A system and method are provided to allow a user to search and locate information which is accessible over a computer network. Global Positioning System type coordinate information is used as search criteria to locate information on the computer network. The system and method allow the user to locate information related to a particular geographic area. Search criteria, such as an area or point on a geographic map, is entered by the user. Hypertext documents are then located in accordance with the search criteria and position information associated with the hypertext documents.

As computer innovation sweeps across the business and personal consumer markets, the Internet is growing in an exponential rate. It is estimated that over 30 million people worldwide use the Internet with 100 million predicted to be on the "net" within a few years.
The Internet is a network of computers and other devices linked together by various media, enabling all the computers to exchange and share data. Data may be transferred using a communication protocol such as Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP). The Internet can provide information about a myriad of corporations, products, as well as educational, science, technology, research, business, entertainment information and services. Computers that initiate requests for information (i.e., service) are referred to as "clients", and computers that respond to service requests are referred to as "servers." Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) is typically used to facilitate communication between clients and severs.
One important structure of the Internet is the World Wide Web ("web"). The web is a collection of information formatted as hypertext-based documents (i.e., web pages). A related set of web pages or documents maintained by a single web server is often referred to as a web site. This information can be distributed through computers around the world connected to the Internet. Web pages are basically a computer data file on a host operating as a web server within a given domain name (e.g., TV.com). The web server receives inquiries from clients (i.e., other computers) via the Internet and downloads the web page data in the file to the client making the inquiry. The web page may comprise multiple pages of information including messages, audio and graphical information, and combinations thereof.
The web pages are written using a programming language called Hypertext Markup Language (HTML). Other hypertext programming languages may also be used to create the hypertext documents such as Dynamic HTML (DHTML), extensible Markup Language (XML), Synchronized Multimedia Integration Language (SMIL). Generally, HTML commands, i.e., tags, provide functions for defining the layout/format of the web page, embedding sound and images in the web page and adding links (i.e., hyperlinks) to other web pages or web sites. These links allow the user to select a word, phrase or image (referred to as a "hypertext anchor") to go to, or receive information from, a web site which may be located on a remote server.
Navigation tools, such as network browsers, are typically used by clients to access, process and display a web page. Examples of well-known browsers are Netscape and Internet Explorer. These browsers provide a set of instructions or commands that correspond to tags available in HTML. The browsers compare tags found embedded in the web page and execute the procedures corresponding to the matched browser command.
Hyperlinks, as discussed above, are typically identified as character strings, such as a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) (i.e., an address to the web page). If the URL of the web page is not known, search engines allow users to search for web pages. Access to the search engines is provided via the browsers. Well-known conventional search engines include, for example, Searches, Yahoo!, Excite and Alta Vista. These search engines accept search criteria based on a "search text" from the client and search for web documents that match the search criteria.
The search text typically consists of one or more descriptive words related to the subject matter to be found on the web page. For example, to locate a web page relating to audio compact disk (CD) players manufactured by XYZ Corporation, the search text may be: "XYZ AND audio AND CD." The search engines would then display results ("hits") based upon this search criteria (i.e., the URL of, or hyperlink to, web pages containing these words).
One problem with these conventional search engines is that the results obtained using these search texts generally have no relation to geographic position. For example, the web page hits maybe related to businesses and services located around the United States or the world. However, the client initiating the search may only be interested in locating web pages (e.g., from businesses) within a specific geographic area. This would be particularly advantageous to a client located in that geographic area or possibly moving to that area.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,852,810 describes a system for listing and locating housing in specific geographic regions. The system includes a web home page and a housing information database. A map is displayed when the web home page is accessed by a user. The user narrows searches to geographic areas by selecting specific areas of interest on the map. Housing information related to the area of interest is then displayed for the user.
The information contained within the database, however, is merely a collection of data submitted by property managers. This information is like a real estate listing for a geographic area, i.e., similar to the yellow page directory for businesses within an area. In addition, all of the administration and updating of the database must be performed by the property managers.
This system, however, is not a web page search engine. It does not allow a user to locate web pages using geographic coordinates. The searchable information is limited to the information contained in the database—rather than the universe of information available on the web. In addition, this system is hampered by the need to be administered and maintained by the property managers.
Conventional search engines also have features similar to business directories. These search engines maintain databases containing list of businesses. A user may enter his home address, for example, and receive a list of businesses in the vicinity of the user's home address. These business directory features, however, suffer many of the same shortcomings discussed above.
One of the principle advantages of the web is that anyone (e.g., a small business) can create a web page that is "locatable" by a client (e.g., a consumer) on the web. There is no requirement to register the web page in a proprietary list, or submit the web page to a controlled database, to be accessible on the web.
With the tremendous growth of the Internet, the web is a valuable resource of information and business tool. A well-crafted web page, for example, can spark both e-commerce and local "walk-in" business for a business entity. To generate "walk-in" type business, a web page should be in someway linked to, and locatable based upon, geographic information. This will allow users to find web pages within or near a geographic area.
There thus exists in the art a need for improved systems and method for searching the web using searches based upon geographic coordinate-type information. It is also desirable to provide servers capable of facilitating access to web pages created using geographic coordinate-type information.

Method and apparatus for browsing using position information


A 3-pin type output connector for a condenser microphone includes a grounding first pin and second and third pins for signals, provided on a connector base made of an electric insulator. Each pin contains a chip type inductor element that inhibits a high-frequency current, and includes a pin main body provided on the connector base, a cylindrical chip holder made of an electric insulator and having one end attached to an end of the pin main body located inside the microphone case, and a metal cap that covers the other end of the chip holder so as to be electrically insulated from the pin main body. The chip type inductor element is placed in the chip holder, and the pin main body and the cap are electrically connected via the chip type inductor element.

A microphone unit of a condenser microphone has a very high impedance and thus contains an impedance converter such as an FET (Field Effect Transistor) or a vacuum tube. Normally, a phantom power source is used for the condenser microphone. A microphone sound signal is output via a balanced shield cable for the phantom power source.
To connect to the balanced shield cable, a microphone case (in a hand-held microphone, a microphone grip) is provided with a 3-pin type output connector (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. H11-341583). The output connector is defined in EIAJ RC-5236 ″ latch lock type round connector for audio equipment. The configuration of the output connector will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5.
FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing an output connector installed in a microphone case. FIG. 4 is a front view showing the output connector removed from the microphone case. FIG. 3 is a section view of the output connector taken along line 3—3 in FIG. 4. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the output connector.
In this microphone, an output connector 10 comprises a disk-like connector base 11 consisting of an electric insulator such as a PBT (poly butadiene terephthalate) resin. The connector base 11 has three pins, that is, a grounding first pin E, a second pin SH for a hot side of a signal, and a third pin SC for a cold side of the signal, penetratingly installed by, for example, press fitting.
For a hand-held microphone, as shown in FIG. 3, the output connector 10 is installed in a connector housing cylinder 20 screwed to an end of a microphone grip. Normally, the microphone grip, including the connector housing cylinder 20, consists of a metal material such as brass. The microphone grip also serves as a shield case for contained electric parts.
An external thread 12 is formed in the connector base 11; the external thread 12 is used to fix the output connector 10 to the connector housing cylinder 20 and to electrically connect the grounding first pin E to the connector housing cylinder 20.
The external thread 12 is housed in a thread housing hole 13 drilled in the connector base 11 in its radial direction. The connector base 11 is provided with an earth terminal block 14 having an internal thread 14a engaged with the external thread 12 in the thread housing hole 13.
As shown in the plan view in FIG. 5, the earth terminal block 14 and the grounding first pin E are electrically connected together via a metal connection member 15. As shown in FIG. 3, the external thread 12 is rotated through a hole 21 drilled in the connector housing cylinder 20, using a driver (not shown). The male thread 12 is thus abutted against the periphery of the hole 21.
This electrically connects the grounding first pin E to the connector housing cylinder 20 via the external thread 12, earth terminal block 14, and metal connection member 15. Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a leaf spring 16 may be connected to the grounding first pin E to electrically connect the grounding first pin E to the connector housing cylinder 20; the leaf spring 16 contacts an inner surface of the connector housing cylinder 20.
When a microphone cable (balanced shield cable) drawn from a phantom power source (not shown) is connected to the output connector 10, if an intense electromagnetic wave is applied to the microphone or microphone cable, it may enter the microphone through the output connector 10. Then, the electromagnetic wave may be demodulated by an impedance converter and then output by the microphone as noise of an audible frequency.
The operation described below is conventionally used as a method for preventing an electromagnetic wave from entering the microphone through the output connector 10. A condenser is connected between the grounding first pin E and the hot-side second pin SH and between the grounding first pin E and the cold-side third pin SC; the condensers operate to short high frequencies. Further, the hot-side second pin SH and the cold-side third pin SC are connected to the microphone case such as the connector housing cylinder 20 via an inductor that inhibits the entry of high frequencies.
The above conventional technique can inhibit the entry of normal broadcasting electric waves, for example, electromagnetic waves of HF, VHF, or UHF without any problems. However, the recent prevalence of cellular phones and the like has increased the opportunities to use an electromagnetic wave of a higher frequency near the microphone.
The three pins E, SH, and SC of the output connector 10 are located directly inside the microphone case. Consequently, a high-frequency current may enter the microphone case through these pins, the high-frequency current resulting from an intense electromagnetic wave radiated by a cellular phone or the like. The high-frequency current then reaches an electronic circuit including an impedance circuit, by radiation or propagation to generate noise.
In particular, noise is made when a high-frequency current coming from the hot-side second pin SH or cold-side third pin SC is electrostatically coupled to the electronic circuit. In other cases, noise is made when high-frequency magnetic fields generated by a high frequency current flowing through the microphone case are magnetically coupled.


