A control system for a vertically moveable covering for an architectural opening includes a uni-directional drive assembly that is operated with a single pull element such that upon pulling of the pull element, the covering can be raised in increments. A clutch/brake assembly selectively prevents the covering from dropping by gravity between pulling strokes on the pulling element, but a release of the brake allows the shade to drop by gravity from its retracted position to any degree of extension. A governor is further provided to regulate the rate at which the covering drops by gravity. A cord lift system which is operated by the main drive assembly and the clutch/brake assembly includes a rotatable and axially slidable spool about which a lift cord can be wound. The lift cord has one end anchored to the spool and its opposite end extended through a supporting bracket for the spool and downwardly through the covering where the opposite end is anchored to a bottom rail such that a wrapping of the lift cord about the spool lifts the bottom rail thereby causing the covering to be raised adjacent to the lift spool. The lift cord is tangentially fed to the lift spool and forced into an angular wrap on the spool while an outer shell spaced a small distance from the spool prevents multiple wraps so that the lift cord does not become tangled. A return spring biases the spool in one direction to facilitate a controlled movement of the covering from a retracted to an extended position.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to control systems for coverings for architectural openings and the like and, more particularly, to a uni-directionally driven pull system that drives a lift cord system for moving the covering between extended and retracted positions.
2. Description of the Relevant Art
Coverings for architectural openings such as windows, doors, archways and the like take numerous forms including conventional draperies, horizontal Venetian blinds, vertical blinds, roll up shades and numerous other coverings that resemble or define modifications of the afore noted standard coverings. The control systems utilized to operate the coverings sometimes vary depending upon the type of covering so that a roll up shade, for example, would normally have a different control system than a vertical blind or a horizontal Venetian blind. Most control systems are operated with pull cords, pull tapes, or tilt wands which hang from an end of a headrail and are manipulated by a human operator to move the covering between extended and retracted positions relative to the architectural opening in which it is mounted. The suspended cords or wands may also tilt slats or vanes in the covering while the covering is extended across the architectural opening so that the slats or vanes can be rotated about longitudinal axes between open and closed positions to permit the passage of vision and light through the covering.
When pull cords or pull tapes are utilized, they are frequently endless thereby defining a loop of cord or tape at one end of the headrail and loops of this type have presented problems in inadvertently causing physical harm to infants and young children who may put a body part within the loop and get caught in the loop.
There has been a considerable amount of activity in recent years designed to remove the inherent danger in endless pull cords to young children and by way of example, the endless cords may be divided into two distinct cords so that no loop is present. The ends of such a divided cord may also be releasably connected so that under predetermined conditions or pressures, the ends of the cord will become separated to avoid harm to an infant.
It is to provide a new and improved approach to the endless cord problem and to provide an otherwise improved control system for a covering for an architectural opening that the present invention has been developed.

Control system for coverings for architectural openings


A method for analyzing coupling between interconnects in a VLSI processor to simulate the impact of process variations by the use of model-fitted equations to determine a delay change curve for a coupled interconnect. Simulated curves are first used to determine the parameters in the model-fitted equations. These model-fitted equations are then used to derive the output waveform at the output of a victim line using superposition of noise waveforms calculated for a plurality of aggressors. The output waveform is then quadratically expanded to obtain the delay change curve, and the statistical mean and the standard deviation of the victim delay through the coupled interconnect are calculated by using said quadratic function and the statistical behavior of all inputs to the coupled interconnect.

Continuing scaling of the CMOS fabrication process to allow increasing number of devices on a VLSI chip has caused 'within-die' variations to become a significant problem. These within-die variations result from manufacturing process variations such as Le (the effective channel length) and Vt (threshold voltage) as well as supply voltage and temperature variations. Within-die variations cause an undesirable uncertainty with respect to on-chip signal timing. Conventional timing analysis for VLSI chips uses different values for process, voltage, and temperature corners (maximum allowable combinations of these values) for maximum and minimum signal delay analysis. Such an approach often leads to 'overdesigning', which may cause unnecessarily high power requirements and reliability problems.
Previously existing methods for interconnect coupling analysis have typically used Monte Carlo simulation statistical analysis techniques. However, Monte Carlo simulation takes an extremely long time and does not provide a realistic solution for analyzing complex VLSI circuits. Nearly all existing analytical methods deal exclusively with variations in active devices such as transistors and logic gates. With the increasing aspect ration of device interconnects, coupling between the interconnects and its impact on signal transmission have played an increasing role in VLSI circuit analysis. A signal path from a point on a chip to another point on the chip consists not only of logic gates and other devices, but also includes the interconnects between the devices. As CMOS technology continues to scale, the proportion of the total signal delay time attributable to interconnect delay increases. Therefore, the importance of accuracy of modeling interconnect delay becomes increasingly important. In addition to accuracy limitations, existing simulation methods incorporating linear Taylor expansion cannot be directly applied to multi-aggressor, partial coupling cases, which are common in real applications.

Method for analysis of interconnect coupling in VLSI circuits

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.


A liquid filter assembly is provided for an appliance. The liquid filter assembly may define an axial direction and a radial direction. The assembly may also include a filter medium, a housing, a pair of end caps, one or more interlocking ring, and/or a leveling tube. The filter medium may extend along the axial direction between a first end and a second end. The filter medium may define an interior passage to receive liquid passed through the filter medium. The housing may be disposed about the filter medium. The housing may define a liquid inlet opposite the first end of the filter medium.

Filters are used in various applications to filter contaminates from liquids before use. For example, a filter may be installed in a refrigerator appliance or ice maker to filter water before the water is output to a user or used to make ice. In other examples, a filter may be installed in a coffee maker to filter water before the water added to coffee grounds or output to a user. In some cases, such as in refrigerator appliance applications, the filter is installed onto a pressurized water supply line such that water flowing through the water supply line is flowed through the filter. However, in other applications, the filter is submerged in a water tank filled with water and a pump is used to draw water from the water tank through the filter. These applications may include stand-alone appliances, referred to herein as non-plumbed appliances, such as coffee makers and countertop ice makers.
Water tanks for non-plumbed appliances typically have a water outlet positioned adjacent to the bottom of the water tank to enable complete draining of water during operation. For the same reason, filters used in such appliances typically include a filter inlet and a filter outlet positioned near the bottom of the filter housing. The efficacy of the filter may be contingent upon the seal joining the filter to the bottom of the tank. For instance, a quality seal is required to ensure the separation of contaminated water upstream to the filter and purified water downstream to the filter. Conventional systems use one or more O-rings provide the seal. However, O-rings typically require secondary operations and/or secondary components to house the O-ring, ensure adequate lubrication, and prevent wear. Moreover, although a seal may be formed at the one or more O-rings, additional support may be required to ensure the filter does not physically separate from the tank. Additional features often complicate installation and increase the overall footprint of the filter. This may limit the potential size, shape, and/or volume of the tank or filter.
Furthermore, mounting the filter at the bottom of a tank may hinder filter performance and/or limit certain uses. Filter media which is disposed within the filter housing might not remain completely submerged by water flowing through the filter housing. The level of water within the filter may be contingent upon the level of water within the tank itself. In some instances, only a fraction of the filter media is actually used for filtration, resulting in instable filtration, increased pressure drop, and imbalanced depletion of the filter media toward the bottom of the filter.
Accordingly, an improved filter for a non-plumbed appliance would be useful. More specifically, a filter assembly addressing one or more of the issues described above would be particularly beneficial.


A method, system, and framework provide the ability to distribute media content. Title information for a media asset is acquired into a computer database. Distribution requirements (e.g., file requirements for files required to distribute the media asset) for retailers and territories are maintained in the database. Desired retailers are selected. Based on the title information and the desired retailers, territories with distribution requirements that match the title information are automatically selected. File requirements for the selected desired retailers and selected territories are displayed. An order is created (the order is based on the title information, the selected desired retailers, the selected territories, and the file requirements). Files identified by the file requirements are received. Based on the order, the received files are automatically submitted (for distribution of the media asset) to the selected retailers.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to media content, and in particular, to a method, apparatus, system, and article of manufacture for managing the distribution of digital media content assets.
2. Description of the Related Art
Media content developers/producers such as filmmakers, episodic producers/directors, etc. often create media content assets (e.g., a film/movie, short, episodic, etc.). Such developers desire to distribute the media content assets via as many different distribution outlets/platforms/retailers as possible. For example, a developer may desire to publish/distribute a film via one or more of the following distribution platforms/retailers: AMAZON, COMCAST INFINITY, DISH, FANDOR, GOOGLE PLAY, HOOPLA, HULU, INDEMAND, ITUNES, MICROSOFT, NETFLIX, NOOK, SONY ENTERTINAMENT NETWORK, VUBIQUITY, VULU, etc. However, while the developers may be excellent producers/directors/editors, they often do not have the knowledge base regarding how such a media distribution platform/retailer works, the requirements for content on such a platform/retailer, and/or how to manage the media content on such a platform/retailer. Thus, there is a need for a method and system that manages/assists media content developers/producers with the distribution of their content.

