A medical device includes a preload determination unit for determining the preload of a ventricle for a cardiac cycle and providing a preload value representing the preload; a contractility determination unit for determining the contractility of the ventricle for the cardiac cycle and providing a contractility value representing the contractility; and an evaluation unit connected to the preload determination unit and the contractility determination unit, with the evaluation unit being configured to evaluate contractility values versus associated preload values.

There are a number of known indicators of cardiac output, with an example being the contractility of the right ventricle. The contractility describes the force and the speed of a myocardial contraction. The contractility is controlled by three mechanisms: direct control by the autonomous nervous system (ANS); the so-called Frank-Starling mechanism; and the so-called Bowditch effect (force-frequency coupling). The main mechanism, control of the circulatory regulation by the autonomous nervous system, increases the contractility and the heart rate when elevated metabolic demand exists, for example, in the event of physical or mental exertion, in order to ensure a suitable blood supply.
In patients having chronic heart failure (HF), the myocardial contractility decreases to a low level and the interventricular synchronization is worsened. This is accompanied by a low ejection fraction (EF), and by a lesser quality of life and a high mortality. HF occurs frequently in the population. HF patients are treated using various medications which influence the inotropic state in order to stabilize the heart rate, such as beta blockers, but positive inotropic medications, such as glycosides, are also used in order to elevate the contractility. More recently, HF patients have been treated using resynchronization therapy devices, such as three-chamber cardiac pacemakers or defibrillators. The goal of such cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is to synchronize the two ventricles of a heart through biventricular stimulation, in order to improve the time behavior of the ventricles and thus the cardiac output.
The contractility is therefore an important variable to observe, in particular for HF patients. Such observation is important in order to observe the status of the patient and the alleviation or progress of their illness; to establish and observe the resynchronization therapy of the heart (cardiac resynchronization therapy, CRT); and/or to observe the status of treatment via medication. Information about the contractility can additionally be used for the purpose of optimizing cardiac pacemaker therapy or a therapy by an implantable cardioverter/defibrillator (ICD).
Although the contractility is a variable of great importance, it is difficult to measure in clinical practice. Determining the contractility on the basis of a maximum ventricular pressure gradient (dP/dt)max in the right or left ventricle is known. A left-ventricular ejection fraction (EF) can additionally be determined using echocardiography. Examination of the right ventricle using echocardiography is difficult for anatomical reasons, although information about the right ventricle is very important for a complete examination. Both procedures—the pressure measurement and the echocardiography—are time-consuming and costly. The ventricular pressure measurement requires an invasive procedure which situates a pressure catheter in one or both ventricles, and can only be performed during an electrophysiological study or during the implantation of a cardiac pacemaker or cardioverter/defibrillator
Implants which allow the contractility of a heart to be ascertained are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,674,518; 5,417,717; and 7,519,422. A measurement of the change of the ventricle volume is performed therein using the pressure gradient dP/dt and using impedance plethysmography.


The present invention is a pretreatment agent for a fish food which comprises, in a mixture, 1–30% (v/v) of ethanol, 5–25% (w/v) of citrate and 0.5–50% (w/v) of at least one inorganic salt selected from the group consisting of phosphate, carbonate and bicarbonate, and a process for pretreating a fish food which comprises contacting the pretreatment agent with the fish food.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a pretreatment agent for a fish food, namely fish and shellfish with which the yield can increase and palate feeling can be kept good, and to a process for pretreating a fish food. More particularly, it relates to a pretreatment agent for a fish food which is effective to significantly increase the yield and to retain palate feeling and good appearance during heating and cooking a fish food, especially frozen ones in a microwave oven, and to a process for pretreating a fish food using said pretreatment agent.
2. Discussion of the Background
When a fish food, especially one once placed in a frozen state is heated and cooked, a remarkable exudation of water, a lowering in the yield and shrinkage of its body occur to result in the deterioration such as hard palate feeling and unfavorable appearance.
As means to solve deterioration of quality, a number of pretreatment agents for a fish food have been hitherto developed. There have been proposed processes wherein a fish food is immersed in an aqueous solution of the respective pretreatment agents as shown below. Various polyphosphates (JP 60-199339 A), sodium chloride and albumen (JP 59-179051 A), sodium chloride and an inorganic salt (JP 06-165634 A), calcined calcium (JP 07-322853 A), organic acid fermenting solution (JP 2000-116340 A), transglutaminase (JP 08-182477 A), and the mixture thereof (JP 08-182477 A, JP 09-98746 A, JP 2001-292733 A and JP 2002-51693 A). There have also been proposed a process for contacting a fish food with a mixture of an organic acid salt, sodium chloride, starch, albumen, etc. (JP 05-15344 A).
Even in these processes, however, when a frozen fish food was subjected to heating for a long time, to repeated heating or to severe heating such as heating in a microwave oven, the exudation of water from one cannot be inhibited sufficiently. Therefore, satisfactory quality of fish food could not be obtained in the appearance and palate feeling, due to shrinkage of its body and its hardened property such as dry product. Also, a pretreatment agent consisting of an aqueous solution containing 1–30% (v/v) of ethanol and 5–25% (w/v) of an organic acid salt has been proposed (JP 2001-252049 A). However, even in this process wherein said aqueous solution is used by itself or in combination with an inorganic salt such as sodium chloride, the intended effect can not be achieved by heating under the severe condition as above-stated whereas a good yield, a good palate feeling and natural quality can be achieved by heating under a relatively moderate condition. Also, as in a pretreatment agent containing polyphosphate as the main ingredient, unnatural transparency appears on fish food after the pretreatment and the palate feeling becomes watery. Furthermore, there are some pretreatment agents to be concerned about the influence on the health. The fish food pretreated with a pretreatment agent containing alkaline calcined calcium and an inorganic salt as the main ingredient is susceptible to getting black after heating owing to the promotion of oxidation in the presence of an alkali. There are many pretreatment agents having other problems than just stated.


An optical disk device has a motor that rotates an optical disk, motor control means for making constant a rotational speed of the motor, and write control means for changing a write frequency of information written to the optical disk such that writing of the information onto the optical disk is made at a substantially constant recording density, irrespective of a track on which the information is recorded.

