A filtering system for filtering effluent in a septic tank including an outer secondary filter secured within a pipe fitting, wherein the outer secondary filter includes a central opening passing therethrough; an inner primary filter, wherein the inner primary filter is slidingly engaged within the central opening in the outer secondary filter; and a filtering connection element, secured between the outer secondary filter and an inner surface of the pipe fitting, wherein the filtering connection element filters effluent passing upward through the filter pipe fitting and wherein upon removal of the inner primary filter, the outer secondary filter filters the effluent entering the pipe fitting before discharge. Either or both of the outer secondary filter or the inner primary filter may be formed with a biocide to retard the growth of biological material on their surfaces.

1. Field of Invention
This invention relates to devices used for the treatment of waste water. More specifically, this invention relates to a removable, two-part filtering system used for the filtering of liquid effluent contained in a septic tank.
2. Prior Art
Waste water discharged from commercial or residential property containing both liquid and solid wastes is typically collected in a waste water collector, such as a septic tank. In such septic tanks, the liquid and solids are generally distributed into three layers: an upper horizontal scum layer, a lower horizontal sludge layer, and a relatively clear, horizontal, liquid effluent layer between the two other layers. During operation of the septic tank systems, liquids from this horizontal, liquid effluent layer are intermittently discharged from the septic tank. During such discharge the solids contained within the septic tank are preferably retained in the septic tank to be decomposed during the normal operation of the system. As needed, the septic tanks may be cleaned to remove any settled solids.
During normal operations, some solids become mixed into the relatively clear horizontal, liquid effluent layer. Solids migrate into this layer associated with gas bubbles produced during metabolism of material contained in the lower sludge layer. In addition, large solids with specific gravities similar to that of the liquid effluent layer may also be discharged. These solids may be discharged with the effluent, if not filtered out of the effluent. Excess solids discharged with the effluent may gradually degrade the effectiveness of the entire septic system.
To reduce the likelihood of discharge of solids from the septic system, a number of different filtering devices for liquid effluent have been developed. For example, cylindrical mesh screen filtering systems which surround a gravity flow outlet system and discharge pump are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,207,896 and 4,439,323.
Other filtering devices, which may be placed within a septic system, which use a filtering system different from a mesh screen are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,683,577, 5,482,621 and 5,382,357. These patents disclose filtration of effluent using a specific flow pattern for the effluent through an open bottom of the filter element, out the sides of the filter element into an annular space adjacent to the filter element, and finally to the discharge opening of the device for discharging the filtered effluent from the septic system. See also U.S. Pat. No. 5,690,824.
Other systems for filtering solids from the effluent of a septic system utilizing a stacked disk dam system as the filtering system are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,593,584, 5,582,716, 5,207,896, 4,710,295, 3,332,552 and 2,900,084. See also U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,413,706, 5,409,604, 5,306,425, 5,264,120 and 5,207,896 which disclose both a mesh screen and a disk dam system to filter the effluent.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,795,472 discloses a multistage filter device which includes removable side walls which have a filtering capacity. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,759,393 and 5,591,331 disclose a filtering system comprising a plurality of vertically extending removable side walls, each of which contains a filtering screen for filtering the effluent. In addition, U.S. Pat. No. 5,736,035 discloses an outlet filter including a two-piece filter element.
A filter system containing a removable filter with diagonal slits for filtering effluent in a septic system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,569,387.
In addition to systems which utilize a single filter element within a filter system, multiple filter element systems for filtering effluent in a septic system are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,762,793, 5,635,064, 5,580,453 and 5,492,635. Each of these patents describes a specific flow pattern for the effluent entering the filter system and exiting through a discharge opening in the housing of the filter system.
Because of limitations on the flow of the effluent through these prior art systems, problems often arise from clogging of the filters which necessitates frequent cleaning of the systems. Some of the screen filter systems can even collapse during normal use, also necessitating cleaning and/or replacement. It has been generally recognized that filter systems clog for several reasons. The system may clog from entrainment of solid particles in the effluent stream. Alternatively, the openings in the filter system may be clogged from the growth of a biological film on its surface. Elimination of the biological film significantly enhances the life expectancy of the filter system. The incorporation of a biocide into a plastic piping to kill or limit the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms present in a water irrigation system was disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,332,160. See U.S. Pat. No. 5,192,037 for the use of copper sulfate for a similar system. See also U.S. Pat. No. 3,288,674 for the use of 10,10xe2x80x2 oxydiphenoxarsine as a bactericide for use in plastics and U.S. Pat. No. 3,069,252 for the use of this material to control growth.
Other problems may arise when the filters of these filter systems are removed from the septic tank for cleaning. When the filtering capability of these systems is removed, these systems fail to provide any backup mechanism to filter effluent being discharged during the cleaning process. This may result in an undesired discharge of solids through the discharge opening into the lateral system.
Thus, a need exists for a more efficient filtration system for filtering solids from the effluent of a septic system, especially during cleaning of the filter for the system, which overcomes the problems present in the prior systems.
Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to disclose a filter system for filtering the effluent present in a waste water system.
It is a further object of this invention to disclose a filtering system for filtering effluent from a waste water system which filtering system contains a significant amount of filtering surface, thus reducing the likelihood of clogging of the filters during normal operation.
It is a further object of this invention to disclose a filtering system containing primary and secondary filter elements which are easy to clean and replace.
It is a still further object of this invention to disclose a filtering system utilizing a primary and secondary filters, one secured within the other filter, such that the effluent passing through these filters is filtered continually, even when one of the filters has been removed for cleaning.
It is a further object of this invention to disclose a filtering system which permits a significant volume of liquid effluent to be filtered by the filtering system with a reduced likelihood of clogging of the filtering system.
It is a still further object of the invention to disclose a treatment for the filtering system that reduces the growth of a biological film on the filtering system during normal operations.
It is a further object of the invention to disclose a primary and secondary filtering system treated with a chemical biocide which reduces the growth of a biological film on the filtering system.
These and other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from a consideration of the following detailed description, drawings and claims. The description, along with the accompanying drawings, provides a selected example of construction of the device to illustrate the invention.
In accordance with the present invention there is provided a removable filtering system for filtering liquid effluent contained in a waste water system, which includes a tubular, outer secondary filter, which is secured within an effluent discharge pipe fitting, wherein the outer secondary filter includes a central opening passing vertically therethrough; an inner primary filter, which is slidingly engaged within the central opening in the outer secondary filter; and a filtering connection element, secured to the outer secondary filter against an inner surface of the discharge pipe fitting, wherein the filtering connection element filters effluent passing upward through the discharge pipe fitting and wherein upon removal of the inner primary filter from the discharge pipe, the outer secondary filter continues to filter effluent passing through the discharge pipe fitting. Thus, even when the inner primary filter has been removed from the system for cleaning and/or replacement, effluent cannot be discharged out of the septic tank without first being filtered by the outer secondary filter.
In an alternative embodiment, the filtering connection element is an integral element of a specialized outlet pipe fitting.
In a further alternative embodiment, a second removable, filtering system can be secured to the first filtering system to provide additional filtration for effluent present in the septic tank. In this embodiment, a second effluent discharge pipe fitting is secured to the first effluent discharge pipe fitting and the second effluent discharge pipe fitting has contained therein a second outer secondary filter, a second inner primary filter and a second filtering connection element.
In a further alternative embodiment, one or more of the filters contains a biocide which retards the growth of a biological film on these filters.


In one embodiment, the invention provides glycopeptides (or carbohydrate-peptide conjugates) comprising TACAs that direct against (e.g., bind specifically to) cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) or helper T cells for, e.g., CTL- or T-helper-based immunotherapy of carcinomas, and methods for making and using the glycopeptides of the invention. In one embodiment, the invention provides novel glycopeptides comprising tumor-derived carbohydrate or tumor-derived epitopes that specifically bind to major histocompatibility (MHC) class I molecules on cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) or MHC molecules on helper T cells, and methods for using same, e.g., as a vaccine, including a pan-cancer vaccine.