Distribution management for media content assets


Disclosed herein are inhibitors of gene transcription mediated by myocardin-related transcription factor and serum response factor, or both myocardin-related transcription factor and serum response factor (“MRTF/SRF”), and methods for their use in treating or preventing cancer and fibrosis. In particular, disclosed herein are compounds of Formula (I) and Formula (II), and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof:

Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to novel, small molecule inhibitors of gene transcription mediated by myocardin-related transcription factor and/or serum response factor ("MRTF/SRF"), and methods of using the small molecules to inhibit MRTF/SRF-mediated gene transcription and to treat diseases.
Description of Related Technology
Cell growth, proliferation, migration, and invasion are dependent on many growth factors, mitogens, and chemotactic agents. The medium for growing cells in tissue culture generally contains serum (e.g., fetal bovine serum) and serum also stimulates migration and invasion of cancer cells and fibroblasts. Treatment of cells with serum results in robust activation of gene transcription via the serum response factor ("SRF") (see Norman et al., Cell 55:989-1003 (1988)). SRF is associated with cellular transformation and epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (see Iwahara et al., Oncogene 22:5946-5957 (2003); Psichari et al., J Biol Chem 277:29490-29495 (2002)).
One key mechanism of activation of SRF by serum involves activation of the Rho GTPases (especially rhoA and rhoC) through G protein-coupled receptors and possibly other mechanisms. Activation of rhoA and rhoC induces actin polymerization and release of the transcriptional coactivator, myocardin-related transcription factor ("MRTF") (see Cen et al., Mol Cell Biol 23:6597-6608 (2003); Miralles et al., Cell 113:329-342 (2003); Selvaraj and Prywes, J Biol Chem 278:41977-41987 (2003)). MRTF, which is also known as MKL, was first identified as a site of gene translocation in leukemia (megakaryoblastic leukemia), like the leukemia-associated rhoGEF ("LARG", see Mercher et al., Genes Chromosomes Cancer 33:22-28 (2002)). The protein product of the translocated gene is hyperactive compared to the wild-type protein. MRTF and MKL have also been called modified in acute leukemia ("MAL") and BSAC (see Miralles et al., Cell 113:329-342 (2003); Sasazuki et al., J Biol Chem 277:28853-28860 (2002)). There are two MRTF genes (MRTF-A and MRTF-B or MKL1 and MKL2, respectively). Their actions are largely redundant where both proteins are expressed (see Shaposhnikov, Cell Cycle 12:1762-72 (2013)). MRTF was identified in an antiapoptosis screen for genes that abrogate tumor necrosis factor-induced cell death (see Sasazuki et al., J Biol Chem 277:28853-28860 (2002)). As a consequence of rho signaling, MRTF translocates to the nucleus and binds SRF leading to the expression of c-fos which, along with c-jun, forms the transcription factor AP-1. The AP-1 transcription factor promotes the activity of various MMPs and other cell motility genes (see Benbow and Brinckerhoff, Matrix Biol 15:519-526 (1997)). Expression of these genes leads to cancer cell invasion and metastasis. Thus, there is a link between Rho/MRTF-controlled biological processes and cancer metastasis. Similarly, both LARG and MKL are important players in these processes.
Rho GTPase signaling and MRTF-regulated gene transcription have also been implicated in tissue fibrosis in lung (see Sandbo et al, Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol. 41:332-8 (2009); Luchsinger J Biol Chem. 286:44116-25 (2011)), skin (see Haak et al, J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 349:480-6 (2014)), and intestine (see Johnson et al, Inflamm Bowel Dis. 20:154-65 (2014)). Many genes involved in fibrosis (alpha-smooth muscle actin, CTGF, and collagen itself) are activated by Rho-regulated MRTF/SRF mechanisms (see Haak et al, J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 349:480-6, (2014)).
Cancer metastasis is a significant medical problem in the United States, where it is estimated that over 500,000 cancer-related deaths in 2003 resulted from metastatic tumors rather than primary tumors (approximately 90% of cancer deaths). Cancer metastasis requires malfunction in several tightly regulated cellular processes controlling cell movement from a primary site to a secondary site. These cellular processes include cell survival, adhesion, migration, and proteolysis resulting in extracellular matrix remodeling, immune escape, angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, and target 'homing' Most existing cancer treatments focus on killing tumor cells; however, such chemotherapeutic intervention leads to substantial toxicity to healthy cells and tissue. Since spread, or metastasis, of cancers is the primary cause of cancer-related mortalities, there is a need for agents that can specifically inhibit or prevent signals that trigger metastasis.
Rho proteins are overexpressed in various tumors, including colon, breast, lung, testicular germ cell, and head and neck squamous-cell carcinoma (see Sawyer, Expert Opin. Investig. Drugs., 13: 1-9 (2004)). The rho family of small GTP binding proteins plays important roles in many normal biological processes and in cancer (see Schmidt and Hall, Genes Dev., 16:1587-1609 (2002); Burridge and Wennerberg, Cell, 116:167-179 (2004)). This family includes three main groups: rho, rac, and cdc42. Rho is activated by numerous external stimuli including growth factor receptors, immune receptors, cell adhesion, and G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) (see Schmidt and Hall, Genes Dev., 16:1587-1609 (2002), Sah et al., Annu. Rev. Pharmacol. Toxicol., 40:459-489 (2000)).
RhoA and rhoC play roles in metastasis (see Clark et al., Nature 406:532-535 (2000); Ikoma et al., Clin Cancer Res 10:1192-1200 (2004); Shikada et al., Clin Cancer Res 9:5282-5286 (2003); Wu et al., Breast Cancer Res Treat 84:3-12 (2004); Hakem et al, Genes Dev 19:1974-9 (2005). Both rhoA and racl can regulate the function of the extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, ezrin, moesin, and radixin, by the phosphorylation of ezrin via the rhoA pathway and the phosphorylation of the ezrin antagonist, neurofibromatosis 2, by the racl pathway (see Shaw et al., Dev Cell 1:63-72 (2001); Matsui et al., J Cell Biol 140:647-657 (1998)). These ECM proteins promote cell movement by utilizing the ECM receptor, CD44, to link the actin cytoskeleton with the plasma membrane. In addition, rhoA and racl regulate ECM remodeling by controlling the levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) or their antagonists, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) (see Bartolome et al., Cancer Res 64:2534-2543 (2004)). RhoA is also required for monocyte tail retraction during transendothelial migration, indicating a role in extravasation, which is a key process in metastasis (see Worthylake et al., J Cell Biol 154:147-160 (2001).
The relative contributions of rho and rac proteins in the metastatic phenotype has been studied (see Sahai and Marshall, Nat Rev Cancer 2:133-142 (2002); Whitehead et al., Oncogene 20:1547-1555 (2001)). Sahai and Marshall (see Nat Cell Biol 5:711-719 (2003)) showed that different tumor cell lines exhibit different mechanisms of motility and invasion. In particular, 375 m2 melanoma and LS174T colon carcinoma cell lines showed striking "rounded" and "blebbed" morphology during invasion into Matrigel matrices. This invasion was entirely rho-dependent and was blocked by C3 exotoxin, the N17rho dominant negative protein, and a ROCK kinase inhibitor. In contrast, two other cell lines were blocked instead by a rac dominant negative mutation, but not rho or ROCK inhibitors. These latter two cell lines (BE colon carcinoma and SW962 squamous cell carcinoma) had elongated morphologies. A third line showed a mixed morphology and was blocked partially by both rho and rac inhibitors. Additionally, mice lacking rhoC have greatly reduced metastasis of virally-induced breast tumors to lung (see Hakem et al, Genes Dev 19:1974-9 (2005)). Also, knock-down of SRF or its transcriptional co-activator MKL reduced lung metastases from breast or melanoma xenografts (see Medjkane et al, Nat Cell Biol. 11:257-68 (2009)). Thus, there is important heterogeneity in mechanisms of tumor cell behavior that contributes to metastasis. It is widely recognized that cell growth and apoptosis mechanisms vary greatly among tumors, necessitating customized therapeutic approaches.
Nearly 40% of chronic diseases such as cirrhosis, heart failure, and diabetic nephropathy are characterized by fibrosis or excess deposition of extracellular matrix, including collagen. The poor clinical outcome of several orphan diseases (scleroderma or systemic sclerosis ("SSc"), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis ("IPF") etc.) is primarily determined by tissue fibrosis; there are absolutely no effective treatments despite their rapid and lethal clinical course.
Systemic sclerosis is an orphan, multisystem autoimmune disorder that can cause fibrosis of the skin and internal organ systems (lungs, heart, kidneys, and gastrointestinal system). It has the highest case fatality rate of any rheumatic disease. SSc predominately affects women (see Beyer et al., Arthritis Rheum 62: 2831-2844 (2010); Boukhalfa G, et al., Exp Nephrol 4: 241-247 (1996); Buhl A M, et al., J Biol Chem 270: 24631-24634 (1995); Chaqour et al., FEBS J 273: 3639-3649 (2006); Charles et al., Lancet 367: 1683-1691 (2006) and increases with age. The precise pathogenesis of SSc is yet to be defined but the major clinical features of SSc—collagen production, vascular damage and inflammation/autoimmunity—require environmental triggers and genetic effects which interact with the three cardinal features of the disease at several points (see Charles et al., Lancet 367: 1683-1691 (2006)). Generally, there is initial inflammation but fibrosis persists even after the inflammation has resolved or has been suppressed by medications (see Beyer et al., Curr Opin Rheumatol 24: 274-280 (2012); Wynn T A, and Ramalingam T R. Nat Med 18: 1028-1040 (2012)).
Therefore, there is a need for new compounds and methods for targeted therapy that can treat and manage cancer and fibrosis.

