A media detector for use in a printing device and method of differentiating between glossy-finish and matte-finish print media are disclosed. An embodiment of the media detector includes a source, sensor, and polarized filter. The source transmits an unpolarized first light signal and is positioned so that this signal is transmitted toward a sheet of print media at a first angle with respect to a normal to a surface of the sheet of print media. The sensor is positioned to detect an intensity of a reflected light signal from the sheet of print media. The polarized filter is positioned between the sensor and the sheet of print media so that the intensity of the reflected light signal detected by the sensor is less for a polarized reflected light signal than for an unpolarized reflected light signal. Polarization of the reflected light signal is dependent upon the first angle. A method in accordance with the present invention transmits an unpolarized first light signal toward a sheet of print media at a first angle with respect to a normal to a surface of the sheet of print media. This method also detects an intensity of a reflected light signal from the sheet of print media and differentiates between a polarized reflected light signal and unpolarized reflected light signal to determine whether the sheet of print media has a glossy-finish or a matte-finish. Other characteristics and features of the above-described media detector and method are described herein, as are alternative embodiments.

The present invention relates to printing devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to a media detector for and a method of differentiating between glossy-finish and matte-finish print media.
Printing devices, such as inkjet printers, use printing composition (e.g., ink or toner) to print text, graphics, images, etc. onto print media. The print media may be of any of a variety of different types. For example, the print media may include letter quality paper, transparencies, envelopes, photographic print stock, cloth, etc. These print media may be placed in one of two broad categories relating to the finish of the surface of the print medium. These categories are glossy-finish for things such as transparencies and photographic print stock and matte-finish for things such as letter quality paper and envelopes. A glossy-finish is specifically defined herein as a print media finish that provides a surface brightness or shine when illuminated by a light source. A matte-finish is specifically defined herein as a print media finish that lacks surface brightness or shine when illuminated by a light source. Glossy-finish and matte-finish print media each have various characteristics that ideally should be accounted for during printing, otherwise a less than optimal printed output may occur.
One way in which a printing device can be configured to a particular to print media is to have a user make manual adjustments to the printing device based upon these characteristics. One problem with this approach is that it requires user intervention which is undesirable. Another problem with this approach is that it requires a user to correctly identify and differentiate between glossy-finish and matte-finish print media which some users may be unable to do. A further problem with this approach is that a user may incorrectly manually configure the printing device so that optimal printing still does not occur in spite of user intervention.
A device and method that automatically differentiates between gloss-finish and matte-finish print media would be a welcome improvement. Accordingly, the present invention is directed to alleviating these above-described problems and achieving this end.
An embodiment of a media detector in accordance with the present invention for use in a printing device includes a source, a sensor, and a polarized filter. The source transmits an unpolarized first light signal and is positioned in the printing device so that the first light signal is transmitted toward a sheet of print media in the printing device at a first angle with respect to a normal to a surface of the sheet of print media. The sensor is positioned in the printing device to detect an intensity of a reflected light signal from the sheet of print media. The polarized filter is positioned between the sensor and the sheet of print media so that the intensity of the second light signal detected by the sensor is less for a polarized reflected light signal than for an unpolarized reflected light signal. Polarization of the second light signal is dependent upon the first angle.
The above-described media detector may be modified and include the following characteristics described below. The first angle may be selected such that the reflected light signal is polarized in a plane substantially orthogonal to a polarization of the polarized filter. The media detector may further include a second sensor and a second polarized filter. In this case, the second sensor is positioned in the printing device to detect the intensity of the reflected light signal from the sheet of print media. The second polarized filter is positioned between the second sensor and the sheet of print media, and oriented so that the polarization of the second polarized filter is substantially parallel to a polarization of the reflected light signal.
The reflected light signal may be polarized for a glossy-finish sheet of print media and unpolarized for a matte-finish sheet of print media. The media detector may be in a printing device. The first angle may be selected to be substantially equal to a Brewster's angle.
An alternative embodiment of a media detector in accordance with the present invention also includes a source, a sensor, and a polarized filter. In this embodiment, the source transmits an unpolarized first light signal in a first direction and the sensor is configured to detect an intensity of a reflected light signal having a second direction different than the first direction. The polarized filter is positioned between the sensor and a sheet of print media, and oriented so that the polarization of the polarized filter is substantially perpendicular to a polarization of the reflected light signal. Polarization of the reflected light signal is dependent upon the first direction of the first light signal.
