A hydrostatic positive displacement machine (1) with a variable displacement volume includes a cradle (3) pivoted by a hydraulic positioning device (7) having a positioning piston device (8). A position-controlled control valve (10) generates a control pressure and includes axially displaceable and locked setting valve means (20) and the rotatable feedback valve means (21). Control cross sections are exposed by an axial displacement of the setting valve means (20) relative to the feedback valve means (21) and are closed by rotational movement of the feedback valve means (21) relative to the setting valve means (20).

Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a hydrostatic positive displacement machine, in particular an axial piston machine with a variable displacement, which to vary the displacement has a pivoting cradle that can be pivoted by a hydraulic positioning device around a pivot axis. The positioning device for pivoting the cradle around the pivot axis has a positioning piston device and, to generate a control pressure that acts on the positioning piston device, has a position-controlled control valve which, to set a pivot angle control value of the pivoting cradle, has setting valve means which are actuated by a setpoint device and comprise feedback valve means which are mechanically coupled with the pivoting cradle for feedback of the current pivot angle value of the pivoting cradle.
Description of Related Art
Hydrostatic positive displacement machines with variable displacement are used as pumps or motors and can be operated in an open or a closed circuit. During the operation of these positive displacement machines, it has proven to be advantageous if the displacement can be varied by varying the inclination of a pivoting cradle on which there is a swash plate on which the displacement pistons of the displacement machine are supported. Hydraulic adjustment devices that can be mechanically, hydraulically, or electrically actuated and controlled are commonly used for this purpose.
To position the pivoting cradle, hydraulic positioning devices have a positioning piston device with at least one positioning piston which can be pressurized with a control pressure, and which is engaged with the pivoting cradle to position the cradle and which thus determines its inclination and therefore the displacement volume. A position-controlled control valve is provided to generate the control pressure exerted on the positioning piston device. The control valve is in communication with a control pressure source and a reservoir and controls the pressurization of the positioning piston compression chambers of the positioning piston device with the control pressure generated by the control pressure source or its decompression (depressurization) to the reservoir. To set a pivot angle control value for the pivoting cradle, the position-controlled control valve has setting valve means which are actuated by a setpoint device, and feedback valve means which are mechanically coupled with the pivoting cradle for feedback of the current pivot angle value of the pivoting cradle.
On positive displacement machines with a position-controlled control valve and a position feedback of the current pivoting angle value, electro-hydraulic positioning devices are known in which electrically actuated control pressure valves, such as proportional pressure reducing valves, are provided as the setpoint device. From an electrical actuation signal, the proportional pressure reducing values generate as a pivot angle control value of the pivoting cradle a hydraulic actuation pressure for a hydraulically actuated slave cylinder, which specifies a stroke to a hydraulically actuated slave cylinder. The slave cylinder is mechanically connected by a rotating lever with the control valve and the pivoting cradle. As a result of the stroke of the slave cylinder, on the control valve (in the form of a longitudinal slide valve), there is an axial movement of the control slide valve (in the form of a longitudinal slide valve member) which forms the setting valve means and connects the positioning piston compression chambers of the positioning piston device with the pivoting cradle by exposing cross sections with the control pressure source and the reservoir so that the pivoting cradle is pivoted around the pivoting axis. The pivot point of the rotary lever in a positioning device of this type is located outside the pivot axis of the pivoting cradle. When there is a pivoting movement of the pivoting cradle and a pivot angle control value specified by the movement of the slave cylinder, by means of the rotary lever (which is coupled with the pivoting cradle) there is thus an axial tracking of the longitudinally displaceable member of the control valve until the exposed control cross sections are reduced in size to the extent that the pivoting movement of the pivoting cradle ends and thus the pivoting cradle is in a positionally balanced control position.
A control valve in the form of a longitudinal slide valve with a control slide valve member which can be displaced longitudinally, is known from FIGS. 5 to 8 of DE 197 53 866 A1. The control valve can be actuated by a rotary lever and the feedback on the position of the pivoting cradle is provided by the rotary lever. Because of the requirement for a rotary lever, however, a position-controlled control valve in the form of a longitudinal slide valve member entails a high cost for components and thus a great deal of construction effort. If the rotary lever is actuated to set the pivot angle control value of a hydraulically pressurized slave cylinder, the number of components and thus the construction effort increases even further, not to mention the fact that the positioning device occupies a great deal of construction space.
To eliminate the expense and effort required for a rotary lever of this type, it is known from FIGS. 1 to 4 of DE 197 53 866 A1 that the feedback of the position of the pivoting cradle on a longitudinally displaceable sleeve of the control valve in the form of a control slide valve is preferable as the feedback valve means. The longitudinal slide valve member of the control slide valve, which forms the setting valve means, is located so that it can be displaced longitudinally inside of the sleeve of the control valve. A component that is connected with the pivoting cradle is engaged in a groove in the longitudinally displaceable sleeve to provide feedback on the position of the pivoting cradle. However, wear can occur between the groove in the sleeve and the component that is connected with the pivoting cradle, which has an adverse effect on the accuracy of the positioning.
DE 196 08 228 B4 describes a positioning device of a positive displacement machine with a variable displacement in which the position-controlled control valve is in the form of a rotary valve. A rotational control valve member of the rotary valve forms the setting valve means and can be actuated to set the pivot angle control value with an electrical stepper motor. The feedback of the position of the pivoting cradle, which is in the form of a swashplate, is provided by a rotating sleeve of the rotary valve in which the rotary slide valve member is located and which forms a feedback valve means. However, on account of the presence of the rotary control slide valve member of a position-controlled control valve of this type (in the form of a rotary slide valve), in which the pivot angle control value is set by a rotational actuation of the control slide valve, it is not possible to actuate the rotary slide valve by a hydraulic actuator pressure generated by electrically actuated control pressure valves instead of by the stepper motor.
An object of this invention is to provide a positive displacement machine of the general type described above but which has a simply constructed and compact position-controlled positioning device, and the control valve of which can be easily actuated by a hydraulic actuator pressure.


A method and apparatus for providing agent assistance to a client visiting a website of an organization. The method includes the steps of collecting contact information about the visit to the website by the client and connecting the client with an agent of the organization when the collected contact information exceeds a predetermined criterion.

The use of websites for disseminating information is generally known. Typically an organization provides a server set up as a website and disseminates a universal resource locator (URL) of the website to the public either through the Internet or by mass media advertising.
Visitors may access the website by entering the URL of the website into a browser of their computer. The browser, in turn, composes and sends an information request packet addressed to the URL of the website.
The packet is received by the server and processed by a website application. The website application retrieves a webpage the corresponds to the URL and downloads the webpage to the visitor.
Each webpage downloaded to the browser of the visitor may contain softkeys (hyperlinks) that allow the visitor to travel to other related (or unrelated) webpages. The use of softkeys and related explanatory textual information on a webpage allows the visitor to navigate through a website to areas of interest.
While existing websites are often well planned and easy to navigate, they may not always meet the needs of all visitors. For example, some visitors to a website may not enter the website with the same level of knowledge as other visitors to the website. Accordingly, a need exists for a means of supplementing information presented through a webpage based upon the optional use of a human contact.


A method of imaging a subject with an MRI scanner (10) includes positioning a region of interest of the subject in the MRI scanner (10) and executing an echo planar imaging pulse sequence therewith. A signal (S) produced by the echo planar imaging pulse sequence is received. The signal (S) includes first and second distinct sets of echos. Each echo (114a) in the first set of echos coincides with a positive polarity read gradient (112a) of the echo planar imaging pulse sequence and each echo (114b) in the second set of echos coincides with a negative polarity read gradient (112b) of the echo planar imaging pulse sequence. The method further includes collecting into a first k-space matrix data corresponding to the first set of echos and collecting into a second k-space matrix data corresponding to the second set of echos. A first image of the region of interest is reconstructed from the data in the first k-space matrix, and a second image of the region of interest is reconstructed from the data in the second k-space matrix. Preferably, the two images are temporally offset from one another, and cine or fluoroscopic imaging is achieved by alternating the frames thereof between iteratively produced first and second images.

