Fluorescent, sulfonated 3,7-diamino-[8,9]benzophenoxazine dyes are provided that are especially useful for labelling biopolymers and other substrates. The dye-labelled conjugates can be used in a variety of contexts, including cell surface assays employing intact, live cells and in nucleic acid detection methods. The new dyes are water soluble and can be conjugated to a variety of substrates, such as polynucleotides, nucleosides, nucleotides, peptides, proteins, antibodies, carbohydrates, ligands, particles and surfaces.

Fluorescent reagents enable life science research in many fields, including biological, biomedical, genetic, fermentation, aquaculture, agriculture, forensic and environmental applications. Fluorescent probes and stains identify biopolymers and detect particular biological components within and outside cells. A common example is the use of fluorescent-labelled antibodies to detect cell-surface receptors. Another example is the widespread use of gel electrophoresis for characterizing nucleic acids, one limitation of which is the sensitivity of the methods used to detect the nucleic acid bands.
Detection of biological analytes utilizing fluorescent labels eliminates the need for radioactive labels, thereby enhancing safety and diminishing the adverse environmental impact and costs associated with radioactive waste disposal. Examples of methods utilizing fluorescent detection methods include automated DNA sequencing, oligonucleotide probe methods, detection of polymerase-chain-reaction products, immunoassays, and the like. In the life and medical sciences, researchers and technicians often need to detect proteins, antigens, and other ligands on the surface of cells. Receptor based assays utilize labelled molecules, e.g. fluorescent labelled peptides, proteins, and antibodies to detect expressed proteins and other ligands.
Dyes that are generally applicable for staining or labelling biopolymers across a broad range of applications preferably have the following properties: (i) the dye-biopolymer conjugate or complex should produce a very high signal with low background so that small quantities of biopolymers can be sensitively detected in both cell-free and cell-based assays; and (ii) the conjugate or complex should be photostable so that the fluorescent signal may be observed, monitored and recorded without significant photo bleaching. For applications involving cell surface binding of dye-peptide or dye-antibody conjugates to membranes or cell surfaces, especially live cells, the dyes preferably (iii) have good water-solubility to achieve effective conjugate concentration and detection sensitivity and (iv) are non-toxic to living cells so as not to disrupt the normal metabolic processes of the cells or cause premature cell death.
While many dye compounds have found use as nucleic acid stains, most available dyes fluoresce in the green region of the visible spectrum. Green lasers are more expensive than red lasers and give higher background signals in live cell assays due to autofluorescence of cellular components and assay equipment. These higher background signals decrease the sensitivity of the assay. Moreover, many cellular components absorb green light, further reducing the sensitivity of the assay. Thus, sensitive dyes that are photostable, have excitation and emission maxima in the red region of the visible spectrum and that are water-soluble are highly desirable.

Sulfonated [8,9] benzophenoxazine dyes and the use of their labelled conjugates


A covering for use on a surface is provided. The covering is removable, non-skid, and non-adhesive. The covering includes a substrate having a front surface and a back surface. The substrate is non-skid coated. A decorative top sheet is adhered to the substrate.

Currently available coverings or liners are generally adhesive sheets which are adhered with a contact-type adhesive directly to the surface to be covered. These liner products are generally offered in roll form and must be cut to proper size to fit the dimensions of a surface, such as a shelf. Once cut, the product is either adhered with the adhesive or with tacks to the shelf surface or it is simply positioned on top of the shelf, otherwise unsecured.
The benefits of using any covering such as shelf paper reside primarily in offering a decorative surface to the shelf while simultaneously providing a protective layer which will prevent damage, such as, for example, water damage to the shelf structure itself. Among the problems of present cover or liner products that do not include an adhesive backing is that the cover or liner shifts and lifts from the surface of the article to be covered while items stored on the shelf are positioned or removed therefrom. Cover or liner products that include a pressure sensitive adhesive are difficult to position correctly on the shelf and are difficult to remove. The adhesive discourages removal of the cover liner when replacement is desired, or upon removal, a portion of the adhesive is left on the surface of the shelf. Additionally, present adhesive backed shelf coverings that are labelled removable may lose their removable characteristics after repeated applications and gather dirt and lint on their adhesive surfaces.
Accordingly, a first object of the invention is to provide a covering or liner which overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art.
A second object of the invention is to provide a shelf liner material which is easy to install onto a shelf, yet includes a non-slip backing.

Removable, non-skid, non-adhesive covering


The present invention relates to an improved controlled release system that can be incorporated into anhydrous cosmetic formulations and can encapsulate different types of fragrances, flavors, active ingredients, or combinations of fragrances, flavors, and various active ingredients. The controlled delivery system of the present invention is substantially free-flowing powder formed of solid hydrophobic nano-spheres that are encapsulated in a moisture sensitive micro-spheres. The fragrances, flavors, and active ingredients encapsulated in the nano-spheres can be the same or different from those encapsulated in the micro-sphere. The encapsulation of one or more fragrances, flavors or active agents in the various components of the system, such as nano-spheres and micro-spheres, provides odor or flavor transition (change in odor character or change in flavor character) during the use of the product, in response to moisture, such as wetting the lips, perspiration, and the like. The incorporation of the controlled release system of the present invention into anhydrous cosmetic formulations was found to provide moisture triggered release, as well as prolonged release of the fragrances, flavors, and active ingredients that are encapsulated in the solid hydrophobic nano-spheres over an extended period of time.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an improved controlled release system that can be incorporated into anhydrous cosmetic formulations such as powders, sticks, and sprays that provides moisture triggered release, fragrance or flavor transition, as well as, prolong release of fragrances, flavors, and other active ingredients onto the target site over an extended period of time.
2. Description of the Related Art
The cosmetic industry has searched many years for ways to enhance the performance of consumer and diversified products and make them more aesthetically pleasing for the consumers. Consumer acceptance of cosmetic products is determined not only by the performance achieved with these products but the aesthetics associated therewith. Fragrances and flavors are an important aspect of the successful cosmetic products and they are being utilized, in addition to imparting an aesthetically pleasing odor, or a taste, to convey to the consumer the product performance and effectiveness.
Consumers are becoming increasingly educated and expect a high level of sophistication in their cosmetic products and the cosmetic market has become extremely competitive. Many consumers would prefer for the fragrance, or the flavor present in these products, to be remained on the area of application for an extended period of time. Also, there is a need for a controlled release system that will provide a signal, such as a change in odor character, or flavor character, upon activation of the product or to signal that a new application is needed. There is also a need for controlled release systems that provide special performance features to differentiate the product from that of the competitor.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,971,852 discloses the use of spray-dried particles of starch derivatives, natural gums (e.g., gum arabic), and polyhydroxy compounds (i.e., mannitol, sorbitol) in cosmetic, personal care, and household products. The drawback of these types of materials is the relatively large amount of surface oil, sometimes up to 12%. As a result, the retention of volatile fragrance ingredient may be poor leading to premature leaking of the fragrance. These types of materials, also quickly release the fragrance, or other active ingredients that are encapsulated within their structure upon exposure to water, and would not have the ability to extend the release of fragrances, flavors, and other active ingredients over an extended period of time.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,945,095 discloses a composition, in particular a cosmetic, dermatological, hygiene or pharmaceutical composition, to care for and/or make up the skin, which composition may be in the form of a compact powder or a cast product, comprising a dispersion of polymer particles in a fatty substance. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of this dispersion in such a composition.
A controlled release system for cosmetic and pharmaceutical products based on spray-dried multilamellar phospholipid liposomes is disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,783,211 and 6,045,823. The liposomes encapsulate a biologically active agent is selected from the group consisting of anti-inflammatory, antiphlogistic, antibacterial, antiperspirant, astringent, and anti-fungal agents. The problems with using liposomes and structured vesicles as delivery devices are manifold. These types of systems are unstable, and can only be used for encapsulation of certain types of materials. The liposomes disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,783,211 and 6,045,823 are released in response to moisture but are not able to sustain the release of the active agents over an extended period of time because liposomes are is not stable. The problems with using the liposomes and structured vesicles that are disclosed in disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,783,211 and 6,045,823 as delivery systems, are that these types of systems are very dynamic, unstable in aqueous compositions, and can only be used for encapsulation of certain types of materials. Stability has become the major problem limiting the use of liposomes for controlled delivery, both in terms of shelf life and after administration.
The prior art of which applicant is aware does not set forth a controlled release system that comprises of solid hydrophobic nano-spheres encapsulated in a moisture sensitive micro-sphere that can be incorporated in anhydrous cosmetic formulations such as powders, sticks, and sprays (i.e., deodorant body powders, lip bahns, lip sticks, make-up sticks, and underarm deodorant or antiperspirant sticks, body sprays, foot spray, hygiene sprays, feminine napkin sprays, undergarment sprays, etc.) and can encapsulate one or more different fragrances, flavors, or combinations of fragrances, flavors, and various active ingredients.

Multi component controlled release system for anhydrous cosmetic compositions


A method for forming a semiconductor device includes providing a substrate and forming a p-channel device and an n-channel device, each of the p-channel device and the n-channel device comprising a source, a drain, and a gate, the p-channel device having a first sidewall spacer and the n-channel device having a second sidewall spacer. The method further includes forming a liner and forming a tensile stressor layer over the liner and removing a portion of the tensile stressor layer from a region overlying the p-channel device. The method further includes transferring a stress characteristic of an overlying portion of a remaining portion of the tensile stressor layer to a channel of the n-channel device. The method further includes using the remaining portion of the tensile stressor layer as a hard mask, forming a first recess and a second recess adjacent the gate of the p-channel device.

