A decanting centrifuge particularly useful for clinical laboratory procedures requiring the washing and packing of red cells or other particles. An electromagnet having upper and lower planar pole faces rotates to drive a removable rotor head assembly and, during the decant cycle, holds a plurality of magnetically-attractable tube carriers in substantially vertical positions against its planar pole faces so that supernatant liquid is centrifugally discharged from the open upper ends of the tubes. Each tube carrier comprises a tube-holding member and a contact member, both of which have their upper end portions pivotally suspended from a support ring which is provided by the rotor assembly and which is coaxial with the rotatable magnet. The planar surfaces of the contact members engage the planar pole faces when the centrifuge is at rest and also when the electromagnet is energized and the rotor assembly is rotated to decant the liquid contents of the centrifuge tubes. Each tube-holding member has two outer side walls which meet along converging planes so that such walls will engage a centrifuge tube along a pair of spaced parallel lines during centrifuge operation, thereby permitting centrifuge tubes of different selected outside dimensions to be supported within the open-topped cavity of such tube-holding member.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,401,876 discloses an automated cell washing centrifuge which utilizes centrifugal force to decant supernatant solution as a final step in a cell washing sequence of steps. With the movable cover in its lowered position, the centrifuge tubes are held in inclined position so that during rotation of the rotor saline may be injected into each of the tubes to suspend and wash the cells and, as rotation continues, to pack the cells so that they form cell buttons in the tubes' lower ends FIGS. 10 and 11). Subsequent rotation with the cover in its raised position results in a decanting of the supernatant liquid from the tubes since, during such decanting step, the tubes are supported in substantially vertical positions (FIG. 14).
Later patents disclose modifications in structure and operation for controlling the angular disposition of the tubes during the wash and decant cycles. Thus, U.S. Pat. No. 3,722,789 discloses a centrifuge in which the weight distribution of the tube holder changes depending on whether rotor rotation is clockwise or counterclockwise; during clockwise rotation the centrifuge tube assumes its inclined position for washing and packing of the cells, whereas during counterclockwise rotation the tube assumes its generally vertical decant position. U.S. Pat. No. 3,951,334 similarly discloses a centrifuge in which the angular orientation of the centrifuge tubes is determined by the direction of rotor rotation, the pivotally-mounted tube holders being allowed to swing outwardly when the rotor (drive shaft) turns in a counterclockwise direction but being blocked by castellations against such outward swinging movement when the rotor moves in a clockwise direction.
In U.S. Pat. No. 3,420,437, a latching system in the form of a vertically movable restraining ring is used to secure the tubes in their generally vertical positions during the decant cycle. Although manual operation of the latching ring is shown, in a commercial version the ring is shifted between its latching and unlatching positions by a solenoid.
The centrifuge disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,712,535 employs an electromagnetic holding device to retain the tubes upright during the decant cycle. The electromagnet is stationary and acts through an air gap to tilt the tube carriers from their normal rest positions into the positions they assume during decantation. Magnetic action is aided by a magnetic soft ring located intermediate between the stationary electromagnet and the tube carriers which is free to rotate with the tube carriers, thereby reducing the air gap.
The cell washing centrifuge of the present invention constitutes an improvement over prior constructions in which tubes are supported in generally vertical positions for decanting purposes and in downwardly and outwardly inclined positions for washing and packing of their cellular contents. An electromagnet rotates along with the tube carriers and is in direct surface engagement with the magnetically-attractable contact plates of those carriers when the carriers are in the vertical positions that they assume not only during a decant operation but also when the centrifuge is at rest. Because of such direct contact and the planar surface engagement between the carriers and the pole faces of the magnet, an electromagnet of relatively small dimensions and mass--factors of importance in view of the rotational mounting of the magnet--provides strong attractive forces for securely locking the carriers in their decant positions when the magnet is energized. The result is a highly efficient washing and decanting centrifuge of relatively simple, durable, and reliable construction.
Each of the tube carriers is composed of two main sections, a tube-holding section or member and a magnet-contacting section or member. The two members are suspended at their upper ends from a support ring which is a coaxial part of the rotor assembly. The respective members are independently suspended from the ring and are adjustably connected to each other at their lower ends for selective adjustment of the angle of the tube-holding member during decantation.
Each tube-holding member is typically formed of sheet metal and is folded to provide an open-topped cavity defined by generally planar upstanding side walls. Two of those side walls constitute outer walls which meet along a line lying in the vertical plane of swinging movement of the carrier and defining the outer limits of the cavity. The included angle at the junction of such planar outer walls falls within the general range of 70.degree. to 170.degree.. When the centrifuge is in operation, a centrifuge tube supported within the cavity engages the inside surfaces of the converging outer walls along two parallel lines of contact. Such spaced lines of contact not only distribute stresses on the fragile (glass) centrifuge tube but also adapt the carrier to receive and operate with centrifuge tubes of different outside diameters. The increased contact area also eliminates a tendency observed for light weight (plastic) centrifuge tubes to creep upwardly during decant.
Other features, advantages, and objects of the invention will become apparent from the specification and drawings.


An apparatus for generating a 3D left ventricle image includes: an ultrasonic sensor transmitting ultrasonic waves to the heart and receiving echoes thereof, an image processor acquiring a plurality of 2D left ventricle images based on the echoes of the ultrasonic waves and extracting sets of left ventricle boundary coordinates from the plurality of 2D images, respectively and a controller calculating a position of the left ventricle in 3D space through transformation of the sets of left ventricle boundary coordinates extracted by the image processor and generating a 3D left ventricle image based on the position of the left ventricle in 3D space.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for generating a three-dimensional image of a left ventricle of the heart, and more particularly, to a method and apparatus for automatically generating a three-dimensional image of a left ventricle of the heart using two dimensional echocardiograms without a separate three-dimensional image photographing apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
Ultrasonic image diagnostic apparatuses are widely used in medicine to acquire information on an internal structure of a subject due to their easy mobility, noninvasive and nondestructive characteristics, and capabilities of providing images in real time.
In general, ultrasonic image diagnostic apparatuses provide two dimensional images of a subject by transmitting ultrasonic signals to the subject, receiving the ultrasonic signals reflected from the subject, followed by performing signal and image processing with respect to the reflected signals.
The heart is an organ that generates periodic electrical stimulation to cause contraction and relaxation of muscles, thereby circulating blood throughout the body, and, in particular, the left ventricle at the lower left in the heart purifies blood from the left atrium and sends it to the aorta.
In other words, blood receiving oxygen from the lung passes from the pulmonary vein into the left atrium and then heads for the underlying left ventricle when a wall of the left ventricle contracts. Particularly, the left ventricle has the thickest wall of the four cardiac chambers since the blood must be strongly pumped to be sent through arteries to the whole body.
The heart is the most important vital organ and thus normal function of the heart needs to be verified in various ways using the ultrasonic image diagnostic apparatuses as set forth above.
By way of example, there has been developed a technique of providing two dimensional color Doppler images for displaying velocity components of a blood flow in a direction of ultrasonic wave propagation by transmitting/receiving ultrasonic signals to/from fluid flowing within a subject, for example, a blood flow in blood vessels, followed by calculating Doppler frequencies.
One example of the related art is disclosed in Korean Patent Publication No. 10-1998-0042140 (published on Aug. 17, 1998 and entitled "Ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system for analysis of left ventricular function").

Method and apparatus for generating cardiac left ventricular three-dimensional image


A network end-point communicates, to a controller, a unique hardware identifier that is associated with a first end-point. The network end-point receives from the controller a first encryption key that is uniquely matched to a decryption key privately held by a second end-point. The network end-point then receives device data from a first device in direct communication with the first end-point. The network end-point communicates the device data to the second end-point, wherein the device data is encrypted using the first encryption key.