Inhibitors of myocardin-related transcription factor and serum response factor (MRTF/SRF)-mediated gene transcription and methods for use of the same

Abstract: wherein the substituents are as described.

THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN

BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY


An image forming apparatus includes: a first image forming unit including a first transfer unit forming a first nip with a first photosensitive drum for black; a second image forming unit including a second transfer unit forming a second nip with a second photosensitive drum for a color; and a control device which, when a first sheet and a second sheet are continuously conveyed in corresponding order by the conveyance belt at the monochrome mode, is configured to supply a first transfer current for a first time period during which the first sheet or the second sheet pass through the second nip and supply a second transfer current, which is smaller than the first transfer current, for a second time period that is a sheet interval between the first sheet and the second sheet.

For an image forming apparatus of an electrophotographic type, there have been proposed a direct tandem-type color printer having a plurality of photosensitive members provided in correspondence to respective colors and configured to directly transfer developer images formed on the respective photosensitive members to a sheet.
For example, there have been proposed a color printer having four photosensitive drums provided in correspondence to respective colors of black, yellow, magenta and cyan, a conveyance belt conveying a sheet with contacting all the photosensitive drums and four transfer rollers provided in correspondence to each of the four photosensitive drums.
In the related-art color printer, a transfer current is supplied between the photosensitive drums and transfer rollers for color printing at a monochrome printing operation. Thereby, the related-art color printer suppresses a reverse transfer of a monochrome image from a sheet to which the monochrome image is transferred to the color photosensitive drums.


A mechanism for sensing the direction of a vehicle, or other application using a drive device such as a hydrostatic transmission. An actuation mechanism is mounted to a rotatable shaft or gear in the drive device and has an actuated position when the shaft or gear is rotating in a first direction and an unactuated position when the shaft or gear is rotating in the opposite direction.

This invention relates generally to drive devices, and more particularly, to a mechanism for sensing the direction of rotation of elements within or related to a drive device. This invention may be used with a variety of drive devices including without limitation hydrostatic transmissions, which also come in a variety of configurations, including parallel pump and motor, dual pump and motor, and configurations where the hydrostatic transmission is incorporated within a housing containing gearing, often known as an integrated hydrostatic transaxle or IHT.


A reel mower grass catcher carrier includes a bail having side rods under the left and right sides of a grass catcher, a front link having an inverted U-shape and having connected to the left and right side rods and a central portion extending forwardly in front of the grass catcher, and a hanger extending forwardly over the grass catcher and connected to the central portion of the front link. The grass catcher can be installed or removed from the side of the carrier while the bail, front link and hanger stay connected together.

Various mounting devices or grass catcher carriers have been used for reel mower cutting units. Typically, reel mower grass catchers are mounted directly in front of the cutting units to collect grass clippings discharged from the cutting units as they move forward in the mowing position.
Self-propelled grass mowing machines such as fairway mowers, trim mowers and triplex riding greensmowers commonly have a front row of two or three reel mower cutting units at the front of the machine or vehicle, followed by a rear row of one or more reel mower cutting units between the machine's front and rear wheels. One of the rear cutting units typically is located directly under the center of the vehicle frame. Access to grass catchers on front reel mower cutting units for installation and removal is relatively easy. However, access to grass catchers on rear cutting units, especially center rear cutting units under the vehicle frame, is substantially more difficult.
Some grass mowing machines have lift arms that can raise reel mower cutting units from a mowing mode to a transport mode. It may be necessary or desirable to install or remove a grass catcher from a reel mower cutting unit when the unit is either in a raised transport position or a lowered mowing position.
It also is important to mount a reel mower grass catcher so that it does not adversely affect the quality of cut. When a grass catcher collects clippings, it increases in weight. If the weight of the grass catcher is transferred to the cutting unit, it tends to reduce the height of cut. To avoid reducing the height of cut as the grass catcher's weight increases, some grass catcher mounting devices are designed to transfer most of the catcher's weight back onto the lift arm, instead of onto the reel mower cutting unit.
An example of a reel mower grass catcher carrier offered by Deere & Company on riding greensmowers includes a hook extending forwardly from the traction unit frame, connected to a handle on a bail under the grass catcher. The bail is pivotably mounted to the reel mower cutting unit, allowing the grass catcher to pitch on a horizontal axis with respect to the reel. The handle slides on the hook as the grass catcher yaws or steers with the cutting unit. To install, the grass catcher is positioned on the bail, then the hook is fastened or latched to the handle. To remove the grass catcher, the two actions are reversed. Disconnecting the hook from the handle is required to install or remove the grass catcher, and can be difficult for rear center cutting units under the vehicle frame.
Some other reel mower grass catcher carriers or mounting devices require the operator to fasten or unfasten hooks or latches from the grass catcher. Examples include U.S. Pat. No. 5,412,931, which relates to a slidable grass catcher with a laterally extending rail on the cutting unit, and a pair of hooks on the grass catcher that engage the rail. U.S. Pat. No. 6,237,313 relates to a grass catcher support assembly that includes upper and lower support members at each side of the cutting unit that support the grass catcher, with cables attached between the upper and lower support members. U.S. Pat. No. 7,765,779 relates to a latch mechanism for retaining a grass catcher on a reel mower cutting unit. The latch mechanism includes a latch plate releasably holding a rod end of the grass catcher in a slot on the reel mower cutting unit. U.S. Pat. No. 7,845,152 relates to a grass catcher retaining device for a reel mower cutting unit. A central support ring may be pivotably mounted to the top of the grass catcher and engages a wireform loop extending forwardly from a lift arm. Access to the hooks or latches can be difficult on grass catchers for rear cutting units under the vehicle frame.
Other self-propelled grass mowing machines provide access to rear center cutting units through the operator station, instead of from the side. For example, the rear center cutting unit may be positioned directly under the operator station, and/or the operator may use a flip-up foot rest to install or remove the grass catcher. The grass catchers rest on carriers designed for installation or removal of the grass catcher from above. For example, the grass catchers may have grooves located on their sides which interfit with upwardly extending horns on the reel mower cutting units. However, these carriers put most or all of the grass catcher's weight on the reel mower cutting unit, resulting in potential loss of cut quality. Examples include U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,533,326 and 6,341,478 which relate to a triplex greensmower having grass catcher mounted on a carrier frame in front of a reel mower cutting unit, with a pair of horns supporting the ends of the grass catcher.
Other self-propelled grass mowing machines may position the grass catcher in a carrier frame in front of the reel mower cutting unit. The weight of the grass catcher may be supported by the carrier frame which rides on a large roller in front of the cutting unit. The roller can flatten the grass, negatively affecting cut quality. Additionally, the grass catcher may not be fastened to the cutting unit, so the grass catcher may not be properly positioned for optimum collection. While a reel mower cutting unit pivots, it is important that the grass catcher remain close enough to the cutting unit so that grass clippings do not fall into a gap between the cutting unit and grass catcher.
Thus, a simple, low cost reel mower grass catcher carrier is needed that makes it simple for an operator to install and remove a grass catcher from under a vehicle. A reel mower grass catcher carrier is needed that facilitates installation or removal of the grass catcher when the cutting unit is in either the raised transport position or the lowered mowing position. A reel mower grass catcher carrier is needed in which the grass catcher is not supported by the cutting unit, and that does not negatively affect cut quality. A reel mower grass catcher carrier is needed that maintains the grass catcher in close proximity to the cutting unit.


A cleanable filter system including a housing defining an inlet for fluid to be filtered and an outlet for filtered fluid, a stack of filter disks disposed within the housing and defining an upstream surface communicating with the inlet and a downstream surface communicating with the outlet and filter disk cleaning apparatus including a plurality of nozzles coupled to a source of backflushing fluid and providing a high pressure stream of fluid impinging on the downstream surface, and apparatus for providing both linear and rotational motion of the plurality of nozzles relative to the downstream surface thereby to result in systematic scanning of generally all of the filter disks.

Various types of fluid filters of the cleanable disk type are known in the patent literature. Examples of such filters and filter systems are described in applicant's U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/150,246.
Filters having a water powered filter cleaning system are described and claimed in applicant's U.S. Reissued Patent 32,537 and in applicant's U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,045,345 and 4,614,581.

