A method of enhancing heterologous protein secretion in a yeast cell is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprising the steps of engineering a yeast cell to overexpress at last one gene selected from the group consisting of CCW12, CWP2, SED1, RPP0, ERO1 and their homologs, supplying the yeast cell with a nucleic acid encoding a heterologous protein and obtaining increased expression of the heterologous protein, wherein the expression is increased relative to the protein expression in a yeast cell that does not overexpress a gene selected from the group consisting of CCW12, CWP2, SED1, RPP0, ERO1 and their homologs.

Difficulties related to heterologous protein production often limit the development of industrial and therapeutic protein products (Gerngross, T. U. 2004. Nat Biotechnol 22:1409-14). The yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, frequently serves as a reasonable host for heterologous protein expression since this eukaryote contains much of the cellular machinery necessary to process mammalian proteins, while also being a generally regarded as safe (GRAS) organism that is easily cultured. Yet with all of these purported advantages, heterologous protein expression in yeast, in many instances, is far from optimal with yields as low as micrograms per liter (Huang, D., et al. 2006. Appl Environ Microbiol., Vol. 72, 12:099-2240; Shusta, E. V. et al. 1998. Nat Biotechnol 16:773-7). However, yeast protein production capacity in general terms is much higher given the ability to secrete certain proteins at levels approaching a gram per liter (Antoniukas, L., et al. 2006. J Biotechnol 124:347-62, 25).
The wide range of expression levels for differing protein products raises the important question as to whether cell- or protein-based factors are limiting expression. Protein engineering of a desired product has been employed to increase yeast secretion levels of various heterologous proteins including insulin precursor (Kjeldsen, T., et al. 2002. J Biol Chem 277:18245-8), barley α-amylase 2 (Fukuda, K., et al. 2005. Protein Eng Des Sel 18:515-26), and scTCR (Shusta, E. V., et al. 2000. Nat Biotechnol 18:754-9). However, this approach is highly protein-specific, introduces the possibility of deleterious functional and immunogenic alterations, and provides no guarantee of success.
As an alternative to engineering of the protein product, the host cell can be altered. Often, the host cell is subjected to multiple rounds of random mutagenesis and selection to provide for the desired increases in protein production. Although this approach can be successful, identification of the actual genetic alterations leading to increased production levels is difficult, even with the use of gene microarray analyses. As a contrasting approach, the folding and secretion apparatus of yeast can be rationally tuned by overexpression or deletion of target genes thought to play a role in protein secretion. A nonexhaustive list of examples includes the overexpression of BiP yielding increased production of scFv (Shusta, E. V., et al. 1998. Nat Biotechnol 16:773-7), and scTCR (Shusta, E. V., et al. 2000. Nat Biotechnol 18:754-9); overexpression of protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) increasing yields of scFv (Shusta, E. V., et al. 1998. Nat Biotechnol 16:773-7), granulocyte colony stimulating factor (Zhang, W., et al. 2006. Biotechnol Prog 22:1090-5), and acid phosphatase (Robinson, A. S., et al. 1994. Biotechnology (N Y) 12:381-4); and deletion of the Golgi-resident calcium ATPase, PMR1, increasing the production yields of prochymosin (Harmsen, M. M., et al. 1996. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 46:365-70) and propapain (Ramjee, M. K., et al. 1996. Protein Eng 9:1055-61).
However, this semi-rational approach requires preliminary knowledge of potential gene targets. In addition, many of the genetic manipulations prove to be protein-specific (Butz, J. A., et al. 2003. Biotechnol Bioeng 84:292-304; Valkonen, M., et al. 2003. Appl Environ Microbiol 69:2065-72), and owing to the discrete sampling approach of this methodology, only a limited subset of yeast sequence space has been investigated. This presents a problem as a comprehensive understanding of the molecular players of the secretory pathway does not yet exist. For example the ER-associated unfolded protein response has been shown to specifically regulate the expression of 381 genes that are involved in functions ranging from transcription, folding, posttranslational modification, and vesicular trafficking, and successful mining of these pathways using a "molecule at a time" approach, although possible, is not desirable (Travers, K. J., et al. 2000. Cell 101:249-58).
Yeast gene libraries that allow either overexpression or deletion of each of the approximately 6000 yeast gene products are available and could allow secretion analysis on a genome-wide scale that could prove beneficial for discovering multiple gene products that improve the secretory processing of proteins (Davydenko, S. G., et al. 2004. Yeast 21:463-71; Yaver, D. S., et al. 2000. Fungal Genet Biol 29:28-37). However, identifying improved yeast secretion strains requires quantitative measurement of secreted proteins by methods such as Western blotting or ELISA that tend to be prohibitive on a genome-wide scale. An alternative method that is suitable for high throughput single clone analysis is yeast surface display. Yeast surface display is accomplished by fusion of the protein of interest to an endogenous yeast protein that is shuttled through the secretory pathway and "displayed" on the yeast cell surface. Importantly, it was recently demonstrated that the surface display level of a series of mutant scTCR proteins correlated well with soluble secretion levels (Shusta, E. V., et al. 2000. Nat Biotechnol 18:754-9; Shusta, E. V., et al. 1999. J Mol Biol 292:949-56) and suggested that yeast surface display level could be used as a readout for secretion efficiency. Thus, capture of the secreted fusion protein on the surface of the cell of origin would provide a genotype-phenotoype linkage between the engineered yeast cell and protein production level. Combined with quantitative flow cytometric sorting of displaying yeast, the improved secretion strains could be evaluated on a single cell basis in rapid fashion.
We disclose herein that the yeast surface display-gene library approach was successful in identifying improved secretion strains provided an appropriate selection pressure was used. Several yeast genes that could not have been predicted a priori to impact expression were identified as suitable for enhancing the expression of heterologous proteins in a yeast cell.

Methods of enhanced heterologous protein secretion


A method and mobile terminal for communicating with a smart card. The method includes transmitting, to the smart card, terminal profile information; receiving, from the smart card, a geographical location request for acquiring a current geographical location based on the terminal profile information; and transmitting, to the smart card, a terminal response indicating whether the geographical location request has been successfully processed. The mobile terminal processes only one of multiple geographical location requests based on a receiving order, when the multiple geographical location requests are received from the smart card. When the geographical location request has not been successfully processed, the terminal response includes one of reason information among: first reason information indicating that acquiring the current geographical location is beyond capabilities of the mobile terminal, and second reason information indicating that the mobile terminal is currently unable to acquire the current geographical location.

Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for obtaining location information using a smart card.
Discussion of the Related Art
Mobile terminals such as smart phones, etc. are being developed with the increased capabilities for providing various services and functionalities which are user-friendly. Among the capabilities, the mobile terminal may include a removable storage device such as a smart card (e.g., a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card or USIM (Universal Subscriber Identity Module) card), which stores data, which can be read contactlessly by an external contactless reader. The smart cards generally use a UICC (Universal Integrated Circuit Card) platform that supports telecommunication applications.
In addition to the mobile terminals, other peripheral devices have also gained much popularity. For instance, a GPS device which can be installed in a vehicle or other locations can provide accurate and current geographical location information of an entity (e.g., vehicle) at which the GPS device is installed. However, when the GPS device is connected to the mobile terminal 100, the location information provided by the GPS device can not be proactively requested or obtained by the smart card associated with the mobile terminal. This is because there is no defined interface for providing the smart card and smart-card based applications with the location information generated by the GPS device.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Method and apparatus for obtaining location information using smart card


Apparatus for loading and unloading objects including a first carriage; apparatus for moving the first carriage back and forth in a straight line in a first plane between a first position and second position; a second carriage; and apparatus for moving the second carriage back and forth between the first position and the second position such that, when the first carriage is in the first position, the second carriage is in the second position and, as the first carriage moves to the second position, the second carriage moves out of the first plane, then back into the first plane and into the first position.

Palletized loads are often loaded and unloaded using a plurality of carriages that alternate between two positions on a continuous looped track, which may be either in a horizontal plane (like a racetrack) or in a vertical plane (like a ferris wheel). While both these lay outs are relatively simple mechanically, then consume a relatively large amount of floor space. Accordingly, a need has been apparent for apparatus for alternating a plurality of carriages between two positions that would consume less floor space, even at the cost of some increase in the complexity of the mechanisms involved.


An optical device of the present invention comprises an image sensing device, a package for accommodating the image sensing device, the package including an opening of a square configuration as viewed in plan, and an optical low-pass filter having square-shaped major surfaces and fixed in the opening by means of a UV-curable adhesive. The optical low-pass filter comprises a 45-degree splitting birefringent plate which is machine-cut in such a manner as to split an incident beam in a direction of 45 degrees and to form a two-point split pattern. The optical low-pass filter is formed with a color compensation filter and/or an anti-reflection filter, and further provided with a UV transmission area (e.g. notches, angular grooves) for curing the UV-curable adhesive.

