The invention concerns a process for continuously preparing polyamide 6 with a low dimer content from .epsilon.-caprolactam (fresh lactam) and/or from recycled lactams from extraction and melt-demonomerizing stages. In a plurality of process stages the recycled lactam and/or fresh lactam is hydrolyzed under pressure in the fusible state with water contents of between 3 and 15% and temperatures ranging from 220.degree. C. to 280.degree. C. With a lower constant water content being set, the molten polyamide is then fed to the polymerization process in a further pressure stage incorporating a gas chamber.

The invention relates to a multistage process for continuously preparing a polyamide 6 with a low dimer content from .epsilon.-caprolactam and/or from recycled lactams (so-called return lactams) which are obtained in extraction stages and melt demonomerization stages for reducing the low molecular mass fraction in the case of polyamide 6.
It is known that during the polycondensation of .epsilon.-caprolactam to give polyamide 6 a chemical equilibrium is established which is temperature-dependent. At a common plant reaction temperature of 280.degree. C., a water-soluble fraction of around 13% is established.
For the further processing of the polymer it is necessary to dissolve out the unreacted fraction. Various methods are known for this purpose. For example, the melt in the equilibrium state is used to prepare granules which are extracted with water. In that case .epsilon.-caprolactam, oligomers and dimers are dissolved out. This method necessitates subsequent drying of the granules and processing of the aqueous extraction waters by evaporative concentration.
Also known are methods in which unreacted .epsilon.-caprolactam, dimers and oligomers are driven off from melt films by means of reduced pressure or inert gas.
For economic reasons, these recovered products should be supplied to the polymerization process again.
There are methods in which PA 6 extract water concentrates with high or low solids contents are added in smaller or greater proportions to the fresh lactam in order that they too may be reacted to give polyamide 6. In accordance with DE-B 25 01 348 and DE-A 27 32 328 polyamide 6 extract waters concentrated to a solids content of more than 90% or, respectively, to 60-70% are polymerized with more than the equal amount of fresh lactam, based on the solids content, with propionic or, respectively, benzoic acid in a reactor which is operated essentially at atmospheric pressure.
A disadvantage of this process is that when polyamide 6 extract water concentrates are polymerized with monocarboxylic acids, the polymerization times required are longer than in the case of polymers of fresh lactam with monocarboxylic acids. In addition, the conversions of .epsilon.-caprolactam or cyclic oligomers obtained are from about 2 to 3% below those of fresh lactam polymers, since the cyclic oligomers take essentially no part in the reaction mechanism. The high water content in the reaction mixture, in conjunction with the pressureless operation of the polymerization reactor, leads to an unfavorable reaction course. The water is unable to act in the reaction because it evaporates.
It is also known that melt vacuum demonomerization processes are operated such that the demonomerization products drawn off in gas form, i.e. .epsilon.-caprolactam and cyclic oligomers, are condensed in fresh lactam and so also subjected to the polymerization (DE-A 28 21 886 and DE-A 29 48 865). In the case of similar processes as well, the cyclic oligomers, especially the cyclic dimers, are not converted into reactive compounds.
Also known is the strong catalytic action of o-phosphoric acid on the polymerization of .epsilon.-caprolactam [Geleji, F. et al. "Wirkungsmechanismus verschiedener Katalysatoren bei der Caprolactampolymerisation" [Mechanism of action of various catalysts in the polymerization of caprolactam] in Faserforschung und Textiltechnik 13 (1962) 6, 282-283] in terms of the polymerization of cyclic oligomers (Schade, H. and Beckhaus, F. W.: Verfahren zum Polymerisieren von Oligomeren des .epsilon.-Caprolactams [Process for polymerizing oligomers of .epsilon.-caprolactam]--DD Patent 24 307). Disadvantages of such a polymerization technology that occur are, inter alia:
excessively rapid increase in viscosity and hence inadequate reproducibility of the desired degree of polymerization, since the o-phosphoric acid acts essentially as catalyst and to a lesser extent as chain regulator PA1 inadequate conversion to .epsilon.-caprolactam and cyclic oligomers, and PA1 depolymerization processes when polyamide 6 granules of this kind are processed.
In order to avoid the abovementioned problems it is common to separate off the oligomers when processing the aqueous extraction waters by distillation. The oligomers separated off are landfilled, which pollutes the environment, or undergo energy-intensive depolymerization into lactam, by processing with phosphoric acid, and the lactam is subsequently passed to a cleaning stage. The residues are land-filled.
For technical reasons concerned with the apparatus and on economic grounds, polyamide manufacturers have to date concentrated the lactam oligomer mixture to a residual water content of .ltoreq.2% by evaporative concentration. With this water content it becomes impossible to bind the cyclic dimer chemically into the polymer structure.
The aim of the invention is to restrict as much as possible the formation of dimers and oligomers in the preparation of polyamide 6 from fresh lactam and to bind cyclic dimers, especially cyclic dimers introduced by way of recycled lactam, and also cyclic oligomers into the production process and to obtain the processing of the total amount to give high-grade end products while creating a closed circuit of materials (no waste).

Process for continuously preparing a polyamide 6 with a low dimer content


Purified mammalian thrombopoietin proteins and methods of making them are disclosed. The proteins are characterized by a M.sub.r =70,000.+-.10,000 daltons as determined by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under denaturing conditions and are at least 90% pure with respect to contaminating proteins. The proteins can be prepared by a method in which thrombopoietin is adsorbed to and eluted from a polypeptide comprising a ligand-binding domain of an MPL receptor, then the eluted thrombopoietin is fractionated by anion exchange chromatography.

Hematopoiesis is the process by which blood cells develop and differentiate from pluripotent stem cells in the bone marrow. This process involves a complex interplay of polypeptide growth factors (cytokines) acting via membrane-bound receptors on the target cells. cytokine action results in cellular proliferation and differentiation, with response to a particular cytokine often being lineage-specific and/or stage-specific. Development of a single cell type, such as a platelet, from a stem cell may require the coordinated action of a plurality of cytokines acting in the proper sequence.
The known cytokines include the interleukins, such as IL-1, IL-2, IL-3, IL-6, IL-8, etc.; and the colony stimulating factors, such as G-CSF, M-CSF, GM-CSF, erythropoietin (EPO), etc. In general, the interleukins act as mediators of immune and inflammatory responses. The colony stimulating factors stimulate the proliferation of marrow-derived cells, activate mature leukocytes, and otherwise form an integral part of the host's response to inflammatory, infectious, and immunologic challenges.
Various cytokines have been developed as therapeutic agents. For example, erythropoietin, which stimulates the development of erythrocytes, is used in the treatment of anemia arising from renal failure. Several of the colony stimulating factors have been used in conjunction with cancer chemotherapy to speed the recovery of patients' immune systems. Interleukin-2, .alpha.-interferon and .gamma.-interferon are used in the treatment of certain cancers.
An activity that stimulates megakaryocytopoiesis and thrombocytopoiesis has been identified in body fluids of thrombocytopenic animals and is referred to in the literature as "thrombopoietin" (recently reviewed by McDonald, Exp. Hematol. 16:201-205, 1988 and McDonald, Am. J. Ped. Hematol. Oncol. 14:8-21, 1992).
Recently, several groups have identified and/or cloned a protein that binds to the cellular MPL receptor and stimulates megakaryocytopoiesis and thrombocytopoiesis. See, de Sauvage et al., Nature 369:533-538, 1994; Lok et al., Nature 369:565-568, 1994; Kaushansky et al., Nature 369:568-571, 1994; Wendling et al., Nature 369:571-574, 1994; and Bartley et al., Cell 77:1117-1124, 1994. It has been proposed that this protein be termed thrombopoietin (Kaushansky et al., ibid.). Although this protein has been shown to stimulate platelet production in vivo (Kaushansky et al., ibid.), it appears to be subject to proteolysis and was isolated in heterogeneous or degraded form (Bartley et al., ibid.; de Sauvage et al., ibid.).
Proteolysis and heterogeneity are significant problems that can impede the development of new pharmaceutical agents. There remains a need in the art for homogeneous, undegraded preparations of thrombopoietin and for methods of making such preparations. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides other, related advantages.

Purified thrombopoietin and method of making it


Embodiments of the present invention secure docking stations, notebook computers and removable devices. In one embodiment, a docking station is provided. The docking station includes a base unit for engaging a computer and a lock including a lock mechanism, a key receptacle exposed in an opening on a side of the base unit, and a t-bar extending from the lock mechanism. The docking station also includes an ejection mechanism on the base unit, a lever arm having a first surface for engaging the t-bar of the lock, the lever arm rotating when the t-bar moves between a locked position and an unlocked position, and a sliding member, responsive to movement of the lever arm, that slides into a position to interfere with the ejection mechanism when the lock is in a locked position such that the ejection mechanism is disabled from releasing the computer from the base unit.

