A fixing device includes a fixing rotary body and a heater disposed opposite the fixing rotary body. A heat shield is movable in a circumferential direction of the fixing rotary body and interposed between the heater and the fixing rotary body to shield the fixing rotary body from the heater. An overheating suppressor is interposed between the heater and the heat shield to shield the heat shield from the heater. The heat shield includes an intermediate portion spanning in the circumferential direction of the fixing rotary body and movable between a shield position where the intermediate portion is disposed opposite the heater directly and a retracted position where the intermediate portion is disposed opposite the heater via the overheating suppressor.

1. Technical Field
Exemplary aspects of the present invention relate to a fixing device and an image forming apparatus, and more particularly, to a fixing device for fixing an image on a recording medium and an image forming apparatus incorporating the fixing device.
2. Description of the Background
Related-art image forming apparatuses, such as copiers, facsimile machines, printers, or multifunction printers having two or more of copying, printing, scanning, facsimile, plotter, and other functions, typically form an image on a recording medium according to image data. Thus, for example, a charger uniformly charges a surface of a photoconductor; an optical writer emits a light beam onto the charged surface of the photoconductor to form an electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor according to the image data; a development device supplies toner to the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor to render the electrostatic latent image visible as a toner image; the toner image is directly transferred from the photoconductor onto a recording medium or is indirectly transferred from the photoconductor onto a recording medium via an intermediate transfer belt; finally, a fixing device applies heat and pressure to the recording medium bearing the toner image to fix the toner image on the recording medium, thus forming the image on the recording medium.
Such fixing device may include a fixing rotary body heated by a heater and an opposed body contacting the fixing rotary body to form a nip therebetween through which a recording medium bearing a toner image is conveyed. As the fixing rotary body and the opposed body rotate and convey the recording medium bearing the toner image through the nip, the fixing rotary body heated to a predetermined fixing temperature and the opposed body together heat and melt toner of the toner image, thus fixing the toner image on the recording medium.
Since the recording medium passing through the nip draws heat from the fixing rotary body, a temperature sensor detects the temperature of the fixing rotary body to maintain the fixing rotary body at a desired temperature. However, at each lateral end of the fixing rotary body in an axial direction thereof, the recording medium is not conveyed over the fixing rotary body and therefore does not draw heat from the fixing rotary body. Accordingly, after a plurality of recording media is conveyed through the nip continuously, a non-conveyance span situated at each lateral end of the fixing rotary body may overheat.
To address this circumstance, a plurality of heaters having a plurality of axial spans that corresponds to a plurality of sizes of recording media, respectively, may be disposed opposite the fixing rotary body. One or more of the plurality of heaters is selectively turned on according to the size of a recording medium conveyed through the nip to heat a conveyance span of the fixing rotary body where the recording medium is conveyed and not to heat the non-conveyance span of the fixing rotary body. However, the number of heaters increases as the number of sizes of recording media increases, resulting in increased manufacturing costs and increased space occupied by the heaters.
Alternatively, the fixing device may incorporate a heat shield to shield the non-conveyance span of the fixing rotary body from the heater, thus preventing overheating of the fixing rotary body. However, since the heat shield is exposed to and heated by the heater, the heat shield is subject to thermal deformation that may result in degradation of shielding and interference with the surrounding components.

Fixing device and image forming apparatus


An apparatus and method for verifying glitch-free operation of a multiplexer are provided. The apparatus includes a circuit having a plurality of flip-flop elements that receive as inputs the plurality of clock signals that are inputs to the multiplexer, and a corresponding synchronized output signal of a decoder generated based on control inputs to the decoder. The synchronized output signals from the decoder are used as trigger signals to the plurality of flip-flops. The flip-flops sample the clock signals based upon the trigger signals and provide outputs to a logic gate. The logic gate operates on the outputs from the flip-flops to generate an output signal indicative of whether glitch-free operation is verified or is not verified.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates generally to an improved circuit for providing glitch-free multiplexing. More specifically, the present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for verifying the glitch-free operation of a multiplexer.
2. Description of Related Art
There are a wide variety of circumstances where it is necessary or desirable to be able to select a clock signal from a plurality of clock signal sources. One such circumstance is in an application specific integrated circuit for use in switches or other packet-handling devices in packet-based data communication networks, although other circumstances also exist where such functionality is of use. In such circumstances it is often necessary to switch from one clock signal source to another in response to input signals.
In switching between two or more clocks in an integrated circuit, it is important that the switching be glitch-free. That is, transients that occur on a clock in a computer system that are not one of the usable edges may be mistaken by the integrated circuit as a valid clock edge and thus, may create timing problems or system failures. It is important to minimize the possibility of these transients affecting the timing of the integrated circuit. This is particularly of importance with high frequency circuits since these transients, or glitches, typically result in large high frequency spurious outputs which can subsequently mix and result in undesirable tones at the input/output of these circuits.
If the two or more clocks are synchronous, which means they are derived from the same reference source, providing glitch-free switching is simpler to achieve. However, if the two or more clocks are not synchronous, glitch-free switching is more difficult to achieve. In many integrated circuits, there are times when it may be advantageous to switch between asynchronous clocks for the system clock while providing glitch-free switching.
In order to achieve such glitch-free switching many different types of glitch-free multiplexer architectures have been devised. Examples of such glitch-free multiplexers are provided in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,229,699; 4,853,653; 4,970,405; 5,099,141; 5,122,677; 5,155,380; 5,231,636; 5,315,181; 5,357,146; 6,265,930; and 6,501,304. While these various architectures provide solutions to the problem of glitches in switching between clock signals, they do not provide any mechanism for verifying that the glitch-free multiplexers are actually operating in a glitch-free manner.
To the contrary, the only way in which one can observe glitch-free operation of these and other known glitch-free multiplexers is via observation of the multiplexer output when a clock select signal is changed from one clock mode to another. This can be a very tedious process for a number of reasons. First, the observer must carefully time the measurement apparatus to capture the output of the multiplexer at the instant when the clock select transition occurs. Second, in the case of high frequency clocks being multiplexed, the observer might not be able to accurately observe output transitions due to bandwidth limitations. Third, the observer will have to observe thousands of transitions in order to safely conclude the glitch-free operation of a glitch-free multiplexer.

Apparatus and method for verifying glitch-free operation of a multiplexer

International Business Machines Corporation


The present invention provides a service processing system that process a service for performing predetermined linkage processing on document data among plural devices connected to a network according to predetermined processing contents. A log generating unit of the service processors generates logs of processing results in the respective service processors. Logs stored in the service processors are received by the log receiving unit of a linkage processing server, whether processing results of service linkage are normal or not is determined by comparing the processing results by a log comparison determination unit, and comparison result data as processing result logs is generated in a comparison determination result generating unit. The comparison result data is transmitted to a client terminal making a request to transmit linkage processing results.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a service processing system, a processing result checking method of the service processing system, and more particularly to a service processing system that generates a work flow for paper documents converted into electronic documents, a processing result checking method of the service processing system.
2. Description of Related Art
There is a proposed work flow system in which a scanner, facsimile, copying device, or multi-function device combining them, personal computer, mail server, and the like are connected with each other over a network to share paper documents and electronic information among them.
With the advance of Internet technologies, Web services are proposed which easily perform more advanced task processing by linking applications developed independently of each other. The Web services make it possible to easily create more advanced task systems by use of applications on a network as service components. By linking and combining these services, new services are created.
For example, according to technology described in JP-A-2001-282970, a work flow management system is proposed which defines a work flow representative of a task processing configuration in which information processors such as workstations (WS) and. personal computers (PC) connected to networks such as LAN and WAN are used to execute tasks having a continuous flow with involvement of plural operators through mutual exchange of electronic mail, electronic documents, and task related data among the information processors. The work flow management system also includes a work flow server device that issues individual task commands on the basis of the definition, and keeps track of and monitors the progress of the individual tasks, and a work flow client device that receives task commands issued from the work flow server device and executes the tasks, wherein the client device includes a batch processing type task execution part that automatically invokes task application programs, The work flow management system further includes a part that reports the execution results to the work flow server device, and wherein the work flow server device includes a work flow execution control part that evaluates the execution results of the batch processing type tasks, reported from the client device, on the basis of predefined evaluation conditions, and controls the work flow according to the evaluation result. By the work flow management system thus configured, a batch processing type work flow activity to let the information processors, automatically execute the task application programs can be efficiently included in the work flow tasks.
However, when a system such as a paperless facsimile using a device is included in processing included in a work flow, in cases where a facsimile document received in the device is to be processed by service on a computer and distributed (print, mail, folder storage, etc.), sometimes, due to a communication fault or the like, only communication history exists on the device and the received document does not exist. In such cases, there is a problem in that job is not invoked by the service on the computer and the user cannot immediately recognize the occurrence of the fault.
Also, if a data input error occurs during image reading or mail receiving, job is not invoked.
To avoid such a situation, an arrangement and settings are required to report faults in input sources.
However, this would require fault monitoring and notification by service on individual computers for faults after job invocation, making setting operations complicated. Since various input errors are reported, it is difficult to selectively report only specific input errors.

Service processing system, processing result management device and processing result checking method of service processing system


Polylactide stereocomplex is formed by mixing poly-D-lactide and L-lactide or poly-L-lactide and D-lactide and a lactide polymerization catalyst, and heating to polymerize the monomeric lactide, preferably under pressure. The parts are useful in medical devices such as bone screws.

