An apparatus and method of decoding coded video bitstreams is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a first processor and a second processor configured to operate in parallel. The main processor receives the coded video bitstream, parses it, and calls the second processor to decode the coded video bitstream to retrieve macroblock data. If an error occurs during decoding, the second processor signals the first processor, which can instruct the second processor to perform an error recovery routine. The first processor the performs dequantization and inverse DCT to recover digital pixel data from the macroblocks so that an image formed from the digital pixel data can be later displayed on a monitor.

Video encoding schemes, for either still or motion pictures, generally compress video data. Compression allows video data to be more efficiently transported over a network, conserving bandwidth, or more efficiently stored in computer memory.
FIG. 1 illustrates one way that video data is transmitted from a source 100 to a destination 120. The video data can be digital pixel data captured by a video camera, downloaded from a Web site, stored on a DVD, or generated using other means. The source 100 comprises a memory 101 coupled to an encoder 105. The encoder 105 is in turn coupled to a network 110, such as the Internet. The destination 120 comprises a decoder 121 coupled to the network 110 and to a memory 125. In operation, digital pixel data is first stored in the memory 101. The digital pixel data is compressed by the encoder 105 to generate compressed video data, which is transmitted over the network 110. The compressed video data is received and decompressed by the decoder 121 to recover the digital pixel data, which is stored in the memory 125. A display engine (not shown) can then read the digital pixel data stored in the memory 125 and display it on a display device (not shown), such as a computer monitor.
FIG. 2 shows a more detailed view of an encoder 130. The encoder 130 comprises a motion estimation or compensation component 131 coupled to a DCT and quantization component 133, which in turn is coupled to a Huffman encoder 137. The motion estimation or compensation component 131 receives digital pixel data and uses redundancies in the digital pixel data to compress the digital pixel data. The DCT and quantization component 133 performs two functions: First, it translates digital pixel data in the spatial domain into DCT coefficients in the frequency domain. Second, it quantizes the DCT coefficients, packages runs of DCT coefficients, and combines the packaged DCT coefficients with quantization headers to form macroblocks. As discussed below, macroblocks contain strings of bits that are the integer representations of the DCT coefficients. Macroblocks also contain headers, which contain information used to reconstruct digital pixel data. The Huffman encoder 137 receives the macroblocks and uses statistical encoding to compress the macroblocks to form a coded video bitstream containing compressed digital pixel data. The Huffman encoder 137 uses a table to map integer representations of the DCT coefficients (characters) in the macroblock into unique variable-length codes (VLCs), also called symbols. The VLCs are chosen so that, on average, the total length of the VLCs is less than the total length of the original macroblock. Thus, the coded bitstream is generally smaller than the original digital pixel data so that it requires less bandwidth when transmitted over a network and less memory when stored in memory.
FIG. 3 shows a more detailed view of a decoder 140. The decoder 140 comprises a Huffman decoder 141 coupled to a dequantization and inverse DCT component 142, which in turn is coupled to a motion estimation or compensation component 143. In operation, the Huffman decoder 141 receives a coded video bitstream, containing compressed digital pixel data, over a network or another transmission medium. The Huffman decoder 141 performs an inverse function to that performed by the Huffman encoder 135 (FIG. 2). The Huffman decoder 141 thus performs a table lookup to map symbols to characters and thus recover macroblock data from the coded video bitstream. The macroblock data is then transmitted to the dequantization and inverse DCT component 142 to recover the original digital pixel data. The dequantization and inverse DCT component 142 performs a function inverse to that of the DCT and quantization component 133 (FIG. 2) to generate digital pixel data. The motion compensation or estimation module 143 then performs motion compensation to recover the original pixel data. The recovered original digital pixel data is then stored in a memory (not shown), from which it can be retrieved by a display engine for later display on a display device. Digital pixel data is usually stored as frames, which when displayed sequentially, render a moving picture.
Compression becomes increasingly important when new generations of video data are transmitted or stored. For example, under the MPEG-4 standard, standardized in "Information Technology—Coding of audio-visual objects—Part 2: Visual," reference number ISO/IEC 14496-2:2001(E), incorporated herein by reference, video data can be packaged with audio data, computer-generated images, and other data. Under the MPEG-4 standard, separate video objects that together make up a scene can be transmitted separately, thus allowing users to manipulate video data by adding, deleting, or moving objects within a scene. Under the MPEG-4 standard, other information, such as that used to perform error recovery, is also transmitted with the video data.
This increased flexibility is achieved by transmitting extra data to an end user. Transmitting extra data increases the time it takes to decode the coded video data at a destination. For an end user at the destination to realize the added capabilities of video transmitted according to the MPEG-4 standard, especially for real-time applications, the coded video data must be decoded as quickly and efficiently as possible.
One video decoder, from Equator Technologies, Inc., employs two processors in an attempt to decrease the time it takes to decode coded video data to generate digital pixel data. FIG. 4 illustrates an Equator decoder 200, the MAP-CA DSP MPEG-4 video decoder, available from Equator Technologies, Inc., of Campbell, Calif. The Equator decoder 200 apportions tasks between the two processors in an attempt to decrease the total decoding time. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the Equator decoder 200 comprises (a) a variable length encoder/decoder, the VLx coprocessor 210; and (b) a very-long instruction word core central processing unit, the VLIW core 220. The VLx coprocessor 210 is coupled to a first DataStreamer controller buffer 230, which in turn is coupled to an input bitstream memory 231. The VLx coprocessor 210 is coupled to the VLIW core 220 by a second DataStreamer controller buffer 232. The VLx coprocessor 210 comprises a GetBits engine 211 coupled on one end to the first DataStreamer controller buffer 230 and on another end to a VLx CPU 212. The VLx CPU 212 is coupled to a VLx memory 213, which in turn is coupled to the second DataStreamer controller buffer 232. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the VLx memory 213 is partitioned into two frame buffers. The VLIW core 220 comprises a data cache 221 coupled on one end to the second DataStreamer controller buffer 232 and on another end to a VLIW core CPU 222. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the data cache 221 is partitioned into four frame buffers.
In operation, a coded video bitstream containing variable-length codes (VLCs) is stored in the input bitstream memory 231. The coded bitstream is then transferred to the first DataStreamer controller buffer 230, from which the GetBits engine 211 can transfer it to the VLx CPU 212. The VLx CPU 212 then (1) decodes the header symbols and stores the results in a header information buffer, (2) decodes the macroblock symbols and stores them in a macroblock information buffer, and (3) produces DCT coefficients. The second DataStreamer controller buffer 232 transfers the DCT coefficients to the data cache 221. The VLIW core 222 then reads the DCT coefficients stored in the data cache 221 and performs inverse quantization, inverse DCT, motion compensation, and pixel additions to produce pictures for rendering on a display device, such as a personal computer monitor or an NTSC monitor.
The Equator decoder 200 is ill-equipped to efficiently recover digital pixel data. For example, if the VLx CPU 212 encounters an error while computing DCT coefficients, it cannot rely on the computational power of the VLIW core 222 to help it recover from the error. Instead, the VLx CPU 212 must either (1) try to recover from the error itself or (2) let the VLIW core 220 handle the error itself. The second alternative interrupts the VLIW core 220 from performing other high-level processing and does not involve the VLx CPU 212, which is generally better suited to process the DCT coefficients.
Accordingly, there is a need for an apparatus and method of decompressing video data without monopolizing a high-level processor that is ill-equipped to decode data quickly and efficiently.

Apparatus and method of parallel processing an MPEG-4 data stream


A combined direct current DC power transmission and heating system is provided. The system includes a rectifier station configured to generate a DC link current. The system also includes a downstream converter station positioned remotely from the rectifier station. The downstream converter station is configured to generate power supplied to an electrical load using at least a portion of the DC link current. The system also includes a return conductor electrically coupled to the rectifier station and the downstream converter station. The return conductor is configured to transmit a return current from the downstream converter station to the rectifier station. The return conductor is also configured to generate heat from resistive losses induced by the return current; and conduct the heat generated by the return current to a fluid being transported from a proximity of the downstream converter station to a proximity of the rectifier station.

