel interactions of the extracellular domain of LRP5, HBM (a variant of LRP5), and/or LRP6 with Dkk, including Dkk-1. The various nucleic acids, polypeptides, antibodies, assay methods, diagnostic methods, and methods of treatment of the present invention are related to and impact on Dkk, LRP5, LRP6, HBM, and Wnt signaling. Dkk, LRP5, LRP6, HBM, and Wnt are implicated in bone and lipid cellular signaling. Thus, the present invention provides reagents and methods for modulating lipid levels and/or bone mass and is useful in the treatment and diagnosis of abnormal lipid levels and bone mass disorders, such as osteoporosis.

Two of the most common types of osteoporosis are postmenopausal and senile osteoporosis. Osteoporosis affects both men and women, and, taken with other abnormalities of bone, presents an ever-increasing health risk for an aging population. The most common type of osteoporosis is that associated with menopause. Most women lose between 20-60% of the bone mass in the trabecular compartment of the bone within 3-6 years after the cessation of menses. This rapid bone loss is generally associated with an increase of bone resorption and formation. However, the resorptive cycle is more dominant and the result is a net loss of bone mass. Osteoporosis is a common and serious disease among postmenopausal women. There are an estimated 25 million women in the United States alone who are afflicted with this disease. The results of osteoporosis are personally harmful, and also account for a large economic loss due to its chronicity and the need for extensive and long-term support (e.g., hospitalization and nursing home care) from disease sequelae. This is especially true in elderly patients. Additionally, while osteoporosis is generally not thought of as a life-threatening condition, a 20-30% mortality rate is related to hip fractures in elderly women. A large percentage of this mortality rate can be directly associated with postmenopausal osteoporosis.
The most vulnerable tissue in the bone to the effects of postmenopausal osteoporosis is the trabecular bone. This tissue is often referred to as spongy bone and is particularly concentrated near the ends of the bone, near the joints, and in the vertebrae of the spine. The trabecular tissue is characterized by small structures which inter-connect with each other as well as the more solid and dense cortical tissue which makes up the outer surface and central shaft of the bone. This cris-cross network of trabeculae gives lateral support to the outer cortical structure and is critical to the biomechanical strength of the overall structure. In postmenopausal osteoporosis, it is primarily the net resorption and loss of the trabeculae which lead to the failure and fracture of the bone. In light of the loss of the trabeculae in postmenopausal women, it is not surprising that the most common fractures are those associated with bones which are highly dependent on trabecular support, e.g., the vertebrae, the neck of the femur, and the forearm. Indeed, hip fracture, Colle's fractures, and vertebral crush fractures are indicative of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Osteoporosis affects cortical as well as trabecular bone. Alterations in endosteal bone resorption and Haversian remodeling with age affect cortical thickness and structural integrity contributing the increased risk for fracture.
One of the earliest generally accepted methods for treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis was estrogen replacement therapy. Although this therapy frequently is successful, patient compliance is low, primarily due to the undesirable side-effects of chronic estrogen treatment. Frequently cited side-effects of estrogen replacement therapy include reinitiation of menses, bloating, depression, and, potentially, increased risk of breast or uterine cancer. In order to limit the known threat of uterine cancer in women who have not had a hysterectomy, a protocol of estrogen and progestin cyclic therapy is often employed. This protocol is similar to that used in birth control regimens, and often is not tolerated by women because of the side-effects characteristic of progestin. More recently, certain antiestrogens, originally developed for the treatment of breast cancer, have been shown in experimental models of postmenopausal osteoporosis to be efficacious. Among these agents is raloxifene (See, U.S. Pat. No. 5,393,763; Black et. al., J. Clin. Invest., 93:63-69 (1994); and Ettinger et al., JAMA 282:637-45 (1999)). In addition, tamoxifen, a widely used clinical agent for treating breast cancer, has been shown to increase bone mineral density in post menopausal women suffering from breast cancer (Love et al., N. Engl. J. Med., 326:852-856 (1992)).
Another therapy for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis is the use of calcitonin. Calcitonin is a naturally occurring peptide which inhibits bone resorption and has been approved for this use in many countries (Overgaard et al., Br. Med. J., 305:556-561 (1992)). The use of calcitonin has been somewhat limited, however. Its effects are very modest in increasing bone mineral density, and the treatment is very expensive. Another therapy for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis is the use of bisphosphonates. These compounds were originally developed for treating Paget's disease and malignant hypercalcemia. They have been shown to inhibit bone resorption. Alendronate, a bisphosphonate, has been approved for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. These agents may be helpful in the treatment of osteoporosis, but these agents also have potential liabilities which include osteomalacia, extremely long half-life in bone (greater than 2 years),; and possible "frozen bone syndrome," e.g., the cessation of normal bone remodeling.
Senile osteoporosis is similar to postmenopausal osteoporosis in that it is marked by the loss of bone mineral density and resulting increase in fracture rate, morbidity, and associated mortality. Generally, it occurs in later life, i.e., after 70 years of age. Historically, senile osteoporosis has been more common in females, but with the advent of a more elderly male population, this disease is becoming a major factor in the health of both sexes. It is not clear what, if any, role hormones such as testosterone or estrogen have in this disease, and its etiology remains obscure. Treatment of this disease has not been very satisfactory. Hormone therapy, estrogen in women and testosterone in men, has shown equivocal results; calcitonin and bisphosphonates may be of some utility.
The peak mass of the skeleton at maturity is largely under genetic control. Twin studies have shown that the variance in bone mass between adult monozygotic twins is smaller than between dizygotic twins (Slemenda et al., J. Bone Miner. Res., 6: 561-567 (1991); Young et al., J. Bone Miner. Res., 6:561-567 (1995); Pocock et al., J. Clin. Invest., 80:706-710 (1987); Kelly et al., J. Bone Miner. Res., 8:11-17 (1993)). It has been estimated that up to 60% or more of the variance in skeletal mass is inherited (Krall et al., J. Bone Miner. Res., 10:S367 (1993)). Peak skeletal mass is the most powerful determinant of bone mass in elderly years (Hui et al., Ann. Int. Med., 111:355-361 (1989)), even though the rate of age-related bone loss in adult and later life is also a strong determinant (Hui et al., Osteoporosis Int., 1:30-34 (1995)). Since bone mass is the principal measurable determinant of fracture risk, the inherited peak skeletal mass achieved at maturity is an important determinant of an individual's risk of fracture later in life. Thus, study of the genetic basis of bone mass is of considerable interest in the etiology of fractures due to osteoporosis.
Recently, a strong interest in the genetic control of peak bone mass has developed in the field of osteoporosis. The interest has focused mainly on candidate genes with suitable polymorphisms to test for association with variation in bone mass within the normal range, or has focused on examination of genes and gene loci associated with low bone mass in the range found in patients with osteoporosis. The vitamin D receptor locus (VDR) (Morrison et al., Nature, 367:284-287 (1994)), PTH gene (Howard et al., J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., 80:2800-2805 (1995); Johnson et al., J. Bone Miner. Res., 8:11-17 (1995); Gong et al., J. Bone Miner. Res., 10: S462 (1995)) and the estrogen receptor gene (Hosoi et al., J. Bone Miner. Res., 10: S170 (1995); Morrison et al., Nature, 367:284-287 (1994)) have figured most prominently in this work. These studies are difficult because bone mass (i.e, the phenotype) is a continuous, quantitative, polygenic trait, and is confounded by environmental factors such as nutrition, co-norbid disease, age, physical activity, and other factors. Also, this type of study design requires large numbers of subjects. In particular, the results of VDR studies to date have been confusing and contradictory (Garnero et al., J. Bone Miner. Res., 10:1283-1288 (1995); Eisman et al., J. Bone. Miner. Res., 10:1289-1293 (1995); Peacock, J. Bone Miner. Res., 10:1294-1297 (1995)). Furthermore, thus far, the art has not determined the mechanism(s) whereby the genetic influences exert their effect on bone mass.
