A latent curing agent (30) of the present invention includes a core member (31) and a capsule (37) covering up the surface of the core member (31). The core member (31) includes a secondary particle (32) and a curing agent (35) retained in a gap (38) of the secondary particle (32). The curing agent (35) is liquid at ambient temperature. When the capsule (37) is destructed so that the curing agent (35) is emitted into an adhesive, the curing agent (35) is mixed with other ingredients in the adhesive. A metal alcoholate which is liquid at ambient temperature or a metal chelate which is liquid at ambient temperature is used as the curing agent (35), while a silane coupling agent is added to the adhesive. A reaction takes place between the curing agent (35) and the silane coupling agent to yield cations. By these cations, the epoxy resin undergoes cation in polymerization. Since the cation generating reaction proceeds at a temperature lower than in the case of the conventional adhesive, curing proceeds more promptly and at a lower temperature than in the case of the conventional adhesive.

Up to now, an adhesive containing an epoxy resin, as a thermosetting resin, has been used for connecting a semiconductor chip to a substrate, and for connecting a TCP (tape carrier package) to an LCD (liquid crystal display) to manufacture an electrical appliance. This adhesive is cured by thermal polymerization of an epoxy resin.
For accelerating the thermal polymerization reaction, a latent curing agent is added to the adhesive. This sort of the latent curing agent is shown in FIG. 1. A latent curing agent 130, shown in FIG. 1, includes a core member 131 formed by a particulate curing agent (a fine particle of a curing agent) and a capsule 137 which covers up the surface of the core member 131. When the latent curing agent is mixed with an epoxy resin to prepare an adhesive, the curing agent, which forms the core member 131, and the epoxy resin in the adhesive, are separated from each other by the capsule 137, at ambient temperature, so that there occurs no polymerization reaction of the epoxy resin. The capsule 137 is formed by a thermoplastic resin, such as urethane resin, and, if the adhesive is heated to a temperature higher than a predetermined temperature, the capsule 137 is fused or destroyed by thermal deformation, so that the core member 131 is ejected into the adhesive. When the adhesive is continuously heated in this state, the polymerization reaction of the epoxy resin proceeds rapidly, by the curing agent forming the core member 131, thus curing the adhesive.
By using the above-described latent curing agent 130, it is possible to produce an adhesive which is superior in preservability on storage at ambient temperature and which exhibits a high curing performance on heating.
However, the above-described particulate curing agent is more difficult to undergo dispersion into an adhesive than the liquid curing agent, such that the polymerization reaction of the epoxy resin proceeds more slowly than in case of using a liquid curing agent.
As the curing agent, forming the core member 131, a modified amine compound, for example, is generally employed. However, in polymerizing the epoxy resin using such curing agent, the adhesive needs to be heated to equal to or higher than 180° C., such that there is a risk of thermal deformation of the components to be bonded together. Although this problem may be overcome by using a lower heating temperature, the time needed for heating processing is prolonged, thus worsening the productivity.

Latent hardener, process for producing the same, and adhesive containing latent hardener

Sony Chemical and Information Device Corp.


In a sensor network system, a communications network connects a set of sensors to a server collectively managing the set of sensors. First, the sensor-managing server acquires remaining drive times of batteries in the sensors, and specifies a target remaining drive time. The server then controls the operation of the sensors so that the remaining drive times of the batteries in the sensors are substantially equal to the target remaining drive time. This reduces the maintenance workload for a system manager, especially, in the recharging of the sensor batteries.

A huge variety of sensors have been used in large numbers in our everyday life for some time. They are specialized for particular purposes including detection of car thefts, house break-ins, and fires. These sensors typically make up sensor networks for individual purposes. A sensor network system made up of these sensor networks is capable of collectively managing various kinds of sensor information.
Each sensor network has a sensor network controller connected to the sensors by a wired or wireless communicable link. Therefore, results of detection by sensors and other sensor information are communicated by the sensor network controller.
In addition, the sensor network system has a server computer ("server") which collectively manages information from the sensor networks. The server has communicable connections with the sensor network controllers of the sensor networks so that the server can acquire sensor-originated information via the sensor network controllers. Also, the server is capable of controlling operation of the sensors.
Many sensor networks cover a large geographic area. The server is therefore connected to the sensor network controllers over a communications infrastructure providing long distance communications. An example of such communications infrastructure is a relay network interconnecting multiple relays.
In sensor network systems like this one, sensors are installed at various places. Some sensors need to be installed where they cannot rely on an external power supply, in which case the sensor should operate from a battery.
If one of battery-driven sensors in a system runs out of battery power, a maintenance work is required to recharge the sensor. The sensors vary in battery capacity and power consumption, therefore running out of battery power at different times from sensor to sensor. Under these circumstances, the batteries must be frequently recharged, which adds to the maintenance workload for the sensor network system manager.
Data travels via vastly differing routes in a relay network, depending on the positional relationship of the server and the sensor network controllers transferring the data to and from the server. Besides, each relay is communicable with one or more relays; data can travel between the server and a given sensor network controller via various routes.
In such systems, a particular relay may be used extremely frequently, depending on how the communications route is selected. If the relay is driven by a battery, it quickly consumes battery power and calls for frequent recharging of the battery. This means added frequency of maintenance recharging and an added workload for the sensor network system manager. Another problem is that an extremely frequent use of a relay shortens the service life of the relay and its battery.
The present invention, made to address these issues, has an objective to offer a sensor network system managing method and a relay network managing method which, in a sensor network system in which multiple sensors are connected over a relay network or other communications network to a server collectively managing the sensors, reduce the maintenance workload for the system manager, especially, in the recharging of sensor and relay batteries.

Sensor network system managing method, sensor network system managing program, storage medium containing sensor network system managing program, sensor network system managing device, relay network managing method, relay network managing program, storage medium containing relay network managing program, and relay network managing device


The present invention is to present a sample analyzer comprising: a reagent container holder for holding a reagent container for containing a reagent to be used for analyzing a sample; a measurement unit for measuring a value representing an amount of the reagent in the reagent container held by the reagent container holder; an instruction receiver for receiving an instruction to obtain a remaining amount of the reagent in the reagent container; a measurement controller for controlling the measurement unit so as to measure the value representing the amount of the reagent in the reagent container, when the instruction receiver has received the instruction; and a remaining reagent amount obtainer for obtaining remaining reagent amount information indicating the remaining amount of the reagent in the reagent container, based on a measurement result by the measurement unit.

Conventionally, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2008/0063570 discloses a sample analyzer for analyzing components in a sample by measuring a measurement specimen prepared from the sample and a reagent. In the sample analyzer described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2008/0063570, a plurality of reagent containers are held in a reagent holding section, and a reagent aspirating pipette is inserted into the reagent containers to aspirate reagents therefrom. Every time a reagent aspirating operation by the reagent aspirating pipette is performed, the sample analyzer detects a liquid level in a reagent container by using a liquid level sensor provided at the tip of the reagent aspirating pipette, so as to determine whether or not a necessary amount of reagent for preparing a measurement specimen is remaining in the reagent container. Based on the detection result, the remaining amount of the reagent to be aspirated is obtained. If the remaining amount of the reagent is less than a predetermined amount, a warning is displayed on a display section of a control apparatus such as a personal computer that is provided to the sample analyzer.
However, in the sample analyzer described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2008/0063570, in order to reduce time necessary for the sample analyzer to be in a measurement standby state, the liquid level detection operation is not performed before the measurement is performed. The liquid level detection operation is performed when aspirating a reagent, and the remaining amount of the reagent is calculated. For this reason, there is a case where insufficiency of the remaining amount of the reagent in the reagent container held in the reagent holding section is recognized only after a measurement operation is started and the operation to aspirate the reagent is performed. In the case where insufficiency of the remaining amount of the reagent is recognized after the start of the measurement, the user needs to search, at the time, a refrigerator or the like for a necessary reagent and set the reagent in the sample analyzer. However, the reagents to be used in the analysis include a reagent which is stored in a frozen state and defrosted before use or a reagent which is used after dissolving freeze-dried reagent powder in purified water. Therefore, in the above conventional sample analyzer, there is a case where it takes time to replace the reagents and restart the measurement.

Sample analyzer comprising a reagent container holder


A method of enabling a user to play a game with a virtual friend includes determining a virtual friend having first feature information on the basis of user information, determining a message from the virtual friend to be transmitted to the user on a basis of the user information and the first feature information, transmitting the message to the user; and when the user who has received the message accesses a game, transmitting an invitation message from the virtual friend to the user within the game.

A user may play an online game by installing a program for running the game on a user device including various wired/wireless communication devices such as a personal computer, a smart phone, or tablet PCs. The number of users who enjoy games regardless of space and time constraints by using mobile communication devices, in addition to PCs, has increased.
Game service providers tend to send advertisement messages through user's messenger, mobile messenger, or text messages of users to encourage users to participate in games.
When a user is not able to play a game with a friend, the user may play the game with a computer, for example, artificial intelligence. In this case, as it is different from playing a game with a real friend, the user may feel bored and thus often stop using a game service.