Notebook computers have gained in popularity as manufacturers have produced products that offer a high degree of portability and processing power. Many computer manufacturers have also developed docking stations for their notebook computer offerings. These docking stations enable easy connection for the notebook computers to networks, monitors, and other peripheral devices to harness the processing power of the notebook computer in a static, office environment.
Unfortunately, the portability of notebook computers increases the risk of theft as compared with larger, desk-top systems. A higher risk of theft also exists for the docking stations as such devices are typically small compared to the traditional desk-top computer.
Many systems for securing notebook computers have been developed to address this risk. One common form of security for notebook computers is the use of a so-called "T-bar" lock. The T-bar lock typically includes a main body that houses a locking mechanism. At one end, the body includes a key receptacle for activating the locking mechanism. At the other end, the body includes a T-bar that is inserted into a slot on the side of a notebook computer. The main body is secured to a large object, e.g., a desk, by means of a cable, chain or other mechanism.
Some systems have been designed to enable a single lock to secure both a docking station and a notebook computer. Further, some systems secure the notebook, docking station and peripheral devices with a single lock. However, these systems typically suffer from a common defect: the lock mechanism is cumbersome to use and functions differently depending on the physical location of the lock mechanism. Thus, by applying the locking mechanism in the wrong location, the user may not fully secure the entire system as desired.

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.


For one embodiment of the present invention, a cell phone may provide a wireless connection. The cell phone may additionally include a locator to indicate an approximate location of the cell phone. The cell phone may additionally include an output device to provide the user with a directional indicator to guide the user along a route that reduces the probability of losing the wireless connection.

Computer systems are becoming increasingly pervasive in our society, including everything from small handheld electronic devices, such as personal data assistants and cellular phones, to application-specific electronic devices, such as set-top boxes, digital cameras, and other consumer electronics, to medium-sized mobile systems such as notebook, sub-notebook, and tablet computers, to desktop systems, workstations, and servers. A cell phone is a particularly useful computer system that provides a convenient way not only for users to be contacted but also for users to contact others.
Cell phones rely on a network of cell towers to provide wireless services. Each tower typically serves a coverage area referred to as a cell. Generally, as a user moves away from a first cell tower of a first cell, the wireless signal strength may decrease until the user moves into a second cell and moves toward the second tower serving the second cell. Occasionally, a user may move into a region that either lacks wireless signal coverage or provides very weak wireless signal strength. This may occur when, for example, a cell tower is malfunctioning, no cell tower exists to cover a particular area, or the wireless signal is somehow obstructed. Regions such as these may be referred to as holes or dead zones.
The probability that the wireless connection may be lost between the cell phone and the cell tower increases when the cell phone user (and, hence, the cell phone itself) passes through a hole. This can result in dropped calls. The present invention addresses this and other problems associated with the prior art.

Method and apparatus to provide guidance to support wireless connectivity


A method and components for cultivation of plant materials. The components include enhanced berms, a confined irrigation/fertigation system, field and plant sensors, a plant support system, overcovering structure and a protective collar. Each of these components used singularly or in combination with each other enhances the growth and yield of plant material decreases the associated costs of cultivation, and decreases adverse environmental impacts.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates generally to a method and components for cultivation, and more specifically to a method and components for increasing plant yields while decreasing the associated costs of time, labor growing space, fertilizer, fumigation, water, etc., and also decreasing the associated environmental impact.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The commercial production of plants and plant material for consumption is plagued with many difficulties associated with natural botanical characteristics and the environment in which the plants are grown. Proper horticultural practices to minimize these difficulties and maximize plant growth and production are necessary to ensure commercially viable production.
Commercial farms have evolved to grow plants in organized rows. The rows help facilitate the planting, feeding, trimming, feeding, watering, maintenance and harvesting of the plants or food products grown by the plants. Conventional growing practices often utilize flood-type irrigation techniques and mass spraying of chemicals used to fumigate and fertilize.
Flood irrigation and mass spraying, besides being wasteful of water and chemical resources, has the potential to damage surface soils and both ground water and surface water sources. Irrigating floodwater applied to fields promotes erosion and promotes run-off of fertilizers and pesticides into water sources. In arid environments flood irrigation often leads to soil mineralization associated with the buildup of surface salts. Flood irrigation also creates large swings over time in the amount of moisture in the soil, which stresses the plants.
Typical agricultural berms that have previously been in use do not reach a height greater than about 12 inches and a width at the base of about 2½ feet. Typical berms are used to slightly raise the plants to protect them from direct and damaging contact with water from flood irrigation. While these berms protect the plants from flood irrigation, these berms do not provide a sufficient soil zone for the roots of the plant (especially trees, bushes, vines and other plants with deep developing roots) to develop above a level where harmful nematodes occur.
Agricultural fields, especially those in continuous use, year after year, are usually infested with harmful nematodes that attack the roots of plants that are planted. Development of nematode resistant plant varieties and crop rotation have lessened the problem of nematode infestation to a limited extent. A field is typically fumigated before planting with a substance such as methyl bromide in an effort to kill the nematodes, but this also has achieved limited success since the harmful nematodes reside approximately 12 inches below the surface of the soil. The use of methyl bromide is also being severely restricted or banned completely in some regions due to adverse environmental effects associated with its use. Methyl bromide and other fumigants also kill many of the organisms in the soil that are beneficial to plants.
Furthermore, in traditional flood irrigation a significant percentage of water applied to a field is lost either through evaporation to the air or migration below the effective root zone of the plants. This technique wastes water resources, as does more advanced sprinkler techniques, although to a lesser extent.
In the fruit tree cultivation industry it is not uncommon to paint the trunks of matures trees white in order to prevent the tree from becoming "sunburned". Overheating of trees has long been recognized as a problem, but providing newly transplanted trees with protection from the sun has generally been ignored.
Young trees and vines transplanted from a nursery to a field are typically provided with some sort of conventional covering such as a wrap, tube or collar. The conventional wisdom in the industry is that these devices provide winter protection from the cold and a physical barrier to plant predators, pests, and herbicides as well as environmental factors such as windburn or frost damage. In order to achieve the desired winter warming advantage, conventional coverings are provided in direct contact with the plant, and the upper surface of the soil.
For example, when a young citrus tree is transplanted from a nursery to a field, at about 2-4 feet in height and ¼ to ½ inch in trunk diameter, a protective collar is placed around the trunk. Trees are typically transplanted in the spring, and the conventional collars may remain around the young plants for several years. However, these coverings have adverse affects during summer that are detrimental to the development of the plants. The covering increases the internal temperature within the coverings by as much as 20° F. which stresses the plant. Tubes and collars used for this purpose are slightly driven into the ground to provide a "mini-greenhouse" effect within the covering. In an effort to prevent plants from getting too cold in the winter the covering remedy has actually created an undue heat stress on the plants in the summer, either severely reducing plant growth or possibly killing the plant.

Method of cultivation and components for use therewith


An interactive learning system and method are provided. The method includes projecting at least one multimedia on a display screen interface upon selection of the at least one multimedia by a user, receiving one or more images representative of the at least one movement of corresponding one or more interactive tools captured by an image capturing unit in real time, enabling an interaction with at least one multimedia being displayed on the display screen interface upon having at least one movement of the one or more interactive tools on pad, identifying a pattern formed by the one or more received images representative of the at least one movement of the one or more interactive tools, analysing the pattern identified via an image processing technique, enabling an interaction of the one or more interactive tools with the at least one multimedia being displayed on the display screen interface in real time.

With a linear growth in technology, electronic devices are becoming more user friendly. One of the major applications of technology in recent days is education and entertainment; and one such entertainment is gaming Various games and toys have been developed in which a computing device interacts with a physical location of a game controller to keep the games engaged.
Game controllers come in various forms such as keyboards, mouse, gamepads, steering wheels, light guns, joysticks, playing pieces or the like which is used in various platforms such as virtual reality, augmented reality, flat screens or the like to experience 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional effect of the game. Further there have been an attempt to construct various board games with the combination of flat screens such as a display screen interface and interactive pieces or interactive tools such as patterns, counts, links, instruments, or the like.
In this context, users are in constant exposure to devices having the display screen interface making it desirable to provide new technologies, which can enhance the interactive experience with touch screen devices and their existing game controllers and devices having such an interaction.
In one approach, augmented reality or virtual reality is used in this regard which keeps the user engaged. However, such systems make a user lose the hands-on with the interaction associated to education or entertainment display screen interface. Also, user experience in such an approach is limited to a single approach, thereby making the conventional approach less reliable. In addition, accuracy of tracking the interactive tools in real time is a challenge as intervention of noise from any of the communication means may hamper the same or create a time delay in tracing the interaction of the game controller with the computing device.
Hence, there is a need for an improved interactive learning system and method in order to address the aforementioned issues.

Interactive learning system and a method


In a method for a direct answer for search, a search query is received over a network, one or more answer candidate snippets for the search query are received, with an answer candidate snippet having at least a portion of content available over the network for an answer candidate, one or more answer entities are determined within a selected answer candidate snippet, a frequency of the one or more answer entities found within the one or more answer candidate snippets for the search query is determined, a confidence score is adjusted for the selected answer candidate in accordance with the frequency of the one or more answer entities found within the one or more answer candidate snippets, and at least one answer candidate snippet is sent for a response to the search query.

