In a solenoid valve for a hydraulic braking system, a mechanical locking device is formed between a guide assembly and a valve armature or tappet. The mechanical locking device releases the valve armature or the tappet in a currentless closed position such that the restoring spring drives the valve armature and presses the closing element into the valve seat to seal and fastens the valve armature or the tappet in a currentless open position against the force of the restoring spring in an axial locking position such that the closing element lifts from the valve seat. The valve armature includes a main-stage armature having a first surface to which pressure is applied and a preliminary-stage armature having a smaller, second surface to which pressure is applied. The preliminary-stage armature is mounted axially movably in the main-stage armature and interacts with a preliminary-stage seat by means of a preliminary-stage closing element.

The prior art has disclosed hydraulic brake systems for vehicles having a master brake cylinder, having a hydraulics unit and having multiple wheel brakes, which comprise various safety systems such as for example an anti-lock system (ABS), electronic stability program (ESP) etc., and which can perform various safety functions such as for example an anti-lock function, drive slip control (ASR) etc. By means of the hydraulics unit, open-loop and/or closed-loop control processes can be performed in the anti-lock system (ABS) or in the drive slip control system (ASR system) or in the electronic stability program system (ESP system) for the build-up of pressure or dissipation of pressure in the corresponding wheel brakes. To perform the open-loop and/or closed-loop control processes, the hydraulics unit comprises solenoid valves which are normally held in distinct positions owing to the oppositely acting forces "magnetic force", "spring force" and "hydraulic force". Accordingly, the valve types "open when electrically deenergized" and "closed when electrically deenergized" exist. These solenoid valves each comprise a solenoid assembly and a valve cartridge, which comprises a pole core, a guide sleeve connected to the pole core, an armature which is guided within the guide sleeve so as to be axially movable between a closed position and an open position counter to the force of a resetting spring and which has a plunger and has a closing element, and a valve sleeve which is connected to the guide sleeve and which has a valve seat. By means of the electrical energization of the solenoid assembly, a magnetic force is generated which, in the case of a solenoid valve which is open when electrically deenergized, moves the armature with the plunger and the closing element from the open position into the closed position, until the closing element abuts against the corresponding valve seat and seals off the latter. In the electrically deenergized state, the resetting spring moves the armature with the plunger and the closing element, and the closing element lifts off from the valve seat and opens up the latter. In the case of a solenoid valve which is closed when electrically deenergized, the electrical energization of the solenoid assembly causes the armature with the plunger and the closing element to be moved from the closed position into the open position, and the closing element lifts off from the valve seat and opens up the latter. If the electrical current is deactivated, then the resetting spring moves the solenoid armature with the closing element in the direction of the valve seat until the closing element abuts against the valve seat and seals off the latter. This electrical energization is associated with energy consumption, which is undesirable. Furthermore, the functional reliability or functional availability is not provided to the desired extent if the function is realized only by means of active electrical energization.
The laid-open specification DE 10 2007 051 557 A1 describes for example a solenoid valve, which is closed when electrically deenergized, for a slip-controlled hydraulic vehicle brake system. The solenoid valve comprises a hydraulic part, also referred to as valve cartridge, which is arranged partially in a stepped bore of a valve block, and an electrical part, which is formed substantially from a solenoid assembly which is fitted onto that part of the valve cartridge which projects out of the valve block. The solenoid assembly comprises a coil body with an electrical winding, a magnetic-flux-conducting coil casing, and a magnetic-flux-conducting ring-shaped disk. The hydraulic part has a guide sleeve, which at its end facing toward the electrical part is closed off by means of a pressed-in pole core which is welded in fluid-tight fashion. In the guide sleeve, there is received a longitudinally displaceable armature which is supported by means of a restoring spring on the pole core. The armature has, averted from the pole core, a spherical closing body which is arranged in a depression. At the end averted from the pole core, a pot-shaped valve sleeve with a cylindrical shell and a base is pressed into the guide sleeve. The valve sleeve has, on the base, a passage and a hollow conical valve seat which, with the closing body, forms a seat valve. By means of the seat valve, a fluidic connection between the passage on the base of the valve sleeve and at least one passage in the casing of the valve sleeve is configured to be switchable. Furthermore, on the outside of the shell of the valve sleeve, there is arranged a radial filter for filtering dirt particles out of the fluid flow. The guide sleeve may be calked in the stepped bore of the valve block by means of a fastening bushing.
EP 0 073 886 B1 has disclosed a hydraulic control unit with a control slide which is displaceable axially into multiple switching positions and which automatically returns into one of its switching positions by means of a resetting spring, which control slide, outside said switching position, can be fixed by means of a spring-loaded detent which engages into detent positions, which detent is furthermore hydraulically actuatable by means of a part which is guided as a piston in a housing bore and which can be acted on via an adjoining ring-shaped chamber with pressurized fluid. The ring-shaped chamber is connected via a pilot control valve to the pump pressure line that leads to the consumer, which pump pressure line is relieved of pressure when the one or more consumers are deactivated. Here, the hydraulic actuating travel of the detent is limited in relation to its actuating travel that is possible counter to spring force, and the detent locations on the control slide for the detent to engage into or behind are dimensioned radially such that, irrespective of the actuating travel that is possible counter to spring force, a hydraulic release of the detent is possible only at the detent positions provided for this.

Solenoid valve and hydraulic braking system for a vehicle


The present invention relates to an antenna device to be used for portable communication sets and a method for reducing the manufacturing cost thereof. The antenna device includes a substrate having at least one of a dielectric material and a magnetic material and having upper and lower faces as well as a pair of side faces on which convex portions and concave portions are alternately formed. Also included is a helical conductor layer formed on the upper and lower faces, and on the concave portion or convex portion on a pair of the side faces of the substrate so as to spirally surround the entire substrate.

This application is related to Japanese Patent Application No. 2000-027222 filed on Jan. 31, 2000, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an antenna device to be used for portable communication sets.
2. Discussion of the Background
Although a linear antenna such as a pole antenna or a rod antenna has been used in communication sets (e.g., a portable phone), the linear antenna hinders the communication set from being small in size because the antenna is attached at an outside of the case of the communication set. The linear antenna is also likely to break, deform and deteriorate due to external mechanical forces applied to the linear antenna. In addition, the linear antenna is not preferable for reducing the packaging cost because a number of components are required to pack the antenna via coaxial cables and connectors.
For solving the problems described above, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 9-64627 proposes a compact antenna capable of surface-packaging on a circuit board as shown in FIG. 26. A helical antenna is formed within a ceramic substrate 30 by making use of a technique for forming a multi-layer ceramic substrate. A conductor line 31 is formed on each ceramic layer, and the conductor lines on different ceramic layers are connected to one another via through holes 32 in which a conductive material is filled to form a helical conductor as a whole. A ceramic antenna including the helical radiation conductor is assembled by laminating the ceramic layers. A terminal 33 for feeding electricity to the helical conductor is provided on the side face of the substrate 30.
However, because the laminated ceramic sheets are fired after a conductor line is formed on each ceramic sheet, the conductor line is designed by taking into consideration a shrinkage of the conductor line due to the firing process. A highly rigid process control is also required to restrict the shrinkage ratio within a prescribed range, thus making it difficult to reduce the production cost.
Even if all the conductor lines are formed on the surface of the already fired ceramic sheet, conductor patterns should nevertheless be formed on at least four faces of a ceramic block having flat surfaces by a method capable of fine control of the conductor pattern such as a printing method, also preventing the production cost from being reduced.
Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to solve the above and other noted problems.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an antenna device designed to reduce production costs.
To achieve these and other objects, the present invention provides an antenna device including a substrate having upper and lower faces, and a pair of side faces on which convex portions and concave portions are alternately formed. The antenna device also includes a helical conductor layer on the upper and lower faces, and on one of the concave portions and convex portions so as to spirally surround the entire substrate.
Preferably, at least one of the convex and concave portions on the side faces serves as a power feed electrode for feeding electricity to the helical conductor layer in the antenna device according to the present invention.
In addition, the antenna device according to the present invention preferably has a layer including at least one of the dielectric material and magnetic material covering at least a part of the helical conductor layer formed on the substrate.
Further, the antenna device according to the present invention includes a helical antenna in which a helical emission conductor is formed on the surface of the ceramic substrate, and the conductor layer on the upper and lower faces of the substrate can be formed by printing. Electrodes can be formed only on the convex portions by a high speed coating method such as a dip method or by using a roll coater for forming the conductive layer on the convex portions on the side face. Using the roll coater enables superior mass-productivity compared to the printing method to be attained for forming the electrode particularly on the convex portion. It is also an advantage of forming the electrode on the convex portion that solder hardly forms solder bridges when the solder is used for connecting the electrode on the convex portion in mounting the antenna device. When the conductive layer is formed in the concave portion on the side face, on the other hand, it can be formed by filling a conductor material in through holes to be described hereinafter, also offering an advantage that the solder bridge is hardly formed. Accordingly, the present invention can make mass-production easy and reduce production costs.
The surface mountable type antenna can also be readily manufactured since the side face convex portions and concave portions themselves on which conductor lines are formed can be utilized as terminal electrodes.
The side face convex portion or the side face concave portion itself may be utilized as a power feed electrode and an earth electrode as described above. Providing a dielectric layer or a magnetic layer so as to cover the helical conductor enables the antenna device to be more compact.
Resonance frequencies of the antenna may largely be distributed in the present invention when the conductor pattern is formed so that the power feed electrode is connected to the earth electrode on the lower face of the substrate making contact with the circuit substrate.
In addition, allowing the power feed electrode to be connected to the earth electrode on the upper face or on the side face can eliminate the drawbacks as described above to enable a highly precise antenna to be constructed.
The present invention also provides a method of making the antenna device.