1. Field
This disclosure relates generally to semiconductor devices, and more specifically, to semiconductor devices that utilize a stressor.
2. Related Art
One of the techniques for improving performance of MOS transistors is to provide stress to the channels. Providing tensile stress to the channels of N channel transistors increases electron mobility to enhance performance. Providing compressive stress to the channels of P channel transistors increases hole mobility to enhance performance. A variety of techniques have been developed to achieve these results. One is to provide a recess in the source/drain regions and then regrow the source/drain region with a semiconductor stressor material that provides stress to the channel. Another technique is to deposit a film, after gate formation, that has stress that is transferred to the channel. Under proper circumstances the stress of the deposited film can be transferred to the channel and then retained by the channel even after the deposited film has been removed. These approaches and combinations of these approaches tend to cause other problems.
Thus there is a need to be able to use multiple stress inducing techniques while reducing the problems associated with combining the multiple techniques but not at the expense of losing the intended stress benefit.

Method of making a semiconductor device using a stressor


The present invention is directed generally to templates used in the creation of thin-film replicas, for example, the creation of thin films, such as carbon films, for use as specimen support in electron-beam specimen analysis. More specifically, the present invention is directed to novel reusable patterned templates, the methodology of making these reusable templates, the templates made from such methodologies, the use and reuse of these templates to make thin films of any type for any purpose, and the thin films made from these templates. A feature of the novel template of the present invention is in its employment of one or more zones of discontinuity, or undercuts, associated with the patterns transferred into the template to allow for the removal of the thin film from the template without sacrificing the structural integrity of the template to prevent at least one re-use of the template.

The present invention is directed generally to templates used in the creation of thin-film replicas, for example, the creation of thin films, such as carbon films, for use as specimen support in electron-beam specimen analysis. More specifically, the present invention is directed to novel reusable templates, the methodology of making these reusable templates, the templates made from such methodologies, the use and reuse of these templates to make thin films of any type for any purpose, and the thin films made from these templates.
Several issued U.S. patents provide a background for structures and methods of making replicas. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,347,965 to Ramberg discloses a method to make a replica of the surface of an opaque specimen through a two-step positive replication process for examination with a transmission electron microscope. In the disclosed process a specimen is first coated with a thick amount of metal. The thick metal coating is mechanically stripped from the specimen and coated with a thin replicating material. The replica is completed by chemically dissolving the metal to leave only the thin replicating material. Thus, the negative metal replica of the specimen surface is destroyed and can be used to create only one positive replica.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,572,497 to Law discloses a method to make a positive silica replica of a copper mesh. In this patent, a copper mesh serves as a template for creating a silica mesh. As the process is described, the silica mesh is completed by etching away the underlying copper mesh. The copper mesh template is destroyed in the manufacture of the silica replica and can therefore only be used one time.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,875,341 to Nesh discloses a method for making a replica of a metallic surface through a two-step positive replication process. The process disclosed in the patent requires that a metallic object to be replicated have the shape of the inner edge of a ring or can be cut to have said shape. In the first step of the replication process, a plastic replica of the metallic surface is made whereby plastic is applied to the metallic surface, and as the plastic dries, it shrinks and separates itself from the metallic surface. The plastic mold of the surface is then evaporated with silica and possibly other masking materials. Finally, the plastic is dissolved from the silica replica with solvents. Accordingly each plastic mold from the surface can be used to create only one replica.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,250,127 to Warren, et al., discloses a method to make a specimen support grid for x-ray analysis as a negative replica from a mold etched into a surface. The grid disclosed in this patent is created by casting a carbon material into a mold and etching away the mold once the casting is completed. Thus the mold (or template) disclosed in this patent is destroyed as a consequence of the process for making the grid.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,004,920 to Lee, et al., discloses a method to collect asbestos from a sample of air. In the disclosed process, a volume of air containing an asbestos sample to be collected is passed through a filter. The filter with the collected sample is affixed to a glass slide, coated with carbon both to form a negative replica of the surface and to trap the asbestos specimen, and then cut into small sections. The negative replica is completed by submersing a small section in solvent to dissolve the filter and thereby release the replica with embedded asbestos.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,645,744 to Ermantraut, et al., discloses a bath used to selectively etch layers of a microstructure wherein the bath consists of at least one biogenic agent. U.S. Pat. No. 6,821,692 also to Ermantraut, et al., discloses a method to create a self-supported novolac (i.e. photoresist) structure by the process of depositing, patterning, and releasing the structure from a substrate. See also, Ermantraut, E; Wolfhart, K; and Tichelaar, W, "Perforated support foils with pre-defined hole size, shape and arrangement," Ultramicroscopy 74 (1998), pp 75-81 describing the usage of the technology described in these two patent references. Perforated support foils with holes of pre-defined size, shape and arrangement and with hole sizes down to the sub-micrometer range, named Quantifoil®, are presented. The foils are fabricated using semiconductor lithographic techniques. A sacrificial layer that consists of a biopolymer, i.e. glutaraldehyde cross-linked gelatin, is used. This layer is removed by proteinase treatment, thus introducing an enzymatic reaction as a tool in microsystems technology. The foils are particularly beneficial in electron microscopy, when a specimen support is required with holes smaller than those attainable with metal grids (˜10 μm). Foils with a specific hole size and arrangement permit a further automation of electron microscopic (EM) data acquisition procedures.
Additionally, Downing, K, "Support Films with Uniform Hole Size," Microscopy Today, 11(5), p. 54, 2003 describes a method for producing a uniform distribution of holes that are all of the same size in holey carbon films mounted on standard EM grids used as specimen supports in electron cryo-microscopy. The resulting grids are described as being a very effective intermediate between holey films made with the various solvent techniques, which produce random hole sizes, and commercial Quantifoil® grids, which have uniform holes on a regular lattice.
However, the current state-of-the-art does not provide a template structure that allows for a positive replica to be created in a single step while preserving the template for reuse (i.e., the template is not sacrificed, destroyed or otherwise damaged during the removal of the replica). Moreover the prior art templates do not allow for precise control over the thickness and type of material used to form the replica. Nor can the prior art templates can be custom created to have features for replication down to the nanometer scale where the features can be precisely manufactured and transferred into the replica as a pattern of any complexity. Further, the there exists a need for the formation of thin film replicas from a template that can be accomplished on a large scale not requiring the template to but cut into small sections.

Reusable template for creation of thin films; method of making and using template; and thin films produced from template


The invention provides a method and formulation for cleaning a soiled substrate, the method comprising the treatment of the moistened substrate with a formulation comprising a multiplicity of polymeric particles, wherein the polymeric particles comprise at least one antimicrobial agent. Preferably, the substrate is wetted so as to achieve a substrate to water ratio of between 1:0.1 to 1:5 w/w. Optionally, the formulation additionally comprises at least one additional cleaning agent, and in this embodiment, it is preferred that the polymeric particles are mixed with the at least one additional cleaning agent. Preferably, the additional cleaning material comprises a surfactant, which most preferably has detergent properties. Most preferably, the substrate comprises a textile fiber. Typically, the polymeric particles comprise particles of polyester or nylon, most preferably in the form of beads. The results obtained are very line with those observed when carrying out conventional aqueous cleaning processes and the method provides the significant advantage that the use of antimicrobial agents in or on the polymer bead greatly improves the overall hygiene in the washing machine by preventing mold and bacterial growth on the polymer particle surfaces, particularly at low temperatures.

