A reagentless, reusable bioelectronic DNA, or other oligonucleotide sequence sensor is disclosed. The sensor includes an oligonucleotide (aptamer) probe tagged with a electroactive, redoxable moiety, self-assembled on or near an electrode. This surface-confined oligonucleotide (aptamer) probe structure undergoes hybridization-induced conformational change in the presence of the target which changes the electron-transfer distance between the redoxable moiety and the electrode thereby providing a detectable signal change. In an alternative embodiment, the target can harbor the redoxable moiety.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to bioelectronic sensors and their use to detect hybridization events occurring in DNA, RNA, PNA and other oligonucleotide systems. In a preferred embodiment the detection of such hybridization events is used to detect and verify an oligonucleotide authentication tag. In another preferred embodiment the bioelectronic sensor incorporates an aptamer which undergoes a detectable change in the presence of a target for which the aptamer is specific.
2. Background Information
The detection of DNA, RNA, nucleic acids comprising base analogs, thiols, etc., and, to a lesser extent, PNA (hereinafter generally referred to as "oligonucleotides" and/or "polynucleotides") hybridization events is of significant scientific and technological importance, manifested in, for example, the rapidly growing interest in the chip-based characterization of gene expression patterns and the detection of pathogens in both clinical and civil defense settings [Heller, M. J., Annu. Rev. Biomed. Eng. 4, 129-153 (2002)]. Consequently, a variety of optical [Taton, T. A., Mirkin, C. A. & Letsinger, R. L. Science 289, 1757-1760 (2000); Gaylord, B. S., Heeger, A. J. & Bazan, G. C., Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. USA 99, 10954 (2002); Cao, Y. W. C., Jin, R. C. & Mirkin, C. A., Science 297, 1536-1540 (2002)] and acoustic [Cooper, M. A. et al. Nature Biotech. 19, 833-837 (2001)] detection methods have been proposed.
In these assays one or more target oligonucleotides is brought into proximity to one or more oligonucleotide ligands and hybridization (if any) is detected by noting a change in a detectable "genosensor" moiety such as the presence of a suitable fluorolabel, radiolabel or enzyme label, present on the ligands.
Among these historic genosensors, fluorescence detection methods have historically dominated the state of the art [Heller, M. J., Annu. Rev. Biomed. Eng. 4, 129-153 (2002); Bowtell, D. D. L., Nature Genet. 21, 25-32 (1999); Winzeler, E. A., Schena, M. & Davis, R. W., Methods Enzymol. 306, 3 (1999)].
The application of electronic methods to the sensing of biologically related species has recently been attracting increased attention [Kuhr, W. G., Nature Biotech. 18, 1042-1043 (2000); Willner, I., Science 298, 2407 (2002); Fritz, J., Cooper, E. B., Gaudet, S., Sorger, P. K. & Manalis, S. R. Electronic detection of DNA by its intrinsic molecular charge. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., U.S.A. 99, 14142-14146 (2002)].
Advantages of bioelectronic detection include the following:                1. Electrochemical techniques offer the promise of sensitive, rapid and inexpensive screening [Bard, A. J. & Faulkner, L. R. Electrochemical Methods (John W. Willey & Sons, New York, 2001)].        2. Unlike fluorophores that quench or photo-bleach, typical electroactive labels are stable and relatively insensitive to their environment.        3. "Multi-color" labeling is possible by molecular design and synthesis that produce a "spectrum" of derivatives, each having a unique detectable electronic signal [Brazill, S. A., Kim, P. H. & Kuhr, W. G., Anal. Chem. 73, 4882-4890 (2001)].        4. The possibility of mass-production of bioelectronic detectors via the well-developed technical infrastructure of the microelectronics industry, renders electronic detection particularly compatible with microarray-based technologies.
Oligonucleotides are typically electrochemically silent at moderate applied voltages [Palecek, E. & Jelen, F., Crit. Rev. Anal. Chem. 32, 261-270 (2002)]. The first sequence-selective electronic method for DNA detection was based on the electrochemical interrogation of redox-active intercolators that bind preferentially to double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) [Millan, K. M. & Mikkelsen, S. R., Anal. Chem. 65, 2317-2323 (1993)]. More recently, the sensitivity of this detection approach was improved via electrocatalytic amplification [Kelley, S. O., Boon, E. M., Barton, J. K. & Jackson, N. M. H., Nucleic Acids Res. 27, 4830-4837 (1999)].
In an attempt to reduce high background deriving from the inappropriate binding of hybridization indicators to single-stranded DNA (ssDNA), a "sandwich" type detector has been developed. This approach utilizes an electrode-attached ssDNA sequence that binds the target to the electrode and a second, redox-labeled ligand sequence complimentary to an adjacent sequence on the target [Ihara, T., Maruo, Y., Takenaka, S. & Takagi, M., Nucleic Acids Res. 24, 4273-4280 (1996); Yu, C. J. et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 123, 11155-11161 (2001); Umek, R. M. et al., J. Mol. Diag. 3, 74-84 (2001)].
Mirkin and co-workers have developed an electronic DNA detection approach that has demonstrated high sensitivity and selectivity [Park, S. J., Taton, T. A. & Mirkin, C. A., Science 295, 1503-1506 (2002)]. In this resistance-based method, a probe-captured target undergoes a second hybridization event with Au nanoparticle-labeled DNA strands. Subsequent catalytic deposition of silver onto the Au nanoparticles leads to electrical contact and a detectable decrease in the resistance between electrode pairs as an indicator of hybridization.
Despite this interest in electronic oligonucleotide detection, there has been little progress toward the important goal of creating a sensor that is simultaneously sensitive, selective and reagentless (e.g., a sensor obviating further treatment with either hybridization indicators or signaling molecules to yield a detectable indication of hybridization). The "reagentless" feature has been reported in the context of a conjugated polymer-based electrochemical DNA sensor [Korri-Youssoufi, H., Garnier, F., Srivastava, P., Godillot, P. & Yassar, A., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 119, 7388-7389 (1997)]. However, this sensor has only moderate sensitivity due to broad, weakly-defined redox peaks.
More generally, while sensitivity of electronic oligonucleotide sensors of the prior art is impressive (ranging from 0.5 to 32 pM), no electronic sensors have been reported to meet the goal of fM sensitivity. The sensitive sensors require the addition of one or more exogenous reagents.
Recent, high profile examples ranging from geopolitical (e.g., forged documents purporting the solicitation of yellow-cake sales to Iraq) to the medical (e.g. the recent recall of approximately 100,000 bottles of potentially counterfeit LIPITOR® (Atorvastatin Calcium) tablets) are indicative of the growing and increasingly complex risks associated with the counterfeiting of a wide range of documents and materials. Thus motivated, significant research has focused on the development of convenient-yet-unforgeable means of "authentifying" the provenance of documents, drugs and other materials related to medical, industrial, homeland or military security.
The use of DNA as an identifying label was first proposed by Philippe Labacq in U.S. Pat. No. 5,139,812 (issued Aug. 18, 1992). The approach works by concealing coded messages in DNA. Security is provided by the inherent sequence complexity of DNA (Clelland, C. T., Risca, V. and Bancroft, C. Nature 399, 533-534 (1999)).
Existing DNA-based authentication methods, however, have been limited to art, sports memorabilia and other high-value, low-volume applications. More widespread use of the approach has been limited by the cumbersome, time and reagent-intensive methods currently employed for the detection of low concentrations of a target DNA sequence in the presence of orders of magnitude larger background of masking DNA (Clelland, C. T., Risca, V. and Bancroft, C. Nature 399, 533-534 (1999); Cox, J. P. L. Analyst 126, 545-547 (2001)). Unfortunately, the technologies underlying counterfeiting generally keep pace with the technologies aimed at impeding such efforts. Thus, to date, no general, unbreakable means of "authenticating" documents, drugs and other high-volume materials has been reported.
It is the object of this invention to provide an electrochemical method for detecting specific sequences on target oligonucleotides, said method being simultaneously sensitive, selective, reagentless, and reusable. It is a further object to provide an electrochemical method for detecting an oligonucleotide-based (such as, for example, a DNA, RNA or peptide nucleic acid (PNA)-based) authentication tag.
It is a further object of this invention to provide aptamer-based bioelectronic sensors and to enable their use to detect aptamer-specific targets.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Reagentless, reusable, bioelectronic detectors

The Regents of the University of California


The invention is related to the use of COMT inhibitors in the treatment of diabetic vasculat dyfunctions.