Polylactides have numerous uses, as in medical devices such as sutures and bone screws, and for biodegradable polymer for various uses such as packaging. In a series of U.S. Pat. Nos. (4,719,246, 4,766,182, 4,800,219, 4,902,515, and 4,981,696, which are all hereby included by reference), G. L. Loomis et al. described polylactide stereocomplexes and their preparation. The stereocomplex has several advantages in medical uses, which derive mainly from its higher (than simple polylactide) melting point of about 220.degree.-230.degree. C. However, this high melting point is a disadvantage when attempting to melt form parts of the polylactide stereocomplex, since polylactides, including the stereocomplex, decompose slowly at temperatures high enough to melt the stereocomplex. This gives parts which have some decomposed polymer present, a disadvantage, especially for medical uses where impurities are a serious problem. Parts can be made from solution, but this is difficult and time consuming except for films.
H. Tsuji, et al., Macromolecules, Vol. 24, p. 5651-5656 (1991) describe the formation of films of polylactide stereocomplex formed from solution. No mention is made of film formation by other methods.

Manufacture of polylactide stereocomplexes


An intracavity ultrasound diagnostic probe has a fiber acoustic waveguide that guides acoustic signals generated by a piezoelectric transducer located outside the body, through a body cavity and to an imaging site within the body where they reflect back into the ultrasound diagnostic probe that guides them back to the piezoelectric transducer located at the proximal end of the waveguide. The intracavity ultrasound diagnostic probe has one or more acoustic waveguides that could be optical fibers. The numerous advantages of placing the piezoelectric transducer outside the body include: electric power does not enter the body; a reusable piezoelectric transducer; the ability to use several acoustic signals at once including a mixture of doppler and imaging acoustic signals; the ability to adjust the frequency of each acoustic signal independently of the other acoustic signals to obtain the most desirable focus and resolution for a particular imaging site; and lower cost of complying with sterility regulations since they require discarding only the inexpensive fiber acoustic waveguide and the inexpensive catheter-radome.

FIG. 14 shows the basic construction of a previously known imaging probe. The imaging probe 150 consists of a catheter 152, a piezoelectric transducer 154 (i.e., a transducer having a material that electrically polarizes when mechanically strained and that mechanically strains when electrically polarized) at the distal end 168 of catheter 152 (i.e., the end of the catheter that goes into the body), electric wires 156 that connect piezoelectric transducer 154 to external circuitry at the proximal end (i.e., the end that stays outside the body), an acoustic reflector 158 (i.e., a mirror), a rotating drive shaft 164 coupled to a small motor/shaft encoder at the proximal end, an acoustic reflector 158 at the distal end, and a plastic radome 160 (i.e., an acoustic window that has the same acoustic impedance as a fluid) filled with a liquid 162 that fits over piezoelectric transducer 154 and acoustic reflector 158.
Piezoelectric transducer 154 is stationary and when excited by an external source, it produces an acoustic signal 166 that travels through the liquid in radome 160 and strikes acoustic reflector 158. The surface of acoustic reflector 158 resides at an angle of 45.degree. from acoustic signal 166 and it reflects acoustic signal 166 at an angle of 90.degree. from its original path. The reflected acoustic signal 166 travels through liquid 162 in radome 160 and propagates through the blood until it encounters the artery wall.
Depending on the penetration, several echoes return to piezoelectric transducer 154 by retracing essentially the same path. Piezoelectric transducer 154 converts these echoes into corresponding electrical pulses. And wires 156 carry these electrical pulses to electrical circuitry located at the proximal end. Since acoustic reflector 158 continuously rotates, acoustic signal 166 continuously rotates. Echoes from each angular position are collected, processed and displayed on a CRT screen.
Previously known imaging probes have variations of the configuration shown by FIG. 14. In an alternate configuration, the acoustic reflector 158 and piezoelectric transducer 154 exchange places. These and other configurations have the following in common: all use a piezoelectric transducer at the distal end of the catheter, which goes inside the body.
Placing the piezoelectric transducer at the distal end of the catheter that goes inside the body has numerous disadvantages. The piezoelectric transducer may emit leakage currents inside the body that can induce fibrillation when the probe images a coronary artery. Wires 156 that connect the piezoelectric transducer to external circuitry inherently act as antennas and they receive radio frequency (RF) interference present in a catheterization laboratory. This RF interference appears as noise in the electrical signals that travel to and from the piezoelectric transducer and increases the risk that these electrical signals may cause fibrillation.
Another disadvantage of placing the piezoelectric transducer at the distal end of the catheter that goes inside the body is that the piezoelectric transducer has a frequency of operation determined by its thickness. The user cannot adjust the piezoelectric transducer frequency to obtain a more desirable resolution or to illuminate a particular region of interest.
Another disadvantage of placing the piezoelectric transducer at the distal end of the catheter is that after one use the piezoelectric transducer must be discarded along with the catheter to prevent the transmission of disease. This is burdensome because the piezoelectric transducers are difficult and expensive to make. It also discourages use of the most desirable transducers because they usually are more expensive. Generally, increasing the frequency of the acoustic waves improves the resolution capability of the transducer, but it also increases the expense because the output frequency of piezoelectric transducers depends upon their thickness (i.e., a 40 MHz piezoelectric transducer would have a thickness of approximately 2 mils) and the thinner the transducer, the more expensive the transducer.

Intracavity ultrasound diagnostic probe using fiber acoustic waveguides


A method for forming solder bodies on a substrate includes: positioning a first mask plate, which is formed with at least one first through-hole, on the substrate; filling the first through-hole with a first solder paste so as to form a first solder body on the substrate; positioning a second mask plate, which is formed with at least one second through-hole and at least one recess spaced apart from the second through-hole, on the substrate in such a manner that the first solder body is received in the recess; and filling the second through-hole with a second solder paste so as to form a second solder body on the substrate.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a mask assembly and a method using the mask assembly for forming solder bodies on a substrate.
2. Description of the Related Art
As shown in FIG. 1, Taiwanese Publication No. 518919 discloses a solder paste printing method including: positioning a mask plate 11, which is formed with a plurality of through-holes 111, on a circuit board 12; filling the through-holes 111 with a solder paste 14 using a printing squeegee 13; and removing the maskplate 11 from the circuit board 12.
Because of industrial requirements, two or more different solder pastes (e.g., tin-zinc solder material, tin-copper solder material, etc.) are required to be printed on the circuit board 12. Although the method described above can be employed to form solder bodies on many regions of the circuit board 12, only one kind of solder paste (referred as a "first solder paste" hereinafter) can be printed thereon using the aforesaid procedure. If the other kind of solder paste (referred as a "second solder paste" hereinafter) is to be applied to the circuit board 12, on which the solder bodies of the first solder paste have been formed, using the aforesaid procedure with a second mask plate, the solder bodies of the first solder paste are likely to be damaged by the second mask plate. Therefore, the current procedure for applying a second solder paste to the circuit board cannot be conducted by the aforesaid printing techniques and can only be conducted by manually forming the solder bodies one at a time, thereby resulting in waste of time and manpower.
Therefore, there is a need in the art to provide a method and a mask assembly that can permit application of two different kinds of solder pastes to a substrate using a conventional printing apparatus.

Method and mask assembly for forming solder bodies on a substrate

Universal Scientific Industrial (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.

Universal Global Scientific Industrial Co., Ltd.


Method for communication buffer management communicates messages between local and remote hosts. Socket, process buffer and reserve buffers allocated. Process and reserve buffers differentiated for transmit and receive. Global memory pool partitioned into process and reserve buffer pools; reserve buffer pool partitioned into transmit and receive pools. Messages stored in process buffer, but reserve buffer stores messages if low memory (POS). Communication system and mobile device include communication manager storing messages in process buffers; if POS exists, in reserve buffers. Communication buffer manager used for memory management, allocation, reclamation. Both adapt for static and dynamic memory management.