The field of the disclosure relates generally to power transmission systems and pipeline heating systems, and, more specifically, to a combined DC power transmission and heating system that transmits DC power to a load and provides direct electric heating to a pipeline.
Most land based electrical power transmission systems transmit high-voltage alternating current (AC) power from an electrical power source, such as a generator, to an electrical load, such as a motor. AC power transmission systems are more prevalent than DC transmission systems due to the reduced cost, and improved efficiency, of AC transformers and switchgear in generating high-voltage power. High-voltage power is transmitted through transmission cables with reduced power losses compared to low-voltage power. Accordingly, any conversion to low-voltage AC and/or DC power is typically performed as close to the electrical load as possible. However, AC power transmission systems have reactive power losses associated with the transmission cables that do not exist in DC transmission systems. As such, DC power transmission systems are more efficient and cost effective when transmitting power over long distances where the reactive losses outweigh the more expensive DC transformer equipment. This is especially true in undersea cables, where the reactive power losses are increased due to large charging currents. Accordingly, one application of DC power transmission systems is providing power to motors that operate gas compressors, pumps, and/or other fluid transportation devices that channel a fluid, such as crude oil, through a pipeline to a surface infrastructure for processing and refinement. The motors are typically located remotely from the surface infrastructure, for example, proximate undersea or subterranean oil deposits.
To facilitate the transportation of fluid through the pipeline, some known fluid transportation operations use electric pipeline heating systems to provide direct electric heating to the pipeline. More specifically, in known electric pipeline heating systems, a stand-alone AC or DC power system provides electrical current through electrical conductors coupled to the pipeline, or through the pipeline itself, to generate heat via resistive current losses, referred to as the Joule effect. The electrical conductors conduct the generated heat to the fluid within the pipeline to facilitate reducing the overall viscosity of the fluid and to facilitate improving efficiency of the motors. Heated pipelines prevent the buildup of solid materials in the pipeline and facilitate continuous flow throughout the pipeline, even when the fluid circulates underwater.
However, known electric pipeline heating systems and known power transmission systems are stand-alone systems. Specifically, both systems require separate electrical power sources and separate transmission cables to operate. In particular, known electric pipeline heating systems must maintain fluid temperature during shutdowns, be capable of supporting high currents to heat long pipelines, be capable of heating the fluid within a specified time period, and be capable of continuous heating of the pipeline. To meet these requirements, current electric pipeline heating systems require a power supply and a transmission cable that are independent of the electrical loads of the power transmission system. In addition, DC power transmission systems selectively disable at least a portion of the electrical load, for example, during maintenance during which the pipeline must still be heated. Separate DC power transmission systems and separate electric pipeline heating systems increase the capital costs associated with known fluid transportation operations.

Combined power transmission and heating systems and method of operating the same


According to one aspect of the invention, for a database statement that specifies rollup operations, a data distribution key may be selected among a plurality of candidate keys. Numbers of distinct values of the candidate keys may be monitored with respect to a particular set of rows. Hash values may also be generated by column values in the candidate keys. The data distribution key may be determined based on results of monitoring the numbers of distinct values of the candidate keys as well as the frequencies of hash values computed based on column values of the candidate keys. Rollup operations may be shared between different stages of parallel executing processes and data may be distributed between the different stages of parallel executing processes based on the selected data distribution key.

In a relational database context, rollup operations can be performed against a given set of rows. The rollup operations can be specified in a database statement. For example, specifying a ROLLUP keyword in a GROUP BY clause of an SQL SELECT statement causes performing two or more group-by operations as a part of executing the SQL SELECT statement. The rollup operations generate multiple levels of subtotals based on a list of rollup columns specified in the database statement. The multiple levels of subtotals generated by the rollup operations can range from the most detailed level to a grand total from all rows used to evaluate these subtotals.
Rollup operations are frequently used for analyzing data sets. For example, rollup operations may be used to extract information on sales data stored in a database system. This information can be utilized by a company to track sales, evaluate policy, develop marketing strategy, project future growth, and perform various other tasks.
Given the importance of rollup operations for data analysis, providing a quick result for database queries specifying rollup operations is often an important database performance metric.
Based on the foregoing, there is a need for developing techniques that can perform rollup operations in a highly efficient and scalable fashion.
The approaches described in this section are approaches that could be pursued, but not necessarily approaches that have been previously conceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, it should not be assumed that any of the approaches described in this section qualify as prior art merely by virtue of their inclusion in this section.

Data-aware scalable parallel execution of rollup operations


A novel method and microprocessor-controlled apparatus are provided for improving research and/or communication interaction between human and animals, such as dolphins and the like, or between normal humans and speech-impaired humans, by playing back audible pre-recorded human-language phrases corresponding to and descriptive of the meaning of sounds and/or gestures or responses produced by the animal or the speech-impaired human and in response to stimuli, conditions or environmental events to which the animal (or impaired human) is subjected, wherein the pre-recorded phrases represent what the human would say or describe if subjected to such stimuli, conditions or environmental events; such that during actual real-time interacting with the animals (or such impaired humans) one actually hears “from” the animal or speech-impaired human, spoken language phrases descriptive of their condition.

Many studies have been conducted with intelligent, responsive and expressive animals, such as dolphins, whales, chimpanzees, gorillas and others, trying to bridge the gap of communication, understanding and interaction with humans. Distinctive audible "clicks" and chirps and other tones have been observed with dolphins in various functional pursuits and responses and such, indeed, have been used to identify some elements of behavior including in popular movies and television programs, such as the noted "Flipper" programs. (See, also, V. M. Janik, Science, Vol. 289,1355 (2000)). The "songs" of whales have been recorded and associated with courting, distress and other behavioral conditions. Somewhat similar sound emissions have also been noted with chimps and other primates, some of which have been stimulated to carry out elementary logic functions.
In all these efforts, however, the human researcher, trainer or communicator, in real-time interaction with the animals, has to re-interpret continually the various familiar sounds or gestures or movements as the animals prepare to perform or do behavioral or responsive patterns associated therewith. If only the animal could tell the human in human language each time it was performing, about to perform, responding to, or intending to embark on some behavioral pattern, or was reacting to conditions or stimuli, the researcher, trainer and/or communicator could be put on a new level of starting point to proceed onward in the interaction.
It is toward this end that the present invention is accordingly directed; the invention, in effect, putting human language utterances descriptive of the animal feelings, condition, needs, action or response effectively "in the mouth" of the animals—or at least making it seem so, for all intents and purposes.
Perhaps more importantly, moreover, the invention also enables more facile "communication" with speech-impaired humans who are deficient at least in speaking capability.

Method of and apparatus for improving research and/or communication interaction with animals such as dolphins and the like, and providing more facile communication with humans lacking speaking capability


A bypass valve includes a base defining a base sealing surface, the base defining an upstream utility bore, a downstream utility bore, a meter inlet bore, and a meter outlet bore each extending into the base sealing surface; and a selector defining a selector sealing surface and a front surface, a primary passage and a secondary passage defined within the selector between the selector sealing surface and the front surface, the primary passage being isolated from the secondary passage, the selector defining at least one primary passage bore extending into the selector sealing surface and connected in fluid communication with the primary passage, the selector defining at least one secondary passage bore extending into the selector sealing surface and connected in fluid communication with the secondary passage.

In many areas, public utilities pipe various fluids directly to homes, businesses, and other establishments. Common utility fluids include liquids, such as water, and gases, such as natural gas. These fluids are commonly distributed by large infrastructure networks, and a meter is positioned at each point of consumption, such as a home, business, or other establishment, to monitor how much the location consumes. The meters are commonly positioned directly inline on branched piping coming off of a main infrastructure pipeline.
If an inline meter needs to be taken out of service for any reason, the utility flow to the point of consumption must be interrupted while the meter is physically disconnected from the upstream and downstream piping. During this period, the affected point of consumption will not have access to the utility product carried by that line. Disrupting service of a natural gas line also poses additional problems. Many gas-powered appliances, such as water heaters or fire places, have a pilot light that stays on at all times during normal operation. If the flow of natural gas is disrupted to the point of consumption, the pilot lights will go out. If the flow of natural gas is resumed to the point of consumption and the pilot light is not turned off or relit, natural gas will flow out of the appliance through the unlit pilot light, and the natural gas can accumulate indoors. This accumulation of gas can cause fire and explosion risks. Accordingly, the flow of natural gas to the point of consumption cannot be cut off and later resumed without having access to the appliances indoors, which can make servicing of utility meters difficult to plan for utility companies because they must coordinate with the customer to provide access to the affected appliances.


A curtain member has a bending portion which is formed by a rear portion of the curtain member in a folded stored state being bent forward, i.e., toward an opposite side to the vertically-extending vehicle-body pillar. A second tether member is made of a long cloth member. Its rear end is fixed to a specified lower-side position of a fifth pillar which is located below the middle portion of this pillar in the vertical direction via a fixing pin. Its front end is fixed to a body portion of a curtain member via a seam portion. Accordingly, there can be provided the interior structure of a vehicle equipped with a curtain airbag which can properly form the tension line at the curtain member.