Aqueous cleaning processes are a mainstay of both domestic and industrial textile fabric washing. On the assumption that the desired level of cleaning is achieved, the efficacy of such processes is usually characterised by their levels of consumption of energy, water and detergent. In general, the lower the requirements with regard to these three components, the more efficient the washing process is deemed. The downstream effect of reduced water and detergent consumption is also significant, as this minimises the need for disposal of aqueous effluent, which is both extremely costly and detrimental to the environment.
Such washing processes, whether in domestic washing machines or their industrial equivalents (usually referred to as washer extractors), involve aqueous submersion of fabrics followed by soil removal, aqueous soil suspension, and water rinsing. In general, the higher the level of energy (or temperature), water and detergent which is used, the better the cleaning. The key issue, however, concerns water consumption, as this sets the energy requirements (in order to heat the wash water), and the detergent dosage (to achieve the desired detergent concentration). In addition, the water usage level defines the mechanical action of the process on the fabric, which is another important performance parameter; this is the agitation of the cloth surface during washing, which plays a key role in releasing embedded soil. In aqueous processes, such mechanical action is provided by the water usage level, in combination with the drum design, for any particular washing machine. In general terms, it is found that the higher the water level in the drum, the better the mechanical action. Hence, there is a dichotomy created by the desire to improve overall process efficiency (i.e. the reduction of energy, water and detergent consumption), and the need for efficient mechanical action in the wash. For domestic washing in particular there are defined wash performance standards specifically designed to discourage the use of such higher levels in practice, in addition to the obvious cost penalties which are associated with such usage.
Current efficient domestic washing machines have made significant strides towards minimising their consumptions of energy, water and detergent. EU Directive 92/75/CEE sets a standard which defines washing machine energy consumption in kWh/cycle (cotton setting at 60° C.), such that an efficient domestic washing machine will typically consume <0.19 kWh/kg of washload in order to obtain an 'A' rating. If water consumption is also considered, then 'A' rated machines use <9.7 liters/kg of washload.
Detergent dosage is then driven by manufacturer recommendations but, again, in the domestic market, for a concentrated liquid formulation, a quantity of 35 ml (or 37 g) for a 4-6 kg washload in soft and medium hardness water, increasing to 52 ml (or 55 g) for a 6-8 kg washload (or in hard water or for very dirty items) is typical (see, for example, Unilever pack dosage instructions for Persil® Small & Mighty). Hence, for a 4-6 kg washload in soft/medium water hardness, this equates to a detergent dosage of 7.4-9.2 g/kg whilst, for a 6-8 kg washload (or in hard water or for very dirty items), the range is 6.9-9.2 g/kg.
Energy, water and detergent consumptions in the industrial washing process (washer-extractors) are considerably different, however, and usages of all three resources are less constrained, since these are the principal factors in reducing cycle time—which is, of course, more of a consideration than in the case of domestic use. For a typical industrial washer extractor (25 kg washload rated and above), energy consumption is 0.30-1.0 kWh/kg, water is at 20-30 liters/kg, and detergent is much more heavily dosed than for domestic washing. The exact level of detergent used will depend on the amount of soiling, but a range of 20-100 g/kg is representative.
Thus, it can be taken from the above discussion that it is the performance levels in the domestic sector which set the highest standard for an efficient fabric washing process, and that these are: an energy consumption of <0.19 kWh/kg, a water usage of <9.7 liters/kg, and a detergent dosage of approximately 8.0 g/kg. However, as previously observed, it is becoming increasingly difficult to reduce the water (and, hence, energy and detergent) levels in a purely aqueous process, due to the minimum requirement to wet the fabric thoroughly, the need to provide sufficient excess water to suspend the soil removed in an aqueous liquor and, finally, the necessity to rinse the fabric.
Heating of the wash water is then the principal use of energy, and a minimum level of detergent becomes necessary in order for an effective concentration to be reached at the operating wash temperature. Means to improve mechanical action without increasing the water level used would, therefore, make any aqueous wash process significantly more efficient (i.e. yield further reductions in energy, water and detergent consumption). It should be noted that mechanical action itself has a direct effect on the detergent level, since the greater the level of soil removal which is achieved through physical force, the less that is required of the detergent chemistry. However, increasing the mechanical action in a purely aqueous washing process has certain associated drawbacks. Fabric creasing readily occurs in such processes, and this acts to concentrate the stresses from mechanical action at each crease, resulting in localised fabric damage. Prevention of such fabric damage (i.e. fabric care) is of primary concern to the domestic consumer and the industrial user.
In the light of these challenges which are associated with aqueous washing processes, the present inventors have previously devised a new approach to the problem, which allows the deficiencies demonstrated by the methods of the prior art to be overcome. The method which is provided eliminates the requirement for the use of large volumes of water, but is still capable of providing an efficient means of cleaning and stain removal, whilst also yielding economic and environmental benefits.
Thus, in WO-A-2007/128962, there is disclosed a method and formulation for cleaning a soiled substrate, the method comprising the treatment of the moistened substrate with a formulation comprising a multiplicity of polymeric particles, wherein the formulation is free of organic solvents. Preferably, the substrate is wetted so as to achieve a substrate to water ratio of between 1:0.1 to 1:5 w/w, and optionally, the formulation additionally comprises at least one cleaning material, which typically comprises a surfactant, which most preferably has detergent properties. In preferred embodiments, the substrate comprises a textile fibre and the polymeric particles comprise, for example, particles of polyamides, polyesters, polyalkenes, polyurethanes or their copolymers but, most preferably, are in the form of nylon beads.
The use of this polymeric cleaning method, however, presents a requirement for the cleaning particles to be efficiently separated from the cleaned substrate at the conclusion of the cleaning operation, and this issue is addressed in WO-A-2010/094959, which provides a novel design of cleaning apparatus requiring the use of two internal drums capable of independent rotation, and which finds application in both industrial and domestic cleaning processes.
In co-pending WO-A-2011/064581, there is provided a further apparatus which facilitates efficient separation of polymeric cleaning particles from the cleaned substrate at the conclusion of the cleaning operation, and which comprises a perforated drum and a removable outer drum skin which is adapted to prevent the ingress or egress of fluids and solid particulate matter from the interior of the drum, the cleaning method requiring attachment of the outer skin to the drum during a wash cycle, after which the skin is removed prior to operating a separation cycle to remove the cleaning particles, following which the cleaned substrate is removed from the drum.
In a further development of the apparatus of WO-A-2011/064581, there is disclosed in co-pending WO-A-2011/098815 a process and apparatus which provides for continuous circulation of the polymeric cleaning particles during the cleaning process, and thereby dispenses with the requirement for the provision of an outer skin.
Further benefits in terms of reduced power and consumable requirements for the cleaning method originally proposed in WO-A-2007/128962 have been disclosed in co-pending GB Patent Application No. 1018318.4, where the technology has been refined to achieve at least equivalent cleaning performance whilst employing significantly reduced levels of detergents and much lower process temperatures.
The apparatus and methods disclosed in the foregoing prior art documents have been highly successful in providing an efficient means of polymeric cleaning and stain removal which also yields significant economic and environmental benefits. The move to much lower wash temperatures has been particularly beneficial in this regard. As a consequence of the achievement of such lower temperatures, however, the need to control hygiene in the washing machine has become significantly more important. Hotter wash temperatures (>60° C.) can provide some level of hygiene control via thermal disinfection, since heat is an efficient destroyer of mould and bacteria, and higher temperatures are increasingly beneficial. When these polymeric cleaning processes are run at lower temperatures (<40° C.), however, hygiene considerations are magnified compared to the equivalent aqueous process, due to the presence of the polymeric particles. Said particles provide a large additional surface area contained within the washing machine, on which mould and bacteria can grow. The growth here can be accelerated by the fact that the particles remain moist for a considerable time after each wash process has been run, and the overall levels of mould and bacteria reached can be further increased if the machine remains unused for extended periods of time.
The hygiene problem in the polymeric cleaning machine can, of course, be controlled by similar means to that used in conventional aqueous domestic or industrial washing, namely the use of higher wash temperatures as noted above, and/or chemical additives in the wash water used. Suitable additives include chlorine derived bleaches (e.g. sodium hypochlorite) or oxygen derived bleaches (e.g. hydrogen peroxide), but the use of these materials has drawbacks in that they can decolour some garment types, and generally promote fabric damage through chemical attack. The oxygen derived bleaches also become less effective at lower wash temperatures (<40° C.), even when used in combination with suitable activators, e.g tetraacetyl ethylene diamine. Other additives based on chloro compounds (e.g. liquid chlorophenols) can also be used, but with similar drawbacks. Possibly the most benign means of achieving antimicrobial performance in the wash water is via the addition of silver-containing materials (e.g. silver-containing zeolite materials). Such approaches are expensive to consider, however, as they are effectively applicable for single wash use only. Furthermore, as in all cases with chemical additives in the wash water, there are effluent treatment considerations to take into account.
In looking to further develop the method of the cleaning process from WO-A-2007/128962 and co-pending GB Patent Application No. 1018318.4, therefore, the present inventors have now sought to provide a process which allows the aforementioned hygiene deficiencies with polymeric cleaning to be overcome, particularly at low wash temperatures (<40° C.). Hence, in the presently claimed invention, the inventors, by means of the addition of an antimicrobial agent to the polymeric particles, seek to provide a process in which lower levels of mould and bacterial growth occur within the washing machine at all times. The introduction of the antimicrobial agent in this way overcomes the drawbacks which would be associated with single use addition into the wash water (i.e. fabric damage, expense and effluent treatment considerations), and the action of the antimicrobial agent is continuous over the lifetime of the polymeric particles, which are re-used many times in subsequent washes, as is common practice with this technology.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


A motorcycle that secures engine cooling efficiency while reducing exposure of a radiator. A reserve tank disposed below the seat and inward of an exhaust pipe in the vehicle width direction exchanges cooling water with the radiator. A first heat blocking cover is disposed between the exhaust pipe and the reserve tank. The first heat blocking cover has an access hole formed therein. A second heat blocking cover covers the access hole of the first heat blocking cover.

1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a straddle-type vehicle, and in particular to a straddle-type vehicle having a reserve tank disposed below the seat.
2. Description of Related Art
A straddle-type vehicle known in the art includes an engine that drives a rear wheel, an exhaust pipe connected with the engine and extending toward the rear from the engine, a radiator, and a reserve tank that stores cooling water for the radiator (for example, see JP-A-2005-069208).
When the reserve tank included in this type of straddle-type vehicle has a large capacity, the reserve tank is disposed below a seat and inward of the exhaust pipe in the vehicle width direction. This space is sufficiently wide so as not to expose the reserve tank to the outside.
According to this straddle-type vehicle, however, the reserve tank is heated by the exhaust pipe which exhausts high-temperature gas produced from the engine.
To reduce heat transmitted from the exhaust pipe to the reserve tank, it is considered that a distance sufficient for avoiding transmission of heat from the exhaust pipe is provided between the exhaust pipe and the reserve tank. In this case, the length of the surroundings of the reserve tank disposed below the seat in the vehicle width direction increases, and therefore the foot of the rider cannot easily contact the ground.