There is a world-wide search for a therapy that can prevent the complications in type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Chronic exposure to diabetes leads to an increased incidence of microangiopathic complications which are associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. For example, disturbances in the microcirculation of the feet may lead to amputation of the legs which in turn can cause severe complications. In the case of diabetic nephropathy renal failure is usually the actual cause of death. Diabetes is also the most common cause of renal failure among young adults.
The factors that lead to diabetic nephropathy have been extensively studied but are still incompletely known. According to the general concept, early functional effects of diabetes, such as hyperfiltration, are contributing factors. Hyperfiltration is associated with increased glomerular pressure and increased albumin excretion rate (AER). Increased AER is considered to be an early sign of glomerular damage.
The presently most commonly used therapy, ACE inhibitors, will not prevent the development of diabetic nephropathy, but may postpone the development of terminal renal failure.
It has been disclosed that nitecapone, a COMT inhibitor has a natriuretic effect (Eklof et al. J. Am. Soc. Nephrology 5 (3), 657, 1994, Holtback et al., J. Am. Soc. Nephrology, 7(9), 1633, 1996). However, the effect of COMT inhibitors on hyperfiltration and albuminuria has not been suggested earlier.

Use of COMT inhibitors for the manufacture of a medicament for the prevention of diabetic vascular dysfunctions


An optical fibre cable especially for submarine use has a core (1) surrounded by a layer (5, 6, 7) of strength members which include both wires (6) and laser-welded metallic tubes (7) containing the optical fibers (5).

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to optical fibre cables, and especially to such cables to be used in underwater applications.
2. Description of Related Art
Underwater cables are required to have high strength and be resistant to high pressures, the action of the sea and damage from vessels. Conventionally, such cables are constructed with a fibre package protected by a seamless metal tube and layers of armouring wires. The metallic elements are insulated and protected by a thick polythene sheath. Where repeaters are needed, the power to the repeaters is supplied from the metallic elements. If the polythene sheath is damaged, there is a risk of the metallic elements being earthed. Thus, in order to provide satisfactory insulation of the wires, a thick sheath is used to encase the cable. The combined effect of the armouring wires and sheath is to produce a heavy and unwieldy cable.


Described is a needle assembly magazine comprising a housing including a coupling having a proximal aperture adapted to receive a medicament delivery device and a distal aperture adapted to receive a needle of a needle assembly, a needle guard coupled to the housing and having an aperture axially aligned with the distal aperture of the coupling, and a needle assembly carrier rotatably coupled to the needle guard and adapted to hold a plurality of needle assemblies. Rotation of the needle assembly carrier aligns one needle assembly with the distal aperture and the aperture.

Conventional medicament delivery devices typically require a needle assembly for creating a fluid path between a medicament container and a needle. It is generally recommended to use an unused injection needle for each injection in order to reduce the risk for cross contamination, infection and pain associated with reuse of used needles.
Many users of medicament delivery devices, such as pen injectors and autoinjectors, may be elderly or have reduced dexterity. For these groups, mounting needle assemblies to the delivery device may be problematic if the needle assembly is not oriented corrected, which may disrupt the fluid path for the medicament or may lead to a painful injection process. Further, removing used injection needles can be difficult and may subject the user to the risk of needle stick injuries. Generally, it is recommended that needles be removed with care to avoid needle stick injury.
Further, users of medicament delivery devices are required to carry multiple needle assemblies, for example, when travelling. Currently, unused needle assemblies are contained in large boxes, which are not especially portable.
Thus, there remains a need for an improved needle assembly magazine which facilitates needle assembly mounting and removal on/from a medicament delivery device and enhances portability of multiple needle assemblies.


The present invention relates to compositions for use and formulation as weight management products and in particular fermented dairy foodstuffs. The compositions generally comprise two or more of the following components: a) a microbiome modifying component; b) a satiety modifying component; and c) a metabolic modifying 5 component and at least one of the following: d) Streptococcus thermophilus CBS 139100 and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus CBS 139099 microbial strains or mutant strains or fragments or fractions thereof; e) a combination of Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus microbial strains which together, or individually, are capable of secreting polysaccharides having high levels of galactosamine 10 and no or low levels of rhamnose and glucuronic acid when grown on a dairy substrate; or f) polysaccharides formed of: i) 15-25% galactosamine; ii) 45-60% galactose; and iii) 20-30% glucose. The compositions may also be useful in the management or treatment of obesity, elevated cholesterol, diabetes, hypertension or heart disease.

Overweight and obese are conditions defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair health. It results from imbalances in the body's regulation of energy intake, expenditure and storage.
Obesity is one of the greatest public health challenges of the 21st century. It is a complex condition, one with serious social and psychological dimensions, that affects virtually all age and socioeconomic groups in both developed and developing countries. The health consequences of obesity range from increased risk of premature death to serious chronic conditions that reduce the overall quality of life. Excess weight is the fifth leading risk for global deaths. At least 2.8 million adults die each year as a result of being overweight or obese. In addition, 44% of the diabetes burden, 23% of the ischaemic heart disease burden and between 7% and 41% of certain cancer burdens are attributable to being overweight or obese.
Among the reasons that have led to the dramatic increase in obesity are an increase in the intake of high fat, salt and refined sugar foods that are energy rich but otherwise low in nutritional value (vitamins, minerals, micronutrients) in combination with an increasingly sedentary nature to everyday life with a dramatic decrease in physical activity.
Prebiotics have attracted interests as candidate compounds for the control of obesity and associated metabolic disorders. In animal studies, prebiotics have been shown to regulate the intake of food, prevent weight gain, beneficially alter lipid metabolism and reduce obesity-related inflammation. So far, most studies have focused on simply supplementing the diet with inulin and fructooligosaccharides (FOS).
Prebiotics are dietary ingredients which can selectively enhance beneficial indigenous gut microbiota, such as lactobacilli or bifidobacteria, and are finding much increased application into the food sector. Prebiotics are non-digestible food ingredients that are selectively metabolised by colonic bacteria which contribute to improved health. As such, their use can promote beneficial changes within the indigenous gut microbial milieu and they can therefore help survivability of probiotics. They are distinct from most dietary fibres like pectin, celluloses, xylan, which are not selectively metabolised in the gut. Criteria for classification as a prebiotic is that it must resist gastric acidity, hydrolysis by mammalian enzymes and gastrointestinal absorption, it is fermented by intestinal microflora and selectively stimulates the growth and/or activity of intestinal bacteria associated with health and well-being.
One of the primary functions of the colonic microbiota is to salvage energy from dietary material that has not been digested in the upper gastrointestinal tract, through participating in the initial hydrolysis of complex macromolecules, breaking them down into smaller fragments that can be utilised by other members of the gut microbiota. It is postulated that about 7% to 10% of the total daily energy requirements of the host are derived from colonic bacterial fermentation. In the absence of microbial fermentation in the gut, this energy contribution to would be lost to the host, as humans lack the enzymes necessary to catabolise plant polysaccharides and they would be excreted from the organism as waste. As such, it appears that the presence of a gut microbiota may lead to a direct increase in energy salvaging through the fermentation of dietary polysaccharides.
Although obesity is caused by an excess caloric intake which is not matched by an increase in energy expenditure, differences in gut microbiota composition and activities between individuals may also be an important contributing factor affecting energy homeostasis. This would imply that the gut microbiota of obese individuals would be more efficient in salvaging and/or storing energy from a specific diet compared to the microbiota of lean individuals.
Some dietary fibres can form viscous gels on exposure to an aqueous environment and their gelling properties may account for weight loss promoting effects by delaying gastric emptying, slowing bowel transit time and blunting post-prandial surges in insulin and glucose.
The texture of yoghurt may be modified by using strains of lactic acid bacteria which produce exopolysaccharides. Exopolysaccharides can increase the viscosity, thickness, stability and gel firmness of fermented milk products, including yoghurt. Exopolysaccharides may increase the viscosity of fermented milk products by interacting with milk proteins. The production of exopolysaccharides by the lactic acid culture can reduce the need for bio-thickeners or additional fat to increase the viscosity of the fermented milk product. Hydrocolloids of plant origin have been used to stabilise the gel structure of yoghurt. Many of these hydrocolloids are chemically modified or extracted using various chemicals. As their use is restricted in some countries, there is a need to identify alternative texture modulating agents.
Consumers increasingly demand products with reduced fat and/or sugar content and minimal additives. Using bacterial strains which secrete the desired exopolysaccharides reduces the need to add additional fat to increase the viscosity of fermented milk products. Exopolysaccharide producing strains also reduce the need to add additional sugar, stabilisers and thickeners. As less additional ingredients are needed to achieve desirable sensory characteristics production costs can be reduced.
There is also motivation to increase the viscosity of food products to increase satiation for consumers. Increased satiation can aid those on calorie controlled diets. Food products with a thicker texture may also have a slower transit through the gastrointestinal tract so prolonging the feeling of satiation. Furthermore, food products which also form complexes or impede digestion of food products during digestive transit are also believed to increase the feeling of satiation. Satiation is an important element for controlling food intake and can be used in weight management to discourage eating too much food and/or too regularly.
A food product with a thicker texture may also be useful for the suspension or incorporation of additional ingredients throughout the food product. This is often hard to achieve with food with low viscosity consistency or low fat content.
Many studies have shown that the amount and properties of the exopolysaccharides secreted by bacteria are strain dependent. Exopolysaccharides derived from Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus have shown large variation in composition, charge, spatial arrangement, rigidity and ability to interact with proteins. No defining correlation between exopolysaccharide concentration and viscosity of the food product has yet been established.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a formulation which can be used for weight management—whether included as a food stuff or added to food. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a formulation whose components have a synergistic effect on an individual so as to reduce or modulate weight gain. It would be preferably if such a formulation was effective in more than one area of weight management, for example modifying metabolism of fat and reducing energy gain by colonic bacterial fermentation. It would further be preferable to provide a formulation which enhances satiation. It would also be preferable that the formulation could be easily consumed as either a manufactured foodstuff or an additive which could be added to foods.