The present invention relates to the art of diagnostic medical imaging. It finds particular application in conjunction with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or MRI scanners, and will be described with particular reference thereto. However, it is to be appreciated that the present invention is also amenable to other like applications.
The medical field has found MRI to be a valuable diagnostic tool for the non-invasive study or examination of a patient""s anatomy. Various MRI scanners and apparatus have been describe in detail in the prior art. As is known in the art, by applying a particular combination of radio frequency (RF) pulses and magnetic gradients to a spin system set up in a region of interest, a signal therefrom (often comprising a plurality of echos) can be induced, received and processed into an image representation of the region of interest. The combination of RF pulses and magnetic gradients is commonly referred to as the pulse sequence. Again, various well known pulse sequences have been developed to address specific imaging needs.
Generally, in MRI, a substantially uniform temporally constant main magnetic field, B0, is set up in an examination region in which a subject being imaged or examined is placed. Nuclei in the subject have spins which in the presence of the main magnetic field produce a net magnetization. The nuclei of the spin system precess in the magnetic field at the Larmor frequency, i.e., the resonant frequency. Radio frequency (RF) magnetic fields at and/or near the resonant frequency are used to manipulate the net magnetization of the spin system. Among other things, RF magnetic fields at the resonant frequency are used to, at least partially, tip the net magnetization from alignment with the main magnetic field into a plane transverse thereto. This is known as excitation, and the excited spins produce a magnetic field, at the resonant frequency, that is in turn observed by a receiver system. Shaped RF pulses applied in conjunction with gradient magnetic fields are used to manipulate magnetization in selected regions of the subject and produce a magnetic resonance (MR) signal. The resultant MR signal may be further manipulated through additional RF and/or gradient field manipulations to produce a series of echos (i.e., an echo train) as the signal decays. The various echos making up the MRI signal are typically encoded via magnetic gradients set up in the main magnetic field. The raw data from the MRI scanner is collected into a matrix commonly known as k-space. Typically, each echo is sampled a plurality of times to generate a data line or row of data points in k-space. The echo or data line""s position in k-space (i.e., its relative k-space row) is typically determined by its gradient encoding. Ultimately, in an imaging experiment, by employing Inverse Fourier or other known transformations, an image representation of the subject is reconstructed from the k-space (or reciprocal space) data.
One well established pulse sequence and MRI technique is echo planar imaging (EPI). EPI is a general method of imaging which can be performed with, what is known as, either spin-echo, field-echo or stimulated-echo contrast. EPI is well suited to rapid imaging applications, e.g., real-time cardiac cine imaging, cardiac first pass perfusion imaging, and general interactive scanning procedures.
The speed of the EPI technique can be attributed to the fact that the signal is refocused into multiple echos by rapid reversals of the polarity of the read gradient. Typically, phase encoding of these echos forms data lines in the k-space of a final image. A data set is often built up using only a small number of excitations, or shots. In extreme cases, an image is obtained in a single shot. Given favorable system capabilities, multi-shot images can be generated in times as short as 50 to 100 ms. That equates to a rate of about 10 to 20 images per second, i.e., video rate image acquisition.
However, EPI does have certain disadvantages. For example, EPI is sensitive to field distortion and phase ghosting artifacts. Field distortion artifacts are caused by the low bandwidth per pixel employed in the phase encoding direction, while ghosting artifacts are caused by combining time reversed copies of data lines obtained under negative read gradient lobes with non-reversed data lines obtained under positive read gradient lobes. Small differences in the refocusing of the two types of data lines caused by hardware imperfections and spin evolution during the echo train are often the main sources of ghosting artifacts.
Interleaving the data lines from a small number of excitations is known to be effective at reducing the sensitivity to field distortion artifacts for only a small cost in data collection efficiency. Interleaving, however, does not solve the problem of ghosting. Ghosting is often addressed by using correction scans, sliding window acquisition or corrective reconstruction procedures that compensate for intrinsic differences between the signals generated in the echo train.
The present invention contemplates a new and improved EPI fluoroscopic technique which overcomes the above-referenced problems and others.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a method of imaging a subject with an MRI scanner is provided. The method includes positioning a region of interest of the subject in the MRI scanner and executing an echo planar imaging pulse sequence therewith. A signal produced by the echo planar imaging pulse sequence is received. The signal includes first and second distinct sets of echos. Each echo in the first set of echos coincides with a positive polarity read gradient of the echo planar imaging pulse sequence and each echo in the second set of echos coincides with a negative polarity read gradient of the echo planar imaging pulse sequence. The method further includes collecting into a first k-space matrix data corresponding to the first set of echos and collecting into a second k-space matrix data corresponding to the second set of echos. A first image of the region of interest is reconstructed from the data in the first k-space matrix, and a second image of the region of interest is reconstructed from the data in the second k-space matrix.
In accordance with a more limited aspect of the present invention, the first and second images of the region of interest are temporally offset from one another.
In accordance with a more limited aspect of the present invention, the reconstructing steps are carried out employing a Fourier transformation.
In accordance with a more limited aspect of the present invention, the reconstructing steps are carried out employing a partial Fourier transformation.
In accordance with a more limited aspect of the present invention, the echo planar imaging pulse sequence is a multi-shot sequence including a plurality of excitations.
In accordance with a more limited aspect of the present invention, the first and second k-space matrices each include a plurality of interleaves which are successively filled with data.
In accordance with a more limited aspect of the present invention, the steps are iteratively carried out to achieve cine or fluoroscopic imaging of the region of interest.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes an MRI scanner in which a region of interest of a patient is positioned. The MRI scanner is operable to carry out an echo planar imaging pulse sequence. A receiver observes a signal produced by the echo planar imaging pulse sequence. The signal including first and second distinct sets of echos. Each echo in the first set of echos coincides with a positive polarity read gradient of the echo planar imaging pulse sequence and each echo in the second set of echos coincides with a negative polarity read gradient of the echo planar imaging pulse sequence. Included sorting means route into a first k-space matrix data corresponding to the first set of echos and route into a second k-space matrix data corresponding to the second set of echos. A reconstruction processor reconstructs a first image of the region of interest from the data in the first k-space matrix and reconstructs a second image of the region of interest from the data in the second k-space matrix.
In accordance with a more limited aspect of the present invention, the first and second images of the region of interest are temporally offset from one another.
In accordance with a more limited aspect of the present invention, the reconstruction processor employs a Fourier transformation.
In accordance with a more limited aspect of the present invention, the reconstruction processor employs a partial Fourier transformation.
In accordance with a more limited aspect of the present invention, the echo planar imaging pulse sequence is a multi-shot sequence including a plurality of excitations.
In accordance with a more limited aspect of the present invention, the first and second k-space matrices each include a plurality of interleaves which are successively filled with data.
In accordance with a more limited aspect of the present invention, cine or fluoroscopic imaging of the region of interest is achieved via iterative operation of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus.
In accordance with a more limited aspect of the present invention, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus further includes a human viewable display which alternately displays the first and second images from each iteration.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method of imaging a patient with an MRI scanner includes positioning a region of interest of the patient in the MRI scanner and executing a echo planar imaging pulse sequence therewith. A signal produced by the echo planar imaging pulse sequence is received. The signal includes a plurality of echos, each of which coincides with a positive or negative polarity read gradient of the echo planar imaging pulse sequence. The method further includes sampling each echo to acquired data therefrom and sorting the acquired data into a plurality of distinct k-space matrices such that all the data in any one k-space matrix is acquired from echos coinciding with read gradients of like polarities. Finally, a plurality of distinct images of the region of interest are reconstructed from corresponding data in each of the k-space matrices. The plurality of distinct images are each temporally offset from one another.
In accordance with a more limited aspect of the present invention, the reconstructing is carried out employing a full Fourier transformation or a partial Fourier transformation.
In accordance with a more limited aspect of the present invention, the echo planar imaging pulse sequence is a multi-shot sequence including a plurality of excitations.
In accordance with a more limited aspect of the present invention, the k-space matrices each include a plurality of interleaves which are successively filled with data.
In accordance with a more limited aspect of the present invention, the steps are iteratively carried out to achieve cine or fluoroscopic imaging of the region of interest.
One advantage of the present invention is ghost reduced cine or fluoroscopic MRI imaging.
Another advantage of the present invention is data acquisition efficiency.
Still further advantages and benefits of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading and understanding the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments.

Multishot echo planar imaging fluoroscopic technique


An oxygenator combines, in a single structure, a heat exchanger, a gas exchanger, an arterial filter, and a filter frame. Such an oxygenator permits fewer fluid connections and thus may simplify an extracorporeal blood circuit, including a heart-lung machine and a blood reservoir, in which it is used. In some embodiments, the oxygenator may be configured to include multiple purge ports for purging bubbles both before and after filtering the blood.