Increasingly, mobile wireless devices communicate messages over heterogeneous connections, in which one or more constituent links include a public network, such as the Internet. The Internet is a loosely-organized international collaboration of autonomous, interconnected, packet-based networks, including wireless networks, which can be represented by a hierarchical, multilayer architecture, service descriptions, and protocols. Communication endpoints, or hosts, can be interconnected over a network using packet-switching computers called routers. To communicate using the Internet, a host typically implements a protocol from at least one layer of an Internet protocol suite. Each host and router executes one or more programs, or processes, which perform various tasks including information communication, processing, and display. An application is a process that operates at the topmost layer of the Internet protocol suite, and that may use a lower-layer transport protocol to provide transport layer communication services across distinct, but interconnected, networks. In turn, a transport protocol typically employs a network protocol to facilitate message transfer over a network between communicating processes. At the lowest layers, messages can be logically and physically transformed, and transported as electromagnetic or electro-optic signals through the networking media.
The predominant group of protocols used on the Internet is the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) protocol suite. The Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) is a connection-oriented, end-to-end, full-duplex, transport protocol providing reliable interprocess communication between pairs of host computer processes. A full-duplex protocol permits concurrent communication between connected hosts. A reliable protocol is one that provides a mechanism by which sender and receiver exchange information, directly or indirectly, about a communication state, such as a message delivery. Generally termed an "acknowledgement," or ACK, the mechanism may involve a variety of techniques, such as a formatted response, to convey the information desired for a given protocol. A connection-oriented protocol, TCP substantially assures message delivery by routing a bidirectional logical connection between communicating hosts over a network prior to data transmission, and communicates using messages of formatted data units, called TCP segments. An end-to-end protocol typically invests responsibility for communication integrity, security, and flow management in the communicating hosts, and not in intermediate gateways or routers. However, such end-to-end protocols can be disrupted by delays or interruptions in one of the intermediate links or routers, which connect the hosts. To improve robustness of the communication system, routers often use connectionless network-layer protocols, which forward each message, or data unit, independently of others.
Internet Protocol (IP) is a network protocol, in which each message is identified by a destination address, namely the destination host IP address. IP is a connectionless (stateless) protocol with no end-to-end segment delivery guarantees. Independently transmitted TCP segments may be forced to contend for the use of network resources as they are routed through the network, and may arrive at the destination host damaged, duplicated, out of order, or not at all. Thus, higher-layer processes, such as an application or TCP process, typically would assume responsibility to correctly receive, reorder, repair, acknowledge, and request re-transmission of, the segments, or messages, conveyed by IP. Implicitly, although TCP/IP can be a reliable, robust communication protocol suite, the actual flow of messages during a communication may be bursty, that is, subject to wide variations in the volume of messages being transmitted at a given moment. At one extreme, a surging message volume may temporarily exceed the ability of a host to receive and process messages. At another, substantial pause between consecutive messages during a period of diminished message may incorrectly indicate that communications have ceased or the intervening link has been terminated.
When an application program, or process, (e.g., HTTP) communicates with another host, using TCP/IP-like protocols, the transport-layer processes (e.g., TCP) on either endpoint connect with the respective application using an interface called a TCP socket, which includes an IP address and a TCP port number. An IP address usually is associated with a host, and a TCP port usually is associated with a particular communication function of a particular application process invoking the host transport process. By directing messages through a specific local host socket to a specific remote host socket, a local host is capable of communicating across a network with the remote host.
Typically, a communication buffer is created for each host socket, as a transport-layer connection is established between hosts. A communication buffer can be used to offset various irregularities and burstiness in message communication, arising from the nature of the communicating hosts, the methods used to communicate, and the conditions of the network connections intervening between the hosts. A buffer can be composed of multiple memory objects, which can be arranged in logical data structures and units, and disposed to store information therein. During the communication, messages may be read from, and written to, each buffer. An exemplary BUFFER READ can be an operation in which data is transferred from a buffer to an executing application (process); and an exemplary BUFFER WRITE can be an operation in which data is transferred from a process to a buffer.
TCP is one of many communication protocols, well-known in the network and communication arts, which attempt to assure message delivery using positive acknowledgement-based controls. In sender-initiated acknowledgement protocols, each sending endpoint of a communication, whether client or server, retains a copy of transmitted messages for possible re-transmission until the corresponding receiving endpoint ACKs the particular message. When the recipient acknowledges receipt, the sender may release the memory objects in which the retained copies are stored. If a proper acknowledgement is not received, the sending endpoint may re-transmit messages beginning at the point of the last proper ACK. Multiple messages, e.g., TCP segments, may be transmitted, with each sender accumulating copies of sent messages until corresponding ACKs are received. In view of the bursty nature of Internet communications, the ACK-related retention of previously transmitted messages, and the ability of hosts to transmit multiple messages, there may be a risk that either, or both, host can temporarily be overwhelmed by the number of segments being processed, received, and transmitted at a given time. During a communication, a remote host can function as a server to a client local host, and vice versa, with roles changing during the course of a communication. With full-duplex communications, hosts may communicate messages concurrently. However, a client or a server often cannot perform two transactions internally at once—for example, a BUFFER READ cannot be performed on a host buffer concurrently with a BUFFER WRITE, and vice versa. This aspect also may lend to a host being temporarily overwhelmed, for example, during a period of high message volume.
Relative to other communication systems, mobile devices are often memory-constrained, with limited available communication memory space. Such constraints may adversely affect flow control and buffer management under some conditions. For example, memory-constrained devices may be susceptible to message flow anomalies such as buffer deadlock and buffer starvation. Buffer deadlock may occur when an executing process waits for a resource that may never be available. Similarly, buffer starvation may occurs when an executing process under some circumstances, may block for a long period of time or forever waiting for a resource that may never be available. Certain mobile device application processes are configured to defer performing a BUFFER READ operation on a communication buffer until an in-progress BUFFER WRITE operation has completed. As such application processes execute, stored TCP segments can accumulate in both transmit and receive buffers of the mobile device, leading to exhaustion of the available communication memory space. With the memory space exhausted, the process may be unable to complete an in-progress BUFFER WRITE. At the same time, the application process awaits the completion of the BUFFER WRITE to perform a BUFFER READ operation. The stalemate that develops is termed a deadlock. Typically, for some period after a deadlock develops, the mobile device halts communication while keeping open the TCP connection. Many TCP protocols and processes can provide timeout mechanisms, in which the TCP connection between the mobile device and the server is closed after a predetermined timeout period, on the order of several seconds. Nevertheless, deadlock and TCP timeout mechanisms can waste substantial system resources, and it is desirable to reduce their occurrence.

Communication buffer manager and method therefor


Software intrusion is proactively detected using a dynamically evolving audit log wherein log entries are generated in the audit log and key values are evolved based upon a one-way function depending on both the previous log entry and the previous key. The audit log with the generated log entries and the final key value is transmitted to a clearinghouse that detects software intrusion by analyzing these values. In an effort to reduce the size of the log to be transmitted, the log entries are assigned identical values, thereby only needing to transmit one log entry and the last key value to the clearinghouse.

1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates generally to the field of software security. More specifically, the present invention is related to the detection of software tampering.
2. Discussion of Prior Art
With the advent of digital technologies for movies and music, the problem of unauthorized copying has become severe. Digital copies are perfect copies, and to prevent them from being widely redistributed across the Internet, numerous content protection technologies such as DTCP (Digital Transmission Content Protection) and CPRM (Content Protection for Recordable Media) have been developed. These technologies have "robustness terms" in their licenses, wherein the terms in such licenses provide for tamper resistant implementations. The development of tamper-resistant technologies, especially software tamper-resistant technologies, has become a growing industry.
Most intrusion detection mechanisms are used after the damage is done and, thus, are reactive. The term "proactive security" refers to the detection of what goes wrong during a process, such as an execution of software before the final damage is done. Prior art systems fail to provide for a proactive security mechanism to combat reverse-engineering of software. These prior art systems fail to identify evidence hackers leave behind during a reverse-engineering attempt. There is a need to proactively detect (and thereby prevent real damage from occurring by stopping the hacking when it is still in its infancy) an on-going reverse-engineering process before hackers succeed in the tampering and before they gain access to important information such as secret keys.
In general, prior art intrusion detection systems are reactive and use existing knowledge to watch for abnormalities. One way of watching for such abnormalities is by maintaining an "audit log". The general concept of using an auditing log has existed for a long time. However, an "auditing log" scheme works better and more practically when it is applied for a specific "detection" purpose. In this scenario, one needs to identify the information that needs to be put into the log for the detection purpose and the verification process that should follow. Making the information in the log satisfy certain properties can at times not only make the scheme more efficient (in terms of reducing log size and creating a more efficient verification), but can also guarantee the verification process and detect the target anomaly.
Another relevant concept is "forward security" which is a formal property that has been identified and appeared in literatures for security. Forward security includes methods of preventing corruption of past code or logs after tampering has occurred. Future actions may be untrusted, but preexisting trusted items remain uncompromised.
The following references provide for a general description of reactive intrusion detection mechanisms.
The U.S. patent to Drake (U.S. Pat. No. 6,006,328) discloses a method for computer software authentication, protection, and security. The method involves replacing vulnerable code (e.g., vulnerable to eavesdropping) with equivalent code (with vulnerability removed) that communicates directly with hardware, and it disables system interrupts or other functions which would permit rogue software to eavesdrop. Tamper detection techniques are used within, or accessed by, the software to disallow the subsequent entry of ID-data into input routines if tampering is detected. The disclosed invention provides for the: execution of code checksums of RAM or other images; comparison of memory with other stored copies of executable code and/or decryption of the entry process; examination of executable environment; comparison of executable size with expected values; notification and/or transmission of authentication failure details to a third person or process; and recording of a log regarding the usage and/or details of the user (of input routines or secure entry processes).
The U.S. patent to Auerbach et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,673,316) provides for the creation and distribution of cryptographic envelopes. Disclosed within is an envelope with an aggregation of information parts wherein each part is encrypted with a part encryption key and a public key. The list is then signed with a secret key to generate a signature, which is also included in the envelope.
The European patent to Pearson (EP1076279-A1) discloses a computer platform with license-related code which is integrity checked with reference to signed versions and public key certificates. The computer platform or trusted module forms a tamper proof component wherein licensing checks can occur within a trusted environment that behaves as a user would expect. An associated clearinghouse mechanism enables registration and payment for data. The system also enables verification of the integrity of a platform by either a local user or a remote entity.
The U.S. patent to Allen et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 4,757,533) discloses a security system for a personal microcomputer which combines hardware and software to provide tamper-proof protection of user and file access. One of the disclosed chips provides an audit trail log, protection and encryption system flags, and user access rights, wherein the chip ensures that access is only gained by valid users.
The foreign patents WO200077597 A1, WO200114953 A1, and WO200077596 B1 disclose, generally, a tamper resistance method involving transforming the data flow in the computer software code to dissociate the observable operation of the transformed code from the intent of the original software code. The methods provide for making computer software resistant to tampering and reverse engineering.
The foreign patent to Stanton et al. (WO9904530 A1) discloses a file encryption method with session keys for use as a data encryption key to prevent tampering. The method using a strong encryption algorithm based on a shared secret key or public-private key cryptosystem which enables emergency access to the file by legal authorities.
The non-patent literature to Bellare et al. entitled, "Forward Integrity For Secure Audit Logs" provides a method for maintaining the security of audit logs. Disclosed applications include: securing audit logs (e.g., syslogd data) for intrusion detection or accountability, communications security, and authenticating partial results of computations for mobile agents.
The non-patent literature to Song entitled, "Practical Forward Secure Group Signature Schemes" provides for a forward security scheme to mitigate the damage caused by key exposure.
Whatever the precise merits, features, and advantages of the above cited references, none of them achieve or fulfills the purposes of the present invention.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

