A method for making a new crystalline molecular sieve designated SSZ-102 is disclosed using an N,N′-dimethyl-1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane dication as a structure directing agent. SSZ-102 has ESV framework topology.

Molecular sieves are a commercially important class of crystalline materials. They have distinct crystal structures with ordered pore structures which are demonstrated by distinct X-ray diffraction patterns. The crystal structure defines cavities and pores which are characteristic of the different species.
Molecular sieves are classified by the Structure Commission of the International Zeolite Association according to the rules of the IUPAC Commission on Zeolite Nomenclature. According to this classification, framework type zeolites and other crystalline microporous molecular sieves, for which a structure has been established, are assigned a three letter code and are described in the "Atlas of Zeolite Framework Types," Sixth Revised Edition, Elsevier, 2007.
ERS-7 is a single crystalline phase zeolite having a structure consisting of 17-sided (46546582) "picnic basket"-shaped cages connected by 8-membered ring windows with 4.7×3.5 Å free dimensions. The framework structure of ERS-7 has been assigned the three-letter code ESV by the Structure Commission of the International Zeolite Association.
Italian Patent No. 1270630 discloses zeolite ERS-7 and its synthesis using an N,N-dimethylpiperidinium cation as a structure directing agent. ERS-7 is reported to have a SiO2/Al2O3 mole ratio between 15 and 30.
It has now been found that crystalline molecular sieves having ESV framework topology and having a SiO2/Al2O3 mole ratio of from 5 to 12 can be prepared using an N,N′-dimethyl-1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane cation as a structure directing agent.

Method for making molecular sieve SSZ-102


Certain embodiments are directed to compositions comprising EHEC-specific antigens. In certain aspects EHEC O157:H7-specific antigen(s) are used as components of immunogenic compositions and vaccines.

Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) O157:H7 strains are major human food-borne pathogens, responsible for bloody diarrhea and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) worldwide. So far, there is no vaccine for humans against EHEC infections.
Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) strains are zoonotic extracellular pathogens, members of the Shiga-toxin producing E. coli (STEC) pathogroup. EHEC causes sporadic outbreaks of diarrhea and hemorrhagic colitis, particularly in developed countries [reviewed in (1-3)]. In the United States, EHEC causes approximately 0.9 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, with a significant number of hospitalizations and death, particularly among children and the elderly [reviewed in (4, 5)]. E. coli 0157:H7 comprises the serotype most commonly associated with outbreaks (6) and the expression of Shiga toxin (Stx), in addition to be linked to hemorrhagic colitis, it is associated with the progression to the hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which cause renal failure and high fatality rate [reviewed in (7)]. In addition, EHEC 0157:H7 uses a type 3 secretion system (T3SS) to translocate effector proteins into the eukaryotic cell, causing changes in the host cytoskeleton, ultimately leading to improved bacterial adherence and colonization and, in some cases, host cell death (8). The EHEC T3SS is comprised of a basal A TP-dependent secretion apparatus, with an EscC polymer ring spanning bacterial outer membrane and a needle like structure formed by polymers of the EscF protein and an extension structure comprised of polymerized EspA. Finally, the EspD and EspB proteins form a translocon structure in the host membrane (9-11).
Generally asymptomatic, ruminants are the principal EHEC reservoir. Contaminated meat or fresh produce resulting from animal shedding constitutes an important route for human infection (12). Current prevention efforts are centered in the elimination of animal colonization, whether by vaccination or by improving sanitary and breeding practices (12, 13). Once the human infection is acquired, supportive care is provided, since antibiotic treatment could induce Shiga toxin expression. To date, two vaccines able to reduce EHEC colonization in cattle are commercially available (13, 14). Nevertheless, development of other subunit-based vaccines has been focused in the T3SS and its associated proteins, as well as Stx (4, 12). For example, inactivated Stx-derivatives are able to induce Stx-neutralizing antibodies in mice (15, 16) and hybrid A-B subunit-derived Stx toxins also induce antibody production and increase survival against toxemia and EHEC challenge in vivo (17-19). Fusion proteins comprising of Stx-derived peptides and T3SS-related proteins are promising vaccine candidates. St2B-Tir-Stx1 B-Zot, Stx2B-Stx1 B-lnt281, EspA-Stx2A 1, EspA-IntiminC300-Stx2B and Stx2B-BLS fusions have been demonstrated to reduce EHEC colonization in animal models, such as mice and goats (20-27). Overall, cumulative information indicates that mucosal delivery routes seem to be an effective way to induce immune responses to block the adhesion of EHEC in the intestine, mainly through expression of secretory lgA (slgA) (4).
In addition to the worldwide outbreaks caused by STEC 0157:H7, this organism has come recently under renewed scientific investigation as a result of the emergence of a subpopulation of strains that have acquired critical virulence factors that contribute to more severe and lethal disease in humans (28, 29). Further, the discovery of cattle reservoirs shedding high levels of STEC 0157:H7, which has been associated with the transmission between animals and across the human-animal interface (30, 31), strongly supports the idea that adoption of vaccination for livestock and/or susceptible individuals will have significant public health benefits, preventing substantial numbers of human STEC 0157 cases (32). Therefore, further discovery for EHEC-specific antigens needs to be done to improve existing or to develop novel vaccines.

Compositions and methods for enterohemorrhagic

THE BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEM


A burst detector featuring a dynamic threshold that is calculated according to the detection efficiency while operating in a noisy environment. In one embodiment, signals from various directions are multiplied by appropriate weights, wherein the weights are a function of the FAR, the throughput, and/or various modem indications.

Basic principles and details relating to detectors featuring a dynamic threshold needed for properly understanding the present invention are provided herein. Complete theoretical descriptions, details, explanations, examples, and applications of telecommunication receivers, related subjects, and implementations are readily available in standard references from the fields of telecommunication, signal detection, and spatial scanning.


A gantry stacker for transporting and stacking freight containers consists of two chassis beams with steerable wheels, supports, a hoist, an overhead frame, a lifting beam a driver's cab and engines. There are at least two spreaders that are movable in a horizontal direction independent of each other and are disposed in a side-by-side relationship on a lifting beam. Containers deposited directly side-by-side with no gap there between may be gripped, transported and separated or that spaced-apart containers with an alley may be gripped, transported and moved toward each other so that they may be readily transported further, using multispreader systems. Containers of different heights may be gripped and transported. The lifting height allows for straddling containers standing on the floor with attached and lifted containers.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a gantry stacker for transporting and stacking freight containers. The invention may be used whenever several containers are deposited in a close side-by-side relationship by a crane in transhipment ports and whenever it is necessary to transport, stack or position the side-by-side freight containers for conventional gantry stackers to ensure further shipment.
2. The Prior Art
On transhipment docks, in particular in port facilities, containers are usually picked up, transported and when necessary stacked on the ship or in the port facility by means of gantry crane spreaders for loading and unloading ships. Such a gantry crane has been described in German Patent No. DE 197 26 359 A1 for example.
Containers that have been deposited in the port facility are next picked up by gantry lift trucks and transhipped to the port facility where they are loaded onto other vehicles such as road vehicles or stacked appropriately.
German Patent No. DE 32 221 49 A1 describes a gantry stacker for picking up containers and for transporting them. These vehicles are suited for picking up superposed containers and have therefor a corresponding height. On either side of two chassis beams there are at least two, but often even several steerable wheels. These chassis beams have to be of a narrow implementation for the gantry stacker to be capable of traveling between the containers in narrow alleys. For this reason, these chassis beams are often configured so that engines, gears and other parts needed for displacement are disposed therein. Usually, two supports are located on the chassis beams. On the supports are located the hoist, the overhead frame, the driver's cab and engines usually constituting combustion engines, e.g., diesel engines, supplying the current for the drive in the wheels.
A spreader for taking hold of containers and for transporting them on a gantry lift truck has been described in German Patent No. DE 103 55 946.9. This spreader is not only slidable laterally but also movable alongside the container so that the gantry lift truck needs not correct mispositions by traveling moves.
Spreaders disposed one behind the other and by means of which two 20 foot containers are transportable are described in International Application WO 01/62657 A1. The spreader apparatus proposed is also suited for taking hold of and for stacking very long containers.
In order to increase the transport capacity in port facilities, gantry stackers have been developed with a spreader that can pick up and transport two containers standing behind each other. Such gantry cranes have been described in European Patent No. EP 0 960 067 B1 for example.
In order to increase the transport capacity in the port facility, gantry stackers have been developed with a longer spreader for several containers to be transported, standing one behind the other. Such stackers are known from literature. Recent developments for dealing with even higher container handling rates provide for the gantry or ship-to-shore cranes to be equipped with what are termed tandem spreader systems. These tandem spreader systems are used to take hold of several, preferably two, side-by-side 40 feet freight containers or four 20 feet containers standing side-by-side and behind each other, and to transport them from the port facility to the ship or from the ship to the port facility.
For shore-to-ship transport, this implies that several containers are placed so as to stand side-by-side for the tandem spreader system of the ship-to-shore crane to take hold of them. After simultaneous ship-to-shore transport of several containers, further transportation of the containers deposited on the shore can occur in a fast and reliable way, since too slow transport in the port will limit the unloading speed of the gantry crane. In their actual mode of construction, the known gantry stackers for transporting and stacking freight containers however are not capable of transporting two containers standing side-by-side, since there is no alley between them for the traveling beam to pass. Further, their hoists are not suited for separating two containers standing side by side.
International Application No. WO 2005/090223 A1 describes a spreader system for taking hold of containers and for transporting them by means of which two containers disposed in a side-by-side relationship are taken hold of and transported. In the normal state, both spreaders are solidly joined together. There is however also the possibility to separate the two spreaders with a hydraulic device and to deposit containers at a certain distance from each other. Another possibility is to take hold of two containers and to deposit them independent of each other. However, this requires two trolleys that can travel independently of each other. Further, a hydraulic mechanism is disposed in the upper region of the spreader so that the spreader has a great overall height. For gantry cranes, this overall height is not problematic but is a problem when utilized on a gantry stacker, because it increases the height of the gantry stacker, which should not exceed certain overall heights.
International Application Nos. WO 2006/083230 A1 and WO 03/104132 A1 describe other solutions in which side-by-side spreaders are capable of being moved apart or toward each other by means of lifting mechanisms in order to transport containers. As a result, containers standing together can be taken hold of, separated from each other and then deposited again. Irrespective of the fact that such lifting mechanisms consist of a plurality of parts and are of high weight and prone to failure as a result thereof, they suffer from the drawback of being disposed above the spreader so that they are not suited for being mounted in gantry stackers which have limited weight and overall height.
It is not possible to travel over two superimposed containers, because conventional gantry stackers are designed to have the width of one container. With the appearance of tandem spreader systems on ship-to-shore cranes and with their use for handling freight containers, the need arose to provide for a space-saving possibility of transporting and depositing freight containers so that they may be disposed in a close side-by-side relationship when picked up and reliably transported by spreader systems, and so that they may be separated from each other for conventional gantry stackers to be capable of moving and transporting them.

