A communication system between a microprocessor based device and a network of a plurality of remote input/output repeater modules that control various input and output devices uses a synchronous serial communications protocol. The microprocessor based device contains a transmitter module for generating a data packet that is sent to the remote input/output repeater modules. The transmitter module controls the clock rate of the network and encodes the data packet with an output data byte for each of the repeater modules. The output byte determines the state of the output devices that may be connected to the remote input/output repeater module coupled to the network.

Input and output control modules for interfacing with a programmable logic controller (PLC) that is normally used to control a number of functions in a manufacturing operation are well known. In most instances, these control module assemblies are electrically interconnected in a rack assembly with the PLC. This assembly is often of necessity located on the plant floor at a distance from the machinery used in the manufacturing operation to prevent physical abuse from dirt, moisture, or vibration. Since many of the switches, pilot lights, control relays and so on are located on the machinery, considerable wiring is required to connect these devices to the PLC since each device requires at least two wires between it and its respective I/O point.
Remote I/O control modules are available that can be located in a rack assembly mounted directly on the machinery. Whereas this will reduce the wiring requirements, the additional rack assembly will require adding a power supply and a remote network interface module (NIM) that could be more costly. These assemblies are generally bulky and require mounting space that may not be available. Each device will still require a direct connection to the remote I/O control module.
The host PLC will also require a local NIM Communications between the local and remote NIMs can become complicated. Each device has an unique address. There must be a means for each I/O point to know and set its address location so that it can decode and select the data meant for it from the various data packets sent over the communication link by the PLC. It must also be able to mark its data with its identity when it is being sent back to the PLC. With very large systems, response times can become a problem because of the additional overhead required just for address decoding. Error detection and correction also becomes more complex as the number of data packets becomes greater. Typically these packets generally include a preamble portion containing the routing information, the data, and an error detection portion such as a checksum.
It is also well known that the I/O control modules require frequent replacement when a malfunction occurs. Since a malfunction of necessity shuts down the machine operation, replacement must be made in a minimum amount of time. Many I/O control modules have 16 or more I/O points. Replacing the module would mean removing and reconnecting at least 32 wires. Adding or deleting control modules for system changes requires reconfiguration of the individual points for addressing purposes.
The present invention is provided to solve these and other problems.

Apparatus for generating and sending a serial data packet for controlling a network of single point I/O devices


A keypad display method of a portable device includes initializing by partitioning a keypad display area and storing each partition area corresponding to individual gradients; checking whether the operation mode requires a keypad display; displaying a keypad in a specific area of a screen; detecting the gradient of the portable device; selecting the partition area corresponding to the detected gradient; and expanding and displaying the selected partition area. The apparatus includes a gradient sensing unit; a storage unit of expanded partition area information for each gradient; a control unit selecting expanded partition area information corresponding to the gradient; and a display area management unit reconfiguring information to be displayed according to the expanded partition area information.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a keypad display method and apparatus of a portable device, and more particularly to a keypad display method and apparatus for displaying a partially expanded keypad of a portable device.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Various types of portable devices are currently being developed (for example, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile phone, etc.) according to the developing capabilities of communication technology. In particular, various types of user interfaces, such as a keypad having hardware buttons and a keypad utilizing a touch screen, have been applied to portable devices.
In the latter case, a user inputs characters by touching a keypad displayed in a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) window of a portable device (a so-called soft-button device) with his/her finger or a stylus pen. However, the user of the portable device has a high possibility of mistakenly touching adjacent buttons, due to the limited size of the screen and soft-buttons included in the keypad that are too small. In other words, it has a disadvantage of causing many character input errors in the case of a portable device that inputs characters through soft-buttons.
Additionally, the user has to use a backspace button or delete button to correct such errors, but further errors during the selection of these buttons may be induced, because the corresponding soft-buttons for the backspace button or delete button are also too small.

Keypad display method and apparatus of portable device


A ground feeder ring is provided for use with round bales of hay positioned on the ground in the field for feeding the hay to horses with a minimum of waste. The feeder ring is preferably assembled in the field around a previously positioned round hay bale and is formed from several individual ring segments that, when assembled, define a ring encircling the bale. Each ring segment is formed with corresponding overlap regions at the respective ends thereof with fastener openings formed therein to permit the connection of adjacent ring segments. The assembled ring prevents horses from accessing the bottom portion of the round bale that causes waste of the hay, thus reducing feeding costs. The ring segments can be manufactured from plastic formed during a rotational molding process to provide a durable double wall, lightweight device that can be easily transported and assembled in the field.

Round hay bales are typically formed in a cylindrical shape and weigh more than 1000 pounds. As a result, round hay bales are normally transported by tractors or skid steer loaders on spear-like carriers designed to impale the end of the cylindrical bale. Dispensing the hay to the animals is often the process of dropping the round bale on the ground in an open area for access by the animals to be fed. Such a feeding process exposes the hay to contamination from ground moisture, the weather, animal wastes and dirt. Furthermore, the hay can become a marking territory for the dominant horses and bedding material for others. Accordingly, this feeding process generally wastes up to 50% of the hay with respect to being available for feed for the animals. Therefore, feeding animals in the open range or pasture by dropping the round hay bale on the ground increases feeding costs. Furthermore, since a round bale of hay under these conditions is not likely to last for four days for four horses during the winter, increased costs of transporting additional round bales also adds to the cost of feeding hay to the animals.
Most round bale feeders that are commercially available are designed to minimize the waste issues associated with the dropping of the round bale onto the ground, but are more generalized for use by stock farm animals and are not particularly well adapted for use by horses. Horses are herd animals that instinctively rely on large numbers for safety. Horses are easily spooked and move quickly when startled by noise, smells, strong winds and even other dominant horses. Injuries to horses are often self-imposed when yielding to more dominant horses. When near feeders that have sharp edges or protrusions, horses often jump without looking and land hard on the edges or protrusions and receive corresponding injuries. Furthermore, horse can become entangled in conventional hay feeders when attempting to jump over the feeder to avoid being kicked or bitten by other more dominant horses.
Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a device that could be utilized in the feeding of round bales of hay by depositing the round bale onto the surface of the ground that can minimize the aforementioned disadvantages typically associated with such feeding methods, including minimizing the opportunity for injury to the horses.


A star block copolymer comprised of vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon and/or conjugated diene polymer arms and polydimethylsiloxane arms radiating outwardly from a polyalkenyl aromatic coupling agent core is produced by first anionically polymerizing a vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon and/or a conjugated diene to produce living polymer arms, reacting the living polymer arms with a polyalkenyl aromatic coupling agent to couple the arms thereto, polymerizing this coupled product with hexa-methylcyclotrisiloxane in the presence of a polar promoter and then terminating the polymerization.

This invention relates to star block copolymers of vinyl aromatic hydrocarbons and/or conjugated dienes and polydimethylsiloxane. The invention also relates to a process for making such block copolymers.
Linear block copolymers of polystyrene and polydimethylsiloxane have been synthesized, both by graft and block copolymerization. In block copolymerization of such linear polymers, polystyrene is produced by anionic polymerization with an organo lithium promoter and the living polymer (PS.sup.- Li.sup.+) created thereby is reacted with hexamethylcyclotrisiloxane, (Me.sub.2 Sio).sub.3, in the presence of a polar promoter wherein a block of polydimethylsiloxane grows on the end of the living vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon polymer block.
Such polymers incorporate the strength of vinyl aromatic hydrocarbons such as polystyrene and the high flexibility of polydimethylsiloxane and its extremely low solubility parameter and Tg compared with polystyrene. These polymers are useful for impact modification of engineering thermoplastics and surface-inactive coatings. The present invention produces star block copolymers of vinyl aromatic hydrocarbons and/or conjugated dienes and polydimethylsiloxane which can be used for similar purposes but have much lower viscosity than linear analogs of comparable molecular weight. As such, they can be manufactured at higher solids level in solution (and thus are cheaper) and they will process more easily for end use applications.

Star block copolymers of vinyl aromatic hydrocarbons and polydimethylsiloxane and method of synthesis


In a method for operating a device in a vehicle, an operating step is selected and a function associated with the operating step is performed. The operation of selecting the operating step automatically activates a voice controller for input following the operating step. An apparatus for operating a device in a vehicle has a display apparatus for displaying operating steps, a first operating unit for haptic input for selecting an operating step, a voice control unit for voice input for selecting an operating step, and a control unit which is coupled to the display apparatus, the first operating unit and the voice control unit and can be used to generate control signals for performing a function associated with a selected operating step. The control unit is designed in such a manner that the operation of selecting an operating step automatically activates the voice control unit for input following the operating step.