Cleanable filter system with longitudinally movable and rotatable cleaning member


The invention relates to a playground equipment comprising a platform for a user to sit or stand on and mounted to the ground via a first shaft and a second shaft. The shafts are connected to each other at an angle and coupled in a gear transmission system. Because of the gearing between the shafts a first rotational speed of the first shaft yields a second rotational speed of the second shaft different from the first rotational speed. The gear transmission system may comprise an epicyclic gear train such as a planetary gear system. The gear transmission system may yield a gear ratio in the range of 1.5-10 such as in the range of 3-7.

Carousels, merry-go-rounds, playground rides, or playground roundabouts have long been a popular equipment on playgrounds for children of all ages, and can be found in numerous different configurations, sizes, functionality, and designs.
Typically such playground roundabouts comprise some sort of platform or seats to accommodate the one or more users and which then is turned either mechanically, by others or by the persons on the roundabout themselves.
Different types of roundabouts exist yielding different types of movement of the user not only making the user circle in a horizontal plane but also move up and down, or spin around his own axis etc.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,073,595 describes a playground ride where the seating platform is arranged on two freely rotating and separated hubs whose axis of ration are angularly offset resulting in a special combination of circular motion and vertical motion. As the seating platform can be rotated fast or slowly and in changing direction relative to the rotation of the base column is obtained a more exhilarated ride where the resulting movement is perceived as unpredictable by the user.
Another type of exercising device is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,290,601 comprising a wobble plate mounted on a single shaft to a base and placed on one side on top of a roller assembly thereby creating a raised position of one portion of the wobble plate. The roller assembly is in one embodiment made from pair of hemispherical balls and held in its radial position by a radial arm connected to the shaft. A person standing on the wobble plate can then set the board in motion. The design with the roller assembly moving between the base and the underside of the wobble board however yields a construction with a relatively high number of movable parts and with a number of places where objects such as clothes, fingers etc. can get caught or entangled. The latter especially makes the exercise device unsuitable as a playground equipment.
EP 1747803 discloses an exercising apparatus of an oscillating platform placed at an angle relative to a support platform and free to rotate around two non-parallel axes. Different configurations of the plate and the axes relative to each other yield different types of motion of the user. Also, the platform rotating assembly may be driven by a gear assembly configured to rotate the platform at a predetermined rate such that the platform rotates relative to the platform by a predetermined amount during use. Thereby the amount of oscillating can be controlled however without influencing the type of motion of the user.


A tailgate cover assembly including a first panel and a second panel fixed to a vehicle tailgate and connected to the first panel by a first hinge assembly, the first panel being pivotable with respect to the second panel. The tailgate cover may also include a third panel fixed to the second panel by a second hinge assembly and being pivotable with respect to the second panel, wherein in an extended state, the first panel and third panel provide a flat surface on the tailgate.

Pickup trucks include tailgate doors that are movable between open and closed positions. When tailgate doors are open, owners may wish to set items, or otherwise use the tailgate door, as a table or countertop. Due to the manufacturing constraints and strength and stiffness requirements, the interior sides of tailgate doors often include an uneven surface, preventing the use of the interior side for tailgating, worksites, etc.


A system and method reduces degradation of voice quality due to Fast Associated Control Channel (FACCH) format signaling between a mobile station and a base station on the digital voice channel. The present invention sends FACCH messages either at the expiration of a timer or during breaks in the speech pattern of a mobile user thereby improving digital speech quality while providing flexibility to implement features and services that require intensive FACCH signaling between a base station and a mobile station during voice conversation. Channel associated signaling messages that are not time-critical are synchronized with speech activity detection.

1. Technical Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to wireless radio telecommunication systems, and in particular, to an improved method of sending control signals between a base station and a mobile station in a cellular telephone network.
2. Description of Related Art
Wireless communications in general and cellular communications in particular provide for telephony services between mobile users and landline users. In Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) cellular communications or wireless communications, speech from the user is converted into digital speech samples by a voice coder. These speech samples are sent in bursts on a digital voice channel from a mobile station to a base station, and vice-versa, according to the TDMA structure.
The recent EIA/TIA IS-54B standard for TDMA digital cellular air interface dictates that certain signaling messages between the mobile station and the base station are to be sent in a Fast Associated Control Channel (FACCH) format on the digital voice channel. The IS-54B standard is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
Current methods employed for transmitting FACCH messages on a digital voice channel replace some of the speech information on the voice channel with the FACCH message to be transmitted. An example of such a method is the "blank and burst" method. These current methods, however, are undesirable since numerous transmissions of FACCH messages may lead to voice quality degradation. For this reason, it is necessary to limit the use of signaling between the mobile station and the base station during conversation. This limitation restricts the possibility of implementing features and services that require intensive FACCH signaling.
The IS-54B standard also allows for Discontinuous Transmission (DTX) by the mobile station. In DTX mode of operation, a radio frequency signal is only transmitted from the mobile station to a base station during the period of time in which the mobile user is speaking or a FACCH message is being transmitted. During the time period in which no information is being sent from the mobile station to the base station, the mobile station turns off its transmitter. The time period in which a radio signal is being transmitted from the mobile station is referred to hereinafter as "DTX-high" mode, and the time period in which no radio signal is being transmitted from the mobile station is referred to hereinafter as "DTX-low" mode.
Currently, base stations continuously transmit a downlink signal to mobile stations within their coverage area for the purpose of continuously synchronizing the mobile stations with their associated base station. Thus, base stations are unable to employ a discontinuous (DTX) mode of operation for transmissions to mobile stations.
Although there are no known prior art teachings of a solution to the aforementioned deficiency and shortcoming such as that disclosed herein, U.S. Pat. No. 5,299,198 to Kay et al. discloses a method and apparatus for increasing the capacity of a time division multiple access (TDMA) radio communications system. Kay assigns voice traffic capacity on a speech-spurt basis. Both the mobile and the base stations include speech detectors. Control messages, or speech from other conversations, are sent when a speech detector detects the termination of a speech spurt. Kay teaches the use of a separate channel (forward control channel and reverse control channel) when not in speech. Kay is totally oriented toward filling the gaps in speech activity in order to increase the capacity of a TDMA communications system. Thus, Kay does not teach or suggest delaying the transmission of FACCH messages, required to be transmitted on a digital voice channel, until either there is no speech on the voice channel or a specified period of time has elapsed. Thus, review of the Kay reference reveals no disclosure or suggestion of a system or method such as that described and claimed herein.
It would be a distinct advantage to have a method and system that provides the flexibility necessary to implement features and services that require intensive FACCH signaling between a base station and a mobile station during voice conversation and without severe voice quality degradation. The present invention teaches such a method and system.

Method and system for delayed transmission of fast associated control channel messages on a voice channel


An apparatus for filtering multiple biological samples using a filter membrane is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a base plate, a well plate, a gasket, and a first vacuum member for vacuum-clamping the base plate, well plate, gasket and filter membrane together. The apparatus may further comprise a second vacuum member for drawing the biological samples from the well plate into contact with the filter membrane.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to an apparatus and method thereof for biochemical testing and screening. More particularly, the present invention relates to a multi-sample filtration apparatus and method thereof for biomedical testing and screening of multiple samples.
2. Related Art
Multi-sample filtration apparatus are generally used for sampling all types of media. For example, in molecular biology applications, the testing of extracts of blood, extracts of cells or purified nucleic acids from a variety of sources is a common application of the apparatus. In the area of immunology, the testing of extracts of blood, whole cells or purified materials are common applications.
Conventional apparatus typically operate by allowing a sample to come into contact with a filter membrane. Tests are then performed on the membrane, and a variety of determinations can be made regarding the sample media. Conventional filtration devices further allow for testing of multiple samples, so as to allow more than one type of media or multiple samples of identical media to be tested.
One type of multi-sample filtration apparatus, disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,493,815 to Fernwood et al (referred to herein as the "Fernwood Patent") employs a vacuum member to draw the media into contact with a filter membrane. The purpose of the vacuum member is to bring the media in contact with the filter membrane. The Fernwood Patent also discloses a plurality of mechanical screws for "sandwiching" (clamping) the assembly together. Clamping of the assembly is necessary to prevent migration of samples on the membrane and leakage of vacuum.
Apparatus such as that disclosed by the Fernwood Patent, however, have several disadvantages. One disadvantage relates to sealing. If a good seal is not obtained, samples will migrate across the filter membrane causing serious problems when a lab technician is trying to analyze the membrane. Some samples will be destroyed, others will be placed in a condition that will not readily facilitate analysis by the technician.
Another disadvantage relates to operation of the apparatus. Conventional methods of manually creating a seal are cumbersome. Screws and clamps must be fastened and unfastened, parts must be taken apart. Use of screw and clamp is inefficient and creates a significant loss in production output.

Vacuum clamped multi-sample filtration apparatus


The delivery system of the invention overcomes the above-noted shortcomings and consists of at least two stainless steel, rigid syrup storage tanks. The tanks are connected to a carbonated beverage mixer and dispenser via a automatic vacuum selector valve. The valve operates to change over between tanks when the tank providing syrup becomes empty and a vacuum is created in the supply line to the selector valve. The vacuum is created in the supply line by an automatically operating valve that closes the supply line when the tank is empty. A cleaning system is also provided that can be connected to the vent of the empty tank to clean it before it is refilled with syrup. A drain line cooperates with the valve to maintain the valve in its open position and allow the cleaning fluid to drain from the tank.

