A catalyst composition for treating an exhaust gas, the catalyst composition comprising a molecular sieve, the molecular sieve comprising exchanged copper and exchanged manganese.

The present invention relates to a catalyst and method of converting nitrogen oxides in a gas, such as an exhaust gas of a vehicular lean-burn internal combustion engine, to nitrogen by contacting the nitrogen oxides with a nitrogenous reducing agent in the presence of a transition metal-containing molecular sieve catalyst.
Selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NOx by nitrogenous compounds, such as ammonia or urea, has been used in many applications, including industrial stationary applications. More recently, NOx reduction systems based on SCR technology are being developed for a number of vehicular (mobile) applications in Europe, Japan, and the USA, e.g. for treating diesel exhaust gas.
Several chemical reactions occur in an NH3 SCR system, most of which represent desirable reactions that reduce NOx, specifically NO and NO2, to nitrogen. The dominant reaction is represented by reaction (1).4NO+4NH3+O2→4N2+6H2O  (1)
Competing, non-selective reactions with oxygen can produce secondary emissions or may unproductively consume ammonia. One such non-selective reaction is the complete oxidation of ammonia, shown in reaction (2).4NH3+5O2→4NO+6H2O  (2)
Also, side reactions may lead to undesirable products such as N2O, as represented by reaction (3).4NH3+5NO+3O2→4N2O+6H2O  (3)
Molecular sieves, including aluminosilicate zeolites, may be used as catalysts for SCR of NOx with NH3. One application is to control NOx emissions from vehicular diesel engines, with the reductant obtainable from an ammonia precursor such as urea or by injecting ammonia per se. To promote the catalytic activity, transition metals may be incorporated into the aluminosilicate zeolites.
It is desired to prepare a catalyst composition for SCR of NOx with improved NOx conversion and reduced N2O production.

Bimetallic Cu/Mn catalysts for selective catalytic reduction


A file-management system of a computer operating system transfers a hierarchical set of files. The system generates a histogram of the files' true filesizes, using a non-parametric kernel-density estimation (KDE) procedure to estimate the width of each histogram bin. The system splits the fileset into subsets and generates a second-level histogram to represent the true-filesize distribution of each subset, using the previously estimated kernel width to initialize another KDE procedure for each second-level histogram. The distributions identified by each second-level histogram are used to organize the file transfer into a series of passes, each of which completely transfers a group of files that together fit into the computer's I/O buffer minimal wasted space. A waypoint is set at the beginning of each pass and if the system is interrupted mid-transfer, no file transferred before the most recent waypoint is lost.

The present invention relates in general to computerized technologies that store data, and in particular technologies that transfer stored computer files from one location to another. In this document, the term "files" should be construed to include discrete files, other types of data objects and structure, disk folders, partitions, disk images, databases, virtualized resources, and other types of computerized entities capable of being electronically transferred from one computerized location to another.
Known methods of moving or copying a set of files can transfer files one by one or may group files into subsets and then transfer the subsets one by one. In general, known technologies do not attempt to optimize the organization of files into subsets or the order in which files or subsets are transferred, nor do they allow users to manually configure these settings.

Hierarchical file transfer using KDE-optimized filesize probability densities

International Business Machines Corporation


A method for digital transmission using an AM transmitter includes operating an output stage of the AM transmitter in a linear mode and correcting the supply voltage of the output stage in the linear mode as a function of an instantaneous drive so as to improve efficiency. The correcting is performed by operating the modulator of the AM transmitter as a switched-mode power supply unit so as to deliver a corrected supply voltage to the output stage, and scanning an envelope of a complex modulated data signal so as to control the correcting. A time constant during the scanning of the envelope enables immediate following of a rise in the envelope. The complex modulated data signal is delayed after the scanning so as to perform the correcting during the delay and prevent an overdriving of the output stage.

The present invention relates generally to the field of broadcast transmitters which will be converted from analog amplitude modulation (AM) to digital modulation as digitalization moves forward, and particularly to a method for digital transmission using AM transmitters.
In this context, the intention is for the hitherto usual transmitter types, non-linear AM transmitters featuring an RF input (radio frequency) and an audio input, to continue in use. The reasons for this are as follows:                AM transmitters internally operate in switched mode and therefore have efficiencies which are better by a factor of 3 than those of linear transmitters which are otherwise usually used for digital transmission, for example, in the case of DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) and DVB (Digital Video Broadcasting). This results in a saving of operating costs.        it is easier to convince broadcasters to convert from analog to digital if no great investments come up in the preliminary stages.
The digitalization of AM broadcasting is seen as the only chance to preserve these frequency ranges and the technology used therein in the long term. For implementation purposes, the consortium "Digital Radio Mondiale" was founded, see "Rundfunktechnische Mitteilungen" [Broadcasting Newsletter], 43rd year, 1999, issue 1, pages 29-35.
The use of a non-linear AM transmitter for digital modulation requires a special operating mode of the transmitter. The modulated digital signal is generated by two partial signals (I and Q), which are orthogonal to each other. The I-signal ("in phase") is modulated onto a cosine oscillation having the frequency Ft (carrier frequency). The Q-signal ("quadrature") is modulated onto a sine oscillation having the same frequency Ft. The sum of both modulated oscillations produces the complex modulated data signal (cosine 0 180 degrees, sine 90-+90 degrees). The modulated I/Q-signal is shaped by filters in such a manner that it has exactly the prescribed curve shape with the desired bandwidth.
For non-linear operation, it is required for the modulated I/Q-signal to be converted in such a manner that two signals, an amplitude signal (A-signal) and a phase-modulated carrier signal (RF-P), result therefrom that are suitable for proper control of the AM transmitter. Then, at the output of the AM transmitter, the modulated I/Q-signal is generated again with higher power.
The modulated I/Q-signal corresponds to a Cartesian representation. The Cartesian representation is converted to a polar representation with amplitude and phase. In this manner, the amplitude signal (A-signal) is obtained to control the AM transmitter at the audio input. A phase-modulated radio frequency (RF-P signal) is generated from the initially resulting phase signal (P-signal). Advantageously, the RF-P signal can also be directly obtained without the intermediate step via the P-signal. In this manner, the signals are obtained that are required for controlling the AM transmitter:                amplitude signal (A-signal)        phase-modulated RF signal (RF-P signal)
The A-signal is fed into the modulator input (audio input) of the AM transmitter, and the RF-P signal is used for HF-type control of the transmitter. In the transmitter output stage, the two signals A&RF-P are multiplicatively combined, forming the high frequency digital output signal.
Due to the required conditioning process, both the A-signal and the RF-P signal obtain far larger bandwidths than the one the digital signal originally had and is intended to have again at the output of the transmitter.
Older modulators are frequently not able to provide the increased bandwidths (factor 3-5) because they were not designed for this. When using only the limited bandwidth that "older" transmitters have available in the modulator section, then this results in considerable out-of-band and spurious emissions. These have the property that they have only a very small gradient in the spectrum and therefore interfere with quite a number of adjacent channels.
Moreover, the spurious emissions generally lie above the limits that are coordinated by the ITU so that approval appears to be uncertain.

Method and arrangement for digital transmission using AM transmitters


A New Guinea Impatiens plant particularly distinguished by having salmon-orange flowers, a mounding growth habit, and strong rooting is disclosed.

The present invention comprises of a new and distinct cultivar of New Guinea Impatiens, botanically known as Impatiens×hybrida, and referred to by the variety name 'SAKIMP008'. 'SAKIMP008' originated from an interspecific hybridization between the female Impatiens plant 'NG-02SM-1', an unpatented proprietary Impatiens breeding line with a deep, orange flower color, medium flower size and mounding plant growth habit and the male Impatiens plant 'NC-229', an unpatented proprietary Impatiens breeding line with a magenta flower color, medium flower size and erect plant growth habit, in Misato, Japan.
In January 2004, the female parent line 'NG-02SM-1' and male parent line 'NC-229' were crossed and a population of F1 plants was created. The F1 plants were evaluated in Misato, Japan in an open field trial. The criteria for plant selection included salmon flower color, strong root system and mounding plant growth habit. At the completion of the trial, one single-plant selection was made based on the above criteria and vegetatively propagated. From May to August 2005, the selection was evaluated in an open field in Misato, Japan.
Shoot-tip cuttings of the variety were then shipped to Salinas, Calif., where the plants were regenerated and reevaluated for stability of traits. The selection subsequently was named 'SAKIMP008' and found to have its unique characteristics reproduced true to type in successive generations of asexual propagation via vegetative cuttings in Salinas, Calif.