The above-described alternative embodiment of the media detector may be modified and include the following characteristics described below. The media detector may further include a second sensor and second polarized filter. The second sensor is positioned in the printing device to detect the intensity of the reflected light signal from the sheet of print media. The second polarized filter is positioned between the second sensor and the sheet of print media, and oriented so that polarization of the second polarized filter is substantially parallel to the polarization of the reflected light signal.
The reflected light signal may be polarized for a glossy-finish sheet of print media and unpolarized for a matte-finish sheet of print media. The first direction may be selected to polarize the reflected light signal in a plane substantially orthogonal to a polarization plane of the polarized filter. The media detector may be in a printing device.
Another alternative embodiment of a media detector in accordance with the present invention for use in a printing device includes structure for producing a unpolarized first light signal and structure for sensing polarization of a reflected light signal from a sheet of print media in response to the first light signal so that the printing device can differentiate between a glossy-finish sheet of print media and a matte-finish sheet of print media to help optimize printing by the printing device. This alternative embodiment of a media detector for use in a printing device may include the following characteristics described below.
The reflected light signal may be polarized for glossy-finish print media and unpolarized for matte-finish print media.
The structure for sensing may include a sensor and polarized filter. In this case, the sensor is positioned in the printing device to detect an intensity of the reflected light signal from the sheet of print media. The polarized filter is positioned between the sensor and the sheet of print media so that the intensity of the reflected light signal detected by the sensor is less for a polarized reflected light signal than for an unpolarized reflected light signal. This embodiment of the media detector may also include a second sensor and a second polarized filter. In such cases, the second sensor is positioned in the printing device to detect the intensity of the reflected light signal from the sheet of print media. The second polarized filter is positioned between the second sensor and the sheet of print media, and oriented so that the polarization of the second polarized filter is substantially parallel to the polarization of the reflected light signal.
This alternative embodiment of a media detector may be in a printing device.
A method of differentiating between glossy-finish and matte-finish print media in accordance with the present invention for use in a printing device includes the step of transmitting an unpolarized first light signal toward a sheet of print media at a first angle with the respect to a normal to a surface of the sheet of print media. The method additionally includes the step of detecting an intensity of a reflected light signal from the sheet of print media. The method further includes the step of differentiating between a polarized reflected light signal and an unpolarized light signal to determine whether the sheet of print media has a glossy-finish or a matte-finish.
The above-described method may include the following additional steps described below. The method may include the additional step of selecting the first angle such that the reflected light signal is polarized in a plane substantially orthogonal to a plane including the normal. The method may include the step of selecting the first angle to be substantially equal to a Brewster's angle.
Other objects, advantages, and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Glossy or matte-finish media detector and method for use in a printing device


A system for detecting particles in a gas stream comprises a Faraday collector separating charged particles into positive and negative streams to be detected. The Faraday collector includes a plurality of interdigitated wires, with a first plurality of wires charged with a positive potential and a second plurality of wires charged with a negative potential to separate particles in the gas stream into the positive and negative streams.

This application relates to a grid utilized in a detector for instruments such as ion mobility and differential mobility spectrometers.
Ion mobility spectrometers (IMS) are utilized to identify trace materials in a gas stream. As an example, IMS instruments are known which detect the presence of trace amounts of chemical warfare agents, toxic industrial chemicals, or improvised explosive devices.
One type of IMS is known as a time of flight spectrometer. In time of flight, air is first ionized and then a gating device allows a small fraction of the ions to be analyzed to move into a drift tube. An electric field is applied along the drift tube and chemical species are separated based on their relative mobility, which in turn is a function of the ion's molecular weight and size
Downstream of the drift tube, there is typically a collector to communicate the collected ionized particles to a detector.
In some instances, the ionized particles can have both positive and negative ions. It would be efficient to detect both species simultaneously. However, proposals to date have required large electric fields and, thus, have complicated other locations along the detector system.
It has been known to make micro machined fine electrode grids. However, this type grid has been utilized for gating devices in such sensing systems and not at the collector location.