Peptides derived from tumor epitopes are known to generate peptide-specific cytotoxic T cell responses. Tumor-associated carbohydrate antigens linked to immunogenic carrier proteins or in multimeric forms are used for antibody production, e.g., targeting B cell responses. The concept of a pan-cancer vaccine has been attractive for preventive use in normal healthy individuals and use post surgery or post chemo/radiation to minimize metastasis or limit further metastasis. Tumor Associated Carbohydrate Antigens (TACA) antigens as Thomsen-Friedenreich (TF) (Gal beta (β) 1-3GalNAc alpha (α) 1-R) and Tn (TF precursor, GalNAc alpha (α) 1-R) antigens have been used in a variety of formulation for the generation of specific antibodies in cancer patients. Traditional approaches have not been very successful in part because of the difficulties of manufacturing the requisite peptide derivatives and isolating the adjuvant proteins.
TF and Tn are expressed by mucins encoded in humans by the MUC1 gene. TF and Tn are precursors of the MN blood group substance expressed on glycophorin, which is also expressed on MUC1 found on tumor cells.
The productive development of memory CD8+ cytotoxic T cells (CTL) against tumors primarily depends on the strength of the antigenic stimuli, a consequence of the binding affinity of tumor antigens to class I molecules of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), and the affinity of T cell receptors (TcRs) to MHC/peptide complexes. The homing and route of immunization also play an important role in determining the size of the initial CTL burst, depending on the participation of other immune cells that provide chemokines/lymphokines and co-stimulatory stimuli. Two big limitations in designing T cell-based immunotherapy against tumors are the characterization of immunogenic tumor epitopes and the frequent "self" nature of tumor antigens that leads to immunological tolerance.

Glycopeptides and methods of making and using them

THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA


Absorbent wetlaid paper containing at least 1% by weight, calculated on the dry weight of the paper, of an absorbent polymeric material having a thermo-reversible liquid uptake capacity, which has a cloud point, Cp, in water within the temperature interval 30-60xc2x0 C., preferably 35-55xc2x0 C., at which the polymer has a substantially higher liquid uptake capacity at temperatures below said cloud point as compared to at temperatures above the cloud point. The thermo-reversible polymer will then be inactive during the papermaking process and be activated to its swelling and absorbent form when it is brought into contact with a liquid, the temperature of which is below the cloud point, Cp, of the polymer.

The present invention refers to an absorbent wetlaid paper and a method for production thereof. Such a paper is for example used as kitchen rolls, towels, toilet paper, wiping material and in absorbent articles of different kinds, e g diapers, sanitary napkins, panty liners, incontinence guards and bed protections.
It is previously known to increase the absorption capacity of paper by mixing different kinds of highly absorbent materials into the pulp. By this it is possible to obtain an absorption capacity of paper that exceeds what can be obtained by using only conventional papermaking fibers. A problem with such an admixture in a wetlaying process is how to avoid swelling of the polymer during the papermaking process. There is for example in EP 0 408 128 disclosed the use in a wetlaying process of a polymer-modified pulp, which in its alkali state swells and absorbs liquid. The wetlaying process is performed without the presence of disturbing alkali metal ions and the polymer is used in its protonized form, at which the partly dewatered paper web is brought into contact with alkali metal ions in order to activate the polymer. This involves a complicated and sensitive process.
The object of the present invention is to provide a wetlaid paper with improved absorption properties, which can be produced in a simple way with a conventional wetlaying process without complicated additional process steps. This has according to the invention been solved by the fact that the paper contains at least 1% by weight, calculated on the dry weight of the paper, of an absorbent polymeric material having a thermo-reversible liquid uptake capacity, which has a cloud point, Cp, in water within the temperature interval 30-60xc2x0 C., preferably 35-55xc2x0 C., at which the polymer has a substantially higher liquid uptake capacity at temperatures below said cloud point as compared to at temperatures above the cloud point.
As the papermaking process at the wet end normally is run at temperatures above about 45-60xc2x0 C. the thermo-reversible polymer will be inactive during the papermaking process and be activated to its swelling and absorbent form when it is brought to contact with a liquid the temperature of which is below the cloud point, Cp, of the polymer.
A polymer having a thermo-reversible liquid uptake capacity is characterized by that the polymer at a certain temperature changes its geometrical configuration, at which the hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups of the polymers take another position, resulting in that the liquid uptake capacity of the polymer is considerably changed. Thermo-reversible polymers thus at a specific temperature has a cloud point, Cp, at which the liquid uptake capacity of the polymer is changed. The cloud point, Cp, is in the interval 30-60xc2x0 C., preferably 35-55xc2x0 C., for the polymers that have been found suitable for use in the present invention.
The paper preferably contains at least 3% by weight and preferably at least 4% by weight of said thermo-reversible polymeric material.
The absorbent thermo-reversible polymeric material is preferably in the form of fibers in order to simplify its admixture into the pulp structure. It is however also possible that the material is present in another particulate form, e.g. as flakes, powder or the like.
The absorbent thermo-reversible polymeric material can be any of the following materials: crosslinked ethyl hydroxy ethyl cellulose (EHEC), crosslinked polyvinyl methyl ether (PVME), crosslinked polymers of acrylamide, starch derivatives, polymeric tensides, polyethylene glycols and copolymers thereof.
The crosslinked polymer of acryl amide can be poly-n-isopropyl acryl amide, poly-n-n-polymethacryl amide and/or poly-n-n-diethyl acryl amide.
The absorbent thermo-reversible polymeric material is preferably at least partly based on a renewable raw material.
The invention further refers to a method of producing an absorbent wetlaid paper, by adding an absorbent thermo-reversible polymeric material of the above mentioned kind to the pulp suspension, producing a wetlaid paper web of the pulp suspension to which the thermo-reversible material has been added, and then dewatering and drying the wetlaid paper web.
The thermo-reversible polymeric material is added to the pulp suspension preferably in the form of dry fibers.
The temperature of the pulp suspension is during the wet end of the papermaking process kept above the cloud point of the thermo-reversible material.

Absorbent paper and a method for production thereof


In a switching power supply apparatus for performing a switching control of a power MOS transistor that flows current to a coil and converting input voltage into output voltage, even if there occurs offset voltage in a current sensing operational amplifier, source potential of a current sensing MOS transistor is precisely kept at source potential of a low side power MOS transistor. For example, an offset cancel capacitor is arranged at an inverting input terminal of the current sensing operational amplifier, and voltage in the direction to offset the offset voltage occurring in the operational amplifier is charged to this capacitor.

In recent years, many electronic apparatuses have a micro processor (hereinafter, referred to as CPU) as a system controller. Further, the operating frequency of the CPU has become higher, and as the operating frequency is increasing, so the maximum operating current is increasing.
Under such circumstances, in order to meet the requirement for this large current, there is proposed a multiple phase power supply system where the current supply performance has been increased by connecting plural switching power supplies in parallel. In such a power supply system, if the currents flowing in respective power supplies (phases) are not uniform, heat generation concentrates and causes destruction of the power supply system. It is necessary to precisely detect currents flowing in coils and perform a feedback control of drive signals of power transistors of respective phases so that uniform current should flow to the respective phases. In current sensing for the feedback control, high precision is required for controlling currents of the respective phases evenly.
As a method of detecting current, there is for example one described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open Publication No. 2003-232816 (Patent Document 1).
Meanwhile, the Patent Document 1 does not take into consideration the case to be used in a switching power supply, further, it does not mention about influences of detection errors due to offset of an operational amplifier of sensing current, and both positive and negative power supplies are required for the operational amplifier.


A vehicle transmission includes a differential gearset having five coaxial gear elements and two output members. Two of the gear elements are controllable via torque-transmitting devices such as friction brakes or electric motors to establish a plurality of speed ratios between the input shaft and the two output members. The two output members are selectively operatively connectable to an output shaft via a gear arrangement that allows for a plurality of speed ratios between the output members and the output shaft. If the torque-transmitting devices are electric motors or hydraulic pumps, then a continuously variable speed ratio between the input shaft and the output shaft is achievable. The plurality of speed ratios between the two output members and the output shaft enable a plurality of compound split operating modes, facilitating smaller and less powerful motors or pumps compared to the prior art.