Blood perfusion entails encouraging blood through the vessels of the body. For such purposes, blood perfusion systems typically entail the use of one or more pumps in an extracorporeal circuit that is interconnected with the vascular system of a patient. Cardiopulmonary bypass surgery typically requires a perfusion system that provides for the temporary cessation of the heart to create a still operating field by replacing the function of the heart and lungs. Such isolation allows for the surgical correction of vascular stenosis, valvular disorders, and congenital heart defects. In perfusion systems used for cardiopulmonary bypass surgery, an extracorporeal blood circuit is established that includes at least one pump and an oxygenation device to replace the functions of the heart and lungs.
More specifically, in cardiopulmonary bypass procedures oxygen-poor blood, i.e., venous blood, is gravity-drained or vacuum suctioned from a large vein entering the heart or other veins in the body (e.g., femoral) and is transferred through a venous line in the extracorporeal circuit. The venous blood is pumped to an oxygenator that provides for oxygen transfer to the blood. Oxygen may be introduced into the blood by transfer across a membrane or, less frequently, by bubbling oxygen through the blood. Concurrently, carbon dioxide is removed across the membrane. The oxygenated blood is filtered and then returned through an arterial line to the aorta, femoral, or other artery.
Often, an arterial filter is added to the extracorporeal circuit, after the oxygenator, as last barrier before the patient, so as to block any solid or gaseous emboli and prevent any such emboli from entering into the aorta of the patient. Recently, arterial filters integrated in the oxygenator have been developed, allowing the reduction of the priming volume of the circuit and decreasing the global haemodilution of the patient.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Oxygenator with integrated arterial filter including filter frame


A beverage bottle nipple adapter and funnel apparatus includes a perimeter wall that has a first edge and a second edge positioned opposite of each other. A peripheral lip is attached to and is coextensive with the first edge. The peripheral lip extends away from the perimeter wall. The peripheral lip has an exterior surface and an interior surface each being threaded. The interior surface has a size configured for receiving and threadably coupling to the threaded neck. The perimeter wall may be positioned in funnel position extending upwardly from the threaded neck or in a nipple receiving position extending downwardly from the threaded neck. A nipple is positioned in a threaded nipple coupler and the threaded nipple coupler is threadably coupled to the exterior surface of the peripheral lip when the perimeter wall is in the nipple receiving position.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to nipple adapter devices and more particularly pertains to a new nipple adapter device for allowing a person to use a conventional beverage bottle for a baby bottle and which further assists the person in filling the beverage bottle with baby formula powder and fluids.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The use of nipple adapter devices is known in the prior art. While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, the need remains for a device that not only allows attachment of a nipple to a beverage bottle, but which also may be used as a funnel for pouring powders and fluids into the beverage bottle which has a relatively small diameter.

Beverage bottle nipple adapter and funnel apparatus


A new and improved portable and easily maneuverable kitchen kit that organizes and retains essential cookware and utensils for transport. The invention may be useful for transporting cooking tools to a cooking class or a cooking party. The present invention is advantageous because cookware and utensils necessary for the culinary arts are readily organized and conveniently transportable by an individual. The traveler's kitchen kit of the present invention solves the problem of storing and transporting all of the necessary kitchen tools to a remote location.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to portable tool kits. More specifically, the present invention relates to a portable tool kit configured to store and transport kitchen tools and cooking utensils.
2. Brief Description of Related Art
Many mobile tradesmen carry tools of the trade in readily portable tool kits. The tool kits may either be assembled by the individual user within a tool organizer or sold as a pre-assembled compilation of commonly used tools for a particular purpose, for example, tool kits for electronics, carpentry, or plumbing.
Small parties for adults or children may be organized within the theme of a cooking class. For example, a cooking instructor may come to a host's residence and provide a fun activity, which is organized around party guests cooking a meal. A problem for the cooking instructor, however, is not having all of the necessary tools present at the host's residence for properly demonstrating cooking techniques.
Furthermore, travelers staying at condominiums, time shares, or corporate housing are also faced with the problem of inadequate cooking supplies at a remote location. The kitchen tools at the remote location may be sparse or in poor condition. Traveling with a supply of kitchen tools packed in a cardboard box is clumsy and disorganized.
Portable pantries are known for use by caterers. These portable pantries are generally unsuitable for a small party because they are large and very heavy. Furthermore, these large pantries are not easily maneuvered by one person, especially up stairways or down narrow corridors, and generally must be transported in a truck or van.
On the other end of the spectrum are very small kits for picnics and camping. These kits do not provide organized storage for the necessary array of tools needed in a kitchen. These kits may also be heavy and difficult to carry when loaded with a plurality of kitchen cooking tools, such as pots, pans, and utensils.
What is needed is a small and easily portable traveling kitchen kit that contains essential kitchen tools, cookware, and kitchen utensils, while being easily maneuvered into a dwelling or business by an individual.


Techniques for reporting channel quality indicators (CQIs) are described. Data activity at a receiver may be determined, and CQI reporting by the receiver may be adjusted based on the determined data activity. In one design, CQI reporting may be enabled for a time window around each expected packet arrival for a periodic or quasi-periodic transmission and may be suspended outside of the time window. In another design, CQI reporting may be varied based on ACK/NACK feedback. In yet another design, CQIs may be sent at a first rate when data activity is not detected and at a second rate faster than the first rate when data activity is detected. In yet another design, CQIs may be sent only during discontinuous transmission (DTX) ON periods when data activity is not detected and may be sent during both DTX ON and OFF periods when data activity is detected.

I. Field
The present disclosure relates generally to communication, and more specifically to techniques for reporting channel quality in a wireless communication system.
II. Background
In a wireless communication system, a transmitter typically processes (e.g., encodes and modulates) traffic data to generate output chips. The transmitter then processes the output chips to generate a radio frequency (RF) signal and transmits the RF signal via a wireless channel. The wireless channel distorts the transmitted RF signal with a channel response and further degrades the RF signal with noise and interference. A receiver receives the transmitted RF signal and processes the received RF signal to obtain samples. The receiver then processes (e.g., demodulates and decodes) the samples to obtain decoded data.
Good performance may be achieved by transmitting data via the wireless channel such that high throughput can be achieved for the data transmission. To facilitate this, the receiver may estimate the quality of the wireless channel and report the channel quality to the transmitter. The transmitter may then adjust its transmission to the receiver based on the reported channel quality in order to improve throughput
The characteristics of the wireless channel may vary over time due to various factors such as fading, multipath, interference, etc. The receiver may periodically report channel quality at a sufficiently fast rate in order to ensure that the transmitter can have up to date channel quality information. However, radio resources are consumed to report the channel quality to the transmitter. There is therefore a need in the art for techniques to efficiently report channel quality in a wireless communication system.

Dynamic channel quality reporting in a wireless communication system


An electric motor has back-to-back zener diodes across each winding to short the reactance current over the threshold voltage upon polarity reversal, to serve the dual functions of reducing communtator arcing and increasing torque output by delaying the decay of the reactance current until the reversed current begins to surge after reversal. A resistor may be added in series with the series connected back-to-back zener diodes.

In electric motors and generators, and other commutating electric machinery driven by induced magnetomotive force (m.m.f.), the well-known phenomenon of armature reaction results in reduction of available torque and potential damage to the device's brushes and/or commutator. In the commutator, the cross-magnetization resulting from the magneto-motive force introduces a flux non-uniformity at the pole tip which is reduced while it increases at the opposite pole tip. Due to saturation, the decrease often exceeds the increase, leading to a net flux decrease. The voltage distribution around the commutator has the same shape as the flux wave form and, thus, also becomes irregular. The increased value of the voltage difference between commutator segments promotes sparking, arcing, or "flash-over".
Machines which are subjected to abrupt load changes are particularly susceptible to such sparking. To reduce the risk of flash-over, additional poles, or windings, are commonly incorporated into the commutator, connected in series with the armature to balance the armature m.m.f. An added advantage is that the inductance of the two windings is less than that of the armature alone, so that the sudden change of armature current is less severe. However, the addition of poles has the disadvantages of increasing the overall size and complexity of the machine, and the output power is decreased.
Various inventions have been addressed to suppression of sparking COMMUTATING electrical machines, including the use of resistance paths (U.S. Pat. No. 3,487,248 of Kaneko et at.) or quenching capacitors (U.S. Pat. No. 3,529,589 of Schaub) between commutator sections, conductive spark-quenching grease for coating the commutator sections and filing the gaps therebetween (U.S. Pat. No. 4,319,153 of Mabuchi), conductive sheets placed in flux zones to produce eddy currents which oppose flux changes (U.S. Pat. No. 3,409,788 of Taylor), resistors connected in series with brush elements (U.S. Pat. No. 3,456,143 of Uemura et al.), and a combination of an insulating washer and conductive ring adjacent to the commutator (U.S. Pat. No. 4,734,607 of Ikawa et al.).
For various reasons, the methods introduced by these patents for reducing sparking in electric machinery have not proven acceptable for most applications. Most motors and similar machines are still made which experience sparking problems, as a truly effective method of reducing sparking is not available at present. Efforts have been made to short out the coils if the reactance voltage exceeds a certain threshold. These bypass circuits include those using thermistors to establish a graduated threshold, and those which bypass the commutator segments with gas discharge tubes. Both of these methods are partially effective, and reduce arcing somewhat, but are too slow in response to be truly effective in not only reducing sparking but also increasing torque output, for which a slight delay is productive.
None of the prior art devices use zener diodes as the operative elements in spark reduction. The various prior art references set forth the following elements that ostensibly eliminate or reduce the arcing problem by connecting to the incoming ends of the windings:
A quenching capacitor; PA1 A spark quenching grease coat; PA1 A metal sheet in a flux zone to dissipate induced eddy currents; PA1 Resistors; PA1 Varistors (many); PA1 Rotating varistor disc; PA1 Rotating reactance disc; and PA1 Electrically conductive rubber ring.
Thus, on the one hand, there are many motor surge supressors, although none of them uses zener diodes. On the other hand there are many circuits using zener diode voltage caps, but used for non-motor purposes. With so many zener diodes used as AC waveform clippers, one might wonder why there is not a single prior art motor using zener shunts across the windings.
It is applicant's belief that there has been an avoidance of Zeners for use in this capacity because they have no inherent overvoltage protection and are thus subject to runaway current and incineration. This is not a problem, however, as in practice the small intermittent overvoltage conditions do no harm, and if it were perceived as a problem a minimal resistor could remedy the situation.
Thermistor shunts probably come the closest to zener diode shunts in electrical response. However, zeners have no debilitating disadvantages compared to thermistors, and there are substantial advantages when used in anti-flashover commutator segment shunts. Diodes have a high resistance to shock, and military specification models withstand temperatures of over 200 degrees Celsius without damage. Both of these characteristics are considerably better than the varistor counterparts, and ideally suit the zener diode for the motor commutator application due to the constant vibration, shock, and heat.
In addition, varistors have an inherently limited lifespan because every spark destroys a microscopic piece of it. Diodes on the other hand have an indefinite lifespan, and could conceivably work for a hundred years at full capacity provided overvoltages beyond those expected were not experienced. And zener diode shunts improve efficiency. Sample test results on a dynamometer show a definite, statistically meaningful, improvement of 1% to 3% in efficiency. Applicant has run his motors long enough to know that at least with small motors durability is not a problem. Perhaps it is a belief to the contrary that has stifled development. That a government research agency has indicated the arrangement will not work suggests the possibility that inaccurate folklore may have obstructed development, teaching away from the invention.