While it is well known that peak bone mass is largely determined by genetic rather than environmental factors, studies to determine the gene loci (and ultimately the genes) linked to variation in bone mass are difficult and expensive. Study designs which utilize the power of linkage analysis, e.g., sib-pair or extended family, are generally more informative than simple association studies, although the latter do have value. However, genetic linkage studies involving bone mass are hampered by two major problems. The first problem is the phenotype, as discussed briefly above. Bone mass is a continuous, quantitative trait, and establishing a discrete phenotype is difficult. Each anatomical site for measurement may be influenced by several genes, many of which may be different from site to site. The second problem is the age component of the phenotype. By the time an individual can be identified as having low bone mass, there is a high probability that their parents or other members of prior generations will be deceased and therefore unavailable for study, and younger generations may not have even reached peak bone mass, making their phenotyping uncertain for genetic analysis.
Thus, there is a need in the art for additional research tools for the elucidation of the rholecular mechanism of bone modulation, for the screening and development of candidate drugs, and for treatments of bone development and bone loss disorders. The present invention is directed to these, as well as other, important ends.
In addition to bone modulation, the present invention relates to modulation of lipid levels. Cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of mortality in the United States, and atherosclerosis is the major cause of heart disease and stroke. It is widely appreciated that cholesterol plays an important role in atherogenesis. Normally, most cholesterol serves as a structural element in the walls of cells, whereas much of the rest is in transit through the blood or functions as the starting material for the synthesis of bile acids in the liver, steroid hormones in endocrine cells and vitamin D in skin. The transport of cholesterol and other lipids through the circulatory system is facilitated by their packaging into lipoprotein carriers. These spherical particles comprise protein and phospholipid shells surrounding a core of neutral lipid, including unesterified ("free") or esterified cholesterol and triglycerides.
Risk for atherosclerosis increases with increasing concentrations of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, whereas risk is inversely proportional to levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. The receptor-mediated control of plasma LDL levels has been well-defined, and recent studies have now provided new insights into HDL metabolism.
The elucidation of LDL metabolism began in 1974 by Michael Brown and Joseph Goldstein. In brief, the liver synthesizes a precursor lipoprotein (very low density lipoprotein, VLDL) that is converted during circulation to intermediate density lipoprotein (IDL) and then to LDL. The majority of the LDL receptors expressed in the body are on the surfaces of liver cells, although virtually all other tissues ("peripheral tissues") express some LDL receptors. After binding, the receptor-lipoprotein complex is internalized by the cells via coated pits and vesicles, and the entire LDL particle is delivered to lysosomes, wherein it is dissembled by enzymatic hydrolysis, releasing cholesterol for subsequent cellular metabolism. This whole-particle uptake pathway is called "receptor-mediated endocytosis." Cholesterol-mediated feedback regulation of both the levels of LDL receptors and cellular cholesterol biosynthesis help ensure cellular cholesterol homeostasis. Genetic defects in the LDL receptor in humans results in familial hypercholesterolemia, a disease characterized by elevated plasma LDL cholesterol and premature atherosclerosis and heart attacks. One hypothesis for the deleterious effects of excess plasma LDL cholesterol is that LDL enters the artery wall, is chemically modified, and then is recognized by a special class of receptors called macrophage scavenger receptors, that mediate the cellular accumulation of the LDL cholesterol in the artery, eventually leading to the formation of an atherosclerotic lesion.
The major lipoprotein classes include intestinally derived chylomicrons that transport dietary fats and cholesterol, hepatic-derived VLDL, IDL, and LDL that can be atherogenic, and hepatic- and intestinally-derived HDL that are antiatherogenic. Apoprotein B (ApoB) is necessary for the secretion of chylomicrons (ApoB48) and VLDL, IDL, and LDL (ApoB100). Plasma levels of VLDL triglycerides are determined mainly by the rates of secretion in LDL lipolytic activity. Plasma levels of LDL cholesterol are determined mainly by the secretion of ApoB100 into plasma, the efficacy with which VLDL are converted to LDL and by LDL receptor-mediated clearance. Regulation of HDL cholesterol levels is complex and is affected by rates of synthesis of its Apo proteins, rates of esterification of free cholesterol to cholesterol ester by LCAT, levels of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and CETP-mediated transfer of cholesterol esters from HDL, and clearance from plasma of HDL lipids and Apo proteins.
Normal lipoprotein transport is associated with low levels of triglycerides and LDL cholesterol and high levels of HDL cholesterol. When lipoprotein transport is abnormal, lipoprotein levels can change in ways that predispose individuals to atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis (see Ginsburg, Endocrinol. Metab. Clin. North Am., 27:503-19 (1998)).
Several lipoprotein receptors may be involved in cellular lipid uptake. These receptors include: scavenger receptors; LDL receptor-related protein/α2-macroglobulin receptor (LRP); LDL receptor; and VLDL receptor. With the exception of the LDL receptor, all of these receptors are expressed in atherosclerotic lesions while scavenger receptors are mostly expressed in macrophages, the LRP and VLDL receptors may play an important role in mediating lipid uptake in smooth muscle cells (Hiltunen et al., Atherosclerosis, 137 suppl.:S81-8 (1998)).
A major breakthrough in the pharmacologic treatment of hypercholesterolemia has been the development of the "statin" class of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMG CoA reductase) inhibitory drugs. 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase is the rate controlling enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis, and its inhibition in the liver stimulates LDL receptor expression. As a consequence, both plasma LDL cholesterol levels and the risk for atherosclerosis decrease. The discovery and analysis of the LDL receptor system has had a profound impact on cell biology, physiology, and medicine.
HDL is thought to remove unesterified, or "free" cholesterol (FC) from peripheral tissues, after which most of the cholesterol is converted to cholesterol ester (CE) by enzymes in the plasma. Subsequently, HDL cholesterol is efficiently delivered directly to the liver and steroidogenic tissues via; a selective uptake pathway and the HDL receptor, SR-BI (class B type I scavenger receptor) or, in some species, transferred to other lipoproteins for additional transport in metabolism (see Krieger, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 95:4077-4080 (1998)).
These issues illustrate a need in the art for additional research tools for the elucidation of the molecular mechanism of lipid modulation, for the screening and development of candidate drugs, and for treatments of lipid levels and lipid level modulation disorders. The present invention is directed to these, as well as other, important ends.