1. Field of the Invention
The present inventions relates generally to a disk drive and write speed control method, and more particularly, to an optical disk drive and write speed control method for writing information to a disk at a constant angular velocity.
2. Description of the Related Art
Generally, drive devices for CD-R (Compact Disk-Recordable) and CD-RW (Compact Disk-ReWritable) have used CLV (Constant Linear Velocity) control to write information to the disk, in which the magnetic head moves along a track at a constant linear velocity.
FIG. 1 shows an example of a conventional CD-R disk format. As shown in the drawing, the CD-R disk 1 has a center hole 2 that engages a spindle motor of the CD-R drive. The CD-R disk 1 is rotated by the rotation of the spindle motor. Tracks 3 are formed in the shape of a spiral on the CD-R disk 1. Information is recorded along these tracks 3.
FIG. 2 is an enlarged oblique view of a track portion of a disk. As shown in the drawing, a pre groove 4 is formed along each track 3 on the disk 1 and is defined by curved side walls undulating at a regular interval. The regularly undulating side walls of the pre-groove produce a wobble signal.
ATIP (Absolute Time in Pre-groove) data is modulated on the wobble signal on the wobble signal. The ATIP data is bi-phase modulated as well as frequency modulated before being recorded.
FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C show ATIP data, wobble signal and a digitized wobble signal, that is, a wobble pulse, respectively.
FM demodulation of the wobble signal shown in FIG. 3B yields the signal shown in FIG. 3A. The signal shown in FIG. 3A is bi-phase modulated ATIP data. The wobble signal shown in FIG. 3B is digitized to yield a wobble pulse like that shown in FIG. 3C.
FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C illustrate a CLV writing operation. The horizontal axis represents a radial direction of the disk 1, that is, a distance in a direction represented by double-headed arrow A in the drawing. FIG. 4A shows an FG (Frequency Generator) pulse, FIG. 4B shows a wobble pulse and FIG. 4C shows a write clock. The FG pulse is a periodic pulse keyed to the rotation of the spindle motor that rotates the disk 1.
In CLV writing, the rotation of the disk 1 is controlled in such a way that the linear velocity of the tracks 3 is constant for all tracks including the innermost and outermost tracks. As a result, the FG pulse shown in FIG. 4A has a variable cycle.
In addition, because the linear velocity of the tracks 3 is constant for the innermost and outermost tracks, as shown in FIG. 4B the wobble pulse becomes constant.
Further, because the linear velocity of the tracks 3 is constant for the innermost and outermost tracks, as shown in FIG. 4C, the write recording density becomes constant as well.
The conventional CD-R, CD-RW disk device, because it writes data using the CLV system, is required to change the rotation of the disk 1 depending on the position of the light beam or optical head. Moving the light beam from a position on an outer track to a position on an inner track during a seek operation, for example, requires changing the rotational speed of the disk 1 so as to maintain a constant linear velocity. In such a situation it takes time for the rotation of the disk 1 to stabilize, with the result that it takes additional time to write information to the disk.
In addition, in order to change the rotation of the disk 1 the rotation of the spindle motor has to be increased or decreased as necessary. This adjustment of the speed of rotation places an additional load on the spindle motor, both shortening the useful life of the motor as well as increasing the consumption of electrical power.
Accordingly, it is a general object of the present invention to provide an improved and useful optical disk drive and write speed control method in which the disadvantages described above are eliminated.
Another and more specific object of the present invention is to provide an improved and useful optical disk drive and write speed control method in which a rotational speed of a motor that rotates an optical disk is controlled so as to be constant and a writing frequency at which information is written to the optical disk is controlled in such a way that the information written to the optical disk with a predetermined optimum recording density.
The above-described objects of the present invention are achieved by an optical disk device comprising:
a motor that rotates an optical disk;
motor control means for making constant a rotational speed of the motor; and
write control means for changing a write frequency of information written to the optical disk such that writing of the information onto the optical disk is made at a substantially constant recording density, irrespective of a track on which the information is recorded.
Additionally, the above-described objects of the present invention are also achieved by the optical disk device as described above, further comprising:
wobble signal detecting means for detecting a wobble signal recorded along a track formed on the optical disk;
sync signal detecting means for detecting a first sync signal recorded at a constant interval on the track formed on the optical disk;
write clock generating means for generating a write clock according to an optical head position on the optical disk, the write clock generating means generating the write clock from the wobble signal detected by the wobble signal detecting means;
second sync signal generating means for generating a second sync signal according to the write clock generated by the write clock generating means:
phase difference detecting means for detecting a phase difference between the first sync signal and the second sync signal; and
write clock control means for controlling the write clock generated by the write clock generating means according to the phase difference detected by the phase difference detecting means.
Additionally, the above-described objects of the present invention are also achieved by the optical disk device as described above, further comprising synchronization detecting means for detecting a synchronization of the first sync signal and the second sync signal, wherein the write control means writes information to the optical disk after synchronization has been detected by the synchronization detecting means.
Additionally, the above-described objects of the present invention are also achieved by an optical disk write control method for controlling the speed at which information is written to tracks formed on an optical disk by an optical disk device, comprising the steps of:
rotating the optical disk at a constant angular velocity; and
changing the information recording frequency between outer tracks and inner tracks of the optical disk so as to achieve a constant linear recording density.
Additionally, the above-described objects of the present invention are also achieved by the optical disk write control method as described above, further comprising the steps of:
detecting a wobble signal recorded along a track formed on the optical disk;
generating a write clock according to an optical head position on the optical disk from the wobble signal detected at the wobble signal detecting step;
generating a second sync signal according to the write clock generated at the write clock generating step;
detecting a first sync signal recorded at a constant interval on the track formed on the optical disk;
detecting a phase difference between a first sync signal and a second sync signal; and controlling the write clock generated at the write clock generating step according to the phase difference detected at the phase difference detecting step.
Additionally, the above-described objects of the present invention are also achieved by the optical disk write control method as described above, further comprising the steps of:
detecting a synchronization of the first sync signal and the second sync signal; and
commencing writing information to the optical disk after synchronization has been detected at the synchronization detecting step.
According to the invention described above, there is no need to change the speed of rotation of the disk in response to the position of the optical head. As a result, the time needed to write information to the optical disk can be shortened.
In addition, the spindle motor does not accelerate rapidly, so power consumption can be reduced and the useful life of the motor prolonged.
Further, the write frequency decreases toward the inner side of the disk and increases toward the outer side of the disk. Accordingly, by setting the write frequency at the inner side to a normal write frequency the write frequency at the outer side can be increased, thereby increasing the overall speed of data transfer.
Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Optical disk drive and write speed control method


Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and a system for implementing multicast using a slave block in DSL access technique. Several slave blocks are cascaded with a master block accessed to the DSL. The master block and slave block are respectively connected with DSL users via RTUs, and access an uplink via a network interface of the master block. The slave block is configured to support the IGMP proxy or the IGMP snooping so as to implement multicast function independently. This invention overcomes the shortcomings including the heavy burden on the master block, low efficiency and serious waste in bandwidth resulting from the fact that the operation of the slave block multicast member is implemented in the master block, thus increasing the efficiency of multicast and saving bandwidth of the master block.

Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) is a transmission technology combination in which copper telephone lines act as transmission media. The DSL includes High Rate Digital Subscriber Line (HDSL), Symmetric Digital Subscriber Line (SDSL), Very High Rate Digital Subscriber Line (VDSL), Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL), Rate Adaptive Digital Subscriber Line (RADSL), etc., usually called as xDSL. There is a higher and higher XDSL access density, which is described by taking ADSL as an example. ADSL access is still used in high speed Internet access and in dedicated line services. Along with the growth of network video, distance learning, stock information transferring in real time and other multipoint communication services, providing multicast services by means of ADSL broadband access becomes an inevitable trend. In addition, along with a popular ADSL access application, more and more users need to access one access site, and a higher access density for an ADSL access apparatus is needed. Therefore high density will become a trend for the ADSL access apparatus.
In multicast services, the problems such as capture, identification, forwarding, management of multicast user, and right management of multicast user need to be solved principally. High access density in an ADSL apparatus is mainly implemented by cascading a slave block and a master block, and both the master block and the slave block implement the access function of an ADSL user. One master block may be cascaded with a plurality of slave blocks, and the ADSL user of the slave block accesses a network via the master block. The cascading of the slave block is a method for expanding ADSL access capacity. The master block is cascaded with the slave block via a cascaded interface board so as to implement the ADSL access of the slave block and to manage the slave block. Slave block multicast is needed because there is a need to support multicast services for ADSL users of the slave block. For the slave block multicast, how to conveniently manage multicast configuration data and efficiently implement multicast functions in real time are problems to be emphatically solved.
As shown in FIG. 1, in the prior art, the master block (i.e., master access module) and the slave block (i.e., slave access module) are connected with each other via an internal interface (the internal interface is an integrated channel for transferring unicast data, multicast data, and control information), access ADSL users respectively via a Remote Terminal Unit (RTU), and access a network via a network interface of the master block. The multicast message of ADSL user, accessed via the slave block, reaches the master block via Virtual Connection (VC) and is captured by the master block. The master block will identify the multicast message, authenticate the rights of multicast members, and forward multicast data to the VC of the multicast members. In addition, the configuration data of multicast is directly saved in the master block, and is not saved in the slave block. In this solution, the master block saves the configuration data of multicast and performs the multicast functions. The slave block only accesses the ADSL user and does not participate in the performing of multicast function. All the operation related to multicast (e.g., capture, explanation, authentication, and copying of multicast messages) is done by the master block. The slave block only provides a VC channel to enable the interaction between the ADSL users and the multicast module of the master block. The multicast control message (e.g., report message or leave message) is transferred from the ADSL user to the multicast server via the master block or the slave block and the multicast data message is transferred from the multicast server to the ADSL user via the master block or the slave block.
As shown in FIG. 2, the master block includes a protocol processing module, a multicast data forwarding module, a right management module, and a multicast member interface module. The protocol processing module is responsible for processing the IGMP multicast protocol and maintaining a multicast forwarding table; the multicast data forwarding module forwards multicast data to multicast members according to the multicast forwarding table. The right management module manages the rights of the multicast members and authenticates the multicast members. The multicast interface module manages multicast member interfaces. The slave block includes a multicast data forwarding module and a multicast member interface module. The multicast data forwarding modules of the master block and the slave block are connected with each other via cascaded lines.
The inventor of the present invention discloses following issues of the prior art in the design of the present invention.
1) The operation of the multicast member of a slave block is conducted in the master block, which results in a heavy burden on the master block and a low efficiency.
2) There is a serious waste in bandwidth. Duplicating the multicast data of the slave block by the master block has a high requirement on bandwidth resources of the master block. Multicast is a point to multipoint switching technique with a problem of a duplication point. In the prior art, the duplication point is in the master block. For example, if 100 ADSL users require joining one same group in the slave block, the master block will make 100 copies and send them to the slave block, and thus the bandwidth of 100 copies of multicast streams is consumed for the internal interfaces of the master block and the slave block, and for the internal bus of the master block.

Method and system for implementing multicast using slave block in digital subscriber line access technique


An integrated circuit (IC) that operates in high and low power modes includes high and low power regulators, first and second sets of circuits, a switch connecting the high power regulator and the second set of circuits, and a wake-up control system. The wake-up control system includes a state machine that enables the high power regulator when the IC is in the high power mode, and enables the low power regulator when the IC is in the low power mode. The switch is closed when the high power regulator reaches a first threshold voltage. The state machine operates on a low frequency clock signal when the IC is in the low power mode and during wake-up, and on a high frequency clock signal in the high power mode after the switch is closed.