Antenna device and assembly of the antenna device


A method for interactive adjustment of a parameter of a continuously variable optical lens involving having a subject view an eye chart through a variable lens frame comprising at least one continuously variable optical lens, applying a modulation to a selected parameter of said continuously variable optical lens around an average value, and tuning said average value by minimizing the flickering visible to the subject and due to the modulation.

A widely used apparatus for optometric measurements is known as a phoropter. It usually comprises a trial frame which carries interchangeable lenses and an eye chart. The subject whose sight is being tested views the eye chart through the trial frame and the optometrist select lenses from a graduated set, interchanging them until the subject has the subjective feeling of optimum visual acuity. This trial and error process is known as a subjective refraction test or vision test. The vision test may be more automated by means of an electro-mechanical lens changer; however, in all the test procedures, the test is performed stepwise, making it difficult for subjects to determine the optimum correction lens combination.
Several recent publications have proposed new ways of doing optometric measurements. Instead of using a trial frame with interchangeable lenses, it is disclosed to use optical elements with variable and controllable spatial phase properties ("adaptative optical elements"), e.g. continuously variable optical lenses, to obtain optimum subjective correction (see for example published patent applications WO2006092804, US2004100617 or EP1569546).
FIG. 1 illustrates an apparatus described for example in published patent application WO2006092804 in the name of Abitbol. The subject 10 views an eye chart 12, for example a test card, located at a given distance from him, through a trial frame 14 incorporating a pair of electronically continuously variable optical lenses, for example electrowetting lens elements 16. In the following, such trial frame may be either named a "trial frame with variable lenses", or "variable lens frame", or "frame with variable lenses". Such electrowetting lenses are described for example in U.S. Pat. No. 6,369,954 in the name of Berge et al. In standard vision tests, while an eye is obstructed by a shutter, the other eye views the eye chart through the variable lens. The subject may adjust the form of the electrowetting lens 16 until the best visual acuity is obtained for the tested eye, as determined by the subjective perception of the subject. A unit control 26 outputs drive voltages 25 to the electrodes of each of the electrowetting lenses 16 according to the settings of control inputs 28. These drive voltages may be adjusted by the subject himself, to provide the best visual acuity of the test card. As disclosed in WO2006092804, the described method may apply to other parameters than the focus, e.g. Astigmatism, astigmatism orientation, or even higher order aberrations. This is made possible by using a multi electrodes electrowetting lens as described for example in U.S. Pat. No. 6,538,823, a patent in the name of Kroupenkine et al.
In all cases, the optimization of the correction is made according to the perceived visual acuity of the test card by the subject, which may result from the sharpness and contrast of the test chart. However, discriminating according to chart contrasts may add stress to some subjects. Also when the doctor is controlling the control inputs, the translation of the subject's impression to the doctor can be biased by the stress of the relationship doctor-subject. Further, some subjects find it uncomfortable to have one eye tested, while the other eye is in the dark. In general the stress generated to the subject leads to a wrong correction: indeed vision is affected by any emotional state. In order to achieve a good vision test, the subject should be relaxed, as he or she is in usual daily life.
The present invention provides new methods and devices for optometric measurements that provide a subjective vision test with limited stress for the subject and a better accuracy of the correction.
More generally, the present invention provides new methods and devices for interactive adjustment of a parameter of a continuously variable optical lens.
The disclosures of the publications mentioned in this section and in other sections of the specification are incorporated herein by reference, each in its entirety.

Methods and devices for interactive adjustment of a parameter of a continuously variable optical lens


An image forming apparatus that includes: a housing that has a sheet member feed-in port on a side of one side surface thereof; a feed-in mechanism disposed in a second conveyance passage to feed the sheet member from the sheet member feed-in port to a side of a junction point between a first conveyance passage and the second conveyance passage. The feed-in mechanism includes: a feed-in roller that feeds the sheet member into the sheet member feed-in port; a separation member disposed on a downstream side in a conveyance direction of the sheet member with respect to the feed-in roller; and a separation roller. An opposition position between the separation member and the separation roller is located further from the one side surface than the first conveyance passage and is located closer to the one side surface than the junction point.

JP-A-2005-41652 discloses an apparatus in which a multipurpose tray 14 for hand insertion and a multipurpose feed mechanism unit 15 for feeding paper sheets on the multipurpose tray 14 and separating them one by one are disposed on a side surface of a laser printer 1. The apparatus has a configuration wherein the paper sheets on the multipurpose tray 14 are fed and separated by one multipurpose feed roller 15a that is pressed against a multipurpose pad member 15d.


PSTN functionality is enhanced by the addition of an external service bridging device (ESBD) between one or more devices, e.g., signal switching points (SSPs), and a service control point (SCP). The ESBD serves as a coupling device to one or more control devices, e.g., other SCPs or IP servers, in addition to the SCP. To support the passing of messages between the SS7 network and the control devices, the ESBD includes message reformatting capabilities. The ESBD monitors for messages directed to SCPs and/or replies to messages directed to an SCP. In response to detecting a message the ESBD checks to determine if the detected message is to be processed or simply forwarded to the SCP. Messages to be processed are intercepted, duplicated, modified, replaced, broadcast, redirected, etc. Replies to broadcast query messages are detected and processed so that a single reply, in the format of an SCP response, is returned.

When networks for communications are created, they are usually designed for use with existing standards and protocols in mind. Significant investment may have been made to deploy an existing network. Accordingly, it is often commercially impractical to replace an entire network or large portions of an existing network that remains operational. The existing telephone network, also known as the PSTN, is an example of an existing functional network that remains functional, is large, and represents a huge investment in equipment. Unfortunately, in many situations desired enhancements to existing networks, e.g., the PSTN, such as some multicast services or web based services utilize resources that are beyond the capabilities of the network as it was originally designed. It would be desirable if a way could be found to add new functionality to the PSTN without requiring major modifications to the existing network and/or previously deployed equipment.
As new generations of service control technologies are becoming available, resulting in non-SS7 (non-Signaling System 7) based networks, many based on computer industry and Internet standards, interoperation and integration with established SS7 networks such as the PSTN is a significant problem which needs to be addressed.
Two commonly discussed methods of accessing these next generation control platforms from within the PSTN include 1) enhancements to PSTN control platforms, e.g., upgrades to service control points (SCPs), and 2) gateways to new SS7 domains, e.g., IP feature server behind a gateway that acts as an SS7 Service Switching Point (SSP). Each of these methods require significant new investment in the PSTN such as upgrading SCP systems, along with ongoing administrative costs such as provisioning new point codes and updating routing tables. Both methods are also limited in their utility, as they will normally be limited to acting on requests that are specifically made to an external control platform. Given the shortcomings of the above techniques, there is a need for additional network integration approaches that can provide greater flexibility and thereby allow for new services or better execution of existing services in addition to supporting interoperation of different networks.
In addition to a need to support network interoperability, there is a need for improved methods of supporting SCP load balancing to reduce the need to replace or upgrade existing SCPs as new services and/or more customers subscribe to advanced services in a given service region. Existing telephone services can be negatively affected when an SCP that provides advanced telephone services is used to capacity. Without load sharing, overloading of an SCP may occur while other SCPs that can provide the same services are under utilized, e.g., because of differences in regional customer demographics. There is a desire to alleviate this type of network congestion to provide better service to customers and to optimize the use of already deployed hardware.
From the above discussion it is apparent that there is a need to link the existing legacy (PSTN/SS7 network) with new external control platforms, e.g., IP based systems, existing in non-SS7 domains, to allow new services and/or enhanced services to be provided to PSTN users. The links to the new control platforms should, preferably, be performed in a manner that allows such external control platforms to interact with PSTN elements in a relatively transparent manner that does not require major modifications to existing PSTN elements. If this can be achieved, large additional investments in PSTN/SS7 upgrades and/or administration costs can be reduced or avoided while still allowing for new or enhanced services.
In view of the above discussion, it is apparent that there is a need for new methods of supporting PSTN system interoperability with non-SS7 based systems or networks, a need for a method of providing new services without requiring significant changes to already deployed SCPs and SSPs, and for improving SCP load balancing.