This invention relates, generally, to carbonated beverage delivery systems and, more particularly, to an automatic self-cleaning, two tank supply system for the beverage syrup.
As is well known in the art, a typical carbonated beverage system includes carbon dioxide, water and syrup stored in separate containers. These components are mixed together in the appropriate amounts to create the desired carbonated beverage. Such beverage systems are typically found in fast food restaurants and other similar establishments where carbonated beverages are sold in large quantities.
One such beverage system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,683,921 issued to Neeser. This system includes two syrup storage tanks, means for filling the tanks and a sanitizing unit for cleaning the tanks and the means for filing the tanks. By using two storage tanks, syrup can be dispensed from one tank while the other tank is being cleaned and refilled such that the supply of syrup to the beverage dispenser is not interrupted.
While such a system provides for the continuous delivery of syrup, it requires the change over between the full tank and the empty tank to be accomplished manually. The manual change over is inefficient and unreliable as the syrup may unexpectedly run out before the change over occurs or the change over may be performed too soon thereby wasting the unused syrup.
Another type of syrup delivery system is the, so called, bag-in-box arrangement in which the rigid syrup storage tanks are replaced by plastic bags containing the syrup supported in cardboard boxes. The bags are connected to a vacuum selector valve that automatically changes over between the bags when the bags empty. The selector valve operates to change over between bags when it senses that a vacuum has been created by the empty bag. The selector valve is connected to a syrup pump, which is the driving force on the syrup.
While the bag-in-box system provides automatic change over, the delivery, storage and replacement of the bags and boxes is time consuming and inefficient. Moreover, because the bags and boxes are not reusable, their disposal creates environmental problems.
Thus a syrup delivery system that offers the convenience and ease of use of the permanent storage tanks and the automatic change over capability of the bag-in-box systems is desired.

Syrup delivery system for carbonated beverages


There is provided a spread illuminating apparatus aiming to minimize the coverage of a liquid crystal screen while securely integrating a light conductive member with a transparent substrate. The light conductive member is wedge-shaped in which the width thereof is in inverse proportion to the increase in distance from a spot-like light source opposing face, and the transparent substrate is trapezoid-shaped in which a side aligned to the spot-like light source opposing face is shorter. A frame and transparent substrate overlapping part becomes larger from one side part to the other side part of the transparent substrate. Since the frame and transparent substrate overlapping part are large enough regardless of the small width of the frame than that of the prior art, the region of a liquid crystal screen can be increased accordingly.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a spread illuminating apparatus, and more particularly to the spread illuminating apparatus used as an illuminating means for a liquid crystal display device.
2. Description of the Related Art
A demand for a liquid crystal display device operating in a low power consumption is increasing mainly for personal computers or portable telephones due to its low profile and light weight. Since a liquid crystal of the liquid crystal display device does not emit light by itself unlike a light emitting element such as a cathode-ray tube, a separate illuminating means is required besides the liquid crystal display device when observing images. In particular, a spread illuminating apparatus of side light type (light conductive plate type) is used as an illuminating means for the liquid crystal display device so as to satisfy the recent demand for the low profile as well as energy saving.
FIG. 4 shows an example of such a spread illuminating apparatus of side light type.
In FIG. 4, a spread illuminating apparatus 1, which includes a rectangular transparent substrate made of a light transmissible material, generally comprises a bar-like light source 4 disposed along one end face 3 of a transparent substrate 2 made of a light-transmissible material. The transparent substrate 2 formed into a plate-like rectangle has a light reflection pattern 5 on a surface (an upper side in FIG. 4).
The light source 4 is generally composed of a bar-like light conductive member 6 made of a transparent material and disposed close to and along the one end face 3 of the transparent substrate 2, and a spot-like light source 7 disposed on one end face of the light conductive member 6.
An optical path conversion means 8 is provided on the light conductive member 6. The optical path conversion means 8 comprises a plurality of grooves 9 which are, for example, triangular in section, and extended in the thickness direction (the vertical direction in FIG. 4) of the light conductive member 6, and formed in the longitudinal direction of the light conductive member 6 on a face 6b opposite to a transparent substrate opposing face 6a, and light emitted from the spot-like light source 7 is incident on the one end face 3 of the transparent substrate 2 in a substantially uniform manner. The depth of the grooves 9 triangular in section is in proportion to the increase in distance from the spot-like light source 7 being able to unify the light.
In order to improve the light utilization efficiency of the light conductive member 6, a frame 10 which is substantially U-shaped in section and has a light reflection member (not shown) inside thereof covers a surface of the light conductive member 6 except the transparent substrate opposing face 6a and also covers a proximal portion (a part on the end face 3 side) of the transparent substrate 2 thus collecting light beams leaked from the light conductive member 6.
In addition, the frame 10 also works not to detach the light conductive member 6 from the transparent substrate 2 with a specified strength. In order to reliably integrate the light conductive member 6 with the transparent substrate 2, the width L1 of the frame 10 is wider at least by 1 to 3 mm than the width L2 of the light conductive member 6 thereby covering the proximal portion of the transparent substrate 2. Accordingly, in the spread illuminating apparatus 1 in FIG. 4, the width L1 of the frame 10 is set to be 4 to 6 mm while the width L2 of the light conductive member 6 is 3 mm.
In the spread illuminating apparatus described above, the market thereof demands for obtaining a larger size of the liquid crystal screen as possible. Meeting the above demand, the frame covering portion over the liquid crystal screen should be as small as possible to the contrary. Thus, the reduction of the width L1 for the frame 10 will be one of the options to achieve the larger liquid crystal screen.
However, if the width L1 of the frame 10 is reduced as described above, the portion of the frame 10 overlapped with the transparent substrate 2 is reduced accordingly, whereby the required strength for integrating the light conductive member 6 with the transparent substrate 2 will be insufficient and not satisfy the recent demand.
The present invention has been made in light of the above problems, and the object thereof is to provide a spread illuminating apparatus in which a portion covering a liquid crystal screen is reduced to a minimum while surely integrating a light conductive member with the transparent substrate.
In order to solve the above problems, according to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a spread illuminating apparatus including a rectangular transparent substrate made of a light transmissible material, in which a bar-like light source comprising a bar-like light conductive member made of a transparent material and a spot-like light source disposed on one end face of the light conductive member is disposed along one end face of the rectangular transparent substrate and a frame is held on the transparent substrate so as to cover the light conductive member, wherein the light conductive member is wedge-shaped such that a width of one end thereof facing a spot-like light source is larger than a width of the other end opposite the one end; and the transparent substrate is structured such that one end thereof facing the light conductive member is inclined and has an inclination angle forming an obtuse angle with respect to one side thereof aligned to the one end of the light conductive member facing the spot-like light source.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the spread illuminating apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, the inclination angle of the transparent substrate is set to be substantially supplementary to the light conductive member inclination angle which is formed by one side of the light conductive member facing the transparent substrate with respect to the one end face facing the spot-like light source.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the spread illuminating apparatus according to the first or second aspect of the present invention, one light source is provided, and wherein the transparent substrate is trapezoid-shaped such that one side thereof aligned to the one end of the light conductive member facing the spot-like light source is shorter than the other side opposite to the one side.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the spread illuminating apparatus according to the first or second aspect of the present invention, two light sources are provided, and each of the two light sources is disposed along each of both ends of the transparent substrate opposite to each other.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the spread illuminating apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, respective one ends of respective light conductive members of the two light sources, which face respective spot-like light sources, are located to be aligned to one same side of the transparent substrate, and the transparent substrate is trapezoid-shaped.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the spread illuminating apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, respective one ends of respective light conductive members of the two light sources, which face respective spot-like light sources, are located to be aligned to respective sides of said transparent substrate opposite to each other, and the transparent substrate is parallelogram-shaped.