In an optical device used for a common video camera, solid-state image sensing device are arranged along the optical axis in the order of, from the object side, a combined optical system, an optical low-pass filter, a color separation filter, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), an MOS (Metal Oxide Semiconducter), etc. Among these elements which constitute an optical device, the optical low-pass filter serves to filter optical spurious signals detected by an image sensing device, thereby preventing deterioration of the image quality of the video camera. Conventionally, if the color information of an object resembles the pixel pitch of the image sensing device like the CCD (for example, in the case of plaid), when such an object is recorded, spurious signals which are different from the actual image information may be generated in the image sensing device, which causes the colors of an output image to blur (Moire phenomenon). The optical low-pass filter is employed to cut off and attenuate the spatial frequency components associated with such spurious signals. Recently, miniaturized video cameras, etc., which contain smaller space for accommodating the optical device, have created a demand for housing the optical device effectively in a limited accommodation space. For example, in the disclosure of Japanese Patent Laid-open Publication No. S59-11085, the package for accommodating the CCD is directly sealed with an optical low-pass filter, without a cover. Incidentally, electronic still cameras are employed for image acquisition by a personal computer or for a videophone. As the CCD to be used in this application, pixels are arranged on a square lattice, in an equal pitch both horizontally and vertically.
With regard to the CCD for electronic still cameras, the optical low-pass filter employed with the CCD should be made in a square shape that matches the shape of the CCD. Besides, when the optical low-pass filter is mounted, it should be correctly oriented lengthwise and widthwise. If the length and width of the optical low pass filter is wrongly oriented, it cannot ensure desired filter characteristics nor remove spurious signals, only to provide a defective product. In order to indicate the correct lengthwise/widthwise orientation, traditional technologies include a marking step of forming the optical low-pass filter with a notch or the like in the direction of the optical axis. However, this additional step has inevitably raised the cost.
On the other hand, the optical device has been investigated for another use as a simple camera at the mobile terminal. In this case, the camera incorporates only the necessary parts among the above-mentioned optical device elements (i.e. combined optical system and solid-state image sensing device). The optical device for this application is generally equipped with a cover. The cover is fitted with a step which is formed at the opening in the package and which has a shape fittable with the cover.
From another aspect, the solid-state image sensing device particularly tends to produce unnatural colors, owing to the transmission of infrared rays. For this reason, the package for accommodating the solid-state image sensing device is made of a non-light-transmissive material, and the cover is provided with an IR-cut coating. In this structure, the step and the cover are attached by a UV-curable resin adhesive, so as to shorten the temporary curing time and thus to avoid the adverse influence by heat.
Although this optical device has the arrangement for cutting off the infrared rays, the IR-cut coating applied to the cover also shuts off ultraviolet rays. After all, the UV-curable resin adhesive used for attachment of the step and the cover cannot be cured enough, resulting in sealing failure at the cover.
In order to deal with this problem, traditional technologies have made some considerations. In one arrangement, a mask jig is placed on the cover, so that the IR-cut coating is deposited except where the UV-curable resin adhesive is applied. Alternatively, a thermosetting resin adhesive is employed instead of the UV-curable resin adhesive.
Nevertheless, the former arrangement increases the production steps, because the covers need to be processed one by one. Besides, the mask should be individually prepared for covers of various sizes. In the end, the former arrangement shows poor production efficiency, despite the inevitable cost increase. As for the latter arrangement, the thermosetting resin adhesive requires a few minutes for temporary curing, whereas the UV-curable resin adhesive cures in just a few seconds. Under longer exposure to heat, the solid-state image sensing device cannot avoid unfavorable influence by heat.
The present invention is to solve the above-mentioned various problems concerning the optical devices.
The first object is to provide an optical device which can reduce the weight and size of the optical device, which can be produced easily, unaffected by the lengthwise/widthwise orientation of mounting the optical low-pass filter, and which does not degrade the filter function of the optical low-pass filter.
The second object is to provide an optical device which can protect the solid-state image sensing device from the adverse influence caused by infrared rays, and which can be sealed precisely.


An active-energy-ray-curable composition including at least one monofunctional (meth)acrylate, at least one multifunctional (meth)acrylate, and at least one chlorinated-olefin-structure-containing polymer.

Field of the Invention
The present disclosure relates to active-energy-ray-curable compositions, active-energy-ray-curable ink compositions, composition stored containers, two-dimensional or three-dimensional image forming apparatuses, methods for forming two-dimensional or three-dimensional images, cured products, and laminated cured products.
Description of the Related Art
Photopolymerizable inkjet inks containing (meth)acrylic acid esters are widely known (see Japanese Translation of PCT International Application Publication No. JP-T-2004-526820). In addition, it is also known that photopolymerizable inks containing polymer components can impart various functions to coating films (see Japanese Examined Patent Publication No. 07-10894).
One advantage of incorporating polymer components is that sufficient close adhesiveness can be ensured to, for example, substrates containing plastic materials, the substrates being difficult for liquid to permeate, relatively having a smooth surface, and difficultly retaining close adhesiveness to coating films. However, in cases where a photopolymerizable inkjet ink contains polymer components, viscosity of the ink considerably becomes high due to the polymer components contained in the ink. Therefore, if monomer materials to be used as base materials in the photopolymerizable inkjet ink do not have low viscosity, it is difficult to lower viscosity of the photopolymerizable inkjet ink containing polymer components in such a range that the ink can be ejected. The substrates having poor adhesiveness (e.g., polypropylene) are generally subjected to surface treatment such as the corona discharge surface treatment. However, these surface treatments may be difficult to conduct under the restricted conditions of devices and workplaces. Therefore, it is desired to ensure close adhesiveness to substrates having poor adhesiveness (e.g., polypropylene) that are not surface-treated.

Active-energy-ray-curable composition, active-energy-ray-curable ink composition, composition stored container, two-dimensional or three-dimensional image forming apparatus, method for forming two-dimensional or three-dimensional image, cured product, and laminated cured product


An apparatus and a method for synthesizing a MIDI based on a wave table are provided. According to the method, sound samples of a plurality of instruments stored in a wave table are compressed and stored so as to reduce the storage space required by the wave table. Bit streams for the samples are decoded to synthesize a MIDI when a specific instrument's sound samples are requested.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for synthesizing a musical instrument digital interface (MIDI), and more particularly, to an apparatus and a method for synthesizing a MIDI that is based on a wave table and is capable of compressing and storing sound samples of one or more instruments in the wave table.
2. Description of the Related Art
A MIDI is a standard protocol for data communication between electronic musical instruments. The MIDI is a standard specification for hardware and data structures that provide compatibility between inputs and outputs of musical instruments or between musical instruments and computers through a digital interface. Accordingly, devices having the MIDI can share information because the data created are compatible.
The MIDI contains information regarding how instrument sounds should be expressed as well as basic musical information such as the type of instruments producing sounds, a tone level, and a tone length.
Methods for synthesizing a real sound using a multimedia device on the basis of musical information are roughly divided into a frequency modulation (FM) type method and a wave table type method.
The FM type method extracts frequency information related to a sound that a specific musical instrument should produce and generates signals for the frequency when synthesizing a sound. However, the FM type method is limited to generating certain sounds and the generated sound is quite different from the real sound.
To overcome these disadvantages, a method for recording a real sound and using the recorded sound as a sound source has been developed; wave table type method. The wave table type method obtains and stores samples of sounds actually played for each musical instrument in advance and processes a specific instrument's stored sound samples according to musical information included in a MIDI file in order to synthesize a sound.
Processing stored sound samples according to the musical information contained in the MIDI file to synthesize a sound is generally referred to as MIDI synthesis. Therefore, processing stored sound samples according to the musical information contained in a MIDI file stored in a wave table in order to synthesize a sound is referred to as MIDI synthesis based on a wave table.
When synthesizing a MIDI using the wave table type method, samples of a sound actually played for each instrument are used. Therefore, a tone level is modulated, a tone length is changed, and a tone expression is applied on the basis of musical information described in the MIDI file, thereby producing a sound.
When an instrument's sound samples are obtained and stored in the wave table, articulation data such as variations of the sample sounds in time and fine variations of a frequency are additionally stored. When a sound is synthesized, the articulation data is utilized so that a sound is properly produced.
The wave table used in MIDI synthesis has a predetermined type so as to maintain compatibility between many synthesis apparatus. A downloadable sound (DLS) type is generally used.
A wave table storage format of the DLS type prescribes in what form information of an instrument's sound samples and articulation data are stored. Specifically, the wave table storage format of the DLS type prescribes that an instrument's sound samples are stored in a wave format, which is an audio-data-storing format.
As described above, the conventional wave table type MIDI synthesis method requires that an instrument's sound samples actually be played, thereby requiring a large storage space. The wave table type method requires fewer operations than the FM type synthesis method but requires more storage space in synthesizing a sound. Therefore, it is difficult to perform a MIDI synthesis in a small apparatus having limited storage space.
There is a need for a MIDI synthesis operation and method that is adaptable to a small apparatus leaving limited storage space. The present invention addresses these and other needs.