In many computer, networking, and other electronic systems, providing flexible configurations can be a key factor in meeting functional requirements. Computers have long supported plug-and-play hardware where a computer detects an installed device, installs a driver for the device, and then is able to use or otherwise interface with the device. Common interfaces, such as the various USB standards, allow for a variety of devices to be connected to common ports.
Networks also provide similar flexibility. Most networks support connections from a variety of devices communicating with the same protocols. Even in a simple home network, a user may connect computers, smart phones, tablets, televisions, and other smart devices to the network.
In some electronic systems, similar flexibility is desired. However, due to system requirements, such flexibility is not always attainable. Many systems and system components have application specific requirements fixing the type of connectors, the software platform, or the communication scheme. Often, these components require intense and expensive qualification testing in order to be approved for use. Such qualification testing is typically specific to a component's configuration. As such, software and hardware updates may be difficult, costly, or even impossible due to the requirements of requalification or even accessing a system. In some cases, logistical realities may add additional difficulties, including maintenance cycles that only provide for updates after months or even years.
Another aspect of such electronic systems is a desire to provide a distributed system. This allows a user to install components in advantageous positions in a platform. For example, in at least one embodiment, certain components need to be placed for easy access, for example at waist or table height. Other components may only need to be serviceable and are either not commonly used or only provide control or processing functionality. As such, these may be placed in lower or higher positions. Displays or readouts need to be placed where they can be seen.
An alternative example is a vehicle gathering sensor data. The driver or pilot may need access to the system to monitor progress. An operator will need to interface with and control the system. Sensors or communications devices need to be advantageously located to perform their functions. In some cases, there may even be remotely connected devices located in a different vehicle and connected through some non-wired communication means, such as a wireless network or a communications array. The distributed nature of these components may add additional difficulties in updating or otherwise modifying their configuration, as they may not be regularly accessible.
In many systems, as in the above examples, connecting the distributed components requires custom connections and cabling. This can include expensive custom connectors and bulky cables that increase weight, cost, size, and power factors that can negatively impact a system. There is also a need to provide secure communication, which often must be designed into each component independently
Further, in many systems, components are designed and updated over many years or even decades. Those skilled in the art often desire to use the most effective or efficient protocols for running components. And, changes in standards and mission requirements often require an update to newer standards. Existing devices, sometimes called legacy devices, often can perform mission functionality, but may not be able to communicate with newer devices or systems. In some cases, they may also fail to meet new standards. The cost of redesigning such components can be very high. Design and qualification cycles can, in some cases, overlap multiple changes to security, communications, or other system standards. And, for changes as simple as a connector, software, or an operating system in a legacy device, the cost of redesign is very high when the key features of such a legacy device are often the communication, sensing, or other end-purpose functionality that is provided.
Some distributed platforms and systems need to be easily reconfigurable while providing multiple layers of security. Many existing legacy devices are unable to provide such security. As such, these distributed platforms and systems will require design of new components or redesign of legacy components to provide integrated security features to meet the security requirements, a common software or operating system, and a common connector scheme to replace the existing legacy devices. They will also require qualification testing. These new components will increase the cost and time of deployment of the distributed systems and, in some cases will require the retirement of legacy devices that can still effectively perform their tasks and are otherwise sound. And, in the near future, these new or redesigned components will likely become legacy components to be phased out when the system standards change again.
The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that solve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background is only provided to illustrate one exemplary technology area where some embodiments described herein may be practiced.

Device agnostic security layer and system


An improved swivel coupling is provided for use with a pool cleaner, particularly for use in connecting a pool cleaner of the type powered by a suction or vacuum source to a flexible vacuum hose which is connected in turn to the suction side of conventional pool water filtration equipment. The swivel coupling comprises outer and inner part-spherical ball segments adapted for respective connection to the vacuum hose and to a water flow port on the pool cleaner, wherein the outer ball segment defines a socket for rotationally receiving and supporting the inner ball segment in a manner to accommodate substantial angular and rotational swivel displacement therebetween. A plurality of generally axially extending ribs are formed within the socket for rotationally supporting the inner ball segment with minimal contact area, and to define therebetween a plurality of axially elongated recessed channels. The socket further includes an annular and relatively narrow width seal ring disposed generally at a distal end thereof for normally engaging the inner ball segment to restrict ingestion of debris and grit to the interface between the outer and inner ball segments. Any ingested grit and debris tends to flush through the recessed channels for passage to the pool filtration equipment, substantially without binding or interfering with relatively free swivel movement of the coupling.

This invention relates generally to pool cleaning systems of the type including a so-called automatic pool cleaning device adapted to traverse submerged surfaces of a swimming pool or the like to pick up and collect accumulated debris such as leaves, twigs, sand and silt. More particularly, this invention relates to an improved swivel coupling for interconnecting a pool cleaner with a flexible hose or the like used for coupling the pool cleaner to an hydraulic power source such as a suction or vacuum source by connection to the suction side of a conventional pool water filtration system. The improved swivel coupling of the present invention is designed to provide substantial and relatively free rotational swivel displacement between the hose and the pool cleaner, substantially without binding or interference attributable to ingestion of debris and grit.
Pool cleaner systems and related devices are generally well known in the art for use in maintaining residential and commercial swimming pools in a clean and attractive condition. In this regard, swimming pools conventionally include a water filtration system equipped with a pump for drawing or suctioning water from the pool for circulation through a filter canister having filter media therein to remove and collect water-entrained debris such as leaves and twigs as well as fine particulate including sand and silt. In a typical arrangement, at least a portion of the pool water is vacuum-drawn over a weir mounted within a so-called skimmer well positioned substantially at the water surface to draw and collect floating debris to the filter equipment. From the filter canister, the water is recirculated to the pool via one or more return lines. Such filtration equipment is normally operated for several hours on a daily basis and serves, in combination with traditional chemical treatments such as chlorination or the like, to maintain the pool water in a clean and clear sanitary state.
The water filtration system is generally ineffective, however, to filter out debris which settles onto submerged floor and side wall surfaces of the swimming pool. In the past, settled debris has typically been removed by coupling a vacuum hose to the suction side of the pool water filtration system, such as by connecting the vacuum hose to the skimmer well located near the water surface at one side of the pool, and then manually moving a vacuum head coupled to the hose over the submerged pool surfaces to vacuum settled debris directly to the filter canister where it is collected and separated from the pool water. However, manual vacuuming of a swimming pool is a labor intensive task and is thus not typically performed by the pool owner or pool cleaning service personnel on a daily basis.
So-called automatic pool cleaner devices have been developed over the years for cleaning submerged pool surfaces, thereby substantially eliminating the need for labor intensive manual vacuuming. Such automatic pool cleaners typically comprise a relatively compact cleaner housing or head coupled to the pool water filtration system by a hose and including water-powered means for causing the cleaner to travel about within a swimming pool to dislodge and collect settled debris. In one form, the pool cleaner is connected to the return or pressure side of the filtration system for receiving positive pressure water which powers a turbine for rotatably driving cleaner wheels, and also functions by venturi action to draw settled debris into a filter bag. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,882,574; 4,558,479; 4,589,986; and 4,734,954. In another form, the pool cleaner is coupled by a vacuum hose to the suction side of the filtration system, whereby water is drawn through the pool cleaner to operate a drive mechanism for transporting the cleaner within the pool while vacuuming settled debris to the filter canister of the pool filtration system. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,803,658; 4,023,227; 4,133,068; 4,208,752; 4,643,217; 4,679,867; 4,729,406; 4,761,848; 5,105,496; 5,265,297; and 5,634,229. See also, copending U.S. Ser. No. 09/090,894, filed Jun. 4, 1998, and U.S. Ser. No. 09/176,532, filed Oct. 21, 1998.
In a typical pool cleaner installation, one or more swivel couplings are installed along the length of the flexible hose to enable the pool cleaner to travel a substantially random path to traverse and clean submerged pool surfaces, without significant hose twisting which could otherwise impact and restrict random cleaner travel. In this regard, the pool cleaner installation normally includes a swivel coupling for interconnecting a distal end of the flexible hose to a water flow port on the pool cleaner. Additional swivel couplings may also be installed in-line along the length of the hose, if desired. However, particularly with a suction powered pool cleaner wherein water is drawn through the flexible hose at a negative pressure, these swivel couplings are susceptible to ingestion of debris such as fine dirt and grit. Such ingested dirt and grit can accumulate between moving surfaces of the coupling and eventually cause the coupling to bind or lock up. When this occurs, it is necessary to disassemble the swivel coupling for cleaning, or to replace it.
The present invention relates to an improved swivel coupling for use with a pool cleaner, particularly of the suction powered type, wherein the swivel coupling is resistant to ingestion of debris such as dirt and grit, and further wherein any ingested dirt and grit is flushed through the swivel coupling to prevent accumulation therein.


A key switch includes a rubber key body mounted within a key switch hole on a key pad device above a circuit board thereof, and a key cap fastened to the rubber key body at the top and depressed to move the rubber key body downward in triggering a contact on the circuit board, wherein the key cap is made from a plastic convex lens having a convex top wall and a plain bottom wall, the plain bottom wall having a light-blocking area and a light-penetrable area, the light-penetrable area being shown in the form of a pattern; the rubber key body is molded from a vulcanized rubber sealed to the plain bottom wall of the key cap through a heat sealing process. Three layers of ink are disposed between the key body and the key cap.

Regular electric and electronic apparatus are commonly operated through a keyboard or key pad device. The keyboard or key pad device on a mobile telephone, notebook computer, etc., is compact, and therefore the keys are arranged close to one another. For the aged, it is difficult to distinguish the patterns or numerals on the keyboard or key pad of a small electric or electronic apparatus.
Furthermore, FIG. 6, labeled "prior art", shows a key switch D for a key pad device according to the prior art, comprised of a unitary plastic key body and a conductive rubber pad fastened to the plastic key body for triggering the circuit board below.
Because the melting point of the plastic key body is about 120.degree. C. and the rubber is either vulcanized and therefore non-fusible or, if thermoplastic, has a melting point of about 170.degree. to 180.degree. C., the rubber cannot be sealed to the plastic key body through any conventional heat sealing process. Therefore, a bonding agent is commonly used to fasten the rubber to the plastic key body. Because the rubber is fastened to the plastic key body by a bonding agent, the rubber may disconnect from the plastic key body after long uses.