Methods and apparatus for interoperating communication networks


The invention provides a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) with an electrostatic discharge (ESD) region. The upper portion of the ESD plug is metal, and the lower portion of the ESD plug is polysilicon. This structure may improve the mechanical strength of the ESD region and enhance thermal conductivity from electrostatic discharging. In addition, the contact area between the ESD plugs and the substrate can be reduced without increasing aspect ratio of the ESD plugs. The described structure is completed by a low critical dimension controlled patterned photoresist, such that the processes and equipments are substantially maintained without changing by a wide margin.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a dynamic random access memory and in particular to an electrostatic discharge structure of a dynamic random access memory.
2. Description of the Related Art
For a dynamic random access memory (hereinafter referred to as DRAM), the data storage status is determined by charging or discharging of the array of capacitors on the semiconductor substrate. In general, charging status of a capacitor is represented as "1", and discharging status of a capacitor is represented as "0". If operating voltage and upper/lower electrode plate dielectric constant is fixed, the amount of storage charges is determined by the surface area of the capacitors in DRAM.
Ordinarily, a DRAM has an electrostatic discharge (hereinafter referred to as ESD) region between a periphery region and a device region. The ESD region prevents electrostatic charges from interrupting operations or damaging the DRAM. In general, higher ESD resistance results in less current produced by electrostatic discharge, such that the circuit is protected from large instantaneous electrostatic charges. Reducing the contact area between the plug and the substrate to increase electrostatic resistance without enhancing the plug aspect ratio, and simultaneously improving the mechanism strength of the ESD region are major objectives in the field.

Dynamic random access memory with an electrostatic discharge structure and method for manufacturing the same


The disclosed system facilitates the user in electronically ordering items from suppliers. The system is comprised of an Electronic Catlogue and an Electronic Requisition facility. The Electronic Catalogue includes a Public Catalog and a Private Catalogue. The Public Catalog is stored on a publicly available database for access by customer/Requestors. The Private Catalogue is resident on a Customer's computer system and may contain unique pricing data based on pricing agreements. The Electronic Requisition facility is used by the Customer/Requestors to electronically create purchase requisitions based upon the information provided in the catalogues and route the requisitions through the appropriate approval process within he enterprise. Requisitions are then processed through the customer's procurement system and transmitted electronically as purchase orders to Suppliers.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a method and system for facilitating the ordering of items from suppliers. In particular, an electronic catalog requisition system and method is disclosed.
2. Background Art
Traditionally, procurement systems have been manual, labor intensive and costly operations. For example, a supplier would do mass mailings of catalogs to potential customers; the customers would browse the catalogs and select items to be purchased; and then the customer would complete a paper order form, or call the supplier to order the items. The entire process, from preparing the catalog to receipt of orders, often took several weeks, and possibly months. If a supplier wanted to continually update his catalogs, or provide different price schedules to different customers, the printing, distribution and administrative burden would be even more tremendous.
On a relatively small scale, some suppliers have offered catalogs through computer services, such as PRODIGY (a registered trademark of Prodigy Services Corp.). With PRODIGY, a computer user can dial-up a service from home and select items to purchase from various catalogs maintained on the system. Upon selection, PRODIGY initiates the order with the supplier.
While this has improved upon some of the disadvantages in typical procurement situations, there are still problems remaining that have yet to be solved. One such drawback is that PRODIGY does not provide the purchaser a competitive shopping tool. Comparative information on products offered by various suppliers is not simultaneously displayed, which would facilitate item selection.
Another drawback is that PRODIGY is not integrated with the industrial customer's procurement system, though its use is not limited to home customers. Still another drawback is that PRODIGY does not permit customers to maintain "Private Catalogs" on their own computer systems. Private Catalogs permit individual customers to control or limit the products or services, as desired by the customer. Private Catalogs also allow separate pricing structures for different customers based upon negotiated agreements with suppliers, as well as permit large corporations to maintain listings (catalogs) of surplus items available to its employees.

System for ordering items using an electronic catalogue

International Business Machines Corporation


A system, computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program, and a computer-implemented method for performing operations on target servers is presented. A request including an operation is received. A set of target servers associated with the operation is identified. The following request processing operations are performed until a predetermined termination condition has been satisfied: a target server in the set of target servers to which the request has not been issued and whose health metrics satisfy health criteria is identified, the request to perform the operation is issued to the target server, and when the request to perform the operation fails at the target server, health metrics for the target server are updated to indicate that the request to perform the operation failed at the target server and health check operation is scheduled to be performed with respect to the target server.

In a distributed computing system, a plurality of servers are used to provide load balancing and/or provide low-latency points of access to nearby computer systems. For example, in a distributed storage system, data is replicated in storage clusters that are located across multiple geographical locations. In doing so, the availability of the data is increased and the network proximity of the data to client computer systems is decreased. Typically, when a request to perform an operation in the distributed computing system is received, any one of a number of computer systems in the distributed computer system may service the request. However, the computer systems in the distributed computer system may not always be available to service the requests. Thus, computing resources and time are wasted if a request is issued to a computer system that is not available to service a request.

System and method for performing operations on target servers


A suction device for a machine to produce a fibrous pulp web is provided that includes a suction unit extending transverse to a web run direction over a width of the web, a vacuum source coupled to the end of the suction unit, and a plurality of suction openings distributed over the web width, where the plurality of suction openings form an entire suction zone extending over the width of the web, and where the entire suction zone includes a plurality of partial suction zones successively arranged transverse to the web run direction.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a suction device, in particular a suction box or a suction roll, for a machine that manufactures or processes a fibrous pulp web, such as a paper web.
2. Discussion of Background Information
A suction device, in particular a suction device for a suction box or a suction roll, that extends in a direction transverse to the web run direction in a machine for manufacturing a fibrous pulp web is known, for example, from DE 44 40 948. The suction device disclosed in DE 44 40 948 is designed as a suction roll, with a roll sleeve that is mounted on a pivot, that is perforated, and that has a vacuum connection to create a vacuum in the roll interior. The vacuum region of this suction zone expands to the roll perforations. The suction zone extends transversely over the width of the web, along the longitudinal axis of the suction roll. A displaceable partition wall is designed in the interior of the roll, along the longitudinal axis of the roll, which allows the division of the suction zone into a suctioned section and a section that is not suctioned.
Such a suction roll is used, for example, in a paper manufacturing machine where a moist paper web must be transferred from one machine section (e.g. a press section) to the subsequent machine section (e.g. a drying section). When feeding the web into the paper machine, initially only a narrow peripheral strip of the web runs over the suction roll. Accordingly, only a small portion of the suction zone is connected to the vacuum source. Thereafter, as one gradually feeds the web into the machine and the strip widens (up to the full width of the web in the end), the width of the suction zone is correspondingly extended through movement of the displaceable partition wall. By expanding the suction zone in coordination with the increasing width of the web being fed into the processing machine, the suctioning of air through perforations that have not yet been covered by the paper web can be avoided. Otherwise, a markedly greater amount of energy would be required to create the vacuum in the suction zone.
A disadvantage of such a known construction is that contaminant can be deposited on the displaceable partition wall, and under certain conditions this may result in machine malfunctions. It is also possible that wear can lead to leakage losses. With very wide paper machines (such as 10 m in width, for example) it is also difficult to dependably design the mechanism, including the driving mechanism, for the displaceable partition wall.


A power management system permits a small microcontroller subsystem or low power domain to continuously operate while a main subsystem domain is cycling from power on to off. The power management system supports asynchronous domains with common shared peripherals. The asynchronous domains operate as a single entity while in a full power mode with the peripheral and system resources being shared. The system can be used in automotive systems where most of the system is power-gated leaving just a power regulator controller, some counters and an input/output segment alive for wakeup purposes.

The present invention relates generally to power management, and more particularly, to systems and methods for power management of different functional modes of operation of an integrated circuit such as a multi-core System on Chip (SOC).
To manage power consumption, an SoC may be partitioned into various power domains such that each peripheral belongs to one of the power domains. An SoC will further have multiple modes where some of the peripherals will be active and some will be powered off. The mode where only a minimum required set of peripherals are active, is referred to as a Standby mode. The subset of the modules that are always alive are referred to as being in the alive domain and the subset of the modules that are power gated are referred to as being in the power gated domain. Typically, isolation cells are used to isolate the alive domain from the power gated domain. The different functional modes of operation typically reside in different power domains and have different power requirements. Switching between modes typically involves stopping, pausing or re-setting various modules or peripherals comprising the SOC during a transition. These methods may interrupt operation of peripherals during a transition. These discontinuities in operation are undesirable for the end user of the system. Thus, it would be advantageous to provide a means for switching between modes having different power requirements, in a non-intrusive and easily managed manner from the end user's point of view, whereby continuity of operation of peripherals can be maintained. It would also be advantageous to minimize the time taken to switch between modes.


An upflow anaerobic reactor includes an effluent outlet configured to direct effluent out of the reactor and a fluid-filled gas trap configured to prevent loss of biogas from the vessel. An auger assembly is operably coupled to the effluent outlet to prevent clogging of the effluent outlet by solid matter that tends to collect in the effluent outlet. The auger assembly includes at least one helical screw conveyor that rotates so as to remove solid material that collects in the effluent outlet. auger assembly can be operated on a continuous or semi-continuous basis so as to allow for continuous operation of the reactor. The auger assembly can be operated on a continuous or semi-continuous basis so as to allow for continuous operation of the reactor.