Gantry stacker with two side-by-side spreaders


A multi-mode tandem bicycle includes a frame, a steering wheel, a directional wheel, a first pedaling member, a second pedaling member, a first seat, a second seat, a first transmission unit, and a second transmission unit. By pivoting at least one of the first seat and the second seat on the frame, direction of the first seat or the second seat can be changed and fixed on the aforementioned frame, and at least one of the first seat and the second seat is pointed toward and connected with the steering wheel, thereby resulting in a variety of riding modes.

a) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a multi-mode tandem bicycle, and more particularly to a multi-mode tandem bicycle wherein direction of a first seat and direction of a second seat can be changed on a frame, and at least one of the first seat and the second seat is pointed toward and connected with a steering wheel, so as to provide a variety of riding modes.
b) Description of the Prior Art
The U.S. Pat. No. 5,282,639, "Folding Tandem Bicycle" discloses primarily a folding tandem bicycle which includes a front body part, a rear body part, an intermediate body part connected between the front body part and the rear body part by parallel pairs of upright tubes and pairs of connecting devices, a front transmission mechanism driven by a set of pedals through a front sprocket to rotate a front flywheel and a front wheel through a cable, and a rear transmission mechanism driven by a set of pedals through a rear sprocket to rotate a rear flywheel and a rear wheel through a chain. By disconnecting either one of each pair of connecting devices, the front body part, the intermediate body part and the rear body part are allowed to be folded up and attached with one another side by side. On the other hand, by disconnecting the intermediate body part from the front and rear body parts, the front and rear body parts are connected into a single-seat bicycle for one rider.


A method for forming titanium alloys is described comprising first forming an ingot that includes: (a) from about 5.5 to about 6.75 weight percent aluminum (preferably from about 5.75 to about 6.5 weight percent aluminum), (b) from about 3.5 to about 4.5 weight percent vanadium (preferably from about 3.75 to about 4.25 weight percent vanadium), (c) from about 0.2 to about 0.8 weight percent iron, (d) from about 0.02 to about 0.2 weight percent chromium, (e) from about 0.04 to 0.2 weight percent nickel, (f) from about 0.004 to about 0.1 weight percent cobalt, (g) from about 0.006 to 0.1 weight percent niobium, (h) from about 0 to about 0.20 weight percent carbon, (i) from about 0.22 to about 0.32 weight percent oxygen, (j) from about 0 to about 0.1 weight percent nitrogen, the balance being titanium and unavoidable impurities, each impurity totalling no more than about 0.2 weight percent, with the combined weight of the impurities totalling no more than about 0.5 weight percent. The ingot is then processed to provide an .alpha.-.beta. alloy. A method for forming armor plates also is described. The method comprises forming an alloy according to the general methods described. The alloy is then fashioned into armor plates.

Titanium is an inert, metallic element having a high strength-to-weight ratio. Titanium has a relatively high melting point (1668.+-.5.degree. C.), which makes it particularly useful for high-temperature applications where other alloys, such as aluminum and magnesium alloys, fail. Titanium also has been used to produce high-strength alloys. These alloys are particularly useful for forming structural devices and ballistic armor.
These and other applications continually demand the development of new alloys. This generally is accomplished by modifying the composition of existing alloys, changing known processing regimens, or developing entirely new alloys and methods for their manufacture. However, it is difficult to predict how best to produce new alloys having desired properties. Small amounts of alloying materials and/or impurities can significantly alter the physical characteristics of the alloy, as can changing how the alloy is processed. For example, minor amounts of impurities can significantly increase the brittleness of the alloy. Kirk-Othmer's Concise Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, pages 1182-1184 (John Wiley & Sons, 1985).
Titanium alloys, processes for their manufacture and devices made from titanium alloys also have been patented. U.S. Pat. No. 5,332,545, entitled Method of Making Low Cost Ti-6Al-4V Ballistic Alloy, describes a process for providing equivalent or superior ballistic resistance performance compared to standard Ti-6Al-4V alloys. The process requires increasing the oxygen content to be greater than the conventional limit of 0.20% maximum. The oxygen-rich alloy is then heated at temperatures within the .beta.-phase field, which is referred to as .beta. processing. The '545 patent teaches avoiding .alpha.-.beta. processing because it allegedly causes cracks in the alloy, and because it generally is more expensive than .beta. processing.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,435,226, entitled Light Armor Improvement, describes a structural armor assembly. The assembly includes a superplastically formed sandwich arrangement that includes a high-toughness, high-strength titanium alloy material. The titanium alloy includes 4.5 weight percent aluminum, 5 weight percent molybdenum and 1.5 weight percent chromium.
Chakrabarti et al.'s U.S. Pat. No. 4,898,624 concerns Ti-6Al-4V alloys which are processed to obtain desired microstructures. Chakrabarti's alloy has 5.5-6.75% aluminum, 3.5-4.2% vanadium, 0.15-0.20 weight percent oxygen, 0.025-0.05% nitrogen and 0.30% iron. The processing steps comprise preheating the composition above the .beta. transus temperature, followed by rapid cooling.
Eylon et al.'s U.S. Pat. No. 5,032,189 concerns .alpha.-.beta. alloys. A primary object of Eylon is to provide a new method for forging known near-.alpha. and .alpha.+.beta. titanium alloys. The alloy processing steps comprise forging an alloy billet (a billet is a bar or ingot of a metal or metal alloy in an intermediate processing stage) to a desired shape at a temperature approximately equal to the .beta.-transus temperature of the alloy, cooling the component, annealing the component at a temperature about 10 to 20% below the .beta.-transus temperature, and cooling the component in air.
Despite the titanium alloys previously developed, there still is a need for additional alloys, particularly for specialized applications such as ballistic armor.

Titanium-aluminum-vanadium alloys and products made using such alloys


A semiconductor integrated circuit includes a constant-voltage circuit that outputs a constant voltage and a constant-current circuit. The constant-current circuit includes a first transistor. A voltage input as an input voltage to a first gate electrode of the first transistor is equal to the node voltage at an intermediate node in a connection path between the output of the constant-voltage circuit and an external resistor. A source region of the first transistor is connected to a fixed power supply, and a drain region of the first transistor is connected to the external power supply via a load. In the first transistor, a constant current can be made to flow between the source region and the drain region based on the input voltage. A constant-current drive system in which the semiconductor integrated circuit and the external resistor have been mounted on a circuit board is also constructed.

