A laser light beam generated from a light source is divided by a diffraction grating into a plurality of light beams, i.e., a single main beam to be used for recording information and plural auxiliary beams distributed on two imaginary straight lines crossing each other. One of the straight lines extends parallel to tracks of a recording medium. The resultant divided beams are converged to be irradiated onto a recording medium, and reflected components, from the recording medium, of the beams are received by corresponding light receiving elements. Thus, the main and auxiliary beams distributed on one of the two imaginary straight lines are used to perform focusing and tracking. Further, one of the two auxiliary beams distributed on the other straight line are used to determine whether a track where information is to be recorded is a blank area or not, and the other of the auxiliary beams is used to verify whether the information has been recorded correctly.

The present invention relates to a method and device which are applied to an apparatus where an optical head and a recording medium reciprocate relative to each other to record and reproduce desired information onto and from the medium, for determining whether or not a specific portion of the medium where information is to be recorded is a blank area having no information recorded thereon (i.e., whether or not the specific portion is available for recording information), and also relates to a method and device for verifying whether or not information recording has been performed correctly on a specific portion of a recording medium (i.e., the propriey of the recorded information).
To newly record information onto a write-once type optical information recording medium such as an optical card, a specific portion (track) of the medium where the information is to be recorded (i.e., a track to be used for recording information) must of course be a blank area having no information recorded thereon, and thus it is necessary to determine in advance whether the track is a blank area or not. Such a determination as to whether the track to be used for recording is a blank area or not has conventionally been performed in the art by reading out predetermined information registered in a directory area.
Further, after information has been recorded on the recording medium, it is necessary to ascertain or verify whether the information recording has been performed correctly. To this end, it has been customary, as typically disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-open Publication No. 55-122216, to perform information recording only during the forward travel, in a relative reciprocating movement, of the recording medium and then perform information reproduction only during the backward travel of the recording medium so as to verify the propriety or correctness of the newly recorded information.
However, the first-mentioned approach of determining whether a portion of the recording medium where information is to be recorded is a blank area or not by reading out information registered in the directory area is not satisfactory in that it involves an extra readout determination operation associated with the readout of the registered information, thus requiring a considerably long time in determining the availability of that portion.
The second-mentioned approach of verifying the propriety of the newly recorded information during the backward travel of the recording medium is also disadvantageous in that it provides poor recording efficiency and is time consuming, because information recording is permitted only during the forward travel. Further, because the verification of the recorded information is performed by reproducing the recorded information in the direction opposite to the information recording direction, an extra circuit is required for reversing the time series of the reproduced information or information to be recorded.

Optical information recording device and method for detecting and verifying recorded information


An optical system and a projection system incorporating same are disclosed. The optical system includes a light source that is capable of emitting light. The emitted light includes one or more substantially collimated discrete light beams. The optical system further includes a lenslet array for receiving and transmitting the emitted light. Each discrete light beam in the emitted light has an intensity full width at half maximum (FWHM) at the lenslet array that covers at least a portion of a plurality of lenslets in the lenslet array. The optical system further includes an optical element for receiving the transmitted light from an input face of the optical element. The optical element homogenizes the received light and transmits the homogenized light from an output face of the optical element.

Illumination systems typically include a light source and illumination optics for transferring light from the light source to a desired destination. Illumination systems are employed in various applications, such as projection displays and backlights for liquid crystal displays (LCD). The light source in an illumination system may, for example, include an arc lamp such as a mercury arc lamp, an incandescent lamp, a fluorescent lamp, a light emitting diode (LED), or a laser.
Projection systems typically include an active light valve for producing an image, an illumination system for illuminating the light valve, and optics for projecting and displaying the image typically on a projection screen. The illumination system in a projection system typically uses one or more white light sources, such as arc lamps. The illumination optics of the illumination system may include means for separating the white light into different colors, such as red, green, and blue.
It is often desirable to uniformly illuminate the light valve. As such, the illumination system commonly employs a homogenizer to homogenize light emitted by the light source.

Illumination system incorporating collimated light source


A heat transfer system and method for controlling heat transfer to and from a container having thermal insulation disposed with respect to said container or compartment so as to inhibit the flow of heat into and/or out of the compartment, said insulation comprising a polymeric material having closed cells therein wherein said cells are formed from and/or contain a haloalkene according to Formula IA:

Mechanical refrigeration systems, and related heat transfer devices such as heat pumps and air conditioners, using refrigerant liquids are well known in the art for industrial, commercial and domestic uses. In appliances and systems designed to contain items at a temperature either below or above the ambient temperature for an extended period of time, there are two important features that contribute to both the energy efficiency of such systems and to the environmental impact of such systems. The first feature or aspect of such systems is the material used as the heat transfer fluid in such systems. The second feature is the blowing agent that is used to form and/or is contained in the thermal insulation material used to help minimize the unwanted transfer of heat to or from the compartment or region being heated.

Systems for efficient heating and/or cooling and having low climate change impact

Abstract: where each R is independently Cl, F, H, or CF3, provided that the total number of carbon atoms is either 3 or 4,        R′ is (CR2)nY,        Y is CF3         and n is 0 or 1;and a heat transfer system for adding and/or removing heat from the compartment or container by use of a heat transfer fluid comprising a haloalkene Formula IB:

Abstract: where each R is independently Cl, F or H        R′ is (CR2)nY,        Y is CF3         and n is 0 or 1.


A chest protector to reduce risk of commotio cordis. The chest protector includes an inner protector member and an outer shell. The inner protector member includes a protector plate and one or more supporting members. The protector plate has a first surface facing the user's chest and a second surface facing away from the user's chest, and the first surface has a central portion and side portions. The one or more supporting members are attached to the side portions of the first surface of the protector plate but not to the central portion of the first surface such that an air space is defined by the central portion of the first surface and the one or more supporting members. The protector plate and the one or more supporting members are configured such that the central portion of the first surface of the protector plate is spaced apart from the chest. When an object impacts the second surface of the protector plate, the impact force is distributed to the supporting members and passed to side portions of the user's chest.

This description relates to chest protectors.
Commotio cordis is a syndrome in which a blunt impact to the chest causes life threatening ventricular fibrillation (an irregularity in the rhythm and force of the heartbeat), which may lead to sudden death without structural damage to the heart. Commotio cordis most commonly occurs in sports such as baseball, lacrosse, softball, and hockey, when a ball or puck impacts the front, midline chest in the area superficial to the left ventricle of the heart at about 40 mph (17.88 m/s). In some cases, commotio cordis happens when the impact occurs at 20 milliseconds before the T wave portion of a heartbeat, when the heart is undergoing repolarization, or restoring its energy to pump again. The impact causes the heart to enter a ventricular fibrillation rhythm that causes ineffective pumping, and in some cases, sudden death
Since 1998, there have been 156 deaths in the United States attributed to commotio cordis. See Link, Mark S., "Mechanically induced sudden death in chest wall impact (commotio cordis)," Progress in Biophysics and Molecular biology, 82 (2003), pages 175-186. According to a study at Tufts University in 2003, led by Barry Maron, who researched 128 confirmed cases of commotio cordis that were entered into the United States Commotio Cordis Registry, the overall survival rate of commotio cordis was about 16%. Of the 128 cases, 95% were males. The mean age of the commotio cordis victims was 13.6 years, and only about 22% of the victims were greater than 18 years old.
A number of chest protectors have been developed in the past. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,742,947 describes an adjustable chest protector that is designed to cover the heart area of a human body, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,748,601 describes an articulating body protective device that includes a fabric outer garment and protective elements.


A method for driving display panel includes: for one of adjacent two frames of displayed images, when scanning odd-numbered row of sub-pixels, inputting data signals to the data lines coupled to the data selector in first order by a data selector; when scanning even-numbered row of sub-pixels, inputting data signals to the data lines coupled to the data selector in second order by the data selector; first and second orders each represents an order of inputting data signals to the data lines; first order is opposite to second order; for the other of the adjacent two frames of displayed images, when scanning odd-numbered row of sub-pixels, inputting data signals to the data lines coupled to the data selector in second order by the data selector; when scanning even-numbered row of sub-pixels, inputting data signals to the data lines coupled to the data selector in first order by the data selector.

With the continuous development of full-screen display panels, people have higher requirements for high-resolution display screens, and the density of sub-pixels in the display panels is getting increased, or the pixel density (Pixels Per Inch, PPI) has become too high, which results in limited space in the display panels for arranging data lines. The existing solution is to use data selector (or multiplexer. MUX) technology to share one data line for data lines coupled to multiple columns of sub-pixels, and to provide data signals for the data lines respectively through the MUX. However, the MUX technology increases the power consumption of the display panel, or potentially introduces display defects such as vertical stripes.

Method for driving display panel, display panel and display device

BEIJING BOE OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.