Apparatus and method for synthesizing MIDI based on wave table


A harness for securing a hand to a ski-pole grip, the harness including a thumb hole, a protector element extending from an area between a thumb and a forefinger of the hand to a wrist area, surrounding at least partially a thumb-side outer edge of the hand, and at least one wrist-encircling tightening strap, wherein the protector is provided with at least one adjustment strap, extending in a substantially wrist-encircling direction and fitted with a fastening buckle which is intended for cooperation with the tightening strap and whose position along the adjustment strap is adjustable longitudinally of the adjustment strap according to a size of the hand.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a harness-like fastening means for securing the hand to the grip of a ski pole, said fastening means including a thumb hole, a protector element extending from the area between the thumb and forefinger to the wrist area, surrounding at least partially the thumb-side outer edge of the hand, and a wrist-encircling tightening strap.
2. Description of the Background Art
The present Applicant's earlier Finnish design registration M19033 discloses this type of harness-like fastening means. FIG. 1 illustrates schematically a harness-like fastening means as set forth in the cited design registration. As shown in FIG. 1, the fastening means 1 includes a thumb hole 2 and a protector element 4 which extends from the area between the thumb and forefinger to the wrist area and surrounds at least partially the thumb-side outer edge of the hand. From one edge of the protector element 4 extends a tightening strap 5 intended for extending around the wrist on the side of the wrist opposite to the protector element 4. The protector element 4 has its top portion (in the operative position of the fastening means 1 shown in FIG. 1) fitted with a fastening buckle 6, the tip of the tightening strap 5 extending through a slot therein so as to be foldable back on itself. In order to secure it, the tightening strap 5 is provided with hook and loop fasteners 5a. The fastening means is attached to a ski-pole grip 3 at an anterior area 9 of the thumb hole 2. One drawback in this type of solution is that the fastening means must be manufactured in a wide variety of sizes according to the size of a user's hand.

Means for fastening the hand to a ski pole


A supply of labels may be configured to facilitate folding. A label handling method involves initiating a label fold prior to a label completely exiting a label exit opening. A label apparatus includes a label obstructing member to promote label folding.

The perishable foods sections of most supermarkets and grocery stores such as the meat department, bakery, deli and produce department, typically include one or more in-store scales having printers for printing labels with item name, weight or count, and price information. The labels are then applied to the packaged items. Many such printers are provided as part of in-store scales or systems including scales.
Increasingly, in-store equipment such as scales/scale systems may include a communications link for receiving information from sites external to the store. As used herein the term scale system refers to any scale device or any larger device that includes a scale, such as a weigh/wrap machine.
It is known to provide coupon dispensing printers at the point of sale in supermarkets and groceries. Typically such coupon dispensers print coupon or other incentive information on paper stock based upon purchases made or not made by the consumer. Product manufacturers, distributors, advertisers and store operators are continually looking for new and improved ways to market and advertise products within the store. Accordingly, using in-store scales to produce product pricing labels having a detachable coupon part pursuant to the teachings contained in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2004/0211600 A1 provides various advantages. As described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2004/0211600 A1 in one technique a label output from the scale may have a detachable coupon part with a fold line that allows a coupon bar code to be folded under the label so that the coupon bar code faces downward against a package to which the label is subsequently applied. It would be desirable to provide a label structure, technique and apparatus for facilitating this folding operation.

Label supply, label handling method and label printing apparatus


An electronic value transferring device such as a high speed and large capacity computer or mobile terminal device is disclosed that can function as a contactless IC card performing electronic value operations. The device is connectable to an IC card that performs electronic value operations, and includes a microprocessor for transmitting and receiving data to and from the IC card: an interface circuit for providing an IC card interface to allow the IC card to send and receive electronic values to and from other IC cards by radio; an antenna; and the microprocessor having a memory for temporarily storing plural electronic values.

Valuable physical papers such as concert tickets, train tickets, air tickets and so on are very convenient transaction media, which are physically exchanged for transactions. However, these valuable papers are easily copied and forged, and therefore a new alternative electronic transaction media is desired.
FIG. 1 generally shows a distribution platform in which contactless IC cards are used for distributing electronic values. Electronic values are stored in memories in IC cards, and when a user receives an electronic value from a server or exchanges it with another user, IC cards perform authentication directly with each other and directly exchange an electronic value without going via a server or a terminal memory.
A generating server 11 generates electronic values by request and stores them in an IC card 10 provided in the generating server 11. The generated and stored electronic values are transmitted to an issuing server 13 by request. The issuing server 13 has an IC card 12 connected thereto, which has dual contact and contactless interfaces for storing electronic values. The electronic values transmitted from the generating server 11 are forwarded to the IC card 12 connected to the issuing server 13, and stored in an EEPROM in the IC card 12.
A user uses a mobile phone 43 to send information of a ticket he wants to buy, to a sales server 15, where settlement processing is done. The requested issuing server 13 issues an electronic value to the user's mobile phone 43. When issuing the electronic value, the IC card 12 performs direst authentication with an IC card 42 in the mobile phone 43, and the issues the electronic value.
Alternatively, the user can bring an IC card 52 to the sales server 13, and pay a charge to have an electronic value issued and transferred to the IC card 52. That is, the IC card 12 in the sales server 13 can contactless-communicate directly with the IC card 52 and transfer electronic values.
How to transfer an electronic value is as follows. The IC card 12 in the issuing server 13, and the IC card 42 in the user's mobile phone 43 or the IC card 52 establish radio communication, perform authentication directly with each other, and after authentication the IC card 12 sends the electronic value directly to the IC card 42, 52. After the electronic value is transferred to the IC card 42, 52, the user can use the electronic value in situ. For example, the user can pass through an entrance to a train station, or go into a concert theater, etc. Once the user uses the electronic value, it is gone (deleted).
According to a platform like this, it is possible to avoid problems such as copying, losing and altering electronic values, or inconsistency (the existence of two same electronic values at transmitter and receiver.). That is, by employing a platform like the above, electronic values can be distributed safely and surely, to realize transaction of electronic values on a digital network.
FIG. 2 shows an example of the contactless IC card 12, 42, 52 that performs electronic value operations. The IC card 22 shown in FIG. 2 is a network-compatible card having an encrypting function. An IC chip 20 built into the IC card 22 includes a microprocessor 28 having a CPU 21, a ROM 27, a RAM 23 and an EEPROM 25. Received electronic value data are stored in the EEPROM 25. The IC chip further includes an RF interface circuit 24. The IC chip 20 establishes ISO 14443 contactless communication with external devices via a built-in antenna 26 which is normally a coil antenna. After the establishment of the contactless communication, received data are sent from the RF interface circuit 24 to the microprocessor 28. The microprocessor 28 processes and stores the received data. When transmitting, after the establishment of the contactless communication, an electronic value is transmitted from the microprocessor 28 via the antenna 26 to the outside. In this manner, it is realized to send and receive electronic values. It is normal to provide power to the IC chip 20 from the outside via the antenna 26.
These kinds of contactless IC cards have individual IDs. When transacting information among IC cards, first they establish contactless-communication directly with each other if they are in proximity with each other, and they establish communication utilizing another communication medium if they are away from each other. Next, they perform authentication with each other using their IDs. After authentication, they send and receive data directly with each other. When transacting electronic values between two IC cards in this manner, servers and mobile phones are merely communication media. IC cards authenticate directly with each other, and transact electronic values between memories in the IC cards. The mobile terminal device into which the IC card is inserted merely provides the communicating medium or displays or selects processing, but does not perform actual encryption, authentication or transaction of values.
By the way, the issuing server 13 functions equivalent to real world sales organizations, and sometimes has to sell a large amount of electronic values. In this case, an IC card 12 by itself does not have enough memory capacity or a high enough CPU speed to store and send a large amount of electronic values at the same time. When some user stores a large amount of electronic values and transmits them to other users, the IC card itself has similar capacity problems.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publications 2000-113148 and 2000-172814 disclose prior contact/contactless combination IC cards.

Electronic value transfer device equipped with non-contact IC interface


Provided are embodiments for determining solenoid plunger position by performing a method which includes generating, by a first signal circuit, a first signal based at least in part on a pull-in current value of a current applied to a solenoid coil of a solenoid. The method further includes generating, by a second signal circuit, a second signal by applying a time delay to the first signal. The method further includes comparing, by a comparator circuit, the first signal and the second signal to determine whether a plunger of the solenoid has moved within the solenoid from a first position to a second position. The method further includes, responsive to determining that the plunger of the solenoid has moved within the solenoid from the first position to the second position, reducing the current applied to the solenoid coil of the solenoid from the pull-in current value to a hold current value.

Embodiments described herein generally relate to drive circuits, and more specifically to a system and method for determining solenoid plunger position of a current controlled solenoid using position feedback.
A solenoid is an electromechanical device that transduces or changes an electrical signal, which is input to the wire coil of the solenoid, into a corresponding mechanical movement of a metallic device, such as a rod, disposed within the coil. The electrical current flowing through the wire coil creates a magnetic field that either attracts or repels the metallic device. The metallic device is typically connected to a mechanical device, such as an actuator, which is physically moved along with the metallic device of the solenoid by the magnetic field.
Solenoids are commonly used in a wide range of both commercial and military devices. For example, solenoids are used on aircraft to control various mechanical devices and variables.