An apparatus that indicates the speed of oncoming trains at train crossings comprises a large digital display attached to a drop gate or alternately on a side gate crossing sign for those crossings without a gate. The digital display is surrounded by a large sign indicating the speed of an oncoming train. A speed detection device aimed in either direction on the track to determine train speed. An interface converts the detected speed into a digital display. It is envisioned that motorists knowing the speed of an oncoming train will be less likely to try to beat the train through the crossing.

Automobile accidents are among the leading causes of death in the United States. Many thousands of railroad crossings intersecting with vehicle roadways exist and the importance of providing adequate and reliable information regarding an oncoming train is crucial to protect motorists. Automobiles struck by trains at railroad crossings usually result in higher mortality rates than other vehicular accidents. These accidents are also among the easiest to prevent. Typically, railroad crossing guards are activated via train detectors and serve as an effective means by which to prevent these accidents. Conventional railroad crossing warning systems include a crossbuck, warning bells, flashing lights, and automatic crossing gates. More complicated safety systems also exist from automated warning and access systems to satellite alert systems. These various attempts to provide warning and alert systems to motorists in close proximity to a railroad crossing with an oncoming train can be seen by reference to several U.S. Patents.
U.S. Patent, issued in the name of Shirkey et al., describes a wireless train proximity alert system generally comprising a plurality of transceivers which are in communication with one (1) another that provides a constant warning signal to vehicles approaching a railroad crossing when a train is approaching. U.S. Pat. No. 5,890,682, issued in the name of Welk, describes a railway crossing collision avoidance system generally comprising a signaling device and GPS receiver that alerts a vehicle in the vicinity of a railroad crossing to an approaching train. U.S. Pat. No. 5,954,299, issued in the name of Pace, describes a railroad crossing traffic warning system apparatus and method therefore generally comprising a series of magnetometer sensor probes buried adjacent to a railroad track that provides an alert to a motorist approaching a railroad crossing to the presence of an oncoming train. U.S. Pat. No. 6,179,252, issued in the name of Roop et al., describes an intelligent rail crossing control system and train tracking system generally comprising an internal controller that receives digital information regarding a train such as, direction speed, length, and identity. U.S. Pat. No. 6,241,197, issued in the name of Harland, describes an automated rail way crossing generally comprising a series of sensors that monitors the passage of a train travelling though a railroad crossing. U.S. Pat. No. 6,572,056, issued in the name of Berry et al., describes a method and apparatus for uniform time warning of railroad trains that controls the approach of an oncoming train such that a uniform warning time is ensured.
These systems can be expensive and require regular maintenance to ensure effectiveness. Many railroad crossings in less populated areas have no warning or alert systems at all or simply employ a standard crossbuck. Many motorists still attempt to beat such systems by either driving around the gates or by ignoring the crossing guard indicators. If these motorists simply knew this speed of the oncoming train, they would think twice about trying to "beat" them across the track. However, many motorists are poor judges of speed or may not have an actual view of the train due to limited line of sight position.
While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives, each of these references suffers from one (1) or more of the aforementioned disadvantages. Accordingly, the need has arisen for an effective solution to this problem that will help to prevent drivers from taking these risks. The development of the present invention substantially departs from the conventional solutions and in doing so fulfills this need.


A system comprises an electronic module slidably mounted in the system, a first assembly including at least one wireless transceiver mounted in the system, and a second assembly including at least one wireless transceiver to communicate wirelessly with the wireless transceiver of the first assembly. The second assembly is attached to the electronic module, and the wireless transceivers of the first and second assemblies continue communicating as the electronic module is slidably moved in the system.

Certain electronic systems, such as high-end computer server systems, storage server systems, telecommunications switch systems, and so forth, include a plurality of electronic modules, such as processing modules, storage modules, switch modules, and so forth. The multiple electronic modules are typically mounted inside a cabinet of the electronic system.
In a first type of computer server system, for example, the processing modules are electrically connected together by electrical wires. Each processing module can include a relatively large number of components, including multiple processors and other components. Consequently, there can be a relatively large number of electrical wires connecting the processing modules. Electrical wire management in computer server systems has become a major industry concern, as the amount of electrical wires present in the system affects the mechanical packaging of the computer server system.
If there are a large number of processing modules in the computer server system, then the relatively large number of electrical wires that have to be provided in the cabinet can become unwieldy. A high density of electrical wires inside the cabinet may result in reduced airflow within the cabinet, which may adversely affect the ability to cool components of each processing module. To further exacerbate the electrical wiring issue, extra lengths are often added to the electrical wires connected to the processing modules to enable sliding withdrawal of a processing module from a server cabinet for servicing. By making the electrical wires longer than necessary, a processing module can remain powered (and therefore available to users of a network environment, for example) even as the processing module is withdrawn from the server cabinet for servicing.
A second type of computer server system uses a backplane. Processing modules are electrically connected (by wires) to the backplane. The backplane is made up of interconnect circuitry to enable communication between the processing modules. Although the complexity of electrical wiring is reduced with this configuration, an issue of the second type of computer system is that it may be difficult to pull out a processing module for servicing without shutting down the processing module. To enable servicing of individual processing modules while the processing module remains live, relatively complicated solutions may often have to be employed, which add to the cost and complexity of the computer server system.

Communicating with an electronic module that is slidably mounted in a system

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.


A rhenium lined niobium alloy tube for use as a clad tube for nuclear fuel in a nuclear reactor. The tube is produced by an electro deposit process. A graphite mandrel is placed in the electro deposit chamber as the cathode material. Refined rhenium stock is used as the anode material. The chamber is filled with the chloride electrolyte. The chamber is closed and the electrolyte bath is heated. Current and voltage applied across the anode and cathode cause the rhenium to be deposited on the mandrel. Refined niobium alloy is then used as the anode material and applied over the rhenium on the mandrel to a desired thickness. The part is removed from the chamber and ground to the desired outside diameter. The graphite mandrel is removed from the tube.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention is generally related to nuclear fuel rods and more particularly to a clad tube with a rhenium liner that is produced by an electro deposit process.
2. General Background
Numerous materials have been investigated for use as cladding for uranium nitride nuclear fuel. Near the end of the SP-100 space nuclear reactor program clad development was focused on a fuel pin design having a Nb (niobium)-1% Zr (zirconium) outer shell with a rhenium liner. The purpose of this design was two-fold. First was that the 1% Zr would be reduced by the free contaminant oxygen found in the niobium alloy. Second was that the rhenium also provided a boost in creep strength over an unlined Nb-1% Zr tube. The outer niobium alloy was generally a powder metallurgy fabricated tube that typically had trace (˜1,000 ppm) impurities of oxygen. Since lithium was to be the reactor coolant, any free oxygen was scavenged from the clad by the lithium. This led to pitting in the pure niobium material and, ultimately, to clad/fuel failure. It was found that by adding 1% Zr to the niobium, the zirconium would "tie up" the free oxygen such that the lithium could not getter it from the clad and, hence, not form pits in the clad. The inner rhenium liner protects the niobium alloy from chemical attach by the uranium nitride fuel.
The method of manufacture of the tubes during the SP-100 program was not direct and required subsequent forming to achieve a finished product. The basic process was a complicated forming of powder metallurgy rhenium sheet, followed by a multi-step rolling operation to form the rhenium into a tube shape. The tube seam was then EB (electron beam) welded along its length to form a closed tube. The rhenium tube was then slid into a close tolerance fit niobium tube and a specially developed braze/weld performed to join the rhenium and niobium. This resulting clad was then loaded with fuel and seal welded.


A device for intercepting and collecting fats and/or moisture dispersed in an ascending gaseous carrier has a set of trough-shaped collecting elements which alternate with and whose marginal portions are overlapped by inverted trough-shaped intercepting elements. The lowermost sections of the collecting elements form part of shallow receptacles for collected fats and/or moisture, and such receptacles extend between end walls which are of one piece with the ends of main portions of the collecting elements. Such collecting elements can be produced by deep drawing suitably configurated blanks of sheet metal. The end walls and the marginal portions of the collecting elements have projections extending through slots in plate-like holders for the collecting elements.