In a SPECT apparatus, when an OM-line setting line is projected to a subject placed on a top table of a berth apparatus, an OM line is positioned. After the subject is moved to a data acquiring position of a gantry by a berth controller, RI data is acquired. In addition, the position of the OM line is calculated. An RI image is reconstructed by a data processor on the basis of the RI data. The RI image on the OM line can be acquired by performing slice conversion of the reconstructed RI image in accordance with the calculated position of the OM line.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method and system for processing RI images in a SPECT apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
In a conventional SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography) apparatus shown in FIG. 1, when RI (radioisotope) is injected to a subject to be examined (not shown), radiation from the subject is detected by a detector 1. Position data X and Y and unblank data UNB associated with the radiation detected by the detector 1 are stored in a memory 3 through an A/D converter 2. During detection of radiation, since the detector 1 is rotated about the axis of the subject by a detector rotating unit 4, data detected by the detector 1 at various rotational positions are stored in the memory 3. A rotational position signal representing the rotational position of the detector 1 is output from the detector rotating unit 4 to a memory controller 5. The memory controller 5 causes the memory 3 to output the data stored therein to an image reconstructing unit 6 in response to the rotational position signal. An RI image (SPECT image) is reconstructed by the image reconstructing unit 6 on the basis of the data at each rotational position of the detector 1, and the reconstructed image is displayed on a display unit 8 through a display memory 7.
In the above-mentioned SPECT apparatus, when the subject is placed on a berth so that the axis of the subject substantially coincides with the central axis of rotation of the detector, an RI image 10 to be acquired corresponds to a plane perpendicular to an axis of body 9, as shown in FIG. 2.
As the performance of the SPECT apparatus has been improved in recent years, a case wherein an RI image of a head is acquired for the purpose of diagnosis of the head, e.g., an examination of cerebovascular disease, has, been increased. When RI images are acquired in diagnosis, a head photographing standard line 30 shown in FIG. 3, i.e., a line (to be referred on an OM line hereinafter) which connects an eye to an ear hole of the subject, must be referred to, as in a case wherein an X-ray CT image or an MR (magnetic resonance) image is acquired. In the conventional SPECT apparatus, therefore, the posture of the subject is set so that an OM line is perpendicular to the center of rotation of the detector in order to acquire RI images (slice images) on the OM line.
It is, however, often difficult to set such a posture of a patient which has a trouble in his or her backbone, neck, or the like. In this case, RI images on the OM line cannot be acquired. In order to solve this problem, a SPECT apparatus which can acquire RI images without changing the posture of a patient has been developed. In this SPECT apparatus, the gradient of the OM line is measured in advance by an operator, and the gradient of the OM line is off-line input during image reconstruction processing. According to this apparatus, it is determined that the gradient of an image is equal to that of the OM line. However, it is difficult to specify a tomogram corresponding to the OM line among a plurality of tomograms.
Thus, a demand has arisen for developing a SPECT apparatus which can acquire RI images on a photographing standard line set in a subject regardless of a posture of the subject.

Method and system for processing RI images in SPECT apparatus


Weight factors corresponding to plural areas into which a disk is concentrically divided, respectively, are previously stored, and an amount of eccentricity control is calculated using the previously-stored weight factors during settling operation. Further, when an impact larger than a predetermined value is applied, calculation of weight factors is stopped. Thereby, the seek time can be shortened, and positioning of the head can be stabilized.

In order to record or reproduce information on/from a target track on an eccentric disk by using a head, a disk device must drive the head make the head follow the target track whose distance from the center of rotation continuously varies due to eccentricity. Hereinafter, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) will be described as an example.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a conventional HDD. As shown in FIG. 8, the conventional HDD is provided with a magnetic head 819 for recording or reproducing information on/from a magnetic disk 815 to output a head position signal 806; an actuator mechanism for operating the magnetic head 819 on the basis of a magnetic head control amount signal 809; a phase learning unit 801 for learning a phase shift amount which is a phase difference between variations in the servo information number that are read by the magnetic head 819 and variations in the amount of eccentricity of the magnetic disk 815, and outputting a phase shift amount signal 812; a sinusoidal wave generator 802 for outputting an eccentricity sync sinusoidal signal 813 having the phase shift amount that is learned by the phase learning unit 801, at a frequency synchronized with the rotation frequency of the magnetic disk 815; an eccentricity control amount calculator 803 for multiplying the sinusoidal signal by a weight factor to obtain an eccentricity control amount, and performing learning of eccentricity amount and updation of weight factor to output an eccentricity control amount signal 804; a positioning controller 808 for adding the eccentricity control amount to an ordinary feedback control amount to calculate a magnetic head control amount for compensating the eccentricity of the magnetic disk 815 and making the magnetic disk 819 follow a target track, and outputting a magnetic head control amount signal 809; a subtracter 820 for subtracting the head position signal 806 from a target position signal 805 that is externally input, and outputting a positional error signal 807 as a result of subtraction; and a learning switch 811 for selecting whether learning of eccentricity amount and updation of weight factor are to be carried out or not.
When performing seeking of the magnetic head 819, the learning switch 811 is turned off, whereby the eccentricity control amount calculator 803 temporarily stops learning of eccentricity amount and updation of weight factor. After the operation of the disk device changes from seeking to settling, calculation of an eccentricity control amount is carried out using a weight factor that has been calculated just before the stop, and the learning switch 811 is turned on to resume learning of eccentricity amount and updation of weight factor when the magnetic head 819 enters in a predetermined positioning range, thereby preventing degradation of controllability during settling.
Further, when the magnetic head 819 is unintentionally moved due to an impact or the like applied from the outside and thereby the positioning error of the magnetic head 819 exceeds the predetermined value, the learning switch 811 is turned off to stop learning of eccentricity amount and updation of weight factor. When the magnetic head 819 enters in the predetermined positioning range, the learning switch 811 is turned on to resume learning of eccentricity amount and updation of weight factor, thereby preventing degradation of controllability.
In the conventional disk device described above, when performing seeking, calculation of eccentricity control amount, learning of eccentricity amount, and updation of weight factor are temporarily stopped. After the operation of the disk device changes from seeking to settling, calculation of an eccentricity control amount is carried out using a weight factor that is calculated just before the stop, and learning of eccentricity amount and updation of weight factor are resumed when the magnetic head enters in the predetermined positioning range. However, since the value of weight factor varies depending on the target track on which the magnetic head should be positioned, convergence of weight factor takes time, resulting in an increase in seek time.
Further, even when an impact or the like is applied from the outside, since learning of eccentricity amount and updation of weight factor are carried out until the positioning error of the magnetic head exceeds the predetermined value, there may occur cases where the eccentricity control amount is not correctly calculated, resulting in degradation of controllability.
The present invention is made to solve the above-described problems and has for its object to provide a disk device, a disk eccentricity control method, and a recording medium, which can reduce seek time, and stabilize positioning of head.

Disk device, disk eccentricity control method, and recording medium

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.


An apparatus for controlling a charge pump includes a current sensor arranged to output a current sense signal that is linearly proportional to an output current of the charge pump, and an oscillator that provides a clock signal for the charge pump. The oscillator receives the current sense signal and uses it to vary an oscillation frequency of the clock signal. An amplitude of the clock signal also may be varied in response to the current sense signal.

The present invention relates to charge pumps and, more particularly, to an apparatus and method for controlling a charge pump.
A charge pump is a circuit for providing an output voltage that is greater than its input voltage. There are many known charge pump circuits that use energy storage elements such as capacitors to control the output voltage. The connection of a load to the output of a charge pump has been observed to cause the output voltage of the charge pump to decrease as load current increases, which can make it difficult for the charge pump to generate a high voltage with high loading current.
It would be advantageous to address the above-mentioned limitations in current charge pumps.

Apparatus and method for controlling charge pump


A conversion entity and method for converting higher-rate speech parameters into lower-rate parameters including dimmed excitation parameters. The conversion entity comprises a first decoder configured to produce a target excitation from the higher-rate parameters, based on a first fixed contribution and a first adaptive contribution. The conversion entity also comprises a second decoder configured to produce a second adaptive contribution, and configured to selectably operate in a first or a second mode. In the first mode, the second adaptive component is generated based on the first fixed contribution for a previous frame, while in the second mode, the second adaptive component is generated based on a second fixed contribution for the previous frame. The second decoder operates in the second mode in response to a rate reduction request. A processing module determines the dimmed excitation parameters for generation of the second fixed contribution for the current frame, based on the target excitation and the second adaptive contribution.