System and method to proactively detect software tampering


A system and method for a packaging system for the shipment of high explosive components is described. One or more explosive devices are positioned in a tubing assembly having opposed ends and a thick wall of relatively low-density fibrous material, e.g. rolled paper tube. An impact absorbing element is positioned at each end of the tube. The impact absorbing element may include an end cap positioned within each end of the tube, and a cushion formed of partial tubes and an end cap. The complete assembly is sized to fit and be held in position by a standard shipping container. Multiple perforating charges in a tubing assembly may face opposite sides of a charge divider. Shaped charges may have their concave openings filled with a jet interrupter, e.g. sand. Circular charges may include heat releasable fasteners, e.g. nylon screws, which allow the charges to separate in case of fire.

The shipment of explosives is carefully regulated by various government agencies, primarily for safety purposes. The regulations impose various levels of restrictions depending upon type of explosive, weight of individual explosive components, total weight in an individual package, relative positioning of multiple explosive components in a single package, types of packaging materials and other factors.
Commercial and private carriers are concerned with and regulate the packaging and shipment of explosives. In order to ship explosives or components containing explosives, commercial and private carriers typically require a UN shipping classification that demonstrates that the packaging method for the explosives has been established as safe for highway and private or commercial aircraft conveyance. Typically, tests are conducted to determine the shipping classification of an explosive article and, particularly, the ability of the article and its packaging to prevent or contain multiple or mass detonation of the explosive. The more likely an article is to mass detonate other similar articles, the more restrictive and expensive it is to ship. Relatively higher explosive content explosives and explosive components have a greater tendency to mass detonate.

Apparatus and method for packaging and shipping of high explosive content components


The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical combination comprising a 2-carboxamide cycloamino urea derivative compound of formula (I) and at least one aromatase inhibitor for the treatment of cancer; the uses of such combinations in the treatment of cancer; and to a method of treating warm-blooded animals including humans suffering cancer by administering to said animal in need of such treatment an effective dose of a 2-carboxamide cycloamino urea derivative compound of formula (I) in combination with at least one aromatase inhibitor.

The PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway is an important, tightly regulated survival pathway for the normal cell. Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases (PI3Ks) are widely expressed lipid kinases that catalyze the transfer of phosphate to the D-3′ position of inositol lipids to produce phosphoinositol-3-phosphate (PIP), phosphoinositol-3,4-diphosphate (PIP2) and phosphoinositol-3,4,5-triphosphate (PIP3). These products of the PI3K-catalyzed reactions act as second messengers and have central roles in key cellular processes, including cell growth, differentiation, mobility, proliferation and survival.
Of the two Class 1 PI3Ks, Class 1A PI3Ks are heterodimers composed of a catalytic p110 subunit (α, β, δ isoforms) constitutively associated with a regulatory subunit that can be p85α, p55α, p50α, p85β or p55γ. The Class 1B sub-class has one family member, a heterodimer composed of a catalytic p110γ subunit associated with one of two regulatory subunits, p101 or p84 (Fruman et al., Annu Rev. Biochem. 67:481 (1998); Suire et al., Curr. Biol. 15:566 (2005)).
In many cases, PIP2 and PIP3 recruit AKT to the plasma membrane where it acts as a nodal point for many intracellular signaling pathways important for growth and survival (Fant) et al., Cell 69:413-423(1992); Bader et al., Nature Rev. Cancer 5:921 (2005); Vivanco and Sawyer, Nature Rev. Cancer 2:489 (2002)). Aberrant regulation of PI3K, which often increases survival through AKT activation, is one of the most prevalent events in human cancer and has been shown to occur at multiple levels. The tumor suppressor gene PTEN, which dephosphorylates phosphoinositides at the 3′ position of the inositol ring and in so doing antagonizes PI3K activity, is functionally deleted in a variety of tumors. In other tumors, the genes for the p110α isoform, PIK3CA, and for AKT are amplified and increased protein expression of their gene products has been demonstrated in several human cancers. Further, somatic missense mutations in PIK3CA that activate downstream signaling pathways have been described at significant frequencies in a wide diversity of human cancers (Kang at el., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 102:802 (2005); Samuels et al., Science 304:554 (2004); Samuels et al., Cancer Cell 7:561-573 (2005)). Thus, inhibitors of PI3K alpha are known to be of particular value in the treatment of cancer and other disorders.
In spite of numerous treatment options for cancer patients, there remains a need for effective and safe therapeutic agents and a need for their preferential use in combination therapy. The specific 2-carboxamide cycloamino urea derivative compounds of formula (I) are novel compounds that selectively inhibit the p110-α isoform of PI3K. It has been surprisingly discovered that these specific compounds of formula (I) have new beneficial effects, e.g. synergistic interaction, when used in combination with aromatase inhibitors for treatment of cancer. It is believed that this combination therapy will be beneficial in provoking strong anti-proliferative activity and/or strong antitumor response for the treatment of cancer.

Pharmaceutical combination comprising a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor and/an aromatase inhibitor


A time-interleaved analog to digital converter (TI-ADC) includes a first sub-ADC configured to sample and convert an input analog signal to generate a first digital signal and a second sub-ADC configured to sample and convert said input analog signal to generate a second digital signal. Sampling by the second sub-ADC occurs with a time skew mismatch. A multiplexor interleaves the first and second digital signals to generate a third digital signal. A time skew mismatch error determination circuit processes the first and second digital signals to generate a time error corresponding to the time skew mismatch. A slope value of said third digital signal is determined and multiplied by the time error to generate a signal error. The signal error is summed with the third digital signal to generate a digital output signal which eliminates the error due to the time skew mismatch. This correction is performed in real time.

An analog to digital converter (ADC) circuit is a commonly used circuit in many applications where a signal must be converted from the analog domain to the digital domain. It is recognized that certain applications require higher sampling speeds for the conversion process. For example, high-resolution and high-speed analog to digital conversion is essential in broadband communications systems. Such higher sampling speeds, for example at a sampling rate Fs, can be efficiently achieved by interleaving N ADC circuits and having each of the N ADC circuits sample at a sampling rate of fs=Fs/N. The outputs of the N ADC circuits are then time interleaved to produce a cumulative output.
FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a time interleaved analog to digital converter (TI-ADC) circuit 10. The circuit 10 includes N analog to digital (ADC) converters 12(1)-12(N) (also referred to in the art as sub-ADCs). The analog input signal 14 to be converted to the digital domain is applied to N sample and hold (S/H) circuits 16(1)-16(N). Each sample and hold circuit 16 is receives a corresponding sampling clock 18(1)-18(N), and the sampling clocks 18 each have a sampling frequency of fs but are uniformly phase offset from each other across a clock period T; for example, with a phase offset of T/N (see, FIG. 2). Each ADC converter 12 operates to convert the sampled analog signal 20 produced by the S/H circuit 16 to generate an L-bit digital signal 22. A selector circuit 24, also referred to in the art as a multiplexor, operating at the rate Fs, sequentially selects the L-bit digital signals 22(1)-22(N) for interleaving samples of the L-bit digital signals 22 to generate the cumulative digital output signal 26 (see, FIG. 2).
Assuming that the ADC converters 12 are perfectly matched and the sampling clocks 18 are perfectly phase offset, the TI-ADC circuit 10 operates seamlessly like a single high-speed analog to digital converter circuit at the sampling rate Fs. In practice, however, there exists a mismatch in offset, gain, bandwidth and/or sample timing. Such mismatches cause conversion errors and introduce spurs in the cumulative digital output signal 26. Of particular interest is the mismatch in timing (phase offset) for the sampling clocks 18 which is referred to in the art as a timing skew mismatch. Unlike static errors of gain and offset that can be estimated and corrected in the analog or digital domain, timing skew errors in high speed ADCs are of the order of sub-pico seconds and are hard to correct. Worse still, the skew-related errors are caused by misalignment of sampling clock for the sub-ADCs, which generates spurs proportional to the frequency of input signals and hence become a primary concern in implementing a high-speed TI-ADC.
The prior art teaches timing-skew calibration algorithms for interleaved ADCs to correct timing error in both the analog domain and the digital domain. The drawbacks of analog correction include a feedback-induced stability hazard and jitter introduced by a controlled delay line. Digital-domain correction takes advantage of technology scaling but the complex time-skew estimation and slope-extraction filter limits signal bandwidth. Reported convergence time is over 50,000 cycles for contemporary hardware intensive statistical methods and this places undesirable constraints on input signal type and bandwidth.
There is accordingly a need in the art for an improved technique to calibrate the time skew mismatches in the TI-ADC circuit and correct for errors introduced by the time skew mismatches.