The present invention relates to an interior structure of a vehicle equipped with a curtain airbag, and, in particular, relates to an interior structure of a vehicle equipped with a curtain airbag which is disposed inside a roof trim in a stored state.
Conventionally, a curtain airbag device equipped with an airbag which inflates downward from the ceiling portion into the vehicle compartment in a curtain shape (hereinafter, referred to as a "curtain member") at a vehicle side collision or rollover is known. This curtain airbag device is configured to reduce the collision impact at the vehicle side collision or to cover a side window for protection of passengers at the vehicle rollover.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2007-15536, for example, discloses the curtain airbag device in which the curtain member in the stored state is provided inside the roof trim at a roof side rail portion. According to this curtain airbag device, the volume of part of the end portion of the curtain member which is stored inside the pillar trim is set to be so less than the volume of that which is pulled back at the time of inflation that the inflation function of the curtain member can be properly ensured, reducing the degree of projection of the roof trim into the vehicle compartment when the curtain member is stored.
Herein, it may be considered that the curtain member is stored in such a manner that a side end portion (an end portion in a vehicle longitudinal direction) of the curtain member is turned back (bent), i.e., the curtain member has a bending portion. Thereby, when the curtain member inflates, the roof trim may be deformed and the pillar portion which is located forward or rearward may be covered properly with this side end portion (bending portion) of the curtain member which inflates into the vehicle compartment. Thus, the large inflation range of the curtain member can be ensured, thereby improving the safety against the vehicle collision, keeping an outlet opening of the curtain member at an interior member as smaller as possible.
Herein, however, fixing of the curtain member to the vehicle body is only conducted at the upper portion of the roof side rail portion, not at a pillar portion which is provided in fort or back of that, so a so-called "tension line" which should be formed so as to extend in the vehicle longitudinal direction by connecting a fixing point of the front end of the vehicle body (a front pillar) and a fixing point of the rear end of the vehicle body (a rear pillar) may not be formed properly. If this tension line is not formed at the curtain member, there is a concern that the curtain member may not keep its inflating state properly covering the side window.
Further, EP 1386791 A2 discloses the airbag device in which the curtain member in the stored state is disposed at the upper edge portion of the back window at the vehicle rear portion. This curtain member inflates downward so as to cover the back window from the inside of the vehicle compartment when the rear impact is detected. Further, this publication also discloses the airbag device to guide the inflation direction of the curtain member with a pair of guide rails which are provided at both-side edge portions of an opening of the back (rear) window. Thus, the curtain member can be guided properly and cover the back (rear) window surely.
Herein, since the curtain member has a tension in the vehicle width direction by providing the guide rails, the above-described tension line can be formed in the vehicle width direction at the curtain member. However, there is a concern that according to the structure of the airbag device in the above-described European publication the curtain member may not inflate stably because the curtain member could not smoothly slide on the guide rails if the inflation speeds at the both sides of the curtain member are different from each other.
Accordingly, it may be considered as another structure for providing the tension line to the curtain member without any guide rail that the curtain member is directly fixed to the both-side edge portions of the opening of the back window so that the curtain member inflates from the both-side edge portions. Herein, it may be necessary that inner-wall faces (pillar trims) of the both-side edge portions should be deformed greatly or broken in this structure. However, this may be difficult because the pillar trim provided at the both-side edge portions of the opening is generally made of a hard material of synthetic resin so as to form a luggage-space wall face. Thus, there is a concern that the tension line may not be properly formed at the curtain member according to the present structure, either.
Meanwhile, in the curtain airbag device disclosed in the above-described Japanese patent publication, the curtain member is stored in such a manner that the side end portion of the curtain member is turned back, i.e., the curtain member has the bending portion, as described above. Accordingly, there is a concern that the inflation of the side end portion of the curtain member (i.e., the bending portion) toward the vehicle compartment may be improperly delayed, so that the safety against the vehicle collision would deteriorate.

Interior structure of vehicle equipped with curtain airbag


A combination lid switch and out-of-balance switch for a residential washing machine or the like employs a pendulum actuated lever to open contacts under a predetermined acceleration after those contacts have been closed by a switch operator communicating with the lid.

The present invention relates to clothes washing machines and in particular to electrical switches used to stop the operation of such machines when the machine's lid is raised or an out-of-balance condition occurs.
Top loading residential washing machines have an upwardly opening tub into which clothes may be placed for cleaning. During operation, the tub and its internal spin basket are filled with water, via a solenoid valve, and a central agitator within the tub agitates the clothes and water to separate the dirt from the fabric ("agitation cycle"). At the conclusion of the agitation cycle, the water is drained from the tub and the spin basket is spun about its axis to remove water from the wet clothes by centrifugal force ("spin cycle").
During the spin cycle, if the wet clothes are unevenly distributed about the axis of the spin basket, the rapidly rotating spin basket may become unbalanced. Minor unbalance is accommodated by mounting the tub (including the spin basket) to "float" with respect to the housing of the washing machine, i.e., so that some movement between the two can occur. Such a floating mounting system may, for example, suspend the tub from the top of the washing machine on one or more pivoting links.
Even with such floating mounting systems, only a limited range of relative motion between the tub and the housing may be accommodated. For severely out-of-balance loads, the movement of the tub will be great enough that the limits of travel of the mounting system will be exceeded. In these cases, the out-of-balance tub may impart sufficient force to the washing machine to cause it to walk or shake unacceptably or the tub may strike the frame of the washing machine potentially damaging the machine itself. For this reason it is desirable to provide a switch that responds to severe out-of-balance conditions to stop rotation of the spin basket so that the user can redistribute the wet clothes.
This function of stopping the out-of-balance spin cycle has previously been accomplished by a "kickout" switch positioned just outside the outer excursion of the tub during mildly out-of-balance operation. During severe out-of-balance operation, the kickout switch is struck by the swinging of the tub and opens the motor circuit stopping the spin cycle. Such a kickout switch is described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,958,094 assigned to the assignee of the present invention and hereby incorporated by reference.
During the spin cycle of the washing machine, it is also important that the lid remain closed to protect the user from injury from the rapidly rotating spin basket. For this purpose, a lid switch is normally positioned near the lid to detect an opening of the lid during the spin cycle and to stop the spin basket if the lid is raised during the spin cycle.
Desirably, the function of the out-of-balance switch and lid switch might be combined into a single unit to reduce costs. Such a combination may require that the lid switch be placed in a less than optimal location as dictated by the dominant mode out-of-balance motion of the spin basket or that additional structure be added to communicate any eccentricity of the spin basket to the location where the lid switch is placed.

Lid-switch with out-of-balance detection


A UV-curable and foamable resin composition comprising a photopolymerizable urethane acrylate oligomer, a photopolymerable monomer, a photo polymerization initiator, a photolytic foaming agent selected from an azo compound, a combination of sulonium salt and an inorganic carbonate, and a mixture thereof, and a photolysis catalyst is useful for coating a fiber or ribbon bundle to be applied to an air blown fiber system.

The so-called air blown fiber system (ABF) is characterized by a fiber laying process that comprises blowing a fiber bundle through a tube cable using compressed air or dry nitrogen. Lightweight and flexibility are required of such fiber bundle used in an ABF system. The main advantage of the air blown fiber system is that a long fiber bundle can be blown through a tube cable laid in a given network and, if necessary, the fiber bundle can be discharged from the tube cable and reused. Due to such advantage, the ABF system has been applied to optical fiber wiring for indoors, in particular, network systems in high-rise buildings.
A fiber unit used in the ABF system comprises a fiber or ribbon bundle, and a sheath layer coated thereon, the sheath layer being composed of two layers, i.e., an inner tight bundle coating layer which tightly wraps the fiber or ribbon bundle and a lightweight outer layer which imparts high strength and good flexibility to the fiber bundle. In the past, the two layers of the fiber unit have been formed by injection molding or by a combination of a UV-curing process for the inner layer and an injection/foaming process for the outer layer. Since, the productivity of the injection method is lower than that of the UV-curing process, there has recently been suggested a method of applying the UV curing process to the outer coating layer. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,557,703, 5,563,985, 5,903,693, 5,970,195, 6,101,304 and 6,249,629 disclose a method of forming a low-density outer layer by admixing a lightweight microsphere composition with a UV-curable resin. However, this method has disadvantages in that such a microsphere composition has to be mixed right before curing and the resulting resin coating is not uniform.
Thus, there has been a need to develop a UV-curable resin composition which can be used to form a light-weight, homogeneously foamed secured layer.