Determine solenoid plunger position of a current controlled solenoid using position feedback


The fabrication an NMOS device featuring a shallow source/drain region, performed as part of an integrated process sequence employed to integrate the fabrication of other type devices with the fabrication of the NMOS device, has been developed. A critical feature of the integrated process sequence is the formation of the shallow source/drain region of the NMOS accomplished after formation of the other type devices, thus reducing the risk of exposure of the shallow source/drain region to possible damaging procedures used for the other type devices. In addition the process used to remove a photoresist shape, used to protect the completed other type devices from the shallow source/drain ion implantation procedure, has been modified again to reduce possible damage to the shallow source/drain region. The flow of CF4 in the plasma tool during the photoresist removing plasma ashing procedure, as well as the length of the post-plasma ashing wet clean procedure, have both been reduced resulting in reduced exposure of the shallow source/drain region to these procedures.

(1) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to methods used to fabricate semiconductor devices, and more specifically to a method used to integrate the formation of a shallow junction N channel metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (NMOS) device with the fabrication of other type devices, without damaging a shallow source/drain region of the NMOS device.
(2) Description of Prior Art
For performance enhancement as well as for fabrication cost reductions several different type devices are being incorporated in a single semiconductor chip. For example complimentary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) devices comprised with both NMOS as well as P channel metal oxide semiconductor (PMOS), devices, can be formed in an integrated process sequence that also allows the formation of an electro-static discharge (ESD) device to be realized. The increased communication between the devices, all located on the same semiconductor chip, results in less wiring and thus decreased resistance and increased performance when compared to counterpart configurations wherein all devices are not on the same semiconductor chip necessitating additional resistive interconnects. In addition fabrication costs are reduced via sharing of specific process steps during the fabrication of the devices.
The ability to obtain desired device characteristics for a specific device, such as an NMOS device used for logic or memory applications, can be influenced by the process sequence chosen for the fabrication of the various devices. For example an NMOS device to be used for logic applications can be designed as a narrow channel length device with a shallow source/drain region. To obtain a shallow source/drain region a low energy ion implantation procedure is employed placing N type dopants near the surface of a semiconductor substrate. If after the NMOS source/drain implantation step other process steps are employed for attainment of other type devices, a portion of the NMOS source/drain dopants located near the surface of the semiconductor substrate can be damaged or removed. This invention will teach a process sequence for the fabrication of several type devices on the same semiconductor chip featuring a source/drain region of an NMOS type device formed after specific process steps for the other type have already been performed. In addition specific process conditions employed after formation of the NMOS source/drain region are altered to reduce the risk of damage or removal of a portion of the already formed NMOS source/drain region. Prior art such as Alvis et al, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,455,385 B1, as well as Doris et al, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,509,221 B1, have described methods of forming CMOS devices as well as optimizing source/drain implantation conditions. However none of the prior art describe the novel process sequence and process steps featured in the present invention allowing the fabrication of a shallow source/drain NMOS device to be integrated with the fabrication of other device types such as a PMOS, a P type I/O and an ESD device.

Method of integrating the formation of a shallow junction N channel device with the formation of P channel, ESD and input/output devices

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company


Bird droppings on the propellers and tail sections of parked aircraft are substantially prevented by mounting the present apparatus on the horizontal surfaces thereof which normally present suitable bird perches, the present apparatus having one or more upwardly extending peaked portions which provide no approximately horizontal perchable surface to birds, thereby substantially eliminating accumulation of bird droppings on the supporting structural components of the aircraft.

The present invention relates generally to covers, guards and other protective devices designed specifically for airplanes and, more particularly, to a novel device or apparatus which is effective to prevent accumulation of bird droppings on exterior structural surfaces of airplanes, especially propellers and tail sections.
Despite the transition of commercial aircraft over recent decades to jet engine propulsion, a sizable proportion of privately owned aircraft as well as commercial commuter aircraft continues to be powered by propeller-based engines. One of the problems experienced with such aircraft is the tendency of birds to perch on the propellers and tail sections of such aircraft when parked. Birds tend to perch only on substantially horizontal surfaces and, thus, accumulation of bird droppings on airplane propellers can be reduced somewhat by positioning a propeller in a vertical position when an airplane is parked but, nevertheless, birds will still tend to perch on the upwardly facing tip of the propeller. Quite obviously, there is no similar way of reducing the tendency of birds to perch on the upwardly facing edge of an airplane's tail section.

Apparatus for preventing bird droppings on an exterior structural surface of an airplane


Methods, apparatuses, and devices, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media for displaying webpage content are provided. One of the methods includes: receiving an access request of a first user to access a webpage; determining webpage content according to the access request of the first user; determining a second user identifier comprised in the webpage content based on the webpage content; determining a presentation identifier from one or more presentation identifiers corresponding to the second user according to the determined second user identifier and the webpage content, wherein the one or more presentation identifiers are configured to identify the corresponding second user; and returning the webpage content to the first user, wherein the webpage content comprises the determined presentation identifier corresponding to the determined second user identifier.

With the rapid development of the Internet, the Internet has become an indispensable part of people's life. For example, more and more people can check news through the Internet, communicate with others through the Internet, or even shop through the Internet. However, existing display manners lack variety; especially, when it comes to display of titles, titles displayed on different pages are generally the same, or a displayed title is very different from cognition of an accessing user, resulting in inaccurate information transmission. The user often finds it hard to accurately understand specific information in the access content, and on this premise, the user will often interrupt access or perform repeated access. In this way, the prior art not only has the disadvantage of inaccurate information transmission, but may also cause a resource waste for a computer system or an Internet system.

Method and server for displaying access content


A system and method reduce starting torque for initial rotational displacement and assure smoothness of motion for continuing displacement of a rotary joint. A rotary joint (either cylindrical or spherical) has a first annular joint member and a second annular joint member separated by a fluid-filled annulus. The second annular joint member is adapted for rotary motion with respect to the first annular joint member. A module fluidly communicating with the fluid-filled annulus creates vibratory micro motions in the fluid of the fluid-filled annulus which is between a pair of seals extending between the first annular joint member and the second annular joint member. The vibratory micro motions induce micro motions in the seals of the rotary joint. The micro motions in the seals reduce the initial torque for the initial displacement and assure smoothness of continuing displacement of either or both of the joint members.

This invention relates to the system and methods for reducing torque for starting displacements of rotary or spherical hydraulic joints and making such displacements smooth. More particularly, this invention relates to a system and method for reducing torque for displacing anthropomorphically configured diving suits to decrease the effort to initiate motion, increase smoothness of motion, and delay the onset of diver fatigue.
Atmospheric Dive Suits (ADS) are one-man anthropromorphically configured submersibles designed for a diver at great water depths while the inside of the ADS remains at the surface pressure of one atmosphere. Rotary joints (spherical and/or cylindrical joints) are most likely to be used for arms and legs. Rotary joints produce arm and leg motions by having joints with surfaces that rotate relative to each other on a common surface. Typically, several rotary joints must be moved relative to each other to produce the desired arm or leg motion. Spherical joints have ball and socket like parts that rotate spherical surfaces spherically over a small arc. A chain of these joints allow arm and leg motion resembling surface locomotion of a human. To create arm or leg motion several might be actuated at once.
Rotary and spherical joints of an ADS both use hydraulic fluid in an oil cavity to provide separation and a bearing surface between the mechanical parts that are connected in limbs of the ADS. The hydraulic pressure in the oil cavity balances and resists the tendency of the water to crush the parts together. The hydraulic pressure is raised so that the surface area of the oil cavity between the mechanical components times the hydraulic pressure is equal to the displaced area of the mechanical components times the ambient pressure.
Rotary and spherical joints have another complicating requirement that makes them susceptible to startup friction, especially at depth. That is, the joints must be designed so that the size of the hydraulic cavity does not change with orientation. Otherwise, the exterior pressure would force the joint into a minimum volume configuration preventing motion.
Although an ADS removes the diver from the direct effect of water pressure, physical exertion to produce motion of the ADS can be tiring. The parasitic exertion is a result of friction from the seals and viscosity of the fluid. Consequently, less "exploratory" activity is likely due to the difficulty on making all joints move. The mass and the momentum of the ADS, and the water resistance required to move the limbs, combine to create inertia and drag resistive motion. A substantial startup-torque is needed to overcome these factors and makes operation physically exhausting. The problems associated with other rotary joints used in other specialized underwater applications, such as thrust vectoring nozzles for propulsors, or alignment joints for mating sections for manned transfer, also can have excessive resistance proportional to drag that must be overcome by increased force to begin their displacements.
Because of the large balancing forces involved to displace intricate joints in the ADS, the small deflections that occur with increasing depth tend to greatly increase the startup torque required to move the joints. This adversely affects a working diver, as each motion requires more effort. Divers tire faster, are limited in motion, and use up the life support faster. Replacing a diver at 2000 foot depths takes 35 minutes for the first diver to surface, a minimum of 30 minutes change-out (suit prep), and another 35 minutes for another diver to get back down, and this procedure wastes valuable time. With spherical joints, start up torque generally initiates start up motion one joint at a time, so that the start up friction load is only encountered as each joint starts to move. This problem is exacerbated for cylindrical type joints since several joints may need to be initiated simultaneously to make motion, making responsive motion even harder. At significant depths where small jobs needing precise motions are required, the excessive startup torque tends to produce erratic and unsmooth motions for both types of joints. Another limitation is that the inefficient work rates can reduce the life of the life support system. Also, unneeded work efforts can tax the ability of the carbon dioxide scrubbing system to remove the carbon dioxide from the suit adequately.
Thus, in accordance with this inventive concept, a need has been recognized in the state of the art for a system and method for reducing the torque needed to displacing limbs of an anthropomorphically configured diving suit to decrease the effort to initiate motion, increase smoothness of motion, delay the onset of diver fatigue, ensure smooth motion and reduce mechanically activated joints that can be large enough for a man to fit through.