Adaptive control of operating and body bias voltages. In accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, a desirable operating frequency for the microprocessor is determined. Information stored within and specific to the microprocessor is accessed. The information can comprise coefficients of a quadratic approximation of a frequency-voltage characteristic of the microprocessor for a set of body biasing conditions. An efficient voltage for operating the microprocessor at the desirable operating frequency is computed. The microprocessor is operated at the efficient voltage and the set of body biasing conditions.

In order to operate an integrated circuit, e.g., a microprocessor, in an efficient manner, for example, to consume a low amount of energy to accomplish a task, it is known to adjust various controlling parameters. These parameters may include an operating voltage or body-biasing voltage(s) that can be adjusted to a value characteristic of an advantageous power condition in accordance with the task to be accomplished. For example, an operating voltage is set to a minimized value consistent with a desired frequency of operation. Such controlling parameters are conventionally determined, e.g., via a lookup table, based upon characteristics of a manufacturing population of integrated circuits.
Unfortunately, numerous characteristics related to power consumption of an integrated circuit, e.g., a microprocessor, are highly variable across a manufacturing process. For example, maximum operating frequency, threshold voltage and capacitance may each vary by 30% or more, from batch to batch and even within the same wafer. Leakage current is exponential with threshold voltage and may vary by 500% from nominal. Conventional methods of determining controlling parameters are typically based upon the worst case operation of a population of processor devices, determined, e.g., during a qualification process, generally prior to general availability of the integrated circuit devices. Consequently, many or most of a manufactured population of integrated circuits are capable of more efficient operation. Unfortunately, such conventional methods of determining controlling parameters do not enable such enhanced efficient behavior from such integrated circuits.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


A multi-directional strap device includes a base having a first end and an opposing second end angled with respect to the first end. A first clamping member is carried by the base proximate the first end of the base and movable between a clamped position and an unclamped position. A second clamping member is carried by the base proximate the second end of the base, and movable between a clamped position and an unclamped position, wherein the second clamping member is in series with the first clamping member and angled with respect thereto. A diverter member is carried by the base intermediate the first clamping member and the second clamping member. A strap is provided having an end coupled to the first end of the base and a free end.

The use of strapping devices is common in many industries as well as simple everyday use by individuals. Straps are used to bundle items, secure packages and tie-down cargo, equipment and the like. Straps on packaging for consumer goods are typically one use disposable straps having ends that are glued, heat bonded or otherwise adhered together. Once removed, they are typically discarded.
Of more interest, are reusable straps used to secure loads, tie-down items or equipment, secure a package or carton, and the like. Reusable straps typically include a strap of webbing material having a free end and an end attached to a buckle of some sort. Often the buckle is a camming buckle which will releasably hold the free end of the webbing. The strap is wrapped about the articles or package with the free end received by the buckle. With elongated items such as pipes, rods, etc. the straps can be wrapped transverse to the longitudinal axis of the item being bundled for secure bundling. However, for more polygonal shaped or irregular shaped items, multiple sides may need to be retained. In this case, multiple crossing straps are often required. While somewhat effective, use of multiple straps with their multiple buckles can be difficult to adjust and access due to overlap.
In the field of cargo or package transport, tie-down straps are often used to prevent movement and shifting of the cargo during transport. Tie-down straps typically include a strap of webbing material having a free end and an end attached to a buckle of some sort. Often the buckle is a camming buckle which will releasably hold the free end of the webbing strap. Tie down straps are very similar to, and for purposes of this specification, considered strap devices. Tie-down straps typically include a ratchet device for tightening straps about cargo or equipment. As with bundling straps, many items require straps on multiple sides. This in turn requires multiple crossing tie-down straps. Again, while somewhat effective, use of multiple straps with their multiple buckles can be difficult to adjust and access due to overlap.
It would be highly advantageous, therefore, to remedy the foregoing and other deficiencies inherent in the prior art.
An object of the present invention is to provide a multi-direction strap buckle.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a strap device having a buckle allowing for wrapping of multiple sides of an article with a single strap.

Strap device with multi-directional strap buckle


A method and composition for preventing and treating infection from clinically relevant bacterial isolates is disclosed. The composition contains an anti-bacterial agent that inhibits the growth of the bacteria, including members of both gram negative and gram positive isolates. In particular, the anti-bacterial agent comprises a bacteriocin produced by Propionibacterium. For instance, in one embodiment, the bacteriocin is produced by the B1264 strain of Propionibacterium jensenii.

Acne (formally known as "acne vulgaris") is a skin disease which afflicts, in some form, approximately 80 to 90 percent of all teenagers. Acne can also affect many adults and infants. The severity of acne can range from minor skin lesions called comedones to nodules and cysts which can potentially permanently scar skin tissue.
The areas of the body that are commonly affected by acne are the face, chest and upper back. These areas of the body have a high sebaceous gland concentration which causes the skin to be oily.
Acne is believed to start with increased release of hormones in the body such as androgens. Young adults going through puberty, for instance, tend to produce more hormones such as androgens. It is believed that androgens stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum, which is an oily substance released on the skin. Sebum is a lipid-laden product comprised of a mixture of fats, waxes and fatty materials.
As more and more is produced, sebum can agglomerate and form solid plugs known as comedones in the hair follicles. Formation of a comedone, in turn, causes layers of dead skin known as keratin to accumulate and be retained within the lining of the follicles. The buildup of keratin causes hyperkeratosis of the follicular opening, which can completely close off the follicular canal.
Within the follicular canal are bacteria indigenous to the follicular lining. Included in the bacteria are anaerobic, gram positive organisms classified for instance as Propionibacterium acnes or Propionibacterium granulosum. When comedones form in the follicular opening, these bacteria feed on the sebum. Specifically, the bacteria produce lipases that hydrolyze triglycerides and release free fatty acids. The fatty acids thus generated in combination with the bacteria activate the immune system of the body causing inflammation, swelling and redness around the follicle. Depending upon the degree of inflammation, pustules, cysts, nodules, and papules may form.
In the past, many different treatments have been proposed for curing acne. Such treatments include topical keratolytic agents, topical or systematic antibiotics, or hormonal treatments designed to limit sebum secretion. Unfortunately, some of these treatments can produce adverse side affects.
Topical keratolytic agents include, for instance, tretinoin and benzoyl peroxide. These anti-acne agents prevent the blockage of follicular canals and reopen clogged follicular openings by breaking down keratin. Some keratolytic agents, however, can irritate the skin causing excessive dryness, scaling, swelling, burning, peeling, redness and allergic reactions.
Antibiotics that have been used in the past to treat acne include tetracycline, erythromycin, clindamycin, meclocyclin, metronidazole, minocycline and doxycycline. While administration of these drugs is often effective in treating acne, antibiotics have several disadvantages. For example, when taken orally, antibiotics may cause many undesirable side effects including abdominal cramps, black tongue, fatigue, depression, nausea, and other various effects. When applied topically, the antibiotics can lose their effectiveness if used for a prolonged period of time due to resistance developed by the bacteria.
The hormones estrogen and antiandrogens have also been used to treat acne in severe cases. These hormones when taken orally, however, can feminize adolescent males and can increase the risk of blood clots and cancers. Thus, hormones are rarely administered orally.
In view of the disadvantages associated with current acne treatments, a need exists for an acne preventive agent that does not create any of the above adverse side effects. A need also exists for an anti-acne agent that destroys the bacteria that causes the inflammation associated with acne.