In a mobile telephony system, ancillary information (e.g., signaling information, overhead, enhanced forward error correction channel coding) is needed to adjust, control, and coordinate the system's configuration and operation. In some instances, the need to communicate ancillary information to a far-end mobile may arise while the far-end mobile is in use. When this occurs, the mobile and the base station combine the ancillary information with voice traffic. If the bandwidth on the wireless link leading to the far-end mobile is fully occupied, the coding rate of the voice traffic will need to be reduced to make room for the ancillary information.
In another scenario, congestion in a packet network may require a rate reduction to be effected, in order to allow a call to continue to be at least minimally supported between two end points so that the call is not dropped. Such requirement for a rate reduction may occur at random times, irrespective of the coding rate of voice traffic traveling in the packet network.
To achieve rate reduction in a network that carries packets of coded voice traffic, several methods have been proposed. One rather rudimentary way of effecting rate reduction of coded voice traffic traveling in a packet network is to drop packets. In this mode of operation, a packet (or plural packets) of coded voice traffic is/are suppressed (i.e., not transmitted, or "blanked") in order to liberate bandwidth, either downstream in the packet network or on the wireless link with the far-end mobile. However, the consequence of such drastic deletion of packets is a degradation of the recovered speech that could lead to a severe loss of intelligibility.
A slightly more sophisticated multiplexing technique for rate reduction of coded voice traffic traveling in a packet network consists of decoding (i.e., synthesizing) a received packet of coded voice traffic that was coded at an original (i.e., higher) rate. The fully synthesized speech signal is then re-coded at a lower rate, thereby preserving certain characteristics of the original speech, while freeing up bandwidth to insert the ancillary information or to alleviate network congestion. The operation of decoding the coded voice traffic into recovered speech and re-coding the recovered speech at a different (i.e., lower) rate is known as transcoding (or "tandem operation"), which has the disadvantage of requiring the processing and memory resources for a full codec just to provide rate reduction functionality. In the case of most codecs, the additional resources/cost associated with providing rate reduction functionality of the type described above are considered too high for mass implementation. In addition, transcoding exposes the speech to possible degradation as it is synthesized and then re-coded.
Moreover, both of the above techniques can lead to severe degradations in voice quality during prolonged periods of a required rate reduction, such as may occur when, for example, two air interfaces need to run at different packet rates for a mobile-to-mobile call. In such cases, the coded voice traffic emanating from the near-end mobile may need to be reduced by the network before being transmitted to the far-end mobile until the radio condition improves. Such a situation may last for several seconds or even minutes, which tends to have significant deleterious effects on intelligibility when conventional rate reduction methods are employed.
Therefore, a need exists in the industry to provide an improved mechanism for reducing the coding rate of coded voice traffic traveling in a packet network without significantly affecting voice quality.

Method and apparatus for rate reduction of coded voice traffic


A vascular dilator for controlling blood flow in a blood vessel, includes an elongate body for inserting into a blood vessel and a generally tapered distal end portion and a proximal end portion, and a plurality of inflatable members positioned adjacent the distal end portion. The inflatable members are longitudinally spaced from one another by a predetermined distance.

The present invention is generally directed to surgical instruments and procedures, and more particularly to a vascular dilator for controlling blood flow in a blood vessel.
Massive bleeding from an arterial or venous blood vessel is one of the major causes of death in acute trauma. In addition, massive bleeding from ruptured aneurysm of an abdominal aorta or thoracic aorta is the usual mode of death for these patients. It is estimated that about 80% of ruptured aneurysm occurs in an abdominal aorta (FIG. 3) and about 20% in a thoracic aorta (FIG. 2). Iatrogenic cause of massive bleeding from perforation or rupture of a major blood vessel can also be a cause of mortality and morbidity from this incident.
Following rupture of an abdominal aortic aneurysm, the mortality from this condition has been traditionally at least 50% of those patients who reach the hospital and are taken to surgery or repair of the aneurysm. Recent advances in the management of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms, including balloon control of bleeding from the aorta and, when possible, endovascular repair of the abdominal aortic aneurysm, rather than open repair, has shown encouraging improvement in the mortality and morbidity of this condition. Recent reports have suggested mortality from ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms in the order of 20-25%, compared with the previous 50%. Morbidity is also a fraction of what traditionally had been the case with open repair.
Emerging surgical literature would suggest that early balloon control of the aorta in a patient with massive bleeding from a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm, results in marked improvement in survival, even in those patients who ultimately undergo open surgical repair of the aneurysm because the anatomy of the aneurysm did not lend itself to endovascular repair.
Referring to FIGS. 1-7, conventionally, when a patient (P) with, for example, a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) arrives at the emergency room of an hospital, he/she undergoes an expeditious CT scan to prove the condition. Once proven, the patient is whisked to the operating room and, under the current approach of early balloon control of the aorta, the femoral artery (FA) in the groin is punctured under ultrasound guidance and a guidewire (GW) is advanced under fluoroscopic guidance into the abdominal aorta (AA) above the source of bleeding or bleeding point (BP). A large introducer sheath (IS) and a dilator (D) complex is then advanced over the wire into the aorta (AA). (This dilator and sheath complex is typically long enough to allow a balloon (B) of a catheter to occlude the aorta above the source of bleeding.) Traditionally, when the patient has a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm, a 12-French sheath (IS) 45 cm long with an inner dilator (D) in place, is advanced over the guidewire (GW) (FIG. 5). The dilator (D) is next removed, leaving the guidewire and sheath in place (FIG. 6). A large balloon catheter (BC) is then fed over the guidewire (GW), through the sheath (IS), and then inflated in the aorta above the source of bleeding (FIG. 7). The 45 cm long sheath helps hold the balloon (B) in place to prevent it from being pushed down with each beat of the heart.
Once the aorta is controlled, the patient is fully resuscitated with blood and blood products until normal hemodynamic parameters are obtained. Repair of the aorta can now proceed as appropriate based on the anatomy of the pathologic process. If endovascular repair is possible, this is ideal. If endovascular repair is not possible, then open repair can be performed. Once the abdomen is opened, the aorta is controlled in a standard fashion. Once a clamp is placed on the aorta, the balloon is removed along with the sheath. Open repair of the abdominal aortic aneurysm can then be performed in standard manner.
The above technique/procedure can be applied to any major blood vessel in the body that is injured or ruptured for a variety of reasons. This is particularly relevant in cases of massive venous bleeding, such as a tear of the vena cava, which can occur in acute traumatic situations, and is frequently the cause of death in such individuals. Massive pelvic injury and many abdominal injuries lead to demise of the patient on account of massive venous bleeding. The same technique/procedure of balloon control of the vena cava, or a major vein, both above and below the site of injury, would be lifesaving.
Various catheters, dilators, and introducer sheaths are currently available as shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,540,404; 4,909,798; 5,092,857; 5,669,881; 5,830,125; 6,537,247; 6,733,474; 2002/0183777; 2008/0065011; and 2010/0022948.

Vascular dilator for controlling blood flow in a blood vessel


An electroluminescent circuit for driving an electroluminescent display having a plurality of segment electrodes and a common electrode. The circuit comprises a DC power supply, an output terminal for each of the segments and common electrodes and at least one supply half H-bridge for connecting at least one of each of the segment electrodes and the common electrode selectively to one of the DC supply and a reference voltage. Each supply half H-bridge comprises a top switch and a bottom switch in series having a junction between them. The top switch is connected to the DC supply and the bottom switch is connected to a reference voltage. A discharge circuit is provided for selectively discharging the electroluminescent display, the discharge circuit comprising a discharge half H-bridge in which a top switch is connected to the DC supply and to a discharge path.

Electroluminescent displays can have selectively illuminable regions for displaying information. Such displays have the advantage over competing technologies that they can be large, flexible and are relatively inexpensive.
Although electroluminescent lamps were known in the 1950s, these had a short lifetime and it was not until the 1980s that a flexible electroluminescent device was developed. However, this was used as an LCD backlight and only recently have practical electroluminescent displays become available.
Electroluminescent displays generally comprise a layer of phosphor material, such as a doped zinc sulphide powder, between two electrodes. It is usual for at least one electrode to be composed of a transparent material, such as indium tin oxide (ITO), provided on a transparent substrate, such as a polyester or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film. The display may be formed by depositing electrode layers and phosphor layers onto the substrate, for example by screen printing, in which case opaque electrodes may be formed from conductive, for example silver-loaded, inks.
Examples of electroluminescent devices are described in WO 00/72638 and WO 99/55121.
An electroluminescent display of the general type described above is illuminated by applying an alternating voltage of an appropriate frequency between the electrodes of the lamp to excite the phosphor.
Commonly, the phosphors used in electroluminescent displays require a voltage of a few hundred volts.
Typically, such electroluminescent displays may have a capacitance in the range 100 pF to 50 nF.
Since only a small current is required, this comparatively high drive voltage can easily be produced from a low voltage DC supply by a circuit such as the well known "flyback converter". This comprises an inductor and an oscillating switch arranged in series. In parallel with the oscillating switch, a diode and a capacitor are arranged in series. The switch oscillates between an open state and a closed state. In the closed state, a current flows from the DC supply through the inductor and the switch.
When the switch is opened, the current path is interrupted, but the magnetic field associated with the inductor forces the current to keep flowing. The inductor therefore forces the current to flow through the diode to charge the capacitor. The diode prevents the capacitor discharging while the switch is closed.
The capacitor can therefore be charged to a voltage that is higher than the DC supply voltage, and current at this voltage can be drawn from the capacitor.
In order to supply an alternating current to a load from a flyback converter, an H-bridge may be provided in parallel with the capacitor. In general, an H-bridge comprises two parallel limbs, each limb having a first switch in series with a second switch. On each limb between the first and second switches, there is a node, and the load is connected between the respective nodes of the limbs. Current can flow through the load in one direction via the first switch of one limb and the second switch of the other limb and in the other direction via the other two switches. The switches of the H-bridge are operated so that current flows through the load first in one direction and then in the other.
When discharging the capacitive load, it is known to provide a switched discharge path in parallel with the load to ground. This allows the charge stored in the capacitor to be dumped; the discharge path can be activated to provide a conductive path to ground and closed again when it is desired to stop discharging and recharge the load. In an alternative, it is known to discharge the load to form an auxiliary power supply for the switches of the control circuit (that is the H-bridge and the switch of the flyback converter) for the capacitive load; see for example United Kingdom patent application publication number GB2 405 270.
If the display is to be capable of selectively illuminating several different regions or "segments", each segment will be provided with its own segment electrode at the rear of the display. All the segments typically share a common electrode in the transparent ITO electrode at the front of the display. Accordingly, it is known to drive each segment electrode with a "half-H-bridge" comprising a pair of switches in series, the electrode connected between the pair. One end of the pair is connected to the HV power supply, whereas the other end is connected to an appropriate reference voltage (typically ground). By closing one switch and opening the other, the segment electrode can be connected to either the HV power supply or ground.
Conversely, the common electrode is also connected to the power supply and ground by a half-H-bridge in the same manner. However, the half-H-bridge of the common electrode is generally operated in anti-phase with the segment electrodes of the segments that are to be lit, such that when the segments are connected to the power supply, the common electrode is connected to ground and vice versa. Accordingly, a HV AC signal can be generated across the segments of interest, thereby illuminating them.