The present invention relates generally to integrated circuits, and more particularly, to a control system for waking up a circuit from a sleep or low power mode.
Integrated circuits (IC) include power supplies that provide different supply voltages to internal circuits. ICs often operate in different power modes including RUN, STOP, and STANDBY modes. The RUN mode is a high power mode and the STOP and STANDBY modes are low power modes. A power supply further provides voltage regulation and includes a high power regulator (HPREG) for regulating the supply voltage during the RUN mode, a low power regulator (LPREG) for regulating the supply voltage during the STOP mode, and an ultra low power regulator (ULPREG) for regulating the supply voltage during the STANDBY mode.
Based on the mode of operation, the electrical components within an IC may be categorized as first and second sets of circuits. The first set of circuits includes core functional elements of the IC such as processors, memories and interface circuits and often occupies the majority of the IC area (up to 99% in many ICs). The first set of circuits is active when the IC is in the high power mode. The second set of circuits includes circuits that maintain basic timer functions, random access memory (RAM) and a wake-up state machine and occupies relatively lesser area (around 1%) of the IC. The second set of circuits is active throughout the operation of the IC, regardless of the mode of operation of the IC.
The first and second sets of circuits both operate on a regulated supply voltage received from the HPREG when the IC in the RUN mode, while the second set of circuits operates on a regulated supply voltage received from the LPREG and ULPREG when the IC is in the STOP and STANDBY modes, respectively.
The wake-up state machine operates on a clock signal and generates control signals for enabling transition of the IC from the low power mode to the high power mode. The higher the frequency of the clock signal, the faster the transition of the IC from the low power mode to the high power mode. However, a high frequency clock source consumes high power and draws a large current from the LPREG/ULPREG during transition of the IC from the low to high power mode.
The LPREG/ULPREG is designed for sustaining a low order current and often fails to sustain an increased current requirement of the high frequency clock source. When the IC wakes up from the low power mode, a sudden change in current load can create a low voltage event and cause the IC to undergo reset. A re-boot of the IC can affect the system state and may lead to loss of critical data and time. In systems such as automotive systems, system state is very important so it is preferred not to lose state due to frequent resets. A low frequency clock source prevents the IC from reset, however, it increases the overall time (wake-up time) taken by the IC to exit the low power mode and enter the high power mode, and also affects overall system performance.
An alternate way to prevent IC reset is to mask low voltage reset when the IC wakes up. However, this may result in masking low voltage conditions that occur due to conditions other than exit from low power mode, thereby causing the IC to function unreliably. Another way to prevent reset is to use a low power regulator that can sustain high current requirements of the high frequency clock source. However, using such a regulator may lead to high power loss in low power modes.
Therefore, there is a need for a wake-up control system that prevents an IC from a reset caused by increased load currents when the IC wakes up and transitions from low power mode to high power mode, and that overcomes the above-mentioned limitations of existing wake-up control systems.

Integrated circuit wake-up control system


A board structure used for the base material of a molded ceiling member of an automotive vehicle. The board structure includes a corrugated core board formed of a cardboard. Upper and lower surface boards are bonded respectively to the upper and lower surfaces of the corrugated core board. The upper and lower surface boards are formed of cork sheets, respectively, thereby improving the moldability and the physical properties of the board structure.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to improvements in a board structure suitable for an interior lining member of an automotive vehicle or the like.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Board structures to be used as an interior lining member of an automotive vehicle are usually arranged as shown in FIG. 5, in which upper and lower surface boards 3A, 3B are fixedly attached respectively to the upper and lower surfaces of a corrugated core board 2. The surface boards 3A, 3B and the corrugated core board 2 are formed of usual cardboard or paper.
However, difficulties have been encountered in such a conventional board structure. The conventional board structure is insufficiently moldable so that cracks and wrinkles are unavoidably formed, particularly at portions subjected to a deep drawing. Additionally, the conventional board structure is insufficiently rigid and, therefore, low in shape-stability after molding. Furthermore, the conventional board structure is insufficiently water resistant.


A wireline transmission circuit includes a first circuit that produces a first variable current, a second circuit that produces a first static current, a trans-impedance amplifier that outputs a first analog signal at a first output node in response to the first variable current and the first static current received at a first input node, and a first feedback resistor connected to the first input node and the first output node.

This application relates to a wireline transmission circuit for preparing electronic signals to be transmitted in physical transmission lines.
Wireline communication refers to forms of communications where the information is transmitted to the receiver over physical wires, co-axial cables, telephone wires, power lines, or twisted-pair wires. Wireline communication distinguishes itself from other forms of communications such as electromagnetic wireless transmissions or optical signal transmissions.
A wireline communication device can include a transmission path and a reception path. In a transmission path, the data to be communicated is first coded and modulated in a digital domain. The modulated digital data is converted to analog signals in an analog domain by a digital-to-analog converter (DAC). The analog signals are then amplified by a line driver to transmit signals with a large power onto the wired line (or channel). In some systems, further modulation can be implemented on the amplified analog signals after the line-driver.
FIG. 1 shows a conventional wireline transmission circuit 100 for the transmission path of a wireline communication system. The wireline transmission circuit 100 includes a digital domain 107 and an analog domain 108. A digital front-end 101 in the digital domain 107 performs coding and base-band modulation on the digital data to be transmitted. The analog domain 108 includes a D/A Converter 102, a line-driver 103, an optional modulator 104, and a coupling unit 105. The coupling unit 105 can couple the amplified signal from the wireline transmission circuit 100 to a physical line 106 for wireline transmission.
A challenge to the design and implementation of the line-driver is that the line driver is often required to provide large injection power and a small line impedance, to generate a large voltage magnitude, while maintaining excellent linearity in the amplified signals. The large voltage magnitude and large injection power, however, cannot easily be achieved by a system on chip (SOC) solution. A coupling unit 105 having a non-unity magnetic winding ratio is hence used to increase the voltage magnitude of the signals to be transmitted in the physical line 106.
The non-unity magnetic winding ratio in the coupling unit 105 can negatively impact the power efficiency of the line-driver 103. The line-driver 103 is required to provide even smaller impedance and larger current in the amplified signals to achieve the same injected power in the physical line 106.
The state-of-the-art CMOS and semiconductor technologies are driven to achieve greater operation speeds in smaller physical dimensions in integrated circuitry. By reducing the effective gate sizes (width and height), the transistors can operate at greater speeds (greater transconductance) and more transistors can be fit in the same physical space. The scaling down of the transistors also decreases the break-down voltages of the transistors and hence the supply voltages to the integrated circuit have been continuously reduced in deep submicron CMOS technology.
On the other hand, the line-driver in the wireline transmission circuit, as described above, should operate at the largest supply voltage to achieve power efficiency. To overcome the conflicting requirements, foundries commonly use a mixed-oxide CMOS process in which two different oxide thicknesses (dimensions, technology generations) are provided on a single silicon wafer. A deep sub-micron transistor can be placed next to a transistor having larger dimensions, thicker oxide, and thus higher supply voltage on the same silicon substrate. The larger-dimension device is usually used for input and output (I/O) circuits of the chip to sustain high supply voltages and is commonly referred to as an IO device.
There is therefore a need to provide a wireline transmission circuit having improved component integration and smaller device area.


Immediately before a robot 20 starts to move at a high speed, a monitoring area 53 is expanded in a returning direction Y, and absence of an obstacle in the monitoring area 53 is confirmed. During the high speed movement of the robot 20, the monitoring area 53 is expanded forward, so that a safety of an operator is secured, an effective use of a working station area can be made, and an improvement of productivity can be achieved.

Conventionally, in a working station where an operator coexists with an apparatus such as a robot, the apparatus has been surrounded by a safety fence so that the operator may not enter into the safety fence while the apparatus is in operation. However, because the safety fence is fixed, and it largely surrounds a movable range of the apparatus, a working station area including a working area of the operator naturally grows larger, which has incurred an increase of a floor space of a work place.
In JP-B2-3419313, there is disclosed a safety system in place of the safety fence, for the purpose of making effective use of the working station area.
FIG. 12 is a view for explaining the safety system in JP-B2-3419313, in which robots 101 move along a running path 102 to perform work on facilities 103. A detection range A1 is set around each of the robots 101, and when an operator M gets in touch with this detection range A1, movement of the robot 101 is stopped.
Because the detection range A1 moves together with the robot 101, it is possible to use the working station area more effectively, as compared with the fixed safety fence. The detection range A1 had better be as large as possible, from a viewpoint of safety of the operator M. However, as the detection range A1 is made larger, the working station area grows larger inevitably, and a moving distance of the robot 101 is increased, which incurs deterioration of productivity.
In view of the above, such technique that safety of an operator can be secured without increasing a working station area, when productivity is improved, has been required.


A slitting machine includes a pair of parallel arbors structured to support a plurality of cutting knives. The arbors are mounted to a head stock and tail stock on the slitting machine. The head stock and tail stock each rotatably support eccentrics which support the end portions of the arbors. Angular contact bearings, such as tapered roller bearings or ball bearings with inclined races, are positioned between the head stock and tail stock and the respective eccentrics and also within the eccentrics between the arbors and the eccentrics. Mechanisms are provided for providing an axial load across all of these bearings to eliminate play and so to accurately position the arbors so that cutting accuracy can be maintained. One such mechanism is a collet/piston supporting the operator's end of the arbors. The collet piston is received in a cylinder to which hydraulic pressure can be applied through a rotary coupling. When pressurized, the collet piston is forced onto a tapered end of the arbor, accurately positioning the arbor. At the same time, because the cylinder is mounted to the inclined bearings within the eccentric, the reaction force is transmitted through the angular contact bearings to the machine frame, precisely locating the arbors centrally of the bearings in which they are mounted. The collet piston may be made double acting so that it can assist in removing the arbor from the collet/piston. This permits self locking tapers to be used.