1. The Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to upflow anaerobic reactors that are designed for biodegradation of biodegradable matter and production of biogas therefrom. In particular, the present invention relates to apparatuses and methods for preventing clogging of the effluent line of an upflow anaerobic reactor.
2. The Relevant Technology
A bioreactor is a device that uses bacteria to promote biodegradation or "digestion" of organic waste materials into simple organics and gaseous biogas products. Biogas is typically a mixture of methane, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and other volatile organic compounds. If produced in sufficient quantities, the methane gas can be used as a fuel.
A bioreactor can also be used to treat and detoxify organic waste matter and wastewater. Wastewater treatment has always been important, particularly in agricultural production and food processing, which produces wastewater containing high concentrations of organic matter.
Anaerobic digestion is one traditional method of treating wastewater containing high concentrations of organic matter. Anaerobic digestion removes large quantities of organic matter from the waste material and produces biogas as a useful byproduct. Anaerobic digestion is particularly suitable for wastewater containing high concentrations of organics, such as wastewater generated through agricultural production and processing.
Many attempts have been made to decompose organic waste using closed vessels. One type of closed vessel reactor that has shown high decomposition rates is the upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor. In this reactor, waste material is introduced into the bottom of the reactor and forced up through the vessel where it passes through a blanket of bacteria, which decompose the organic material and produces biogas that can be collected and used as a fuel.
To achieve high decomposition rates in an upflow bioreactor, the bacterial culture should be well established. Once the bacterial culture is well established, the upflow bioreactor can be operated continuously and a high rate of digestion can be maintained for an extended period of time (e.g., months or even years).

Anaerobic reactor with auger in the effluent line


A system for automatically monitoring provisioning in a DSL network is disclosed. The system is operable to query network elements in the DSL network for information related to the provisioning of DSL services. Thereafter, the system analyzes the information to identify points of delay and/or failure in the provisioning process. If a delay exceeds a threshold value, an administrator is notified.

Demand for in-home data and telephony services has grown dramatically in recent years and is expected to continue to increase. Accordingly, providers of data and telephony services have sought to design and deploy broadband networks with increased delivery capacity.
One broadband technology that has become particularly popular is digital subscriber lines (DSL). DSL offers increased data transfer rates and integrated telephony and data services using the existing public switched telephone network (PSTN), which previously was used exclusively for telephone voice communications.
As the demand for DSL service has grown, service providers have needed to build-out their infrastructure for providing DSL service. In particular, service providers have needed to quickly install large numbers of network elements devoted to providing DSL service. For example, service providers have needed to install large numbers of digital subscriber line multiplexors (DSLAM's), remote access multiplexors (MiniRAMs), subtending, element management systems (EMS's), as well as other network elements, in a geographically distributed network. Installing, managing, and administering these quickly expanding, geographically distributed DSL networks has become increasing complex, time consuming, and expensive.
One aspect of DSL network maintenance that has proven particularly cumbersome is provisioning of DSL services. Generally, in order to provide DSL service to a customer, numerous DSL network elements need to be configured so as to create a communication path, which may be referred to as a permanent virtual circuit (PVC), from the customer through the DSL network to an Internet service provider (ISP). The process of routing an order for DSL service and configuring the network elements to create the PVC is often referred to as "provisioning."
Generally, DSL provisioning involves routing a DSL service request through a series of administrative systems until the request is forwarded to a network management system (NMS), which controls the configuration of network elements for creating PVCs and/or a tunnel through the DSL network to an ISP/NSP. The NMS determines which network elements, cards, ports and logical assignments need to be configured for creation of the PVC/tunnel and cross connects at the multiplexors. It routes requests to one or more element management systems (EMS's), and sometime directly to the network element to implement the configurations. The EMS's in turn communicate with network elements for example, DSLAM's, miniRAM's, ATM switches, IP routers and switches to implement connectivity from the customer through the DSL network elements to an ISP/NSP.
Thus, the provisioning process may involve routing a request for service through numerous computerized administrative systems, configuring numerous DSL network elements to establish a PVC from the end user to an ATM network, and configuring still more network elements to complete the PVC through an ATM/IP network to an ISP/NSP. Optimally, the provisioning process, from the time the order is received until the time the service is activated, takes from 20 seconds to a couple of minutes.
Of course, there are often delays and failures in the provisioning process. Quickly identifying points of failure is essential for the smooth operation of the DSL network and to meet customer expectations. Also, these backups can drive upstream systems into overload and excessive processing which can have a ripple effect in the IT space. In existing DSL networks, such troubleshooting activities are performed manually by technicians using spreadsheets or logging into servers.
Applicants have noted that relying on technicians to manually troubleshoot DSL provisioning is slow, costly, inefficient, and prone to human error. Such inefficiencies may be tolerable when only a small number of lines need provisioning, but quickly become unsatisfactory when, as is now the situation, thousands of DSL lines are ordered on a daily basis.
Accordingly, Applicants have recognized a need in the art for automated systems and methods for monitoring DSL provisioning.

System and method for monitoring DSL service provisioning

BellSouth Intellectual Property Corporation


This process consists in placing liquid DMSO with a low water content in contact with an ion exchange resin in --SO.sub.3 H form, and then in separating the liquid from the resin.. The DMSO thus obtained has a content of iron cation tracer element of less than or equal to 1 ppb and a content of Na cation tracer element of less than or equal to 2 ppb.

The DMSO currently available on the market is a product which is already of good purity. Its commercial specifications are generally:
purity: .gtoreq.99.7% by chromatography
acidity:.ltoreq.0.04 mg KOH/g by potentiometry
crystallization
point: .gtoreq.18.2.degree. C.
visual
appearance: clear
water content: .ltoreq.0.15% by weight relative to the total weight
colour (APHA): .ltoreq.10
Patent application FR 2,014,385 describes a process for the preparation of purified DMSO. This process uses a cationic ion exchanger which can be regenerated by a treatment with acids. On the other hand, the DMSO treated with this ion exchanger has a very high water content. Furthermore, the examples indicate the use of a strongly basic resin of the Amberlite IR-A 400 or Merck III type for dimethyl sulphide/DMSO/10% sulphuric acid ternary mixtures, which possibly leads to the neutralization of the acidity but also the introduction of the counterion of the basic resin into the mixture thus treated. Indeed, in this process the purification appears to be afforded essentially by fractional distillation of an aqueous DMSO solution treated beforehand with one or more ion exchangers.
Analyses of traces of metals have now been carried out on several samples (1 to 6) of commercial DMSO, from different sources. These analyses are reported in Table I.
The sodium, iron, potassium, calcium, chromium, copper, nickel and zinc concentrations were measured by ICP (plasma-torch atomic emission spectrometry, Perkin Elmer machine, Optima 3000 model) and are expressed in ppb (1 ppb=1 part by weight per billion=1 .mu.g per kg).
The list of metal elements featured in Table I is not exhaustive as regards the metal elements present in these samples.
TABLE 1 ______________________________________ Metal cations Sample Na Fe K Ca Cr Cu Ni Zn ______________________________________ 1 40 13 60 20 2 10 8 10 2 39 60 3 13 13 <2 18 3 3 30 40 3 20 12 <2 15 3 4 30 40 3 14 13 <2 15 3 5 30 <1 20 25 <2 <2 <3 <3 6 70 90 65 55 15 2 25 60 Detection 2 1 3 2 2 2 3 3 limit ______________________________________
For certain applications such as, for example, in electronics or in pharmacy, the DMSOs analysed above contain too many metal impurities. In general, a DMSO containing less than 10 ppb of each alkali metal and alkaline-earth metal contaminant would be necessary for most of the uses in the two abovementioned technical fields.

Method for purifying dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO)


A landform monitoring system includes a pressure sensing device mounted on a mounting frame, and including a housing unit configured with an accommodating space and having first and second openings in fluid communication with the accommodating space. A pressure sensor is attached to the housing unit, and seals the first opening. A flexible sheet is attached to the housing unit and seals the second opening. A fluid medium is filled fully in the accommodating space. When the sheet deforms as a result of an external pressure acting thereon, a pressure corresponding to the deformation of the sheet is transmitted to the pressure sensor via the fluid medium such that the pressure sensor generates a pressure sensing signal corresponding to the external pressure.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a landform monitoring system, more particularly to a landform monitoring system including micro-electromechanical pressure sensing devices.
2. Description of the Related Art
In order to monitor a river landform, a conventional monitoring apparatus is used and includes a weight hammer hung by a steel cord and sunk into a river to measure the elevation of the riverbed so as to monitor the riverbed conditions. However, in the conventional monitoring apparatus, since the weight hammer is hung by a steel cord, an assembly of the weight hammer and the steel cord may swing as a result of flow of river water and wind, thereby hampering the measurement accuracy.
In order to monitor a slope landform, another conventional monitoring apparatus is used and includes a sensing cable extending vertically and disposed adjacent to a slope, and a detector for detecting vibration of the sensing cable as a result of falling stones from the slope. As such, the slip conditions of the slope landform can be evaluated based on the vibration of the sensing cable. However, the variation monitored by the conventional monitoring apparatus cannot provide accurate evaluation for variation of the slope landform.

Landform monitoring system having pressure sensing devices


Provided is a method of inducing tubulogenesis in normal endothelial cells comprising co-culturing the normal endothelial cells with tumor cells and forming tubules from the normal endothelial cells.