The invention relates to improvements in devices which can be utilized as drop ceilings in kitchens or similar establishments to intercept and collect liquid media (such as fat, grease and/or moisture) which are dispersed in gaseous carriers, e.g., in streams or flows of ascending air. More particularly, the invention relates to improvements in devices wherein trough-shaped collecting elements alternate with inverted trough-shaped intercepting elements for the liquid medium or media.
It is already known to assemble a set of spaced apart parallel elongated trough-shaped collecting elements with a set of inverted trough-shaped intercepting elements. The intercepting elements overlie but are spaced apart from the marginal portions of neighboring collecting elements to define therewith a plurality of paths for the flow of an ascending gaseous carrier. The liquid medium or media which are dispersed in the gaseous carrier impinge upon and are intercepted by the concave undersides of the intercepting elements and are caused to flow into and to gather along the concave upper sides of the neighboring collecting elements. The ends of the intercepting and/or collecting elements are attached to holders in the form of walls. Reference may be had, for example, to German Pat. No. 27 18 611 granted Aug. 8, 1990 to Helmut Kittler for "Separator for a room aerating and deaerating device". The intercepting and collecting elements of the patented separator resemble portions of elongated hollow cylinders each of which extends along an arc of more than 180 degrees.
European Pat. No. 0 194 527 granted Aug. 23, 1989 to Josef Hammer discloses a drop ceiling wherein the collecting elements are mounted on supports. Thus, when the collecting elements are to be cleaned to relieve them of collected liquid media (such as grease and/or fat), the supports must be cleaned at the same time. This involves additional maintenance work. The aforementioned separator of Kittler can be said to constitute a further development of the drop ceiling of Hammer in that the separator of Kittler is designed as a cassette which can be introduced into and relieved of intercepted and collected liquid media in a washing machine.
Devices of the type disclosed by Kittler and Hammer can be utilized, for example, in the kitchens of hotels and other large establishments wherein the temperature often rises to or even exceeds 40.degree. C. If a device which is designed to intercept fats, grease and/or other liquid media, (e.g., moisture) is open to permit the gaseous carrier medium to pass therethrough, even very narrow passages for the flow of gaseous carrier suffice to permit the escape of a substantial percentage of liquid media. Such liquid media thereupon rise through the openings of the support for the drop ceiling and enter the flue or flues to be admitted into the atmosphere. Moreover, the escaping liquid media rapidly contaminate the component parts of the support for the drop ceiling as well as the rails or other holders for the support. This creates numerous problems because cleaning of the supports and of the holders therefor is a tedious and time-consuming task which cannot be carried out at frequent intervals.
Another drawback of presently known drop ceilings for use in large kitchens and/or similar establishments, wherein an ascending gaseous carrier is likely to entrain dispersed liquid media, is that the collecting elements are incapable of gathering relatively large quantities of liquids so that they must be relieved of collected liquids at frequent intervals. Attempts to increase the liquid-retaining capacity of such collecting elements include the provision of separately produced end walls which are welded to the end portions of the collecting elements. The welding of end walls to the collecting elements invariably entails an undesirable discoloration of the collecting elements and adversely affects the appearance of the entire drop ceiling. Moreover, the welding operation invariably entails at least some deformation of the collecting elements, and such deformation cannot be eliminated in a subsequent step except by resorting to highly expensive remedial techniques. It is to be borne in mind that the thickness of presently used collecting elements is normally less than 1 mm.
Attempts to eliminate the drawbacks of collecting elements with welded end walls include the resort to soldering (particularly brazing) techniques. This did not alleviate the problems because the utilization of hard solder necessitates operation at elevated temperatures. As a rule, the utilization of hard solder results in pronounced deformation of the collecting elements, namely a deformation which is so pronounced that it cannot be eliminated without unduly increasing the cost of the finished products. Attempts to use soft solder also failed to solve the aforediscussed problems which arise when using hard solder or when resorting to welding because the application of soft solder must be preceded by treatment with a highly corrosive substance which ensures that soft solder will adhere to the material of a collecting element. The corrosive action of such substances is sufficiently pronounced to affect the appearance and the integrity of collecting elements, even of those made of chrome-nickel steel or other high-quality and highly expensive materials. Corrosion of collecting elements which are used in drop ceilings of large kitchens and similar establishments is not acceptable to the owners and to the authorities.

Device for intercepting and collecting liquid media from ascending gaseous carriers

GIF Gesellschaft fur Ingenieurprojekte Freiburg mbH


A fastening structure is provided for fastening a thermal module to a mainboard, and includes a main body having at least one elastic press portion, a fastening portion, and an insertion unit. The fastening portion is provided on an end of the main body and the insertion unit is outward extended from another opposite end of the main body. The elastic press portion is provided on the main body and located between the insertion unit and the fastening portion, and a flexible space is defined between the elastic press portion and the main body. With these arrangements, the fastening structure can be quickly assembled to the thermal module without the need of welding and can therefore be conveniently separated therefrom whenever reworking is necessary.

Thanks to the progress in various technological fields, 3C products (Communication, Consumer electronics, and Computer products) have been constantly improved. For instance, the currently available computer systems now have quicker and quicker computing speed, and the central processing unit (CPU) or the microprocessor of a computer system performing the major computing function thereof has more powerful processing capability. However, the size of the CPU or microprocessor for the computer system does not increase along with the enhanced ability thereof, but is even reduced in some cases. That is, the density of the integrated circuits provided on the CPU or the microprocessor is obviously increased. Thus, heat produced by the CPU or the microprocessor during operation thereof also largely increases to adversely raise the surface temperature of the CPU or the microprocessor even to a level higher than 100° C.
To prevent the CPU or the microprocessor from being damaged or causing burnout of nearby elements due to the high temperature thereof, it is necessary to have some mechanism for timely removing the produced heat from the CPU or the microprocessor. Generally, such heat removing mechanism includes a thermal module having a base attached to a surface of a heat-producing element, such as the CPU, the microprocessor, a graphics chip, or a south and a north bridge chip, for absorbing the produced heat; and a heat pipe transferring the heat from the base to a plurality of radiating fins, which is extended through by the heat pipe, so that the produced heat is finally radiated from the radiating fins into ambient air. For the thermal module to stably mount to a mainboard of the computer system, a fastening device is usually needed to connect to the radiating fins extended through by the heat pipe, and a fastening element, such as a screw, is then downward extended through the fastening device to screw into the mainboard.
FIGS. 1A and 1B as well as FIGS. 1C and 1D showing a first and a second conventional manner, respectively, for fastening a thermal module to a mainboard. The thermal module includes a base 10, a heat pipe 11, a plurality of radiating fins 12, and a fastening device. The heat pipe 11 has an end attached to one side of the base 10, and another side of the base 10 is in contact with a heat-producing element, such as a CPU, a microprocessor, a graphics chip, a south bridge chip or a north bridge chip (not shown). Another end of the heat pipe 11 is extended through the radiating fins 12. The radiating fins 12 has a recess 121 formed on one side facing toward the fastening device 13 for receiving the fastening device 13 therein.
The fastening device 13 is made of a metal material, such as iron or copper, and has an end welded to a predetermined position on the radiating fins 12, so that a weld layer 15 is formed between one end of the fastening device 13 and the radiating fins 12 to permanently connect the fastening device 13 to the radiating fins 12. Another opposite end of the fastening device 13 is provided with a fastening hole 131, via which a fastening element 17 is downward extended to screw into a mainboard (not shown), so that the radiating fins 12 are firmly attached to the mainboard via the fastening device 13.
While the fastening device 13 enables fixed connection of the radiating fins 12 to the mainboard, the radiating fins 12 and the fastening device 13 welded thereto could not be separated from one another for reworking unless the weld layer 15 is completely removed from between the radiating fins 12 and the fastening device 13. However, when trying to remove the weld layer 15, it is almost inevitable to cause damages to the fastening device 13 and/or the radiating fins 12.
Further, when using the fastening device 13 to fasten the radiating fins 12 to the mainboard, the fastening device 13 is fixedly connected to the radiating fins 12 via the weld layer 15 and could not be freely adjusted to different positions to adapt to different designs. As a result, the conventional fastening device 13 has low applicability and is inconvenient for use and must be produced in different dimensions to match different design requirements, which inevitably increases the overall cost for mounting the thermal module to the mainboard.
In brief, the conventional fastening device for thermal module has the following disadvantages: (1) not allowing easy reworking; (2) increasing the cost for mounting the thermal module; and (3) not convenient for use.
It is therefore tried by the inventor to develop an improved fastening structure for thermal module, so as to eliminate the above drawbacks.


Provided are a method and apparatus for scheduling in a carrier aggregation system. The method includes: transmitting information for indicating a plurality of secondary cells to be scheduled through a joint coded control channel by using a higher layer signal; transmitting a separate coded control channel for scheduling a primary cell; and transmitting one joint coded control channel for scheduling the plurality of secondary cells, wherein the separate coded control channel is a control channel for scheduling one data channel transmitted through the primary cell, and the joint coded control channel is a control channel for scheduling the plurality of data channels transmitted through the plurality of secondary cells.

One of the most important requirements of a next generation wireless communication system is to support a high data rate. For this, various techniques such as multiple input multiple output (MIMO), cooperative multiple point transmission (CoMP), relay, etc., have been under research, but the most fundamental and reliable solution is to increase a bandwidth.
However, a frequency resource is in a saturation state at present, and various schemes are partially used in a wide frequency band. For this reason, in order to ensure a broadband bandwidth to satisfy a required higher data rate, a system is designed such that a basic requirement which allows separate bands to operate respective independent systems is satisfied, and a carrier aggregation (CA) is introduced. In concept, the CA aggregates a plurality of bands into one system. In this case, a band that can be independently managed is defined as a component carrier (CC).
To support growing transmission capacity, it is considered in the latest communication standard (e.g., 3GPP LTE-A or 802.16m) to expand its bandwidth to 20 MHz or higher. In this case, a wideband is supported by aggregating one or more CCs. For example, if one CC corresponds to a bandwidth of 5 MHz, four carriers are aggregated to support a bandwidth of up to 20 MHz. A system supporting carrier aggregation in this manner is called a carrier aggregation system.
The conventional carrier aggregation system uses a structure in which one control channel corresponds to one data channel. That is, one physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) and/or one physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) are scheduled through one physical downlink control channel (PDCCH). However, a more effective scheduling method is required since a next-generation communication system may request real-time data communication and large-volume high-speed data transmission.