Timing skew mismatch calibration for time interleaved analog to digital converters


Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for solving a problem, a computing system and a program product. A method for solving a problem includes determining information related to a to-be-solved problem; acquiring, based on the information, knowledge elements that can be used for the to-be-solved problem from a knowledge repository, the knowledge repository storing: solved problems, at least one executable task related to the solved problems, at least one processing flow for implementing the at least one executable task, and a corresponding function module included in the at least one processing flow; and determining, based at least on the acquired knowledge elements, a solution to the to-be-solved problem. By such arrangements, automatic problem solving can be achieved in a faster, simpler way with a lower cost through division of the repository and the knowledge elements.

In recent years, with the development of the computer technology, the development and deployment of powerful automation models and algorithms have been supported to implement various tasks. However, when faced with abstract problems, such as those raised to meet the operational and management requirements of companies and organizations, users often need to spend time on deciding which automation model to use to accurately solve a particular problem. In addition, automation models, such as machine learning models, especially deep learning models, often require more manpower and time to perform processes such as data preprocessing and model training before being deployed and used. Therefore, in order to obtain an executable solution to the problem, time and economic costs are high. It would be desirable to obtain a solution to the to-be-solved problem in a faster, more efficient way with lower cost.

Method for solving problem, computing system and program product


A photonic frequency converter includes an electro-optical intensity modulator having an optical input, one optical output and at least one RF input for receiving two modulation radiofrequency signals at different frequencies; a set of optical sources that are configured to generate optical signals at at least two different wavelengths, the signals being modulated by respective local-oscillator signals at least two of which have different frequencies; and an optical multiplexer arranged to multiplex the optical signals and to inject them into the optical input of the modulator. A method for converting frequency by means of such a converter is also provided.

By way of example, FIG. 1 schematically illustrates the structure and the operation of a microwave frequency-converting device according to the prior art. This device receives as input four radiofrequency signals, for example two (V1, V2) in the V band (40-75 GHz) and two others (Ka1, Ka2) in the Ka band (26.5-40 GHz). After having been amplified and filtered by respective amplifying and filtering circuits, AF1, AF2, AF3, AF4, these signals are delivered to first inputs of four respective microwave mixers MX1, MX2, MX3, MX4. Each of these mixers also receives, via a second input, a single-frequency signal generated by a respective local oscillator LO1vk, LO2vk, LO3vk, LO4vk. To its output, each mixer delivers a signal obtained by mixing—i.e. by multiplying together—the signals present at its inputs. In fact, to the output of each mixer the following is delivered: a composite signal containing a first component corresponding to the signal present on the first input but the spectrum of which is shifted "upward" by a frequency equal to the frequency of the local-oscillator signal, and a second component also corresponding to the signal present on the first input but the spectrum of which is shifted "downward" by the local-oscillator frequency. Typically, a filter (not shown) allows a single of these components to be selected. In the example of FIG. 1, the four selected output signals (Ka1d, Ka2d, Ka3d, Ka4d) belong to the Ka band. The device therefore makes two conversions from the V band to the Ka band and two conversions within the Ka band.
One drawback of the device of FIG. 1 is that, to make four conversions, it must necessarily use four separate RF mixers. Specifically, if two signals belonging to the same band (V1 and V2, or Ka1 and Ka2) were injected into the same mixer, parasitic signals corresponding to intermodulation products would be delivered as output. In addition, the useful bandwidth of a microwave mixer is quite narrow and does not allow signals belonging to different frequency bands to be mixed. The payloads of telecommunication satellites are generally designed to make several tens of frequency conversions, and therefore require a corresponding number of mixers. This has a very significant impact on the critical parameters of the payload: its mass, its bulk, and its power consumption.
It is known to transpose a plurality of radiofrequency signals to respective optical carriers, then to frequency convert them using electro-optical modulators instead of the radiofrequency mixes of the system of FIG. 1. When a modulator is used for each signal to be converted, this approach—which may be qualified as "photonic"-achieves only a limited reduction in the mass, the bulk and/or the power consumption of the payload. It allows, inter alia, in certain cases a higher spectral purity to be obtained post-conversion and makes it possible to transport the signal via optical fiber, but it requires as many mixers as there are RF signals to be processed.
However, in certain cases a photonic approach allows the number of modulators, i.e. of mixers, to be decreased. For example, it is known to transfer radiofrequency signals to optical carriers of different wavelengths, to multiplex them and to apply them to the input of one and only one modulator: see for example document FR 3 043 514. However, this approach can be used only when it is desired to apply the same frequency shift to a plurality of RF signals. It is of no use when a plurality of radiofrequency signals must undergo different frequency shifts.
Another photonic approach consists in transferring a plurality of single-frequency local-oscillator signals to optical carriers at different wavelengths, in multiplexing them, and in applying them to the input of an electro-optical modulator in order to mix them with a radiofrequency signal: see for example document FR 2 864 385. This approach is suitable only in the case where it is a question of simultaneously applying a plurality of frequency shifts to the same radiofrequency signal. It is also of no use when a plurality of radiofrequency signals must undergo different frequency shifts.

Dual-band photonic device and method for converting frequency


The fluid dynamic bearings system of the invention provides a device located in a non-grooved low pressure region located at some point in the overall fluid circulation path of the fluid dynamic bearing to collect and trap any air bubbles which may be found in the fluid of the hydrodynamic bearing. More specifically, the air extraction device of the invention comprises a shallow angle V-shaped region which is located in fluid communication with but not in a grooved region of the hydrodynamic bearing. In summary, according to the present invention the hydrodynamic bearing comprises a shaft with a thrust plate at or near at least one end thereof. The thrust bearings are formed on the upper and lower surfaces of the thrust plate (301) and journal bearing (320) on the shaft or facing sleeve surface. Lubricant lies between each of these surfaces and facing surface of a sleeve (312) or counter-plate (308) which overlies the thrust bearing, and fluid lies in all these regions. In the region on the outer surface of the counter-plate distant from the shaft (322) and facing the counter-plate (308) a countersink (340) is formed on the axial face of the thrust plate (301) and end of bearing shaft with a shallow angle such that the force of surface tension forms a meniscus between the air and the lubricant along the surface of the countersink angle period. Lubricant circulation path-holes (380,382) are provided from, this countersink region to the region at the junction between the shaft and the thrust plate which also between the journal bearing and the thrust bearing. Thus the fluid can pass through these circulation holes extending from the journal and thrust plate up to the countersink region, and form a capillary seal on either side of the countersink region adjacent the thrust bearing. As an alternative, the shallow angled region may also be located on the outer diameter of the thrust plate or on the shaft adjacent the journal bearing.

Disc drive memory systems have been used in computers for many years for storage of digital information. Information is recorded on concentric memory tracks of a magnetic disc medium, the actual information being stored in the form of magnetic transitions within the medium. The discs themselves are rotatably mounted on a spindle. The information is accessed by means of read/write heads generally located on a pivoting arm that moves radially over the surface of the disc. The read/write heads or transducers must be accurately aligned with the storage tracks on the disc to ensure proper reading and writing of information.
During operation, the discs are rotated at very high speeds within an enclosed housing by means of an electric motor generally located inside a hub that supports the discs. One type of motor in common use is known as an in-hub or in-spindle motor. Such in-spindle motors typically have a spindle mounted by means of two ball or hydrodynamic bearing systems to a motor shaft disposed in the center of the hub. Generally, such motors include a stator comprising a plurality of teeth arranged in a circle. Each of the teeth support a plurality of coils or windings that may be sequentially energized to polarize the stator. A plurality of permanent magnets are disposed in alternating polarity adjacent the stators. As the coils disposed on the stators are sequentially energized in alternating polarity, the magnetic attraction and repulsion of each stator to the adjacent magnets cause the spindle to rotate, thereby rotating the disc and passing the information storage tracks beneath the head.
The use of hydrodynamic bearing assemblies in such drive systems has become preferred due to desirable reductions in drive size and noise generation as compared to conventional ball bearing drive systems. In hydrodynamic bearings, a lubricating fluid, such as oil or air, functions as the bearing surface between a base or housing and a spindle or hub. As the lubricating fluids require small gaps between the stationary and rotating members in order to provide the support, stiffness and lubricity required for proper bearing operation, conventional drive components and assemblies typically require tight tolerances and demand precision assembly methods.
Despite the use of such precise and controlled assembly methods, air bubbles may be introduced into the fluid which supports the relatively rotating services for rotation of the bearing assembly. Thus the problem presented is to establish a reliable bearing design in which the possibility of the existence of air bubbles in the fluid between the relatively rotating grooved hydrodynamic bearing surfaces is diminished.
More specifically, in fluid dynamic bearings, a important goal is low non-repeatable runout (NRR) to optimize tracking and track density. In a fluid dynamic bearing motor, one potential source of NRR is the presence of air in the grooved regions of the bearing, causing lubricant pressure instability and consequential rotor displacement. The presence of air in the bearing lubricant can result from partial fill of the bearing cavity with lubricant or air ingestion due to a combination of conditions including thermal contraction of the lubricant and part tolerances such as cylindrical taper in a journal bearing or symmetrically formed bearing grooves. Due to the lubricant's tendency to flow throughout the bearing due to pressure gradients caused by part tolerances, air bubbles can be swept into the grooved regions of the bearing, resulting in NRR events. Therefore, the problem presented is to adopt a design which eliminates or diminishes the problem of air bubbles being swept into or residing in the grooved bearing regions of a hydrodynamic bearing.