Originally the different devices provided in a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, have been operated via separate operating elements. For example, there have been rotary controls for adjusting the ventilation and the temperature, switches for adjusting the different ventilation ducts, switches for operating the illumination devices for the interior of the vehicle, respective switches for the lighting and headlamp devices at the outside of the vehicle and operating elements for a radio or a CD player. In the meantime provided in modern motor vehicles are so many devices for adjusting different vehicle functions, information systems including driver assistance systems and entertainment systems that it is no longer convenient to provide separate operating elements for all vehicle devices. For this reason, the operation of the manifold vehicle devices is carried out by means of a integrative operational concept comprising few operating elements which are operated in conjunction with a display device. In doing so, push buttons are displayed by the display of the display device which may be selected by the operating element.
The operation of the different devices of the vehicle and the picking up of information that can be provided by these devices possibly stress the concentration of the driver such that the simultaneous safe control of the motor vehicle by the driver is not possible or only in a limited manner. Therefore, if the driver desires to operate devices of the vehicle the information of which are displayed via the display device he/she possibly should perform this prior to the start of a drive or should interrupt the drive for the operation. However, such interferences are not desired for the operation. Often they result in that the driver operates the devices of the vehicle during the drive although this may result in a distraction which may constitute a safety risk.
It is therefore desirable to display the information in the motor vehicle such that it can be absorbed by the driver in a fast and intuitive manner so that the comprehension of the information displayed does not result in a distraction of the driver during the drive. Further, the operation should be operable so intuitive, simple and fast that the driver also may operate the devices of the vehicle, the information of which is displayed by the display device, during the drive even if where required complex structures may be displayed by the display device. The information representation and the operation in the motor vehicle corresponding to an information representation therefore add to the safety of driving the motor vehicle.
In particular in order to provide to the driver of a vehicle an operation of the devices of the vehicle in which he/she does not have to avert his/her eyes from the driving action it is well-known to utilize a voice controller. In this case, the driver pushes a so called push-to-talk button which for example may be provided for at the steering wheel whereupon he/she carries out a linguistic input. After pushing the push-to-talk button the voice controller is activated. During a given time interval acoustic signals are recorded by a microphone in the interior of the vehicle and are analyzed by means of a voice recognition unit and converted into control instructions. It is a disadvantage of such an operational system that the voice controller does not integrate smoothly into the operation of a multi-functional operating device, for example, but voice instructions may only be input by previously pushing the push-to-talk button.

Method and apparatus for operating a device in a vehicle with a voice controller


There is provided a distribution system and a wiring format which will not only provide for a common enclosure, which will help to centralize the entrance of services to a facility, but will also organize the services throughout the facility. In particular, the invention includes an enclosure that will house telephone/audio distribution equipment, video distribution equipment and other systems which are desired by the facility owner.

The present invention generally relates to communication and energy management systems and in particular to service entrance devices and wiring system for a particular facility.
The electrical contractor is installing the majority of telephone and video wiring in the home today. With the exception of the electrical system, the remainder of the residential wiring is unorganized. This creates problems in installing, adding and changing products that utilize and enhance the electrical, telephone and video services in the home or workplace. Telephone wire is installed in multi-drop configurations in the home today which limits the capabilities of the telephone system. Although coaxial cable installation in the home run "star" configuration is recommended, homes are still occasionally wired in a multi-drop method which greatly impairs the capabilities of the video distribution system. In addition to the in-house wiring issue there is a problem of not having a common location for service entrances into the home. Today, the various services, telephone and CATV enter the house at various locations creating unsightly wiring to be dispersed throughout the home along with several holes being created in the walls in order to accommodate these services.
There is a great need in the art to provide a method that provides consistency and corrects the above problems by establishing some kind of wiring scheme that would bring these wires into a common enclosure, thereby centralizing the service entrance and the services' distribution. Such an enclosure would provide a distribution point for telephone, video and audio services throughout the home or building via components such as, but not limited to, splitters, amplifiers and telephone connection blocks.

Service entrance distribution and management system for communication systems


An infrared sensor for detecting infrared rays of light and a light emitting element are disposed below a light transmittable top plate, which has a hearing area for heating an article to be heated placed thereon, in juxtaposed fashion relative to each other, so that infrared rays of light radiated from the article to be heated may be guided towards the infrared sensor. A light guide portion is provided for guiding rays of flight, emitted from the light emitting element, towards a heating area of the top plate, and the rays of light emitted from the light emitting element and guided by the light guide portion are projected onto the top plate through an upper opening of the light guide portion so that such rays of light can be noticed with eyes within the heating area.

The prior art induction heating appliance for cooking is so designed that an infrared sensor is arranged at a center of a heating coil and an inverter circuit is controlled by a controlling means in dependence on an output from the infrared sensor to thereby control the output of the heating coil. (See, for example, Patent Document 1 listed below.)
Patent Document Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2005-38660

PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.


A frame assembly for a motor vehicle comprises a forward module and a rearward module. The forward module comprises a pair of forward side rail portions, which are interconnected by a cross portion. The forward side rail portions are angularly disposed with respect to one another such that they have an increasing distance therebetween as they extend rearwardly. Rearward ends of the forward side rail portions are connected to associated forward ends of the rearward side rail portions. At least one of the forward and rearward side rail portions has a notch formed therein permitting an end portion thereof to be bent laterally to permit interface with the associated side rail portion connected thereto. The end portion is then bent back and is welded to the associated side rail portion connected thereto.

A vehicle ladder frame typically includes a pair of transversely spaced longitudinal side rails interconnected by a series of transverse cross members. Various vehicle subassemblies are mounted on the frame, such as the engine, passenger compartment, suspension, etc.
To enhance manufacturing efficiencies, some vehicle ladder frames are designed with a plurality of modular subassemblies. Each module subassembly typically includes two side rail frame portions interconnected by at least one cross portion. The modules are formed individually and have respectively associated vehicle components mounted thereon. The modules are then joined and connected together forming the full vehicle frame.
Since the modules are smaller and lighter than the whole of the vehicle frame, the modules are easier to manipulate in a manufacturing environment.
For some applications, it is desirable to provide frame side rails that have at least forward portions thereof disposed in angular relation with one another. In other words, at least the forward portions of the side rails are not parallel to one another, but rather are angled so as to have an increasing distance therebetween as they extend rearwardly. The angular configuration of the side rails increases structural performance of the frame for certain applications.
Because of the geometries and manufacturability problems involved, modularized ladder frame assemblies with angular forward side rail members have not been pursued.
Increased geometric and manufacturing difficulties for such an arrangement are also introduced when closed section side rail members are desired. Closed section or tubular side rail members are desirable, particularly towards the front end of a ladder frame, as such tubular frame members are more suitable for bearing the load of the vehicle engine.

Method of joining closed section members between frame modules


A device for applying a mixed component includes first and second component reservoirs, a static mixing nozzle configured to mix first and second components into the mixed component, a component passage disposed between the component reservoirs and the first end of the static mixing nozzle, the component passage disposed to enable the first and second components to flow from the reservoirs to the static mixing nozzle, a spray tip including an air inlet disposed at least partially between the first end of the spray tip and the second end of the spray tip, the first end of the spray tip being disposed adjacent the second end of the static mixing nozzle, a component applicator configured to use air to apply the mixed component through the second end of the spray tip, and a trigger mechanism disposed on the component applicator, and configured to enable application of the mixed component.

Field of the Invention
This invention relates to multi-component dispensing and mixing systems for paints and coatings. More particularly, the present invention relates to devices and methods for packaging, mixing, and dispensing multi-component paints.
Related Art
U.S. Pat. No. 5,249,709 discloses cartridges for dispensing reactive materials in predetermined ratios. U.S. Pat. No. 5,072,862 discloses static flow mixers for use in dual cartridges, U.S. Pat. No. 4,538,920 discloses a dual cartridge with a static mixer in the nozzle. U.S. Pat. No. 4,767,026 discloses dual cartridge dispensing and mixing apparatus. U.S. Pat. No. 6,135,631 discloses a static mixer and nozzle for a multiple component dispensing cartridge having at least two cylinders. U.S. Pat. No. 5,535,922 discloses a caulking gun dispenser device, which allows one to use a multi-component cartridge dispenser in a regular caulking gun. U.S. Pat. No. 5,875,928 discloses a two-plunger dispensing gun suitable for mixing and discharging two-component compositions. U.S. Pat. No. 6,244,740 discloses a mixer for multi-component cartridges. U.S. Pat. No. 3,166,221 discloses a plastic, double-tube dispensing container. U.S. Pat. No. 3,828,980 discloses a dual cartridge dispenser. U.S. Pat. No. 6,601,782 discloses a disposable spray nozzle assembly.
Background of the Technology
The use of high solids coatings is becoming increasingly popular. In the 1970's, regulatory bodies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Air Resource Board (CARB) began to scrutinize the paint and coating industries to reduce the amount of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) released into the atmosphere. The regulatory bodies discovered that the solvents contained within paints were contributors to air pollution. The VOCs, which are released as the solvent evaporates from a painted surface during cure, react with nitrogen oxides to form ozone. As a result, the Clean Air Act (CAA) was developed by the EPA to regulate policies concerning the release of large amounts of VOCs into the atmosphere in an attempt to prevent further damage to the environment.
Each year coating application regulations reduce the amount of allowable VOC emissions released from coatings into the atmosphere. The military has begun specifying traditional solvent-based coatings and high solids, edge retentive coatings for construction and repair. These coatings were the government's solution to service life extension and reduced life cycle cost goals while at the same time addressing the tightening regulations. However, with the introduction of this new coating technology, new processes and handling requirements, unfamiliar to painters, were also introduced.
Multi-component, high solids paints cure by a chemical reaction that creates heat after mixing. With the small amount of solvent content, VOCs are greatly reduced, and the coatings provide a higher level of performance. These types of coatings have a much higher viscosity than traditional solvent-based systems, making them very difficult to apply. If the coatings are manually mixed and applied, the pot life of the mixture is shortened dramatically, often as short as 30 minutes and some measured on the order of seconds. Application environment and ratio control have more effect on these coatings than traditional coatings. Pot life, viscosity and curability are all dependent at least in part on temperature and humidity. Painters and supervisors need to continuously monitor these variables to produce the best product, which leads to increased costs.

