A clock oscillator embedded in an integrated circuit, including a piezoelectric resonator formed on the integrated circuit; a clock generator coupled to the on-chip piezoelectric resonator, one or more sensors adapted to sense one or more environmental parameters affecting the piezoelectric resonator; and a processor coupled to the clock generator and the one or more sensors to adjust the frequency of the clock generator based on the one or more environmental parameters.

The invention relates to a piezo-electrically driven clock oscillator.
In recent years, great reductions in cost, size and weight have been achieved in various information equipment including portable computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and mobile communication systems such as mobile telephones. As a result, the size and thickness of piezoelectric and voltage-controlled oscillators for use in these devices must be reduced. U.S. Pat. No. 5,745,012 to Oka, et al. shows a conventional piezoelectric oscillator employing a quartz-crystal resonator as a piezoelectric resonator and a conventional voltage-con-trolled (crystal) oscillator (VCXO). In the conventional quartz-crystal oscillator, a CMOS IC chip is mounted by a conductive adhesive on an island that is a part of a lead frame. The IC chip is electrically connected to input/output lead terminals by wires. A quartz-crystal resonator includes a cylinder shaped quartz chip and is electrically connected to the gate electrode and the drain electrode of the IC chip. The IC chip, the quartz-crystal resonator and parts of input/output lead terminals are molded by transfer molding with an epoxy resin molding resin to form a plastic package of the quartz-crystal oscillator. In another conventional voltage-controlled oscillator, electric circuit components such as a transistor and variable-capacitance diode are mounted on a substrate that is fixed by solder on the stem of a metal can package. A quartz-crystal resonator is also mounted on the substrate. The can is hermetically sealed by resistance welding for example. In another common type, a trimmer capacitor or the like is provided on the substrate and an adjusting hole is formed in the can so that the frequency may be adjusted after the voltage-controlled oscillator is mounted on a circuit board installed in a device such as a mobile communication system.
In the conventional piezoelectric and voltage-controlled oscillators described above, the piezoelectric resonator is accommodated in a cylinder case having a diameter of about 3 mm. As a result, the piezoelectric or voltage-controlled oscillator has a large height such as about 4.5 mm to 7 mm. Thus, its total volume is as great as 0.5 cc to 1.0 cc. The conventional piezoelectric and voltage-controlled oscillators of this type does not meet the small-size requirements that are essential in small-sized electronic devices such as PDAs, portable computers or mobile wireless devices such as cellular telephones. Also, crystals are expensive and there is difficulty in designing and producing a low cost piezoelectric element (such as a quartz chip) having such a small size while maintaining the required performance.

Integrated CMOS high precision piezo-electrically driven clock


Apparatus is disclosed for refining lignocellulosic material including a pair of refining elements facing each other for relative rotation to refine the lignocellulosic material passing through the refining gap between the refining elements. The refining elements include rows of projecting working pins with substantially circular cross-sections and strips projecting above the refining element surface and extending substantially circumferentially along the refining surfaces. The rows of projecting working pins are disposed at selected radial positions on the two refining surfaces so that they avoid contact with each other during relative rotation of the two refining surfaces.

The present invention relates to refining elements for use in disk-type refiners for working, i.e. for defibering, refining or dispersing lignocellulosic fiber material in the form of chips or pulp. The working of the lignocellulosic material can have the purpose to manufacture, for example, recycled fiber pulp or mechanical pulp, such as thermomechanical pulp (TMP) and chemi-thermomechanical pulp (CTMP). More particularly, the present invention relates to a pair of cooperating refining elements, which are intended to be positioned directly in front of each other on opposed refining disks in a refiner of this kind.
The working of fibrous material takes place in the refining gap formed between the refining elements on two opposed refining disks rotating relative to each other. The fibrous material is thereby subjected to mechanical action by working means on the refining elements, while it simultaneously moves by the effects of centrifugal force. The working means can be formed as continuous or discontinuous bars, teeth or in some other manner.
During the defibering of fibrous material in the form of chips, it is desired for the chips to be disintegrated to individual fibers with a minimum of fiber shortening. Experiments have proved that the configuration of the refining elements in the inner portion of the refining gap is of great importance for the feed of the material through the refining gap as well as for the defibering process. During the dispersion of recycled fiber pulp, working is desired which does not cause any fiber shortening or reduction in the freeness value (CSF) of the pulp.
Working, which causes fibrillation and fiber shortening, occurs most often when the refining means are formed with bars, by the effect of the edges of the bars. Conventional refining elements with working means in the form of bars with intermediate grooves can also result in a non-uniform flow of the material through the refining gap. This results in the load on the motor or motors driving one or both of the refining disks being uneven.
As a result thereof, the process will be difficult to control, and the energy consumption increases. It can also effect the quality of the worked pulp.
These and other difficulties in the prior art have now been alleviated by the invention of apparatus for refining lignocellulosic material comprising a first refining element including a first refining surface, and a second refining element including a second refining surface facing the first refining surface thereby providing a refining gap therebetween, the first and second refining surfaces being relatively rotatable with respect to each other whereby the lignocellulosic material can be refined while passing through the refining gap, the first refining surface including a first plurality of rows of projecting working pins having a substantially circular cross-section and at least one first strip projecting above and extending substantially circumferentially along the first refining surface, and the second refining surface including a second plurality of rows of projecting working pins having a substantially circular cross-section and at least one second strip projecting above and extending substantially circumferentially along the second refining surface, the first and second pluralities of rows of projecting working pins disposed at selected radial positions on the first and second refining surfaces whereby the first and second pluralities of rows of projecting working pins avoid contact with each other upon the relative rotation of the first and second refining surfaces. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second pluralities of rows of projecting working pins are disposed at alternating radial positions with respect to each other.
In accordance with one embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, the at least one first strip comprises a plurality of first strips and the at least one second strip comprises a plurality of second strips.
In accordance with another embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, the first and second pluralities of rows of projecting working pins are substantially cylindrical, and include a rounded upper surface distal from the first and second refining surfaces.
In accordance with another embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, the at least one first and second strips are disposed along an arc. Preferably, the at least one first and second strips are disposed adjacent to the first and second pluralities of rows of projecting working pins on the first and second refining surfaces.
In accordance with another embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, the at least one first and second strips extend continuously across the entire first and second refining surfaces.
In accordance with another embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, the at least one first and second strips extend discontinuously across the first and second refining surfaces.
In accordance with another embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, the first and second refining surfaces each includes an inner radial portion and an outer radial portion, the first and second plurality of rows of projecting working pins on the at least one first and second strips being disposed on the inner radial portions of the first and second refining surfaces. Preferably, the apparatus includes working means for the lignocellulosic material disposed on the outer radial portions of the first and second refining surfaces. In a preferred embodiment, the working means comprises a plurality of radially projecting bars.
The present invention offers a solution to the above problems. Opposed cooperating refining elements are provided with projecting working means in the form of pins with a circular cross-section. The pins on one of the refining elements are arranged to extend into the interspace between the pins on the opposed cooperating refining element. The refining elements are also provided with flow restrictions in the form of strips extending substantially in the circumferential direction.


An electronic control unit for a vehicle-mounted engine system has a computer and a single program memory. The program memory stores a plurality of functionally finely classified programs, which includes programs to be used in common between a normal engine control mode and a fuel evaporation leak diagnosis mode. The plurality of programs is associated, as a reference table, with the plurality of different control modes by separating programs required for the respective control modes. The computer sequentially executes only programs associated with the designated control mode, when any of the control modes is designated.

Vehicle-mounted systems include an engine system having a fuel vapor processing unit. In the engine system, fuel vapor generated in a fuel tank is tentatively collected in a canister without being released to the atmosphere. The collected vapor is purged into an intake passage, and it is combusted in an engine. However, when a fault such as cracking or creation of a hole occurs in, for example, a vapor line or a purge line in the engine system, it is likely that the air tightness of the interior of the processing unit may not be maintained and appropriate processing of fuel vapor is disabled.
Electronic control units are therefore requested to have a capability to diagnose presence or absence of the foregoing fault. However, the internal pressure of a fuel vapor processing system tends to vary during a period in which an engine is in operation or a vehicle is traveling. The foregoing fault cannot be fully diagnosed during that period. Therefore, U.S. Patent No. 2003/0135309 A1 (JP 2003-205798 A) proposes an engine system. In this engine system, after power supply to an electronic control unit is discontinued by the turning off of an ignition switch, the power supply to the electronic control unit is resumed using, a timer in order to perform diagnosis on a fuel vapor processing apparatus.
In the engine system, normal engine control is executed while an engine is in operation and control of diagnosis to be performed on a fuel vapor processing unit is executed after the engine is stopped. The controls are executed mutually independently. Nevertheless, the control structure designed to perform the foregoing diagnosis during execution of a vehicle is employed as it is. An increase in a load of arithmetic operations, which are required for the controls, imposed on the electronic control unit cannot be ignored.
Specifically, in order to effectively utilize a space in an electronic control unit, various programs stored in a single program memory, that is, a sole read only memory (ROM) are selectively executed based on the state of an engine or the state of a vehicle in which the engine is mounted. Thus, the engine control or the control of diagnosis on a fuel vapor processing system is executed. Moreover, programs to be executed in common for the controls are stored in a ROM and used in common. Therefore, the ROM itself is structured to hold, in addition to various programs for executing the two kinds of controls, that is, the normal engine control and the control of diagnosis on a fuel vapor processing system, a mode designation program for determining based on the state of the engine or vehicle whichever of the two controls should be executed for each of the programs.
For execution of the various programs stored in the ROM, the mode designation program is invoked at every time of execution of a program. Consequently, control is executed appropriately according to the state of an engine or a vehicle. However, in practice, the control structure causes a large memory area in the ROM and eventually causes an increase in the load of arithmetic operations on the electronic control unit.