Uv-curable and foamable resin composition


A diagnostic method and associated system includes the steps of exposing at least one sample location with excitation radiation through a single optical waveguide or a single optical waveguide bundle, wherein the sample emits emission radiation in response to the excitation radiation. The same single optical waveguide or the single optical waveguide bundle receives at least a portion of the emission radiation from the sample, thus providing co-registration of the excitation radiation and the emission radiation. The wavelength of the excitation radiation and emission radiation is synchronously scanned to produce a spectrum upon which an image can be formed. An increased emission signal is generated by the enhanced overlap of the excitation and emission focal volumes provided by co-registration of the excitation and emission signals thus increasing the sensitivity as well as decreasing the exposure time necessary to obtain an image.

Although fixed-excitation laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) has been shown to be successful for differentiating normal from malignant tissues, this technique does not distinguish low-grade dysphasia from Barrett's mucosa without dysplasia. A limitation of the conventional fixed-excitation LIF technique results because it does not often provide the spectral specificity needed to provide clear "spectral fingerprints" of normal and dysplastic tissues mainly because the flourescence of tissue is a composite of fluorescence emissions from various tissue components. For example, tissue components generally include endogenous fluorophors such as aromatic amino acids (e.g., tryptophan, tyrosine, phenylalanine), structural matrix proteins (e.g., collagen, elastin), nicotiamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH), flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), porphyrins, Lipo-pigments (e.g., ceroids, lipofuscin), and other biological components. As a result, applied to tissue diagnostics LIF provides spectra that are poorly resolved and featureless because of spectral overlap between the emissions from individual tissue components. Thus, the laser used in LIF can only improve the sensitivity but cannot enhance the specificity (selectivity).
In addition to spectral specificity problems, current instrumentation for cancer and other tissue diagnostics have other serious limitations. One major limitation of the conventional fluorescence technique results from the use of a fixed-wavelength excitation source (e.g., a monochromatic laser). As noted above, each component in tissue (e.g., collagen, FAD, porphyrins, NADH, etc.) has specific absorption and emission spectra occurring in particular spectral ranges. When a single fixed laser line is used, it is difficult, if not impossible, to excite all the biological components under optimal conditions.
Synchronous luminescence (SL) methodology is an improved technology over LIF and provides a way to measure the luminescence signal and spectral fingerprints for rapid screening of complex chemical samples. The general theory of the SL method has been described previously in "Synchronous Excitation Spectroscopy," authored by the inventor of the present application T. Vo-Dinh, in Modern Fluorescence Spectroscopy, Chapter 5, Ed. by E. L. Wehry (Plenum Publ. Corp. 1981), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In contrast to SL, conventional luminescence spectroscopy uses either a fixed-wavelength excitation (λex) to produce an emission spectrum or a fixed wavelength emission (λem) to record an excitation spectrum. With SL, the luminescence signal is recorded while both λem and λex are simultaneously scanned. A constant wavelength interval is generally maintained between the excitation and the emission monochromators throughout the spectrum. As a result, the observed intensity Is of the synchronous signal can be written as a product of two functions as follows:Is(λex, λem)=k c Ex(λex)·EM(λex)  (1)where:    k=a constant,    c=concentration of the analyte,    Ex=excitation function, and    EM=emission function.
For a single molecular species the observed intensity Is is simplified often to a single peak, and the bandwidth is narrower than for the conventional emission spectrum. Since the SL spectrum of each component becomes sharper due to the band-narrowing effect of the SL technique, the resulting fluorescence spectrum of the tissues sample becomes better resolved with a plurality of readily identifiable sharp individual emission peaks.
In many medical applications (e.g., endoscopies), the use of optical fibers is required in order to perform in situ and in vivo measurements in an imaging mode. The inventor has previously disclosed several technologies based on fluorescence and synchronous luminescence for medical applications, such as U.S. Pat. No. 5,599,717 entitled "Advanced Synchronous Luminescence System for Medical Diagnostics," and U.S. Pat. No. 5,938,617 ('617) entitled "Advanced Synchronous Luminescence System for the Detection of Biological Agents and Infectious Pathogens".
'617 teaches a SL system 100 which is shown schematically in FIG. 1. The system 100 includes a laser 102 which provides outputs a light beam 104 having a given wavelength. The light beam 104 is coupled to a structure 106 for changing its wavelength, such as a multi-dye module (MDM) 106. The output of the MDM 106 is delivered, through a focusing lens 108, to a first optical fiber or bundle of fibers 110 for transmitting the excitation radiation to the sample 122 being investigated.
The optical fiber 110 transmits the excitation radiation beam to a probe 120 which is juxtaposed to sample 122. A second optical fiber or bundle of fibers 125 transmits the fluorescence emission from sample 122 to a detector 130. The detector 130 comprises a monochromator (MON) 131 and a photomultiplier (PM) 132. A boxcar integrator (BCI) 134, synchronized with the laser pulse via a pulse generator (PG) 136 acting as a trigger is used to record and process the emitted fluorescence signal. A synchronous scanning device (SS) 138 ensures that the excitation radiation (λex) and the emission radiation (λem) are maintained at a constant interval. A portable computer 140, or other suitable data collection, analysis and/or display devices, can be used to generate a synchronous luminescence spectra which can be compared to spectra from known healthy tissue samples to detect tissue anomalies.
Significantly, system 100 includes a bifurcated fiber probe arrangement where a first probe 110 provides excitation radiation to sample 122 in a first location while a second probe 125 receives emitted radiation from sample 122 from a second sample location. Thus, the excitation and detection locations are different. As a result, co-registration of the excitation and emission is not possible. System 100 also does not generally allow precise determination of the emission location as emissions can originate from a plurality of locations around the excitation location.

Advanced synchronous luminescence imaging for chemical and medical diagnostics


A base composition and corresponding cosmetic composition are disclosed which can be formed as solids (for example, gels or sticks) and which comprise a solvent which includes a silicone fluid (for example, a silicone oil such as cyclomethicone) and a thickening agent formed from a wax and a polyamide gellant wherein at least one of the wax and polyamide includes silicon-containing moieties (for example, siloxane groups to have a siloxane diamide wax to enhance compatibility of the silicone fluid in the composition. A cosmetically active material, such as a deodorant or antiperspirant active material, is included in the composition to form a solid cosmetic product (antiperspirant or deodorant product), which can be a clear product. Compositions of the present invention can be made with increased amounts of silicone fluid and with improved aesthetics such as decreased tack.