Slitting machines have long been used to slit webs of material into strips of various widths. Such machines are used to slit webs of metal to form strips that will become everything from razor blades to electric conductors for integrated circuit computer chips. Slitting machines have a pair of arbors on which are mounted opposing pairs of knives. The knives of each pair of cutters are positioned along the length of the arbors so that they shear the metal as it passes through the machine. Positioning of the knives is accomplished by placing each knife on the arbor and separating it from its neighbors with spacers of controlled width. The stack of knives and spacers on each arbor is held in place by a shoulder at one end of the arbor and a nut which compresses the stack against the shoulder from the other end of the arbor.
The position of the knives on each arbor is critical, since too wide a space between the opposing knives of each pair means that the metal strips will have burrs on the edges, while too narrow a space means that the cutters will interfere with each other or wear too rapidly. Also, having too wide of a space on one side and too narrow a space on the other side of a slit strip induces camber into it. The spacing for knives for thin materials is difficult to maintain accurately where a wide web of thin material is to be slit into narrow strips. For example, in slitting webs of metal 0.005 inches thick, such as might be used for contact strips in an integrated circuit computer chip, each knife must be positioned to within .+-.0.0005 of an inch. Since the web being slit may be two feet wide or more and the strips being cut may be one half inch wide or less, there are a large number of knives and spacers. In order to maintain the position of each knife with the desired accuracy (.+-.0.0005 inches) it is necessary to machine the spacers and knives to an accuracy of .+-.0.000040 inches (forty millionths of an inch). If such precision is not maintained, then the errors in positioning each knife cumulate across the width of the arbor to a degree that exceeds the necessary accuracy to produce a good finished product.
The need for accurate positioning has been recognized in the past, and various techniques have been used to achieve it. Precision machining operations have been used and special care in handling has been used in the manufacture and installation of the knives and spacers. This is costly and time consuming. However, even the most careful installation of precisely machined knives and spacers will not achieve the desired results if the arbors to which the knives and spacers are mounted are not accurately positioned with respect to each other. Thus it becomes a matter of importance for the arbors to be accurately positioned with respect to the machine's frame and so with respect to each other.
Any attempt to position the arbors accurately relative to each other begins with quality bearings to support the arbors and the various moving parts which surround them in the machine's frame. Included in such parts are eccentrics which support the bearings in which the arbors turn. These eccentrics are necessary to allow the arbors to be moved away from each other so that the knives can be installed on each arbor without interfering with the knives on the parallel arbor. Thus there are two sets of bearings which wear, those between the eccentrics and the machine frame, and those between the arbors and the eccentrics. As these wear, play increases, and the arbors' axial positions become less and less fixed. Precision bearings are not sufficient to eliminate wandering of the arbors because they wear and inevitably have some play which makes accurate positioning of the arbors difficult. One solution to this problem is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 4,667,550. There the axial wandering of the arbors is controlled by a feedback system that senses the relative position of the arbors and moves one arbor relative to the other arbor to correct for deviation from the desired location.


A pivot apparatus. The pivot apparatus includes a first member, a hinge body, a hinge head, a second member and a base member. The first member has a hinge receiving portion. The hinge body is movably disposed in the hinge receiving portion. The hinge head is connected to the hinge body. The second member is rotatably disposed on the first member and has a first fitting hole to receive the hinge head. The base member is disposed under the first member and has a retardant portion. The hinge body is stopped by the retardant portion such that the hinge head connected thereto is received in the first fitting hole.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a pivot apparatus, and in particular to a pivot apparatus that is easily assembled.
2. Description of the Related Art
Generally speaking, many devices are composed of two members rotating relatively, such as cellular phones and portable computers. Thus, hinge structures usually exist in these devices.
Referring to FIG. 1A, a conventional pivot device 1 is composed of a first member 20, a second member 30, a hinge body 11 and a hinge head 12. The hinge head 12 is flexibly connected to the hinge body 11. When the first member 20 and second member 30 are assembled, the hinge body 11 is placed in the first member 20 and the hinge head 12 connected thereto protrudes from the first member 20. A rotating end 21 of the first member 20 is then placed in a recess 31 of the second member 30. The hinge head 12 is pressed to retract in the hinge body 11. Then, the hinge head 12 slides on the second member 30. The hinge head 12 ejects from the hinge body 11 and is received in another recess 32 of the second member 30 until it slides into the recess 32, as shown in FIG. 1B. At this point, assembly of the pivot device 1 is complete and the first member 20 and second member 30 can rotate relatively.
The pivot device 1, however, has many drawbacks. During assembly of the pivot device 1, great force is required to push the hinge head 12 into the hinge body 11. The hinge head 12 scrapes the second member 30 or causes damage to the surface thereof when sliding on the second member 30. Further, an opening (not shown) must be formed on the first member 20 to separate the first member 20 from the second member 30. Namely, the hinge head 12 is pulled back through the opening, such that it can retract in the hinge body 11 and the first member 20 and second member 30 are then separated. Nevertheless, the opening presents an unpleasing appearance and increases difficulty in manufacturing the first member 20.
Hence, there is a need to provide an improved pivot apparatus to overcome the aforementioned problems. Specifically, the assembly of the present pivot apparatus is simplified and the surface thereof is not scraped or damaged during assembly.


A method for homogenizing the stitching pattern in a needled fleece requires a detector which is arranged between a first needling device and a second needling device and detects areas in the fleece where stitches are absent. Then the fleece needled by the first needling device is also needled in the second needling device, wherein at least one operating parameter or at least one structure parameter of the second needling device is adapted specifically on the basis of the result of the detection of the absent-stitch areas, so that, during the further needling of the fleece in the second needle machine, the absent-stitch areas are filled in a targeted manner.

In needling technology, there is a known phenomenon that the needles, permanently arranged in the needle board in a certain fixed pattern, lead to a stitching pattern in the surface of the fleece which is dependent on the horizontal feed of the fleece per vertical stroke of the needles which stitch the fleece. In addition, it is possible for longitudinal distortions to occur in the fleece web during needling. Also to be mentioned are transverse "jumps" which influence this stitching pattern. More-or-less uniform stitching can be produced only in a few feed ranges. It is often possible, however, to observe the occurrence of transverse stripes, longitudinal stripes, diagonals, or actual patternings in which the stitches are not equidistant from each other. Instead of such equidistance, there is an excessive number of stitches in certain areas and an absence of stitches in others. Such stitching patterns are damaging to the quality of the end product with respect to strength, density, wear resistance, and surface uniformity.
It is an object of the present invention to make the arrangements of the stitching points in a needled fleece more uniform and thus to arrive at a more homogeneous stitching pattern.


Peptidomimetics of the formula C-AMBA-X where C is cysteine, X is, for example, methionine or phenylalanine and AMBA is a hydrophobic spacer, notably 3-aminomethylbenzoic acid. These compounds are effective inhibitors of p21ras farnesyltransferase. Other modifications including alternative spacers for AMBA, and replacement of the A.sub.1 A.sub.2 X component of known CA.sub.1 A.sub.2 X tetrapeptides by a non-peptide aryl or heterocyclic component are also disclosed as are various phosphorylated and arylated derivatives of peptides and peptidomimetics. Pro-drugs made by functionalizing terminal amino and carboxylic acid groups of peptides and peptidomimetics are also disclosed. Such functionalized derivatives demonstrate increased cell uptake. Other structural modifications are also referred to.