Device, method, and computer program for providing game service


A device for facilitating removal of a filter from an air circulation system includes a flexible element having a first, low profile position adjacent a surface of the filter and a second, extended position spaced from the surface of the filter. When in the extended position the flexible element provides a graspable or grippable medium for removing the filter from the air circulation system. The device also includes attaching means for securing the flexible element to the filter.

The present invention relates generally to filters. More specifically, the present invention relates to a filter for filtering particulate contaminants from an air stream that includes a device for facilitating removal of the filter from the air stream.
Filters have been devised in the past to remove various particulate contaminants from a moving gas stream, and specifically for air streams. Such contaminants may, for example, include dust, lint, smoke, pollen, or dander. For instance, in conventional heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, a filter is inserted into the air stream to remove contaminants carried along in the air stream. The filtered air may then be recirculated throughout the HVAC system.
Conventional air filters generally include a filter media constructed from a porous material, such as open cell foam or a non-woven web of materials such as fiberglass. As a stream of air is induced to flow through the filter, particulate contaminants are entrapped or separated from the air stream and accumulated in the filter media. After a period of use in this manner, the accumulated contaminants begin to interfere with the flow of the air stream through the filter. The increased pressure drop across the filter impedes the airflow through the air filter and potentially reduces the effectiveness of the entire HVAC system. This requires that the air filter be removed and either cleaned or replaced with a new air filter.
An air filter is positioned in the air stream by inserting the filter into the ductwork of the HVAC system. A narrow support channel is typically provided in the HVAC system that is adapted to accommodate insertion of the air filter. When a user wishes to remove the filter from the support channel for cleaning or replacement, the user applies a force to the filter in a direction opposite of the insertion direction of the filter. Conventionally, this force is applied by grabbing or grasping edge portions of the filter and pulling the filter from the support channel. However, portions of the filter at times may become caught in the ductwork or the support channel upon installation, during use, or as the user tries to apply a removing force to the filter. This makes removal of the filter from the HVAC system difficult. In addition, the support channel is often just wide enough to accommodate the filter, which makes grasping or gripping a portion of the filter to apply a removing force to the filter cumbersome.


A vehicle upper-body structure having a pillar reinforcement member which connects an upper portion of a pillar member and a roof reinforcement member to be reinforced, includes at least one latch portion (hook-shaped member) which is latched to the roof reinforcement member when the pillar reinforcement member is deformed by an external load, and the latch portion is provided to pass through the roof reinforcement member as a portion of the pillar reinforcement member. According to the vehicle upper-body structure, when the pillar reinforcement member is deformed by the external load, since the latch portion is latched to the roof reinforcement member, load transmission efficiency from the pillar reinforcement member to the roof reinforcement member can be improved. Moreover, compared to a case where joining is performed at one point, the number of components is not increased.

In the related art, in a vehicle upper-body structure, a pillar reinforcement member, which connects an upper portion of a pillar member extending in a vehicle height direction and a roof reinforcement member extending in vehicle width direction to be reinforced, is provided at a location adjacent to a roof side rail along a vehicle body longitudinal direction. For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 10-167114 discloses a pillar reinforcement member (roof side reinforcement) which is fastened to a roof reinforcement member (roof bow) with bolts at two points separated in the vehicle width direction.


A solid, air stable adhesive composition containing wax and a polyolefin having a viscosity no greater than 2,000 centipoise and a needle penetration hardness of at least 50 dmm is disclosed. It is further disclosed that propylene-ethylene copolymer is the preferred polyolefin of the present invention.

An adhesive stick is a solid mass of adhesive which is used to transfer pressure sensitive adhesive to a substrate by rubbing the stick across the substrate. Adhesive sticks have been designed both for hand-held use and for adhesive transfer by machine. Adhesive sticks provide a simple alternative means of adhesive transfer wherein extraneous equipment such as heating equipment needed for hot melt adhesives or radiation sources needed for radiation curable adhesives are not required. However, existing adhesive sticks have practical drawbacks.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,639,475; 3,846,363; 3,929,694; and 3,576,776 disclose adhesive stick compositions. But the disclosed adhesive compositions must be stored in containers or special packaging to prevent the evaporation of volatiles. Prolonged exposure to air would cause adhesive compositions containing volatiles to decompose and become too dry and brittle to be useful. Air instability of adhesive sticks is especially problematic for adhesive sticks designed for hand-held use by the general public. Children are especially prone to leaving such art supplies uncapped or otherwise exposed for long periods.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,331,023 claims an adhesive stick composition containing a blend of polyisobutylene and a wax. The disclosed composition does not contain volatiles and is stable in air. However, the viscosity of the polyisobutylene raw material is about 15,300 to 46,000 centipoise. The use of a raw material having such high viscosity presents manufacturing difficulties.
The adhesive sticks disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,539,481; 3,267,052; 3,267,052; 3,539,481; and 5,331,023 require significant frictional rubbing action of the stick across a substrate to cause the adhesive to be delivered in a satisfactory manner. These adhesive sticks are difficult to use due to their hardness.
In light of the above, it would be desirable to have a solid adhesive composition which is easily processable, stable in air, strong enough to withstand the force required for it's use, soft enough to readily transfer adhesive to a substrate, and having an adequate amount of bonding strength for usefulness on a variety of substrates.


An integrated circuit is described which includes a temperature detection circuit. The detection circuit produces an output which indicates a temperature range of the integrate circuit. The output of the detection circuit is used to adjust the operation of the integrated circuit. The integrated circuit is described as a flash memory device which can include a controller to monitor the output of the detection circuit, or provide the output to an external controller. The controller uses the detection circuit output to adjust memory operation, such as operating frequency.

Most electronic devices are sensitive to changes in operating temperature. Devices incorporating integrated circuits such as portable computer and digital cameras are typically sensitive to temperature and will show variations in output due to variations in the temperature. The devices, therefore, are usually designed to avoid or decrease sensitivity to changes in the operating temperature. To achieve this result, the device circuitry becomes more complex.
Temperature sensors can be provided in these devices. The sensors, however, are typically an analog integrated circuit which cannot easily be implemented in an application specific integrated circuit ASIC or logic design. Thus, to provide a sensor in a device, an extra integrated circuit is required.
For the reasons stated above, and for other reasons stated below which will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the present specification, there is a need in the art for an integrated circuit which includes a temperature sensor which does not greatly effect the size or complexity of the integrated circuit.

Integrated circuit with temperature detector


A shutter for use on a housing of a disk-based memory medium is formed of aluminum alloy sheet stock that is bent to form a spine with integral side legs or aprons. A surface-hardening coating is formed on both legs near the spine to increase the wear resistance of the shutter in the area where the shutter engages a shutter-opening mechanism that tends to introduce plastic deformation and metal debris after repeated contacts with the shutter-opening mechanism. The method for fabrication of the shutter includes stamping a slot in the sheet stock at a location which will form an edge of the shutter where plastic deformation occurs. A surface-hardening coating is formed on all exposed areas of the shutter, including the edge of the stamped slot. The shutter is trimmed and punched to its final size, and the shutter is bent to form a spine and a pair of legs, with the edges of the slots forming a wear-resistant edge on each leg near the spine.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a shutter for the head access window in the housing for a disk-based memory medium, and more specifically to a surface hardening coating and method for forming such coating on an edge of the shutter.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Shutters are employed over the head access window in the housings of data storage devices which include, but are not limited to "computer microdisks" and "optical disks" (as certain of such storage devices are referred to in the industry) that are used in a wide range of computers and audio/visual devices. The disc-shaped memory medium may include magnetic or optical materials, and is contained within a protective outer shell or housing that includes a head access window and a protective shutter over the window. The housing is configured to slide into a disk drive which comprises a mechanism for opening the shutter and a transducer (the drive head) for reading and/or writing to the disk based memory medium. The mechanism for opening the shutter typically includes a steel pin that is arranged to engage the edge of both legs of the shutter to open the head access window against resilient bias of the shutter toward normally-closed position. The shutter is slidably mounted over the head access window in the housing to protect the disk-shaped memory medium from dust and foreign objects that would otherwise enter through the head access window in the housing. When the housing with the memory medium therein is inserted into the disk drive, the shutter is engaged by a mechanism that slides the shutter to open the head access window and expose the memory medium to a read and/or write transducer. The action of the shutter-opening pin involves an initial impact followed by a pushing and sliding motion on an edge of the shutter to overcome the resilient bias that retains the shutter in normally closed position.
The shutters are commonly formed of stainless steel, which is adequately resistant to wear from contact with the shutter-opening mechanism, but more expensive to use than softer, lower cost metals such as aluminum alloys. However, shutters formed of aluminum alloys commonly deform and abrade at the point of contact with the shutter-opening mechanism after repeated insertions into the disk drive, thereby releasing metal debris. In addition, the deformed shutter abrades the housing which is commonly formed of plastic, thereby releasing plastic debris. The metal and plastic debris will collect on the housing and can contaminate the disk-shaped memory medium contained within the housing to defeat the purpose of the protective housing and shutter.