Composition and method for treating bacterial infection


A chuck apparatus in which an internally provided nut member (2) is rotated by rotating a sleeve (1) so that claws (3) threadedly engaged with the nut member (2) by the rotation of the nut member (2) are advanced/retracted for narrowing/expanding a diameter defined therewith and pressingly fastening/releasing a tool (4). A rotary member (7) is provided to face the nut member (2). A set of an even number of rolling members are provided in a recess portion (7a) formed in the rotary member (7). The rolling members (5) are provided under the condition that the rolling members (5) are in contact with the nut member (2) and a rolling member receiving portion (6) between a predetermined surface of the nut member (2) and the rolling member receiving portion (6) provided to face the predetermined surface of the nut member (2). The predetermined surface is formed into a slant surface (2a); and the rolling members (5) are rollingly rising along the slant surface (2a) by rotating the rotary member (7) to thereby press the nut member (2) forwardly.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a chuck apparatus for firmly fastening a tool in place.
2. Description of the Related Art
A conventional chuck apparatus for firmly fastening a tool has been proposed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,215,317 (hereinafter referred to a conventional example).
The conventional example is shown in FIG. 1 in which when a nut member 54 is rotated by rotating a sleeve 51, each claw 52 is advanced so that a diameter defined with the claws 52 is narrowed and the claw 52 is brought into contact with the tool. When the nut member 54 is not rotatable, the sleeve 51 is further rotated, a ring member 55 is rotated to thereby displace a relative position between the ring member 55 and the nut member 54.
As shown in FIG. 2, four recess portions 53 are formed in an annular form in a front end face (that is, in an end face on the side of the nut member 54) of the ring member 55. A slant surface 53a is formed on a bottom surface of each recess portion 53. As best shown in FIG. 3, the slant surface 53a is formed slantwise.
Accordingly, by rotating the sleeve 51 and advancing each claw 52 for narrowing a diameter defined with the claws 52, the claw 52 is brought into contact with the tool, and the nut member 54 is kept unrotatable. When the sleeve 51 is further rotated to rotate the ring member 55, each ball 56 that is in contact with the slant surface 53a is rolled and raised to the right side in FIG. 3, so that the nut member 54 is pushed forwardly by the slant surface 53a to thereby accelerate the fastening of the tool by the claws 52.
As a result of vigorous and continuous studies, the present inventor has found out the following disadvantages in the onventional example.
In the conventional example, until each claw 52 is advanced for narrowing a diameter defined therewith and brought into contact with the tool, the position of each ball 56 that has been located in a gauge 57 is not determined in the slant surface 53a. This is because there is a clearance in an axial direction of the nut member between each ball 56 and the nut member 54 located opposite the ball 56 due to the existence of the slant surface 53a of the recess portion 53. In particular, this clearance is large in the case where the ball 56 is located at the lowest position of the slant surface 53a or in the vicinity thereof (of course, the clearance is at maximum in the case where the ball 56 is located at the lowest position). The ball 56 is kept under the condition that it may be freely moved in the circumferential direction within the recess portion 53 due to the existence of the clearance. Accordingly, there is a condition that the ball 56 is not fixed to any position of the slant surface 53a. The instability of the position of the ball 56 would raise a problem that, in the case where the ball 56 is located at, for example, a position X in FIG. 3, the rolling rising amount of the ball 56 is small so that a sufficient increased fastening could not be attained.


A circuit arrangement for controlling the brightness of at least one LED unit is described by the disclosure. The circuit arrangement, in one example, includes an input for receiving a phase-cut operating voltage from a power supply, a signal processor, connected with the input and adapted to provide a dimming signal for the at least one LED unit from the operating voltage. To allow an efficient reduction of noise in the dimming signal but simultaneously to allow an improved dimming of the LED unit, the signal processor are configured to operate at least in a noise suppression mode and a dimming mode. A control device is provided, connected with the signal processor and configured to set the mode of the signal processor in dependence of the variation in the operating voltage.

In the field of lighting, incandescent or halogen lamps are being replaced today by LED lamps. The low power consumption and long lifetime make them a very useful alternative to the above mentioned conventional light sources. In addition to the use of such LED lamps in new-designed lighting equipment, a particular need exists to retrofit existing lighting systems with LED lamps and thus to replace the above mentioned common types of lamps.
In the before mentioned retrofit application, it is typically necessary to adapt the LED lamp to the respective lighting system installed to allow proper operation, since a change in the setup or wiring of the respective lighting system to be retrofitted, for example installed in an office building, is not easily possible and would result in substantially increased cost of the retrofit process.
A particular example for the above mentioned retrofit application is the replacement of common halogen type lamps in a low-voltage lighting system. Such lighting systems typically comprise a transformer to provide a voltage of e.g. 12V AC. In particular in such lighting systems, various types of dimmers, such as electronic dimmers are employed, operating on the basis of phase cutting, i.e. an adaptation of the RMS voltage according to the desired dimming or brightness level.
While according phase-cut dimmers allow a dimmed operation of a common type of lamp, a reduction of the RMS voltage supplied to an LED lamp does not allow to efficiently dim the LEDs, because of the exponential voltage behavior of LEDs. Instead, the dim or brightness level of LED lamps is typically set by adjusting the current through the LED, e.g. using a current controllable driver unit.
Depending on the lighting system to be retrofitted, it may be useful to allow a dimmed operation according to the brightness or dim level, set by a user using the installed phase-cut dimmer. When retrofitting such lighting system, the desired dim level thus needs to be "extracted" from the operating voltage to allow an accordingly dimmed operating of the LED lamp.
However, noise is caused in the operating voltage by the switching behavior of the above-mentioned phase-cut dimmer, but also due to the switching operation in typically employed electronic transformers. The noise is typically increased due to the fact that LED lamps use considerably less power than conventional lamps, so that the under-load of the dimmer or, in low-voltage systems the dimmer-transformer combination can cause the output of the dimmer to be slightly unstable.
Accordingly, when using the operating voltage to set the current of the LED in an LED lamp, the comprised noise may cause substantial flicker in the output light, visible to the human eye. In particular in the frequency range of 0.1-100 Hz, sometimes even variations in the light output of <1% can be noticed by the human eye and are thus considered disturbing.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a circuit arrangement for an improved control of the brightness of at least one LED to provide a substantially flicker-free light output.

Circuit arrangement for controlling a LED unit and method of operating the same


A field effect semiconductor device having multiple vertically stacked channels (12, 14, 16) separated by independent gate electrodes (13, 15) is provided. The channels (12, 14, 16) are formed on a wide bandgap buffer layer (11) and each channel is coupled a drain electrode (21). Each channel is also coupled to a source electrode (25-26). The quantum well channels (12, 14, 16) and quantum well gates (13, 15) are separated from each other by barrier layers (18) of a wide bandgap semiconductor material.

This invention relates, in general, to semiconductor devices, and more particularly, to field effect transistors having multiple vertically aligned channels controlled by active quantum well gates.
Compound semiconductor based heterostructure devices have been predicted to offer significant speed and power advantages over silicon devices. Compound semiconductor devices that have multiple vertically stacked channels allow greater functionality to be incorporated into smaller devices. Conventional field effect devices use a gate electrode located on a surface of the device. In these "surface gated" devices, the gate is a passive element of the transistor. Moreover, the transconductance of the field effect transistor depends on the distance from the gate to the centroid of charge on the channel. The magnitude of the transconductance decreases when the channel is far from the gate.
In a device having multiple vertically stacked channels, the gate exerts a stronger effect on the closest channel and the weakest effect on the furthest channel. This results in non-uniform performance among the channels of a multiple channel device, and complicates designs that require matched performance among the channels. What is needed is a semiconductor device which can provide more uniform performance among multiple vertically stacked channels.

Semiconductor device with active quantum well gate


A natural language processing system has a hierarchy of user intents related to a domain of interest, the hierarchy having specific intents corresponding to leaf nodes of the hierarchy, and more general intents corresponding to ancestor nodes of the leaf nodes. The system also has a trained understanding model that can classify natural language utterances according to user intent. When the understanding model cannot determine with sufficient confidence that a natural language utterance corresponds to one of the specific intents, the natural language processing system traverses the hierarchy of intents to find a more general user intent that is related to the most applicable specific intent of the utterance and for which there is sufficient confidence. The general intent can then be used to prompt the user with questions applicable to the general intent to obtain the missing information needed for a specific intent.

There are many ways to provide natural language as input to a computer system. However, such systems are not necessarily prepared to respond with ease to utterances that are input in a natural language. If a system were not sufficiently confident about the intent of a user, the system could either query a human intent analyst for clarification or present the user with a long list of possible intents. Human analysts are skilled at quickly determining user intents, but it is costly to employ teams of analysts to provide clarification to computer systems in real time. An alternative—responding to the user with a long list of possible options—can frustrate the user by becoming repetitive and by making it seem as though the system completely failed to understand the user input.

Underspecification of intents in a natural language processing system


Parisons are presented at a pickup station related to a plurality of spaced molding stations and a spaced discharge station, so that a plurality of angularly spaced pickup and mold loading devices and a plurality of angularly spaced article transfer devices are operable on a cyclically oscillatable transfer mechanism for orienting the loading devices alternately in a parison pickup position at the pickup station and a mold loading position at the respective molding stations, and for orienting the article transfer devices alternately in an article stripping position at the molding stations and in a discharge position at the discharge station. In each cycle of operation, all of the devices are operated in coordination, and at least one parison is picked up at the pickup station, then at least one previously picked up parison is loaded into one of the molds, another mold is stripped of a molded article, and a previously stripped article is discharged at the discharge station.