Electronic circuit for driving electroluminescent display


An approach is provided for conducting a search based on an extraction of a search term from available sensor data. The approach involves determining sensor data associated with at least one device, the sensor data determined from among a plurality of available data modes. The approach also involved processing and/or facilitating a processing of the sensor data to cause, at least in part, an extraction of one or more search terms for at least one query. The approach further involves determining one or more results of the at least one query based, at least in part, on context information associated with the at least one device, user profile information associated with the at least one device, or a combination thereof.

Service providers and device manufacturers (e.g., wireless, cellular, etc.) are continually challenged to deliver value and convenience to consumers by, for example, providing compelling network services. Mobile visual search is a new paradigm in the field of pattern recognition; it builds on the premise and research of information retrieval and visual informatics. Over a decade of textual-based search on a desktop and wired-internet search has shown a gradual evolution into a more ubiquitous and pervasive means of accessing information with less constraints. With the advent increase in the use of mobile devices and convergence of services of telecommunication, advances in sensor hardware, and embedded software platforms, a mobile device is fast becoming main choice of pervasive mobile technology.

Method and apparatus for conducting a search based on available data modes


A mechanical key and lock cylinder with mechanical bittings include an electronic access control feature, with minimal modification and without affecting or interfering with the mechanical function of the key and cylinder. A small, low-profile memory cell is embedded in a recess or later hole through the key, with one cell terminal grounded to the key and the other having a contact extension. When the key is inserted into the keyway of the cylinder plug, the ground connection is made with the cylinder and the memory cell contact extension engages a spring-loaded contact of a connector unit which extends from the cylinder plug. An insulated wire carries the conductive path out of the lock cylinder. The key remains of very low profile, and the cylinder plug is modified only by a small longitudinal bore from front to rear. Existing mechanical locks and cylinders can easily be retrofitted with the electronic access control feature. In another embodiment the key has its contacts on one or both sides of the key blade rather than at the shoulder of the key head. The memory cell device in or on the key head can include a microprocessor, battery and read/write memory.

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/595,388, filed Jun. 14, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,927,670, which was a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 08/705,843, filed Aug. 30, 1996, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,552,650, which was a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 08/342,846, filed Nov. 21, 1994, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,552,777, which was a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 07/836,206, filed Feb. 14, 1992, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,367,295.
This invention relates to the use of existing mechanical locks with mechanical tumbler types of cylinders for electronic access control.
A number of access control systems have existed incorporating electrically operated locking devices with decision-making electronics for permitting access housed within the lock's trim, such as Touchcode system manufactured by Yale Electronics of Charlotte, N.C., Nova System manufactured by Kaba of Southington, Conn., and Solitaire System manufactured by Mar-lock of Chicago, Ill. Some of these access lock systems employ keypads, some cards, some purely electronic, magnetic or optic keys, and some employ mechanical keys equipped with electronic circuitry.
For the benefit of the current invention, distinction must be made between the purely electronic, magnetic or optical keys, mechanical keys, and mechanical keys equipped with electronic, magnetic or optical features.
A key comprised of purely electronic circuitry, magnetic or optical data storage and identification for access is an electronic key. In their use, the circuitry or recorded data is transferred to the reader means or reader recognizes the pattern held by the key optically. This key does not carry any mechanical cut configuration which is critical for granting access. These types of keys can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,797,936, Dimitriadis, granted Mar. 19, 1974; 4,209,782, Donath et al., granted Jun. 24, 1980; 4,257,030, Bruhin et al., granted Mar. 17, 1981; 4,620,088, Flies, granted Oct. 20, 1986; 4,659,915, Flies, granted Apr. 21, 1987; 4,789,859, Clarkson et al., granted Dec. 6, 1988. Mechanical keys are keys which activate a mechanical device through direct contact with the interpreting device, the tumblers. Based on the depth and placement configuration of the cut's meeting the tumblers and creating the proper alignment of such tumblers, access is granted. In most cases, once the proper alignment is established, the keyholder is able to turn the key to lock and unlock the locking device. However, in some cases, a push or pull action may be necessary for the locking and unlocking of the locking device. The aforementioned tumblers can be pin tumblers, lever tumblers, disk tumblers, rotary disk tumblers, or slider tumblers. Examples of mechanical keys may be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 480,299, H. G. Voight, granted Aug. 9, 1892; 550,111, H. B. Sargent, granted Nov. 19, 1895; 564,029, H. B. Sargent, granted Jul. 14, 1896; 3,208,248, Tornoe, granted Feb. 6, 1963; 4,723,427, Oliver, granted Feb. 9, 1988; 4,732,022, Oliver, granted Mar. 22, 1988; 4,823,575, Florian et al., granted Apr. 25, 1989.
A mechanical key equipped with electronic circuitry, magnetic or optical data storage or optically recognizable features can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,733,862, Killmeyer, granted May 22, 1973; 4,144,523, Kaplit, granted Mar. 13, 1979; 4,326,124, Faude, granted Apr. 20, 1982; 4,562,712, Wolter, granted Jan. 7, 1986; 4,663,952, Gelhard, granted May 12, 1987; and 4,686,358, Seckinger et al., granted Aug. 11, 1987. See also Patents Nos. 5,003,801, Stinar et al., 4,998,952, Hyatt et al., 5,131,038, Puhl et al., 5,140,317, Hyatt et al. and 5,245,329, Gokcebay. Keys shown in some of these patents carry the secondary element whether it is an electronic circuitry or some other type of coded data or recognizable pattern, in addition to its mechanically operating feature as described in purely mechanical keys. In some instances, both mechanical and non-mechanical features of the key are used simultaneously for granting access and in some cases, these features are used independently. None of the patents discloses a key with built-in or built-on modular, self-contained, off-the-shelf memory cell formed in a can-like container as manufactured, for example, by Dallas Semiconductor.
The current invention relates to the conversion of mechanical lock cylinders and keys for electronic use without altering their mechanical functionality, as well as to a simple cylinder and a key fitted with electronic components, particularly to a key fitted with a self-contained memory unit in the key head, with one wire bus connection to a contact for connection to a lock or reader. As mentioned above, keys and cylinders employing other electronic or other non-mechanical features, as well as mechanical features, exist. In these existing types of systems, a keyholder will insert his/her key carrying electronic circuitry with contact means into the key receiving cylinder employing a matching contact means and, upon this insertion and sometimes insertion and turning, a contact will be made with the reader unit transferring the access information into the lock's decision making unit. This decision making unit is usually housed within the lock's trim plate. Upon the decision to grant access, the unit will electrically unlock the locking mechanism or allow the key to turn and retract the latch bolt of the lock.
These systems employ complicated and expensive circuitry and contact means, thus requiring special manufacturing of both cylinder and key.
The objective of the current invention is to provide a simple method of conversion that applies to any mechanical key and cylinder combination for their use in electronic access control systems; and to the mechanical key itself, efficiently fitted with a memory cell in a standardized Dallas Semiconductor can-like container, and this can be more than a memory cell and may include microprocessor, battery, read/write memory, etc.
A simplified approach is taken to the reader and the key connection by the present invention described below. In a preferred embodiment, the existing lock cylinders and keys are simply modified (or the same type of lock and key are OEM fitted) to become a part of an electronic access control lock while still maintaining their mechanically operating status. In the case of the key itself, it can take several forms as to the contact for the one wire bus connection, but in each case the key has a memory cell of the type described, fitted into the key head.