Micro machined two dimensional faraday collector grid


The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and associated methods to produce analgesia in a mammal by providing an electrical nerve stimulus utilizing a pulsed input of low level electrical current, wherein the level of current is measurable with the measurements utilized to at least adjust the strength of the current according to selected parameters. Additionally, the use of magnets to produce a magnetic field to further control chronic and acute pain. In exemplary implementations, the apparatus maintains continuous monitoring of the electrical characteristics of TENS at the site of input and output, and the electrical input can be modified during treatment to obtain desired electrical input. More particularly the disclosure relates to an electromagnetic apparatus incorporating pulsed direct current, two or more electrodes, and at least two dipole antennas wherein the dipole antenna circuits receive and analyze signal from the dipole antennas, using the information from signal analysis within the methods for producing analgesia in mammals. The strength of the current that the patient is receiving at the targeted site as the actual field is measured by the dipole antennas and adjustment is not dependent on subjective measurements to ascertain whether the proper amplitude, frequency and pulse duration are being applied.

1. Field
The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and associated methods to produce analgesia in a mammal by providing an electrical nerve stimulus utilizing a pulsed input of low level electrical current, wherein the level of current is measurable with the measurements utilized to at least adjust the strength of the current according to selected parameters. Additionally, the use of magnets to produce a magnetic field to further control chronic and acute pain.
2. General Background
Electrotherapy and Pain
There are multiple pharmacologic approaches to the medical treatment of acute and chronic pain. Some of the pharmacologic treatments include acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, glucosamine chondroitin, cyclooxygenase-2-selective inhibitors, topical analgesics, and opiate analgesics. Some of the nonpharmacologic options include physical therapy, such as aquatherapy, heat, and aerobic exercises, weight reduction for arthritic pain, bed rest, and osteopathic manipulative treatments.
In the 1960's the medical use of electricity was considered and various physiological rationale were proposed for its electroanalgesic effects. It was observed that chronic pain relief was obtained in some patients when high-frequency percutaneous electrical stimulation was used.
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation Mechanism and Muscle Contraction
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) controls pulsed currents delivered through the intact surface of the skin by conducting pads, referred to as electrodes. There are a variety of TENS-like devices available in the market. This proliferation of TENS-like devices has created literature which contains inconsistent nomenclature and ambiguous results in treatment. There are primarily three types of TENS: conventional TENS described herein, acupuncture-like TENS, and intense TENS.
The electrical characteristics of TENS are typically chosen to selectively activate different populations of nerve fibers. In post surgery/disease/injury related physical therapy TENS is used to contract muscles to maintain muscle tone when patients are unable to use the muscles normally. Large diameter nerve fibers (Aβ and Aα) have low thresholds of activation to electrical stimuli when compared to the smaller diameter nerve fibers (Aδ and C). The current amplitude needed to excite a nerve fiber declines as the pulse duration and pulse frequency increases. Therefore one would select low-intensity, high frequency currents with pulse durations between 10 and 1000 microseconds to activate the larger diameter fibers. Conversely increasing the pulse duration will lead to activation of the smaller nerve fibers at lower pulse amplitudes. Manufacturers have introduced features on TENS devices such as modulated amplitude, modulated frequency to assist in controlling muscle response.
TENS is also used to induce analgesia. TENS produces analgesia by a segmental mechanism where the activity generated in the Aβ nerve fibers inhibit ongoing activity in the second-order nociceptive, i.e., pain related, neurons in the spinal cord's dorsal horn.
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation and Pain
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation is a simple non-invasive technique that is used in health care settings by nurses, physiotherapists, and other health-care professionals. TENS is defined by the American Physical Therapy Association as the application of electrical stimulation to the skin for pain relief.
Nadler (2004) in a review of nonpharmacologic treatments indicated that TENS treatment caused about a 50% reduction in pain as opposed to a placebo response.
Maurer et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 4,431,002) and Holcomb (U.S. Pat. No. 6,741,889) indicated that pain relief could occur when electrical pulses were applied to the surface of the body or to electrodes which were implanted within the body. These TENS apparatuses provide electrical nerve stimulus where the stimulus pulses were modulated in both time and intensity in a prescribed manner.
TENS can activate different populations of nerve fibers. Low thresholds of activation to electrical stimuli have been found for the large diameter nerve fibers (Aβ and Aα) when they are compared to nerve fibers, Aδ and C (smaller diameter). As the pulse duration and pulse frequency increases, the amount of current amplitude which is needed to excite a nerve fiber decreases. To activate the larger diameter fibers such as Aβ and Aα typically one would select low-intensity, high frequency currents wherein the pulse durations are between 10 and 1000 microseconds. At lower pulse amplitudes the smaller diameter nerve fibers are activated with an increased pulse duration. Features such as modulated amplitude, modulated frequency, and duration have been introduced on TENS devices.
Conflicting reports have been published about the efficacy and the duration of a TENS application. Factors which contribute to these conflicting reports include (1) stimulus variables not controlled, (2) effect of different electrode placements, (3) dependent on patient's response, and (4) no means of measuring the electrical current applied to the locale undergoing treatment. It is difficult to predict the nature and the distribution of the currents when they pass across the surface of the skin due to the impedance of the tissue. Thus, at present the evidence for TENS effectiveness for chronic pain is inconclusive.
All publications, including patents, published patent applications, scientific or trade publications and the like, cited in this specification are hereby incorporated herein in their entirety.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and method of using same