The present invention is directed to a base composition and cosmetic compositions made therefrom wherein the base composition comprises a (1) silicone fluid and (2) a gelling agent comprising a wax containing siloxane units and a polyamide wherein the polyamide may itself optionally contain siloxane units. The cosmetic compositions include, but not limited to, a deodorant or antiperspirant composition, in solid (for example, gel or stick) form, having a cosmetically active ingredient (illustratively, a deodorant and/or antiperspirant active material) therein. In particular, the present invention is directed to a deodorant or antiperspirant stick or gel composition, utilizing a polyamide gelling agent, having enhanced compatibility with silicone fluids (for example, silicone liquids, such as silicone oils). The cosmetic composition of the present invention, when incorporating an antiperspirant and/or deodorant active material, can be used to combat body malodor, for example, in axillary regions of the human body, by applying the composition to the human body (for example, to the skin, in axillary regions of the body).
The present invention is particularly directed to clear or transparent antiperspirant compositions in stick or gel form. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a clear gel or stick composition including a polyamide gelling agent, and having an active ingredient (for example, an antiperspirant active material) incorporated therein, the composition having improved application and cosmetic properties (including reduced tackiness and stickiness). The present base compositions and cosmetic compositions are preferably transparent (clear) but they can also be translucent or opaque.
Antiperspirant products are well known in the art. Antiperspirant products have appeared in the marketplace in various dosage forms, such as sticks, gels, roll-ons, aerosols and creams. Generally, these dosage forms include a solution of the active ingredient in a suitable solvent, a suspension of the active ingredient in a non-solvent, or a multiphasic dispersion or emulsion in which a solution of the active ingredient is dispersed in some continuous phase or in which the solubilized active ingredient constitutes the continuous phase.
With respect to solid cosmetic compositions, the stick form can be distinguished from a gel or a paste in that in a stick, the formulated product can maintain its shape for extended time periods outside the package, the product not losing its shape significantly (allowing for some shrinkage due to solvent evaporation). Gels or pastes can be suitably packaged in containers which have the appearance of a stick, but which dispense through apertures on the top surface of the package. These products have been called soft sticks or "smooth-ons". Hereinafter, these soft sticks are generically called "gels". Reference is made to U.S. Pat. No. 5,102,656 to Kasat, U.S. Pat. No. 5,069,897 to Orr, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,937,069 to Shin, each of which discloses such gels, including physical characteristics thereof such as viscosity and hardness. The contents of each of these three U.S. Patents are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
Recently, there has been significant activity in developing clear and translucent antiperspirant sticks and gels. Clear or translucent antiperspirant sticks consisting essentially of a solution of the active antiperspirant material in a polyhydric alcohol vehicle, gelled by dibenzylidene monosorbitol acetal, have been disclosed. Clear and translucent antiperspirant gels (which have been dispensed from containers having the appearance of a stick) have been marketed, consisting of viscous, high internal phase emulsions. However, such conventional sticks and gels have draw backs.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,500,209 (issued on Application Ser. No. 08/214,111), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, discloses a gel or stick which includes active deodorant and/or antiperspirant ingredients, a polyamide gelling agent, and a solvent for the polyamide gelling agent, which gel or stick composition can be clear or translucent. This patent application discloses that the polyamide gelling agent is soluble in a cosmetically acceptable solvent at elevated temperatures, and solidifies (gels) upon cooling; acceptable solvents are disclosed as including various alcohols, including various glycols.
While the polyamide-containing stick or gel disclosed in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 5,500,209 contains desirable properties in connection with stability of the composition, particularly in the presence of acidic antiperspirant active materials, and in providing clear or translucent gel or stick compositions, various attributes need to be improved. Specifically, the compositions according to U.S. Pat. No. 5,500,029, containing glycol solvents for the polyamide gelling agent and/or for the antiperspirant active material, may have a disadvantageous amount of tackiness and stickiness both upon and after application to the skin.
In general, various of the polyamides described in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 5,500,209 are used commercially for thermal adhesive formulations, are very sticky in their molten phase, and are considerably tacky even in gel formulations, especially after the volatile solvent is evaporated. This property is very undesirable for cosmetic applications, particularly for antiperspirant and/or deodorant applications, because it produces formulations with an unpleasant sensation when applied to the skin.
Addressing this problem of tackiness and stickiness in connection with cosmetic compositions utilizing a polyamide gelling agent, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/426,672, filed Apr. 21, 1995, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety, discloses use of a specific solvent system for a solid composition containing an antiperspirant active material and a polyamide gelling agent. This solvent system is glycol-free and contains a non-ionic surfactant and a polar solvent. Water is the polar solvent, and with the non-ionic surfactant acts as a dispersing medium for the antiperspirant active material, in which sufficient water is used to give a clear or translucent solution/emulsion of the antiperspirant active material.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, it is still desired to provide a solid cosmetic composition, containing a cosmetically active material in a sufficient amount so as to have a cosmetic effect, the composition being thickened using a polyamide gelling agent, the composition having improved cosmetic properties, including reduced tackiness and stickiness both upon and after application.
A typical technique to reduce the tackiness of, for example, antiperspirant formulations is the incorporation of cyclomethicone (such as a mixture of penta- and hexa-cyclodimethylsiloxanes). This cyclomethicone is a very low-viscosity liquid that provides excellent lubricity, which eliminates the tacky feeling. Cyclomethicone is also mildly volatile and therefore does not leave stains on the skin and/or clothing. More than 50% by weight of cyclomethicone has been incorporated into solid stick antiperspirant formulations, for example, using a wax solidifying agent. However, cyclomethicone is a nonsolvent for polyamides described as gelling agents in U.S. Pat. No. 5,500,029. Moreover, only limited quantities of the cyclomethicone (for example, 37% by weight) can be incorporated in solid compositions gelled using such polyamide gelling agent, without destroying the clarity of the gelled composition. Beyond that point, the gelled composition becomes cloudy because of either excessive crystallization of the polyamide or immiscibility of the cyclomethicone in the mixture.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,243,010 to Choi, et al., the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, discloses aromatic polyamide resins having pendant silyl groups, such resin having excellent heat-resistance, mechanical strength, electrical conductivity and other physical properties, as well as excellent solubility in common organic solvents and improved molten processing properties. This patent does not describe use of the aromatic polyamide resin as a gelling agent, much less as a gelling agent in cosmetic compositions to provide solid cosmetic compositions.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,272,241 to Lucarelli, et al., the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, discloses organofunctional siloxanes useful in both the personal care and plastics industries, the siloxanes being amino acid functionalized silicones. It is disclosed in this patent that the siloxanes have uses as plastic additives, hydraulic fluids, vibration damping agents, release agents, antifoamers, dielectric media, water repellents, surfactants, cosmetic and health product additives, lubricants, etc. This patent does not disclose use of the siloxanes as gelling agents.
Thus, it is an object to provide a gelling agent or co-gelling agent for such base composition and cosmetic and composition, as a thickening agent.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a solid cosmetic composition (for example, a gel or stick composition), containing a cosmetically active ingredient and a gelling agent, which can be a clear composition, having reduced tack both upon and after application, and a method of forming the same.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a solid cosmetic composition, utilizing a gelling agent, and which has increased compatibility with silicone fluids (for example, cyclomethicone or dimethicone liquids), allowing creation of compositions which contain high levels of silicone fluids (such as these silicone oils), and a method of forming the same.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide solid cosmetic compositions utilizing gelling agents, which compositions have improved cosmetic and application properties, including having reduced tackiness and stickiness, and a method of producing the same.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide an antiperspirant and/or deodorant solid (for example, gel or stick) composition, containing deodorant and/or antiperspirant active materials, thickened using a gelling agent, which composition can be clear or at least translucent, the composition containing increased amounts of silicone fluids (for example, cyclomethicone and/or dimethicone) and having reduced tackiness and stickiness both upon and after application, and a method of making the same.

Cosmetic composition containing silicon-modified amides as thickening agents and method of forming same


Techniques for map interface interaction are described. One example method includes receiving user input specifying a map search operation, the map search operation including a first location and a distance determining point each specifying a location in a set of map data representing a physical area; determining a selected distance between the first location and the distance determining point, wherein the selected distance represents a physical distance between the physical locations represented by the first location and the distance determining point; determining a demarcated range based on the first location and the selected distance, the demarcated range representing a subset of the physical area; and displaying one or more target objects in the demarcated range as a search result set, each target object associated with a physical location in the subset of the physical area represented by the demarcated range.

Continuous development of Internet technologies leads to increasing reliance on Internet technologies in many aspects of life. Especially, because of the popularization of intelligent terminals, people depend on the intelligent terminals heavily.
For example, when going out, people used to get directions from a route memory or the sun. Now, people usually search for a destination and plan a route by using map software on a device such as a mobile phone or a computer. However, a map search and result display technology is imperfect currently, which is degrading user experience.
Currently, no effective solution to the previous problem is provided.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


An all terrain vehicle with a low profile low friction seat support is described. The vehicle includes a rail in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle and a seat support with a top member and a bottom member. The seat support is adapted for securing on the rail, and the seat support is adjustable in position in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. A lock is provided for releasably locking the seat support in a forward position, a rearward position and therebetween. A low friction support member is positioned between the top and bottom members. At least two channels are formed in the top member. One of the channels matches the shape of the support member, and the other channel matches the shape of the rail for close registration between the top member and the support member and the rails. The seat support is highly compartmentalized, sturdier, and safer for vehicle occupants.

Adjustable seats in vehicles are known. All terrain vehicles (ATVs) and other off-highway vehicles, however, present dynamics that make traditional fleet vehicle seats and their mounting set-ups impractical. Seats for these rugged vehicles must be sturdier, and it low center of gravity is preferred because the attitude of the vehicle can be radical at times. Torsion forces produced by heavier occupants, especially during travel, can also be dangerous. As a result, the seat support may bend and deform, or become loose and fail to properly function over time.
Off-highway and ATV seats and mount assemblies are crude and underdeveloped in their design. Most, for example, cannot be adjusted to accommodate small stature individuals, women and children. The seat position relative to the steering controls is one-size-fits-all. This is problematic because these vehicles have increased in number and power. This increases risk of injury due to occupant collision with the interior or being thrown from the vehicle because of a poor fit between passenger and seat. Moreover, ATV seats that are adjustable require the occupant to stand to adjust them, which is inconvenient and dangerous when occupants try to make the adjustment without stopping and standing.
Thus, it would be advantageous to provide an improved low profile low friction vehicle seat support assembly useful in off-highway vehicles. It would be advantageous if such a seat support was sturdier, adjustable while sitting in it, and functioned more along the lines of a seat mount set-up of a normal fleet vehicle, which is smoother and easier to adjust. Also desirable is a compartmentalized retrofit unit that would not add to the seat height of the original design.