Conventional mechanical lock cylinders and keys with electronic access control feature


Packaging is provided for a heart valve prosthesis. A holder is adapted to grasp the heart valve prosthesis and includes a post. The packaging includes a collar for holding the post of the holder. An inner tray of the packaging receives the collar such that the prosthesis is suspended within the inner tray. An outer tray receives the inner tray. An inner tray lid seals the inner tray and an outer tray lid seals the outer tray.

Heart valve prostheses are used to replace the natural heart valve of a patient. One type of heart valve prosthesis is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,276,658, issued Jul. 7, 1981, entitled HEART VALVE PROSTHESIS. Following manufacture and prior to implantation, the prosthesis must be transported in a sterile, sealed package. The package should be designed so that it is easily disassembled for removal of the valve during surgery yet provides a secure, sterile and protective container during transportation.
Various packaging designs are shown in the prior art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,101,031, issued Jul. 18, 1978 to Cromie, entitled "PACKAGE FOR PROSTHETIC HEART VALVE OR THE LIKE" shows a rigid canister which screws together and includes an O-ring. U.S. Pat. No. 4,512,471, issued Apr. 23, 1985 to Kaster et al., entitled "STORAGE UNIT" also shows a canister which screws together. The Cohen et al. reference, U.S. Pat. No. 4,750,619, issued Jun. 4, 1988, entitled "PACKAGE WITH TRAY FOR SECURING AND PRESENTING A STERILE PROSTHETIC IMPLANT ELEMENT" shows three containers which sit within each other. The Lubock et al. reference, U.S. Pat. No. 4,801,015, issued Jan. 31, 1989 entitled "RELEASABLE HOLDER AND PACKAGE ASSEMBLY FOR A PROSTHETIC HEART VALVE" also shows a rigid container which screws together.
The heart valve prosthesis is typically suspended in the package by a holder. One such holder is described as a hanger in U.S. Pat. No. 5,443,502, issued Aug. 22, 1995 to Caudillo et al., entitled ROTATABLE HEART VALVE HOLDER. The holder should be constructed such that it may be held in the packaging.

Hinged support collar for mechanical heart valve packaging


Use of one or more amino-triazine based Mannich-compounds and/or their dimers or trimers and/or one or more precondensate therefrom, including special new amino-triazine based Mannich-compounds, as antioxidant and/or UV-stabilizer for organic material, preferably for polymers; the stabilized material and use of the stabilized material.

Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the use of special amino-triazine based Mannich-compounds for increasing the resistance of organic material, preferably polymer, against degradation caused by oxidation; to organic material, preferably polymers, with increased resistance to oxidation and to the use of the polymers, with increased resistance to oxidation for producing articles.
Description of Related Art
It is known that the mechanical, chemical and/or aesthetic properties of inanimate organic materials, especially of polymeric materials, worsen under the influence of energy such as heat and/or sunlight and other sources of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and/or oxygen. This results in an irreversible deterioration of the chemical and/or physical properties of the non-living organic materials, e.g. results for polymeric materials i.a. in a loss of strength, stiffness and flexibility, discoloration and scratching and loss of gloss.
Such aging processes are normally based on oxidation reactions which are caused by heat, light, mechanical stress, catalysis or reactions with impurities. The aging of polymeric materials can occur during their production, during processing into shaped parts by moulding, extrusion, etc. and/or during use of the shaped parts.
It is well-known in the art that stabilizers, such as antioxidants and light stabilizers can prevent or at least reduce these effects by adding them to the polymers to protect them during processing and to achieve the desired end-use properties.
Stabilizers, like antioxidants, traditionally and currently used comprise sterically hindered phenolics, aromatic amines, hindered amine stabilizers, organo-phosphites/phosphonites and thioethers. However, appropriate combinations of stabilizers have to be carefully selected, depending on the desired final properties, the polymeric article should have.
Antioxidants interrupt the degradation process in different ways, depending on their structure. The two major classifications are chain terminating primary antioxidants and hydroperoxide decomposing secondary antioxidants. Primary antioxidants react rapidly with peroxy radicals and are therefore called "radical scavengers". The majority of primary antioxidants for polyolefins are sterically hindered phenols.
Low volatility is an important characteristic of stabilizers used in any applications where high temperatures are encountered. High temperatures are used in the processing of thermoplastics and in the curing of thermoset resins and coatings. High temperatures are also often present in the end-use applications for the stabilized material. Low volatility will prevent loss of the stabilizer during processing, curing, and high temperature end-uses.
Besides reducing losses of stabilizer during processing or curing, low volatility will minimize processing problems such as die lip build-up and plate-out.
Stabilizers known from the state of the art have a number of disadvantages. A major disadvantage is the frequently insufficient duration of the protective effect. A further disadvantage is the often poor synthetic accessibility of many stabilizers.
Many stabilizers migrate out of the polymer substrate to be protected, or are adsorbed (chemically or physically) by one or more systems components (such as pigments), thereby diminishing their effectiveness. Such migration and adsorption problems are examples of the general problems of lack of solubility and compatibility found for many commercial polymer additives.
Migration behavior of stabilizers added to polyolefin-based materials is dependent from a number of different properties such as diffusion rate of the molecules within the polymer matrix, chemical stability of the additives, type of additive decomposition products, etc. It has to be taken into account that an improvement in migration behavior must not be obtained on the expense of stabilization of the polymer matrix. Thus, providing an additive composition of low migration tendency is not straight-forward but rather needs a careful selection of appropriate compounds.
Thus there is still a demand for improved stabilizers, especially antioxidants which show improved properties, like low volatility, low migration tendency, high solubility, long-term stabilization, and the like.
Furthermore the antioxidant should lead to a high resistance of the stabilized polymers against oxidative degradation as measured in terms of oxidation induction times (OIT).
The object of the present invention is therefore to find suitable compounds showing all the desired properties, which can be used as antioxidants for organic materials, especially for polymers.

Stabilizing of organic material with amino-triazine based mannich-compounds


The semiconductor memory testing device includes a test signal decoder decoding burn-in test mode signals which generates a first test signal for use in controlling entire main wordlines and which generates a second test signal for use in controlling sub wordlines. When the first and second test signals are in an disabled state, the semiconductor memory testing device also includes a plurality of bank control units generating a multi wordline test mode signal as a multi wordline test signal corresponding to a bank control signal, and simultaneously enabling a plurality of wordlines in accordance to the multi wordline test signal to perform a test. The semiconductor memory testing device reduces a testing time and current consumption and thus enhances a more stable voltage drop when performing continuous multi wordline test on a per bank basis.