Dual component dispensing and mixing systems for marine and military paints


Method for manufacturing a high-energy, low-voltage ignition plug comprising a ceramic material between its electrodes:                there is mixed, in a container containing a liquid, from 50 to 75% of a compound which is intended to form a conductive phase and from 25 to 50% of one or more materials which allow the formation of phases of yttrium garnet after thermal processing;        operations are carried out for pulverizing, drying and sieving the admixture;        the admixture is pressed or injected into a mould;        sintering is carried out so as to obtain a ceramic material having porosity of between 0 and 30%;        the ceramic material is used in order to constitute the material located between the electrodes of a high-energy, low-voltage ignition plug.Ignition plug manufactured in that manner.

It should be noted that ignition plugs, in particular for gas turbines and reaction motors, can be of two types:                plugs of the high-energy, high-voltage (HEHV) type, whose operating voltage is in the order of 20 kV;        plugs of the high-energy, low-voltage (HELV) type, whose operating voltage is in the order of from 2 to 3 kV;they are capable of supplying energy of from a few tenths of a joule up to several joules.
HELV plugs comprise a material, such as a cermet, between their electrodes so that the application of an adequate voltage between the electrodes leads to the passage of a spark.
The characteristics of the material during the different phases of the spark has been analysed as follows.
Firstly, the material is active during the ionisation phase which corresponds to an accumulation of charges at the surface of the material. The arcing phase then follows and corresponds to an intermediate zone, during which there is gradual propagation of micro-arcs at the surface. Finally, the sparking phase occurs, during which the material is inactive but is subjected to great mechanical and thermal stresses brought about by the passage of the spark.
It should be noted that, in the common language of ignition plug manufacturers, this material is sometimes referred to as being a "semi-conductor". However, that usage does not really correspond to the real circumstances because, during the arcing phase, the material does become a conductor at its surface, but not over the entirety of its volume.
The advantages of HELV plugs are, on the one hand, linked with their operation which is not very dependent on the conditions present in the combustion chamber (re-ignition at high pressure), and, on the other hand, linked with the less important ignition train which it is simply necessary to provide in order to ensure their operation. It is those advantages which led to the development of ceramic materials based on silicon carbide, which are described in particular in documents U.S. Pat. No. 5,028,346 and FR-A-2 346 881. Those materials also contain an insulating phase based, for example, on silicon nitride and modified silicon oxynitride, on silicon dioxide, aluminium oxide and alkaline-earth oxide.
However, those systems have not become generally used in motors because the service life of a plug of that type becomes greatly reduced in the event of use under harsh conditions, that is to say, at high pressures and high temperatures combined with chemical attacks linked with the type of fuel used.
In the case of HEHV plugs, it is the wear of the electrodes which limits the service life of the plugs, whilst in the case of HELV plugs the wear of the material placed between the electrodes occurs substantially before the wear of the electrodes, and that is what limits the service life.
The problem addressed by the invention is to increase the service life and therefore the reliability of plugs of the HELV type.
To that end, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing a high-energy, low-voltage ignition plug comprising a ceramic material between its electrodes, characterised in that:                there is mixed, in a container containing a liquid, from 50 to 75% by mass of a compound which is intended to form a conductive phase and from 25 to 50% by mass of one or more materials which allow the formation of phases of yttrium garnet after thermal processing;        operations are carried out for pulverising, drying and sieving the admixture;        the admixture is pressed or injected into a mould;        sintering of the admixture is carried out so as to obtain a ceramic material having porosity of between 0 and 30%;        the ceramic material is used in order to constitute the material located between the electrodes of a high-energy, low-voltage ignition plug.
The conductive phase is preferably selected from SiC and MoSi2 and admixtures thereof.
The porosity of the ceramic material obtained is preferably between 0 and 15%.
There is preferably added to the admixture a thermoemissive doping agent at a proportion of up to 30% of the total mass of the compounds which are intended to form the conductive and insulating phases.
From 3 to 60% by mass, relative to the total mass of the compounds which are intended to form the conductive and insulating phases, of one or more organic binding and/or plasticising compounds is preferably added to the admixture, and a de-binding operation is carried out after the pressing or injection and before the sintering operation.
It is possible to carry out the pulverising in two steps, the addition of the plasticising agent being carried out between the two steps, and the second pulverising step being less energetic than the first step.
The materials which allow the formation of phases of yttrium garnet may be aluminium oxide and Y2O3.
The yttrium garnet can be an yttrium-aluminium garnet which contains one or more of the compounds Y2O3, Al2O3, YAlO3, Y3Al5O12, Y4Al2O9.
The thermoemissive doping agent can be LaB6.
The invention also relates to an ignition plug of the high-energy, low-voltage type, comprising a ceramic material between its electrodes, characterised in that the ceramic material is of the above type.
As will be appreciated, the invention first consists in using insulating phases of the yttrium garnet type resulting, for example, from the reaction between Al2O3 and Y2O3. They have very high levels of mechanical strength and thermomechanical resistance. Furthermore, their electrical resistivity is very high, which makes them usable in the intended fields of application.
Thus, the element located between the electrodes can withstand the great stresses, to which it is subjected during the ionisation phase (high pressure, high temperature, presence of chemical agents) and also during the sparking phase, in which it is passive but is subjected to thermal and mechanical shocks. Those shocks lead to exposure of the conductive phase particles that are located adjacent to the inter-electrode surface in the case of HELV plugs which use that material and which are known in the prior art.
The invention further allows a substantial reduction in the failure rate of the plugs, which becomes less than 1% in the long term.

Method for manufacturing an ignition plug and ignition plug produced in that manner


The present invention provides a process for the preparation of Olmesartan medoxomil by condensing the ethyl 4-(1-hydroxy-1-methylethyl)-2-propylimidazole-5-carboxylate with 4-[2-(trityl tetrazol-5-yl)phenyl]benzyl bromide to obtain ethyl 4-(1-hydroxy-1-methyl ethyl)-2-propyl-1-{4-[2-(trityl tetrazol-5-yl)phenyl]phenyl}methylimidazole-5-carboxylate and then hydrolyzing ethyl 4-(1-hydroxy-1-methyl ethyl)-2-propyl-1-{4-[2-(trityl tetrazol-5-yl)phenyl]phenyl}methyl imidazole-5-carboxylate to obtain trityl Olmesartan dihydrate followed by reacting trityl Olmesartan dihydrate with 4-chloromethyl-5-methyl-2-oxo-1,3-dioxolene to obtain trityl Olmesartan medoxomil and then deprotecting trityl Olmesartan medoxomil to obtain Olmesartan medoxomil.

