A sample rate converter suitable for use in an audio DAC includes a first estimating circuit (32A) generating first (TR) and second (STAMPR) signals synchronized to an asynchronous clock (MCLK) and representing the period and edge arrival times, respectively, of a reference clock (REFCLK). A second estimating circuit (32B) operates on the first and second signals to generate third (T1) and fourth (STAMP1) signals representing an input sample rate (32fsin) and arrival times of input data samples, respectively, which are applied to a coefficient and address generator (76) to generate read addresses and coefficients input to a FIFO memory (42) receiving digital input data at the input sample rate and a multiplication/accumulation circuit (78) receiving data from the FIFO memory. The multiplication/accumulation circuit produces an output signal (SRC-out) synchronized to the asynchronous clock at an output sample rate (32fsout).

The present invention relates generally to use of sample rate converters, and more particularly to use of sample rate converters in audio digital to analog converters ("audio DACs") in which the audio DAC is not required to be locked in synchronization with the sampling rate of the audio input data.
An audio DAC ordinarily consists of two parts, including a digital signal processing circuit which interpolates (and sometimes performs other processing on) the incoming audio data. The interpolated data may be processed by a digital delta-sigma modulator, the output of which typically is provided as an input to an analog DAC. In conventional audio DACs, the audio data is interpolated by multi-stage interpolation filters and then is fed into a digital delta-sigma modulator. The digital delta-sigma modulator is used to reduce the audio data word width and push quantization noise out of the audio band to reduce distortion caused by nonlinearity of an analog DAC section of the audio DAC. The reduced width audio data words are converted into analog signals by the analog DAC circuitry.
As it becomes more common to store and process audio signals in digital format, the number of applications of audio DACs is rapidly increasing. Various analog audio sources often are sampled at various different sample frequencies and the sampled signals then are digitized to produce various digital audio signals. In digital format, the audio signals can be edited, reproduced and processed easily without introducing nearly as much distortion and noise as would be introduced if the same editing, reproducing and processing were to be performed on the same audio signals in analog format. Also, audio DACs are widely used in applications in which the digital audio samples are played back through speakers and headphones.
Ordinarily, audio DACs operate at clock signal rates that are locked in synchronization with the digital audio input sampling rates, in order to avoid pitch shift artifacts. The effect of the pitch shift artifacts is that the tone at the analog output is not exactly at the frequency it is supposed to be. For example, if the DAC is operating at 48.5 kHz while playing a 1 kHz tone recorded at 48 kHz, the tone at the DAC output will be 1.01 kHz instead of 1 kHz. There are several typical sampling rates for digital audio data, so clock signals related to those typical sampling rates need to be available for clocking the audio DACs to enable them to "play back" the received digital audio at different audio sampling rates. To achieve high quality audio output, the clock signals being utilized need to have low jitter. The jitter of the DAC clock has an FM modulation effect on the audio signals. For example, if the jitter is sinusoidal and the playback audio signal is a tone, there will be two "side tones" at each side of the main audio tone, and the distance of each side tones to the main audio tone is equal to the jitter frequency. In some applications, it is difficult to provide analog DAC clock signals that meet the foregoing requirements. That is, a low jitter clock signal having a frequency related to the audio sampling rate is not conveniently available in some applications.
Also, normally in the prior art a clock signal having a frequency that is directly related to the sampling rate is needed. Otherwise, a PLL (phase locked loop) must be used to generate a sampling-rate-related clock from a clock that is not directly related to the sampling rate. However, it would be highly desirable for some audio DAC applications that any reference signal, such as the output of a free-running oscillator, could be used for controlling the operating rate of the analog DAC section of the audio DAC.
Sample rate converters are necessary for interfacing between devices receiving and/or producing digital signals having different sample rates, in order to avoid audio sample dropping or sample repeating which result in highly undesirable audible "popping" or "clicking" sounds. Even for two devices that receive and/or produce digital signals having the same nominal sample rates but which are based on asynchronous clocks, it is necessary to use an asynchronous sample rate converter to accomplish interfacing between the two devices in order to avoid audio sample dropping or repeating.
In asynchronous sample rate converters it is not necessary that the sample rate of the output signal be synchronized with the sample rate of the input signal. Asynchronous sample rate converters each receive a stream of input samples, process them, and produce output samples when requested, and can be used to convert between any two sample rates irrespective of whether the ratio of the two sample rates is an integer or is a rational number, and irrespective of whether the two sample rates are synchronized.
Because of this feature, an asynchronous sample rate converter can decouple a first digital audio device producing a digital output having a first sample rate from a second digital audio device which is intended to receive the output of the first digital audio device and sample it at a second sample rate. For example, the sample rate of an audio source device might be 48 kHz, and the desired sample rate for an audio destination device might also be 48 kHz, but the clock signals of the audio source device and the audio destination device might be independent and therefore asynchronous. In this case, even though the nominal sample rates both are 48 kHz, a very small drift or difference between the frequencies of the two above-mentioned 48 kHz clock signals will accumulate and cause the above-mentioned undesirable/annoying sample dropping or sample repeating if a synchronous sample rate converter is used.
The prior art is believed to be partially indicated in the assignee's co-pending patent application "ASYNCHRONOUS SAMPLE RATE CONVERTER AND METHOD" Ser. No. 10/325,202, filed Dec. 20, 2002 by Xianggang Yu, Terry L. Sculley and Jung-Kuei Chang, Published Jun. 24, 2004 as Publication No. US 2004/0120361 A1, incorporated herein by reference.
FIG. 1 of the foregoing reference is reproduced herein as "Prior Art" FIG. 1, which shows an asynchronous sample rate converter 1 wherein a memory 6 receives samples representative of the input signal and stores samples thereof at locations determined by a write address wraddr and presents stored samples from locations determined by a read address rdaddr. The presented samples are passed through an interpolation and resampling circuit 7 to produce a continuous-time signal y6 which is re-sampled to produce a signal y7 that is up-sampled relative to a desired output. That signal then is filtered and down-sampled to produce the output signal y. Sample rate estimating circuitry in block 2 computes a difference signal td representative of a time at which a data sample of the audio input signal is received and a time at which a corresponding audio output sample is required, and address generation circuitry generates the read address in response to the difference signal.
A coefficient calculation circuit in block 2 calculates filter coefficients 3 for the interpolation and resampling circuit in response to the difference signal. Asynchronous sample rate converter 1 includes interpolation filtering circuitry 8A,B for receiving a digital audio input signal x having an input sample rate fsin and producing a filtered, up-sampled first signal y2 having a first sample rate 4fsin, and a FIFO (first in, first out) memory 6 for receiving the first signal y2 and storing samples thereof at locations determined by a write address wraddr and presenting stored samples y3 from locations determined by a read address rdaddr. Prior art asynchronous sample rate converter 1 also includes interpolation and resampling circuitry 7 for up-sampling and filtering the presented stored samples y3 to produce a continuous-time signal y6 and for resampling the continuous-time signal to produce an up-sampled discrete-time signal y7 relative to the output sampling rate.
A decimation filter 18 filters and down-samples the discrete-time signal y7 to produce an audio output signal y having an output sampling rate fsout. Asynchronous sample rate converter 1 also includes sample rate estimating circuitry responsive to a main clock MCLK, an input sample rate clock LRIN, and an output sample rate clock LROUT for a computing a difference signal representative of a time at which a data sample of the audio input signal is received and a time at which a corresponding audio output sample is required. Address generation circuitry responsive to an input sampling clock LRIN and the integer part generates the read address rdaddr.
There is an unmet need for a way to more easily utilize audio DACs without requiring the operating frequency of an analog DAC section of the audio DAC to be synchronized with the sampling rate of the audio data.
There also is an unmet need for a way to more easily utilize audio DACs without requiring that a reference signal indicating the audio input data sampling rate be exactly the same as the actual audio output data sampling rate signal.
There also is an unmet need for a way to more easily utilize audio DACs wherein a reference signal of any frequency can be used if the ratio of the reference signal frequency to the audio input data sampling rate is provided.
There also is an unmet need for an audio DAC which does not require an external high-speed operating clock.

Asynchronous sampling rate converter and method for audio DAC


A seat belt retractor has a spool for seat belt protraction and retraction. An energy absorption mechanism is provided for absorbing energy from the spool during seat belt protraction. The energy absorption mechanism has a first part for a relatively high rate of energy absorption and a second part for a relatively low rate of energy absorption. A shift mechanism for shifting between the first part and the second part is also provided. The shift mechanism is a link movable between a first link position wherein the first part is engaged with the spool and a second link position wherein the second part is engaged with the spool. The link is drivable between the first link position and the second link position by energy from seat belt protraction.