A video entertainment system includes a master handset electronic device for generating a first control signal, receiving a second control signal, and processing the first control signal and the second control signal, to generate and transmit a video data; and a slave handset electronic device for generating and transmitting a second control signal to the master handset electronic device.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a video entertainment system, and more particularly, to a video entertainment system capable of simultaneously providing complete display images to multiple participants from different sights in a same region, to enhance entertainment experience.
2. Description of the Prior Art
With the progression of technology, small video entertainment device such as hand-held video games, digital music players, etc., have been replaced by portable electronic devices (e.g. smart phones or PDAs, etc.), and the video entertainment market of portable electronic devices is still expending rapidly. Furthermore, portable electronic devices can transmit video data to display devices with larger monitors, to enhance entertainment experience.
Please refer to FIG. 1, which is a schematic diagram of a conventional video entertainment system 10. The conventional video entertainment system 10 includes a handset electronic device 100 and a display device 110. The handset electronic device 100 transmits video data to the display device 110 through wireless local network such as wireless fidelity (WiFi), such that users can watch larger display images, to raise entertainment quality. However, the conventional entertainment system 10 only includes a single handset electronic device, which is suitable to a single user. If there are more participants, the participants need to use the entertainment system 10 in turn, which reduces entertainment experience.


An apparatus for processing an image, including: a body; a lens module disposed on the body; and a control ring disposed on the lens module, wherein the control ring is configured to change a setting value of a setting item.

1. Field
Embodiments of the invention relate to an apparatus for processing an image, and more particularly, to an apparatus for processing an image, wherein the apparatus includes a control ring to set a setting value for capturing an image or for the operation of the apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
An image processing apparatus includes all types of apparatuses which input or process an image of a film camera, a digital camera, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a phone camera, a personal computer (PC) camera, or the like or use an image sensor.
A digital image processing apparatus receives an image through an imaging device and uses a digital signal processor to process the image, compress the image to generate an image file, and store the image file in a memory.
The digital image processing apparatus receives the image through the imaging device and displays the image of the image file stored in a storage medium on a display apparatus such as a liquid crystal display (LCD).
The digital image processing apparatus may include one or more buttons. In this case, a user sets various setting values for capturing an image or for operating the digital image processing apparatus using the buttons. In addition to or alternatively the user may set various setting through a display apparatus such as the LCD. However, it may be difficult for the user to set desired setting values using the buttons and the display apparatus.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Apparatus for processing an image having detachable lens and a ring for setting photographing parameter values


An image forming apparatus that includes a first storage where a first program to communicate with an external interface is stored when the image forming apparatus is in a normal mode, a second storage where a second program which is smaller than the first program in size is stored in order to perform communication with a pre-defined external device through the external interface when the image forming apparatus is in a power saving mode, and a controller which performs communication with the external interface using the first program stored in the first storage or the second program stored in the second storage according to an operation mode of the image forming apparatus.

1. Field of the Invention
Exemplary embodiments relate to an image forming apparatus, a method of connecting with an external device thereof, and a computer-readable recording medium, and more particularly, to an image forming apparatus which is capable of communicating with an external device using different programs according to an operation mode, a method of connecting with an external device thereof, and a computer-readable recording medium.
2. Description of the Related Art
An image forming apparatus is an apparatus which generates, prints, receives, or transmits image data, and examples of an image forming apparatus include a printer, a scanner, a copy machine, a fax machine, and a Multi-Function Peripheral (MFP) which performs the above functions in a single device.
Recently, in order to save power consumption in a power saving mode, an image forming apparatus cuts off power supply to a main memory (generally, Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM)) or converts a mode to a self-refresh state, and uses a separate memory (generally, Static Random Access Memory (SRAM)) to drive a program.
However, a USB host which needs to support various kinds of functions and apparatuses requires a larger space for a stack (a USB host program) as the number of functions and apparatuses supported by the USB host increases and thus, it is difficult to realize all functions of the USB host using a SRAM which has a relatively small capacity. In addition, it is not cost-effective to use an expensive SRAM when a large capacity is required.
Recently, with the development of wireless data communication technology, a wireless LAN module has been applied to various apparatuses, and a wireless LAN module using a USB interface has been used widely in consideration of compatibility with various host devices. However, when an image forming apparatus enters into a power saving mode, power supply to a main memory is cut off and an operation of a USB driver in the main memory stops, and thus it is impossible to communicate with a USB device such as a USB wireless LAN module.
In particular, when a specific job command is transmitted wirelessly as in the case of a wireless printer, it is impossible to output a document even if a print control terminal apparatus (for example, PC, notebook, etc.) transmits data to output the document wirelessly.

Image forming apparatus, method of connecting with external device thereof, and computer-readable recording medium


Method and apparatus for managing concurrent access among computers to a bitmap stored on disk storage. In some examples, a command is received from a requesting computer of the computers, the command indicating that one or more bits in the bitmap are to be cleared. The bitmap as stored on the disk storage is updated responsive to the command to clear the one or more bits in the bitmap. Synchronization data associated with the bitmap is stored. The synchronization data is configured to distinguish between a current generation and a previous generation of the bitmap, and to specify an action to be performed in response to receiving a subsequent command for accessing the bitmap if the subsequent command identifies a previous generation.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to computer systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to managing concurrent access among computers to a bitmap stored on disk storage.
2. Description of the Related Art
Software applications can be executed across multiple servers, such as a cluster of servers ("distributed applications"). Distributed applications are making increasing use of bitmap structures to track state and control the operation of various features. A number of these bitmap structures can be located on disk storage so that the bitmap data can survive failure of one or more servers. Some bitmaps can be related to the storage on which they reside (e.g., a "dirty" sector list, a mirror resynchronization scoreboard, etc.). Many bitmaps are related to general application features, such as cluster membership and the like. One disadvantage for storing bitmaps on a disk, rather than in memory, is the absence in disk command sets of an equivalent to a "test and set" instruction found in many central processing unit (CPU) command sets. For a number of architectural reasons that have been in place for more than 20 years, disk command sets, such as Advanced Technology Attachment (ATA) and Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) command sets, only support data transfers in a single direction per command. Thus, in order to change the status of a single bit in a bitmap on disk, an application has to read all or a portion of the bitmap structure, change the status of the desired bit, and write the result back to the storage. If during that process another initiator begins a similar process to update a different bit, the state of the bitmap on the disk can become corrupted.
One technique for avoiding corruption of bitmaps stored on a disk shared by multiple computers is to implement a temporary restriction that allows exclusive access from only a single computer (e.g., "write exclusive" access) to the disk for the entire duration of the bitmap update process. However, this technique represents a significant impediment to the operation of a distributed application, given that by definite such an application relies on shared access to disk storage. Such exclusive access can either be established within the distributed application by the use of global locks and/or a designated bitmap manager, or by the use of SCSI Reservations or Persistent Reservations. The former creates a bottleneck and single point of failure within the application, and the latter adds significant overhead to the storage access.
The need to establish exclusive access during a bitmap update can be avoided if a disk command was capable of changing the state of one or more bits in the bitmap structure regardless of the setting of the rest of the structure. This would allow the "read-update-write" cycle to take place within the storage device as an atomic series of actions. However, such a command would solve only part of the problem. While such a command provides a mechanism to set individual bits in a bitmap, there is also a need for an application to be able to clear multiple bits in the bitmap at more infrequent intervals. Presently, such a bitmap clear process still requires exclusive access to be established.


A steering apparatus of an in-wheel motor-driven electric vehicle capable of steering the vehicle by controlling torques applied to in-wheel motors mounted in road wheels. The steering apparatus of an in-wheel motor-driven vehicle includes a rigid tie rod having both ends rotatably connected to the in-wheel motors of the left and right wheels through hinge pins; a steering information detecting sensor for detecting a steering operation angle and torque according to user's steering operation; and a controller for calculating torque outputs to be applied to the in-wheel motor of the left wheel and the in-wheel motor of the right wheel based on information on the steering operation angle and torque detected by the steering information detecting sensor and vehicle speed information and controlling operation of the in-wheel motor of the left wheel and the in-wheel motor of the right wheel.

1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to a steering system of an in-wheel motor-driven electric vehicle, and more particularly, to a steering apparatus of an in-wheel motor-driven electric vehicle capable of steering the vehicle by controlling torques applied to in-wheel motors mounted in road wheels, and a steering control method using the steering apparatus.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Due to seriousness of environmental problems and depletion of limited resources caused by use of fossil fuels such as gasoline, diesel and the like, an environment-friendly vehicle such as an electric vehicle, a fuel cell vehicle, or a hybrid vehicle, driven by motors has been developed and driven.
An in-wheel system is a system having individual small motors (in-wheel motors) respectively installed in road wheels to independently and directly control the respective road wheels in an environment-friendly vehicle using electric power as a power source.
The in-wheel system may have a simple driving system as compared with a vehicle having a large motor provided therein and thus have good utilization of space since the individual motors are mounted in the respective road wheels. Further, the in-wheel system may improve behavior performance of the vehicle since the torques for the respective road wheels can be independently controlled by independently and directly controlling the road wheels.
There are also advantages in that steering by driving can be performed by controlling a difference in torque between the left and right road wheels to generate a lateral force and complicated power transfer units such as a transmission and a differential gear may be omitted.
A vehicle using the conventional in-wheel system is mounted with a rack gear, a pinion gear and a steering electric motor for driving the pinion gear as a steering apparatus, and is steered by controlling the electric motor based on sensor information according to user's steering. In addition, a manner of assisting user's steering force through torque outputs of the in-wheel motors has been generalized.
For example, Korean Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2013-0012827 discloses a control apparatus and method of an in-wheel system vehicle, which may provide a straight drive by correcting torques of left and right in-wheel motors when the vehicle is biased to any one side while driving. The in-wheel system disclosed in the above document includes the following procedure: analyzing information on steering angles, a yaw rate, vehicle speed, and steering torque detected in a driving state, determining a bias direction of the vehicle, if it is determined that the vehicle is biased, determining a direction and degree of the bias according to magnitudes of the steering angles and the yaw rate to determine correction torques of the left and right in-wheel motors, and then, controlling the in-wheel motors by driving torques with the correction torques applied thereto, which are determined from the bias of the main driving torque, thereby providing a straight drive.
However, since the conventional in-wheel motor-driven vehicle as described above should be mounted with an additional steering motor as a steering apparatus, there are disadvantages in that due to the additional steering motor, power loss occurs and a production cost is increased.