This invention relates to a new and improved apparatus for producing articles from thermoplastic preforms or parisons, and more particularly relates to picking up and carrying parisons from a pickup station to mold means and then transferring the molded articles from the mold means to a discharge station.
In various known molding techniques, such as vacuum molding, blow molding, or the like, a preform of moldable thermoplastic material, commonly referred to as a parison, is reshaped into a finished article on or within a mold. For blow molding, tubular parisons are provided, and by way of example, the present invention will be described as useful in connection with blow molding, although not intended to be limited thereto.
Although the parisons may be formed by extrusion in a hot state and while still hot be carried to the mold, a widely used procedure comprises cooling the extruded parisons and storing the same for use at a subsequent time. The latter procedure is referred to as a "cold parison" process because it starts with a cold, i.e., room temperature, parison which must be heated to a temperature suitable for molding. Regardless of which procedure is employed, a problem arises in transferring the heated parisons to the mold or molds. By way of example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,566,441 is referred to for an arrangement wherein injection molded parisons are transferred directly from the injection mold to a blow mold. An example of apparatus for transferring reheated or oven heated parisons to blow molds is found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,106,886. Although the first mentioned patent discloses a rotating arm device, and the second mentioned patent discloses a linear transfer device, neither of such patents discloses any molded article stripping and/or transfer means for clearing the mold or molds of molded articles. In other words, the disclosed apparatus of the identified patents are designed for the single purpose of transferring parisons from a parison forming mold to a blow mold and then a repeat of that operation. Some other not disclosed means, in no way directly associated with the parison transfer and blow mold loading means must be employed.
Even though the art of molding articles from thermoplastic parisons has, as represented by the foregoing patents, attained a considerable state of development, there nevertheless remains the desirability of increasing the production rate without increased cost, utilizing the heating oven to greater advantage by more rapid transfer of heated parisons to the molds. It is also desirable to attain more rapid transfer from oven to blow molds and transfer of articles from the blow molds, rapidly and with minimum dwell intervals.

Apparatus for producing articles from thermoplastic parisons


A theodolite for target tracking and target measuring with a telescope composed of a mirror objective and a collimator. The real image produced by the mirror objective is projected to infinity by the collimator, so that there is formed an afocal beam of light. This beam of light is delivered by means of a partially permeable mirror surface to a television camera and at least one other image evaluation device (camera). The television camera is arranged at the telescope at an unlaterable position with respect to the telescope tube. The partially permeable mirror surface, branching-off part of the beam of light to the television camera, is arranged between the collimator and a further mirror surface serving for fading-in the image of a crosshair at the beam of light. The invention advantageously serves for constructng a theodolite having a control of the target tracking by the signals emanating from the television camera (TV-tracking).

The present invention relates to a new and improved construction of theodolite for tracking and measuring a flying target or object--hereinafter simply referred to as a flying target--which is of the type comprising a telescope equipped with a telescope tube and composed of a mirror objective and a collimator. The telescope is mounted to be rotatable, about a horizontal axis, relative to a theodolite housing, and the theodolite housing, in turn, is mounted to be rotatable, about a vertical axis, in a socket or pedestal construction. The collimator projects to infinity a real image produced by the mirror objective and thus delivers an afocal beam of light which is infed by means of a first, partially permeable mirror surface to a television camera and to at least one other image evaluation device.
Now in German Pat. No. 1,802,120 there is disclosed a theodolite which is equipped with a telescope of the previously described type. The afocal beam of light is selectively delivered to one of a number of image evaluation devices by means of a mirror. According to a further development of such state-of-the-art theodolite the mirror is replaced by a partially permeable mirror, so that the beam of light can be simultaneously delivered to at least one television camera and further image evaluation device, for instance, a film or photocamera. Moreover, from the aforementioned prior art German patent it is also known to employ a partially permeable mirror for fading-in the image of a crosshair at the beam of light.
However, the heretofore known prior art construction of theodolite is associated with certain notable drawbacks. Firstly, this known arrangement results in the image of the crosshair being faded-in at all of the image evaluation devices. While this in itself is not disturbing as long as the television image only serves for observation, when using the television camera for controlling the target tracking (TV-tracking) it is however necessary to suppress the image of the crosshair. Additionally, the heretofore known arrangement is structured such that the rotational movement of the telescope tube about its horizontal axis of rotation causes rotation of the image of the television camera. When using the television camera for controlling the target tracking it is therefore necessary to either provide a coordinate transformation or a compensating measure, such as derotation for the image rotation. Due to this construction the equipment becomes more complicated and expensive.
Finally, it has been found that a partially permeable mirror, while constituting a simple optical element, does however have its light permeable or transmission characteristics vary in a rather complicated manner during its rotation. With the heretofore known arrangement the continuous TV-target tracking in combination with the possibility of switching between a number of cameras, requires that the TV-camera receive the beam of light which has been passed by the partially permeable mirror. It has been found that during switching by means of a good mechanically realized movement of the partially permeable mirror there cannot be avoided fluctuations of the light intensity at the TV-camera. This can however markedly impair the target tracking: the probability is great that shortly prior to an interesting phase of the target measuring there is switched from one camera, for instance a standard camera, to another camera, for instance a high-speed camera, which imparts a control surge to the automatic TV-target tracking, which, in turn, can result in loss of the target.
It is further to be mentioned that the delivery of the beam of light which has been passed by the partially permeable mirror to the TV-camera is unfavorable in terms of the coating of the mirror surface. What is desired is a division of the light beams, with about 80% going to the camera and 20% to the TV-camera. An 80% reflection requires a metallic coating, which is associated with high absorption losses.

Theodolite for tracking and measuring a flying object with a TV camera arranged at a telescope


A display device is provided. A display device comprising: a first substrate comprising a display area and a non-display area and placed to face each other; a light-blocking pattern comprising an opening part formed on the first substrate in the non-display area; and a dummy color layer disposed under the opening part on the first substrate at a location corresponding to the opening part, wherein the opening part and the dummy color layer extend in a direction.

1. Field of the Disclosure
The present disclosure relates to a liquid crystal display (LCD) and a method of manufacturing the same.
2. Description of the Related Art
Generally, a liquid crystal display (LCD) includes an array substrate, a counter substrate that faces the array substrate, and a liquid crystal layer that is interposed between the array substrate and the counter substrate. The LCD includes a display area in which a plurality of pixels are arranged to display an image and a non-display area that is disposed around the display area and in which driver circuits are placed.
Recently, a high-transmittance LCD employing a color filter on array (COA) substrate in which a color filter is formed on an array substrate has been developed. In this LCD, the COA substrate may be misaligned with a counter substrate having a light-blocking member when it is coupled to the counter substrate. To prevent this problem, a black matrix on array (BOA) substrate in which a light-blocking member is formed on a COA substrate is being developed. Further, a black column spacer (BCS) is being developed. The BCS is obtained by forming a column spacer, which maintains a gap between a light-blocking pattern and a substrate, at the same time as the light-blocking pattern using the same material.
In the BOA or BCS structure, a common voltage may be applied to a common electrode disposed on the counter substrate through a conductive ball included in a sealing member. To this end, an opening for applying the common voltage may be formed in the light-blocking pattern. However, despite the formation of the opening, it may be difficult for the conductive ball and the common electrode to contact each other due to the thickness of the light-blocking pattern. To solve this problem, a dummy color filter may be placed under the opening to form a step.
In the case of a large-sized panel, the light-blocking pattern and the dummy color filter are generally manufactured using a stitch-shot method. However, in when formed using this method, the light-blocking pattern and the dummy color filter may have different stitch-shot configurations, and the opening of the light-blocking pattern may be misaligned with the dummy color filter for forming a step. As a result, a metal disposed under the opening may be exposed, and light reflected by the exposed metal may be seen.

Display device and method of manufacturing the same


A communication network and method employing chained sequences of communications devices, to support synchronized relaying of data, thus forming duplex data buses. These data buses support both synchronous virtual circuits and a form of synchronized interrogate-respond data transfer. Off-bus communications devices are permitted to synchronously respond onto the bus without time contention.

Asynchronous interrogate-respond ("I-R") networks are in use for such applications as test range monitoring, but these networks are generally limited to a single level of relay from the control station. For those applications where a single level relaying is insufficient, this invention will provide multiple levels of relaying, in a very efficient manner.
Synchronous time-slotted systems such as the Position Location Reporting System (PLRS) and the Joint Tactical Information Distribution System (JTIDS) in use by the U.S. military provide both communications and position location, but these existing systems do not adapt well to control applications where rapid shifts in control loading are needed.