A seat belt system for a vehicle typically has a seat belt retractor that serves to retract the belt into a housing. The belt is wound upon a spool in the housing. When the belt is drawn out or protracted, the spool winds a retraction spring, which later retracts the unused portion of the belt onto the spool or withdraws the belt into a housing when not in use.
In a crash the seat belt retractor has a lock that limits the extension of the seat belt from the housing. The lock may be actuated by an inertial sensor, which responds to changes in vehicle speed that occur during the crash. When a large deceleration is detected, the inertial sensor triggers the lock of the seat belt retractor to secure the seat belt in place during the crash.
In a locked condition, the belt restrains the vehicle occupant from moving forward during a crash. Although the seat belt has some give, the restraining force on the vehicle occupant can be significant. To reduce this force, manufacturers may use a torsion bar to absorb energy from the forward movement of the vehicle occupant in a controlled manner. Generally, the spool is mounted on the torsion bar, which is mechanically linked to the spool. During a crash, the torsion bar twists and deforms as the spool rotates from the protraction of the seat belt from the housing. The deformation of the torsion bar absorbs energy from the seat belt. Consequently, the vehicle occupant is gradually slowed rather than suddenly stopped during the crash.
The weight of the vehicle occupant can affect the rate by which the vehicle occupant is slowed by the restraining force of the seat belt. Heavier vehicle occupants require greater restraining force than lighter vehicle occupants. It is desirable to use a higher rate of energy absorption for a heavy vehicle occupant than for a light vehicle occupant.
Recently, manufacturers have commenced using seat belt retractors that absorb energy at different rates to accommodate differently weighing vehicle occupants. For example, when a small vehicle occupant is seated in the vehicle the seat belt retractor is set at a low rate of energy absorption. Thus, the lower weighing vehicle occupant is restrained with less restraining force than a heavier vehicle occupant. On the other hand, for a heavier vehicle occupant, a higher energy absorbing rate is used to slow the vehicle occupant using a greater restraining force. A vehicle occupant weighing somewhere in the middle may require a combination of restraining force rates during the course of the crash. Thus, a vehicle occupant may receive a restraining force that accommodates his weight.
There are incidents where a vehicle experiences more than one crash. It is generally desirable to continue to absorb energy at the same high rate for the heavy weight vehicle occupant in a second crash. However, for a lightweight occupant, it is preferable to absorb energy from the seat belt spool initially at a low rate for the first crash, then at the higher rate for the second crash. For a middleweight vehicle occupant, it is desirable to absorb energy at a high rate and then a low rate for the initial crash. For the second crash, a high rate of energy absorption is preferred. Conventional seat belt retractors do not have such a feature.

Multilevel load limiting retractor with dual shifting mode


The present invention is to provide an IP address parameter setting method to prevent from setting incorrect parameter and interrupting the operation of a remote network apparatus when setting up the IP address parameter of the remote network apparatus again, which comprises the steps of activating a timer for time counting, enabling to receive a control confirmation of a control platform within a configured time and, if no control confirmation is received within the configured time, restoring the IP address parameter to a backup IP address parameter, allowing the control platform to manage the remote network apparatus and set up the address parameter of the remote network apparatus again.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to an IP address parameter setting method of a remote network apparatus, more particularly to a method capable of preventing from setting incorrect parameter and interrupting the operation of the remote network apparatus when setting up the IP address parameter of the remote network apparatus again.
2. Prior Art of the Invention
For sake of correctly and smoothly transmitting and receiving data for each computer connected to Internet, each computer must have an address accordingly and this address is called Internet Protocol (IP) address. The IP address is just like a doorplate number for a computer and the packet data transmission is like the vehicles shuttling in the streets. Once IP address is known, then the equipment on the network knows to which computer the packet data go.
In general, the control of remote network apparatus is achieved by the point-to-point (between control platform and remote network apparatus) network packet data exchange. Therefore, the IP address parameter setup is closely associated with the network domain and IP address assignment management. If the IP address parameter of the remote network apparatus is set up improperly, it will invalidate the control functions of the remote network apparatus. Hence, the only resolution is that manager must attempt to reach the premise of the remote network apparatus and set up the correct IP address parameter again so as to possibly recover the control function of the remote network apparatus. In that way, it will be extremely inconvenient and lose the remote control function at all.

IP address parameter setting method of remote network apparatus


The current invention is methods and assays for detecting and/or measuring the modification, i.e., activation or inhibition, of a receptor of interest, without the need to modify the receptor with a label or a tag. The invention uses proteins that move, translocate, are recruited and/or bind to the receptor of interest when the receptor is modified, and proteins in proximity to and/or in the same compartment as the receptor of interest. The proteins are attached or linked to polypeptides that result from the unique cleavage of a modified Oplophorus luciferase. When the proteins are in proximity allowing the unique polypeptides to recombine, a luminescent signal is generated. The invention also includes vector encoding these proteins, cells expressing these proteins, compositions, system and kits.

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are membrane proteins that transmit signals from outside the cell to the cytoplasm. G protein-coupled receptors are found only in eukaryotes, including yeast, and animals. The ligands that bind and activate these receptors include light-sensitive compounds, odors, pheromones, hormones, and neurotransmitters, and vary in size from small molecules to peptides to large proteins. G protein-coupled receptors are involved in many diseases and are also the target of at least 25% of all modern medicinal drugs.
The signaling of many GPCRs by diverse agonists is thought to be terminated by a two-step mechanism (Freedman and Lefkowitz (1996) Recent Prog Horn Res. 51:319-51). In this model, the activated receptor is phosphorylated first by a G protein-coupled receptor kinase (GRK), and then an arrestin protein binds to the activated receptor. This arrestin-receptor complex blocks further G protein-receptor interaction and is subsequently internalized. The receptor is then either dephosphorylated or degraded. Recent evidence suggests that the receptor can continue to signal to various effectors after internalization from various intracellular locations, including endosomes. Thus, the recruitment, and subsequent binding, of arrestin to the GPCR can not only read out on the process of receptor activation, but also critically modulate receptor activation and localization.
In addition, arrestins, once recruited to GPCRs, have been shown to signal independently of G proteins. In order to develop drugs with increased efficacy and improved side effect profiles, significant efforts have gone towards the discovery of drugs that selectively activate either G proteins or arrestins.
High throughput assays are available on the market that measure either the activation of G proteins or recruitment of arrestins to GPCRs in a drug-dependent manner. However, all of these assays require the labeling of the arrestin and the GPCR, thus modifying the receptor. This modification can lead to artificial results, such as artificially augmenting or inhibiting a drug's pharmacological activity at the modified receptor. Furthermore, some receptors are not readily labeled at their C-terminus, thus precluding their study in such an assay design.
Thus, there is a need in the industry for an assay that measures a test compound's effect on a GPCR without modifying the receptor. This same need would exist with regard to other cellular receptors, including other membrane bound receptors, located on the plasma membrane or on membranes of intracellular organelles, at which ligand binding or a change in post-translational modification leads to recruitment of another protein.

Assays using arrestin recruitment and unmodified receptors

THE TRUSTEES OF COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK


A system and method for providing constrained transmission and storage in a random access memory. A system includes a memory device for providing constrained transmission and storage. The memory device includes an interface to a data bus, the data bus having a previous state. The memory device also includes an interface to an address and command bus for receiving a request to read data at an address, and a mechanism for initiating a programmable mode. The programmable mode facilitates retrieving data at the address, and executing an exclusive or (XOR) using the retrieved data and the previous state of the data bus as input. The result of the XOR operation is transmitted to the requester via the data bus.

This invention relates generally to computer memory, and more particularly to providing constrained transmission and storage in a random access memory.
Significant impairments to signal integrity can occur on an electrical parallel bus when certain data patterns occur. For example, simultaneous switching of a large fraction of data inputs is a significant source of noise in a single-ended transmission bus. Reducing the number of transitions can reduce noise as well as have a positive effect on transmission power consumption.
It would be desirable to be able to incorporate constrained coding and also optionally, error control coding in the data that travels through a bus connected to a random access memory (RAM) (e.g., a memory comprised of dynamic random access memory (DRAM) devices). The use of constrained coding to reduce the number of transitions would improve the signal integrity and/or signaling power consumption in the bus. The error control coding could be utilized to protect against failures in the storage memory, and potentially also against transmission errors.

System and method for providing constrained transmission and storage in a random access memory

International Business Machines Corporation


A thin film semiconductor in the form of a metal semiconductor field effect transistor, includes a substrate 10 of paper sheet material and a number of thin film active inorganic layers that are deposited in layers on the substrate. The active layers are printed using an offset lithography printing process. A first active layer comprises source 12.1 and drain 12.2 conductors of colloidal silver ink, that are printed directly onto the paper substrate. A second active layer is an intrinsic semiconductor layer 14 of colloidal nanocrystalline silicon ink which is printed onto the first layer. A third active layer comprises a metallic conductor 16 of colloidal silver which is printed onto the second layer to form a gate electrode. This invention extends to other thin film semiconductors such as photovoltaic cells and to a method of manufacturing semiconductors.