A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus comprises a collecting section that collects from the subject the magnetic resonance signals corresponding to N phase encode data items for restructuring each of a plurality of images, a restructuring section that restructures each set of N phase encode data items corresponding to the magnetic resonance signals obtained by the collecting section, an image processing section that processes the restructured images obtained at the restructuring section, an image output section that outputs the processed images obtained at the image processing section, and a changing section that changes the number of phase encode data items updated among the N phase encode data items restructured at the restructuring section, while the collecting section is in operation.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus which obtains figure information such as a tomography of the subject, and functional information such as spectroscopic information, making use of a magnetic resonance (MR) phenomenon.
2. Description of the Related Art
A magnetic resonance phenomenon is such that an atomic nucleus with some spin and magnetic moment placed in a static magnetic field resonantly absorbs and radiates only electromagnetic waves of a specific frequency. The nucleus resonates at an angular frequency of .omega..sub.o expressed by the following equation (.omega..sub.o =2.pi..gamma..sub.o, .gamma..sub.o =Larmor frequency): EQU .gamma..sub.o =.gamma.H.sub.o
where .gamma. is the gyromagnetic ratio peculiar to the type of atomic nucleus, and H.sub.o is the intensity of the static magnetic field.
An apparatus based on the above-mentioned principles processes induced electromagnetic waves of the same frequency as that of the absorbed electromagnetic waves after the aforementioned resonant absorption, and thereby obtains diagnostic information reflecting MR parameters (including atomic nucleus density, longitudinal relaxation time T1, transverse relaxation time T2, flow, and chemical shift), such as sliced images of the subject, with no invasion.
The acquisition of diagnostic information by magnetic resonance is achieved by exciting all parts of the subject placed in a static magnetic field and collecting the signals. Because of restrictions on apparatus configuration and clinical request for images, actual apparatuses excite a specific part of the subject and collect the signals.
In this case, a specific part to be imaged is generally a sliced part having a particular thickness. Magnetic resonance signals (MR signals), including echo signals and FID signals from the sliced part, are collected by encoding data many times. By restructuring these groups of data items by, for example, a two-dimensional Fourier transformation method, laminograms (sliced images) of the specific sliced part are created.
Such a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus is installed in the clinical field as a sophisticated medical diagnostic instrument which, almost only by electrical operations, provides various pieces of diagnostic information reflecting parameters peculiar to a magnetic resonance phenomenon, including nuclide, atomic nucleus density, relaxation time, pulse repetition time, echo time, MR imaging part, and parameters determining image processing.
With a resonance imaging apparatus of this type, MR imaging is effected as follows. The MR imaging target part of the subject is set in a specified position within a gantry. After entering relevant particulars including patient registration, the operator selects an RF coil and a matrix according to diagnostic items and further selects MR imaging parameters including nuclide, atomic nucleus density, relaxation time, pulse repetition time, echo time, pulse shape, and pulse-sequence.
Furthermore, the operator also selects image processing parameters, restructuring parameters, and output parameters. After those parameters have been selected, the apparatus is ready to scan. When the scan button is operated, a predetermined pulse-sequence is repeated by means of a sequencer. The sequentially collected data items are stored in a memory in the computer system. Therefore, these data items are sent to the restructuring unit in the computer system, which restructures them to form image data. The operator then selects one of image display, imager output, and image storage as the occasion demands, and at the time of diagnosis, reads images on the display or films.
In the above-mentioned MR imaging procedure, the operator sets parameters so that images suitable for diagnosis complying with the expected diagnostic items may be obtained. However, when the obtained image is unsatisfactory or when the doctor wants to diagnose from another viewpoint, another picture needs to be MR imaged by repeating the aforementioned MR imaging procedure. For instance, the doctor may judge that an axial picture obtained by MR imaging a certain portion of the head would not provide good diagnostic information, and therefore may desire another MR image of the portion to form a sagittal picture.
As described above, with such a conventional apparatus, the MR imaging procedure must be repeated until the desired image is obtained. In this case, when what is diagnosed is a still object, there is no problem with images obtained at long intervals. However, when what is diagnosed is a moving object, images obtained at long intervals prevent pathologic analysis from being performed satisfactorily. For instance, when the movement of a knee or a joint needs to be diagnosed dynamically, or when the flow from when a contrast medium is injected until it is excreted needs to be diagnosed dynamically, various types of images can be obtained. However, because the MR imaging procedure must be repeated every time each image is formed, it takes a long time to produce each image. This prevents a dynamic diagnosis from being made actually, which becomes a problem.
Such a problem stems from the fact that once the conventional apparatus has set parameters, it cannot effect MR imaging using different parameters unless the MR imaging procedure based on the present parameters has been finished.

Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus having a fluoroscopy mode


Method and apparatus for detecting disordered breathing in a patient and, in particular, to a method and apparatus for detecting patient snoring and/or for dynamically determining a snore detection threshold, and to a pressure support system and method of providing pressure support that uses this unique snore detection and/or snore detection dynamic adjustment technique to control the pressure provided to at patient.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for detecting disordered breathing in a patient and, in particular, to a method and apparatus for detecting patient snoring and/or for dynamically adjusting a snore detection threshold, and to a pressure support system and method of providing pressure support that uses this unique snore detection and/or dynamic adjustment technique to control the pressure provided to a patient.
2. Brief Description of the Prior Art
It is known that may individuals suffer from disordered breathing during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is an example of such disordered breathing, is a condition in which sleep is repeatedly interrupted by an inability to breathe due to an obstructed upper airway segment. Obstruction of the airway is generally believed to be due, at least in part, to a general relaxation of the muscles which stabilize the upper airway segment.
Those afflicted with OSA experience sleep fragmentation and complete or nearly complete cessation of ventilation intermittently during sleep with potentially severe degrees of oxyhemoglobin desaturation. These symptoms may be translated clinically into extreme daytime sleepiness, cardiac arrhythmias, pulmonary-artery hypertension, congestive heart failure and/or cognitive dysfunction. Other consequences of OSA include right ventricular dysfunction, carbon dioxide retention during wakefulness, as well as during sleep, and continuous reduced arterial oxygen tension. Sleep apnea sufferers may be at risk for excessive mortality from these factors as well as by an elevated risk for accidents while driving and/or operating potentially dangerous equipment.
Even if a patient does not suffer from a complete obstruction of the airway, it is also known that adverse effects, such as arousals from sleep, can occur where there is only a partial obstruction of the airway. Partial obstruction can result in shallow breathing referred to as a hypopnea. Other types of disordered breathing are upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) and vibrations in the airway, such as vibrations of the pharyngeal wall, commonly referred to as snoring. It is known that snoring can accompany closure of the airway leading to UARS, hypopnea, or apnea. Thus snoring provides an indicator that the patient is experiencing abnormal breathing.
It is known to treat such disordered breathing by applying a continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) to the patient's airway. This positive pressure effectively "splints" the airway; thereby maintaining an open passage to the lungs. It is also known to provide a positive pressure therapy in which the pressure of gas produced in the patient's airway varies with the patient's breathing cycle, or varies with the patient's effort, to increase the comfort to the patient. This pressure support technique is referred to a bi-level pressure support, in which the inspiratory positive airway pressure (IPAP) is higher than the expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP).
It is further known to provide a positive pressure therapy in which a continuous positive pressure is provided to the patient, and where the level of this pressure is automatically adjusted based on the detected conditions of the patient, such as whether the patient is snoring or experiencing an apnea, hypopnea or a change in upper airway resistance. This pressure support technique is referred to as an auto-titration pressure support device, because the pressure support device seeks to provide a pressure to the patient that is only as high as necessary to treat the disordered breathing.