Endothelial cells that form the lining of blood vessels are well known for their capacity to adjust their numbers and arrangement to suite local requirements. All tissues depend on a blood supply and the blood supply depends on endothelial cells. Blood vessels create an adaptable life support system in every region of the body. If not for endothelial cells extending and maintaining this network of blood vessels, tissue growth and repair would not be possible.
The largest blood vessels are arteries and veins, which have a thick tough outer wall of connective tissue and smooth muscle. The wall is lined by a thin single layer of endothelial cells, separated from the surrounding outer layers by a basal lamina. While the amounts of connective-tissue and smooth muscle in the vessel wall may vary according to the vessel's diameter and function, the endothelial lining is always present. In the smaller capillaries and sinusoids, the walls consist solely of endothelial cells and basal lamina. Thus, endothelial cells line the entire vascular system. Studies have shown that arteries and veins develop from small vessels constructed solely of endothelial cells and a basal lamina, connective tissue and smooth muscle being added later where required upon signals from the endothelial cells.
Throughout the vascular system endothelial cells retain a capacity for cell division and movement. This is important in repair and maintenance of the vascular system. For example, if a part of the wall of a blood vessel is damaged and loses endothelial cells, neighboring endothelial cells will proliferate and migrate in to cover the exposed surface. Newly formed endothelial cells have also been known to cover the inner surface of plastic tubing used by surgeons to replace damaged blood vessels.
Endothelial cells not only repair damaged blood vessels, they also create new blood vessels. Endothelial cells do this in embryonic tissues to support growth, in normal adult tissue for repair and maintenance, and in damaged tissue to support repair. This process is called angiogenesis.
Angiogenesis is a critical component in embryonic development, tissue growth, tissue remodeling, and a number of pathologies. Angiogenesis results in the formation of new blood vessels. During angiogenesis, endothelial cells, which exist in a quiescent state as part of an existing blood vessel, grow and enter a migratory, proliferative state. This migratory, proliferative state is eventually resolved when the cells differentiate into capillary tubes and return to the quiescent state as part of a functional new blood vessel. Angiogenesis is orchestrated by a complex network of multiple macromolecular interactions.
Angiogenesis is regulated in both normal and malignant tissues by the balance of angiogenic stimuli and angiogenic inhibitors that are produced in the target tissue and at distant sites. Vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF, also known as vascular permeability factor, VPF) is a primary stimulant of angiogenesis. VEGF is a multifunctional cytokine that is induced by hypoxia and oncogenic mutations and can be produced by a wide variety of tissues.
Angiogenesis is stimulated and harnessed by some neoplasms (e.g., tumors) to increase nutrient uptake. However, in contrast to normal angiogenesis, which leads to anastomoses (i.e., vessel connections) and capillary maturation, angiogenesis associated with neoplasia is typically a continuous process where vessel maturation is imperfect. Endothelial cells are activated by nearby neoplastic cells to secrete not only VEGF which stimulates angiogenesis, but also matrix metalloproteases (MMP) which degrade the surrounding extracellular matrix. The endothelial cells then invade the extracellular matrix where they proliferate, migrate, and organize to form new blood vessels, which support neoplasm growth and survival.
The newly vascularized neoplasm continues to grow, leading to further nutrient deprivation and chronic pro-angiogenic signaling. The vasculature of neoplasms is characterized by the presence of structural irregularities (lacunae) and a low rate of formation of inter-vessel connections. This incomplete vasculature is inefficient, such that often tumors require continuous angiogenesis to sustain themselves. Such imperfect vasculature is also believed to promote the shedding of neoplastic cells into the systemic circulation. Hence, the angiogenic potential of a neoplasm correlates with metastatic potential. As a significant proportion of neoplasms are dependent on continued angiogenesis, inhibition of angiogenesis blocks neoplasm growth which often leads to complete necrosis of the neoplasm.
Glial cells including astrocytes comprise a large proportion of the total cell population in the central nervous system. Unlike neurons, glial cells retain the ability to proliferate postnatally, and some glial cells still proliferate in the adult or aged brain. Uncontrolled glial proliferation can lead to aggressive primary intracranial tumors. Such tumors vary widely in morphology and behavior, and, according to the 1993 World Health Organization classification schema, can be separated into three subsets. Astrocytomas, the lowest grade tumors, are generally well-differentiated and tend to grow slowly. Anaplastic astrocytomas are characterized by increased cellularity, nuclear pleomorphism (ability to assume different forms), and increased mitotic activity. They are intermediate grade tumors and show a tendency to progress to a more aggressive grade. Glioblastoma cells are considered the most aggressive, with poorly differentiated cells, vascular proliferation, and necrosis. Glioblastoma U251 is a malignant cell line derived from the human glial cells.
The angiogenic effects of glioblastoma cells and other solid tumor cells in the presence of in vivo matrix effects and other in vivo ancillary factors, do not predict in vitro effectiveness in inducing primary endothelial cells in culture to grow, and more particularly do not predict in vitro effectiveness in inducing primary endothelial cells in culture to form tubules. The effectiveness of very low numbers of tumor cells to induce this effect is still more unexpected.
Non-normal, i.e., immortalized endothelial cells have been reported to form tubular structures in culture in the presence of glioblastoma cells. But the growth of these kinds of cells can be expected to differ considerably from normal cells, so the induction of tubules in normal cells could not be reliably predicted from this earlier work.
Thus, there is a need to induce angiogenic endothelial cells to better enable collection of angiogenic endothelial cells for such purposes as angiogenic assay kits and in the study of endothelial cells, particularly the functions and permeability of the endothelial cell barrier. Further, such cells have potential therapeutic uses


In order to measure the in-plane thermal conductivity of a sample plate, the plate is placed in a prefabricated device containing (1) a pair of thermocouples, (2) a source of heat flow into the plate, (3) a heat sink of the heat flow having an open cavity, (4) a taut membrane, on which the source of heat flow and the thermocouples are bonded, located on the resilient filling, (5) a resilient filling of thermally insulating material located underneath the membrane, in the cavity of the heat sink, and (6) a thermally insulating medium covering the plate and exerting a compressive force on it.

In the case of one-dimensional steady-state heat flow through a sample body, its thermal conductivity K is given by EQU K=P/A(.DELTA.T/.DELTA.x) (1)
where P is the heat flowing per unit time along the x axis through a cross section of the body, the cross section being oriented parallel to the yz plane and having an area equal to A, and where .DELTA.T is the temperature drop along a distance .DELTA.x measured along the x axis as can be measured by attaching to the body a pair of localized temperature sensors (thermometers), typically thermocouple junctions (thermocouples), that are spaced apart in the x direction by the distance .DELTA.x. A direct measurement technique that implements this one-dimensional heat flow is generally described in the textbook Elementary Physics: Classical and Modern, by Richard T. Weidner and Robert L. Sells, at pages 306-307 (1975).
In that technique, a sample body in the form of a solid circular cylinder ("rod"), having a uniform cross section A and having a pair of end surfaces, is surrounded by an insulating material, in order to minimize heat exchange into or out of the sample body through its side surfaces. One end surface of the body is maintained at a constant high temperature T.sub.h, as by means of a hot reservoir or heat source, while the other end surface is maintained at a constant lower temperature T.sub.c, as by means of a cold reservoir or heat sink. In the steady state, the heat crossing any cross section of the cylinder per unit time is equal to the same value P given by eq. (1) above, and the temperature gradient .DELTA.T/.DELTA.x is the same everywhere along the rod, i.e., is independent of the x coordinate.
In prior art, implementation of this sort of one-dimensional technique has been cumbersome and time-consuming, stemming from the need for attaching the heat reservoirs and the thermometers to the sample body each time a different one is to be measured. Also, relatively lengthy and careful measurements are required to account for, and correct for, heat losses. More specifically, the required thermal insulation tends to get in the way of the thermometers (thermocouple junctions) and their wiring, as well as in the way of the heat source and its wiring--the wiring, being fine (small diameter) and fragile, and having a tendency to develop kinks and to be crunched by the required thermal insulating material.
Turning to the case of a circularly symmetric radial heat flow P, in the steady state the thermal conductivity K of a sample body is given by ##EQU1## where T1 and T2 are the temperatures at radial distances R1 and R2 from a point on the body located at the center of circular symmetry, and where h is the thickness of the body measured parallel to its z axis, i.e., measured perpendicular to the xy plane in which the radial heat flow P is occurring. For example, the sample body was in the form of a circular cylinder having a pair of end surfaces spaced apart by h. In prior art, because of the problem of radiation and other heat losses, it was necessary that h be made much greater (by a factor of at least approximately ten) than R2 in order to ensure that the heat flow was radial. In this way, the heat flow was radial, so that K could be determined from eq. (2). However, in order to minimize errors caused by end effects, it was necessary to measure the temperatures T1 and T2 at interior points of the sample body--i.e., at points located in the midst of the sample (away from its end surfaces)--which rendered the measuring process cumbersome and time-consuming.
Moreover, the geometry of a relatively thin plate does not satisfy the aforementioned limitation on its thickness h, and therefore accurate measurements of the thermal conductivity of such a plate cannot be achieved by means of the above-described prior-art radial-heat-flow technique.
Therefore, it would be desirable to have method and apparatus for measuring the thermal conductivity of a sample body in a relatively quick and easy manner.