Dietary composition with probiotics and prebiotics


Methods and systems for synopsizing videos of an incident from multiple moving video cameras. One system includes an electronic processor configured to receive a first video from a first moving video camera, receive a second video from a second moving video camera, determine a first motion characteristic of the first video, and determine a second motion characteristic of the second video. The electronic processor is further configured to generate a comparison between the first motion characteristic and the second motion characteristic, modify the second video based on the comparison such that the second motion characteristic aligns with the first motion characteristic, and generate, after modifying the second video, a combined video including at least a portion of both the first video and the second video.

Public safety personnel (for example, first responders, investigators, and the like) responding to an incident may be equipped with video recording devices to document the response to an incident. Video recording devices may also be present in vehicles that are operated by or in which public safety personnel may ride. The videos of an incident may be used subsequent to the incident as evidence in criminal trials or other official investigations or proceedings, or for training purposes.
Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.
The apparatus and method components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

Synopsizing videos from multiple moving video cameras


A mounting structure for mounting a support for a seat belt to a vehicle, arranged so that when mounted to a vehicle it will move relative to the vehicle in a first range of directions under application of a first force urging the mounting structure in one of the range of directions, but will not move relative to the vehicle in a direction outside the first range of directions when a second, greater, force is applied urging the mounting structure in such a direction. The structure may have a bracket (7) secured to a vehicle by bolts (18) passing through slots (15) in the bracket, allowing the bracket to move generally in the direction of the slots, but not otherwise. De-couplers, in which toothed flanges (20) on collars (19) through which the bolts extend bear against raised pads on u-shaped washer structures (23) may be disposed between the bolt heads and the bracket to limit the force applied to the bracket and enable the applied force at which the bracket will move relative to the vehicle to be controlled.

To serve their purpose and meet regulatory requirements vehicle seat belts must be securely mounted to the vehicle. Motor cars are usually provided with three point seat belts which have an upper mounting point from which a shoulder strap is supported. In an open top motor car the upper mounting point for the front seat belts is typically on the rear quarter panel of the vehicle. For larger vehicles, and vehicles with doors intended to allow access for rear seat occupants, the upper mounting point for the seat belts can be spaced some distance behind the front seats and thus difficult for front seat occupants to reach. This problem is often addressed by provision of a seat belt presenter comprising a motor driven arm mounted in the rear quarter panel which extends from the rear quarter panel to offer the seat belt to a front seat occupant.
The upper part of the outer surface of a rear quarter panel, to the inside of a vehicle, presents a potential head impact area for rear seat passengers of the vehicle in the event of very rapid deceleration of the vehicle, such as in a collision. To lessen the risk of serious head injury and again to meet regulatory requirements certain potential head impact areas of a vehicle must be able to absorb impact and thus limit the magnitude of deceleration of a head which contacts the surface in a collision situation. One way to lessen the effects of impact with the upper part of a rear quarter panel is to provide a casing which forms the outer surface of the panel which is spaced from the underlying structure of the panel. Deformation of the casing can then absorb the energy of an impact before a passenger comes into contact with the less yielding underlying structure. A problem with this, though, is that spacing the casing from the underlying structure necessarily reduces space inside the vehicle. This is a particular problem with open top vehicles where the rear quarter panel is often bulkier than for closed vehicles owing to the extra structure required to compensate for the lack of a fixed roof and or to provide storage. And it is especially a problem where the rear quarter panel is required to house a seat belt presenter which must necessarily be mounted towards the top of the panel.
Embodiments of the present invention have been made in consideration of these problems.


A stand for supporting an object comprises: a first main support leg; a second main support leg; a first vertical support member pivotally connected to the first main support leg; and a second vertical support member pivotally connected to the second main support leg, such that first and second vertical support members can be rotated relative to the first and second main support legs to configure the stand in a storage position or a deployed position. The stand further comprises a hinge that operably joins the first vertical support member to the second vertical support member. The stand further comprises a first rear leg configured for sliding movement relative to the first main support leg between a retracted position and an extended position; and a second rear leg configured for sliding movement relative to the second main support leg between a refracted position and an extended position.

The present invention relates to a portable and collapsible stand for supporting an object. Numerous stands exist in the art for holding multiple types of objects, including, for example, photographs, artwork, and musical instruments. With the recent introduction of tablet computers into the marketplace, stands are often also used to support a tablet computer in a generally upright position for ready viewing of the display.
With respect to such stands, their utility is often increased if they are portable. In other words, it is desirable to have a stand that can be folded or collapsed for storage and transport.
For instance, in co-pending and commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/836,764, which is incorporated herein by reference, a foldable guitar stand is described that includes: two main support legs; two vertical support members; two rear legs; and a brace.
Each of the main support legs includes a proximate end that defines a hole to facilitate pivotal movement of the main support leg relative to the associated vertical support member. Each main support leg also defines a recess along its inner surface at its proximate end, which engages and mates with a complementary recess defined by an associated rear leg when the guitar stand is in a storage position. Each main support leg further includes a substantially flat foot portion at its distal end that engages the underlying ground surface when the guitar stand is in a deployed position. Each main support leg also defines two support ledges along its upper surface, which terminate at a stop at the distal end of the main support leg. Furthermore, the area above the support ledges effectively defines a cavity for receiving the associated vertical support member when the guitar stand is in a storage position.
Each vertical support member has an enlarged and flattened proximate end that defines a hole. This hole is placed in registry with the corresponding hole defined through the associated main support leg. At the opposite end of each vertical support member, there is a hinge portion that is secured to the inner surface of the vertical support member. The hinge portion secured to the first vertical support member is operably connected to and engages the hinge portion secured to the second vertical support member to create a butt hinge that facilitates pivotal movement of the respective vertical support members relative to one another.
Each rear leg has an enlarged and flattened proximate end that defines a hole. This hole is placed in registry with the hole defined through the associated main support leg and the hole defined through the associated vertical support member, such that a pin can be inserted through the respective holes to facilitate pivotal movement. In this regard, the enlarged and flattened proximate end of each rear leg is interposed and effectively "sandwiched" between the associated main support leg and the enlarged and flattened proximate end of the associated vertical support member. Thus, with respect to one side of the exemplary stand, all three of the major structural components—the main support leg, the vertical support member, and the rear leg (collectively, a first subassembly)—pivot relative to each other about a common axis defined by a first pin. Similarly, with respect to the other side of the exemplary stand, all three of the major structural components—the main support leg, the vertical support member, and the rear leg (collectively, a second subassembly)—pivot relative to each other about a common axis defined by a second pin.
Furthermore, each rear leg also includes a foot portion at its distal end. Each rear leg also defines a recess along its outer surface that extends from the proximate end to the distal end. This recess engages and mates with a complementary recess defined by the main support leg when the guitar stand is in a storage position.
Finally, the brace extends between and connects the vertical support members.
In a deployed position, each of the main support legs is rotated about the respective axes defined by the pins to a position in which a substantially flat foot portion at the respective distal ends of the main support legs can engage the underlying ground surface. At the same time, each of the rear legs is rotated away from the associated main support leg to a position in which the foot portion can engage the underlying ground surface. The two vertical support members (which are hinged together) are then rotated into an upright orientation. Finally, the guitar stand can be spread open, with the brace used to fix the guitar stand into the deployed position. Once in the deployed position, the exemplary stand provides a stable support for a guitar or other instrument.
To return the guitar stand to a storage position, the brace is unlocked or released. The two vertical support members (which are hinged together) are folded together into an abutting relationship, and then are rotated downward and are received in the cavities defined above the respective support ledges of the main support legs. The rear legs are then rotated toward and into engagement with the respective main support leg. Specifically, the recess defined along the outer surface of each rear leg engages and mates with the complementary recess defined by the associated main support leg, such that each rear leg is nestled into and fits snugly against the associated main support leg. Once in the storage position, the exemplary stand can fit in the space that is in front of the neck support and under the headstock of the guitar when it is stored in the guitar case.
However, there remains a need for similar stands for providing stable support to other objects that can be folded or collapsed for storage and transport.