An internet or web search engine is a tool designed to search for information on the World Wide Web. Search engine/system providers aim to have a high degree in accuracy in delivering desired search result desired by a user for a given set of search terms. Approaches for ensuring delivery of accurate and desired search results have largely relied on finding search terms within a web page and/or a history of delivering a particular web page to a user with the same search terms.

Method and system for determining confidence in answer for search


A substrate treating apparatus includes a chamber having a process space therein, a substrate support unit that supports a substrate in the process space, a gas supply unit that supplies gas into the process space, and a plasma generation unit that generates plasma from the gas, wherein the substrate support unit includes a substrate support part that supports the substrate, a focus ring that surrounds the substrate support part, an insulator located below the focus ring and having a groove formed therein, an electrode provided in the groove formed in the insulator, and an impedance controller that is connected with the electrode and that adjusts impedance of the electrode, and the impedance controller includes a resonance control circuit that adjusts a maximum value of current applied to the electrode and an impedance control circuit that controls an incidence angle of plasma ions in an edge region of the substrate.

Embodiments of the inventive concept described herein relate to an apparatus and method for treating a substrate, and more particularly, relate to a substrate treating apparatus and method for treating a substrate using plasma.
Semiconductor manufacturing processes may include a process of treating a substrate using plasma. For example, among the semiconductor manufacturing processes, an etching process may remove a thin film on a substrate using plasma.
In a substrate treating process using plasma, such as an etching process using plasma, a focus ring mounted on the edge of an electrostatic chuck serves as a guide ring for the position of a substrate during the process and affects generation of plasma and the height of sheath in an edge region of the electrostatic chuck. In particular, depending on the shape of the focus ring, the focus ring may have a great influence on a change in etch uniformity in an edge region of the substrate.
The focus ring is generally formed of a material such as Si, SiC, or quartz. As plasma process time increases, the focus ring is worn or etched by ion bombardment occurring during the process, and the thickness of the focus ring is decreased. As the height of the focus ring is decreased due to the etching of the focus ring, the overall height of sheath is decreased depending on the etched shape of the focus ring. Therefore, the incidence angle of ions in the edge region of the substrate may be gradually inclined toward the center of the substrate. Due to this phenomenon, a process change may be caused, and a substrate pattern profile may be bent.

Apparatus and method for treating substrate


This invention entails a wind energy system for offshore use with a longitudinal direction (L) running substantially vertically to an ocean surface in the erected state and with a plurality of feet determined for making contact with the ocean bottom whose extensions in the longitudinal direction (L), especially the depth and/or relief of the ocean bottom, are adapted to a predetermined erection site.

Wind energy systems are traditionally anchored in offshore use in the form of single-post foundations on the ocean bottom. Furthermore, tripod foundations are known in which the foot of the wind energy system comprises three legs that run out from each other in a tetrahedral shape and are anchored on the ocean bottom. Moreover, foundations with jackets are known in oil platforms that have a framework construction exposed primarily to stresses of traction and pressure.
It must be taken into account, especially in offshore wind energy system parks, that the hub height of the individual wind energy systems above the ocean surface should be approximately the same for optical reasons on the one hand. On the other hand, for example, the boat docking areas can be built at the same height of the main construction in all wind energy systems by virtue of the same penetration height at the level of the ocean surface. The natural oscillation behavior of the system is less a function of the height above the ocean surface than it is of the height above the ocean bottom. Thus, the natural oscillation behavior of wind energy systems must be recalculated for each system every time that a plurality of systems is erected at different ocean depths. The obtaining of an approximately equal hub height above the ocean surface is complex in the case of such foundations because the length of the tripod or that of the jacket must be adapted in its entirety to the erection site.
WO 03/080939 A1 teaches a foundation for an offshore wind energy system comprising a suction foot to which the tower of the wind energy system is fastened with lateral struts.
DE 201 00 588 U1 discloses an offshore wind energy system comprising feet that can be flooded with water. The foot of the wind energy system can be lowered in a controlled manner by the flooding of the feet.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,590,718 teaches the foundation of an onshore wind energy system. The weight of the wind energy system is transmitted via a tower onto the ground and lateral, height-adjustable feet stabilize the entire construction.
JP 2003028046 A describes a foundation for an offshore wind energy system comprising feet with different heights, a few of which feet are arranged above the ocean surface and a few below the ocean surface.

Offshore wind energy system with non-skid feet


Methods and apparatuses for locating a sensor node are disclosed. A representative apparatus, among others, includes a processing unit that receives sensor node data and object trajectory information data for an object. The sensor node data is related to the object's trajectory, and a data point in the object trajectory information data comprises a time stamp and the coordinates of a position. The position corresponds the location of the object at the given time. The processing unit is adapted to correlate at least a portion of the sensor node data with at least a portion of the object trajectory information data to determine an absolute position of the sensor node.

1. Technical Field
The present disclosure is generally related to determining the absolute position of a sensor node, and more specifically to determining the absolute position of a sensor node that has been disposed in a haphazard manner.
2. Description of the Related Art
The present disclosure pertains to the field of localization of sensors. Sensors are usually deployed in a region to observe the activity in an area of interest. Different sensors are deployed to observe different activity. Acoustic sensors are deployed in a battlefield or in an urban area to monitor acoustic activity, for example, the presence of tanks in the field, to track vehicles, and identify the type of vehicles, etc. In urban settings, acoustic sensors can be deployed to detect congregation of people and the general nature of such a congregation, that is, whether the crowd is hostile or peaceful. The deployed acoustic sensors record the sound waves emanated in the vicinity and transmit to a remote hub or a central observation center where the data (sound waves) is analyzed. The type of analysis employed depends on the type of activity for which one is looking. Tracking vehicles in a field may comprise use of a tracking algorithm, while detecting people in the field may require an entirely different algorithm. In any case, the data analyzed has to be referenced to the location of the sensor. Without the knowledge of the sensor location, the data has no relevance. In a battlefield or in covert operation situations, the sensors may be deployed using an airborne vehicle such as a helicopter or airplane, or the sensors can be deployed by rockets. Whatever mechanism is used for deploying the sensors, the location of the deployed sensors may not be available. It is possible to guess at the general vicinity where the sensors land based on the location of the deploying vehicle, the speed at which the vehicle was flying, the angle at which the sensors were hurled, general wind speeds in the vicinity, the direction in which the vehicle was traveling, etc. The present disclosure presents a robust and elegant means in determining the location of the sensors.
At present, localization methods, e.g., R. L. Moses, R. M. Patterson, and W. Garber, Self localization of Acoustic sensor networks", in Proc. of MSS meeting of the specialty group on Battlefield acoustic and seismic sensing, September 2002 include use of beacons to estimate the time of arrival (TOA) between two sensor nodes, which translates into range after multiplying the TOA with the propagation velocity of the signal in the medium. This range corresponds to the radius of a circle or a sphere, depending on whether the sensor nodes are on a plane or in three-dimensional space. If there are three such circles corresponding to three different TOAs with respect to a sensor node whose coordinates we would like to determine, then these circles would intersect at a common point giving the location of the sensor whose coordinates are desired. In this approach the location of the sensor is obtained relative to the three other sensors. In order to know the global positioning of the sensor, one must have knowledge of the global position of the three sensors. If there is a large number of sensors deployed in a field whose coordinates must be determined, one can use the above technique iteratively to determine their locations. However, that approach may result in cumulative error that grows as a function of distance from one sensor to the other.

Estimation of global position of a sensor node

The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army


When a simple magnification optical system is used in reproduction of a recording medium in which a large number of minute modified regions are three-dimensionally formed inside solid matter, contrast is insufficient and interlayer crosstalk is increased, and therefore, it is impossible to take a sufficient S/N ratio. Provided is a recording medium in which at least one layer is configured by a set of two adjacent sub-layers, and dots on a sub-layer correspond to a recording data ‘1’ and dots on the other sub-layer correspond to ‘0’. These data are played back.

It has been known that minute modified regions which have a different refractive index from that of the vicinity thereof are formed when a short pulse laser is condensed on the inside of a transparent medium such as silica glass. It has been discovered that a large number of the minute modified regions are three-dimensionally formed inside the medium to be used for recording information.
The following PTLs 1 and 2 and NPL 1 are literature relating to such a recording medium. A mechanism in which local modification is caused by the short pulse laser is, for example, disclosed in NPL 2.

Optical recording medium and optical information playback method


A method of estimating a front obstacle detection distance includes detecting an obstacle from a front image of a vehicle, extracting coordinates of a lower end portion of a detection box of the detected obstacle, calculating a projected line on real world coordinates based on the extracted coordinates of the lower end portion, searching for a point or a line through which the projected line passes on a detailed map, and calculating a distance to the point or the line through which the projected line passes on the detailed map from a position of the vehicle.

In general, advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) technology of helping driving of a driver of a vehicle has been increasingly developed. In addition, the demand for image-based driver assistance apparatuses has increased due to generality and economy thereof.
Conventional technology of estimating a distance between vehicles using an image formed by capturing a front side of a vehicle uses installation information of a camera that photographs a vehicle and the area or position of a front vehicle detected from the image. However, when a vehicle is position on an inclined road surface, a distance from a front obstacle is estimated without consideration of an inclination degree of the vehicle, and thus, the reliability of the result value is degraded.
Accordingly, there is a need for technology of applying altitude information of a road contained in a detailed map to increase accuracy of estimating a detected distance from a front obstacle recognized by a camera when there is an altitude difference between a vehicle and an obstacle.