Measuring thermal conductivity and apparatus therefor


The configuration buffer may be divided into partitions that may effectively function as multiple linked configuration buffers. The linked partitions may each be associated with a portion of the display pipeline (e.g., an image process block) and may each be responsible for loading configuration entries into the programmable register(s) of a portion of the display pipeline. In this manner, the partitions may load the associated programmable register(s) of the display pipeline substantially simultaneously, reducing the time used to configure the entire display pipeline. Since configuration of the display pipeline may occur during the blanking period, a reduction in display pipeline configuration time may reduce the blanking period and increase the time for driving pixels of the display, thereby improving perceived image quality (e.g., pixel yield of the display panel).

The present disclosure relates generally to electronic displays and, more particularly, to reducing blanking (e.g., vertical blanking (VBlank)) duration implemented by an electronic display.
This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure, which are described and/or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.
Electronic devices often use one or more electronic displays to present visual representations of information (e.g., text, still images, video) based on corresponding image data. For example, such electronic devices may include computers, mobile phones, portable media devices, virtual-reality headsets, and vehicle dashboards, among many others. In any case, to display an image, an electronic display may control light emission (e.g., luminance) of its display pixels based at least in part on corresponding image data. To facilitate improving perceived image quality, in some instances, an electronic device may include a display pipeline (e.g., image data processing circuitry) that processes image data before an electronic display uses the image data to display a corresponding image (e.g., image frame).
In some instances, operation of a display pipeline may be programmed (e.g., adjusted) based at least in part on configuration data. In fact, to facilitate improving perceived image quality, the display pipeline may vary processing performed on image data corresponding with different images, for example, based at least in part on image content and/or environmental conditions present. As such, before processing image data corresponding with an image during an image data processing period, operation of image data processing circuitry implemented in the display pipeline may be programmed based on configuration data corresponding with the image, for example, by storing the configuration data in programmable registers of the image data processing circuitry during a programming period, which occurs during a (e.g., vertical) blanking period directly before the image data processing period.
However, at least in some instances, duration of blanking periods implemented by an electronic display may vary based on various factors, such as refresh rate of the electronic display, resolution (e.g., dimensions) of the electronic display, line time of the electronic display, and/or the like. In fact, in some instances, it may be desirable to reduce duration of blanking periods, for example, to provide compatibility with higher resolution electronic displays and/or to enable increasing line (e.g., scan) time implemented by an electronic display, which, at least in some instances, may facilitate improving perceived image quality. Since occurring during blanking periods, duration of programming periods, during which operation of a display pipeline is programmed, may limit ability to reduce duration of the blanking periods.

Electronic display reduced blanking duration systems and methods


A method for selecting product ions at the time of performing multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) using an MS/MS type mass spectrometer is provided. Plurality of product ion scan events is prepared for certain precursor ions. In the product ion scan events, parameters for determining the cleavage conditions of the precursor ions are changed. Next, the precursor ions are introduced into a collision cell and the plurality of product ion scan events is executed, thereby obtaining a plurality of mass spectra corresponding to the respective product ion scan events. Then, the plurality of mass spectra is compared with one another, and ions corresponding to the mass peak with the highest appearance frequency are selected as product ions. Alternatively, ions having the highest cumulative signal intensity obtained by integrating the plurality of mass spectra are selected as product ions. Accordingly, optimum product ions for certain precursor ions are selected.

As one of the mass spectrometric methods, a method called MS/MS analysis (also referred to as tandem analysis) has been known for conducting identification of a substance with a large molecular weight and analysis of its structure. A triple quadrupole (TQ) mass spectrometer is a typical MS/MS type mass spectrometer. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a generic triple quadrupole mass spectrometer disclosed in Patent Document 1 and so on.
Inside an analysis chamber 1 evacuated by an unillustrated vacuum pump, the mass spectrometer comprises an ion source 2 ionizing a sample to be analyzed, three quadrupoles 3, 5 and 6 with each composed of four rod electrodes, and a detector 7 detecting ions and outputting detection signals corresponding to the amount of the ions. A voltage composed of a DC voltage and a high frequency voltage is applied to the first-stage quadrupole 3, and due to an effect of an electric field resulting therefrom, from various kinds of ions generated by the ion source 2 only a target ion having a specific mass-to-charge ratio is selected as a precursor ion.
The second-stage quadrupole 5 is stored in a highly airtight collision cell 4. A CID gas, such as argon (Ar) gas, is introduced into this collision cell 4. After being sent from the first-stage quadrupole 3 to the second-stage quadrupole 5, the precursor ion collides with the CID gas in the collision cell 4, giving rise to fragmentation by CID to generate product ions. Since there are various modes of such fragmentation, normally, one kind of precursor ion generates plural kinds of product ions having different mass-to-charge ratios. These various kinds of product ions exit from the collision cell 4 and are introduced into the third-stage quadrupole 6. Normally, only a high frequency voltage is applied to, or a voltage formed by adding a DC bias voltage to a high frequency voltage is applied to the second-stage quadrupole 5, so that this second-stage quadrupole 5 functions as an ion guide for transporting ions to a subsequent stage while converging the ions.
Similar to the first-stage quadrupole 3, a voltage composed of a DC voltage and a high frequency voltage is applied to the third-stage quadrupole 6, and due to an effect of an electric field resulting therefrom, only product ions having a specific mass-to-charge ratio is selected in the third-stage quadrupole 6 and reaches the detector 7. By appropriately changing the DC voltage and the high frequency voltage applied to the third-stage quadrupole 6, the mass-to-charge ratio of the ions which are allowed to pass through the third-stage quadrupole 6 may be scanned (product ion scan). In this case, based on the detection signals obtained from the detector 7, an unillustrated data processing unit may create a mass spectrum (MS/MS spectrum) of the product ions generated by the fragmentation of the target ion. In addition, a precursor ion scan which scans all the precursor ions generating specific product ions, and a neutral loss scan which searches for all the precursor ions with a specific part of structure detached or the like are executable.
In addition, in devices where the aforementioned MS/MS type mass spectrometer is used as a detector of a liquid chromatograph (LC) and a gas chromatograph (GC), such as in LC/MS/MS and GC/MS/MS, a method called MRM (Multiple Reaction Monitoring) is often used for conducting a simultaneous analysis (identification and quantification) of multiple components contained in a sample. In an MRM measurement, with respect to each component, the mass-to-charge ratio of one kind or plural kinds of precursor ions selected in the first-stage quadrupole 3, and with respect to each precursor ion, the mass-to-charge ratio of one kind or plural kinds of product ions selected and measured in the third-stage quadrupole 6 are predetermined. Since the multiple components contained in the sample are temporally separated in the LC and GC in a previous stage, the aforementioned predetermined set of mass-to-charge ratios of the precursor ion and product ion may be respectively switched according to dissolution times (retention times) of each component. Thus, signal intensity of ions derived from each component may be sought with high precision and high sensitivity, and a quantitative measurement of the sample may be performed with high precision and high sensitivity.
To conduct a highly precise and highly sensitive analysis in an MRM measurement, it is important to correctly select the precursor ion and product ion with respect to each component. Here, for the precursor ion, it is fine to simply select a fixed one with respect to each component. However, since the product ion varies depending on the modes in which it is generated (fragmented) from the precursor ion, it is necessary to predetermine optimum values of various parameters (e.g. DC and AC voltages, etc. applied to each quadrupole) which influence the foregoing.
Conventionally, a selection of this optimum value is automatically preformed in the following method.
1) A setting for conducting a product ion scan analysis (hereafter referred to as "product ion scan event") is converted into various parameters and is prepared in plurality.
2) All the product ion scan events are executed in sequence.
3) From mass spectra of results of executing all the product ion scan events, one to a plurality of m/z is selected in order of increasing intensity. On that occasion, m/z within a tolerance range (e.g. ±0.5 m/z, etc.) is treated as one m/z.
4) The parameter of the product ion scan event generating the selected m/z is made the optimum value.