Active torque reduction for hydraulically filled joints

The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy


A separation device is disclosed along with systems and methods employing the device in blood processing procedures. In one embodiment, a spinning membrane separator is provided. Automated systems and methods are disclosed for separating a unit of previously-collected whole blood into selected blood components, such as concentrated red cells and plasma, including prediction of the hematocrit of the whole blood using a light source and an optical sensor.

In various blood collection, processing and therapeutic procedures, certain process parameters that are based on the percentage of red blood cells, or hematocrit, in the blood must be established. For example, traditional blood collection relies primarily on the collection of whole blood from healthy donors through blood drives or from donor visits to blood centers or hospitals and the like. Blood may be collected "manually" or in an automated fashion such as by apheresis. In typical manual collection, whole blood is collected by simply flowing it, under the force of gravity and venous pressure, from the vein of the donor into a collection container. The amount of whole blood drawn is typically a "unit," which is about 450 ml. In apheresis, whole blood is withdrawn from a donor (or patient) under the action of a pump on an apheresis device to which the donor remains attached during the procedure.
Whether manual or automated, modern blood collection typically employs a pre-assembled arrangement or kit of tubing and containers or bags, including a flexible plastic primary container or bag for receiving a unit of whole blood or blood component from a donor and one or more "satellite or other" containers or bags. The blood is first collected in the primary container, which also contains an anticoagulant (typically containing sodium citrate, phosphate and dextrose—often referred to as CPD) or is otherwise combined with an anticoagulant during withdrawal from the donor. A preservative (often called an "additive solution" or AS) may be included as part of a larger assembly of bags and tubes that are used in processing after the blood is collected.
After collection of a unit of whole blood in a manual procedure, it is common practice in blood banking to transport the unit of whole blood to a blood processing laboratory, commonly referred to as a "back lab," for further processing of the blood into its various components. In order to effectively and efficiently separate the whole blood into its components, process parameters based on the hematocrit of the whole blood must be established. The hematocrit of the blood being processed is also important in establishing process parameters in various automated apheresis procedures, such as red blood cell collection and/or therapeutic red blood cell and plasma exchanges.
It is known to use an infrared (IR) light source and optical sensor to sense changes in the hematocrit of blood during processing. See, U.S. Pat. No. 6,419,822, which is incorporated herein by reference. While the IR sensor and system described therein has worked satisfactorily, information about the characteristics of the whole blood, including the hematocrit, is input by the operator.
By way of the present application, a method and system for predicting the hematocrit of blood as part of a blood processing procedure using a light source and optical sensor are provided that does not require any prior knowledge of the characteristics of the blood being processed.

Process for predicting hematocrit of whole blood using IR light


An end can assembly for an engine exhaust aftertreatment canister comprises an end can formed from an end plate and a wall extending from a periphery of the end plate, the end plate and the wall having a first cutaway portion formed therein. A pipe is provided in the first cutaway portion and attached to the end can around the first cutaway portion to form a seal with the end can, the pipe having at least one opening provided therein which opens into an interior of the end can assembly. A bracket, comprising a plate and a shoulder extending at an angle from the plate, is attached to the end plate and to the wall, the shoulder having a second cutaway portion formed therein which is shaped to receive the pipe whereby the shoulder abuts the pipe and provides structural support to the pipe and end can.

Engine exhaust aftertreatment systems are used to reduce emissions in the exhaust stream of an internal combustion engine. Such aftertreatment systems often consist of several aftertreatment devices, such as particulate filters and catalytic converters. Aftertreatment devices are typically provided in a housing or canister through which the exhaust stream passes. End caps are mounted on each end of the canister. Each end cap has a pipe which acts as an inlet or outlet depending on which end of the canister the end cap is mounted to.
Emissions legislation is mandating increasingly stringent emissions requirements for engines. Manufacturers can be faced with the need to provide aftertreatment devices, or provide higher performance aftertreatment devices, in existing engine designs in order to meet new emissions requirements. Meeting these emissions requirements can present challenges where available space in an existing engine is limited. In the case of the canister and end caps described above, while the end caps are convenient for assembly and servicing, they also take up additional space which may inhibit installation of the canister.
A further consideration for manufacturers is how the exhaust stream flows through the canister. It is desirable for the exhaust gases to flow evenly through the canister to improve the performance of the after treatment device. To achieve an even flow, a baffle may be used. U.S. Pat. No. 9,707,525 discloses a baffle plate that deflects a first portion of exhaust gas flow while allowing a second portion of exhaust gas flow to pass through openings in the baffle plate. The baffle plate causes exhaust gas to flow 270 degrees around a perforated tube, one end of which forms an outlet of the aftertreatment device. While such baffles help improve performance of the aftertreatment device, they also take up space within the canister, as exemplified in the U.S. Pat. No. 9,707,525.

End can assembly for an engine exhaust aftertreatment canister


A thermometer housing of a generally cylindrical configuration is arranged for floating reception within a bathtub, with the thermometer housing including a top wall divided into a first and second semi-annular indicator surface, with an indicator arrow operative through a bi-metallic spring arranged for deflection from the first to the second indicator surface upon bathtub water elevated to a second zone of temperature to be classified as inappropriate for bathing. A stabilizer weight member is mounted to the bottom wall to maintain alignment and emergence of the housing side wall within the associated bathtub body of water.

1. Field of the Invention
The field of invention relates to thermometer apparatus, and more particularly pertains to a new and improved bathtub thermometer device wherein the same is arranged for a floating positioning upon a body of water to provide for indication of appropriate or inappropriate temperature range for a bathing event.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Thermometer apparatus of various types have been utilized throughout the prior art relative to temperature indication relative to water, such as indicated in U.S. Pat. No. 3,952,594 wherein a thermometer device is mounted to a faucet, with a similar construction indicated in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,960,016 and 5,076,709.
The instant invention attempts to overcome deficiencies of the prior art by providing for a device arranged for a floating positioning upon a body of water such as a bathtub to indicate appropriate or inappropriate water temperature for a bathing event and in this respect, the present invention substantially fulfills this need.


A heat sink assembly includes a block formed of a thermally conductive material. For example, the thermally conductive material includes thermally conductive polymer. A heat conduit (e.g., a heat pipe) extends through a substantial portion of the block. In one example arrangement, airflow channels extend through portions of the block.

Electronic devices, such as microprocessors, microcontrollers, input/output devices, and memory devices, have become increasingly more powerful. For optimal performance, such devices operate at high clock speeds. Increased speeds lead to increased power usage by devices, which in turn means that a greater amount of heat is generated by such devices during operation. An effective heat dissipation mechanism is thus needed to prevent excessive heat buildup in the devices, which may damage the devices or reduce their reliability. Operational integrity can also be adversely affected when a device is overheated.
One type of heat dissipation mechanism includes an airflow generator to force a flow of air in a system. Heat sinks are thermally contacted to heat-producing devices to increase heat dissipation with extended surface area. As heat dissipation loads of devices (such as high performance microprocessors, system controllers, and so forth) continue to increase, larger heat sinks are needed. Large heat sinks tend to be relatively heavy. This is particularly the case for large heat sinks formed of thermally conductive metals, such as copper or aluminum.
When mounted directly on components, heavy heat sinks can cause reliability problems. For example, certain types of integrated circuit (IC) packages are easily damaged by the pressure and torque applied by a heavy heat sink, both during static operating conditions and during transit conditions (e.g., shipping). Further, a heavy heat sink can damage the connection between a component and a board on which the component is mounted. Also, if several heavy heat sinks are located on a circuit board, the weight of the heat sinks can deform the circuit board, which reduces reliability of the circuit board.
Additionally, heavy heat sinks usually require relatively complex and costly retention and support mechanisms within the system. Various constraints thus serve to limit the size and weight of heat dissipation components and potentially the effectiveness of such heat dissipation components.