Shutter for disk-based memory medium housing and method of fabrication


Methods and systems for message-origination-based global title translation include receiving a signaling message and determining whether global title translation is required. In response to determining that global title translation is required, a lookup is performed in the global title translation database. The lookup is based on the called party address and the originating point code in the signaling message. The destination point code from the global title translation is inserted in the signaling message. The signaling message is then routed to its intended destination based on the destination point code and optionally the originating point code in the signaling message.

Within a signaling system 7 (SS7) network, the signaling connection control part (SCCP) protocol is used for accessing databases and other entities within the network. The SCCP protocol also provides an advanced addressing capability where a subsystem is represented as an array of digits known as a global title address. By utilizing global title address translation, the SS7 point code (PC) and subsystem number (SSN) of a final destination are not required to be known by the message originator. All the originator is required to know is the called party dialed digits and the address of a node that can perform the global title translation. Global title translation is commonly employed to locate databases that provide 800 number toll free and caller ID services within telecommunications networks. Depending on network topology, global title translation processing is typically performed at a signal transfer point (STP), a signaling gateway (SG), or a service control point (SCP) where one network makes an inter-connection to an adjacent network.
The addressing information used to facilitate message routing at the SCCP level commonly includes a destination point code, a subsystem number, and optionally a global title. If a destination PC and SSN are not specified in the SCCP portion of an SS7 message, global title translation may be used to resolve a global title address contained in the message to a destination point code and subsystem number or optionally another global title address. In an SCCP message, the called party address field contains a routing indicator to instruct network routing entities, such as STPs, to route on either point code and subsystem number or global title address. If the routing indicator identifies the message as requiring routing based on a global title address, the called party address is submitted for global title translation to produce a new destination address, which may be the local node or a different node in the network. In the case of an intermediate GTT, the receiving node may translate the global title address information in the message again.
Currently, there are two forms of GTT, intermediate and final GTT. Intermediate GTT involves performing GTT processing on a message at a first network node, such as an STP, and routing the translated message from the STP with the routing indicator set to route-on-gt for further GTT processing by a second network node. Final GTT involves performing GTT processing on an SCCP message at a first network node, such as an STP, and routing the translated message based upon point code-ssn to the appropriate destination or terminating network node, such as a database application. In both GT translation scenarios, there is a need to better discriminate both intermediate and final GTT based upon who is sending the message. Accordingly, there exists a long-felt need for improved methods and systems for global title translation in telecommunications networks.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Methods and systems for global title translation using message origination information


The invention provides a heavy-duty tire rubber composition excellent in wet grip performance and steering stability, and a tire tread, a bead filler, a tire belt and a heavy-duty tire which each partially include the composition. The heavy-duty tire rubber composition includes 100 parts by mass of a solid rubber (A), 0.1 to 50 parts by mass of a modified liquid diene rubber (B) having a functional group derived from a silane compound with a specific structure, and 20 to 200 parts by mass of a filler (C), the modified liquid diene rubber (B) satisfying the following (i) and (ii): (i) the weight average molecular weight (Mw) is not less than 1,000 and not more than 120,000, and (ii) the vinyl content is not less than 30 mol % and less than 70 mol %.

Tires for heavy-duty vehicles such as trucks and buses (heavy-duty tires) are required to be excellent in brake performance on dry roads (dry grip performance) and in brake performance on wet roads (wet grip performance) and also to be excellent in abrasion resistance. A general approach to attaining enhanced abrasion resistance is to use a rubber composition including carbon black or silica as a rubber reinforcing agent. Unfortunately, such a rubber composition is so viscous and is poorly processable. Thus, process oils, liquid polymers, etc. are used as processability improvers. However, conventional processability improvers, although offering better processability, cause a problem that wet grip performance, steering stability and abrasion resistance are not sufficiently improved.
To improve the above characteristics in a well-balanced manner, Patent Literature 1 describes a high-performance heavy-duty tire rubber composition which includes at least one selected from the group consisting of natural rubbers and diene-based synthetic rubbers, carbon black, and an amphoteric compound containing acidic and basic functional groups. Patent Literature 2 describes a rubber composition obtained by mixing a rubber component, a softener and carbon black in a specific manner.
Further, Patent Literature 3 describes a rubber composition which includes 100 parts by mass of a rubber component including a styrene butadiene rubber, not less than 10 parts by mass of a liquid styrene butadiene rubber having a weight average molecular weight of 1000 to 5000 and a hydrogenation ratio of 40 to 60%, and not less than 5 parts by mass of an aromatic petroleum resin. Patent Literature 4 describes a heavy-duty tire rubber composition which includes 100 parts by mass of a diene rubber, the diene rubber including 70 mass % or more styrene butadiene rubber with a styrene content of not less than 30 mass %, 80 to 150 parts by mass of a specific carbon black, 10 to 50 parts by mass of a polyisoprene having a specific number average molecular weight, and 10 to 50 parts by mass of an aromatic modified terpene resin having a specific softening point.
Further, Patent Literature 5 describes a heavy-duty tire rubber composition including a specific styrene butadiene rubber and carbon black.

Heavy-duty tire rubber compositions and tires


In a contact type image sensor including an illumination section including a light source and light guide to illuminate a document, an image sensing element for converting an optical image of the document into an electrical signal, a cylindrical rod lens for forming an optical image on the image sensing element, and a frame for integrally holding the illumination section, image sensing element, and cylindrical rod lens, the light guide has undergone antireflection treatment on a surface thereof on the document side.

As a conventional copying machine, composite apparatus having both copying and facsimile functions, or image scanner having an automatic document feeder (ADF), there has been proposed an apparatus having both a function of scanning a document fixed on a glass surface and a function of scanning a document by moving the document (feed reading).
For example, in an image reading section shown in FIG. 14, a contact type image sensor (CIS) 1 serving as an image reading device is arranged below platen glass 2. This arrangement makes it possible to perform a method of reading a stationary document D placed on the platen glass 2 while the CIS 1 is kept moving along the subscanning direction and a method of reading a document D fed along the CIS 1 kept stopped at the position of second glass 2a.
The arrangement of a conventional contact type image sensor will be described below. FIG. 15A is a perspective view showing the arrangement of the conventional contact type image sensor 1. FIG. 15B is a sectional view of the contact type image sensor 1. The contact type image sensor 1 shown in FIG. 15A has an LED array 4 serving as a light source made up of a plurality of arrayed LEDs 3. The pair of LED arrays 4 are disposed on the two sides of a cylindrical rod lens array 5. A one-dimensional light-receiving element array 6 is disposed below the cylindrical rod lens array 5. These members are laid out in a frame 7. Cover glass 8 is attached to the upper portion of the image sensor 1.
Light emitted from the LEDs 3 irradiates the stationary document D placed on the platen glass 2, as shown in FIG. 15B. Light reflected by the document D is focused on the one-dimensional light-receiving element array 6 such as a CCD through the cylindrical rod lens array 5.
FIG. 16A is a perspective view showing the arrangement of another conventional contact type image sensor. As shown in FIG. 16A, this image sensor includes an LED 3 serving as light guide source and a light guide 11 for guiding light from the LED 3 to a document. The LED 3 is fixed on one of the longitudinal end portions of the light guide 11 (one LED at the left end in the illustrated example). Light emitted from the LED 3 is repeatedly reflected and propagates in the light guide 11 and emerges along the entire length of the light guide 4.
The light emerging from the light guide 11 irradiates the stationary document D placed on the platen glass 2, as shown in FIG. 16B. The light is then focused on a one-dimensional light-receiving element array 6 such as a CCD through a cylindrical rod lens array 5. These image sensor constituent members are laid out in a frame 7.
A conventional image sensor reciprocates in directions indicated by a double-headed arrow A as shown in FIG. 14. The image sensor is moved to the end portion of the image reading section, as indicated by a dotted line at the reading range end position. As shown in FIG. 17, a frame 9 for supporting the platen glass 2 is disposed at this end portion. When the image sensor 1 further moves, it collides with the frame 9. In order to prevent this collision according to the conventional case, the reading range end position is inevitably set before this collision position. This results in a large apparatus and particularly a large image reading section.
In the conventional image sensors like the ones shown in FIGS. 15B and 16B, when a document is irradiated from the lower side, and reflected light is incident on the one-dimensional light-receiving array 6 through the cylindrical rod lens array 5, light preferably irradiates the document placed on the platen glass 2 such that the light amount of the irradiation light beam has a peak for the document D. When the document floats from the platen glass 2, the position of the document is shifted from the light amount peak position. This makes it difficult to assure a sufficient light amount. In addition, unevenness occurs in the read image due to variations in light amount.
In the conventional image sensor shown in FIG. 16A, the LED 3 is formed at only one end of the light guide 11. In this case, a uniform light amount distribution within the illumination range is difficult to obtain, resulting in a nonuniform intensity. Generally, the farther the distance from the LED 3 increases, the smaller the light amount in the light amount distribution, as shown in FIG. 18. Since the LED 3 is arranged on only one side of the light guide 11, the absolute light amount is short to result in a decrease in scanning speed. In addition, nonuniformity in light amount distribution occurs to make it difficult to obtain an excellent image. For example, when a photograph or the like is adhered to a document and its image is to be read, the document is irradiated from one side opposite to the illumination direction, and a linear shadow or the like appears along the edge of the photograph in the read image.
As for the image sensor shown in FIG. 15A, it uses a large number of LEDs 3 to result in high cost. Further, it is difficult to obtain an excellent image due to variations in light amounts of the respective LEDs 3. In order to prevent color irregularity in reading operation, only a monochrome light source can be used.