A vehicle transmission can deliver mechanical power from an engine to the remainder of a drive system, typically fixed gearing, axles, and wheels. A transmission allows some freedom in engine operation, usually through alternate selection of five or six different drive ratios, a neutral selection that allows the engine to operate accessories with the vehicle stationary, and clutches or torque converters that allow smooth transitions between driving ratios to start the vehicle from rest and accelerate to the desired highway speed with the engine turning. Transmission gear selection typically allows power from the engine to be delivered to the rest of the drive system with a ratio of torque multiplication and speed reduction, with a ratio of torque reduction and speed multiplication known as overdrive, or with a reverse ratio.
An electric generator can transform mechanical power from the engine into electrical power, and an electric motor can transform that electric power back into mechanical power at different torques and speeds for the remainder of the vehicle drive system. This arrangement allows a continuous variation in the ratio of torque and speed between the engine and the remainder of the drive system, within the limits of the electric machinery. An electric storage battery used as a source of power for propulsion may be added to this arrangement, forming a series hybrid electric drive system.
The series hybrid system allows the engine to operate relatively independently of the torque, speed, and power to propel a vehicle, so as to be controlled for improved emissions and efficiency. This system also allows the electric machine attached to the engine to function as a motor to start the engine and allows the electric machine attached to the remainder of the drive train to act as a generator, recovering energy into the battery by regenerative braking. However, a series electric drive requires that the electrical machinery be sufficiently sized to transform all engine power from mechanical to electrical form and from electrical to mechanical form, and useful power is lost in this double conversion.
A power split transmission can use what is commonly understood to be a "differential gearing" to achieve a continuously variable torque and speed ratio between input and output without sending all power through the variable elements. An electrically variable transmission can use differential gearing to send a fraction of its transmitted power through a pair of electric motor/generators and the remainder of its power through another, parallel path that is all mechanical and direct, of fixed ratio, or alternatively selectable. One form of differential gearing may constitute a planetary gear subset. In fact, planetary gearing is usually the preferred embodiment employed in differentially geared inventions, with the advantage of compactness and different torque and speed ratios among all members of the planetary gearing subset. However, it is possible to construct this invention without planetary gears, as by using bevel differential gears or other differential gears.
A hybrid electrically variable transmission system for a vehicle also includes an electric storage battery, which allows the mechanical output power to vary from the mechanical input power, engine starting with the transmission system, and regenerative vehicle braking.
An electrically variable transmission in a vehicle can simply transmit mechanical power. To do so, the electric power produced by one motor/generator balances the electrical losses and the electric power consumed by the other motor/generator. A hybrid electrically variable transmission system in a vehicle includes an electrical storage battery, so the electric power generated by one motor/generator can be greater than or less than the electric power consumed by the other. Electric power from the battery can sometimes allow both motor/generators to act as motors, especially to assist the engine with vehicle acceleration. Both motors can sometimes act as generators to recharge the battery, especially in regenerative vehicle braking.
One of the most successful substitutes for the series hybrid transmission is the variable, two-mode, input-compound-split, parallel-hybrid electric transmission. Such a transmission utilizes an input means to receive power from the vehicle engine and a power output member to deliver power to drive the vehicle. First and second motor/generators are connected to energy storage devices, such as batteries, so that the energy storage devices can accept power from, and supply power to, the first and second motor/generators. A control unit regulates power flow among the energy storage devices and the motor/generators as well as between the first and second motor/generators.
Operation in a first or second mode may be selectively achieved by using clutches in the nature of torque-transmitting devices. In one mode, the input-split mode, the output speed of the transmission is proportional to the speed of one motor/generator, and in the second mode, the compound-split mode, the output speed of the transmission increases along with the speed of the other motor/generator.
In some embodiments of the variable, two-mode, input-compound-split, parallel-hybrid electric transmission a planetary gear set is selectively employed for torque multiplication. In addition, some embodiments may utilize three torque-transmitting devices—two to select the operational mode desired of the transmission and the third selectively to disconnect the transmission from the engine. In other embodiments, all three torque transfers may be utilized to select the desired operational mode of the transmission.
As those skilled in the art will appreciate, a transmission system using a power split arrangement may receive power from two sources. However, the prior art does not include any practical gear schemes with more than three compound split operating modes.

Compound differential dual power path transmission


A processor-based system may be controlled using a digital camera. The digital camera can provide luminance and motion information which may be analyzed to determine whether to alter one or more of the power consumption state, the operation of system utilities, or the operation of a screen saver.

This invention relates generally to processor-based systems and particularly to such systems which have a digital camera coupled to the system.
A variety of processor-based systems come with a digital camera or are adaptable to be coupled to a digital camera. Commonly, digital cameras are tethered through an appropriate input port to personal computers. A number of users operate the digital cameras continuously through a tethered connection to the computer.
The camera may be maintained always "on", ready to provide a useful service as the opportunity arises. The camera may be used to implement a video conferencing feature or to stream video over the Internet as examples.
A number of techniques are available for controlling processor-based systems. Processor-based systems may receive input commands using a mouse which is tethered to the computer, using an infrared mouse which controls the computer remotely, using a variety of remote control devices, and using keyboards either tethered to the computer or keyboards that are coupled to the computer through infrared or other airwave communications, as a few examples.
In addition, a number of computer systems transition between power consumption states in response to periods of sustained user inactivity. That is, if the keyboard, for example, is not operated for a given time period, the system may transition to a lower power consumption state. With ensuing periods of inactivity, the system may progressively transition to even lower power consumption states. In this way, the amount of power that the system consumes may be controlled. In addition to environmental advantages, the lifetime of the computer may be enhanced by such powering down in response to inactivity.
Sensors may detect the user's presence in proximity to the keyboard. These sensors may be piezoelectric sensors that detect when the user is poised over the keyboard, for example. Again, this type of sensor provides additional information to the computer system to make a judgment about whether or not to transition to lower power consumption modes. If the user is poised over the keyboard about to operate the keyboard, it makes no sense to transition to a lower power consumption mode only to immediately transition back to a higher power consumption mode. Not only is this awkward, but needless transitions waste time and system resources.
Thus, there is a continuing need for better ways to control the power consumption of computer systems.

Controlling processor-based systems using a digital camera


A system and method for delivery of secure software license information to authorize the use of a software program is disclosed. The method and system comprises a computer system for executing the software program and the authorizing program, and a license server, connected to the computer system over a network. The method and system include associating a publisher certificate and a signed product key pair with the program to be authorized, generating a license request containing user and product information and signed by the private key from the product key pair, transmitting the license request to a license server, generating a license using data extracted from the license request and license terms, signing the license with the publisher private key associated with the publisher certificate, transmitting the license to the authorization program, validating the license using the publisher certificate, and using the license terms to control the use of the software program.

Software licensing has been used for some time in the software industry as a means of controlling use of software, and more particularly, for the purpose of limiting or eliminating unauthorized use of software, known as software piracy.
The resulting economic dislocation that occurs due to software piracy is severe. As the cost of developing and supporting software programs increases, the need to reduce piracy grows. One of the key elements of reducing software piracy is through the use of an electronic software license, delivered to the authorized user to enable the software program to operate. The electronic license includes the required information in a form that is understood by the software program, and contains license terms.
License terms are the terms that apply to the use of the particular copy of the software program, and can include a start date, an end date, a number of program launches, fingerprint information to limit use on a specific local area network or on a specific machine, and other controlling information. For increased security, the electronic software license may be encrypted to hamper hacker efforts to bypass its function. This requires that the software program contain a decryption key to decrypt the license before extracting the information required.
Since the runtime environment for the software program and its authorizing code is typically unprotected, such as with Microsoft Corporation's Windows Operating System, and a large number of programmers have extensive knowledge of programming on such a system, it is difficult to effectively protect software running on such machines. All one can do is increase the difficulty of bypassing the electronic license functionality, but without significant inconvenience to the user or to the software developer, the reseller, or to technical support for the software program.
Previous efforts to authenticate a software license have used techniques such as "challenge/response" to deliver the required information to the electronic license on the user's machine. These often have been encoded in a series of alphanumeric characters to make it easy to deliver the challenge and receive the response, such as by phone, or by email, where direct web delivery is not practical. This method requires the user to copy and paste, type, or read the challenge, depending on the communication means used to delivery the challenge, and likewise to copy and paste (or type in) the response. For very small responses, this is not too difficult. However, as the required content of the response increases with increasing complexity, this becomes unwieldy and inconvenient for the user. One of the increases in complexity comes from the use of digital signatures, which are desired to improve security.
An important factor in delivery of a solution to these problems is a toolset that can be used by the software product developer/publisher to convert his software product into a "license-managed" product with minimum effort and complexity. Even with the best tools, however, a problem remains. If a successful hack is created to bypass the license terms, such that copies of the software product can be freely (but illegally) distributed, there is often no way to determine the origin of the software hack.
Accordingly, what is needed is a system and method for delivery of secure license information that is extensible and easy to use. The present invention addresses such a need. Finally, there should be a security link in the provided solution that allows the source of a hack to be traced back to the original purchaser, to assist in the effort to stop the illegal activities. The present invention addresses all of these needs.