The present invention relates to a nutritional composition which is liquid and shelf-stable or powdered and reconstitutable. The composition has a fiber content of more than 2.5 g/fibber per 100 ml of the composition. Furthermore, it has an energy content of 1.3-1.8 kcal/ml. The composition is useful to improve and maintain gut comfort, restoring a well-balanced gut flora, especially in an elderly patient prone to malnutrition. The invention further relates to a process for preparing the nutritional composition.

The risk of malnutrition is high during innumerable circumstances of life. For example, as discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,200,950, metabolically stressed patients suffering from impairment of either digestion or absorption due to diseases affecting the gastrointestinal tract are prone to malnutrition. Examples of such disease are functional dyspepsia, various forms of gastritis, peptic ulcers, colitis ulcerosa, neoplasms of the stomach, pancreatitis, diarrhoea, constipation, Crohn's disease, IBS, post-operative condition after gastro-intestinal surgery, just to mention a few.
Malnutrition or gastro-intestinal disorders, more generally gut-discomfort or pain may simply be the consequence of unhealthy or unbalanced nutritional behaviour. Especially, fast food is very often rich in cholesterol, has generally an unbalanced nutritional profile and can therefore lead to malnutrition.
EP 0 721 742, for example, points out the occurrence of malnutrition with elderly people or patients and discloses a nutritional composition addressing this situation.
On the other hand, trauma or surgery patients may be in need of a high calorie and nutrient nutritional products, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,221,668.
However, malnutrition may also affect perfectly healthy people, be it due to increased energy expenditure, as is the case with athletes or other sportsmen following intensive physical exercise, be it in other circumstances, such as pregnancy, for example.
The occurrence of malnutrition in various situations during life, in particular with elderly or ill people has thus led mainly to high calorie and high nutrient compositions. The concept was to provide a maximum of energy and essential nutrients in a minimal volume to be consumed.
However, consumption of compositions of the state of the art was often problematic, especially in patients with unbalanced gut flora and with gut impairment. These compositions can cause gut pain or gut discomfort and are not always well supported.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a nutritional composition, which has a high energy content and which improves the digestive tract health.
It is a further object to provide a nutritional composition, for example in the form of a nutritional supplement, which improves and maintains a well-balanced gut flora and which improves intestinal transit.
It is, in particular, an object of the invention to provide a nutritional composition to regulate gut motility and/or to improve intestinal transit, also suitable for persons suffering from diarrhoea or constipation.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a nutritional composition, which has an increased fibre content, more particularly, which comprises an optimised mixture of different classes of fibre.
It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a nutritional supplement with high fibre and high energy content and which may further comprise other essential nutrients.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a product that has a specific range of fibre density, which gives excellent gut-benefits, such as well-being, gut-comfort, prevents constipation and diarrhoea and results in soft stool.
It is a further object to provide a liquid product with a good taste, and a product that is shelf stable.

High fibre high calorie liquid or powdered nutritional composition


An insulated gate semiconductor device (30) includes a gate (34), a source terminal (36), a drain terminal (38) and a variable input capacitance at the gate. A ratio between the input capacitance (Cfiss) when the device is on and the input capacitance Ciiss when the device is off is less than two and preferably substantially equal to one. This is achieved in one embodiment of the invention by an insulation layer 32 at the gate having an effective thickness dins larger than a minimum thickness.

In known MOSFET structures, it is presently preferred to minimize the gate voltage VGS required for switching of the device and which then implies a relatively large input gate capacitance.
Capacitance inherent in the gate structures of insulated gate devices limits the switching speeds of these devices. It is also well known that the Miller effect has an influence on the input capacitance at the gate of devices of the aforementioned kind in that the input capacitance of a typical commercially available MOSFET varies during switching of the device. The input capacitance has a first value Ciiss when the device is off and a second value Cfiss when the device is on. The ratio of the second and first values for a known and commercially available IRF 740 power MOSFET is in the order of 2.5. It has been found that such a ratio impairs the switching speed of these devices.
The total switching time Ts of the IRF 740 MOSFET to switch on is made up by the sum of a turn-on delay time Tdon of about 14 ns and a drain source voltage fall time Tf of about 24 ns and is equal to about 38 ns. The corresponding time to switch off is about 77 ns. These times are too long for some applications.

Fast switching power insulated gate semiconductor device


A connector comprises a locator configured to position a cable. The locator has a front-end surface, a first surface and a second surface and is formed with a positioning groove. The first surface and the second surface are located at opposite sides of the locator, respectively, in the upper-lower direction (Z-direction). The positioning groove has a front groove, a rear groove and a coupling groove. The front groove is recessed rearward from the front-end surface and extends from the first surface to the coupling groove along the upper-lower direction. The rear groove is recessed from the second surface along the upper-lower direction and extends rearward from the coupling groove. When the locator positions the cable, the front groove receives a front regulated portion of the cable, and the rear groove receives a rear regulated portion of the cable.

This invention relates to a connector which comprises a locator for positioning a cable.
For example, this type of connector is disclosed in JPA 2008-098091 (Patent Document 1), the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.
Referring to FIG. 25, Patent Document 1 discloses a connector which comprises a locator 90 for positioning a plurality of cables 98. The locator 90 is provided with a plurality of recesses 92 and a plurality of comb-teeth 94. The recesses 92 correspond to the cables 98, respectively. Each of the cables 98 is received in the corresponding recess 92 and thereafter bent at right angle and held by two of the comb-teeth 94 which are adjacent to each other.
The locator of Patent Document 1 requires the cable to be bent along a wall surface of the locator. In an instance where the locator is small in size, excessive stress will be required in order to properly bend the cable. Therefore, the size of the locator should be made large to some extent in order for the cable to be bent with no damage of the cable. Thus, the structure of the locator of Patent Document 1 is unsuitable for reducing the size of the locator.

Connector with a locator to position and properly bend a cable during assembly

Japan Aviation Electronics Industry, Limited


A method and apparatus for Magnetic Resonance Imaging with specialized imaging coils possessing high Signal-to-Noise-Ratio (SNR). Imaging and/or Radio Frequency receiving coils include a ballistic electrical conductor such as carbon nanotubes, the ballistic electrical conductor having a resistance that does not increase significantly with length. Due to their enhanced SNR properties, system designs with smaller static magnetic field strength can be constructed for the same quality of imaging, leading to substantial reductions in system size and cost, as well as to enhanced imaging with existing MRI systems.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) technology is common today in larger medical institutions worldwide, and has led to huge benefits in the practice of medicine. A significant factor impeding further increased use of this versatile imaging technology is the typically high cost of both purchase and maintenance of MRI systems. The costs associated with the design and manufacture of such systems are due mainly to the need to generate large and very homogeneous static magnetic fields, as well as the need to generate gradient fields for imaging with such systems. Such large static fields are currently required to obtain high image quality and resolution. Some attempts have been made to improve costs by more efficient image processing. For example, several methods of normalizing raw MRI images are well-known in the literature and described for example in N. B. Konyer et al., "Improved Interstial and Intravascular RF Coils", Proceedings, Intl. Soc. Mag. Reson. Med. (ISMRM) 10, page 2262, 2002, and in H. Mihara et al., "A method of RF inhomogeneity correction in MR imaging", Magnetic Resonance Materials in Physics, Biology and Medicine (MAGMA) 7, pp. 115-120, 1998. As is clear from these references, such normalization is based on the spatial distribution of the receive coil sensitivity profile (examples of which are shown in the above references) with respect to its own reference frame.

Method and apparatus for high-gain magnetic resonance imaging


A cushion mechanism for decelerating a piston rod includes a holder fastened to an end surface of a cylinder portion fitted with an inner peripheral surface of a cylinder tube, an annular entry portion provided on the piston rod and advancing into the holder and the cylinder portion in the vicinity of the stroke end, a cushion passage leading a working fluid of the working chamber to a supply/discharge port, and an orifice plug fastened to the cushion passage, and the cushion passage includes an internal passage extending in a radial direction of the holder and to which the orifice plug is fastened, and the orifice plug is replaceable through a replacement port formed by penetrating the cylinder tube and communicating with the internal passage.

A hydraulic cylinder used for a hydraulic excavator or the like is generally provided with a cushion mechanism for decelerating a piston rod by generating a cushion pressure in the vicinity of a stroke end of the piston rod.
As this type of hydraulic cylinders, JP2001-82415A discloses a hydraulic cylinder in which a passage 15 extending from a working chamber 9 toward a port 11 and a reducing hole 18 allowing an opening portion 17 and the passage 15 to communicate and playing a role of limiting a flow rate of a working fluid of the working chamber 9 and discharging it toward a port 11 are formed in a fitting portion 3 of a first covering member 2 closing an end-surface opening by covering a cylinder tube 1, and a cushion ring 19 is provided on the piston rod 6 adjacent to the piston 5. The cushion ring 19 plays a role of closing a diameter-enlarged hole 13a when the piston rod 6 moves to a direction of discharging the working fluid of the working chamber 9 by being fitted in the diameter-enlarged hole 13a in the vicinity of its movement end. As a result, the working fluid of the working chamber 9 is discharged toward the port 11 via the reducing hole 18 from the opening portion 17 while its flow rate is limited, and a cushion action is applied at the movement end of the piston rod 6.