Reagents and method for modulating Dkk-mediated interactions


A posterior cervical fixation system includes a facet lock comprising an elongate member having distal and proximal ends. A tapered wedge projects axially from the distal end and defines a wedge axis, the wedge being sized and configured for insertion into a facet joint of a cervical spine. The facet lock includes opposing first and second dovetail recesses. The system further includes a tubular guide having distal and proximal ends and a lumen extending therethrough along a central axis. The tubular guide has a plurality of dovetail projections extending exteriorly outwardly, each dovetail projection terminating in an engagement surface that is spaced respectively at a different radial distance from the central axis. Each dovetail projection is configured for individual releasable attachment to one of the facet lock first or second dovetail recesses to selectively space the wedge axis and the central axis at different distances for lateral mass screw placement.

In U.S. Patent Publication No. 2019/0342648 entitled "Lateral Mass Fixation Implant", published Dec. 3, 2015, McCormack et al. describe a system and method for providing lateral mass fixation in the cervical spine using a posterior access. The inventors recognize that while anterior cervical spinal fusion is considered less traumatic, they believe that posterior cervical fusion with lateral mass screw or pedicle screw fixation provides a more rigid construct than anterior plates, interbody fusion or interspinous wiring. Nevertheless, the ability to ensure proper placement of fixation devices, especially in less invasive procedures has been found to be more difficult using the posterior access approach. For example, the starting of a pilot hole into the lateral mass and the subsequent tapping, drilling and introduction of a screw into the hole is tedious if the hole position is not maintained throughout the procedure. Accordingly, it is desirable to have a system and instrumentation that allows for the positioning and maintenance of a pilot hole position for subsequent steps that include the insertion of a lateral mass screw.


A workload/Converged Infrastructure (CI) asset allocation system includes a CI system having a plurality of CI assets that include compute devices and storage arrays. A CI/workload management system is coupled to the CI system and receives a workload that includes workload requirements. The CI/workload management system then determines a first storage array that is included in the CI assets and that satisfies at least one storage requirement included in the workload requirements, and a first subset of the compute devices included in the CI assets that each include a path to the first storage array and that satisfy at least one compute requirement included in the workload requirements. The CI/workload management system then identifies the first subset of the compute devices, and configures the first subset of the compute devices and the first storage array to provide the workload.

The present disclosure relates generally to information handling systems, and more particularly to allocating converged infrastructure assets in an information handling system for the provisioning of a workload.
As the value and use of information continues to increase, individuals and businesses seek additional ways to process and store information. One option available to users is information handling systems. An information handling system generally processes, compiles, stores, and/or communicates information or data for business, personal, or other purposes thereby allowing users to take advantage of the value of the information. Because technology and information handling needs and requirements vary between different users or applications, information handling systems may also vary regarding what information is handled, how the information is handled, how much information is processed, stored, or communicated, and how quickly and efficiently the information may be processed, stored, or communicated. The variations in information handling systems allow for information handling systems to be general or configured for a specific user or specific use such as financial transaction processing, airline reservations, enterprise data storage, or global communications. In addition, information handling systems may include a variety of hardware and software components that may be configured to process, store, and communicate information and may include one or more computer systems, data storage systems, and networking systems.
Information handling systems are sometimes provided as Converged Infrastructure (CI) systems that include multiple CI assets configured in a single, optimized computing package. For example, CI assets may include compute devices such as servers, networking devices such as switches, and storage devices such as storage arrays, all of which may be integrated into a CI system with software that provides infrastructure management, automation, and orchestration. One or more workloads may then be performed via the utilization one or more of the CI assets in the CI system. However, workloads often must be performed according to different policies and service levels, while the compute devices, networking devices, and storage devices in CI systems may include different configurations and capabilities, potential physical connectivity constraints, and/or other issues that can affect the ability to use them to perform workloads. As such, the configuration of CI assets in a CI system for performing any particular workload typically requires a variety of manual processes that must be performed by a CI administrator, and thus is generally time consuming and error prone.
Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide an improved workload/CI asset allocation system.

Workload/converged infrastructure asset allocation system


A DC-to-DC converter includes one or more switching circuits, a respective energy storage inductor electrically coupled to each of the one or more switching circuits, and a controller. The controller includes a current deficit signal generator, an integration subsystem, one or more modulators, and a clamping subsystem. The current deficit signal generator is adapted to generate a current deficit signal. The integration subsystem is adapted to integrate the current deficit signal to generate a modulator control voltage. The one or more modulators are adapted to control the one or more switching circuits to transfer power from an input power source to a load, based at least in part on the modulator control voltage. The clamping subsystem is adapted to shunt a portion of the current deficit signal away from the integration subsystem, to prevent the modulator control voltage from falling below a predetermined minimum permissible value.

DC-to-DC converters are widely used in electronic devices. For example, many information technology devices include a DC-to-DC converter for converting bulk power from a battery, or from an off-line power supply, to a form suitable for powering a processor or other integrated circuit. Examples of DC-to-DC converters include, but are not limited to, buck-type DC-to-DC converters, boost-type DC-to-DC converters, and buck-boost type DC-to-DC converters.
Many DC-to-DC converters must support a wide range of load current magnitudes while meeting stringent voltage regulation requirements. For example, DC-to-DC converters used to power modern microprocessors often must maintain tight voltage regulation over a wide load current range. The load current may change dramatically in a short time period, such as due to the microprocessor transitioning between a sleep state and an active state.
DC-to-DC converters commonly operate in a continuous conduction mode (CCM), where current continuously flows through the converter's energy storage inductor. As known in the art, CCM operation promotes low ripple current magnitude and fast transient response. However, CCM operation often results in low efficiency at light load. Accordingly, some DC-to-DC converters operate in an alternative mode at light load, such as a discontinuous conduction mode (DCM), to promote light load efficiency. DCM operation is characterized by current flowing through the converter's energy storage inductor being zero during part of each switching cycle. As known in the art, DCM operation is typically more efficient than CCM operation at light load.
FIG. 1 illustrates one prior art buck-type DC-to-DC converter 100 including a DC-to-DC converter controller 102 capable of both CCM and DCM operation. DC-to-DC converter 100 further includes a switching circuit 104, an energy storage inductor 106, an input capacitor 108, and an output capacitor 110. DC-to-DC converter controller 102 includes a current deficit signal generator 112, which generates a current deficit signal 114. Current deficit signal 114 represents a difference between a current command signal of the DC-to-DC converter and an actual current signal of the DC-to-DC converter. An integration subsystem 116 integrates current deficit signal 114 to generate a modulator control voltage Vctrl at a modulator control node 118, which is electrically coupled to a modulator 120. Modulator 120 generates control signals 122, from at least modulator control voltage Vctrl and a clock signal. Control signals 122, which are, for example, pulse width modulation (PWM) signals or pulse frequency modulation (PFM) signals, control switching circuit 104 to cause DC-to-DC converter 100 transfer power from an input power source 124 to a load 126. Modulator 120 is capable of either CCM or DCM operation.