Method and system for delivery of secure software license information


A chain pliers (10) comprising a body (12) and a first jaw (14). A component (16) is for attaching in a stationary manner the first jaw (14) to a top end (18) of the body (12). A second jaw (20) is provided. An element (22) is for attaching in a pivotal manner the second jaw (20) to the top end (18) of the body (12) opposite from the first jaw (14). A vise grip assembly (24) is between the body (12) and the second jaw (20). A person can operate with one hand the vise grip assembly (24) and move the second jaw (20) towards the first jaw (14), to engage with opposite ends of a chain (26) to tighten the chain (26).

1. Field of the Invention
The instant invention relates generally to chain pipe wrenches and more specifically it relates to a chain pliers. The chain pliers will pull a chain tight so that the hands are free to do chain repair after the tool is clamped in place.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Numerous chain pipe wrenches have been provided in prior art. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 612,525 to Miller; 1,364,214 to Steward; 2,547,748 to Freer; 2,932,226 to Seppola; 3,192,804 to Petersen et al. and 4,477,937 to Costello all are illustrative of such prior art. While these units may be suitable for the particular purpose to which they address, they would not be as suitable for the purposes of the present invention as heretofore described.


A radiation image storage panel has a phosphor layer composed of a phosphor matrix compound and an activator in combination, a subbing layer composed of the phosphor matrix compound, and a support, in which both of the subbing layer and phosphor layer have been formed by a gas phase-accumulation method and in which the subbing layer has a relative density of 60% to 98%, and a surface of the support in contact with the subbing layer shows a contact angle of less than 50° to water.

When exposed to radiation such as X-rays, an energy-storing phosphor (e.g., stimulable phosphor, which gives off stimulated emission) absorbs and stores a portion of the radiation energy. The phosphor then emits stimulated emission according to the level of the stored energy when exposed to electromagnetic wave such as visible or infrared light (i.e., stimulating light). A radiation image recording and reproducing method utilizing the energy-storing phosphor has been widely employed in practice. In that method, a radiation image storage panel, which is a sheet comprising the energy-storing phosphor, is used. The method comprises the steps of: exposing the storage panel to radiation having passed through an object or having radiated from an object, so that radiation image information of the object is temporarily recorded in the panel; sequentially scanning the panel with stimulating light such as a laser beam to emit stimulated light; and photoelectrically detecting the emitted light to obtain electric image signals. The storage panel thus treated is subjected to a step for erasing radiation energy remaining therein, and then stored for the use in the next recording and reproducing procedure. Thus, the radiation image storage panel can be repeatedly used.
The radiation image storage panel (often referred to as energy-storing phosphor sheet) has a basic structure comprising a support and a phosphor layer provided thereon. However, if the phosphor layer is self-supporting, the support may be omitted. Further, a protective layer is normally provided on the free surface (surface not facing the support) of the phosphor layer so as to keep the phosphor layer from chemical deterioration or physical damage.
Various kinds of energy-storing phosphor layers are known. For example, the phosphor layer can comprise a binder and energy-storing phosphor particles dispersed therein, or otherwise can comprise agglomerate of an energy-storing phosphor without binder. The latter layer can be formed, for example, by a gas phase-accumulation method, in which a phosphor or material thereof is vaporized or sputtered so that the phosphor may be deposited and accumulated on a substrate to form a layer of the phosphor in the form of columnar crystals. The phosphor layer thus formed by a gas phase-accumulation method contains no binder and consists of only the phosphor, and there are gaps among the columnar crystals of the phosphor. Because of the gaps, the stimulating light can stimulate the phosphor efficiently and the emitted light can be collected efficiently, too. Accordingly, a storage panel having that accumulated phosphor layer has high sensitivity. At the same time, since the gaps prevent the stimulating light from diffusing parallel to the layer, the storage panel can give a reproduced image of high sharpness.
The radiation image recording and reproducing method (or radiation image forming method) has various advantages as described above. However, it is still desired that the radiation image storage panel used in the method have as high sensitivity as possible and, at the same time, give a reproduced radiation image of as high quality (in regard to sharpness and graininess) as possible.
JP-A-2003-050298 discloses a process for preparation of a radiation image storage panel. In the disclosed process, first a subbing layer made of a phosphor matrix compound in the form of columnar crystals is formed on a support by a gas phase-accumulation method, and then a phosphor layer composed of the matrix compound and an activator in the form of columnar crystals is formed on the subbing layer (so that each columnar crystal of the phosphor can grow on each columnar crystal of the phosphor matrix compound), to prepare a phosphor layer excellent in columnar crystallinity. The columnar phosphor crystals in the formed phosphor layer are partly fused and combined with the matrix columnar crystals in the subbing layer.
It has been found that, if the phosphor comprises an additive (such as activator) and a matrix compound in a particular combination (particularly, alkali metal halide stimulable phosphors such as CsBr:Eu), the phosphor layer directly formed on a support (or substrate) by a gas phase-accumulation method is often poor in adhesion to the support and hence is liable to separate from the substrate. Particularly, if the phosphor is vaporized, deposited and accumulated under a medium vacuum (0.1 to 10 Pa) by means of a resistance heater, the formed phosphor layer is poor in adhesion to the support.


A buffer and synchronization circuit for a computer system which provides synchronization of the column address strobe (CAS) signals provided to the memory DRAMs and which interlocks the memory data latch enable with the CAS signals provided from the memory controller without adding extra clock cycles or wait states. A synchronized buffer circuit receives the CAS signals from the memory controller and provides a plurality of synchronized duplicate CAS signals to the memory DRAMs. The synchronized buffer circuit includes several gate drivers in a single semiconductor chip so that each of the drivers has approximately the same delay in order to minimize skew between the duplicated CAS signals. An interlocking buffer circuit receives the memory data latch enable signal and the CAS signals from the memory controller and provides a synchronized memory latch enable to the data buffers. The buffer and synchronization circuit according to the present invention interlocks the memory latch enable to the CAS signals so that the latch enable is not negated prematurely regardless of the premature negation of the memory data latch enable from the memory controller.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a circuit for buffering and synchronizing the memory column address strobe (CAS) signals and interlocking the data latch with the CAS signals of a computer system.
2. Description of the Related Art
Modern computer systems are becoming more modularized wherein the different components or subsystems of the computer system are provided on separate and removable circuit boards, or modules, which are all coupled together through a main system or mother board. The mother board contains a plurality of connectors to provide an interconnection network between the components or subsystems that comprise the entire computer system. The vital subsystems which are traditionally located on the motherboard, such as main memory or the central processing unit (CPU) and supporting logic, are now being placed on the removable modules.
There are many reasons for and benefits of modularization of computer systems. The entire computer system is not taken out of service for a significant period of time due to the failure of any given subsystem since the faulty subsystem can be readily replaced without having to service the entire computer system. The module that contains the faulty subsystem is removed and replaced such that the computer system can be immediately placed back into service. Another benefit is that since many computer systems are designed for particular purposes or specific applications, a modularized computer system may be tailored or programmed to meet the needs of the specific application.
For example, some computer systems need more processing capability, such that more of the modules or subsystems comprise processors, while other computer systems need more memory or extended input/output (I/O) capability. Modularization allows an easier way to upgrade a given computer system. For example, a different processor subsystem can replace or supplement the existing processor subsystem, or a new memory board can supplement or replace the existing memory board to provide enhanced memory capability.
One problem that arises in complex computer systems, particularly modularized computers, is timing variances due to complicated signal traces and a plurality of connectors between a source and a receiver. As a result of the added complexity of modularization, for example, some signals are delayed longer relative to other signals, causing skew problems wherein signals arrive at different locations at different times. Timing requirements between two signals may be violated if one signal is skewed relative to another, resulting in invalid data and improper operation of a computer system.
Skew problems are especially difficult to prevent between the host and memory data buses. A memory controller, which is usually provided to facilitate transfer of data between buses, typically provides row and column address signals to memory comprising dynamic random access memory (DRAMs), as well as latch enable signals to latchable transceiver data bus buffers (BB) placed between the host data bus and the memory data bus. The data buffers provide isolation between the host and memory data buses and allow control of the direction of flow of information between the data buses. The row and column address signals, or strobes, should be synchronized with the latch enable signals to meet the timing requirements of the data buffers and the (DRAMs). In a modularized system, skew problems can arise between the latch enable signal provided to the data buffers and the column address strobe (CAS) signals provided to the DRAMs. If the latch enable signals are negated prematurely before set-up timing requirements to the bus buffers are met, it is very likely that invalid data will be latched into the data buffers, causing improper operation.
One possible solution to the skew problems which arise in computer systems is to slow the entire system down by adding a clock cycle or a wait state such that the critical signals remain valid for an extra clock state. This solution, however, is undesirable since there is a decrease in performance of the overall computer system. It is desirable, therefore, to provide a solution to the timing skew problems which arise in a complex computer system without slowing it down.
Memory is typically organized into a plurality of DRAMs wherein each bit of data and each DRAM is accessible through a column and a row address signal. In many computer systems, it is desirable that the memory controller provide a separate CAS signal for each byte of data on the data bus so that each byte of data is individually accessible. Typically, all the individual CAS signals from the memory controller are the same for a read operation. Each CAS signal involves a plurality of DRAM semiconductor chips so that the CAS signals must be duplicated and buffered to provide enough drive for each DRAM. The duplicated CAS signals provided to the DRAMs represent the same CAS signals and it is desirable that they be asserted and negated at substantially the same time to assure proper data latching. It is desirable that the duplicated CAS signals provided to the DRAMs are asserted as soon as possible with as little time delay from when the memory controller asserts the original CAS signal, and negated at approximately the same time as the memory latch enable signal provided to the data buffer is negated. Further, the latch enable must not be negated until the data has had time to become valid and meet the setup time of the bus buffer, which with 80 nsec DRAMs and the preferred bus buffer is approximately 28.5 nsec, worst case, from the falling edge of the CAS signal.

