A self-contained system for measuring forces applied to the foot of a user includes a force sensor array positioned within the user's shoe between the foot and the inner sole of the shoe, the force sensor array including a multiplicity of individual force sensors arranged in a pattern that covers the entire area of contact between the sole of the user's foot and the inner sole of the shoe, an electronic circuit module removably attached to the side of the shoe, and a flat interconnecting cable for electrically coupling the force sensor array to the electronic circuit module. The electronic circuit module includes a central processing unit, read-only memory, random access memory, and scanning circuitry for electronically continuously scanning the force sensor array to obtain information indicative of an instantaneous force sensed by each one of the multiplicity of individual force sensors of the force sensor array, for processing that information to obtain force data, and for storing the force data in the random access memory. An annunciator audibly signals the user when a force on the foot greater than a predetermined threshold force is sensed.

This invention relates generally to foot pressure sensors and more particularly to a system that may be employed by orthopedic surgeons, their patients, physical therapists, athletes, coaches, trainers, and others to measure forces applied to the foot.
Controlling the weight placed on an affected leg while moving about can prevent injury and speed recovery of patients recovering from certain trauma or orthopedic procedures. A person is able to perceive a changing relative weight on a foot, but cannot reliably sense how much constant weight is actually being loaded. That is, an individual's own senses cannot reliably detect how much actual constant weight he or she is placing on a foot. This essential weight information must therefore be provided by some type of external or artificial device.
Forces applied to the foot are not always evenly distributed over the entire surface or sole of the foot. They are usually, but not always, concentrated at the heel or ball of the foot, and they are also usually not applied to these two areas at the same time. A typical walking or running foot strike first loads the heel and then the ball of the foot. In other situations, such as when performing an athletic maneuver, the weight placed on the foot will shift in different patterns. The specific location on the sole of the foot where forces are present, the times at which those forces occur, and the magnitude of those forces are of interest in a number of situations.
Many devices have been designed to measure forces applied to the foot. These include devices for measuring applied forces that are coincident with the position of the leg and body during walking or running, for measuring peak pressure to alert sensory impaired individuals such as diabetics, for measuring the total force applied to the foot, and for measuring forces applied to certain areas of the foot for various purposes.
Such prior art foot force measurement devices are typically heavy and cumbersome and, thus, act to restrict the wearer's movements. Devices which employ an electronic package strapped to the wearer's leg above the ankle and electrically connected to a foot sensor require extra effort when attaching or removing the device. Although this extra effort may seem insignificant, it is nevertheless an inconvenience that may prompt wearer's of such devices to neglect their use. Further, these bulky prior art devices chafe the wearer's skin, are prone to snagging, and are subject to failure resulting from stress on the electrical cable that connects the electronic package to the foot sensor. Other prior art devices employ a stationary foot sensor pad and are therefore only suited for use in a laboratory.
All of the known foot force measurement devices function to convert mechanical force into a suitable signal medium, usually electrical signals. Consequently, the prior art can be conveniently categorized according to the type of sensor used to convert changes in mechanical force to changes in electrical signals. Accordingly, these types of prior art sensors include pneumatic or hydraulic fluid activated switches, strain gauge sensors that respond to mechanical deformation, single direct electronic force sensors, multiple direct electronic force sensors with random spacing, and multiple direct electronic force sensors with regular spacing.
Pneumatic and hydraulic sensors are prone to produce inaccurate readings because changes in internal pressure are not necessarily proportional to changes in force. An accurate hydraulic sensor can be constructed if the fluid is displaced from a containing structure which itself, not the fluid, supports the applied forces, and the force required to activate a switch or sensor is very small compared to the force being measured. Exemplary of such prior art sensors are those taught in German patent 3631-923-A to Ernst and in U.S. Pat. No. 3,974,491 to Sipe. Another way to construct an accurate fluid sensor is to use rigid plates which limit the applied force to a constant area of fluid contact, as taught in U.S. Pat. No. 3,791,375 to Pfeiffer. In such sensors, the fluid pressure is proportional to the applied force. However, these sensors are disadvantageous due their bulkiness and weight.
The sensors which measure mechanical deformation of structural elements supporting the wearer's foot by use of electrical wire or ribbon type strain gauges accurately measure weight, but they are also disadvantageous because of their bulk and weight. Exemplary of these prior art sensors are those taught by Donald Endicott et al., "Leg Load Warning System for the Orthopedically Handicapped," Medical and Biological Engineering (May, 1974) S. Miyazaki and H. Iwakura, "Foot-Force Measuring Device for Clinical Assessment of Pathological Gait," Medical and Biological Engineering and Computing (July, 1978), and G. A. Spolek and F. G. Lippert, "An Instrumented Shoe-A Portable Force Measuring Device," J. Biomechanics (Great Britain, June, 1976).
All of the below-mentioned direct electronic force sensor devices are essentially identical to a type of microphone used in telephones. In this prior art device, the acoustic force compresses a partially conductive material (carbon granules) and therelay reduces its electrical resistance. A force sensor based on this concept can be constructed by forming thin electrodes on two plastic films and then covering the electrodes with a thin layer of suitable partially conductive material. When the two coated films are positioned sot that the two layers of partially conductive material are in contact, the electrical resistance through the sensor from electrode to electrode varies inversely with a compressing force on the sensor. This is because as the coating is pressed with greater force, the electrical current path becomes broader due to increased area of contact. This effect occurs with any conductive material, but materials useful as active elements in practical force sensors must have a relatively high electrical resistance. Such thin film electronic force sensors have the advantages of simplicity, compactness, and light weight.
Single direct electronic force sensors, such as that taught in German patent 2656-864, cannot be corrected for variations in response from one part of the sensor to another. They cannot separately measure forces on different parts of the foot. It is also possible that simple bending of this type of sensor will produce a signal inappropriately indicating an applied force.
The multiple direct electronic force sensor system taught in U.S. Pat. No. 4,813,436 to Au measures forces only where the individual sensors are attached to the foot. If the measurements are used to compute total force applied to the foot and are variously spaced, the contributory area of each sensor must be used in the necessary computation of the total force applied. This prior art system is disadvantageous in that the relative position of each sensor must be separately determined for each person on which the sensor is used.
This problem is solved by the multiple direct electronic force sensors taught in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,734,034 and 4,856,993 to Maness et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 5,033,291 to Podoloff et al. in which the sensors are regularly spaced. Since the relative position of each sensor is fixed, a mathematical description of the location of each sensor can easily be made part of a permanent computer database. These sensor arrays are very thin and very light weight, but they cannot conform to a compound curved surface without wrinkling. Such wrinkled or folded thin film sensor arrays will produce erroneous results. For example, if the sensor array is folded so that two separate sensors are positioned one above the other, they both measure the same force. This is an obvious error. A folded sensor array may produce an electrical signal from the folding alone, another obvious error. Folding or wrinkling also subjects the sensor array to severe fatigue, stress, which can lead to early and sudden failure.
A practical sensor array preferably includes-several hundred individual force sensors. The problem of electrically connecting this number of individual sensors to data acquisition circuitry is a significant one. A simple connection scheme would require as many electrical connections to the circuitry as sensors, plus one common connection. However, the circuitry described by John A. Purbrick, "A Force Transducer Employing Conductive Silicon Rubber," First Robot Vision and Sensors Conferences, Statford-on-Avon, England (April, 1981), makes a more efficient connection method possible. This prior art circuit can measure current through individual force sensors in a two-vector array of rows and columns with a top electrode of all sensors in each column commonly connected and a bottom electrode of all the sensors in each row likewise commonly connected. If such an array has equal numbers of columns and rows, the number of connections to circuitry is reduced to twice the square root of the number of sensors. The Purbrick method is not as efficient when employing other ratios of columns to rows of sensors, but it nevertheless represents the most efficient method known for interconnecting the sensor array of the present invention. A similar method is taught by W. D. Hillis, "Active Touch Sensing," Artificial Intelligence Laboratory Memo 629, M.I.T. (April, 1981).
It is therefore a principal object of the present invention to provide a self-contained force measurement system for continuously sampling the magnitude and distribution of forces that are present on the bottom of one or both feet of the user when engaged in various activities.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a force measurement system that does not unduly impede walking, running or other ordinary movements of the user.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a force measurement system that is self-contained for use away from a laboratory or clinic and that is capable of annunciating appropriate weight bearing conditions, of generating computer data for future reference and analysis, and of transmitting this computer data by wireless means to remotely located equipment.
These and other objects of the present invention provide a force measurement system useful to the medical patient, attendant physician, physical therapist, prosthetist, orthotist, podiatrist, athlete, sports trainer, coach or research professional interested in carefully studying or managing a wide range of problems of the human lower extremity.

System for continuously measuring forces applied to the foot


The present invention is directed to processes for the production of 1233zd from 240fa and HF, with or without a catalyst, at a commercial scale. The 240fa and HF are fed to a reactor operating at high pressure. The resulting product stream comprising 1233zd, HCl, HF, and other byproducts is treated to one or more purification techniques including phase separation and one or more distillations to provide purified 1233zd, which meets commercial product specifications, i.e., having a GC purity of 99.5% or greater.