Portable and collapsible stand for supporting an object


Method and Apparatus for performing power control on the power control commands transmitted on a forward link in a wireless communication system. The power level of the power control bits on the forward link are adjusted in response to power commands received on the reverse link. The mobile station measures the power level of the adjusted power control bits to measure the quality of the forward link.

Field
The present invention relates generally to communication, and more specifically to power control in a wireless communication system.
Background
Increasing demand for wireless data transmission and the expansion of services available via wireless communication technology have led to the development of systems capable of handling voice and data services. One spread spectrum system designed to handle the various requirements of these two services is a Code Division Multiple Access, CDMA, system referred to as cdma2000, which is specified in "TIA/EIA/IS-2000 Standards for CDMA2000 Spread Spectrum Systems."
As the amount of data transmitted and the number of transmissions increase, the limited bandwidth available for radio transmissions becomes a critical resource. There is a need, therefore, for an efficient and accurate method of transmitting information in a communication system that optimizes use of available bandwidth.

Method and apparatus for power control in a wireless communication system


A method of simulating aerial images of large mask areas obtained during the exposure step of a photo-lithographic process when fabricating a semiconductor integrated circuit silicon wafer is described. The method includes the steps of defining mask patterns to be projected by the exposure system to create images of the mask patterns; determining an appropriate sampling range and sampling interval; generating a characteristic matrix describing the exposure system; inverting the matrix to obtain eigenvalues as well as the eigenvectors (or kernels) representing the decomposition of the exposure system; convolving the mask patterns with these eigenvectors; and weighing the resulting convolution by the eigenvalues to form the aerial images. The method is characterized in that the characteristic matrix is precisely defined by the sampling range and the sampling interval, such that the sampling range is the shortest possible and the sampling interval, the largest possible, without sacrificing accuracy. The method of generating aerial images of patterns having large mask areas provides a speed improvement of several orders of magnitude over conventional approaches.

The photo-lithography process in semiconductor fabrication consists in duplicating desired circuit patterns as best as possible onto a semiconductor wafer. This process, shown in FIG. 1, is conventionally subdivided into three steps: exposure, develop, and etch. The exposure step projects the desired circuit patterns onto a film of photosensitive material commonly referred to as photoresist. The desired circuit patterns are typically represented as opaque (or translucent in some cases) and transparent regions on a template commonly called a photomask. Semiconductor circuits are then repeatedly reproduced from this template by a variety of techniques, among them projection being the most popular for mass production of semiconductor circuits due to its high throughput and relative low cost. In optical photolithography, patterns on the photomask template are duplicated onto the photoresist coated wafers by way of optical imaging through an exposure system. The images of these patterns interact with chemicals in the photoresist, creating latent images. The latent images are, typically, variations in concentration of chemical species which must be developed and, if necessary, transferred onto the wafer. This transferral process is accomplished by the develop and etch steps. In the former, a developer is utilized to discriminately dissolve the photoresist, creating patterns on the photoresist from the latent images which resemble the desired circuit patterns. This discrimination is made possible by the differentiation of dissolution rate due to variations in chemical concentration of the latent images. After developing the photoresist, the patterns are etched, if necessary, onto the wafer and the circuits are fabricated.
As shown in FIG. 2 and of relevance to the discussion to follow, the exposure step is typically divided into two sub-steps: the aerial image formation and the latent image formation previously described. The images that are formed by the exposure system of the photomask template before they interact with the photoresist are the aerial images. Since the template patterns typically have sharp transitions between opaque and clear regions (i.e., sharp corners), and keeping in mind that the exposure system can be viewed as a low pass (spatial frequency) filter, the aerial images resemble but do not exactly replicate the photomask pattern. The sharp edges of the original photomask, shown in more detail in FIG. 3, are distorted by the exposure system, resulting in rounded aerial images. It is important to predict the loss in pattern integrity via computer simulation for efficient process development and improved process latitude.
Aerial image simulators which compute the images generated by optical projection systems have proven to be a valuable tool to improve the state-of-the art in optical lithography for integrated circuit applications. Such simulators have recently found wide-spread application in advanced mask designs, e.g., phase-shifting mask (PSM) design, optical proximity correction (OPC) in automated inspection of PSMs and OPC masks, and in the design of projection optics, e.g., pupil and illumination filters. One of the main challenges to using model-based simulators in integrated circuit (IC) mask applications is the formidable size of the data representing a typical IC pattern. To illustrate this point and considering a moderately sized IC occupying 10 mm.times.10 mm of silicon with a minimum feature size of 0.25 um, a sparse sample spacing of 25 nm along each side immediately results in 1.6.times.10.sup.11 points to represent the image of the chip. Hence, it is extremely important in this application to minimize both the number of operations required to compute the image and the memory space needed.
Modeling aerial images has recently become a crucial component of semiconductor manufacturing. Since all steppers employ partially coherent illumination, such modeling is computationally intensive for all but elementary patterns. Known in the art is a spatial eigenvector decomposition computational method for calculating aerial images of integrated circuit masks produced by a partially coherent optical projection system. The method described relies on two tools to realize fast computation: 1) coherent decomposition of partially coherent imaging system models, as described by Y. C. Pati and T. Kailath in the article "Phase-shifting masks for microlithography: Automated design and mask requirements", published in the Journal of the Optical Society of America A, vol. 11, No. 9, pp. 2438-2453, 1994; and 2) the use of "basis" (or building block) images that are well-suited to describe integrated circuit patterns. Examples are submitted wherein aerial images are computed for large mask areas, typically of the order of 100 .mu.m.times.100 .mu.m.
One of the earliest aerial image simulation tools available is a software package known as SPLAT that was developed at the University of California by D. Lee and A. R. Neureuther et al., and fully described in SPLAT v5.0 User's Guide; Berkely Calif., University of California Press, March 1995. SPLAT computes aerial images by frequency domain integration using Hopkins approximation, well known to those skilled in the art. Although SPLAT has been extensively used in conventional lithography simulation, it is incapable of computing images of large masks in a reasonable amount of time. More recently, a number of faster commercial image simulators have been developed. These include, for example, FAIM, which was extended by E. Barouch, et al and described in the article "Vector Aerial Image with Off-Axis Illumination", published in SPIE, Vol. 1927, Optical/Laser Microlithography VI, pp. 686-708, 1993. However, as these are commercial products, no details are available as to the particular methods used to compute the images. The main drawback of SPLAT in IC lithography applications is the large computation time required for large mask areas because its computation time increases as the fourth power of the linear dimension.
The main computational advantage of the inventive method is realized by exploiting the structure inherent in IC pattern definitions, and also a (not so obvious) structure that can be extracted from a partially coherent imaging model. The structure of the image formation model is brought to bear on the problem through a decomposition of partially coherent imaging systems as the incoherent sum of coherent imaging systems, which was introduced by Pati and Kailath. This decomposition immediately reduces the computation to a (small) number of coherent image computations, in which the main factors of the computation are a matrix inversion and two-dimensional (2-D) convolutions. Further reduction in computation is achieved by using a structure of IC patterns to define a set of building blocks or basis functions from which any IC pattern can be constructed, and which is followed by producing images of IC patterns from the "pre-images" of the building blocks. The concept of exploiting the structure of IC patterns for fast image simulation for optical proximity correction (OPC) of masks is described by N. Cobb et al. in the article "Fast low-complexity mask design", published in the Proceedings of SPIE Microlithography Conference, February 1995, pp. 313-327. A key difference between the inventive method to be described hereinafter and the method described by N. Cobb et al. lies in the use of building block functions that have infinite support and which exploit the translation-invariance property of convolutions. The aforementioned prior art approach uses finitely supported rectangles, wherein each resizing of the rectangle must be handled individually, a distinct disadvantage. Other differences will be further elaborated hereinafter.

Kernel-based fast aerial image computation for a large scale design of integrated circuit patterns

International Business Machines Corporation


A start-up control device includes a processor that executes a procedure. The procedure includes: acquiring data relating to communication processing when communication connection of plural data processing devices is initiated; and based on the acquired data relating to communication processing, controlling start-up of the plural data processing devices such that a data processing device that transmitted a response to a request for the connection is started-up earlier than a data processing device that transmitted the request.

In, for example, disaster counter-measure systems and the like, specification of a sequence in which to start-up data processing devices is necessary when starting up plural data processing devices when restoring affected businesses to a back-up site or the like. For example, it is necessary to start-up authentication servers, application servers, and web servers in that order. Consideration of connection relationships between management servers and management-target servers is also necessary in start-up sequences for domain configuration cluster servers included in logical servers. Conventionally, a management system is input with a manually specified sequence when starting up plural data processing devices. It should be noted that the above authentication servers, application servers, web servers, management servers, and management-target servers are examples of data processing devices.
A cluster system, for example, has been proposed in order to comply with the service level of a business system. A restart sequence, for service levels that are business systems to be migrated, and for plural virtual servers, is stored in a cluster system, and virtual server migration outcomes are detected. Restart times are measured and updated for virtual servers during virtual server maintenance, and the amount of redundancy in plural virtual servers is calculated. Moreover, in such a cluster system, new restart sequences are determined based on detected redundancy amounts, detected migration outcomes, stored service levels, and updated restart times.
Another technique has been proposed that protects systems based on the result of investigating the presence of inconsistencies related to workflow history data between servers. In this technique, connection is made to a wide area network, and a history of operations is retained for each of plural workflow systems that automatically execute operations according to a workflow stipulating the flow of each operation. Operation history retained during restoration from work system downtime of workflow systems is utilized and reliability ascertained.