Fluid dynamic bearing lubricant air extraction device


A method for transmitting a plurality of data streams between a client and a server when the number of said data streams exceeds a number of accessible physical connections between the client and the server. The method includes steps for associating each of the data streams with a corresponding transaction handler; creating transactions for each of the data streams in response to receiving a request from the corresponding transaction handler to transmit its corresponding data stream; and responsive to determining that one of the physical connections to the server is accessible, transmitting each transaction over the available connection so that transactions from each of the data streams are transmitted in a near real time manner.

1. Field of the Present Invention
The present invention generally relates to the field of data delivery over the Internet and more particularly to a web-based system and method for the improved electronic delivery of multiple data streams over the Internet.
2. History of Related Art
The Internet, also referred to as a global computer network or network of computer networks, generally includes computers connected through a set of communication protocols known as Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol ("TCP/IP"). One popular component of the Internet is the World Wide Web ("WWW" or the "web"), which is a collection of resources on servers on the Internet that utilize an application protocol known as the Hypertext Transfer Protocol ("HTTP") for controlling access to those resources.
Like many network protocols, HTTP uses a client-server model. An HTTP client, such as a remote user, opens a connection and sends a request message to an HTTP server, such as a web server, which then returns a response message to the client. The requests for resources generally involve either a request for transmission of data from the server to the client or the transmission of data from the client to the server.
With the significant increases in Internet usage and the corresponding increased loads being placed on servers to respond to requests for resources from a large number of clients concurrently, protocols have been generally implemented to limit the number of simultaneous connections that a server will permit a single client to make with the server during a particular access session. While some of these protocols implement a mandatory limitation, others implement a voluntary limitation.
For example, internet service application like the current MICROSOFT WINDOWS Internet Services ("WinInet") (MICROSOFT, WINDOWS and WinInet are trademarks of MICROSOFT CORPORATION) application limits the number of connections that may be made to HTTP servers to four simultaneous connections for an HTTP 1.0 server and two simultaneous connections for an HTTP 1.1 server. The current HTTP 1.1 specification mandates the two connection limit. The four connection limit for HTTP 1.0, on the other hand, is currently an industry self-imposed limitation which (at or near the time it was implemented) coincided with the standard used by a number of popular web browsers. Information on the HTTP 1.1 specification can be found in Request for Comment 2068 (RFC 2068) published by the Internet Working Group of the Internet Engineering Task Force, and which is incorporated herein by reference.
While these limitations are intended to reduce the congestion in gaining access to a server, they also have the negative side effect of limiting the ability of a client to communicate with a particular server. This limitation has significant impact in those instances where the need exists for a client to transfer large amounts of data from multiple data streams to a particular server in a real-time manner. The traditional solution consists of processing and transmitting each data stream in a linear order. That is, once assigned to an available physical connection to the server, the applicable data continues to maintain that connection (to the exclusion of the other data streams) until all data from the applicable data stream is transmitted. The result is that data from multiple data streams is transmitted in a linear, queued fashion, rather than in a real-time or near real-time manner.
It would be beneficial to implement a system and method for the efficient transmission of data from multiple data streams to a server in a real-time or near real-time manner.
While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description presented herein are not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiment disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is limited only by the language of the appended claims.

Web-based system and method for electronic data delivery


A packaging machine having at least one working component that is mounted in an adjustable manner relative to a machine frame between a first and a second position, and that incorporates at least one pneumatic unit. A coupling member may be mounted in a tiltable manner relative to an axis, and in one embodiment, the coupling member may connect the pneumatic unit to the working component. The coupling member may be arranged at least in part within a piston of the pneumatic unit and may be mounted in a linearly adjustable manner along the axis.

In many areas of mechanical engineering, complex costly mechanical machined components are replaced by simple sheet metal structures. However, these less expensive sheet metal structures in the untreated state are often not able to ensure the required dimensional or shape and positional tolerances for use in installation assemblies, especially in mobile installation structures. This often leads to the "distortion" of statically overdetermined systems. There is a need in the art to resolve the "distortion" which prevents the less expensive sheet metal structures being utilized.
EP 3 241 763 A1 discloses a chamber belt machine with a sealing device for a sealing operation, where the sealing device comprises a sealing rail that is mounted within the cover of the chamber belt machine and displaceable by way of an inflatable membrane.
With regard to the above-mentioned problem of "distortion" in the use of simple inexpensive sheet metal structures within complex, possibly movable installation assemblies, the invention is based on the object of providing a packaging machine in which a solution to remedy this problem is provided by the way of simple technical measures.

Packaging machine with compensation cylinder


Disclosed is an image pickup device which includes a camera body and a display unit serving as a monitor, supported for turning on an upper surface of the camera body and capable of being folded in a horizontal position on the upper surface of the camera body and capable of being set in a standing position at an angle to the upper surface of the camera body. A first recess capable holding the folded display unit therein is formed in the upper surface of the camera body, and the display unit has a back surface which is substantially flush with the upper surface of the camera body when the display unit is held in the first recess.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image pickup device, such as a digital still camera (DSC) or a digital video camera (DVC), and, more particularly, to an image pickup device provided with a display unit including a display, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic electroluminescence display (OELD).
2. Description of the Related Art
Some image pickup devices, such as DSCs and DVCs are provided with a display unit. The display unit serves as a viewfinder in photographing an object and as a monitor for confirming or appreciating a photographed image of the object after photographing.
A known image pickup device shown in FIG. 14 has a camera body 101 and a foldable display unit 102, such as a LCD, attached to a sidewall of the camera body 101. FIG. 15 shows a known image pickup device disclosed in, for example, JP-A 62-36985 (Patent document 1). The image pickup device shown in FIG. 15 has a camera body 101 and a display unit 102 mounted on a turntable 103 supported for turning on the top wall of the camera body 101 by a shaft 104. The display unit 102 is pivotally supported by pins 105 and 106 on brackets standing respectively from peripheral parts of the turntable 103. The display unit 102 is turned on the pins 105 and 106 to set the display unit 102 in an upright position of a horizontal position. The display unit 102 is set in an upright position and the turntable 103 is turned to change the direction of the screen of the display unit 102.
The known image pickup device having the camera body 101, the turntable 103 supported on the top wall of the cameral body 101 and the display unit 102 mounted on the turntable 103 has the following problems.
(1) The display unit 102 and the turntable 103 protruding from the top wall of the camera body 101 obstruct handling the image pickup device and spoil the aesthetic appearance of the image pickup device.
(2) When the display unit 102 is set in a upright position and the turntable 103 is turned, the display unit 102 is dislocated greatly from the shaft 104 supporting the turntable 103 and disposed with its axis perpendicularly intersecting the optical axis of the image pickup device as shown in FIG. 16.

Image pickup apparatus having a camera body and display unit


Polyether polyamino methylene phosphonates, when used in combination with hydroxyphosphonoacetic acid (HPA) or amino tris methylene phosphonate (AMP), and added to various industrial water systems in concentrations between 0.1 mg/L and 50 mg/L, control silica/silicate deposition. In particular, this stabilization can be achieved under severe conditions which include elevated pH, high dissolved solids content, and high saturation levels of calcium carbonate.