A connector (10) for tubular members (12, 14) is disclosed including first and second connector elements (16, 18) each having U-shaped cross sections and first and second jaw members (20, 22). A set screw (30) is threaded into the central portion (24) of the second connector element (18) intermediate the first and second jaw members (20, 22) and has an end abutting with the central portion (24) of the first connector element (16). A collar (32) encircles the first and second connector elements (16, 18) and the set screw (30) intermediate the jaw members (20, 22). The first and second connector elements (16, 18) are biased together by first and second O-rings (50) positioned around the connector elements (16, 18) and on opposite sides of the set screw (30). The jaw members (20, 22) can be inserted in longitudinal insertion directions into the tubular members (12, 14) and the set screw (30) threaded into the second connector element (18) to separate the jaw members (20, 22) sufficiently to grip the inside surfaces of the tubular members (12, 14) with sufficient force to prevent relative movement therebetween. Each of the jaw members (20, 22) are arcuate shaped of an increasing spacing from their free ends (21, 23) for their insertion distance allowing the connector (10) to interconnect tubular members (12, 14) which are either longitudinally straight or arcuate.

The present invention generally relates to connectors, particularly to connectors for tubular members, and specifically to connectors for tubular members not requiring modifications to the tubular member, not requiring specific orientations of the tubular member, and not requiring movement in directions other than parallel to the tubular member during installation.
It is often desired to connect tubular members to various objects such as but not limited to connecting together the parallel tubes of first and second trusses to result in a single unitary truss having a span of their combined lengths. The almost universal mechanism for making such a connection is to bolt one truss to another. But in certain applications such as where it is desired to frequently connect and disconnect tubular members and/or where for aesthetic or other reasons bolts are not desired, other forms of connectors have been developed. As examples, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,637,193 and 4,775,258 show connectors having male and female components attached by bolts to rods fastened inside of the tubular members. Thus, modification was required to the tubular members at least by fastening rods therein; due to its male/female nature, the tubular members could only be secured in corresponding orientations; and movement was required generally perpendicular to the tubular members to effect connection. Other forms of connection include connectors which slide with a friction fit in the ends of the tubular members such as shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,469,339 and 5,209,599. However, such friction fit, slide connectors require close tolerances and were prone to allow separation when subjected to tensional forces parallel to the tubular members.
Another example of preferred connectors for tubular members is the type shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,642,957 as well as U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,645,509; 3,484,830; 3,977,800; 4,657,426; and 4,859,109 and Australian Appln. No. 371/31. Each of these connectors connect tubular members by providing first and second jaw members insertable into the tubular member in a longitudinal insertion direction and separable after insertion a distance sufficient to allow the jaw members to grip the inside surface of the tubular member with sufficient force to prevent relative movement between the first and second jaw members and the tubular member, with the separation of the jaw members being operable from outside of the tubular member. However, such separable jaw member connectors were restricted for use in tubular members having straight linear shapes along their longitudinal lengths and were otherwise deficient such as by the number of components required and their manner of assembly.
Thus, a need continues to exist for other methods to connect tubular members and which overcome the shortcomings and disadvantages of prior connecting techniques.


A computer-implemented method for providing user interaction data associated with a property is presented. A plurality of dimensions associated with a portion of the property may be determined. Image data associated with the portion of the property may be determined using an image sensor. The plurality of dimensions associated with the portion of the property may be associated with the image data associated with the portion of the property to generate the user interaction data associated with the property. The user interaction data may be provided via a user interface. The user interaction data may allow a user of the user interface to view at least one image of the portion of the property. The at least one image may be based on the plurality of dimensions associated with the portion of the property and the image data associated with the portion of the property.

Existing techniques for listing a residential property for sale include making images of the interior of the property available online or in print. The images made available are frequently made available in a general collection that contains all images of the interior of the property, or all images of various portions of the interior of the property. The images are viewable by a prospective purchaser from the perspective of, for example, a camera used to capture the images. Typical perspective views, and existing techniques for making property images available in general, have various drawbacks.

Providing user interaction data associated with a property

STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY


To provide a semiconductor apparatus that secures high ESD protection capability and yet reduces leak current.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a semiconductor apparatus, and more particularly to a structure for protecting a circuit from a surge, such as an electrostatic surge and to a process for manufacturing the semiconductor apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
In semiconductor apparatuses, the ESD protection capability needs to be improved to protect an internal circuit from a surge such as an electrostatic surge so that the internal circuit is not destroyed by the static electricity. FIG. 1A shows a first one of the conventional techniques for improving the ESD protection capability of an output buffer to be connected to a pad.
In accordance with the first conventional technique, an output buffer 500 has a drain region 502, a field isolation region 504 provided around at least a portion of the drain region 502, and a channel stopper non-implanted region 506 between the field isolation region 504 and the drain region 502. On the other hand, a channel stopper implanted region (field inversion prevention region) is provided between a source region 508 and the field isolation region 504.
In the first conventional technique, the drain region 502 forms a PN junction with a p-type well of low impurity concentration, not with the channel stopper implanted region of high impurity concentration. Accordingly, junction breakdown voltage can be increased and electrostatic destruction by a surge of static electricity is effectively prevented.
However, the first conventional technique shown in FIG. 1A suffers a problem in which large leak current flows between the drain region 502 and the source region 508 because of the presence of the channel stopper non-implanted region 506.
To solve such a problem of the conventional technique, for example, Japanese Laid-open Patent No. 61-19174 teaches a second one of the conventional technique. According to the second conventional technique, both ends of a gate electrode 510 protrude into a source region 508, as shown in FIG. 1B. When the gate length is relatively long, the second technique lowers the leak current.
However, with the advancement of device size miniaturization, when the gate length (channel length) is shorter than, for example, about 0.35 xcexcm, it has been confirmed that non-negligible amount of leak current flows between the drain region 502 and the source region 508 in the structure shown in FIG. 1B.
The present invention has been made to solve the problems described above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a semiconductor apparatus that secures high ESD protection capability and yet effectively lowers the leak current and to provide a process for manufacturing the semiconductor apparatus.
To achieve the above-described objects, a semiconductor apparatus in accordance with the present invention includes a first region of a first conductivity type, a first impurity region of a second conductivity type formed in the first region having a first edge, a second impurity region of the second conductivity type formed adjacent to the first impurity region and having a second edge arranged opposite to the first edge, the second edge having end portions and an intermediate area, a wiring layer connected to the second impurity region, a field isolation region formed around at least a portion of the second impurity region, and a channel stopper non-implanted region provided between the second impurity region and the field isolation region. The semiconductor device is characterized in the first edge is separated from the second edge at the intermediate area by a distance of L1 and at the end portions by a distance greater than L1, and wherein an end portion of the channel stopper non-implanted region is separated from the first edge at a distance of L2, where L2 is at least L1.
In accordance with the present invention, the ESD protection capability can be improved by the provision of the channel stopper non-implanted region. Also, the end portion (end edge) of the channel stopper non-implanted region is separated from the first edge at a distance of L2, where L2 is at least L1. As a result, the leak current caused by sub-threshold current is reduced. In particular, in accordance with the present invention, leak current is reduced without being substantially affected by even further device miniaturization.
The present invention is also characterized in that cut sections are provided in both end sections of the first edge of the first impurity region and cut sections are provided in both end sections of the second edges. By this configuration, leak current is further securely lowered.
The present invention is further characterized in that the semiconductor apparatus includes a contact for connecting the second impurity region and the wiring layer, wherein the contact is provided on the side of the intermediate area being interior with respect to borders defined between the intermediate area of the second edge and the respective end portions of the second edge where the cut sections are provided. Also, the present invention is characterized in that the semiconductor apparatus includes a metal silicide layer formed on the surface of the second impurity region, wherein the metal silicide layer is provided on the side of the intermediate area being interior with respect to borders defined between the intermediate area and the respective end portions of the second edge where the cut sections are provided. As a result, along edges of the second impurity region extending transverse to the second edge, electrostatic destruction that may be resulted from avalanche breakdown is effectively prevented.
In accordance with the present invention, preferably, the first and second impurity regions are, respectively, a source region and a drain region of an output buffer. Also, the first and second impurity regions may be, respectively, an emitter region and a collector region of a lateral bipolar type protection circuit.
Other objects and attainments together with a fuller understanding of the invention will become apparent and appreciated by referring to the following description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Semiconductor apparatus and process for manufacturing the same