Memory column address strobe buffer and synchronization and data latch interlock


A method of manufacturing a wafer having a buried oxide layer at a desired depth is disclosed. The method includes the steps of implanting a standard species ion at an energy at or above 1 MeV into an oxygen-rich wafer to form a defect region at the desired depth in the oxygen rich wafer. The wafer is annealed such that oxygen in the wafer is gettered to the defect region to form the buried oxide layer.

The instant invention is directed to the manufacture of a silicon on insulator (SOI) wafer, and more particularly to a method of producing an SOI wafer having a buried oxide layer at a lower cost and which is also more reliable than conventionally known wafers. According to the method of the invention, such an SOI wafer can be produced using standard equipment in a normal production facility.
SOI wafers having buried oxide layers are an attractive technology for deep-submicron CMOS and radiation-hardened devices because the buried oxide layer offers both device isolation and the ability to getter defects, such as oxygen and metallic ions, away from the operating region of the device.
There are generally two conventional methods for producing SOI wafers. The first is SIBOND. With SIBOND wafers, as illustrated in FIG. 1A, an oxide layer 12 is formed on the surface of a substrate 10. A second silicon wafer 14 is bonded to the top surface of the oxide layer 12. Using this method, the top wafer 14 must be formed relatively thin so that the oxide layer 12 is at the desired depth to achieve the device isolation. This results, in an increased potential for defects as the thin layer is worked. Another drawback to the SIBOND wafer is manufacturing cost. Moreover, due to the complexity of the manufacturing process, the SOI wafer cannot be incorporated into the "in-house" production of a semiconductor device. Instead, the SOI wafer must be purchased from an outside source.
The second method employed to produce SOI wafers is SIMOX (i.e., Separation by Implanted Oxygen). In SIMOX technology, as illustrate in FIG. 1B, oxygen 16 is implanted into the substrate 10 at relatively low energies to form the buried oxide layer 13. As with SIBOND, one drawback for a semiconductor device manufacturer who wishes to use conventional SIMOX wafers is that the equipment need to produce such wafers is not of the type normally used in manufacturing semiconductor devices. Thus, typically SIMOX wafers must also be purchased from an outside source. Accordingly the costs of using SOI wafers is increased.
Another drawback associated with SIMOX wafers arises from the Oxygen implantation process itself. The oxygen implantation is carried out at relatively low energy levels, which tends to form defect regions in the surface of the wafer down to the buried oxide layer 13 through portion 15 of the substrate 10. Moreover, SIMOX wafers are typically considered "dirty", in the sense that significant amounts of iron impurities are introduced into the wafer during oxygen implantation. Since oxygen is not a standard species for ion implantation, the implanting device must be configured in a way which introduces these unwanted impurities. One of the downsides of using SIMOX wafers is that the iron rich nature of the wafer will significantly hinder the production and/or operation of most semiconductor devices. Moreover, the oxygen implantation step is not practical for implementation in standard device production facilities as part of the manufacturing process.
Accordingly it is an object of the instant invention to produce an SOI wafer which includes a buried oxide layer but which can be made using the type of equipment typically used by semiconductor manufacturers and to reduce the costs associated with making and using SOI wafers.
Another object of the instant invention is to provide a method for producing SOI or SOI like wafers which can be implemented in standard semiconductor device manufacturing processes.
Still another object of the instant invention is to produce an SOI wafer which is more reliable and does not have the undesirable impurities associated with the conventional SOI wafers.

Method of forming buried oxygen layer using MeV ion implantation


The invention concerns a method and device for laterally aligning a lateral edge of flat material webs (10) fed to a machining station (16). The lateral position of the edge (26) transversely to the feed direction (14) is detected, so that a position signal is formed and the flat material web (10) is conveyed transversely to the feed direction as a function of this position signal. According to the invention, the transverse conveying, two elongate cylindrical friction rollers (32, 34), whose axes of rotation are aligned transversely to the feed direction (14), are first alternatively urged against the flat material web so that they entrain the flat material web (10) in the sense of their axes of rotation (32', 34') and, as a function of the position signal are moved in a reciprocating manner between two end positions and, secondly are raised off the flat material web, the change of rollers being triggered whenever the end positions are reached.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention is related to a method and a device for laterally aligning a lateral edge of flat material webs fed to a machining station, in which the lateral position of the lateral edge is detected transversely to a feed direction under formation of a position signal and in which the flat material webs are moved transversely to the feed direction as a function of the position signal.
2. Description of the Related Art
Methods of this type are predominantly deployed in automatic sewing machines, where it is important due to high processing speeds that the material edge is automatically guided along a predetermined path. In order to achieve this it is known (EP-B-0 383 045) to use a chain of spherical or crowned roller elements for the transverse transport, which chain can be adjusted in a plane extending approximately transversely to the sewing direction in its longitudinal direction as a function of the position signal and which lies against the material web with a plurality of roller elements having roller axes extending parallel to the aligning direction. The crowned roller elements have a rough or profiled surface structure in order to increase their frictional properties, which can lead to undesirable distortion or damage especially of fine silk or cotton materials.

Method and device for laterally aligning the lateral edge of moving flat material webs