This invention related to the production of 1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene (1233zd) on a commercial scale from the reaction of 1,1,1,3,3-pentachloropropane (240fa) and HF. The compound 1233zd is a low global warming compound that has applications as a replacement for high global warming materials, for example in foam blowing and aerosol propellant applications.
The designation 1233 is used herein to refer to all trifluoro, monochloro propenes, namely olefin compounds having the general formula C3H2ClF3. The designation 1233zd is used herein generically to refer to 1,1,1-trifluo-3,chloro-propene, independent of whether it is the cis form or the trans form. The terms "cis-1233zd" and "trans-1233zd" are used herein to describe the cis- and trans-forms of 1,1,1-trifluo-3-chlororopropene, respectively. The designation "1233zd" therefore includes within its scope cis-1233zd, trans-1233zd, and all combinations and mixtures of these.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,844,475 teaches a process for producing 1233zd from 240fa at low pressure and at temperatures lower than 150° C. The disclosure of this patent is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,362,383 teaches a process for preparing 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoro-propane (245fa) by (1) a first reaction step in which 1,1,1,3,3-pentachloropropane (240fa) is reacted with hydrogen fluoride in the liquid phase in the presence of a first hydrofluorination catalyst under conditions that are suitable for obtaining a mixture of reaction products comprising 1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene (1233zd) in substantial amount, and (2) a second reaction step in which the 1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene (1233zd) obtained from the first step is reacted with hydrogen fluoride in the liquid phase in the presence of a second hydrofluorination catalyst, and preferably while hydrogen chloride is continuously fed in, in order to obtain 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane (245fa). The disclosure of this patent is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Integrated process for the production of 1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene


A method, system, and apparatus for optimizing a connection of a station (STA) in a mesh network of a plurality of 802.11 access points (APs) carried out by a client steering daemon (CSD) running on an AP of the plurality of APs. The CSD may calculate a cost ratio based on a plurality of metrics from a list and compare the signal strength information against a predetermined value. Based on the outcome of the signal strength comparison the CSD may analyze risk for the STA, determine a course of action for the STA based on the calculating, comparing, and analyzing and send instructions to a plurality of CSDs running on each of the plurality of APs for the course of action. The course of action may be keeping a STA associated with a current interface, guiding a STA to a destination interface, or kicking a STA to a destination interface.

In the area of wireless communication networks, there may be a wireless device that connects to a first access point when the wireless device is within range of the first access point. The first access point may provide a connection to the Internet to the wireless device. The wireless device may move and it may be appropriate to connect to a different access point depending on a variety of factors. In some cases, there may be issues relating to facilitating and determining which access point to connect to when there is more than one option. Solutions for this, and other wireless communication problems, are addressed herein.

AIRTIES KABLOSUZ ILETISIM SANAYI VE DIS TICARET A.S.


An aircraft airfoil having an internal thrust unit and an aircraft having the same are provided. The airfoil includes a skin structure having a lower surface extending between a leading edge and a trailing edge of the airfoil over which air flows during forward flight. A thrust system is connected to the skin structure and includes a thrust unit generating an airflow that is at least partially expelled through an outlet in the lower surface of the skin structure. At least one outlet cover is connected to the skin structure and movable between a forward flight position, in which the at least one outlet cover is configured to deflect the airflow in an at least partially rearward direction, and a vertical flight position, in which the at least one outlet cover is substantially clear of the airflow which is directed in an at least partially downward direction.

Aircraft designed to takeoff, hover, and land vertically or substantially vertically have inspired generations of aerospace designers since Sikorsky's first helicopter took flight in September of 1939. Traditionally, these designs were limited to helicopter-type configurations that have a single large rotor, or, in some cases, two large rotors. However, with the systematic improvement in lightweight aerospace materials, battery and electric motor technology, and ducted fans, new vertical take-off and landing ("VTOL") or short take-off and landing ("STOL") designs are becoming practical.
Modern VTOL or STOL designs often leverage this new distributed thrust schema wherein lifting fans are positioned in idealized locations around or within an aircraft and are powered by electric motors connected to highly dense energy sources. These fans are often oriented so that their thrust vector is vertically or substantially vertically downward, with instances of upward thrust useful in some airfoil applications, and act by drawing air in through an inlet whereby a fan or propeller propels the air mass. The reactionary force concordantly produces a thrust vector to lift the aircraft vertically from the ground, arrest downward velocity, or otherwise produce aerodynamic balancing forces. When the aircraft is at a desired height, the aircraft may employ one or more power systems to generate forward thrust to begin moving horizontally.
One such schema that has been investigated is to place lift fans within the airfoils, canards or body of a VTOL or STOL aircraft. This has been attempted by many leading aerospace agencies beginning in the early 1960s. However, this configuration has been historically very challenging. Many aerodynamic and structural problems manifest with high-power fans embedded and operating within the airfoils (e.g., wings, canards, and empennage) and/or fuselage of an aircraft. These problems include airflow disturbance at the fan inlets that reduce efficiency, complex pitching moments during transition to and from forward flight, high drag forces during forward flight due to the open-duct free-stream airflow interference, reduction in fan thrust nearing the ground, and other structural problems related to lift fans and their supporting architecture.
One such design is proposed by U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019/0023389 to Murrow et al., wherein vertical thrust fans are disposed in the wing structure and exposed by separation of fore and aft portions of the skin structure of the wing. The fore and aft portions translate forward and backward, respectively, and pivot downwards to form a channel to focus the thrust provided by the vertical thrust fans. With this configuration, however, forward thrust is provided by a separate thrust unit, resulting in extra weight.

Aircraft airfoil having an internal thrust unit, and aircraft having the same


A thin film magnetic head comprises a first magnetic yoke layer extending from a back gap region to a sensing edge such as an air bearing surface (ABS), and a second magnetic yoke layer contacting the first magnetic yoke layer at the back gap region and extending to the ABS in a position aligned with, but spaced from, the first magnetic yoke layer. A pole tip structure, with geometry formed by a single photolithographic process, comprising a first pole tip layer, a gap forming layer, and a second pole tip layer is positioned between the first and second magnetic yoke layers at the ABS with the first pole tip layer in contact with the first magnetic yoke layer and the second pole tip layer in contact with the second magnetic yoke layer at the ABS.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates in general to a thin film magnetic head and, more particularly, to an improved pole tip structure for a thin film magnetic head.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The prior art discloses a magnetic transducer referred to as a thin film magnetic head, and this transducer has met the requirements for magnetic recording technology for many years. In magnetic recording technology it is continually desired to improve the areal density at which information can be recorded and reliably read. For this reason, the design of thin film magnetic heads has changed to meet the changing density requirements.
For example, a prior art design is shown in FIG. 2 in which the width of the first pole piece P1 deposited on the substrate was greater than that of the second pole piece P2 to prevent a problem associated with misregistration between the pole pieces. Tighter side reading and side writing specifications lead to the trimmed pole tips shown in FIG. 3. In this case, the width of the pole tips was not limited to the precision with which the pole tips could be deposited, since the pole tips were trimmed by ion milling, for example, to a specified width with both pole tips P1 and P2 substantially the same width. However, since conventional ion milling processes generally require a thick photoresist process, the method is limited for narrow track width applications where a very high aspect ratio of resist height to width is required.
There has been some attempt to improve the performance of thin film magnetic heads by the use of a composite magnetic structure. For example, the publication IBM Technical Disclosure Bulletin, Vol. 15, No. 7, December, 1972, p. 2182, describes a magnetic head in which the magnetic circuit is formed of upper and lower ferrite blocks 2 and 8, a permalloy back gap closure 5, and permalloy pole pieces 4 and 10 which contact the ferrite blocks and extend to the air bearing surface.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,589,042 discloses a thin film inductive head in which both the upper and lower pole pieces are deposited in two steps. In one step the yoke is produced, and in the subsequent step the pole tip is produced so that the yokes and pole tips can be produced of different magnetic materials.
U.S. Pat. 4,839,197 discloses a thin film inductive head in which the lower magnetic pole is produced in whole and the upper magnetic pole is produced in parts. The first part is the pole tip region after which the coil is produced, and the remainder of the upper magnetic pole is then produced in contact with the pole tip region and with the back gap region.
None of the references disclose a thin film magnetic head in which the pole tips and gap layer are produced separately and are in contact with the magnetic yoke layers at the air bearing surface so that precisely formed thick pole tips can be produced.

Thin film magnetic head with conformable pole tips

International Business Machines Corporation


Disclosed is a computer system provided with a plurality of sensors provided in a plurality of devices to observe a predetermined amount, and a server for examining the physical amount transmitted from the sensors, wherein the plurality of devices are classified into a first device group and a plurality of second device groups, a plurality of second examination rules indicating the examination methods of the physical amount are set in the plurality of second device groups, the server calculates the similarity between the first device group and each of the second device groups, and, on the basis of the calculated similarity, a first examination rule to be set in the first device group is extracted from the plurality of second examination rules set in the plurality of second device groups.