DC-to-DC converter controllers including clamping or boosting subsystems, and associated methods


The invention provides methods and compositions useful for modulating signaling through Toll-like receptors. The methods involve contacting a TLR-expressing cell with a small molecule having a core structure including at least two rings. Certain of the compounds are 4-primary amino quinolines. Many of the compounds and methods are useful specifically for inhibiting immune stimulation involving at least one of TLR9, TLR8, TLR7, and TLR3. The methods may have use in the treatment of autoimmunity, inflammation, allergy, asthma, graft rejection, graft versus host disease, infection, sepsis, cancer, and immunodeficiency.

Stimulation of the immune system, which includes stimulation of either or both innate immunity and adaptive immunity, is a complex phenomenon that can result in either protective or adverse physiologic outcomes for the host. In recent years there has been increased interest in the mechanisms underlying innate immunity, which is believed to initiate and support adaptive immunity. This interest has been fueled in part by the recent discovery of a family of highly conserved pattern recognition receptor proteins known as Toll-like receptors (TLRs) believed to be involved in innate immunity as receptors for pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). Compositions and methods useful for modulating innate immunity are therefore of great interest, as they may affect therapeutic approaches to conditions involving autoimmunity, inflammation, allergy, asthma, graft rejection, graft versus host disease (GvHD), infection, cancer, and immunodeficiency.
Recently there have been a number of reports describing the immunostimulatory effect of certain types of nucleic acid molecules, including CpG nucleic acids and double-stranded RNA. Of note, it was recently reported that Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) recognizes bacterial DNA and CpG DNA. Hemmi H et al. (2000) Nature 408:740-5; Bauer S et al. (2001) Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 98:9237-42. It was also recently reported that immune complexes containing IgG and nucleic acid can stimulate TLR9 and participate in B-cell activation in certain autoimmune diseases. Leadbetter E A et al. (2002) Nature 416:595-8.
Chlroroquines have been recognized as useful not only as anti-malarial agents but also as anti-inflammatory agents. Although its mechanism of action is not well understood, chloroquine has been used effectively in the treatment of various autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). For a review, see Wallace D J (1996) Lupus 5 Suppl 1:S59-64. Recently Macfarlane and colleagues described a number of small molecule analogs and derivatives of chloroquine (4-aminoquinoline) and quinacrine (9-aminoacridine) which reportedly inhibit stimulation of the immune system. U.S. Pat. No. 6,221,882; U.S. Pat. No. 6,479,504; U.S. Pat. No. 6,521,637; PCT published application PCT/US00/16723 (WO 00/76982); and PCT published application PCT/US98/13820 (WO 99/01154). Macfarlane and colleagues report these small molecule inhibitors of the immune response, even when used at nanomolar concentrations, can block the action of immunostimulatory DNA. U.S. Pat. No. 6,221,882 B1. Macfarlane and coworkers studied a large number of compounds by varying substituents on a limited number of 4-aminoquinoline and 9-aminoacridine core structures related to chloroquine and quinacrine.

Small molecule toll-like receptor (TLR) antagonists


A data operating method, device, and system are provided and relate to the computer field, so as to resolve a prior-art problem of low efficiency of performing a data operation on a block device by a CPU. The method includes: receiving an operation instruction sent by a CPU; when the operation instruction is a read instruction, reading a first data block in the block device and returning to-be-read data in the first data block to the CPU; or when the operation instruction is a write instruction, writing, into a cache, to-be-written data indicated by the write instruction, and writing, into the block device, a second data block that includes the to-be-written data. The method is used to operate data in a block device.

An unified access storage (UAS) system includes multiple storage devices with different features, such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), an nonvolatile memory (NVM), a flash-based solid state disk (SSD), and a hard disk drive (HDD). The DRAM and the NVM are character devices, and this type of device supports data reading and writing by byte/character and is generally used as a memory. The flash-based SSD and the HDD are block devices, and data reading and writing of this type of device can be performed only at a block granularity and is generally used as an external storage device. The block device does not support byte-based addressing. Generally, a block granularity is 512 B (Byte).
In the prior art, for data access at a relatively fine granularity, such as metadata access and database access, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) cannot directly access data in a block device using a load instruction and a store instruction. Instead, the CPU needs to first invoke an application program in a kernel using a series of operation instructions, to read the data in the block device into a DRAM at a block granularity; and then the CPU accesses the data in the DRAM using the load instruction and the store instruction. For example, when the CPU needs to write data of 8 B at a non-block granularity to a block device, the CPU determines corresponding data in the block device according to a destination address of the to-be-written data, and invokes the application program in the kernel using a series of operation instructions, to read the data into the DRAM at a block granularity such as 512 B. Then the CPU combines, using the store instruction, the data of 8 B at the non-block granularity and the data, which is in the DRAM, of 512 B at the block granularity, and finally writes data obtained by means of combination back to the block device at the block granularity.
It may be learned from the foregoing that, before sending an operation instruction to operate data in a block device, the CPU needs to read a to-be-operated data in the block device into the memory using a series of instructions. The operation process is complex, which reduces efficiency of performing a data operation on a block device by a CPU.

Data operating method, device, and system


Routing nodes in communications networks use policies and certain fields, called selection fields, in packet headers to make routing decisions. When routing over a trunk, a specific trunked link over which to forward a packet must be selected. Policies and selection fields can be used in a way that causes the packets in data streams to be distributed more evenly across the trunked links than is currently done.