Motorcycle coolant reservoir and heat shield


A variety of methods and arrangements for reducing noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) in a skip fire engine control system are described. In one aspect, a firing sequence is used to operate the engine in a skip fire manner. A smoothing torque is determined that is applied to a powertrain by an energy storage/release device. The smoothing torque is arranged to at least partially cancel out variation in torque generated by the skip fire firing sequence. Various methods, powertrain controllers, arrangements and computer software related to the above operations are also described.

Most vehicles in operation today are powered by internal combustion (IC) engines. Internal combustion engines typically have multiple cylinders or other working chambers where combustion occurs. The power generated by the engine depends on the amount of fuel and air that is delivered to each working chamber and the engine speed.
The combustion process and the firing of cylinders can introduce unwanted noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). For example, the engine can transfer vibration to the body of the vehicle, where it may be perceived by vehicle occupants. Sounds may also be transmitted through the chassis into the cabin of the vehicle. Under certain operating conditions, the firing of cylinders generates undesirable acoustic effects through the exhaust system and tailpipe. Vehicle occupants may thus experience undesirable NVH from structurally transmitted vibrations or sounds transmitted through the air. Thus, there are ongoing efforts to reduce the amount of NVH generated by internal combustion engines.
A variety of methods and arrangements for reducing noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) in a skip fire engine control system are described
In non-exclusive embodiments, a vehicle and a method for operating a vehicle to reduce NVH while the vehicle is idling and the internal combustion engine is cold is disclosed. This embodiment involves detecting if an operating temperature of an internal combustion engine of the vehicle is below a threshold temperature, ascertaining if the vehicle is idling when the operating temperature of the internal combustion engine is below the threshold temperature, operating the internal combustion engine in a skip fire mode such that some firing opportunities of cylinders of the internal combustion engine are fired while other firing opportunities of the cylinders are skipped while the vehicle is idling and the internal combustion engine is below the threshold temperature, and applying a smoothing torque to a powertrain of the vehicle while the internal combustion engine is operating in the skip fire manner, the vehicle is idling and the operating temperature of the internal combustion engine is below the threshold temperature.
In the drawings, like reference numerals are sometimes used to designate like structural elements. It should also be appreciated that the depictions in the figures are diagrammatic and not to scale.

Noise, vibration and harshness reduction in a skip fire engine control system


A connecting structure for a battery case and a main body of a portable electronic device comprises a base (1), a connecting member (2), a cover (3), a shaft (4), a spring module (5) and a cylinder (6). The base has a receiving part (163) and a recessed portion (194). A hinge (22) is formed on one end of the connecting member. The cover has a track (322) and the connecting member can slide along the track. The connecting member is connected to the cylinder, and the shaft extends through the cylinder and is received in the receiving part of the base.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates in general to portable electronic devices, and more specifically to a connecting structure for a battery case and a main body of a portable electronic device. This application relates to a contemporarily filed application with an unknown serial number, titled "CONNECTOING STRUCTURE FOR A FLIP COVER BATTERY COMPARTMENT OF A PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE", and having the same inventors and the same assignee with the instant application.
2. Prior Art
Portable electronic devices, such as mobile phones and personal digital assistants, are in widespread use around the world. These devices rely on batteries for power, with a battery being disengagably received in a main body of the device.
For example, an Alcatel OT310 style mobile phone has a pair of holders at an end of a battery case thereof, and a pin at an opposite end of the battery case. Complementary to the battery case, the mobile phone has a pair of slots at an end of a main body thereof, and a hole at an opposite end of the main body. In attaching the battery case to the main body, the holders are received in the slots and the pin is inserted into the hole. The battery case is thus reliably attached to the main body. However, it is difficult and inconvenient for the user to detach the battery case from the main body.
Furthermore, the battery case is completely separated from the main body when the user changes the battery of the mobile phone. The battery case is liable to be misplaced or accidentally damaged.
A need therefore exists for a new connecting structure for a battery case and a main body of a mobile phone.

Connecting structure for a battery case and a main body of a portable electronic device

Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industrial Co., Ltd.


A billet of an aluminum alloy for thermally transforming from a dendritic microstructure to a globular structure and for forming in a semi-solid condition into a shaped aluminum alloy article; the billet having a dendritic microstructure having a grain size in the range of 20 to 250 .mu.m provided by a solidification rate in the range of 5.degree. to 100.degree. C./sec between liquidus and solidus temperatures when the aluminum alloy is cast into billet; the billet having a dendritic microstructure thermally transformable to the globular structure or non-dendritic structure by heat applied to the billet at a heat-up rate greater than 30.degree. C. per minute to a superheated temperature of 3.degree. to 50.degree. C. above solidus temperature of the aluminum alloy; the billet in the globular structure or non-dendritic structure and in the semi-solid condition having the ability to be formed into the shaped aluminum article.

This invention relates to semi-solid aluminum alloys, and more particularly, it relates to a method of casting and thermally transforming bodies of aluminum alloys from a dendritic structure to a non-dendritic structure and forming the thermally transformed bodies.
Most aluminum alloys solidify to form a dendritic microstructure that is not well suited to most metal forming operations. In addition, the dendritic microstructure is not well suited to forming in the semi-solid state. However, it is well known that microstructures obtained when the alloy is heated and transformed to a globular or spherical phase are more susceptible to forming in the semi-solid state. That is, when the body is heated, a transformation is obtained from the dendritic microstructure to a globular or spherical phase contained in a lower melting eutectic matrix. After rapid cooling, the alloy retains the globular or spheroidal phase. If the body is reheated to between liquidus and solidus temperature, the transformed phase is retained. Thus, the alloy is provided in a thixotropic state which provides for ease of forming because the metal can be forced into a mold utilizing smaller forces than normally required for the solidified form. Another advantage of using semi-solid metal for forming is a decrease in shrinkage of the formed part on solidification.
However, transforming the alloys from the dendritic microstructure to spheroidal or globular phase retained in the lower melting eutectic matrix is not without problems. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,009,844 discloses a semi-solid metal-forming of hypoeutectic aluminum-silicon alloys without formation of elemental silicon. The process comprises heating a solid billet of the alloy to a temperature between the liquidus temperature and the solidus temperature at a rate not greater than 30.degree. C. per minute, preferably not greater than 20.degree. C. per minute, to form a semi-solid body of the alloy while inhibiting the formation of free silicon particles therein. The semi-solid body comprises a primary spheroidal phase dispersed in a eutectic-derived liquid phase and is conducive to forming at low pressure. According to the patent, a billet having a quiescently cast microstructure characterized by primary dendrite particles in a eutectic matrix is heated at the slow rate and maintained at the intermediate temperature for a time sufficient to transform the dendrite phase into the desired spheroidal phase. However, slow heat-up rates can lead to microporosity caused by hydrogen adsorption. This results in inferior properties. According to this patent, rapid heat-up rates of hypoeutectic aluminum-silicon alloys to the semi-solid condition are detrimental and produce the free silicon particles.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,106,956 discloses a process for facilitating extrusion or rolling of a solidified dendritic aluminum base alloy billet, or the like, by heating the billet to provide an inner liquid phase of below 25%, by weight, wherein the dendritic phase has started to develop into a primary solid globular phase without disturbing the solidified character of the billet, followed by working of the treated billet. The process enables a reduction in working pressure and results in improved mechanical properties of the product. Optionally, in the case of precipitation hardening aluminum base alloys, quenching of the workpiece is effected as it exits from the die or mill, followed by artificial or natural aging. In another embodiment, the composition of the alloy of the billet being treated contains an amount of hardening constituent whereby the composition of the globular solid phase of the product approximates the composition of the alloy per se.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,415,374 discloses that a fine grained metal composition is obtained that is suitable for forming in a partially solid, partially liquid condition. The composition is prepared by producing a solid metal composition having an essentially directional grain structure and heating the directional grain composition to a temperature above the solidus and below the liquidus to produce a partially solid, partially liquid mixture containing at least 0.05 volume fraction liquid. The composition, prior to heating, has a strain level introduced such that upon heating, the mixture comprises uniform discrete spheroidal particles contained within a lower melting matrix. The heated alloy is then solidified while in a partially solid, partially liquid condition, the solidified composition having a uniform, fine grained microstructure.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,988,180 discloses a method of heat treatment which is applied to forged aluminum alloys, whereby the mechanical characteristics and resistance against corrosion under tension are increased considerably. The method is characterized by heating prior to tempering, above the temperature of eutectic melting, while remaining below the temperature of the start of the melting at equilibrium. The liquid phase formed temporarily is resorbed progressively, while the formation of pores is avoided by a sufficiently low hydrogen content of the metal. The application of this procedure to several aluminum alloys made it possible to observe increases of the limit of elasticity and of the break load of the order of 7% and a non-rupture stress under tension in 30 days at least equal to 30 hb.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,186,236 discloses a process for producing a liquid-solid metal alloy for processing a material in the thixotropic state. In the process, an alloy melt having a solidified portion of primary crystals is maintained at a temperature between solidus and liquidus temperature of the alloy. The primary crystals are molded to give individual degenerated dendrites or cast grains of essentially globular shape and hence impart thixotropic properties to the liquid-solid metal alloy phase by the production of mechanical vibrations in the frequency range between 10 and 100 kHz in this liquid-solid metal alloy phase.
European Patent No. 0554808 A1 discloses the use of high levels of grain refiner to produce billets which need fine globular microstructure to show the necessary thixotropic behavior. The process discloses the manufacture of shaped parts from metal alloys consisting of bringing metal alloys to a molten state and using a conventional casting process to produce a simple geometric form. Then, by heating up to a temperature between the solidus and liquidus lines, a solid-liquid mixture is produced, this mixture having a melt matrix with distributed, founded, primary particles exhibiting thixotropic properties, and after a holding time, the material is conveyed to a shaping plant. In this process, to metal alloys in a liquid state is added an unexpectedly high amount of known grain refiner. After adding the unexpectedly high amount of grain refiner, the melted metal can be cooled to any desired temperature below the liquidus line and thereafter heated to a temperature between the solidus and the liquidus and held there for a time from a few to 15 minutes.
For AA (Aluminum Association) Alloy 356 (AlSi7Mg), it was disclosed that for titanium or titanium and boron grain refiner contents less than 0.18% Ti, the primary phase consisted predominantly of large dendrites, even when the sample was held for 1 hour at 578.degree. C. Only for higher amounts of grain refiner, e.g., 0.25% titanium, it was revealed that there were isolated rounded primary particles within a holding time of 5 minutes. The same results were obtained even if the temperature was first raised to 589.degree. C. Also, the patent disclosed that at conventional grain refiner levels, the liquid eutectic drained from the sample. The grain refiner is added to produce a smaller grain size that increases the rate for converting to the rounded grains. However, adding high levels of grain refiner can adversely affect the properties of the product and adds greatly to its cost. Further, when long holding times are involved, this often results in high porosity and excessive coarsening of globular grains. High levels of TiB.sub.2 grain refiner can result in machining problems. That is, the TiB.sub.2 particles can result in excessive tool wear.
French Patent 2,266,749 discloses producing a metal alloy consisting of a mixture of liquid and solid phases in a proportion which allows the said alloy to transitorily behave like a liquid when under the influence of an exterior force, at the moment when it is shaped into a mold, and then instantaneously recover its solid properties when the force ceases. According to the patent, this procedure consists of producing the said alloy at a temperature between the equilibrium solidus and liquidus temperatures, chosen so that the preponderant fraction of liquid phase is at least 40%, and preferably in the region of 60%, and maintaining this said temperature for a time between a few minutes and some hours and preferably between 5 and 60 minutes, in a manner so that the primary dendritic structure has begun to evolve towards a globular form.
PCT Patent WO 92/13662 (Collot) discloses producing a fine grained aluminum alloy ingot by solidification under high pressure to avoid porosity. The ingot is then reheated into a semi-solid state and pressed into a mold under pressure to produce shaped pieces which have a fine globular structure free from porosity.
In another approach to preventing or destroying the dendritic microstructure, the metal, while in the liquid-solid state, is stilted or agitated to destroy or prevent the dendritic structure from forming. Such processes are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,865,808; 3,948,650; 4,771,818; 4,694,882; 4,524,820 and 4,108,643.
It should be understood that upon heating a body, e.g., billet or other shaped aluminum alloy product, to a temperature between liquidus and solidus, the solid shape or appearance of the body is normally not changed significantly and yet the primary phase or dendritic microstructure changes or transforms to a globular or spheroidal form with the size of the globular or spheroidal form dependent on the size of the dendritic structure and grain size at the start. Further, it should be noted that this transformation from dendrite form to globular phase takes place while the grains remain generally in solid form. However, the globular form is contained in a lower melting eutectic alloy matrix which matrix becomes molten. Generally, the molten portion of the aluminum body does not exceed about 30 to 40% by weight. However, the outward appearance of the aluminum body is not substantially changed from that of a solid body. Yet, the body takes on the attributes of a plastic body and can be formed by extruding,. forging, casting, rolling, stamping, etc., with greatly reduced force.
In spite of these teachings, there is still a great need for a process that permits economic transformation of a cast product such as aluminum ingot, billet, slab or sheet to a spheroidal or globular phase for ease of semi-solid forming or forming into products without altering the chemistry of the alloy.