Steering apparatus of in-wheel motor-driven

KOREA ADVANCED INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY


An example embodiment includes a method of measuring launch parameters of an object in flight. The method includes capturing images of an object in flight. A radius of the object and a center of the object are identified in each of the images. A velocity, an elevation angle, and an azimuth angle are calculated based on the radius of the object, the center of the object, and pre-measured camera alignment values. The method further includes cropping the images to a smallest square that bounds the object and flattening the images from spherical representations to Cartesian representations. The method also includes converting the Cartesian representations to polar coordinates with a range of candidate centers of rotations. Based on a fit of the polar image pair, the spin axis and spin rate are measured.

Launch parameters may generally include kinematics parameters of a moving object measured at launch. Launch parameters generally involve some assumptions made on the environmental condition such as wind speed. Some example launch parameters may include, but are not limited to, speed, elevation angle, azimuth angle, spin rate, and spin axis. With the assumptions and launch parameters, an entire trajectory of an object may be extrapolated. For example, some systems configured to measure the launch parameters can provide the shape of trajectory from start till the end of the flight.
Currently, launch monitor systems may be used to measure launch parameters. Most launch monitors use either radar or high-speed cameras to capture data from which launch parameters are measured. The current launch monitors suffer from some shortcomings. For example, the radar-based launch monitors are complex and cost prohibitive for general consumers. Specifically, the radar-based launch monitors use multiple sample points, specially-marked objects, cannot adequately deal with indoor reflection, and are generally operated and calibrated by trained personnel.
Likewise, the high-speed camera-based launch monitor suffers from multiple problems. For instance, the optical characteristics, alignment of the camera, and illumination in the environment are critical in these systems. Thus, the camera-based launch monitor is calibrated regularly. The calibrations often vary from one environment to another. For example, a change in background lighting profile may require a recalibration so that the object can be located. The steps to calibrate and align the camera-based launch monitor involve equipment and skill that average consumers do not possess. Also, vast resources are needed to provide on-site or off-site technical assistance to help users with setup, calibration, and alignment.
The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that solve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background is only provided to illustrate one example technology area where some embodiments described herein may be practiced.

Image processing for launch parameters measurement of objects in flight


A multimode fiber optical fiber transmission system includes an improved configuration for launching a single mode long wavelength transmission signal into existing multimode optical fiber networks. More specifically, the invention utilizes new single mode long wavelength VCSEL devices to realize a novel transmitter/transceiver for multimode fiber links where offset launch with controlled mode conditioning is achieved without the use of a mode conditioning patchcord, and in some embodiments, without the use of any collecting or focusing elements.

The present invention relates to optical fiber transmission systems and more particularly to an improved configuration for launching a single mode long wavelength transmission signal into existing multimode optical fiber networks.
Much of the installed based of optical fiber consists of multimode fiber. The problem addressed by this invention is that a significant amount of the installed multimode fiber base consists of inferior quality fiber where the bandwidth associated with the Over-Fill Launch (OFL) condition is not realized. In fact, approximately 10% of installed fiber can suffer bandwidth collapse with long wavelength laser transmitters when launched on axis or with a typical offset of 3 to 7 um for a multimode fiber connector. This has been a serious problem in the past, and has been the focus of many experts in this area for the past 15 years. As early as 1991, the U.S. Pat. No. 5,077,815 to Yoshizawa disclosed the general concept of launching the transmission signal down the multimode fiber offset from the optical axis of the core. Yoshizawa utilized a single mode optical fiber coupled to a laser diode, or LED, for launching the transmission signal into the core of the multimode fiber. The single mode fiber was butt-coupled to the end face of the multimode fiber with the core of the singe mode fiber offset from the optical axis of the multimode fiber. Alternate configurations using lenses to focus the optical radiation from the single mode fiber to the multimode fiber were also disclosed. The theoretical basis for the realized improvement in bandwidth was believed to be a preferential excitation of higher order mode groups as opposed to lower order mode groups.
In 1995 the U.S. Pat. No. 5,416,862 to Haas identified that adding an angle to either a center launch or an offset launch would further preferentially excite higher order mode groups traveling in the multimode fiber and would also increase bandwidth.
The most recent work in this area can be found in the U.S. Pat. No. 6,064,786 to Cunningham et al which describes a theoretical model that distinguishes preferential excitation of only mid-order modes. The primary configurations claimed in Cunningham use a long wavelength (1300 nm) Fabry Perot edge emitter diode, and require the use of a multimode collecting fiber for collecting optical radiation from the diode. Low order mode groups are excited in the collecting multimode fiber and are launched into a conducting multimode fiber offset from the optical axis of the conducting multimode fiber where they preferentially excite mid-order mode groups. One alternate configuration disclosed in the Cunningham '768 patent briefly describes the experimental testing of a short wavelength (850 nm) VCSEL operating in a single transverse mode and launching the VCSEL radiation into the multimode fiber offset from the optical axis of the core. However, practical use of the system was discounted due to power limitations of the VCSEL. The short wavelength VCSEL described in Cunningham would had to have been operated at a low power in order for it to lase in only a single transverse mode. For the most part, the '768 Cunningham patent seems to set forth an explanation of the theoretical reasons "why" offset launch provides better bandwidth.
Another practical solution for providing an offset launch into multimode fiber communication systems has been addressed by the GbE standards bodies by specifying a mode conditioning patchcord that is used to guarantee a known offset in the range 17 to 23 um for 62.5 um multimode fiber and 10 to 16 um for 50 um multimode fiber where the reduced number of excited modes guarantees satisfactory performance. The mode conditioning patchcord is an extra component used between a conventional single mode fiber transmitter (transceiver) and the multimode fiber system that guarantees the optimum launch condition. Further details of the multimode fiber patch cord configurations can be found in the U.S. Pat. No. 6,304,352 to Cunningham.
A further improved solution to this problem has been found and is the basis for the present invention. The fiber bandwidth demonstrated for the present invention is far better than predicted, and this has opened up a new commercial opportunity for data links on multimode fiber by extending the distances and data transfer speeds that can be accommodated.

Multimode fiber optical fiber transmission system with offset launch single mode long wavelength vertical cavity surface emitting laser transmitter


A method of recording content at a set top box is provided and includes receiving a request to record multiple episodes of a television program. When a copy of a particular episode that has been previously stored in the memory of the set top box is received, a set top box selectively fails to record that particular episode of the television program. Further, the method includes monitoring metadata within an electronic program guide received at the set top box. Using the metadata, a set top box can determine when the particular episode of the television program is to be received and recorded at the set top box.

Many set top boxes that are currently available include a digital video recorder (DVR). A DVR can record content that is received at a set top box and store the content at a memory device for playback at a later time. The DVR can record content in several ways. For example, a user can tune to a selected program and the DVR can automatically buffer the content at a memory device while the user is watching the program in case the user wants to "pause" the show. Also, a user can manually select a program to be recorded by the DVR based on the title of the program or based on the time that the program is schedule to be broadcast. Finally, a user can program the DVR to record multiple broadcasts of a particular program, e.g., different episodes of a television series.
In the situation where a user programs the DVR to record multiple episodes of a particular program, storage space at the memory device can be very quickly consumed, especially if the same episode of a particular program is recorded more than once. As the storage space is consumed, less unique programs, songs, pictures, and other content may be recorded by the DVR, thereby reducing the usefulness of the DVR.
Accordingly, there is a need for an improved system and method for recording television content at a set top box.

System and method for recording television content at a set top box


This new and unique method and apparatus is used for the distribution and administration of medical services, entertainment services, electronic medical records, educational information, etc. to a patient's individual electronic patient care station (PCS) interconnected to a master library (ML) which stores data in digital compressed format, through a local medical information network. The patient/medical personnel interact with this medical information network through the unique PCS and receives the requested service or data from the master library. The data is then displayed either on the associated television set or video monitor or through wireless/IR communications to a peripheral personal data assistant (pen based computer technology) The data for text, audio, and video information is all compressed digitally to facilitate distribution and only decompressed at the final stage before viewing/interaction.