Low profile low friction vehicle seat support


The present invention relates to selected (R)-arylalkylamino derivatives of formula (I), in which R, R1 and Ar are as defined in the claims. These compounds show a surprising potent inhibitory effect on C5a induced human PMN chemotaxis. The compounds of the invention absolutely lack of CXCL8 inhibitory activity. Said compounds are useful in the treatment of pathologies depending on the chemotactic activation of neutrophils and monocytes induced by the fraction C5a of the complement. In particular, the compounds of the invention are useful in the treatment of sepsis, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, acute respiratory distress syndrome, idiopathic fibrosis, glomerulonephritis and in the prevention and treatment of injury caused by ischemia and reperfusion.

The present invention relates to novel compounds useful in the inhibition of the chemotactic activation induced by the fraction C5a of complement. Said compounds are useful in the treatment of pathologies depending on the chemotactic activation of neutrophils and monocytes induced by the fraction C5a of the complement. In particular, the compounds of the invention are useful in the treatment of sepsis, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, acute respiratory distress syndrome, idiopathic fibrosis, glomerulonephritis and in the prevention of injury caused by ischemia and reperfusion.
In response to immunologic and infective events, activation of the complement system mediates amplification of inflammatory response both via direct membrane action and via release of a series of peptide fragments, generally known as anaphylatoxins, generated by enzymatic cleavage of the C3, C4 and C5 complement fractions. These peptides include C3a and C4a, both of 77 aminoacids; in turn, C5 convertase cleaves the C5 complement fraction to give the glycoprotein C5a of 74 aminoacids.
The C5a peptide fragment of the complement has been defined as the "complete" pro-inflammatory mediator due to its chemotactic and inflammatory activity. In fact, other inflammatory mediators such as selected cytokines (IL-8, MCP-1 and RANTES, for example) are highly selective towards self-attracted cells, while others such as histamine and bradykinin are only weak chemotactic agents.
Convincing evidences support the involvement of C5a, in vivo, in several pathological conditions including ischemia/reperfusion, autoimmune dermatitis, membrane-proliferative idiopathic glomerulonephritis, airway irresponsiveness and chronic inflammatory diseases, ARDS and CODP, Alzheimer's disease, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (N. P. Gerard, Ann. Rev. Immunol., 12, 755, 1994).
In view of the neuro-inflammatory potential of C5a/C5a-desArg generated by both local complement production and amyloid activation joined with astrocyte and microglia chemotaxis and activation directly induced by C5a, complement inhibitors have been proposed for the treatment of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (McGeer & McGeer P. L., Drugs, 55, 738, 1998).
Furthermore, the control of the synthesis of complement fractions is considered a promising therapeutic target in the treatment of shock and in the prevention of rejection during organ transplant (multiple organ failure and hyperacute graft rejection) (Issekutz A. C. et al., Int. J. Immunopharmacol, 12, 1, 1990; Inagi R. et at., Immunol. Lett., 27, 49, 1991). More recently, inhibition of complement fractions has been reported to be involved in the prevention of native and transplanted kidney injuries taking account of complement involvement in the pathogenesis of both chronic interstitial and acute glomerular renal injuries. (Sheerin N. S. & Sacks S. H., Curr. Opinion Nephrol. Hypert., 7, 395, 1998).
Characteristic neutrophil accumulation occurs in acute and chronic pathologic conditions, for example in the highly inflamed and therapeutically recalcitrant areas of psoriatic lesions. Neutrophils are chemotactically attracted and activated by the synergistic action of chemokines, IL-8 and Gro-α released by the stimulated keratinocytes, and of the C5a/C5a-desArg fraction produced through the alternative complement pathway activation (T. Terui et al., Exp. Dermatol., 9, 1, 2000). We have recently described a novel class of "omega-aminoalkylamides of R-2-aryl-propionic acids" as inhibitors of the chemotaxis of polymorphonucleate and mononucleate cells" (WO 02/068377). The novel class includes compounds ranging from selective C5a inhibitors to dual C5a/IL-8 inhibitors.
Furthermore, quaternary ammonium salts of omega-aminoalkylamides of R-2-aryl-propionic acids have been reported as selective inhibitors of C5a induced neutrophils and monocytes chemotaxis (WO 03/029187).

(R)-arylalkylamino derivatives and pharmaceutical compositions containing them


Systems and methods for evaluating blood behavior when flowing through an implantable medical device are provided. A flow loop includes the implantable medical device, and a blood reservoir configured to contain a volume of blood and to supply blood from the volume of blood to the implantable medical device. The flow loop further includes a plurality of tubing sections coupled in flow communication between the implantable medical device and the blood reservoir, the plurality of tubing sections including a least a first tubing section having a first diameter and a second tubing section having a second diameter, wherein the second diameter is smaller than the first diameter, and a flow diverter coupled in flow communication between the plurality of tubing sections and the blood reservoir, the flow diverter comprising an outlet that is configured to be positioned below a surface of the volume of blood.

Ventricular assist systems (VASs) may include ventricular assist devices (VADs), such as implantable blood pumps used for both short-term (i.e., days, months) and long-term (i.e., years or a lifetime) applications where a patient's heart is incapable of providing adequate circulation, commonly referred to as heart failure or congestive heart failure. A patient suffering from heart failure may use a VAS while awaiting a heart transplant or as a long-term destination therapy. In another example, a patient may use a VAS while recovering from heart surgery. Thus, a VAS can supplement a weak heart (i.e., partial support) or can effectively replace the natural heart's function. VASs can be implanted in the patient's body and powered by an electrical power source inside or outside the patient's body.
To evaluate the performance of VASs and other implantable medical devices, a testing apparatus may be used to simulate the operation of a device in a patient. Specifically, at least some known testing apparatus use flow loops to repeatedly circulate fluids through an implantable medical device. The fluid may be, for example, animal blood or fresh human blood.
Fresh human blood is generally more desirable, as it more accurately simulates the conditions in an actual patient. However, fresh human blood has limited availability relative to animal blood. Further, platelets in fresh human blood disintegrate over time, limiting the amount of time that fresh human blood can be used with a testing apparatus.
Accordingly, a testing apparatus that uses less human blood and requires less time to evaluate an implantable medical device would be advantageous.

Systems and methods for evaluating blood behavior when flowing through implantable medical devices


Efficient access processing is performed when the service level of a server apparatus is low. There is provided a proxy apparatus including: a request sending unit for sending a first server request message based on a first client request message received from an information terminal to a destination server apparatus; a server status information storage unit for storing timeout information of the destination if a timeout of a first server request message is detected; a request monitoring unit for deciding to time out a second client request message received from an information terminal if timeout information of the destination of the second client request message is stored; and a proxy timeout response unit for sending a timeout response message corresponding to the second client request message that is decided to be timed out to the requesting information terminal.

Proxy apparatuses have been used conventionally to connect wireless communication networks to the Internet in order to enable information terminals such as cellular phones, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants) or PCs (Personal Computers) to wirelessly access server apparatuses such as Web servers on the Internet. A proxy apparatus relays traffic between information terminals and a server apparatus. The proxy apparatus receives a request message including a request to the server apparatus from an information terminal, sends it to the server apparatus, receives a response message including the result of processing of the request from the server apparatus and sends it to the information terminal. When relaying the traffic, the proxy apparatus also functions as a service gateway that provides services such as content filtering and conversion. Such apparatus is shown in Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application No. 2000-357176.
While an information terminal is being carried by a user, wireless communication between the information terminal and Base stations (cell sites) can be temporarily broken because the user moves into an area that is in a dead zone or passes through a weak coverage area. In order to facilitate efficient communication between information terminals and a proxy apparatus under such unstable communication conditions, a method is disclosed in which a response message sent from a server apparatus in response to a request from an information terminal is temporarily stored on a proxy apparatus and the response message stored is returned to the information terminal in response to a second request from an information terminal. Such systems are shown in Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Applications No. 11-120108 and No. 2002-197005.
In internet access services to information terminals, the information terminals can send access requests to any server apparatuses. Some of such server apparatuses may provide degraded services due to slow response or suspension of services. If a proxy apparatus sends a request message to such a server apparatus for a request from an information terminal, the proxy apparatus will be kept waiting for a response message from the server apparatus for a long time or will have to cause the timeout to stop waiting for the response message. Consequently, the connection resources of the proxy apparatus are occupied for a long time, during which proper processing of access to server apparatuses is disturbed.
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus, an information system, a proxy processing method, and a program and a recording medium that can solve the problem. The object is achieved by the combination of features set forth in the independent Claims. The dependent Claims define further advantageous specific embodiments.