Casting thermal transforming and semi-solid forming aluminum alloys


Disclosed is an improved method for the detection of an analyte in a fluid test sample using a strip of a negatively charged matrix material having a zone containing mobile, labeled binding partner for the analyte and a separate zone for capturing the labeled binding partner as it is carried through this zone by the fluid test sample. The improvement involves combining the fluid test sample with a polyalkoxylated amine surfactant to control non-specific binding of the labeled binding partner to the negatively charged matrix material.

There is a need for simple diagnostic tests for common diseases which can be carried out by untrained personnel. Such tests facilitate home or doctor's office testing as opposed to more complicated procedures which require that the analysis be carried out in an outside reference laboratory. A common format for these tests is the immunostrip format. Typically, this format involves a matrix of a material through which a fluid test sample can flow by capillarity. The matrix, typically in the form of a strip, contains an analyte specific antibody which bears a detectable label so that the presence and/or concentration of the analyte in the test fluid can be determined by detection of the signal emitted from the detectable label. A classical format for such a device, sometimes referred to as an immunochromatographic strip, is illustrated by FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 1, strip 10, bears a labeled antibody specific for the analyte under investigation in zone 13 which binds with the analyte in the fluid test sample applied to the wicking zone 12 of the strip 10 and flows along the strip to form an immunocomplex which further migrates due to capillary action through the capture zone of the strip 14 and the optional detection zone 16. In the capture zone 14 there is immobilized the analyte or a derivative thereof which is immunoreactive with the labeled antibody and is able to capture labeled antibody which has not reacted with analyte in the fluid test sample. The signal from the labeled antibody captured in the capture zone is measured and related to the concentration of analyte in the test fluid in an inverse relationship since the greater the concentration of analyte in the test sample, the amount labeled antibody which is unbound and thereby free to specifically bind with analyte immobilized in the detection zone is diminished. Detection zone 16 is optional but can contain immobilized anti-mouse IgG to bind the analyte/labeled binding partner complex and thereby serve as a means for verifying that the test has been carried out correctly.
A problem with this sort of test device involves the tendency of labeled antibody and its conjugate to engage in non-specific binding (NSB) with the matrix material forming the strip. When such non-specific binding takes place, the labeled antibody binds to the matrix material before it reaches the capture zone and the assay fails because the movement of labeled antibody is either completely stopped or diminished such that the signals in the capture zone and detection zone are greatly reduced.
In order to correct this bias, the strip can be treated with a blocking solution such as 1% casein in phosphate buffered saline (PBS), washed with water and dried after deposition of the reagents onto the capture and collection zones. This blocking step, however, is problematic since there is required extensive development effort to optimize the blocked system.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,451,507 there is described the preparation of a blocked nitrocellulose membrane for use as an immunochromatographic strip in which the nitrocellulose membrane is incubated in a solution of 1 mg/mL bovine IgG in sodium sulfate buffer for 30 minutes before being incubated with glutaraldehyde and bovine IgG. This reference also mentions the desirability in some instances of including from about 0.05 to 0.5 weight percent of a non-ionic detergent with the fluid test sample.
It would be desirable, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a means for reducing or eliminating non-specific binding of labeled specific binding partner in the capture and detection zones of the type of immunochromatographic strip under consideration.

Method for the detection of an analyte by immunochromatography


The invention provides a composition comprising the following: A) an ethylene/α-olefin/diene interpolymer; B) an ethylene/α-olefin copolymer with a Mooney Viscosity [ML(1+4) at 125° C.] greater than 40; and C) a peroxide; and wherein the α-olefin of the ethylene/α-olefin copolymer of component B comprises at least four carbon atoms; and wherein component A is present in an amount from 50 to 95 weight percent, based on the sum weight of components A and B.

Coolant hoses in vehicles transfer the coolant fluid from the engine to the radiator, and are subject to high heat loads from radiated heat sources, and thus, must withstand high temperatures in service. It is not acceptable for hoses to fail during service, and buyers of vehicles increasingly demand that the original hoses last the entire life of the vehicle, which is often in excess of 200,000 km.
Ethylene/propylene/diene terpolymer (EPDM) rubbers are used to make the majority of coolant hoses for vehicles, and the types of polymers used are often specified in the manufacturers specifications, such as, for example, the Daimler specification DBL6254. This specification describes the required properties of elastomeric compositions before and after aging at specified temperatures. Other elastomeric compositions are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,047,740; WO 1997/000286; and WO 2011/079207. There is a need for elastomeric compositions with improved retention of mechanical properties and good thermal properties, and which can be used in high temperature applications. This need is met by the following invention.

Polymer compositions with improved retention of properties under mechanical and thermal stresses


A circuit 108 for controlling a plurality of fluid dispense nozzles 202(N), the circuit 108 to change an order in which the fluid dispense nozzles 202(N) are actuated.

To maintain print quality (PC)) of printed output from a printer, the print nozzles from which print fluid is dispensed are monitored to determine their print fluid dispense performance, also referred to as "nozzle health". Depending on a nozzle's performance it may be actuated, also referred to as "fired", in a manner to improve or rectify poor or sub-operational performance and also to avoid the use of nozzles determined as being non-operational, also referred to as "dead nozzles". The improvement or rectification of the dispense performance of a nozzle or the avoidance of the use of a nozzle is to be achieved without missing content in the printed output and minimising detriment to the print quality.

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.