Start-up control program, device, and method


The lift is attachable to a foot end of a bed beneath a mattress. Elongate arms extend up from a base portion of the lift. Sheets or other bed covers are supported above an upper end of the elongate arms to define a clearance space beneath the upper ends of the elongate arms. The elongate arms are preferably provided as a pair of first arms and a pair of second arms which can be moved from a lowered position to a raised position by action of a driver. When the arms are raised the clearance space keeps the bed covers off of feet of a user resting on the bed.

Often bed covers are used over a mattress of a bed so that a user of the bed can sleep under the bed covers when resting upon the mattress. Such bed covers typically include a sheet and blanket, and often multiple such blankets. To keep warm, it is desirable to have the bed covers held to the bed, typically by tucking ends of the bed covers, other than those at the head end of the bed, under the mattress. In this way, air under the bed covers is substantially trapped and can warm up somewhat and provide an insulative effect to keep the space beneath the bed covers warm.
On beds with a smaller mattress, or where the user is particularly tall, the user's feet are near the foot end of the bed. When the bed covers, especially the sheet, are tucked under the mattress tightly at the foot end of the bed, the user can have difficulty sleeping on the user's back with the toes of the user's feet pointing upwards. Insufficient clearance space is provided for the feet to extend upwardly in such an orientation. Hence, users often have to resort to sleeping on their sides or stomach, or otherwise transitioning to a less than optimal body position.
One optional solution to this problem is for the user to loosen the sheets sufficiently so that the feet can still point upwards and the sheet merely is routed up over the toes of the feet. In such a configuration the sheet and bed covers provide a significant amount of pressure down on the toes of the feet of the user. For some users, such weight of the bed covers on the toes of the feet can be uncomfortable or even painful. Such pain and discomfort can lead to disruption of sleep. For certain individuals, such as those suffering from neurological conditions that cause the toes of the feet to be particularly sensitive, or who are recovering from injuries involving the feet, the pain associated with sheets contacting the toes can be severe.
Accordingly, a need exists for a lifting device which can lift the bed covers adjacent the foot of the bed up sufficient to provide a clearance space beneath the bed covers and above the mattress, so that the feet of the user can be in any orientation without impacting the bed covers. Such a lift would beneficially be deployable and retractable between a raised position and a lowered position so that the bed covers can remain flat on the mattress when the user is not sleeping. Then, when the user comes to sleep in the bed, the lift can be activated to elevate the bed covers adjacent the foot of the bed from the lowered position to the raised position and the user can then enjoy sleeping on the bed with clearance for the user's feet.


Notifications are provided intelligently to reduce the number of messages displayed for a notification received by multiple applications. When an originating notification intended for a particular end user is received at a notification server, applications associated with that end user and registered for that type of notification are identified. The identified applications are grouped by device identifier. A subset of a single or a few target applications is selected for each group, while all other applications are considered as non-target applications. A notification for each target application is generated with a notification payload set to display a message, while a notification for each non-target application is generated with a notification payload set not to display a message. As such, when a user device receives multiple notifications for the same originating notification, the user device displays messages only for a single target application or a few target applications.

There is a plethora of applications available for mobile devices in the market. More and more of these applications are using notifications, often referred to as "push notifications," to engage end users by pushing information to them and potentially bringing the end users back to the applications. For instance, notifications allow any application running in the background to notify the end user of some activity and lure him/her back to its interface. As such, notifications have the potential to increase an application's usage multifold.
In some cases, end users have multiple applications on a user device that are registered to receive the same type of notification. Currently, when a notification server receives an originating notification, the notification server sends a notification to each application registered to receive that type of notification. This presents a problem as a message is displayed for each of the notifications such that multiple messages for the same originating notification are displayed on the user device. For instance, when two email applications are registered to receive notifications for incoming email messages, two messages are displayed each time an incoming email message is received. Having multiple messages displayed for the same originating notification is often annoying to end users. The only current solution to this problem is to give the end user the option to completely turn off notifications for an application.

Intelligent notifications to devices with multiple applications


A recording apparatus for recording images of an object on a plurality of recording media records the object images on the recording media at different reduction factors. It also records an object image independently on each of the recording media.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a recording apparatus for recording an image of an object on an elongated recording medium such as a microfilm.
2. Related Background Art
A rotary camera has been known as a typical example of such a recorder. It is described below.
In the rotary camera, documents to be stored in a microfilm such as notes, checks, share certificates or ordinary documents are sequentially transported one by one, image information of the objects is sequentially recorded on an elongated film, and the recorded objects are ejected from the camera. In this manner, a large number of image of the objects can be quickly recorded on the elongated film loaded in the camera.
It is used in a financial industry such as banks to record various data and documents on a microfilm to maintain and manage them and prepare for a possible accident.
An apparatus which has a plurality of photographing units to permit simultaneous photographing on a plurality of films has also been known.
Three photographing methods for the rotary camera have been known. They are a simplex photographing method in which only one-side image of an object is photographed at a relatively low factor such as 1/25, a duplex photographing method in which front and back sides of the object are simultaneously photographed at a relatively high factor such as 1/50, and a due photographing method in which one side of an object is photographed on a lower half area of a film in which a front side of the object is to be photographed in the duplex photographing method, then the film is reversed, and the one side of the object is further photographed in the remaining half area of the film in which a back side of the object is to be photographed in the duplex photographing method.
In the prior art apparatus which has a plurality of photographing units, the photographing is made on two films simultaneously, the films are developed, and only one of them is used while the other is retained as a spare or back-up in case the film is lost. This increases the photographing cost.
Recently, a digital imaging apparatus which digitizes an image to record it on a magneto-optic disk or a tape has been put into practice. In the digital imaging apparatus, the image can be recorded on a medium which is reusable by erasing the back-up. Thus, the increase of the cost in the rotary camera due to the back-up film raises a problem.
Further, depending on an object of use such as record keeping of important data or frequent data retrieval, a dupe film which is a copy of an original film is needed in addition to the original film for the purpose of safety of record keeping.
When a dupe film which is a copy of the original film is to be prepared, a dupe apparatus has been used in the past. Further, instead of using the dupe apparatus, a dual film rotary camera in which two long films are loaded in the camera and images of objects are simultaneously photographed on the two films may be used.
However, in the prior art dual film photographing apparatus, the dual film photographing may not be necessary depending on a user, a type of object (data) to be photographed or an object of use of the microfilm. For example, where the need for maintenance is not so high or the retrieval is not required, one original film may be sufficient while taking the economy of the film into account.
In such a case, only one film is used in the dual film photographing apparatus. This is waste of space and the dual film photographing apparatus is not effectively utilized.


The present invention provides means to instantaneously optimize reactive kva for an a.c. power system containing both linear and non-linear reactive loads. The preferred means utilizes a reflux transformer which is tuned for maximum energy transfer between primary and secondary windings. Each secondary winding is connected in series with a variable inductor and a fixed capacitive means, so as to continuously reflect variable reactive kva to the power system via the primary and secondary windings. The reactive kva requirements of the power system can thus be continuously optimized without destructive voltage transients associated with switching graduated units of fixed capacitive compensation or incurring the risk of conducting series resonant currents associated with non-linear loads.