Abstract: Cut sections 64-1 and 64-2 are provided in end sections of a second edge 62 of a drain region 22. When a distance between a first edge 60 of a source region 20 and the second edge 62 in an intermediate area is defined as L1, a distance between the first edge 60 and end edges 52-1 and 52-2 of a channel stopper non-implanted region 50 is defined as L1, a relation of L2? L1 is established. By providing the channel stopper non-implanted region 50, the ESD protection capability is improved. Also, by providing the cut sections 64-1 and 64-2 in a manner to satisfy the relation that is L2 is not less than L1, leak current is reduced. The source region 20 may also be provided with a cut section. A contacts or a metal silicide layer in the drain region 22 is provided in an intermediate area being interior with respect to borders between the intermediate area and the respective end sections of the second edge 62. The present invention is also applicable to a lateral type bipolar protection circuit.


The number of polygons in a 3D graphic object is adjusted by receiving interactive input from a user through a user-interface abstraction, and altering the number of polygons in the 3D graphic object in real time based on the input received from the user.

This invention relates to the modeling and rendering of 3D graphic objects.
Modeling and rendering of 3D graphic objects are used, for example, to generate 3D virtual scenes on the display screen of a computer system. The surface topology of a 3D object may be modeled as a set of polygons of appropriate sizes and shapes joined at their edges. The set of polygons defining the 3D object is referred to as the "model" or "mesh" for the 3D object. If the 3D object is to be displayed in wire-frame form, only the edge lines that form the polygons in the mesh are rendered, thus generating a skeleton-like image of the object. For example, the model of an X-29 aircraft shown in FIG. 2a consists of 957 unfilled polygons joined together at their edges to form a wire-frame representation of the aircraft. A more realistic rendering of the 3D object may be achieved by filling in the polygons with various colors as appropriate, for example, as shown in FIG. 2b, by taking into account lighting, texture and surface properties of the object under consideration.
A complex or detailed 3D object may be composed of several thousand or more polygons. Because each polygon takes a finite amount of time for the computer to draw, an object being modeled by a large number of polygons takes proportionately longer to render. Various algorithmic techniques have been suggested in the art for reducing the number of polygons in a 3D model, such as those described by Jarek R. Rossignac and Paul Borrel in "Multi-Resolution 3D Approximations for Rendering Complex Scenes," IBM Research Report (1992), and by William J. Schroeder, Jonathon A. Zarge and William E. Lorensen in "Decimation of Triangle Meshes," Computer Graphics, Vol. 26, No. 2, pp. 65-70, July 1992. However, although reducing the number of polygons in a 3D model decreases the amount of time it takes the computer to render the 3D object, the quality of the resultant image also is reduced. Consequently, in modeling 3D objects, a developer strives to find the optimal balance between image quality and rendering time.
One technique for optimizing the number of polygons in a 3D object involves the creation and use of multiple levels-of-detail ("LOD") for the 3D object. Multiple versions of the same 3D object are created such that each version has a successively lower polygon count (and thus a lower level-of-detail) and such that each version is associated with a different viewing range. FIGS. 3a shows a high polygon count LOD for an airplane and FIG. 3b shows a LOD for the same airplane having a somewhat lower polygon count. When the airplane is to be rendered at a point relatively close to the viewer's eye, a high polygon count (equivalently, a high LOD) version of the object such as that in FIG. 3a is used, thus providing the viewer with greater detail for the object.
As the 3D object moves farther from the viewer's eye, the viewer requires, and expects to see, fewer details of the 3D object. Accordingly, a lower polygon count version of the object (as shown in FIG. 3b) may used in rendering the object, thus increasing system performance proportionately to the degree by which the polygon count was reduced.
Ideally, the various versions of the 3D object, and the associated viewing ranges at which they become active, should be crafted such that the attendant loss of detail as the 3D object moves farther from the eye is inconsequential to the viewer. In this manner, system performance may be increased without unduly degrading image quality. In practice, constructing an appropriate set of LOD's for a model can be a painstaking and difficult task for model authors. This further motivates the need for improved polygon reduction tools.
What is needed is an effective methodology for reducing polygon count in 3D object models without resulting in unpredictable degradation in image quality. The methodology should be effective whether or not multiple LOD versions of the model are being created.

Interactively reducing polygon count in three-dimensional graphic objects


A new and distinct Chamelaucium cultivar named ‘FIRST MAYA’ is disclosed, characterized by medium sized, creamy white colored flowers. The new variety is very early blooming. The new variety is a Chamelaucium, normally producing cut flower stems, or as a garden or container plant.

The new Chamelaucium cultivar is a product of chance discovery by the inventor, Nitzan Nir, in Kfar Hess, Israel. The new variety was selected as a naturally occurring whole plant mutation of the variety Chamelaucium uncinatum×megalopetalum 'Early Maya', unpatented. 'First Maya' was selected during October of 2009, at a commercial nursery in Kfar Hess, Israel.
Asexual reproduction of the new cultivar has been performed by vegetative cuttings. This was first performed at a commercial nursery in Kfar Hess, Israel in December of 2010 and has shown that the unique features of this cultivar are stable and reproduced true to type in successive generations.


A semiconductor device includes a substrate; a fin structure formed on a substrate; and a gate feature formed over the fin structure, the gate feature comprising a gate dielectric layer, wherein the gate dielectric layer traverses the fin structure to overlay a central portion of the fin structure and opposite side portions of the fin structure that are located in respective undercuts formed in respective portions of a dielectric layer located adjacent to opposite sidewalls of the gate feature, wherein the undercuts extend beyond respective sidewalls of the gate feature and away from the central portion of the fin structure.

Integrated circuits (IC's) typically include a large number of components, particularly transistors. One type of transistor is a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect-transistor (MOSFET). MOSFET devices typically include a gate structure on top of a semiconductor substrate. Both sides of the gate structure are doped to form source and drain regions. A channel is formed between the source and drain regions beneath the gate. Based on a voltage bias applied to the gate, electric current may either be allowed to flow through the channel or be inhibited from doing so.
In some cases, the channel may be formed as a fin-like structure (herein "fin"). Such a fin protrudes beyond a top surface of the substrate and runs perpendicular to the gate structure formed on the substrate and the fin. In general, a field-effect-transistor using such a fin as a channel is referred to as a fin field-effect-transistor ("FinFET"). A conventional replacement gate process is typically used to make the gate feature of such a FinFET. The conventional replacement gate process typically includes forming a dummy gate over a central portion of the fin, voiding the dummy gate, refilling such a void with a gate dielectric layer (e.g., a high-k dielectric material), and subsequently overlaying the gate dielectric layer with at least one conductive material (e.g., a metal material) so as to form a metal gate feature that includes the gate dielectric layer and the conductive material over the central portion of the fin, which is the channel of the FinFET.
In particular, the dummy gate typically has two substantially vertical sidewalls, wherein each sidewall is formed as a single continuous surface, which causes the void to have respective sidewalls that are each a continuous surface extending from respective bottom to top. As such, when refilling the void with the gate dielectric layer and subsequently with the at least one conductive material, due to the single continuous sidewall of the void, the conductive material cannot surround the fin channel thoroughly, especially at end portions of the fin channel. This can disadvantageously cause various issues such as, for example, a poor gate controllability of the FinFET, a severer drain-induced barrier lowering (DIBL) effect, etc. Thus, conventional FinFET's gate features and techniques to form the same are not entirely satisfactory.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.