Patent Document 1 discloses a DC-DC converter. In this DC-DC converter, an output voltage from a control circuit IC is divided by a resistive divider that employs an external resistor, and the divided voltage is input to an input terminal of the control circuit IC. The output voltage of such a DC-DC converter can be easily adjusted by changing the resistance of the external resistor.
However, although output voltage can be adjusted in the above DC-DC converter, constant-current output cannot be obtained. For example, in a system in which a light-emitting diode (LED) is driven using a vehicle battery, LED brightness adjustments are achieved by adjusting the amount of current flowing to the LED. There has thus been a desire for a semiconductor integrated circuit that is capable of realizing constant-current, adjustable output, and a constant-current drive system mounted with such a semiconductor integrated circuit.

Circuit and constant-current drive system having adjustable constant current output


An example information processing device calculates an attitude of an input unit having a magnetic sensor. The information processing device repeatedly obtains detected magnetic vectors detected by the magnetic sensor. The information processing device stores the detected magnetic vectors in a storage unit where each detected magnetic vector is classified based on a direction from a reference position to the end point position of the detected magnetic vector. The information processing device repeatedly estimates a center position of a spherical body having a curved surface which is estimated based on the end point positions of detected magnetic vectors obtained by extracting, from among the classified detected magnetic vectors, at least one detected magnetic vector for each class. The attitude of the input unit is calculated based on a direction vector representing a direction from the center position to the end point position of the detected magnetic vector.

There are conventional techniques for calculating the attitude of a device using a magnetic sensor. For example, by detecting the direction of a magnetic field using a magnetic sensor, it is possible to calculate the attitude of a device with respect to the direction of the magnetic field.
Where the attitude of a device is calculated using a sensor, such as a magnetic sensor, which gives an output by detecting a value that is dependent on the attitude, the ability to precisely calculate the attitude is required.
Thus, the present disclosure provides a storage medium having information processing program stored thereon, an information processing device, an information processing system, and an attitude calculation method capable of precisely calculating the attitude of a device.
(1)
This application describes a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing an information processing program to be executed by a computer of an information processing device for calculating an attitude of an input unit having a magnetic sensor. The information processing program causes the computer to execute the following.
The computer obtains detected magnetic vectors detected by the magnetic sensor. The computer stores the detected magnetic vectors in a storage unit while classifying each detected magnetic vector based on a direction from a reference position, which is determined based on the detected magnetic vector, to the end point position of the detected magnetic vector. The computer estimates a center position of a spherical body having a curved surface which is estimated based on the end point positions of detected magnetic vectors obtained by extracting, from among the classified detected magnetic vectors, at least one detected magnetic vector for each class. The computer calculates the attitude of the input unit based on a direction vector representing a direction from the center position to the end point position of the detected magnetic vector.
With configuration (1) above, each detected magnetic vector is classified based on the direction from the reference position to the end point of the detected magnetic vector. Now, by using direction vectors extending in various directions, it is likely that the estimated center position is calculated more accurately. That is, by classifying each detected magnetic vector based on the direction from the reference position to the end point of the detected magnetic vector, as in configuration (1) above, it is possible to estimate the center position using detected magnetic vectors extending in various directions. Thus, it is possible to accurately estimate the center position, and therefore to precisely calculate the attitude of the input unit.
(2)
The computer may set a plurality of categories based on a direction from a reference position, which is defined based on the detected magnetic vectors, to the end point positions of the detected magnetic vectors, and classify a newly-obtained detected magnetic vector into one of the categories based on a direction from the reference position to the end point position of the newly-obtained detected magnetic vector.
With configuration (2) above, each detected magnetic vector obtained is classified into a category based on the direction from the reference position to the end point position of the detected magnetic vector, whereby detected magnetic vectors extending in various directions can be more reliably used as detected magnetic vectors for estimating the center position.
(3)
The computer may store one detected magnetic vector obtained from each set of one or more detected magnetic vectors belonging to the same class in the storage unit. Then, the computer estimates a center position of a spherical body having a curved surface which is estimated based on the end point positions of the detected magnetic vectors stored in the storage unit.
With configuration (3) above, the number of detected magnetic vectors stored in the storage unit can be limited to a certain number, and it is therefore possible to reduce the data size of the area in the storage unit for storing the detected magnetic vectors.
(4)
If a detected magnetic vector belonging to the same class as a newly-obtained detected magnetic vector has already been stored, the computer may store the newly-obtained detected magnetic vector, overwriting the already-stored detected magnetic vector.
With configuration (4) above, where a detected magnetic vector of an abnormal value has been stored, if a detected magnetic vector of a normal value is thereafter obtained, the detected magnetic vector of an abnormal value can be overwritten with the detected magnetic vector of a normal value. Therefore, it is possible to calculate the center position while eliminating the influence of a detected magnetic vector of an abnormal value, and it is possible to more precisely calculate the center position.
(5)
If a detected magnetic vector belonging to the same class as a newly-obtained detected magnetic vector has already been stored, the computer may store a detected magnetic vector which is produced based on the already-stored detected magnetic vector and the newly-obtained detected magnetic vector.
With configuration (5) above, where a detected magnetic vector of an abnormal value has been stored, if a detected magnetic vector of a normal value is thereafter obtained, the influence of the detected magnetic vector of an abnormal value is decreased by the detected magnetic vector of a normal value. Therefore, it is possible to calculate the center position while decreasing the influence of detected magnetic vectors of abnormal values, and it is possible to more precisely calculate the center position.
(6)
The information processing program may cause the computer to further execute setting the reference position on, or on an inner side of, a surface of the spherical body.
With configuration (6) above, since detected magnetic vectors corresponding to direction vectors extending in various directions can be stored, it is possible to estimate the center position more accurately.
(7)
After the center position is calculated, each time a detected magnetic vector is obtained, the computer may store the obtained detected magnetic vector while using, as the reference position, a latest center position.
With configuration (7) above, since it is possible to calculate the center position based on the latest detected magnetic vector, it is possible to more precisely calculate the center position. Thus, it is possible to obtain more accurate direction vectors for use in the classification, and it is possible to more precisely calculate the attitude.
(8)
The computer may update the center position each time a detected magnetic vector is newly stored.
With configuration (8) above, since the center position and the reference position are updated each time a detected magnetic vector is obtained, it is possible to obtain more accurate direction vectors for use in the classification.
(9)
For each detected magnetic vector, the computer may select a classification vector extending in a direction closest to a direction from the reference position to the end point of the detected magnetic vector from among a plurality of classification vectors extending in different directions from one another, and classify detected magnetic vectors for which different classification vectors are selected into different categories.
With configuration (9) above, the detected magnetic vectors can be easily classified by using the classification vectors.
(10)
Where the plurality of classification vectors are arranged so that the start points thereof are at a center of a sphere, the classification vectors may be arranged so that the end points of the classification vectors are evenly dispersed across a spherical surface of the sphere or across a half of the spherical surface.
With configuration (10) above, evenly-dispersed detected magnetic vectors can be stored in the storage unit. Therefore, it is possible to more accurately estimate the center position, and it is possible to more precisely calculate the attitude.
(11)
The computer may select a classification vector based on an absolute value of an inner product between the classification vector and a vector representing a direction from the reference position to the end point position of the detected magnetic vector, and further classify detected magnetic vectors associated with the same classification vector into different categories depending on a sign of the inner product.
With configuration (11) above, it is possible to reduce in half the number of times the inner product is calculated for the selection of a classification vector, and it is therefore possible to classify detected magnetic vectors more quickly.
Note that the present specification discloses an information processing device and an information processing system including various units that are equivalent to various units implemented by executing the information processing program recited in configurations (1) to (11) above, and also discloses an attitude calculation method to be carried out in configurations (1) to (11).
With the storage medium having information processing program stored thereon, the information processing device, the information processing system and the attitude calculation method, each detected magnetic vector is classified based on the direction from the reference position to the end point of the detected magnetic vector, whereby the center position is easily calculated using detected magnetic vectors extending in various directions. Thus, it is possible to more accurately estimate the center position, and therefore to precisely calculate the attitude of the input unit.
These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Storage medium having information processing program stored thereon, information processing device, information processing system, and attitude calculation method


A lever system for actuating a clutch in the power train of a motor vehicle or of a disc brake, including: a lever (7) with a first side (7.1) rotatably supported on a pivot (8) and with a side (7.2) in functional connection with a pressing means (6). The lever (7) rests on a movable fulcrum (12) provided by a moveable support unit (10) that is displaceable in radial direction relative to the rotation axis of the clutch or the disc brake and which is displaceable using a motor-driven (15) spindle (14. The moveable support unit (10) rests on a raceway (11) and includes two roller sets (20.1, 20.2) each with rollers (21, 22, 22.1, 22.2). Each of the roller set (20.1, 20.2) includes at least three rollers (21, 22, 22.1, 22.2) and at least two of the rollers (22.1, 22.2) include approximately equal first diameters.