The present invention provides for a method to identify a second or mutant phosphomevalonate decarboxylase (PMD) with a higher PMD activity compared to a first PMD, comprising (a) culturing a medium comprising a first host cell expressing the first PMD and a second host cell expressing the second or mutant PMD wherein the first and second host cells have their respective PMD enzymatic activities coupled to the growth rates of the host cells, and (b) identifying the second host cell that has a higher growth rate than the first host cell, thereby identifying the second or mutant PMD having a higher PMD activity.

Isopentenol (or isoprenol, 3-methyl-3-buten-1-ol) is a promising biofuel and a precursor for industrial chemicals such as isoprene (Beller et al., 2015; George et al., 2015a). The research octane number of isopentenol (98) is close to isooctane (RON=100), demonstrating its potential use as an anti-knocking additive in gasoline (Liu et al., 2014; Mack et al., 2014). Several microbial hosts have been engineered for biological production of isopentenol with the most commonly targeted pathways including isoprenoid pathways from both the mevalonate (MVA) pathway and the methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathway, and the keto acid pathway (Atsumi et al., 2008).
Briefly, the conventional MVA pathway for isopentenol production starts with reactions that condense three acetyl-CoA molecules and produce one molecule of MVA. Next, mevalonate kinase (MK) phosphorylates MVA to mevalonate 5-phosphate (MVAP), which is subsequently phosphorylated to mevalonate 5-diphosphate (MVAPP, also diphosphomevalonate) by 5-phosphomevalonate kinase (PMK). The phosphorylation reactions consume two adenosine triphosphate (ATP) molecules, and then diphosphomevalonate decarboxylase (PMD) converts MVAPP to isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP) while consuming one additional ATP molecule (FIG. 1A). Lastly, isopentenol is produced by hydrolysis of the pyrophosphate group from IPP (Chou and Keasling, 2012).
Extensive optimization of the conventional MVA pathway for isopentenol production in Escherichia coli resulted in titers of 2.2 g/L with 70% of apparent theoretical yield (George et al., 2014; George et al., 2015b). However, the "IPP-dependency" of the conventional MVA pathway intrinsically limits engineering of the MVA pathway toward high titer isopentenol production for two primary reasons: its high ATP requirement and toxicity of IPP (Kang et al., 2016). First, generation of one molecule of IPP via the MVA pathway requires the consumption of 3 ATP molecules, which accounts for approximately 5.3% of the theoretical ATP yield from complete aerobic respiration of one and half (1.5) molecules of glucose. However, in the conventional MVA-based isopentenol production pathway, the hydrolysis of the diphosphate group of IPP squanders cellular ATP, underscoring the importance of constructing more energetically efficient pathways for isopentenol production. Secondly, accumulation of IPP has been proposed to inhibit growth of E. coli (George et al., 2015b; Kang et al., 2016; Martin et al., 2003). Although specific molecular mechanisms behind the growth inhibition effects of IPP are not clear yet, general stress responses accompanied with the growth inhibition potentially divert carbon flux away from desired isopentenol production (Adolfsen and Brynildsen, 2015; Cohen, 2014; Hengge, 2008; Kang et al., 2016; Sun et al., 2011).

Platform for screening phosphomevalonate decarboxylase

The Regents of the University of California


In an integrated circuit, a clock monitor circuit detects when an analog clock signal output by an on-chip crystal oscillator has stabilized. The clock monitor circuit uses an envelope follower circuit to monitor the envelope of the analog clock signal and compare the amplitude of the envelope with a predetermined amplitude value. When the predetermined value is reached and the envelope has remained steady for a predetermined time, an oscillator okay signal is generated. If an oscillator okay signal is not detected within another predetermined time, then an oscillator failure signal may be generated.

The present invention relates generally to crystal oscillators and more particularly to a circuit for detecting stable operation of a crystal oscillator.
Crystal oscillators are a vital part of many integrated circuit devices such as a system-on-chip (SOC). Crystal oscillators are used to provide an accurate and stable clock reference for the SOC and its associated phase-locked loops (PLL). Typically, crystal oscillators take some time to stabilize, with oscillations growing as an envelope over a certain time period until the amplitude of the oscillations reaches a stabilized level. The time that these oscillations take to stabilize depends on factors like load capacitance, aging, and ambient operating conditions.
Known crystal oscillator monitoring circuits observe the digital clock output from the crystal oscillator and measure its duty cycle but provide no information about the sinusoidal oscillations (i.e., the analog clock output) also produced by the crystal oscillator. Some SOC devices use a counter-based fixed delay (typically between 1 ms and 5 ms) after start-up before running the SOC. However, as a crystal oscillator's boot time is greatly dependent on parasitic components, a boot time of anything up to 100 ms is possible.
Therefore it would be beneficial to provide an indication that a crystal oscillator has reached a stable region of operation.


The present disclosure relates to system(s) and method(s) for generating a score for a runbook or a script. The system receives a ticket and a ticket description. The system further identifies a set of policies based on an analysis of historical data, the ticket and the ticket description. Further, the system determines a set of functions based on an analysis of the set of policies using a neural network technique and an Inverse Reinforcement Learning technique. Furthermore, the system recommends a runbook or a script based on the set of functions, the ticket and the ticket description. The runbook or the script is further executed to resolve the ticket. Based on the execution, the system records a script success or a script failure. The system further generates a score for the runbook or the script based on the script success or the script failure.

Generally, issues occurred in a software applications or IT infrastructure are resolved by Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) or human engineers. The SMEs resolve the issues, by executing one or more commands, based on their knowledge and a severity of issue. However, this process of resolving the issues take lot of time and require lot of human efforts. Further, some automation systems are available to reduce time required for resolving issues. The automation systems enable the SMEs to create a runbook or a script to resolve the issue. The runbook or the script is further stored in a repository. Once an issue is occurred, the automation systems recommend a set of runbooks or a set of scripts from the repository to resolve the issue. However, the set of runbooks or the set of scripts may not be able to resolve the issue.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Generating a score for a runbook or a script


A method for estimating receiver coil sensitivity in a magnetic resonance (MR) system having a plurality of coils in a coil array including a reference coil, including steps of estimating receiver coil sensitivity in each of the plurality of coils in the coil array of the MR system using one of an electromagnetic field method, a bias field method, and a uniform transmit field method. Each of the plurality of coils in the coil array includes one or more of a surface coil, a volume coil, a set of coil arrays, or an antenna element of a coil array. The method further includes steps of obtaining a reference image using the reference coil; generating a measured sensitivity map using the reference coil; and for each of the plurality of coils of the coil array, calculating a receiver coil sensitivity map.

The present invention relates to nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) systems and methods for measuring in vivo receiver sensitivity maps.
Accurate characterization of receiver sensitivity is necessary for performing magnetic resonance (MR), particularly fast MR imaging (parallel MR imaging) with multi-channel coils composed of a plurality of coil elements. During parallel magnetic resonance imaging, different receive coils sample different portions of the k-space concurrently. The data from each coil is transformed or "unfolded" in accordance with its sensitivity in reconstructing the final image. The accuracy of the final image depends on accurate characterization of the sensitivity of the coil. Accurate characterization of coil sensitivity is critical for correction of signal intensity inhomogeneity, and accurate and precise quantification of various parameters using MRI and MRS techniques, such as macromolecule, perfusion, and molecule concentration.

Methods and apparatus for accurate characterization of signal coil receiver sensitivity in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)


A dynamic splint for a joint of a limb undergoing rehabilitation. The splint having a pair of elements each comprising a first tubular strut, a second lever-like strut and an intermediate gear housing mounted on one end of the first strut. A first toothed gear is rotatively mounted on a first shaft in the gear housing and is located adjacent the first strut. A second cooperating toothed gear is rotatively mounted on a second shaft in the gear housing adjacent the second strut. The first gear is missing at least one tooth. The second gear is missing a plurality of teeth in a row. The second strut is pivoted to the second shaft and is attached to the second gear at one of a plurality of selectable positions thereabout. A cam wheel is rotatively mounted on the first shaft and is affixed to the first gear. A compression spring is mounted in the tubular first strut. A cable is affixed at one end to the cam wheel and is operatively adjustably affixed to the spring. The cam wheel is so configured that the assembly of the spring, cable, cam wheel and first gear apply an adjustable constant torque in one of a clockwise or counterclockwise direction to the second gear and second strut only when the teeth of the gears are meshed. The second strut and second gear are rotatable throughout the normal range of motion. The gears are meshed only in the passive portion of the normal full range of motion of the joint as determined by the attachment position of the second strut on the second gear.