Olmesartan medoxomil, 4-(1-hydroxy-1-methylethyl)-2-propyl-1-[[2′-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)[1,1′-biphenyl]-4-yl]methyl]-1H-imidazole-5-carboxylic acid has the formula as given below:

Olmesartan medoxomil is found to be an excellent Angiotensin II receptor antagonist activity and is therefore useful as antihypertensive drug and for the therapy and prophylaxis of heart diseases.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,616,599 discloses a process for the preparation of Olmesartan medoxomil comprising                Condensing the ethyl 4-(1-hydroxy-1-methylethyl)-2-propylimidazole-5-carboxylate with 4-[2-(trityl tetrazol-5-yl)phenyl]benzyl bromide in presence of NaH/DMF to obtain ethyl 4-(1-hydroxy-1-methyl ethyl)-2-propyl-1-{4-[2-(trityl tetrazol-5-yl)phenyl]phenyl}methyl imidazole-5-carboxylate        Reacting the above; obtained compound with lithium hydroxide in dioxane to obtain corresponding lithium carboxylate, which is then reacted with 4-chloromethyl-5-methyl-2-oxo-1,3-dioxolene in presence of K2CO3/DMA and the obtained residue is subsequently crystallized from IPE to obtain trityl Olmesartan medoxomil, which is then deprotected in presence of acetic acid/water followed by crystallization in ethyl acetate to obtain Olmesartan medoxomil
U.S. Pat. No. 5,744,612 discloses a process for producing Olmesartan and Olmesartan alkyl ester comprising the step of reacting ethyl ester of 1-(2′-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl-4-(1-hydroxy-1-methylethyl)-2-propylimidazole-5-carboxylic acid with an inorganic azide such as sodium azide in an aromatic hydrocarbon solvent such as toluene or xylene in the presence of an amine salt such as triethylamine hydrochloride to obtain Olmesartan ethyl ester followed by hydrolysis to Obtain Olmesartan
The US'612 also discloses a process for preparing a 5-substituted tetrazole comprising the step of reacting a nitrile with an inorganic azide in aromatic hydrocarbon such as toluene or xylene in the presence of an amine salt such as triethylamine hydrochloride.
US 2005/0119488 claims the compounds containing cumyl tetrazolyl group or an isomer or tautomer thereof and claims a process for the deprotection of a compound containing cumyl tetrazolyl group by deprotecting the 4-(1-hydroxy-1-methylethyl)-2-propyl-1-{[4-2-(cumyltetrazol-5-yl)phenyl]phenyl}methylimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (cumyl Olmesartan) in presence of anhydrous HCl or HBr in an organic protic or aprotic solvents preferably MDC or EtOAc or toluene to produce 4-(1-hydroxy-1-methylethyl)-2-propyl-1-{[4′-tetrazol-5-yl)phenyl]phenyl}methyl imidazole-5-carboxylic acid (Olmesartan).
US 2006/0069141 discloses a process for the preparation of Olmesartan medoxomil in which trityl Olmesartan medoxomil is contacted with an acid in a mixture of water miscible organic solvent and water. Preferred water-miscible organic solvents include acetone, acetonitrile and t-butanol and most preferred solvent is acetone and water in about 1:3 to about 3:1 by volume. By the above process it is given that the impurity-Olmesartan acid is reduced to less than about 1% and the Olmesartan medoxomil is obtained directly without the evaporation step as given in the U.S. Pat. No. 5,616,599.
US 2006/00069141 discloses a process for preparing Olmesartan Medoxomil comprises                Contacting trityl Olmesartan medoxomil with an acid in a water miscible organic solvent, with or without water, to obtain a solution of Olmesartan medoxomil and a precipitate of triphenyl carbinol,        Separating the precipitate of triphenyl carbinol from the solution of Olmesartan medoxomil and contacting the solution of Olmesartan medoxomil with a base to obtain a precipitate of Olmesartan medoxomil.
US 2006/00069141 also describes the drawbacks of the prior art methods wherein Olmesartan medoxomil is isolated from acidic conditions contains around 2.2% Olmesartan acid impurity by HPLC.
US 2006/0074117 discloses a process for purifying Olmesartan Medoxomil comprising:                contacting trityl Olmesartan medoxomil with an acid in a water-miscible organic solvent to obtain a solution of Olmesartan medoxomil and a precipitate of triphenyl carbinol,        separating the precipitate of triphenyl carbinol from the solution of Olmesartan medoxomil and contacting the solution of Olmesartan medoxomil with a base to obtain a precipitate of Olmesartan medoxomil.        recovering the precipitate of Olmesartan Medoxomil        dissolving the precipitate of Olmesartan Medoxomil in a C3-6 ketone and adding water to recover the purified Olmesartan Medoxomil.

Process for the preparation of olmesartan medoxomil


To improve integrity of time synchronization, a node in the safety rated system takes steps to ensure the time to which it is synchronized has not become corrupted. The node receives a synchronize request message from an adjacent network device, which includes the master time, and the node generates an offset value corresponding to a difference between a local time and the master time. The node stores the offset time into a safety memory to ensure that the offset value has data integrity and does not become corrupted. The node performs periodic skew detection between two devices to verify that the clocks remain synchronized. In addition, the node performs a local drift detection to detect if the frequency of the local oscillator on which the local clock value is based begins to change.

The subject matter disclosed herein relates to use of network synchronized time in safety functions and, more specifically, to providing safety level integrity of time-stamped data within an industrial control system.
Industrial controllers are specialized computer systems used for the control of industrial processes or machinery, for example, in a factory environment. Generally, an industrial controller executes a stored control program that reads inputs from a variety of sensors associated with the controlled process and machine and, sensing the conditions of the process or machine and based on those inputs and a stored control program, calculates a set of outputs used to control actuators controlling the process or machine.
Industrial controllers differ from conventional computers in a number of ways. Physically, they are constructed to be substantially more robust against shock and damage and to better resist external contaminants and extreme environmental conditions than conventional computers. The processors and operating systems are optimized for real-time control and are programmed with languages designed to permit rapid development of control programs tailored to a constantly varying set of machine control or process control applications.
Under the direction of a stored program, the industrial controller examines a series of inputs from sensors corresponding to the status of the controlled process and changes a series of outputs to actuators controlling the industrial process. The sensor inputs may be binary, that is on or off, for example, from a limit switch, or may be analog, that is, providing a multi-valued output that may vary within a continuous range, for example, from a temperature sensor, camera, or the like. Similarly, the actuator outputs may be binary, for example, controlling a solenoid or shut off valve, or analog controlling a metering valve, motor, linear positioning element, or the like. Typically, analog signals are converted to binary words for processing.
An important application of industrial controllers is in "safety control". Safety control is used in applications where failure of an industrial controller can create a risk of injury to humans. While safety control is closely related to reliability, safety control places additional emphasis on ensuring correct operation even if it reduces equipment availability. Safety industrial control systems are not optimized for "availability", that is being able to function for long periods of time without error, but rather for "safety" which is being able to accurately detect error to shut down. Safety industrial controllers normally provide a predetermined safe state for their outputs upon a safety shutdown, the predetermined values of these outputs being intended to put the industrial process into its safest static mode. For that reason, safety controllers may provide run time diagnostic capabilities to detect incorrect operation and to move the control system to a predefined "safety states" if a failure is detected. The safety states will depend on the particular process being implemented and causes the actuators to assume a state predetermined to be safest when control correctness cannot be ensured. For example, an actuator controlling cutting machinery might move that machinery to a stop state while an actuator providing air filtration might retain that machinery in an on state.
Safety control capability may be designated, for example, by "safety integrity levels" (SIL) defined under standard IEC 61508 and administered by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) under rule hereby incorporated by reference. Standard IEC EN 61508 defines four SIL levels of SIL-1 to SIL-4 with higher numbers representing higher amounts of risk reduction. Obtaining a desired SIL rating requires a certain degree of diagnostic coverage for components within a system. The degree of diagnostic coverage is defined according to a percentage likelihood that a failure of a component within a system will be detected. Low diagnostic coverage, for example, may require only a sixty percent (60%) chance that a failure will be detected. In contrast, high diagnostic coverage, required for a SIL 3 rating, may require a ninety-nine percent (99%) chance that a failure will be detected. Mitigation of a risk occurring increases the SIL rating and may be achieved by detecting a failure in a system that may cause a dangerous failure before the failure can occur. Therefore, determination of a SIL rating is based, at least in part, on the ability of a system to detect a fault condition and enter a safe state in response to detecting the fault condition.
Generally, the controllers have a highly modular architecture, for example, that allows different numbers and types of input and output modules to be used to connect the controller to the process or machinery to be controlled. This modularity is facilitated through the use of special "control networks" suitable for highly reliable and available real-time communication. Such control networks (for example, ControlNet or EtherNet/IP) differ from standard communication networks (such as Ethernet) by guaranteeing maximum communication delays by pre-scheduling the communication capacity of the network, and/or providing redundant communication capabilities for high-availability.
Control networks can also employ "connected messaging" in which the bandwidth of the network and buffer space is pre-allocated to dedicated "connections" to prevent lost or unpredictably delayed data transfer that can occur in standard network protocols such as Ethernet. An example of connected messaging is Common Industrial Protocol (CIP), which is a media independent industrial protocol for industrial automation applications supported by the Open DeviceNet Vendors Association (ODVA). CIP is described in "Common Industrial Protocol (CIP) and the Family of CIP Networks," published by ODVA with the most recent version dated February 2016, which document is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
One potential source of failure in a controlled system is the control network. A failure in a network device or a damaged network cable could result in the loss of communication with one or more sensors or actuators. The industrial controller could stop receiving updates on the operating status of a portion of the controlled machine or process and may be unable to detect when a particular action is required. Similarly, an output signal from the industrial controller may fail to reach actuator, resulting in unexpected operation of the controller machine or process. Thus, it is desirable to detect failures in the control network.
Historically, it has been known to obtain a safety rating on a control network in one of two methods. A first method is sometimes referred to as a "white box" method of detecting failures. In the white box method, every device on the control network is configured to satisfy the desired safety rating. These devices may include, for example, redundant network paths, redundant controllers, and programs executing within the devices to continually test operation of the device and the network paths. Often the tests will send a brief safety check message along both network paths and compare reception of each message to verify correct operation of the path. Having redundant systems allows correct operation of the controlled machine or process to continue in the event of a failure of one path in the control network by utilizing the redundant path that is still operating. In the event of a failure in any aspect of the network, appropriate action may be taken to enter a safe operating condition before unexpected operation may occur. However, a white box system requires significant expense to ensure that every component within the network complies with a desired SIL rating.
A second method for obtaining a SIL rating on the control network is sometimes referred to as a "black channel" method of detecting failures. In the black channel method, only certain nodes in a network are considered essential for obtaining a desired safety rating and the intermediate network devices are not required to comply with the desired safety rating. These intermediate network devices form the "black" channel between the "white" devices. As previously indicated, obtaining a desired SIL rating involves mitigating risk that a dangerous failure occurs in the event of a failure. Therefore, to obtain a desired safety rating, the white devices must be configured to detect a failure occurring on the black channel.
Currently, the safety rated nodes are able to detect the occurrence of certain failures such as the failure of an intermediate network device or the loss of a network cable. Two safety rated nodes may periodically transmit a data packet between each other. The loss of this periodic data packet indicates the loss of a network device or of a network cable between the two devices. However, other failures along the black channel may go undetected. For example, certain applications may require time synchronous operation. All devices in the network include an internal clock which is synchronized to a master clock. A first device in the network may rely on timestamps of events occurring at other devices to coordinate actions taken by the first device. The timestamp, however, of a black channel device may be susceptible to error. An incorrect bit may be written, a valid timestamp may be overwritten by other data, or some other failure may occur to corrupt the timestamp. Because devices are synchronized to a clock signal sequentially along a network, a safety rated node may need to be synchronized to the clock signal from a device along the black channel. The potential for an error in the clock signal may limit the ability to utilize time synchronization in a safety rated application.
Thus, it would be desirable to provide a system and method for using time synchronization in a safety rated application.