Semiconductor devices currently in production or under commercial development, can be classified in three categories: single crystalline silicon, bulk polycrystalline silicon or thin film semiconductor. The first two are expensive to produce and are aimed at the high end of the market. Most research and development is aimed at improving the efficiency and long-term stability of such devices with little regard to cost.
On the other hand, thin film semiconductors are generally intended for lower cost applications, where absolute efficiency and compactness is not a prerequisite. Long-term stability is still a desirable goal for existing thin film semiconductors because of the relatively high production costs and the high material costs of the substrate.
Most commercial thin films semiconductor devices are based on hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) which may also contain nanocrystalline or microcrystalline phases deposited by various chemical vapour deposition (CVD) processes. The two main techniques are plasma enhanced CVD (PECVD) also know as glow discharge CVD and catalytic CVD (cat-CVD) also known as hot wire CVD (HWCVD). In the case of photovoltaic semiconductor devices, all CVD deposited thin film semiconductors and a-Si:H, in particular, suffer from light induced degradation (referred to as "the Staebler-Wronksi effect") which is most significant over the first few years of operation. Consequently, all commercial photovoltaic semiconductor devices are over-engineered so that they degrade according to the specification and are consequently fitted with regulators to keep the output voltage constant. In commercial semiconduction based solar cells, the substrate is typically glass which limits the size of the semiconductor device due to its mechanical stability and weight. Glass also has the added disadvantage of being rigid and brittle.
All commercial thin film transistors (TFT) are based on CVD deposited semiconductor films and involve extensive use of photolithography, masks and chemical etching. In high density transistor arrays, a vertical stacking sequence of different semiconductor layers is used. The deposition techniques for depositing the various semiconductor layers, including for the gate electrodes, are the same as for semiconduction based solar cells and the usual substrate is glass.
A major factor limiting the production of inexpensive semiconductor devices, is the use of vacuum deposition processes in the production. Such vacuum deposition processes are relatively expensive and as such, add significantly to the cost of producing semiconductor devices. Further, semiconductor layers deposited using CVD processes are relatively rigid and as such, do not combine well with flexible substrates.

Thin film semiconductor device comprising nanocrystalline silicon powder


A recites full view door in which the frame portion is totally molded. It may be molded in a number of processes from polypropylene or other materials, with or without additives, and other plastics suitable for large molded frames. There is an outside section of the frame and an inside section which are modified for securement each to the other. Provision is made in the interior edges of the frame for receiving the pane of glass, and then a holding assembly is provided, primarily four pieces being top, bottom and the two sides which snap-fits into the inside portion of the frame and secures the window in removable engagement to the door. In the method, means are provided on the outer half and the inner half for snap-fittingly or press-fittingly engaging each other. In addition, sonic welding, gluing, and other means for securing the outer half and the inner half of the door are contemplated.

The art with regard to doors for residences is very broad. Some doors are storm doors, some doors are full solid doors, some doors have partial lights at the upper portion, and some doors are full view. The present invention is directed to such a full view door where the sides, top and bottom of the door are sufficient to supply the strength for securing the door and opening and closing, but sufficiently narrow to permit the insertion of a glass window so that there is a large viewing area. This is why such doors are called full view.
Most full view storm doors are assembled from an aluminum or plastic extrusion frame. This requires the cutting of four members: two sides, a top, and a bottom. Moreover, those members need to be primarily mitered at the four joints for securing together and presenting a neat aesthetic exterior appearance. A difficulty arising, of course, is the cost of mitering. In addition an L-shaped bracket or other securement means is normally required at each of the four joints. Thereafter, normally the extrusions will receive the glass and/or screen and the door is secured. All full view doors provide for clips which will secure the window in place, but these are relatively unsightly, complicated, and the clips themselves can become lost.


A monitoring system provided according to an aspect of the present invention enables a user to specify multiple resource elements as a resource pool, and view various aggregate information (e.g., sum, average) for attributes of interest for all the resource elements together. Such a feature is particularly useful in distributed environments where multiple independent resource elements need to be viewed as a single resource pool. The user is provided the flexibility to select the specific resource elements to be included in the resource pool.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to network management systems, and more specifically to a method and apparatus for facilitating a user/administrator to monitor several distributed resource elements as a resource pool.
2. Related Art
A resource element generally refers to an entity which is used in computation or communication. Examples of resource elements include memories, processors, processes, etc. Management systems are often provided to monitor the usage and status of such resource elements.
Multiple resource elements are often used as resource pools in networked systems. For example, a front end machine may distribute web page requests to multiple web servers, and the web servers could together be viewed as a resource pool since each web page request can be served potentially by any of the web servers.
Similarly, virtual computing environments (such as in utility computing and grid computing) are evolving which view several distributed resource elements (provided in physically different units) as a resource pool in performing a desired computation or providing a desired service.
There is a general need to simplify management of such resource pools in network management systems.
In the drawings, like reference numbers generally indicate identical, functionally similar, and/or structurally similar elements. The drawing in which an element first appears is indicated by the leftmost digit(s) in the corresponding reference number.

Monitoring several distributed resource elements as a resource pool


An encoding process is configurable to trade calculational complexity for bit rate while maintaining code format and image quality. A software encoder which implements the encoding process monitors bandwidth and processor utilization and when either is overtaxed, adjusts complexity to compensate. If further adjustment is required, encoded image quality is changed. Changing the search process or search window size used during searches for predictive blocks or changing a threshold which is compared to inter-code length before determining whether to calculate an intra-code changes complexity. An intra-coding method subtracts a base which depends on codes representing neighboring blocks from coefficients for a current block to determine a difference which is often small and easily compressed. Additionally, restricting a quadtree structure for one color component to a sub-tree of a quadtree structure for another other color component improves compression efficiency and reduces coding complexity.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to systems and methods for encoding, compressing, and transmitting or storing video or still images.
2. Description of Related Art
Many types of video encoders compress video images to reduce the amount of data which is transmitted over digital channels or stored on media or in memory. Typically, a video encoder receives a digitized video image as pixel maps representing a series of frames which are displayed in sequence to form a moving image. The video encoder converts the pixel maps into coded video data which requires fewer bits to express. An ideal coding method for a video encoder has low computational complexity to allow fast coding with minimal processing circuitry, high compression to reduce bandwidth required to transmit or store the video data, and retains a high quality image after encoding. Such ideal coding methods are difficult to achieve. Usually, complexity must be increased and/or the image quality decreased to improve compression. Coding methods which improve compression without a corresponding increase in complexity or which reduce complexity without a corresponding loss of compression or image quality are sought.
Lacking an ideal coding method, coding methods suited for particular applications are typically selected according to the compression required for the available bandwidth and the available processing power. An application which transmits video over a channel having a very limited bandwidth often uses complex coding to greatly reduce the amount of data needed to accurately convey a video image. This requires computational resources of sufficient power to perform complex coding at the frame rate of the video image. Complex coding may be unsuited for applications having limited or shared computational resources and a relatively large bandwidth transmission channel.
Selecting a suitable video coding method for a software encoder which runs on a variety of platforms having different levels of available computing power presents additional problems. If a minimum complexity coding method suitable for a low power platforms is selected, video compression often suffers so that transmission channel bandwidth may be overtaxed (unable to meet the desired frame rate) while computational power of high power platforms is wasted. In contrast, if a high complexity coding method is employed, low power platforms may be unable to encode video at the desired frame rate; and transmission channel bandwidth may be wasted at the expense of computing power which could be used for other purposes.

Quadtree-structured coding of color images and intra-coded images


A method for coordinating operation between at least two groups of compressors in a cooling circuit is disclosed. A first group of compressors forms part of a low temperature (LT) part of the cooling circuit and a second group of compressors forms part of a high temperature (MT) part of the cooling circuit. Each of the compressor groups comprises one or more compressors, and each of the compressor groups comprises a controller, the controllers being capable of exchanging signals. In the case that the LT compressor group needs one or more of the LT compressors to start operation, it is investigated whether or not one or more of the MT compressors is/are operating. If this is the case, one or more of the LT compressors is/are allowed to start operation. If it is not the case, the suction pressure in the MT part of the cooling circuit is established, e.g. measured, and compared to a lower and an upper limit of a neutral pressure zone, said neutral pressure zone lying within an operating pressure zone of the MT part of the cooling circuit. Finally, the MT compressors and the LT compressors are operated based on the comparing step. The cooling system may be a cascade system or a booster system.