As indicated above, the dynamic splint of the present invention is applicable to various hinged joints such as the finger, elbow, wrist, shoulder, hip, knee, ankle and toe joints. It will, for purposes of illustration, be described in its application to an elbow joint, although its use is not intended to be so limited.
In the case of an arm or elbow fracture or break, the arm is set and provided with a cast. Normally the cast immobilizes the arm in a bent condition generally at about 45 degrees. When the cast is ultimately removed, it is usually found that the flexion muscle group over time has been partially absorbed and thus has been shortened. At the same time, the opposition muscle group (i.e. the extension muscle group) has been stretched, causing it to grow longer. The flexion muscle group, when stretched by the extension muscle group (which is contracting), is not long enough to allow full extension of the arm. The term "contracture" is often used to define this condition. Similarly, since the extension muscle group has elongated, it cannot contract enough to fully extend the arm. As a result of this, the patient loses part of the normal active range of movement, say from about 40 degrees or 20 degrees to +15 degrees, as will be further explained hereinafter.
In recent years, attention has been turned to dynamic splints. This is based upon the belief that a constant dynamic low intensity stress to remodel contracted and scarred connective tissue may be more efficient and safer than traditional range-of-motion exercises and passive stretching by a therapist. A constant state of tension appears to trigger and optimize the remodeling process, a process which may be home-based rather than clinic-based.
Laboratory studies show that the best way to permanently lengthen contracted connective tissue, without compromising its structural integrity, is by prolonged low intensity stressing (stretching). Tests further show that contracted connective tissue, when continuously stretched at a constant low intensity force (in the form of torque), remodels more rapidly, requiring less rehab time and less cost.
While showing promise, present day dynamic splints have several major drawbacks. Most dynamic splints cannot maintain a constant force (torque) without frequent adjustment. The adjustments must be correctly made or the benefits of the splint are geatly diminished. If improperly made, the adjustments may result in ineffective torque levels, that may damage fragile tissue, cause pain, prolong rehabilitation, and may interfere with or inhibit the normal function of the extremity.
As indicated above, patients with a range-of-motion loss have a range of loss which is simply a part of the overall normal range of movement of the limb (in this instance an arm). Thus, the patient has, with respect to the normal over-all range of motion, an active range through which he can move his arm and a passive range through which he cannot move his arm. Clinical efforts would be targeted at the passive range, only, but prior art dynamic splints have not been capable of doing this. Prior art dynamic splints provide torque over a predetermined range of motion, dictated by the nature of the mechanism of the splint. Prior art splints do not discriminate between the active and passive ranges within the over-all range of motion. As a result of this, the splint may provide a passive assist to active muscle activity which may impair the normal muscle activity which the patient already has, and which may interfere with or inhibit the absorption of adaptively lengthened muscle and thus prolong and complicate the recovery process. The splint may also trigger unwanted neurological response which may inhibit extremity use and use of the splint, further complicating recovery.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a dynamic splint which creates within the passive zone a torque to influence the synthesis of new tissue with respect to the contracted muscle group. It keeps the contracted tissue in a constant state of mild tension within the passive range of motion, so that cells multiply and proliferate in response to the need created by the mild stress applied by the splint. The range of torque can be adjusted depending upon the application of the splint.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a dynamic splint which will not supply a passive assist to the stretched extension muscle group, retarding its partial absorption or shortening and thereby impeding the achievement of a normal range of movement.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a dynamic splint which will apply torque only in the targeted treatment range (i.e. the passive range) of the overall normal range of movement.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a dynamic splint which will supply a constant therapeutic torque only to the contracted muscle group, and only within its passive range.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a dynamic splint the constant therapeutic torque of which can be easily and accurately adjusted.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a dynamic splint, wherein the adjustable constant torque is supplied by a spring and a dedicated cam, together with a pair of gears.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a dynamic splint which, when used in association with an orthopedic or neurological malady, can have the amount of torque it applies and the passive range over which it applies the torque easily adjusted to minimize or eliminate problems of spasticity and/or tissue trauma.
It is an object of the present invention to provide the dynamic splint with a pivotable distal cuff member.
It is an object of the invention to provide a dynamic splint which, when located within the active zone, can be easily adjusted and easily applied and removed without having to lock the splint.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a dynamic splint which can be used in lieu of range-of-motion exercises and actual stretching techniques.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a dynamic splint which can be used in orthopedic areas and non-orthopedic areas such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, burns and the like.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a dynamic splint which can be locked to form a rigid immobilizing splint.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a dynamic splint with means to lock the spring and eliminate the application of torque.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a dynamic splint which is nice looking, compact, lightweight, of simple construction, inexpensive to manufacture, easily applied, easily adjusted, easily removed and comfortable.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a dynamic splint of such nature that a patient will willingly comply to the requirements of its use.


A mobile device includes a position sensing unit, a remote control information obtainment unit, and a storage unit. Position information obtained by the position sensing unit is stored in the storage unit in association with remote control information. The mobile device further includes a directional space obtainment unit and an apparatus specification unit. The mobile device recognizes a direction pointed by a user using the mobile device, and enables operation of a terminal apparatus existing in the pointing direction.

As a conventional communication device that uses proximity wireless communication, there is disclosed a remote controller capable of reading apparatus information from an IC tag and registering operation information corresponding to the apparatus information (for example, see Patent Literature (PTL) 1).
The disclosed remote controller includes operation units, and remotely controls a predetermined controlled apparatus. The remote controller includes: an IC tag reading unit that reads the apparatus information corresponding to the controlled apparatus from an IC tag; and a CPU that executes a registration program for registering a control information data file in which the apparatus information and control information are stored in association with each other and the apparatus information read by the IC tag reading unit, and also for obtaining the control information associated with the apparatus information from the control information data file and registering the control information in association with corresponding operation units. When an operation unit is pressed, the remote controller transmits control information corresponding to the pressed operation unit from among the registered control information, to the controlled apparatus.
There is also disclosed a remote control user interface that uses proximity wireless communication for ease and convenience of operation (for example, see PTL 2).
In the disclosed technique, a wireless tag storing information necessary for operating an external electronic apparatus is held in a region of an operation sheet segmented for different operation items. A remote controller contactlessly reads the information stored in the wireless tag, and transmits a command signal based on the read information to the electronic apparatus.
There is also disclosed a technique of selecting necessary information by a simple operation by pointing to a button to be selected on a screen (for example, see PTL 3).
The disclosed structure includes: a remote control unit that detects and measures an angle change amount between two directions when an operator holding the remote controller moves the remote controller, by an angle sensor included in the remote controller; a screen coordinate unit that calculates two-dimensional coordinates pointed by the remote control unit on a screen of a display unit, from initial coordinates and the measured angle change amount; a selected button recognition unit that determines a selected button based on the obtained two-dimensional coordinates and button position information stored in a button information storage unit; and a screen display control unit that displays buttons at corresponding positions on the screen of the display unit, and displays the selected button in a hotspot. In the case of accepting the selected button, an Enter button is pressed to transmit an accept signal.

Communication device for performing wireless communication with an external server based on information received via near field communication

Panasonic Intellectual Property Corporation of America


Multi-beam antenna feed networks employ more aperture ports (e.g., ports I, II, III, IV and V) than beam ports (e.g., ports A, B, C and D) to achieve low sidelobe lossless operation, particularly for cellular communications. With five aperture ports, signal value outputs at the aperture ports represent orthogonal outputs having phase gradients effective to provide a four beam radiation pattern. The feed arrangement includes directional couplers (e.g., C11, C21) and phase shifters (e.g., P22, P23) intercoupled between the beam ports and aperture ports to provide the desired orthogonal aperture excitation. An example of specific directional coupler and phase shifter circuit values for a matrix network for a four beam port to five aperture port feed network configuration is provided.

Use of multi-beam antennas is common in applications such as cellular communications, where benefits including increased range and improved signal reception may be achieved. For example, rather than providing coverage of a 120 degree azimuth sector at a cell site with an antenna providing a single 120 degree beam, sector coverage may be provided by a multi-beam antenna having a higher gain radiation pattern including four 30 degree beams.
It will be appreciated that efficiency and effectiveness of coverage by the multi-beam antenna will depend on factors such as signal loss or dissipation in a feed network used to provide the four beam pattern and sidelobe characteristics which may permit operation to be degraded in the presence of interference or noise effects.
Efforts have been made to design multi-beam feeds capable of providing lossless operation, well known Butler networks being one example. For present purposes, "lossless", in the context of a multi-beam feed network, is defined as a general absence of resistive elements at a pattern of locations in the feed network, although a small number (e.g., one resistive termination) of such elements may be present. Thus, lossless feed networks are not absolutely lossless, but are much less lossy than a feed network including resistive elements in a series of parallel paths or at many directional couplers in a coupling matrix, for example. Lossless feed configurations are discussed in Hansen, R. C., Microwave Scanning Antennas, Vol. III Array Systems, Academic Press, 1966, at pages 258-263.
Relevant constraints in achieving both required operating characteristics and lossless operation of multi-beam feed networks is discussed, for example, in a paper entitled "Optimum Low Sidelobe High Crossover Multiple Beam Antennas", by E. C. DuFort, appearing in IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation, Vol. AP-33, No. 9, September 1985, at pages 946-954. This paper makes reference to prior development of certain specific forms of lossless array feeds and points out that beams must be mutually orthogonal in order to be derived from a lossless feed network. The paper states the conclusion that prior efforts toward development of similar types of lossless networks, with higher beam crossover points and lower sidelobes, was generally not successful in providing feeds suitable for applications of interest.
Thus, while the advantages of low sidelobe lossless feed networks have been recognized, practical feed networks of this type suitable for particular applications have not been available in the prior art. In this context, it is relevant to observe that for many current cellular applications achievement of high crossover radiation beam characteristics is somewhat less critical than in other applications. Lossless operation and low sidelobe characteristics are important in cellular applications.
It is, therefore, an objective of the present invention to provide new and improved lossless feed networks suitable for cellular and other applications. More particularly, objects of the invention are to provide feed networks having one or more of the following characteristics and capabilities:
lossless (minimized resistive loss) operation; PA1 low sidelobe radiation pattern; PA1 multi-beam operation with orthogonal excitation outputs; PA1 aperture ports fed by a smaller number of beam ports; PA1 a larger number of aperture ports than radiated beams; PA1 economical, reliable design; and PA1 improved cellular performance. PA1 beam port A input, aperture port outputs: I=0.7; II=1; III=1; IV=1; V=0.7; PA1 beam port B input, aperture port outputs: I=0.7; II=-1; III=1; IV=-1; V=0.7; PA1 beam port C input, aperture port outputs: I=0.7; II=j; III=-1; IV=-j; V=0.7; PA1 beam port D input, aperture port outputs: I=0.7;, II=-j; III=-1; IV=j; V=0.7.