A generic clutch release system is known from the DE 10 2004 009832 document. FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, explained further below, show an exemplary embodiment of a lever system according to prior art.
In solutions based on prior art, the introduction of torque to the axles or to the mounting points of roller set axles in a hub is disadvantageous.

LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG


A method for manufacturing a one-piece woven (OPW) air bag includes providing yarns having a spin finish and warping the yarns on at least one beam of a loom. The yarns are simultaneously woven into a fabric air bag structure having two layer portions defining an inflatable volume and single layer portions forming seams delimiting the inflatable volume. The air bag structure is coated to cover the spin finish. The coated air bag structure is cut to define the one-piece woven air bag.

It is known to inflate an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device to help protect a vehicle occupant in the event of a vehicle collision. Examples of inflatable vehicle occupant protection devices include driver and passenger frontal air bags, side air bags, curtain air bags, inflatable seat belts, inflatable knee bolsters, and inflatable head liners.
Inflatable vehicle occupant protection devices can have a variety of constructions. For example, an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device can be constructed of overlying woven panels that are interconnected by means, such as stitching or ultrasonic welding, to form connections or seams that help define an inflatable volume of the protection device. As another example, an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device can have a one-piece woven (OPW) construction in which overlying panels are woven simultaneously. The panels are woven together to form connections or seams that help define an inflatable volume of the OPW protection device.
Current manufacturing methods for OPW air bags involve a multi-step process that is both time consuming and costly. To this end, FIG. 1A illustrates a conventional manufacturing process for producing yarns woven to form current OPW protection devices. In FIG. 1A, chips of various polymers, e.g., nylon and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), are mixed and placed into a chip hopper. The mixture is pumped to a single-screw extruder, which leads to a spinneret. The spinneret further extrudes the mixture into a series of yarn filaments via melt spinning.
The spinning filaments are gathered at their ends opposite the spinneret to form a thread of yarns. During melt spinning, air is applied to the filaments in a quenching operation. This cools and solidifies the filaments. The filaments, however, are not conductive and, thus, static electricity can be problematic during the spinning/gathering step. To overcome this issue, a spin finish is applied, e.g., sprayed by an applicator, to the spinning filaments before they are completely gathered to form the thread.
The spin finish is generally produced by emulsifying alkyl chain molecules with the aid of surfactants in aqueous medium. In some examples, the spin finish is oil-based and accounts for about 0.5-1.0% by weight of the OPW protection device. The type of spin finish used is based on the type of post processing the thread will experience. Regardless, the spin finish provides surface lubrication, antistatic action, and improves contact/cohesion between the filaments. The spin finish coat also provides an interface between the filament and any other contact surface of the loom, for example, a guide roll, hot plate, knitting needle, etc. (see: 1) Sahas Bansal & Pramod Raichurkay, Review on the Manufacturing Process of Polyester-PET and Nylon-6 Filament Yarn, 2 Intl. J. L. on Textile Engineering and Processes 23-28 (2016), and 2) Gupta, V. B., & Kothari V. K., Manufactured Fibre Technology, 140 (Chapman & Hall, 1997)).
The thread—having its yarn filaments coated in spin finish—is passed through take up godets and friction rollers to draw the thread. The speeds V1-V3 of the godets and rollers increase in succession, which reduces the longitudinal cross-section of the thread while lengthening it. The drawing process also aligns the yarn molecules in a more parallel arrangement and brings the molecules closer together so as to be more crystalline and oriented. In any case, the thread is taken up on a winder.
Referring to FIG. 1B, the yarns (in thread form) are taken from the winder and placed on at least one beam of a loom (also known as warping). The yarns are then simultaneously woven as separate, overlying layers of material at some locations, and as a single layer of material at other locations to produce an OPW fabric panel. In one example, the overlying layers form an inflatable chamber and the single layer forms a seam.
During the weaving process, the warp yarns abrade against the weft yarns while passing over and under one another. On the loom, the warp yarns are subjected to several types of stress-related action, e.g., cyclic strain, flexing, and abrasion at various loom parts and friction between yarns. In other words, both the loom and other yarns can contribute to the level of stress applied to the warp yarns. This can vary depending on, for example, the weave pattern, weave density, etc.
A film is applied to the yarns prior to weaving as a precautionary/preventative measure in anticipation of these induced stresses, which helps promote the integrity of the yarns and protect them during weaving. This film application process is known as sizing and can be done, for example, by dipping the yarns into the film or spraying the yarns. Different types of water-soluble polymers called textile sizing agents/chemicals can be used. Example sizing agents include modified oil, starch, gelatin, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), and acrylates. Wax can be added to the sizing to reduce the abrasiveness of the warp yarns. In any case, the sizing typically accounts for about 1.0-3.0% by weight of the OPW fabric roll.
The film applied at the sizing step protects the yarn from abrasion and increases the breaking strength, elasticity, and smoothness of the yarn while decreasing the static electricity and hairiness of the yarn. The sizing therefore provides structural integrity to the yarn during weaving. The degree of strength improvement depends on the adhesion force between the fiber and the sizing, the amount of sizing penetration, and the degree of encapsulation of the yarn by the sizing.
In current processes, the OPW fabric panel is rolled up and washed to remove the sizing film from the yarns. This removal process is known as scouring, and can be time consuming and costly. To this end, the scouring process can include washing the OPW fabric in tanks repeatedly with soap and water at elevated temperatures. Once this is done, it is desirable to apply an outer coating and/or lamination to the washed OPW fabric to improve the permeability, flame retardation, etc. of the air bag ultimately formed from the OPW fabric.
As noted, however, the yarn spin finish is typically oil-based, which is not conducive to receiving or adhering to the types of outer coatings/laminations desirable for air bag fabrics. That said, if only the sizing were removed in the scouring process, the outer coating/lamination could not be applied to the spin-finish coated yarns. In other words, the spin finish undesirably prevents the air bag from receiving its outer coating/lamination. Accordingly, the scouring process is configured to also remove the spin finish from the yarns, thereby allowing the yarns to receive the outer coating/lamination.
Once the sizing and spin finish are removed from the yarns the washed OPW fabric is dried and/or heat set. In one example, this constitutes vacuuming the excess water off the fabric followed by drying the fabric with heat. The outer coating and/or lamination can then be applied directly to the spin-finish-free yarns of the dried roll. The coated roll is then cut using marker yarns to separate the roll into individual OPW air bags.

One-piece woven vehicle occupant protection device and method for manufacturing the same


An internal combustion engine control apparatus is provided which is capable of performing various controls based upon the air quantity immediately after a current heated element of a hot wire air flow meter is heated to a predetermined temperature. When a key switch is rotated to an "ON" position, a large current flows through the air flow meter and the detected intake air quantity greatly exceeds the actual intake air quantity and therefore during the warm up period of the heater, the fuel injection amount is a constant corresponding to the coolant temperature until the engine speed reaches 500 rpm. Likewise during this warm up period, the smoothing processing of the fuel injection quantity is stopped. The fuel injection amount is switched from the constant value during starting to a variable quantity corresponding to air flow quantity when the output value of the air flow meter is less than a predetermined value and the engine speed is greater than 500 rpm or a predetermined time has elapsed since the key switch has been "ON".