Because, as noted above, snoring is an indicator of a partially collapsed or obstructed airway, with the collapse or obstruction usually occurring in the throat or nasal cavities, a snore detector is used to determine the necessary pressure to treat the patient according to known methods. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,203,343; 5,458,137 and 6,085,747 all to Axe et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,259,373 to Gruenke et al., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,199,424 and 5,245,995 both to Sullivan et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 6,138,675 to Berthon-Jones et al.
Many of these known auto-titration systems having snore detecting capability are susceptible to false snore indications because they do not take into consideration the background noise and other noise in the detecting system. In some cases, the snore detector is equipped with a preset background noise threshold value or preset footprints of a signal corresponding to a snore pressure wave. These preset values are then compared to an electrical representation of the snore pressure wave. However, because the threshold value and footprints are preset, these methods do not take into account dynamic background noise and could erroneously register a false snore.


A recombinant vaccine comprises a vaccine vector which incorporates a first nucleotide sequence capable of being expressed as all or a part of an antigenic polypeptide, together with a second nucleotide sequence capable of being expressed as all or a part of a lymphokine effective in enhancing the immune response to the antigenic polypeptide. The vaccine vectors include poxvirus, herpes virus or adenovirus, and the lymphokine may be an interleukin, tumour necrosis factor or gamma-interferon. The vaccine vector may express an antigenic polypeptide which is foreign to the host vector.

This invention concerns new vaccines developed using recombinant DNA technology to provide useful immune responses in circumstances where traditional vaccines may not be sufficiently effective.
Many existing live or killed vaccines are not without disadvantages, often significant, in respect of, for example, high production costs, poor response, low response to poorly immunogenic antigens, instability and a requirement for adjuvants. Furthermore, alternative vaccine preparations based on agents such as purified proteins or synthetic peptide antigens frequently offer only poor protection. In response to these problems, attention has turned to the development of vaccines in which recombinant DNA methods have been used to introduce antigens to which immunity is required, into carrier viruses such as vaccinia.
The advantage of the recombinant DNA approach is that an infectious recombinant virus simultaneously synthesises the foreign polypeptide and viral antigen, which can then be delivered to a host immune system as a superficial skin lesion. Vaccinia viruses have, for example, been modified for expression of the genes for hepatitis B, human immunodeficiency virus, influenza and malaria antigens; the construction of recombinant viruses carrying other antigens of medical or veterinary importance is under investigation.
In some instances, however, the immune response of recombinant vaccines may be of limited nature and magnitude. Thus, while peripheral immunisation with vaccinia-influenza recombinants provides good protection against lower respiratory tract infection, it fails to induce immunity in the upper respiratory tract. On the other hand, peripheral immunisation with recombinant vaccines may prove ineffective when local rather than systemic immunity is required, as in say the gastro-intestinal tract.
There have been various attempts to remedy these deficiencies, including expression of vaccine antigens through viruses having stronger promoters, such as poxvirus, but to date these have not met with significant success. The present invention provides an effective means for enhancing the immune response to the specific foreign antigenic polypeptides of recombinant vaccines.
The immune system is regulated in part by molecules, known as lymphokines, which are released by lymphocytes and help or modify the functions of other classes of lymphocytes. The present invention is based on a recognition that the expression of appropriate lymphokines from recombinant bacterial or viral vaccines can boost and/or modify the immune response to viral, bacterial or co-expressed foreign antigenic polypeptides.

Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Organisation


An encoder includes a scale including an origin detecting pattern, an origin detector, and a processor. The origin detector includes a plurality of detecting element groups including a first, second, third, and fourth detectors. The first and second detectors and the third and fourth detectors are symmetrically arranged to a center of each detecting element group, respectively. A part of the origin detecting pattern having a physical characteristic different from an origin peripheral part is shorter than each detecting element group. The origin detector outputs a first signal from the first and third detectors, and a second signal from the second and fourth detectors. The processor outputs a fifth signal based on a third signal from the first signal and a first threshold, and a fourth signal from the second signal and a second threshold as an origin signal.

Field of the Invention
The invention relates an encoder including a detecting function of an origin position.
Description of the Related Art
An encoder is currently used as a means for detecting a position and a velocity. An example of the encoder is an incremental encoder. Though a detecting position of the incremental encoder is accumulated by a counter when a scale and a sensor are relatively displaced, the detecting position is lost because the counter is reset just after supplying power. Thus, an operation for detecting an origin position is performed by relative displacement between the scale and the sensor when the power is supplied, and the counter is reset when the origin position is realized by an origin signal. This is origin detection. After origin detection, position detection from the origin position becomes performable.
In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2013-36945, a photodiode array identical to a photodiode array of a displacement detecting sensor is used as an origin detecting sensor, and a plurality of patterns for generating an origin signal, which have the same pitch as a pattern for generating a displacement detecting signal, are used as a scale pattern. And when an origin signal processor processes an output signal acquired from them, an origin region is determined and an origin signal is output.
However, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2013-36945, if the photodiode arrays of the origin detecting sensor are arranged larger than a length corresponding to 2 periods of an output signal of the origin detection sensor, the origin region may be mistaken. Because an output signal in a region other than the origin region can be partially satisfied with a condition regarded as an origin by the origin signal processor.
In encoder disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2012-103230, a digital origin signal is output based on an origin detecting signal reflected by a pattern for generating an origin signal and acquired by binarizing an output signal, which changes at a predetermined gradient and are entered into a detector.
However, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2012-103230, when the origin detecting signal varies on a high voltage side or a low voltage side by a noise, an output phase from a binarizing circuit changes and an origin position may be mistaken.