The present invention relates to a memory testing device, and more particularly to a semiconductor memory testing device and an associated method which simultaneously enables a plurality of wordlines to be efficiently and rapidly tested.
Generally the production cost for a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) can be broadly divided into fabrication costs and testing cost. Recent trends indicate that the test costs are increasing as compared to the fabrication cost for these highly integrated DRAM devices.
One solution for reducing this testing cost is to employ a multi wordline testing technique. The multi wordline test is designed to detect leak currents due to drops in threshold voltage when a wordline is in active state. The multi wordline testing is usually performed in such a manner that enables a plurality of wordlines at the same time to test.
As depicted in FIG. 1, the semiconductor test device according to a related art includes a test signal decoder 10 and a plurality of bank control units 16.
The test signal decoder 10 includes first and second burn-in test signal generation units 12 and 14.
The first burn-in test signal generation unit 12 generates a first burn-in test signal TAW that is used to enable a given entire main wordline when any one of burn-in test mode signals TM<1:4> is in an enabled state and when a multi wordline test mode signal T14WL is in an enabled state.
The second burn-in test signal generation unit 14 inputs the burn-in test mode signals TM<1:4> and subsequently generates second burn-in test signals TFX<0:3> which are used to subsequently selectively enable sub wordline testing.
The first burn-in test signal TAW and the second burn-in test signals TFX<0:3> are respectively provided to a plurality of bank control units 16.
Herein, the multi wordline test mode signal T14WL is understood to mean a test mode signal applied by a mode register set (not shown) that can be used to enable ¼ of a given wordline.
As depicted in FIG. 2, each bank control unit 16 includes an address latch unit 20, main address predecoders 22, a main wordline driving unit 24, a sub address predecoder 26, sub wordline driving units 28 and a wordline driving unit 29.
The address latch unit 20 latches any one of the inputted address signals A<0:13> in accordance to a bank control signal BCi and then outputs a corresponding given main address signal BXA<a>.
Each main address predecoder 22 inputs and predecodes the given main address signal BXA<a> outputted from the address latch unit 20 and controls the output of the predecoded main address signals LAXa<0:1> in accordance to the first burn-in test signal TAW.
The main wordline driving unit 24 inputs the predecoded main address signals LAXa<0:1> and outputs a main-wordline driving signal MWLa, in accordance to the predecoded main address signals LAXa<0:1>, to a wordline driving unit 29.
The sub address predecoder 26 inputs and predecodes sub-address signals BXA<0:1> outputted from the address latch unit 20 in accordance to the bank control signal BCi. The sub-address predecoder 26 subsequently controls the output of the predecoded sub address signals LAX01<0:3>, in accordance to the second burn-in test signals TFX<0:3>, to corresponding sub-wordline driving units 28. Each sub-wordline driving unit 28 can then output a corresponding sub-wordline driving signal FX<0:3> to the wordline driving unit 29.
The wordline driving unit 29 drives a plurality of wordline signals WL selected in accordance to the inputted main-wordline driving signal MWLa and the inputted sub-wordline driving signal FX<0:3>.
An operation of the multi wordline test will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.
The multi wordline test operation is performed when the multi wordline test mode signal T14WL is set at an enabled state and the burn-in test mode signals TM<1:4> is set at a disabled state. That is, the first burn-in test signal TAW is set at an enabled state in accordance to when the multi wordline test mode signal T14WL is set at an enabled state and when the second burn-in test signals TFX<0:3> are all set at a disabled state.
Each main address predecoder 22 outputs the output signal LAXa<0:1> in an enabled state when the inputted first burn-in test signal TAW is in an enabled state regardless of the inputted main address signal BXA<a>. Therefore, the main wordline driving unit 24 outputs all of the corresponding main wordline driving signals MWLa in an enabled state.
The sub-address predecoder 26 outputs the output signal LAX01<0:3> in an enabled state in accordance to the inputted sub-address signal BXA<0:1> when the second burn-in test signals TFX<0:3> are all in a disabled state.
Each sub wordline driving unit 28 inputs a corresponding output signal LAX01<0:3> and subsequently outputs a corresponding sub-wordline driving signal FX<0:3> in an enabled state. Therefore, any one of the sub-wordline driving signals FX<0:3> is enabled.
The wordline driving unit 29 inputs any one of the sub-wordline driving signal FX<0:3> outputted from any one of the sub-wordline driving units 28 and also inputs the main wordline driving signal MWLa outputted from the main wordline driving unit 24, so that the wordline driving unit 29 can subsequently output any one corresponding wordline signal WL. Therefore, ¼ of a given wordline of an entire wordline can be tested at the same time when performing the multi word line test when using the related art.
Unfortunately, a number of problems can arise when using the related art to perform multi wordline testing. Since all banks are tested regardless of the state of the bank control signal BCi, then a problem in controlling a voltage drop can adversely affect the accuracy of the testing results of the memory cells. This problem can be further aggravated in the semiconductor test device of the related art when the number of the wordlines which are enabled at the same time is sequentially increased, because the plurality of wordlines driven in previous steps are not precharged when the multi wordline test is continuously performed.
Referring now to FIG. 3, the above noted problem associated with related art semiconductor test devices that are used to continuously perform the multi wordline testing will be further described.
Herein, the bank control signal BCi is provided on a per bank basis, and is in an enabled state corresponding to the active signals ACT1 through ACT4 and is in a disabled state corresponding to the precharge signal PCG1 through PCG4.
When continuously performing the multi wordline test, the first burn-in test signal TAW is maintained in an enabled state as the multi wordline test mode signal T14WL is maintained in an enabled state.
When the active signals ACT1 through ACT4 and the precharge signals PCG1 through PCG4 are sequentially applied, the predecoded address LAX01<0:3> is sequentially changed assuming that the sub address BXA<0:1> is also sequentially changed.
Specifically, the predecoded address LAX01<0> is set to an enabled state as a high level when in synchronization with the active signal ACT1 and the predecoded address LAX01<0> is set to a disabled state as a low level when in synchronization with the precharge signal PCG1. Likewise, the predecoded address signals LAX01<1:3> are set at an enabled state as a high level when in synchronization with their respective active signals ACT2 through ACT4. Likewise, the predecoded address signals LAX01<1:3> are set at a disabled state as a low level when in synchronization with their respective precharge signals PCG2 through PCG4.
In the related art, the sub wordline driving signals FX<0:3> outputted from the respective sub wordline driving units 28 are set in an enabled state when in synchronization with their respective enabled predecoded address signals LAX<0:3>. This operation results in maintaining the previous set states when the first burn-in test signal TAW is maintained in the enabled state set at a high level.
As a consequence, when the number of sub wordlines maintained in an enabled state is increased when performing continuously the multi wordline testing, the number of the wordlines which are set at an enabled state at the same time is sequentially increased, which in turn makes it difficult to continue testing.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Semiconductor memory testing device and method of testing semiconductor using the same


A composition comprising medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) wherein the composition comprises (i) a MCT comprising three fatty acid moieties each with 8 carbon atoms (MCT-C8) and (ii) a MCT comprising three fatty acid moieties each with 10 carbon atoms (MCT-C10); wherein the ratio of MCT-C8 to MCT-C10 is from 10:90 to 90:10 (mol/mol) and wherein the combined amount of MCT-C8 and MCT-C10 make up at least 50 mol % of the MCTs in the composition.

Whilst glucose is understood to be the primary energy source of the mammalian brain, impaired glucose metabolism can produce an energy deficit in the brain, and may result in neuronal loss and morphological changes (Hoyer, 1990, Aging (Milano) 2:245-58).
Ketones such as acetone, acetoacetate and β-hydroxybutyrate can serve as an alternative energy source, particularly in periods of prolonged fasting or carbohydrate deficiency. Ketones can be readily used by mitochondria for ATP generation and can be used instead of glucose by neural tissue (Tetrick et al, 2010, Comparative Medicine 60:486-490). Ketones may also exert a protective effect on neurons from free radical damage (Vanltallie T B et al, 2003, Ketones: metabolism's ugly duckling. Nutr. Rev. 61:327-41).
Studies have suggested that ketone administration following ischaemic injury reduces the impact on the brain of the ischaemic injury. Indeed, ketone supplements have been considered as a therapeutic option in traumatic brain injury (White and Venkatesh, 2011, Critical Care 15:219). Furthermore, studies suggest that neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease, will benefit from ketone administration. By way of example, Reger et al, (2004, Neurobiol Aging. 25:311-4. 14) found that elevation of serum ketones levels in Alzheimer's patients raised the cognitive scores.
Free fatty acids may be metabolised to ketones and may also serve as an alternative source of energy because large quantities of ATP are released when fatty acids are metabolized.
Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) are medium-chain fatty acid esters of glycerol. After ingestion of MCTs, the esterified fatty acids are cleaved from the MCT by lipases, such as pancreatic and gastrointestinal lipases and the released medium chain fatty acids (MCFA) are transported as free fatty acids via the portal vein to the liver. MCTs can passively diffuse from the gastrointestinal tract to the portal system without requirement for modification like long-chain fatty acids or very-long-chain fatty acids (You et al, 2008, JPEN 32: 169-175).
MCTs offer a readily available noncarbohydrate fuel source because they are rapidly absorbed and metabolized into medium-chain fatty acids and ketones (Traul et al. Food Chem Toxicol 2000; 38: 79-98). Ketones are actively transported to the brain by, for example, monocarboxylic transporter 1 (MCT1) where they are mainly metabolised by neurones. Free fatty acids, such as C8 free fatty acid and C10 free fatty acid, can also reach the brain by diffusion where they are mainly metabolised by astrocytes. Thus, medium-chain fatty acids may provide both a direct and an indirect brain fuel source.
Accordingly, free fatty acids and ketones produced from MCTs can provide an alternative energy source or a supplementary energy and may be used to treat a wide range of disorders including neurological disorders and conditions and disorders associated with brain energy deficiency.


Specifically configured dual rotor, multi-lobed, rotary gas compressors in a piping system will provide clean gas heating and re-circulation that will quickly and efficiently heat a connected process chamber or process piping section. Substantial heat is quickly generated through mechanical agitation of the gas molecules that pass through the inlet and outlet of a dual rotor, multi-lobed, rotary gas compressor. The invention application of a dual rotor, multi-lobed, rotary gas compressor as a means of imparting heat to a gas stream provides an economical source of convective heat for closed and open loop piping applications.