Ras oncogenes are the most frequently identified activated oncogenes in human tumors (1-3). It is known that the ras oncogenes encode 21,000 dalton G-proteins (p21ras) which play an essential role in growth factor signal transduction, proliferation and malignant transformation (1-7). Association of p21ras with the plasma membrane is required for its transforming activity (8,9). Post-translational events leading to membrane association of p21ras have previously been disclosed (10-14). The p21ras proteins are first made as pro-p21ras in the cytosol where they are modified on cysteine 186 of their carboxyl terminal sequence CA.sub.1 A.sub.2 X (C=cysteine, A.sub.1 and A.sub.2 =isoleucine, leucine or valine and X=methionine or serine) by the cholesterol biosynthesis intermediate farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP). This farnesylation reaction is then followed by peptidase removal of the A.sub.1 A.sub.2 X tripeptide and carboxymethylation of the remaining cysteine. The processed p21ras proteins associate with the inner surface of the plasma membrane and are further modified on cysteines 181-184 by another lipid, palmitic acid (10-14).
p2lRas farnesyltransferase, the enzyme responsible for catalyzing the transfer of farnesyl, a 15-carbon isoprenoid, from FPP to the cysteine of the CA.sub.1 A.sub.2 X carboxyl terminus of p21ras, has been purified to homogeneity from rat brain (15,16). The enzyme is a heterodimer composed of .alpha. and .beta. subunits of molecular weights 49 and 46 kDa, respectively (17). The .beta. subunit has been shown (17) to bind p21ras and the .alpha. subunit is believed to bind FPP. Because p21ras farnesylation and subsequent membrane association are required for p21ras transforming activity, it has been proposed that p21ras farnesyltransferase would be a useful anticancer therapy target. Accordingly, an intensive search for inhibitors of the enzyme is underway (18-24). Potential inhibitor candidates are CA.sub.1 A.sub.2 X tetrapeptides which have been shown to be farnesylated by p21ras farnesyltransferase and appear to be potent inhibitors of this enzyme in vitro (15,18,21-24). Competition studies have demonstrated that CA.sub.1 A.sub.2 X peptides with the greatest inhibitory activity are those where A.sub.1 and A.sub.2 are hydrophobic peptides with charged or hydrophilic residues in the central positions demonstrating very little inhibitory activity (18,21,23).
The research efforts directed towards farnesyltransferase and the inhibition of its activity are further illustrated by the following patents or published patent applications:


An immersion nozzle for continuous casting, including (1) a tubular body with a bottom, the tubular body having an inlet for entry of molten steel disposed at an upper end and a passage extending inside the tubular body downward from the inlet, and (2) a pair of opposing outlets disposed in a sidewall at a lower section of the tubular body so as to communicate with the passage, the nozzle comprising: a pair of opposing ridges horizontally projecting into the passage from an inner wall between the pair of outlets, the inner wall defining the passage.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a continuous casting immersion nozzle for pouring molten steel from a tundish into a mold.
2. Description of the Related Art
In a continuous casting process for producing casting steel products of a predetermined shape by continuously cooling and solidifying molten steel, molten steel is poured into a mold through a continuous casting immersion nozzle (hereafter, also referred to as the "immersion nozzle") positioned at the bottom of a tundish.
Generally, the immersion nozzle includes a tubular body with a bottom, and a pair of outlets. The tubular body has an inlet for entry of molten steel disposed at an upper end and a passage extending inside the tubular body downward from the inlet. The pair of outlets are disposed in the sidewall at a lower section of the tubular body so as to communicate with the passage. The immersion nozzle is used with its lower section submerged in molten steel in the mold to prevent flying of poured molten steel into the air and oxidation thereof through contact with the air. Further, the use of the immersion nozzle allows regulation of the molten steel flow in the mold and thereby prevents impurities floating on the molten steel surface such as slags and non-metallic inclusions from being entrapped into the molten steel.
In recent years, there has been a demand for improving the quality and productivity of steel in the continuous casting process. Increasing the productivity of steel with existing production facilities requires rising the pouring rate (throughput). Thus, in order to increase the amount of molten steel that passes through the immersion nozzle, attempts have been made through approaches such as increasing the diameter of the nozzle passage and increasing the dimensions of the outlets within a limited space in the mold.
Increasing the outlet dimensions results in imbalances in flow velocity distribution between the exit-streams discharged out of the lower portions and the exit-streams out of the upper portions of the outlets, and between the exit-stream out of the right outlet and the exit-stream out of the left outlet. The imbalanced flows (drifts) impinge on the narrow sidewalls of the mold and then induce unstable patterns of molten steel flow in the mold. As a result, the level fluctuation at the molten steel surface is caused by excessive reverse flows, and the steel quality is lowered due to entrapment of mold power, and also problems such as breakout occur.
International publication No. 2005/049249, for example, discloses an immersion nozzle including a tubular body, the body having a pair of opposing lateral outlets in the sidewall of a lower section thereof. The lateral outlets each are divided by one or two inward horizontal projections into two or three vertically arranged portions to make a total of four or six outlets (See FIGS. 18A and 18B). International publication No. 2005/049249 describes that the immersion nozzle permits inhibition of clogging and generation of more stable and controlled exit-streams which are more uniform in velocity and in which spin and swirl are significantly reduced.
The present inventors performed water model tests regarding the immersion nozzle of International publication No. 2005/049249, a conventional type immersion nozzle, and a modification of the conventional type immersion nozzle (See FIG. 19), to study variations in the pattern of molten steel flow from each immersion nozzle. The conventional type immersion nozzle includes a tubular body having a pair of opposing outlets in the sidewall at a lower section. The modified type immersion nozzle includes opposing ridges projecting into the passage from the inner surface of the immersion nozzle, the ridges disposed on the middle between the opposing outlets.
FIGS. 20A and 20B show graphs indicating the results of the water model tests regarding the immersion nozzles. In the graph of FIG. 20A, the abscissa represents the average value σav of the standard deviations of the velocities of the reverse flows on the right- and left-hand sides of the immersion nozzle as seen in a view showing the mold's broad sidewall in front, and the ordinate represents the difference Δσ between the standard deviations of the velocities of the right- and left-hand reverse flows. In the graph of FIG. 20B, the abscissa represents the average value σav of the standard deviations of the velocities of the right- and left-hand reverse flows, and the ordinate represents the average value Vav of the velocities of the right- and left-hand reverse flows. In addition, sample A corresponds to the immersion nozzle of International publication No. 2005/049249 (four-outlet type nozzle), sample B corresponds to the conventional type immersion nozzle, and sample C corresponds to the modified type immersion nozzle. FIG. 20A indicates that the conventional type immersion nozzle (sample B) exhibited the largest difference Δσ between the standard deviations of the velocities of the right- and left-hand reverse flows, namely, the largest difference between the velocities of the right- and left-hand reverse flows, while the immersion nozzle of International publication No. 2005/049249 (sample A) and the modified type immersion nozzle (sample C) exhibited smaller differences between the velocities of the right- and left-hand reverse flows. On the other hand, FIG. 20B indicates that the conventional type immersion nozzle (sample B) and the immersion nozzle of International publication No. 2005/049249 (sample A) exhibited larger average values Vav of the velocities of the right- and left-hand reverse flows and that the modified type immersion nozzle (sample C) exhibited the smallest average value Vav.
The difference Δσ between the standard deviations of the velocities of the right- and left-hand reverse flows and the average value Vav of the velocities of the right- and left-hand reverse flows increase with a rise in throughput. From the viewpoint of improving the quality of slabs, it is desirable that Δσ is 2 cm/sec or less, and that Vav is 10 cm/sec to 30 cm/sec. Note that Δσ of all the samples were 2 cm/sec or less, while Vav of all the samples were outside the range of 10 cm/sec to 30 cm/sec.
In the case of the immersion nozzle of International publication No. 2005/049249 (four-outlet type nozzle), as indicated by the results of the fluid analyses in FIGS. 21A, 21B, larger amounts of the exit-streams issued from the lower portions of the outlets while smaller amounts from the upper portions, with the result that the velocities of the reverse flows were as high as 35 cm/sec. For the fluid analyses, the mold was set to have dimensions of 1500 mm×235 mm and the throughput was set to 3.0 ton/min.
Further, the immersion nozzle of International publication No. 2005/049249, which has four or more outlets, not only requires a complicated manufacturing process, but is liable to induce imbalance between the right- and left-hand exit-streams when clogging or thermal wear of the outlets occurs.
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and it is an object of the present invention to provide an immersion nozzle for continuous casting which reduces the drift of molten steel flowing from the outlets of the nozzle and reduces the level fluctuation at the molten steel surface and which is easy to manufacture.


Example methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture (e.g., physical storage media) to change a time sensitive networking schedule implemented by a softswitch are disclosed. Example apparatus disclosed herein to change a time sensitive networking schedule implemented by a first softswitch on a compute node include a network node configurator to deploy a second softswitch on the compute node based on a first configuration specification associated with the first softswitch, configure the second softswitch to implement an updated time sensitive networking schedule different from the time sensitive networking schedule implemented by the first softswitch, and replace the first softswitch with the second softswitch in response to a determination that a first set of constraints is met for simulated network traffic processed by the second softswitch based on the updated time sensitive networking schedule. Disclosed example apparatus also include a simulator to apply the simulated network traffic to the second softswitch.

Time sensitive networks include network devices (also referred to herein as network elements) that interoperate to provide, among other things, time synchronization and packet scheduling to, for example, ensure one or more latency targets for packets sent from one network device to another network device are met. For example, industrial control applications may rely on such network latency target(s) being met to achieve proper operation of the industrial equipment being controlled. Time sensitive networks utilize a time sensitive networking schedule that is created based on the actual topology of the network and application latency requirements. The time sensitive networking schedule is implemented by the network devices. When the network topology changes and/or new applications are deployed in the time sensitive network, an updated time sensitive networking schedule is created and provided to the network devices for implementation.
The figures are not to scale. In general, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawing(s) and accompanying written description to refer to the same or like parts, elements, etc. Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and joined) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a collection of elements and relative movement between elements unless otherwise indicated. As such, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other.
Descriptors "first," "second," "third," etc. are used herein when identifying multiple elements or components which may be referred to separately. Unless otherwise specified or understood based on their context of use, such descriptors are not intended to impute any meaning of priority, physical order or arrangement in a list, or ordering in time but are merely used as labels for referring to multiple elements or components separately for ease of understanding the disclosed examples. In some examples, the descriptor "first" may be used to refer to an element in the detailed description, while the same element may be referred to in a claim with a different descriptor such as "second" or "third." In such instances, it should be understood that such descriptors are used merely for ease of referencing multiple elements or components.