Plants such as thermal power plants and nuclear power plants utilize systems for swiftly detecting device abnormalities and maintaining device to ensure the safe operation of device within the plant. In these types of systems, sensors are installed in each device in order to detect indications of abnormal device or indications that might lead to abnormal device, and the systems collect physical amounts (hereafter, "quantities") measured by the sensors and by diagnose these accumulated physical quantities to diagnose abnormalities in each piece of device.
These device abnormalities can be diagnosed by establishing rules in advance that show what calculation formula to utilize for the measured physical quantity. The rules established for this type of diagnosis are sometimes generated by applying calculation formulas utilized in similar device structures in similar systems.
Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2007-094538 discloses for instance, an airport light maintenance system that extracts failure histories containing similar peripheral information when a failure has for example been found in the lights within an airport facility; and estimates the cause of the failure by comparing past failure histories with peripheral information on the environment (temperature, rainfall amount) where the failure occurred, the number of replacements of failed lights, the number of sub-stations, power cable total extension lengths between main station and sub-stations, and identical airports and identical type circuits.
The International Patent Publication No. WO03/055145 pamphlet discloses technology for estimating the cause of failure when a failure has been found in a communication path where a plurality of relay devices are coupled in numerous stages, by searching the failure histories of communication paths having a connecting structure similar to that (problem) communication path.

Computer system and rule generation method


The disclosure in some aspects relates to recombinant adeno-associated viruses having distinct tissue targeting capabilities. In some aspects, the disclosure relates to gene transfer methods using the recombinant adeno-associated viruses. In some aspects, the disclosure relates to isolated AAV capsid proteins and isolated nucleic acids encoding the same.

Recombinant AAV adeno-associated viruses (rAAVs) are capable of driving stable and sustained transgene expression in target tissues without notable toxicity and host immunogenicity. Thus, rAAVs are promising delivery vehicles for long-term therapeutic gene expression. However, low transduction efficiency and restricted tissue tropisms by currently available rAAV vectors can limit their application as feasible and efficacious therapies. Additionally, faithful clinical translation of leading therapeutic AAV serotypes derived from non-human tissues is a concern. Accordingly, a need remains for new AAV vectors for gene delivery.


A mud flap extender for mounting on the rear quarter panel behind each rear wheel or wheels of a truck or other vehicle and suspending a mud flap a sufficient distance rearwardly of the wheel(s) to prevent the wheel(s) from engaging the mud flap and tearing the mud flap from the vehicle frame when the vehicle is operated in reverse. Each mud flap extender is characterized by a fender module that matches the curvature of the vehicle rear quarter panel and typically mounts on the wheel well plate of the rear quarter panel and an angle-iron mount plate having a top flange for engaging the fender module and a bottom flange for mounting a mud flap which is suspended downwardly from the fender module in spaced relationship with respect to the rear wheel or wheels of the vehicle.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to mud flaps for preventing the rear wheels of a truck or other vehicle from throwing rocks, mud or other debris rearwardly of a travelling vehicle and more particularly, to a mud flap extender for mounting on each rear frame or rear quarter panel wheel well plate of a vehicle and extending the mud flap several inches rearwardly with respect to the conventional mounting location of the mud flap. In a preferred embodiment of the invention each of two mud flap extenders is characterized by a fender module that matches the curvature of the vehicle rear quarter panel and mounts on the rear quarter panel wheel well plate and an angle-iron mount plate having a top flange for engaging and mounting on the bottom of the fender module and a bottom flange for mounting a mud flap on the fender module. The fender module is mounted in a horizontal orientation behind a rear wheel or wheels of the vehicle, with the fender module preferably bolted to the rear quarter panel wheel well plate. A rubber mud flap is typically bolted to and suspended downwardly from the rear flange of the mount plate.
Conventionally, mud flaps are fixed to a vehicle frame or fender and located a few inches rearwardly of the rear wheels of the vehicle to protect the rear quarter panels of the vehicle, as well as following vehicles, from being damaged by debris such as rocks and mud thrown rearwardly by the wheels. Because each mud flap is normally positioned in close proximity to the corresponding rear wheel, the mud flaps can be easily pinched between an object protruding from the ground, such as a curb, or even the flat road surface itself, and the tire of the vehicle and subsequently torn from the vehicle as the vehicle is operated in reverse. If the mud flaps are suspended from a conventional bar or frame hanger spaced from the wheels, then mud, rocks and other debris are easily thrown upwardly by the rear wheels against the vehicle fenders and quarter panels. The mud flap extenders of this invention each extend a mud flap farther rearwardly with respect to the rear wheel than is possible using conventional mud flap mounting techniques, such that the mud flaps cannot be pinched between the vehicle rear wheel and the road surface or other object protruding from the road surface when the vehicle is operated in reverse. Furthermore, the mount plate and mud flap elements of the mud flap extenders are designed and located to prevent contact between the road debris thrown upwardly by the vehicle rear tires and the quarter panels or rear fenders of the vehicle. The mud flap extenders are shaped into aesthetically pleasing configurations which are custom designed for various vehicles, as desired.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Many protective devices are known in the art for preventing rocks, mud and other debris from being thrown rearwardly by the rear wheels of a vehicle into the path of oncoming vehicles. U.S. Pat. No. 3,560,021, dated Feb. 2, 1971, to William W. Watson, describes "Mudguards", characterized by a pair of spaced, semicircular plates, including a radially-formed portion spanning the plates. The mud guards are pivotally and adjustably mounted on the rear axle of the vehicle to rotate about the axis of the wheel which it acts to protect. U.S. Pat. No. 3,580,604, dated May 25, 1971, to Thomas F. Overend, discloses "Mud Flaps For Dump Trucks", characterized by a stationary upper flap and an upwardly-retractable lower flap suspended on cantilever mounts behind each rear wheel of a dump truck. The upper flap mount is supported directly by the truck frame and the lower flap mount is mounted on an upwardly-swingable arm pivoted to the truck frame in front of the flaps. U.S. Pat. No. 3,640,577, dated Feb. 8, 1972, to Nolan J. Ducote, details "Retractable Mud Flaps For Dump Trucks and Trailers". The mud flaps are operated by springs under the control of a mechanism which is locked when the bed of the dump truck upon which the mud flaps are mounted is in normal position, and is unlocked when the bed is slightly tilted prior to complete tilting for dumping. When the mechanism is locked, it applies tension to the springs, which pull the flaps into normal position. When the mechanism is unlocked, the tension is removed and the springs force the flaps out and away from the load. U.S. Pat. No. 4,012,053, dated Mar. 15, 1977, to Robert G. Bode, describes a "Splash Guard" for mounting on the fender of a vehicle, including a corrosion-resistant, metal body portion having a permanent, continuous, protective border formed of a plastic material which is intimately bonded to both sides of the body portion along its entire periphery, such that the normally thin, sharp edges of the body portion are completely covered. U.S. Pat. No. 4,541,646, dated Sep. 17, 1985, to David W. Knowley, discloses a "Mud Flap Hanger" for use on road vehicles such as trucks and truck-tractors, which hanger is characterized by a pair of rods, each of which is pivotally attached to opposite sides of the central frame member of the truck and suspends a rectangular rubber mud flap downwardly therefrom. The mud flaps may be moved from behind the wheel of the truck and stowed centrally between the rear wheels. Pivotal movement of the supporting rods is effected by use of a flexible bushing which is generally rectangular in shape and in which the inner walls of a generally square aperture has expansion slots and lubrication grooves for lubricating the arms carried within the aperture. U.S. Pat. No. 5,026,094, dated Jun. 25, 1991, to John Haddox, details an "Adjustable Mud Flap Assembly" which utilizes the transverse bar member of a trailer hitch assembly as the main support for the mud flaps. The mud flap assembly has a pair of L-shaped mud flap frame members, each removably attached to the corresponding end of the transverse bar member. Each frame member includes a rectangular mud flap removably attached thereto. By varying the radial disposition of the frame member with respect to the transverse bar member, the position of the mud flap with respect to the vehicle can be changed. U.S. Pat. No. 5,044,667, dated Sep. 3, 1991, to Kenneth G. Manning, describes a "Pull-Away Mud Flap" which can be easily installed and removed from a mounting bracket characterized by a bracket body, from which two flanges extend downwardly and converge toward one another at their lower ends to form a slot therebetween. The mounting bracket is mounted on the frame, behind the rear wheel of the vehicle and the mud flap is extended from the mounting bracket by engaging the peripheral edge of the mud flap with the slot of the mounting bracket.
It is an object of this invention to provide a mud flap extender for mounting on the rear fender, rear body panel, quarter panel, or the frame of a vehicle behind the rear wheels of the vehicle and suspending a mud flap in rearwardly-spaced, protective relationship with respect to each rear wheel.
Another object of this invention is to provide a pair of mud flap extenders, each characterized by a pair of fender modules customized for mounting on the rear body panels, respectively, of the vehicle and matching the rear body or quarter panel curvature and a mount plate, including a top flange extending horizontally and a bottom flange extending vertically from the rear edge of the front flange of the mount plate, which top flange is mounted on the bottom of the fender module of the vehicle. Each mount plate is adapted for suspending a mud flap downwardly from the bottom flange and spaced from the rear wheel or wheels to prevent the mud flap from being caught between the rear wheel or wheels and the curb, pavement or road surface and torn from the vehicle when the vehicle is operated in reverse and to prevent road debris thrown upwardly from the rear wheels from striking the vehicle rear body or quarter panels and/or fenders.