Image sensor and image reading apparatus


A wired relay method for using a remote station and an apparatus thereof for a Radio over Fiber (RoF) wired relay system supporting a Time Division Duplexing (TDD) wireless communication service, which shares an Low-Noise Amplifier (LNA) for both uplink and downlink operations. The remote station includes a block for dividing each of a downlink optical signal carrying service data and an optical signal carrying transmission/reception control information of the RoF wired relay system, which are input from a base station, a gain controller for separating an uplink Radio Frequency (RF) signal input from an antenna or a portion of a downlink RF signal output from a High-Power Amplifier (HPA) and for monitoring the strength of the input and output RF signals in order to control a gain of the LNA. A converter mutually converts an optical signal and an RF signal, an amplifier amplifies the converted RF signal, and an RF signal flow controller automatically controls uplink and downlink transmission paths of the amplified RF signal according to a transmission/reception status of the RoF wired relay system.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a wireless communication system. More particularly, the present invention relates to an optical link for exchanging Radio Frequency (RF) signals between a remote station and a base station in a Radio over Fiber (RoF) system using wireless the uplink/downlink signal transmission of a Time Division Duplexing (TDD) mobile communication system and the configuration of the RoF system.
2. Description of the Related Art
With the development of the wireless communication industry, various wireless communication schemes have been proposed. Thus, there is an added benefit in proposing a mobile communication network that can support a new/different wireless communication scheme other than an existing wireless communication scheme, and in addition, support the existing wireless communication scheme. In other words, a wireless environment where mobile communication networks supporting different wireless communication schemes co-exist is expected to emerge.
In such a wireless environment, users having mobility need to select a suitable wireless communication scheme for wireless conditions.
A 3rd Generation (3G) wireless communication system has evolved to perform high-speed and high-capacity data communication, in addition to conventional voice communication.
Moreover, the 3G wireless communication system has been discussed by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) that is the European asynchronous standardization organization and the 3GPP2 that is the U.S synchronous standardization organization. A representative scheme under discussion in the 3GPP is a Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) scheme and a representative scheme under discussion in the 3GPP2 is a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) scheme.
An existing wireless mobile communication system typically uses an optical relay station in order to enlarge its cell coverage and remove an electric wave shadow region. In particular, in an underground or the inside of a building which electric waves cannot reach, a wired optical relay station is widely used. The optical relay station is configured to be suitable for the existing wireless mobile communication system using a Frequency Division Duplexing (FDD) scheme such as CDMA or WCDMA. However, a recently emerging new wireless mobile communication system such as Mobile Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), or Wireless Broadband Internet (Wibro), makes use of a Time Division Duplexing (TDD) scheme wherein the same frequency is used for both uplink signal transmission and downlink signal transmission. The uplink and downlink transmissions are distinguished by time. Therefore, a wired/wireless relaying technique suitable for the new wireless mobile communication system is required.
In a communication system using the TDD scheme, a base station may allocate, for example, all available time slots, or some available time slots to a particular terminal. Thus, uplink/downlink transmission capacity is relatively free to change the allocations of slots, thereby allowing asymmetric communication by means of variable allocation of time slots. In addition, the channel characteristics of uplink/downlink radio signals are the same. For these reasons, the TDD scheme is recognized as being suitable for a next generation wireless mobile communication system using multiple antennas.
However, a problem in the TDD scheme is that as the radius of a cell increases, there is a degradation in transmission efficiency as a guard time interval between transmission/reception time slots increases due to a round trip delay. As a result, the TDD scheme undergoes degradation in transmission efficiency in a wireless communication system such as a macro cell having a large radius.
In contrast, a wireless mobile communication system using the FDD scheme does not experience a time delay in transmission or reception because of using separate frequency bands for transmission and reception. Since there is no a round trip delay caused by a time delay, the FDD scheme is suitable for a cell having a large radius such as a macro cell. However, the FDD scheme is not suitable for use as a duplexing technique for asymmetric transmission because a transmission/reception frequency and is fixed.
With regard to mobile communications, the 3G mobile communication system and next generation wireless mobile communication systems such as Mobile WiMAX and International Mobile Telecommunication (IMT)-Advanced systems aim to support both a voice service and multimedia services having various traffic characteristics such as broadcasting and real-time video conferencing. In order to efficiently provide the services having variously desired characteristics, there is a need for a duplexing scheme considering asymmetry and continuity of uplink and downlink transmissions according to the characteristics of the services.
At the present time, the CDMA or WCDMA system uses the FDD scheme and a Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) system, and the Mobile WiMAX system use the TDD scheme. Since two of the resources that can be provided to a plurality of wireless communication service subscribers are time and frequency according to space, there have been studies conducted with regard to a method and system for appropriately allocating the two resources, (i.e., time and frequency) according to the needs of a wireless channel condition such as a hybrid duplexing technique, in addition to the two existing duplexing schemes TDD and FDD.
FIG. 1 illustrates the structure of an RF relay station used to increase service capacity and enlarge service coverage in a wireless relay system for a conventional TDD wireless communication service.
Referring to FIG. 1, in order to provide a downlink signal transmission, link antenna 102 of the RF relay station receives an RF signal from a base station (not shown) and a band corresponding to the bandwidth of the RF signal is passed using a filter. The RF signal received through a circulator is amplified by a Low Noise Amplifier (LNA) 104. The frequency band of the RF signal from the LNA 104 is adjusted by a Gain Block (GB) 108. The RF signal whose frequency band has been adjusted is amplified by a High Power Amplifier (HPA) 112 and then passes through the filter through the circulator. The RF signal is then transmitted to a mobile terminal via a service antenna 114.
For an uplink transmission, the processing direction is opposite to that of downlink transmission described herein above. In other words, an RF signal is received from a mobile terminal (not shown) via the service antenna 114 of the RF relay station and a band corresponding to the bandwidth of the RF signal is passed using the filter The RF signal received through the circulator is amplified by the LNA 106. The frequency band of the RF signal from the LNA 106 is adjusted by the GB 108. The RF signal, whose frequency band has been adjusted is amplified by the HPA 112, then passes through the filter through the circulator/coupler. The RF signal is then transmitted to the mobile terminal via the link antenna 102.
However, in conventional techniques including that illustrated in FIG. 1, a GB can be shared for both uplink and downlink as a middle part of relatively low importance of the relay station. However, sharing of an LNA, which is a component of relatively high importance of the relay station, for both uplink and downlink communication is physically difficult to achieve. One reason that there is difficulty in sharing an LNA is that an HPA which finally amplifies uplink and downlink signals is typically connected to two antennas. Moreover, the sharing of the LNA for amplification of both uplink and downlink signals prevents the LNA from performing its essential function of maintaining low-noise amplification characteristics, which thereby degrades system performance.

Time division duplexing remote station having low-noise amplifier shared for uplink and downlink operations and wired relay method using the same

Maetan-dong, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do


Motion blur rasterization may involve executing a first test for each plane of a tile frustum. The first test is a frustum plane versus moving bounding box overlap test where planes bounding a moving primitive are overlap tested against a screen tile frustum. According to a second test executed after the first test, for primitive edges against tile corners, the second test is a tile corner versus moving edge overlap test. The corners of the screen space tile are tested against a moving triangle edge in two-dimensional homogeneous space.

This relates to graphics processing and particularly to the graphical depiction of motion blur.
Motion blur is an important visual effect that reduces temporal aliasing and makes moving content appear smoother. However, efficient rendering of motion blur in real-time three-dimensional graphics is nontrivial.
In stochastic rasterization of motion blur, moving geometric primitives are sampled in both space and time, using a large set of samples to obtain high-quality motion-blurred images with low noise levels. For each of the sample positions, an inside test is executed to determine whether the moving primitive covers the sample. This overlap test in x, y and t space is generally more expensive than an inside test in traditional rasterizers.


A connector assembly is operable to connect a conductor with a generally U-shaped ground rail having a pair of upwardly extending legs that terminate in outwardly directed flange portions, including a conductive plate having a body panel that extends transversely above the rail. At a first end, the body panel included a downwardly extending hook portion the extends in locking relation beneath the flange portion of the associated first rail; at its other end, a first plate support panel is connected with the bottom of the body pane for bending movement about a first generally horizontal fold lined to a support position generally normal to the body panel and in engagement with the upper surface of the flange portion of the other rail. The plate is connected with the other rail leg by an inverted generally U-shaped spring member having a base portion that extends parallel with the body panel above the first support panel, and a pair of leg portions having end extremities that extend beneath the associated edge of the first plate support panel and the adjacent rail flange portion, respectively.