Synchronous time division multiple access interrogate-respond data communication network


An airblast fuel nozzle has an injector head with an extension or support strut. An annular valve spool with a fuel discharge orifice is fixed to the head and a metering assembly surrounds the valve spool. The metering assembly includes an axially-slidable annular valve sleeve and a metal bellows. The bellows, a compression spring, and one or more shims between the valve spool and the injector head provide a preset bias on the valve sleeve such that the valve sleeve initially closes or minimizes the fuel metering area through longitudinally-extending fuel swirl slots spaced about the valve spool at the discharge orifice. When fuel under pressure flows through the injector, the fuel pressure overcomes the preset bias of the sleeve and moves the valve sleeve axially with respect to the valve spool, thereby increasing the fuel metering area through the fuel swirl slots and allowing fuel to flow (with a swirling component) therethrough. The fuel flows through a convoluted path through a fuel circuit surrounding the bellows and valve sleeve, around the bellows, and between the valve sleeve and valve spool to the fuel swirl slots. The convoluted fuel path and fuel metering at the tip of the fuel injector reduces vaporization and coking of the fuel. The bellows, springs and shims provide for easily configuring the metering valve assembly to optimize fuel flow for the particular requirements of the engine.

Airblast fuel nozzles for gas turbine engines typically have an injector with generally concentric chambers for inner and outer air flow and intermediate fuel flow, and generally concentric discharge orifices for discharging and intermixing the inner and outer air flows and fuel flow in the combustor. A tubular extension or support strut extends from the head of the injector for attachment to the casing of the engine to support the tip of the injector relative to the combustor casing. A central fuel passage extends from a fuel pump through the extension to supply pressurized fuel to the injector. Helmrich, U.S. Pat. No. 3,684,186; Simmons, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,980,233; Halvorsen, U.S. Pat. No. 4,902,889; Halvorsen, U.S. Pat. No. 4,754,922; Halvorsen, U.S. Pat. No. 5,014,918; and Mobsby, U.S. Pat. No. 4,170,108 describe and illustrate this type of airblast fuel nozzle.
Airblast fuel nozzles have employed a valve upstream in the fuel passage leading to the injector head (and outside the combustor case) to compensate for pressure head effects and provide adequate fuel distribution to the engine combustor. Although fuel back pressure is thereby maintained up to this valve, this valve can be considerably upstream from the tip (discharge orifice) of the injector. This can cause fuel at low pressures and velocities downstream of the valve to vaporize and/or coke at high fuel temperatures. Fuel vaporization and coking in the injector head can cause pulsing or intermittent interruptions in fuel flow, limit or prevent fuel flow, and in general, cause combustion instability and adversely affect the operation of the engine.
Airblast fuel injectors have been developed in an attempt to reduce fuel vaporization and coking at elevated fuel temperatures. Some injectors have a valve within the injector head which is closed when fuel pressure is below a minimum selected value, and open when fuel pressure exceeds this value. Halvorsen, U.S. Pat. No. 5,014,918, shows such an injector where an arcuate seat is formed in an annular fuel chamber between an inner and outer air chamber in the injector, and an arcuate spring valve is disposed in the valve seat. The arcuate spring valve opens after the cracking pressure of the valve has been exceeded, and closes when the pressure drops below the cracking pressure. The placement of the valve in the injector head maintains fuel back pressure to the nozzle head and can thereby reduce fuel vaporization and coking through at least a portion of the injector.
Other references which show valves in the injector head include U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,598,321; 4,593,720; 5,197,290 (leaf- spring valves); U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,962,889; 5,014,918; 5,174,504; 4,962,889; 4,831,700; 5,754,922 (annular spring valves); U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,102,054; 4,938,417 (tubular metering valves); and U.S. Pat. No. 5,265,415 (internal reed valves).
While the above-described types of injectors increase the fuel flow back pressure through a portion of the injector, and thus can reduce fuel vaporization and coking, they are not without drawbacks. For example, some of the valves in the injector heads are located upstream from the tip (discharge orifice) of the injector, which can still allow vaporization or coking of the fuel to occur between the valve and the tip of the injector.
While injectors have also been developed where a valve is located at the tip of the injector (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,144,874 and 4,638,636), it is believed that these injectors have been limited to a diaphragm-type of valve which can have a high rate of flow increase (high gain) after the valve cracking pressure is exceeded. A high rate of flow increase through a valve, however, can magnify inconsistencies or variations in stroke effects. It is also believed that the swirl component of the fuel stream in a diaphragm-type of valve is reduced at higher flow rates, which therefore reduces the intermixing of the air and fuel and hence reduces the combustion efficiency of the engine. Thus, a diaphragm-type of valve can be undesirable in some operating conditions.
In any case, it is also believed that the above-described types of injectors can be complicated or difficult to manufacture to precise operating standards, can be difficult (or impossible) to easily tailor or configure to particular engine characteristics, and can have issues with repeatability and dependability over extended use.
As such, it is believed that there is a demand in the industry for an airblast fuel injector for a gas turbine engine which reduces vaporization of the fuel, can be easily tailored or configured to the particular characteristics of the engine to maximize engine efficiency, and is repeatable and dependable over an extended life cycle.

Airblast fuel nozzle with swirl slot metering valve


An pressure sensitive adhesive composition according to the present invention includes: an acrylic copolymer; a multifunctional acrylate-based compound; and a photoinitiator, in which the acrylic copolymer includes a repeating unit derived from an acrylate-based monomer having a Tg of −20° C. or less and a repeating unit derived from an unsaturated carboxylic acid monomer, and the repeating unit derived from the unsaturated carboxylic acid monomer is included in an amount of 10 to 50 parts by weight based on the total 100 parts by weight of the acrylic copolymer.

Photolithography is a method most widely used for forming various micro patterns such as a semiconductor, a thin film transistor, and a touch electrode, and is a method of obtaining a micro pattern after a material for forming a pattern is deposited on a substrate, and then a resist pattern corresponding to the pattern is formed by using a photoresist.
A typical method of forming a photoresist pattern by using a photoresist includes a film-forming process of applying a photosensitive resin composition for a photoresist on a deposition film of a material for forming a pattern, an exposure process of selectively irradiating a photoresist photosensitive resin film with light by using a mask prepared so as to correspond to a pattern to be formed, and a development process of obtaining a desired photoresist pattern by classifying the exposed region and the unexposed region to remove a region according to a positive system and a negative system.
In order to configure an electrophoresis display device, partition walls of the thus prepared photoresist pattern are filled with an ink, and a UV-curable adhesive, a heat-curable adhesive, a hot-melt-type adhesive, a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), or the like is typically used in order to bond the photoresist pattern to another base material. In this case, the UV-curable adhesive and the heat-curable adhesive have a problem in that it is difficult to apply the adhesive only on the partition wall, and since a high temperature of 100° C. or more should be applied to the hot-melt-type adhesive, the hot-melt-type adhesive has a problem in that a solvent included in an ink between the partition walls is volatilized when heated, and also has a disadvantageous effect in that the economic feasibility is insufficient because an expensive pressure sensitive adhesive is additionally needed when a photoresist pattern is bonded to a bonding surface of another base material by using a pressure sensitive adhesive.
Therefore, in order to solve the problems in the related art, there is a need for developing an pressure sensitive adhesive composition capable of simultaneously performing an pressure sensitive adhesive function while being capable of forming a pattern.
Korean Patent Publication No. 1997-0028792 relates to a photosensitive resin composition, and discloses a photosensitive resin composition consisting of a polymer conjugate, a photopolymerization initiator, and a photopolymerizable monomer including at least one terminal ethylenic unsaturated group, in which the photosensitive resin composition simultaneously contains photopolymerizable monomers represented by General Formulae (I), (II), and (III).
Korean Patent Publication No. 1997-0048906 relates to a photosensitive resin composition, and discloses a photosensitive resin composition containing at least one water soluble monomer having two or more unsaturated reactive groups capable of being addition polymerized and at least one water insoluble monomer as photopolymerizable monomers, in which the water soluble monomer is included in an amount of 3 to 15% based on solid content, and the total amount (#M) of the reactive groups of the photopolymerizable monomers is 0.5˜1.5 moles in 1 kg of the solid content.
Further, Korean Patent Publication No. 1999-0044707 relates to a dry film photoresist, and discloses a dry film photoresist prepared by sequentially laminating a protective film, a photosensitive polymer layer, and a support film, in which the protective film is a polyethylene terephthalate biaxially stretched film satisfying surface characteristics represented by Equation 1.
However, in the case of these documents, the pressure sensitive adhesive performance is not exhibited because a photoresist pattern should be bonded to another base material by heating the photoresist pattern to 100° C. or more in order to bond the photoresist pattern to the another base material and a material for forming the photoresist pattern has a high Tg, and the solvent component of an ink for an electrophoresis display device are not prevented from being volatilized.