1. Field of the Invention
The deposition of silica and various silicate salts in a variety of aqueous systems has long been a problem. These systems include, e.g., boilers and cooling towers. For the latter, the efficiency of the cooling system is often directly limited by high silica content of the water in many regions of the world, especially the western United States and Mexico, where surface and well waters have silica levels as high as 100 mg/L. It has recently been discovered that such silica and silicate salt deposits can also become a substantial problem in cooling towers in which the recirculating water has gone through a number of cycles, i.e., has been "cycled up". The formation of silica/silicate deposits may actually limit the number of such cycles to 2 to 3, thus imposing unsatisfactory restraints in areas where limited water supplies are a severe problem, or where waste treatment of large volumes of water has drawbacks. Also, in such cycled up cooling towers, the water is characterized by high pH and high calcite concentration. In aqueous systems having such severe conditions, not only are conventional agents for the control of calcium carbonate scale frequently unsuccessful in controlling such calcite scale deposits, but in a similar fashion, conventional agents for the control of silica and silicate salt deposits have no predictable or expected utility.
Silica (silicon dioxide) appears naturally in a number of crystalline and amorphous forms, all of which are water insoluble, thus leading to the formation of intractable deposits. Silicates are salts derived from silica or the silicic acids, especially orthosilicates and metasilicates, which may combine to form polysilicates. All of these, except the alkali silicates, are water insoluble. Magnesium silicate in particular is prevalent and has limited water solubility. A number of different forms of silica and silicate salt deposits are possible, and these will depend, among other factors, on temperature, pH and the concentration/ratio of calcium and magnesium in the make-up water.
Traditionally, deposition has been controlled by softening the makeup water to the system being treated, by blowdown, or by both. If deposition does occur, however, because the silica scale is so tenacious and hard to remove, it will often be necessary to use both mechanical removal and washing with ammonium fluoride or hydrofluoric acid in order to effectively remove the scale deposits. The use of agents for the control of silica and silicate deposition, such as those of the present invention, provide the advantage of avoiding such mechanical and chemical cleaning, which causes down time and increased energy and labor costs.
The phosphonate combinations of the present invention are useful for controlling the deposition of silica and silicates under severe conditions which include elevated pH; and so it should be noted that pH affects the ionization of silanol groups and, therefore, affects the polymerization rate. Silica first forms, then three-dimensional networks form. Eventually, colloidal particles grow through condensation. At pH 7, nuclei formation and particle growth is very rapid. The pH of cycled up cooling towers is usually at least 8.5 or higher.
Polyether polyamino methylene phosphonates, when used in combination with hydroxyphosphonoacetic acid (HPA) or amino tris methylene phosphonate (AMP), and in accordance with the method of the present invention, can prevent the deposition of silica and silicate salts. This method is especially useful under conditions of high pH and high calcite concentrations, e.g., those found in cycled up cooling towers. Various industrial and commercial water-carrying systems are subject to silica and silicate deposit formation problems. These deposits form frequently in the tubes of heat exchangers and on other heat exchange surfaces, such as those in cooling towers. Particular systems or applications areas where severe conditions, especially high alkalinity, lead to buildup of silica and silicate deposits, in addition to cycled up cooling towers, include reverse osmosis systems, sugar refining evaporators, and certain types of gas scrubbers.
The phosphonate combinations used in the methods of the present invention, are usually used in threshold inhibitor amounts. The compositions of the present invention, especially those in which the phosphonate combination is further combined with a polymer, have dispersant properties as well and significantly reduce the adherency of any deposits which are formed, facilitating their easy removal.
Particular problems are encountered when attempting to prevent deposits of silica and silicate salts under severe conditions, where conventional treatments do not provide complete control. Conventional treatment can be used to inhibit silica/silicate deposits under normal conditions of alkalinity, e.g., up to 100 to 120 times calcite saturation, i.e., a water containing Ca.sup.2+ and CO.sub.3.sup.2- present at 100 times (100.times.) their solubility limit of calcium as calcite (calcite is the most common crystalline form of calcium carbonate). However, what is desired are inhibitors effective in greater than 150.times. water, especially in greater than 250.times. water, and more especially in greater than 300.times. water, i.e., where the calcite ions can be prevented from precipitating as calcium carbonate scale using substoichiometric amounts of an inhibitor. The polyether phosphonate compositions used in the methods of the present invention are especially useful under severe conditions characterized by a calcite saturation level of 150.times. and above, especially 250.times. and above, and more especially 300.times. and above, as defined in the paragraph immediately below.
Another characteristic feature of the severe conditions under which the phosphonate combination compositions used in the methods of the present invention are especially useful is high pH, i.e. a pH of 8.5 and higher, particularly a pH of 9 or 10 or even higher.
One of the particular advantages of the polyether phosphonates used in the combination compositions used in the methods of the present invention is the exceptional calcium tolerance which they exhibit. Calcium tolerance is a measure of a chemical compound's ability to remain soluble in the presence of calcium ions (Ca.sup.2+). As pH increases, calcium tolerance decreases rapidly for many compounds which might be used to control silica/silicate deposits, and they precipitate with calcium at alkaline pH's, rendering them useless. While it is common practice to use an acid feed to the water of, e.g., a cooling tower system in order to lower pH and thus avoid the calcium tolerance problem, the danger to handlers which such acid feeding poses makes it all the more important to find inhibitors of silica/silicate deposits which operate at high pH's.
2. Brief Description of the Prior Art
It is known to use cationic polymers or cationic surfactants as silica scale inhibitors in hypersaline geothermal brines (Harrar, J. E. et al., "Final Report on Tests of Proprietary Chemical Additives as Anti-scalants for Hypersaline Geothermal Brine", January 1980, Lawrence Livermore Laboratory, Harrar, J. E. et al., "On-Line Tests of Organic Additives for the Inhibition of the Precipitation of Silica from Hypersaline Geothermal Brine IV, Final Tests of Candidate Additives", February 1980. Lawrence Livermore Laboratories; and Harrar, J. E. et al., "Studies of Scale Formation and Scale Inhibitors at the Salton Sea Geothermal Field", Corrosion/80. Paper No. 225, International Corrosion Forum, devoted exclusively to the Protection and Performance of Materials, Mar. 3-7, 1980. Chicago, Ill.).
U.S. Pat. No. 4,933,090 discloses the use of phosphonates such as hexamethylene diamine tetra (methylene phosphonic acid) and diethylene triamine penta (methylene phosphonic acid) and anionic polymers to control silica deposition.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,928,196 discloses the use of copolymers of 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropysulfonic acid and acrylic acid as scale inhibitors.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,640,793 discloses the use of admixtures containing carboxylic acid/sulfonic acid polymers and phosphonates as scale and corrosion inhibitors.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,618,448 discloses the use of polymers comprising an unsaturated carboxylic acid, an unsaturated sulfonic acid and an unsaturated polyalkylene oxide as scale inhibitors.
Japanese No. 57-084794 discloses the use of copolymers of acrylic acid and allyl polyethylene glycol as scale inhibitors.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,510,059 discloses the use of carboxylic functional polyampholytes to reduce silica deposits in aqueous systems.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,432,879 discloses the use of 2-phosphonobutane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid and methacrylic acid/2-acrylamido-2-methylpropyl sulfonic acid polymers to disperse solid matter such as clay including China Clay (Al.sub.2 O.sub.3.2H.sub.2 O.2SiO.sub.2) in aqueous systems. Threshold inhibition of silica/silicates is not disclosed or suggested.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,532,047 discloses a method of inhibiting amorphous silica scale formation using polypolar organic compounds and borate ion sources.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,584,104 discloses a method of inhibiting amorphous silica scale formation using a source of orthoborate ions.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,080,375 discloses methylene phosphonates of amino-terminated oxyalkylates for use as scale inhibitors, but these compositions are not the same as those used in the method of the present invention, nor is there any suggestion that such compositions would be useful for inhibiting the deposition of silica/silicates.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,931,189 discloses aminomethylene phosphonates of the type used in the method of the present invention, but for inhibiting oil field scale formation involving a high brine environment susceptible to gypsum or barite scale formation. Such use in no way suggests the inhibition of silica/silicate scale deposition described herein.
The polyether polyamino methylene phosphonates of the type which are used to inhibit silica/silicate scale deposition in the method of the present invention, are described in copending application Ser. No. 07/879,231, filed May 11, 1992. While their use for the control of calcium carbonate scale under severe conditions which include elevated pH and high calcium carbonate saturation levels, is described, and their combination with hydroxyphosphonoacetic acid for preventing steel corrosion is also disclosed, there is no suggestion of their use or the use of the combination to inhibit silica/silicate scale deposition.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,874,527 discloses a method for controlling the formation of silica/silicate deposits in aqueous systems by adding an imine polymer, a phosphonate and, optionally, a source of molybdate or borate ions to the aqueous system.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,078,879 discloses a method for controlling the formation of silica/silicate deposits by adding 2-phosphonobutane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid and, optionally, an anionic polymer.