Information processing apparatus, information system, proxy processing method, and program and recording medium therefor

International Business Machines Corporation


A performance control apparatus which can reflect operations carried out by a user on variations in dynamics in real time to achieve performance expressions such as crescendo and decrescendo. A keyboard generates performance timing information in response to performance operations by a user, and performance intensity information. An HDD stores data of a music piece. The data of the music piece is read out from the HDD at a tempo based on the performance timing, and sounding instruction data including information on intensities and volumes of musical tones is generated. If the performance timing coincides with timing in which note information on a musical tone is read out, the sounding instruction data on the musical tone is determined based on the performance intensity information and the volume and intensity of the musical tone included in the read note information. If the performance timing is during sounding of a musical tone based on the note information previously read out, the sounding instruction data is redetermined based on the volume information on the musical tone based on the performance intensity information in the performance timing.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a performance control apparatus that sequences data of a music piece for a predetermined duration according to operation by a performer, as well as a storage medium for the performance control apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
Conventionally, there have been known electronic musical instruments that generate musical tones in response to operation by a performer. Such electronic musical instruments are modeled on, for example, pianos and generally carry out performance operations in a manner similar to pianos that are acoustic musical instruments. These electronic musical instruments require skill to perform and much time to learn.
In recent years, however, realization of musical instruments that can played with ease by unskilled persons has been desired, and for example, an electronic musical instrument disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 2000-276141 (Prior Art 1) has been proposed. The electronic musical instrument of Prior Art 1 is configured to carry out automatic performance to sound musical tones of certain duration (for example, about a half measure) in response to a simple operation (for example, shake by hand) by a performer. The electronic musical instrument of Prior Art 1 is comprised of a plurality of slave units and one master unit.
Such an electronic musical instrument generates musical tones in accordance with operation by a performer. Specifically, when a performer carries out a performance operation using operators, information indicative of the intensity of the performance operation (hereafter referred to as "beat velocity" in this specification) is transferred from one of the slave units to the master unit. The master unit reads out musical tone data of a part assigned to the slave unit and determines, for example, the tone color of musical tones based on the above-mentioned beat velocity and intensity information (hereafter referred to as "musical tone velocity") written in advance in the musical tone data. The master unit also determines the volume of the musical tones based on volume information written in advance in the musical tone data and sounds the musical tones. It should be noted that electronic musical instruments are generally equipped with an operator (such as a volume slider) for a performer to designate the volume so that musical tones can be sounded with consideration given to the volume designated using the operator.
In the electronic musical instrument of Prior Art 1, once a performer has carried out a performance operation, musical tones of certain duration (for example, about a half measure) are automatically sounded with a tone color determined by this operation. The volume of the musical tones being sounded is determined based on information written in musical tone data. Once sounding of musical tones has been started, the volume thereof is not changed whatever operations a performer carries out. For this reason, it has been impossible to achieve performance expressions such as a gradual increase in tone intensity (crescendo) and a gradual decrease in tone intensity (decrescendo).
To realize increase and decrease in tone intensity, an automatic performance apparatus that can apply performance expressions such as crescendo and decrescendo to a given part of musical tone data has been proposed (Prior Art 2) (see Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication (Kokai) No. H10-222163, for example). Also, an electronic musical instrument that enables designation of the volume of subpart data by operation of performance operators has been proposed (Prior Art 3) (see Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 2002-328676, for example).
The automatic performance apparatus of Prior Art 2 is capable of editing musical tone data and changing the velocity (here, musical tone velocity) according to the curve of variations in the volume of musical tones as a whole. Thus, the automatic performance apparatus of Prior Art 2 cannot control the dynamics (volume) of musical tones in real time based on beat velocities designated through operation by a performer.
Also, the electronic musical instrument of Prior Art 3 is capable of changing the volume of a subpart in real time through operation by a performer. However, for example, the electronic musical instrument is not capable of changing the volume of a prolonged musical tone of a main part, that has once been sounded even when the performer carries out an operation during sounding of the musical tone. Thus, as is the case with the automatic performance apparatus of Prior Art 2 mentioned above, the electronic musical instrument of Prior Art 3 cannot control the dynamics (volume) of musical tones in real time based on beat velocities designated through operation by a performer and cannot achieve performance expressions such as crescendo and decrescendo.

Performance control apparatus and storage medium


Provided are compounds of Formula I which are derivatives of 3-Hydroxypyridin-4-ones. The compounds may be used in treatment of a medical condition related to a toxic concentration of iron. The compounds may be used for preparation of a medicament for treatment of a medical condition related to a toxic concentration of iron. The medical condition related to a toxic concentration of iron may be selected from the group consisting of: cancer, pulmonary disease, progressive kidney disease and Friedreich's ataxia.

The occurrence of in vivo iron toxicity in the human body can be categorized into iron overload and non-iron overload conditions. Iron overload conditions are common in thalassemia patients through chronic blood transfusions and in hereditary hemochromatosis patients. Non-iron overloaded conditions include anthracycline mediated cardiotoxicity, viral infections, neurodegenerative diseases, photo induced damage, and proliferative conditions. The potential use of iron chelators in the treatment of a variety of diseases is reviewed in Tam et al., Current Medicinal Chemistry, 2003, 10, 983-995 and Hider et al., BioMetals, 2007, 20, 639-654.
At present, there are several iron chelator drugs that have reached the market. Examples of those include deferiprone (Ferriprox™), ICL670 (ExJade™), dexrazoxane hydrochloride (Zinecard™) and desferrioxamine mesylate (Desferal™). However, only two of these compounds, namely deferiprone and ICL670, are orally active for the removal of iron in iron-overloaded diseases.

Fluorinated derivatives of 3-hydroxypyridin-4-ones


Disclosed herein is a method for economically manufacturing high quality TiC powder, TiCN powder or ultrafine nanophase TiC+Ni (Co, Al) and TiCN+Ni (Co, Al) composite powders by means of metallothermic reduction. The method comprises the steps of preparing a starting solution of titanium tetrachloride (TiCl4) in a carbon chloride, feeding the starting solution into a closed container containing molten magnesium (Mg) under inert atmosphere, vacuum-separating unreacted liquid-phase Mg and magnesium chloride (MgCl2) remaining after reduction of magnesium from the closed container, and collecting a TiC compound from the closed container.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing nanophase TiC-based composite powders by means of metallothermic reduction, and more particularly to a method for economically manufacturing high quality TiC powder, TiCN powder or ultrafine nanophase TiC+Ni (Co, Al) and TiCN+Ni (Co, Al) composite powders by means of metallothermic reduction.
2. Description of the Related Art
In general, titanium carbide (TiC) and titanium carbo-nitride (TiCN) powders are currently used as additives for improving high-temperature hardness and wear-resistance of WC/Co hard metal tools. In addition, these powders are widely used as starting powders for manufacturing cermet tools, rolls and molds by forming composites with metal powders, e.g., Ni powder.
As traditional processes for manufacturing TiC and TiCN powders, reduction/carburization of titanium dioxide (TiO2), direct carburization of Ti and TiH2, self heated sintering processes, sol-gel processes and mechanical alloying (MA) processes, etc., have been developed.
These processes have difficulty in their commercial uses due to the following problems.
That is, the reduction/carburization of titanium dioxide requires a very high reaction temperature of as high as 2000° C., which is economically disadvantageous. Since the direct carburization using Ti and TiH2 and self heated sintering processes use an expensive starting material (high purity sponge titanium powder), there is a problem of high manufacturing costs. The sol-gel process and the mechanical alloying (MA) process have problems of difficult stoichiometric manufacturing of TiC and TiCN powders and serious impurity incorporation during manufacture of TiC and TiCN powders, etc.
In addition, according to the above-mentioned processes, since finally manufactured powders are often obtained in the form of oxides such as TiCxOy or TiCxNyOz, there is a difficulty in the manufacture of desired high quality powders. Furthermore, the processes require a separate grinding step, such as re-milling, to obtain a desired particle size, owing to severe sintering of TiC by high reaction temperature.

Method for manufacturing nanophase TiC-based composite powders by metallothermic reduction

Abstract: TiC powder, TiCN powder or ultrafine nanophase TiC+Ni (Co, Al) and TiCN+Ni (Co, Al) composite powders having a particle size of a few tens nm can be manufactured in a simpler manner using economically advantageous starting materials such as titanium tetrachloride and carbon chlorides.

Korea Institute of Machinery & Materials


A quick-detach barrel mounting system for removing and attaching a barrel to a receiver of a firearm. The quick-detach barrel mounting system can include a barrel nut having a body defining an axial bore. A proximal end of the barrel is received at least partially through the axial bore, and the barrel nut releasably engages a front end of the receiver. A hand guard can be mounted to the receiver and can define a cutout proximate the receiver. The hand guard at least partially encloses at least a portion of the barrel and the barrel nut, and the cutout is at least partially aligned with the barrel nut. At least a portion of the barrel nut is accessible via the cutout of the hand guard for at least partially disengaging and engaging the barrel nut with the receiver when the hand guard is mounted on the receiver.