The power factor of an a.c. power system is of economic importance because of the high cost of reactive kva. Low power factor of a system results in unnecessary distribution losses, difficult voltage regulation and oversized equipment. To correct for low power factor it is well known in the a.c. induction motor art to shunt the induction motor by a capacitor or other source of capacitive reactance. Depending upon the application, correction may be provided for a given load by means of a capacitor rated for that load. Correction may also be provided for a variety of operational conditions by utilizing a bank of graduated static capacitors in parallel with the motor or by employing an over-excited synchronous motor as the source of capacitance. As a means of compensating for lagging currents within the motor as well as in the external circuit and to avoid the effects of harmonics, Steinmetz, U.S. Pat. No. 602,920, suggested connecting the source of capacitance to the motor through a step-up transformer. The fact that a single large capacitor could be utilized to reduce costs was recognized by Weichsel, U.S. Pat. No. 1,712,237. These prior art systems have a common fault, in that they frequently overcompensate or undercompensate for the reactive kva under changing load conditions.
Incorrect compensation results in excessive system kva loading, overheating, and inefficiencies. Furthermore, overcompensation can lead to inductive and synchronous machines becoming self-excited when sufficiently large capacitive currents are present in their stator circuits. These currents can result in serious overvoltage and/or excessive transient torques. As a consequence, shunt reactors are frequently installed at the sending end of lightly loaded distribution lines as a precautionary measure to help compensate for any excessive capacitive currents.
The ideal level of compensation for any a.c. system occurs when total units of capacitive and inductive kva are equal. In order to approach even reasonably compromised levels of desired compensation using prior art methods has required that capacitance be incrementally switched to follow changes in inductive loading. This approach does not allow for ideal compensation. Furthermore, as the capacitors are switched, hazardous voltage transients are generated which contribute to insulation breakdown and failure of other equipment connected to the power grid.
In an attempt to avoid the problems of the prior systems, Rohatyn, U.S. Pat. No. 4,554,502, has proposed a power factor correcting system in which voltage applied to a large capacitor through a step-up transformer is varied by means of a mechanically adjustable variable transformer. A control and sensing circuit is employed to drive a servo motor to adjust the variable transformer through a lead screw which carries a pair of brushes. This system avoids voltage transients due to switching, but the hazards which result from overcompensation or undercompensation remain, due to the inherently slow response of the system disclosed. The response time of the servo motor, when combined with that of the lead screw, results in the lapse of a significant interval of time between the sensing of reactive kva and completion of the voltage adjustment necessary to fully compensate for it.

Tuned A.C. power systems compensator having variable reflective impedance for linear and non-linear reactive load compensation


Method and compositions are provided for performing protein binding assays involving a homologous pair consisting of ligand and receptor for the ligand. The method employs a label conjugated to a member of said homologous pair and a uniformly dispersed discontinuous phase of discrete particles in a continuous aqueous phase, where the discrete particles create microenvironments which allow for discrimination between the label associated with the particle--in a discontinuous phase--and the label in the continuous phase.. Various conjugates and particles are provided which find use in the subject method.

1. Field of the Invention
The measurement of trace amounts of a wide variety of organic compounds has become essential in medicine, ecology, quality control, and the like. One class of methods commonly referred to as immunoassays is dependent upon the use of a compound or receptor which specifically binds to another compound having a particular spatial and polar organization. The compound and its receptor form a homologous pair, referred to as ligand and receptor, where the receptor is normally antibody. One of the members of the homologous pair is bound to a label which is capable of providing a detectible signal.
The category of immunoassays may be further broken down into what is referred to as heterogeneous and homogeneous. The heterogeneous techniques are dependent upon separating associations or complexes of the homologous pair from members of the pair which are not associated. Since the complexes will substantially differ in molecular weight from the dissociated members, techniques such as centrifugation can be used to separate the associated from the dissociated members. One can then measure the label either in the phase containing the dissociated members or the phase containing the associated members. For the most part the labels which have found use in the heterogeneous methods are radiolabels, enzymes, and fluorescent molecules.
An alternative to physical separation is to bind one of the members of the homologous pair to a solid support, which may or may not absorb the aqueous medium. The solid support can then provide for the separation since the complexed or associated ligand and receptor is bound to the solid support. This allows for relatively easy separation between the aqueous assay medium and the solid support.
The homogeneous methods rely on the formation of complexes to modulate the signal obtained from the label. The dissociated conjugated label provides for a different level of signal from the associated conjugated label with its receptor. For example, where the ligand is conjugated to a stable free radical, the association of the conjugate with its homologous receptor results in a substantial flattening of the esr peaks. With enzymes as labels to which ligands have been conjugated, the binding of receptor to the ligands can result in steric inhibition of the approach of substrate to the active site of the enzyme or allosteric modification of enzyme activity. The presence of ligand in the assay medium reduces the amount of available receptor for binding to the label conjugate and thus affects the amount of the label conjugate which becomes associated with receptor. Therefore, by measurement of the signal from the label, one can relate the level of signal to the amount of ligand in the assay medium.
An alternative to employing the receptor to directly affect the signal by its bulk is the opportunity to bring together two labels which interact. Where a ligand is polyepitopic or a polyepitopic ligand is formed from monoepitopic ligands, the opportunity exists to allow for receptors which are labeled differently to be brought together when bound to the ligand or to have ligand with one label and receptor with a different label, which when the ligand and receptor are associated bring the labels into close spatial proximity. Where the different labels interact to affect the amount of signal observed, the associated ligand and receptor will provide for a different signal level from the dissociated labeled receptor.
This technique has been employed with chromophores which are related by one of the chromophores fluorescing at a wavelength of an energy which is accepted by the other chromophore, which acts as a quencher. Also, by employing two different enzymes, where the product of one enzyme is the substrate of the other enzyme, one can observe an enhanced turnover in the complex, as compared to the dissociated label.
The focus of effort in the homogeneous immunoassay area has been directed to either employ the properties of the complex to modulate the signal or to provide for the complex to bring together in close spatial proximity different labels which are related and provide for different degrees of interaction in relation to their distance from each other.
In developing immunoassays, there are many considerations, not the least of which is sensitivity. For measuring extremely small amounts of a ligand, it is either necessary to have a label which is detected at very low levels with high accuracy or to provide for a plurality of events associated with an individual ligand. Another consideration is interference by the foreign materials present and the degree to which the interference can be minimized or removed.
Another problem associated with immunoassays is labeling, particularly where the ligand or receptor is impure. The background resulting from conjugation of the label to compounds other than those of the homologous pair must be maintained at a minimum in order to obtain a satisfactorily sensitive assay. Other considerations include simplicity of protocol, ease of measurement, reproducibility, sensitivity to extraneous factors and the like.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Engasser and Horvath, Applied Biochem. Bioengineering, Vol. 1, 127 (1976) Academic Press, report the kinetic and diffusion effects on the immobilization of enzymes. U.S. Pat. No. 3,817,837 describes a homogeneous enzyme immunoassay. U.S. Pat. No. 3,996,345 describes a homogeneous immunoassay employing two chromophores related by being a fluorescer and a quencher. Copending application Ser. No. 893,650, filed Apr. 5, 1978, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,233,402, describes a technique employing a plurality of enzymes, where the substrate of one enzyme is the product of the other enzyme. Copending application Ser. No. 815,636, U.S. Pat. No. 4,160,645, filed July 14, 1977, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,160,645, describes a homogeneous immunoassay employing a non-enzymatic catalyst as a label. Co-pending application Ser. No. 906,514, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,193,983, filed May 16, 1978, describes a labeled liquid discontinuous phase for use in immunoassays. Application Ser. No. 667,996, abandoned, filed Mar. 18, 1976, describes a homogeneous immunoassay employing as a label an enzyme substrate. See also U.S. Pat. No. 3,853,987, which discloses particles to which are conjugated radioactive and fluorescent labels and antibodies. See also U.S. Pat. No. 4,001,400.

Macromolecular environment control in specific receptor assays


According to this invention, a spinning rotor is increased in speed until it reaches a predetermined higher speed beyond a lower speed region and then decreased in speed until it falls within the lower speed region, in which a yarn ending is effected. Thereafter, the speed of the spinning rotor is increased to a normal spinning speed beyond the predetermined higher speed. During rotation of the spinning rotor at the predetermined higher speed, sufficient subatmospheric pressure is produced in the spinning rotor to stretch out the yarn end thereby to prevent the yarn end from being snarled. Also, during this higher speed rotation of the spinning rotor, sufficient fibers in the spinning rotor can be collected in a maximum diameter portion in the spinning rotor to be connected with the snarl-free yarn end in a favorable condition. The period of time, during which the speed of the spinning rotor is decreased from the predetermined higher speed and falls within the lower speed region, is relatively short being in the order of a few or several seconds. Therefore, it will be understood that there is no fear that both the yarn end and the remaining fibers are restored to their initial state during that period of time.