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for distribution and administration of medical services, entertainment services, electronic health records, and educational information useful in hospitals, other types of health care facilities, and patients' homes. Presently, some hospitals are automated only to the extent of storing basic patient information, such as patient's name and address, admitting doctor, type of ailment, etc., electronically in computer memory, to be accessed by administrative staff or, at nursing stations, by nurses or other medical personnel. Otherwise, much patient information is collected manually and stored on pages in the patient's file. Of interest to the present invention is our U.S. Pat. No. 5,133,079 entitled an apparatus for the distribution of movies, in which entertainment services, in the form of movies or the like, are delivered electronically in digitally compressed form from a master library to the home or other location of a customer.
Of general background interest to the present invention are the following references, namely Brimm, et al U.S. Pat. No. 5,077,666 (December, 1991) which describes and illustrates the data entry system intended for intensive care, with two display units at each bedside, connected to patient monitoring equipment, which system provides a file server with limited computer functions and some associated disk storage; Cummings, Jr. U.S. Pat. No. 5,301,105 (April, 1994) which teaches a system for health care for patients including a method of payment for billing and a card, personal to a patient, for simple personal identification using magnetic stripe technology; Garcia U.S. Pat. No. 5,065,315 which describes and illustrates a system and method for re-scheduling and reporting patient related services in a hospital, centered on editing procedures and information for a patient and entering information pertinent to a patient's stay in a hospital, including scheduling for tests; Wilhelm U.S. Pat. No. 5,319,543 (June, 1994) directed to a system for central processing of medical records and management of work flow associated with the storing and tracking of electronic medical records based on PC workstations located at nursing stations or physician's offices and Chaco U.S. Pat. No. 5,291,399 (March, 1994) which teaches a system which distributes and processes medical information, optionally by keyboard data entry at a patient's bedside.

Method and apparatus for electronically accessing and distributing personal health care information and services in hospitals and homes


A method and apparatus for measuring the total erosion rate and downstream transport of suspended and bedload sediments using an adjustable shear stress erosion and transport (ASSET) flume with a variable-depth sediment core sample. Water is forced past a variable-depth sediment core sample in a closed channel, eroding sediments, and introducing suspended and bedload sediments into the flow stream. The core sample is continuously pushed into the flow stream, while keeping the surface level with the bottom of the channel. Eroded bedload sediments are transported downstream and then gravitationally separated from the flow stream into one or more quiescent traps. The captured bedload sediments (particles and aggregates) are weighed and compared to the total mass of sediment eroded, and also to the concentration of sediments suspended in the flow stream.

The present invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for measuring aqueous erosion and transport from a sediment core sample and, in particular, to an adjustable shear stress erosion and transport flume having a variable depth sediment core sample.
Many contaminants are sorbed to sedimentary particles and are buried at depths of up to several meters in the bottom sediments of rivers, lakes, estuaries, and near-shore areas of the oceans. An important question is whether these buried sediments (and associated contaminants) can be exposed and transported during large floods and storms. In order to answer this question, knowledge of the erosion and transport properties of sediments at high shear stresses (up to and exceeding 10 N/m2) and with depth through the sediment layer (up to and exceeding one meter) is needed.
To characterize the movement of sediments in aquatic systems one must not only have an understanding of the bulk erosion rates of sediments, but also be able to distinguish between two primary modes of sediment transport, i.e., suspended transport and bedload transport. As shown in FIG. 1, suspended transport of a sediment grain or particle in flowing water occurs when the vertical component of the turbulent flow velocity is approximately equal to or greater than the settling (i.e., falling) speed of the grain. Unsuspended transport, also known as bedload transport, includes a variety of transport mechanisms, such as saltation, rolling, sliding, and tumbling. Saltation occurs when a particle momentarily leaves the bed and rises no higher than a few grain diameters. Rolling, sliding, and tumbling are additional processes wherein particles are transported along the bed primarily by the horizontal force of the overlying flow of water. In bedload transport, the particles receive no significant upward impulses other than those due to successive contacts between the solid and the bed; the fluid impulses on the grains being essentially horizontal. Saltation transport is generally included in bedload transport since saltation is restricted to only a few grain diameters in height above the bed.
Erosion of sediments in river and streambeds, along ocean beaches, harbors, and waterways, and around bridge support structures, is a complex process that depends on many variables. Sediments may erode particle-by-particle (e.g., sand and gravel), or may erode as aggregates or chunks, especially if the particles are fine-grained and cohesive (e.g., clay or silt). The chunks can vary in size from microns to centimeters, generally do not re-suspend, and are made from very fine-grained particles that would re-suspend if disaggregated. Sediments may also be contaminated with chemical, biological, or industrial contaminants, which can affect the degree of cohesiveness. Erosion and transport rates can also depend on grain size, shape, density, degree of cohesiveness, chemistry, organic content, and gas content. As shown in FIG. 2, aggregated (cohesive) particles eroded from the bed at an upstream position, X1, can de-aggregate at a downstream position, X2, due to subsequent impacts and collisions with the channel bottom and/or other aggregates and particles (e.g., during saltation transport). Erosion rates and transport modes also depend on the shear stress applied across the sediment""s surface by velocity of the flowing liquid (e.g., water). Typically, a threshold exists where no appreciable erosion occurs below a critical shear stress.
Accurate prediction of erosion rates (bulk or total, suspended, and bedload) and subsequent transport and re-deposition for each mode of transport (suspended or bedload) is complicated by a lack of understanding of the cohesive forces that bind together fine-grained sediments (especially for contaminated sediments). Therefore, a need exists for an apparatus and method that can accurately measure the individual contributions to the total erosion rate of sediments from suspended and bedload erosion processes, whether in the laboratory or in the field.
There is an existing apparatus for measuring bulk erosion of sediments (without transport), called a xe2x80x9cSEDflumexe2x80x9d, which is described in xe2x80x9cMeasurements of Erosion of Undisturbed Bottom Sediments with Depthxe2x80x9d, J. McNeil, C. Taylor, and W. Lick, Journal of Hydraulic Engineering, June, 1996. A similar device is also described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,260,409 to Briaud, et al., xe2x80x9cApparatus and Method for Prediction of Scour Related information in Soilsxe2x80x9d. However, these devices can only measure the total (i.e., bulk) erosion rate of a sediment core sample without any downstream transport, and, hence, cannot independently measure the separate contributions from suspended and bedload erosion while being transported down a channel.
Against this background, the present invention was developed.
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for measuring the total erosion rate and downstream transport of suspended and bedload sediments using an adjustable shear stress erosion and transport (ASSET) flume with a variable-depth sediment core sample. Water is forced past a variable-depth sediment core sample in a closed channel, eroding sediments, and introducing suspended and bedload sediments into the flow stream. The core sample is continuously pushed into the flow stream, while keeping the surface level with the bottom of the channel. Eroded bedload sediments are transported downstream and then gravitationally separated from the flow stream into one or more quiescent traps. The captured bedload sediments (particles and aggregates) are weighed and compared to the total mass of sediment eroded, and also to the concentration of sediments suspended in the flow stream.

Adjustable shear stress erosion and transport flume


The present invention provides liquid electrolyte electrochemical cassettes and stacks thereof which are suitable for a use in a variety of electrochemical, ion exchange, and battery applications. The present invention also provides methods of manufacturing the liquid electrolyte cassettes and stacks of the invention. In certain preferred embodiments, the invention provides cassettes and stacks which are suitable for use in fuel cell and flow through battery applications.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to the fabrication of liquid electrolyte-based cassettes and stacks made via encapsulation of the component parts by a resin or thermoplastic matrix. The present invention provides liquid electrolyte electrochemical cassettes and stacks in which at least one reagent and an electrolyte are circulated within the stack or cassette during operation. Cassettes and stacks of the invention are particularly well suited for use in various electrochemical applications, including fuel cells and flow through batteries as well as ion-exchange applications.
2. Background
Electrochemical cells, and particularly, liquid electrolyte batteries and fuel cells are well known in the art. Liquid electrolyte fuel cells convert chemical energy to electrical power with virtually no environmental emissions and differ from a battery in that energy is not stored, but derived from supplied fuel. Therefore, a fuel cell is not tied to a charge/discharge cycle and can maintain a specific power output as long as fuel is continuously supplied. The large investment into fuel cell research and commercialization indicates the technology has considerable potential in the marketplace. However, the high cost of fuel cells when compared to conventional power generation technology has deterred their potentially widespread use. The cost of fabricating and assembling fuel cells can be significant, due to the materials and labor involved, and as much as 85% of a fuel cell's cost can be attributed to manufacturing. Current applications of liquid electrolyte fuel cells are limited to space and military applications requiring high power output and where cost is of little concern.
A single cell liquid electrolyte fuel cell consists of a gas permeable anode and a gas permeable cathode separated by a ionically conducting liquid layer. Energy conversion begins when the reactants, reductants and oxidants, are supplied to the anode and cathode compartments, respectively, of the liquid electrolyte fuel cell. Oxidants include pure oxygen, oxygen containing gases, such as air, and halogens, such as chlorine. Reductants, also referred to herein as fuel, include hydrogen, natural gas, methane, ethane, propane, butane, formaldehyde, methanol, ethanol, alcohol blends and other hydrogen rich organics. At the anode, the reductant is oxidized to produce charge carriers (e.g. ionic species such as protons or hydroxyl ions which are suitable for use in fuel cell applications), which migrate through the electrolyte to the cathode. At the cathode, the charge carriers react with the oxidant. The overall electrochemical redox (reduction/oxidation) reaction is spontaneous, and energy is released. Throughout this reaction, the liquid electrolyte serves to prevent the reductant and oxidant from mixing and to allow ionic transport to occur. The gas permeable anode and cathode prevent leaching of the liquid electrolyte into either the oxidant or the reductant flow field.
The present invention builds on the fuel cell cassette and related methods of manufacture described in our World Publications WO 02/43173 and WO 03/036747, and International Patent Application PCT US03/12684, all of which applications are incorporated herein by reference.
Briefly, WO 02/43173 details a three-step process for the formation of membrane based fuel cell cassettes which includes the following:
1) Sealing of unused manifold openings/ports on each of the particular flow fields (fuel, oxidant, and coolant). For example, in the case of the oxidant flow field, ports utilized for the distribution of fuel and coolant (on other layers) must be sealed about their perimeter to prevent the mixing of these input streams.
2) Sealing of all the ports within the membrane electrode assemblies (MEA) to prevent the leakage of the reactants within the MEA layers.
3) Layering these components (appropriately sealed as described) within a mold or fixture in a method prescribed by the particular stack design. Once the pieces are assembled within the fixture, a resin is introduced about the periphery. Using resin transfer molding or injection molding techniques, the resin is forced into the edges of the cassette assembly. Once hardened, it provides structural support and edge sealing over the assembly.
The resulting fuel cell cassette is then transformed into a fuel cell stack with the addition of end plates. Such a construction provides appropriate manifolding and a means of compression.
Building on that technology, WO 03/036747 and International Patent Application PCT US03/12684 detail a one step sealing process for the formation of membrane based, fuel cell cassettes which included providing a precut MEA and either bipolar plates or flow fields and separator plates wherein each component of the cassette or stack is precut with manifold openings and channels or openings for introducing a sealant into each component of the stack. The assembled stack is then encapsulated with a resin such that the resin encapsulates a substantial portion of the periphery of the cassette and stack and seals at least a portion of the components adjacent to the sealant channels or openings.
Based on our advances in the fabrication of membrane based electrochemical devices, it would be highly desirable to develop fuel cell stacks and cassettes which operate using a liquid electrolyte instead of an ion conducting membrane, with similar improvements in reliability and further reductions in labor and associated costs.