System and method of network synchronized time in safety applications


A pharmaceutical composition is provided which contains a water soluble acid salt of a sympathomimetic amine, e.g., pseudoephedrine, and an additive, e.g., a volatile amine or other odorant, that is co-distillable, e.g., by steam distillation, with the sympathomimetic amine and/or its derivatives, e.g., its free base.

Sympathomimetic compounds, as the name implies, exert biological effects similar to those produced by activation of the sympathetic nervous system. For example, the pharmaceutical compound pseudoephedrine acts as an indirect sympathomimetic agent by causing adrenergic nerve endings to release norepinephrine, thereby stimulating alpha- and beta-norepinephrine receptors, particularly in blood vessels of the upper respiratory tract. This, in turn, results in vasoconstriction and shrinkage of swollen tissues in the sinuses and nasal passages, rendering such compounds useful as decongestants.
Despite their legitimate uses, acid salts of sympathomimetic amines (SA), such as the ubiquitous pseudoephedrine hydrochloride, pseudoephedrine sulfate, ephedrine hydrochloride and phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride, are often utilized in the synthesis of illegal drugs such as methamphetamine, amphetamine, methcathinone, and cathinone. One of the most efficient starting materials in the synthesis of methamphetamine is ephedrine, which is heavily regulated and therefore difficult to obtain. Increasingly, pseudoephedrine, a diastereomer of ephedrine, is being used in the production of methamphetamine. Pseudoephedrine can be obtained from a pseudoephedrine salt, such as pseudoephedrine hydrochloride, which is a common ingredient in over-the-counter (OTC) medications.
Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride may be isolated from OTC medications by first suspending/dissolving the commercial products in water. The resulting slurry/solution is filtered and then treated with base to neutralize the amine salt, thereby producing pseudoephedrine free base. The free base, which has limited water solubility, is then extracted into a water immiscible solvent such as ether. This extraction serves as a purification step. Acidification to regenerate the amine hydrochloride followed by extraction into water is normally adequate to produce suitably pure pseudoephedrine hydrochloride. Alternatively, one may use the free base without regenerating the salt form.
It has thus been found desirable to formulate sympathomimetic amine-containing products in order to render isolation of the sympathomimetic amine more difficult or otherwise interfere with efforts to produce illegal drugs from common OTC medications, e.g., by altering reactants used to convert sympathomimetic amine to methamphetamine.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,136,864 to Nichols et al. discloses incorporation of one or more denaturant compounds, to render commercially available medications containing sympathomimetic amine salts much less suitable as starting materials in the production of illegal drugs. The denaturant(s) exhibit chemical or physical properties which make the isolation of the pure sympathomimetic amine salt difficult or essentially infeasible, resulting in compromised yields of illicit product. The denaturant can be a compound, e.g., quinine, whose separation from sympathomimetic amine salts is difficult or essentially infeasible, so that the synthesis of illegal drugs from the compositions of the invention is rendered impracticable and/or produces illegal drugs in an adulterated form. Alternately, the denaturant is a material that physically interferes with the extraction of the sympathomimetic amine salts from the pharmaceutical products (i.e., emulsifies and/or alters viscosity of the pharmaceutical products in solution), so that the purification of the sympathomimetic amine salts from the pharmaceutical products is rendered impractical. In one aspect, the denaturant reacts to provide a product of "unpleasant taste, smell, emetic effect, etc.," e.g., sulfur-containing amino acids and nitrogen-containing denaturants.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,359,011 to Bess et al. and US 2002/0082304 to Bess et al. disclose a pharmaceutical composition comprising sympathomimetic amine salt and a combination inhibitor, e.g., amino polymer, which interferes with both the isolation of the amine as well as its conversion to another pharmacologically active compound, without altering amine release from the composition.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,197,314 to Einig discloses a pharmaceutical tablet whose active ingredient, e.g., pseudoephedrine, is blended with an extraction-preventing composition which contains i) surfactant, e.g., alkyl sulfonate and ii) a fat or gel former, e.g., hydroxypropylmethylcellulose. The tablet produces a creamy emulsion when extraction of the active is attempted.
US2004/0166063 to Siegel discloses a method for marking a pharmaceutical product, container or pharmaceutical packaging system with a scent to establish identity or source of a product.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,495,529 and US2003/0119915 to Booth, et al. disclose pharmaceutical compositions which include (−)-pseudoephedrine, substantially free of (+)-pseudoephedrine, and a carrier. (−)-Pseudoephedrine, like (+)-pseudoephedrine, acts as an effective decongestant, but without the latter's side effects and drug interactions. Moreover, (−)-pseudoephedrine's reduction yields (R)-methamphetamine, which has only one-tenth the psychoactivity of (S)-methamphetamine derived from (+)-pseudoephedrine, which discourages illicit drug manufacture from these pharmaceutical compositions.
US2005/0026298 to Bickett et al. provides a method for modifying liquid anhydrous ammonia to discourage theft by adding a dye, e.g., a xanthene dye, say, rhodamine, which stains any object in subsequent contact with the liquid anhydrous ammonia. The dye can be visible to the naked eye and so discourages the use of such liquid ammonia in illicit drug manufacture, inasmuch as the dye can stain illicit products, production areas and equipment, the manufacturers themselves and, ultimately, the drug user.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,852,891 to Murray et al. discloses a way to inhibit or prevent the use of anhydrous ammonia in a dissolving metal reduction process such as that used to convert pseudoephedrine, etc., to methamphetamine. The method adds to the anhydrous ammonia a chemical reagent capable of scavenging solvated electrons generated when metal is dissolved in the ammonia. Murray et al. use stoichiometric compounds capable of undergoing a finite number of one-electron reduction processes, e.g., urea, alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) and derivatives thereof, pentamethylchromanol, trichloroethylene and 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane. Alternately, catalytic compounds accelerating reaction of electrons with the amonia solvent to produce amide anion and hydrogen gase can be used, e.g., Fe(III) citrate, ferrocene, 2-chloro-6-(trichloromethyl)pyridine and 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane. Murray et al. at col. 5, lines 63 to 67 teach that "[c]hoosing a compound which possesses a boiling point close to that of ammonia increases the likelihood that the compound will be carried over during a distillation of the ammonia, thus making removal of the compound from ammonia very difficult." Use of this anhydrous ammonia substantially reduces methamphetamine yield.
All of the above references are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
Despite the various methods set out above which inhibit the isolation of sympathomimetic amines or otherwise inhibit illicit synthesis efforts, techniques have been developed which limit the effectiveness of these methods. For example, certain distillation techniques can be employed to separate denaturants from sympathomimetic amines.
Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide additional methods for preventing or deterring illegal conversion of sympathomimetic amine compounds while maintaining OTC availability, particularly for overcoming distillation-based isolation of sympathomimetic amines.