An image information processing device has a controller which is configured to display images represented by the image files included in a target image group selected by a user on the display unit sequentially at particular switching intervals. The controller detects whether one of a plurality of specific flick operations is performed during execution of the switching-displaying process. When it is determined that one of a plurality of specific flick operations is performed, one of the plurality of associated processes to be applied to an image which is currently displayed on the display unit is executed.

1. Technical Field
The present disclosures relate to an image information processing apparatus, an image processing method and a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium storing an image information processing program.
2. Related Art
When an image capturing operation is executed with a digital camera or a mobile communication terminal having a camera function, generally, data of the captured images is stored in a built-in memory of the device (i.e., the digital camera or the mobile communication terminal) or in a memory card as image files. The image files thus stored can be edited and/or displayed with application software installed in the digital camera or the mobile terminal.
When the image files are stored in the memory card, simply by inserting the memory card in another information processing device, various types of predetermined processes can be applied to the image files in the information processing device with use of an image file management application implemented in the image processing device. When the image processing device is connected with a printing device, or when the image processing device itself has a printing function, it is possible to have the printer or the printing device print the image.

Image information processing method, image information processing apparatus and computer-readable recording medium storing image information processing program


An accidental ingestion detecting apparatus according to the present disclosure includes: a swallowing sensing unit which senses swallowing by an animal; a swallowing detecting unit which detects swallowing based on sensing data outputted by the swallowing sensing unit and which outputs swallowing information that is information related to the swallowing; a feeding information inputting unit which accepts input of information related to feeding of the animal and which outputs the information as feeding information; and an accidental ingestion determining unit which determines accidental ingestion by the animal, wherein the accidental ingestion determining unit determines accidental ingestion by the animal based on date/time information included in the swallowing information and date/time information included in the feeding information.

1. Field of the Invention
The present disclosure relates to an apparatus, a system, and a method for detecting accidental ingestion by animals.
2. Description of the Related Art
There has been a recent increase in the number of pet owners that consider an animal bred at home to be a "member of the family" instead of a simple pet. Such owners are extremely attentive to a state of health of the animal being bred, and assess the state of health by checking the amount of food, the amount and state of excrement, hair condition, skin condition, and the like.
Meanwhile, incidents of accidental ingestion where an animal inadvertently swallows an object other than food continue to occur. An owner must be careful not to leave objects that can be swallowed by an animal within a range of action of the animal. However, no matter how careful the owner may be, there is always a chance that the animal may seek out and swallow an object that the owner had hidden in a closet or that the animal may break an object in the owner's absence and swallow one of the fragments.
When an accidental ingestion by an animal occurs, depending on what had been swallowed, the animal may experience gastric or intestinal obstruction which may cause violent vomiting or appetite loss. Since delayed medical attention may prove fatal, the owner must immediately take the animal to a veterinary upon realizing that accidental ingestion has occurred. However, since accidental ingestion by an animal is not always immediately manifested as a symptom, the owner often fails to realize that accidental ingestion by the animal has occurred for a certain amount of time after the accidental ingestion had taken place.
Conventionally, there is a system that determines whether or not a bolus has passed through the esophagus by measuring and analyzing a sound of laryngeal action that accompanies a swallowing action of a measurement subject for the purpose of measuring a swallowing function of a patient with a swallowing (swallowing of food or a fluid) disorder (for example, refer to Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2013-017694).
In addition, there is a system which outputs stimuli (a scent or a sound) that an animal dislikes upon detecting an object approaching the mouth of the animal for the purpose of restricting feeding of the animal (for example, refer to Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2012-070671).
However, the configuration of the prior art requires further improvements.

Accidental ingestion detection apparatus, accidental ingestion detection system, and accidental ingestion detection method

Panasonic Intellectual Property Corporation of America


A system is disclosed that includes a holder having a pressurized chamber and configured to secure an aerosol delivery device at least partially within the pressurized chamber. A test chamber is connected to the holder, the test chamber having an inlet allowing an aerosol from the aerosol delivery device to enter the test chamber.

Electronic cigarettes deliver nicotine to users without burning tobacco. Electronic cigarette use has rapidly proliferated worldwide. As electronic-cigarettes are relatively new products, their health benefits and risks are subjects of public health disputes. Electronic cigarette smoke is an aerosol, defined as a suspension of small particles in air, and not merely nicotine vapor as incorrectly claimed by the industry. Mainstream and secondhand electronic cigarette aerosols may contain, in addition to nicotine and propylene glycol or glycerin, detectable levels of toxins including carcinogens and heavy metals such as cadmium and lead.

THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA

CHARLES R. DREW UNIVERSITY OF MEDICINE AND SCIENCE


The present invention provides novel DNA sequences, recombinant DNA (rDNA) molecules, processes for producing novel T-cell proteins expressed in T-cell development, the novel T-cell proteins in substantially pure form and antibodies which bind to the novel proteins. More particularly, it relates to novel DNA sequences expressed in appropriate hosts and the novel T-cell proteins produced in these hosts. The present invention also provides novel transmembrane proteins in substantially pure form, rDNA molecules encoding transmembrane proteins and processes for producing the novel transmembrane proteins. The DNA sequences and recombinant DNA molecules of this invention are characterized in that they are expressed by T lymphoma cells and have at least one of the following characteristics: (1) is expressed in normal thymus, activated spleen cells, or gut associated lymphoid tissue, (2) is expressed in ovarian tissue, normal liver and/or in a stage specific manner in embryonic development and (3) encode novel transmembrane proteins having multiple membrane spanning domains.

In the development of the immune system, T lymphocytes are derived from precursor stem cells which enter the thymus to undergo differentiation and maturation. Many genes are either activated or repressed as the T cell passes through different stages of development within the thymus. For example, the cells acquire the IL-2 receptor, CD4, and/or CD8 on their surface during this time. These differentiation markers are important for T cell development and/or function. Many gene products are increased in their levels of expression in developing T lymphocytes. These include the T cell receptor for antigen as well as the markers CD4 and CD8. Many other antigens have served as T cell markers before their exact function in lymphocytes were known. Only recently has it been discovered that the T cell antigen Pgpl aids thymocytes in their homing to the thymus whereas T200 (CD45) serves as a component for intracellular signalling. Another T cell marker, Thy1, still has no known function associated with it.
The SL 12.4 cells exhibit a CD4 CD8 double negative phenotype and therefore resemble thymocytes at a relatively early stage of development. Furthermore, they do not express the T cell receptor alpha subunit. SL 12.4 cells, however, can be induced to stably express CD4 and CD8 on their surface after co-cultivation upon thymic epithelial monolayers. TCR-alpha mRNA is also induced after these treatments. Thus, it appears that SL 12.4 cells have the capacity to undergo differentiation and maturation. This unique in vitro biological system mimics, to some extent, the thymic microenvironment.
A number of genes have been identified which are first expressed in developing thymocytes. Many of these genes encode proteins which must be expressed for T cell precursors to become functional in the immune system, for example: 1 ) the TCR for antigen which is required for antigen recognition; 2) CD25 (the IL2 receptor) which must be expressed for the cells to respond to the cytokine IL2; 3) gene products important for signal transduction during antigen recognition, such as CD3, CD4, CDS, CD45, 4) some of the gene products involved in thymocyte homing to target organs, and 5) gene products involved in T cell activation (Fowlkes and Pardoll, Advances in Immunology 44:207-264 (1989); Hood et al., (1985) Cell 40, 225-229; Rothenberg and Lugo, Develop. Biol. 112, 1-17 (1985); Adkins et al., Ann. Rev. Immunol. 5:325-365 (1987); Crabtree, Science 243:343-355 (1989); Kwon and Weissman, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 86:1963- 1967 (1989). There is remarkable heterogeneity in thymocyte subsets which express different combinations of expressed genes. Gene expression has been analyzed in detail in many, but not all, of the numerous classes of thymocytes and it is likely that genes remain to be identified that encode products which function in T cell development and homing; particularly those which are expressed in numerically infrequent, transient progenitor thymocytes.
Due to the extensive heterogeneity of thymocytes, it is not feasible to obtain fractionated progenitor thymocytes in sufficient numbers or purity to fully characterize the cascade of gene expression which occurs during development. For this reason, lymphoma and leukemia cell lines have been used extensively to study gene expression in lymphoid development (Greaves, Science 234:697-704 (1986); Hanley-Hyde and Lynch Ann. Rev. Immunol 4:621-649 (1986). A considerable body of literature indicates that numerically infrequent, transient progenitor cells are the target of transformation to malignancy; and further that some of the characteristics of the transformed target cells are preserved in the tumor cells. Unexpected gene expression in tumor cells was frequently dismissed as an aberration of transformation. However, careful analysis of "aberrant" gene expression in hematopoeitic tumor cells, has revealed rare subsets of normal progenitor cells which express such genes (Greaves, Science 234:697-704 (1986); Hanley-Hyde and Lynch Ann. Rev. Immunol. 4:621-649 (1986); Pierce and Speers Cancer Res. 48:1996-2004 (1988).
The heterogeneity of murine and human lymphoma cell lines derived from a single individual can result from differences in the extent of maturation reached by individual cells. The heterogeneity of established T lymphoma cell lines has been utilized to obtain closely related cell clones which differ in a limited number of characteristics. Hedrick, et al (Hedrick, et al., Nature 308:149-153 (1984), using subtraction cloning techniques, provided estimates that T and B, cells differ in the expression of about 100 genes. It is likely that closely related T lymphoma cells might differ in the expression of even fewer genes. Such cell clones provide an opportunity to work with pure populations of cells with defined and stable phenotypes which differ in a limited number of characteristics. The SL12 T lymphoma model system was developed and utilized in the present application to provide such a closely related cell population.(Hays et al., Int. J. Cancer 30:597-601 (1986); MacLeod, et al., Cancer Research 44:1784-1790 (1984); MacLeod, et al., J. Nat. Cancer Inst 74:875-882 (1985); MacLeod, et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 83:6989-6993 (1986); Siegal, et al., J. Exp. Med. 166:1702-1715 (1987).