Method and device for scheduling in carrier aggregation system


The present invention relates to an AC/DC converter (1) of the type having an AC/DC conversion stage (2) and a DC/DC conversion stage (3), the AC/DC conversion stage (2) comprising an input filter stage (4), an input rectifier stage (5) and a tracking boost converter stage. The boost converter stage in turn comprises an input choke (10), a boost diode (16) and a bulk capacitor (17). The bulk capacitor (17) is arranged to store a range of voltages substantially proportional to the input voltage of the converter. The DC/DC stage (3) is arranged to receive the range of voltages from the bulk capacitor (17) and is controllable to provide a desired DC output regardless of the voltage received from the bulk capacitor (17). This is achieved through careful combination of components and use of output feedback control to control the voltage applied to an isolated transformer (41) in the DC/DC stage.

AC/DC converters have been known for many years and are used extensively particularly throughout the electronics industry. These converters take power from a utility lines or mains to supply and deliver a predetermined DC output, typically at the lower voltages, which are generally required by electronic circuitry as used in industrial, communications, computing, medical and general applications. Typically, an AC/DC converter comprises a pre-regulator which performs a "power factor correction," namely, it draws current largely proportional to the input voltage and then feeds a boosted line voltage, typically at 400V, to a capacitor which stores energy during the low voltage parts of the AC input cycle. This capacitor then feeds a DC/DC converter which provides the required DC voltage for the circuitry in question.
There are, however, problems associated with the known types of AC/DC converters. First of all, many of these converters experience problems with the filtering of electromagnetic interference (EMI) caused by the operation of the converter. Every switching stage of the converter generates interference, and modern power converters operate with switching at a frequency typically in the range of 20 KHz to 1 MHz or higher, and such switching can generate significant interference to other electrical equipment. This interference is gerenally reduced by using more suitable switching techniques and/or filtering. Particular challenges in this area lie in filtering the current ripple in the input boost choke or flyback stage as typically used in power-factor correction stages and also in limiting the common-mode noise generated in the isolation transformer between the line/mains and the electronic circuitry being fed by the supply. Industry-led and regulatory standards apply to EMI performance and safety isolation in power converters and it is important to provide a power converter that adheres to these standards.
Another design problem associated with the known types of AC/DC converters concerns the efficiency of the converters. In particular, there is a design challenge in getting a generally optimum efficiency from power converters across the wide range of input voltages, where the input voltage cycle peak varies from typically 1.414*85V to 1.414*265V depending on the country. Furthermore, one increases efficiency at the different points of the operating cycle between 0V and the peak input voltage value. Design of AC/DC converters with an approximately fixed value of bulk capacitor voltage typically involves compromises in optimizing efficiency across the differing line voltages.
In many instances, AC/DC converters have to be capable of operating in dual mode, namely, be capable of taking both low-line voltages (nominally 110V, as is common in the US and Japan) and high-line voltages (nominally 220V to 240V as is common in Europe). It has been known to implement an AC/DC converter having a dual mode input stage whereby either low-line or high-line input voltages can be handled adequately and converted to provide power to a piece of equipment. However, there are various problems with these types of converters including those outlined above.

AC/DC converter comprising plural converters in cascade


An embodiment is a portable, modular apparatus, having one or more modules, for recovering oil from an oil well and generating electric power, and including a chassis to support a fuel reformer, a gas separator, a power generator, and/or a compressor. The fuel reformer module is adapted to react a fuel source with water to generate driver gas including a mixture of carbon dioxide gas and hydrogen gas. The gas separator module is operatively coupled to the reformer module and is adapted to separate at least a portion of the hydrogen gas from the rest of the driver gas. The power generator module is operatively coupled to the gas separator module and is adapted to generate electric power using a portion of the separated hydrogen gas. The compressor module is operatively coupled to the reformer module and is adapted to compress a portion of the driver gas, and to eject the driver gas at high pressure into the oil well for enhanced oil recovery. The chassis may be mounted and carried by a truck, boat, airplane, or other vehicle to the location of the oil well.

Currently there are tens of thousands of depleted oil and natural gas wells around the world, which collectively possess significant amounts of petroleum resources that cannot currently be extracted using conventional extraction techniques.
For example, in a typical oil well, only about 30% of the underground oil is recovered during initial drilling ("primary recovery"). An additional approximately 20% of the original oil may be accessed by "secondary recovery" techniques such as water flooding. In recent years, "tertiary recovery" (also known as "Enhanced Oil Recovery" or EOR) techniques have been developed to recover additional oil from depleted wells. Such tertiary recovery techniques include thermal recovery, chemical injection, and gas injection. Using current methods, these tertiary techniques allow for an additional 20% or more of the original oil to be recovered.
Gas injection is one of the most common EOR techniques. In particular, carbon dioxide (CO2) injection into depleted oil wells has received considerable attention owing to its ability to mix with crude oil. Since crude oil is miscible with CO2 at moderate pressures and temperatures, injection of CO2 renders the oil substantially less viscous and more amenable to recovery.
Despite the potential advantages of CO2 in enhanced oil recovery, its use has been hampered by several factors. For instance, in order for the enhanced recovery process to be economically viable, the CO2 gas must be available in copious supplies at reasonable cost at the site of the oil well. Alternatively, CO2 can be produced from industrial applications such as natural gas processing, fertilizer, ethanol and hydrogen plants where naturally occurring CO2 reservoirs are not available. The CO2 must then be transported over large distances via pipelines and injected at the well site. Unfortunately, such CO2 pipelines are difficult and costly to construct. Additionally, many oil sites are out of reach from such natural and industrial sources of CO2.
Additionally, as a result of widespread concern over global warming, proposals are being considered to create taxes on CO2 emissions, with typical figures in the range of $50 per tonne of CO2 released into the atmosphere. However, most electric power plants, which burn coal or natural gas to generate electricity, produce large quantities of CO2 waste product. Using present technologies, it is often not economically feasible to utilize the CO2 from such power plants for oil recovery because they are not within close reach of oil fields. Thus, the cost of sequestering CO2 in the ground is often not economically feasible.
In addition to CO2, another gas that can potentially be used for enhanced oil recovery is hydrogen (H2). Hydrogen gas has received considerably less attention than CO2, however. Hydrogen, although somewhat soluble with oil, is far less so than CO2. Large quantities of hydrogen are believed to be necessary for pressurization and long residence times are believe necessary for in-situ hydrogenation. Traditionally, hydrogen has been costly to produce and its use has not been justified from an economic standpoint.
Accordingly, as recognized by the present inventors, what is needed is a portable and modular system and apparatus that may be taken wherever a candidate oil field may be, for extracting oil/petroleum from the ground or from oil wells, such as "depleted" oil wells. What is also needed is a modular system and apparatus that may be taken wherever a natural gas reservoir may be, for extracting natural gas from the ground or from natural gas wells.
Additionally, as recognized by the present inventors, what are also needed are a system, a method, and an apparatus for generating power, such as electricity, while emitting less CO2 into the atmosphere. What are also needed are a system, a method, and an apparatus for utilizing coal, natural gas, or other fossil fuels to produce power, such as electricity, without incurring large CO2 tax penalties.
Therefore, it would be an advancement in the state of the art to provide a portable and modular system and apparatus that may be taken wherever a candidate oil or natural gas field may be, and which may be used to generate large quantities of CO2 and hydrogen gas for use in enhanced oil recovery, as well as to generate electricity without emitting large quantities of CO2 into the atmosphere.
It is against this background that various embodiments of the present invention were developed.

Portable and modular system for extracting petroleum and generating power


In a method and system for transmitting messages over a data network, the communication task is used which is implemented on a transmitting microcontroller which determines, on the basis of a routing table, which communication system is used to forward the message to which adjacent microcontroller. A dual-ported RAM is provided between two microcontrollers as one type of communication system.