Method and apparatus for estimating front obstacle detection distance


The invention relates to a modular absorption measuring system (1) for fluid media comprising a detection module (2) and a sample module (3), which comprises a sample chamber (14). The detection module (2) comprises a detection system (5), which also comprises an electromagnetic radiation source (8) and a quantum detector (9). The radiation source (8) is designed for supplying light in the direction of the sample chamber (14) and the quantum detector (9) is designed for receiving light from the sample chamber (14). The electromagnetic radiation source (8) is designed as an electroluminescence component and the detection module (2) and the sample module (3) are also designed to be arranged on top of one another.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a modular absorption measuring system for fluid media comprising a detection module and a sample module, wherein the detection module comprises a detection system, wherein the detection system comprises an electromagnetic radiation source and a quantum detector, wherein the sample module comprises a sample chamber, whereby the radiation source is designed to supply light in the direction of the sample chamber and the quantum detector is designed to receive light from the sample chamber.
2. Description of Related Art
Absorption measuring systems are preferably used in cases where a change in transparency can be used to determine the contents quantitatively. For example, the content of fines can be established in a liquid. Likewise absorption measuring systems are known, in which a sample material is filled into a sample chamber and the latter is evaluated afterwards in a measuring device. Likewise so-called measuring strips are known in which a test section and mostly also a reference section are used, wherein upon the contact of said sections with a sample liquid or in general with a physical/chemical sample a reaction occurs in the reaction section, which is revealed by a colour change or a change in the transparency of the reaction section.
In known devices the problem is also mostly that the sample device and the evaluation device have to be aligned very precisely relative to one another. Small inaccuracies in the alignment can lead to greater differences in the obtained result, which considerably worsens the quality and reliability of repeated measurements for example in a continuous monitoring task.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,995,348 B2 shows for example an optical detection system, in which a sample material in a channel is guided past a plurality of optical detection devices. Each optical detection device is formed in this case by a light source and a detector, which are arranged opposite one another, so that the emitted light passes through the channel and is detected on the opposite side by the detector. As the individual detection devices are arranged along a channel, the disclosed device is designed for example for determining a reaction along the channel. By arranging frequency selective filters in the beam path of each detection device however also an analysis of the sample is possible in different spectral ranges.
As the sample material in the channel passes through all detection devices a selective measurement is not possible for example with the use of a catalyst or an added reagent, as with such a measurement the sample is contaminated by the addition of the additive and thus an additional measurement in a different spectral range or with a different catalyst is usually not possible.
Document US 2007/0102654 A1 discloses an optical sensor, which comprises a detection module consisting of a light-emitting diode and a photodetector, made respectively from an organic semiconducting material. The emitted light passes through the sample holder and is detected by the photodiode. It is also disclosed that an economically attractive alternative to existing sensors is to be found, which is achieved in particular by an integrated structure. Integrated is understood to mean that the sensor is produced in one step, without parts or components of the sensor having to be produced separately, in order to be joined subsequently to the sensor. Both the OLED and the photodiode can be produced directly on a light conductor or a carrier material. The optical sensor comprises for measuring a reference signal a reference photodiode made from an organic semiconductor material, which reference signal originates from the OLED or a second light-emitting diode. Said reference diode is part of a reference module, which has an empty sample holder, in which no sample material is arranged, which sample holder however is passed through by the light of the same reference diode, which also irradiates the sample chamber and the detection photodiode. By means of a light conductor light is directed by the OLED via the sample holder to the photodiode and possibly in addition is directed via the empty sample holder. Furthermore, a non-transparent screen is provided, which should prevent light reaching the photodetector other than through the sample chamber and thus the falsification of the measurement results is prevented. Furthermore, the document discloses a method for producing an optical sensor, whereby an integrated arrangement of the photodiodes and the OLEDs is achieved, in that the latter are arranged on the detection module, whereby the detection module also comprises the sample holder.
Document EP 1 063 518 A2 discloses a device for analysing a gas sample by means of infrared absorption, in which on a common, thermally stabilised carrier, in the immediate vicinity of one another and on one side of the measuring cell, an emitter and a receiver are arranged, whereby the thermal drift of the emitter and the receiver is prevented. To analyse a gas sample by means of infrared absorption it is known that to achieve a measurement that is as precise as possible a long absorption line inside the measuring cell is advantageous. Furthermore, systematically caused fluctuations in the detection characteristics are to be avoided as far as possible. In addition, the emitter and the receiver are arranged on a common, thermally stabilised carrier in the immediate vicinity of one another and on one side of the measuring cuvette. The carrier is in this case a thermally stabilised metal element, on which for direct heating in addition a heating and a control element, for example a transistor, is arranged. Furthermore, an IR-component, for example an IR-photodiode, is provided in the immediate vicinity of the receiver. On the side of the measuring cell opposite the cell window there is a spherical mirror, in order to direct the radiation emitted by the emitter back to the photodiode. By means of direct heating it is possible to keep the carrier and thereby the emitter and the receiver constantly at a temperature of preferably about 55° C. and thus avoid thermally caused drift.
Furthermore, a light-emitting diode is known from the prior art, which has its maximum beam intensity in the region of 4.2 μm wavelength and thus can be used preferably for measuring the absorptions of CO2.


A method of forming a vertically integrated memory cell including a deep trench extending into a substrate, a trench capacitor located within the deep trench, and a vertical transistor at least partially embedded within the deep trench above the trench capacitor, the vertical transistor is in direct contact with and electrically coupled to the trench capacitor.

The present invention relates generally to semiconductor memory devices, and, more particularly, to a vertically integrated DRAM cell in which a transistor may be positioned directly above and vertically aligned to a deep trench capacitor.
A DRAM cell may typically include a deep trench capacitor electrically coupled to a transistor. In general, a capacitor may include two electrodes separated by some barrier (e.g. node dielectric) used to isolate the two electrodes from one another. A deep trench capacitor may typically be formed in a semiconductor-on-insulator substrate. The semiconductor-on-insulator substrate may have an SOI layer stacked on top of a buried oxide layer and the buried oxide layer stacked on top of a base substrate. The base substrate generally being n-doped silicon and the SOI layer generally being p-doped silicon, or vice versa. A pad layer or hardmask may also be located atop the semiconductor-on-insulator substrate. The deep trench capacitor may be formed through the pad layer and into all layers of the semiconductor-on-insulator substrate. In such cases, the base substrate may act as one of the capacitor's two electrodes while a conductive layer or an inner electrode may act as the other electrode.
The transistor may include a typical field effect transistor which may be positioned on the SOI layer and adjacent to the deep trench capacitor. The transistor may be electrically coupled to the deep trench capacitor using a strap. More specifically, the inner electrode of the deep trench capacitor may typically be electrically coupled to a source-drain region of the transistor.

International Business Machines Corporation


A process for preparing 4-pentafluorosulfanylbenzoylguanidines of formula I

DE application 10222192 describes pentafluorosulfanylbenzoylguanidines as NHE1 inhibitors. The processes described therein for preparing these compounds, however, result in low yield and require reagents and reaction-conditions that necessitate great technical complexity or are unsuitable for preparation on a relatively large scale. It has now been found that said disadvantages can be avoided by a novel efficient synthesis which starts from commercially available 4-nitrophenylsulfur pentafluoride.

Process for preparing 4-pentafluorosulfanylbenzoylguanidines

Abstract: wherein R1 to R4 have the meanings indicated in the specification. The compounds of formula I are NHE1 inhibitors and can be employed, for example, for the treatment of cardiovascular disorders.


Various implementations disclosed herein provide a method for authenticating users to an enterprise network using closed subscriber groups. The method includes determining whether the client device is associated with a subscriber group that corresponds to the enterprise network. The method further includes granting the client device access to the enterprise network in response to determining that the client device is associated with the subscriber group that corresponds to the enterprise network.

Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide various types of communication (e.g., voice, data, multimedia services, etc.) to multiple users. On one hand, as the demand for high-rate and multimedia data services rapidly grows, there lies a challenge to implement efficient and robust communication systems with enhanced performance. On the other hand, enterprises need to facilitate the on-boarding of the users onto their wireless networks in a controlled manner. One common method is to ask the users to enter their credentials each time the users want to access the enterprise network. This redundant method, however, is burdensome and sometimes frustrating to users.
In accordance with common practice the various features illustrated in the drawings may not be drawn to scale. Accordingly, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. In addition, some of the drawings may not depict all of the components of a given system, method or device. Finally, like reference numerals may be used to denote like features throughout the specification and figures.