Changing a time sensitive networking schedule implemented by a softswitch


A container for holding goods comprises a basket having a base and a sidewall, a lid mateable with the basket, and a support structure. The support structure includes a pillar extending between the base and the lid and a tie connected between the pillar and the sidewall.

Plastic berry baskets are ubiquitous in grocery stores and produce markets and can be found by consumers in a variety of shapes and sizes. For example, raspberries and blackberries and the like are sold in clear polyethylene terephthalate (PETE) clamshell containers holding anywhere from a half-pint to a quart or more of fruit. Despite availability in myriad shapes and sizes, such plastic berry baskets are commonly designed for consumer level use. Produce sold in bulk bins, such as lettuce, melons and the like, are commonly delivered to markets, restaurants and other bulk customers in bags or small tubs that are placed in corrugated cardboard, which is then placed on pallets and shrink-wrapped. There is a need for a container that can provide benefits to bulk customers in the form of one or more of reducing an amount of packaging, reducing an amount of damage to transported goods, and increasing reusability of packaging.

Stackable container with support structure


In a nonvolatile memory array that has a binary cache formed of SLC blocks and a main memory formed of MLC blocks, corrupted data along an MLC word line is corrected and relocated, along with any other data along the MLC word line, to binary cache, before it becomes uncorrectable. Subsequent reads of the relocated data directed to binary cache.

This application relates to the operation of re-programmable non-volatile memory systems such as semiconductor flash memory that can store one or more bits per cell by writing multiple states, and more specifically, to operating such memories in an efficient manner.
Solid-state memory capable of nonvolatile storage of charge, particularly in the form of EEPROM and flash EEPROM packaged as a small form factor card, has become the storage of choice in a variety of mobile and handheld devices, notably information appliances and consumer electronics products. Unlike RAM (random access memory) that is also solid-state memory, flash memory is non-volatile, and retains its stored data even after power is turned off. Also, unlike ROM (read only memory), flash memory is rewritable similar to a disk storage device. Flash memory is increasingly being used in mass storage applications.
Flash EEPROM is similar to EEPROM (electrically erasable and programmable read-only memory) in that it is a non-volatile memory that can be erased and have new data written or "programmed" into their memory cells. Both utilize a floating (unconnected) conductive gate, in a field effect transistor structure, positioned over a channel region in a semiconductor substrate, between source and drain regions. A control gate is then provided over the floating gate. The threshold voltage characteristic of the transistor is controlled by the amount of charge that is retained on the floating gate. That is, for a given level of charge on the floating gate, there is a corresponding voltage (threshold) that must be applied to the control gate before the transistor is turned on to permit conduction between its source and drain regions. Flash memory such as Flash EEPROM allows entire blocks of memory cells to he erased at the same time.
The floating gate can hold a range of charges and therefore can be programmed to any threshold voltage level within a threshold voltage window. The size of the threshold voltage window is delimited by the minimum and maximum threshold levels of the device, which in turn correspond to the range of the charges that can be programmed onto the floating gate. The threshold window generally depends on the memory device's characteristics, operating conditions and history. Each distinct, resolvable threshold voltage level range within the window may, in principle, be used to designate a definite memory state of the cell.
In one common arrangement, individual cells may use two or more memory states to store one or more bits of data Initially, a page of memory cells may be programmed with a "lower page" of data consisting of one bit per cell. Later programming may add an "upper page" of data in the same cells by writing an additional bit in each cell. More than two bits may also be successively stored in this way in some memory systems. In some memories some blocks store just one bit per cell in what may be referred to as Single Level Cell (SLC) blocks while other blocks store two or more bits per cell in what may be referred to as Multi Level Cell (ML( ) blocks. It is desirable to efficiently manage data storage in such memories,


The invention relates to the field of Allium in particular to a new variety of onion designated NUN 2002 ON as well as plants, seeds and bulbs thereof.

The goal of vegetable breeding is to combine various desirable traits in a single variety/hybrid. Such desirable traits may include greater yield, resistance to insects or pests, tolerance to heat and drought, desired earliness, better agronomic quality, higher nutritional value, growth rate and bulb properties.
Breeding techniques take advantage of a plant's method of pollination. There are two general methods of pollination: a plant self-pollinates if pollen from one flower is transferred to the same or another flower of the same plant or plant variety. A plant cross-pollinates if pollen comes to it from a flower of a different plant variety.
Plants that have been self-pollinated and selected for type over many generations become homozygous at almost all gene loci and produce a uniform population of true breeding progeny, a homozygous plant. A cross between two such homozygous plants of different varieties produces a uniform population of hybrid plants that are heterozygous for many gene loci. Conversely, a cross of two plants each heterozygous at a number of loci produces a population of hybrid plants that differ genetically and are not uniform. The resulting non-uniformity makes performance unpredictable.
The development of uniform varieties requires the development of homozygous inbred plants, the crossing of these inbred plants, and the evaluation of the crosses. Pedigree breeding and recurrent selection are examples of breeding methods that have been used to develop inbred plants from breeding populations. Those breeding methods combine the genetic backgrounds from two or more plants or various other broad-based sources into breeding pools from which new lines are developed by selfing and selection of desired phenotypes. The new lines are evaluated to determine which of those have commercial potential.
Onions belong to the lily family, Amaryllidaceae, and the genus Allium. Alliums comprise a group of perennial herbs having bulbous, onion-scented underground leaves, commonly known as onion bulbs, including such commonly cultivated crops as garlic, chives, and shallots. It also includes ornamental species grown for their flowers.
Onions are an important vegetable world-wide, ranking second among all vegetables in economic importance with an estimated production of over 80 million tons in 2012 (FAOSTAT). The onion is also one of the oldest cultivated vegetables in history. In general, the bulb is harvested and eaten. The common garden onions belong to the species Allium cepa. Onions are classified in numerous ways, by basic use, flavor, color, shape of the bulb, and day length. Onions come in white, yellow, and red colors. The bulb may be rounded, flattened, or tapering cylindrical.
Commercial onions include "storage onions", "fresh onions", "pearl or mini onions", and "green onions". "Fresh onions" tend to have a lighter color with a thin skin, a milder, sweeter flavor, and must be eaten fresh as they do not store well. These onions are available in red, yellow, and white colors.
Storage onions are available from harvest, which is at the beginning of August, and are stored and available throughout the winter months up to about March. Storage onions have a darker skin that is thicker than that of a fresh onion. They are also known for intense, pungent flavor, higher percentage of solids and desirable cooking characteristics. These onions are also available in red, yellow and white colors. Not all long day length type (long day type) onions are suitable for storage. A true storage onion is one that can be harvested in late summer or fall, and stored, under proper conditions, until the spring, when the fresh onion crop is again available.
"Spanish onion", "Spanish onions", or "Spanish type" are terms applied to various long-day onions, generally yellow, though some white, and generally varieties that are large and globe-shaped. Spanish onion is commonly applied to various long day type onions of the type grown in western states of the United States (California, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Colorado) with a bulb size averaging 300-700 grams (g) (typically over 3 inches up to 4 inches but also up to 5 inches in diameter for bulbs classified as "colossal").
Onion varieties initiate bulbing when both the temperature and a minimum number of daylight hours reach certain levels. When onions are first planted, they initially develop their vegetative growth, with no sign of bulb formation until the proper day length for that onion variety triggers the signal to the plant to stop producing above ground vegetative growth and start forming a bulb. Onions are thus sensitive to the hours of daylight and darkness they receive, and for most varieties it is only when the specific combination of daylight and darkness is reached, that the bulb starts to form. Onions are therefore classified by the degree of day length that will initiate bulb formation. Onions are described as short-, intermediate-, and long-day length types. Short day means that bulbing will initiate at 11 to 12 hours of daylight. Intermediate day is used for onions bulbing at 12 to about 14 hours of daylight. Long day onions require about 14 or more hours of daylight for bulb formation to start.
Growers producing onions in more northerly climates plant long-day length onions. Daylight length varies greatly with latitude, and at higher latitudes long-day onions will produce sufficient top growth before the day length triggers bulbing to produce a large bulb. A short-day onion grown in the North (higher latitudes) will bulb too early and produce relatively small bulbs.
Short day onions are preferred for southern areas such as southern Texas, southern California and Mexico. If a long day type onion is planted in such a short day climate, it may never experience enough day length to trigger the bulbing process.
Onions are also classified on flavor, with the common designations of sweet, mild, and pungent. The flavor of the onion is a result of both the type of onion and the growing conditions. For instance, soils containing a high amount of sulfur result in more pungent flavored onions. Sweetness in onions is caused by the sugars glucose, fructose and sucrose. Onions also contain polymers of fructose called fructans. Onion cultivars differ quite markedly in the relative amounts of sucrose, glucose, fructose and fructans which they contain. They also differ in sugars according to length of storage and location in the bulb. Short day cultivars, which are poor storers, tend to have higher levels of sucrose, fructose and glucose, but hardly any of the fructans. In contrast, long day type cultivars and intermediate storage cultivars such as Pukekohe Longkeeper have less sucrose, glucose and fructose and higher amounts of fructans.
Short day varieties do not keep well in storage conditions, and the pungency of short day varieties can climb considerably during storage. Present production in North America and Europe allows harvest of short day onions from mild winter regions from November through April. Long day onions are available fresh in the late summer and as storage onions from September through March, or even year round, have not been available in low pungency varieties (with the exception of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/861,740 which is based on patent application Ser. No. 12/020,360). Sweet onions must be imported from the southern hemisphere to fill the gap in sweet onion production (November-February). In the United States, regions like Georgia and Texas produce short day onions from March to June, while low pungency onions available from November to February are short day onions, produced in the southern hemisphere.
The use of a type of onion is depending on a customer's preference for taste, aroma, appearance and color of an onion. There is thus a need for new short day onions with new appearance and color properties.