A method for manufacturing bonded wafer including: producing bonded wafer having thin-film on its base wafer by an ion implantation delamination method, and reducing film thickness of the thin-film, wherein the step of reducing the film thickness includes a stage of reducing the film thickness by sacrificial oxidation treatment or vapor phase etching, wherein the method for manufacturing bonded wafer further includes a cleaning step of cleaning the bonded wafer exposing the delamination surface just before the step of reducing the film thickness, wherein the cleaning step includes a stage of performing a wet cleaning by successively dipping the bonded wafer to plural of cleaning baths, and wherein the wet cleaning is performed without applying ultrasonic in each of the cleaning baths in the wet cleaning. The method enables to clean bonded wafer exposing delamination surface remaining damage of ion implantation using a cleaning line in a strict control level.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a bonded wafer by an ion implantation delamination method.
2. Description of the Related Art
A method of manufacturing a SOI wafer by delaminating ions-implanted wafers after bonding, i.e., an ion implantation delamination method (a technique also referred to as the Smart Cut method (registered trademark)), has attracted attention as a method of manufacturing silicon on insulator (SOI) wafers, particularly a method of manufacturing SOI wafers having a thin SOI layer that enable improvement in performance of advanced integrated circuits.
This ion implantation delamination method is a technique to form an SOI wafer (See Patent Literature 1) in the following manner: an oxide film is formed on at least one of two silicon wafers; gas ions such as hydrogen ions or rare gas ions are implanted from a front surface of one of the silicon wafers (a bond wafer) to form the ion implantation layer (also referred to as a micro bubble layer or an enclosed layer) in the interior of the wafer; the surface from which the ions are implanted is then brought into close contact with the other silicon wafer (a base wafer) through the oxide film; a heat treatment (a delamination heat treatment) is then performed to cleave one of the wafers (the bond wafer) along the micro bubble layer so that the bond wafer is separated into a thin film; and another heat treatment (a bonding heat treatment) is then performed to strengthen a bond between the wafers. At this point, the cleavage plane (the delamination surface) is a surface of an SOI layer, and an SOI wafer having a thin SOI with high uniformity is relatively easily obtained.
The surface of the delaminated SOI wafer, however, contains a damaged layer due to ion implantation, and has surface roughness larger than the mirror surface of the usual silicon wafer. Accordingly, it is necessary to remove such damaged layer and surface roughness in an ion implantation delamination method.
Conventionally, mirror polishing with extremely small polishing stock removal (a stock removal of about 100 nm), referred to as touch polishing, has been performed in order to remove the damaged layer and the like in the final step after the bonding heat treatment. However, when polishing including a mechanical processing element is performed with respect to the SOI layer, since the stock removal of the polishing is not uniform, there occurs a problem that film thickness uniformity of the SOI layer achieved by implantation of hydrogen ions etc. and delamination is deteriorated.
For the purpose of solving such a problem, a flattening process involving heat treatment at a high temperature has been performed to improve the surface roughness instead of the touch polishing.
For example, Patent Literature 2 proposes to add a heat treatment (a rapid heating/rapid cooling heat treatment (an RTA treatment)) in a reducing atmosphere containing hydrogen without polishing a surface of an SOI layer after a delamination heat treatment (or a bonding heat treatment).
Herein, it is necessary to perform wet cleaning which is well-known and is called RCA cleaning prior to the heat treatment for the surface of the delaminated SOI layer (the delaminated layer) in order to avoid contamination such as particles or impurities as described in paragraph [0065] of Patent Literature 2.
Further, in paragraph [0050] of Patent Literature 3, the following subject matter is described: when manufacturing a SOI wafer having an oxide film on a terrace part (the peripheral part of a wafer where base wafer is exposed) by an ion implantation delamination method, silicon flakes will adhere onto an oxide film of a terrace part at the time that a bond wafer is delaminated and this causes particle contamination, etc. through the subsequent epitaxial growth. In order to avoid that, wet cleaning such as SC1 cleaning or HF cleaning are performed as a cleaning step to remove silicon flakes on the terrace part prior to an epitaxial growth.
Incidentally, wet cleaning described in Patent Literatures 2 and 3 commonly uses a cleaning method with applying ultrasonic to cleaning fluid to remove particle contaminants from an object to be cleaned by the vibrating action (ultrasonic cleaning) (see Patent Literatures 4 and 5).


The APPARATUSES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR A REAL-TIME PHONE CONFIGURER (hereinafter “RTPC”) implement efficient and scalable monitoring, regulation, and allocation of computational processing, data, labor, and/or the like resources within an enterprise. The RTPC may provide personalized and feature-specific telephone access to users based on discerned user characteristics. The RTPC may, for example, allow users to engage softphone telephone applications at different client terminals and yet maintain the same, personal phone number. The RTPC may further configure the user's softphone experience with a telephone feature configuration selected for that user, such as may be based on an evaluation of specified rules in view of discerned user characteristics.

Software systems have come about to allow telephone-like functionality to be engaged from computing devices without the need for specialized telephony hardware at the user-level. Such applications may be configured to transmit voice information over packet-switched networks such as the internet. That data may, in some instances, be confined throughout transit to the packet-switched network, or may interface with the public switched telephone network, such as to connect with non-software based telephony devices.

Apparatuses, methods and systems for a real-time phone configurer


A portable, free-standing head support frame for passively inducing cervical and thoracic flexion while maintaining traction includes a base support platform for placement on the floor or other stable treatment surface, an upright head support frame that projects transversely with respect to the base platform, a head cradle including a V-shaped occipital engagement block with engagement edges extending transversely on opposite sides of the occipital center line, a strap to immobilize the patient's head, and an adjustable coupling for holding the head cradle at a desired elevation above the base platform. The patient assumes a static, semi-reclined position with the patient's upper torso and head being elevated and inclined with respect to the support surface. The weight of the patient's upper torso induces a gentle stretch and traction in cervical and thoracic flexion, providing relief of cervical and upper thoracic muscle spasm, and facet joint, costovertebral joint and soft tissue conditions. The principal component parts of the frame are pivotally coupled so that the support frame is erectable to an upright, stable treatment position for accommodating therapy, and is completely foldable and collapsible to a minimum profile position for storage, without requiring tools.

This invention relates generally to passive cervical traction devices, and in particular to gravity-assisted occipital support and cervical stretching apparatus used during the administration of physical therapy.
Spinal cervical and thoracic disorders can result from trauma or from long-term life-style activities, or emotional stress. These conditions can cause cervical muscle tension/spasm, facet joint locking, ligament/capsule tightness and contracture, soft-tissue hypomobilities and arthritis. Conventional therapies include traction, manipulation, mobilization, therapeutic exercise, heat/cold therapy, ultra-sound and short-wave diathermy.
In one physical therapy treatment protocol, the patient rests in a semi-reclined position on a treatment table while cervical and thoracic flexion is applied manually by a physical therapist. During this procedure, the therapist's hands (the heels of his hands) engage the patient's occiput bilaterally, providing slight cervical/thoracic traction and stretch. The therapist rests his elbows in a slightly spread position on the treatment surface directly behind the patient's head. This technique has proven to be effective, but requires one-on-one attendance by a therapist. Additionally, it imposes a physical strain on the therapist, who is required to maintain his/her arms and hands in a spread apart, fixed position during the treatment session, which extends over a typical treatment period of five minutes.
Conventional traction devices can be categorized as clinical machines and home units. Typically, clinical machines are powered by electric, pneumatic or hydraulic means, and are used in the supine position. Home devices are used in either the supine or seated position (utilizing standard chairs found in the home such as a folding chair or kitchen chair) and are usually passive, usually relying on a suspended weight in one form or another.
Portable cervical traction devices have been developed as an aid to the therapist to provide for home treatment. These mechanical devices employ passive (gravity-assisted) supports for inducing a traction effect at the intervertebral joints (facet and/or disc) and stretching the patient's neck muscles, ligaments and other supporting tissues.
Conventional therapy devices include cervical traction machines which either require or avoid transmission of forces through the left and right temporomandibular joints (TMJ). One cervical traction machine utilizes a recliner chair with a head harness for achieving a desired degree of cervical or thoracic flexion while the patient is seated. The head harness used in most home traction kits require the transmission of force through the TMJ, which can be painful.
Other traction devices such as the Saunders cervical traction machine (U.S. Pat. No. Re. 32,791) includes adjustable wedges which avoid force through the TMJ. The flexion angle of the neck can be adjusted from 15.degree.-25.degree. in the supine position. However, the Saunders home device cannot be adjusted to include thoracic flexion and is relatively expensive.
Presently, there is no conventional device or appliance that is as effective as the manual treatment provided by a trained professional. One reason for this is the ability of the trained professional to continuously modify and adjust the manually applied stretch and traction force in response to feedback information received from the patient as the therapy progresses. Nevertheless, a need exists for a passive device which can be used by the therapist as an adjunct to manual treatment protocols. Moreover, a need also exists for a portable apparatus that can be used safely and effectively by a patient at home on an unsupervised outpatient basis during self-administered therapy for the relief of pain and muscle spasm reduction.

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A method for producing a welded part from two components, where at least one of the components has a hardened surface. The method can include case hardening the surface of one of the components using a salt bath nitriding process and then welding the case hardened first component to the second component by gas metal arc welding (GMAW).

Some home appliances, such as washing machines, use processes to harden the surface of components for increased wear and/or corrosion resistance. Salt bath nitriding is one example of a process by which a case hardened surface can be created on a component.
Whirlpool has used salt bath nitriding on the spin tube of the gear case on some washing machines to increase the corrosion resistance of the spin tube, which is exposed to wash liquid during operation of the washing machine. The spin tube, which is made of cold-rolled steel, is welded in place before nitriding because the prior art had established that nitrided parts cannot be successfully welded. Welding a nitrided component may lead to an unacceptable level of porosity in the weld. DE 3429994 teaches that after salt bath nitriding, surfaces are no longer weldable. The textbook, Laser Welding: a Practical Guide confirms that nitrided surfaces are generally unsuitable for fusion welding processes, since the weld will remove the surface hardness in the vicinity of the weld.