In compressor cascade plants or systems, or in compressor booster plants or systems, both with multiple groups of compressors, it is necessary to perform coordination between the different groups of compressors, said different groups of compressors comprising at least one low temperature (LT) compressor and at least one high temperature (MT) compressor. Coordination is necessary when the LT compressor group needs to reject heat, but the MT compressor group is not in operation, i.e., none of the MT compressors are running. If the MT compressors are not running, the LT compressor group cannot reject heat. The LT compressor circuit is operating at lower evaporator temperatures than the evaporator temperatures of the MT compressor circuit.
EP 1 790 919 discloses an aspect directed to a refrigeration system for vapor compression refrigeration cycle including a heat source circuit provided with a high temperature compressor and a utilization circuit connected to the heat source circuit and provided with an evaporator and a low temperature compressor. The refrigeration system includes an operation control means for switching the high temperature compressor between actuated state and suspended state based on a refrigerant suction pressure; and an actuation control means for actuating the low temperature compressor to increase the refrigerant suction pressure in the high temperature compressor when the high temperature compressor is suspended and given conditions including a condition concerning a request for cooling in the evaporator are met. The high temperature compressor is switched between actuated state and suspended state based on the refrigerant suction pressure. In the process of restarting the high temperature compressor in the suspended state, if given conditions including a condition concerning a request for cooling in the evaporator are met, the low temperature compressor is actuated to increase the refrigerant suction pressure in the high temperature compressor.
The high temperature compressor and the low temperature compressor of EP 1 790 919 are connected serially in a one part circuit only, and are not connected in parallel. There is no cooling circuit divided into a low temperature (LT) part of the cooling circuit and having one or more compressors exclusive to the low temperature part, and a high temperature (MT) part of the cooling circuit and having one or more other compressors exclusive to the high temperature part.

Method of coordinating operation of compressors


A welded structure has a first member and a second member that are welded together. The first member comprises a second-member joining part, and the second member comprises a first-member joining part. If the direction in which the first member and the second member are arranged is the first direction, and the direction intersecting the first direction is the second direction, welded parts are provided at least at both ends in the second direction of the joining surface where the first member and the second member are joined. The first member is such that the second-member joining part and a linking part which connects to the second-member joining part are arranged in succession from the joining surface in the first direction, and the dimensions of the second-member joining part are greater than the dimensions of the linking part in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction.

One example of a welded structure of plural parts joined together by welding is a welded structure between, for example, a differential case and a ring gear of a differential device (hereinafter, "differential gear") of an automobile. FIG. 11 shows a conventional example of a welded structure between a conventional differential case 100 and a ring gear 102. A hypoid gear is formed in the teeth portion 102a of the ring gear 102. In the conventional example of FIG. 11, a groove 104 is provided in the joint surface between the differential case 100 and the ring gear 102. This reduces the compressive stress on a weld bead 105 and concentration of shear stress on a weld bead end 105a caused by a load applied in directions shown in the drawing in actual operation of the differential gear.
However, in a conventional example in which a helical gear is formed in a teeth portion 106a of a ring gear 106 as shown in FIG. 12, the load is applied repeatedly in respective directions indicated by solid line arrows and broken line arrows in actual operation of the differential gear. This causes compressive stress and tensile stress to be generated repeatedly at both ends, in the center axis direction, of the ring gear 106 (up and down direction of the drawing) of the joint surface between a differential case 108 and the ring gear 106. In the conventional example of FIG. 12, a weld bead 109 is formed only from one side in the center axis direction of the ring gear 106 of the joint surface between the differential case 108 and the ring gear 106. Therefore one end of the weld bead 109 may be repeatedly subjected to large compressive and tensile stresses, which may result in insufficient weld strength. Even if a groove 110 is provided in the differential case 108 in its joint surface with the ring gear 106, such groove cannot provide an effect of reducing stresses applied to the end on the groove 110 side of the weld bead 109.
Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which a flange member is disposed between a small gear wheel member and a large gear wheel member, and the flange member is joined to the large gear wheel member with the outer periphery of the flange member being in contact with the inner periphery of the large gear wheel member such that it is welded from both sides in the center axis direction of the large gear wheel member.


A method for forming a semiconductor structure includes providing a substrate; forming a gate structure on the substrate, the gate structure extending along a first direction; removing a portion of the gate structure to form a trench in the gate structure, the trench penetrating through the gate structure along a second direction which is different form the first direction; performing a first cleaning treatment process on the trench to remove non-metal residues; and performing a second cleaning treatment process on the trench to remove metal residues.

The electronics industry has experienced an increasing demand for smaller and faster electronics devices. These smaller and faster electronics devices can simultaneously provide a greater number of increasingly complex and cutting-edge functions. Therefore, the continuing trend in the semiconductor industry is to manufacture low-cost, high-performance, and low-power integrated circuits (ICs). At present, these goals have been achieved to a large extent by scaling down the feature size of semiconductor ICs (e.g., the minimum feature size of critical dimension, CD) and thereby improving production efficiency and reducing related costs. However, the scaling down of the size of semiconductor ICs also increases the complexity of the semiconductor manufacturing process. Therefore, the realization of continuous advancements in semiconductor ICs and devices requires synchronous advances in semiconductor manufacturing processes and technologies.
A semiconductor device usually includes a gate, and the material of the gate essentially affects the electronic performance of the device. In traditional polycrystalline-silicon gate process, because the "polycrystalline-silicon depletion" effect may affect the conduction of the device, a metal gate is introduced. In order to obtain desired epitaxial stress, it is necessary to cut off the gate when the metal gate exceeds 5 nm and beyond. The process can not only obtain a desired profile, but also shrink the feature size by more than 20 nm. However, after the metal gate is cut off, the removal and clean of residues at the bottom of the trench becomes pretty challenging.
How to ensure that the residues can be effectively removed from the semiconductor structure after the metal gate is cut off, such that the yield of the final product may be improved, is an urgent problem that needs to be solved. The disclosed semiconductor structures and fabrication methods thereof are directed to solve one or more problems set forth above and other problems in the art.

Semiconductor structure and method for forming the same

Semiconductor Manufacturing International (Shanghai) Corporation

Semiconductor Manufacturing International (Beijing) Corporation


The present invention provides a novel hydrolase that can industrially produce optically highly pure (1S,2S)-1-alkoxycarbonyl-2-vinylcyclopropane carboxylic acid with high efficiency at low costs, and a production method using the hydrolase.

(1S,2S)-1-alkoxycarbonyl-2-vinylcyclopropane carboxylic acid is an intermediate useful for the production of various HCV NS3 protease inhibitors under development as a therapeutic drug for hepatitis C and the like.
Non-patent document 1, patent document 1 and patent document 2 describe a method for obtaining (1S,2S)-1-methoxycarbonyl-2-vinylcyclopropane carboxylic acid by hydrolyzing dimethyl 2-vinylcyclopropane-1,1-dicarboxylic acid by an enzyme.
However, the enzyme used in non-patent document 1 has insufficient optical selectivity, and the obtained (1S,2S)-1-methoxycarbonyl-2-vinylcyclopropane carboxylic acid has insufficient optical purity of 90% e.e., and thus the enzyme is not suitable for an industrial production method of an intermediate for a pharmaceutical product. The enzymes used in patent document 1 and patent document 2 have insufficient optical selectivity, a by-product (1S,2R)-1-methoxycarbonyl-2-vinylcyclopropane carboxylic acid is produced in a large amount besides the desired (1S,2S)-1-methoxycarbonyl-2-vinylcyclopropane carboxylic acid, which renders highly efficient production of the target product difficult to achieve. For industrial production, large separation device and large purification device are required, which increases the cost.
Therefore, a method for industrially producing (1S,2S)-1-alkoxycarbonyl-2-vinylcyclopropane carboxylic acid with high purity and high efficiency at low costs which is useful as an intermediate for the production of a therapeutic drug for hepatitis C and the like has been desired.

Hydrolase and method for producing (1S,2S)-1-alkoxycarbonyl-2-vinylcyclopropane carboxylic acid using same


Method with which a mobile subscriber with a WAP-enabled terminal (1) can access a WAP or WEB server (5),                wherein said terminal (1) sends a request for said server to a WAP gateway (3)        wherein the security in the air interface (2) between the said WAP-enabled terminal (1) and said gateway (3) is based on WTLS (Wireless Transport Layer Security),        wherein the security protocol used by said server (5) is based on the SSL and/or TLS security protocol,        wherein the conversion between WTLS and SSL and/or TLS is effected in a secured domain of said server (5) administrated by an administrator,        and wherein the packets sent by said terminal (1) are routed by said gateway (3) to said secured domain, without decrypting all the packets transmitted during a session.

WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) servers, offering WAP-based services, are already known. Especially, WAP-based services in the field of e-commerce and of financial institutes are available.
Such services demand a secured transmission of the packets between the end-user and the server of the service provider. The usual solution recommended by the WAP forum makes use of the WTLS (Wireless Transport Layer Security) protocol layer; this method can, however, only be used to secure the packet transmission between the terminal and the gateway (possibly administered by a mobile network operator). In this gateway, a conversion of the protocol to the security protocol SSL 3.1 or to the TLS 1.0 is effected.
The principle of a data transmission secured by this method is shown schematically in FIG. 2. Reference number 1 shows a WAP-enabled terminal, for example a WAP-enabled GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) mobile phone, that can connect over a digital mobile communication network 2 to a gateway administrated by the operator of this network. The terminal 1 contains a browser. Number 5 shows a server of a service provider, for example a financial institute or a provider in the field of e-commerce. This server can access a database 51 where WEB and/or WAP pages are stored. The WEB or WAP pages can contain for example HTML, WML, JAVA-script, WML-script, etc. documents.
In order to access a WEB and/or WAP page in database 51, a user of terminal 1 has to send a request secured by WTLS services through the gateway 3 to server 5. This request is decrypted in gateway 3 through all the protocol layers of a converter module, then it is converted into a TLS or SSL-secured request that is sent over a TCP/IP network 4 to the server 5. In server 5, another converter module may be provided for converting this request into its own format that can be understood by the database administration system 51. The answer of server 5, for example the contents of a WEB and/or WAP page, is conveyed in the other direction through gateway 3, where it is converted, to the terminal 1.
This method does not allow for real end-to-end encryption; data and packets need to be decrypted and re-encrypted in gateway 3 to effect is the protocol conversion. For many applications, such a security breach is however not acceptable.
One aim of the present invention is to propose a newer, more secure means of data transfer between a terminal and a WEB or WAP server.
Another aim is to propose a new method that allows end-to-end secured connection between a WAP-enabled terminal and a WEB or WAP server.
Another aim is to provide a new method that can be used with any WAP-enabled terminal using WTLS, specifically with terminals employing an authenticating of service based on a RSA key, on X.509v3 certificates, on RC5 or other security protocols according to WAP or WTLS or further digital certificates, respectively.

Method, system and gateway allowing secured end-to-end access to WAP services


A magnetic recording head includes a main magnetic pole that generates a recording magnetic field in a direction perpendicular to a recording layer, a write shield with a surface that faces a trailing side of the main magnetic pole, so that a write gap is interposed between the surface and the main magnetic pole, the write shield forming a magnetic core together with the main magnetic pole, a recording coil, a high frequency oscillator within the write gap, a wiring through which a current can flow through the main magnetic pole, the high frequency oscillator, and the write shield in series, and a magnetic element made of soft magnetic material, positioned within the write gap and separated from the high frequency oscillator, and configured to form a magnetic path passing through the main magnetic pole, the magnetic element, and the write shield, and not through the high frequency oscillator.

Recently, magnetic heads for perpendicular magnetic recording have been proposed in order to increase recording density and capacity of a magnetic disk device, or to reduce the size thereof. In this magnetic head, a recording head includes a main magnetic pole for generating a perpendicular magnetic field, a write shield magnetic pole arranged on a trailing side of the main magnetic pole with a write gap interposed therebetween, and a coil that feeds magnetic flux to the main magnetic pole. Further, a high frequency assist head has been proposed, in which a high frequency oscillator, for example, a spin torque oscillator, is disposed between a medium-side end portion of the write shield magnetic pole that faces the main magnetic pole and the main magnetic pole. In this structure, a current is fed through the main magnetic pole and the write shield magnetic pole to the high frequency oscillator.
In the high frequency assist head, a high frequency magnetic field is applied to a recording medium through oscillation of the high frequency oscillator, which easily causes a magnetization reversal in a medium recording layer, hence to improve the recording ability. This oscillation of the high frequency oscillator may be achieved while recording when a weak magnetic field is applied from a recording gap of a magnetic core to a recording medium. However, when the magnetic field applied from a recording gap of a magnetic core to a recording medium is strong, a magnetic field within the recording gap can be too strong, making favorable oscillation of the high frequency oscillator difficult to achieve.

Magnetic recording head and disk device with the same


In a case where a switching source wireless communication system is a wireless communication system in which a transmission timing of a packet or data rate can be controlled in a wireless base station, the switching source wireless communication system, which notifies information on a timing when a wireless terminal communicates the switching destination wireless communication system with respect to the switching source wireless communication system in advance, starts time-division communication between switching destination and switching source wireless communication systems, and receives the timing information, controls a transmission timing or a data rate in accordance with the timing information.

The present invention relates to a wireless terminal and a wireless base station, and more particularly, to a wireless terminal which allows time-divisional transmission to a first mobile wireless communication system and a second mobile wireless communication system, wherein the wireless base station can control a transmission timing of the wireless terminal.
In order to cope with a rapidly increasing demand for wireless communication, new wireless communication systems have been continuously created. Therefore, various methods are implemented as a method of switching a wireless communication system (hereinafter, referred to as 'inter-system hand off'). The inter-system hand off includes hand off between mobile wireless communication systems and hand off between the mobile wireless communication system and a fixed wireless communication system. An example of the former is an inter-system hand off between cdma2000 1xEV-DO and cdma2000 1x and an example of the latter is an inter-system hand off between cdma2000 1xEV-DO and a wireless LAN.
The method of implementing the inter-system hand off is largely classified into two methods. One of them is a method in which a switching source wireless communication system and a switching destination wireless communication system are independent from each other, the wireless terminal autonomously switches a system of a communication target when determining that the inter-system hand off is necessary and then starts communication with the switching destination wireless communication system.
The other is a method in which the switching source wireless communication system and the switching destination wireless communication system are connected to each other through a network, and the wireless terminal previously starts the communication with the switching destination wireless communication system through the switching source wireless communication system to switch the system of the communication target. The latter has an advantage in that a switching time is shorter since the communication starts in advance. A method in which the communication of cdma2000 1x is performed on cdma2000 1xEV-DO through tunneling is disclosed in the 3gpp2, C. S0082 ver. 1.0, Circuit Services Notification Application Specification for cdma2000 High Rate Packet Data.
As data communication is paused during acquisition/exchange of parameters, authentication, etc. with the switching destination wireless communication system, a method in which a wireless terminal starts communication with a switching destination wireless communication system after autonomously switching a communication target system has a disadvantage that a service stop time is long from a user's viewpoint.
Meanwhile, since acquisition/exchange of parameters, authentication, etc. are performed in advance, a method of performing switching by previously performing communication with a switching destination wireless communication system through a switching source wireless communication system has an advantage that a service is not stopped. In this method, however, the switching source wireless communication system and the target wireless communication system need to be connected to each other through a network in advance and a structure of tunneling the communication with the switching destination wireless communication system needs to be established in the switching source wireless communication system. Therefore, this method has a disadvantage in that a usable case is limited.

Wireless terminal and wireless base station

Hitachi Communication Technologies, Ltd.


A heat dissipation device includes a mounting bracket and a thermal module. The mounting bracket has at least one retaining hole and a mounting section, and the thermal module includes a plurality of radiating fins, to which the mounting bracket is connected. On the radiating fins, at least one engaging zone is provided for correspondingly engaging with the mounting bracket, and at least one locking portion is formed for correspondingly engaging with the retaining hole. With the above structural design, the mounting bracket can be more firmly and stably connected to the thermal module and be more accurately located on the radiating fins without the need of welding, so that the manufacturing cost for welding is saved. A method of manufacturing the heat dissipation device is also disclosed.

Thanks to the constant progress in the technological fields, electronic elements, such as the central processing unit in a computer, now have faster and faster operating speed. As a result, heat dissipation devices have become one of indispensable devices for dissipating the heat produced by the electronic elements operating at high speed. Meanwhile, it has also become very important as how to conveniently but reliably mount the heat dissipation devices on the electronic elements at reduced cost.
Please refer to FIGS. 1A and 1B. Generally, there are two ways for fixedly mounting a currently commercially available heat dissipation device 1 to an electronic element via a mounting bracket. In a first one of the two ways, the mounting bracket 11 is directly welded to one side of the heat dissipation device 1, as shown in FIG. 1A, so that the mounting bracket 11 and the heat dissipation device 1 are connected to each other. In the other way, at least one engaging zone 101 is first formed on the radiating fins 10 of the heat dissipation device 1, as shown in FIG. 1B, and the mounting bracket 11 is positioned in the engaging zone 101. Thereafter, weld the mounting bracket 11 to the engaging zone 101, so that the mounting bracket 11 is not easily separated from the heat dissipation device 1.
Both of the above-mentioned ways require welding to firmly connect the mounting bracket 11 to the heat dissipation device, and then, the heat dissipation device 1 is secured to the electronic element via the mounting bracket 11. It is possibly the mounting bracket 11 is not securely welded to a correct position on the heat dissipation device 1, and the welding is possibly to cause process hazard and other problems related to environmental protection. Moreover, the costs for materials and parts needed in welding also result in increased manufacturing cost of the heat dissipation device 1.
In brief, the prior art heat dissipation devices have the following disadvantages: (1) the mounting bracket is subject to incorrect location on the heat dissipation device; (2) the connection of the mounting bracket to the heat dissipation device is not sufficiently secured; and (3) an increased manufacturing cost is required.
It is therefore tried by the inventor to develop an improved heat dissipation device and a method of manufacturing same, so as to overcome the disadvantages in the prior art.