The present invention relates to an internal combustion engine control apparatus and in particular to an internal combustion engine control apparatus for controlling the internal combustion engine based upon the output of a hot wire air flow meter.
Internal combustion engine control apparatus which detect an intake air quantity fed to the engine for calculating various engine controlled quantities based upon the detected intake air quantity have heretofore been known. Many of such internal combustion engine control apparatus use a hot wire air flow meter for detecting the intake air quantity. This type of air flow meter has a current heating element in an air intake passage. A current conducting through the element is controlled so that the element is heated to a predetermined temperature or so that it provides a predetermined quantity of heat. Since the heat radiated from the current heating element corresponds to the intake air quantity, the intake air quantity can be detected from the conducting current or the temperature of the heating element. This type of air flow meter has advantages in that it has a fast response, a wide dynamic range and a high precision and is compact in size and economical.
However, a large current is conducted through such a hot wire air flow meter until the current heated element is heated to a predetermined temperature (for example, the temperature of the intake air plus 200.degree. C.)(this will be referred to as "activated or activation"). Accordingly, the intake air quantity detected by the hot wire air flow meter becomes remarkably higher than the actual value. If the engine is started by the activation of the hot wire air flow meter, accurate control can not be made. For example, if the fuel quantity is controlled by directly using the detection result, the air/fuel ratio becomes a remarkably fuel rich ratio.
Therefore, a method of controlling the fuel injection quantity of a predetermined value until a predetermined period of time which is longer than the period of time taken to activate the hot wire air flow meter after turning on of a key switch is proposed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication Sho 57-173537 and a method of controlling the fuel injection quantity based upon control factors such as coolant temperature other than intake air quantity is proposed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,564,907.
In these internal engine control apparatus, so-called smoothing processing in which previously executed controlled quantities and newly calculated controlled quantities are averaged at a given factor is performed and the engine is controlled based upon the controlled quantity which is subjected to the smoothing processing. Therefore, control is not immediately made based upon the intake air quantity even after the lapse of the predetermined period of time and the activation of the air flow meter for the reason as follows: The internal combustion engine control apparatus calculates a controlled quantity having an error based on no intake air quantity until the predetermined period of time has lapsed. The controlled quantity after the lapse of the predetermined period of time is influenced by the controlled quantity having an error due to the smoothing processing.
Therefore, the fuel injection quantity may continue to be excessive with respect to the actual intake air quantity for a while even after the activation of the hot wire air flow meter. In this case, the air/fuel ratio is a fuel rich ratio for a while, resulting in that the emission and fuel consumption is worsened.
In the system of the above mentioned U.S. Pat. No. 4,564,907, fuel is supplied at a constant rate corresponding to the engine coolant temperature if the fuel injection quantity can not be operated from the output of the hot wire air flow meter, that is, for a predetermined period of time after turning on of a key switch. Thereafter, the fuel injection quantity is operated from the intake air quantity detected by the hot wire air flow meter and the engine rotation number. Briefly, the period of time which is taken to heat the hot wire of the air flow meter to a predetermined temperature is preliminarily predicted and preset.
However, if starting of the internal combustion engine is completed within the preset time which is taken to heat the hot wire of the air flow meter in this system, the fuel quantity corresponding to the engine coolant temperature is injected also after the completion of the engine starting, resulting in a poor controllability. If starting of the engine is not completed within the preset period of time for heating the hot wire of the air flow meter, the fuel injection is operated based upon the erroneous output value of the hot wire air flow meter on completion of starting of the engine, resulting in problems such as worsened emission, poor drivability and engine stall.


A combination switch device having a rotating connector (2) containing a spirally wound flexible wire (1), a cancel cam (3) arranged about a central axis of the rotating connector (2), and a combination switch main body (4). The cancel cam (3) is movable in an axial direction between a first position (S) and a second position (R). When the cancel cam (3) moves to the first position (S), a bear (31) of the cancel cam (3) engages with a claw (41) of the combination switch main body (4). At the same time, a convex portion (32) of the cancel cam (3) engages with a concave portion (23) of a rotor attachment (22) attached to a rotor (21), whereby the rotor (21) is held at a neutral position. Thus, the rotating connector can be held at a neutral position without requiring special parts by modifying an existing structure of a combination switch device having a rotating connector.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a combination switch device having a rotating connector for electrically connecting together a car body and a steering wheel. More specifically, the present invention relates to a structure for holding a rotor of a rotating connector at a neutral position until a combination switch device is attached to a bracket of a steering column and a rotor of the rotating connector is engaged with the steering wheel.
2. Description of the Related Art
Rotating connectors have been used to supply electricity from a car body to an air bag circuit or the like arranged on a steering wheel. A typical rotating connector contains a spirally wound flexible wire which, when a rotor of the rotating connector rotates by handling the steering wheel, is wound in or out within the rotating connector. The rotating connector thereby provides an electric route between the car body and the steering wheel.
The maximum number of rotations of a conventional rotating connector is limited by the number of turns of the flexible wire contained within the rotating connector. Thus, if the position of the steering wheel is not aligned properly with the rotating position of the rotating connector, the flexible wire may be wound up in the rotating connector before the steering wheel is rotated to its intended leftmost or rightmost position for turning. As a result, the steering wheel may be difficult to control, or the flexible wire may be disconnected.
To overcome this problem in the conventional rotating connector, the rotor of the rotating connector has been held at a neutral position until it is engaged to the steering wheel. The rotating connector is thus attached to the steering wheel at a neutral position in advance, whereby both the devices are assembled at appropriate rotating positions. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Sho 62-18355 discloses a technique wherein a special lock material is used to hold the rotor of a rotating connector at a neutral position.
However, in the prior art described above, special parts are required to hold the rotor of the rotating connector at a neutral position. As a result, the number of parts of the rotating connector increased, and the number of processes to store the special parts also increased.

Combination switch device having rotating connector


An auger gravel pack screen or other wellbore device is driven by a workstring which includes a torque-limiting device interposed therein to limit the maximum torque exerted on the screen during augering into a gravel packing in a well bore. The torque-limiting device includes driving and driven mandrels with removable shear pin support parts connected to the mandrels, respectively, and supporting plural shear pins through which driving torque is exerted on the device. An alternate embodiment includes a slip clutch with cooperating lobed clutch members. An axially translatable nut is disposed in a fluid-filled chamber between the mandrels and is operable to permit controlled rotation of the mandrels relative to each other when the limit torque is exceeded to absorb torsional deflection energy built up in the workstring without damaging the workstring or the gravel pack screen.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention pertains to a torque limiting and torsional deflection energy absorbing device for use in installing wellbore devices, such as an auger gravel pack assembly, in a well.
2. Background
So-called auger-type gravel pack assemblies are becoming increasingly attractive in well-completion operations. In an auger-type gravel pack installation, the gravel packing is preinstalled in the wellbore, and a tubular gravel pack screen is provided with auger flights to provide for rotatably augering the screen into its working position in the gravel packing. The process of rotatably augering the gravel pack screen into its working position is usually carried out by connecting the auger gravel pack assembly to an elongated drill stem or so-called "workstring" which is rotatably driven from the surface by conventional drill stem rotation equipment such as a rotary table or a so-called power swivel.
One consideration required in an auger gravel pack installation, as well as in certain other wellbore operations, is control over the torque exerted by the workstring and its associated drive mechanism to prevent damage to the auger gravel pack assembly. In this regard it has been considered important to develop means for limiting the torque exerted on an auger gravel pack assembly to prevent damage to the assembly from over-torque during the augering process. The present invention is directed to improved means for controlling or limiting the torque exerted on an auger gravel pack assembly as well as absorption of the torsional deflection recoil encountered when the limit torque is reached.

Torque limiter for auger gravel pack assembly


A system for efficiently utilizing a transmission capacity without complicated processing a hierarchical code comprised of a plurality of layers having different error correcting capabilities. In a transmitter, an encoding unit encodes an image in accordance with a hierarchical coding scheme to generate a plurality of layer data. An error correcting code addition unit performs error correction coding on each of at least one layer data including the lowermost layer data in accordance with an error correction coding scheme which gives higher error correcting capabilities to a lower layer than a higher layer. A transmission unit transmits each of the layer data and error correcting codes onto a transmission path. A receiver corrects possible errors introduced on the path into the layer data received from the transmitter according to the error correction coding scheme, and decodes layer data received in a quality available for decoding to restore the image.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to image communications, and more particularly, to techniques for transmitting the same image to a plurality of terminals under different communication conditions.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, image communications, more specifically, broadcast or multicast of image data has grown in importance in the field of mobile communications. In 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project), the broadcast and multicast of image data have been under investigation for providing MBMS (Multimedia Broadcast and Multicast Service).
Since image data has a larger amount of data than conventional audio data, it is required to efficiently transfer the image data within a limited communication capacity of mobile communications. A conventional system which broadcasts or multicasts image data encodes images using a hierarchical coding scheme for transfer from a base station to mobile terminals of a CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) mobile communication (see, for example, an article "Tdos MBMS-0033, "Scalable Multimedia Broadcast and Multicast Service (MBMS)", Samsung Electronics, 3GPP MBMS Workshop, London, UK, May 6-7, 2002).
According to this article, an image is encoded into data comprised of two layers (a base layer and an enhanced layer). Data in the respective layers generated by the encoding are called "base layer data" and "enhanced layer data," respectively. The base layer data has a high importance level for restoring the image, and the image can be generated even by decoding only the base layer data. However, an image generated only from the base layer data is inferior in resolution to an image generated by decoding both the base layer data and enhanced layer data.
In the system of the foregoing article, the base layer data alone is transmitted with large power so that all mobile terminals within a cell can satisfactorily receive the base layer data. On the contrary, the enhanced layer data is transmitted with power small enough to be satisfactorily received only by mobile terminals under good communication conditions, such as those situated near the base station. This strategy reduces the total transmission power in the system to efficiently utilize the communication capacity in the CDMA communication.
Referring to FIG. 1, a conventional mobile communication system comprises core network (CN) 91, and a radio access network (RAN) 94. Server 95 is connected to CN 91, while user equipment (UE) 96, 97 can be connected to RAN 94. Assume herein that image data is broadcast or multicast from server 95 to UE 96, 97.
CN 91, which is a core of a mobile communication network, typically includes a plurality of switches (not shown) and can set an arbitrary communication route. RAN 94, which is responsible for accesses to the mobile communication network, includes radio network controller (RNC) 92 and base station device (Node-B) 93. Node-B 93 connects with UE 96, 97 over the air within a cell covered thereby to provide a radio channel for communications between UE 96, 97 and a partner device (here, server 95). RNC 92 is responsible for a variety of settings and control for Node-B 93, and for a calling process for establishing communications between UE 96, 97 and the partner device.
Server 95 encodes an image in accordance with an encoding scheme which involves two layers with different importance levels when it broadcasts or multicasts image data to UE 96, 97. This encoding results in generation of base layer data 98 and enhanced layer data 99.
Base layer data 98 and enhanced layer data 99 are sent from Node-B 93 through CN 91 and RNC 92. In this event, base layer data 98 and enhanced layer data 99 are transmitted through physical radio channels different from each other. Also, these radio channels are transmitted with transmission powers different from each other, depending on the importance level of each layer. Base layer data 98 is transmitted with higher transmission power than enhanced layer data 99 because base layer data 98 has a higher importance level.
Upon satisfactory receipt of both base layer data 98 and enhanced layer data 99, each UE 96, 97 displays a high resolution image using both data in decoding. On the other hand, when UE 96, 97 cannot satisfactorily receive enhanced layer data 99 but can satisfactorily receive only base layer data 98, each UE 96, 97 displays a low resolution image by decoding base layer data 98.
In FIG. 1, UE 96 is under good communication conditions, because it is located near Node-B 93, and can therefore satisfactorily receive both base layer data 98 and enhanced layer data 99. On the other hand UE 97 is under bad communication conditions because it is located far from Node-B 93, though located within the cell covered by Node-B 93, and can therefore satisfactorily receive only base layer data 98 which has higher transmission power. As a result, UE 96, under good communication conditions, can display a high resolution image, and UE 97, under bad communication conditions, can also display an image though the resolution is lower than that of the image displayed by UE 96.
As described above, the conventional system has the ability to efficiently utilize the communication capacity by ensuring that an image is displayed even on UE under bad communication conditions, while degrading the resolution of the image, to reduce the total transmission power.
However, the foregoing conventional system has the following problems.
In the conventional system illustrated in FIG. 1, one image is encoded into two data, i.e., base layer data and enhanced layer data which are transferred through different paths from each other, so that the system requires a call control which handles these data in pair. For this reason, extra processing must be added to CN 91, RNC 92, and UE 96, 97.
Also, since base layer data and enhanced layer data of the same image pass CN 91 through different paths, a difference in delay must be absorbed before the image is decoded. Further, although the Internet may be connected to CN 91 through a gateway so that server 95 is connected to the Internet, the difference in delay is even increased in such a configuration. Thus, a buffer for temporality storing data is required for RNC 92 or UE 96, 97 in order to absorb the difference in delay. Furthermore, RNC 92 or UE 96, 97 requires extra processing for synchronizing the data using the buffer.