Manual firearms, such as rifles and shotguns, are designed to fire a round of ammunition, such as a cartridge or shot shell, in response to each squeeze of the trigger of the firearm, and thereafter a bolt assembly in the receiver of the firearm will be manually operated to eject the empty shell or cartridge casing and load the next shell or cartridge from the firearm magazine into the chamber of the firearm. Semi-automatic firearms are designed to fire a round of ammunition, such as a cartridge or shot shell, in response to each squeeze of the trigger of the firearm, and thereafter automatically eject the spent shell or cartridge and load the next shell or cartridge from the firearm magazine into the chamber of the firearm. During firing, the primer of the round of ammunition ignites the propellant inside the round, producing an expanding column of high pressure gases within the chamber and barrel of the firearm. The force of this expanding gas propels the bullet/shot of the cartridge or shell down the barrel.
It is becoming desirable now in military, and even civilian sporting firearms, that the barrel of such firearms be easily replaceable to enable a change of calibers of ammunition to be used in the firearm and/or to provide for replacement of damaged barrels and/or use of barrels of different lengths for different end use scenarios. The changeout of barrels is, however, often further complicated by the use of various hand guards and accessory rail assemblies typically mounted about the barrels of such firearms. In addition, the increasing use of monolithic or one-piece receiver and hand guard assemblies, especially in military firearms, has further complicated barrel removal in these types of firearms. Typically, the hand guards, and often other accessories, must be removed from the firearm prior to the removal and replacement of the barrel, can significantly increase the difficulty and time required for barrel change-out. Such a process further is complicated when it must be done in the field. Additionally, optics used with the firearm may need to be reassembled and recalibrated when reassembling a hand guard to a firearm after changing a barrel, which requires additional expertise and time.
Accordingly, it can be seen that a need exists for a barrel mounting and retention assembly that addresses the foregoing and other related and unrelated problems in the art.


Barometric pressure is determined in a hybrid electric vehicle from manifold absolute pressure. During engine operation, wide open throttle is commanded and output torque disturbances are offset by the electric machine. Barometric pressure is estimated based on sensed intake manifold pressure and engine speed dependent pressure offsets. During engine shut down, barometric pressure may be determined from manifold pressure without any offset adjustments.

Barometric pressure varies with weather conditions and altitude. IN a motor vehicle, an accurate determination of barometric pressure is essential for various engine control functions. For instance, precise metering of the amount of air and fuel delivered to the engine is necessary to achieve the desired combustion as well as acceptable vehicle emissions. When the barometric pressure drops, typically the timing needs to be retarded and the fuel mixture richened. In addition, the barometric pressure may also be used to control idle bypass airflow, check for limp-in conditions and other diagnostic functions.
Barometric pressure can be measured in a variety of ways. Currently, in automotive applications, the barometric pressure can be measured using a barometric pressure sensor mountable on any suitable place on the vehicle where it sees true atmospheric pressure. Such a sensor generates an output signal indicative of the atmospheric pressure. The barometric pressure reading is then used for the various engine control functions. However, barometric pressure sensors can be costly and it is always desirable, particularly in automotive applications, to minimize costs.
Consequently, methods have been developed for estimating barometric pressure without the use of a separate or dedicated barometric pressure sensor. It is know, for example, that barometric pressure can be estimated when the vehicle's throttle is wide open (i.e., WOT) and, in some cases, when the vehicle's throttle is at some part throttle positions using an existing manifold absolute pressure sensor. However, there is typically a lower throttle position threshold below which barometric pressure cannot be estimated reliably. IN a hybrid vehicle, the accelerator pedal is not typically coupled to the throttle. Since the operator doesn't directly control the throttle, operation at WOT may not occur when needed or prolonged operation at or below the lower throttle position threshold is quite possible, thereby resulting in unreliable barometric pressure estimates.
Thus, it is desirable to have a reliable method for determining barometric pressure in a hybrid vehicle without the need for a barometric pressure sensor.

Method and system for estimating barometric pressure in a hybrid vehicle


An oven appliance with a cabinet that defines a chamber is provided. A pair of doors is mounted proximate the cabinet and provides selective access to the cabinet. One of the pair of doors includes a tongue. Another of the pair of doors defines a groove configured for receipt of the tongue when the pair of doors is in a closed position. The tongue and groove can limit heat loss through a gap between the pair of doors or assist with sealing the pair of doors against the cabinet.

Oven appliances generally include a cabinet that defines a chamber for receipt of food items for cooking. The oven appliance's cabinet also defines an opening that permits access to the chamber. A door or doors mounted at the opening of the cabinet can selectively limit access to the chamber of the cabinet. For example, an oven appliance can include a pair of doors rotatably mounted at the opening of the cabinet. Such oven appliances are generally referred to as French door oven appliances. The pair of doors can be connected with a linkage assembly that rotates the pair of doors open and closed simultaneously.
The doors of French door oven appliances can engage one another when the doors are in a closed position. Generally, the doors of French door oven appliances engage one another in either a butt joint interface or a lap joint interface. For example, sidewalls of the doors can face one another when the doors are in a closed position such that the doors meet in the butt joint interface. Conversely, the sidewalls of the doors can include complementary projections that engage one another such that the doors meet in the lap joint interface.
However, the butt joint and lap joint interfaces described above have certain limitations. For example, heat within the oven appliance's chamber can easily flow through a gap between the pair of doors when the doors have a butt joint interface. On the other hand, the pair of doors may seal poorly against the oven appliances cabinet when the doors have a lap joint interface.
Accordingly, an oven appliance having an improved interface between a pair of doors when the doors are in a closed position would be useful. In particular, an oven appliance having an interface between a pair of doors that limits heat loss through a gap between the doors and/or that assists the doors in sealing against a cabinet of the oven appliance when the doors are in a closed position would be useful

Oven appliance with doors having a tongue and groove interface


A solid-state imaging device, comprises: a semiconductor substrate having a first surface; a solid-state imaging element in the first surface of semiconductor substrate, the solid-state imaging element comprising a light-receiving region; a light-transmission member having a second surface and a third surface, the second surface being opposite to the third surface, wherein the light-transmission member and the first surface of the semiconductor substrate define a gap between the second surface of the light-transmission member and an outer surface of the light-receiving region; and an external connection terminal connected to the solid-state imaging element, wherein the light-transmission member comprises low α-ray glass.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a solid-state imaging device and to a method for manufacturing the solid-state imaging device, and more particularly, to a solid-state imaging device of chip-sized packed (CSP) having a microlens integrated on a chip.
2. Description of the Related Art
Demand for a more compact solid-state imaging element including a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) is growing, for reasons of a necessity for application of the solid-state imaging element to portable cellular phones and digital cameras.
A solid-state imaging device, in which microlenses are provided in respective light-receiving regions of a semiconductor chip, has been proposed as one type of solid-state imaging element. Among solid-state imaging devices, a solid-state imaging device has been proposed, wherein the solid-state imaging device is packaged integrally such that an airtight sealing section is formed between each of the light-receiving regions and the corresponding microlens, thereby making an attempt to miniaturize the solid-state imaging device (JP-A-7-202152).
Such a configuration enables a reduction in footprint and bonding of optical components, such as a filter, a lens, and a prism, on the surface of an airtight sealing section. As a result, an attempt can be made to reduce a packaging size without involvement of a reduction in the light-gathering power of the microlens.

Solid-state imaging device and method for manufacturing the same


A trainable transceiver for controlling a device includes a transceiver circuit, a control circuit coupled to the transceiver circuit, and memory coupled to the control circuit. The control circuit is configured to receive a signal from the device via the transceiver circuit. The control circuit is configured to determine a frequency of a channel used by the device based on the signal strength of the signal received from the device.

The present invention relates generally to the field of trainable transceivers for inclusion within a vehicle. A trainable transceiver generally sends and/or receives wireless signals using a transmitter, receiver, and/or transceiver. The wireless signals may be used to control other devices. For example, a trainable transceiver may send a wireless control signal to operate a garage door opener. A trainable transceiver may be trained to operate with a particular device. Training may include providing the trainable transceiver with control information for use in generating a control signal. A trainable transceiver may be incorporated in a vehicle (integrally or contained within the vehicle) and used to control devices outside the vehicle. Some devices which the trainable transceiver may be trained to control may communicate using a frequency which differs from the frequency reported in the specification of the device. It is challenging and difficult to develop a trainable transceiver which may communicate with a device having a communication frequency different from the frequency reported in the specification of the device.

Trainable transceiver systems and methods for channel frequency offset adjustment