Developmental marker gene of CD4-CD8 thymocytes


A structure is provided capable of electrically connecting a terminal member to a rotatable member, which is rotatably supported by a fixed member in an electrophotographic imaging device. In the structure, a first member secured to the rotatable member and rotated therewith and a second member secured to the fixed member are provided. The first and second members are conductive and electrically connected with each other. Further, the terminal member is engaged with the second member so that the terminal member is electrically connected to the rotatable member via the first and second members.

The present invention relates to a conductive structure which enables a rotatable roller member to be conducted in the developing unit of an image formation apparatus making use of electrophotography.
Conventionally, an imaging forming apparatus is know, such as a copy machine, a laser beam printer and the like, making use of a so-called electrophotographic image forming method wherein the uniformly charged surface of a photoconductive drum is exposed to light to form a latent image, then charged toner is adhered to the latent image by a developing device to form a toner image, and the toner image is transferred onto a recording sheet and fixed thereon.
In an electrophotographic image forming apparatus as described above, for example, toner accommodated in a developing device is adhered to the photoconductive drum by means of a developing roller. The developing roller, for example, is constructed as follows. A magnet roller having magnetic poles disposed on the outer circumference thereof is rotatably fitted in a cylindrical sleeve composed of a conductive member. The toner is held on the sleeve by the magnetic force of the magnet roller, and a bias voltage. The bias voltage is lower than the voltage of the uniformly charged surface of the photoconductive drum, and higher than that of a latent image formed on the surface of the photoconductive drum by being exposed to light. Thus the toner is charged on the sleeve and transferred onto latent image on the surface of the photoconductive drum.
In the developing device as described above, a structure for applying voltage to the rotating sleeve is constructed such that a contact member having elasticity is urgingly pressed and abutted against the rotary shaft of the sleeve in the radial direction thereof.
With the above arrangement, however, contact failure may occur due to fatigue or deformation of the contact member, or adhered dust and the like, which affects the developing operation, and may result in a poor image formation.
Note that when an abutting force of the contact member is increased to improve the conductivity thereof, a rotating resistance between the contact member and the shaft of the sleeve is increased, which requires an increased rotating drive force, thereby increasing manufacturing cost.

Conductive structure for electrophotographic imaging device


Slicer apparatus of the type used for slicing in particular fish fillets, where the apparatus comprises a conveying path, and cutting means arranged in said conveying path, where the cutting means comprises a set of moveable reciprocating knives and a cutting land, where the cutting means further comprises means for moving the knives relative to the cutting land and the surface of the conveyor path, wherein the cutting means are arranged on a common member which member may be rotated through a predetermined arch about a horizontal axis, perpendicular to the conveyor path's transport direction.

In the art a number of various slicing devices of the type mentioned above are well-known. Among the manufacturers of such slicing apparatuses are CP Food Machinery, GEBA Maschinentechnik and others. Common for all these prior art apparatuses is the fact that the fillet to be treated is placed on a conveyor which will transport the fish fillet past a cutting arrangement where the fish fillet is sliced according to pre-determined parameters. As the fillet passes the cutting arrangement, the slices will more or less be maintained in the shape of the original fish fillet and eventually be transferred to a board typically a piece of cardboard covered with a silver or gold look-alike finish. After this, the sliced fillet is vacuum-packed and sold for consumption.
Although a wide variety of meat products may be used with the slicing apparatus as described above they find widespread use when slicing fish fillets and in particular salmon and halibut fillets which may have been pre-treated before the slicing process.
A common problem with the prior art machines, is the fact that the working speed has been relatively low and that the cutting boom has been subject to deflection. When relatively wide fillets has been sliced, or in constructions where two conveyor systems are arranged in parallel two fillets have to be cut at the same time, the cutting boom was deflected whereby the cutting quality and variation in thickness of the slices occurred. This in turn resulted in a lowering of the quality of the finished product.
Furthermore, in order to be able to slice the fish products quickly enough, a set of reciprocating knives is used which reciprocating knives are forced through the meat of the fillet towards a cutting land. The cutting land is typically a plastic construction in which a groove is formed such that as the knife passes through the fish meat, it will be able to penetrate slightly into the cutting land due to the provision of a groove. When the angle between the knife's cutting plane and the land is initially adjusted a zero-point is created. This zero-point is the optimal position/angle of the knives relative to the cutting land where the knives of the cutter are at the closest with the cutting land such that a clear, clean and finished cut may be achieved during production. However, during the process of cutting fillets it is desirable to be able to change the cutting angle. As the cutting angle is changed, the relationship between the cutting land and the knives also changes whereby the zero-point is no longer achievable, whereby a lesser cutting result is achieved.
In order to optimize the output of the single fillet it is desirable to be able to change the cutting angle during cutting of each single fillet, and it has therefore been tradition to adjust the zero-point such that the major part of the slices, typically the slices in a middle region of the fish fillet, have optimum cutting conditions.


A mist removing device, a controlling method thereof a mist removing system and a control element are provided, which relate to the field of mist removing technology. The mist removing device includes power supply module, electrode array and insulating layer. Electrode array and insulating layer are arranged on substrate in stacked manner in direction away from substrate. Orthographic projection of insulating layer onto substrate covers orthographic projection of electrode array onto substrate. Power supply module is connected with electrode array. Power supply module is configured to supply power to electrode array such that electrode array forms electric field to cause droplets in mist to converge under action of electric field, where mist is formed on side of insulating layer away from substrate. Mist on surface of substrate can be effectively removed.

With the development of technology, application of glass products has become increasingly wide. For example, the glass products can be used as windshield and rearview mirror for automobiles. Due to a temperature difference between the inside and the outside of the automobile, droplets tend to be collected on a surface of the windshield of automobile to form a mist. The mist may affect a sight line of a driver, which results in a great security risk.

Mist removing device, controlling method thereof, mist removing system and control element

BEIJING BOE OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.


A speech recognition device includes: a speech recognition unit 23a that performs speech recognition for input speech; a reading information conversion data base in which a reading information conversion rule L is registered; a reading information conversion unit 27a that converts reading information of the word among the languages based on the rule L; and a speech recognition control unit 24a that performs control such that, when a word in a different language that is different from a predetermined language is included in a recognition subject vocabulary in which a speech recognition unit 23a refers to recognition subject word information E, the unit 27a converts the reading information in the different language into reading information in the predetermined language, and that the unit 23a performs the speech recognition that makes reference to the recognition subject word information of the corresponding word, including the converted reading information in the predetermined language.

A conventional speech recognition device disclosed in Patent Document 1 selectively uses the speech recognition data base corresponding to the information of the present location where the corresponding device is located, thereby achieving highly accurate speech recognition. For example, when the present location is the Kansai region, a sound and a language model of the Kansai dialect are selected, and speech recognition is performed using the selected ones. Further, when the present location is a train station, a recognition dictionary that includes a large number of words related to travels, for example, is selected, and the speech recognition is performed using the selected one.
Patent Document 2 discloses a speech recognition system corresponding to a plurality of languages, wherein a recognition dictionary dedicated to a plurality of languages is provided, and the phonetic information in a different language from the writing or phonetic notation in the corresponding language together with the phonetic information in a language are registered in the dictionary. A plurality of languages can be recognized by referring to the recognition dictionary.


An apparatus (1) for analysing surface properties, comprising a first radiation device (4) which emits radiation directly onto a surface (9) to be analyzed, a first illumination device (6, 7) for indirectly illuminating the surface (9) to be analyzed, a first radiation detector device (8) which receives at least part of the radiation thrown back from the surface (9) to be analyzed and outputs at least one signal which is characteristic of this part of the radiation. According to the invention, a radiation scattering device (10, 11) is provided which is at least partially illuminated by the first illumination device (6, 7) and which transmits scattered radiation onto the surface (9) to be analyzed.