A Ni—Fe based super alloy having high strength and toughness at high temperatures even when used in high-temperature environments, and a process of producing the super alloy. A turbine disk using the super alloy, a process of producing the turbine disk, a turbine spacer using the super alloy, and a process of producing the turbine spacer, as well as a gas turbine are also provided. The Ni—Fe based super alloy contains not more than 0.03% by weight of C, 14-18% of Cr, 15-45% of Fe, 0.5-2.0% of Al, not more than 0.05% of N, 0.5 to 2.0% of Ti, 1.5-5.0% of Nb, and Ni as a main ingredient.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a novel Ni—Fe based super alloy and a process of producing the super alloy. Also, the present invention relates to a turbine disk using the super alloy, a process of producing the turbine disk, a turbine spacer using the super alloy, and a process of producing the turbine spacer, as well as to a gas turbine.
2. Description of the Related Art
Increasing combustion temperature is effective to increase the efficiency of power generation in a gas turbine power plant. A rotor as a rotating component of the gas turbine comprises a turbine stub shaft and a plurality of turbine disks coupled to the turbine stub shaft by turbine stacking bolts with turbine spacers each interposed between adjacent turbine disks.
The rotor is not directly exposed to combustion gases and is cooled by using a part of compressed air used for combustion. Therefore, temperatures of the above-mentioned rotor components are fairly lower than those of turbine (rotating) blades and turbine (stator) nozzles which are directly exposed to the combustion gases. Therefore, 12Cr steel disclosed in Patent Document 1; JP,A 63-171856 has been used in the turbine rotor so far. With a recent increase of the combustion temperature and the compression rate, however, Ni—Fe based super alloys containing Fe and having superior high-temperature strength, such as IN718 and IN706, have become more commonly used. In those alloys, the γ″ phase (Ni3Nb) is finely precipitated with addition of Nb, whereby a superior strength characteristic is obtained. Also, those alloys have superior productivity in making a large-sized ingot in spite of being the Ni based super alloys.
Patent Document 2; JP,A 10-226837 discloses, as an improved material of IN706, a Ni—Fe based super alloy containing not less than 0.05% by weight of C+N, 10-20% of Cr, 25-45% of Fe, 0.5-2.0% of Al, 1.0-2.0% of Ti, and 1.5-3.0% of Nb.
Further, Non-Patent Document 1; CAMP-ISIJ, VOL. 15 (2003)—535p, states that regarding an alloy containing 0.3-1.5% of Al and 1.8-3.0% of Nb as an improved material of IN706, the γ″ phase is not observed and only the γ′ phase is observed.

Ni-Fe based super alloy, process of producing the same and gas turbine


A cache memory system having a hybrid tag architecture and a series of data lines is disclosed. The cache memory includes a cache controller and a dirty tag memory included within the cache controller. The dirty tag memory indicates the status of each data line in the cache memory. A tag memory is coupled to the cache controller and is located external to the cache controller.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention pertains to the field of computer systems. More particularly, this invention relates to an architecture for a cache memory that employs a hybrid arrangement of cache tags.
2. Background
Prior computer systems commonly include one or more cache memories. A typical cache memory is a fast access memory that stores data reflecting selected locations in a corresponding main memory of the computer system. Such a cache memory is usually comprised of static random access memorys (SRAM). Typically, the data stored in such a cache memory is organized into data sets which are commonly referred to as cache lines or data lines.
Such cache memories usually include storage areas for a set of tags that correspond to each data line. Such tags typically include address tags that identify an area of the main memory that maps to the corresponding data line. In addition, such cache tags usually provide status information for the corresponding data line.
One type of cache memory is known as a write-back cache memory. Such a cache memory typically includes tag bits that indicate the update status of the data lines stored in the cache in relation to the corresponding data line in the main memory. Such status tag bits are commonly referred to as "dirty" tags. Typically, a dirty tag indicates whether the corresponding cache line contains updated or "dirty" information not reflected in the corresponding location in the main memory.
Such a write-back cache memory typically conserves the bandwidth for accesses to the corresponding main memory by preventing some possibly unneeded writes of data to the main memory when it is present in the cache. However, such a write-back cache requires that at least one dirty tag bit be allocated to each cache line entry, in order to manage data coherency between the cache and main memory. In addition, the time required to update a dirty tag bit during a write transaction is a limiting factor in the overall speed of write cycles to memory in such systems.
One prior type of write-back cache memory includes a standard SRAM that stores the cache memory tags. Typically, such a tag SRAM stores the address tags as well as clean/dirty and other status tags. Such a cache memory typically includes a cache controller circuit with internal comparators. Such a cache controller circuit typically reads the external tag SRAM during a memory write cycle and then determines whether the write cycle "hits" or "misses" a data line in data store portion of the cache memory. The cache controller circuit usually determines an updated value for the appropriate dirty tag if a write hit is detected. Such a write-back cache offers the advantage of relatively low cost due to the availability in volume of external standard tag SRAM. Unfortunately, such cache memories usually provide relatively low performance during write cycles due to the speed limitations imposed by updates of the tag SRAM during write hits.
Other prior write-back cache memories employ custom tag SRAMs that include internal registers. Such custom tag SRAMs typically latch the address of write transactions to enable the proper updating of the dirty tag bits during high bandwidth write transactions. Unfortunately, such custom tag SRAMs are typically much more expensive than standard SRAM based tags and increases the overall cost of such a computer system.
Still other prior write-back cache memories employ custom cache controllers that include integrated tag SRAMs. Such custom integrated tag SRAMs enable fast update of internal dirty tag bits during write transactions. Unfortunately, such an integration of SRAM with a cache controller typically increases the overall cost of the cache memory. In addition, prior cache controller design technologies such as application specific integrated circuits are not well suited for the implementation of custom tag SRAMs.

Hybrid tag architecture for a cache memory


A method for manufacturing a metallic ornamental plate is provided comprising the steps of press-forming a light metal plate to provide a first planar region having a first surface, and a second planar region having a second surface elevated from the first surface; and machine-finishing the elevated second surface of the second planar region to define a distinct ornamental pattern against the first surface wherein the machine-finishing step removes material from the elevated second surface.

This invention relates to a flame-resistant metallic plate which is particularly suitable for use in a wall and a door of a building and an elevator system.
FIG. 9 is a fragmental front view of one example of a conventional metallic ornamental plate and FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along line X--X of FIG. 9.
In the figures, reference numeral 1 is an ornamental plate main body in the shape of a mesh having woven bars 1a and 1b made of brass and stainless steel, respectively. The ornamental plate main body 1 has formed thereon planar ornamental surfaces 1c by planar pressing. The planar ornamental surfaces 1c are hair-line finished such as by emery papers.
Also, FIG. 11 is a sectional view illustrating a conventional ornamental plate disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 60-30340.
In FIG. 11, 2 is a base plate made of an inorganic board such as plaster board, fiber cement board, GRC or concrete board. The base plate 2 has an embossed surface. Element 3 are first colored portions disposed on the embossed portions of the base plate 2 and elements 4 are second colored portions disposed on the portions other than the embossed portions of the base plate 2.
When the conventional ornamental plate of such structure is to be manufactured, the first colored portions 3 are first formed by, for example, contacting and rolling a roller with ink on it only on the embossed portions. Then, the second colored portions 4 are provided by a suitable method on the entire surface of the base plate 2. Thereafter, the second color portions 4 on the embossed portions are removed by such as the buff-polishing and the use of a solvent, whereby the first colored portions 3 are exposed on the embossed portions and the above-described ornamental plate is obtained.
FIG. 12 is a sectional view of a conventional ornamental plate disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 58-275.
In FIG. 12, element 5 is a formed plate in which a core paper 5a and a surface prepared paper 5b are laminated. The formed plate 5 has an embossed surface. Element 6 is a coloring agent applied on the recessed portions of the formed plate 5.
In order to manufacture the conventional ornamental plate of the above structure, the coloring agent 6 is first applied to the entire surface of the formed plate 5. Then, a roller (not shown) on which a solvent is held is brought into contact with the surface of the formed plate 5, thereby removing the coloring agent 6 from the embossed portions on the surface of the formed plate 5. Thus, the coloring agent 6 remains only in the recessed portions of the formed plate 5.
In the conventional metallic ornamental plate, the ornamental plate main body 1 is made of brass or stainless steel, so that the overall weight is large and the manufacturing cost is high. Also, since the brass or stainless steel is hard, a high-pressure large press is necessary for pressing substantially planar products, and the uniform finishing over the entire surface is difficult to obtain, and the flat surfaces of the press dies are easily damaged. On the other hand, in the conventional ornamental panel illustrated in FIG. 11 or 12, while the different colors can be applied in the embossed base plate 2 or the convex and concave portions of the formed plate 5, these colored panels are not made of a metallic material, so that they are applicable only to a limited use because of poor fire-resistance and mechanical strength, which makes it difficult to be used in an elevator car. Even if such 9 coloring method is applied to a metal plate, sufficient difference in qualitative appearance between the elevated and non-elevated portions cannot be obtained.

Metallic ornamental plate manufacturing method


A lighting system for preferentially illuminating the seating area of a mass-transit vehicle includes a light fixture with a lamp housing longitudinally disposed above the seating area. An electrically-energized light source is mounted at at least one end of the light fixture. At least one solid-core semi-rigid light pipe extends from and is optically coupled to the light source. The light pipe receives light from the light source, transmits the light along its length, and emits the light laterally into the passenger compartment. The light pipe runs parallel to and is suspended from the lamp housing between the lamp housing and the seating area so that the lamp housing can direct laterally emitted light from the pipe into the seating area.