Communications networks enable people and machines to communicate. Each person or machine connected to the network is a network element. Some network elements are routing nodes. A routing node is a network element that forwards information. Forwarding means receiving information that is intended for another network element and sending that information toward that other network element. Other network elements are end points. An end point is a network element that can send information or receive information, but can not forward information.
Early communications networks, such as the early telephone networks, were connection based. In connection based networks, two endpoints were electrically connected by way of switch boards and, later, electrical switches. Modern communications networks are primarily packet based. In a packet based network, information is packaged into digital packets and routed between endpoints. Routing is a process by which a packet is passed from one routing node to another until it can be passed to its destination. A routing node can also send or receive packets from other network elements.
A data stream is information being transmitted over time from one network element to another. Packet networks must often break a data stream into a series of packets. One reason for packetizing a data stream is that the data stream contains more data than a single packet can hold. Another reason is that the endpoints need to receive data quickly after the data is generated. An example is two people having a phone conversation. If only single packets were used, one person would begin talking and continue talking until exhausting their side of the conversation, then the recorded soliloquy would be sent to the other person. Many short packets are used instead so the listener can hear the speaker nearly instantaneously.
The packets carried by a packet network have many different parts, called fields. The technical specification describing the fields and how to assemble them into a packet is called a network protocol. Those skilled in the art of communications network utilize many different network protocols. One common protocol is the Internet Protocol (IP) defined by Request for Comment (RFC) 791 of the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). Another popular protocol is the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) defined by IETF RFC 793. Those skilled in the art of communications networks are familiar with the IETF and the RFCs because they regulate and define the structure and technological basis for the Internet.
IP and TCP packets have two main sections, the header and the payload. The payload is the data that is being transmitted. The header is data intended for use by the network itself. Header structures are defined by the RFCs and contain specific fields.
IP packets have IP headers as defined by IETF RFC 791. Some of the fields in an IP packet header are source address, destination address, time to live and header checksum. Some optional fields are security, and timestamp. Every network element in an IP network has at least one address. The source address is the address of the network element that sent the packet. Similarly, the destination address is the address of the network element that should receive the packet.
TCP packets have TCP headers as defined by IETF RFC 793. Some of the fields in a TCP packet header are TCP checksum, urgent pointer, sequence number, maximum segment size (MSS), and the urgent bit (URG). TCP packets are often carried inside IP packets. Such packets are often called TCP/IP packets. The IP packet's payload is the TCP packet. A TCP/IP packet has an IP header and a TCP header. Just as TCP and IP can be combined, many protocols can be combined into a protocol stack. Every protocol has its own header. The number of protocols that can be theoretically combined is limitless, but usually less than 6 can be combined practically.
TCP is a connection oriented protocol. A TCP connection is established when one network element requests a TCP connection from a second network element and the second network element agrees. Either network element can then send a data stream through the TCP connection to the other network element.
When a TCP connection is established, the two network elements negotiate to reach an agreement on certain connection properties. One of those properties is the MSS. The MSS is the greatest amount of data that a network element can put in any one packet. To transmit a 10000 byte data stream from a source to a destination with a 500 byte MSS the source can packetize the data into 20 packets containing 500 bytes of data. Each of the 20 packets has a sequence number. For example, the first packet can have a sequence number of 0, the second a sequence number of 500, and the 20th a sequence number of 9500. The destination can use the sequence numbers to reassemble the data stream.
The network elements in a packet network are connected by links. Different technologies use different types of links. Radio links use radio waves through the air. Fiber optic links use long glass fibers. A link carries packets between two directly linked network elements. Indirectly linked network elements can send packets to one another, but the packets must traverse two or more links. Some links have higher capacity than other links, meaning they can carry information at a higher rate. One way to increase capacity is to trunk, or combine, two slower links. A trunk is a link that consists of trunked links.
Packets must often traverse a number of routing nodes when traveling from end point to end point. A routing node has more than one link. It receives a packet on one link and must make a routing decision by selecting which link to forward the packet onto. Routing nodes can use policies to make routing decisions. A policy instructs the routing node to examine various data and make a decision based on that data. One important datum that can be used is which link the packet arrived on. Data can also be obtained from any header field in the packet.
Trunks cause an interesting routing problem. All the trunked links go between the same two network elements. Which one should carry a packet? The solution is to use a load balancing policy to try to ensure that all the trunked links have similar utilization. Utilization is a networking term for the percentage of capacity being used. The current solution is to choose a trunked link based on a hash of the source address and destination address. A hash is a mathematical function that, given an input, produces a seemingly random result. As such, the current solution passes all the packets in a data stream, which go from one particular network element to another, on the same trunked link, even when the other trunked links are completely idle. As such, the trunk links have very dissimilar utilization and the rate at which information traverses the trunk is virtually limited to the capacity of one trunked link.
Based on the foregoing it can be appreciated that in order to overcome the shortcomings of the current methods and systems a need exists for an improved method and system for distributing packets more evenly over a trunk.

Distributing packets more evenly over trunked network links


A caddy for dispensing fiber optic patch cord cables. The device has a housing inside of which a disk is rotatably mounted. A length of patch cord cable is wound around the circumference of the disk and an S-shaped channel is present on one side of the disk. The channel is sized to hold captive a section of the patch cord fiber optic cable, thereby preventing any loss of signal or damage to the patch cord fiber optic cable from undue bending stresses on the cable. The housing has an opening through which the two ends of the patch cord fiber optic cable protrude.

This invention relates to a caddy for storing and dispensing user desired lengths of fiber optic patch cords.
The increasing use of fiber optic communication systems has led to a corresponding increase in the use of temporary connections which are usually effected by the use of fiber optic patch cords. These patch cords typically have a single strand of optical fiber encased in a suitable jacket. Another type of fiber optic patch cord is a ribbon cable having multiple strands of optical fibers.
Patch cords are often used in telecommunication systems where many cables are connected to sockets at the front end panels of equipment. In a research and/or testing environment, there may be multiple numbers of such patch cords connecting multiple types of equipment together. Normally these patch cords come in fixed lengths and these fixed length patch cords can lead to a veritable forest of extra length cord hanging between equipment. Similarly, the fixed length of such patch cords may require multiple patch cords to be connected together to provide the desired length. Because of these concerns, it is often quite difficult to manage such patch cords and their lengths in a research and/or testing environment.
The resulting forest of extra patch cords can lead to some unfortunate results as limbs and equipment can easily get entangled in these cords. Furthermore, the tangled patch cords can make the tracing of connections difficult at best. Additionally, since most patch cords look alike, it can be difficult to ensure that each of the tangled array of patch cords is correctly connected.
From the above, it is therefore clear that a device for managing patch cords is needed. Such a device must be simple to use, convenient to deploy, and easily scalable. It is also a prerequisite that the device shall not damage or unduly stress a patch cord.
The present invention seeks to meet the above need by providing a caddy for dispensing fiber optic patch cord cables. The device has a housing inside of which a disk is rotatably mounted. A length of patch cord cable is wound around the circumference of the disk and an S-shaped channel is present on one side of the disk. The channel is sized to hold captive a section of the patch cord fiber optic cable, thereby preventing any loss of signal or damage to the patch cord fiber optic cable from undue bending stresses on the cable. The housing has an opening through which the two ends of the patch cord fiber optic cable protrude. To use the device, the two ends of the patch cord cable are pulled from the opening of the housing thereby unwinding two lengths of the patch cord cable from the rotatable disk. Suitable means for rewinding the patch cord cable around the disk is provided so that once the user is done with the patch cord cable, the extended length of patch cord cable can be rewound and stored in the device. With this device, a user merely pulls the required length of patch cord cable from the opening and attaches the two ends to the equipment to be coupled together, thereby only using the desired length of patch cord cable. Excess lengths of patch cord cable are thus avoided as the device stores such unwanted lengths of cord within the housing.
In one aspect, the present invention provides a caddy for dispensing and storing a fiber optic patch cord, the cord having two ends, the caddy comprising:
a housing having at least one opening through which the two ends protrude;
a disk inside the housing carrying the cord wound around the circumference of the disk;
pin means rotatably attaching the disk to the housing, the pin means being centrally located on the disk;
disk return means for rotating the disk about the pin means, the disk return means being capable of permitting the disk to rotate in a first direction to dispense the cord from the housing and being capable of permitting the disk to rotate in a second direction to retract the cord back into the housing; and
an S-shaped channel on a first side of the disk retaining a section of the cord placed in the channel such that the section is held captive by the channel;
wherein the or each opening is constructed and arranged to allow the cord to be dispensed and retracted without damage to the cord.