Liquid electrochemical cell stacks and manufacturing methods for same


A method for producing collagen-based scaffolds with improved characteristics, which broadens the usage of collagen in tissue engineering and the products so produced are described. The method comprises reconstitution of three-dimensional collagen matrices from collagen monomer solution and crosslinking the matrix with a light source in the presence of a photosensitizing reagent. The crosslinked products can be in any shape and form and used in the dry or wet state, for applications including but not limited to tissue engineering and controlled drug delivery.

(1) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to crosslinked collagen scaffolds. More particularly, it relates to the method of crosslinking and producing collagen-based scaffolds with improved properties using light and photosensitizing reagent, and to the products produced by the method.
(2) Description of Related Art
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the extracellular matrix of human tissue and plays important roles in providing structural support as well as performing other functions in tissue growth and regeneration. Apart from collagen, other types of extracellular matrix components such as proteoglycans, elastin, etc. also play important roles in maintaining tissue structure and function. Producing scaffolds simulating natural tissue is an essential enabling technology in the tissue engineering industry.
Collagen is the best natural biomaterial for tissue engineering because of its close resemblance to nature, and its negligible immunogenecity and excellent biocompatibility. However, unprocessed collagen usually has insufficient mechanical properties for it to be useful in engineering tissues in particular the weight-bearing tissues such as tendons, ligaments, intervertebral discs, etc. Unprocessed collagen is also difficult to manipulate and put sutures through during the implantation process. Further, unprocessed collagen is highly water swellable and is vulnerable to enzymatic digestion and thermal denaturation.
Crosslinking has been used to improve the properties of collagen and therefore is crucial in the tissue engineering industry. Tissue engineering companies have disclosed various methods for crosslinking collagen constructs and scaffolds using chemical methods such as treatment with glutaraldehyde (Cavallaro, U.S. Pat. No. 5,718,012 for "Method of Strength Enhancement of Collagen Constructs") and physical methods such as lyophilization (Kemp et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,256,418 for "Collagen Constructs") to enhance the strength and stability of the structures. Other physical crosslinking methods such as ultraviolet (UV) and gamma irradiation and dehydrothermal treatment have also been reported.
However, both chemical and physical crosslinking methods have encountered problems. Chemical crosslinking of collagen using a reagent such as glutaraldehyde, although efficient, compromises the biocompatibility of scaffolds because the toxic residual chemicals and degradation products induce cytotoxicity and calcification (Simmons D. M. et al., "Evaluation of Collagen Cross-Linking Techniques for the Stabilization of Tissue Matrices", Biotechnol Appl Biochem. 17 (Pt 1):23-9 (1993)). Physical crosslinking methods are time-consuming (Weadock K. S. et al., "Crosslinking of Collagen Fibers: Comparison of Ultraviolet Irradiation and Dehydrothermal Treatment", J Biomed Mater Res. 29(11):1373-9 (1995); and Billiar K. et al., "Effects of Carbodiimide Crosslinking Conditions on the Physical Properties of Laminated Intestinal Submucosa", J. Biomed Mater Res. 56(1):101-8 (2001)), and compromise the stability of scaffolds because UV and gamma irradiation, and the harsh processing conditions in the dehydrothermal treatment method denature the protein (Weadock et al., supra; Billiar et al., supra). As a result, a long-felt need has existed for alternative methods of enhancing the physico-chemical properties of collagen coupled with features such as rapid and efficient processing, nil toxic substances, non-thermal processing and absence of denaturation of collagen.
Previous studies involving light-activated processes to stabilize xenografts (heterografts) such as pericardial tissues, and heart values for transplantation have been reported (Adams A. K. et al., "Crosslink Formation in Procine Valves Stabilized by Dye-Oxidated Photooxidation", J. Biomed Mater Res, (57):582-587 (2001); Moore M. A. et al., "Stablization of pericardial tissue by dye-mediated photooxidation", J. Biomed Mater Res, 28(5):611-618 (1994)). These studies were aimed at further stabilizing intact tissues having extracellular matrix protein networks and the intrinsic mechanical properties thereof. The xenograft repair approach differs greatly from that used in tissue engineering, in which tissue-like scaffold structures are built from basic units such as extracellular matrix components, cells and growth-stimulating bioactive factors.
Studies on the crosslinking of collagen proteins in solution using light-activated processes have been reported (Pitts J. D. et al., "New Photoactivators for Multiphoton Excited Three-Dimensional Submicron Cross-Linking of Proteins: Bovine Serum Albumin and Type I Collagen", Photochem., Photobiol 76(2): 135-144). The average laser power used to create submicron structures ranged up to 1010 W/cm2. Although there was no evidence as to whether the collagen was denatured and whether the processed collagen structures have improved strength and stability, at such high power, collagen protein is very likely to coagulate and become denatured. Therefore, the crosslinking is based on thermal mechanism.
Mechanic, U.S. Pat. No. 5,147,514 for "Process for Crosslinking Collagenous Material and Resulting Products" describes a photooxidative process for crosslinking proteins using photocatalysts in the presence of oxygen. This patent discloses the oxygen dependence of the crosslinking process in that bubbling of air or oxygen, or stirring the reaction mixture vigorously was used to increase the concentration of oxygen. Further, a photocatalyst was used so that the compound did not change before and after the process. This is not the case for the photochemical crosslinking process of the present invention in that the photosensitive reagent participates in the crosslinking process. Moreover, the prior art crosslinking process does not strengthen or stiffen the crosslinked products and therefore cannot solve the major problem, namely, the inadequate mechanical properties of unprocessed collagen used as scaffolds for tissue engineering. Further, the patent does not reveal any intention to produce larger and thicker scaffolds. The thickness of collagen scaffolds to be crosslinked by irradiation is limited because of the depth of penetration of the light source.

Photochemically crosslinked collagen scaffolds and methods for their preparation


One embodiment of the present invention provides a method of creating a set of spreading codes for use in a satellite navigation system comprising a constellation of satellites. Each satellite in the constellation is to be allocated a spreading code from the set of spreading codes. The method comprises generating an initial set of bit patterns (105), where each bit pattern represents a potential spreading code, and performing an optimization process on the initial set of bit patterns (110). The optimization process modifies at least some of the bit patterns in the initial set to create a final set of bit patterns for use as the set of spreading codes (115) for the satellite navigation system. Receivers that support the satellite navigation system incorporate the final set of bit patterns for use in signal acquisition and position determination.