MS/MS type mass spectrometer and program therefor


A variable stride exercise apparatus is described. A variable stride exercise apparatus may include a frame having a first end and a second end. A crank system may be coupled to the frame. A foot member may be coupled to the crank system. The foot member may include a footpad. A variable stride system may be coupled to the foot member. The variable stride system may be located closer to the second end of the frame than the first end of the frame. The variable stride system may allow a user of the apparatus to vary the length of the user's stride during use of the apparatus. The foot of the user may travel in a substantially closed path during use of the apparatus. At least a portion of the apparatus may remain substantially stationary during use.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to an exercise apparatus. Certain embodiments relate to variable motion exercise apparatus that may allow exercise such as simulated climbing, walking, striding, and/or jogging.
2. Description of Related Art
Exercise devices have been in use for years. Some typical exercise devices that simulate walking or jogging include cross country ski machines, elliptical motion machines, and pendulum motion machines.
Elliptical motion exercise apparatus in many cases provide inertia that assists in direction change of the pedals, making the exercise smooth and comfortable (e.g., see U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,242,343 to Miller; 5,383,829 to Miller; 5,518,473 to Miller; 5,755,642 to Miller; 5,577,985 to Miller; 5,611,756 to Miller; 5,911,649 to Miller; 6,045,487 to Miller; 6,398,695 to Miller; 5,913,751 to Eschenbach; 5,916,064 to Eschenbach; 5,921,894 to Eschenbach; 5,993,359 to Eschenbach; 6,024,676 to Eschenbach; 6,042,512 to Eschenbach; 6,045,488 to Eschenbach; 6,077,196 to Eschenbach; 6,077,198 to Eschenbach; 6,090,013 to Eschenbach; 6,090,014 to Eschenbach; 6,142,915 to Eschenbach; 6,168,552 to Eschenbach; 6,210,305 to Eschenbach; 6,361,476 to Eschenbach; 6,409,632 to Eschenbach; 6,422,976 to Eschenbach; 6,422,977 to Eschenbach; 6,436,007 to Eschenbach; 6,440,042 to Eschenbach; 6,482,132 to Eschenbach; and 6,612,969 to Eschenbach).
Elliptical motion exercise apparatus are also described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,573,480 to Rodgers, Jr.; 5,683,333 to Rodgers, Jr.; 5,738,614 to Rodgers, Jr.; 5,924,962 to Rodgers, Jr.; 5,938,567 to Rodgers, Jr.; 5,549,526 to Rodgers, Jr.; 5,593,371 to Rodgers, Jr.; 5,595,553 to Rodgers, Jr.; 5,637,058 to Rodgers, Jr.; 5,772,558 to Rodgers, Jr.; 5,540,637 to Rodgers, Jr.; 5,593,372 to Rodgers, Jr.; 5,766,113 to Rodgers, Jr.; and 5,813,949 to Rodgers, Jr.; 5,690,589 to Rodgers, Jr.; 5,743,834 to Rodgers, Jr.; 5,611,758 to Rodgers, Jr.; 5,653,662 to Rodgers, Jr.; and 5,989,163 to Rodgers, Jr., each of which is incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.
In many exercise apparatus, rigid coupling to a crank generally confines the elliptical path to a fixed stride or path length. The fixed elliptical path length may either be too long for shorter users or too short for taller users.
Adjustable stride elliptical exercise apparatus have been disclosed in previous patents (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,743,834 to Rodgers, Jr.). Although some of these exercise apparatus have addressed the issue of a fixed path length, the stride adjustment is made through changes or adjustments to the crank geometry. Mechanisms for adjustment in such apparatus may add significant cost, may require input by a user to a control system, and/or may not react relatively quickly to user input.
Pivoting foot pedal systems have been disclosed in previous patents (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,690,589 to Rodgers, Jr.). Pivoting foot pedal systems may be configured such that the pivotal connection to the pedal is located above the pedal surface and a pendulum action may occur during pedal pivoting. This pendulum action may slightly increase the stride length. Such increases in stride length, however, are generally a small percentage of stride length and are not generally perceived by a user of the apparatus.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,689,019 to Ohrt et al., which is incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein, discloses a user defined, dynamically variable stride exercise apparatus. A crank based system with a link that engages a roller at the end of a crank is disclosed. The link may have springs or cams to control and limit stride length. The cams, however, are placed away from the user. The resultant forces created by the cam are limited because the full weight of the user may not be applied to the cam. A housing to cover the crank and cam system may be large, thus adding to manufacturing cost. In addition, the overall length of the system may be relatively high.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Exercise apparatus that allows user varied stride length


An apparatus for cutting a product includes a conveyor assembly and a slitter assembly. The conveyor assembly conveys the product in a feed direction and defines a conveyance surface, on which the product is conveyed. The slitter assembly slits the product into strips as the product is conveyed in the feed direction. The slitter assembly comprises a plurality of cutting elements arranged in a V shape and overlapping one another in the feed direction, as viewed in a direction substantially normal to the conveyance surface. A chopping assembly is positioned downstream of the slitter assembly. The chopping assembly comprises an elongated blade, which moves in an elliptical cutting motion, such that it has a component in the downward direction to sever the strips of product, and a component in the feed direction to toss the severed pieces of product in the feed direction.

To date, various different machines have been used for cubing or dicing deformable products. One common type of machine used for cubing or dicing a deformable product is a harp style cutter. The harp style cutter is most commonly used to cut moderately deformable products, such as cheese, meats, bakery products, potato products, and the like. Harp style cutters use a plurality of wires or wire blades stretched taught within a rigid harp frame to cut the deformable product into individual pieces. Generally, either hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders are used to force the harp frame over a slab or loaf of deformable product, thereby severing the slab or loaf into a plurality of slices, blocks, or cubes. Harp style cutters, however, are prone to breakage of the harp wires, are labor intensive to operate, and require frequent maintenance. Traditional harp style cutters typically require as many as two operators per machine. Moreover, these harp style cutters cannot satisfactorily cut soft or high moisture products, such as, for example, mozzarella cheese, while providing uniform, smooth profile cut blocks of the cheese.
Another type of known dicing device employs a ganged cutting assembly (i.e., a plurality of circular cutting blades axially aligned on a shaft) to cut a product into strips, and a mechanism for cutting the product transversely to the feed direction. Several different variations of this type of dicing machine are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,193,272 to Bernard, U.S. Pat. No. 4,095,926 to Paul, and U.S. Pat. No. 3,598,163 to Urschel. In particular, the '272 patent discloses a system for producing discrete chilled blocks of product having pre-selected weights. The system comprises a plurality of circular slicers disposed coaxially along a shaft to cut the product into strips. An elongated knife blade cutter periodically severs blocks of the product. In a dicing machine of this type, having the slicers axially aligned on a single shaft, the product is forced past all of the slicers simultaneously. This arrangement is problematic for several reasons. First, as the product is being cut, each slicer blade displaces a small amount of the product. Since the product is simultaneously sliced by all of the slicer blades, the amount of product displaced by all of the slicer blades is significant. Consequently, the product must be deformed—i.e., compacted—to compensate for the space filled by the plurality of slicer blades. This compaction of the product increases the force required to feed the product through the slicers and may exacerbate the adherence of the product to the slicer blades. A second problem with this type of ganged cutter is that when the product comes into contact with all the slicers simultaneously, the product will encounter substantial resistance to conveyance. Thus, a substantial force will be applied to the shaft on which the slicers are mounted, which has a propensity to smear the product, and may plug and/or damage the dicing machine. As a result of these two problems, soft and/or tacky products may not be properly conveyed through the ganged cutting assembly.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,537,494 to Orlowski discloses a slicing machine for vegetables, having a series of pairs of rotary slicer blades the vegetable encounters as it moves downstream. Each pair of the slicer blades is set successively closer together, as the vegetable moves in the downstream direction. The pairs of slicer blades are spaced apart from one another, in the feed direction, a distance greater than the diameter of the blades, and intervening spacers are placed between the pairs of slicer blades to receive and position the vegetables to be cut. One disadvantage of this arrangement is that, as the product reaches the trailing (upward rotating) edge of the slicer blades, the product will be biased in the upward direction by the upward motion of the trailing edge of the slicer blades. Thus, some tacky and/or soft products will not be effectively stabilized and may tend to ride-up on the slicer blades, where they will no longer be conveyed properly. Furthermore, because the slicer blades are spaced at such a great distance apart in the feed direction, the overall length of the slicing machine is correspondingly great. The large size of this configuration makes it difficult or impossible to effectively mount the machine above or upstream of another machine in an assembly line.
From this, it is apparent that there is a need in the art for an improved dicing apparatus and method for dicing a deformable product into cubes or blocks.

Apparatus for dicing a deformable product


Methods and apparatus for providing efficient spectral usage in extensible carrier deployments. In one embodiment, the deployment comprises a long-term evolution (LTE) or LTE-advanced (LTE-A) network, and a reference carrier resource and one or more extensible carrier resources are configured based at least in part on a time and/or frequency separation. In one exemplary implementation, one or more reference carriers are combined with one or more carrier extensions/segments. The resulting aggregated bandwidth can be used to, among other things, optimize overall network operation.

Technical Field
The present disclosure relates generally to the field of wireless networks and telecommunications. More particularly, in one exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure describes configuration and usage of extensible carrier resources within a wireless (e.g., cellular) network.
Description of Related Technology
Incipient research in spectral usage and deployment address an ever increasing demand for higher capacity and higher data rates in cellular networks. Significant areas of interest include modifications to existing data and control information transmission structures (also referred to throughout as "carriers"). For example, standardization efforts for 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) Long Term Evolution (LTE) Release 11 have been directed to partially-configured carrier structures within non-backward compatible configurations.
Within the context of 3GPP LTE Release 11, proposed and/or existing solutions for carrier design are required to support operation in the following scenarios: (i) synchronized carriers (i.e., where the legacy and segment/extension carriers are synchronized in time and frequency), and (ii) unsynchronized carriers (i.e., where the legacy and segment/extension carriers are not synchronized in time and/or frequency such that separate synchronization processing is required in the receiver). More directly, carrier synchronization has a direct impact on the processing burden of the receiver.
Generally, network operators struggle with adding new spectrum within coverage areas which have existing spectral deployments. While synchronized carriers are preferred to reduce overall receiver complexity, unsynchronized carriers are easier to deploy. Existing solutions for improving network coverage rely on adding more spectrum; however, incipient research is directed to more efficient spectral usage and/or additional optimizations which may be possible, with larger aggregated bandwidths.
Hence, improved solutions are needed for configuration and usage of extensible carrier resources within a wireless (e.g., cellular) networks. Ideally, such solutions for carrier deployment should optimize energy efficiency, provide flexible spectrum usage, enable heterogeneous network deployments, and/or enable machine type communications.