Pressure sensitive adhesive composition and pressure sensitive adhesive pattern formed therfrom


The invention notably relates to a computer-implemented method for recognizing a three-dimensional modeled object from a two-dimensional image. The method comprises providing a first set of two-dimensional images rendered from three-dimensional modeled objects, each two-dimensional image of the first set being associated to a label; providing a second set of two-dimensional images not rendered from three-dimensional objects, each two-dimensional image of the second set being associated to a label; training a model on both first and second sets; providing a similarity metric; submitting a two-dimensional image depicting at least one object; and retrieving a three-dimensional object similar to the said at least one object of the two-dimensional image submitted by using the trained model and the similarity metric.

Existing three-dimensional (3D) object retrieval approaches may be categorized into (i) those operating directly on the 3D content and (ii) those which extract "2.5D" or 2D contents (stereo-pairs, multiple views of images, artificially rendered 3D objects, silhouettes, etc.).
Focusing now on "2D-to-3D" retrieval frameworks that are based on 2D image as input for performing the retrieval, several shape-based approaches, including boundary analyses, have been adapted for 3D object retrieval from 2D image(s).
For instance, T. Napoleon, "From 2D Silhouettes to 3D Object Retrieval: Contributions and Benchmarking", In. EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing, 2010, conducted 3D object search with multiple silhouette images. The query includes not only 2D silhouettes, but also hand-drawn sketches. Notably, this document introduced the idea of including silhouette/contour alignment using dynamic programming in a coarse-to-fine way for search efficiency. However, an important drawback of this method is that performance is sensitive to the quality of the contour resulting from automatic detouring, which remains a great challenge.
As another example of 3D retrieval from 2D images, Aono et al., "3D Shape Retrieval from a 2D Image as Query", In Signal & Information Processing Association Annual Summit and Conference (APSIPA ASC), 2012, uses a composite feature vector as a combination of Zernike moments and the HOG features for 3D object retrieval from a single 2D image. HOG features are computed from shaded depth-buffer images while Zernike moments from silhouette images. These features could not be sufficient to distinguish between similar objects with the same overall shape. Also, they often fail with partially occluded objects.
Other approaches to "2D-to-3D" matching utilize the 3D models for efficient object detection and/or fine pose estimation. For this, they rely on a collection of 3D exemplar models, which they render from a large number of viewpoints. The rendered images are then used for learning part templates to localize an object in a given image and estimate its fine-pose. The main drawback of such approaches is that they require heavy annotations and calculations. Thus are not scalable. For learning meaningful model, they need to associate each available CAD model to a set of images which contain the same CAD model and which are annotated with the object pose.
Querying a database of 3D objects with a 2D image has been also used for automatic 3D reconstruction of objects depicted in Web images, in Q. Huang et al., "Single-View Reconstruction via Joint Analysis of Image and Shape Collections", in CVPR 2015. The approach reconstructs objects from single views. The key idea is to jointly analyze a collection of images of different objects along with a smaller collection of existing 3D models. Dense pixel-level correspondences are established between natural images and rendered images. These correspondences are used to jointly segment the images and the 3D models. The computed segmentations and correspondences are then used to construct new models. However, such a method is sensitive to the quality of the segmentation and thus could fail with images with complex backgrounds and partially occluded objects.
Hence, these methods suffer several drawbacks. First they can require constraints on the image provided as input; for instance segmentation of the image, automatic detouring of the image. In addition, they do not always allow retrieving objects that are partially occluded. Furthermore, the scalability of these methods can be limited as they rely on learning machines that quickly reach their learning capabilities limits. Moreover, the discriminative power of the signatures used for retrieving the objects does not always allow relevant 3D objects; for instance these methods are not able to determine by themselves what makes the difference between two objects in a 3D model.
Within this context, there is still a need for an improved method for recognizing a three-dimensional modeled object from a two-dimensional image.

Recognition of a 3D modeled object from a 2D image


One aspect of this disclosure provides a packaged air conditioning & heating (PACH) system that comprises a housing, an air cooling system contained within the housing and an air heating system contained within the housing. A first utility access point is located on a first side of the housing and a second utility access point is located on a second side of the housing. The first and second utility access points provide multiple utility access connectivity for the air cooling and heating systems.

Packaged air conditioning and heating (PACH) systems have gained market share in residential and commercial applications, because they are an ideal solution when indoor space is at a premium. These units have the same components as typical split systems, but are engineered to contain all of the components in a split system in one streamlined cabinet. These PAC systems are typically installed on a rooftop or on the ground outside the building, connecting to the ductwork through a secure opening in the outside wall. They also provide easy access for serviceability, and need only to be connected to the air duct system of the residential or commercial building, thereby requiring no space within the building itself. These PAC systems may be powered by a combination of electricity and gas or may be powered by electricity alone.

Packaged air conditioning system having multiple utility connectivity


An auto-exposure device of a camera which can generate a photograph which fits to an image of a photographing time band in the photographing of an evening scene, a morning scene and so on. The auto-exposure device comprises a split photo-metering device for photo-metering a plurality of split areas of an object field, a color temperature measurement device for measuring a color temperature of a light source for illuminating the object field, and an exposure calculation device for calculating an exposure value based on the output of the split photo-metering device and the output of the color temperature measurement device.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an autoexposure device of a camera which uses color temperature information.
2. Related Background Art
A device which measures color temperature information of a light source at the time of photographing, calculates print correction information based on the color temperature information, and records it for making correction at the time of printing has been known (Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 1-280732).
In the above prior art device, however, when a film used is a negative film, a desired correction may be made at the time of printing by using the color temperature information, but when the film is a reversal film, it is not possible to correct after the photographing.


Gas discharge tube displays according to the present invention control power applied to the tubes using isolator/switches, which can be opto-isolators in combination with triacs, FET's or other semiconductor switching devices or devices which can form part of a switching circuit. Such displays can also use, if desired and if appropriate, isolators which also act as the switch without other switching devices or circuits to switch and otherwise control activation of the tubes on the secondary side, or high voltage side, of the power source or sources feeding the tubes. They may also use such switching devices or circuits which act as both the isolator and the switch. The opto-isolators separate or isolate the low voltage control circuitry from the high voltage tube power circuitry, in conjunction with a triac, FET, thyristor or other device, preferably a semiconductor device, that is adapted to withstand the power load yet accomplish the switching necessary to control activation of the tube in real time. The switching devices are adapted to shunt power from the tubes, bypass the tubes, or otherwise remove power from the tubes in order to control illumination of the tubes in order to produce a dynamic display. The isolators/switches are preferably controlled by a controller which is adapted to receive instructions and content, either from a local or remote source, in order to create and display content on the display.

Conventional switching devices for gas discharge tube displays, such as those using neon tubes, are either mechanical or electronic devices that control the primary (low-voltage) side of the transformers. A significant problem with this approach, among other problems, is that it requires a transformer for each tube. Multiple such transformers multiply the complexity, cost and weight of the display.
Some mechanical type devices have been used to switch tubes on the secondary side of the transformer. However, among other problems, this approach produces significant R.F.I. (radio frequency interference) and/or E.M.I. (Electro-magnetic interference).


An industrial computer workstation having a display screen and a touchscreen. The touchscreen has a display touch zone that overlaps the display and a border touch zone located outside of the display. An input interface is programmable to define portions of the display touch zone and the border touch zone as user input areas of the touchscreen.

The present invention relates to workstations for industrial use and particularly to workstations incorporating touchscreens.
Computers have been used to monitor certain aspects of industrial operations such as order tracking, employee productivity monitoring and machine status reporting. Typically, an employee interacts with a simple proprietary data input terminal which may be portable or stationary. Many such terminals are generally connected together, allowing for centralized storage and analysis of the data collected. It is also known to place general-purpose personal computers in sealed containers ("ice-chests") for use in industrial environments.
Computers placed in industrial operations must typically face harsh environments. They should be able to operate over large temperature ranges and to withstand shock, moisture and industrial contamination.

Industrial touchscreen workstation with programmable interface and method


A key-operated actuator includes a frame, an elongated bolt having a driving connection to the device to be actuated, a tumbler mechanism which enables bolt rotation only when a key having proper configuration is inserted. A frangible portion on the key axially displaces a non-rotatable sleeve which carries an anvil that breaks off the endmost frangible portion of the key. The driving connection between the bolt and the device to be actuated is at all times maintained, and the bolt is restricted to angular movement of a predetermined magnitude, there also being anti-backup means to ensure full bolt movement in both directions. A control disc is secured to the bolt and provides a portion of the anti-backup means, provides a portion of angular movement limiting means, provides an abutment that prevents bolt rotation when the last frangible portion has been broken off, and provides control for a further actuator that operates a further device.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention pertains to a key-operated actuator for controlling a device or devices.
2. Prior Art
U.S. Pat. No. 3,685,625 discloses a key-actuated actuator. The device of this patent has a pin and slot used as a lost motion connection (for an unstated purpose) and a disconnectable drive connection between a rotatable sleeve and a device to be rotated. This device on clockwise rotation, as viewed by the person inserting the key, can be rotated continuously, with one tooth or frangible portion being knocked off the key per revolution. This device on counterclockwise rotation can be rotated continuously, the end tooth merely camming the anvil (16) away. With this device when there are no longer any teeth present on the key, the key can still be used to rotate the actuator freely in both directions, but without driving the device to be rotated. If the pin (10) thereof is not left "floating" in alignment with the slot, then when the next actuation with a useful key is attempted, this device will jam.