This invention relates to a method and apparatus for starting a spinning machine, in which a yarn ending is carried out onto a spinning rotor before the speed of the latter reaches its steady speed.
Generally, in an open end spinning machine such, for example, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,354,626, each spinning unit includes means for feeding individually opened fibers into a spinning rotor, in which subatmospheric pressure is produced by rotation thereof. The opened fibers are formed into a yarn in the spinning rotor. The yarn is transported from the spinning rotor by take-up means including a yarn take-up tube and yarn take-up rollers and wound on a bobbin by winding means. Also, in the above open end spinning machine, each of the fiber feeding means, yarn take-up means and yarn winding means is mounted on a separate driving shaft and a single motor drives these separate driving shafts through a rotation transmission mechanism including trains of gears. This motor also drives an endless belt, which is in frictional contact with spindles of the spinning rotors to rotate the same.
When the spinning machine is stopped, the fiber feeding means, yarn take-up means, yarn widning means and endless belt are simultaneously stopped, which causes breaking of the yarn simultaneously in all the spinning rotors. At that time, the yarn end remains in the yarn take-up tube, i.e., in the region which undergoes the suction effect of the subatmospheric pressure produced in the spinning rotor when the spinning machine is in operation, and the fibers remain in the spinning rotor.
To start the spinning machine, rotation of all spinning rotors is simultaneously started, whereupon the yarn take-up rollers are rotated in a reverse direction to push the yarn ends from the take-up tubes into the spinning rotors and the remaining fibers are re-collected in fiber collecting grooves formed in the spinning rotors and twisted into the yarn ends. Thus, a yarn ending is completed in each spinning rotor. In order to facilitate the yarn ending by increasing a time tolerance for a proper timing of the rearward feeding of the yarn end in reference to the supply of new fibers, the yarn ending has been effected while the speed of the spinning rotor is still in the lower level, in which the speed is lower than the steady speed of the spinning rotor during the normal spinning operation.
With this starting method, the remianing fibers in the spinning rotor are not satisfactorily collected because of the lower speed of the spinning rotor during the yarn ending operation and therefore the yarn end can not be properly connected with the collected fibers, resulting in a reduced success rate of the yarn ending and production of an irregular yarn. Especially, in the case where the spinning rotor is of the air self-discharging type in which air is discharged from the interior of the spinning rotor through openings formed in the bottom thereof thereby to provide a subatmospheric pressure in the spinning rotor, the amount of air discharged from the latter is greatly reduced during rotation of the spinning rotor at a lower speed so that the yarn end in the yarn take-up tube communicating with the spinning rotor can not be stretched out sufficiently to prevent the occurrence of snarls at the yarn end. The snarls of the yarn end have an adverse affect on the rearward feeding of the yarn end, resulting in a reduced success rate of the yarn ending.
It is therefore a principal object of this invention to provide a method and apparatus for starting a spinning machine, which can remove the above-discussed disadvantages of the prior art.

Method and apparatus for starting a spinning machine

Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki Seisakusho


A shoe, and a method for tightening such a shoe, in particular to a sports shoe, having a sole and a shoe upper, wherein the shoe upper has a first material section, which at least partially extends around the foot of the wearer of the shoe. To enable the tightening of the shoe on the foot of the wearer in a comfortable manner, a second material section is arranged on the outside of the first material section, in which the second material section at least partially covers the first material section, wherein the second material section is a plastic material having a shape memory effect.

The invention relates to a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, comprising a sole and a shoe upper, wherein the shoe upper has a first material section which at least partially extends around the foot of the wearer of the shoe. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for tying such a shoe.
Shoes according to the generic kind are well known in the state of the art. The shoe upper is connected with the shoe sole and is tied at the foot of the wearer after putting on the shoe. Typically, therefore laces are used which pull two tensioning sections of the shoe upper which are arranged adjacent to another.
Other solutions use a rotary fastener for tying the shoe at the foot of the wearer.
However it can always be said in general that a respective tying step by pulling of a lace or of a tensioning wire must take place to fix the shoe at the foot of the wearer sufficiently.

Shoe, in particular a sports shoe, and method for tightening such a shoe


An charging control device includes: one or more slave groups including a plurality of slaves for charging or discharging a battery; and a master configured to transmit, to the one or more slave groups, a control signal for controlling operations of the one or more slave groups, and select one of a plurality of slaves included in each of the one or more slave groups as an alternative master, wherein the alternative master is a slave capable of performing some or all of all functions of the master.

The present disclosure relates to a charging control device, and particularly, to a charging control device for efficiently performing the energy management of an energy storage system.
Since electrical energy is easily transferred and converted, it is widely used. Thus, various power generation systems are used to produce electrical energy. Especially, due to concerns about depletion of fossil energy such as petroleum and environmental pollution, there is an increasing interest in alternative energy. Therefore, there are growing interests in solar power and wind power. Solar power generation is to expand panels having solar cells attached on a large scale, thereby mass-producing electricity by using solar energy. Since solar power generation and wind power generation use unlimited and pollution-free solar energy, no cost of fuel is required and there are no air pollution and waste generation.
A generation system includes a stand-alone system and a grid-connected system. The stand-alone system is to supply a generated electrical energy to an independent load. The grid-connected system connects a generation device to an existing power grid and uses it. In the case of an overloading grid, if electricity is generated from a generation system, the grid-connected system transmits the electricity and in the case of a light loading grid, receives electricity from the grid. In order to efficiently use a grid-connected generation system, a solar power generation system is introduced to store idle power in a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in the case of light loading, and supply power to a grid by discharging generation power and the BESS in the case of overloading.


A method of curing the uncured adhesive on which elongated particles of material have been deposited in a relatively thick deposit or layer, (such as a flocked layer), the adhesive being on a substrate, which comprises subjecting the material to an electron beam directed toward the surface having the deposit, from apparatus for producing an electron beam of relatively low energy. The process is particularly adaptable to the curing of adhesives when used on heat-sensitive substrates, and/or where the particles may also be heat-sensitive, whose heat sensitivity would otherwise inherently limit the degree and speed of thermal curing that might be employed in order to cure the adhesive which holds the elongated particles to the substrate.

Throughout this application, for convenience the invention is for the most part described as being used to cure the adhesive of flocked material. However, the invention is equally applicable to other elongated particles, such as those used in sandpaper. In the well established methods of making flocked material and also materials such as sandpaper, in which elongated particles are deposited on a substrate and secured thereto by an adhesive, the latter is first coated with the adhesive. Thereafter, by mechanical or electrostatic means the flock fibers are deposited on the substrate, each fiber standing on end thereon, the ends of the fibers being embedded in the uncured adhesive. As a result, the flock fibers or particles are attached only temporarily (prior to the setting of the adhesive) to the substrate, and the particular adhesive used must be then cured or set. The curing operation is commonly done in large heated ovens in which the substrate with its flocking is looped back and forth until it finally emerges at the exit end with the adhesive in a cured or polymerized condition.
Such treatments are relatively inefficient, are slow, and require large amounts of energy. As an example of the latter, a typical curing oven may be as much as 30 to 90 feet long, and typically will use six million BTU's of heat per hour during the passage of the material therethrough, due to the high water content where water-based adhesives are used. Where solvent-type adhesives are used, problems of pollution, flammability etc. arise. (This invention makes possible the use of monomers as adhesives which are polymerized by electron beam radiation.)
For tactile substrates, the temperature within the curing oven in which the material is treated varies between 240.degree. F. and 325.degree. F., but the temperature for thermoplastic substrates such as vinyl and styrene are generally half of the above temperatures.
Temperatures greater than 175.degree. may result in distortion, wrinkling, or have other deleterious effects on heat-sensitive materials being treated. As a result, for such heat-sensitive materials, the curing operation is slow and limits production. If, for example, a vinyl substrate of the order of a few thousandths of an inch in thickness is flocked by conventional methods and then subjected to the heat of a curing oven, the vinyl substrate tends to wrinkle during the curing of the adhesive. The resultant material is generally not suitable for sale, and consequently it has been held to be unfeasible to flock such materials.
In respect to the time of curing, the normal traversal of flock material through an oven may take as long as 20 minutes or longer, due to the low temperatures used. The latter figure is only by way of illustrative example.
In addition, if a defect in the cured flocked material is detected, it oftentimes is only after it emerges from the exit of the oven. Since it is not known how far back in the curing oven the defect occurs, several hundred feet of flocked material are generally wasted before the process can be properly continued.
Still another problem with the conventional adhesive-curing operations is the production down-time necessary for cleaning the ovens.

Method of curing particle-coated substrates


Techniques and architectures may be used to generate data center network topologies that use less reliable and less expensive links mixed with links of higher reliability. Such topologies may be categorized into reliability classes, where each class corresponds to a bound(s) on reliability of paths that include the links. A topology class may be selected for use by an application based, at least in part, on the degree of reliability demanded by the application.

As capacity requirements for data center networks (DCNs) in public and private clouds increase, copper-based electrical links are being phased out in favor of fiber-optic links. For example, in DCNs with link capacities of 10 Gbps or higher, switch-to-switch links are generally optical. In some cases, electrical links may remain between servers and top-of-rack (ToR) switches.
An optical link in a data center may comprise transceivers at each end of the optical link, which are connected via optical fiber. The transceivers may plug into switches or servers and convert signals between optical and electrical domains.
Generally, links of a data center have a relatively high degree of reliability resulting from overprovisioning of the optical layer by current manufacturing and design practices. For example, transceivers may be manufactured to a stringent requirement based on worst-case assumptions about anticipated operating conditions (e.g., the amount of signal loss or corruption due to connectors in a data center). Such overprovisioning may result in equipment costs that are larger than necessary while adding little or no benefit to operating performance.

Data center topology having multiple classes of reliability


This disclosure generally relates to a system, apparatus, and method for diagnosing a vehicle battery for further charging purposes. A battery diagnostic tool is provided to receive temperature information on the vehicle battery during a vehicle battery charging operation. The temperature information is referenced to generate a temperature gradient that will be further referenced to identify temperature changes to the vehicle battery over a period of time.