Authenticating client devices to an enterprise network


A bull's eye target device with a target surface section provided with a central section and a plurality of ring sections, and a circuit substrate provided so as to be spaced from the rear surface of the target surface section. The front surface side of the target surface section is formed in such a manner that the central section is raised to the greatest extent, with the plurality of ring sections becoming relatively lower as the periphery is approached, and a central pressing part and plurality of ring-shaped pressing parts are formed so as to project at the rear surface side at positions corresponding to the central section and the plurality of ring sections. The circuit substrate is provided with circular independent terminals at positions corresponding to the central pressing part and plurality of ring-shaped pressing parts of the target surface section.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a so-called bull's eye target device that is a device used in matches, training, and games for firing pellets at a target from a position five to ten meters away using a match pistol or sports pistol.
A bull's eye target match is typified by a precision target match and is a match utilized in basic training by a large number of pistol marksmen. For example, a bull's eye target match in a precision target match known as the "APS cup in Japan" held ten years previously, is a competitive game where a competitor fires five pellets at a target over the course of two minutes, with this being repeated twice to obtain a points total.
The so-called bull's eye target used in the bull's eye target match is a disc-shaped target where a plurality of concentric rings of fixed widths go outwards from a so-called maximum points-scoring central part, and in the match a plurality of pellets are fired towards the target within a fixed period of time decided by the participants to get a points total. A higher number of points are then scored when a pellet hits concentric circles that are closer to the center.
In this bull's eye target game, in the event that a pellet touches a boundary line of the target, rather than the points being decided according to which boundary line is more impinged by the contact with the pellet so that the pellet makes contact with a larger surface area of one scoring circle, the points are taken to be that of the innermost boundary line with which contact is made even if the contact is slight, i.e. the higher points are adopted.
2. Description of the Background Art
Targets where the surface of the target is made of paper or pressure-sensitive paper are well-known as related art technology for bull's eye target devices (related art technology 1). In related art technology 1, the position of the surface of the target where the pellet makes an impact has a round trajectory. It is therefore convenient and accurate to determine whether or not a pellet has made contact with a boundary line.
Further, bulls eye target devices having, in addition to the target, connection lines connecting electrically with the target so as to enable points for pellets that impact the target to be displayed on a display unit using electrical signals are known (related art 2). Devices that are provided with pressure-sensitive sensors at the rear surface or front surface of a target that electrically conduct upon the impact of a pellet so as to enable the points for the portion where there has been an impact to be displayed on a display unit are also well-known as a bulls eye target device.
However, in the event of using a target with a surface made of paper or a target with a surface made of pressure-sensitive paper as in related art 1, there is no automatic display unit and it is therefore necessary for the points total etc. to be added up after the match by the participant themselves or by a judge.
Further, in related art 1, in the event that a match trainer is practicing in a room etc. or is a participant in a match, because the target is a long way away and cannot be seen clearly it is not possible for a participant to be aware of their current score and the total score therefore cannot be confirmed during a match.
Further, the target of related art 1 is made of paper. This means that pellet marks from a previous occasion cannot be removed which makes it difficult to discern the old pellet marks from the new pellet marks and makes repeated use of a target impossible.
Further, related art 2 has the advantage that, when a pellet impacts with the surface of the target, this pressure is sensed by a pressure sensor, converted to an electrical signal and sent to a display unit for displaying, so that the total number of points can be seen if a long enough cord is used to connect the target surface and the display unit. However, in related art 2, the pressure sensor may not correctly respond because the speed and strength with which the pellet impacts with the target surface is not fixed.
In related art 2, in the event that the pellet impacts with the boundary line of the target surface, the points for one side or the other are displayed but in this case the side of the pressure sensor that responds is displayed. Typically, when the contact range of the impact point is large, then a strong pressure is felt, which makes the likelihood of an incorrect points display that is different to reality high. For example, in the event that the impact range is more to the outside than the boundary line, then in a match it is necessary to adopt the higher points to the inside of the boundary line. However, in related art 2, the point where greater pressure is felt or where faster contact is made will be displayed giving a higher likelihood of the outer side where the points are lower being displayed. This therefore causes erroneous displaying and means that there is a problem where, because these are added up, erroneous displaying and erroneous operation occurs more easily as the number of impacts from shots increases, and the points total therefore also becomes inaccurate.


A method and system for generating image data representative of a person wearing one or more items of clothing includes using computing hardware to process data of one or more images of people wearing items of clothing to extract via segmentation processes data representative of the items of clothing; using computing hardware to process the data representative of the items of clothing to complete one or more missing parts of the data representative of the items of clothing to generate corresponding clothes data; using computing hardware to analyse an image of a target model to determine a pose of the target model in the image; and using computing hardware to metamorphose at least a portion of the clothes data to fit the image of the target model to generate metamorphosed clothes data, and to overlay the metamorphosed clothes data onto the image of the target model.

1. Field
The aspects of the disclosed embodiments relate generally to generating image data for on-line shopping for users More specifically, the disclosed embodiments relate to a system, method and software product for generating image data for on-line shopping of one or more clothing items, wherein the system provides an environment in which a given user of the system is able to fit the one or more clothing items to a virtual representation of the given user or to a default model. Furthermore, the present invention relates to software products recorded on machine-readable data storage media, wherein the software products are executable upon computing hardware for implementing aforementioned methods.
2. Brief Description of Related Developments
On-line shopping web-sites, for example supported in a contemporary Internet environment, are well known. Indeed, on-line shopping is one of the most popular ways in which the Internet is presently utilized. For example, shopping for clothing on-line via the Internet is growing in popularity because it potentially offers users a broader range of choice of clothing in comparison to earlier off-line clothes boutiques and superstores.
There are on-line shopping web-sites, namely "shops", whereat users can "fit clothes" before making a purchase of the clothes. For example, a web-site Fits.me requests that a given user of the web-site inputs his/her body measurements. The web-site provides a service which makes a cyberspace model of the given user based upon the inputted measurements. Thereafter, the given user can try store clothes on the model to determine whether or not there is a satisfactory fit of the clothes to the model. A problem resulting from the use of this web-site is that it requires the given user to input numerous measurement parameters which is rather laborious
Alternatively, a known web-site Lazylazy.com provides a service wherein a given user can observe how one or more selected items of clothing appear when applied to a fixed model. Moreover, a web-site Stuku.com provides a service wherein a body scan of a given user is performed using a software tool Kinetics; however, such body scanning requires additional tools and is found by users to be unwieldy.
In a published United States patent application no. US2011/10273592A1 ("Image Processing Device, Image Processing Method and Program", Sony Corp.), there is described an image processing device including a clothing extractor for extracting a face or a head from an input image, wherein the face or head portion is a region estimated to be a face or head image, and extracting a clothing region from a region immediately below the face or head portion. The clothing region is a region estimated to be a clothing image, and a clothing converter changes clothing in the input image by performing predetermined image processing on an image in the clothing region in the input image.
In a published United States patent application no. US2010/0111370A1 ("Method and apparatus for estimating body shape", Brown University), there is described a system and method of estimating a body shape of an individual from input data such as images or range maps. The body may appear in one or more poses captured at different times and a consistent body shape is computed for all poses. The body may appear in minimal tight-fitting clothing or in normal clothing wherein the method produces an estimate of the body shape under the clothing. Clothed or bare regions of the body are detected via image classification and the fitting method is adapted to treat each region differently. Body shapes are represented parametrically and are matched to other bodies based on shape similarity or other features. Standard measurements are extracted using parametric or non-parametric functions of body shape. Components of the system support many applications in body scanning, advertising, social networking, collaborative filtering and Internet clothing shopping.
In a granted United States patent no. U.S. Pat. No. 7,308,332B2 ("Virtual Clothing Modelling", Kabushiki Kaisha), there is described a method of trying on clothes by way of a simulation process, wherein an image sequence is processed by employing a posture dictionary, and a three-dimensional figure, obtained in advance, of a person who wishes to try on clothing. The process includes estimating the posture of the person, and simulating the motions of the clothes, in agreement with estimated time series posture data. There is utilized a virtual modeling apparatus comprising an imaging device configured to take an image sequence, a posture-estimator which estimates a posture of a person in the image sequence from three-dimensional figure data of the person and from data for various postures, a posture corrector which generates smooth and natural posture time series data from the timer series of estimated postures, a clothes simulator which calculates the motions of the clothing being modeled, and a display device which displays images of the person as if they were actually wearing the clothing.
In a published United States patent no. U.S. Pat. No. 5,680,528 ("Digital Dressing Room", Korszun), there is described a system and software programs and a database of digital images, including garment images and a basic model body image, which allows a client to select and "try on", individual or by mixing and matching, the different garment images of the database. The system renders an image of the client's body in the garments, with the client's specific curves, bulges and height which reflect the client's body measurements. In overview, the system comprises two parts: a pre-process and an online process. The pre-process prepares the images for inclusion in the database and addresses at least the following issues:    (a) photographing and digitizing the images;    (b) deriving stencils of the images;    (c) correcting image misalignments;    (d) centring the basic model body;    (e) detaching the arms/sleeves of the images; and    (f) classifying garments.
The online process, which employs image processing techniques including geometric transformations, for example digital warping, translations, rotations, edge detection, and so forth, takes as user inputs the client's measurements, for example bust, waist, hips and height, and the selected garments. Thereafter, the online process layers the garments, thereby creating an ensemble, and then transforms the basic model body to reflect the client's height, translates the ensemble unto the body reflecting the client's height, analyzes the amount of garment ease in the ensemble, reshapes the torso of the clad body to show the client's girth, calculates the trigonometric functions used to re-attach untransformed arms/sleeves, and then attaches arms/sleeves onto the reshaped torso. The result is a rendering of a clothing ensemble as it would drape a body with the client's measurements.
In a published United States patent application no. US2011/0298897A1 ("System and Method for 3D Virtual Try-on of Apparel on an Avatar", Sareen), there is described a method of, and apparatus for, providing for 3-dimensional (3D) virtual try-on apparel on an avatar. The method of fitting a garment on a person's body on-line comprises receiving specifications of a garment, receiving body specifications of one or more fit models, receiving one or more grade rules, receiving one or more fabric specifications, and receiving specifications of a consumer's body. The value of one or more fabric constants is determined according to the received one or more fabric specifications. One or more virtual garments in graded sizes are created and stored in a database based on the received garment specifications and fabric constants. Moreover, one or more graded virtual fit models are created and stored in a database based on the received specifications of the fit model. Each virtual garment is optionally draped on the related virtual fit model to create a fit-model drape. An avatar is received or created to represent a consumer's body shape. One of the virtual garments is optionally selected, draped, and displayed to the consumer.
In a published United States patent application no. US2011/0234581A1 ("Methods and Systems for 3D rendering of a Virtual Augmented Replica of a Product Image merged with a Model Image of a Human-body Feature", AR (ES) Technologies Ltd.), there is described a system for rendering a merged 3D augmented replica of a 3D product image and a 3D model image of a body part. A 3D modeling engine transforms an acquired 2D image of a body part into a 3D augmented replica thereof. A graphical user interface (GUI) enables the merging, displaying and manipulating of the 3D product image and the 3D augmented replica of a body part. Thus, there is described a method of using an image of a face of a person to look for and estimate missing parts of the face, and using these missing parts to interpolate missing parts; the method creates a 3D models of persons over which, for example, spectacles can be tested in a web store, for example Internet web-site.
Aforementioned known approaches to on-line shopping result in a problem of a lack of opportunity to try on clothes, for example to determine whether or not the clothes are of suitable size for the users, and whether or not the clothes are suited in style for characteristics of the users. Such contemporary lack of opportunity to try on clothes prior to making purchases on-line results in many returns, and Internet web stores are thus obliged to be able to handle a large volume of returned clothes. Thus, there contemporarily exists a lack of Internet or similar communication network services which enable users to try out different clothing before making an actual on-line purchase of the clothing.