In an apparatus for identifying items in a cargo hold, having an entrance that is accessible by a user, each of the items includes an individual mesh network communication device and each individual mesh network communication device includes a memory that stores a unique item identification. The apparatus includes a primary mesh network communications device and a portable computational device in data communication with the primary mesh network communication device. A frame separates the primary mesh network communications device from the portable computational device at a distance that enables the user to hold the portable computational device and to direct the mesh network communications device to the entrance of the cargo hold.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to locating systems and, more specifically, to a system of locating items in a cargo hold of a carrier.
2. Description of the Related Art
With increases in global travel and trade, misdirection of transported items causes substantial hardship to those who are transporting such items and substantial cost to those responsible for the transport of such items. When an item cannot be found, insurance providers also bear a cost. For example, airlines misdirect many pieces of luggage each year. Finding lost luggage causes considerable inconvenience to the passengers whose luggage is lost and considerable expense to the airline that misdirected the luggage.
One method of preventing misdirection of luggage includes attaching a bar-coded tag to each piece of luggage as the owner checks in for a flight. The tag is scanned at the point of departure and at the point of arrival (and any intermediate points) and the location of the luggage is stored in a computer database. While such a tracking system has been quite effective in reducing the incidence of lost luggage, luggage still gets misdirected. This can occur for one of several reasons, including airline ticketing counter attendant error resulting in an incorrect tag being applied to a piece of luggage. Also, a tag can be inadvertently removed from a piece of luggage during the handling process.
This problem is also significant in other areas. For example, international freight transport typically involves sending containers on container ships. The containers often include exterior bar-coded labels used for tracking purposes. However, containers can be misdirected through operator error. When a container is misdirected, the cost of failing to locate it quickly can be substantial.
Certain existing and proposed location systems include devices that apply a radio transponder, such as an RFID tag, to the item being transported. When an item is lost, a message is sent to each transportation node where the item could be sent and an operator with a corresponding radio frequency device searches through the node seeking a return signal indicating the presence of the lost item. Such systems have the disadvantage of requiring a considerable amount of time to be spent by personnel at each node, including all of the nodes to which the item was not spent.
Recently, that has been an increasing need for improved security relating to luggage and containers being imported. One method of ensuring security is to check each item in a cargo hold against a shipping manifest, thereby ensuring that exactly the items to be transported are in the cargo hold. However, such checking can be time consuming and not practical when, as with a scheduled flight, delays may cause scheduling problems and economic loss to the carrier.
Also, many people are concerned with increased smuggling of contraband (such as narcotics weapons materials). However, with most cargo operations, inspecting each container entering a port is quite difficult. Contraband sensor systems disposed in containers have not been effective because the containers that are placed under layers of other containers are usually shielded from central communication servers, thereby preventing a communication link between the most remote containers and the central server.
Therefore, there is a need for a system that facilitates verifying the contents of a cargo hold against a shipping manifest.
There is also a need for a system that facilitates the monitoring of container contents and environment continuously during the shipping of cargo.

Cargo hold item identification and monitoring system


An apparatus and method for discriminating between false images created by multipath and an aircraft of interest in an air traffic control environment by maintaining a three-dimensional database in the area of interest of the air traffic control environment, the three-dimensional database including a position of a radar radiation source, three-dimensional positions, orientations, and sizes of fixed reflectors and three-dimensional positions, orientations, and sizes of non-fixed reflectors; receiving return radar radiation from an unknown object; classifying the unknown object as an aircraft of interest if the return radiation from the unknown object correlates with previous returns; and classifying the unknown object by searching for a plurality of candidate reflectors and if a sum of the distances between the plurality of candidate reflectors is approximately equal to a distance between the unknown object and the radar radiation source, classifying the unknown object as a false image created by multipath.

1. Field of the Invention
In general, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for detecting multipath images. In particular, when utilizing an active sensor, such as a radar, false "ghost" images, created when the sensor beam reflects from more than one surface before being detected by a receiver, may be mistaken for returns from actual objects. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for distinguishing between false "ghost" images and actual airplanes in an air traffic control environment.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Radar has served as an effective sensor for detecting both cooperative and non-cooperative airborne and surface targets since World War II. As illustrated in FIG. 1, a typical radar system 10 includes a transmitter/receiver 12 which emits RF energy from an antenna 14 that "bounces off" a target A, B and returns to the transmitter/receiver 12. Pulse radar systems, such as Airport Surface Detection Equipment (ASDE) systems determine range R1 to a target A by measuring the time between transmission of a pulse and receipt of the return pulse. The azimuth angle theta is obtained by correlating the return pulse with a position of the antenna 14. The strength of the return is a function of the reflectivity of the target A and numerous other factors such as range, weather, etc.
Accidents involving aircraft and ground vehicles and aircraft ground collisions can occur at busy airports. More than three times as many near-accidents occur on the ground as in the air. In one such accident, an aircraft strayed onto the wrong runway and was struck by a second aircraft, resulting in a loss of life. In another accident, two aircraft collided when one aircraft was cleared to land on an occupied runway.
Medium-range airport surveillance radar, such as the Automated Radar Terminal System (ARTS) is good for detecting and tracking many aircraft within a large volume of airspace. However, such systems do not provide adequate surveillance coverage for ground-resident objects, including aircraft that are in the taxiiing, holding (stopped), takeoff or landing phases of their flight profiles.
ASDE systems can provide high-resolution, short-range, clutter-free, surveillance information on aircraft and ground vehicles, both moving and fixed, located on or near the surface of airport movement and holding areas under all weather and visibility conditions. An ASDE system formats incoming surface detection radar information for a desired coverage area, and presents it to local and ground controllers on high-resolution, bright displays in the airport control tower cab. In addition to ASDE and ARTS systems, other sensor systems such as, for example, secondary surveillance radar (SSR), and global positioning system (GPS) can provide logically disparate parameters in physically disparate locations within the tower cab.
A large, busy airport is an environment having a vast number of possible conflict situations. In such a dynamic environment, the potential for collision between any given aircraft and any one of possible many ground-resident, and nearby airborne, objects may not be recognized until it is too late to avoid the collision.
In particular, the presence of multipath returns are a significant problem at large busy airports. As illustrated in FIG. 2, an ASDE-3 system 20 emits radar radiation. This radar radiation is reflected off an aircraft 22 on the ground and then off stationary ground objects such as a building 24, and projects a false "ghost" image 26 on the runway 28 or a false "ghost" image, which is not on a runway. Conventional ASDE system handle the off-runway situation by always blanking the same area, which means that images which appear in areas other than the runways, are not considered. As a result, in the conventional ASDE system, a multipath ghost image not on a runway, would not be presented to an air traffic controller.
Similarly, the conventional AMASS system generates track data in airways, taxiways, and runways and blanks out everything behind the first track.
What is needed therefore is an apparatus and method that processes all multipath signals and distinguishes between false "ghost" images and actual airplanes in an air traffic control environment.

Apparatus and method for mitigating multipath


A process of encrypting an object includes applying a hash algorithm to the object, generating a random number, combining a first plurality of splits including the random number to form a working split, encrypting the object using the working split, combining a second plurality of splits not including the random number to form a value, encrypting the random number using the value, encrypting the hashed object according to a signature algorithm using a user private key, encrypting the hashed object according to a selected algorithm using the working split as a key, forming a header including information that can be used to decrypt the object, encrypting the header, and adding the encrypted header to the encrypted object. The pluralities of splits include a fixed split, a variable split, and a label split corresponding to a selected label. The header includes the encrypted random number, a label, and a digital signature.