Satellite navigation systems are becoming increasingly important in a wide range of applications, including handheld devices for position determination, in-car navigation support, and so on. The main satellite navigation system in service at present is the global positioning system (GPS) operated by the United States Department of Defense. Worldwide sales of GPS equipment reached nearly 3.5 billion dollars by 2003, and this figure is expected to grow steadily over the next few years. A European counterpart satellite navigation system, named Galileo, is planned for launch and service availability later this decade.
A satellite navigation system comprises a constellation of satellites that each broadcasts one or more signals to earth. The basic components of a satellite signal are a spreading code (also referred to as a positioning, synchronisation or ranging code) which is combined with navigation data. The resulting combination is then modulated onto a carrier at a set frequency for transmission to earth. In some cases, multiple signals (referred to as channels) may be modulated onto a single carrier via some appropriate multiplexing scheme. In addition, each satellite generally transmits at multiple frequencies, which can help to compensate for any atmospheric distortion.
The spreading code component of a satellite signal typically comprises a predetermined sequence of bits (sometimes referred to as 'chips') and is used to perform two main tasks. Firstly, the spreading code provides a synchronisation mechanism to allow a receiver to lock onto a satellite signal. Thus each satellite (and typically each channel broadcast from that satellite) has its own synchronisation code. When a receiver is first switched on, it does not know which satellite signals can be received, since certain satellites in the constellation will be below the horizon for that particular location at that particular time. The receiver uses the synchronisation codes to lock into a signal from a first satellite. Once this has been done, the navigation data in the signal can be accessed. This then provides ephemeris data for the other satellites in the constellation, and allows the remaining satellites that are visible to the receiver to be acquired relatively quickly.
The second main task of a spreading code is to provide a distance estimate from the satellite to the receiver, based on the time that it has taken the signal to travel from the satellite to the receiver, which can be expressed as: c(Tr−Ts), where:
c is the velocity of light (known, subject to ionospheric effects, etc),
Ts is the time of sending from the satellite, which is encoded into the signal itself, and
Tr is the time of signal receipt at the receiver.
The position of the receiver can then be determined in three-dimensional space by using a process of trilateration, given the known positions of the satellites (as specified in their navigation data). In theory, this can be performed with signal information from a minimum of three satellites. In practice however we can write Tr=Tm+o, where Tm is the measured time of receipt at the receiver, and o is the offset between the receiver clock and satellite clock, which is generally unknown, except for specialised receivers. This then implies that signal information is obtained from at least one additional satellite to compensate for the unknown time offset at the receiver. If signals from further satellites are available, a statistical position determination can be performed using any appropriate algorithm such as least squares. This can also provide some indication of the error associated with an estimated position.
One important parameter for the spreading code is the bit rate at which the spreading code is transmitted, since this in turn controls the accuracy with which the positional determination can be made. For example, with a bit rate of 1 MHz, each bit represents a light travel time of 300 meters. The positioning accuracy is then determined by how accurately the phase offset between the satellite and the receiver can be judged for a single bit. This is generally dependent upon the noise in the system. For example, if the phase offset can be measured to an accuracy of 90 degrees (π/2), this corresponds to a positional determination of 75 meters. It will be appreciated that having a higher bit rate for the spreading code allows more accurate position determinations to be made.
Another important parameter for the spreading code is its total length, in other words the number of bits or chips in the spreading code before it repeats. One reason for this is that the finite length of the spreading code can lead to ambiguity in the position determination. For example, assume that the bit rate is 10 MHz and the total length of the bit sequence is 256 bits, which therefore corresponds to a light travel time of 7.68 km. The distance measurement from the satellite to the receiver is not uniquely specified, but rather can only be expressed as 7.68n+d km, where d is determined by the relative timing of the spreading code as broadcast and as received, but n is an unknown integer. There are various ways in which the ambiguity as to the value of n can be resolved, including using signals from a larger number of satellites, or by using knowledge of an approximate position derived from some other source. One common approach is to relate the code phase to the bit edge of the navigation data bit (this process is called bit synchronization), and also to relate the bit edge to the time of week (ToW) contained in the navigation data transmitted by the satellite.
It will be appreciated that increasing the repetition length for the spreading code helps to reduce problems with ambiguous distance determinations. A longer length for the spreading code also provides better separation of signals from different sources, and increased robustness against interference. On the other hand, having a longer repetition length for the spreading code may delay initial acquisition of the signal, as well as requiring more processing capability within the receiver. One known strategy to counter this problem is to use a hierarchical spreading code based on primary and secondary codes. If we assume that the primary code has N1 bits and the secondary code has N2 bits, then the first N1 bits of the overall spreading code correspond to the primary sequence exclusive-ORed with the first bit of the secondary code, the next N1 bits of the spreading code comprise a repeat of the N1 bits of the primary code, this time exclusive-ORed with the second bit of the secondary code, and so on. This gives a total repetition length for the code of N1×N2. However, the repetition length for synchronisation purposes is only N1, since the primary code will still give a correlation peak irrespective of the value of the bit from the secondary code (this will just change the sign of the correlation peak).
The GPS spreading codes are implemented using linear feedback shift registers (LFSRs), in which selected outputs from an N-stage shift register are tapped and fed back to the input. The feedback connections within the LFSR can be represented as a polynomial of order N, whereby the operation of an LFSR can be fully specified by its polynomial and the initial setting of the LFSR.
GPS uses a subset of LFSRs known as Gold codes that have certain special mathematical properties. One of these is that they generate an output of pseudo-random noise having a maximal repetition length of 2N−1, so that a relatively compact LFSR can generate an output with a long repetition length. Gold codes also have good auto-correlation properties that support accurate positioning. In particular, the autocorrelation function has a well-defined peak at zero time shift, and is relatively small for all other (i.e. non-zero) time shifts. It is also possible to select a set of Gold codes that have good cross-correlation properties, whereby the cross-correlation function between different codes is kept relatively small. This is important for signal acquisition, since it helps to prevent a synchronisation code from one satellite being accidentally mistaken for a synchronisation code from another satellite. A further important practical criterion for a spreading code is to have equal (or nearly equal) numbers of ones and zeros—this is referred to as balancing.
Additional information about satellite navigation systems, and in particular about GPS, can be found in: "Re-Tooling the Global Positioning System" by Per Enge, p 64-71, Scientific American, May 2004, and in "Global Positioning System: Signals, Measurements and Performance", by Misra and Enge, Ganga-Jamuna Press, 2001, ISBN 0-9709544-0-9. Information about the proposed Galileo signals can be found in: "Status of Galileo Frequency and Signal Design" by Hein et al, September 2002, available from: http://europa.eu.int/comm/dgs/energy_transport/galileo/doc/galileo_stf_ion2002.pdf, see also "Galileo Frequency and Signal Design" by Issler et al, GPS World, June 2003, available from: http://www.gpsworld.com/gpsworld/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=61244.
Although the use of Gold codes is well-established for existing satellite navigation systems, there are some limitations associated with such codes. For example, they are only available with certain code lengths (not all values of N can be used for the LFSR polynomial). In general, the code length is determined by the ratio of the chip rate of the spreading code and the bit rate of the navigation data. If the code length is restricted to an available Gold code, then this implies a constraint on the chip rate and the bit rate, which might in turn impact other considerations, such as acquisition time and positioning accuracy. In some cases, the limitation on code length for Gold codes has been overcome by using truncated Gold codes, but this truncation has an adverse impact on the mathematical properties of the code set (in terms of the autocorrelation function, etc).
In addition, the cross-correlation properties of Gold codes are not generally optimised for the situation where the polarity of the code changes from one repetition of the code to the next, in accordance with the navigation data that is being transmitted. This latter problem is exacerbated where the bit rate of the navigation data is relatively high (as for Galileo), since this leads to a significant probability that a spreading code transmission has the opposite polarity from the immediately preceding transmission of the spreading code.

Spreading codes for a satellite navigation system


Vending machines, automated retail stores, and retail displays with a computer controlled, activation system that senses either the gesture of a customer proximate product display tubes or a touch-screen selection on a computer screen. Item-based lighting produces variable visual effects in conjunction with actual or potential vends to provide an enhanced vending experience. Offered products are stored within display tubes that are arranged in orderly geometric arrays. RGB lighting through a plurality of LED banks associated with each display tube are controlled by the activation system Combinations of differently colored LED's are computer controlled on a per product basis to artistically illuminate available products and assist customers. Pre-programmed lighting sequences can switch LEDs off and on, vary their intensity, and alter resultant colors.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to automated, computer-operated vending machines. More particularly, the present invention relates to interactive vending machines with enhanced two-dimensional and/or three dimensional user interfaces that respond to user gestures or presence or touch for vending products.
2. Description of the Related Art
Numerous prior art vending machines exist for selling or vending diverse products through an automated, or 'self-service' format. Vending reached popularity in the late 1800's with coin-operated devices dispensing diverse merchandise. More recently vending machines have evolved to include robotic dispensing components, and/or PCs and virtual interfaces. These new vending platforms have emerged in the marketplace under the popular descriptions "automated retail," "interactive retail," and/or "interactive retail displays." Such vending machines may be deployed within a variety of retail or commercial settings. They typically include illuminated, visual displays that seek to attract and educate customers or potential customers. Products information may be customer-requested utilizing interactive displays, including touch screen computer interfaces and virtual interfaces. However, a disadvantage of known machines relates to their cumbersome and "mechanical" appearance.
Automated retail stores, vending machines, and/or retail display platforms still look and feel like large, unfriendly machines or "mechanical boxes." Such machines provide potential customers with a cold, impersonal and indifferent impression, which is not conducive to maximizing sales. Such prior art vending machines lack the sophistication of traditional retail stores in both the end user and retail display experience. This is due to the standard lighting, interfaces, and display mechanisms within these platforms. Displays are limited in the amount of information that can be communicated about a product and space constraints. Further, they fail to provide the depth of information found in many e-commerce portals. Additionally, information on products within traditional automated retail/vending platforms has historically been limited to either the virtual touch screen or the physical display and there is no perceptual link between touch screen information and products being displayed beyond digital images on the touch screen.
Typically, the presentation of merchandise and information offered by traditional vending machines has not evolved sufficiently to satisfy a discerning consumer of premium or upscale products. The lack of a premium design or appearance has proven to be a hurdle for the distribution of expensive luxury items in automated vending machines. Historically product selection methods in vending, automated retail, or retail displays have included crude mechanical systems such as levers, buttons, and pull posts. More recently, selection have been enabled through touch screens which display virtual pictures of merchandise. Each of these methods requires the user to draw a connection between the disparate areas where a physical product is stored vs. a panel where it is selected.
Known vending, automated retail, retail display, and digital signage platforms lack the ability to directly interface with a physical product to select that product or reveal additional information without having to leverage a virtual representation of the product. The repercussion of this is that there is increased human error in product selection, less intuitive selecting, and inefficiency in purchasing.
It is thus desirable for an ideal, upscale user interface for vending machines or the like enabling such machines to interactively respond to and sense diverse user inputs to increase user-friendliness, engagement and ease of use. Further it is desirable to provide an enhanced vending experience or ambience in conjunction with the vending of upscale products.