Image communication system using a hierarchical code comprised of a plurality of layers


This invention provides a paintball pod holder system for convenient one-handed removal and replacement of paintball pods. Preferably, one or more rigid paintball pod holders are attached to a belt or other support. A stiff lining of the inside of the paintball pod holder keeps the holder open at the ends and permits convenient insertion of paintball pods. The lining also has a spring clip function to securely hold the paintball pod. There is also a non-slip surface to prevent the system from slipping against the body during use.

This invention relates to providing improved paintball pod holder systems. More particularly, it relates to providing a paintball pod holder system that provides easy access to a large number of stored paintballs.
Typically, paintballs are stored and transported within paintball pods. Some paintball pods have a flip-top or screw-on cap. Paintball pods are typically carried in paintball pod holders carried by the player.
Paintball pod holders fall into two general categories: semi-rigid and elastic. Semi-rigid paintball pod holders are typically made of fabric, padded nylon, or neoprene. They have the disadvantage of being difficult to manufacture. Semi-rigid paintball pod holders must be exactly the correct size to securely and removably hold a paintball pod. If the holder is too tight, it becomes difficult to insert and remove the paintball pod. If the holder is too loose, the paintball pod will move within the holder, causing both noise and inconvenience in a paintball combat situation. Also, a loose pod may fall out of the holder and spill its load of paintballs on the ground. Dirty paintballs cannot be used in a paintball gun, so this is a great inconvenience for a player.
Elastic paintball pod holders have the disadvantage of requiring two hands to load a paintball pod into the elastic paintball pod holder, which requires the player to put down her paintball gun. During a paintball game, it can be very inconvenient to place an empty paintball pod back into the elastic paintball pod holder on a backpack or waist-pack. Elastic paintball pod holders also have the disadvantage of being flexible enough to permit a paintball pod to slip loose during vigorous play.
Paintball pod holders are typically made of heavy-duty nylon, which is very slippery. The slipperiness of the nylon permits a paintball pod holder to slip and slide against the user, especially when running. This movement is noisy and annoying.
Therefore, a need exists for a paintball pod holder system that overcomes the above-stated disadvantages. More particularly, a paintball pod holder that is easy to load and unload and which securely and quietly holds paintball pods during play is needed.


Nucleotide sequences of D2-2 genes (human D2-2 and D2-2 homologs of other species), and amino acid sequences of their encoded proteins, as well as derivatives (e.g., fragments) and analogs thereof are disclosed. Nucleic acids hybridizable to or complementary to the nucleotide sequences are also disclosed. D2-2 is a gene expressed at high levels in glioblastoma multiforme tissue as well as certain other forms of tumors and cancers. Therapeutic and diagnostic methods and compositions based on D2-2 proteins fragments and analogs, anti-D2-2 antibodies and nucleic acids for treatment of disorders of overproliferation (e.g., tumors, cancer and hyperproliferative disorders are disclosed.

Brain tumors are among the leading cause of death among young children and adults. A survey by the American Cancer Society has documented that 13,300 people died of brain tumors in 1995 and over 17,900 will die in 1996 (Parker et al., 1996, CA Cancer J. Clin., 46:5-28). The number of deaths due to brain tumors has been increasing at a significant rate each year. On average, 25,000 Americans are diagnosed with brain cancer yearly. Brain tumors claim the lives of more children than any other form of cancer except leukemia.
The increased incidence of brain tumors is not only evident in children but also in adults. It has been documented that a significant increase in mortality has occurred in adult primary malignant tumors between 1982 and 1996 (Parker et al., 1996, CA Cancer J. Clin., 46:5-28). Glioblastomas, astrocytomas an d meningiomas are the most common brain tumors that affect adults (Thapar and Laws, 1993, CA Cancer J. Clin., 43:263-271).
Glioblastoma multiforme are high grade astrocytomas that grow very rapidly and contain cells that are very malignant (Thapar and Laws, 1993, CA Cancer J. Clin., 43:263-271). The molecular basis of glioblastoma multiforme occurrence may involve systematic events at the chromosomal level or at a gene expression level. These may include inactivation of tumor suppressor genes, activation of oncogenes or specific translocations at the chromosomal level. Some genetic changes at the chromosomal level and gene expression level have been well documented for other brain tumors (Furnari et al., 1995, Cancer Surv., 25:233-275). For example, it has been documented that loss of tumor suppressor(s) genes at chromosome 10, mutations in p53, or overexpression of epidermal growth factor receptor, may be major events leading to glioblastoma multiforme. A number of other genes such as EGFR, CD44, .beta.4 integrins, membrane-type metalloproteinase (MT-MMP), p21, p16, p15, myc, and VEGF have been shown to be overexpressed in different types of brain tumors (Faillot et al., 1996 Neurosurgery, 39:478-483; Eibl et al., 1995, J. of Neurooncol., 26:165-170; Previtali et al., 1996, Neuropathol. Exp. Neurol. 55:456-465; Yamamoto et al., 1996, Cancer Res., 56:384-392; Jung et al., 1995, Oncogene, 11:2021-2028; Tsuzuki et al., 1996, Cancer, 78:287-293; Chen et al., 1995, Nature Med., 1:638-643; Takano, et al., 1996, Cancer Res., 56:2185-2190; Bogler et al., 1995, Glia, 15:308-327). Other genes such as p53 show mutations in the majority of brain tumors (Bogler et al., supra). How the interplay of one or more of these genes leads to tumorigenesis is not known but most likely multiple steps are required for neoplastic transformation. The exact series of events that lead to initiation or progression of glioblastoma are not known at present and useful markers for early detection of brain tumors are lacking.
Citation of references herein shall not be construed as an admission that such references are prior art to the present invention.