The present invention relates to systems that provide security and privacy for data. In particular, the present invention allows flexible access for authorized users of a communication system authorized while maintaining security for data at rest and in transit on the system.
As an information security tool, cryptography can compliment changes in information technology. The growth of information systems has been phenomenal. However, today""s cryptography and its key management have reached a crossroads as it attempts to adapt to the information system changes. The predominant public key management scheme of the 1980s and 1990s has shortcomings that will constrain the information industry from expanding into greater information sharing applications without a shift in public key application. A new direction in encryption is needed if the distributive enterprise solution, with its myriad information applications, is to be made effective.
By combining what has been learned in the implementations of public key management and pre-1980s key management, an expanded symmetrical core key management technology emerges as the better choice for bridging to the 21st century information applications that include data-at-rest and communications security models. Issues that confront future information protection models such as scalar, data separation, or role-based enforcement, system performance, and multiple enterprise authentication for the user or for the workstation can be satisfied by combining enterprise-wide information distribution with information control and access control capabilities while protecting the information.
An evolution in cryptographic technology is taking place. A symmetrical key management model that is particularly well suited for role-based access control systems that look to the roles users have within an organization, and to the information access that should be afforded those roles is being bound to an authentication key management model that incorporates the mathematical models of digital signatures and signed public certificates with physical properties of identification techniques as smart cards. The resultant key management technology is the basis for what will be referred to herein as Constructive Key Management (CKM).
In recent years, both government and industry have dramatically altered their perceptions of the development and expansion of information systems. The computer heralded the practical management of information. As its power and flexibility increased, the communications industry expanded its services and capabilities to accommodate the automated enterprise and its users. The rapid drop in prices and explosive development of both hardware and software compounded the computer""s potential power.
Rapid growth is also evident in the conveyance of information on the software side. The entertainment world now produces games using terms like Virtual Reality and Cyberspace. This rapid advancement of information technologies has provided a somewhat uneven growth pattern, particularly in the sociological and legal arenas. Today, even the casual user has a headlong rush of information available at a level that did not exist ten years ago. We have moved from the radio-controller, to the microprocessor, and to today""s multi-processor systems with complexities that even the most prescient PC gurus did not foresee. As we have become more familiar with the capabilities of our machinery, we have followed the most human of instincts: we attempt to share our discoveries.
The sharing of IDs has also extended to the sharing of workloads and the concept of distributive processing. The computer and communications communities responded to this demand. They have increased speed and provided connective opportunities enabling the booming of links, networks, LANs, WANs, and more and more acronyms that all mean xe2x80x9ctogether.xe2x80x9d The result today is that any computer user, with a reasonable amount of equipment, can connect with just about any information application over the Internet. The age of the Internet and xe2x80x9cinformation warfarexe2x80x9d is upon us. The protection of selected information and selected channels of information has become a paramount concern in defense and commerce. While this evolution has been taking place in information processing, cryptography has emerged as a premier protection technology.
Keys are an essential part of all encryption schemes. Their management can be the most critical element of any cryptography-based security. The true effectiveness of key management is the ability for keys to be maintained and distributed secretly without penalizing system performance, costs, or user interaction. The management of the keys must be scalar, must be capable of separating information flow, must include interoperability needs, and must be capable of providing information control.
A method of distributing keys predominantly used in the 1980s and 1990s is public key, or asymmetrical, cryptography. In this method, the conversion of information to cipher text and the conversion of basic properties of the public key method include separate encryption and decryption keys, difficulty in deriving one key from another, secret decryption keys, and public encryption keys. The implementation of public key information encrypting keys is the result of the mathematical combination of the encryption and decryption keys. Public key management was developed for a communications channel requirement to establish cryptographic connectivity between two points, after which a symmetrical cryptogen such as DES was to be executed. Over the years, public key implementations have demonstrated their effectiveness to authenticate between two entities. However, to take the authentication process to a global certificate process has not been successfully done. Stated in other words, public key management is effective in an information model that defines point-to-point communications channels where the information encrypted does not need to be recovered.
Many of the recent implementations of public key management have left users with an option to create their own pair-wise connectivity within the network. This action can leave an organization vulnerable, and in some cases liable, if that user leaves the organization without identifying the keys that were previously used for encrypted files or data. Also, to assure the integrity of the public key from misuse, a third-party infrastructure scheme has surfaced, that is, a certificate authority process is created to mathematically confirm that a particular public key was issued to a specific user. The exchange of certificates with a third party can significantly impact the performance of a network. Further, this raises the legal issue of whether an organization should give a third party control over the validation of corporate correspondence.
A negative aspect of the public key process is a high computation time, which can impact the performance of an information application. In many instances, hardware solutions have compensated for the high computational requirements. Semi-public key architecture historically has been a point-to-point design; moving to a distributive network with group sharing of information can create higher transmission costs and greater network impact. Although the older key management systems of the 80""s and 90""s worked well for point-to-point communications and one-to-one file transfer, they are too time consuming to use in a case wherein a single file is placed on a file server and decrypted by thousands of users. As the trend toward work groups and complex communications infrastructures continues, the need for more efficient information and communications key management technology becomes paramount.
Shared secret keys or symmetrical key is the earliest key management design and pre-dates public key management. The earlier versions of symmetrical designs suffered what was referred to as the xe2x80x9cn-squaredxe2x80x9d problem in that the number of keys needed was very large as a network expanded, and these designs did not have an effective authentication capability. However, symmetrical encryption has a measurably better system performance than public key implementations.
The key management and distribution design of the present invention builds on the advantages, and takes into account the disadvantages, of both public and symmetrical key management implementations. Constructive Key Management (CKM) combines an encryption process based on split key capability with access control credentials and an authentication process based on public key and identification techniques. The binding method between the symmetrical and public key processes is itself an encryption sequence that ensures integrity to the parts of the processes.
Part of CKM is a split key symmetrical encryption technology. Split keys are key modules that when combined create the session key for the encryption/decryption process. As with all encryption key management processes, a certain portion of the process has to be pre-positioned. For example, the split keys that make up the Credential set must be distributed before a user (or a workstation) can initiate the encryption process.
Constructive Key Management is suited for role-based access designs that look to the roles users have within an organization, and to the information access that should be afforded those roles. Users"" access permissions are changed as their roles within an organization change. As a symmetrical design, the cryptographic architecture model is closed to those users given split keys. A new user (or a workstation) would have to be given, through the process, a suite of split keys to participate in the encryption or decryption process. The CKM encryption process can be amended to data-at-rest such as files or information objects that are used in a store and forward and read later architecture, and the process can be part of the key exchange and the attribute exchange process for a transmission key management architecture.
Constructive Key Management integrates organizational information flow and control with an encryption key creation, distribution, combination, and authentication process. The design can support multiple symmetric key cryptogens or algorithms, and uses a data encryption process of combining split keys. These split keys are created by a Policy Manager for overall organizational distribution and managed through a credential manager to the user. Other administrative features are included in the key management process such as read and write authorization, identification fields, a user terminal field and an access import field for directory authentication. Additional administrative and security features can be realized with a hardware token such as a smart card. The internal Constructive Key Management design process can be used and adapted to various smart card implementations. For example, a 16 Kbit memory card may contain portions of the combiner process and the authentication process with the encryption process performed at the host. Additional memory and processor capability on the card offers further on-card encryption functionality and added authentication capabilities such as biometrics and card integrity techniques.
When a file or a transaction is encrypted using Constructive Key Management, a unique session key is created, used, and discarded. The session key cannot be derived from the file or message header. The (file) header contains the creator""s identity and permissions (labels) indicating the audience of the file. The labels and algorithm form a matrix for separating access to information. The labels may be defined by the organization, or defined for a workstation""s authority, or may be selected by a user. Upon receipt, the header is decrypted and the permission labels are compared to those of the recipient. If the comparison is favorable, other splits are obtained and combined, the session key is reconstructed, and the file is decrypted. If the focus was on protecting the information communications channel, a standardized split key exchange would be done to establish the channel (or tunnel) and to ensure encryption synchronization for maintaining the encrypted channel. Regardless of whether an object is encrypted or a channel is encrypted, no session or key split is transmitted with the information.
If necessary, an organization can recover all files since it controls the total label permission set and the corresponding key splits. Thus a private xe2x80x9crecoveryxe2x80x9d capability is inherent within the symmetrical key management portion.
In addition to the variable key splits associated with the label permission process, other key splits used in the combining process that include a random split, an organization-unique key split, and a maintenance key split for periodic key updates. Each key split, as an entity, is combined with a non-linear function to offer a level of internal integrity to the cryptographic combining process. The resultant combination of key splits results in the session key used for the encryption and decryption processes.
CKM can be implemented completely in software, using a floppy disk as a token, or it can be implemented with a mix of hardware and software, using a smart card as a token. It can be implemented as a stand-alone encryption process, or it can be embedded into an information application. In summary, CKM encompasses a mix of symmetrical and public key management properties that can be used to encrypt objects or establish encrypted channels.
Constructive Key Management was designed to meet goals stated previously. The first level of Constructive Key Management meets the objectives of secrecy, that is, data confidentiality, access control, and user authentication. As a byproduct of the design, data separation and key recovery are available. The design of Constructive Key Management also gives it the functionality of a public key infrastructure. Adding public key cryptography to Constructive Key Management at the second level gives it the capability to meet the last three goals that are broadly termed authentication.
Constructive Key Management uses symmetric key cryptography for secrecy. Role-based access controls are implemented with the use of labeled splits that are combined to generate keys used in symmetric key cryptographic algorithms. Strong user authentication is realized with Constructive Key Management technology in the form of user passwords, biometric data, and tokens, such as a super card or other smart card. Data separation, through labeling and algorithm selection, provides functionality comparable to physical separation.
Constructive Key Management technology lends itself to data-at-rest that may be defined as objects that exist for some time, such as computer files, databases, e-mail messages, etc. However, Constructive Key Management is also suited for channel or pipeline transmitted data. Constructive Key Management technology can be extended beyond applications into lower levels of network protocol, for example, in IEEE 802 protocols or at level 2 in the OSI model of networking. The Constructive Key Management encryption protocol to establish the session key for the channel can be adapted to the parameters of the communications environment.
Constructive Key Management imposes a hierarchical infrastructure on an organization to securely manage splits. This infrastructure also gives Constructive Key Management the ability to distribute public keys, thus giving it the functionality of a public key infrastructure. The scalability of Constructive Key Management infrastructure is better than that of other proposed public key infrastructures, which require additional bandwidth over the network to exchange certificates and public keys. In Constructive Key Management, digital signatures and the Diffie-Hellman key exchange between the smart card and workstation are the principal forms of asymmetric key cryptography used. The Constructive Key Management infrastructure also gives Constructive Key Management the ability to implement a key recovery method. Flexibility in algorithm management means that strong symmetric key algorithms or exportable algorithms can be used.
Constructive Key Management technology meets a set of security objectives that provide the xe2x80x9cclassicalxe2x80x9d role of secrecy. First, data confidentiality keeps the content of information from being revealed to those who are not authorized to read it. This is realized in Constructive Key Management with symmetric key cryptography using a robust key management system that provides a new and unique key for each encryption with the user xe2x80x9cselectingxe2x80x9d the readership for the encrypted object. An object can be a file, a message, or some other defined entity.
Also, access control restricts use of encrypted objects to those entities specifically given permission to use them. Access control in Constructive Key Management is role-based; permissions are granted and revoked based on an entity""s responsibility or position within an organization and not on who or what the entity is. It currently encompasses the actions of encryption and decryption but can include, for example, permissions to use certain programs, certain devices, or specific hardware operating raodes. Further, entity (or user) authentication establishes the identity of a user or other entity to the system. Entity authentication becomes stronger when other enhancements, to be discussed below, are added to Constructive Key Management.
Inherent in Constructive Key Management are the means to meet two additional, xe2x80x9cmodemxe2x80x9d, objectives. First, data separation gives the illusion that data at the same physical location, on a server or network wire for example, is physically separate. Two cryptographic means of separation are used in Constructive Key Managementxe2x80x94separation by algorithm and separation by label. Also, key recovery in Constructive Key Management is the ability to regenerate the keys used to encrypt objects. Within any particular Constructive Key Management domain (or organization), encrypted objects are not lost with the loss of the entity that encrypted the object or the entity to which the encrypted object has been sent. But, at the same time, key recovery is an organized process requiring several deliberate events plus access to the encrypted object in order to regenerate the key and decrypt the object.
A digital signature offers Constructive Key Management the means to meet three additional, xe2x80x9cconventionalxe2x80x9d, security objectives. First, data origin authentication (also called message authentication) corroborates the source of Constructive Key Management encrypted information. Also, data integrity is the ability to prove that a Constructive Key Management encrypted object has not been altered since being encrypted and digitally signed. If digital signatures are not used, then a Message Authentication Code (xe2x80x9cMACxe2x80x9d) or Manipulation Detection Code (xe2x80x9cMDCxe2x80x9d) with encryption can provide data integrity in Constructive Key Management. Further, non-repudiation proves that the signature on a signed object came from the signatory such that the signatory cannot deny having digitally signed the object.