A computer system for integration of content elements into a web portal application can include a portal server module for providing a web portal application to at least one user, an aggregation module, coupled to the portal server module, for integrating content nodes representing content elements into a memory tree reflecting the web portal application, a dynamic assembly module coupled to the aggregation module, a context launch transformation module coupled to the dynamic assembly module for construction of subtrees of dynamic content nodes, and a context observer module coupled to the dynamic assembly module.

The invention relates to a computer system for integration of content elements into a web portal application, and a method, data processing program, computer program product, and computer data signal therefor.
Portal systems of the state of the art require that, at a certain point of time, the contents of a web portal application are determined by an administrator or online editor. Whenever content elements of a web application, such as page elements or pages, portlets representing display elements or user controls, etc., are to be added or altered, an administrator or online editor must perform such action manually.
Thus, many web portal applications of the state of the art are rather overloaded with content elements to provide a variety of features in advance. This is to avoid having to manually customize different web portal applications specifically for different use scenarios. However, this results in inferior usability as users can be easily confused by the variety of content elements (or, operation support elements) that are displayed at the same time in the web portal application.
To improve this situation, it is known to bring content elements (such as portlets) that are not necessary in a certain user scenario, to a minimized window state (or similar), thus leaving only those content elements in a maximized window state that are necessary for a certain user interaction and should thus be in focus of the user's attention. However, solutions based on this approach still leave the problem of increased editorial or administrative effort and generally inflexible and overloaded web applications.

Dynamic context-sensitive integration of content into a web portal application by inserting a subtree of dynamic content nodes into a memory tree of content nodes

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION


A system and method to provide telephonic teleservices management is provided. The system may comprise a session management module used to establish a session with an agent via a telephone of the agent. An agent management module may manage a work state of the agent within a plurality of sequential calls between the agent and a plurality of customers. During the session, the connection with the agent remains established between each of the sequential calls. A hub management module manages a call hub during a call of the plurality of sequential calls between the agent and a customer of the plurality of customers.

The provisioning of teleservices is a growing industry. Teleservices are services provided to customers, clients, potential customers, customer representatives or other people by an entity (e.g., a corporation, a government, or a person) via a telephone. The services may include marketing pitches, sales calls, customer services, bill collection, or the like. In some instances, the calls are initiated by the entity providing the service, and in other instances, the calls are initiated by the person receiving the service.
Some teleservice representatives may work from their home or away from a central office. These teleservice representatives may not have access to sophisticated data networks that can provide a required quality of service or meet security requirements. The home-based teleservice representatives typically require a dedicated telephone or voice connection and a personal computer. The maintenance and information technology (IT) support required to maintain such equipment over a large geographical area is expensive and time-consuming.


A data center system includes an infrastructure unit including a public area and a bridge area and at least one computer room. The computer room is disposed along an extending direction of the bridge area, and a length of the bridge area is matched with a length of computer rooms arranged along the bridge area, so that a number of computer rooms may be increased according to the needs. The computer room includes a plurality of layers of data centers stacked on each other. Cold passage areas and hot passage areas of two neighboring layers of data centers form a cold air passage and a hot air passage so that cold air produced by a cooling module may be directed to each data center, and hot air in each data center may be directed to the cooling module to enable devices in each data center to operate under appropriate temperature.

With the rapid development of the electronics industry and the constant development of communication technologies, the application and management mode of information technology (IT) has gradually developed from a separate and discrete set of functional resources into an operation mode that uses a data center as a main working platform. The data center generally includes a server rack, an air conditioning system, a power distribution device, and an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), and forms a centralized computing facility in the form of a computer room together with a building or container that accommodates the above components.
Although container data centers provide a more timely solution according to use requirements, such container data centers only save capital expenditures at an initial stage considering a long-term use. Moreover, they are only suitable for an instant application solution and may no longer be suitable for subsequent application solutions after a period of time and therefore need to be replaced, which results in a waste of resources.
A data center that uses a building as a structural appearance may be designed and constructed according to specific needs of customers. Such a physical data center has a long construction period. Generally, it takes several months to one year from feasibility study to concept design, preliminary design, solution design, detailed design and construction design. The construction of the building takes about half a year; and the supply, connection and installation, and commissioning of each electro-mechanical device in the data center take another three to four months. Thus the overall construction of the data center needs to take 1 to 2 years. If several data center projects are started at the same time and each project has a special design, an enterprise has to spend a lot of time and labor on the management and implementation of the projects.
Furthermore, since there is a limitation on the data processing amount in the initial stage, after the construction of such physical data center is finished, generally it is impossible or difficult to expand the number of buildings for accommodating server racks according to the use needs; and feasibility assessment, design and construction procedures must be carried out again for the buildings (for example, infrastructure facilities such as an office area and a general device area, a main computer room for placing server racks, and facilities such as a connecting passage between the infrastructure facilities and the main computer room), the power distribution facility and the cooling facility of the data center, which causes long time for construction of the data center and limits the flexibility of the data center in use.
In addition, with the rapid development of the information industry, requirements for various hardware are changing constantly. The existing physical data center is built based on a configuration solution of buildings and electro-mechanical systems, and a delivery is completed after IT devices are deployed. Therefore, upon the completion, the existing architecture may not be flexibly compatible with multiple power distribution technologies and evolution of different densities of server racks, and may not switch between different data center availability tiers according to the use needs.
Meanwhile, the current cooling mode of data centers is mainly based on room-level precision air conditioners or row-level precision air conditioners. Such cooling devices usually have a small capacity that is not sufficient for use, and the chilled water system and delivery pipes have a complex design which cannot be easily deployed. In case of a large-scale air handling unit (AHU), although it has a simple and efficient cooling system, it generally has to be placed at the top layer of the building or on two sides of the building, which causes that its cooling design may satisfy only data centers on a single floor in the computer room (that is, disposed at a same horizontal position) and may not provide a cooling function for data centers that are distributed on different floors (that is, at different horizontal positions); therefore, it is not suitable to use a stack form as the layout pattern of the data centers in the computer room to accommodate more server racks, and limits the data processing amount and the processing performance of the data center.

Computer room, data center, and data center system


A composite papermaking fabric having an upper support fabric including upper warp and weft yarns and a lower contact fabric including lower warp and weft yarns. The upper fabric is woven in a first weave pattern which forms a support surface and the lower fabric is woven in a broken twill weave pattern which forms the contact surface. The composite fabric includes paired binder yarns which weave in alternating sequences with the upper and lower fabrics binding them together. The broken twill weave pattern provides plural floats of cross-machine direction yarns passing outwardly of a plurality of adjacent lower warp yarns forming a plurality of adjacent cross-machine direction floats. Certain of the paired floats comprise a lower weft yarn and a binder yarn while others may comprise two lower weft yarns. The lower weft yarn floats are positioned to shield and protect the binder yarn floats along their entire length.

The instant invention is directed to a composite papermaking fabric formed to provide improved wearability, stability and uniform porosity.
Composite papermaking fabrics are widely used and well known throughout the papermaking industry as is illustrated by U.S. Pat. No. 5,152,326 to Vohringer and U.S. Pat. No. 5,544,678 to Barrett. In composite papermaking fabrics, which comprise upper support and lower contact fabrics, it is a primary object to protect the binding yarns or those which bind the upper and lower fabrics together, from wear. This is necessary because once a binder yarn breaks, the upper and lower fabrics separate destroying the papermaking fabric.
Traditionally, the binder yarns are protected by using smaller yarns and crossing them over the lower fabric yarns adjacent a large knuckle. This approach sometimes interferes with drainage as the binders do not form a part of the basic weave pattern of the upper and lower fabrics.
Another approach is to incorporate the binder yarns into the weave pattern of the upper and lower fabrics. This approach, while improving drainage, subjects them to increased wear. Even when they are incorporated into the weave pattern as smaller yarns, certain areas along their binding length are not protected.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a composite papermaking fabric with improved drainage, stability and wearability.
Another object of the instant invention is a composite papermaking fabric in which the binding yarns form a part of the basic weave pattern of the upper and lower fabrics.
Another object of the invention is the provision that the binder yarns form floats on the contact surface which are protected against wear along their entire length.
Another object of the invention is a composite papermaking fabric in which the binding yarn floats are arranged between protective floats along their entire length.
Another object of the invention is the provision of a composite papermaking fabric which is woven in a 40 pick repeating pattern.
Another object of the invention is the provision of a composite papermaking fabric which is woven in a 70 pick repeating pattern.