Low sidelobe multi-beam lossless feed networks for array antennas

GEC-Marconi Hazeltine Corp. Electronic Systems Division


A fuel injection valve that can favorably reduce the film thickness of fuel ejected from an outlet of an injection hole without relying on increase of the fuel pressure, whereby atomization of fuel spray can be favorably promoted, is provided.

Conventionally, a fuel injection valve used in an internal combustion engine is disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example. The conventional fuel injection valve includes an injection-hole plate in which a plurality of injection holes through which fuel is ejected to the outside is formed. The axis of injection hole is inclined toward the outer side of the injection-hole plate (the upstream side of a main flow direction of the fuel directed to the injection hole), as it proceeds from the inlet side of the injection hole to the outlet side thereof. Also, the injection hole has a recessed portion formed in an inner wall of the injection hole on the upstream side of the main flow direction of the fuel, such that the recessed portion extends from an inlet edge portion of the injection hole to an outlet edge portion of the injection hole.
The applicant recognizes documents as listed below, including the above-indicated document, as those related to the present invention.

Abstract: A fuel passage (16) through which the fuel flows is formed in the interior of the fuel injection valve (10). An injection-hole plate (18) as a member that separates an injection space (20) into which the fuel is injected, from the fuel passage (16), is provided in which a plurality of injection holes (22) for ejecting the fuel from the fuel passage (16) toward the injection space (20) are formed. The injection-hole plate (18), as viewed from the outlet side of the injection hole (22), is formed with an injection-hole outlet-side groove (24) connected to the injection hole (22) in a region (inner wall surface 22b) opposed to a main flow direction of the fuel directed toward the injection hole (22) along an inner wall surface (18a) of the injection-hole plate (18). The injection-hole outlet-side groove (24) is formed so as to extend in a direction away from the injection hole (22).


A microwave vehicle lamp having reflector housing, lens, light source, applicator card, and brace is disclosed. The light source and microwave power applicators are supported by a applicator card, which includes electrical couplings. The card is then adjustablly positioned along one portion in a slot formed in the reflector housing. An adjustable brace may be attached between the reflector housing and the applicator card to finally adjust the light source position for a preferred optical positioning. The brace is then soldered in place to rigidly hold the applicator card in place, yielding a microwave powered vehicle headlamp with a properly and securely positioned light source.

Vehicle lamps, and automotive lamps in particular usually required individual adjustments of the beam pattern with respect to mounting reference points. In sealed beams the filament cannot be lit until after the housing is closed, so the beam adjustment is made by grinding exterior locators to a reference level. With capsule lamps, the reflector housing can be held in an ideal position while the lit capsule is adjusted to its proper optical position. The "lamp-on" adjustment method has the advantage of adjusting both the direction of the beam, and the beam pattern. The "lamp-on" adjustment method generally uses each lamp lead, extended through a respective metal lined eyelet hole in the reflector, to adjust the lamp position. With the lamp in position, the leads are soldered in place in the eyelets, thereby fixing the lamp position.
In a microwave powered lamp, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,070,277 and 5,113,121, the lamp assembly includes a printed circuit card that supports the discharge tube, the strip line conductors, and the microwave power applicators. There are no leads, as such, so the old methods of supporting and adjusting the light source do not apply. There is a need for a support structure for the applicator card that prelocates the light source while allowing final, accurate adjustment. In particular, there is need for a structure that limits the complete freedom of the light source to a small range of freedom that is close to the desired position, while still allowing a final accurate positioning. Further, there is a need for a support structure that is compatible with a practical, industrial alignment procedure.


An assembly includes a first polymeric connector having a first passageway and a second passageway fixed relative to the first passageway; a first polymeric conduit having a third passageway in fluid communication with the first passageway; and a polymeric member extending over a gap between the first connector and the first conduit and at least portions of outer surfaces of the first connector and the first conduit. The first passageway is in fluid communication with the third passageway.

Flexible polymer tubing can be used as conduits or flow paths to transfer fluid from a source to a desired destination. In some cases, as the fluid is transferred from the source to the destination, other material is added to the fluid. The fluid, with or without added material(s), can also be transferred (e.g., diverted) to multiple destinations such that the destinations have different compositions. As an example, in pharmaceutical manufacturing, a drug from a source can be transferred to a first destination through a flexible tubing. As the drug travels along the tubing, other ingredient(s) can be delivered through other fluidly-connected tubing to combine with the drug, and the resulting combination can be delivered to the first destination. The drug (with or without other ingredient(s)) can be delivered to other destinations by controlling the flow paths of the drug and the ingredient(s). The compositions in these other destinations may be different from or the same as the composition in the first destination.