The optical impression of objects or of the surfaces thereof, particularly surfaces on motor vehicles, is greatly determined by the surface properties thereof. However, since the human eye is suitable only to a limited extent for the objective determination of surface properties, there is a need for aids and apparatuses for the qualitative and quantitative determination of surface properties.
Surface properties such as, for example, gloss, orange peel, colour, macrostructure or microstructure, image sharpness, haze, surface structure and/or surface topography and the like are determined.
The prior art discloses apparatuses in which a radiation device emits radiation onto a surface to be analysed and the radiation reflected and/or scattered by this surface is received by a detector and evaluated. The optical appearance of paintwork changes not only as a function of the type of light but also as a function of the type of illumination which is irradiated onto the surface. For instance, a paint has a different appearance under direct sunlight than in diffuse light (for example when the sky is cloudy).
The object of the present invention is therefore to assess paintwork or surfaces also as a function of the light impinging thereon. In particular, it should be possible to assess the surface properties under scattered light and diffuse light.
According to the invention, this is achieved by an apparatus and by a method. The apparatus according to the invention for analysing surface properties comprises a first illumination device for indirectly illuminating a surface to be analyzed. Also provided is a first radiation detector device which receives at least part of the radiation thrown back from (i.e. in particular reflected and/or scattered by) the surface to be analysed and outputs at least one signal which is characteristic of this part of the radiation. According to the invention, a radiation scattering device is provided which is at least partially illuminated by the first illumination device and which transmits scattered radiation onto the surface to be analysed.
Preferably, a first radiation device is also provided which emits radiation directly onto the surface to be analysed. Here, indirect illumination is understood to mean that the illumination device does not illuminate the surface directly, but rather illuminates the aforementioned radiation scattering device and then the light scattered by this radiation scattering device passes onto the surface. In particular, the radiation scattering device is a radiation scattering device which is non-transmitting for the light emitted by the illumination device. In other words, no direct or straight beam path runs from the illumination device to the surface to be analysed.
By using the radiation scattering device, it is possible to simulate the illumination of a surface with diffuse light.
The radiation is preferably light in a visible wavelength range, and also the illumination device preferably emits light in visible wavelength ranges.
In one preferred embodiment, the radiation scattering device is essentially completely surrounded by a radiation-absorbent region. This prevents the radiation scattering device from being inadvertently hit also by rays from the radiation device, and in this way prevents any mixing between the indirect and the direct illumination of the surface. The radiation scattering device according to the invention is also intended in particular to bring about the situation whereby the indirect illumination and the direct irradiation of the surface are completely separate from one another and for example the direct irradiation does not also have indirect components.
In one preferred embodiment, the radiation scattering device is arranged outside a plane which is arranged through the radiation direction in which the rays are transmitted from the first radiation device to the surface, and a second radiation direction which extends between the surface and the radiation detector device. This plane is in particular also a centre plane of the apparatus. By arranging the radiation scattering device outside this plane, it is possible to prevent the radiation scattering device from being hit by the radiation device, and in this way undesirable mixing of direct and indirect illumination can be prevented.
In a further advantageous embodiment, a second radiation scattering device is provided and the first and the second radiation scattering device are arranged essentially symmetrically with respect to a centre plane of the apparatus. This centre plane is once again in particular the aforementioned plane of the apparatus. By virtue of this symmetrical arrangement of the two radiation scattering devices with respect to this plane, it is possible to simulate in a particularly advantageous manner scattered light coming from all sides, as occurs for example in the case of a very cloudy sky.
In a further advantageous embodiment, the first radiation scattering device and the first illumination device, which illuminates the first radiation scattering device, are arranged on different sides with respect to the centre plane. This means that the radiation scattering device is illuminated as it were from the opposite side of the plane. In another embodiment, it would also be possible that the illumination device and the radiation scattering device are arranged on the same side of the plane, and the illumination device for example is provided with a reflector in order to illuminate the radiation scattering device.
In a further advantageous embodiment, two radiation scattering devices are provided which are arranged symmetrically with respect to the centre plane, and also two illumination devices which respectively illuminate the radiation scattering devices located opposite them with respect to the centre plane. In this way, it is possible to simulate in a particularly efficient manner diffuse radiation coming from all sides.
In a further preferred embodiment, at least one illumination device is arranged within a radiation scattering device. In other words, the radiation scattering device here is an area within which the illumination device is provided. The illumination device is preferably provided essentially centrally within the radiation scattering device. The beam path between the radiation scattering device and the respective opposite illumination device is preferably also essentially perpendicular to the abovementioned centre plane. The illumination device is particularly preferably an illumination device which contains a light-emitting diode (LED). This is particularly preferably a white light-emitting diode, but it would also be possible to use light-emitting diodes with several colour components, for example red, green and blue light-emitting diodes, in order in this way to produce white light. Ideally, the spectral distribution of the white LED corresponds to a standard type of light, e.g. D65, and the detector corresponds to a v(λ) distribution (eye sensitivity function). Since both criteria cannot be achieved exactly, the product P(λ) of the type of light used and the sensitivity of the detector is adapted to the target product of the aforementioned type of light D65 and the aforementioned target v(λ) distribution.
In one preferred embodiment, the or at least one radiation detector device allows local resolution of the radiation impinging thereon. In this way, a locally resolved image can be output. In this case, the radiation detector device may in particular have a CCD chip or the like which outputs a locally resolved image of the radiation impinging thereon.
In a further advantageous embodiment, the radiation scattering device has circular or elliptical profile. In addition, the profile is preferably spherical, i.e. the radiation scattering device has an outward curvature with respect to the centre plan. It is also possible for circular and elliptical profiles to be combined.
Preferably, the radiation scattering device has a reflective coating, wherein the degree of reflection of this coating is particularly preferably greater than 0.9 for light in a wavelength range of 250-1500 nm and particularly preferably greater than 0.97 for light in the visible range.
The apparatus preferably has a housing with an opening, through which the surface can be illuminated. With the exception of this opening, however, this housing is closed in order to prevent light from outside impinging on the surface and falsifying the measurement.
The radiation scattering device is preferably arranged on or in a side wall of this housing. With particular preference, the two radiation scattering devices are arranged in or on opposite side walls of the housing.
In a further preferred embodiment, at least one radiation scattering device is arranged at a distance from the surface in a direction perpendicular to the surface. This means in particular that the radiation scattering device does not directly adjoin the opening but rather is at a distance therefrom. With particular preference, a light-absorbent intermediate region is provided between the radiation scattering device and the opening. This light-absorbent intermediate region serves in particular to prevent or absorb other scattered light. Particularly preferably, a region coated with photoresist is provided as the absorbent intermediate region.
In a further preferred embodiment, a third radiation scattering device or a radiation scattering body is provided which runs at least in some sections in the centre plane. Preferably, this is a region which is thus arranged at least partially above the surface to be analysed and preferably is arranged essentially vertically above the latter. This region may also be partially illuminated by the illumination device, and in this way an even better match to natural scattered light can be achieved.
In a further preferred embodiment, the apparatus has at least one radiation-absorbent cover device, by means of which at least one radiation scattering device can be at least partially covered. This cover device means that the radiation scattering device does not falsify the measurement with direct irradiation of the surface.
In a further preferred embodiment, a plurality of radiation devices are provided which directly irradiate the surface at different angles. In addition, a plurality of radiation detector devices may also be provided.
In a further preferred embodiment, a movement device is provided in order to move the apparatus with respect to the surface to be analysed. In addition, a distance measurement device may also be provided which determines the length of the path traveled with respect to the apparatus. These embodiments mean that the images recorded by the radiation detector device can be output as a function of a location on the surface.
The present invention also relates to a method for analysing surface properties, wherein a surface to be analysed is indirectly illuminated by a first illumination device and the radiation thrown back from the surface is at least partially received by a radiation detector device and a signal is output which is characteristic of the radiation received by the radiation detector device. According to the invention, a radiation scattering device is provided which is at least partially illuminated by the first illumination device and which transmits scattered radiation onto the surface to be analysed.
Furthermore, the surface to be analysed is advantageously irradiated directly by a radiation device and also the light thrown back from the surface is received by the radiation detector device and analysed. With particular preference, the illumination by the illumination device and the direct irradiation by the radiation device take place in a temporally offset manner.
The present invention therefore also relates to the use of the apparatus according to the invention for discovering particular colour values, in particular from a table of colour values. This use is relevant in particular in the motor vehicle repair sector. Furthermore, the invention can be used to produce a specific target colour by means of a specially adapted colour recipe system. Furthermore, measured values output by the apparatus according to the invention can be used for simulation purposes, in particular but not exclusively on the screen.

Apparatus for analysing surface properties with indirect illumination


An apparatus and system for providing improved monitoring errors in a medical setting. The apparatus includes a storage medium, display and scanner that allow medical personnel to quickly and reliably track and monitor samples collected from patients, such as information about the type, location, and timing of a collected sample. An unable to complete function labels incompletely collected samples or otherwise notifies the processing facility. Label sets and/or messages are generated to guide medical personnel when performing orders. Errors are linked to collection events for variance tracking. Temporary identifier labels are generated for containers and such when no order is pending. Order of draw procedures are communicated to medical personnel at the collection site.