An extension cord connector construction wherein the connector components, including a visual power indicator, are encapsulated within a solid, light-permeable body to form the connector. By suspending the components in this manner, the lamp can be seen from a wide range of viewing angles. Furthermore, the body of the connector acts as a shock absorber or cushion which limits the damaging effects of mechanical stresses and improves the structural integrity of the connections within the connector.

The present invention relates to an extension cord construction and, more particularly, to a durable extension cord connector which provides a visual indication of power availability throughout a wide-range of viewing angles.
For the sake of safety and convenience, it is desirable to know whether an electrical extension cord is being supplied with power. Heretofore, prior electrical connectors have used lamps of the neon variety to visually indicate that power is being supplied to the connector. U.S. Pat. No. 4,671,597 shows an electrical extension cord having a lamp which is provided at the female end of the cord for indicating that power is available. The female end is formed from a multiple part assembly which includes an enclosure within which a lamp is mounted. One side of the enclosure includes a transparent plastic window which permits the lamp to be seen from the outside of the connector. The lamp is illuminated when power is supplied to the female end of the cord.
Such female cord receptacles are disadvantageous in several respects. Light emanating from the lamp is restricted to a single surface or area of the female receptacle housing. This limits the range of angles from which the lamp can be seen. Additionally, the multiple part construction of the female receptacle assembly fails to provide adequate protection to the connections therein from stresses due to mechanical shock. When an extension cord is used in an active work area where the cord is thrown about and handled roughly, the lamp can be vibrated and damaged. Parts of the lamp assembly may become loose and disconnected, or may break. In addition, moisture may find its way into the lamp enclosure and condensate on the viewing window.
It's therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved electrical connector having a visual power indicator.
It is a further object of the present invention to improve the viewability of a visual power indicator disposed within a plug or receptacle electrical connector.
It is a further object of the present invention to increase the mechanical integrity of an electrical connector having a visual power indicator.
It is yet another object of the invention to provide an electrical connector having a shock resistible visual indicator for displaying a power-available indication over a wide range of viewing angles.

Light-permeable extension cord connector


The disclosed safety light is designed to provide automatic operation for lights placed on elastic tires. Wheel (100) comprises a hub (84), a urethane tire (88), and a safety light circuit molded into the urethane tire and hub. The safety light circuit is formed on a circuit board which holds electrical components comprising, a battery (B1), deformation-activated switch (SW1), photo sensor and delay(CDS1, D1, R1, R2, Q1, C1), and illumination devices (LED1 and LED2). Battery(B1) provides electromotive power to operate all circuitry, with switch (SW1), photo sensor CDS1, and illumination devices (LEDp1 and LED2) placed substantially in series electrically. Switch (SW1) is designed to conduct current when a change in deformation or a specified rate-of-change in deformation of the tire material is detected. The photocell (CDS1) signals the photo-sensor to conduct current when photocell (CDS1) detects a sufficiently low level of light. When both switch (SW1) and photo sensor are conducting, current will flow to illumination devices(LED1 and LED2) and provide light output. With a time delay on the photo-sensor, continuous light output can be obtained from illumination devices(LED1 and LED2) even though switch (SW1) only provides an intermittent signal. Because deformation switch (SW1) has a predictable point in its rotation (near the rolling surface) where it is activated, it can be used to control the position where photocell (CDS1) takes its reading of the ambient light conditions. Since most in-line skates have a wheel housing that shrouds the upper portion of the wheels, photocell (CDS1) is placed near switch (SW1) so that it samples ambient light while near the ground and away from the wheel housing and skate shoe.