Process and apparatus for connecting smoking article components. Process includes feeding connecting sheets on a suction roller with a defined spacing, feeding the smoking article components on a grooved drum, and transferring portions of the connecting sheets to the smoking article components, such that the connecting sheets partially connect the smoking article components. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a process for connecting smoking article components with glued connecting sheets fed on a suction roller with a defined spacing, and feeding at least one cigarette/tip group (or cigarette/filter group) on a grooved drum.
The present invention also relates to a device for connecting smoking article components with glued connecting sheets fed on a suction roller with a defined spacing, and for conveying at least one cigarette/tip group on a grooved drum. The invention further relates to a machine of the tobacco processing industry, in particular, filter tipping machines.
According to the instant invention, a defined spacing refers to a spacing determined by a predetermined length of the connecting sheets.
2. Discussion of Background Information
A device for connecting cigarette/tip groups by winding with glued connecting sheets is known, e.g., from European Patent Application No. EP-A-0 687 424, according to which the smoking article components are moved through a rolling channel and thereby turned about their own axis during their forward movement.
A process and device of the type described above are used, e.g., in packaging filter cigarettes conveyed in a cross-axial manner on a so-called "filter tipping machine." Their capacity regarding the articles produced and discharged per unit time has increased sharply again and again over years or had to be adapted to the increased capacity of the upstream cigarette rod machine. As a partial installation on a filter tipping machine, the roll device mentioned at the outset thereby reaches a critical capacity limit, exceeding which can inevitably lead to a reduction in quality or increased tobacco wastage, damage, deformation or even destruction of the produced cigarettes.
Published German Patent Application No. DE 25 17 299 discloses a device for connecting coating paper strips and cigarette filter/cigarette groups, in which the coating paper is fed on a grooved drum. During the transfer of the groups to the coating paper feed drum, the coating paper is wrapped around the group.
Furthermore, a generic process and a generic device for connecting smoking articles are described in European Patent No. EP-B-0 821 887. According to the technical teaching, smoking article components are connected by two consecutive rolling procedures. The first partial rolling hereby occurs in the seat of the grooved drum during and at the transfer of the connecting sheet to a cigarette/tip group. The end rolling is conducted in the form of a multiple rolling of the partially connected components in another process step.

Process and device for connecting smoking articles


A control system for a continuously variable automatic transmission for an automotive vehicle, includes a throttle opening sensor that detects a throttle opening, and a controller that executes a change-speed control in a normal mode in which a desired transmission input speed is determined based on operating conditions of the vehicle and a desired transmission ratio is determined based on the desired transmission input speed when the throttle opening is less than a first value, and that executes the change-speed control in a linear mode in which the desired transmission ratio is fixed to a second value when the throttle opening is greater than or equal to the first value. The second value is set based on the desired transmission ratio used in the normal mode prior to switching to the linear mode.

The present invention relates to a control system for a continuously variable automatic transmission (often abbreviated to xe2x80x9cCVTxe2x80x9d), and specifically to a continuously variable automatic transmission control system capable of switching a normal mode and a linear mode depending on a throttle opening.
In recent years, continuously variable automatic transmissions such as a segmented metal drive-belt type continuously variable transmission and a toroidal CVT are often mounted on vehicles. Japanese Patent Provisional Publication No. 4-54371 (hereinafter is referred to as JP4-54371) teaches the control of a continuously variable transmission in which a desired input rotational speed is based on a throttle opening as well as vehicle speed. According to the control disclosed in JP4-54371, when increasing the throttle opening to accelerate the vehicle, the desired transmission input speed tends to increase, thus increasing the transmission, ratio. At this time, there is a slight lag time until the actual transmission ratio begins to increase. For such a slight lag time, the driving force (drive torque) remains unchanged with the rise in transmission input speed substantially corresponding to engine speed. As a result, the driver feels uncomfortable owing to the unintended racing of the engine. To avoid this, U.S. Pat. No. 4,764,155 (corresponding to Japanese Patent No. 2593432) teaches the mode selection from a normal mode to a linear mode triggered by a throttle opening greater than a predetermined threshold value. That is, when the throttle opening is less than the predetermined threshold value, the CVT controller selects the normal mode in which the desired transmission ratio is determined based on engine/vehicle operating conditions such as engine speed and load. When the throttle opening exceeds the predetermined threshold value, the CVT controller selects the linear mode in which a desired transmission ratio is fixed to a certain transmission ratio. During the linear mode, the desired transmission ratio is actually fixed to a transmission ratio retrieved from a preprogrammed change-speed map, just when the throttle opening reaches the threshold. Owing to the transmission ratio fixed by switching to the linear mode, the driving force tends to smoothly increase according to the increase in engine speed. Thus, a time period from a time when the throttle opening starts to increase to a time when the actual acceleration feeling is created is effectively shortened, thereby enhancing the response of vehicle acceleration.
However, in the transmission control as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,764,155, when the throttle opening exceeds the threshold at a predetermined vehicle speed and therefore the operating mode is switched to the linear mode, the desired transmission ratio is fixed to a transmission ratio retrieved from the preprogrammed change-speed map just when the throttle opening reaches the threshold, irrespective of the transmission ratio actually used just before the throttle opening begins to increase. Assuming that the transmission ratio actually used just before the throttle opening begins to increase is comparatively large, there is a tendency of insufficient downshifting, thus resulting in a poor acceleration performance. Conversely, assuming that the transmission ratio actually used just before the throttle opening begins to increase is comparatively small, there is a tendency of excessive downshifting, thereby causing undesirable engine-racing feel. When fixing the desired transmission ratio during the linear mode, regardless of three factors, namely the throttle opening, a time rate of change (in particular, a time rate of increase) in the throttle opening, and the vehicle speed, it is difficult to satisfy the acceleration requirement based on the driver""s wishes. During the automatic change-speed control, It is desirable to avoid undesired damage to the CVT owing to overspeed of the engine. Recently, there have been proposed continuously variable transmissions having a manual mode in which a predetermined range gear is manually selected. During shifting in the manual mode, when selecting the manual mode, or when releasing the manual mode, it is desirable for the driver to be able to recognize the selected gear at the manual mode, the shift from D range to manual mode, or the shift from manual mode to D range, without seeing an instrument panel or a selector lever.
Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a control system for a continuously variable automatic transmission, which avoids the aforementioned disadvantages.
In order to accomplish the aforementioned and other objects of the present invention, a control system for a continuously variable automatic transmission for an automotive vehicle, comprises a throttle opening sensor that detects a throttle opening, and a controller that executes a change-speed control in a normal mode in which a desired transmission input speed is determined based on operating conditions of the vehicle and a desired transmission ratio is determined based on the desired transmission input speed when the throttle opening is less than a first value, and that executes the change-speed control in a linear mode in which the desired transmission ratio is fixed to a second value when the throttle opening is greater than or equal to the first value, the second value being set based on the desired transmission ratio used in the normal mode prior to switching to the linear mode.
According to another aspect of the invention, a control system for a continuously variable automatic transmission for an automotive vehicle, comprises means for detecting a throttle opening, and a controller that executes a change-speed control in a normal mode in which a desired transmission input speed is determined based on operating conditions of the vehicle and a desired transmission ratio is determined based on the desired transmission input speed when the throttle opening is less than or equal to a first predetermined throttle opening, and that executes the change-speed control in a first linear mode in which the desired transmission ratio is fixed to a predetermined first value preprogrammed to be suitable for a predetermined first acceleration requirement when the throttle opening is greater than a second predetermined throttle opening and less than or equal to a third predetermined throttle opening and a time rate of increase in the throttle opening is less than or equal to a predetermined time rate of increase, and that executes the change-speed control in a second linear mode in which the desired transmission ratio is fixed to a predetermined second value preprogrammed to be suitable for a predetermined second acceleration requirement higher than the predetermined first acceleration requirement when the throttle opening is greater than the second predetermined throttle opening and less than or equal to the third predetermined throttle opening and the time rate of increase in the throttle opening is greater than the predetermined time rate of increase, and that executes the change-speed control in a third linear mode in which the desired transmission ratio is fixed to a predetermined third value preprogrammed to be suitable for a predetermined third acceleration requirement higher than the predetermined second acceleration requirement when the throttle opening is greater than a fourth predetermined throttle opening, the fourth predetermined throttle opening being greater than the third predetermined throttle opening, the fourth predetermined throttle opening being greater than the third predetermined throttle opening being greater than the second predetermined throttle opening being greater than the first predetermined throttle opening, each of the predetermined first, second, and third values being set based on the desired transmission ratio used in the normal mode prior to switching to either of the first, second, and third linear modes.
According to a further aspect of the invention, a method for controlling a continuously variable automatic transmission for an automotive vehicle, the method comprises detecting a throttle opening, determining, based on the throttle opening and a time rate of increase in the throttle opening, whether a running mode is a normal mode, a first linear mode, a second linear mode, or a third linear mode, executing a change-speed control in the normal mode in which a desired transmission input speed is determined based on operating conditions of the vehicle and a desired transmission ratio is determined based on the desired transmission input speed when the throttle opening is less than or equal to a first predetermined throttle opening, executing the change-speed control in the first linear mode in which the desired transmission ratio is fixed to a predetermined first value preprogrammed to be suitable for a predetermined first acceleration requirement when the throttle opening is greater than a second predetermined throttle opening and less than or equal to a third predetermined throttle opening and the time rate of increase in the throttle opening is less than or equal to a predetermined time rate of increase, executing the change-speed control in the second linear mode in which the desired transmission ratio is fixed to a predetermined second value preprogrammed to be suitable for a predetermined second acceleration requirement higher than the predetermined first acceleration requirement when the throttle opening is greater than the second predetermined throttle opening and less than or equal to the third predetermined throttle opening and the time rate of increase in the throttle opening is greater than the predetermined time rate of increase, executing the change-speed control in the third linear mode in which the desired transmission ratio is fixed to a predetermined third value preprogrammed to be suitable for a predetermined third acceleration requirement higher than the predetermined second acceleration requirement when the throttle opening is greater than a fourth predetermined throttle opening, the fourth predetermined throttle opening being greater than the third predetermined throttle opening, the fourth predetermined throttle opening being greater than the third predetermined throttle opening being greater than the second predetermined throttle opening being greater than the first predetermined throttle opening, and setting each of the predetermined first, second, and third values based on the desired transmission ratio used in the normal mode prior to switching to either of the first, second, and third linear modes.
The other objects and features of this invention will become understood from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Control system for continuously variable automatic transmission