Laboratory Information Systems (LISs) and Hospital Information Systems (HISs) both fall under the category of Health Care Information or Enterprise Systems. Generally, health care enterprises provide various aspects of patient care such as patient identification and tracking, as well as medication and sample collection order and data management. In providing patient care, health care workers typically utilize one or more software applications accessible through a health care information system. Access to health care information systems have typically, in the past, required fixed terminals such as nurse workstations to be used at a location potentially distant from the point of care (i.e., at the patient's location). To provide more convenient and efficient access to an LIS, more portable modules such as handheld computers or portable data terminals (PDTs) have recently been introduced into health care and hospital settings and are hereinafter generally referred to as "handhelds". The handhelds can be connected to a server directly through a LAN, modem, or wireless connection. Optionally, the handhelds can be connected to a server through a PC using a serial or parallel connection. In order to use the handheld, the information on the handheld is synchronized with the LIS by connecting the handheld to a data import/export device connected with the LIS, or via a cable connected with the LIS, to allow the exchange of data between the LIS and the handheld.
In particular, portable computing devices utilizing software for medical error management are becoming increasingly common as medical healthcare technology improves. A portable computing device can collect clinical and non-clinical information about the sample collection process at a hospital, laboratory, or blood collection facility or clinic. To better manage patient-related testing results and the specimens from which those results were derived from, it is important to track the collected specimens and match them to the patient's identification information, which is typically stored in patient and specimen order databases such as hospital or laboratory information systems.
On occasion, a deviation might occur during the process of collecting samples from a patient. For instance, while collecting blood samples into blood collection containers, it is possible that a vein will collapse and the nurse or phlebotomist will not be able to collect all of the ordered collection containers that he or she has been instructed to complete. The containers, after being filled with blood samples, are typically put into a bag (one bag per patient) and subsequently delivered through a pneumatic tube system commonly found in hospitals. The pneumatic tube system will deliver the collected samples to the laboratory where the laboratory personnel gather and organize and sometimes even prioritize the samples for analysis on high-throughput analyzers.
If there was a problem collecting one of the tests samples ordered, it is the responsibility for the nurse or phlebotomist who performed the collection to notify the laboratory so that the laboratory personnel can appropriately address the situation. However, this step is often overlooked or forgotten, thereby likely requiring the laboratory technician to reorder the test for the same patient and possibly delay the analysis and results associated with that patient. The above-described inefficiency is time consuming and potentially dangerous if the doctor who ordered the tests needs the patient's clinical results in a timely fashion. It is also a discomfort to the patient as additional and potentially unnecessary sample collections are required due to lack of proper communication between the medical personnel involved in collecting and analyzing a sample. A need therefore exists for a medical error monitoring and management system that provides communication channels and/or means to notify a laboratory when less than all of the containers for an order are collected.

System and apparatus for medical error monitoring


A DC-AC inverter that is adaptable for use with different input voltages and for use with different loads. The DC-AC inverter has a voltage-step-up network, with the step-up voltage set by a controller that drives totem-pole configured FET switches at a duty cycle that depends on the desired step-up voltage. The controller beneficially regulates its duty cycle in response to current and/or voltage feedback signals. Also beneficially, the DC-AC inverter includes a configurable inductor and a configurable transformer. Such configurable components enable efficient operation with different loads. Such DC-AC inverters are particularly useful in driving liquid crystal display lamps.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to DC-AC inverters. More specifically, it relates to DC-AC inverters that adapt to different input voltages and different loads.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
Producing a color image using a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) is well known. Such displays are particularly useful for producing images that are updated by frames, such as in LCD desktop and laptop computer. Typically, each image frame is composed of color sub-frames, usually red, green and blue sub-frames.
LCD systems employ a light crystal light panel that is comprised of a large number of individual liquid crystal pixel elements. Those pixel elements are beneficially organized in a matrix comprised of pixel rows and pixel columns. To produce a desired image, the individual pixel elements are modulated in accordance with image information. Typically, the image information is applied to the individual pixel elements by rows, with each pixel row being addressed in each frame period.
Pixel element matrix arrays are preferably xe2x80x9cactivexe2x80x9d in that each pixel element is connected to an active switching element of a matrix of switching elements. One particularly useful active matrix liquid crystal display is produced on a silicon substrate. Thin film transistors (TFTs) are usually used as the active switching elements. Such LCD displays can support a high pixel density because the TFTs and their interconnections can be integrated on the silicon substrate.
FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a single pixel element 10 of a typical LCD. The pixel element 10 is comprised of a twisted nematic liquid crystal layer 12 that is disposed between a transparent common electrode 14 and a transparent pixel electrode 16. Additionally, image signals are applied to the pixel electrode 16 via a control terminal 24.
Still referring to FIG. 1, the liquid crystal layer 12 rotates the polarization of light 30 that passes through it, with the rotation being dependent on the voltage across the liquid crystal layer 12 (the image signal potential). The light 30 is derived from incident non-polarized light 32 from an external light source (which is not shown in FIG. 1). The non-polarized light is polarized by a first polarizer 34 to form the polarized light 30. The light 30 passes through the transparent pixel electrode 16, through the liquid crystal layer 12, and through the transparent common electrode 14. Then, the light 30 is directed onto a second polarizer 36. During the pass through the liquid crystal layer 12, the polarization of the light 30 is rotated in accord with the magnitude of the voltage across the liquid crystal layer 12 (the image signal potential). Only the portion of the light 30 that is parallel with the polarization direction of the second polarizer 36 passes through that polarizer. Since the passed portion depends on the amount of polarization rotation, which in turn depends on the voltage across the liquid crystal layer 12, the voltage on the control terminal 24 controls the intensity of the light that leaves the pixel element.
FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a liquid crystal display comprised of a pixel element matrix. As shown, a plurality of pixel elements 10, each having an associated switching thin film transistor, are arranged in a matrix of rows (horizontal) and columns (vertical). For simplicity, only a small portion of a pixel element matrix array is shown. In practice there are numerous rows, say 1290, and numerous columns, say 1024. Still referring to FIG. 2, the pixel elements of a row are selected by applying a gate (switch) control signal on a gate line, specifically the gate lines 40a, 40b, and 40c. Image signals are then applied to column lines 46a, 46b, and 46c. The various image signal voltages are then applied to associated control terminals 24 of the pixel elements 10. When the gate (switch) control signal is removed, the image signal voltages are then stored on capacitances associated with the TFT.
The foregoing processes are generally well known and are typically performed using digital shift registers, microcontrollers, and voltage sources. Beneficially semiconductor processing technology is used extensively.
The principles of the present invention relate to producing the non-polarized light 32 illustrated in FIG. 1. That non-polarized light 32 is typically produced by a cold cathode fluorescent lamp. This is at least partially because fluorescent lamps are efficient sources of broad-area white light. In battery powered applications, such as portable computers, the efficiency of the fluorescent lamp light source directly impacts battery life, size, and weight.
Fluorescent lamps are typically powered by an inverter. The inverter, in turn, can be powered by a battery or by another power source such as an LCD power supply. In any event, the inverter converts a relatively low DC voltage (say 3-24 volts DC) into a high AC voltage required to drive the fluorescent lamp. Typically over 500 volts are required to operate a cold cathode fluorescent lamp, while a xe2x80x9ckick-offxe2x80x9d voltage of around 1500 Volts is required to start conduction. Thus, such inverters are DC-to-AC inverters.
FIG. 3 depicts a conventional DC-to-AC inverter 50 in operation. That inverter receives DC power on a line 52. The operating DC-to-AC inverter includes a filter capacitor 54, totem pole arranged FET switches 56 and 58, diodes 57 and 59, an inductor 60, one or more fluorescent lamps (modeled by resistors) 62, each associated with a transformer 64, and a storage capacitor 66. The FET switches 56 and 58 are controlled by a controller 68. In operation, the FET switches 56 and 58 are alternately turned on and off with about equal times (50 % duty cycle) by the controller 68. When the FET 56 is conducting, the FET 58 is OFF. Then, the input on line 52 is switched across the inductor 60 and transformer(s) 64 and the storage capacitance 66. When FET 56 is OFF, the FET 58 is conducting. Additionally, under proper bias conditions, the diodes 57 and 59 conduct. Then, the storage capacitor 66 discharges through the inductor 60 and the transformer(s) 64 to ground.
Essentially, the DC-to-AC inverter 50 forms a simplified circuit shown in FIG. 4. The input voltage supply 80 is formed by the controller 68 selectively switching the FET switches 56 and 58 such that the power input on line 52 is applied to the inductor 60, and then selectively switching that inductor to ground. FIG. 4 also shows an equivalent inductor 84, which is formed by the inductance of the inductor 60 and of the transformer(s) 64. That equivalent inductor 84 beneficially resonates with an equivalent resonant capacitor 80, which is the reflected secondary-side capacitance of the lamp-shield capacitance and the inter-winding parasitic capacitance of the transformer. FIG. 4 also shows an equivalent resistor 90, which represents the transformed resistance of the fluorescent lamp(s) 62.
While DC-to-AC inverters as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 are generally successful, in some applications they may not be optimal. For example, it is difficult to implement highly efficient DC-to-AC inverters over a wide range of input voltages. That is, the voltage on line 52 becomes critical in the overall design of the DC-to-AC inverters, and thus to the LCD display. In practice DC-to-AC inverters must be tailored to a particular LCD display""s backlight inverter input voltage.
Even if a DC-to-AC inverter""s input voltage range is acceptable, a DC-to-AC inverter usually only works well when designed for a particular load. That is, the equivalent lamp resistance 90 (see FIG. 4) and capacitance 80 must be taken into consideration when designing a particular DC-to-AC inverter. Thus, DC-to-AC inverters are usually designed to operate only with a narrow range of fluorescent lamps. Changes in lamp styles, sizes, or manufacturers can create problems.
The foregoing problems with DC-to-AC inverters mean that prior art LCD display DC-to-AC inverters either were designed for a particular application, or that inefficient operation had to be accepted. Since neither choice is desirable, a new DC-to-AC inverter that is adaptable to different input voltages and loads (fluorescent lamps) would be beneficial.
Accordingly, the principles of the present invention provide for systems, such as LCD displays, that include DC-to-AC inverters that are adaptable for use with different input voltages and different loads. In LCD displays, this enables different lamps to be operated under different input voltage conditions without requiring a new DC-to-AC inverter design. Such is particularly beneficial in reducing costs since a given DC-to-AC inverter design will work in many different applications, thus enabling economies of scale.
A DC-AC inverter that is according to the principles of the present invention includes a voltage-step-up network, with the step-up voltage set by a controller that drives totem-pole configured FET switches according to the desired step-up voltage. The controller beneficially regulates its duty cycle in response to current and/or voltage feedback signals. Also beneficially, the DC-AC inverter includes a configurable inductor and a configurable transformer. Such configurable components enable efficient operation with different loads. Such DC-AC inverters are particularly useful in driving liquid crystal display lamps. When the lamps are behind the LCD pixel array, the DC-to-AC inverter is often referred to as a backlight inverter.
Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description that follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.