Lighting systems for passenger seating areas in mass-transit vehicles frequently include a plurality of fluorescent lamps arranged in rows. Each row of lamps is commonly enclosed within an elongated channel that forms part of an elongated lamp housing. The elongated channel may be connected to or integrally formed with an elongated display panel for holding advertising cards. A lamp housing of this type will also typically include an elongated translucent or transparent light cover disposed across the open side of the channel to aid in controlling the distribution of light emitted from the lamps.
Together, the lamp housing and display panel make up an elongated light fixture. Such light fixtures are typically manufactured in long sections that mount end-to-end in the cornice areas above the passenger seating areas and above the vehicle side windows in mass-transit vehicles. U.S. Pat. No. 4,574,336 issued Mar. 4, 1986 to Mikalonis and U.S. Pat. No. 4,387,415 issued Jun. 7, 1983 to Domas disclose lighting systems of this type.
Fluorescent vehicle lighting systems are inherently difficult to service and require a considerable amount of maintenance. Fluorescent lamps frequently burn out and require replacement. When lighting systems use large numbers of lamps, the odds that one of the lamps will burn out over a given period of time increases. Therefore, the larger the number of lamps that a lighting systems uses, the more often that system will require bulb and ballast replacement.
Lighting systems that use multiple lamps also require multiple lamp sockets and complex wiring harnesses. Wiring harnesses for multiple-lamp lighting systems must connect every lamp socket to an electrical power source. In addition, the lighting fixtures housing the lamps and ballast must be designed to allow easy access for the purpose of replacing lamps and ballast.
Systems using multiple lamps inherently leave "dark spots" between lamps. Rows of fluorescent lamps oriented end-to-end leave dark spots where the ends of each lamp plug into a socket and no light is emitted. The dark areas between the lamps are difficult to minimize without extending the lengths of the lamps.
When confronted with applications requiring linear light sources, designers have sometimes turned to fiber optics. Advances in fiber optic technology have made it possible to manufacture linear light sources that can efficiently distribute light both laterally from their circumferences as well as longitudinally from their ends. This type of product is known as a "side-light" or "side-fire" optic or a "side-fire" light pipe.
Lumenyte International Corporation manufactures a "side-fire" light pipe that includes a solid acrylic core with either a circular or an oval cross-section. The diameter of the core is approximately one-half of an inch. A Teflon.RTM. cladding surrounds the core and has an index of refraction that causes the light pipe to emit light laterally. A clear jacket surrounds the cladding to reflect a certain amount of light back into the core.
Also available from Lumenyte International Corporation is the LUMENYTE.RTM. STARBURST.TM. OPTIC--a side-fire light pipe with small angled cuts along its length. The cuts create optical discontinuities along the length of the light pipe that increase the amount of light emitted laterally. The depth, angle and spacing of these cuts can be varied to customize light distribution to suit a particular application.
The prior art also includes fiber optic lighting systems that have been proposed for use in vehicular applications. An example of a proposed vehicular application of fiber optic technology is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,947,293 issued to Johnson et al. The Johnson et al. patent discloses a clearance lighting system for a semi trailer cargo container body. The system includes a light source that end-illuminates elongated light-conducting strips. The strips are supported along both sides of a container body and emit light both longitudinally and laterally. Another Johnson patent, U.S. Pat. No. 5,122,933, discloses a similar fiber optic lighting system that includes a message panel. However, the lighting systems disclosed in the later two patents are not adapted to preferentially distribute light into the passenger seating area of a mass transit vehicle.
Another example of a vehicular application for fiber optic technology is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,740,870 issued to Moore et al. The Moore et al. patent discloses a fiber optic lighting system for boats. The system includes a plurality of "end-fire" fiber optic cables that each receive light at one end from a central light source. The cables conduct light longitudinally to light fixtures located at remote locations within a boat.
Two other examples are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,811,172 to Davenport et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 5,184,883 to Finch et al. Each of these patents discloses a fiber optic lighting system for motor vehicles. The systems include a light source that end-illuminates a plurality of fiber optic filaments. The filaments conduct the light longitudinally to the vehicle head and tail lamp fixtures.
There remains a need for lighting systems that can supply sufficient illumination to meet lighting requirements in passenger seating areas of mass-transit vehicles while reducing the amount of lamps, wiring and maintenance that current systems require.

Lighting system for mass-transit vehicles


Plant seeds, seedlings, or developing plants are treated with aqueous, dry, or appropriately solvated chemical formulations composed of nucleotides or nucleosides buffered with an effective amount of non-toxic biologically compatible agents, simultaneously with an antioxidant and lipoxygenase enzyme inhibitor. The purpose is to improve or optimize seed germination rate, seedling vigor, and ultimately plant growth characteristics and yield performance. In the preferred embodiment, seeds or other plant tissues are treated with adenosine monophosphate buffered with an excess amount of phosphoric acid salts at about pH 7.0 as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,209,316. The improvement described in this application comprises the simultaneous addition of a similar quantity of propyl gallate to the adenosine monophosphate maintaining pH around 7.0 or below. Addition of a lesser, fractional quantity of a magnesium salt, such as magnesium sulfate, is to be included in the formulation to potentiate the action of the chemical treatment if planting soil or medium is shown to be magnesium deficient.

Although recent advances in seed physiology and biochemistry, as well as increasing applications of genetic engineering techniques to plant breeding, have resulted in marked improvements in crop seed quality and field performance of planting seed, much remains to be accomplished to insure the most consistent performance of seed. Many problems involved in finding methods to insure the most consistent and uniform germination and seedling vigor remain to be solved. The present invention has the goal of improving planting seed germination and seedling vigor across an array of unfavorable planting environments and situations. Prior studies by this inventor and his colleagues have identified several important factors which may influence the performance of planting seed of several important agronomic crop species (McDaniel; McDaniel, et al.).
The present invention has the goal of improving the efficiency and speed of certain metabolic functions which occur when a seed is hydrated following planting. The more rapidly and more efficiently the metabolic processes of the seed react to environmental conditions when such conditions favor seed germination and subsequent growth, the more likely the seed can survive both biotic and environmental stresses which may inhibit growth and survival of the emerging seedling. Because perfect environmental conditions—soil composition, soil temperature, absence of soil-borne pathogens—are difficult to predict and control at planting time, any advantage which can be conferred on the seed at this time can make the difference between successful stand establishment and the necessity to replant the field, with probable attendant loss of yield and crop quality.
This invention takes advantage of the fact that added AMP (adenosine monophosphate) acts to push the equilibrium of so called "high energy" phosphates in the cells of seeds as the process of germination is initiated toward ATP (adenosine triphosphate). The greater proportion of ATP available for metabolic reactions within the cells of the germinating seed embryo is known to accelerate seed germination responses and increase resultant seedling vigor. These findings were the basis of prior art detailed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,209,316, on which the present invention is a significant and unexpected improvement.

Chemical compositions and methodology to enhance plant growth and development


First to N-th image forming units are sequentially arranged from the upstream to the downstream along the movement direction of an intermediate transfer belt. When L is defined as a distance between contact points of every two adjacent ones of the first to N-th image bearing members with the intermediate transfer member, when V is defined as a moving speed of the intermediate transfer belt and, when a timing at which transfer bias applying unit for the n-th image forming unit is turned off using a timing at which the transfer bias applying unit for the first image forming unit is turned off as reference is defined as (L/V)×(n−1)+αn, αn for every integer n between 2 and N is set so that an absolute value of αn is less than L/V and at least one pair of αn among the plurality of αn has different values.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, such as a printer, a facsimile, or a copying machine, using an electrophotographic process or an electrostatic recording process.
2. Description of the Related Art
A variety of image forming apparatuses using an electrophotographic process or an electrostatic recording process as an image forming process have been developed. An example of such a variety of image forming apparatuses is an intermediate transfer tandem type image forming apparatus having a plurality of process cartridges arranged in a line along a rotational direction of an intermediate transfer belt rotatably tensioned to form a color image via an intermediate transfer belt.
In the image forming apparatus, each of the process cartridges includes a photosensitive drum. A primary transfer roller is disposed so as to face each of the photosensitive drums with the intermediate transfer belt therebetween. The primary transfer rollers correspond to a yellow (Y) color, a magenta (M) color, a cyan (C) color, and a black (Bk) color. The timings at which transfer operations performed by the primary transfer rollers Y, M, C, and K (corresponding to the colors) are shifted sequentially from each other. The timings of switching ON-OFF of transfer bias applied to the primary transfer rollers are shifted sequentially in synchronization with the timings at which the transfer operations are performed.
The ON-OFF switching of the transfer bias applied to the primary transfer rollers causes a variation of the moving speed of the intermediate transfer belt, causes a variation of the position in the sub-scanning direction and, thus, causes out of color registration. That is, if transition from the transfer-on state to the transfer-off state occurs, transition from a state in which the intermediate transfer belt is electrostatically attracted to the photosensitive drum to a state in which the intermediate transfer belt is not electrostatically attracted to the photosensitive drum occurs. Accordingly, a variation of the speed of the intermediate transfer belt occurs due to a change in the attraction state between the intermediate transfer belt and the photosensitive drum. Thus, an "out of color registration" problem arises. In addition, in the image forming apparatus, when the downstream primary transfer roller performs a transfer operation, the timings at which the transfer bias is turned off for the upstream primary transfer roller is the same for all primary transfer units. Thus, a variation of the position occurs at the same position of a recording medium. As a result, a line-like image artifact that extends on the recording medium (a sheet) in the main scanning direction may become prominent. That is, a line-like image may disadvantageously become darker.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-148198 describes an image forming apparatus to address such an issue. In the image forming apparatus, when an overlapped image formed on the intermediate transfer belt is secondary-transferred onto a recording medium, the transfer bias is continuously applied to all the primary transfer rollers for a period of time from the time the transfer operation performed by the Y primary transfer roller starts until the transfer operation performed by the Bk primary transfer roller is completed. By avoiding ON-OFF switching of application of transfer bias to any one of the primary transfer rollers in this manner, a variation of the speed of the intermediate transfer belt caused by ON-OFF switching is prevented and, thus, degradation of the image quality, such as out of color registration, can be reduced.