Pharmaceutical composition containing sympathomimetic amine salt and co-distillable additive


The invention describes therapeutic compositions including a lactic acid-producing bacteria, such as isolated Bacillus coagulans, in combination with a bifidogenic oligosaccharides or other cholesterol-reducing agents for use in reducing LDL cholesterol and serum triglycerides. Also described are therapeutic methods using the compositions and systems containing the therapeutic compositions.

Probiotic agents are organisms that confer a benefit when they grow in a particular environment, often by inhibiting the growth of other biological organisms in the same environment. Examples of probiotics include bacteria and bacteriophages which can grow in the intestine, at least temporarily, to displace or destroy pathogens and provide other benefits to the host organism (Salminen et al, Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek, 70 (2–4): 347–358, 1996; Elmer et al, JAMA, 275:870–876, 1996; Rafter, Scand. J. Gastroenterol. 30:497–502, 1995; Perdigon et al, J. Dairy Sci., 78:1597–1606, 1995; Gandi, Townsend Lett. Doctors & Patients, pp. 108–110, January 1994; Lidbeck et al, Eur. J. Cancer Prev. 1:341–353, 1992).
The therapeutic use of probiotic bacteria, especially Lactobacillus strains, that colonize the gut has been previously disclosed (Winberg et al, Pediatr. Nephrol. 7:509–514, 1993; Malin et al, Ann. Nutr. Metab. 40:137–145, 1996; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,176,911).
Lactic acid producing bacteria (e.g., Bacillus, Lactobacillus and Streptococcus species) have been used as food additives and there have been some claims that they provide nutritional and therapeutic value (Gorbach, Ann. Med. 22:37–41, 1990; Reid et al, Clin. Microbiol. Rev., 3:335–344, 1990).
Bacillus coagulans is a non-pathogenic gram positive spore-forming bacteria that produces L(+) lactic acid (dextrorotatory) in homofermentation conditions. It has been isolated from natural sources, such as heat-treated soil samples inoculated into nutrient medium (Bergey's Manual of Systemic Bacteriology, Vol. 2, Sneath, P. H. A. et al., eds., Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore, Md., 1986). Purified B. coagulans strains have served as a source of enzymes including endonucleases (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,200,336), amylase (U.S. Pat. No. 4,980,180), lactase (U.S. Pat. No. 4,323,651) and cyclo-malto-dextrin glucano-transferase (U.S. Pat. No. 5,102,800). B. coagulans has been used to produce lactic acid (U.S. Pat. No. 5,079,164). A strain of B. coagulans (referred to as L. sporogenes Sakaguti & Nakayama (ATCC 31284)) has been combined with other lactic acid producing bacteria and B. natto to produce a fermented food product from steamed soybeans (U.S. Pat. No. 4,110,477). B. coagulans strains have also been used as animal feeds additives for poultry and livestock to reduce disease and improve feed utilization and, therefore, to increase growth rate in the animals (International PCT Pat. Applications No. WO 9314187 and No. WO 9411492).
In particular, B. coagulans strains have been used to reduce serum cholesterol in certain formulations (Mohan et al, Indian J. Medical Research, 92:431–432, 1990), although this approach did not reduce triglycerides sufficiently and resulted in excessive reductions on "good" cholesterol, e.g., high density lipoprotein (HDL).
Supplementation of diet with fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) have been reported to provide health benefits including reduction of serum triglycerides. Mitsuoka et al, Nutrition Research, 4:961–966, 1984.
However, there remains a need for control of cholesterol to treat cholesterol related diseases.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


Systems, methods, and apparatuses for processing a rewards transaction including an accounts database storing information associated with accounts held by a financial institution including a payment account associated with a customer, a rewards account database storing information associated with reward accounts, including a rewards account associated with the customer, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is structured to receive transaction details that define a rewards transaction associated with the rewards account, receive a rewards transaction request associated with the rewards account, the rewards transaction request including a rewards amount and recipient details, debit an amount of points from the rewards account maintained by the financial institution and associated with the customer, where the amount of points are less than or equal to the rewards amount, and complete the rewards transaction without converting the rewards amount to currency.

Many issuers of credit cards offer rewards points to customers. For example, some credit card issuers provide one reward point for every dollar spent on the credit card. Accordingly, as a customer continues to use a rewards credit card, the customer accumulates rewards points. The customer can then redeem the rewards points. Some credit cards restrict how the accumulated rewards points can be redeemed. For example, some rewards points can only be used for a statement credit or as cash back, while other rewards points can only be used to purchase goods and services from a rewards catalog.

Systems and methods for rewards integration as a funding account


In a hybrid vehicle 1 in which a transmission 14 is connected via a first clutch 13 to an internal combustion engine 11 and a first motor 12 that are coupled in series to front wheels Wf, a second motor 16 which is a three-phase brushless DC motor is connected to the transmission 14 via a second clutch 15. When the vehicle in an idling stop state of the internal combustion engine 11 is to be started, a motor output control portion 18 calculates a torque which is required of the second motor 16 in accordance with the inclination angle of the road surface on which the vehicle is traveling, and also a continuous energization time period T1 of a stator winding of one phase in the second motor 16.

The present invention relates to an apparatus for controlling a driving force of an electric vehicle.
Conventionally, a vehicle is used on which a brushless DC motor such as a permanent magnet three-phase AC motor using permanent magnets for generating a magnetic field is mounted. In the case where such a vehicle is stopped halfway up a hill while applying a motor torque of a degree at which the vehicle does not reverse, or in a stall state where the traction motor is energized to generate a motor torque but rotation of the traction motor is stopped, a current flows through only a specific phase winding. In this case, among plural switching elements configured by semiconductor devices or the like constituting an inverter for outputting an AC power to drive the traction motor, only a switching element corresponding to the specific phase of the traction motor is set to "ON" state, and the current is supplied to the traction motor via the switching element. Consequently, there arises a problem in that the heat generation which is caused by energization of the windings of the traction motor and the inverter is concentrated into the specific phase winding and the specific switching element.
In order to solve the problem, a drive controlling apparatus for an electric automobile has been proposed in which, when a stall state continues beyond an allowable time period, a process of reducing a torque is conducted to protect a traction motor and power devices such as an inverter, and, when a control of reducing a torque command is to be performed, the reverse speed of the automobile is limited (for example, see Patent literature 1).
Also a motor controlling apparatus for an electric vehicle has been proposed in which, when a stall state is detected, a time period necessary for the junction temperature of a transistor constituting a switching element to reach a given upper limit temperature is calculated, and, when the duration time period of the stall state reaches the calculated time period, a current command value to a traction motor is limited (for example, see Patent literature 2).
Also a motor controlling apparatus for an electric automobile has been proposed in which, when a stall state is detected under the condition that the degree of an accelerator operation by the driver is larger than a predetermined level, the energization amount of a traction motor and a power circuit such as an inverter is limited (for example, see Patent literature 3).
[Patent Literature 1]
                Japanese patent No. 3,106,853[Patent Literature 2]        JP-A-9-56182[Patent literature 3]        JP-A-8-191503
In the above-mentioned controlling apparatuses of the conventional art, only a process such as that, when a stall state continues beyond a given time period, a torque command value or a current command value is reduced, or that, when a stall state is detected under the condition that the degree of an accelerator operation is larger than a predetermined level, the energization amount is limited is conducted. Consequently, there arises a problem in that the hill climbing ability of a vehicle is impaired. In order to enhance the hill climbing ability of a vehicle, for example, it is required to increase the capacity or heat resistance limit of switching elements constituting an inverter, and enhance the performance of a cooling device for cooling the traction motor and power devices such as the inverter. This causes problems in that the size of the apparatus is increased, and that the cost for configuration of the apparatus is raised.

Apparatus for controlling a driving force of an electric vehicle


There is provided an information processing device that operates in a device including a display unit and causes the display unit to display a plurality of specific frame images constituting a moving image having a smaller data size than that of a moving image captured by another device different from the device including the display unit.