A body gel composition having glitter contained therein comprising a surface active agent system for moisturizing the skin being in the range of 3 percent to 12 percent by weight of the body gel composition; at least one pH adjuster being in the range of 0.5% to 2.0% by weight of the body gel composition; a preservative system for preserving the body gel composition against microbial contamination being in the range of 0.40% to 2.4% by weight of the body gel composition; at least one anti-oxidant and light stabilizer for preventing oxidation of the body gel composition being in the range of 0.02% to 0.3% by weight of the body gel composition; a diluent in the form of water in the range of 50.0% to 70.0% by weight of the body gel composition; and suspended particulate matter having a plurality of predetermined glitter shapes for cosmetic ornamention of the body being in the range of 10.0% to 20.0% by weight of the body gel composition.

Body gel compositions are widely used by females for body (skin) conditioning in which the body gel imparts cosmetic qualities of softer, wrinkle-free, and moistened skin to the user. Users of body gels are desirous of improved body gels for further cosmetic enhancing and aesthetic imparting qualities that will heighten a female's appearance, beauty and sex appeal.
There remains a need for a scented body gel which enhances the cosmetic and aesthetic appearance qualities for females, such that the body gel product would include a moisturizer, a fragrance, a flavor, a color, and a shaped glitter or sparkling effect on the skin.

Scented body gel having particulate matter in the form of glitter with predetermined shapes


A device includes at least one ultra-small resonant structure; and shielding constructed and adapted to shield at least a portion of said ultra-small resonant structure with a high-permeability magnetic material. The magnetic material is formed from a substance selected from a non-conductive magnetic oxide such as a ferrite; a cobaltite, a chromite, and a manganite. The magnetic material may be mumetal, permalloy, Hipernom, HyMu-80, supermalloy, supermumetal, nilomag, sanbold, Mo-Permalloy, Ultraperm, or M-1040.

The related applications describe various ultra-small resonant structures (URSs) and devices formed therefrom. As described in the related applications, the ultra-small resonant structures may emit electromagnetic radiation (EMR) at a wide range of frequencies (e.g., visible light), and often at a frequency higher than that of microwave. EMR is emitted from the a resonant structure when the resonant structure is exposed to a beam of charged particles ejected from or emitted by a source of charged particles. The source may be controlled, e.g., by applying a signal on data input. The source can be any desired source of charged particles such as an ion gun, a thermionic filament, tungsten filament, a cathode, a vacuum triode, a planar vacuum triode, an electron-impact ionizer, a laser ionizer, a field emission cathode, a chemical ionizer, a thermal ionizer, an ion-impact ionizer, an electron source from a scanning electron microscope, etc. The particles may be positive ions, negative ions, electrons, and protons and the like.
The ultra-small resonant structures may be formed in or on integrated circuits (ICs), multi-chip modules (MCMs) or the like.
As described in the related applications, the ultra-small resonant structures are preferably under vacuum conditions during operation. Vacuum conditions prevent, to some degree, interaction of charged particle beams with stray atomic particles. Accordingly, entire integrated packages/circuits (which includes the IC and ultra-small resonant structures) may be vacuum packaged. Alternatively, a portion of a package containing at least the ultra-small resonant structure(s) should be vacuum packaged. Known hermetic sealing techniques can be employed to ensure the vacuum condition remains during a reasonable lifespan of operation.
However, while vacuum conditions provide some protection from stray particles, there may be other sources of interference with the charged particle beams. These other sources include, e.g., stray electric, magnetic and/or electromagnetic fields. Accordingly, it is desirable to shield the structures from stray electric, magnetic and/or electromagnetic fields.

Shielding of integrated circuit package with high-permeability magnetic material


The present invention provides a method, apparatus, and computer implemented instructions for computer-based onboard noise suppression devices with remote web-based management features. The present invention detects noise within a computer. A noise canceling signal is generated based on parameters. These parameters may include, for example, the percentage of noise to suppress. The noise canceling signal is broadcasted to reduce or eliminate noise. Additionally, the present invention provides the ability to remotely manage noise suppression within computers.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to an improved data processing system. In particular, the present invention relates to a method, apparatus, and computer instructions for computer-based onboard noise suppression devices with remote web-based management features.
2. Description of Related Art
In production environments, often times, noise levels are excessive where computing machinery may be operational. Excessive noise may be due to multiple pieces of computing machinery in a production area or the types of devices in the computing machinery. High frequency noise levels are generated by high speed disk storage devices and low frequency noise levels are generated by lower speed fan and cooling devices. Damaging high and low frequency noise levels are most often generated without concerns to people. At times, these noise levels can exceed what might be considered to be safe for operators of these various types of production equipment especially during extended periods of time. Likewise, these high decibel noise levels can be unsafe for visitors in surrounding noise affected areas. Exposure to dangerous noise levels could damage the hearing of an individual.
Therefore, it would be advantageous to have an improved method, apparatus, and computer instructions to allow users to set and monitor noise levels appropriate to their environment.

Computer-based onboard noise suppression devices with remote web-based management features

International Business Machines Corporation


A method for controlling a wavelength tunable laser is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: calculating a lasing wavelength from two or more kinds of parameters, the parameters designating the target lasing wavelength; acquiring a driving condition from a memory, the wavelength tunable laser being operable to generate a laser beam of a first wavelength in the driving condition; and calculating another driving condition from the driving condition thus acquired and a wavelength difference between the first wavelength and a second wavelength, the second wavelength corresponding to the lasing wavelength, the wavelength tunable laser being operable to generate a laser beam of the second wavelength in the another driving condition, the wavelength tunable laser being driven in the another driving condition.

Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method for controlling a wavelength tunable laser.
Related Background Art
Japanese Patent Application Publication No, 2009-026996 discloses a wavelength tunable laser capable of selecting a wavelength of an output beam. The technology disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-026996 is to store control conditions for obtaining respective grid wavelengths (referred to as "ITU-T grid wavelengths"), which are defined by the International Telecommunication Union Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T), in the memory; and to control lasing thereof at any of the ITU-T grid wavelengths based on the stored control conditions.

Method for controlling wavelength tunable laser

Sumitomo Electric Device Innovations, Inc.


A low pressure and high-low temperature test box capable of controlling humidity comprises a test box body (1), a first heater (2) and a first evaporator (3) which are installed in the test box body (1), a humiture sensor (4) for detecting the humiture inside the test box body (1) and a vacuum manometer (5) for detecting the pressure inside the test box body (1) which are both installed on the test box body (1), an air circulation device (6) for circulating the air inside the test box body (1), and a humidity adjusting device (7) which is connected to the test box body (1) and used for adjusting the humidity inside the test box body (1). A vacuum pump (8) for vacuumizing the test box body (1) is also provided on the test box body (1).

The present invention relates to a low pressure and high-low temperature test device, specifically to a low pressure and high-low temperature test box capable of controlling humidity that can automatically control humidity and temperature of the test environment according to the needs of the test environment.
A test box currently used for the low pressure and high-low temperature test of materials or devices is used for detecting the properties of materials or devices at a certain temperature under the low pressure condition, that is, this test box is used only for detecting the temperature and pressure instead of humidity therein; however, humidity is also an important factor affecting properties of materials or devices, because humidity may also affect properties of materials or devices. Therefore, the conventional test box used for the low pressure and high-low temperature test of materials or devices cannot be used for detecting properties of material or devices. Thus a test environment meeting the requirements needs to be provided, so as to improve the detection accuracy.

Low pressure and high-low temperature test box capable of controlling humidity

DONGGUAN CITY SIMPLEWELL TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.