1. Field of the Invention
Connector means are provided for connecting a conductor, an electrical terminal block or the like with an inverted generally U-shaped ground rail having a pair of upwardly extending legs that terminate in outwardly extending flange portions, including a conductive plate having a body panel that extends transversely above the ground rail and includes at one end a hook portion that is locked beneath the flange portion of a first leg of the ground rail, and at the other end a plate support panel that is bent outwardly from the bottom edge portion of the body panel to a position generally normal to the body panel and in supported engagement with the upper surface a second rail leg. An inverted generally U-shaped spring has a base portion that extends parallel with the body panel above the plate support, and leg portions that are bent inwardly under the support panel and under the flange of the associated leg of the ground rail, respectively, thereby to mount the plate on the ground rail.
2. Brief Description of the Prior Art
It well known in the patented prior art to provide connector devices for connecting electrical conductors, terminal blocks and the like with a grounded rail conductor. As shown by the German Patent No. DE 39 03 752 C2, and the European Patent No. EP 0 556 560 B1, fastening feet on the connector generate sufficient retaining force for retaining the connector on a mounting rail (such as the ground rail of an electrical panel box) to effect good electrical contact while at the same time affording the necessary mechanical stability. On the basis of these designs, one is no longer dependent on the provision of additional catch feet on the insulated housings of the terminal blocks, but one does require a large volume and therefore extensive resilient force for clamping the connector to the grounded mounting rail.
On the other hand, a grounded conductor connection has been disclosed in the European patent No. EP 0 444 656 B1 wherein the contact and the fastening foot are provided with at least one hook segment that grasps one of the mounting rail legs, and where the contact and fastening foot has segments that also sit on the mounting rail legs, the spring being supported to mechanically retain the components together to effect the desired electrical contact force upon the mounting rail legs or on an abutment formed on the contact in the fastening foot. In this case, the resilient spring can no longer engage both mounting rail legs, and therefore the spring can be made relatively short and powerful. Thus, one can basically also select the spring characteristics and size in order to achieve good electrical connection with the conductive mounting rail, which may be formed of copper. However, the known design includes inherent problems, such as providing the connection between the connector in the fastening foot in the spring, which spring contains a slit up to its terminal areas and the contact and fastening foot has perpendicular segments and several abutments such that, for the purpose of final assembly, areas of the contact and fastening foot must be inserted through the slit of the spring on the latter supported against the abutments. The spring thus contacts one mounting rail leg from above when in the position ready for use along with a deformation and generation of the spring force. Making such a spring with a slit is complicated, and the slit also weakens the spring. In this design, the contact and fastening foot has a complicated three-dimensional shape. It is difficult to connect the spring with the contact and fastening foot during assembly.
The present invention was developed to avoid the above and other drawbacks of the known connecting devices.

Connector means for connecting a conductor to a ground rail


A modular catheter includes an elongate tubular member having a proximal end and a closed, distal end. A lumen extends from the proximal end to the distal end and a plurality of electrodes are arranged at, or adjacent, the distal end, conductors for the electrodes being contained within a wall of the tubular member. An elongate shape-imparting mechanism is removably received within the lumen of the tubular member such that a distal end of the shape-imparting mechanism is substantially in register with the distal end of the tubular member. A control device has a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the tubular member and a proximal end of the shape-imparting mechanism being releasably connectable to the distal end of the control device.

Catheter systems are becoming an increasingly common way of diagnosing and treating abnormal heart conditions, in particular, heart arrhythmias. Such arrhythmias can be treated with drugs or by use of electronic devices such as pacemakers. However, neither of these treatments cures the problem but only alleviate it.
In contrast, the use of ablative techniques has been shown to cure arrhythmias. Thus, catheters having mapping electrodes and/or ablative electrodes are inserted through the vascular system of a patient's body so that the distal end of the catheter can be placed accurately in the relevant chamber of the heart. For the treatment of atrial fibrillation, the distal end is placed at the ostium of one or more of the pulmonary veins, in turn, to effect ablation.
Thus, it will be appreciated that the catheter needs to be in a sterilized condition for use and various catheter systems with steering mechanisms included are known.
Because of the fact that the catheter system comes into contact with bodily fluids of a patient and with the increasing prevalence of blood-borne diseases, medical regulations require that these catheter systems are one-time-use systems only. In other words, once the catheter has been used, it must be disposed of in its entirety.
Certain institutions do re-sterilize the catheters for re-use. However, there is a problem associated with this, in that with re-sterilizing the catheter, it may become degraded and not function correctly.
In addition, the increasing complexity of catheter systems for monitoring or mapping and/or ablation has resulted in these catheter systems becoming more expensive. Thus, it is costly to dispose of such a system after one use only.


The present invention relates to a melanin concentrating hormone antagonist compound of formula I: (I); or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, enantiomer or prodrug thereof useful in the treatment, prevention or amelioration of symptoms associated with obesity and related diseases.

Melanin concentrating hormone (MCH) is a 19 amino acid neuropeptide produced in the lateral hypothalamic area and zona incerta, although MCH-expressing neurons project to numerous regions of the brain. MCH is processed from a larger pre-prohormone that also includes a second peptide, NEI, and possibly a third, NGE (Nahon, Crit Rev in Neurobiology, 8:221–262, 1994). MCH mediates its effects through at least two G protein-coupled receptors, MCHR1 and MCHR2 (Saito et al. Nature 400: 265–269, 1999; Hill et al., J Biol Chem 276: 20125–20129, 2001). Both receptors are expressed in regions of the brain consistent with MCH neuronal projection and known MCH physiologic function (Hervieu et al., Eur J Neuroscience 12: 1194–1216, 2000; Hill et al., J Biol Chem 276: 20125–20129, 2001; Sailer et al., Proc Nat Acad Sci 98: 7564–7569, 2001).
Extensive evidence exists to support the orexigenic activity of MCH. MCH mRNA is elevated in rodent models of obesity and in the fasted state (Qu et al., Nature 380: 243–247, 1996). Intracerebroventricularly administered MCH increases feeding and blocks the anorexic effect of α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (Ludwig et al., Am J Physiol 274: E627–E633, 1998). MCH knock-out mice (MCH−/− mice) are lean, hypophagic and hypometabolic (Shimada et al., Nature 396: 670–674, 1998), while MCH over-expressing transgenic mice are obese and insulin resistant (Ludwig et al., J Clin Invest 107: 379–386, 2001). MCHR1−/− mice have recently been reported to be lean and hypermetabolic, indicating that the R1 isoform mediates at least some of the metabolic effects of MCH (Marsh et al., Proc Nat Acad Sci 99: 3240–3245, 2002; Chen et al., Endocrinology, 2002, in press).
In addition to its effects on feeding, MCH has been implicated in regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis through modulation of CRF and ACTH release (Bluet-Pajot et al., J Neuroendocrinol 7: 297–303, 1995). MCH may also play a role in the modulation of reproductive function (Murray et al., J Neuroendocrinol 12: 217–223, 2000) and memory (Monzon et al., Peptides 20: 1517–1519, 1999).
The current preferred treatment for obesity as well as Type II non-insulin dependent diabetes is diet and exercise with a view toward weight reduction and improved insulin sensitivity for diabetics. Patient compliance, however, is usually poor. The problem is compounded by the fact that there are currently only two medications approved for the treatment of obesity (sibutramine, or Meridian and orlistat, or Xenical™.
PCT application number WO 01/21577 (JP00/06375) filed Sep. 19, 2000, discloses compounds reportedly useful as antagonists of the MCH receptor. In particular the WO 01/21577 application claims a compound of formula A
wherein:    Ar1 is a cyclic group that may have substituents;    X is a spacer having a main chain of 1 to 6 atoms;    Y is a bond or a spacer having a main chain of 1 to 6 atoms;    Ar is a monocyclic aromatic ring which may be condensed with a 4 to 8 membered non-aromatic ring, and may have further substituents;    R1 and R2 are independently hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon group which may have substituents;    R1 and R2 together with the adjacent nitrogen atom may form a nitrogen-containing hetereo ring which may have Substituents; R2 may form a spiro ring together with Ar; or    R2, together with the adjacent nitrogen atom and Y, may form a nitrogen-containing hetero ring which may have substituents; or salts thereof.
PCT application number WO 01/82925, filed Apr. 26, 2001, also discloses compounds reportedly useful as antagonists of the MCH receptor. In particular the WO 01/82925 application claims a compound of formula B
wherein:    Ar1 is an optionally substituted cyclic group;    X and Y are independently a spacer having a C1-6 main chain;    Ar is an optionally substituted fused polycyclic aromatic ring;    R1 and R2 are independently hydrogen atom or an optionally substituted hydrocarbon group; or alternatively R1 and R2 together with the nitrogen atom adjacent thereto may form a nitrogenous heterocycle, or R2 together with the nitrogen atom adjacent thereto and Y may form an optionally substituted nitrogenous heterocycle, or R2 together with the nitrogen atom adjacent thereto, Y, and Ar may form a fused ring.
PCT application number WO 01/87834, filed May 15, 2001, also discloses compounds reportedly useful as antagonists of the MCH receptor. In particular the WO 01/87834 application claims a compound of formula C.
Wherein;    R represents hydrogen, halogen, or an optionally substituted cyclic group; X represents a bond or a spacer in which the main chain has one to ten atoms; Y represents a spacer in which the main chain has one to six atoms; ring A represents a benzene ring which may have other substituents; ring B represents a five- to nine-membered nitrogenous nonaromatic heterocycle which may have other substituents; and R1 and R2 are the same or different and each represents hydrogen, an optionally substituted hydrocarbon group, or an optionally substituted heterocyclic group, or R1 and R2 may form an optionally substituted nitrogenous heterocycle in cooperation with the adjacent nitrogen atom and R2 may form an optionally substituted nitrogenous heterocycle in cooperation with the adjacent nitrogen atom and Y.
Japanese patent application number JP2001-226269A also discloses compounds reportedly useful as antagonists of the MCH receptor. In particular the JP2001-226269A application claims a compound of formula D.
Wherein:    Ar is a substituted group-contg. arom. ring, X1 is a substituted group-contg. divalent main chain of 1–5 atoms, X2, X3 and X4 are linking arms, and R2 is a basic substituting group, and its salts.
Current treatments targeted at obesity have side effects. Examples of such treatments include phen-phen, and various over-the-counter appetite suppressants. These agents have not been proven effective for all patients and for sustainable periods of time. Similarly, the approved treatments, sibutramine (Meridia™) and orlistat (Xenical™) have been associated with side effects which may compromise compliance and may preclude long term use for sustained weight loss for certain patient populations.
Therefore, there is a need for new and/or improved therapeutically effective agents useful as anatagonist of melanocortin releasing hormone to better control the dietary habits, minimize the preponderance of obesity and treat, prevent and/or ameliorate the effects of obesity including for example diabetes.