Fluid transfer assemblies and related methods

SAINT-GOBAIN PERFORMANCE PLASTICS CORPORATION


There is provided a method for stably preparing rare earth (RE) 123 type oxide superconductors exhibiting outstanding superconductive properties in the atmosphere. In the method for preparing RE 123-type oxide superconductors by melting, cooling and solidifying a starting composition containing one or more than two kinds of RE such as Y, Sm, Nd, etc., and Ba, Cu and O as constituent elements to crystallize the RE 123-type oxide superconductors, the quantity of replacement between RE and Ba in "RE 123 crystals to be formed" is controlled by changing the initial constitution of the starting composition, for example, by changing the initial constitution to a more Ba-rich side than a composition on a 123-211 (or 422) tie line on a phase diagram to yield RE 123-type oxide superconductors in the atmosphere, which exhibits a critical temperature of 90 K or above and higher critical current density (Jc) in a magnetic field. A trace amount of Pt or CeO.sub.3 may be added to micronize the 211 (or 422) phase so as to further improve Jc.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method for preparing rare earth (hereinafter referred to as RE) 123-type oxide superconductors, including Y 123 oxide superconductors, which exhibit a high critical temperature of 90 K or above and have excellent superconductive properties in the atmosphere.
2. Description of the Related Art
Since oxide superconductors exhibiting a critical temperature higher than the temperature of liquid nitrogen (77.3 K) were recently found, superconductor applying technology has been receiving wider appreciation, thereby accelerating the competitive development of materials which exhibit stable superconductivity at higher temperatures.
Especially, in the case of a Y-Ba-Cu-O oxide superconductor as a 123-type oxide in which the mole ratio of Y:Ba:Cu in the material is 1:2:3, a higher critical current density (Jc) has been successfully achieved by improving a process for preparing such a superconductor, while the material has been used as current lead wires as a matter of course and further tried extensively in magnetic applications, etc. by taking advantage of superconductive properties which can generate a large electromagnetic force due to an interaction thereof with a magnetic field.
In addition to the above mentioned Y 123-type oxide superconductor, superior superconductive properties are successively confirmed in other RE 123-type oxides in which Y (yttrium) as a component thereof is replaced by various rare earth elements other than Y and are also widely studied to develop possible devices and instruments by applying these properties.
A "flux process", "melt-solidifying process" and the like are mainly used as a method to prepare RE 123-type oxide superconductors including the Y 123-type (hereinafter Y is included in the expression of rare earth elements or RE).
According to the "flux process" as a method for preparing oxide superconductors, the temperature of a relatively homogeneous supersaturated solution (molten liquid) of a starting composition (flux) comprising an oxide mixture of required components is gradually lowered to crystallize oxide superconductive crystals from the solution cooled below the solubility limit.
On the other hand, according to the "melt-solidifying process", a starting composition (flux) is heated beyond the peritectic temperature of an intended oxide to form a mixed state of solid and liquid phases, the temperature of which is then slowly lowered from the thus heated condition to cause a peritectic reaction so as to form oxide superconductive crystals.
In these processes, the initial constitution of the starting composition is adjusted to reside on a "123-211 (or 422) tie line" of a ternary phase diagram as will be described later (see FIG. 1) while keeping a sufficient but not excessive mass balance to yield a superconductive phase (123 phase) and to cause micro-dispersion of the 211 phase (in cases of Y, Sm, etc.) or the 422 phase (in cases of Nd, La, etc.), which functions as a magnetic flux pinning center in the superconductive phase to increase the critical current density (Jc), or keeping the mass balance to minimize a residue of unreacted Cu, Ba, etc.
It should be understood that the above mentioned "tie line" means a line on the phase diagram which shows a relationship between a crystalline phase composition and a liquid phase composition in the range where crystalline and liquid phases are equilibrated.
It is pointed out, however, that the thus prepared 123-type oxide superconductors, i.e., the RE 123-type other than Y, exhibit neither a sufficient critical temperature (Tc) nor a higher critical current density (Jc) in a magnetic field, although only the Y 123-type has relatively preferable superconductive properties.
As for the reason why, it is considered that the ionic radius of rare earth elements (RE), except Y, is relatively large and comparable to that of Ba, which causes the mutual replacement of RE and Ba when a molten raw material is cooled and solidified to form a superconductive phase, so that the chemical composition of the thus formed oxide crystals deviates from that of the 123 phase to be yielded.
FIG. 1 shows a "ternary phase diagram of 1/2Re.sub.2 O.sub.3 --BaO--CuO" in an atmosphere of oxides including RE, such as La, Nd, Sm, Pm, Eu, Gd, etc., having a relatively larger ionic radius. "A solid solution region of certain width" exists along a line extending to the upper right from the RE 123 phase, as shown in FIG. 1. The solid solution region exists to stabilize a phase of RE1+.sub.x Ba.sub.2-x Cu.sub.3 O.sub.y (x>0, 6.0<y<7.2) which deviates from the RE 123 phase in the atmosphere. As is clear from the existence of the solid solution region, the mutual replacement of RE and Ba occurs in oxides of RE having a relatively larger ionic radius when the superconductive phase is solidified in an air atmosphere.
As shown in FIG. 2, the superconductive properties of the RE 123-type oxide superconductors change depending on the quantity of replacement (x) between RE and Ba.
Accordingly, the critical temperature thereof is lowered considerably as the quantity of replacement x increases and, on the other hand, is raised as the quantity of replacement x decreases, i.e., as the composition comes close to that of the RE 123-type oxide.
As is described above, it is considered that the mutual replacement of RE and Ba at a stage to form the superconductive phase by cooling and solidifying the starting material from a molten state thereof (a nucleating and growing stage) is a major cause for hindering the attainment of a higher critical temperature.
Then, there has been proposed an "Oxygen Controlled Melt Growth" process (hereinafter referred to as OCMG process) in which a starting composition is molten and solidified to promote crystal growth not in the ambient atmosphere but in an atmosphere where the content of oxygen in the atmosphere is controlled to a lower level.
It is known that RE 123 type oxide superconductors of Sm, Nd, etc. prepared by the OCMG process exhibit a higher critical temperature (Tc) and a higher critical current density (Jc) in a high magnetic field compared with the Y 123-type oxide superconductor of similar crystal structure because of a phenomenon in which the replacement of RE to a Ba site is controlled in an atmosphere having a low oxygen partial pressure.
In the OCMG process, however, it is quite disadvantageous from a standpoint of production that crystal growth should be performed in a controlled atmosphere of lower oxygen, although RE 123-type oxide superconductors having a higher critical temperature and higher critical current density in a magnetic field can be obtained because RE 123 crystals containing a lower quantity of replaced Ba are easily formed.
On the other hand, in the above described other process in which the starting composition is molten, cooled and solidified to form 123-type oxide superconductive crystals, the initial constitution thereof is adjusted to richen the 211 (or 422)-phase on the 123-211 (or 422) tie line so that grains of the 211 phase (or grains of the 422 phase) are dispersed in the 123 phase, thereby functioning as a magnetic flux pinning center to improve the critical current density (Jc).
The magnetic flux pinning center should be as fine as possible.
In this case, a trace amount of Pt or CeO.sub.2 is generally added to the starting composition to micronize grains of the 211 phase (or grains of the 422 phase) formed in the 123 superconductive phase.
However, even when the dispersed phase is micronized by a trace addition of Pt or CeO.sub.2, grains of the 211 phase (or grains of 422 phase) formed in the RE 123 phase are micronized at most to an extent of micron order in the RE 123-type oxide superconductors, except Y, which causes a problem, although grains of the 211 phase formed in the Y 123 phase are micronized to an extent of submicron order to exhibit preferable critical current density in the Y 123-type oxide superconductor.
After all, in order to impart "higher critical current density in a lower magnetic field" of a level of the Y 123-type oxide superconductor to the RE 123-type oxide superconductors, except Y, it is considered that grains of the RE 211 phase (or grains of the 422 phase) formed and dispersed in the RE 123 phase should be further micronized.

Method for preparing oxide superconductors


A connecting apparatus determines whether an external service is compatible with an interface through which a component connected with another component or another external service uses a service of the other component or the other external service, and if it is determined that the external service is compatible with the interface through which the component uses the other component or the other external service, modifies the connection so that the component connected with the other component or the other external service is connected with the external service. The connecting apparatus then executes the component connected with the external service.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a connecting method and a connecting apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
There are various techniques for combining software components (hereinafter simply referred to as components) to build an application.
One such technique is Service Component Architecture, the specifications of which have been developed by the Open SOA Collaboration. SCA is characterized in that interfaces of components are simplified as services, references, and properties to facilitate combination of components in different languages and combination of various communication protocols. Details of the combination specifications are described in SCA Service Component Architecture, Assembly Model Specification Version 1.00, Mar. 15 2007.
The SCA specifications specify that components should be connected with each other by using a definition file written in an XML language. If one component uses another component, these components are connected as defined in a definition file. For the using component, it is not necessary to write code that directly calls functions of the component used.
Therefore, replacing a component used in an application with another component does not require rewriting code, if interfaces of both components match each other. This is an advantage of using the SCA technique.
Besides SCA, conventional techniques to replace a component or to verify compatibility between components to be connected, in connecting components to build an application, include the following.
In an exemplary technique, information about connected components is managed and updated on an application basis. On the occurrence of a trouble or at the time of automatic component switching, the version of a component to be switched is determined from the component information. Thus, the version of the component connected in the application is switched. See Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2008-108155, for example.
In another technique, based on information about combination between each developed program component in software and based on component attribute information, a specific developed program component forming a part of the developed software is replaced with a new developed program component while the structure of the software is maintained. See Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-366356, for example.
In a further technique, based on component invocation information extracted by a monitor that monitors component invocations, consistency between a component invocation and an invoked component is verified. See US 2004/0268312, for example.
The SCA characteristic of the easy component replacement is preferable. However, according to the SCA specifications, the content of a definition file must be determined when an application is build, because the definition file is part of the application. That is, to replace a component, the definition file must be modified. This means rebuilding the application is needed to replace a component. Thus, in SCA, a component can be replaced at the time of developing an application but not at the time of running the application.
It is desirable to enhance the flexibility of component replacement as much as possible. Even if components have the same interfaces, many other component characteristics are conceivable, such as performance, resources used, scalability, and availability. Accordingly, many components may be provided depending on desired characteristics. In such a situation, there may be a need for component replacement.
However, component replacement cannot be highly flexible if it requires redeveloping an application. If an application is installed in various devices and it is desired to vary its components from device to device, redeveloping the application for each device would involve an excessively high development cost.
Meanwhile, another situation exists in which component replacement is desired, as follows.
Many network services are provided today. Services that were unavailable are often realized by coordination of devices with network services. Here, consider a situation in which new network services are provided. The high frequency at which new network services are created and provided is incomparable with the frequency at which software in devices is updated. Therefore, it can always happen that network services are updated and improved while device software remains not updated.
In such a case, it has conventionally been difficult to coordinate a device with network services developed after the shipment of the device. Some devices are provided with a firmware update function, with which the devices may be coordinated with new network services. However, firmware update imposes load on a user, and it also involves a low degree of freedom of software modification from aspects such as the ROM capacity. Moreover, as in the above-described case, firmware update also requires development tasks.

Connecting method and apparatus for connecting a component included in an application with an external service


The invention relates to a method and a device for generating a nanoaerosol, wherein at least one fluid to be atomized is atomized in a nozzle via a nozzle opening of the nozzle along a discharge direction in the form of fluid particles, the atomized fluid particles are deflected from the discharge direction and larger fluid particles are at least partially separated from smaller fluid particles, the separated larger fluid particles are returned to the fluid to be atomized and the smaller fluid particles are dispensed onto the environment. A cartridge in which the nozzle and the fluid to be atomized are arranged is used. According to the invention, a stream of a carrier gas is generated in the nozzle and at least one fluid to be atomized is brought into contact with the carrier gas.