Method for welding a case hardened component


An adaptive security system having a hierarchy of security servers. The security system maintains a primary security server for each task or process executing within a computing environment. An enforcement mechanism receives resource requests from the tasks and queries the corresponding primary security server which resolves the request based on a set of security associations. If the primary security server is unable to resolve the request, the enforcement mechanism queries a parent security server. Security servers are dynamically created and terminated in response to changing organizational policies. The present invention facilitates the dynamic creation and termination of security servers to adapt to organizational policy changes.

In order to control the management, protection and distribution of sensitive information, an organization defines a security policy and implements the policy through various laws, rules and practices. A security policy has several objectives. First, a security policy strives to maintain the confidentiality of the sensitive information by protecting the information from improper disclosure to unauthorized users. Second, a security policy seeks to maintain the integrity of the information by ensuring that users do not modify data to which they are not authorized and authorized users do not corrupt the information by improper operations. Finally, the policy seeks to minimize any burden on the availability and accessibility of the information to authorized users incurred as a result of the policy.
In a computing environment, an operating system controls access to resources such as files and network devices. Often a policy engine, also referred to as a security server, is used in conjunction with the operating system and calculates permissions to the resources based on the organization's security policy. Therefore, the policy engine must reflect the policies of the organization. This is often difficult because organizational policies change over time due to unforseen events such as organizational restructuring, formation of new alliances, and the onset of emergency situations. Implementing a policy engine in a computing environment is further complicated by the fact that organization policies often change during normal operations. For example, some organizations, such as banks, have different security policies for business hours than for evenings and weekends. Conventional policy engines are static and are unable to adapt to organizational policy changes. For the reasons stated above, and for other reasons stated below which will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the present specification, there is a need in the art for an adaptive security system which can readily adjust to organizational policy changes. Furthermore, there is a need for a security system which can dynamically implement new security policies and terminate out-of-date policies.

Adaptive security system having a hierarchy of security servers


In a semiconductor memory device, data required for controlling design margins and access time is stored at a selected fuse ROM array and a vendor test is performed. By using the information obtained by the vendor testing, fuse ROM arrays are programed, so that design margins and access time can be easily varied according to semiconductor memory device, thereby enhancing the device performance. Moreover, by additionally adapting a multiplexer, a plurality of fuse ROM arrays can be programmed by using a few pads.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a semiconductor memory device, and more particularly to a semiconductor memory device capable of individually and readily performing control of a variety of design margins and access time according to each semiconductor memory device to thereby improve a reliability and performance of the semiconductor memory device.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In a semiconductor memory device, there is always a possibility of process variation. Actually, according to process steps to allow the memory device to be operated, the process variation occurs within a predetermined error range for a target value, in which process variation is essential to determine a performance of the memory device. Therefore, in designing the memory device, design margins are to be considered to permit the memory device to be operated even in a worst condition.
Therefore, after the process variation and the design margins are considered in designing a device, a simulation is performed, and the uppermost metal layer option is laid out in order to easily verify and to adjust the process variation and the design margins according to the result of the simulation. That is, at a stage of a sample product, the design margins are evaluated by an internal probing. Then, a metal layer is corrected by an FIB(Focus Ion Beam) outfit to be re-evaluated, and finally is corrected.
With reference to FIG. 1, a conventional semiconductor memory device includes a sense amplifier enabling unit 1 for outputting a sense amplifier enable signal SN according to decoding an address regarding word line; delays 2 for delaying the sense amplifier enable signal SN for a predetermined time provided from the sense amplifier enabling unit 1 and outputting a delayed sense amplifier enable signal SN'; a bit line sense amplfier 3 being enabled by the delayed sense amplifier enable signal SN' provided from the delays 2 and amplifying a minute electric potential difference in a pair of bit lines BL and BL; and a memory cell 4 being connected to the pair of bit lines BL and BL and a word line WL.
The delays 2 includes a plurality of sequentially connected delays TD.sub.0 -TD.sub.n and metal switches for bypass disposed at both ends of each delay TD.sub.0 -TD.sub.n.
The memory cell 4 includes an NMOS transistor 401 having a gate connected to the word line WL and a source connected to the bit line BL, and a capacitor 402 for storing data one end of which is connected to a drain of the NMOS transistor 401 and the other end a power voltage is applied to. A plurality of memory cell constructed the same as in the above memory cell 4 are arranged in array in the semiconductor memory device.
An operation of the semiconductor memory device as constructed above will now be described with reference to FIG. 2.
When a row address strobe signal(not shown) provided from an external source of a semiconductor memory device becomes active, a row address(not shown) is decoded, so that a signal inputted to a word line WL of a plurality of word lines is transitted to a high level.
Then, the NMOS transistor 401 is turned on and the data stored at the capacitor 402 is loaded at the bit lines BL. That is, for instance, if the data stored at the capacitor 402 is `0`, the electric potential of the bit line(BL) which has been precharged by chargestmring between the capacitor 402 and the bit line BL is reduced as much as .DELTA.V.
The sense amplifier enabling unit 1 outputs a sense amplifier enable signal SN of high level to a delay element TD.sub.0 of the delay 2. The sense amplifier enabling signal SN is delayed by each delay element TD.sub.0 -TD.sub.n or is bypassed by each metal switch S.sub.0 -S.sub.n, by which a delayed sense amplifier enabling signal SN' is input to a bit line sense amplifier 30. Accordingly, the bit line sense amplifier 3 is enabled to amplifier a predetermined voltage .DELTA.V, and the electric potential between the bit line BL and the bit line BL becomes large, as shown in FIG. 2.
In this respect, the charge dispersion between the capacitor 204 and the bit line BL is differently made depending on positions of memory cells each of which is connected to the bit line BL by RC delay. Therefore, if a farthest memory cell from the bit line sense amplifier 3 is selected, a size of the predetermined voltage .DELTA.V becomes the worst.
The bit line sense amplifier 3 always has an offset in sense amplifier, the element for geometrical mismatch and mismatch in process. In spite of the offset, the size of the predetermined voltage .DELTA.V between a pair of the bit line BL and BL is to be sufficient for sensing a proper data. However, since there is no means for supplying the charge but the capacitor 402 and the bit line capacitor(not shown), the predetermined voltage .DELTA.V will be converged to a constant value rather than being continuously increased as time goes by.
Therefore, for the purpose of sensing the proper data, the delayed sense amplifier enable signal SN' is to be input to the bit line sense amplifier 3 enough late, however, in this case, a time margin between a signal Ysel(not shown) selecting the bit line and the sense amplifier enabling signal SN may be reduced while an access time of the row address strobe signal RAS is increased. In particular, if an input point of time of the delayed sense amplifier enable signal SN' would be determined by only a simulation, the input point of time is necessarily be enough prolonged, moreover, a time margin is additionally required for a reliable operation considering the process variation and a die variation.
Accordingly, in order to avoid such problems, after evaluation of the operation of the sample product of the semiconductor memory device, arbitrary metal switches of the metal switches S.sub.0 -S.sub.n disposed at both ends of the delay elements TD.sub.0 -TD.sub.n are turned on or off, so that the input point of time of the delayed sense amplifier enable signal SN' is adjusted and the adjusted input point of time is applied to a device for real product.
However, such conventional semiconductor memory device also has disadvantages in that, since a uniformly defined time margin is applied to every semiconductor memory device, the time margin is unnecessarily larger for a specific semiconductor memory device, resulting in delaying the access time. Also, the sample product is evaluated by using FIB outfit which is hard to work, only a few sample products can be evaluated. In addition, in order to apply data obtained from the evaluation to a new product, the metal layer should be corrected, which is dangerous and a developing period of a semiconductor memory device therefor is lengthened. Furthermore, even if a process at the stage of mass production is improved, the result of the evaluation can not be quickly adapted to a manufacturing process.


Disclosed is method of computing a round trip delay between a pair of nodes, the method comprising transmitting at least one beacon at a known transmit time from each of the nodes; measuring the times-of-arrival of the beacons at other of the nodes; and estimating a round trip delay between the nodes from the measured times-of-arrival and the transmit times; and correcting the round trip delay for either or both of a frequency offset between the nodes and relative motion between the nodes.