Mounting bracket for heat dissipation device having fins


A sensitive and practicable temperature control material which precisely or determinably detects whether the temperature reaches a predetermined temperature by electrical change from a conductive state to an insulated or lower-conductive state has excellent time stability, chemical stability, durability, and weather resistance. The temperature control material includes a heat-melt substance which melts by heat at a melting point according to temperature being detected, and a conductive paste which includes conductive powder. The temperature control material is in a conductive state by the conductive paste. The heat-melt substance is kept away from the conductive paste through a porous material and the temperature control material changes to be in an insulated or lower-conductive states. The heat-melt substance penetrates the porous material to irreversibly permeate and/or disperse into the conductive paste on a heat-melt state thereof.

As a heat sensitive material for controlling temperature which determines whether the temperature reaches the predetermined temperature or for determining hysteresis of the temperature visually, a irreversible heat sensitive label is used heretofore. The heat sensitive label is formed by printing a heat-melt substance of a heat sensitive agent on a colored paper material. According to the heat sensitive label, the heat-melt substance melted by heat at predetermined temperature or more makes transparent or is absorbed into a paper material. Thereby, shielded color of the paper material is appeared and changes its hue to detect whether temperature reaches the predetermined temperature. Thus heat sensitive material can determine a result of the over-heated temperature than predetermined temperature under daylight condition simply and visually. However, it is unsuitable to control the temperature at a specific place such as dark, altitude, sealed or closed places, because it is hard to determine the hue visually.
An temperature control material which can control whether the temperature reaches the predetermined temperature or can determine hysteresis of the temperature without visual observation, is desired. For example, temperature control materials, which can detect it by electric procedures, have been developed. As thus temperature control materials, Patent Document 1 discloses a temperature control material wherein a heat-melt substance and a conductive paste including conductive powder are contacted and/or contiguous each other. According to this temperature control material, the heat-melt substance is melted by heat at temperature being detected, and then a conductive state thereof changes to be in an insulated or lower-conductive state. By using thus change, it can electrically detect whether the temperature reaches the predetermined temperature in order to control the temperature.
This temperature control material changes the conductive state to the insulated or lower-conductive state, by permeating the melted heat-melt substance by heat into the conductive paste and swelling the conductive paste. However, the heat-melt substance and the conductive paste in this temperature control material are contacted, and thereby the heat-melt substance gradually migrates and permeates into the conductive paste and makes the conductive paste swell. The conductivity of this temperature control material deteriorates with time as exceptionable phenomenon, even if it is not over the predetermined temperature. Since this temperature control material can be not used for long time stably, it has some problems of a short effective term or poor practicality. And metal powder used for the conductive paste is easy to cause decomposition by oxidation or sulfurization, and the conductivity is variable easily. Therefore this temperature control material is difficult to use in a hostile condition such as hot or humid conditions. Furthermore, in some case where the melted heat-melt substance by heat at the predetermined temperature or more indicates low viscosity, the heat-melt substance may flow out from the conductive paste and may not permeate or disperse into the conductive paste and the conductive paste may not swell sufficiently. Consequently, even if the temperature reaches the predetermined temperature, the conductivity thereof does not decrease and the temperature control material cannot detect it.
Therefore, a temperature control, material, which improves the problems and has more practicality and can determine whether the temperature reaches the predetermined temperature or can determine hysteresis of the temperature electrically to control it, is desired.


An array of light beam emitter sections comprises: a substrate having a surface divided into an array of sections; and a grouping of light emitters disposed at each surface section and configured to emit light beams at different emission angles with respect to the surface. Also disclosed is apparatus for establishing optical communication channels between the array of light beam emitter sections and an array of light detectors. Further disclosed is a method of establishing optical communication channels between the array of light emitter sections and the array of light detectors by mapping at least one light emitter of each grouping with a light detector of the detector array to establish optical communication channels between the arrays based on the mappings.

The present invention relates to optical communication systems, in general, and more particularly to apparatus and method of establishing optical communication channels between a steerable array of laser emitters and an array of optical detectors.
Greater demands for increased bandwidth are being made on data communication between electrical data processing units or subunits, for example. Communication rates of gigabits per second are exemplary of such demands. These demands can not be met by traditional metal electrical connections, like those found on mother boards and back plane connections. Optical communication channels between an array of light emitters and an array of light detectors have been proposed to satisfy these bandwidth demands. However, there are drawbacks to this solution.
Traditionally, communication channels have been formed between emitter/detector pairs of the arrays. To establish an optical communication channel between each emitter and detector of the arrays, the light emitted from each emitter of the emitter array must be precisely aligned with a corresponding light detector of the detector array to form the emitter/detector pairs. This precise alignment is no simple task and generally requires additional optical elements and man-hours to achieve. In addition, once the precise alignment is initially achieved, it may have to be repeated from time to time, due to misalignment as a result of such effects as dust, shock, vibration, temperature changes and the like, for example.
The present invention overcomes the drawbacks of configuring optical channels between arrays of emitters and detectors to provide a configuration of optical communication channels between arrays of light emitters and detectors without initial precise alignment and including a method for dynamic reconfiguration.

Apparatus and method of establishing optical communication channels between a steerable array of laser emitters and an array of optical detectors

HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, L.P.


An actuator assembly and method for orienting a head over a disc within a multi-disc servo-track writer incorporates an actuator block, rotational air bearing, translational air bearing, adaptor plate, E-block and actuator arm/head assembly. Rotation of the E-block, and hence actuator arm/head assembly, is directly controlled by the movement of the rotational air bearing, which is rotated by a motor. The air bearing provides for reduced friction and, as a result, decreased eccentricity of the head as compared to related art configurations. A translational air bearing laterally positions the actuator assembly within the multi-disc servo-track writer for servo-track recording.

Disc drives are data storage devices that store digital data in magnetic form on a rotating storage medium on a disc. Modem disc drives comprise one or more rigid discs that are coated with a magnetizable medium and mounted on the hub of a spindle motor for rotation at a constant high speed. Information is stored on the discs in a plurality of concentric circular tracks typically by an array of transducers ("heads") mounted to a radial actuator or actuator arm for movement of the heads relative to the discs. Transducers are used to transfer data between a desired track and an external environment. During a write operation, sequential data is written onto the disc track and during a read operation, the head senses the data previously written onto the disc track and transfers the information to the external environment. Important to both of these operations is the accurate and efficient positioning of the head relative to the center of the desired track. Head positioning within a desired track is dependent on head-positioning servo-patterns, i.e., a pattern of data bits used to maintain optimum track spacing and sector timing. Servo-patterns can be recorded between the data sectors on each track of a disc, termed embedded servo, or on one dedicated surface of a disc within the disc drive, termed dedicated servo.
Servo-patterns are typically recorded on a target disc during the manufacturing of the disc drive, by a servo-track writer (STW) assembly. There are basically two conventional methods for recording servo-pattern onto a disc for use in a disc drive. In one method, an STW assembly is attached to a disc drive having a disc pack and read/write heads mounted in their proper positions. The mounted disc on the disc pack has not been pre-recorded with servo-pattern. The STW assembly attaches to the assembled disc drive and, using the actual drive's read/write heads, records the requisite servo-pattern directly to the mounted disc. Alternatively, and potentially more cost effectively, servo-pattern can be recorded onto a plurality of disc prior to the discs being mounted into a disc drive assembly. In this method, a multi-disc servo-track writer, having dedicated read/write heads or servo-recording heads records the servo-pattern onto each disc. One or more discs are simultaneously prepared within the dedicated apparatus, allowing for the high throughput output of servo ready discs. The prerecorded discs are then assembled into the drives.
Recent efforts within the disc drive industry have focused on developing cost effective disc drives capable of storing more data onto existing or smaller sized disc surfaces. One potential way of increasing data storage on a disc surface is to increase the recording density of the disc surface by increasing the track density (tracks per millimeter (tpmm)). Increased track density requires more closely spaced, narrow tracks, which in turn requires increased accuracy in recording servo-pattern onto the target disc surface. This increased accuracy requires that servo-track recording be accomplished within the increased tolerances, but remain cost effective.
Dedicated multi-disc servo-track writers have traditionally utilized servo-recording heads that are positioned on a target disc surfaces by pivoting and rotation in a radial path across the disc. The rotation of each head is typically accomplished by pivoting of an E-block within the writer, where the E-block rotates on ball bearings. Ball bearings, although effective for some existing devices, have limitations as to how precisely the servo-recording head can be position on a disc surface. For example, ball bearings often suffer from lobing, due to imperfections in the roundness of the ball bearings or smoothness of the races, which results in unwanted vibration in the servo-recording heads during servo-track recording. In addition, ball bearings suffer from a fair level of eccentricity, thereby adding a level of uncertainty as to the exact rotational movement and position of the servo-recording heads in relation to the axis of rotation. These imperfections in the manner in which the servo-recording heads are position result in an unacceptable level of accuracy, especially in light of the trend toward higher track density, cost effective, discs.
There has been a long felt but unrecognized need, in high density servo-track writing, for a mechanism to orient servo-recording heads in a substantially vibration-free manner, simultaneously maintaining a low eccentricity in their movements. Such a mechanism would allow for more accurate and cost effective recording of servo-patterns to disc surfaces and thereby allow for increases in disc track densities beyond present technology limitations. Against this backdrop the present invention has been developed.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Servo track writer with actuator vibration isolation