The present invention is directed to systems and methods for radiating radar signals, communication signals, or other similar signals. In one embodiment, a system includes a controller that generates a control signal and an antenna coupled to the controller. The antenna includes a first component that generates at least one wave based on the generated control signal and a metamaterial lens positioned at some predefined focal length from the first component. The metamaterial lens directs the generated at least one wave.

High and medium gain antennas that can be scanned or can produce multiple simultaneous beams are needed for a variety of mobile communications and sensor applications. Typically, the mechanical or electronic systems required to scan the antenna or produce multiple beams are bulky, complex, and expensive.
Conventional scanning lens antennas use a dielectric lens to collimate the spherical wave from a small (low gain) radiator into a narrow beam (higher gain) plane wave. Shifting the location of the feed point of the radiator will scan the antenna beam over limited range of angles. Pattern quality is a function of the focal distance. A thin lens with a long focal length minimizes pattern distortions but will lose power due to spill over and will require a large rigid structure to support the lens and radiator. Shortening the focal distance requires a more complex series of lenses or results in spherical aberrations.
Therefore, there exists a need for a lens antenna that does not exhibit spherical aberrations, has minimal focal length and has a low level of complexity, thereby being cheaper to produce and implement.

Metamaterial scanning lens antenna systems and methods


Embodiments of the present disclosure include techniques and configurations for multi-pulse programming of a memory device. In one embodiment, a method includes applying multiple pulses to program one or more multi-level cells (MLCs) of a memory device, wherein individual pulses of the multiple pulses correspond with individual levels of the one or more MLCs and subsequent to applying the multiple pulses, verifying the programming of the individual levels of the one or more MLCs. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.

Presently, a memory device such as, for example, multi-level cell (MLC) flash memory may include individual multi-level cells (MLCs) that may be programmed to multiple voltage levels. For example, a 2-bit per cell NAND device may include cells that start at an erased voltage level (L0) and may be programmed to one of three program voltage levels (L1, L2 or L3). Such programming may occur in a series of loops where each loop includes only a single program pulse. A programming time for the MLCs may correspond with a number of loops and operations (e.g., program, verify, etc.) performed during the loops. The ongoing demand for faster operation of memory may drive reduction of the programming time in MLC memory devices.


A scan pattern generator for use in a bar code reader which uses a single drive (one coil and one magnet) to produce movement of a reflective surface so as to produce an oscillating movement of the surface in two directions, thereby forming a raster-type scanning pattern when a light beam is reflected off the surface.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention generally relates to a scanning arrangement in a scanner operative for repetitively scanning indicia having parts of different light reflectivity, for example, bar code symbols, and, more particularly, to operating such a scanning arrangement at high speeds in single or multi-axis scan patterns.
2. Description of the Related Art
Various optical readers and optical scanners have been developed heretofore to optically read bar code symbols applied to objects in order to identify the object by optically reading the symbol thereon. The bar code symbol itself is a coded pattern comprised of a series of bars of various widths and spaced apart from one another to bound spaces of various widths, the bars and spaces having different light reflecting properties. The readers and scanners electro-optically decoded the coded patterns to multiple digit representations descriptive of the objects. Scanners of this general type have been disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,251,798; 4,360,798; 4,369,361; 4,387,297; 4,593,186; 4,496,831; 4,409,470; 4,808,804; 4,816,661; 4,816,660; and 4,871,904, all of said patents having been assigned to the same assignee as the instant invention and being hereby incorporated herein by reference.
As disclosed in the above-identified patents and applications, a particularly advantageous embodiment of such a scanner resided, inter alia, in emitting a light beam, preferably a laser beam, emitted from a light source, preferably a gas laser or a laser diode, and in directing the laser beam to a symbol to be read. En route to the symbol, the laser beam was directed to, and reflected off, a light reflector of a scanning component. The scanning component moved the reflector in a cyclical fashion and caused the laser beam to repetitively scan the symbol. The symbol reflected the laser beam incident thereon. A portion of the incident light reflected off the symbol was collected and detected by a detector component, e.g. a photodiode, of the scanner. The photodiode had a field of view, and the detected light over the field of view was decoded by electrical decode circuitry into data descriptive of the symbol for subsequent processing. The cyclically movable reflector swept the laser beam across the symbol and/or swept the field of view during scanning.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,387,297 and 4,496,831 disclose a high-speed scanning component including an electric motor operative for reciprocatingly oscillating a reflector in opposite circumferential directions relative to an output shaft of the motor. Electrical power is continuously applied to the motor during scanning. The light beam which impinges on the light reflector is rapidly swept across a symbol to be scanned in a predetermined cyclical manner. The scanning component comprises at least one scan means for sweeping the symbol along a predetermined direction (X-axis) lengthwise thereof. The scanning component may also comprise another scan means for sweeping the symbol along a transverse direction (Y-axis) which is substantially orthogonal to the predetermined direction, to thereby generate a raster-type scan pattern over the symbol. In addition to a single scan line and the raster-type pattern, other types of scan patterns are also possible, such as, x-shaped, Lissajous, curvilinear (see U.S. Pat. No. 4,871,904), etc. For example, if the X and Y axis scanning motors are both driven such that the light reflectors are driven at a sinusoidally-varying rate of speed, then the scan pattern at the reference plane will be a Lissajous-type pattern for omni-directional scanning of the symbols. The use of two separate scanning motors and control means to produce the multi-axis and omni-directional scanning pattern increases material and labor costs as well as the amount of electrical power needed to operate the scanner. In addition, the relatively complicated motor shaft and bearing arrangements of the scanning components may result in a useful life that is inadequate for some applications. Furthermore, the scanning components disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,387,297 and 4,496,831 are designed for miniature light reflectors and are not well suited for large scale reflectors.

Scan pattern generators for bar code symbol readers