A mechanical driver is provided including a gun-shaped housing having a horizontal upper extent and a vertical lower extent integrally coupled to the upper extent and extending downwardly therefrom. The upper extent has a nozzle. A spring biased actuator rod is slidably situated within the nozzle of the upper extent of the housing. A spring assembly is included for biasing the actuator rod forwardly. A trigger assembly is provided including a trigger hingably coupled to the lower extent of the housing. The trigger is adapted to swivel between an unbiased vertical orientation and a biased rear tilted orientation, whereby the trigger is adapted to bias the actuator rod rearward and further release the same such that the actuator rod drives forwardly within the nozzle.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to nail guns and more particularly pertains to a new wire shelf driver for driving a nail into drywall to secure a shelf bracket thereto.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The use of nail guns is known in the prior art. More specifically, nail guns heretofore devised and utilized are known to consist basically of familiar, expected and obvious structural configurations, notwithstanding the myriad of designs encompassed by the crowded prior art which have been developed for the fulfillment of countless objectives and requirements.
Known prior art nail guns include U.S. Pat. No. 4,999,914; U.S. Pat. No. 5,261,588; U.S. Pat. No. Des. 314,320; U.S. Pat. No. 4,450,998; U.S. Pat. No. 4,204,622; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,335,839.
The wire shelf driver according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of driving a nail into drywall to secure a shelf bracket thereto.


The invention relates to an antimicrobial and non-cytotoxic coating material and to uses of said coating material.

(1) Field of the Invention
The invention relates to an antimicrobial and non-cytotoxic coating material and to uses of said coating material.
(2) Description of Related Art
In many fields, there is a persistent need to control the settlement, reproduction and survival of microorganisms, in particular of prokaryontae and fungi. There is a frequent desire, in particular, to limit the concentration of microorganisms on a certain area, or to keep said area completely free of microorganisms—or of a specific type or species of microorganism in certain cases. This aim is striven for in particular in the medical, medical technological and sanitary-technological fields, in the broadest sense. Antimicrobial materials and coatings, such as silver-coated threads for surgery (see S. Silver, FEMS Microbiology Reviews (2003): pp. 341-353) or anti-fouling paints containing copper, are conventionally used to this end in the field of medical and sanitary products, for example. Broad-spectrum biocides, and inorganic biocides such as silver and its ions, in particular, have proved to be especially effective in this regard. In the course of time, the material treated with the biocide releases the biocide contained within it, and reduces or completely prevents the settlement or reproduction of microorganisms on the material itself, or indeed in its surroundings.
One problem in many cases is that conventional antimicrobial materials initially release a high concentration of biocide, with the consequence that the concentration of the released biocide has a toxic effect not only on the microorganisms being combated, but unintentionally on higher cells as well. This is disruptive in the case of medical products, in particular, such as wound coverings, catheters, contact lenses and implants, because a medical product treated in this way can then delay healing and result in allergies and irritation of tissue. Corresponding disadvantages also arise when biocides are released by sanitary products such as sanitary towels, tampons and diapers, and in the production and processing of foods, especially in the case of biocide-releasing packaging and biocide-releasing components for producing or processing foods. In addition, the antimicrobial effect is rapidly depleted due to leaching from the material containing the biocidic agent.
In order to eliminate these disadvantages, WO 03/024494 proposes an antimicrobial adhesive and coating material containing metallic silver particles with a silver, sodium and potassium ion concentration of less than 5 ppm, the adhesive and coating material being a synthetically produced organic material that is generally hardened after processing. The silver particles are uniformly distributed in the adhesive and coating material. Specifically, the adhesive and coating material should be a varnish or adhesive, particularly a thermoset or thermoplastic varnish or adhesive. One disadvantage of the latter, however, is that the rate of metal ion release is difficult to control or adjust.

Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft Zur Förderung Der Angewandten Forschung E.V.


A sphere toy which includes an inner spherical shell floating in a liquid inside a transparent outer spherical shell, the inner spherical shell having two contrary designs at two opposite sides and a magnetic weight at the bottom, and a rotation control device mounted on the outer spherical shell and holding a rotary knob and a magnet at the bottom of the rotary knob, the inner spherical shell being rotated with the rotary knob when the rotary knob is rotated by hand.

The present invention relates to a sphere toy, and more specifically to such a sphere toy which comprises an inner spherical shell floating in a liquid inside a transparent outer spherical shell, and a rotation control device driven to rotate the inner spherical shell in the outer spherical shell.
A variety of sphere toys have been disclosed, and have appeared on the market. Ball-in-ball is one of the most popular sphere toys nowadays. A ball-in-ball sphere toy is comprised of a small ball floated in a liquid inside a big ball. The small ball has a weight at the bottom. When the user rotates the big ball, the design on the small ball maintains immovable. This design becomes less attractive after several times in play.


An access control method for accessing an embedded system includes: performing a first access control operation for an access system by a first authentication subject, wherein the first access control operation includes performing a first authentication for the access system; when the first access control operation is passed, receiving at the first authentication subject a result of a second access control operation for the access system which is performed by a second authentication subject that is separate from the first authentication subject performing a second authentication for authenticating whether the access system is an access system that is authenticated by a second authentication subject that is separate from the first authentication subject, and receiving the result of the authentication; and allowing the access system to access the embedded system if the first authentication and the second authentication are successful.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to an access control method, and an apparatus such as a mobile terminal which employs an access control method.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Most embedded systems have debugging ports for debugging. In the case where debugging equipment is used, it becomes possible to read in real time information in an embedded system through a debugging port and also to change a specific register value in the embedded system.
If such a debugging port is not used for debugging only in a development stage, but is used to crack firmware or to steal an encryption key, security functions of products having the security functions, such as Digital Rights Management (DRM), Full Disk Encryption (FDE), and the like, may be easily neutralized.

Access control method and mobile terminal which employs an access control method


An image combine apparatus for combining a plurality of images to generate a panoramic image. The image combine apparatus identifies an overlapping region of two inputted images and determines a boundary of the two images. The image combine apparatus then sets a tone correction area having a predetermined width such that the boundary of the two images is the center of the area, and performs tone correction within the area. The image combine apparatus performs linear tone correction in accordance with a distance between a pixel and the boundary. In the neighbor of the boundary of the two images within the tone correction area, density of the image gradually changes, thus a combined image whose boundary of the two images is inconspicuous is obtained.

The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for combining images, and more particularly, to an image combining apparatus and method thereof for combining a plurality of images partially including an overlapping region having the same image, to generate one panoramic image having a wide angle of view.
According to the conventional method of generating a panoramic image having a wide angle of view by combining a plurality of images partially having an overlapping region of the same image, two images are combined on a plane by geometrical transformation such as Affin transformation or the like to coincide coordinates values of two corresponding points, which are extracted from the overlapping regions having the same image but having different coordinates values.
However, in a case where conditions, particularly exposure conditions, of photographing the plurality of images are different for each image due to some factors of a photographing subject, even if the two images are combined precisely with the corresponding points being coincided according to the conventional method, the boundary of the images would have a conspicuous line due to the difference in lightness of the images.
The disadvantage of the conventional image combine technique is explained with reference to FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B and 3.
It is assumed herein that an image of a subject shown in FIG. 1 is picked up by an electronic still camera or the like, taking two frames (frame fl and frame f2) of photographs. Since the subject picked up by the frame fl has a dark atmosphere as a whole, the camera corrects an exposure amount at the time of image pick-up such that the dark portion would be lighter. As a result, an image shown in FIG. 2A is obtained. Since the subject picked up by the frame f2 has a light atmosphere as a whole, the camera corrects an exposure amount at the time of image pick-up such that the light portion would be darker. As a result, an image shown in FIG. 2B is obtained. Accordingly, even if the two inputted images (images in FIGS. 1A and 1B) are combined precisely, the combined image shown in FIG. 3 would have a conspicuous line due to the difference in lightness.

Apparatus and method for combining a plurality of images


A drainless air conditioner performs an air conditioning process on mixed air, which is a mixture of some indoor air and outdoor air. A first adsorptive heat exchanger and a second adsorptive heat exchanger are capable of performing a humidity conditioning process on the air. An air heat exchanger is capable of exchanging heat between the air and a fluid after it has undergone a heat treatment by a heat source. The outdoor air undergoes a humidity conditioning process by the first adsorptive heat exchanger or the second adsorptive heat exchanger and becomes the mixed together with some of the indoor air. The air heat exchanger exchanges heat between the mixed air and a fluid. Exhaust air undergoes the humidity conditioning process by the first adsorptive heat exchanger or the second adsorptive heat exchanger and is subsequently delivered to the outdoor space.

A humidity conditioning process performing apparatus that performs an outdoor air humidity conditioning process is known in the conventional art, as disclosed in Japanese Laid-open Patent Application Publication No. 2008-145092. In the art disclosed in Japanese Laid-open Patent Application Publication No. 2008-145092, a refrigerant circuit is provided that comprises a compressor, two heat exchangers, and an expansion valve; furthermore, an adsorbing material, which can adsorb moisture from the air, is applied to the two heat exchangers. When one of the two heat exchangers functions as an evaporator, it functions as an adsorber that adsorbs moisture from the air; furthermore, when the other of the two heat exchangers functions as a condenser, it functions as a regenerator that restores the adsorbed moisture to the air. The present air conditioner supplies humidity conditioned air to the indoor space by performing the outdoor air humidity conditioning process, wherein the heat exchangers repetitively alternate between functioning as an adsorber and functioning as a regenerator.