Local data networks with a plurality of microcontrollers are often provided in machines such as, for example, printers or copiers in which the individual modules of the machines are respectively controlled by one or more microcontrollers and the microcontrollers communicate with all modules over such a data network. These data networks are often based on the CAN bus. The CAN bus or the corresponding protocol is explained in detail in CAN Controller Error Network, Grundlage und Praxis, 2nd edition, 1997 (ISBN 3-7785-2575-1). A CAN bus is a serial data bus that is typically realized with a differential two-wire line. The messages are transferred in what are known as CAN telegrams or CAN frames. Such a CAN data telegram comprises a start bit, an identifier comprising 11 bits, a further seven control bits, 0-8 data bytes and further control bits that follow the data bytes. The design of a CAN data telegram can differ depending on the specification; there is thus a CAN specification 2.0A and a CAN specification 2.0B. The arbitration is executed per bit and without control. This means that the transmitter that prevails (based on its priority) in the data bus relative to other transmitters does not have to resend its telegram. The control bits provides by the data bytes are used for arbitration, whereby the arbitration essentially occurs via the bits of the identifier.
A further development of the CAN bus is designated as a PeliCAN that is equipped with further service features relative to the conventional CAN bus. A stand-alone CAN controller with the designation SJA 1000, which completely supports the CAN 2.0B protocol and additionally can be operated in the PeliCAN mode, is offered by the firm Philips. This controller is described in detail in the datasheet of 4 Jan. 2000.
A machine controlled by a plurality of processors emerges from U.S. Pat. No. 4,737,907, whereby one of the processors is a master processor and the further processors are activated by the master processor in order to execute specific actions. Clock signals that are supplied to all processors are generated by means of a breaker plate. The master processor can therefore send a command to a further processor and combine this command with a delay time, such that these further microcontrollers only execute the command after the expiration of the delay time. The delay time is specified in a specific number of clock pulses. Via the use of the clock pulses, the master processor does not always have to output to the further microcontrollers its respective commands for execution of the actions at the point in time at which the commands should be executed, but rather can send out the respective commands early and tend to other actions after sending the commands. The master processor is thus unloaded.
If the communication between the master processor and the further processors were to be executed over a data network in which the delays for transfer of messages can vary and in particular depend on the load of the data network, the individual actions cannot be executed at an exact predetermined point in time, since this point in time would be affected by the transfer time of the individual messages.
A hardware circuit in which various processing components can communicate with one another is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,614,745.
A local network for the control of a plurality of processors and control cards at a printing machine emerges from DE 100 59 270 A1. The individual processes on the control cards are synchronized with the aid of a centrally-generated system tract that is transferred to the individual control cards over a free line. The individual actions are initiated by the control cards, dependent on an angle setting of the machine, whereby a specific angle setting, the rotation speed, and the acceleration at a specific point in time from which other angle settings are then extrapolated, are transferred to the control cards.
A multiprocessor system in which a plurality of autonomous processes use the same address range of a storage emerges from U.S. Pat. No. 5,313,620.
DE 198 22 146 A1 specifies a device for communication between a plurality of electrical components such as, for example, sensors, actuators or gauges. This device comprises a master and a number of slaves, corresponding to the number of the electrical components that are connected with one another via a bidirectional interface. The master generates the synchronization pulses, clock signals and transmission pulses, whereby a synchronization pulse respectively initiates a cycle in which a specific number of clock signals are switched on the bidirectional interface.
A method with which two processors can access a common storage device that is a dual-ported RAM, whereby no arbitration logic is necessary, emerges from DE 199 20 992 A1. For this, an item of information stored in the dual-ported RAM is read out n times and subsequently compared. If the n determined items of information are identical, the read information is correct. Otherwise the read event must be repeated.
A routing device for coupling of various telecommunication networks with different protocols and different transfer properties emerges from DE 199 28 930 A1. With this device, narrow-band military special networks should in particular be coupled to broadband civil networks and/or other narrow-band military special networks. Routers allow networks with different network protocols to connect. Using the address of a data packet, routers determine which router or which workstation should receive the packet next. Based on a routing table, routers ensure that the packets reach their goal in the most efficient way possible. When a connection between two routers is disturbed, the transmitting router can determine an alternative path in order to sustain the traffic flow.

Method and device for transmitting messages over a data network


This specification discloses an invention directed to an ultrasonic cleaning apparatus for cleaning a cleaning target. The ultrasonic cleaning apparatus includes a liquid discharge nozzle having a discharge port to discharge a liquid therethrough, an ultrasonic vibrator for applying ultrasonic vibrations to the liquid which is to be supplied to the nozzle, and a cleaning member which is mounted on the discharge port of the nozzle, vibrates while holding therein the liquid discharged through the discharge port, and comes into contact with the cleaning target with a predetermined area, thereby scrub-cleaning the surface of the cleaning target.

The present invention relates to a cleaning apparatus and method that utilize ultrasonic waves and, more particularly, to an ultrasonic cleaning method and apparatus suitable for removing contaminants attaching to the surface of a semiconductor substrate or the like and for drying the semiconductor substrate after the contaminants are removed.
Conventionally, as a method of mechanically removing substances attaching to the surface of an object to be cleaned, e.g., a semiconductor substrate or a reticle, scrub cleaning and ultrasonic cleaning are known.
According to scrub cleaning, a scrub member on which a nylon brush or the like is arranged is rotated. The surface of the cleaning target is cleaned by scrubbing, thereby removing substances attaching to the surface of the cleaning target. According to ultrasonic cleaning, the cleaning target is dipped in a cleaning liquid, which is vibrated within the ultrasonic band to apply vibrations to substances attaching to the surface of the cleaning target, thereby removing the substances.
In scrub cleaning, in order to prevent the scrub member and the cleaning target from coming into direct contact with each other, the cleaning liquid is constantly supplied to the surface of the cleaning target such that it exists between the scrub member and the cleaning target. Sometimes, however, the cleaning liquid does not sufficiently reach the interface between the cleaning target and scrub member, and the cleaning target substrate and the scrub member come into direct contact with each other.
In this case, the cleaning target may break, or the nylon brush or the like of the scrub member wears to generate dust, causing contamination. If a soft scrub member is used in order to prevent wear of the scrub member, the effect of removing the attaching substances may be decreased.
In ultrasonic cleaning, as described above, the substances attaching to the surface of the cleaning target are removed by applying vibrations to them. Hence, it is very difficult to remove film-like attaching substances.
With either cleaning method, recontamination by removed substances attaching to the cleaned target again must be prevented. For this purpose, the cleaning target must be cleaned again before drying. A simple apparatus for achieving this is sought for.

Ultrasonic cleaning apparatus and method


A system and a method for providing content, management and interactivity for client devices are provided. Digital data based on user specified preferences is automatically obtained and transferred.