A vehicle may include one or more batteries for operating one or more vehicle components. For example, a 12 V battery may be included for providing the power to operate one or more electrical components of a vehicle. Further, in a hybrid or electric vehicle, one or more additional batteries may be included on the vehicle for powering, at least in part, the propulsion system of the vehicle.
It follows that maintaining an adequate level of charge in the vehicle's one or more batteries is important to ensure certain components of the vehicle will be properly operational.

Vehicle battery status detection by tracking a temperature gradient


A stroller which is foldable to a flat rectangular configuration has an occupant seating structure, seat supporting structure, seat supporting members extending downwardly from the seat to ground engaging wheels, and a handle connected to one of the structures for transmitting motive and steering forces. Bearing structure transmits load forces from the seat to the seat supporting members and rotatably supports each seat supporting member for pivotal folding movement so that the wheel supporting structure is foldable to an orientation generally parallel with and closely adjacent the occupant seat. The handle is pivotally foldable about an axis vertically adjacent the seat so that the folded handle is orientated substantially parallel with and closely adjacent the seat.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to strollers and more particularly relates to strollers which are constructed and arranged to be folded for storage from erected conditions.
2. Prior Art
Strollers and buggies for infants have commonly been constructed so that they can be collapsed, or folded, for storage when they are not in use. In designs of this sort the stroller or buggy framework was often of heavy duty construction. The features of their constructions permitting folding were principally useful for storing the device in an attic or basement between periods of frequent usage or in packing them for travelling.
In many proposals the wheels and/or their suspensions had to be detached or at least partly disassembled or the handles disassembled, etc., in order for the device to be confined for storage. Devices of this sort were not conveniently foldable for hand carrying or convenient transport in an automobile because of the difficulties encountered in folding or collapsing them and because of their size and bulk when folded. An example of a device of this general sort is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,693,366.
In more recent times the requirements for usage of buggies and strollers have changed to the extent that the traditional design approaches have not always continued to be practical. In most urban environments a typical shopping excursion with an infant can involve driving an automobile to several shopping locations and spending only a short time at each. The ability to quickly fold and erect a stroller in these circumstances is essential. Moreover, many automobiles have storage spaces which are too limited to conveniently accept many traditional strollers, even when folded. Still further, because of the possibility of theft, strollers cannot be left unattended when their use in a particular building or space is inconvenient or prohibited. In these circumstances the strollers must be carried by the user.
Stroller constructions have been proposed which avoid some of the shortcomings of the prior art strollers. The most common of these designs is a stroller which is transversely collapsed into a configuration not unlike an oversized folded umbrella. Examples of this kind of construction are illustrated by U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,062,555; 4,032,173; and 4,083,579. While these strollers were much more easily carried about when folded and more conveniently stored between uses, their folded configurations still restricted the user's ability to handle an infant and/or additional hand carried items when carrying the folded stroller.


A controller has a plurality of control units that are mutually connected by a communication line and are set at different places of an automobile, each corresponding to a different one of its power windows and serving to control its opening and closing. One of these control units is adapted to transmit a signal, in response to a switch operation, to another of the control units through the communication line to open or close the window corresponding to the latter control unit. When this control unit detects that it has submerged in water, it applies a constant voltage to an interface of the communication line. This prevents communications through the communication line and windows from moving in an unwanted manner.

This invention relates to a controller for a mobile structure such as a power window of an automobile that can be opened and closed and more particularly to such a controller that can reliably prevent such a structure from operating erroneously when, for example, the automobile has fallen into a body of water and the controller is in an underwater condition.
In general, power window systems for an automobile are electronically controlled and provided with a function of automatically reversing the window motion for preventing an object such as a person's had from becoming caught by the closing window. Control units of the type adapted to control the source power supplied to a motor serving as the actuator of a window to control its motion are commonly each provided to a seat of the automobile, each comprising a motor-driving circuit with relays for rotating the motor in two directions and a control circuit including a microcomputer for controlling these relays in response to the user's switch operations. A function for making communications among the control units may be provided such that a specified one of the control units at one of the seats such as the driver seat can control the opening and closing of all of the windows including the windows at the other seats. In other words, communication lines may connect the control units for different windows such that the driver may be able to operate a knob on his/her controller unit on the elbow rest on the door on his/her side such that signals can be transmitted to the other control units to open and close windows corresponding to the other seats such as the passenger seat or a back seat. Such control units are sometimes called an operation unit because operation switches to be operated by the user are usually integrally incorporated.
From the point of view of safety, it is important for such power window systems to function reliably even when the automobile has sunk into a body of water such that the system will not operate incorrectly because of a leak current due to the presence of water or an error in the microcomputer and also that it will not become impossible to open the windows from inside.
Japanese Patent Publication Tokkai 2000-179234 describes an operation unit provided with a detecting circuit for detecting an underwater condition adapted to switch on both relays of the motor-driving circuit of this operation unit if an underwater condition is detected thereby such that both terminals of the motor come to be at a same potential and the motor is prevented from moving in an unwanted direction. Its circuits are further so structured that if the user attempts to open a window, say, by manually operating a switch while an underwater condition is being detected by the detecting circuit, both terminals of the coil of the relay for closing the window will come to be at a same potential such that the motor will turn in the direction of opening the window.
Japanese Patent Publication Tokkai 2000-179234 describes two types of systems with control units at different seats connected with a bus line for multiplex communications provided with measures to be taken under an underwater condition. Systems of one of these types may be characterized as having the operating units of different seats connected by a signal communicating line separate from the aforementioned bus line and a detecting circuit for an underwater condition incorporated into one or all of the operation units such that if any of the detecting circuits detects an underwater condition, the detection circuit which detected the underwater condition outputs a detection signal to each relay of the other operation units through the signal line, thereby providing a voltage similar to the source voltage to forcibly switch on each relay of each operation unit.
Systems of this type are disadvantageous because a separate signal line is required for the application of voltage for driving the relays besides the bus line for communications among the units. Thus, the wiring becomes complicated and the production cost of the vehicle to which the system is mounted is increased.
Systems of the other type may be characterized as having a detection circuit incorporated in the operating unit at one or all of the seats such that if any of them detects an underwater condition, the operating unit incorporating the detection circuit that detected the underwater condition transmits a detection signal to the other operating units and that the control circuit of each operating unit that receives this detection signal forcibly switches on each relay within that operating unit. With a system thus structured, if any of the seats is immersed in water, erroneous operations of the windows at all seats due to the underwater condition can be prevented.
Systems of this type also have problems. Firstly, signal waveforms of the multiplex communications are likely to be disturbed by electric leaks and attachment of a conductive object to the connector terminals on the boards of the operation units under water and this may inhibit transmission of correct detection signals. Secondly, such electric leaks and attachment of a conductive object may cause an overcurrent through the CPU of the microcomputer of the control circuit. If the CPU is thereby damaged and fails to function properly, it is again likely that the detection will not be transmitted correctly. If the operating unit of a seat such as the driver's seat has gone under water, a detection signal may be transmitted from this operating unit due to a current leakage into the bus line and the windows by the other seats corresponding to operating units not yet under water may start to open or close erroneously in response to such a signal.


A fan assembly (10) includes a shrouded fan rotor (24) including a plurality of fan blades (28) extending from a rotor hub (30) and rotatable about a central axis (26) of the fan assembly and a fan shroud (32) extending circumferentially around the fan rotor (24) and secured to the plurality of fan blades (28). The shroud (32) has a first axially extending annular portion (38) secured to the plurality of fan blades (28), a second axially extending annular portion (40) radially outwardly spaced from the first axially extending annular portion (38), and a third portion (44) connecting the first (38) and second (40) axially extending annular portions. A casing (22) is positioned circumferentially around the fan shroud (32) defining a radial clearance between the casing and the fan shroud. The casing (22) includes a plurality of casing elements (48) extending from a radially inboard surface (46) of the casing toward the shroud (32) and defining a radial element gap and an axial element gap.

The subject matter disclosed herein relates to shrouded axial flow fans. More specifically, the subject matter disclosed herein relates to structure to reduce aerodynamic noise and increase stall margin of shrouded axial flow fans.
Axial flow fans are widely used in many industries ranging from automotive to aerospace to HVAC but are typically limited in their application by operating range restrictions and noise considerations. While vane-axial fans can achieve high static efficiencies, noise generation from fluid interaction between the rotating fan and the stationary stator vanes often limits their use considerably. Further restrictions imposed by limited operating range due to blade stall typically make the vane-axial fan impractical for use in systems requiring appreciable static pressures without resorting to high rotational speeds, thereby compounding existing noise problems. Of particular importance to the stability and operating range of the axial fan is the nature of the tip clearance or shroud recirculation flow. In this case, a rotating shrouded fan is considered in which a circumferential band unitarily connects the outboard tips of the blades.

Shrouded axial fan with casing treatment