Multicyclic compounds for use as melanin concentrating hormone antagonists in the treatment of obesity and diabetes


A carrier sense relationship and an interference relationship between logical links in a shared, broadcast, medium network are determined. Bandwidth for each of the links is estimated based on the carrier sense relationship and the interference relationship.

Wireless mesh networks (WMNs) are emerging as attractive solutions for last-mile broadband Internet access. A wireless mesh network is generally composed of wireless clients, a gateway portal that connects the mesh network to the Internet, and the mesh nodes that form the backbone. The mesh nodes wirelessly communicate with each other to provide Internet connectivity for the clients. Routes between the mesh nodes could be multihop.
WMNs aim to provide high-speed Internet service without costly network infrastructure deployment and maintenance. The main obstacle in achieving high-capacity wireless mesh networks is interference between the mesh links. However, estimating interference in multihop wireless links is a difficult task.
It has been proposed that interference may be estimated based on the distance between the nodes. However, measurement results show that distance does not have a strong correlation with the quality of wireless links. One reason is the asymmetric carrier sense (CS) relationship between nodes. That is, one sender senses the other sender's transmission but not vice versa, which may result in one node dominating the link. Another reason is the well known hidden interference or hidden node problem. The IEEE 802.11 standard suggests the use of RTS/CTS to solve the hidden interference problem. However, the RTS/CTS mechanism has been shown to be ineffective in eliminating the hidden node problem and fails to increase the multihop capacity of the link.
Link Interference Ratio (LIR) and Broadcast Interference Ratio (BIR) are measurement-based, instead of distance-based, schemes that estimate interference between two wireless links that do not share end-points. Both LIR and BIR, with different measurement complexities, estimate the amount of pairwise link interference. However, both BIR and LIR only indicate the aggregate throughput of the receivers for the two links in the presence of interference. BIR and LIR do not provide information on each link's throughput. Thus, situations where the aggregate throughput of two links is satisfactory but the throughput of one of the links is poor may not be detected when relying solely on BIR or LIR.

Estimating link interference and bandwidth

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.


A method and apparatus for dynamic security insertion into virtualized networks is described. The method may include receiving, at a network device from a second network device, a data packet and application data extracted from the data packet. The method may also include generating a routing decision for a network connection associated with the data packet based, at least in part, on the application data. Furthermore, the method may include transmitting the routing decision for the data packet to the second device for the second device to route the data based on the routing decision.

Computing networks are becoming ubiquitous in enterprises, providing secure and cost-effective access to resources. Those networks usually have one or more controllers, each controller supporting a plurality of routers, network switches, wireless access points (AP), etc. deployed through the enterprise. A wireless fidelity (WiFi) network operating in accordance with IEEE 802.11 standards is an example of such a network.
In order to meet the demands of enterprises, physical computing networks may be logically divided into several virtual networks. A virtual network, such as a virtual local area network (VLAN), consists of virtual connections between network resources. Through the process of network virtualization, different virtual networks, the resources on those virtual networks, the network communication between devices on those virtual networks, etc. can be segregated from one another, even though they share the same physical resources.
One major problem associated with network virtualization involves network security. Traditional network security often relies on the physical interconnection between devices and the communication protocols that support those connections. Thus, traditional network security devices, which rely on traditional network data communication techniques, do not work in the virtual network environment.

System and method for dynamic security insertion in network virtualization


An apparatus for detecting position of blank areas for an optical disc in an optical disc drive according to a wobble signal and a blank signal includes an address decoder for generating a physical address value according to the wobble signal; a counting device coupled to the address decoder for generating a count value according to the wobble signal; and a decision circuit coupled to the counting device for determining whether the count value is within a predetermined range when the edge of the blank signal occurs. If the count value is within the predetermined range when the blank edge occurs, the decision circuit generates a position value corresponding to a blank area of the optical disc.

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for detecting position of blank areas of an optical disc, and more particularly, to a method and apparatus for detecting position of blank areas of an optical disc in an optical disc drive.
Recordable Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) and re-writable DVD have various formats, such as DVD−R, DVD−RW, DVD+R, DVD+RW, and DVD-RAM etc. In general, when a recordable DVD drive writes data onto a recordable (or re-writable) DVD, it first identifies the end position of recorded data and then writes new data into a blank area of the optical disc starting from the end position in order to improve the usage efficiency of the optical disc.
The method used for determining the end position of the recorded data in the recordable (or re-writable) DVD of the related art determines the end position of recorded data using the data recorded in the programmable memory area (PMA) of the DVD.
However, while the recordable DVD drive writes data into the recordable (or re-writable) DVD, in some situations such as a tiny variation of the pick-up head, the recordable DVD drive is shocked and may result in the actual end position of recorded data differing from an end position recorded in the PMA.
As mentioned above, the method used for determining the end position of recorded data of the related art by using the end position recorded in the PMA of the recordable (or re-writable) DVD cannot accurately identify the actual end position of recorded data of the DVD. If the recordable DVD drive writes data onto the DVD starting at an incorrect end position, this may result in error of recorded data and thereby damage the existing data of the DVD.

Method and apparatus for detecting position of blank area of optical disc


A progressive gaming system with wide applicability to a potentially large number of players is provided. A three-level hierarchy can be used in which a portion of wagers and individual terminals are earmarked for contribution to a progressive jackpot, each casino is allotted one chance at a prize for each threshold amount of contribution and a win/loss decision is made, for each such chance, by a central computer system.

Gaming systems have included progressive systems in which the machines are linked together so that, in addition to the normal games played on the gaming machines, players can compete for an additional prize. One type of progressive gaming system is described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,837,728, issued Jun. 6, 1989, and assigned to International Game Technology.
Although progressive gaming systems have proved to be successful, it is believed there is a potential to provide progressive gaming systems which could make the systems available to a larger number of players, preferably while maintaining or enhancing the system's resistance to cheating.
In the past, progressive systems have been typically organized on a gaming device level, e.g., such that when a prize was awarded by the central system, it was directly awarded by the central system to an individual gaming device or terminal. This is believed to, from a practical point of view, place limits on the size of the progressive system, and thus limit its availability to potential players. Furthermore, in many previous progressive systems, the only gaming devices or terminals which could be used to participate in the progressive gaming were those which were specially constructed for coupling to a particular progressive system, such as only gaming devices made by a particular manufacturer, only those devices for playing a particular game, and/or only those devices using a certain monetary denomination or range of denominations (e.g. only dollar slot machines).
In some progressive systems, the event which triggers a potential win of a progressive jackpot is a win at a local gaming device. For example, in some slot machine systems, no progressive jackpot may be awarded until a play at one of the slot machines connected to the progressive system has resulted in a winning combination. In some systems, no prizes are awarded until a threshold condition occurs (such as the progressive jackpot reaching a variable threshold amount). The progressive jackpot will then be awarded to the player at the first connected slot machine to indicate a win. Although such a system is operable, it is believed a system which requires a local win in order to qualify for a progressive jackpot win does not provide the greatest entertainment value and player attraction possible.
Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a progressive gaming system which is not limited to awarding prizes to an individual gaming device or terminal, is not limited to a particular manufacturer, style or denomination of gaming terminal, is not limited to awarding the progressive jackpot only to local winners, and/or has potential for enhancing the number of players who can partake in the progressive system play while maintaining or enhancing resistance to cheating.