The rapid buildup of telecommunications infrastructure combined with substantial investment in Internet-based businesses and technology has brought Internet connectivity to a large segment of the population. Recent market statistics show that a majority of households in the U.S. own at least one personal computer (PC), and a significant number of these PCs are connected to the Internet. Many households include two or more PCs, as well as various PC productivity peripherals such as printers, scanners, and the like. Decreases in the cost of PC components such as microprocessors, hard disk drives, memory, and displays, have driven the commoditization of PCs. Although the majority of household PCs are connected to the Internet by dialup modem connections, broadband connectivity is being rapidly adopted, and is decreasing in price as a variety of technologies are introduced and compete in the marketplace. A large majority of households in the U.S. and Europe are viable for at least one or more type of broadband connection, such as cable, DSL, optical networks, fixed wireless, or two-way satellite transmission.
A market for home networking technology has emerged, driven by the need to share an Internet connection between two or more PCs, and to connect all the PCs to productivity peripherals. There has been innovation in local area network (LAN) technology based on end-user desire for simplicity and ease of installation. Installing Ethernet cable is impractical for a majority of end-users, therefore a number of no-new-wires technologies have been introduced. The Home Phoneline Networking Association (HPNA) promotes networking products that turn existing phone wiring in the home into an Ethernet physical layer. Adapters are required that allow each device to plug into any RJ-11 phone jack in the home. The adapter modifies the signal from devices so that it can be carried by the home phone lines. Existing HPNA products provide data-rates equivalent to 10base-T Ethernet, approximately 10 Mbps. Networking technology that uses the AC power wiring in the home to carry data signals has also appeared. Similar to HPNA devices, adapters are required to convert data signals from devices into voltage fluctuations carried on to and off of the AC wires, allowing any AC outlet to become a network interface. Although both HPNA and power line networking products are convenient to use because they require no new wires, the advantage of AC power line products over HPNA is that AC power outlets are more ubiquitous than RJ-11 phone jacks.
Wireless radio-frequency (RF) LAN technology has also been introduced into the home networking market. Theoretically, wireless technology is the most convenient for the end user to install. There are currently two prevalent standards for wireless networking, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11b and HomeRF. Both of these systems utilize the unlicensed 2.4 Ghz ISM band as the carrier frequency for the transmission of data. Both of these technologies have effective ranges of approximately 150 feet in a typical household setting. IEEE 802.11b is a direct sequence spread spectrum technology. HomeRF is a frequency-hopping spread spectrum technology. Adapters that are RF transceivers are required for each device to communicate on the network. In addition to utilizing Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) protocols, IEEE 802.11b and HomeRF include additional encryption and security protocol layers so that the user's devices have controlled access to data being sent through the LAN.
Due to market competition and the effect of Moore's Law, home networking technology is greatly increasing in performance and availability, while decreasing in price. For example, the current data-rate roadmap shows HomeRF increasing from 10 Mbps to 20 Mbps, utilizing the 5 Ghz band. The IEEE 802.11 technology roadmap shows the introduction of 802.11a at 54 Mbps, also utilizing the 5 Ghz band. It is important to note that LAN data-rates are increasing much faster than wide-area data-rates, such as the data-rates provided by "last mile" technologies including DSL, DOCSIS. Wireless wide area data-rates are also improving slowly. Current digital cellular technology provides less than 64 Kbps data-rates, with most systems providing throughput in the 20 Kbps range.
While networked PCs with Internet connectivity provide greater convenience for productivity applications, there are other trends that are influencing end user's content experiencing habits. For example, Personal Video Recorders (hereafter PVRs are increasing in popularity. These devices are an improvement on VCR "time-shifting" functionality, allowing users to record, pause, and start live broadcast media, almost in real time. These devices digitize terrestrially broadcast television content and store the files on a hard disk drive, providing much faster random access, fast-forwarding, and rewinding. A graphical user interface is provided that allows users to make content preference selections. A PVR supports the trend toward user controlled "anytime" access to digital content.
The MP3 digital audio format is an audio encoding technology that allows consumers to further compress digital audio files such as those found on Compact Disks, to much smaller sizes with very little decrease in sound quality. The MP3 format is the audio layer of MPEG-2 digital audio and video compression and transmission standard. For example, the MP3 format allows for compression of audio content to approximately 1 million bytes per minute of audio, at near Compact Disk quality. This capability, combined with a decrease in the cost of flash memory, a type of non-volatile silicon-based mass memory, has made it possible to develop affordable, portable digital audio playback devices. These are devices that are significantly smaller than portable CD players because they contain no moving parts, only flash memory and a microprocessor for decoding MP3 compressed audio content.
PC-based MP3 software players have been created that provide a convenient graphical user interface and software decoding of MP3 files. Some technology allows users to play MP3 files on their PC, using an existing sound card with external speakers. However, to listen to MP3s the user must interface with the PC, using a mouse and keyboard, and must be nearby the PC sound output equipment.
The smaller size of MP3 encoded audio files has also enabled these files to be shared by users across the Internet, since the transfer of these files takes an acceptable amount of time. Internet-based digital music access and distribution service businesses have appeared that provide various means for users to gain access to digital audio files.
In addition to music, many other types of audio content are now available in digital format, such as spoken-word content, news, commentary, and educational content. Digital files containing audio recordings of books being read aloud are available for download directly from their website.
Graphic content such as video and still images are also increasingly available. Digital still and video cameras allow the capture and rapid transfer of images. Products exist that allows users to share digital images across the Internet. One example is a frame housing similar to a conventional picture frame, but with a large LCD in place of a photograph. The device includes a microprocessor, memory, and modem. The device must be plugged into a phone line, and it functions by automatically dialing-up to a server where new digital images are stored. Based on user instructions made through a setup function on a website, a group of photos are sent to, and stored on, and displayed by the device. These picture frames may be costly due to the fact that they includes a large LCD, and also because they must include enough memory to store the digital images. This type of picture frame is an example of digital content delivered beyond the PC.
Internet access is also available through the use of wireless phones with Internet browsing capability and Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) with wide-area wireless connections. One such device uses the paging network, which provides among the lowest bandwidth connection available at approximately 2.4 Kbps. Another such device uses the cellular wireless infrastructure which provides a maximum of 19.2 Kbps. Many wireless cellular phones now provide "wireless web" limited browsing capability. The slow data-rates provided by these products, as well as limited display area and awkward methods of user interaction, have resulted in slow adoption rates, and signals that users increasingly demand rich media experiences that can only be supported by broadband data-rates. Additionally, use of these products supports the trend of access to Internet content beyond the PC.
Other technology providers provides software that channels content from the Internet to a handheld device through a PC with an Internet connection. The handheld must be docked in its cradle for the transfer to take place. The personal computer is used mainly as a communication link, as none of the content is stored on the computer, it passes through the PC and is stored on the handheld device. The user removes the handheld device from the cradle and then accesses the information from the last download on the handheld device. Many systems do not provide for rich media experiences as that example of a handheld device. Other devices are limited in processing power, and handheld devices do not leverage the processing power of the personal computer. However, handheld devices do further support the trend of access to Internet content beyond the PC.
Cable, as well as satellite TV services are efficient in providing video content to a wide variety of users. However, most existing cable and satellite systems provide video delivery services on a broadcast model, that is, customers must choose from a set number of audio/video programs that are simultaneously broadcast, with the schedule determined by the broadcast networks. With the overlaying of data services over existing cable lines, there is the opportunity to provide a video-on-demand service whereby customers could order video programming of their choice at any time. However, a simple calculation will show that pure video-on-demand cannot be supported by the bandwidth available on the existing networks, due to the high data-rates required to transport high-quality video and audio in real-time.
The convergence of the digitization of content, combined with the proliferation and decreasing cost of networking and data processing components, is providing the opportunity to deliver rich content via the Internet, to a variety of inexpensive devices beyond the personal computer.
What is needed is a system that provides an economically optimal architecture and management system for allowing users to set up preferences for content of varying types, including rich content, and other services, to be automatically delivered to inexpensive client devices.

System and method for providing content, management, and interactivity for client devices


The present invention identifies essentially all of the members of a specific group of genes that are preferentially transcribed upon the initialization of a signal transduction pathway. The present invention also discloses methods for detecting and/or quantifying the transcription of these specific genes. The present invention further discloses methods of using this information to characterize the effect of potential drugs on a cell. Solid supports comprising nucleic acids that can hybridize with the transcripts from this specific group of genes are also described.

The mechanisms underlying the specificity of the responses elicited by activation of cell surface receptors are not well understood. The pituitary gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor (GnRHR), which mediates the biosynthesis of the gonadotropins luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone, provides a salient example of the exquisite requirements for signaling specificity between the membrane and the genome. The pattern of downstream gene responses depends on the frequency of receptor stimulation. Specific patterns of GnRHR stimulation lead to the generation of distinct transcriptional programs. For example, prolonged GnRH stimulation favor induction of the common α-gona dotropin. In contrast, a specific physiologically-relevant frequency range of receptor stimulation, on the order of one pulse/hour, preferentially induces the luteinizing hormone beta subunit (LHβ) gene (see, for example, Dalkin et al. (1989) Endocrinology 125:917-24). Whereas downstream signal transduction mediators including JNK and ERK and a number of transcription factors including Egr1, SF1 and NAB1 have been implicated in modulation of the LHβ promoter (see for example Kaiser et al. (2000) Mol. Endocrinol. 14:1235-45), the available data do not explain why the induction of LHβ requires specific patterns of GnRHR activation. Furthermore, whereas it has recently been proposed that signal transduction pathways may form complex networks that manifest emergent properties whose overall patterns of activity are relatively independent of the behavior of specific components (Bhalla et al. (1999) Science 283 381-7), heretofore there has been no methodology to specifically delineate these inter-related roles of the products of the genes comprising these complex networks. Moreover, there has been no methodology to specifically exploit the general information that can be elucidated from these complex networks.
Microarray techniques have emerged as important approaches for the simultaneous analysis of multiple gene transcripts. Microarrays have proven valuable in refining cancer classification (see, for example, Alizadeh et al. (2000) Nature 403:503-11) and for providing qualitative assessment of the global gene programs that accompany cell division, development, and the responses to specific stimuli (see, for example, Iyer et al. (1999) Science 283:381-7). However, data obtained using both commercial and custom global microarrays have been limited by the expense of the assays and by problems in quality control (Knight (2001) Nature 410:860-1). The scale of genome-wide microarrays brings several problems. One is the difficulty of quality control for both academic and commercial suppliers. Another is the increase in statistical uncertainty due to multiple hypothesis testing. For an experiment utilizing a fixed number of arrays, the statistical power of correctly assigning a gene as regulated or unregulated decreases as the size of the array increases. However the high expense of global arrays constrains the number of arrays that should be analyzed to provide statistically acceptable sensitivity and specificity.
Therefore, there is a need to provide microarrays that are constructed to contain a limited number of nucleic acids affixed to them, yet still be able to allow the accurate identification of a subset of genes that are affected by a given biological interaction. In addition, there is a need to identify the specific set of genes that play a role in the initial stages of signal transduction pathways.

Use of intrinsic reporters of cell signaling for high content drug profiling and toxicity screening


Provided is an article sorting system having a security inspection function which relates to intelligent logistics. The system includes: a security inspection machine including a detector, a security inspection driving device and a security inspection channel; and a mobile transport device matched with the security inspection channel in space, which is configured to move a received article to be sorted by using the security inspection driving device so that the article to be sorted passes through the security inspection channel and accepts a security detection performed by the detector in the security inspection channel. Alternatively, the system includes: a security inspection machine including a detector and a security inspection channel; and a mobile transport device matched with the security inspection channel in space, which is configured to move the received article to be sorted so that the article to be sorted passes through the security inspection channel and accepts the security detection performed by the detector in the security inspection channel.

With a rapid development of e-commerce, online shopping is becoming more and more popular. However, there are many hidden risks in increasingly frequent cross-regional express delivery logistics. The number of crimes committed by those who use the management defects of express delivery logistics industry is also increasing year by year. Therefore, how to strengthen the security management of the express delivery logistics industry in cities has become the focus of social management.

Article sorting system having security inspection function


A method for treating a process water from a bitumen recovery process in order to obtain carbon dioxide from the process water, which method includes lowering the pH of the process water, thereby causing carbon dioxide to evolve from the process water as evolved carbon dioxide gas. The evolved carbon dioxide gas may be collected and compressed, and water vapour associated with the evolved carbon dioxide gas may be separated from the evolved carbon dioxide gas. After the carbon dioxide has been obtained from the process water, the process water and the water vapour separated from the evolved carbon dioxide gas may be recycled back to the bitumen recovery process. The evolved carbon dioxide gas may be stored for future use or sale. The method may also include heating the process water in order to reduce the solubility of carbon dioxide in the process water.