An apparatus selectively generates a disturbance in a three-phase supply voltage provided to a load. The apparatus includes input connections for receiving a first phase voltage, a second phase voltage and a third phase voltage of the three-phase supply voltage. The apparatus includes a voltage disturbance generator for selectively adjusting the amplitudes of the first, second and third phase voltages according to a first test method, a second test method or a third test method. Output connections are provided for connecting to the load to provide the load the first, second and third phase voltages as altered according to the first, second or third test method. In the first test method, a phase-to-phase voltage disturbance is introduced between the first and second phase voltages by altering the amplitude of the first phase voltage against the second phase voltage. In the second test method, a phase-to-phase voltage disturbance is introduced between the first and second phase voltages by altering the amplitudes of the first and second phase voltages in reference to each other. In the third test method, a phase-to-phase voltage disturbance is introduced between the first and second phase voltages by altering the amplitude of the first and second phase voltages in reference to a neutral connection. The apparatus provides for selecting the first, second or third test method without disconnecting any of the first, second and third phase voltages from the input connections, without disconnecting the load from any of the output connections, and without interrupting the load.

In most cases, machines and components used in performing industrial processes receive power from public utility companies. Unfortunately, power supplied by utility companies is often subject to transient reductions in voltage level (sags) or increases in voltage level (swells). These sags and swells can have deleterious effects on sensitive industrial processes.
Sag/swell generators are devices that are typically placed in the power circuit between a power supply and a load to introduce controlled and repeatable voltage sags or swells. Using these generators, engineers can perform tests to observe the effects of voltage sags and swells on industrial machines and processes. Using information gathered during such tests, the engineers can determine ways to adjust the machines and processes to minimize harmful effects of voltage variations.
The usefulness of prior voltage sag/swell generators has been limited because they have not provided test engineers the ability to easily select between different modes of generating a voltage sag or swell using a single generator. For example, if a test engineer wished to do a first test wherein a voltage sag in a three-phase power system is described by a reduction in amplitude of a single phase-to-neutral voltage (simulating a line-to-ground fault on the utility system), and then do a second test wherein the sag is described by a phase-to-phase reduction (simulating two overhead distribution lines coming into contact with one another), those tests would have to be performed using different sag generators. This is inconvenient due to the time and effort involved in setting up two different generators. The cost in providing two sag generators can also be significant.
What is needed, therefore, is a sag/swell generator having multiple modes of operation whereby the amplitude and phase relationships of each phase in a three-phase system is selectable by the test personnel.


A programmable modem (20) for processing a waveform includes a general purpose processor (GPP) engine (34) and special purpose programmable signal processing engines (22) in communication with the GPP engine (34). Each of the special purpose engines (22) executes a special purpose software program (80) to process a portion of the waveform under one of a plurality of communications standards in response to control signals from the GPP engine (34). A power manager engine (56) is in communication with the GPP engine (34) and the signal processing engines (22). The power manager engine (56) responds to the control signals from the GPP engine (34) to power currently used ones of the special purpose engines (22) and to discontinue power to unused ones of the special purpose engines (22). The programmable modem is implemented on a single CMOS integrated circuit (66).

Conventional radios and other communication devices communicate by generating and receiving a waveform that is fixed through the lifetime of the radio in accordance with one of several communications standards. The various communications standards are not necessarily compatible with one another, leading to situations in which some communication devices are unable to communicate with other such devices. By way of example, many of the cellular telephones used in Europe function according to a communications standard known as the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), based on Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) technology. In contrast, many cellular telephones used in North America function according to communications standards based on Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) technology. These communications standards are incompatible. Therefore, cellular telephones purchased in North America are often unusable in Europe, and vice versa.
Other exemplary situations arise between the radio equipment of first responder and public safety communities, government agencies, and the military. Frequently, existing communications systems operated by these various agencies do not allow interoperability of the communication equipment. Indeed, it is known that first responders and public safety officers have had great difficulty communicating with each other in emergency situations due to use of such non-interoperable communication equipment. This has led to inefficient communication and miscommunication between the various agencies with grave consequences.
Software defined radios (SDR) have been developed in an attempt to address the problems of incompatible communications standards. An SDR system is a radio communication system which uses software for the modulation and demodulation of radio signals, i.e., waveforms. The hardware of a software-defined radio typically includes a superheterodyne analog radiofrequency (RF) front end that boosts incoming RF signal strength and converts it to a constant frequency, analog to digital and digital to analog converters which are used to convert a digitized signal to and from analog form, and a modem digital signal processor that impresses the digital waveform onto an RF carrier or separates the digital waveform from the RF carrier.
The most significant asset of SDR is versatility. Theoretically, a single SDR set with an all-inclusive software repertoire can be used in any mode, anywhere in the world. Changing the service type, the mode, and/or the modulation protocol involves simply selecting and launching the requisite computer program, and making sure the batteries are adequately charged if portable operation is contemplated. Consequently, software defined radios have significant utility for the military and cellular telephone services, both of which must serve a wide variety of evolving radio communications standards in real time. However, a single SDR could ultimately be capable of playing the roles of cordless telephone, cellular telephone, wireless fax, wireless e-mail system, pager, wireless videoconferencing unit, wireless Web browser, Global Positioning System unit, and other evolving functions.
Many software defined radios are built from a large number of chips in order to provide an adequate range of flexible resources to anticipate all the requirements of the variety of communications standards. This large number of chips leads to an SDR that is both bulky and expensive to manufacture.
Other prior art software defined radios include a general purpose processor (GPP), a digital signal processor (DSP), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA) as a modem resource. The FPGA is programmed to perform the high speed signal processes which are too fast to be performed in the DSP or the GPP. The FPGA also includes the glue logic (simple logic circuits used to connect complex logic circuits together) and performs timing of time slotted communications standards.
This SDR configuration reduces the number of chips relative to prior art SDRs, thereby reducing bulk. Unfortunately, FPGAs are very expensive and generally slower than their application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) counterparts and draw more power. In addition, FPGAs generate undesirably high direct current (DC) leakage current, which is used to remember the circuit topology of the FPGA. Thus, battery lifetime for many applications may be inadequate.
Accordingly, what is needed is a modem resource for communications devices, such as a software defined radio, that is capable of processing multiple waveforms inexpensively and efficiently.