The protector includes a box-like metal housing formed of first and second housing parts connected by a spring-loaded hinge for movement between an open position, in which a seal associated with the vehicle cargo compartment door handle is exposed, and a closed position, in which the seal cannot be accessed. At least one of the housing parts is hollow and configured to accommodate the handle such that when the housing parts are in the closed position the seal is fully enclosed. A padlock may be used to lock the housing parts in the closed position such that the seal cannot be accidentally broken falsely indicating that the cargo compartment door has been opened during transit.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a security device for protecting cargo in the cargo compartment of a vehicle during transport and more particularly to a device designed to prevent a seal associated with the handle of the cargo compartment door from being accidentally broken, falsely indicating unauthorized access to the cargo compartment.
2. Description of Prior Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98
Vehicles of various types, such as trucks, trailers, aircraft, ships and the like commonly transport cargo from one destination to another. The vehicles are provided with cargo compartments within which the cargo is situated. The cargo compartment is accessed through a door which can be locked to prevent unauthorized access to the cargo compartment, preventing the cargo from being damaged or stolen.
The cargo compartment doors can be of the side mounted swing-out type or the roll-up type. Both types of doors are provided with factory installed handles which can be moved between a position in which the cargo compartment door can be opened and a position in which the cargo compartment door cannot be opened. A lock is associated with the handle which prevents the handle from being moved to the position where the door can be opened, thereby preventing access to the cargo compartment.
In order to assure that the cargo compartment has not been accessed during transit, a seal is installed on the handle of the cargo compartment door after the cargo is loaded, the door is closed and the handle is moved to the position where the door cannot be opened. Once the seal is installed, the handle cannot be moved and thus the door cannot be opened without breaking the seal.
Many seals used for this purpose are made of plastic and very easily broken. Other seals such as bolt seals are made of metal and typically require tools to break. Regardless of the type, these seals are not intended to protect the cargo by preventing access to the cargo compartment. The seals are used as proof that the cargo door has not been opened during transit.
If the vehicle arrives at its destination with the seal intact, that indicates that the cargo compartment has not been accessed and the cargo can be accepted. On the other hand, if the vehicle arrives with the seal broken, that indicates that the handle has moved and that the cargo may have been tampered with or stolen, and should not be accepted. Accordingly, it is important to the shipper, to those responsible for the vehicle during transit, and to the receiver of the cargo, that the seal accurately reflect whether the cargo compartment has been accessed during transit or not.
Often the driver of the vehicle or the delivery company is merely transporting the vehicle with the cargo and does not own the vehicle or the seal. However, they may be financially responsible for the cargo if the seal is broken and the load is refused at the delivery point.
Accordingly, there is a need for a device which can protect the seal during transit so that it is not accidentally broken.
It is therefore a prime object of the present invention to provide a protector for a seal mounted on the handle of a vehicle cargo compartment door.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a protector for the seal on the handle of a vehicle cargo compartment door which can fully enclose the seal during transit so that the seal is not accidentally broken.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a protector which can be used for the seal on the handle of a vehicle cargo compartment door regardless of the type of seal used or material from which the seal is made.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a protector for the seal on the handle of a vehicle cargo compartment door which is suitable for use with doors of the side mounted swing-out type.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a protector for the seal on the handle of a vehicle cargo compartment door which is suitable for use with doors of the roll-up type.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a protector for the seal on the handle of a vehicle cargo compartment door which can be easily installed on the door.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a protector for the seal on the handle of a vehicle cargo compartment door which can be locked to prevent access to the seal.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a protector for the seal on the handle of a vehicle cargo compartment door which can be locked by a padlock.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a protector for the seal on the handle of a vehicle cargo compartment door formed of hollow metal housing parts connected by a spring-loaded hinge.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a protector for the seal on the handle of a vehicle cargo compartment door which encloses the portion of the handle upon which the seal is mounted.


Provided is a medical robot system which includes a medical manipulator capable of handling organs such as a uterine of different shapes and sizes. The medical robot system includes a robot arm, a medical manipulator which is detachably provided in the robot arm and supports an organ to a predetermined position, and a controller unit operable by an operator to control the robot arm and the medical manipulator. The medical manipulator also includes a first arm portion in a base side thereof, a second arm portion in a front side thereof for supporting the organ, and a connection portion connecting the first arm portion with the second arm portion. The control unit adjusts a relative direction of the second arm portion and the first arm portion and a length of the second arm portion in a telescopic manner thereby being suitable for organs of various shapes and sizes.

Field
The embodiments discussed herein relate to a medical robot system which includes a medical manipulator for supporting an organ at a predetermined position.
Background Art
In laparoscopic surgery, a patient's abdomen or the like is perforated to make several small holes, an endoscope, forceps, and the like are inserted into the holes, and a surgical operator performs a surgical operation while watching a video of the endoscope through a monitor. In the laparoscopic surgery, in order to facilitate the surgical operation, a treatment target organ or an organ in the vicinity of the treatment target organ is supported at a predetermined position using a medical manipulator.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,520,698 discloses a medical manipulator including a frame which extends in one direction and a tip which includes an expandable balloon and is rotatably connected to a front end of the frame. When the tip is inserted into a uterine cavity and the balloon is expanded, the uterus is supported to a predetermined position.
However, in general, there are differences among individuals in the shapes of organs such as a uterus. For this reason, in the medical manipulator disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,520,698, when the tip is longer than appropriate for the size of the organ, the front end of the tip may come into contact with the organ to thereby damage the organ. On the other hand, when the tip is shorter than appropriate for the size and shape of the organ, the tip may not be disposed at a position where the organ is appropriately supported.

Medical robot system for supporting an organ in a position suitable for a medical treatment


The railway freight car brake control utilizes sequential pressurization of the brake cylinder from a first auxiliary reservoir and a second auxiliary reservoir during emergency. Embodiments utilize a first supply reservoir larger in volume than a second supply reservoir. The first supply reservoir is used during a service braking mode. The larger first supply reservoir provides improved braking in a service mode, while the sequential utilization of both reservoirs provides an improved level of emergency braking available during a loaded freight car condition.