System and method for generating image data for on-line shopping


In an embodiment, rejecting or accepting a phone call is disclosed. In an embodiment, a device is disclosed. The device comprises a processor, a storage comprising a set of instructions, wherein the set of instructions, when executed by the processor, causes the device to in response to received call present at a user interface of the device a first option and a second option of the call. In response to a first selection between the first option and the second option, the device initiates a lag time of pre-determined length before performing the first selection; and in response to a second selection between the first option and the second option, performs the second selection.

In apparatuses for performing phone calls, a user interface is used for rejecting or accepting an incoming phone call. The phone calls can be accepted or rejected by touching the touch-sensitive display in a pre-determined manner. In some apparatuses, it is possible to accept or reject a phone call through a natural user interface (NUI), optionally without touching the device.

Rejecting or accepting a phone call using a lag time


A control device for a cylinder injection type internal-combustion engine restrains the deterioration of combustion in the cylinder injection type internal-combustion engine which implements stratified charge combustion at a delicate fuel injection timing and a delicate ignition timing. The control device is equipped with a combustion state detector for detecting the deterioration of combustion in the internal-combustion engine, and a device for restraining the deterioration of combustion in the internal-combustion engine by gradually changing at least one parameter among the amount of exhaust gas to be recirculated, an ignition timing, and an air-fuel ratio when the combustion state detector has detected the deterioration of combustion in the internal-combustion engine.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a control device for a cylinder injection type internal-combustion engine which directly supplied fuel to a cylinder of an internal-combustion engine and, more particularly, to a control device for restraining the deterioration of combustion.
2. Description of Related Art
A cylinder injection type internal-combustion engine designed to directly supply fuel to the cylinders of an internal-combustion engine has been offering the hope of achieving a reduced displacement of exhaust gases, lower fuel cost, higher output, and improved drivability.
In a cylinder injection type internal-combustion engine, fuel is injected around a spark plug according to an ignition timing immediately before ignition, thereby producing flammable fuel around the spark plug to perform stratified charge combustion. At this time, the fuel-air mixture is unevenly distributed in a cylinder; the mixture has a value in the vicinity of a stoichiometric air-fuel ratio around the spark plug, whereas it is lean in other area. As a result, the apparent air-fuel ratio of the amount of inlet air to the amount of fuel supplied indicates a markedly lean fuel-air mixture.
Hence, extremely lean operation with an apparent air-fuel ratio of 30 or more can be accomplished, enabling a reduced displacement of exhaust gas and lower fuel cost to be achieved.
Further, since there is less fuel-air mixture around the spark plug, there is accordingly less end gas which is responsible for knocking, so that the compression ratio of an engine can be increased. In addition, the fuel which vaporizes in a cylinder takes the heat of vaporization; therefore, the density of introduced air rises with a resultant increase in volumetric efficiency, thus permitting higher output.
Since fuel is directly injected into a cylinder, it is unnecessary to consider the adherence of the fuel to the wall of an inlet pipe or a suction valve, allowing the mixture to be further lean. In addition, there is less time lag from the injection of fuel to the generation of output, enabling improved drivability.
As this type of cylinder injection internal-combustion engine, the one disclosed, for example, in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 4-187819 has been known.
In the cylinder injection type internal-combustion engine, although the apparent supply air-fuel ratio is 30 or higher and it indicates an extremely lean mixture, the air-fuel ratio in the area where actual combustion is taking place is in the vicinity of the stoichiometric air-fuel ratio, namely, 14.7. This means that the engine is operated in the vicinity of an air-fuel ratio of 16 at which a large amount of nitrogen oxide (NOx) is generated, whereas a lean burn engine is operated at an air-fuel ratio of approximately 20; therefore, a large amount of exhaust gas is recirculated to the intake end to reduce the generated nitrogen oxide.
Such a cylinder injection type internal-combustion engine performs the stratified charge combustion according to delicate timings for fuel injection and ignition. For this reason, if combustion deteriorates, it has been difficult to restrain the deterioration.
It has also been difficult to restrain the deterioration of combustion while restraining damage to the characteristics of the aforesaid cylinder injection type internal-combustion engine at the same time.
It has also been difficult to achieve a highly reliable device for securely restraining the deterioration of combustion.
It has been preferable to control the deterioration of combustion for each cylinder in order to control damage to the characteristics of the cylinder injection type internal-combustion engine.

Control device for cylinder injection type internal-combustion engine


Disclosed is a tape printer including: a vertical/horizontal conversion section that applies vertical/horizontal conversion processing to a character image to be rotated in at least one of a clockwise direction and a counterclockwise direction; a print section that prints the character image on a tape; a time acquisition section that acquires time displayed by a hand image constituting a hand type clock image serving as the character image; and a basic hand image storage section that stores a main basic hand image of a plurality of the hand images whose angles are different from each other according to time, wherein, when the hand image that displays the time acquired by the time acquisition section is not included in the basic hand image, the vertical/horizontal conversion section applies the vertical/horizontal conversion processing to the basic hand image to generate the hand image that displays the time acquired by the time acquisition section.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a tape printer that prints character images on a tape.
2. Related Art
Conventionally, as a face image creator that creates face images, there has been known one in which a parts screen ROM stores only the parts pattern of a left eye among the parts pattern of the left eye and the parts pattern of a right eye and reverses the parts pattern of the left eye to create the parts pattern of the right eye. Thus, the face image creator reduces the storage capacity of the parts screen ROM by half (see JP-A-6-348706).
The present inventor has found the following problem. When a tape printer prints a hand type (analog type) clock image on a tape, it is assumed that a storage section stores only basic hand images that represent some of a plurality of hand images whose angles are different from each other according to time in order to reduce the storage capacity thereof. In this case, the tape printer is assumed to perform image processing to rotate the stored basic hand images to create the rest hand images. However, a dedicated image processing section to perform the rotation processing of the hand images results in a high product cost. Therefore, there is demand for reducing the storage capacity of the hand image storage section without the dedicated image processing section to perform the rotation processing of the hand images.
An advantage of an aspect of the present invention is to provide a tape printer capable of reducing the storage capacity of a hand image storage section without a dedicated image processing section to perform the rotation processing of hand images.