Nucleotide and amino acid sequences of a D2-2 gene associated with brain tumors and methods based thereon


A lavatory faucet comprises a connection pipe, a water mixing bolt seat mounted on the connection pipe, a fastening board movably located over the water mixing bolt seat, a water mixing bolt tube, a locating bolt, and a faucet neck mounted on the lavatory basin and engaged with the locating bolt and the water mixing bolt tube which is located by the fastening board pressing against the lavatory basin.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a lavatory faucet, and more particularly to a structure for locating securely the water mixing bolt of the lavatory faucet.
2. Description of Related Art
As shown in FIG. 1, a lavatory faucet of the prior art is fastened with the lavatory basin 16 in conjunction with a cold water control valve 10 and a hot water control valve 11, which are connected by a connection pipe 13. The cold water control valve 10 is connected with a cold water pipe 14 while the hot water control valve 11 is connected with a hot water pipe 15. The water pipes 14 and 15 are respectively put through the mounting hole 17 of the basin 16 along with a locating board 18, and a locking ring 19. The faucet neck 20 is fastened with a lug 22 by a fastening bolt 21. Located between the faucet neck 20 and the basin 16 is a cover board 23. The locating board 18 and the locking ring 19 are located at the bottom of the basin 16 such that they can be hardly reached by hand or hand tool. As a result, it is difficult to loosen the locking ring 19 so as to separate the faucet neck 20 from the basin 16 in the event that the lavatory faucet is to be replaced.
The primary objective of the present invention is to provide a lavatory faucet which can be easily unfastened with a lavatory basin to which the lavatory basin is fastened.
The lavatory faucet of the present invention comprises a water mixing bolt seat, a fastening board, a water mixing bolt tube, a locating bolt, and a faucet neck. The water mixing bolt seat is mounted between the cold water control valve and the hot water control valve along with the fastening board. The water mixing bolt seat is located securely in place by the fastening board which is pressed against the lavatory basin. The lavatory neck is located by the locating bolt.

Structure for locating water mixing bolt of lavatory faucet


Methods and apparatus to provide command abstraction. In one embodiment, a method includes obtaining information on commands for a plurality of devices including devices of the same type having different command structures, receiving a generic command from a user directed to one of the devices of the same type, determining, using a computer processor, whether the generic command is supported, extracting parameters from the generic command, and generating from the extracted parameters and the generic command a device-specific command for execution by the one of the devices of the same type.

As is known in the art, storage systems, such as cloud storage systems, contain a relatively large number of hardware devices and components and software applications, modules, and components. With many different infrastructure devices in the cloud storage system, it can be challenging to deal with constantly changing syntax for the commands and APIs (application programming interfaces) of individual devices. This can be especially true when the storage or SAN (storage area network) administrator wants to run the command over a CLI (command line interface) for debugging or troubleshooting a particular infrastructure device, such as a SAN switch or a storage array. Also, using the various element management systems with their own unique user interfaces is virtually impossible as it requires one to keep up with the ever changing cloud vendor providers. This creates 'personnel' silos of tribal knowledge in the cloud management organizations since SAN and Storage administrators typically manually log in to the CLIs or element managers of individual infrastructure components, attempt to remember the exact command syntax, and then run the commands to debug component issues.

Method and apparatus for command abstraction


A recording medium records therein image data for distributing contents as element holograms with interference fringes generated by interference between an object beam representing the image data and a reference beam. The image data to be distributed which are recorded as the element holograms in the recording medium are reproduced by applying reference beams to the recording medium.

The present invention relates to a recording medium in the form of a hologram for recording data based on fringes produced by interference between an object beam from an image representing the data and a reference beam, and an apparatus for and a method of reproducing data recorded in the recording medium.
There are known in the art holographic recording mediums for recording various data based on fringes produced by interference between an object beam and a reference beam. It is also known in the art that the holographic recording mediums can have a high recording density for large storage capacity. The holographic recording mediums are considered to be useful as large-capacity storage mediums for storing computer data and AV (Audio-Video) contents data such as audio and video data, for example.
For recording data in a holographic recording medium, the data is converted into image data as two-dimensional page data. The data is displayed on a liquid crystal panel or the like, and a light beam that has passed through the liquid crystal panel, i.e., an object beam representing an image of the two-dimensional page data, is applied to the holographic recording medium. In addition, a reference beam is applied at a certain angle to the holographic recording medium. The object beam and the reference beam interfere with each other, producing fringes that can be recorded as a single element hologram. Therefore, a single element hologram is a recorded form of one two-dimensional page data.
Japanese patent laid-open No. 2005-32308 discloses an optical information recording process for achieving a large storage capacity on a holographic recording medium according to shift multiplexing and angle multiplexing. According to shift multiplexing, a colinear optical system is used to convert a reference beam into a convergent (or divergent) beam for recording a succession of overlapping element holograms on the holographic recording medium for an increased recording density. According to angle multiplexing, the angle of a reference beam is changed to record a number of overlapping element holograms at the same position on the holographic recording medium for an increased recording density.

Recording medium, reproducing apparatus, and reproducing method


A process for separating oxygen and nitrogen using an adsorption system comprising at least one main adsorption vessel containing an adsorbent selective for one component and at least one auxiliary adsorption vessel containing an adsorbent selective for the same component, the auxiliary vessel(s) being operated under conditions which result in the production of a product gas of lower purity than the product gas from the main adsorption vessel(s). The lower purity product gas from the auxiliary vessel is used to purge or pressurize the main adsorption vessel(s).

Cyclic adsorption processes are frequently used to separate the components of a gas mixture. Typically, cyclic adsorption processes are conducted in one or more adsorbent vessels that are packed with a particulate adsorbent material which adsorbs at least one gaseous component of the gas mixture more strongly than it adsorbs at least one other component of the mixture. The adsorption process comprises repeatedly performing a series of steps, the specific steps of the sequence depending upon the particular cyclic adsorption process being carried out. For example, PSA processes generally comprise a series of steps that includes pressurization of the adsorbent-containing vessel to the desired adsorption pressure, production of purified gas by passing feed gas through the adsorption vessel at the desired adsorption pressure and regeneration of the adsorbent when the concentration of adsorbed component(s) in the adsorbent reaches a certain level.
The procedure followed for regenerating the adsorbent varies according to the process. In PSA processes the adsorbent is at least partially regenerated by reducing the pressure in the adsorption vessel, thereby causing adsorbed component to be desorbed from the adsorbent, whereas in (TSA) processes the adsorbent is regenerated by heating it, thereby causing the adsorbed component to be desorbed. In either case, the regeneration process usually includes a purge step during which a gas stream that is depleted in the component to be desorbed is passed countercurrently through the bed of adsorbent, thereby reducing the partial pressure of adsorbed component in the adsorption vessel, which causes additional adsorbed component to be desorbed from the adsorbent. The nonadsorbed gas product is generally used to purge the adsorbent beds, since this gas is usually quite depleted in the adsorbed component of the feed gas mixture. It often requires a very considerable quantity of purge gas to adequately regenerate the adsorbent. For example, it is not unusual to use half of the nonadsorbed product gas produced during the previous production step to restore the adsorbent to the desired extent.
It can be appreciated that using such large quantities of nonadsorbed product gas to regenerate the adsorbent detracts considerably from the efficiency of the adsorption process. Process modifications which increase the efficiency of adsorption processes are continually sought. This invention provides a process modification which significantly increases the net production of nonadsorbed product gas in PSA and TSA processes.

Process and apparatus for separating gas mixtures


A rotary hearth furnace includes an exhaust gas eductor. The exhaust gas eductor includes a compartment-defining portion and an exhaust duct. The compartment-defining portion is provided on part of a ceiling of the rotary hearth furnace in an exhaust gas discharge region, and an exhaust duct is connected to the compartment-defining portion. The lower surface of the compartment-defining portion lies higher than the lower surface of the other portion of the ceiling. The compartment-defining portion defines a compartment where the exhaust gas stays. The exhaust duct can include a cooling medium injection nozzle. The furnace increases fuel efficiency by completely burning combustible components remaining in exhaust gas generated in the rotary hearth furnace so as to use the combustible components efficiently for the heating and reduction reaction in the rotary hearth furnace, without problems in producing reduced iron.