The invention provides improved braking and railway freight cars by providing the ability to operate at higher than standard levels for full service and emergency braking on loaded cars. Higher brake cylinder pressures can provide higher effective net braking ratios on loaded car and increase the maximum available brake retarding force on such loaded cars. This is of particular importance on steep downgrades, for the increase in available braking force and stopping power can enhance operational performance. Importantly, it is possible to provide this increase in braking force on loaded cars without danger of sliding wheels or overheating wheels. The invention also recognizes and takes advantage of the simultaneous brake response of an electro-pneumatic brake system, in that higher retardation of loaded cars can be obtained without creating excessive run-in forces in the train. Conversely, the slower, serial brake signal speed with pneumatic brakes limits the acceptable loaded car retardation without causing excessive run-in forces among cars in the train.
Almost all interchange freight cars are equipped with standard, two-compartment reservoirs consisting of a 2,500 cubic inch auxiliary reservoir and an approximately 3,500 inch emergency reservoir. In normal operation these reservoirs can be charged with compressed air from the brake pipe to approximately the same operating pressure as the brake pipe, typically between 70 and 110 psi. With conventional freight brake equipment, there are two different modes of braking, service and emergency. Service braking is the normal mode and is typically used to balance grade accelerating force and to control speed or stop the train. The compressed air stored in the auxiliary reservoir is used to supply the brake cylinder pressure called for during service braking operations. When a fill service brake application is made, the auxiliary reservoir pressure flows into the brake cylinder, reducing the auxiliary reservoir and increasing the brake cylinder pressure until the two pressures equalize. This generally represents the maximum service brake cylinder pressure available, i.e., a fall service application.
Emergency brake applications are used generally only when unusual circumstances require the train to be braked at the maximum. Emergency applications transmit through the train more rapidly than service applications, and in compliance with regulations, must provide 15% to 20% higher brake cylinder pressure than full service applications. When an emergency application is made in prior art equipment, the higher brake cylinder pressure is obtained by generally simultaneously connecting both the auxiliary reservoir and the emergency reservoir with the brake cylinder. This causes the pressure in all three chambers to equalize at a controlled rate. Normally no higher brake cylinder pressure can be obtained than this emergency equalization pressure, which is typically 17% to 19% higher than a full service equalization pressure. The difference is determined by the relative volumes of the reservoirs.
Theoretical full service and emergency equalization brake cylinder pressures for conventional freight brake equipment are listed on Chart 1. Some minor variations are common in actual brake cylinder pressure, as a result of allowable variations in piping volumes and the brake cylinder piston travel. Chart 1 shows typical ratios between emergency and fill service brake application pressures based upon initial brake pipe and system pressure.
CHART 1 ______________________________________ Initial System Service Emergency Ratio Pressure Equalization Equalization Emer./Service ______________________________________ 70 psi 51.0 psi 60.8 psi 1.192 80 psi 58.7 psi 69.7 psi 1.187 90 psi 66.4 psi 78.6 psi 1.184 100 psi 74.1 psi 87.5 psi 1.181 110 psi 81.7 psi 96.4 psi 1.179 ______________________________________
The relative braking forces used on freight cars is reflected in the net braking ratio of the cars. The net braking ratio is the total actual force developed to apply the brake shoes to the treads of the wheels divided by the weight of the car. The net braking ratio on a fully loaded car with 50 psi in the brake cylinder or cylinders represents the design braking ratio of the car. The braking ratio at any given brake cylinder pressure for a particular state of car loading can be considered to be the effective braking ratio for those particular conditions. Typically, the total net shoe forces are not proportioned to car weight through the full possible load range of the car, and therefore the empty car braking ratios are much higher than the loaded car braking ratios. Typical loaded car braking ratios vary from 6.5% to 10% at 50 psi brake cylinder. Empty car net braking ratios can vary from 20% to 30% for brake cylinder pressures that may be 50 psi or may be reduced from 50 psi by empty/load equipments. For a given coefficient of brake shoe friction, the potential braking deceleration of freight cars is generally proportional to their effective net braking ratios. Potential deceleration is the braking deceleration which would occur if the car was not in a train with other cars and locomotives, that is, its independent deceleration based upon its own onboard brake system without acceleration or deceleration imported from adjacent cars through the respective couplings.
The amount of brake cylinder pressure and resultant shoe force that can be safely and effectively used on railway freight cars is limited by a number of factors. The ultimate limit is the pressure and shoe force which produces sufficient retarding force to exceed the available rolling adhesion and risk a locked up condition in which the steel wheels slide on the steel rails. Another limiting factor with friction braking on wheel treads is the thermal capacity of the wheels to absorb and dissipate the heat created by braking without damage to the wheel. A third and significant limiting factor is the level of longitudinal buff and draft forces that can be created among cars in a train during braking. Finally, there are practical limitations on pneumatic pressures, physical reservoirs and cylinder sizes and mechanical leverage ratios that can be employed.
As a result of these and other limitations, braking forces typically employed on freight cars are not high enough to create a risk of sliding wheels unless the car is empty or very lightly loaded. With loaded trains there are two primary limitations of the maximum braking forces or braking ratios that can be employed. One is the brake horsepower that can be used on long, steep grades without overheating wheels, and the second is the need to control the longitudinal forces between cars, particularly during emergency braking. The grade braking horsepower can be effectively controlled by limiting the operating speed on the grade, regardless of how much reserve braking is available. Because the grade braking situation usually requires braking control over long periods of time, the wheel heating limitations previously discussed may not permit a higher level of braking and, therefore, grade braking is usually somewhat less than full service.
The primary limitation on braking for loaded cars, therefore, is the need to control longitudinal forces, in-train dynamic forces. The major cause of high longitudinal forces that develop between cars during braking is the serial, front to rear transmission of pneumatic brake signals on long trains. The cars at the front of the train develop effective retarding forces before the brake application signal reaches the rear of the train, which causes the front to begin to decelerate first and the rear cars to progressively drive into and be restrained by the forward cars. Therefore, the higher the effective braking and retardation is on the forward cars in the train, the greater the run-in forces that can be developed within the train using pneumatic braking. Substantially higher brake cylinder pressures and braking forces could be used safely on longer loaded trains only if a faster brake signal transmission was implemented. The use of electro-pneumatic braking can effectively increase the brake command signal transmission and effectively retard the rear cars sooner and prevent severe run-in conditions.

Apparatus and method for a railway freight car brake control


It relates to a child car seat, and more particularly, to a child car seat equipped with wheels and a handle, which facilitates the guiding of the car seat with a single hand, in such a way that the child is rearward to the direction of the movement, facing the person guiding the car seat.

Child car seats and strollers are essential for transporting small children by various means of communication. Various constructions of this type are known.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 9,308,839 B1 discloses a device combining functions of a car seat and a stroller. This device includes a fixed telescopic handle mounted on the back of the car seat backrest. The solution suggests pulling the stroller behind. Positioning of the wheels at the front of the seat makes it impossible during the normal use of this device to set position of the child facing the parent. Moreover, in such arrangement there is a risk of the child falling out of the car seat, and base part of the car seat can rub against the ground, if used carelessly.
Further, US 20040239079 A1 provides a similar solution to the one mentioned above, except that the wheels are mounted in the area of the rear wall and the car seat base joint.
Yet further, DE 102010005650 A1 shows a typical stroller having a single collapsible handle fixed in the front part of the seat and provided with a grip for guiding the stroller using one or both hands. The stroller is designed for pulling and the handle is mounted permanently at the front of the stroller, thereby clearly excluding the opportunity of using the stroller in a function of a child car seat.
Moreover, EP 2219932 B1 describes a variant of a car seat convertible to a stroller by mounting it on a rack having a large guiding handle and two axles fitted with wheels. Once the seat is mounted on the rack, a visual contact between the family member/caregiver guiding the stroller with the child in the seat is possible. The seat itself (i.e. the device used to transport a child in a vehicle) has neither wheels, nor a handle designed to guide (push) the child seat on the ground. Therefore, if the car seat is to be used as a stroller, it is necessary to combine it with the rack, which in turn requires additional considerable space to be provided in a vehicle for transporting purposes.


A method and a tangible item 10 which is produced by the use of various softly created sectional members, such as members 12, 14, 16, which are selectively and softly and selectively moved or rotated, in whole or in part, used to create physical sectionals, and then the physical sections are moved or rotated and use to selectively construct the physical item 10.

A mold or a tool is generally use d to produce a tangible item, such as a portion of a vehicle. Conventionally, a mold or tool has been produced by the use of a substantially solid block of material which is machined or "worked" to form the mold or tool. While this conventional procedure does produce an item having desirable features, it is inefficient and relatively costly.
One strategy to overcome these deficiencies involves the creation and use of a "soft" model of the desired tangible item to be created. Particularly, a soft model of the mold or tool is selectively created within Autocad® or some other type of computer aided design software, thereby allowing an intangible model of the mold or tool to be created. Intangible or soft portions or sections are formed from the software model and each of these intangible sections them become physically or tangibly manifested in respective sections or sectional members which are then typically and selectively joined together to cooperatively form the desired mold or tool. This approach is described, by way of example and without limitation, within U.S. Pat. No. 6,587,742 ("the '742 Patent"), which is owned by Applicants' assignee, and which is fully and completely incorporated herein by reference, word for word and paragraph for paragraph.
While the foregoing strategy does overcome the noted deficiencies of prior or conventional tangible entity creation methodologies, it may, due to certain tolerance variances associated with the material used to physically produce the sections and/or due to the actual construction and/or joining strategy, produce a tangible item having undesirable spatial features or qualities (e.g., the produced tangible item may lean or tilt or otherwise be spatially with the item which is desired to be produced) due to additive tolerance variances of each of the cooperatively joined sectional members (e.g., respective structural variances of each physically produced sectional members with the respective and corresponding softly modelled sectional members).
There is therefore a need for a new and improved method for producing a tangible item, such as a tool or a mold, which overcomes substantially all of the foregoing deficiencies and drawbacks of each of the various strategies and techniques. The present invention provides these and other benefits and represents a new and novel method for efficiently and accurately producing a mold or tool.

Method for forming a tangible item and a tangible item formed by the method


A method, system and computer program product to define and utilize functions graphically is provided which may be used in the simulation of finite state machines. The functions may combine mathematical, logical, non-linear and comparative operations. The graphical elements of the function may be hidden for ease of display of various portions of a model.

A finite state machine (FSM) is a representation of an event-driven (reactive) system. In an event-driven system, the system makes a transition from one state (mode) to another prescribed state, provided that the condition defining the change is true. For example, a state machine may be used to represent a car's automatic transmission. The transmission has a number of operating states: park, neutral, drive, reverse, and so on. The system makes a transition from one state to another when a driver shifts the stick from one position to another, for example, from park to neutral.
Designers have used truth tables to represent relationships among the inputs, outputs, and states of an FSM. The resulting table describes the logic necessary to control the behavior of the system under study. Another approach to designing event-driven systems is to model the behavior of the system by describing it in terms of transitions among states. The state that is active is determined based on the occurrence of events under certain conditions. State-transition diagrams (STDs) and bubble diagrams are graphical representations based on this approach.
Another method of modeling FSMs is to create a graphical representation (a statechart) of a finite state machine wherein states and transitions form the basic building blocks of the system.
Existing statechart systems for modeling finite state machines permit a user to embed textual definitions of functions in a statechart and invoke those functions in the statechart. In a textually defined function, the procedure performed by the function is defined by code.