Controlling silica/silicate deposition using phosphonate combinations


In accordance with the present invention, a portion of a received media stream is copied from a data network without interfering with the flow of the data in the network. A known test signal is then substituted for the information contained in the copied portion of the media stream to prepare a pseudo-media stream. The known test signal is encoded, and packetized if necessary, using the same methods used for the received media stream. A pseudo-media signal is then recovered from the pseudo-media stream using the same depacketizing and decoding methods to be used on the received media stream. The recovered signal is an accurate representation of the state of the received media stream since it has gone through the same packetization/depacketization and encoding/decoding procedures, and it includes all of the same faults of the copied media stream. The perceptual quality of the recovered signal is then measured, providing an accurate measure of the perceptual quality of the copied media stream. The method may be applied to packetized as well as non-packetized voice signals.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to systems and methods for measuring the quality of service in a communications network, and, more particularly, the perceptual quality of digitally encoded signals in a communications network, without interrupting the flow of the data streams carrying the digitally encoded signals or injecting a known test signal into the communications network.
2. Description of the Related Art
In the measurement and monitoring of voice call quality, one may apply active or passive methods. An active (or intrusive) method is one that transmits test signals through the network to make measurements. A passive (or non-intrusive) method operates on the existing voice calls without adding measurement traffic to the network. Several passive (or non-intrusive) methods and related methods have already been developed or proposed for measuring or monitoring voice call quality and audio signal quality. In L. Sun, and E.C. Ifeachor, "Perceived Speech Quality Prediction For Voice Over IP-Based Networks," IEEE International Conference on Communications (ICC 2002), Vol. 4, pp. 2573-2577, 2002, for example, an artificial neural network model is developed and proposed for the non-intrusive monitoring of voice-over-IP (VoIP) calls. In A. D. Clark, "Modeling The Effects Of Burst Packet Loss And Recency On Subjective Voice Quality," 2nd IP-Telephony Workshop, Columbia University, New York, April 2001, a method called "Vqmon" is developed for estimating the transmission quality of VoIP calls. The method is intended for the non-intrusive real-time passive monitoring of VoIP calls. It uses an extended version of the ITU G.107 E-model. VQmon is offered as a commercial product by Telchemy, Inc. (see www.telchemy.com).
In P. Gray, M. P. Hollier, and R. E. Massara, "Non-Intrusive Speech-Quality Assessment Using Vocal-Tract Models," IEE Proceedings—Vision, Image and Signal Processing, vol. 147, No. 6, pp. 493-501, December 2000, an automatic speech recognition (ASR) system is used to evaluate VoIP speech quality for the G.723 and G.729 codecs. Results are presented for the 'recognition accuracy' as a function of various packet loss rates and packet sizes. In S. Mohamed, F. Cervantes-Perez, and H. Afifi, "Audio Quality Assessment In Packet Networks: An 'Inter-Subjective' Neural Network Model," 15th International Conference on Information Networking, pp. 579-586, 2001, a neural network model approach is developed for audio signals. In W. Jiang, and H. Schulzrinne, "Speech Recognition Performance As An Effective Perceived Quality Predictor," 10th IEEE International Workshop on Quality of Service, pp. 269-275, 2002, a mean-opinion-score (MOS) estimation method is developed based on machine speech recognition. In "3SQM™ Advanced Non-Intrusive Voice Quality Testing," White Paper, Opticom GmbH, Germany, 2003, a new non-intrusive method is proposed.
In recent years, packet-switching networks have been used increasingly for transport of real-time media signals, such as, for example, digitally-encoded voice and video signals, that are transmitted either in real-time or in some kind of delayed fashion. A specific example is the increasing use of the Internet for carrying voice-over-internet protocol (VoIP) calls. In a VoIP call, a digitally encoded voice signal is packetized and incorporated into an Internet Protocol (IP) packet stream, which is then transmitted over the Internet to a destination device. At the destination device, the digitally encoded voice signal is extracted from VoIP packet payloads in the packet stream and then decoded into a signal that is played-out in real-time to the user at the destination device.
When a packetized real-time media stream is transmitted across a packet-switching network, the packet stream may be corrupted by a number of network impairments. Examples of network impairments include packet-discarding at routers due to packet bit errors, packet-dropping at interface buffers due to traffic congestion, packet-duplication, time delays beyond a predetermined hard or soft real-time deadline, packet-misrouting and loss of packet-sequence. These impairments generally degrade the quality of the media signal that is eventually received at the destination.
Due to network impairments that may be encountered in the transmission of real-time media over a packet-switching network, it is important to be able to measure and monitor the quality-of-service (QoS) that is being provided by the network. Typical network QoS measures include, for example, end-to-end packet delay, end-to-end packet delay jitter, packet corruption, and packet loss. To monitor such network QoS measures, one can deploy commercially available monitoring systems.
Although monitoring and measuring the QoS in a network provides valuable information regarding the ability of a network to properly support real-time media signal transmissions, such measures do not directly reflect the perceptual (subjective) quality of the media signal as it is actually perceived by an end-user. This is the case because the perceptual quality of a real-time media signal, as perceived by the end-user, is difficult to quantify in terms of the network QoS measures.
To deal with this general problem, objective methods have been developed for estimating perceptual quality of media signals. For example, perceptual speech quality measurement ("PSQM") is a means for objectively assessing the quality of speech that has been degraded by a telephony network. It has a high correlation to perceptual quality across a range of distortion types, and is used to test networks that are subject to different coding types and transmission errors. PSQM is used primarily to test networks that have speech compression, digital speech interpolation, and packetization. PSQM of this type has been recommended by the International Telecommunication Union-Telecommunications Standardization Sector ("ITU-T") Recommendation P.861. Another example of an objective method for voice signals is ITU-T Recommendation P.862 (PESQ).
FIG. 1 depicts the basic approach of PSQM that has been adopted by some organizations to estimate the perceptual quality of a VoIP call that traverses a packet-switching network. In an objective method, a source of speech 10, generates a known signal 12, which is then transmitted across the network 17. The known signal 12 may be a pre-recorded natural voice signal, or a specialized test signal, such as the Artificial Speech-like Test Stimulus (ASTS™) or ITU-T Recommendation P. 50. The known signal for use in PSQM may be stored in a commonly used file format such as, for example, a wave (.WAV) file. The process of transmitting a known signal to evaluate the degradation in quality after it has traversed the network may be termed an active method because the known test signal is actually injected into and transmitted across the network.
PSQM uses a psychoacoustic model 14, which aims to mimic the perception of speech in real life, and was originally developed to test compressor/decompressors (codecs). A codec, which typically comprises a software-, hardware- or firmware- based algorithm, translates speech, video or audio signals between their uncompressed form and the compressed forms in which they are typically transmitted. The algorithm functions by comparing the quality of signal 12 before it has been transmitted across the network 17 to the quality of signal 12 after it has been transmitted across the network 17 (i.e., comparing input signal 13 to input signal 15).
PSQM provides an output 20 in the range of 0 to 6.5, where values close to 0 indicate very good speech quality, and values close to 6.5 indicate poor speech quality. At the destination, a quality measure or score (e.g. mean opinion score (MOS)) is computed 22 based on the received signal and the known artificial voice signal that was transmitted and is output 24. Although PSQM does not have a direct correlation to MOS, the perceptual quality is nevertheless inferred from the objective quality. That is, if a person listens to a speech sample that has a PSQM value of 2, that person would think the quality was worse than a speech sample having a PSQM value of 1. PSQM values can be roughly translated into MOS values.
Accordingly, there is a need for an accurate perceptual measurement system for determining the mean opinion score and quality of packet media streams in a packet-switched network and framed encoded media (e.g., voice, video and audio) signals in a non-packetized (or circuit switched) communications network. There is a further need for a passive (non-intrusive) objective perceptual measurement system that utilizes objective measurement tools. There is still a further need for a perceptual quality measurement system that does not depend on whether the signal being measured is packetized or not.

Passive system and method for measuring and monitoring the quality of service in a communications network


The invention described herein includes a self-neutralizing amino acid-based cationic composition that contains an amino acid-based cationic ester, a nonionic amphiphile, and an anhydrous buffering agent. In an embodiment, the composition, when dispersed or dissolved in an aqueous solvent, provides a resultant solution/dispersion having a pH of greater than about 4. The amino acid-based cationic ester may be a reaction product of (i) an amino acid having a non-polar side chain, and an amine group that has been neutralized with an acid; with (ii) a long chain fatty alcohol. Also included within the scope of the invention are methods of preparing a self-neutralizing amino acid-based cationic composition, such method including combining an amino acid-based cationic ester, a nonionic amphiphile and an anhydrous buffering agent. The resulting composition is in an anhydrous solid form. Formulations containing the amino acid-based cationic ester and/or a composition that includes it, are also disclosed.

Non-petrochemically derived cationic emulsifiers that are neutralized amino acid esters are described and claimed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,105,569 of Burgo and its related applications. These amino acid-based cationic esters (hereinafter "AABC"s) of Burgo may be supplied as an anhydrous form, i.e., a form that does not contain water in any significant quantity, e.g., less than about 5% water by weight.
The AABC compositions of Burgo are comprised predominantly of amino acid esters where the amino groups are neutralized by strong organic acids, e.g., ethanesulfonic acid (ESA), which renders the amino acid esters cationically charged species. The AABC compositions may also contain minor quantities, e.g., <2 wt %, of unreacted amino acids, e.g., isoleucine or valine, which are also neutralized by the strong organic acids to yield strongly acidic salts, e.g., isoleucine esylate or valine esylate.
When the AABC compositions of Burgo are dissolved or dispersed in aqueous media, they tend to yield aqueous compositions with rather low pH values, e.g., pH<3.0. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that these low pH values are attributable to the fact that the AABC is the salt of a strong acid and a weak base. The anion, i.e., the conjugate base of the strong acid, will become a spectator ion and fail to attract protons, while the cation from the weak base will donate protons to the water forming hydronium ions (H3O+), thus lowering the solution pH value. Additionally, the strongly acidic amino acid salts, e.g., isoleucine esylate or valine esylate, present as unreacted byproducts in the AABC composition, will also contribute to lowering the solution pH.
Such low pH values are undesirable in many applications, especially in personal care and cosmetics, where most products are formulated at pH≥4.0. Previously, formulations prepared with AABCs thus required careful and time-consuming adjustment of pH using suitable bases to achieve stable pH values in the desired range. For example, typical values of skin pH reported in the literature range from pH 4.5-pH 5.0, and this is typically a desired pH value associated with personal care products for topical use on skin. See, e.g., J. W. Weichers, Formulating at pH 4-5: How Lower pH Benefits the Skin and Formulations, Cosmetics & Toiletries, 2008, 123(12), 61-70.
There remains a need in the art for an amino acid-based cationic ester that, when included in a formulation, provides a resultant solution/dispersion having a pH suitable for personal care and cosmetic products.

Self-neutralizing amino acid based cationic compositions