A known rotary hearth furnace includes an outer wall, an inner wall, and an annular rotary hearth disposed between the outer wall and the inner wall. The rotary hearth generally includes an annular furnace frame, a hearth heat insulation material disposed over the furnace frame, and a refractory disposed on the hearth heat insulation material. Such a rotary hearth is rotated by a mechanism. The rotating mechanism may be, for example, a gear mechanism including a rotating shaft disposed at the lower portion of the hearth, a pinion gear fixed to the rotating shaft so as to be rotated together with the rotating shaft, a rack rail circularly fixed to the bottom of the furnace frame and engaging with the pinion gear, or an apparatus including a track annularly laid on the surface of the hearth and a plurality of driving wheels disposed at the bottom of the furnace frame and running on the track.
Rotary hearth furnaces including such a mechanism can be used for heat treatment of metals, such as steel billet, or heat treatment of combustible wastes. In addition, a process that produces reduced iron from iron oxides in the rotary hearth furnace has come to attention. An example of the process for producing reduced iron in the rotary hearth furnace will now be described with reference to FIG. 6, which shows a schematic structure of the rotary hearth furnace.    (1) Iron oxide powder (iron ore, electric furnace dust, etc.) and carbonaceous reductant powder (coal, coke, etc.) are mixed and agglomerated, thereby forming green-pellets.    (2) The green pellets are heated in a range of temperatures at which combustible components evaporated from the pellets do not ignite. Water adhering to the green pellets is removed by this heating, and thus dried pellets 24 shown in FIG. 6 are produced.    (3) The dried pellets are fed into the rotary hearth furnace 26 by an appropriate charging device 23 shown in FIG. 6 and are spread on the rotary hearth 21 to form a pellet layer with a thickness defined by one or two pellets.    (4) The pellet layer is heated to be reduced by radiation of combustion in a burner 27 provided at an upper portion in the furnace. Thus, the pellet layer is metalized.    (5) The metalized pellets are cooled by a cooler 28. The cooling is performed by, for example, directly jetting a gas onto the pellets, or an indirect technique using a water-cooling jacket. The cooling gives the pellets such a mechanical strength as they can endure being handled while or after they are discharged. The cooled pellets (for example, reduced iron) 25 are discharged to the outside of the furnace by a discharging device 22.    (6) Immediately after the pellets 25 are discharged, the charging device 23 feeds other dried pellets. The sequence of these steps is repeated to produce reduced iron.
Combustible exhaust gas generated in the rotary hearth furnace used for producing reduced iron is drawn from an exhaust gas discharge region located on the circumference of the rotary hearth furnace to an exhaust duct connected to the ceiling of the exhaust gas discharge region, and is discharged to the outside of the system through an exhaust gas treatment apparatus disposed in the downstream from the exhaust duct. However, part of the combustible components remain in the exhaust gas drawn to the exhaust duct from the rotary hearth furnace. This is because the exhaust gas cannot be sufficiently mixed with oxygen in the rotary hearth furnace, so that the combustible components cannot be completely burned.
Accordingly, in general, secondary combustion air is supplied into the furnace so that the combustible gas can be burned with the secondary combustion air to reduce fuel consumption. However, the supply of the secondary combustion air excessively increases the amount of air in the furnace. The excess of the air not only reduces the temperature in the furnace, but also inhibits the reduction reaction or causes reoxidation.
A metal reduction process using an apparatus as shown in FIG. 7 has been known for controlling the secondary combustion. FIG. 7 shows a horizontal section of this apparatus. The apparatus includes a rotary hearth furnace having a heating zone 30 and a reducing zone 40, a gas analyzer 31, and an air intake means 34. The gas analyzer 31 samples the gas from the heating zone 30 of the furnace and measures the O2 or CO concentration in the gas. The air intake means 34 introduces air into the heating zone 30 according to the concentration measured by the gas analyzer 31, so that the unburned combustibles generated in the reducing zone 40 are burned.
This apparatus, however, cannot sufficiently mix and agitate the secondary combustion air and the combustible gas or ensure residence time sufficient to burn the combustible gas, even if a sufficient amount of air for the secondary combustion is introduced to the heating zone 30. Accordingly, the unburned combustibles may not be completely burned in the region where heat of combustion should be used efficiently. In other words, because the known apparatus cannot sufficiently mix or agitate the unburned combustibles and the secondary combustion air in the furnace, the unburned combustibles do not burn completely. Thus, part of the unburned combustibles are drawn to the exhaust duct without being burned. This phenomenon causes not only the decrease of the fuel efficiency of the rotary hearth furnace, but also damages to equipment, such as the exhaust duct, from the combustion of the unburned combustibles in the exhaust duct and the increase of its temperature. Furthermore, ash and other components contained in the exhaust gas with a high temperature may be melted and adhere to the duct, thus clogging the duct.

Rotary hearth furnace and method of operating the same


A solar cell is fabricated by etching one or more of its layers without substantially etching another layer of the solar cell. In one embodiment, a copper layer in the solar cell is etched without substantially etching a topmost metallic layer comprising tin. For example, an etchant comprising sulfuric acid and hydrogen peroxide may be employed to etch the copper layer selective to the tin layer. A particular example of the aforementioned etchant is a Co-Bra Etch® etchant modified to comprise about 1% by volume of sulfuric acid, about 4% by volume of phosphoric acid, and about 2% by volume of stabilized hydrogen peroxide. In one embodiment, an aluminum layer in the solar cell is etched without substantially etching the tin layer. For example, an etchant comprising potassium hydroxide may be employed to etch the aluminum layer without substantially etching the tin layer.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to solar cells, and more particularly but not exclusively to solar cell fabrication processes and structures.
2. Description of the Background Art
Solar cells are well known devices for converting solar radiation to electrical energy. They may be fabricated on a semiconductor wafer using semiconductor processing technology. Generally speaking, a solar cell may be fabricated by forming p-doped and n-doped regions in a silicon substrate. Solar radiation impinging on the solar cell creates electrons and holes that migrate to the p-doped and n-doped regions, thereby creating voltage differentials between the doped regions. The side of the solar cell where connections to an external electrical circuit are made includes a topmost metallic surface that is electrically coupled to the doped regions. There may be several layers of materials between the metallic surface and the doped regions. These materials may be patterned and etched to form internal structures. It is important to etch these materials in a way that would not compromise the operability and performance of the solar cell.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


A hybrid vehicle comprises a motor driving the vehicle's wheels, multiple batteries supplying electric power to the motor, and a generator driven by an internal combustion engine to generate electric power for charging the batteries. Battery sensors detect terminal voltages of the batteries. An ECU controls a DC/DC converter to distribute electric power to independently charge the batteries through charge lines in accordance with the shortage of charge in respective batteries when excess electrical power is available from the generator even after a required amount of electrical power from the generator is used to rotate wheels.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a hybrid vehicle driven by a combination of two driving sources, such as an electric motor using electric power and an internal combustion engine using fuel such as gasoline or light oil, and more particularly to a battery charge control system for a hybrid vehicle capable of finely controlling the state-of-charge of each of numerous batteries installed on the vehicle.
2. Related Art
Motor-driven electric cars, when compared with normal engine-driven vehicles, are generally advantageous in their cleanness represented by no exhaust gas emission, i.e., no air pollution, noiselessness, and excellent drivability represented by quick response during the acceleration and the deceleration.
On the other hand, electric cars have poor cruising distances due to poor electric power capacity available from present-day batteries, and are suffering from expensive energy cost per travelling distance.
To eliminate such weakness of electric cars and enhance their advantages, there have been recently proposed various types of hybrid vehicles comprising a combination of an electric motor using electric power supplied from batteries and an internal combustion engine using fuel such as gasoline or light oil.
Among them, the hybrid vehicles are roughly divided into two types. One type is a series hybrid vehicle (SHV) which uses an electric motor as a single driving source for exclusively driving the wheels of the vehicle and uses an internal combustion engine as a source for solely rotating a generator for charging the batteries.
The other type is a parallel hybrid vehicle (PHV) which selectively or alternately, otherwise simultaneously uses an electric motor and an internal combustion engine as a driving source for driving the wheels of the vehicle in accordance with travelling conditions of the vehicle, and rotates a generator for charging the batteries.
A problem of such hybrid vehicles is that continuing charging operation against a fully charged battery may unexpectedly lower the charging efficiency of the battery as well as deteriorate the durability of the battery.
To solve this problem, Unexamined Japanese Patent Application No. HEI 5-153703, published in 1993, discloses a battery charge control system which forcibly disconnects a battery from a generator to stop the charging operation when its state-of-charge value is sufficiently large.
To obtain electric power sufficient to drive an electric motor, a number of batteries are connected in series. The fact is that the state-of-charge is not the same in each of these serially connected batteries even though these batteries are operated under the same conditions.
It is usual that charging of these plural batteries is performed by detecting a single, representative state-of-charge value and charging each battery uniformly based on the detected representative state-of-charge. Namely, the generator starts charging all the batteries by the same amount regardless of actual state-of-charge of each battery.
Accordingly, for some of batteries, such a uniform charging operation by the generator will possibly cause an excessive charge. On the contrary, for some of other batteries, this uniform charging operation may cause an excessive discharge if their state-of-charge is not sufficiently high even after the charging operation is finished.
Unexamined Japanese Patent Application No. HEI 5-219608, published in 1993, discloses a monitor system providing a plurality of sensors for detecting each state-of-charge of every single battery and displaying all of state-of-charge values of individual batteries simultaneously.
Furthermore, Unexamined Japanese Patent Application No. HEI 6-75027, published in 1994, discloses another monitor system calculating an average voltage of all batteries and making a judgement that the life is over when the number of batteries having a voltage lower than the average voltage reaches a predetermined number.

Battery charge control system for a hybrid vehicle driven by an electric motor and an internal combustion engine