The present disclosure is directed to an entrance to a theater of the type normally used to show motion pictures. The motion picture theater entrance has distinctive outer walls separating a vestibule from a lobby. The vestibule has a curved image projection wall located inside said vestibule and is connected to a viewing area by a curved walkway. The entrance also may include border lighting along the upper and or lower edges of its walls.

Motion picture theaters have been in existence for over a century and are well known in the art. The design for these theaters has evolved over time, from single screen movie houses showing one film at a time to very large multiplexes having dozens of individual theaters running different films simultaneously. But despite offering such a wide variety of entertainment options, audience attendance at movie theaters has declined.
New developments in digital technology have made home entertainment systems more advanced and accessible and so consumers have a wide variety of options such as DVD rentals, video streaming, etc. Although visiting a motion picture theater was once the only way one could see a film, now nearly every film is available instantaneously via video streaming or downloading from the comfort of one's couch at home. Those who continue to frequent motion picture theaters now do so as much for the whole theater-going experience as to watch the films themselves.
Multiplex owners have observed this trend and motion picture theaters are now being designed with this experience in mind. Special theater designs combine visual, audio, and other sensory features so that the audience is fully immersed. The audience does not merely watch a film; the audience experiences it.
Multiplexes usually include a variety of theater types so that audience members may select which type of experience they prefer. Basic 35 mm films may be suitable for some patrons while others prefer to have the option of seeing their films shown in a higher quality format (e.g. 70 mm film, digital projection, 4K Digital projection, and other developing formats) and in a theater fitted with premium features such as stadium seating, digital sound, or customized theater geometry. However, installing these premium features into a theater comes at a higher price than a basic, staggered row 35 mm projection theater and, therefore, the resulting cost is passed down to the audience members each time they purchase a ticket to one of these high quality performances.
However, the standard layout of most multiplexes and theaters does not allow for any differentiation between basic 35 mm theaters and theaters providing a higher quality, immersive experience. Frequently, the first indication that one theater is different from another occurs only after the audience enters the viewing area and the on-screen advertisements begin. Therefore, audience members may not be getting the whole experience that they desire to justify the higher ticket prices.
Thus, a need exists for a theater entrance designed in a distinctive manner so that the audience is able to distinguish a premium theater from a standard multiplex theater. The theater entrance may possess a variety of distinctive features that indicate to the audience that a different experience lies beyond the entryway from the lobby. It is important that the theater entrance have a distinct, dramatic appearance so that audience members' attention is drawn to the entryway. By creating a new, innovative theater entrance, an audience member's experience and journey begins right when he or she first approaches the theater entrance, whether it be a stand-alone movie house, or within a multiplex.

Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation


A drawer unit including a housing and a drawer inserted into the housing in inserting direction and drawn therefrom in drawing direction is provided. A locking member is mounted on the housing or the drawer to extend in direction intersecting the inserting direction, and is rotatable on a rotating shaft extending in the inserting direction such that when the drawer is inserted, the locking member rotates from unlock position to lock position in locking direction while rotating from the lock position to the unlock position in unlocking direction prior to drawing of the drawer. A locking wall and a pushing wall are mounted on the other of the housing and the drawer. The locking member in the lock position is engaged with the locking wall. When being rotated in the unlocking direction, the locking member is contacted with the pushing wall, which pushes the drawer in the drawing direction.

Technical Field
This disclosure relates to a drawer unit, and to an image forming apparatus using the drawer unit.
Description of the Related Art
There is an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, which includes a drawer unit including a housing and a drawer detachably attachable to the housing. The drawer includes one or more of constituent parts used for forming a toner image on a surface of a recording medium sheet and fixing the toner image on the recording medium sheet. When the recording medium sheet jams in an image forming operation or when maintenance of the constituent parts is performed, inserting and drawing of the drawer are performed.
In such an image forming apparatus, when the force (hereinafter referred to as drawing force) needed for drawing the drawer from the housing of the image forming apparatus is large, the drawing operation is a burden to a powerless user. There is a proposal for a drawer unit which is not a drawer of image forming apparatus and which includes a main drawer and an inner drawer connected with the main drawer, wherein the total drawing force needed for drawing the main and inner drawers is reduced. Specifically, in this drawer unit, the drawing force needed for drawing one of the drawers located at a position distant from the handle of the drawers is set to be smaller than that needed for the other drawer closer to the handle to reduce the total drawing force.
In addition, there is a proposal for a drawer equipped with a push-lock mechanism, which includes a spring, wherein, when the drawer is inserted, the spring is compressed while locking the drawer. In order to draw the locked drawer, the drawer is slightly pushed to unlock the push-lock mechanism. In this case, the drawer is pushed in the drawing direction by the resilience of the spring.

Drawer unit, and image forming apparatus using the drawer unit


In one embodiment, an integrated device is disclosed. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, a device comprises a core module for providing one or more output signals. The device comprises an output logic module for receiving the one or more output signals and an input logic module, wherein the one or more output signals are received by the input logic module via one or more feedback paths, where the one or more output signals are forwarded back to the core module.

A programmable logic device (PLD) is a general-purpose integrated circuit (IC) that can be programmed by a user to implement a variety of selected functions. One type of PLD is a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), which typically includes an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs) and a plurality of input/output blocks (IOBs). The CLBs are individually programmable and can be configured to perform a variety of logic functions on a few input signals. The IOBs can be configured to drive output signals from the CLBs to external pins of the FPGA and/or to receive input signals from the external FPGA pins. The FPGA also includes a programmable interconnect structure that can be programmed to selectively route signals among the various CLBs and IOBs to produce more complex functions of many input signals. The CLBs, IOBs, and the programmable interconnect structure are programmed by loading configuration data into associated memory cells that control various switches and multiplexers within the CLBs, IOBs, and the interconnect structure to implement logic and routing functions specified by the configuration data to implement a user design in the FPGA. An FPGA may also include other programmable and non-programmable resources.
Testing of a PLD is often performed to ensure that it is functioning properly and that it is operating within the designed parameters. Testing of the PLD at the wafer level is advantageous in that discovery of any defects at an early stage is beneficial to a manufacturer. However, given that some of the IOB pads may not be bonded to a physical pin, e.g., at the wafer level, the testing of the PLD pertaining to these IOB pads is problematic.

Method and apparatus for providing a feedback path for an output signal