A method of improving the lubricity of an aqueous based drilling fluid composed of an aqueous base fluid, and a weighting agent. The method involves the addition of an effective amount of a phospholipid to substantially reduce the coefficient of friction when compared to the fluid absent the phospholipids. Preferably the phospholipids have the structure:

Various lubricants and lubricating agents have been used in drilling applications and in aqueous based drilling fluids. Lubricants such as surfactants, solid materials like glass beads, graphite, hydrocarbons like polyalphaolefins, synthetic and natural oils like glycols, fatty acid esters have all been reported in the literature as being useful in aqueous based drilling fluids. A good number of these materials are not soluble or compatible with aqueous based drilling fluids. Most of these lubricants, whether soluble or insoluble, require significant concentration to perform as lubricants.
For example it is reported that glycol and glycol ether products, more particularly the reaction product between 2-ethylhexanol and the epoxide of 1-hexadecene may be used as lubricants in aqueous drilling fluids. These products are reported to enhance the lubricity of water-based drilling fluids. Another reported lubricant for aqueous based fluids including glycol and glycol ether products, particularly the reaction product between 2-ethylhexanol and the epoxide of 1-hexadecene. These products are reported to enhance the lubricity of water-based drilling fluids. The literature also describes a lubricant system composed of a surfactant (preferably aluminum stearate), a viscosifier (oil-compatible bentonite or polyacrylamide), a filming amine, an activator (petroleum solvent, coconut oil, terpene, xylene, mineral oil, turpentine, d-limonene or mixtures thereof), and a diluent (diesel fuel, fuel oil, gasoline, naphtha, kerosene, or jet fuel). When the lubricant formulation is dispersed in the drilling fluid, the filming amine coats the metal; and friction associated with the drilling operation causes formation of a lubricious emulsion. A drilling fluid additive utilizing a monocyclic terpene (e.g., d-limonene) and an oil, such as mineral oil or vegetable oil is also reported in the literature. The additive is mixed into a water-based drilling fluid in the range of 1–8% by volume and is reported to provide improved rate of penetration, high lubricity and low toxicity.
One of skill in the art should appreciate that clear brines are often used in the drilling of subterranean wells during the penetration of the target formation and are often called completion fluids. Brine based drilling muds are also well known to one of skill in the art of drilling. Unfortunately, many if not all of the known lubricants useful in aqueous based drilling fluids are not compatible with clear brines or drilling muds that have brine as a major component. Thus there remains an unmet need for a lubricant for brine-based drilling fluids especially clear brines.

Phospholipid lubricating agents in aqueous based drilling fluids

Abstract: in which R and R′ are C6 to C25 hydrocarbon groups; and A is an anion to counter the cationic charge.


A high performance data link interface includes receive and transmit data framing paths. The data link interface interlocks certain communication link control signals, such as the CCITT standard data set signals, with data being received or transmitted through the interface to correlate a transmission error directly to a particular data transmission for rapid and efficient error recovery.

The capability of computers to communicate with one another has become a basic attribute of modern information processing. To that end, computers and other processing and operating devices are often coupled to one another in a network so that messages, typically in the form of data packets, can be transmitted between computers of the network. Data transmission services are utilized for the physical transmission of data between nodes of the network, i.e. between points of the network where computers or other devices or systems are physically and electrically coupled to the network.
Network protocols have been developed to control the transmission of data between the nodes of a computer network. Each protocol is typically defined in terms of a number of layers, with each layer relating to a certain aspect of the functionality required for data transmissions throughout a network. For example, the first three layers are defined as a physical layer, a data link layer and a network layer.
The physical layer is directed to the physical and electrical specifications of a physical link, such as the data transmission service or bus that couples the nodes of a network to one another. The physical layer controls bit transmission through the link so that a series of bits of a data packet can be communicated from one node to another node on the network. The physical layer sets the voltage levels for logical ones and zeros, the timing of stable bit information on the link and so on, as necessary to transmit the bits of a data packet over the physical link.
The data link layer is directed to packaging or framing of bits of a data transmission into a defined framed packet that is free of transmission errors. The data link layer creates and recognizes boundaries between bits to define bit fields. The boundaries provide structure and meaning to the bits of a data transmission. For example, the data transmission, when framed according to a data link protocol, can include a start frame byte to indicate the beginning of a framed data packet, a header comprising n bits to indicate source and destination information, the length of the data packet in bytes, the network layer protocol being used and so on. The header can be followed by framed bytes of the actual data packet being communicated from a source device to a destination device, an end byte to indicate the end of the particular data transmission frame and CRC code bytes for use in checking the integrity of a data transmission.
The network layer is directed to the control of routing information required to direct a message from the source device to the destination device on the network. The network layer information is included in one of the bit fields of a frame defined by the data link layer, as e.g., in the header. Each protocol will define the length and content of the network layer information to uniquely identify each source and destination of data in the network and also the processing scheme for routing data frames through the network.
As should be understood, a data link interface is required at each node of the network to receive and transmit serial bits from and to the respective data transmission service and to frame the serial bits for processing at the node. The data link interface will support the electrical and physical specification of the data transmission service coupled to the node and process serial bits received at the node to frame the constituent bytes of a data transmission according to the data link protocol utilized in the network. The data link interface can then transmit the framed data transmission to, e.g., a data link and network layer processor at the node for processing of the frame according to the content of the frame and the protocol utilized in the network.


A method for electrochemical oxidation decomposition of difficult to decompose compounds such as aromatic compounds, organic chlorine compounds, agricultural chemicals, dioxin, PCB's and water soluble polymers that are contained in waste fluid, such as print developing waste fluids, factory waste water and industrial waste water, and landfill soil seeping waste water by carrying out electrolysis at a high current density to eliminate and purify difficult to decompose substances in the waste fluid. Waste fluid containing difficult to decompose substances is introduced into an electrolytic chamber having a ferrite electrode anode, electrolysis is performed at a high current density of 10 A/dm2 or higher, hypohalogenous acid and active oxygen are generated in the waste fluid along with a strong anode oxidation action being brought about, and the oxidation decomposition is repeated by re-circulating the waste fluid through a filter, electrolyzer and an intermediate collecting chamber.

This invention relates to electrochemical oxidation decomposition of difficult to decompose substances such as aromatic compounds (benzene, chlorobenzene, chlorophenol) that are contained in things such as waste fluid of things such as developing waste fluids, incinerator exhaust gas treatment water, industrial waste water, landfill soil seeped waste water, organic compounds (such as trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene, tetrachloroethane), agricultural chemicals (such as DDT, PCP, parathion, TPN.tetrachloroisophthalonitril, triforin, MEP.sumithion, diazinon), dioxin, PCB's, water soluble polymers such as poly(vinyl alcohol), polyacrylonitrile, polyether) and nitrate ions.

Waste fluid or waste water treatment method and its apparatus


An electronic speed limit notification system comprises a transmitter for transmitting speed limit information ("SLI"), and a receiver for receiving said transmitted SLI, wherein said receiver can be physically located in a vehicle. The SLI comprises one or more speed limits, wherein each speed limit is the maximum or minimum legal speed for specific vehicles on a specific segment of a specific road traveling in a specific direction.

Speed limits along any given route may change frequently, particularly in urban settings, as a driver drives through various areas. Moreover, even along a given route speed limits may change at certain times, such as during school hours or "rush-hours." The current and accepted method of informing the driver of the speed limit is to post speed limit signs on the side of the road. This presents a problem if the driver cannot see, or does not notice, one or more of these signs.
The drivers field of vision can be blocked or obscured in a number of ways. Common causes include: (i) larger vehicles or trees, (ii) poor lighting conditions, (iii) damaged, missing, or vandalized signs, and (iv) weather, such as snow, accumulating on signs, on windows, or merely obstructing the view while falling. Additionally, the driver might not be able to look to the side of the road because of busy traffic conditions.
Accordingly, there is a need for a system of communicating speed limits to the driver which overcomes the above problems.

Electronic speed limit notification system


The present invention relates to a brush holder for an electrical machine, including a housing for receiving a brush, a prestressing element, and a securing element disposed on the housing, for securing the brush holder to the electrical machine. The securing element is embodied as essentially T-shaped.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an improved brush holder for an electrical machine, and in particular to a brush holder for an electric motor for power tools.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Brush holders for electrical machines are known in manifold forms from the prior art. For instance, in universal electric motors of the kind typically used in power tools, such as right-angle sanders, power drills, and the like, the necessary current reversal (commutation) is effected with the aid of a commutator. The transmission of the current to the commutator is done by means of carbon brushes. These carbon brushes are disposed in a brush holder, which must furnish exact guidance of the brush and a necessary, metered contact pressure. From Swiss Patent Disclosure CH 493 115, a brush holder is known in which prestressing is exerted on the brushes by means of a spring tongue and a tension spring. Between the brush and the pressure tongue, a cylindrical contact-pressure member is provided, which presses into a V-shaped notch in the carbon brush, in order to exert a uniform contact pressure on the brush.


To prevent the flooding phenomenon at the cathode in a unit cell where the temperature is relatively low or the supply of air is small, a fuel cell stack includes at least three flat unit cells stacked with separators interposed therebetween, the unit cells comprising an anode, a cathode and an electrolyte membrane sandwiched therebetween, and having an oxidant channel formed on the surface of the separator adjacent to the cathode, and the anode and the cathode comprising a catalyst layer attached to the electrolyte membrane and a diffusion layer, wherein the cross-sectional area of the inlet side of the oxidant channel, the area of the cathode catalyst layer, the thickness of the electrolyte membrane or the amount of a water repellent contained in the combination of the cathode and the oxidant channel is the largest in at least one of the unit cells at the ends of the stack.