Carbon dioxide has a boiling point of −78 degrees Celsius, with the result that carbon dioxide is typically present on earth as a gas. The carbon dioxide molecule includes two oxygen atoms which are attached by double bonds to a single carbon atom. Carbon dioxide is relatively non-reactive and is not flammable.
Carbon dioxide is derived from natural sources such as the oxidation of organic material, fermentation processes and as a product of respiration by aerobic organisms. Carbon dioxide is also derived from man-made sources such as the burning of fossil fuels (i.e., hydrocarbons) and as a by-product of industrial processes. Carbon dioxide is consumed by plants during photosynthesis.
Carbon dioxide is present in the Earth's atmosphere at a low concentration. However, carbon dioxide is the most abundant "greenhouse gas", a group of atmospheric gases which includes carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and fluorocarbons. It is generally believed that greenhouse gases may contribute to climate change and global warming.
The Kyoto Protocol is an agreement made under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which agreement entered into force on Feb. 16, 2005. Countries which have ratified the Kyoto Protocol have agreed to control and/or reduce emissions into the atmosphere of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.
Many countries have ratified the Kyoto Protocol, with notable exceptions being the United States and Australia. In any event, there appears to be a general consensus throughout the world that controlling and/or reducing emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases is generally desirable.
Carbon dioxide exhibits a relatively high solubility in water. The solubility of carbon dioxide in water does, however, decrease with increasing temperature.
In an aqueous environment carbon dioxide is typically present as dissolved carbon dioxide, as carbonic acid, as bicarbonate ions and as carbonate ions in varying amounts to establish equilibrium as a "carbonate system" or "carbonic acid system", depending upon the concentrations of the various carbon dioxide species and the pH of the aqueous environment. Carbon dioxide typically dissolves and dissociates in water in several steps according to the following formulae:CO2(gas)⇄CO2(aqueous)  (1)CO2(aqueous)+H2O⇄H2CO3(aqueous)   (2)H2CO3⇄H++HCO3−  (3)HCO3−⇄H++CO32−  (4)
As the aqueous environment becomes less acidic and more basic, increasing amounts of carbonic acid (H2CO3), bicarbonate ion (HCO3−) and carbonate ion (CO32−) are formed in a stepwise manner as carbon dioxide dissolves and dissociates in the aqueous environment.
The presence of carbonate ions in an aqueous environment will tend to cause the formation and precipitation of carbonate compounds as carbon dioxide species from cations such as calcium (Ca2+) and magnesium (Mg2+) which are present in the aqueous environment, according to the following exemplary formulae:CO32−+Ca2+→CaCO3  (5)CO32−+Mg2+→MgCO3  (6)
This precipitation of carbonate compounds is reversible to produce carbonate ions as the aqueous environment becomes increasingly acidic, according to the following general formulae:CaCO3+2H+→Ca2++CO32−  (7)MgCO3+2H+→Mg2++CO32−  (8)
Industrial plants and processes often generate significant amounts of carbon dioxide species, including carbon dioxide, carbonic acid, bicarbonate ions, carbonate ions and carbonate compounds, due to the combustion of fossil fuels and/or as a by-product of the processes being performed.
For example, power plants may generate carbon dioxide species as a result of the combustion of fossil fuels such as coal and oil. Other facilities may generate carbon dioxide species due to the combustion of fossil fuels and as a by-product of the various processes that may occur at such facilities.
Plants and facilities may also generate carbon dioxide species through the use of process water to perform processes, either due to dissolution of carbon dioxide in the process water or due to the presence of cations or carbonate compounds in the process water or in other materials which come into contact with the process water.
For example, the recovery of bitumen from a feed material such as oil sand involves a number of processes which may contribute carbon dioxide species to process water. First, the feed material may contain carbonate compounds which are transferred to the process water during processing of the feed material. Second, air which is used in separation vessels and/or flotation machines may contribute atmospheric carbon dioxide which dissolves in the process water. Third, air exposure at the surface of separation vessels such as thickeners etc. may contribute atmospheric carbon dioxide which dissolves in the process water. Fourth, if combustion gases are used to heat the process water, carbon dioxide contained in the combustion gases may dissolve in the process water.
The loading of carbon dioxide species in process water may ultimately result in undesirable carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere, and may also interfere with equipment and with processes that are performed using the process water. These potential problems are exacerbated if the process water is recycled and reused to perform such processes, in which case the amount of carbon dioxide species contained in the process water will typically increase each time the process water is used.
Although carbon dioxide emissions may be undesirable in the context of the general goal of limiting greenhouse gas emissions, carbon dioxide itself is useful for many purposes. Carbon dioxide in solid form (i.e., dry ice) is commonly used as a refrigerant and to carbonate soft drinks. Carbon dioxide is also useful as a non-flammable pressurized gas, as a fire extinguishing compound and as a solvent for organic compounds.
Carbon dioxide is also very useful in connection with hydrocarbon related processes. As one example, carbon dioxide is commonly injected under pressure into oil wells in connection with enhanced oil recovery (EOR) processes, wherein the carbon dioxide both serves to pressurize the producing formation and acts as a solvent for the oil to reduce its viscosity. As a second example, carbon dioxide is often used as a diluent to reduce the viscosity of bitumen to facilitate transportation of the bitumen through pipelines.
As a result, it would be desirable to remove carbon dioxide species from process water which has been used in an industrial process, thereby controlling carbon dioxide emissions which may result from the process water and reducing the loading of carbon dioxide species in the process water. It would also be desirable to collect carbon dioxide obtained from process water so that the carbon dioxide can be used for purposes for which the carbon dioxide may be suited.

Method for treating a process water to obtain carbon dioxide therefrom


Amorphous water-soluble calcium citrate salts having a mole ratio of calcium to citrate of less than 2.5:2, and powdered beverage mixes and liquid compositions fortified with these amorphous water-soluble calcium citrate salts as a calcium source, are provided. Liquid compositions fortified with calcium citrate according to this invention have superior dispersability, solubility, appearance, and storage stability. These liquid compositions are prepared by new methods that provide and preserve a stable amorphous character in the dry powdered product salts. The present invention also is directed to a method of administering such calcium citrate-fortified liquid compositions to increase the dietary calcium intake in individuals.

The mineral calcium forms an important part of proper nutrition. Calcium is essential for bone and tooth formation. Approximately 99 percent of the calcium in the body is stored in bones and teeth, while the remaining 1 percent is present in the blood and soft tissues as circulating calcium (generally in the form of Ca+2 ions). The circulating calcium is essential for proper muscular contraction, blood clotting, and nerve transmission functions. In addition to their structural role, bones provide an emergency supply of circulating calcium.
Osteoporosis is a widespread problem, afflicting approximately twenty million women and five million men in the United States to some degree. Post-menopausal women typically lose about 0.7 to 2 percent of their bone mass per year, while men lose about 0.5 to 0.7 percent. Consequently, between the ages of 45 and 70, women and men can lose about 30 and 15 percent, respectively, of their skeletal mass. In the United States more than one million bone fractures occur annually in women 45 years or older; in about 70 percent of these cases, osteoporosis plays a significant role. There are approximately 190,000 hip fractures annually in the United States; hip fractures are the second leading cause of death in people 47-74 years of age. More recent studies have suggested that reduced calcium intake in children may result in increased risk for osteoporosis later in life.
Dietary calcium supplementation and fortification is recognized in the health field as a convenient and safe approach for addressing calcium deficits. The Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA's) for calcium by the National Academy of Sciences are 1,200 mg/day for adults 51+ years old; 1,000 mg/day for adults 19-50 years old; 1,300 mg/day for children 9-18 years old; 800 mg/day for children 4-8 years old; and 500 mg/day children 1-3 years old. The US Daily Value (DV) for calcium is 1000 mg/day for all individuals; this reference value is typically used to establish nutritional calcium levels in food products. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) permits foods and beverages containing at least 100 mg calcium per serving to be labeled as a "good source of calcium"; those containing at least 200 mg calcium per serving may be labeled as an "excellent source of calcium."
However, many conventional dietary sources of calcium contain lower than desired levels of calcium. Simply increasing the amount of calcium using conventional fortification techniques to provide more nutritionally desirable levels often unfavorably impacts the food product's pH, flavor, texture, appearance, and/or cost. Another problem is that many conventional dietary sources of calcium have low solubility or dispersability in water and tend to precipitate in aqueous solutions, forming turbid fluids and/or sediments which can impart undesirable chalky or gritty attributes in beverages. Such quality defects can decrease consumer acceptance and limit consumption, thereby reducing the nutritional benefits afforded by such calcium-containing products.
Among the conventional calcium citrate compounds most commonly used in foods, crystalline tricalcium dicitrate (i.e., tricalcium citrate or "TCC"; calcium:citrate mole ratio of 3:2) has limited utility in beverage applications since it is virtually insoluble in water. The TCC ingredient most commonly used in food fortification is crystalline TCC tetrahydrate. Although this material contains a high level of calcium (about 21 percent), it only provides about 6 mg of soluble calcium per fluid ounce of water at room temperature due to its low solubility (i.e., less than 0.1 percent in water at room temperature); this level of fortification would provide only about 5 percent of the U.S. DV for calcium in soluble form; simply attempting to add greater amounts to water would result in immediate precipitation. Other sparingly soluble calcium citrates like crystalline monocalcium dicitrate (i.e., monocalcium citrate or "MCC"; calcium:citrate mole ratio of 1:2) and crystalline dicalcium dicitrate (i.e., dicalcium citrate or "DCC"; calcium:citrate mole ratio of 2:2) also have limited utility due to slow dissolution, incomplete dispersion, or undesirable sedimentation.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,851,221 describes a dry powdered premix of citric acid and calcium hydroxide in a mole ratio of between about 0.6 to about 1.5, which is combined directly with a potable liquid to make a solution reported to have enhanced calcium bioavailability. The premix, after being dissolved in water, is reported to form calcium citrate precipitates within several hours after dissolution in water unless the pH is below about 3.5. The relatively low pH value required to avoid precipitation of the calcium citrate is a significant limitation on the usefulness of the premixes described therein. Moreover, calcium hydroxide is strongly alkaline and can cause degradation and/or discoloration of many commonly used food ingredients (especially if there is exposure to moisture during storage), thereby leading to a poor quality product with a reduced shelf life.
U.S. patent application 2002/0122866 describes a method and apparatus for producing a calcium fortified liquid beverage by forming a solution containing a soluble calcium salt of an organic acid and immediately blending with a liquid beverage in a continuous manner to avoid formation and precipitation of insoluble salts. No soluble calcium citrate or other salts in dried form were disclosed.
Calcium salts of organic acids have been used in food processing. U.S. Pat. No. 5,208,372 describes a solid calcium citrate anti-caking agent that is a water insoluble crystalline calcium citrate salt at ambient temperature having a calcium:citrate ratio of 2.5:2 to 2.95:2, and which also is said to be useful in powdered soft drinks sweetened with fructose. U.S. Pat. No. 5,219,602 describes an aqueous dispersion containing the crystalline calcium citrate salt having a calcium:citrate ratio of 2.5:2 to 2.95:2, which can be used to opacify and whiten food compositions. The insoluble crystalline calcium citrate salts described in these patents are formed by combining a calcium compound with citric acid in water and allowing adequate time for the reaction product to solidify before drying.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,235,322 describes highly soluble and stable mineral supplements containing calcium and magnesium. In particular, a fiber-free calcium/magnesium material is provided by solubilizing a calcium/magnesium mixture in an aqueous acid solution and drying the reaction product. The use of magnesium is reported to increase calcium solubility and help to provide adequate time for solutions to solidify prior to freeze drying or tray drying. Numerous specific examples of salts other than calcium citrates are provided.
As can be appreciated, there remains a need for approaches for fortifying instant and ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages with safe, convenient, and compatible forms of nutritional high-calcium salts that can provide calcium at high dietary levels and which provide improved solubility and increased shelf life stability. The present invention fulfills these, as well as other needs and objectives, as will be apparent from the following description of embodiments of the present invention.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Amorphous water-soluble calcium citrate salts and method of making and using same