An exhaust gas purification system provided with an exhaust gas purification device, such as a NOx occlusion-reduction catalyst, in an exhaust passage of an internal combustion engine for purifying exhaust gas when the air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas is in a lean state, and recovering purification ability when in a rich state. The system prevents highly dense, uncombusted fuel from acting as a binder that causes soot, together with the uncombusted fuel, to clog an EGR cooler in an EGR passage. An uncombusted fuel adsorption device for adsorbing uncombusted fuel is provided upstream of the EGR cooler for adsorbing uncombusted fuel passing through the EGR passage during a rich control.

Every year, emissions regulations are becoming stricter with regard to substances exhausted from diesel engines, such as particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), and hydrocarbons (HC). As these regulations become stricter, it is becoming difficult to meet the stipulated values by engine improvement alone. Consequently, technology is being adopted wherein an exhaust gas post-treatment device is installed in the exhaust passage of the engine to reduce these substances exhausted from the engine.
In such circumstances, various research and proposals have been made regarding NOx catalysts for the elimination by reduction of NOx from the exhaust gas of internal combustion engines, such as diesel engines and some gasoline engines, and various combustion devices. One of these catalysts is a NOx occlusion-reduction catalyst that acts as a NOx-lowering catalyst for diesel engines. With the use of this NOx occlusion-reduction catalyst, NOx in exhaust gas can be effectively purified.
This NOx occlusion-reduction catalyst is constructed as a monolith honeycomb that forms a large number of polygonal cells on a support body of structural material formed using cordierite, silicon carbide (SiC), or stainless steel. Provided on the walls of these cells is a porous catalyst coat layer formed using alumina (Al2O3) that acts as the catalyst-carrying layer. The catalyst coat layer carries on its surface a noble metal catalyst having oxidation functions, as well as a NOx occluding agent (NOx occluding substance; NOx occluder; NOx absorber) having NOx-occluding functions. The noble metal catalyst is formed using platinum (Pt) or a similar metal. The NOx occluding agent is formed from several among the following: alkali metals, such as potassium (K), sodium (Na), lithium (Li), and cesium (Cs); alkali earth metals, such as barium (Ba) and calcium (Ca); and rare earth metals, such as lanthanum (La) and yttrium (Y). In so doing, the two functions of NOx occlusion and NOx release/purification are realized depending on the oxygen concentration in the exhaust gas.
This NOx occlusion-reduction catalyst occludes NOx to the NOx occluding agent during regular engine operation. When the occluding ability of the NOx occlusion-reduction catalyst nears saturation, the air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas flowing into the NOx occlusion-reduction catalyst is brought to a rich air-fuel state at an appropriate time, thereby causing occluded NOx to be released. Additionally, the released NOx is reduced by the three-way function of the noble metal catalyst.
More specifically, when the air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas is in a lean air-fuel state, such as the oxygen (O2)-containing exhaust gas of regular diesel engines and lean combustion gasoline engines, nitrogen monoxide (NO) exhausted from the engine is oxidized to nitrogen dioxide (NO2) by the oxidation catalyst functions of the noble metal catalyst using the oxygen present in the exhaust gas. Subsequently, this nitrogen dioxide is occluded in the form of a salt such as nitrate by a NOx occluding agent such as barium, thus purifying the NOx.
However, if this state is continued as-is, the NOx occluding agent having NOx occluding ability will be entirely transformed into nitrate, and NOx occlusion functions will be lost. Consequently, exhaust gas with an exceedingly high concentration of fuel (rich spike gas) is created by changing the operational parameters of the engine or by injecting fuel into the exhaust passage, and this rich spike gas is then sent to the catalyst. The rich spike gas is a high-temperature exhaust gas having a high concentration of carbon monoxide (CO), and wherein oxygen is not present.
When the exhaust gas is thus brought to a rich air-fuel state wherein oxygen is not present, wherein there is a high concentration of carbon monoxide, and wherein the exhaust gas temperature has been raised, the nitrate formed by the occlusion of NOx releases nitrogen dioxide and returns to the original barium or other catalyst substance. Since oxygen is not present in the exhaust gas, the released nitrogen dioxide is reduced to nitrogen (N2) and purified by the oxidation functions of the supported noble metal, using the carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons (HC), and hydrogen (H2) present in the exhaust gas as reducing agents.
For this reason, a NOx regeneration operation is conducted in NOx purification systems provided with a NOx occlusion-reduction catalyst, in order to make the NOx occlusion-reduction catalyst function effectively. In this NOx regeneration operation, when NOx occluding ability nears saturation, the amount of fuel in the exhaust gas is raised beyond the theoretical air-fuel ratio, thereby bringing the exhaust gas to a rich air-fuel state in order to cause occluded NOx to be released and regenerate the catalyst. In so doing, the oxygen concentration of inflowing exhaust gas is decreased, and exhaust gas of a reducing composition is supplied to the catalyst. By conducting this rich control for recovering NOx occluding ability, the NOx absorbed by the NOx occluding agent is released. The released NOx is then reduced by the noble metal catalyst.
In addition, a rich control for recovering NOx reducing ability is conducted for NOx direct reduction type catalysts, a type of catalyst different from NOx occlusion-reduction catalysts. In a NOx direct reduction type catalyst, NOx is directly reduced in the lean state, while the catalyst is regenerated in the rich state. In addition, a rich control is also conducted in continuous regeneration DPF devices in order eliminate by combustion soot (PM) trapped at the filter.
In this rich control, it is necessary to supply the sufficient required amounts of reducing agent and uncombusted fuel, which is used as fuel for raising the exhaust gas temperature. In a diesel engine, in order to generate reducing exhaust gas, reducing agent HC is supplied by post-injection (after-injection) as part of an in-cylinder fuel injection. If the rich state is realized using only a fuel-related rich control wherein such fuel is added, fuel efficiency worsens, and drivability also worsens due to torque variations. For this reason, an intake-related rich control is used in conjunction with the above. In this intake-related rich control, air intake is throttled using an intake throttle valve, while in addition an exhaust gas recirculation ("EGR") valve is opened and a large amount of EGR gas is supplied. In so doing, the amount of intake air is reduced and the amount of inspired oxygen is lessened.
However, conducting such an intake-related rich control involves the following problem. During the rich control period wherein the EGR ratio is high, if exhaust gas containing highly dense uncombusted fuel (HC) is made to pass through the EGR passage, then uncombusted fuel and soot adhere to the EGR cooler and EGR valve of the EGR passage, as well as to the intake port and intake valve. The EGR cooler farthest upstream in particular becomes clogged in a short amount of time. For this reason, the intake-related rich control becomes impeded, and a sufficient rich control becomes unavailable.
As a countermeasure for such clogging of the EGR cooler, exhaust gas recirculation devices for diesel engines have been proposed such as that disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Kokai Publication No. H6-66208, for example, being an exhaust gas recirculation device for a diesel engine provided with a particulate trap and an oxidation catalyst layer downstream thereto in the EGR gas recirculation passage. With this device, not only soot but also uncombusted hydrocarbons in the EGR gas recirculation passage are eliminated, and the adherence and accumulation of these substances at the intake port and intake valve is prevented.
In addition, exhaust gas recirculation devices for internal combustion engines have been proposed such as that disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Kokai Publication No. 2005-16390, wherein an electric heater, particulate filter, EGR cooler, and EGR valve are disposed in that order from the upstream side of the recirculation passage. The state (on/off) of current flow to the electric heater is then switched on the basis of the temperature downstream to the particulate filter. With this device, clogging of the cooling device in the recirculation passage (EGR passage) due to particulates is suppressed. The particulate filter is also made to function effectively and without blockage, even under conditions wherein the temperature of exhaust (EGR gas) flowing into the EGR passage is low.
These devices have the following problem. Since soot (PM) is trapped by a particulate filter (or trap) and uncombusted hydrocarbons are eliminated by oxidation using an oxidation catalyst, it is necessary to regenerate the particulate filter from soot accumulation. This soot occurs not only during the rich control, but also during the lean control, and thus the particulate filter regeneration control must be conducted frequently, which leads to a more complicated control and worsened fuel efficiency.
Meanwhile, through experiment and other means, the present inventors have discovered that uncombusted fuel acts as a binder that causes soot, together with the uncombusted fuel, to adhere to the EGR cooler and other areas in the EGR passage. Furthermore, the inventors have discovered that there is hardly any adherence to the EGR cooler, EGR valve, intake port, intake valve, and other areas in the case of only dry soot that does not contain uncombusted fuel. Such dry soot reaches the interior of the cylinders and is purified by combustion.