Interactive and 3-D multi-sensor touch selection interface for an automated retail store, vending machine, digital sign, or retail display


Disclosed are a photographing method by a smart television and system thereof. The method includes acquiring a picture of an environment captured by a camera of the smart television, when the smart television is photographing; determining a brightness value of current environment of the smart television, based on the picture of the environment; when the brightness value of the environment is less than a preset value, gradually increasing screen brightness of the smart television and showing a preview image of the picture at different screen brightness; and after a required screen brightness is selected by the user according to the preview image of the picture, adjusting the screen brightness to the required screen brightness selected by the user, for the user to be photographed.

Currently, there has been increasing functions on smart televisions. Users can be photographed or be videoed, for example, through a built-in or an external camera of a smart television, which brings the smart television of greater importance in daily life. Accordingly, the smart television with a better photographing function may possibly be more attractive to the users.
However, flash fails to work in the camera of the smart television at present. Thus, other light sources, such as light of a lamp, should be provided to ensure a clear photo, once the smart television is placed in a dark environment. If brightness of other light sources is not sufficient, an unclear photo may be produced by the camera of the smart television.

Photographing method by smart television and system thereof


Apparatus and associated methods relate to active damping of mechanical oscillations of a synchronous generator's drivetrain by modulating an excitation signal provided to the synchronous generator in proper phase relation with detected mechanical oscillations so as to dampen these oscillations. The excitation signal includes a superposition of a voltage-regulation signal and an active-damping signal. The voltage-regulation signal is configured to regulate an output voltage of electrical power provided by the synchronous generator, and the active-damping signal is configured to provide active damping to the drivetrain of the mechanical system that includes the synchronous generator. The active-damping signal is generated by detecting mechanical oscillations of the drivetrain, filter such detected mechanical oscillations such that the active-damping signal has a proper phase relationship with the mechanical oscillations over a predetermined range of frequencies. This proper phase relationship is maintained over the range of frequencies using a second order lag/lead filter.

Electric generator systems convert mechanical energy generated by a prime mover to electrical energy. The prime mover is mechanically coupled to the electric generator by a mechanical drivetrain. The electrical generators generate electrical power in response to mechanical power provided to these electrical generators via the mechanical drivetrain. These electric generators can use a high-performance voltage regulator to regulate an output voltage of the electric power generated, such that the output voltage is substantially independent of variations in the mechanical speed provided to the electric generator and/or variations in the electrical loads connected thereto. Such electric generator systems are used in aircrafts.
In a typical topology, an aircraft engine generates mechanical energy that is provided through a gearbox to a synchronous generator or to multiple synchronous generators. A shaft transmits the mechanical energy from the gearbox to the synchronous generator. Due to a multitude of competing mechanical design considerations, the shaft may be relatively long and mechanically compliant. The inertias associated with the engine, the gearbox, the synchronous generator, and other gearbox driven accessories in combination with the mechanical compliance or spring rates of the mechanical drivetrain, including the generator shaft, create a distributed mechanical spring-inertia system that has associated torsional resonances. There are multiple torsional modes and associated resonances that involve the generators for multiple direct-driven generators on a common gearbox.
Engine gearboxes typically exhibit very lightly damped characteristics, and because the synchronous generator is controlled to maintain an AC voltage, it presents a near constant power load characteristic to the mechanical drivetrain that results in negative damping for disturbance frequencies that are within the generator's voltage regulation bandwidth. In certain situations, depending on the generator speed, the generator electrical load, and the net effective damping in the overall mechanical drivetrain, the torsional resonance of the spring-mass system involving the generator or generators can lead to large, undesirable torsional oscillations and mechanical failures in the system. Mechanical damping may be used to offset the negative damping characteristic of the synchronous generator or generators and thus dampen the torsional oscillations in the spring-inertia system, but mechanical damping requires additional parts that increase the weight and cost of the system.

Active damping of mechanical drivetrain oscillations using generator voltage regulator


A retention device for computer expansion cards, a system including the device, a method of manufacture of the device, and a method of using the device, where the retention device includes a retention clip configured to engage the bracket of the expansion card to reduce flex and rotation of an expansion card when the expansion card and the retention device are installed in an expansion card bay of a computer system, and wherein the retention clip is configured to contact the proximal end of the expansion card.

Computers, including servers, often include expansion capabilities to allow insertion of various expansion cards, such as PCI cards, into the system. In some systems, the card is installed by securing a fastener the PCI card bracket to the case. However, prior systems were prone to flex and rotation of the cards that undesirably effected electromagnetic interference (EMI) patterns of individual systems.

Expansion card retention device and methods thereof


A system for non-destructive inspection using laser profiling and an associated method are provided. The system includes a support surface, and at least one laser carried by the support surface and directed towards the workpiece at an oblique angle such that at least a portion of the workpiece is illuminated by the laser. The system also includes a camera carried by the support surface and capable of capturing reflections from the workpiece, as well as a translation device capable of traveling proximate to the workpiece. The support surface is coupled to the translation device such that the laser and the camera are capable of traveling along the workpiece. The system further includes a data acquisition system capable of communicating with the camera such that the data acquisition system creates an image indicative of at least a portion of the workpiece based on the reflections from the workpiece.

1) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to non-destructive inspection and, more particularly, to non-destructive inspection of a workpiece using laser profiling, as well as an associated method.
2) Description of Related Art
Non-destructive testing of structures involves thoroughly examining a structure without harming, or requiring significant disassembly of, the structure. Non-destructive testing is advantageous for many applications in which a thorough inspection of the exterior and/or interior of a structure is required. For example, non-destructive testing is commonly utilized in the aircraft industry to inspect aircraft structures for any type of internal or external damage to the structure. Metallic aircraft structures are typically inspected for corrosion and/or cracking, particularly near fasteners in the structure. Composite structures are typically inspected for any type of damage, such as delamination, occurring anywhere on or within the composite material.
Various types of sensors may be utilized to perform non-destructive testing. One or more sensors may move over the portion of the structure to be examined, and receive data regarding the structure. For example, ultrasonic testing could be used to generate a sound wave through a sensor or probe that is directed towards a part. When there is a flaw in the part, part of the sound wave will reflect back from the flaw and will be detected. A pulse-echo sensor may be utilized to obtain ultrasonic data, such as thickness gauging, detection of laminar defects and porosity, and/or crack detection in the structure. Resonance, pitch/catch or mechanical impedance sensors may be utilized to provide indications of voids or porosity, such as in adhesive bondlines of the structure. In addition, single and dual frequency eddy current probes, utilizing electromagnetic induction, impart and detect eddy currents within a structure so as to identify cracks and/or corrosion, particularly in metallic or other conductive structures. The data acquired by the sensors is typically processed by a processing element, and the processed data may be presented to a user via a display.
Once a defect is located on a part, the part may be repaired or replaced. If the part is to be repaired, the defect is typically machined (e.g., grinding), which requires an additional inspection to determine the amount of material removed to assess the load-carrying capability of the machined part. Generally, a feeler gauge or ultrasonic time-of-flight methods are used to inspect the machined part. Inspecting with feeler gauges are time consuming, lack useful output for analysis, and are prone to human error. Using ultrasonic time-of-flight inspection is more efficient and reliable than inspecting with a feeler gauge, but ultrasonic inspection utilizes a sensor that is much larger than the size of the grind-out area removed during machining.
Current portable inspection systems may be automatic or manual. For example, automatic scanners such as the Mobile Automated Scanner (MAUS®) system, developed by The Boeing Company, are proficient in inspecting relatively flat parts such as wing and fuselage skins. One type of MAUS® system automatically moves along the structure via a track with strategically controlled suction cups, while another type includes handheld sensors and an associated carriage that is moved along the structure via manual motion. As such, the MAUS® system not only scans the part, but also processes the data regarding the structure, and associates the data with the exact location on the part from where the data was obtained. The data is used to create C-scans and B-scans so that flaws or other items of interest may be detected on the surface of the part.
It would therefore be advantageous to provide an inspection system capable of inspecting a workpiece that is accurate and reliable. Also, it would be advantageous to provide an inspection system that is capable of generating images depicting a surface profile of the workpiece. Finally, it would be advantageous to provide a portable inspection system capable of inspecting portions of interest on a workpiece efficiently.