Fuel cells can be classified according to the type of electrolyte used: phosphoric acid fuel cell, alkaline fuel cell, molten carbonate fuel cell, solid oxide fuel cell, solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell, etc. Among them, the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell, which is capable of low temperature operation and has high output density, has been commercialized as the power sources for automobiles and the home cogeneration systems.
Meanwhile, with the increasing sophistication of portable devices including laptop computers, cell phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs), power consumption has been increasing significantly in recent years. Since the energy density of lithium ion secondary batteries and nickel-metal hydride secondary batteries has failed to keep up with the increasing demand for the power consumption, there is a growing concern that the capacity of the power sources will be insufficient sometime soon.
Under the circumstances, attention has been given to the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell (hereinafter referred to as "PEFC") as the power source to solve the problem. Particularly, the direct oxidation fuel cell is considered most promising because the direct oxidation fuel cell can generate electric energy at room temperature by performing, on the electrode, the direct oxidation of a fuel without reforming the fuel to hydrogen and thus it does not require a reformer, and it can be made smaller.
As the fuel for the direct oxidation fuel cell, low molecular weight alcohols or ethers are investigated. Among them, methanol is considered most promising because the fuel cell utilizing methanol offers high energy efficiency and high output. The fuel cell utilizing methanol as the fuel is called "direct methanol fuel cell" (hereinafter referred to as "DMFC").
The reactions on the anode and the cathode of the DMFC can be expressed by the following reaction formulas (1) and (2). The oxygen to be fed to the cathode as the oxidant is usually obtained from the air.CH3OH+H2O→CO2+6H++6e−  (1)3/2O2+6H++6e−→3H2O  (2)
Similar to the PEFC that utilizes hydrogen as the fuel, the DMFC currently utilizes, as the electrolyte membrane, a perfluorocarbon sulfonic acid membrane as typified by Nafion (registered trade name).
Ideally, methanol as the fuel reacts on the anode according to the formula (1), but methanol might pass through the electrolyte membrane to the cathode, which is called "crossover phenomenon".
The crossover phenomenon reduces the power generation performance of the fuel cell. The methanol reaching the cathode is oxidized on the cathode according to the following formula (3). As a result, the potential of the cathode decreases to reduce the power generation voltage of the fuel cell.CH3OH+3/2O2→CO2+2H2O  (3)
The crossover phenomenon is believed to result from the combined use of a water-soluble fuel and an electrolyte membrane exhibiting proton conductivity when water is incorporated in the membrane, and it is a common problem for the direct oxidation fuel cells under development.
As for the theoretical electromotive force, the PEFC that utilizes hydrogen as the fuel has a theoretical electromotive force of 1.23 V, and the DMFC has a theoretical electromotive force of 1.21 V. In practice, however, because the reaction overvoltage of the formula (2) is so significant, the PEFC generates a voltage of 0.6 to 0.8 V. The DMFC generates a voltage of only 0.3 to 0.5 V because, in addition to the crossover phenomenon, the reaction overvoltage of the formula (1) is also significant.
For this reason, when fuel cells are used to operate electronic devices, it is necessary to connect a plurality of unit cells in series to form a stack, or to incorporate a charge pump circuit, to yield the desired voltage. Usually, the both methods mentioned above are combined for use.
In the case where a plurality of unit cells are connected, although it depends on the shape of the device utilizing the fuel cell as the power source and also on the presence or absence of auxiliary equipment such as a pump for transporting a fuel and a pump for transporting air, the arrangement of unit cells is determined mainly from a space-saving point of view. Usually, a stack comprising a plurality of flat unit cells is used. To be more specific, a single unit cell comprises an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte membrane sandwiched between the anode and the cathode. A plurality of unit cells are stacked with bipolar plates or separators interposed therebetween such that a fuel channel is adjacent to the anode and an oxidant channel is adjacent to the cathode. The channels for fuel or oxidant are formed on the surfaces of the bipolar plates or separators.
Ideally, the fuel and air are fed uniformly into all the unit cells in the fuel cell stack described above. In practice, however, there is a variation in the supply of the fuel and air, causing each unit cell to exhibit different power generation performance, eventually reducing the power generation performance of the whole stack. In view of this, there is proposed to improve the structure of a manifold for supplying a fuel gas so as to feed the fuel gas uniformly to the unit cells (see Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. Hei 05-190186).
Various techniques to prevent the variation of the fuel gas supply other than the above have been investigated from various aspects. Regarding the improvement of the flooding phenomenon at the cathode, however, improvement has been made only in the internal structure of a unit cell, and there is no focus on the improvement of the whole stack.
In the PEFC which is operated at a temperature of not higher than 100° C., i.e. the boiling point of water, the so-called flooding phenomenon is likely to occur. The flooding phenomenon is a phenomenon that impairs the gas diffusibility in the electrode because the water generated at the cathode due to the reaction of the formula (2) is supersaturated to aggregate. In order to overcome this problem, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. Hei 08-138696 proposes to change the shape of an oxidant gas channel within a unit cell to prevent the aggregation of water.
The incidence of the cathode flooding phenomenon varies depending on the unit cells. For example, when temperature differences occur among the unit cells in the stack, water is more likely to aggregate in the unit cells with a low temperature, increasing the incidence of the flooding phenomenon therein. In the case of a stack comprising a plurality of flat unit cells, the unit cell positioned at the top and that positioned at the bottom are likely to dissipate heat outside the stack. Accordingly, those cells have a relatively low temperature.
In the DMFC, because the incidence of the crossover phenomenon increases as the concentration of methanol is increased at the interface between the anode and the electrolyte membrane, an aqueous solution of methanol with a low concentration of 1 to 2 mol/L is often used. In the crossover phenomenon, however, water also passes through the electrolyte membrane with methanol. As such, a large amount of water is transported from the anode to the cathode. In some cases, the amount of water transported is about 100 times that of water generated at the cathode by power generation. Accordingly, the flooding phenomenon is an extremely serious problem in the DMFC.


A thinly woven textile prosthetic implant such as a vascular graft may be implanted by catheter implantation. The implant includes an elongate tubular body formed of a woven fabric having a fabric thickness no greater than about 0.16 mm. The tubular body includes a series of longitudinally spaced wave-like generally uniform crimps along the length thereof. The crimps are disposed at a fine pitch along the length of the tubular body. The amplitude of the crimps is relatively small thus reducing the formation of thrombus and plaque on the inside of the implant.

Textile grafts are widely used to replace or repair damaged or diseased vessels of the body. Textile vascular grafts may be implanted in the vascular system for the repair of arteries and veins. Traditionally, graft implantation is conducted in a surgical procedure requiring the body to be opened adjacent to the implantation site. Improvements in medical procedures now additionally permit graft implantation to be done in a less invasive manner. Vascular endoscopic surgery permits certain grafts to be implanted with a hollow catheter delivery system. The catheter enters the vessel either percutaneously or through a small incision. The catheter delivery system passes the graft through the lumen of the blood vessel for deployment at the desired location. In order to minimize trauma at the site of insertion of the catheter, it is desirable to employ the smallest diameter catheter possible. Accordingly, a graft which is to be implanted by the catheter delivery system would also have to be as thin as possible so that it can be radially compressed and packed inside the lumen of a hollow catheter for deployment in the blood vessel. As the size of the graft dictates the size of the catheter employed, providing a thin graft allows use of a small diameter catheter and therefore results in less trauma during implantation.
Traditional grafts currently available, having a wall thickness of 0.25 to 0.75 mm, are designed for surgical implantation and would not lend themselves to successful catheter delivery. Also, since catheter delivery is typically done under a fluoroscope or other similar x-ray type viewing mechanism, the movement of traditional textile vascular grafts during deployment cannot be fluoroscopically viewed. Further, as with traditional surgically implanted grafts, catheter implanted grafts must be longitudinally flexible to conform to the shape of the vessel which it is repairing. Also, such grafts should be capable of a certain degree of longitudinal expansion to conform to the length of the blood vessel which is to be replaced. Finally, the graft, once implanted by the catheter delivery system, must readily return to its open tubular shape and maintain that shape during use. This is particularly important where the graft is implanted by a catheter as the graft must be tightly compressed and packed so as to fit within the hollow lumen of the catheter.
In order to maintain the desired flexibility, longitudinal expansion and a certain degree of radial structural integrity, it is known to provide pleated, wave-like corrugations or crimps along the length of a textile vascular graft. These crimps provide flexibility to the graft and the ability for the graft to longitudinally expand in a spring-like manner.
An example of a traditional surgically implanted graft having wave-like crimps or corrugations to provide flexibility, stretch and radially support is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,142,067. As can be seen in the '067 patent, these wave-like crimps or corrugations have a relatively large amplitude so as to impart the desired degree of flexibility, stretch and structural integrity to the graft. Such large crimps in the wall of the graft presents an irregular profile of the graft wall with a relatively large difference between the major and minor diameter thereof. This area is susceptible to thrombus and plaque formation and build-up which is undesirable in a vascular graft.
It is therefore desirable to provide an improved thinly woven textile graft which exhibits sufficient spring-like elasticity and flexibility and which may be compressed in a manner which permits catheter implantation into a blood vessel.