Currently, many users edit moving images taken using imaging devices or the like to make the moving images into video works, upload the moving images for services on the Internet, and show the moving images to friends.
A moving image editing and reproducing program operating in personal computers, terminal devices, and the like is generally used for such moving image editing (Patent Document 1). Generally, in a user interface of such a moving image editing program, all consecutive frame images constituting a moving image are displayed, and a desired scene is searched for through a scroll operation.

Information processing device, method, and program for generating a proxy image from a proxy file representing a moving image


To provide an image processing system and the like which can more exactly correct the distortion in an image by reducing the influence of color in an area onto which the image is projected, a projector is provided with a correction section which corrects image signals to adjust a distortion of an image; an image projection section which projects an image based on the image signals; a sensing section which senses the projected image to generate sensing information; a luminance-distribution analyzing section which generates coordinate information indicating a peak position which is the brightest position in the sensed projected image, based on the total luminance value for each pixel line forming the sensed projected image based on the sensing information; and a correction-amount deriving section which determines the distortion in the projected image and derives the amount of correction for the correcting section, based on the coordinate information.

The present invention relates to an image processing system, projector, program, information storage medium and image processing method which can correct the distortion of an image.
An image projected from an image display device such as a projector or the like may be distorted to create a so-called keystone distortion in the vertical or horizontal direction, depending on the relationship between the image display device and a position onto which the image is projected therefrom.
Therefore, the image display device must display an image after any distortion therein has been corrected.
In general, a projector with a function of correcting the keystone distortion semi-automatically corrects the image distortion when a user indicates each of four corners in a screen using a mouse or the like.
However, it is difficult and troublesome for the user to exactly indicate the four screen corners using the mouse.
To solve such a problem, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-241874 has proposed a projector which can correct a keystone distortion in an image by detecting points on a screen, based on sensing information from a camera located in the front of the projector.
However, such a technique of correcting the keystone distortion based on the screen as disclosed in the Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-241874 can only correct the distortion in an image projected within the range of the screen, but cannot correct the image distortion if an image is projected onto a region other than the screen, such as wall.

Image processing system, projector, program, information storage medium and image processing method


The present application describes liquid release of fluid, preferably water, onto the head or heads of a player or players of an electronic interactive game, which may incorporate virtual reality, mixed reality or augmented reality. In most embodiments, the gameset includes headgear that includes a liquid reservoir for dispensing a liquid on a player. The gameset may also include an electronic display to visually present imagery to the player, and a receiver that transmits a signal to a receiver coupled to the headgear to dispense liquid from the liquid reservoir onto a player.