Non-destructive inspection using laser profiling and associated method


A cable configuration tool includes an attachment base, a first cable retainer, a second cable retainer, and a cable guide. The attachment base includes an attachment point for mounting to an edge of an enclosure and an arm for mounting the first cable retainer, the second cable retainer, and the cable guide. A first aperture of the first cable retainer, a second aperture of the second cable retainer, and a third aperture of the cable guide are each configured to accept the arm of the attachment base, where the first cable retainer, the second cable retainer, and the cable guide are slidable along the arm. One or more cables for creation of a cable harness are placeable along an outer edge of the cable guide, where the cable guide defines a bend radius for the one or more cables of the cable harness.

Proper cable placement during manufacturing and installation of devices present on a computer system ensures that cables are arranged and secured in a repeatable, robust, organized, and serviceable manner. The arrangement and securement of the cables is based on a configuration of a device and typically has to adhere to cable specification (e.g., bend radii) to ensure cable integrated is maintained through the usage life of the cable. Certain types of cables, such as optical cables, are sensitive to bend radii and due to the high configurability nature of the devices on the computer system, there are typically variations in how these types of cables are positioned, installed, and secured.

Cable routing and bend radius defining tool


The aspect of the disclosure is achieved by a cochlear implant system which comprises a microphone unit configured to receive an acoustical signal and transmit an audio signal based on the acoustical signal and an electrode array comprising a plurality of electrodes. Furthermore, the system comprises a processor unit including a filter bank which includes multiple bandpass channels configured to divide the audio signal into multiple bandpass audio signals. Each of the multiple bandpass channel may be confined to an electrode of the plurality of electrodes. Furthermore, the system may comprise a first temporal feature extractor configured to determine a primary group of temporal features of a bandpass audio signal of the multiple bandpass audio signals, and a second temporal feature extractor configured to window filter the bandpass audio signal and determine a secondary group of temporal features of the window filtered bandpass audio signal. The system further comprises a stimulation generator configured to determine a final group of temporal features based on the primary group of temporal features and the secondary group of temporal features, and a similarity measure value of the primary and the secondary group of temporal features is determined for the final group of temporal features. The processor unit is configured to decide based on the similarity measure value whether the final group of temporal features is to be encoded into a stimulation pulse or to prioritize based on the similarity measure value a stimulation pulse encoded based on the final group of temporal features, and wherein the encoded stimulation pulse is transferred to an electrode of the plurality of electrodes, and where the electrode is configured to apply an electrical stimulation to a group of auditory nerve fibers of a recipient of the cochlear implant system based on the encoded stimulation pulse.

Known multichannel cochlear implant systems encode environmental sounds directly into a plurality of stimulation pulses which is then frame coded into one or more stimulation frames using specific temporal feature coding strategies, such as Temporal Fine Structure. Temporal Fine Structure (TFS) coding strategy considers many aspects of a normal hearing physiology. The key point in this type of coding strategy (which distinguishes it from other strategies) is that timing of electrode pulses, such as their onsets, is used to convey those temporal features that would be missing in a standard fixed rate strategy. For example, an audio signal may be divided into multiple bandpass signals, where each of the bandpass signal is confined to an electrode of the cochlear implant system, and a phase of each of the bandpass signal is usually ignored in fixed rate strategies, where in TFS coding strategies an attempt to encode this phase information as electrode timings is made. To do this, each bandpass signal and its phase are often obtained using time-domain-based analyses, such as filter banks, zero-crossing and/or Hilbert metholds. Including a temporal feature, such as phase, in the coding strategy without quantifying its relevance to the hearing brain is not optimal. This is because frequently trade-offs need to be made due to implant or CI user constraints, as a simple example, one cannot stimulate the same electrode at two different rates simultaneously. This issue becomes more important as stimulation pulses conflict a lot which requires the TFS strategy to select and prioritize one pulse and either deviate or delete other pulses to make room.
Therefore, there is a need to provide a solution that addresses at least some of the above-mentioned problems.

Cochlear implant system with an improved selection of temporal features for which to be coded into stimulation pulses


A non-aircraft-propelling auxiliary gas turbine engine installable in an aircraft having a cabin adapted to be pressurized. The auxiliary gas turbine engine includes an auxiliary-gas-turbine-engine compressor having an inlet, wherein the inlet is adapted to receive pressurized air from the cabin. A method for operating a non-aircraft-propelling auxiliary gas turbine engine of an aircraft includes providing pressurized air from the cabin of the aircraft to an inlet of a compressor of the auxiliary gas turbine engine. The method includes providing compressed air from the compressor to a combustor of the auxiliary gas turbine engine and includes providing combustion gases from the combustor to a turbine of the auxiliary gas turbine engine, wherein the turbine is mechanically coupled to the compressor.

The present invention relates generally to gas turbine engines, and more particularly to a non-aircraft-propelling auxiliary gas turbine engine of an aircraft and to a method for operating such an engine.
Known auxiliary gas turbine engines are installed in some aircraft to provide mechanical shaft power to electrical and hydraulic equipment such as electrical power generators and alternators and hydraulic pumps. The inlet of the compressor of such auxiliary gas turbine engines receives air from the atmosphere. Because the density of air decreases with increasing altitude, such auxiliary gas turbine engines, at increased altitude, must either work harder to produce a desired shaft power resulting in an increased operating temperature or must reduce the output shaft power to stay within an operating temperature limit.
Still, scientists and engineers continue to seek improved non-aircraft-propelling auxiliary gas turbine engines for aircraft and improved methods for operating such engines.

Aircraft auxiliary gas turbine engine and method for operating


A novel protective cap or elbow connector comprises a semi conductive insert which includes an additional volume of air which surrounds energized portions of the elbow connector or protective cap beyond what is necessary to accommodate a female bushing. During separation of the elbow connector or protective cap from the female bushing, the semiconductive insert stretches, which increases the volume of the interior space between the elbow connector or protective cap and the female bushing. Because the additional volume of air is provided, the reduction in pressure during separation is lessened, so that the dielectric strength of the air surrounding energized portions of the elbow connector or protective cap is maintained at a higher level. The increased dielectric strength of the air significantly reduces the possibility of a flashover occurring during separation of the elbow connector or protective cap from the female bushing.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to electrical connector assemblies such as those used to connect portions of electrical utilities, and more particularly, to loadbreak separable connectors.
2. Description of the Related Art
High-voltage separable connectors interconnect sources of energy, such as transformers, to distribution networks and the like. Frequently, it is necessary to connect and disconnect the electrical connectors. These connectors typically feature a male connector which contains a male contact, and a female connector which contains a female contact. The male connector may be in the form of an elbow connector or a protective cap, for example, and the female connector may be in the form of a bushing. The male contact is typically maintained within the elbow connector or protective cap, and the female contact is contained within the bushing.
Disconnecting energized connectors is an operation known as loadbreak. During loadbreak, the male connector (e.g., elbow connector or protective cap) is pulled from the female connector (e.g., bushing) using a hotstick to separate the connectors. This, in effect, creates an open circuit. During loadbreak, a phenomenon known as a flashover may occur, whereby an arc from an energized connector extends rapidly to a nearby ground. Existing connector designs contain a number of arc extinguishing components so that the connectors can have loadbreak operations performed under energized conditions with no flashover to ground occurring. Even with these precautions, however, flashovers have occurred on occasion.
A breakdown in dielectric strength of the air surrounding the metal contacts can occur before the metal contacts that carry the load current actually separate. This breakdown may result in a small flash which causes little or no damage, but which may cause contamination of the interface between the male connector and female connector. On rare occasions, the flash is accompanied by a power follow current that can cause a large external arc. A large external arc may damage the equipment or possibly create a power outage.
The reduction in dielectric strength arises because the dielectric strength of air is a function of pressure. When the connectors are being disconnected, a partial vacuum is created by the expansion of the volume of the enclosed space between the male connector and the female connector. The increased volume during this initial separation results in a lower air pressure and reduced dielectric strength of the air surrounding the energized portions of the connectors.
The reduction in dielectric strength may be especially pronounced in cold weather, for example, or where the lubricating grease between the connectors has evaporated or has been forced out of the interface between the male connector and the female connector. Without sufficient lubrication, the elbow connector or protective cap grabs the bushing tightly, causing the elbow or cap to stretch to a significant extent before separating. This further expands the cavity between the elbow or cap and bushing, resulting in a significant reduction in pressure and dielectric strength, which increases the likelihood of a flashover.
The reduction in air pressure during disconnection also increases the force required to separate the male connector from the female connector, as the suction tends to increase the force which holds the parts together. Conversely, the surrounding air must be compressed during insertion of the male connector onto the female connector, which increases the force necessary to connect the two parts.