The present invention is directed to the discovery of a clean, gas heating and re-circulating pumping system configuration that will quickly and efficiently heat a connected process chamber or process piping section. The useful application of the invention includes the removal of stubborn contaminants such as water vapor and hydrocarbons from the internal surfaces of a process vacuum chamber or process piping system. The invention utilizes the substantial heat generated and subsequently imparted to gas molecules that are agitated as they pass through the inlet and outlet of a dual rotor, multi-lobed, rotary gas compressor There are a variety of dual rotor, multi-lobed, rotary gas compressors that will perform the gas agitation/heating function of the invention, the most common being dual rotor, multi-lobed, rotary gas compressors such as roots or screw type pumps. The invention was developed using a dual rotor, 60 degree twist, three-lobe rotor, rotary gas compressor, although it is envisioned that there may be alternative pump geometries that will perform the invention functions even more efficiently. The invention heat generation through mechanical molecular gas agitation functions are: 1) Rapid agitation of gas molecules that pass through the inlet and outlet of the compressor/pump creating a substantial rise in gas temperature; 2) Rapid gas throughput to increase the frequency that the gas is agitated in a closed loop gas re-circulation system; 3) Rapid gas agitation and subsequent gas temperature rise with a minimal delta pressure compression ratio between the compressor inlet and exhaust to minimize the amount of energy required to drive the compressor; 4) The ability to operate over a wide pressure range to cover both positive and vacuum pressure applications. The use of dual rotor, multi-lobed, rotary gas compressor to quickly and efficiently raise gas temperature will have broad application as an economical source of convective heat in closed loop piping, commercial convection ovens, process vacuum systems, positive/vacuum pressure dehydration applications, and water and space heating.
"Background Art"
In order to generate convection heat, industry has relied on contact of a gas medium with a hot surface or flame. The heat imparted to the gas medium in this type of configuration is directly proportional to the amount of energy consumed to maintain the elevated temperature of the surface or the temperature of the flame that is in direct contact with the gas stream. Conversely, convection or gas contact heat has not been an energy efficient method to transfer heat to a surface due to the poor thermal transfer capability of gas in this type of heating configuration, although in special applications, such as the removal of certain types of contaminants such as molecular water vapor and hydrocarbon molecules from the internal surfaces of a vacuum system, cycle purging with a heated purge gas has been an efficient method. The most common method to remove the contamination has been the energy intensive application of external heat to the vacuum process chamber. This external heat baking to elevated temperatures as high as 400 degrees Fahrenheit is used in vacuum systems to reduce the dwell time of contaminants on the internal surfaces of a process system. The external baking is not always enough to provide successful removal of the contamination. When conventional configurations rely on vacuum to remove the contamination; the random motion of this molecular contamination in molecular flow vacuum conditions makes successful removal primarily a function of time. A successful prior art technique to reduce this time has been the introduction of a hot gas purge to sweep the inside surfaces of molecular contamination with a hot dry gas that will act as an effective transport mechanism for the contamination to the vacuum pumping subsystem. The effectiveness of the heated gas purge is improved through repeated purge cycles. In attempts to find a more efficient method to perform this hot gas purge function, it has been discovered the heat generation method of the invention, using a dual rotor, multi-lobed, rotary gas compressor to perform the molecular gas agitation function that can very quickly impart heat to a gas stream more efficiently than traditional methods that utilize contact with a hot surface.

Heat generation through mechanical molecular gas agitation


Disclosed herein is an ink-jet printing cloth on which textile printing is conducted using an ink-jet system, wherein the cloth contains a water repellent and a hydrophilic agent so as to have a predetermined water repellency.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an ink-jet printing cloth, an ink-jet printing process and a production process of a print.
2. Related Background Art
Besides screen printing and roller printing, ink-jet printing has heretofore been known as a process of printing on cloth formed of cotton, silk, polyester or the like. This ink-jet printing is conducted by means of an ink-jet printing apparatus obtained by improving an image-forming apparatus of an ink-jet system for forming images on recording media such as plastics and recording paper so as to be fitted for textile printing and the kind of cloth to be used.
The ink-jet system is a non-impact printing system, which ejects an ink or the like to directly apply the ink to cloth or the like and produces little noise. A textile printing apparatus equipped with an ink-jet system printing head permits high-density printing operation at high speed. The textile printing processes using a plate such as a screen or a design roller are unfit for multi-kind small-quantity production, whereas the ink-jet textile printing process is a system making no use of any plate, and permits multi-kind small-quantity production in a short period of time because data for printing can be formed with ease by a host system or the like.
The textile printing apparatus of the ink-jet system is generally equipped with a printing means (printing head) mounted on a carriage, a feeding means for feeding a cloth and control means for controlling these means. The printing head by which ink droplets are ejected through a plurality of ejection orifices is serially scanned in a direction (a main scanning direction) perpendicular to the feeding direction (a secondary scanning direction) of the cloth. On the other hand, the cloth is intermittently fed by a predetermined length at the time printing is stopped. According to this printing process, inks are ejected on the cloth according to printing signals to conduct printing. Therefore, the ink-jet printing process attracts attention as a printing method which is low in running cost and silent. When a printing head in which a plurality of ink-ejecting nozzles has been aligned in the secondary scanning direction is used, printing of a width corresponding to the number of the nozzles can be performed every time the printing head is scanned once on the cloth.
In the case of color textile printing, a color image is formed by overlapping ink droplets of plural colors ejected from respective printing heads. In general, color printing requires three or four printing heads and ink tanks corresponding to 3 primary colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M) and cyan (C) or 4 colors including black (B) in addition to these primary colors.
Since such devices are used, the techniques required of ink-jet printing are greatly different from those of screen and roller printing. This is caused by such differences in system as: the optimum value of viscosity of inks used in the ink-jet printing is greatly different from that of textile printing inks used in screen printing or the like and is low, ink-jet printing requires attention to reliability such as clogging of the head, the so-called additive color process, in which a few inks of different colors are shot on the same position so as to overlap each other, is conducted, and dots of inks are very small.
Various investigations have thus been attempted as to methods of such ink-jet printing. For example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 63-31594 discloses a method in which textile printing is conducted on a cloth containing a water-soluble polymer, a water-soluble salt and water-insoluble inorganic fine particles, and Japanese Patent Publication No. 63-31593 discloses a textile printing method in which inks each having a viscosity of 200 cP or lower and a surface tension of 30 to 70 dyn/cm are used, and a cloth having a water repellency of 50 points or more as measured in accordance with JIS L 1079 is employed.
Since the prior art printing methods described above are based on thinking that the penetration of inks into the interior of fiber is prevented to prevent the diffusion of dyes, thereby improving coloring, the improvement in coloring is recognized to some extent. However, they involve problems such as (1) it takes a long time to dry the inks, (2) no strike-through occurs because the inks do not spread, and (3) an area factor becomes small because the inks do not spread, and so coloring ability is limited.
On the other hand, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-59282 discloses an ink-jet printing cloth obtained by incorporating 0.1 to 3% by weight of a surfactant into a cloth formed of a hydrophilic fiber material. According to the cloth subjected to such a treatment, inks are absorbed in the interior of the fiber by diffusion, and so the tendency to strike-through is enhanced. However, such a cloth is unfavorable with respect to improvement in coloring ability because dyes penetrate into the interior of the fiber.
As described above, the prior art techniques have been able to satisfy individual performance characteristics required of the ink-jet printing process for obtaining excellent prints to some extent, but have been unable to satisfy all the performance characteristics at the same time.

Ink-jet printing cloth, ink-jet printing process and production process of print


A portable elastic resistance exercise apparatus comprising two panels selectively affixed in a 90 degree angle. Both panels are padded for user interaction. Elastic resistance is positioned as chosen within cutouts in the back panel, at any height and with any resistance chosen. Grips on the resistance enable either grasping or hooking around limbs or body parts. The apparatus folds for portability and also includes non-skid and other anchoring devices for temporary affixation to foreign objects and surfaces. The apparatus therefore offers a truly portable, all-in-one exercise device.

A plethora of exercise devices has been offered since man first began to try to improve or rehabilitate his/her body. Such offerings have proliferated even farther in recent years. Portable exercise devices encompass a great number of such. The art is therefore crowded with a countless number of truly varied offerings. True lightweight portability, though, is difficult to obtain. It is even more difficult to obtain such in a compact and easy-to-carry size and weight. Typically, a truly portable device that is sized and weighted for easy and convenient transport is prohibitive. Further, such devices normally offer only limited body part conditioning and exercise choices. A portable sit-up exercise device is a prime example of a limited use device. A device which offers unlimited body part involvement is truly rare. Unlimited resistance choice is virtually non-existent in any device which might otherwise fulfill all of the above listed criteria.
The present invention uniquely offers true lightweight portability, collapsibility, convenience, unlimited exercise choices, unlimited resistance choices, and even features for anchoring the device with regard to self, surfaces, and foreign objects. The present invention is therefore a true all-in-one exercise apparatus.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to portable exercise equipment and more specifically to a portable exercise apparatus featuring elastic resistance.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Exercise devices, and especially portable exercise devices abound in the marketplace and have for years. While many are quite similar, still others vary greatly in their methods of imposing resistance against physical movement. These devices also differ greatly in their attempts to anchor themselves to some solid object 90 (FIG. 8) or even temporarily to a user. Differences also abound in true portability, collapsible or non-collapsible capabilities, range of movement, and a host of other traits. While the present invention is similar in the respect that resistance is imposed by elastic members, other design and functional traits differ greatly from prior art. As example:
U.S. Pat. No. 6,267,711 to Hinds on Jul. 31, 2001 discloses an elastic cord exercise assembly optionally capable of mounting on a door face. The device distinctly points out and claims guide rails, and further employs channels and pulleys. With the exception of the elastic cord usage, all other design parameters of the assembly differ totally from the present invention.
U.S. Pat. No. 2005/0130814 to Nitta, et al issued on Jun. 16, 2005 discloses an exercise device utilizing an elastic resistance device. The device also comprises a coupled frame and platform with a coupling device. The similarities in design and function with the present invention end here.
U.S. Pat. No. 2005/0113222 to Dovner et al on May 26, 2005 discloses a device utilizing elastomeric tubing for resistance. The device similarities with the present invention herein end.
While the above-described devices fulfill their respective and particular objects and requirements, they do not describe a portable elastic resistance exercise apparatus that provides for the advantages of the present invention, therefore, a need exists for an improved portable elastic resistance exercise apparatus. In this respect, the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art.