Computer systems having a plurality of storage systems could not detect addition of storage systems or configuration changes thereof and automatically redistribute existing volumes based on “hints” provided when the volumes were created. A management computer, which is connected via a network to storage systems having volumes connected via a network to a host computer and which stores data used by the host computer, keeps correspondences between levels indicating specific performances of volumes and storage system characteristics indicating performances of the storage systems. From a first storage system, a level is obtained indicating a performance of a volume of the first storage system allocated to the host computer. The storage system characteristics of the first storage system corresponding to the obtained level indicating the performance of the volume, and storage system characteristics of another storage system are referenced, and the performances of the volumes of the storage systems are compared.

The present invention relates to a method of managing a volume in a computer system that includes multiple storage subsystems.
In recent years, storage network structures have been used in which multiple servers, multiple storage subsystems, backup devices and the like are connected by switches, hubs, etc. These are chiefly called SANs (Storage Area Networks). The advantages obtained by building a computer system with a storage network include excellent scalability, and reduced administrative costs are achieved by enabling integrated management of data that is dispersed across multiple storage subsystems.
Furthermore, when using large-scale storage subsystems—i.e., most notably for disk array subsystems—managing means are provided for creating volumes to store information (i.e., data and programs) to be used by host computers inside the storage system. However, the managing means for creating the volumes use different interfaces and different formats for making requests, depending on the vendor that created the storage subsystem. Therefore, when a storage subsystem made by a different vendor is introduced to the system, the administrator of the storage subsystems needs to be able to remember the interfaces and request the formats used by each vendor. In a large-scale scale computer system, this causes significant problems. In order to overcome these problems, the DMTF (Distributed Management Task Force) has created a CIM (Common Information Model) and WBEM (Web-Based Enterprise Management). These standards determine the interface and request formats to be used when creating a volume in a storage subsystem. For example, "Device27_StorageServices.mof v.2.7.1" in Device Storage Services 2.7 was released. By using the interface defined in the CIM, a volume can be created according to a uniform method even in storage subsystems made by different vendors. The CIM definitions stipulate that "hints" are to be used in the interface and request formats when creating volumes.
(extracted from Device27_StorageServices.mof)
//======================================================// StorageSettingWithHints//======================================================[Experimental, Version("2.7.1"), Description ( "This subclass of StorageSetting allows a client to specify " "'hint's for optimization of the volume performance. The effect " "of these hints is implementation dependent.") ]class CIM_StorageSettingWithHints: CIM_StorageSetting { [MinValue (0), MaxValue (10), Description (  "This hint is an indication from a client of the importance "  "placed on data availability. Values are 0=Don't Care to "  "10=Very Important.") ] uint16 DataAvailabilityHint; [MinValue (0), MaxValue (10), Description (  "This hint is an indication from a client of the randomness "  "of accesses. Values are 0=Entirely Sequential to "  "10=Entirely Random.") ] uint16 AccessRandomnessHint; [MinValue (0), MaxValue (10), Description (  "This hint is an indication from a client of the direction "  "of accesses. Values are 0=Entirely Read to "  "10=Entirely Write.") ] uint16 AccessDirectionHint; [Description (  "This hint is an indication from a client of the optimal "  "access sizes. Several sizes can be specified."),  Units ("MegaBytes") ] uint16 AccessSizeHint[ ]; [MinValue (0), MaxValue (10), Description (  "This hint is an indication from a client how important "  "access latency is. Values are 0=Don't Care to "  "10=Very Important.") ] uint16 AccessLatencyHint; [MinValue (0), MaxValue (10), Description (  "This hint is an indication from a client of bandwidth "  "prioritization. Values are 0=Don't Care to "  "10=Very Important.") ] uint16 AccessBandwidthWeight; [MinValue (0), MaxValue (10), Description (  "This hint is an indication of the importance the client "  "places on the cost of storage. Values are 0=Don't Care to "  "10=Very Important. A StorageVolume provider might choose "  "to place data on low cost or high cost drives based on "  "this parameter.") ] uint16 StorageCostHint; [MinValue (0), MaxValue (10), Description (  "This hint is an indication of the importance placed on "  "storage efficiency by the client. Values are 0=Don't Care "  "to 10=Very Important. A StorageVolume provider might choose "  "different RAID levels based on this hint.") ] uint16 StorageEfficiencyHint;};
Using these "hints" enables the volume to be made with abstract designations. This allows the volumes to be created with a uniform request format even when the hardware structure of each vendor's storage subsystem is completely different.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2003-140836 discloses a method which is used to enable the distribution of a volume among multiple storage subsystems in the SAN environment to be optimized easily by having the administrator redistribute the volume. This volume management method is summarized as follows:
Multiple storage subsystems that are connected to a SAN environment are classified into multiple groups (classes), or multiple disk devices that constitute the storage subsystems are classified into multiple groups (classes); and, for each of these classes, class attributes are configured (i.e., threshold values for usage of the storage subsystems). Either a SAN management server that is connected to the SAN, or a server utilizing the volumes in the storage subsystems, obtains from the multiple storage subsystems vendor information indicating the vendor of the storage subsystem (i.e., manufacturer information), usage status information, and class attributes. In order to redistribute the volume in a first class to an appropriate volume in a second class, the volume in the second class is selected based on the vendor information (manufacturer information), the usage status information, and the class attribute information. Then, data in the first volume is copied into the second volume, and the correspondence for keeping track of the volume is changed from the first volume to the second volume to achieve redistribution.
In accordance with the volume redistribution method disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2003-140836, the volume migrates across classes or within the same class based on the usage status information which is determined per class, the class attributes, and the storage subsystem's vendor information.
However, there is no disclosure of migrating a volume among the multiple storage subsystems that are connected to the network. Furthermore, even when each vendor's storage subsystems have different storage structures, the hints still enable the creation of volumes with uniform request formats; however, even if the same values are defined for the hints, there are many cases where the properties that are actually exhibited by the devices in correspondence to these values will be different in different storage subsystems produced by different vendors and the like. Therefore, when dealing with a volume that in multiple storage subsystems, it is difficult for the administrator to use the hints as a way to allocate the volumes to effectively utilize the resources.

Method, device and program for managing volume


Certain novel 3-(dihaloalkenyl)phenyl derivatives have unexpected insecticidal activity. These compounds are represented by formula (I), where R through R5, a, b, D, E, G and U are fully described herein. In addition, compositions comprising an insecticidally effective amount of at least one compound of formula (I), and optionally, an effective amount of at least one of second compound, with at least one insecticidally compatible carrier are also disclosed; along with methods of controlling insects comprising applying said compositions to a locus where insects are present or are expected to be present.

It is well known that insects in general can cause significant damage, not only to crops grown in agriculture, but also, for example, to structures and turf where the damage is caused by soil-borne insects, such as termites and white grubs. Such damage may result in the loss of millions of dollars of value associated with a given crop, turf or structures. Insecticides and acaricides are useful for controlling insects and acarids which may otherwise cause significant damage to crops such as wheat, corn, soybeans, potatoes, and cotton to name a few. For crop protection, insecticides and acaricides are desired which can control the insects and acarids without damaging the crops, and which have no deleterious effects to mammals and other living organisms.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,922,880 discloses certain dihalopropene compounds for use as insecticides and acaricides of the general formula:
    where Z is oxygen, sulfur, or NR4 (wherein R4 is hydrogen, or C1-C3 alkyl); Y is oxygen, sulfur, or NH; X's are independently chlorine or bromine; R2, R3, and R10 are independently halogen, C1-C3 alkyl, or C1-C3 haloalkyl; t is an integer of 0 to 2; and R1 is A—(CR5R6)pCHR7— (Q1), A-B—(CR5R6)pCHR7— (Q2), A—(CR11R12)s—B—(CR5R6)p—CHR7— (Q3), A-C(R13)═C(R14)—(CR5R6)p—CHR7— (Q4), A-B—(CR11R12)s—C(R13)═C(R14)—(CR5R6)p—CHR7— (Q5), A-B—(CR11R12)s—C(═O)—O—(CR5R6)p—CHR7— (Q6), or A-C(R13)═C(R14)—C(═O)—O—(CR5R6)p—CHR7— (Q7), where A is an optionally substituted heterocyclic ring; B is oxygen, S(O)q, NR9, C(═G1)G2 or G1C(═G2); q is an integer of 0 to 2; R9 is hydrogen, acetyl or C1-C3 alkyl; G1 and G2 are independently oxygen and sulfur; R5, R6, R7, R11 and R12 are independently selected from hydrogen, C1-C3 alkyl, or trifluoromethyl; R13 and R14 are independently selected from hydrogen, C1-C3 alkyl, halogen or trifluoromethyl; p is an integer of 0 to 6; and s is an integer of 1 to 6.
There is no disclosure or suggestion in the above-referenced patent of the 3-(dihaloalkenyl)phenyl structures and pesticidal activity of the compounds of the present invention.

Insecticidal 3-(dihaloalkenyl) phenyl derivatives


A recommendation for performing an operation is generated for the interaction with a suggestion system having automated operations. A probability value for the performance of the recommended operation is determined. The recommended operation is automatically performed if a high probability value is determined therefor. Information about the automatically performed operation and an operating element for aborting or reversing the automatically performed operation are displayed. If an actuation of the displayed operating element by a user is detected, the automatically performed operation is aborted or reversed. The information about the automatically performed operation can be displayed on a first display and the operating element for aborting or reversing the automatically performed operation may be displayed on a second display.