This invention relates to automatic lighting systems and more specifically to automatic lighting systems for wheels and tires.
The invention disclosed here, distinguishes over the above referenced application with six novel features. First, the disclosed circuit uses a switch that is activated by deformation of the elastic tire material itself. This is not found in the above application and is not shown by any other reference. The use of the deformation-activated switch (or deformation-sensing switch) causes the lighting system to operate due to a completely different set of physical stimuli. Prior art uses sensors to detect motion through acceleration of the wheel. The lighting system disclosed here detects the tire""s interaction with the ground as it rolls, and is actually insensitive to acceleration in general. For proper operation, substantial contact is needed between the elastic tire and the deformation-sensing switch. In all prior art references this is immaterial for proper operation of the lighting system. Second, the use of a delay circuit to slow activation of the illumination system is no longer needed for this new design. This is because the photo-sensing circuit and the deformation-activated switch are placed in close proximity to one another so that the photocell is near the ground and clear of any shadows caused by the skate shoe or wheel housing when the switch activates the circuit to measure ambient light. Prior art either makes no attempt at addressing this problem or uses delay circuits and averaging circuits to try and determine the actual ambient light. The disclosed invention, because of this, is effective at measuring the actual ambient light level. Third, none of the cited references show an illuminated wheel where the activation of the circuit, and subsequent measuring of the ambient light conditions, only occurs over a small portion of the wheel""s rotation. This allows the designer to choose the position of the photocell when detection of light will occur, which in turn allows for optimum operation. Fourth, since the activation of the switch is intermittent, activating once each cycle for a short portion of the wheels rotation, the physical relationship between the switch and photocell is critical. All other prior art use acceleration activated motion sensors which turn on, and remain on, when a wheel is in use. Thus, prior art cannot provide timing for the positioning of the photo sensor so that it properly samples the ambient light conditions. With the disclosed invention the placement of the photocell near the activation switch is very important for proper operation, prior art does not even address such a need. Fifth, the photo sensor does not need a circuit to average the ambient light detected by the photo sensor as in application Ser. No. 09/346,918. It is not needed since the disclosed deformation switch allows sampling to take place only when the photocell is near the ground and unobstructed by the skate shoe and housing. Thus, the xe2x80x9cactualxe2x80x9d ambient light level can be sampled and xe2x80x9cstoredxe2x80x9d for the remainder of the wheel""s revolution. Sixth, the disclosed invention allows precisely timed intermittent illumination of the circuit. The use of a switch that activates upon the deformation of the tire as it contacts the ground allows the activation of the illumination device during a specific portion of the wheel rotation. With this control the illumination device can be made to turn xe2x80x9cONxe2x80x9d only during the portion of its rotation while it is clear of the skate wheel assembly (i.e. the wheel support channel on a roller blade skate), so that light output is used more efficiently. All prior art either activates continuously, or oscillates randomly with respect to the wheel""s rotation.
The use of lights on rotating assemblies, such as, bicycle and roller skate wheel is well known. Most systems for illuminating wheels and toys involve a battery, a manual switch, and an illumination device connected in series. The only problem with these designs is that they must be turned on by the user and also turned off. Since the most likely user of such devices are children, it is unlikely that such a system will be used properly. Either the light is not turned on at dusk or when they are turned-on, the light is not turned-off, thus draining the battery, making it unworkable to permanently seal the circuit within the elastic material.
To get around these problem a number of inventions have been designed which use the rotating motion of the wheel or toy to generate electricity to power the lights. In this way there are no external switches to turn on and off and no batteries to change. An examples of such a generator powered wheel is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,718,499 to Caro for a xe2x80x9cRoller Blade Wheel Lighting Systemxe2x80x9d. However, these systems are complicated, heavy, expensive to build, and are prone to failure under the harsh environment kids place them in. They also create a constant drag on the wheels which is undesirable. These systems also require specially designed skate shoes and attachments which adds to cost. The invention disclosed here does not suffer from these problems and can be used with standard roller skates wheels, standard motor vehicle tires, etc. And because the electronic circuit can be completely sealed inside a polymer or urethane tire, with no moving parts, and no external switches, its reliability is far superior to any of the generator powered designs.
Another way inventors have tried to eliminate the use of external switches is to include an acceleration sensor (i.e. motion sensor, acceleration switch, accelerometer, etc.). By including such a circuit, battery power is conserved because the device only lights when moved at sufficiently high accelerations. The use of acceleration sensors are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,683,164 to Chien for an xe2x80x9cIlluminated Wheelxe2x80x9d, U.S. Pat. No. 5,580,092 to Hsu et al. for a xe2x80x9cRoller Skate Wheel with Light Producing Meansxe2x80x9d, U.S. Pat. No. 5,536,074 to Hsu for a xe2x80x9cLight-Generating Wheel for an In-line Skatexe2x80x9d, U.S. Pat. No. 5,475,572 to Tseng for a xe2x80x9cLight Emitting Roller for Roller Skatesxe2x80x9d, U.S. Pat. No. 5,294,188 to Vancil for an xe2x80x9cIlluminated Roller Skate Wheelxe2x80x9d, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,363,502 to Rakerman for an xe2x80x9cIlluminative Skate Wheelxe2x80x9d. More advanced designs include circuit delays such as that shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,653,523 to Roberts for a xe2x80x9cMiniature Centrifugal Lighting Assemblyxe2x80x9d. In this last design uses a delay circuit to keep the lights on for a short time after motion has stopped. This allow the lights to continue operating even if the user pauses for a moment to rest, but shuts off after a predetermined time period. These designs are all workable systems, but still waste a great deal of battery power during the daytime when the lights are not really needed.
U.S. patent No. 5,803,574 to Szaniszlo shows a safety light for bicycle wheels which uses an acceleration switch and photo sensor to control activation only when sufficiently dark out. The acceleration switch however is unstable and produces different outputs depending on the wheel""s speed of rotation. Because of this instability, a delay circuit is needed to latch the acceleration switch""s contact when it occurs. However, their is no specific point in the rotation that the acceleration switch is activated, thus, the activation point can not be controlled. The disclosed invention keep very precise control over when the circuit is activated and does not depend on the rotation speed of the wheel. Thus, timing can be precisely controlled to place the photocell far away from obstructions that might cause a false reading of ambient light levels (i.e. when a wheel is partially shrouded). This is something Szaniszlo""s design can not do. The disclose invention provides this control by using a deformation-activated sensor which reacts to totally different physical stimuli than an acceleration switch. An acceleration switch requires rotation or vibration of the wheel for activation, while the deformation switch activates from pressure placed on the tire portion of the wheel. Thus, the disclosed invention is immune to jarring and vibration that occurs during shipment. This eliminates the need for an enabling switch that Szaniszlo""s design requires, to prevent draining the battery during shipping and handling. Szaniszlo teaches only the installation of his device on bicycle wheels. While his device could be used other places it would require extensive modifications to be placed within a in-line roller blade wheel and a motor vehicle tire sidewall.
The disclosed invention does not suffer from the above limitations. An automatic deformation-activated switch limits power usage to only times when rolling on a surface, and a photo sensor allows power drain only during times of low ambient light. This combination saves battery power and results in battery use that is over four times less that Roberts centrifugal light design. Even more energy can be saved by not using a delay circuit which results in short bursts of light when the deformation-activated switch is activated each revolution of the tire. Because the battery is easily the most costly part of the entire circuit, the use of a smaller battery can save money and space in the design. In fact, the proposed safety light saves so much power, the circuit can be completely sealed inside a housing and the battery(ies) never need to be changed for the life of the wheel or tire. An in-line roller skate wheel lasts 50 to 200 hours depending on the surface which it is used. If we assume that less than 25 percent of the time it will be used in the dark, an operational battery life of approximately 30 to 50 hours should be sufficient to last the life of the wheel. For an in-line skate wheel this battery life can be achieved by the disclose invention with a single lithium button battery. Without the photo sensor circuit and automatic pressure switch, a roller blade or roller skate wheel would run out of power before the wheel was completely used, or would require a much larger battery(ies), or operate at much lower power which reduces visibility. This is a safety hazard for children since they will in general use the wheel until it is completely wore out. The addition of a photo sensor adds very little to the cost of the circuit, and more than pays for itself by reducing the size of the battery and allowing operation of the wheel during the day without draining the battery.