Portable elastic resistance exercise apparatus


An image forming device wherein a Gaussian laser beam is scanned imagewise on a photosensitive recording medium by an image forming optical system including an optical filter having such a laser beam filtering pattern that the optical transmittance is a minimum value M of 40-60% at the center thereof and gradually increases from the center in the radially outward direction in a Gaussian distribution mode. The filter has a filtering radius R.sub.f which is a distance between the center and a point on the filter providing a transmittance equal to 100-(100-M)/e.sup.2 % and which is not smaller than 0.9 R.sub.b but not greater than 1.1 R.sub.b where R.sub.b is a beam radius of the Gaussian laser beam.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an image forming device utilizing a laser beam.
2. Discussion of the Background
A laser printer is known which includes output means for outputting a laser beam having an intensity modulated according to an input data, a photosensitive recording medium, and an image forming optical system disposed to receive the laser beam from the output means for irradiating the laser beam on the recording medium, thereby to form an image constituted of dots on the recording medium.
Since the laser beam is a Gaussian beam having an intensity distribution nearly of a Gaussian distribution mode, it is necessary to provide an overlapping portion in each adjacent two dots in order to form a solid image. In this case, when the printing is performed, for example, with a dot size of 60 .mu.m and a resolution of 400 dpi (scanning distance of about 60 .mu.m), the beam intensity distribution on the recording medium is as shown in FIG. 1. Thus, an irregularity is caused in density of the solid image corresponding to the irregularity in the beam intensity. Jitters are also caused.
To cope with this problem, JP-A-58-152269 proposes a laser beam printer in which the overlapping portion of adjacent dots is increased to minimize the irregularity in intensity as shown in FIG. 2. While the above technique is effective to produce good solid images with uniform density, another problem is caused. Namely, when a pattern having high and low density is intended, the difference therebetween is unavoidably averaged and reduced as shown in FIG. 3. In other words, it is impossible to produce an image with density gradation faithful to the input data.

Image forming device utilizing laser beam


There is provided a method of manufacturing a tire wherein a uniformity of a tire having a reinforcing rubber layer of substantially a crescent-shaped section between a carcass and an innerliner and capable of mainly running at a run-flat state is improved by transferring a carcass band prior to turning of a carcass member around a bead core to a green tire building drum of a cylindrical form from outside in a radial direction, holding the bead core by the green tire building drum, deforming a main body portion of the carcass, turning a turnup portion thereof, attaching an innerliner rubber 12 onto an outer periphery of a first band building drum in a cylindrical form, relatively reducing a size of a reinforcing rubber overlap region of the innerliner rubber 12 every axial position by two times a thickness of the reinforcing rubber substantially corresponding to such a position as compared with a reinforcing rubber non-corresponding region, and then attaching a reinforcing rubber 13 onto the relatively size-reduced outer periphery of the reinforcing rubber overlap region of the innerliner rubber.

In case of manufacturing a pneumatic tire capable of running at a run-flat state wherein a side portion of the tire is reinforced with a reinforcing rubber layer, a conventional manufacturing method is explained with reference to FIG. 20 showing a diagrammatically section view of a building drum at a state of attaching each member thereto. As shown in FIG. 20(a), an innerliner rubber 92 is attached onto an outer periphery of a first stage cylindrical building drum 81 to render into a cylinder, and thereafter a reinforcing rubber 93 of substantially a crescent-shaped section is attached onto an outer periphery of each axially side portion of the innerliner rubber 92, and then a carcass member 94 having a width wider than that of the innerliner rubber 92 is attached onto outer peripheries of the innerliner rubber 92, the reinforcing rubber 93 and the building drum 81.
As shown in FIG. 20(b), the building drum 81 is expanded outward in a radial direction between a pair of fold bladders 82 to enlarge a size of a whole of the reinforcing rubber 93 and the innerliner rubber 92 and a size of an axially central portion of the carcass member 94, and a bead core 96 is set to a step difference located at a boundary between the axially central portion and axially outer end portion of the carcass member 94 while closely adhering thereto.
Thereafter, the bladder 82 is expanded to turn up the carcass member 94 located outward from the bead core 96 in the axial direction around the bead core 96, while a sidewall rubber is attached onto the outer periphery of the carcass member 94, whereby a green case 98 is built.
Then, as shown in FIG. 21, the green case 98 is taken out from the first stage building drum 81 and mounted onto a second stage building drum 83, and thereafter the green case 98 is deformed into substantially a toroidal form by approaching the bead cores 96 to each other, while a belt-tread band 99 previously formed on another band building drum and comprised of a cylindrically formed belt member and tread rubber is entered onto a radially outside of the green case 98 and the size of the green case 98 is enlarged to build a green tire. Next, the green tire is transported into a vulcanization mold and vulcanized to manufacture a pneumatic tire.
In the conventional method of manufacturing the pneumatic tire, however, there are some problems. As a first problem, in such a conventional tire manufacturing method, each of the axially outer portions of the carcass member 94 is turned around the bead core 96 at the first stage building drum 81, and thereafter the green case 98 is taken out from the first stage building drum 81 and mounted onto the second stage building drum 83 to deform into a toroidal form. In this case, a relative position relationship between each bead core 96 and the second stage building drum 83 scatters at peripheral positions and hence even if the belt-tread band 99 is accurately transferred onto a given position of the second stage building drum 83, a relative position of the belt-tread band 99 to both the bead cores 96 scatters at peripheral positions, which is a cause of lowering the uniformity.
This scattering is caused as follows. That is, when the carcass member is turned around the bead core 96 at the first stage building drum 81, residual stress is produced in a bead portion of the green case 98, so that when the green case 98 is taken out from the first stage building drum 81 while being gripped from outside, the bead portion of the green case 98 is complicatedly deformed by the residual stress and hence the position relationship between the bead core 96 and the outer surface of the bead portion scatters at positions in the peripheral direction. Therefore, when such a green case is mounted onto the second stage building drum 83, the relative position of the bead core 96 to a rim of the second stage building drum 83 holding the bead core 96 by engaging with the outer surface of the bead portion scatters at peripheral positions.
As a second problem, after the reinforcing rubber 93 of substantially the crescent-shaped section is attached onto the outer periphery of the cylindrical innerliner rubber 92 at the first stage building drum, the carcass member 94 is attached onto the outer peripheries of the innerliner rubber 92, the reinforcing rubber 93 and the building drum 81. In this case, however, since the outer peripheral face of the reinforcing rubber 93 is not flat, cord paths of the carcass member 94 to be attached onto this outer peripheral face become unstable, which scatters the relative position relationship between each bead core and the belt-tread band 99 at peripheral positions and is another factor of lowering the uniformity.
As a third problem, when the carcass member 94 is attached onto the outer periphery of the reinforcing rubber 93, a closed space 97 is formed between a central portion of the carcass member 94 sandwiched by both the reinforcing rubbers and a central portion of the innerliner rubber 92, and thereafter the carcass member 94.between both the reinforcing rubbers 93 and the innerliner rubber 92 are laminated with each other. In this case, it is considerably difficult to completely remove a greater amount of air encapsulated in the closed space 97, so that there is a problem that an air remains in a product tire or an extra deformation is caused in the lamination to generate wrinkles in the innerliner rubber 92.
In order to solve the above problems, there is proposed such a method that a first stage building drum 81A, an outer diameter of a central portion of which being larger than diameters of both side end portions as shown in FIG. 22(a) is used to attach the innerliner rubber 92 onto the outer periphery of the central portion and then the reinforcing rubber 93 of substantially the crescent-shaped section is attached along the outer peripheral faces of both the side end portions of the building drum 81A to flatten a face of attaching the carcass member as shown in FIG. 22(b). In this case, however, the size of the innerliner 92 is reduced at both the axially side end portions of the building drum 81A in the attachment of the reinforcing rubber and hence wrinkles are generated.
In the light of the above problems, the invention is made and is to provide a method of manufacturing a tire in which the scattering of the relative position relationship between both bead cores and the belt-tread band at peripheral positions is controlled to improve the uniformity of the tire and to cause no occurrence of wrinkles in the innerliner rubber and air remaining between the carcass member and the innerliner rubber.