In many technical fields, user interfaces (abbreviated to HMI from "Human Machine Interface") are used for interactions with machines and devices, with graphical user interfaces (abbreviated to GUI) now being prevalent. Graphical user interfaces can be used to display graphical elements and complex operating sequences on a screen surface. Operation can take place by means of a multiplicity of various input devices, for example by touching a touch-sensitive display surface, a so-called touchscreen.
The complexity of an HMI comprising an extensive range of functions and/or a multiplicity of functionalities can be so great that said functionalities cannot all be displayed in a useful manner at the same time, even if the HMI has a plurality of displays. There is also the risk that, by displaying a multiplicity of image and/or operating elements, the clarity and operability of the GUI is impaired.
This can be problematic, for example in the case of GUIs in the automotive sector, in particular if they are intended for the driver of the vehicle during travel. In this case, the display of information and the operation should be as simple and intuitive as possible, in order to minimize distraction from the driving task and thus ensure driving safety.
Distraction and/or disruption of the vehicle driver can be reduced and ease of operation can be increased by detecting the user behavior and use situation in order to adapt and/or automate operation on this basis depending on the situation or to give the user recommendations for operation.
A system and a method for suggesting and automating actions in a vehicle is described in US 2016/0068169 A1, recommendations being given if behavior that could be improved is exhibited. Similarly, US 2015/0160019 A1 discloses a vehicle-internal computer system that automatically performs actions in order to ensure that the cognitive load for the driver does not become too high. In this way, for example, an incoming telephone call can be automatically rejected and information about this can be displayed to the driver.

Method and arrangement for interacting with a suggestion system having automated operations


A storage control unit detects a change in a configuration of a plurality of logical subsystems included in the storage control unit. The storage control unit sends a notification, wherein the notification indicates the change in the configuration of the plurality of logical subsystems. The storage control unit receives data transfer requests directed at available logical subsystems in the storage control unit, wherein the available logical subsystems are determined based on the configuration of the plurality of logical subsystems.

1. Field
The disclosure relates to a method, system, and article of manufacture for synchronizing logical systems.
2. Background
In certain computing environments, a host computer may communicate with a storage control unit, where the storage control unit controls physical storage. The physical storage that is controlled by the storage control unit may be represented logically as a plurality of logical subsystems within the storage control unit.
Applications in the host computer may perform input/output (I/O) operations with respect to the logical subsystems of the storage control unit. For example, an application in the host computer may write to a logical subsystem of the storage control unit. The storage control unit may maintain a correspondence between the logical subsystems and storage media in the physical storage via logical and physical volumes. While data may be physically written to the storage media in the physical storage under the control of the storage control unit, as far as an application in the host computer is concerned, the application performs write operations with respect to the logical subsystems in the storage control unit.
Logical subsystems may be added, deleted, or otherwise modified within the storage control unit. Certain modifications to the logical subsystems of the storage control unit, such as a removal of a logical subsystem, may cause a failure of I/O operations that are sent from the host computer to the storage control unit.

International Business Machines Corporation


A steel and tool made therefrom which in a tempered condition of 388 BHN or softer has high strength, high wear resistance together with excellent toughness in the range of 15% elongation and 35 ft-lbs. charpy and having the following composition:. ______________________________________ C .33-.39 Mn .50-.70 P .025 max. S .025 max. Si .40-.60 Ni 1.05-1.35 Cr 1.33-1.68 Mo .40-.60 Cu .60-.90 Al .010-.030 Fe balance ______________________________________

The invention pertains to steel and shaped forms thereof which are subjected to extremely rugged service conditions. For convenience of description the invention will be described in terms of die steels and tools, including die blocks and dies, used in forging and related metal shaping operations such as punches, headers and sizing mandrels. As is well known, these applications, including particularly closed die hot work implements, such as press dies and hammer dies, represent some of the most, if not the most, rugged and demanding operating conditions in the entire field of metal shaping and forming.
Referring now specifically to a closed die forging implement such as hammer die, it is axiomatic that such implements must possess high strength and high wear resistance at the elevated temperatures which are encountered in their usual working environments together with great toughness. It is also axiomatic, until this invention, that the properties of high strength and high wear resistance, on the one hand, and high toughness on the other hand, were mutually incompatible to a large extent. Thus, the closed die forger desires high strength and high wear resistance in order to obtain as many thousands of parts from an impression in the die surfaces so that the forging cost per part is minimized to the greatest extent possible. In order to obtain high strength and high wear resistance it has been thought necessary, prior to this invention, that toughness had to be sacrificed to some extent, since the alloy elements which produce high strength and high wear resistance, such as carbon, tend to result in lower toughness. Toughness is used herein in the sense of ductility and deformability under load without cracking.
For applications in which the formed or shaped workpiece has a relatively simple contour such as a link, the sacrifice of toughness in exchange for high strength and high wear resistance, which yields long runs, is not of great concern. However, for applications in which the shaped or formed workpiece is complex in contour, the die steel must have excellent toughness to preclude premature fracture of the tool, and, as mentioned, it has been thought that an increase in toughness is accompanied by a drop in strength and wear resistance, and a consequent decrease in production with its concomitant increase in die cost per piece.
It has been proposed that the ability to have high strength, high wear resistance and excellent toughness can be achieved by the use of appropriate alloying materials, and compositions with these characteristics have been proposed and used. Such compositions however almost invariably have substantial quantities of expensive alloys, such as nickel, and thus the apparent functional advantages derived form the use of alloys is substantially offset by the increased cost with the result that the goal of an economical, high strength, high wear resistance, metal shaping tool with excellent toughness is not available, particularly in those applications which require relatively soft tempered material.
In this connection, and as a frame of reference, tempers will be used in a definitional sense. For ease of understanding in the specifications and claims, the numeric definition of temper levels, in terms of currently widely used industry hardness standards, will be used.
______________________________________ Temper BID BHN Rc ______________________________________ XH (Extra Hard) 2.65-2.75 534-495 54-51 H (Hard) 2.80-2.90 477-444 50-47 1 2.95-3.05 429-401 46-43 2 3.10-3.25 388-352 42-38 3 3.30-3.45 341-311 37-33 4 3.50-3.65 302-277 29-32 Annealed 3.80 255 25 ______________________________________

High impact and thermal shock resistant die steel, dies, dies blocks and method of manufacture thereof


A radio link is established for multi-state cells. User equipment is operated in a connected mode with a serving cell. A transition is determined of a neighbor cell from dormant to active. At least a set number of out-of-synchronization events are detected with respect to the serving cell. It is determined that the neighbor-cell reference-signal received power is greater than the serving-cell reference-signal received power plus a threshold after determining the transition of the neighbor cell from dormant to active. A radio-resource-control connection-establishment message is sent to the neighbor cell when the neighbor-cell reference-signal received power is greater than the serving-cell reference-signal received power plus a threshold.

Presently, wireless networks, such as Long Term Evolution ("LTE") and LTE-Advanced ("LTE-A") networks, may be heterogeneous networks that include macro cells that provide higher power and wider area coverage and small cells that provide lower power and smaller area coverage than the macro cells. Such wireless networks can also include High-Speed Downlink Packet Access+ ("HSDPA+") networks, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access ("WCDMA") networks, CDMA2000 Evolution Voice-Data Optimized ("1xEV-DO") networks, and other wireless networks.
The small cells can be located within or outside a macro-cell coverage area. The small cells may be provided to offer additional capacity, such as to handle more user equipment, and may be provided to offer additional coverage, such as to fill in coverage holes or gaps in a macro-cell-coverage area. Small cells include micro cells that provide coverage of up to approximately 2 kilometers, such as for large train stations and airports that also may require additional capacity beyond the capacity of a co-located macro cell and for temporary additional network capacity, such as at sporting events and festivals and during emergency situations. Small cells also include pico cells that provide coverage of up to approximately 200 meters, such as for airports, event venues, train stations, stock exchanges, shopping malls, and large office areas. Small cells additionally include femto cells that provide coverage of up to approximately 10 meters, such as for homes and small office areas. Small cells can further include other cells that provide less coverage than a macro cell. A base station, such as an evolved Node B ("eNB"), can be associated with each cell type to provide network access to wireless mobile devices, such as user equipment, passing through the associated cell-coverage area.
The macro cells and the small cells can be multi-state cells in that they can have an active mode and a dormant mode. A neighbor cell is a cell in a power-saving mode and can also be considered an off cell or in a sleep mode. An active cell is a cell in an operational mode and can also be considered an on cell or in an awake mode.
As user equipment travels through small cell-coverage areas, cell handovers may be required. Handover is used to keep user equipment connected to the best base station ("eNodeB"). Handover is usually based on downlink received-signal strength and carrier-to-interference ratio measurements. Processing of the handover measurement is usually done in Layer 1 and Layer 3 ("L3") by the user equipment, and handover is initiated by the serving eNodeB if certain event criteria are met.
Unfortunately, handovers in the presence of active and dormant cells result in network-system and user-equipment inefficiencies and other problems. These problems include increased detection and reporting of serving-cell channel quality, increased user-equipment power consumption, and excessive handover between cells with an increased risk of radio-link failure. For example, a user equipment cannot engage in efficient radio-link monitoring for a dual-state cell that is in a dormant state.

Radio-link establishment for multi-state cells