There are many applications in which it is desirable to track or locate objects or people, such as: tracking athletes for training or providing event information in real time; tracking emergency services or military personnel in buildings and urban environments; tracking staff, patients, and equipment in hospitals and nursing homes; and tracking staff and equipment in industrial, hazardous or mining environments for safety and automation.
A wireless localisation system refers to any system that uses transmission of electromagnetic signals (e.g. radio frequency or microwave) to localise (estimate the location of) an object, in two dimensions or three dimensions. Mobile objects can be localised and/or tracked by attaching a signal-enabled tag to the object and using a set of fixed 'anchor' nodes in the area to be monitored. Inaccuracies in the location estimates arise due to (1) the properties of the radio propagation environment (e.g. multipath reflections and diffraction) and (2) limitations in the system hardware (e.g. lack of time/frequency synchronisation and propagation delays in hardware that are time varying). The latter issues are particularly severe in applications where the anchor nodes have wireless connections and must consist of low-cost hardware.
There are numerous systems for wireless localisation of objects or people. Optical, infra-red and ultrasonic localisation do not work through walls. Amongst radio localisation systems, the various techniques rely on measurement of received signal strength (RSS), time-of-arrival (TOA), and/or angle-of-arrival (AOA). It is well known that in difficult radio propagation environments, RSS techniques have poor accuracy. AOA techniques require expensive hardware to determine the direction of arrival, and may perform poorly in multipath environments where reflections arrive from many directions. A common TOA-based technique is satellite navigation (e.g. GPS); however, this is not possible in indoor environments or even in outdoor environments where the accuracy is significantly degraded by multipath signals (e.g. urban canyons).
The most common TOA-based localisation system uses receiving anchor nodes that are hard-wired (cabled) to the processing hardware (e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 6,831,603). This greatly simplifies the system as a common clock can be shared, eliminating the problem of frequency and time synchronisation. In some situations, such as where rapid installation is required or the region between receiving nodes is inaccessible or inappropriate for cable installation, cabled connections between anchor nodes are impractical.
Where there is wireless connection between anchor nodes, the frequency and time synchronisation problem is often handled by using two way (also known as round trip) localisation, and usually also by the use of a reference node (e.g. US Patent 2003/0092448). This approach transmits a signal from one node to another, followed immediately by a return signal. The time between receiving the forward message and transmitting the reverse message is often assumed to be constant, which is not the case in many practical systems.
Once the distance or 'range' between each mobile node and the anchor nodes has been determined, the location of the mobile nodes is estimated in a process known as 'multilateration'. The most common technique uses a minimum mean squared error (MMSE) approach. With this technique, 'bad' range data can severely affect the estimated locations of the mobile nodes. Another technique with a different assumption on the error distribution is based on Projections onto Convex Sets (POCS); however, conventional POCS algorithms do not handle well the case where there is a large intersection region. As with MMSE, the POCS approach is susceptible to bad data due to effects such as multipath reflections, radio interference and fading phenomena.

COMMONWEALTH SCIENTIFIC AND INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH ORGANISATION


A device for producing hot plasmas comprising a single turn theta-pinch coil, a fast discharge capacitor bank connected to the coil, a fuel element disposed along the center axis of the coil, a predetermined gas disposed within the theta-pinch coil, and a high power photon, electron or ion beam generator concentrically aligned to the theta-pinch coil. Discharge of the capacitor bank generates a cylindrical plasma sheath within the theta-pinch coil which heats the outer layer of the fuel element to form a fuel element plasma layer. The beam deposits energy in either the cylindrical plasma sheath or the fuel element plasma layer to assist the implosion of the fuel element to produce a hot plasma.

The present invention pertains generally to plasmas and more specifically to devices for generating thermonuclear neutrons.
Prior art methods for generating hot plasmas have been limited to inertially and magnetically confined systems. A typical example of an inertially confined system is the implosion of fuel microcapsules by impingent high power laser or electron beams. Typical examples of magnetically confined systems comprise theta-pinch devices, Z-pinch devices, various toroidal configurations such as stellarators, syllacs tokomacs, and toroidal Z-pinch devices, which form a magnetic bottle to confine a hot plasma for a predetermined period at sufficiently high temperatures and pressures to produce thermonuclear neutrons.
Both the inertially confined systems and the magnetically confined systems have various disadvantages and limitations. In both types of systems it is difficult and expensive to bring to bear sufficient energy on the hot plasma to insure significant thermonuclear burn. End losses in linear theta-pinch devices and various instabilities defeating confinement in other magnetic confinement systems due to rapid growth relative to containment times, also result in limited burn of the thermonuclear plasma. Damage to inertial confinement targets prior to implosion due to deposition of beam energy directly on the fuel element also limits neutron yield. This has been alleviated somewhat by pulse shaping and limiting the duration of the beam pulse. However, these measures impose extreme design limitations on the beam pulse generator which typically reduce efficiency. Moreover, the necessity of beam focusing to fuel microcapsule diameters requires expensive and easily damaged optics. Additionally, absorption characteristics of fuel microcapsule for impingent laser beams does not provide a good impedance match to insure maximum deposition of energy. Although magnetic confinement systems protect the containment vessel by magnetic energy fields and provide a means for recovering magnetic energy during fuel expansion, such systems are not inherent to inertially confined systems and must be added separately.

Beam heated linear theta-pinch device for producing hot plasmas

The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy


A GUI conveys the location of input focus to a user by a dynamic focus indicator that displays the path followed by input focus during a transition from one GUI component to another. A focus indicator is displayed at a first location having input focus. In response to the location of input focus shifting from the first location to a second location, a path is indicated from the first location to the second location and the focus indicator is displayed at the second location. The location of input focus may shift due to an input from the user, a request from an application associated with the GUI, or a timing event. The path is indicated by presenting an animation routine in which the focus indicator appears to traverse the path.

1. Field of Art
The described invention generally relates to indicating the location of input focus within a computer's graphical user interface. More particularly, it relates to indicating the location of input focus within a graphical user interface by showing the transition of input focus between locations.
2. Description of the Related Art
Graphical user interfaces (GUIs) typically include selectable components (e.g., icons, pull-down menus with menu items, browsing tabs, etc.) that facilitate user interaction. In such interfaces, a component is said to have input focus if that component is currently selected to receive user input. As a user navigates between GUI components, input focus shifts from one component to the next.
Many selection methods exist by which a user may steer input focus within a GUI. These selection methods may be classified as either direct or indirect, depending on the level of control with which a user switches input focus between components. Direct selection methods are those in which a user controls the location of input focus in an absolute manner. Examples of direct selection methods include clicking a mouse with its pointer positioned over a component or physically tapping the location of a component via a touch-screen display. Indirect selection methods are those in which user input merely serves to shift input focus between components according to a pre-defined traversal sequence set by the GUI. An example of an indirect selection method includes striking tab or arrow keys on a keyboard until input focus has shifted to the desired component and subsequently executing a selective action, such as striking an enter or return key. Regardless of the exact implementation, an indirect selection method restricts a user's control over which component has input focus to shifting within some pre-defined traversal sequence.
When using an indirect method, users are heavily reliant on focus indicators to know which component currently has input focus. Hence, clearly conveying the location of input focus is critical to the user's experience. Conventional systems use a variety of focus indicators, such as displaying a ring around the component having the focus, altering the color scheme of the component, or highlighting text within the component. However, the focus indicators employed by conventional systems are static in nature, meaning they are strictly limited to modifying the component having input focus. No indication is provided to a user regarding the transition of input focus from one component to another. If a user action causes input focus to shift from a first component to a second component, the focus indicator simply disappears from the first component and appears for the second component, appearing to instantaneously "pop" between components. In many situations, such static methods make tracking the on-screen location of input focus difficult for a user. For example, a user may have difficulty identifying the component with focus when a large number of components are simultaneously displayed; when input focus shifts between distant components; when input focus shifts between components in a non-sequential or non-obvious manner; or when the GUI is physically small (such as on a handheld device).
For illustrative purposes, FIG. 1 presents a sample GUI 100 utilizing a static focus indicator 185. GUI 100 includes multiple viewing panes 105, 110, 115, numerous selectable components 120-180, and a static focus indicator 185. GUI 100 supports an indirect selection method whereby a user may change input focus from one of the components 120-180 to another according to a pre-defined focus traversal sequence by striking the tab key on a keyboard. The pre-defined focus traversal sequence is alphabetical, with focus proceeding from component A 120 to component B 125, from component B 125 to component C 130, etc., until component M 135 has input focus, from which focus next shifts to component A 120 and the sequence repeats. The pre-defined traversal sequence detailed above is merely a single illustrative example provided for the sake of this discussion. Many variations in the sequence are possible.
As shown, the static focus indicator 185 used by the GUI of FIG. 1 is located at component G 170. The static focus indicator 185 includes four crop-marks surrounding component G 170. The static focus indicator 185 may be thought of as a rectangle surrounding component G 170, wherein only the vertices of the rectangle are visible to a user so as to avoid cluttering the GUI 100 unnecessarily. In the example operational state shown by FIG. 1, if the user were to strike the tab key, input focus would shift from component G 170 to component H 160.
Due to its static nature, this shift comprises the static focus indicator 185 ceasing to surround component G 170 and immediately commencing to surround component H 160. Hence, it may appear to the user as though the focus indicator 185 has instantaneously "popped" from component G 170 to component H 160. At any given instant, the static focus indicator 185 provides information about only that component 120-180 presently having input focus.
The user may have difficulty tracking the location of the static focus indicator 185 for a number of transitions, such as between component G 170 and component H 160. These two components 170, 160 are not spatially adjacent neighbors, are on opposite sides of the GUI 100, and do not share a viewing pane 115. Hence, this transition dictated by the pre-defined focus traversal sequence may seem illogical to a user. After striking the tab key, it may take the user some amount of time to scan the GUI 100 for the new location of the static focus indicator 185. The specific requirements placed on a GUI 100 and/or insufficient planning by software developers often give rise to illogical pre-defined focus traversal sequences wherein many transitions may cause a user employing an indirect selection method to lose track of a static focus indicator 185 and waste time locating it.

Indicating input focus by showing focus transitions