Systems and methods are provided for two-stage location. In one implementation, there is provided a method for receiving a first location of a first radio, the first radio providing the first location of the first radio; using the received first location to determine when to transmit an activation command from a portable locator to a second radio, the second radio coupled to the first radio; and receiving at the portable locator a beacon transmitted to enable the portable locator to precisely locate the second radio and the coupled first radio.

I. Field
This application relates to a two-stage location system, method, and apparatus.
II. Background and Material Information
The location of objects, such as cars, trucks, trains, and even people, can be facilitated using radios equipped with Global Position System (GPS) equipment. For example, a truck may be equipped with a radio that transmits its current position determined using GPS. However, GPS equipment often provides location measurements without sufficient precision for locating an object. For example, if the GPS equipment is in a region with buildings, mountains, or other structures (e.g., such as in a dense urban area), multipath interference may result in imprecise location measurements. In addition, if the GPS equipment is not in view of a sufficient number of GPS satellites (e.g., four GPS satellites), the GPS equipment may provide imprecise location measurements. When GPS equipment is used indoors, it also suffers from precision problems. In situations where precise location measurements are desired, GPS may thus provide poor performance.
Assisted-GPS is an alternative to GPS. Assisted GPS describes a system where an outside source, such as an assistance server, helps a GPS receiver perform the tasks required to determine location. For example, a mobile phone may be equipped with a GPS engine for determining location. The GPS engine in the mobile phone may be "assisted" by an assistance server. The assistance server may use the public wireless network to provide the GPS-enabled mobile phone with information such as an initial location estimate and decoded GPS satellite information (e.g., ephemeris data and clock data). However, the assisted GPS approach is also susceptible to some of the problems mentioned above, such as multipath interference. As such, in situations where precise location measurements are desired, assisted GPS may also provide poor performance.


A circuit for frequency-dependent matching of a high-frequency amplifier stage includes high-frequency stage with an output to a total high-frequency path that divides a total frequency band into a plurality of partial frequency paths for respectively preset partial frequency bands. The outputs of the plurality of partial frequency paths are reunited again into the total high-frequency path, following the processing of the partial frequency bands of these partial frequency paths. The partial frequency paths include a matching network surrounded by a first and second pass filter. At least one partial frequency path is switchable, when a control signal is supplied thereto.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention relate to a circuit layout and a method for frequency-dependent matching of a high-frequency amplifier stage according to the characteristics as specified in the independent claims.
Power amplifiers and their transistors are typically, inherently non-linear components; this means that, generally, they generate spectral content of integer multiples of the fundamental of the signal that is to be amplified, so-called overtones or harmonic partials. These overtones or harmonics negatively impact the signal spectrum in a variety of ways. On the one hand, they reduce the efficiency of the amplifier circuit, because a part of the expended DC power is not used for boosting the fundamental, as desired, but for generating power for the frequencies of the harmonics. On the other hand, they contaminate the spectrum of the amplified output signal. Depending on the application, expedient filtering is necessary to reestablish the spectral purity of the signal, for example of the radar transmission signal.
The phase response of an optimal complex load at the transistor output for achieving high efficiency in a reactively matched amplifier circuit is generally reversed over the frequency relative to the physically achievable phase response in passive matching circuits. This is why a wide-band, purely passive and non-adaptive implementation of the matching circuit always constitutes a compromise between wide-band capability, efficiency and output power.
In narrow-band implementations of amplifiers, it is possible to cut off one or a plurality of the overtones in a targeted fashion in an effort to improve efficiency ("harmonic matching"). However, this method is inapplicable for wide-band circuits, particularly those covering several octaves, because, in this context, the harmonics that must be suppressed fall within the useful band of the circuit and may, therefore, not be attenuated.
Tunable filters can be used for suppressing undesired spectral content, such as harmonics. However, due to the fact that these filters reflect the harmonics, they have a frequency-dependent feedback on the power amplifier and thus influence the properties of the same, with negative effects on the efficiency of the amplifier. Moreover, they themselves demonstrate great attenuation effects, particularly at high frequencies, that further reduce the efficiency of the total system.
German patent document DE 24 12 920 A1 discloses a circuit layout and a method for influencing signals that are to be transmitted in a frequency-dependent manner.
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a wide-band amplifier circuit that suppresses undesired harmonics of an amplified signal and improves the efficiency of the amplifier circuit. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention also provide a method for suppressing undesired harmonics of an amplified signal, while simultaneously increasing the efficiency of the amplifier circuit.
The circuit layout for frequency-dependent matching of a high-frequency amplifier stage according to the invention comprises an HF amplifier stage, where an HF total path, which routes the total frequency band, is divided at the output into a plurality of partial frequency paths (referred to below as partial paths) for the respective preset partial frequency bands and, after the processing of the partial frequency bands in the partial paths, these partial paths are reunited into the high-frequency total path. According to the invention, the partial paths comprise a pass-filter on the input side and a pass-filter on the output side for a preset partial frequency band, respectively, as well as a matching network for matching the amplifier stage in the preset partial frequency band. According to the invention, at least one partial frequency path is switchable, when a control signal is supplied thereto.
In one advantageous embodiment of the invention, the partial frequency path can be grounded. Expediently, at least one switch is provided on the input and output sides of the matching network of a partial frequency path, such that, upon supplying a control signal, the switch shorts the partial frequency path to ground, whereby signals in this partial frequency path are reflected.
In one further advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one partial frequency path can be decoupled from the circuit layout, when a control signal is supplied. Expediently, the decoupling action is achieved by the use of one or several multi-circuit switches that are inserted in the at least one partial path.
In other words, the circuit layout according to the invention is based on the idea of dividing the total useful band of the HF amplifier into two or more partial bands and of distributing the output signal of the HF amplifier, for example of a transistor, over two or more partial paths (channels), preferably using a frequency-dividing network (a duplexer or triplexer, etc.) depending on the partial frequency band. In each partial path, the corresponding spectral content of the output signal is processed in a matching circuit. Undesired spectral content can be shorted to ground the respective partial path or suppressed by opening alternate multi-circuit switches in the respective partial path; and they are thus no longer consequential for the HF total signal, after the individual partial paths have been reunited into the total HF path.
In contrast to a circuit layout according to the prior art, where a single matching circuit covers the total bandwidth in a non-adaptive manner, the circuit layout according to the invention allows for better approximation of the optimum load for maximum efficiency. Furthermore, there exists the possibility of expediently terminating not only the fundamental but also the harmonics to achieve maximum efficiency. For example, if a standard bandwidth ("fractional bandwidth") that is greater than 2:1 is to be implemented, when dividing the total HF path into a lower and an upper partial path, the matching circuit for the upper frequency band is also, additionally, switchably configured in order to be passable, depending on the frequency range of the signal that is to be amplified, either for high frequencies or, when the signal that is to be amplified is in the lower partial band, to expediently terminate the harmonics that are generated by the amplifier stage. Moreover, dividing the total useful band into two or several partial bands also results in a reduction of the complexity of the individual matching networks within the partial paths relative to the complexity of a single matching network for the total bandwidth; as a consequence, fewer passive components, such as coils, capacitors and impedance-transforming lines are needed, thus resulting in fewer losses in the matching networks of the individual partial paths.
Using the circuit layout according to the invention, dependent on the frequency of the fundamental that it to be amplified, the HF amplifier stage is always offered the optimally suited complex load both for the fundamental as well as the harmonics, which is necessary for maximum effectiveness of the total system. Due to the fact that, when the total band is divided into the individual partial bands thereof by means of the frequency-dividing network that is preferably employed, it is not obvious as to whether a spectral content of a partial band is in fact the desired amplified signal of the fundamental that is to be amplified or as to whether this spectral content is in fact the undesired harmonic of a signal that is to be amplified in a lower frequency band; as a remedy, a control signal for the suppression of harmonics, is supplied at least to one partial path, preferably several partial paths, and wherein the control signal was generated, for example, in a signal processing electronics unit.
The method according to the invention is substantially characterized by the fact that a control signal is supplied to at least one partial frequency path, and that this at least one partial frequency path is shorted to ground; or by the fact that, by way of a variant of the invention, the same is decoupled from the rest of the invention. Expediently, the control signal is supplied to that partial frequency path that contains an undesired harmonic of the signal that is amplified by the high-frequency amplifier stage. This undesired harmonic is eliminated by the method according to the invention in the total band of the signal that is amplified by the HF amplifier stage.

Circuit layout and method for frequency-dependent matching of a high-frequency amplifier stage