A transmission signal pre-processing method and apparatus for out-of-band emission cancellation are disclosed. For each of N subchannels in a band weighting each of N subchannel symbols by a calculated value in the range from 0 to 1 is performed. Precoding said N weighted symbols, organised as an N×1 matrix, by multiplication by a unitary matrix is then performed.

Due to the scarcity of radio spectrum resources and the demand for high speed data transmission, wireless communication systems are required to achieve higher spectral efficiency as well as higher power and cost efficiencies. With the advance of digital signal processing and radio technologies, multiband systems have become more and more appealing since they can accommodate wider spectrum for achieving higher data rates and provide more flexible and adaptive use of the existing frequency bands.
Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) has been widely used in recent times in various single band communications systems, such as the wireless local area networks (WLANs) and the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP; www.3gpp.org) Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems. OFDM is characterised by adjacent subchannels within a band exhibiting orthogonality. OFDM is also a suitable modulation technique for use in multiband systems due to the flexibility for subcarrier allocation and the implementation simplicity with fast Fourier transform (FFT) as a frequency band can be dynamically selected or de-selected by turning on or off the subcarriers falling in the band according to the band assignment. However, OFDM exhibits out-of-band emission due to the slow side lobe roll-off of the subcarriers, which can cause inter-channel interference without further reduction to meet the transmit mask requirement.
There are existing techniques for out-of-band emission reduction in OFDM-based multiband systems. The first straightforward technique is to apply notch filters to the unallocated bands. However, a digital implementation of this filter would increase the processing complexity considerably, and an analogue implementation would be costly and difficult to achieve dynamic band allocation.
The second technique is to introduce guard bands on the edges of the transmitted signal bands. Unfortunately, this will sacrifice spectral efficiency and may not be able to provide sufficient protection without having significantly large number of subcarriers used for an allocated frequency band.
The third technique is to perfoun windowing to the transmitted signal in the time-domain. This requires an extended OFDM symbol with extra signal power and causes inter-symbol interference. Guard bands may also need to be used together with windowing to ensure satisfactory out-of-band emission reduction. (See, for example, IEEE Standard 802.11a-1999, "Part 11: Wireless LAN Medium Access Control (MAC) and Physical Layer (PHY) Specifications: High-speed Physical Layer in the 5 GHz Band".)
The fourth technique is to compose interference cancellation subcarriers and place them on the edges of the transmitted signal bands. This technique not only reduces the spectral efficiency but also degrades the effective signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) at the receiver since the extra signal power for the cancellation is wasted. (See, for example, S. Brandes, I. Cosovic, and M. Schnell, "Reduction of Out-of-Band Radiation in OFDM Systems by Insertion of Cancellation Carriers," IEEE Communications Letters, Vol. 10, No. 6, June 2006, pp. 420-422.)
There is therefore a need for out-of-band emission cancellation techniques which can substantially avoid the problems of the known approaches.

Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation


A film forming apparatus includes a first solution container, a second solution container, a reaction chamber, a first path, and a second path. The first solution container stores a source solution containing metal. The second solution container stores hydrogen peroxide. A substrate is in the reaction chamber, and the reaction chamber includes a heating unit that heats the substrate. The first path supplies a source solution from the first solution container to the reaction chamber. The second path supplies hydrogen peroxide from the second solution container to the reaction chamber.

In the fields of solar cells, light emitting devices, touch panels, sensors, and the like, metal oxide films are formed on substrates. Conventionally, Patent Documents 1, 2, and 3 disclose the technique of forming a metal oxide film on a substrate.
In the technique of Patent Document 1, a metal oxide film is formed on a substrate by bringing a solution in which a metal salt or a metal complex is dissolved into contact with a heated substrate. In this technique, the solution contains at least one of an oxidizing agent and a reducing agent.
In the technique of Patent Document 2, a tetrabutyltin solution or a tin tetrachloride solution, in which hydrogen peroxide is added as an oxidizing agent, is sprayed onto a preheated substrate and thermally decomposed. Then, after the substrate temperature lowered by spraying of the solution returns, the solution is sprayed repeatedly. Accordingly, a thin film of tin oxide is grown on the surface of the substrate.
In the technique of Patent Document 3, a solution in which a thin film material is dissolved in a volatile solvent is intermittently sprayed toward a substrate kept hot from above to form a transparent conductive film on the surface of the substrate. In this technique, intermittent spraying is high-speed pulsed intermittent spraying in which one spraying duration is 100 milliseconds or less.

Apparatus for forming metal oxide film, method for forming metal oxide film, and metal oxide film

TOSHIBA MITSUBISHI-ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION


A continuously variable transmission (CVT) includes an input arrangement associated with an input shaft and an output arrangement associated with an output shaft. An input sprocket and an output sprocket are connected via a chain. An input cone member is connected to the input shaft, disposed within a central opening of the input sprocket, and frictionally engages an inner periphery of the input sprocket such that rotation of the input cone causes the input sprocket to rotate. An output cone member is connected to the output shaft, disposed within a central opening of the output sprocket, and frictionally engages an inner periphery of the output sprocket such that rotation of the output sprocket causes rotation of the output cone member.

Continuously variable transmission (CVT) arrangements in powertrains for use in vehicles such as cars and other machines are known. A typical CVT is a device that can assume almost an infinite number of effective gear ratios between maximum and minimum values between an input shaft and an output shaft of the powertrain in which the CVT is installed. In certain applications, this capability of the CVT allows the input shaft, for example, an engine, to operate at a constant speed while traction elements of the powertrain can rotate at variable speeds.
Various known CVT types include variable diameter-pulley (VDP) or Reeves-type, toroidal or roller-based, magnetic, infinitely variable, ratcheting, incremental, radial roller, cone roller, and other drive arrangement types. In certain drive arrangements, for example, a cone roller-type, a belt is disposed around portions of two cones, which are disposed in parallel to one another, with their bases on opposite sides. The belt is slidable over and frictionally engages the external surfaces of the cones such that rotation of one cone, for example, by the input shaft, rotates the other cone, which operates to drive the output shaft. Motion or translation of the belt along the two cones together results in a gear ratio being created therebetween.
Such and other known CVT drive arrangements usually have low power transmission efficiency, for example, less than about 90%, but are still widely used because they can provide a cost-effective power transmission solution and enable the engine to run at its most efficient revolutions per minute (RPM) for a range of vehicle speeds. Additionally, CVT arrangements also enable performance enhancement for the powertrain in which they are installed by allowing the engine to turn at the RPM at which it produces peak power. This is typically higher than the RPM that achieves peak efficiency. Finally, a CVT does not strictly require the presence of a clutch, which simplifies the powertrain.