Exhaust gas purification method and exhaust gas purification system


A ceramic control valve includes a valve casing, and a control device including a linking seat and a control lever. The drive block of the control lever has a spherical surface. The receiving hole of the linking seat has a wall having a first portion in contact with the spherical surface of the drive block and a second portion spaced from the spherical surface of the drive block, thereby forming a plurality of gaps. Thus, the gaps located between the drive block and the receiving hole keep a smooth circulation of the air flow, thereby preventing the drive block from being jammed in the receiving hole due to deformation of heat expansion, so that the control lever is operated normally.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a ceramic control valve, and more particularly to a ceramic control valve mounted on a faucet to control the mixing proportion of cold/hot water and the output flow rate of the faucet.
2. Description of the Related Art A conventional ceramic control valve for a faucet in accordance with the prior art shown in FIGS. 18-21 comprises a valve casing 4, and a control device mounted in the valve casing 4 and including a fixing disc 33, a movable 32 disc laminating and movable relative to the fixing disc 33 to change a mixing proportion of cold and hot water and an output flow rate of the faucet, a linking seat 31 secured on the movable disc 32 and having a receiving hole 310, a lever seat 34 laminating the linking seat 31, and a control lever 3 rotatably mounted in the lever seat 34 by a shaft 301 and having a first end protruding from the valve casing 4 and a second end formed with a drive block 30 inserted into the receiving hole 310 of the linking seat 31. Preferably, the control lever 3 is made of metallic material. Referring to FIG. 22, the control lever 3a is made of plastic material and has a drive block 30a. However, the drive block 30 of the control lever 3 is easily jammed in the receiving hole 310 of the linking seat 31 as shown in FIG. 20 due to deformation caused by a heat expansion, thereby forming a close chamber 5 as shown in FIG. 21, so that the control lever 3 is jammed and cannot be operated normally.


The present invention generally involves a mobile application configured to guard access to other applications that may be stored within a smartphone. For example, applications stored within the smartphone may include password managers, email clients, or payment applications, which a user of the smartphone may desirably secure by providing an extra layer of protection. In exemplary embodiments, the security application may employ GUI configured to display a folder for allowing a user to select which mobile applications to secure. The GUI may display a set of images as a means of implementing an authentication protocol to provide a user with access to the stored data. The user may control certain settings such as the source of the authenticating images, the number of images and authenticating images, and or a sequence that may be an authenticating sequence associated with the authenticating images for granting access to the data.

Keeping data secured is an ever-increasing challenge as technology advances and continues to develop. It is well known that electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, personal computers, servers or entire computer systems may be targeted by unauthorized users in any number of ways. Sometimes, unauthorized users may simply seek to access electronic data stored in restricted systems to view or copy. For example, the electronic data may be intellectual content that is manipulated by these devices, such as, for example, when the data comprises music, movies, e-books, database information, or other forms of data that are privileged, copyrighted, proprietary or otherwise protected from unauthorized access. Other times, unauthorized users may seek unauthorized access to such electronic devices for obtaining control of a particular system or the electronic device itself. For example, access to the electronic data may be used to control the device itself, such as, for example, when the data comprises a computer software program.
In either scenario, the electronic data is valuable. In situations concerning intellectual property or other confidential data, the concern may be primarily of privacy. In situations concerning sensitive systems configured to operate one or more devices, the concern may be primarily of security or even safety. In either case, controlling the secured access to electronic data is desirable.
Various methods have been developed to secure an electronic device. For example, smartphones and tablets may implement passcodes that require a user input in order to authenticate the user. Passcodes may include words, numbers or alphanumeric combinations that are uniquely known to the authorized user, and without providing the passcode an unauthorized user will not be able to access the data stored in the electronic device. The problem with these measures of security is that passcodes—even when they are extremely unique—may nonetheless be deciphered and used to gain access. In some instances, knowing personal information of the user is enough for an unauthorized user to figure out the required passcode. In other instances, software may be implemented to derive or decipher the passcode autonomously; it is well known that such passcode breaking software is becoming more readily available.
More complex methods of verification include multistep-step verification where a user is required to have access to multiple devices. For example, a user may be required to have access to a first device—such as a smartphone—before being provided with a passcode or key to use on a second device—for example a personal computer with access to a secured server. The problem with these methods is that unauthorized users often find ways around multi-step verification including knowing or previously gaining access to an authorized user's email. For example, because these devices may all be connected in some way by accounts belonging to the authorized user, it is nevertheless possible for an unauthorized user to request passcodes via a known email of the authorized user commonly accessible via both devices.
Of course, when a user of a mobile device wants to secure access to applications that have secured data themselves, such two-step authentication methods do not work well because the data is stored in the mobile device itself. As such, these methods are not suitable for controlling access to applications stored within the same mobile device.
Accordingly, there are several problems with the current state of the art that have not been adequately addressed. There is an inadequately addressed need for a system and method that prevents unauthorized access to electronic data stored in an electronic medium, in a manner that is undecipherable by unauthorized users. The problems persist because a need for preventing unauthorized access to electronic data, and more specifically to data including a mobile application stored within a mobile device has not been adequately met.
Therefore, there is a need for a system and method for accessing data that: does not depend exclusively on passcodes or other decipherable authentication methods, provides a complex algorithm that only a user with personal knowledge may authenticate; and may be easily implemented in such a way so as to secure access to data including files and or one or more mobile applications within the same device.
It is to these ends that the present invention has been developed.

System and method for accessing secured data


A bi-directional noise-cancelling microphone comprising a detector for detecting acoustical signals centrally positioned within a tubular member that has flared entries. The microphone provides a bi-polar response pattern, and effectively cancels unwanted noise incident upon the microphone at the sides of the tubular member, as well as noise above a particular frequency dictated by the length of the tubular member. By providing flared entries to the tube, the maximum peak response frequency of the microphone is extended up to 40% higher than that achieved with a similar tubular member with non-flared entries. An embodiment of the tubular bi-directional microphone with flared entries is disclosed wherein the microphone is provided with a two-stage pop filter system. The pop filter system includes a first screen covering the front entry of the microphone housing. A second screen is constructed so as to vent the first screen, thereby preventing pop signals from being produced.

This invention relates generally to noise-cancelling microphones. More particularly, this invention relates to a bi-directional noise-cancelling microphone that provides a broad frequency band of noise cancellation.
Microphone units typically operate in environments where unwanted acoustical components of incident sound waves are present. For example, a person listening to someone talking on the telephone may be distracted from the speaker's voice by sounds emanating from machinery, traffic, appliances, or other ambient sounds, if the person is talking into a phone without a noise-cancelling microphone.
Noise-cancelling microphones depend upon two factors for their operation. The first factor is the polar pattern of the microphone (usually bi-directional) and the assumption that the noise to be reduced is not on the maximum sensitivity axis of the microphone. The second factor is the difference in operation of a two-entry microphone for a sound source close to one entry and a sound source at a distance to the microphone.
When the sound source is close to one entry, the sound pressure will be several times greater at the close entry than at the remote entry. Since the microphone responds to the difference of sound pressure at the two entries, close talking will provide a substantially higher sensitivity than a remote sound, where the sound pressure is equal in magnitude at the two entries.
Small microphones with tubular sound entries have been used for some time, particularly in hearing aids. This has the advantage that the sound entries may be placed in an appropriate location on the hearing aid case without regard to accommodating the bulk of the microphone cartridge. Additionally, the tubes need not be straight, but may have unsymmetrical bends. Typically, the tubes are of approximately equal length.
There are two acoustic parameters which affect the output. The first is the distance between entries. The maximum acoustic input will occur at the frequency where the distance between the entries is a half wavelength. Ordinarily, this distance will be between 1/2" and 3", with the shorter distances giving higher peak frequencies and lower general noise sensitivity.
The other parameter is the total length of the microphone tube. When this distance is a half wavelength, the two halves of the tube will exhibit 1/4 wave "organ pipe" resonances which determine the highest practical frequencies passed to the microphone element.
Since the total length of the tube is always the same or larger than the distance between the entries, the tube length determines the maximum practical frequency response, both for noise and for a close talking sound source at one entry of the microphone.
In the practical use of this microphone, especially in a retrofit to an existing case, the total tube length can become 3 or 4 inches, which would restrict the frequency response to 2 KHz or lower. This is an unfortunate restriction, since much information is contained in high frequency sibilant sounds.
Two attempts in the prior art to produce noise-cancelling microphones are illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 3,995,124, issued to Gabr, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,950,016, issued to Groves, et al. In the Gabr patent, the sound responsive element of the microphone, a diaphragm, is designed to have both of its sides exposed substantially equally to unwanted noise. In the Groves, et. al. patent, separated sound paths are provided from the exterior of a telephone handset to the front and rear surfaces of a diaphragm, thereby reducing the effect of unwanted noise signals. Neither of these patents suggests the unique noise-cancelling microphone of this invention.

Tubular bi-directional microphone with flared entries