The device includes means for illumination, means for attaching the device to a flag pole so as to direct the illumination generally in the direction of a flag, and means for selectively energizing the illumination means only during hours of darkness. It is preferred that the means of illumination be permanently connected to a source of energy, such as an external source of AC or DC power, internal battery power or solar power, that provides a photo-cell-operated switch for monitoring the ambient light and for following the energy source to be directly applied to that illumination means primarily during hours of darkness.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to illumination devices, and more specifically to an illumination device for illuminating a flag during the hours of darkness.
2. Description of the Prior Art
It is a custom universal to this country to display a flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open. However, according to a law passed by Congress, U.S. Code Title 4, Chapter I, Section 6(a), when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed 24 hours a day, but only if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.
Various illuminating devices for use in conjunction with flags and flag poles have been proposed and used for many years, at least as early as 1918, where an illuminating device is shown and disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 1,256,232 to Howard. In this patent, a hollow pole is provided with a plurality of openings that are covered by a lens closing each opening. Bulbs are provided within the hollow pole and arranged so as to be aligned with the lenses so that light rays may be projected through the openings in lenses onto the flag. Reflectors are shown used behind the bulbs to enhance the amount of light reflected in the direction of the flag.
In U.S. Pat. No. 1,258,022 to Kray, a socket is attached to the top of a flagstaff. A battery is provided at the lower end of the staff for selectively electrifying the bulb, which is generally arranged above the flag.
In U.S. Pat. No. 1,383,234 to Raguse, a flagpole is shown, in which a series of incandescent lamps are provided at the top of a flagpole, and are connected to suitable electrical source. These lamps are permanently mounted on the flagpole and are activated by a suitable switch. By providing a plurality of angularly spaced lamps, the flag can rotate in a horizontal plane and be illuminated in all positions.
In U.S. Pat. No. 1,878,447 to Sutphen, a metallic flagpole is formed of tubular sections. However, a section adjacent to the flag is made from a translucent or transparent material so that the light generated by fluorescent tubes or incandescent lamps can illuminate a flag.
In U.S. Pat. No. 3,752,975 to Meyer a flagpole light is disclosed in which a lamp fixture,is mounted at the top of the flagpole and is tapered so that light generated within the fixture is reflected downwardly in the direction of the flag.
A fixed light at the based of the flagpole is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,923,001 to Murdoch, which can be suitably turned on and off by a switch.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,597,226 to Fast lamps producing significant amounts of ultraviolet light are used to illuminate commercial flags advertising products and/or establishments. These flags contain ultraviolet light fluorescent material that is illuminated by the ultraviolet light.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,988,100 to Schmitt discloses a device for illuminating display flags. Here, an internally lighted flag mast reflects light externally using reflective materials. When it becomes dark, a photosensor automatically activates a light source for illuminating the flag.
The U.S. Patent Publication No. 2003/0193804 to Schroeder seeks to illuminate a flag so that it may be displayed 24 hours a day. This is done by mounting a light source immediately adjacent to the flag that directs light towards the flag through a transparent portion of the flag-mounting pole, similar to the concept disclosed in Sutphen '447.
In view of the above, it is evident that flagpole lighting devices have been proposed for some time. In most of these patents, however, the light source is integrally and permanently formed with and is part of the flagpole itself. Of course, separate lamps spaced from the light source, such as in Fast '226, have also been proposed. However, by mounting the bulbs at a distance from the flag pole, more powerful light sources are required to illuminate the flag or the illumination is reduced, and the light sources are on the ground, where they can be dangerous obstacles to pedestrians.
In none of the prior art that has been uncovered is there any teaching of a lighting kit that can be selectively attached to and/or removed from an existing flagpole and mounted relatively closely to the position of the flag so that its light intensity may be maintained at a desired level.

Device for properly illuminating at least one flag, including the United States flag


Methods and systems are directed to an update-optimized and memory-efficient method for transactional full-text index view maintenance. Embodiments include a method and system of reducing the overhead requirements of maintaining a transactional index view in the case of a large number of updates at any particular time. The method involves maintaining a single blacklist bitmap across updated transactional query views, applying the latest set of updates to the bitmap when a new view is required, and post-adjusting the bitmap when the transactional view is created to ensure that entries that should be visible have not been removed.

Full-text indexing systems, such as search engine indexing algorithms and document retrieval systems, typically utilize an inverted index (or a "postings file") as an index data structure that stores a mapping from content (e.g., words or numbers) to locations in a database file or document. Inverted indexes generally allow for fast search operations, but may result in greater processing when a document is added to the database. An inverted index is formed by developing a forward index that stores lists of words per document, which is then inverted to develop an inverted index, which lists the documents per word. This speeds the query process by eliminating the need to sequentially iterate through each document and each word using the forward index to verify a matching document. With the inverted index created, the query can be resolved by jumping to the word identifier through random access operations in the inverted index.
Applying updates to a full-text indexing environment is often a challenging task, since the inverted index is designed for fast query and not for updates. Blacklisting deleted entries is a common technique for blocking access to deleted entries, and is generally much more efficient than updating them directly. That is, when blacklisted, a deleted object is essentially virtually deleted as it will be initially found during query processing and filtered out before the query operation completes. Once the index is rebuilt (during normal merge operations) the physical delete can be reflected into the index. This process is required because the post-query filtering of blacklisted objects hurts query performance.
Such procedures are in contrast with B-tree indexes of typical relational databases that are designed to support low-latency direct updates. That efficient-to-update capability allows relational B-tree indexes to be used in online transactional processing (OLTP) applications among others that need low-latency updates. The downside of this index method, however, is that it cannot provide the higher value fuzzy search of inverted full text indexes.
Unlike low-latency transactional database systems, typical full text environments have extremely high latency in reflecting updates. Full text database systems collect all changes and apply them to a new version of the index while the older static version is being queried. This process means that updates take on the order of minutes to hours to be reflected and applied. As a result, these applications sacrifice the low-latency update for the rich quality of search used in information retrieval applications.
A blacklist bitmap is a bitmap that records at least one service that cannot share a resource with the service at the same time. The construction of a transactional query view includes not only determining the set of indexes to use but also getting an up-to-date version of the blacklist bitmaps that reflect the recent changes. The blacklist bitmap must be re-created after another transaction completes to reflect the current changes to the system. In many cases, it is possible to just recreate the blacklist bitmap from the persistent blacklist structures. However, in the event of massive numbers of updates at any particular time, this process can become prohibitively expensive as the list of blacklisted items are scanned and used to create the new blacklist bitmap.
The recreation of this blacklist bitmap can be shared among users of different transactions as long as their transactional views are essentially the same. However, read transactions start and end at different times and write transactions can happen between these complete. This leads to multiple concurrent read transactions having different blacklist bitmaps. The creation of these unique blacklist bitmap views can cause queries to take on the order of up to a minute, as hundreds of thousands of blacklisted entries are processed to create that view.
What is needed therefore, is an improved method of reducing the overhead of maintaining the transactional index view in the case of a large number of updates.

Method and system for memory efficient, update optimized, transactional full-text index view maintenance


A refining system for refining a feed gas (10) includes a first and a second component, the first component having a lower dew point temperature than the second component; the refining system including:—an input section (105) for input of the feed gas including a dehydration unit for dehydrating the feed gas, capable of obtaining a water dew point between −45 and −65° C.;—a pre-cooling section (110) coupled to the input section for receiving the dehydrated feed gas;—a fractionation section (115) coupled to the pre-cooling section for receiving the pre-cooled stream;—an expansion cooling and separation section (120) coupled to the fractionation section for receiving the fractionated gas, including a cyclonic separator device (240); the expansion cooling and separation section having an reflux conduit coupled to the fractionation section for reflux (24) of liquid enriched with the second component to the fractionation section.

Depending on gas field conditions natural gas streams of methane and other volatile hydrocarbons as first component are mixed with varying amounts of a second component such as CO2 (carbon dioxide).
Traditionally, CO2 (carbon dioxide) is removed from natural gas streams by selective dissolving the CO2 (solute) in a solvent. The solute and the solvent are contacted in a counter-current column (packed/trays). However, one of the disadvantages of such an absorption process is that it becomes less efficient when the CO2 concentration in the feed stream exceeds 30 mole %.
Moreover, the CO2 laden solvent is regenerated at low pressure (close to atmospheric pressure) such that a large volume of CO2 gas is produced. With more stringent CO2 emission regulations to come, this large CO2 volume exhibits a big problem for further handling (i.e., sequestration/further processing).
For larger CO2 contents in natural gas cryogenic (>30 mole %) cooling methods are available which (partially) liquefy the CO2 rich natural gas stream using refrigeration and subsequently feed said liquefied stream to a fractionation column to strip out the light end hydrocarbon fractions by re-boiling the bottom stream such that a liquefied CO2 enriched stream exits the bottom of the column In the column top the gas overhead is cooled such that a CO2 depleted gaseous stream is produced and a cold liquid is refluxed to the top tray of the column The main disadvantage of such cooling and fractionation process is that CO2 left in the gas overhead is still >15 mole % which requires further treatment (e.g., by absorption processes). Another disadvantage is the relatively large amount of heavier hydrocarbons which are lost via the column bottom stream. More sophisticated cryogenic processes comprise advanced columns which can operate in the solid phase of CO2 and in that way create a pure CO2 stream (since solidified CO2 does not contain hydrocarbons). Said advanced columns can produce a gas overhead with <2% mole CO2 due to the operation of these columns at extremely low temperatures (˜−85° C.). Therefore, the main disadvantage of these sophisticated cryogenic processes is the excessive cooling duties required to operate the column at these low temperatures.
More recently, membrane technology has been applied for selective removal of CO2 from natural gas streams. The CO2 is dissolved in the top layer of the membrane and transported through the membrane by diffusion hence driven by difference in partial CO2 pressure between the feed and permeate side of the membrane. The main disadvantage of membranes is the relatively high slip stream of light hydrocarbons which remains in the CO2 enriched, low pressure permeate stream. This permeate stream therefore requires further treatment by boosting the pressure and recycle said permeate to the feed side of the membrane or to a second stage membrane system. The latter causing a further increase in the required membrane surface. As a consequence the total required membrane surface to treat large amounts of CO2 in natural gas is enormous and therefore practically impossible for large gas fields. A further disadvantage of membranes is their sensitivity to heavier hydrocarbons, water and fine solid matter, which will significantly reduce the flux and selectivity (i.e., performance) of the membrane over time. To counteract said fouling problems large scale pre-treatment processes are required for robust membrane operations.

Refining system and method for refining a feed gas stream