If a delay circuit is not used in the disclosed invention, the light output will be in short bursts as the deformation-activated switch is pressed. This further extends the life of the battery. Each illumination device may be activated for less than 25% of the wheel""s rotation. Since the activation position can be controlled, all the light output can be emitted so that it is seen, that is, no light is wasted illuminating the inside of a wheel channel or fender. Thus, the circuit can use four times less power or provide illumination that is 4 times brighter than even the Applicants prior art U.S. Pat. No. 6,175,196 xe2x80x9cPhoto-Sensitive Illuminated Skate Wheelxe2x80x9d.
This circuit if mounted in the side walls of car and motorcycle tire would provide good side visibility at night. The placement in motor vehicle tires (cars, motorcycle, 3-wheelers, etc.) could be especially important for motorcycles which are most likely not to be seen at night. By placing a deformation-activated switch in the side-wall of the tire, the circuit can be activated by the change in bending(deformation) of side-wall caused by compression of the tire against the pavement. A modem automotive tire lasts about 50,000 miles. If we assume an average speed of 50 miles per hour this means the tire will last approximately 1,000 hours. If one quarter of this driving occurs at night then only 250 hours of battery life is needed for the lighting system to last the life of the tire. Using a single lithium AA sized battery, such a safety light circuit will provide well over 250 hours of battery life and could even last 1000 hours depending on how the circuit is designed.
The invention disclosed here is especially designed for operation within in-line skate wheels, and motor vehicle tires (car, motorcycle, etc.), though it may also be used in roller skate wheels and other wheels which are constructed of elastic tire materials that are deformed during use. For these types of wheels, the periodic deformation of the wheels as they rotates against the ground can be detected by a properly placed pressure switch, so that the deformation of the elastic tire is detected. This deformation is used to activate a pressure switch which turns on the lighting system to provide a flashing or rotating pattern depending on the circuit""s design. The flashing or rotating pattern easily catches ones eye. The rotating pattern provides easily identified as a rolling vehicle even when no other part of the vehicle can be seen. If the circuit is place in a ball, the deformation of the ball material when bounced against a surface is detected by a pressure switch which activates due to this deformation.
Accordingly, several objects and advantages of this invention are:
a) To use of a deformation-activated switch to eliminates accidental activation due to vibration during transport. The deformation-activated switch is only activated when the wheel is in use and rolling on a surface with pressure.
b) To provide a safety light which allows brighter operation for a given battery size and operational life by reducing actual xe2x80x9cONxe2x80x9d time to only times when: 1) the deformation of the wheel""s tire is detected, and 2) low ambient light is detected.
c) To provide a safety light for a tire which can reliably be activated over a specific arc section in its rotation, while remaining xe2x80x9coffxe2x80x9d during the remainder of the wheel""s revolution.
d) To provide a safety light for a tire, which can: 1) be reliably activated over a specific arc section in its rotation while remaining xe2x80x9coffxe2x80x9d during the remainder of the wheel""s rotation, and 2) be activated only when the safety light detects a substantially dark environment.
e) To provide a safety light which allows brighter operation for a given battery size and operational life by reducing actual xe2x80x9cONxe2x80x9d time to only times when: 1) the deformation of the wheel""s tire is detected, 2) a photocell detects low ambient light levels, and 3) over a specific arc section of rotation so the illumination device is not hidden behind any obstructions while illuminated.
f) To provide ambient light sensing when the deformation-activated switch is activated, which allows the photo-sensor photocell to be at a known position in its rotation when activated. This allows the photo sensor to activate when it is not obstructed by a wheel support or shroud. Thus, the Safety Light circuit can easily detect the true ambient light level.
g) To provide a safety light for a tire, which can: 1) be activated only when the safety light detects a substantially dark environment and 2) activate and remain xe2x80x9conxe2x80x9d for a specified time after the deformation sensor detects deformation of the tire. Thus, the illumination of the system has a delay that keeps it xe2x80x9conxe2x80x9d for a short time after the deformation sensor no longer detects deformation of the tire.
h) To provide detection of rate of-change in deformation of an elastic tire for sending an xe2x80x9cONxe2x80x9d signal that a wheel or tire is rolling on a surface. This mode of detection is especially important for automotive tires where the vehicle""s weight is always present that can deform the tire. Thus, by detecting the rate-of-change in deformation, instead of a specific amount of deformation, an automotive tire can be park on the deformation-sensing switch side of the tire without causing the deformation switch to stay activated.
i) To provide a safety light for a tire, which can: 1) be activated only when the safety light detects a substantially dark environment and 2) be activate only while a significantly high rate-of-change in deformation of the tire is detected. Thus, the illumination of the system is active only in the dark and while the deformation sensor detects a significantly high rate-of-change in deformation of the tire.
j) To provide a safety light for a tire, which can: 1) be activated only when the safety light detects a substantially dark environment and 2) be activate and remain xe2x80x9conxe2x80x9d for a specified time by the deformation sensor detecting a significantly high rate-of-change in deformation of the tire. Thus, the illumination of the system has a delay that keeps it xe2x80x9conxe2x80x9d for a short time after the deformation sensor no longer detects the high rate-of-change in deformation of the tire.
k) To provide a safety light compact enough to fit within an in-line roller skate wheel, and illuminating the wheel only when used in the dark.
l) To provide a means for using a much smaller battery than would normally be possible, where substantial reductions in power consumption is achieved by limiting activation of the safety light to only times when the wheel is in use and also in a dark environment.
m) To provide a safety light for wheels that is highly reliable, and automatically activating when needed.
n) To provide a safety light compact enough to fit in within the side-wall of a motor vehicle wheel to provide side lighting when in use, and able to detect deformation of the tire sidewall.
o) To eliminate external switches and eliminate the need to change batteries, whereby the Safety Light can be completely sealed within its housing to provide a water-tight and airtight enclosure.
p) To provide a circuit that can withstand the injection molding process of molding the tire section around it. Insulation is used to help protect sensitive components from the heat.
q) To provide focused LED light from the sides of the wheel so that people viewing from the side of the wheel will see vary bright light output.
r) To provide an automatic battery-powered lighting systems for wheels where the battery lasts the life of the device.
s) To use Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) to provide efficient light production to further extending battery life.
t) To provide the combination of high efficiency LEDs and Lithium battery which makes a very compact lighting system with an exceptionally long operational life.
u) To provide a delayed turn-off of safety light illumination when deformation of the tire is no longer detected, thus providing safety illumination even when the user momentarily stops.
v) To provide a saftey light circuit for tires that detects the state-change of a deformation-sensing switch. When the switch changes state (conductive to nonconductive, or nonconductive to conductive) due to deformation of an elastic tire, and is in a dark environment, the circuit is activated to provide illumination. This mode of detection is especially important for automotive tires where the vehicle""s weight is always present to deform the tire. Thus, by using the switching of the switch, instead of the state of the switch, an automotive tire can be park on the deformation-sensing switch side of the tire without causing the deformation switch to stay activated.
w) To provide a safety light for a tire, which can: 1) be activated only when the safety light detects a substantially dark environment and 2) be activate only for a predetermined amount of time after a deformation-sensing switch changes state. Thus, the illumination of the system is active only in the dark and for a time after the deformation sensing switch changes state.
x) To provide a safety light for a tire, which can: 1) be activated only when the safety light detects a substantially dark environment and 2) be activate by a deformation-sensing switch and 3) after being activated slowly shutoff independent of the final state of the switch.

Deformation-activated safety light for elastic tires