Methods and apparatus for efficient spectral usage in extensible carrier deployments


The invention relates to a cooler for cooling clinker with a device for removal of a sample of the clinker, wherein the cooler has a first cooler section, a second cooler section and a crusher disposed between them, and the device for removal of a sample of the clinker is disposed in a region between the first and the second cooler section.

In order to ensure that the quality of the clinker is as constant as possible, samples of the clinker are taken and examined. It is then possible to influence the raw meal composition, the fuel regulation, etc., as a function of the result. Because of the high temperatures of the clinker coming out of the kiln and falling onto the cooler such samples can only be examined with regard to their chemical properties. The formation of clinker minerals is only terminated when the temperature of the clinker falls below approximately 720° C.
In order to analyse the clinker both with regard to its chemical properties and with regard to its mineralogical properties, the prior art mentions that sampling is carried out after the cooler. Due to the relatively long residence time of the clinker in the cooler an intervention into the preceding method sections can only be undertaken with a substantial loss of time.
The object of the invention, therefore, is to provide a cooler for cooling clinker with a device for the removal of a sample of the clinker, so that comprehensive information concerning the properties of the clinker can be collected as contemporaneously as possible.
This object is achieved according to the invention in that the cooler has a first cooler section, a second cooler section and a crusher disposed between them, and the device for removal of a sample of the clinker is disposed in a region between the first and the second cooler sections.


The present invention relates to a method for converting a game shoe having game cleats to a weighted training shoe. The method includes the step replacing at least one of the game cleats with a weighted cleat that is at least three times heavier than the at least one game cleat.

Enhanced athletic performance is directly dependent upon effective training. Through effective training in the preseason and between athletic events, athletes maximize their strength, speed and endurance which are keys to success in athletic competitions.
Common training workouts include a variety of aerobic activities such as long distance running and jogging, wind sprints, and scrimmaging. In order to increase the workout intensities, many athletes carry additional weight during the course of a workout. For example, some athletes employ ankle weights or specialized weighted training shoes in order to improve foot speed, endurance, and overall muscle growth.
Typical specialized weighted training shoes have weighted plates or rods that are incorporated within and aligned generally parallel to the soles of the shoes. The plates or rods typically interfere with the cushioning and flexibility of the weighted shoes thereby making the shoes awkward and uncomfortable. Ankle weights are equally awkward and uncomfortable. The uncomfortable nature of existing weighting techniques makes it difficult for athletes using the weighting techniques to move naturally and fluidly thereby reducing workout effectiveness and increasing the potential for injury.

Method for converting a game shoe to a weighted training shoe


A method for fabricating a light emitting diode chip is provided. Firstly, a semiconductor device layer is formed on a substrate. Afterwards, a current spreading layer is formed on a portion of the semiconductor device layer. Then, a current blocking layer and a passivation layer are formed on a portion of the semiconductor device layer not covered by the current spreading layer. Finally, a first electrode is formed on the current blocking layer and the current spreading layer. Moreover, a second electrode is formed on the semiconductor device layer.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method of fabricating a chip, and more particularly to a method of fabricating a light emitting diode (LED) chip.
2. Description of Related Art
FIGS. 1A through 1F schematically illustrate cross-sectional views of a fabricating process of a conventional light emitting diode chip. Firstly, a first type semiconductor material layer 122, a light emitting material layer 124, and a second type semiconductor material layer 126 are sequentially formed on a substrate 110 to form a semiconductor stacked layer 128. Here, a method of forming the semiconductor stacked layer 128 is, for example, a metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) process, or other suitable epitaxial processes to form the semiconductor stacked layer 128 as shown in FIG. 1A.
Next, the semiconductor stacked layer 128 is patterned to form a semiconductor device layer 120. The semiconductor device layer 120 as shown in FIG. 1B is formed by a conventional photolithography and etching process (PEP).
Thereafter, a current blocking layer 130 is formed on an upper surface 120a of the semiconductor device layer 120. Here, the current blocking layer 130 as shown in FIG. 1C is formed by the conventional PEP. Specifically, the method of forming the current blocking layer 130 is forming a dielectric material layer (not shown) entirely on the substrate 110. Then, the dielectric material layer is patterned by the PEP to form the current blocking layer 130 as shown by FIG. 1C.
Afterwards, a current spreading layer 140 is formed on an upper surface 120a of the semiconductor device layer 120 to cover the current blocking layer 130. The current spreading layer 140 is formed by the conventional PEP. In other words, the method of forming the current spreading layer 140 is forming a conductive layer (not shown) entirely on the substrate 110 to cover the semiconductor device layer 120 and the current blocking layer 130. Next, the conductive layer is patterned by the PEP to form the current spreading layer 140 as shown by FIG. 1D.
Upon completion of the foregoing steps, a plurality of electrodes 150 is formed on the current spreading layer 140 and the semiconductor device layer 120. The electrodes 150 are formed by the conventional PEP. Specifically, the method of forming the electrodes 150 is forming an electrode material layer (not shown) entirely on the current spreading layer 140 and the semiconductor device layer 120. Next, the electrode material layer is patterned by the PEP to form the electrodes 150 on the current spreading layer 140 and the semiconductor device layer 120, as shown by FIG. 1E.
Then, a passivation layer 160 is formed on the current spreading layer 140 and the semiconductor device layer 120 not covered by the electrodes 150. The passivation layer 160 is formed by the conventional PEP, for example. Specifically, the method of forming the passivation layer 160 is forming a dielectric material layer (not shown) entirely on the substrate 110 to cover the current spreading layer 140, the electrodes 150, and the semiconductor device layer 120. Next, the electrode material layer is patterned by the PEP to form the passivation layer 160 on the current spreading layer 140 and the semiconductor device layer 120 not covered by the electrodes 150, as shown in FIG. 1F. So far, the fabricating steps of the conventional light emitting diode chip 100 are generally completed.
In view of the foregoing, the fabrication of the conventional light emitting diode chip 100 requires at least five PEPs. In other words, the light emitting diode chip 100 requires at least five masks of different patterns to perform the PEPs aforementioned. Since each of the masks is rather costly, the fabrication cost and the fabrication time of the light emitting diode chip 100 can not be reduced.

Method for fabricating light emitting diode chip


A crosstalk cancellation filter set configured for use in delivering binaural signals to human ears is provided. The crosstalk cancellation filter set includes a pressure matching system configured to perform spatial filtering or sound field control and an obstructed field model in communication with the pressure matching system. The crosstalk cancellation filter set is configured to take acoustic advantage of scattering effects and occlusional effects caused by violations to a free-field assumption, thereby delivering improved crosstalk cancellation acoustic displays to a listener without the use of headphones.

Crosstalk cancellation (also known as "CTC") is an acoustic display technique where loudspeakers are used in place of headphones to deliver binaural signals to human ears. Crosstalk cancellation is one instance of a class of acoustic display techniques called sound field control (also known as "SFC").
In certain instances, crosstalk cancellation performance can be improved by improving the accuracy of the sound field model. In particular, the free-field assumption is violated by the scattering and occlusion effects of the human head and body. These physical effects diminish the quality of binaural localization, since they combine with the virtual effects of scattering and occlusion already present in binaural audio. Improving the accuracy of the sound field model establishes a means to attenuate the presence of physical effects, thus improving the perception of virtual effects.
It would be advantageous if crosstalk cancellation techniques could be improved in terms of any, some, or all sound field control metrics.

Optimal crosstalk cancellation filter sets generated by using an obstructed field model and methods of use


A method for predicting a future occurrence of an event involves obtaining a history of prior occurrences of the event. A plurality of variables is created that are associated with the event. Weights are assigned to each variable. An artificial neural network is accessed and trained with the history of past occurrences of the event by comparing an output of the artificial neural network to the past occurrence of the event. The weights are adjusted until the output corresponds to the past occurrence of the event.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to programs, models and methods for predicting future occurrences of events. More particularly, the invention relates to a method for predicting a future occurrence of an event using a plurality of variables and an artificial neural network.
2. Description of the Related Art
Many organizations attempt to predict future events or trends to more efficiently and/or economically provide services. For example, medical facilities such as hospitals and clinics would like to determine patient-related information such as length of stay, treatment options, and pharmaceutical needs for a given ailment. Such information can help the medical facility plan for issues such as bed space, staffing concerns, and purchasing and storage of supplies. As a result, costs could be cut by not planning to provide more resources than would be necessary.
Trend forecasting and future event prediction in the past have involved accumulating data associated with the subject of the forecasting or prediction. Regression or extrapolation techniques are applied to the data to find the trend or predict future activity. However, these techniques don't take into account variable data connected with the event.

Real-time predictive computer program, model, and method