It is well known that liquid disinfection agents can be sprayed as finely divided droplets, for example to disinfect items or air of a room contaminated with harmful aerosols. In addition, the beneficial effects of vapors or aerosol mists consisting of finely divided water or oil droplets have also long been known. In conventional sauna or steam baths, water or an aqueous emulsion containing a small amount of essential oils is evaporated. The hot steam cools down in the sauna cabinet and condenses to form mist droplets. A disadvantage of generating mist by evaporating water or an aqueous oil emulsion lies in the high temperature of the generated mist. While the stimulating effect of the hot mist can be vital for certain applications, conventional sauna and steam baths still suffer from the disadvantage that the circulation of the bather is severely challenged, and thus saunas and steam baths are contra-indicated for many groups of people. Thus, it has been suggested that aqueous solutions or emulsions be atomized at lower temperatures, typically at temperatures below 35° C. or 40° C., preferably at temperatures in a temperature range of 22-28° C. The stress on the circulation of the person to be treated would be reduced compared with conventional sauna or steam baths.
In the international patent application WO 00/44331 A1 a whole body mist bath device and a method for administering a whole body mist bath are described, wherein a mist bath is generated at temperatures below 35° C. To this end, a liquid is compressed to a pressure of more than 100 bar and then expelled through a nozzle in an explosive manner into a treatment cabinet so that on being expelled into the cabinet, the liquid is atomized into many small droplets of liquid due to its high internal pressure. In WO 00/4433 A1 it has already been proposed that aqueous salt solutions or oils with vitamin supplements or essential additives could be used to generate a mist. If a mist is to be produced from two different liquids, according to WO 00/44331, two separate nebulizers are used. In the nebulizers described in that document, a compression volume in the form of a hollow cylinder with a closable opening is provided which is connected via a line to a high pressure pump which delivers the liquid to be nebulized.
In the international patent application WO 2009/087053 A1 a method and a device for atomizing fluids is described, in particular for generating a therapeutically effective aerosol in a treatment area, wherein an aerosol generator is used which pressurizes the fluid to be atomized and which expels it at a flow rate in the range 50-300 m/s through at least one discharge opening in the form of small particles into a treatment area. In one embodiment of the device described in WO 2009/087053, the fluid to be atomized is disposed in a cartridge that comprises at least one discharge opening for atomizing fluid and a movable piston that can be moved by means of a drive means. The movable piston exerts a pressure on the fluid in the cartridge such that the fluid is dispensed through the discharge opening at the required flow rate of 50-300 m/s in the form of a finely divided mist of liquid.
One of the disadvantages of the known devices described above, however, is that the particles of liquid are generated with a relatively broad size distribution. Typically, the aerosol mist contains a mixture of particles with a diameter from a few nanometers to several micrometers. However, many applications for aerosols require and desire particle sizes in the sub-micrometer range. If in such cases particles are also dispensed with larger diameters, this results in an unnecessary loss of fluid that is not effectively put to use, which is a particular disadvantage when the fluid contains an active substance.

Method and device for generating a nanoaerosol


A sonar system wherein sum and difference beam patterns are generated utilizing a plurality of transducer elements arranged in a line array. Receiver apparatus including a receiver transducer also constituted as a line array perpendicular to the transmitter transducer is used to form sum and difference receiver beams and return signals are processed so as to accurately define the azimuth as well as elevational position of a target within a target area.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention in general relates to sonar systems, and in particular, to sonar systems utilizing a Mills Cross transducer arrangement.
2. Background Information
In a Mills Cross arrangement, two line transducers are oriented generally perpendicular to one another with one of the transducers constituting a transmitter transducer and the other a receiver transducer. The receiver apparatus is operated in a manner to form a plurality of adjacent receiver beams while the transmitter apparatus is operated such that a transmitter beam is formed which is relatively narrow in one direction and relatively wide in a transverse direction such that the transmitter beam orthogonally intersects all of the receiver beams, the intersection defining multiple adjacent target areas from which target information may be obtained.
In order to better determine the location of a target within a target area, the apparatus may be operated so as to form, for each receiver beam, a sum and difference beam pattern characterized by a single lobe sum beam in conjunction with a dual lobe difference beam with one of the lobes having a positive phase relationship and the other a negative phase relationship relative to the sum beam.
Although the sum and difference receiver beam will more narrowly define the position of a target in the target area, such target can be anywhere within a narrow strip of the target area. The present invention will eliminate any uncertainty as to the target position by precisely pinpointing the target within the target area.


In a system for receiving a television broadcast, when a printer is connected to a receiving apparatus for use, a printer driver which controls the printer is automatically registered. For this purpose, a television broadcast receiving apparatus includes a unit for setting download information for a printer driver to be retrieved, a unit for retrieving a printer driver file which is specified by the set download information with the television broadcast, and a unit for installing the printer driver file into a storage unit so as to be executable.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a television broadcast receiving apparatus which receives television broadcasts, a television broadcast receiving method, and a control program for the television broadcast receiving apparatus. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method of retrieving a printer driver for a printer connected to a television broadcast receiving apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, broadcasting services have become increasingly widespread, and television broadcasts (hereinafter referred to as "TV broadcasts") include satellite broadcasting systems using satellite radio waves, such as BS (Broadcasting Satellite) analog broadcasting, BS digital broadcasting, and CS (Communication Satellite: CS broadcasts are received using an antenna having less power than BS; in future, both BS and CS broadcasts will be able to be received using the same antenna) digital broadcasting; terrestrial broadcasting systems, such as terrestrial analog broadcasting and terrestrial digital broadcasting (digital television, or DTV) in the U.S. (in Japan, this service will start in 2003); and cable TV broadcasting systems via cable. As such, a multiplicity of broadcasting systems is used for TV broadcasts, in which, as analog TV broadcasting has been shifted to digital TV broadcasting, the number of multiplexed-data broadcasts has increased.
Although a multiplexed-data broadcasting system includes not only multiplexed audio data, as known in the art, but also various other types of multiplexed data, analog broadcasting services must use only a bandwidth as narrow as approximately 64 kbps, and thus broadcast a limited amount of data. On the other hand, data broadcasting services in the BS digital broadcasting system can use a wide bandwidth ranging from 1.5 Mbps to 2 Mbps, thereby providing multiplexed-data broadcasts with moving picture and audio data carried thereon, which has not previously been achieved. For example, a user is simply required to press a remote controller button during a program on the TV in order to view recipes on another screen or on a portion of the screen during a cooking program, or to view the cast in a drama.
In order to receive BS digital broadcasts, a user must have a BS tuner. Plug-and-play capability enables the BS tuner to recognize a device which is connected to a TV monitor or a video via an IEEE 1394 interface, called i.LINK (trademark of Sony Corporation), and to set the system configuration accordingly.
With the growth of data broadcasting, it may be contemplated in the future that when a data broadcast having multiplexed print content is delivered from a broadcast station, a user at the receiver side need only press a remote controller button during a TV program in order to perform an operation which allows the content to be printed from a user's printer. In this case, the printer should be connected to the BS tuner, but there is currently no BS tuner capable of interfacing with a printer.
On the other hand, there is a tuner (called a set-top box) for Web TV, etc., which can access the Internet to allow a user to browse Internet content. The set-top box for Web TV has a serial interface which can interface with a printer. However, the set-top box has such a small memory area that only a simple printer driver can be installed, which can support only Web-TV-supported printers. Thus, there is a problem in that general printers for personal computers, which have become widespread recently as the popularity of personal computers has increased, cannot be used, and users who have purchased a PC printer must purchase a new Web TV printer, thus increasing the financial burden on the users.
In future, the system configuration may be contemplated such that a BS tuner or a set-top box provided with a large-capacity memory, such as a hard disk, in which a printer driver is stored to allow a user to use various kinds of printers. However, with the rapid advancement of software, if the same printer is used with the most up-to-date printer driver, the print quality or performance will increase. It is thus necessary to update the printer driver. On the other hand, manufacturers or sellers of BS tuners or set-top boxes also have a problem in that incorporating a printer driver which might not be used by all users within a tuner or a set-top box at the factory will disadvantageously complicate the production process and increase the production cost.
Furthermore, recently, as the number of companies which develop printers has increased, and the number of types of printers has increased, it is bothersome for a user to recognize the printer connected to a tuner or a set-top box and to prepare and install a printer driver which supports that printer. Installation of an incorrect printer driver may result in incorrect printing operation. Therefore, there is a need for providing a system which can be conveniently used by users.

Television broadcast receiving apparatus, television broadcast receiving method, and television broadcast receiving program


The present invention is an exhaust emission control device for a diesel engine that is small and simple, and can efficiently reduce and eliminate NO.sub.x in exhaust gas. To this end, the device includes a reforming catalyst (12) for reforming either a mixture of diesel fuel and water, or a mixture of diesel fuel, water, and air to an oxygen-containing compound and for supplying the same into an exhaust pipe (2); and a NO.sub.x catalyst (3) is disposed in the exhaust pipe (2), at a position downstream from the supplying position, for reducing and controlling NO.sub.x in the exhaust gas from the diesel engine.