The inventor cited in this application co-invented a very popular toy called WETHEAD® (U.S. Pat. No. 4,813,680) that emits water as one of numerous plastic rods is manually removed to release stored water onto a wearer's head. Said patent is long-expired, and yet the simple plastic toy WETHEAD continues to be a worldwide sales success. In expired U.S. Pat. No. 4,813,680 there is no disclosure nor anticipation of usage of any remote signal activation of water release. Gameplay of the device of that patent involves the wearer of the device randomly selecting and then physically removing a particular rod from his own hat as the result of a gameplay directive, such as a spinner. Alternative play, where another player who is not himself wearing the hat of the invention physically removes a rod from a wearer's hat still requires physical contact and manual means to activate water release. There are no motors, batteries, processors, displays, etc.
The recently-allowed utility patent (U.S. Pat. No. 10,471,340) to which this application is a continuation in part, discloses and describes the release of a liquid onto the head of a wearer when a wireless signal is received from a remote transmitter.
A product was marketed in the past that was based upon several patents (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,722,660 and 5,992,853 "GAME WITH TIMED WATER RELEASE") by the inventor of this application. IN YOUR FACE® is a multi-player game wherein one player stands in the center of a group of players and asks a question that must be acceptably answered, in turn, by each other player, all who are sitting in a circle. The player asking the question is holding a motorized timer and spray emitting game unit, and presses or releases a trigger to set or reset a timer. When a seated player answers unacceptably or does not answer in time, a spray is emitted from the game unit and sprays towards that player. The product did not incorporate any signal sending or receiving means to activate a remote release of water, and no element of that invention was intended to be worn by anyone. To the contrary, water release was only accomplished by an opponent pointing a device towards another player.
In 1989 Pressman Toy Corporation released a product called HYDRO-STRIKE. It was a skill and action game, without any electronics or signal sending/receiving. There are no separate units to the game. Nothing is worn by a player. It is described in this manner: "Players sit at either end of the plastic board controlling two flippers with a goal in between them. A marble is released, and players try to shoot it into their opponent's goal. When a goal is scored, a jet of water shoots out spraying the losing player. No batteries are needed—just fill the tank with water and pump up the pressure". There is no timed nor electronic activation, and water release is the mechanical response of a ball striking a trigger mechanism.
Other toys have successfully provided children with the entertainment of getting wet in a competitive play situation. Inventor cited in this application also invented CONTACT ACTIVATED PRESSURIZED WATER RELEASE TOY, U.S. Pat. No. 5,256,099. That invention resembles a handheld toy sword and requires one player to press a release valve at the front end of the toy onto the body of an opponent. There is no provision for remote signal-activated water release, nor for any interactive gameplay between players, other than physical contact.
Hasbro introduced a product in late 2016 called DUNK HAT. This toy has a water container situated atop one player's head, and two target plates, one on each side of the hat. Other players throw balls at the hat, trying to hit one of the plates, to activate the release of water onto the head of the player wearing the hat. There are no electronics, no sending of receiving of signals. This product requires that the wearer stand in position while objects are being thrown towards the target plates by other children, often with poor aim. The product provides a clear plastic eye shield panel to protect the wearer of the toy from being struck by a projectile.
Further, headsets have been tethered to laser tag guns. Some professional laser tag parks will provide a piezo speaker in a head-worn unit that can buzz to mildly irritate a player when they get "shot" by an opponent's light beam. There is no provision for water release onto the head of a player when they are struck by an opponent's light beam.
In addition, Hasbro (and before them, Milton Bradley Company) for many years has marketed an electronic console game called "SIMON" (1978) that requires players to push buttons in response to a programmed light sequence displayed by inner circuitry. Innumerable similar games requiring players to respond to a light-illumination sequence by pressing a button or in some other fashion activating a switch, have also been on the market, Atari's "TOUCH ME" (1974) game being a handheld example that admittedly inspired "SIMON" and then other games like Castle Toy's "EINSTEIN" (1979) and more recently Mattel's "LOOPZ" game (released in the 2000's) that provides a unique added feature of players passing their hands and arms through motion-sensing areas (to activate switches) in response to a timed light sequence. None of the prior art hints at or involves a water penalty, particularly a water penalty initiated by a signal from the play device to activate a release of water, from another playset component, onto the head of a player.
In 1998 a company called Toymax marketed a line of products called Laser Challenge that involved two or more players holding blaster-guns emitting infrared signals in the direction of an opponent. Each player also wore a vest that included an infrared receiver. When a signal from another player's gun was received by the receiver in a player's vest, score would be made and a sound would be emitted. One model of toy in that product line was called Cyber Splash Laser Challenge. It included a water container and a battery operated pump mechanism that sprayed water upward towards the face and chin of the player after a series of signals were received by the infrared receiver on the vest. Each player therefore held a blaster gun and wore a vest and water sprayed upward.
Laser tag play systems continue to be successful on the commercial market. An exemplary system is Hasbro's Laser Ops Pro Blasters that emit wireless signals from handheld blasters (the toy industry name for "guns") when those blasters are aimed at another player's receiver worn on a vest or on a hat or even positioned on the second player's own blaster gun. Respecting the Office's requirement for no active hyperlinks, we nonetheless are providing inactive hyperlink addresses in case the examiner would like to understand our research and technical position: https://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/gadgets/a22169885/nerf-laser-ops-pro/ None of those systems anticipate, describe or provide for any means by which a liquid might be released onto the head of a player.
VIRTUAL REALITY GAMING: Digital virtual reality gaming devices and systems, such as are sold by a company called "Oculus", provide players with goggles that present digital images onto an internal screen or screens of goggles or glasses or similar eyewear associated with the system, and those images respond to the movements of the wearer to simulate virtual reality that can include combat. These systems do not present or disclose any liquid-release penalty onto an opponent as a result of one player winning or losing a competition. https://www.oculus.com/quest/?&utm_source=gg&utm_medium=a_ps&utm_term=%2Bvirtual%20%2Breality&utm_campaign=2071432473&utm_content=368943392352&utm_parent=quest&utm_ad=77197178780&utm_location=9013171&utm_location2=&utm_placement=kwd-19673535367&utm_adposition=1t2&utm_device=c&utm_matchtype=b&utm_feed=&gclid=CNW MuZbK2OQCFcQvgQodidoIQg&gclsrc=ds
Varying systems, such as VOID offers players an immersive experience that places players in a virtual world for laser tag combat play, again without any mention or disclosure of a liquid-release penalty. https://www.thevoid.com/what-is-the-void/
Virtual reality is defined as follows by Lexico/Oxford: https://www.lexico.com/en/definition/virtual_reality. "The computer-generated simulation of a three-dimensional image or environment that can be interacted with in a seemingly real or physical way by a person using special electronic equipment, such as a helmet with a screen inside or gloves fitted with sensors.
The above systems typically comprise sensors, typically in the headsets themselves, to detect and calculate movements and direction of the wearer, and can also send signals via smartphone or computer connection to other players of the system."
AUGMENTED REALITY GAMING: "VR PRO ST" is an example of an augmented reality gameset involving goggles that can present digital images to a wearer, and simultaneously provide the wearer with the ability to see through said digital images, thereby enabling the wearer to look into the actual environment in which they are playing (for example a game room, or a laser tag competition environment). This combination of digitized image and real-life image presentation is referred to as augmented reality. Franklin Institute defines Augmented Reality in this manner:
"Augmented reality (AR) is one of the biggest technology trends right now, and it's only going to get bigger as AR ready smartphones and other devices become more accessible around the world. AR let(s) us see the real-life environment right in front of us—trees swaying in the park, dogs chasing balls, kids playing soccer—with a digital augmentation overlaid on it. For example, a pterodactyl might be seen landing in the trees, the dogs could be mingling with their cartoon counterparts, and the kids could be seen kicking past an alien spacecraft on their way to score a goal. https://www.fi.edu/what-is-augmented-reality
Oxford/Lexico describes augmented reality in this manner:
"A technology that superimposes a computer-generated image on a user's view of the real world, thus providing a composite view." https://www.lexico.com/en/definition/augmented_reality
An exemplary system utilizing augmented reality is:
https://www.vrealities.com/products/augmented-reality/vr-pro-st
Oculus, acquired by Facebook, is a virtual reality gaming experience and system and is exemplary of virtual reality gaming systems, and provides for downloadable software to a smartphone such as, for example, an iPhone or Android phone, and then provides for wireless synchronization to said phone via wireless internet access, for example 802.11 b/g/n, at which time the oculus goggles can receive data and images from the phone wirelessly, to affect the presentation of images onto the screen in front of the eyes of the wearer. https://www.oculus.com/?locale=en_US
The above-described technology to provide downloadable software to a smartphone, or other computer-like device is applicable to both augmented as well as virtual reality gaming systems and is well-known by those familiar with the art of such technology.
Wikipedia defines Mixed reality in this manner: "Mixed reality is the merging of real and virtual worlds to produce new environments and visualizations, where physical and digital objects co-exist and interact in real time. Mixed reality does not exclusively take place in either the physical or virtual world, but is a hybrid of reality and virtual reality, encompassing both augmented reality and augmented virtuality via immersive technology."
For purposes of this patent application, the term "computer" is intended to be understood in its broad definition, and not limited to a laptop or desktop unit requiring a keyboard and monitor. For example, the technology of a smartphone or tablet, or of a printed circuit-board as described herein certain embodiments as being resident in the componentry of the headgear, qualifies as "computer": https://www.google.com/search? client=firefox-b-1-d&q=computer+definition
"an electronic device for storing and processing data, typically in binary form, according to instructions given to it in a variable program."
Purpose of this Invention and Market Viability
The technologies of image projection and display, and the communication capabilities for players of coordinated equipment to interact both with one another as well as with a system-generated gaming play environment, is well-established and well-known, and commercially successful technology. Those knowledgeable in the art of digital gaming are familiar with the well-developed technologies that provide for digital imaging and competition between players wearing devices of such systems, and provide for different players to be accessing and participating in a gaming experience across platforms including but not limited to smartphones, consoles both wired and wireless, computers, etc.
The internet has further enhanced the play capabilities and provided for remote and offsite competitions between players, even in different countries. Many of the above-mentioned systems can be accessed and played over social media apps such as FACEBOOK. https://medium.com/@tickarawr/vr-social-networks-will-be-all-the-rage-in-2018-fda5093c65
"FORTNITE" is a highly successful worldwide digital gaming experience that is available to play "cross platform" meaning that one player can access and play the game program from a desktop computer, while another player might participate in the same gaming experience from a third party gaming console, such as a Nintendo Xbox. https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/what-fortnite-look-video-game-has-become-phenomenon-n887706
Cross-platform digital gaming participation and experience would also function well with the technology of this invention. Such systems might include, for example, varying operating systems and varying physical equipment and game consoles, such as iOS and Google, Nintendo and Sony Play Station and Xbox.
Fortnite exemplifies the technical compatibility of a digital gaming experience that can provide interaction between players not only in different rooms or cities, but potentially on different continents. The resultant competitive actions and reactions of one player can signal and activate responses to another player any place on earth. The technology is well-known and well proven.
Illustrated examples of oculars-based, glasses or goggle-worn play are provided in this application to illustrate what might appear on the screen of a player's electronic display, looking from inside his goggles. There could even be provided a second small screen that shows a live image or recent still image of an opponent (who is in front of a camera, perhaps a camera on a computer or smartphone coupled to that player's headgear). When a particular player's game unit is signal-activated to release a liquid such as water on him, his opponent(s) can witness the event.
Commercial Viability and Advantage
The emergence of social media experiences such as Youtube, Facebook, and similar (Twitter, Instagram, etc.) platforms, confirm the viability and financial potential of users "liking" or sharing, en masse and to broad follower-audiences, posted experiences so that others can view and enjoy. It has already been experientially determined that in order for posted play experiences to gain greatest popularity, a highly visual activity is most desired, if not even required. Blinking lights or beeps at the conclusion of a gaming activity has not proven to be an exciting visual climax. Therefore, the commercial great success of laser tag and even Fortnite and Fortnite-like gaming do not perfectly lend themselves to social media posting because, although the PLAY experience is excellent and exciting, there is a lack of visual "pay-off" when a player WINS or LOSES a competition—resulting in a less-than-exciting visual CLIMAX. The technology of the invention described herein this application provides a highly visual and social-media post-able conclusion to winning or losing.
The release of a fluid onto the head of a player of game has been proven by an invention of the inventor cited in this application, who is co-inventor of a simple non-electronic game called "WETHEAD" as described earlier in the Prior Art. WETHEAD mechanically emits water as the result of one of eight plastic rods being manually removed to release stored water onto a wearer's head. In recent years, YouTube postings of WETHEAD play events garnered more than 350,000,000 views, confirming the notable success of the climax-event of water delivery onto the head of a game player.
It is an intent and purpose of the invention in this application to disclose the function of electronic-signal liquid (preferably water) release onto the head of a game-player participating in an electronic gaming activity wherein digital images are presented to one or more players and wherein a remote signal is transmitted or received either from a competitor-opponent(s), or such signal is received from a system-gaming application, for example from a game program being played on a Nintendo game console, wherein a player or players wearing the water-containing headgear may either fail to complete a game task in which case he or they would get wet, or else has succeeded in completing a game task, at which time an opponent's headgear would receive an electronic signal and said opponent would then get wet as a result of a liquid such as water being released from his own head-worn headgear. It is understood that, and has even been exemplified by third-party-posted videos, that instead of water, juices, milk, and even more viscous fluids such as one commonly referred to as "Slime®" can be released onto the head of a player.
It is the contention of the inventor of this invention that the addition of the already-proven commercial success and social media success of liquid-release play penalty, coupled to the already-proven success of online multi-player or player-versus-game-system competition, offers players the ability and motivation and enjoyment of being able to post and watch and comment on gaming of this sort, and provides gaming manufacturers employing this feature with an already proven-enjoyable, unique and marketable play feature. Currently none of the digital gaming systems—solo, player to player, augmented or virtual reality, provide for or suggest a penalty of liquid release onto the head of either the wearer of the headgear, or onto the head of an opponent(s) wearing similar headgear.
Players can be competing via an internet connection. A player's headgear could range from a special pair of wireless goggles to a hat wired to the keyboard or the computer. Electronic signals to headgear, activating water release, can arrive by wire, or wirelessly via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc. A player's helmet or goggles or other embodiment of "headgear" of the disclosed invention might be signaled to release liquid, preferably water onto the wearer's head after one of several events may have occurred:
1. Another player has completed a task or aimed accurately at either something such as a target area presented on an electronic display, or aimed accurately at a video image of another player participating in the gaming activity, OR
2. The wearer of headgear of the invention has failed a task or missed aiming at something or someone; OR
3. A programmed "villain" or similar opponent in a gaming app or program has succeeded in doing something that would cause another player to get wet, for example trapping a digital figure representing a player of the game (an "avatar" image selected by that player) in a room.

Signal activated liquid release for virtual, mixed and augmented reality