Conventionally, a method has been known in which the hydrocarbons in the exhaust gas are compulsorily enriched, and are brought into contact with a transition metal carrying metallo-silicate catalyst, such as a copper/zeolite catalyst, or a transition metal carrying oxide catalyst, such as a copper/alumina catalyst, to reduce and eliminate NO.sub.x in the exhaust gas. In the conventional methods, ethylene, propylene, or diesel fuel, such as kerosene and light oil, is used as the reducing agent hydrocarbon. However, in order to eliminate NO.sub.x, a large amount of the reducing agent is necessary. As a concrete example, under practical conditions of diesel exhaust gas, in order to reduce and eliminate NO.sub.x, a hydrocarbon weight of two and half times to four times as much as that of the NO.sub.x, is necessary.
Contrary to the above, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 6-327974, it is described that the required amount of reducing agent can be substantially reduced by using an alcohol (especially ethanol) as the reducing agent. However, ethanol and propanol are more expensive as compared to ethylene and diesel fuel; and moreover it is necessary to separately prepare an additional substance as the reducing agent, so that the above art cannot be regarded as practical.
In Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 5-133218, it is proposed that fuel be reformed to a plurality of substances, including an alcohol which can be used as the reducing agent. However, since the reducing agent which is obtained after reforming is a kind which does not aim at an oxygen-containing compound such as, especially, an alcohol, there are disadvantages in that:
i) the yield of an oxygen-containing compound such as an alcohol is less, and PA0 ii) caulking carbon is deposited on the surface of the reforming catalyst, so that the performance of the reforming catalyst is easily lowered.

Exhaust emission control device for diesel engines


A topical, transdermal anesthetic comprising a eutectic mixture of, preferably, lidocaine and prilocaine in a ratio of about 3:1 by weight, incorporated within a lipophilic base. In addition to the property of rapid-onset, the formulation of the present invention has high storage stability and is less restricted by dosage limitations of other prilocaine-containing transdermal anesthetics and is, advantageously, not dependent upon occlusive dressing for optimal transdermal absorption.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a new formulation of a topical anesthetic and, more particularly, to a fast acting transdermal, topical anesthetic formulation having improved stability.
2. Description of the Related Art
Surgical techniques such as cosmetic resurfacing involving surgical ablation with an Erbium:YAG laser, and other laser procedures involving vaporization, excision, incision, and coagulation of soft tissue in medical specialties including dermatology, plastic surgery, podiatry, neurosurgery, gynecology, otorhinolaryngology (ENT), arthroscopy (knee surgery), and invasive and endoscopic general surgery, can only be performed after the highly sensitive nerve endings in the skin are anesthetized. The preferred method of administration of anesthetic is transdermally.
Skin, however, is a formidable barrier to the absorption of analgesics. Because the skin must serve as a barrier to the ingress of pathogens and toxic materials, and the egress of physiologic fluids, the skin is highly impermeable. Impermeability allows the skin to preserve its own integrity while simultaneously maintaining the delicate dynamic electrolyte balance of the body. Therefore, the skin functions both as a containment mechanism and as a microbial, chemical, radiation and thermal barrier.
This impermeability may be attributed to the nature of one very thin layer created by normal development and physiological changes in the skin. After cells are formed in the basal layer, they begin to migrate toward the skin surface, until they are eventually sloughed off. As they undergo this migration, they become progressively more dehydrated and keratinized. When they reach the surface, just prior to being discarded, they form a thin layer of dense, metabolically inactive cells approximately ten microns (10-15 cells) thick, the stratum corneum or "cornified layer". As a result of the high degree of keratinization of the cells which comprise the stratum corneum, a formidable barrier is created. Absorption through a mucosal surface is generally efficient because the stratum corneum is absent. Therefore, any formulation to be utilized as an efficient topical, transdermal anesthetic must be capable of being readily absorbed through the skin.
In addition to the thickness and integrity of the stratum corneum epidermis, percutaneous or transdermal absorption can significantly alter drug kinetics and depends on a variety of factors including site of application, size of active drug molecule, permeability of the membrane of the transdermal drug delivery system, state of skin hydration, pH of the drug, drug metabolism by skin flora, lipid solubility, and alteration of blood flow in the skin by additives and body temperature.
Certainly, it is well known to use topical, transdermal anesthetics, in dental applications such as in applying an anesthetic to the gum prior to injecting anesthetic. In mucous membranes, such as the lining of the mouth, topical anesthetics are readily absorbed and work well. However, on skin, the mechanics and physiology of absorption are much different.
Transdermal anesthetics are also useful for numbing an area prior to venipuncture, such as blood drawing. Pain relief is especially important in the area of pediatrics, where even minimal pain may result in an anxious and uncooperative patient.
In addition to its advantages over intravenous delivery, other advantages of transdermal delivery include avoidance of risks associated with parenteral treatment, elimination of the inconveniences of parenteral treatment; and elimination of gastrointestinal irritation resulting from exposing the gastrointestinal tract to pharmaceutical actives, preservatives, tableting agents, and the like.
In the past, several types of topical anesthetic methodology have been tried, including freezing the skin. This is done most easily by applying ice or spraying the skin with a vapocoolant, a chemical which evaporates quickly. This then freezes the surface of the skin. An example of this is ethyl chloride (chloroethane). Unfortunately, ethyl chloride has many disadvantages. It is difficult to numb large areas with these methods and the effect is short-lived, rarely lasting more than a few seconds to a minute. Further, ethyl chloride is flammable and, when used to produce local freezing, adjacent skin areas must be protected by application of petrolatum. Finally, the thawing process may be painful, and freezing may lower local resistance to infection and delay healing.
Cocaine solutions are also known, and act by blocking the initiation or conduction of the nerve pulse. For example, TAC (a mixture of tetracaine, adrenaline and cocaine) essentially eliminates pain and increases hemostasis during suturing of an open laceration but is not effective on unbroken skin. Further, system levels of cocaine have been documented after simple application of TAC soaked-pledgets to an open wound, thus, emphasizing the need for calculating and the limiting the dose of cocaine administered. Strict limitation of the total dose of each component according to the patient's lean body weight is crucial. As with any narcotic, the potential exists for respiratory depression and oxygen desaturation with the moderately rapid absorption through any mucosa.
Lidocaine is highly effective and is the most commonly used local anesthetic in the United States, especially in the form of aqueous solutions of lidocaine hydrochloride (Xylocaine.RTM.), which are administered intravenously through either direct injection or continuous infusion. Lidocaine stabilizes the neuronal membrane by inhibiting the ionic fluxes required for the initiation and conduction of impulses thereby effecting local anesthetic action. Lidocaine is also formulated as a jelly (Xylocaine.RTM. 2%), ointment, and spray for use as an anesthetic. Unfortunately, these formulations are only effectively absorbed through mucosal surfaces, not the skin.
A more recently developed transdermal anesthetic that utilizes lidocaine is EMLA.RTM. cream (Eutectic Mixture of Local Anesthetics), which patients have found preferable to lidocaine infiltration or ethyl chloride spray. EMLA.RTM. is an oil-in-water emulsion in which the oil phase is a eutectic mixture of lidocaine and prilocaine in a ratio of 1:1 by weight (2.5% and 2.5%, respectively), and comprising 92% purified water. A eutectic mixture is a mixture that has a melting point lower than that of its ingredients; therefore these two anesthetics after being heated and mixed exist as a liquid oil at room temperature, rather than as crystals. EMLA.RTM. cream is described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,529,601 (Broberg, et al.) and 4,562,060 (Broberg, et al.), which teach the mixing of specific proportions of certain local anesthetic agents in the form of their base in order to form a homogenous oil having a melting point below 40.degree. C., preferably below 25.degree. C.
Like lidocaine, prilocaine is an amide-type local anesthetic agent. Amides, are favorable as anesthetic agents, as opposed to esters, which are more sensitizing and can produce redness, swelling, irritation, itching, and other reactions. Unfortunately, methemoglobinaemia and cyanosis appear to occur more frequently with prilocaine than with other local anesthetics. Methemoglobinaemia describes the formation of oxidized iron compound in the heme protein of the red blood cell. It is a disease state of the erythrocyte. Cellular oxidant stress causes a structural change in the hemogloblin. If the oxidant stress is too great, methemoglobin levels rise and erythrocyte function is compromised. Symptoms usually occur when doses of prilocaine hydrochloride exceed about 8 mg per kg body-weight but the very young may be more susceptible. For the average person of 70 kg, this represents a dose of 560 mg. This severely limits the size of the area to be anesthetized.
A major inconvenience with EMLA.RTM. is that local anesthesia of intact skin is not achieved until at least 60 minutes following application. For more invasive procedures, such as split skin graft harvesting, at least two hours may be required. This delay in onset is a significant disadvantage, as it is a great inconvenience for both patients and medical staff. Such delay is particularly a problem in the area of pediatrics, where any additional time spent awaiting treatment only contributes to the anxiety of the patient.
Another disadvantage with EMLA.RTM. cream is that, for deep penetrative effect, it is necessary that the cream be applied under an occlusive dressing. Specifically, a bilayer of laminate and absorbent cellulose is taped to the area of the skin to be anesthetized. Such a dressing is inconvenient and messy.
It would be desirable, therefore, to have a topical, transdermal anesthetic which derives the benefits of both lidocaine and prilocaine, but which is free of all the above-described problems associated therewith.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a topical, transdermal anesthetic utilizing prilocaine, without such pronounced dosage limitations characteristic of other prilocaine-containing anesthetics.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a topical, transdermal anesthetic which exhibits comparably rapid onset.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a topical, transdermal anesthetic which is not dependent upon occlusive dressing for rapid absorption through the skin.


A method and an apparatus are disclosed, to screen patients or other areas for ferromagnetic objects, particularly for use intra-operatively in an operating room. The device comprises at least one magnetic field source, at least one magnetic gradiometer, and the associated electronics. The field source and the gradiometer are supported by an arm structure which can be manipulated to position the field source and the gradiometer at one or more positions near areas of interest, such as areas on a patient or other subject, and to orient the field source and the gradiometer so that the axis of the magnetic field is arranged along three different non-parallel, non-coplanar, axes to ensure detection of any ferromagnetic object regardless of its shape and orientation. The device can be manipulated to place the sensor arrays in close proximity to selected parts of a subject's body, for screening purposes. Two field sources and two gradiometers can be provided, for positioning on two sides of a portion of the subject's body, such as the head.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is in the field of methods and apparatus used to prevent the presence of paramagnetic or ferromagnetic objects near a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system.
2. Background Art
Paramagnetic and ferromagnetic objects are highly unsafe near MRI systems, because the strong magnetic gradients caused by MRI magnets exert a strong force on such objects, potentially turning them into dangerous missiles. Several accidents, some fatal, are known to have occurred as the result of someone inadvertently carrying such an object into the MRI room. Current MRI safety practices rely on signage and training to prevent people from taking such objects into the MRI chamber. There is a need for a technical means to prevent the accidental transportation of such objects into the MRI chamber, or to warn of such an occurrence.
Use of conventional metal detectors, whether portals or wands, would not be efficient for this purpose, because they do not distinguish between magnetic and non-magnetic objects, and only magnetic objects are dangerous. Conventional systems generate an audio-band oscillating or pulsed magnetic field with which they illuminate the subject. The time-varying field induces electrical eddy currents in metallic objects. It is these eddy currents which are detected by the system, to reveal the presence of the metallic objects. There is no discrimination between ferromagnetic objects, which are dangerous near an MRI system, and non-magnetic objects, which are not. As a result, conventional systems would generate far too many false alarms to be usable in this application. The invention described herein solves the problem by detecting only paramagnetic and ferromagnetic objects, which are exactly those that must be excluded from the MRI room.
The present invention specifically addresses a need for intra-operative application of MRI. The current surgical technique for most major cancer surgical procedures is for the surgeon to remove the tumor as delineated by the preoperative MRI. Upon conclusion of what is believed to be adequate tumor excision, the skin incision is sutured, and the patient is sent to recovery. A postoperative MRI is then performed in the imaging center, and, it is hoped, no residual tumor is found.
Unfortunately, residual tumor is commonly present. Neurosurgery is a field in which the use of MRI is ubiquitous. With conventional neurosurgery, in an effort to make certain that "all the cancer" is removed, neurosurgeons often excise significant sections of normal brain tissue, recognizing that it is difficult to determine visually the exact borders of the cancer, even with the use of an operating microscope.
When the cancer is incompletely excised during the initial neurosurgical procedure, however, as documented by postoperative MRI after the patient is sent to recovery, the patient is returned to the operating room for further surgery. This is often on a different day than the first surgical procedure, causing tremendous anxiety to the patient and to the patient's family.
The patient must be re-anaesthetized, the craniotomy flap reopened, and more brain tissue excised, in the hope that the tumor has been completely extirpated. A postoperative MRI is obtained to confirm or deny this.
The use of intra-operative MRI can change the hit-or-miss scenario described above, and a number of centers have established intra-operative MRI facilities. The advantage of intra-operative MRI is similar in concept to that of Moh's procedure for skin cancers, in which sequential intra-operative biopsies of tumor margins are examined by a pathologist and determined to be cancer-free before the surgery is concluded and the incision is sutured. The difference is that with intra-operative MRI, confirmation of the tumor margin is made not by pathological microscopic examination of excised tissue, but by magnetic resonance imaging.
Two competing methodologies are becoming available to accommodate intra-operative MRI. In the first methodology, the MRI magnet is brought into the operating room on a mechanized retractable transport tube. The operating room table remains stationary, and intra-operative MRI is performed ("mountain-to-patient strategy"). After intra-operative MR imaging, the transport tube is retracted into the adjacent room, and the surgery continues, based upon information gleaned from the intra-operative MRI. This procedure can be repeated until the surgeon and his or her team are completely satisfied that the tumor has been completely eliminated.
The second methodology involves bringing the patient to the MRI magnet, which is in a separate dedicated ante-room. In this instance, the MRI suite can be used for other intra-operative MRI procedures, as the ante-room can be fed, as it were, by one or more operating room theatres. This second ("patient-to-mountain") strategy requires that the OR table and the anesthesia cart to which the patient is obligatorily attached be transported into the magnet room.
In either strategy, it would be helpful to be able to thoroughly scan the patient, and the operating room table and anesthesia cart for ferromagnetic threat objects. To minimize the missile threat in the intra-operative scenario described herein, the use of very sensitive ferromagnetic-only detection portals may well prove beneficial.
A major problem at this time, however, is that even so-called "MRI Safe" pieces of equipment, such as designated gurneys, anesthesia carts, and the like, often contain small ferromagnetic components, such as wheel bearings, or gauge displays on monitoring equipment. Because of the very large mass of the gurney or cart relative to the very small amount of ferromagnetic materials present, however, the gurney or cart is not propelled toward the MRI magnet. Nevertheless, the ferromagnetic material will trigger a false-positive alarm when the gurney or cart passes through a sensitive ferromagnetic detection portal. This alarm response is baffling to the surgeon, as he or she cannot know whether the alarm emanates from the gurney or cart, or from a true ferromagnetic threat with the potential for causing harm.
A worrisome threat is a ferromagnetic hemostat clamp deep within the abdomen of a patient undergoing cancer surgery. If the surgeon is unaware of the presence of this clamp, and intra-operative MRI proceeds, the magnetic field of the MRI instrument could cause the clamp to tear through the patient's tissues, causing hemorrhage, nerve damage, and other catastrophically untoward consequences.
Many surgical instruments are non-magnetic and non-magnetizable, but not all. Of course, with intra-operative surgery employing MRI, a great effort should be made to have all instruments in the surgical environment be non-magnetic and non-magnetizable, but this is not always practical.
What is required, then, is a ferromagnetic detection system which detects these ferromagnetic instruments before the intra-operative MRI procedure. The present invention provides an apparatus and method for achieving this requirement. In addition to intra-operative MRI, the present invention can be employed for the detection of foreign objects within a patient prior to conventional MRI. It can also detect ferromagnetic threat objects on the person of a subject, such as bobby pins or nail clippers.


In a pipe connection, a first pipe has a first flange of sheet metal provided with a first wall connected circumferentially to the first pipe. A second pipe has an end section shaped as a second flange. A clamp engages across the first and second flanges and has conical sidewalls forcing the first and second flanges axially against one another when tightening the clamp. The first flange delimits together with the first pipe an annular chamber that is coaxial to the longitudinal pipe axis. The first flange has a second wall that is glidingly supported on a free end of the first pipe. A sheet metal sealing ring is positioned between the first and second flanges. It has an edge section that is bent back onto a remaining sealing ring section that has a corrugation projecting past the bent edge section in an untightened state of the clamp.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a connection of two pipes, wherein a first pipe has a first flange of sheet metal that is connected with a first wall to the pipe circumference and wherein a second pipe has an end section that is shaped as a second flange. The connection comprises a tightenable clamp engaging across the two flanges and provided with conical sidewalls by which the flanges when the clamp is tightened are forced axially against one another. Moreover, the invention relates to a sealing ring for such a connection.
2. Description of the Related Art
A connection of this kind is disclosed as a schematic detail illustration in the brochure No. 6 "NORMA® PROFILSCHELLEN KEGELFLANSCHVERBIDNUNGEN"; Sep. 1987, page 6, left column, upper figure. This connection shows the free ends of both flanges contacting one another wherein the two flanges delimit an annular chamber together with the first pipe to which the first flange is welded. When the pipes to be connected are components of an exhaust gas manifold of a motor vehicle, very hot exhaust gases at a temperature of approximately 900 to 1000° C. pass through the pipes. Accordingly, the pipes are heated to very high temperatures so that they expand (widen) radially to a greater extent than the clamp that is exposed to a reduced temperature because it is positioned radially outwardly and therefore can be over-extended and rupture.

Connection of two pipes and sealing ring for the connection


The present disclosure includes methods, devices, and systems for state change in systems having devices coupled in a chained configuration. A number of embodiments include a host and a number of devices coupled to the host in a chained configuration. The chained configuration includes at least one device that is not directly coupled to the host. The at least one device that is not directly coupled to the host is configured to change from a first communication state to a second communication state responsive to receipt of a command from the host.

Memory devices are typically provided as internal, semiconductor, integrated circuits and/or external removable devices in computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), digital cameras, and cellular telephones, among various other electronic devices. There are many different types of memory including random-access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), phase change random access memory (PCRAM), and flash memory, among others.
Various types of memory can be used in memory systems. The various types of memory can be used in various combinations to provide memory for a host. For example, flash memory can be included in a memory system. Flash memory can be part of a memory system as internal memory or as removable memory that can be coupled to the memory system through an interface, such as a USB connection, for example.
A memory system can include a host, such as a computer, and an external memory device having a direct connection to the host. During operation of the memory system, the external memory device can receive information from the host and/or send information to the host. The amount of power used by an external memory device during operation of the memory system can depend on the communication rate of the device, e.g., the speed at which the device receives information from the host and/or sends information to the host. For example, a device with a high communication rate may use more power than a device with a low communication rate.

State change in systems having devices coupled in a chained configuration