A dough mixer has a dough material feeding inlet and a dough discharging outlet at upper and lower portions of a housing, in which a mixing member is disposed. The dough mixer further includes at least one metal shutter member for opening and closing the dough material feeding inlet and the dough discharging outlet, and a guide rail member contacting of the at least one of metal shutter member for guiding motion of the shutter member through an established motion path, the guide rail member being formed of a synthetic resin. The at least one shutter member for removing a dough material in the motion path of the shutter expels compressed air at its tip.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a dough mixer. More specifically, the invention relates to a dough mixer, in which a material feeding inlet and a dough discharging outlet are provided at upper and lower portions of a housing having disposed therein a mixing member.
2. Description of the Related Art
A dough mixer having a dough material feeding inlet and a dough discharging outlet at upper and lower portions of a housing having disposed therein a mixing member is provided with shutter members at the dough material feeding inlet and the dough discharging outlet for closing both during kneading, opening the shutter member at the dough material feeding inlet during feeding of the material and opening the shutter member at the dough discharging outlet during discharging of dough.
Conventionally, the shutter member is formed of a metal plate. The shutter member is supported on the housing by guide rails mounted on the stationary portion of the housing and a plurality of gun-metal pins arranged along the guide rails.
In the conventional dough mixer set forth above, upon closing the shutter member, namely upon shutting off the dough material feeding inlet and the dough discharging outlet, difficulty can be encountered due to presence of dough material within a path of motion of the shutter for opening and closing. Also, the dough material can be clamped between the tip of the shutter member and the peripheral edge of the dough material feeding inlet or the dough discharging outlet to block complete shutting off of the shutter member.
In addition, due to the presence of the dough material within the opening and closing path of the shutter member and due to non-uniform frictional resistance between the shutter member and the guide rails and/or the gun-mental pins, the shutter member can become oblique during opening and closing motion to wear the gun-mental pins. Wearing of the gun-mental pins results in direct frictional contact between the dough mixer main body and the shutter member. Wearing also creates small metal chips or metal particles to be mixed to the dough material, which is quite undesirable for a food material.


A semiconductor manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment irradiates a semiconductor substrate with laser to form modified regions along an intended cut line in the semiconductor substrate. A light source emits the laser. An optical system comprises an objective lens configured to focus the laser in the semiconductor substrate. A light modulator is capable of modulating an energy density distribution of the laser. A controller controls the light modulator to displace a peak position of the energy density distribution of the laser from an optical axis of the objective lens in a relative movement direction of the optical system with respect to the semiconductor substrate.

When chips are to be singulated from a semiconductor substrate, a method of focusing laser on the semiconductor substrate to generate a modified layer and cleaving the semiconductor substrate along the modified layer is used. The modified layer in the semiconductor substrate is cleaved to some extent by internal stress and thus the laser is sometimes reflected or refracted on the cleaved surface. Scattered light produced by reflection or refraction of the laser may reach a region of a semiconductor integrated circuit on the semiconductor substrate and damage the semiconductor integrated circuit.
In order to suppress the scattered light, reducing laser output (a method 1) or elongating the oscillation period of the laser to widen the pitch between adjacent modified regions (a method 2) is conceivable. Because the energy itself of the scattered light is small in the method 1, damages of the semiconductor integrated circuit can be suppressed. However, if the laser output is low, the modified regions become small and the number of times of laser irradiation (the number of passes) needs to be increased. Therefore, the processing requires a longer time, resulting in a lower productivity.
On the other hand, the laser irradiation pitch becomes wider in the method 2 and accordingly the laser is less likely to enter the cleaved surface already formed, which suppresses the scattered light. However, if the irradiation pitch is wide, the cleaved surface of the semiconductor substrate is not stable and it becomes difficult to singulate chips from the semiconductor substrate with high quality.


A proportional flow controller, having a combination of common-diameter, viscosity-insensitive orifices, accurately combines two or more liquids, for a range of flow rates. A common pressure is applied to all liquids causing equal pressure drops for the orifices, thereby ensuring stable flow ratios. Control is achieved without moving parts or electrical components, for flow rates low enough for spray painting and adhesive application. A flow passage junction, downstream of all orifices, provides for combining and discharging the liquids.

1. Field of Invention
This invention is directed to a method and apparatus for continuously combining two, or more, distinct liquids, while maintaining substantially fixed relative proportions, over a range of flow rates.
2. Description of Prior Art
The scope of field of this invention includes applications as diverse as medical treatment, manufacturing processes, and painting. A primary application of this invention is painting with high-performance two-part paints; an application that well illustrates the advantages and limitations of the prior art for combining liquids in specific proportions.
Such two-part paints typically consist of a pigment carrier as one component and a hardener as another component. These paints must be mixed in the proper proportions, at the time of, or shortly before, use. Prior art has solved the proportional combining problem associated with these paints in two effective ways.
One approach, most appropriately used when the required amounts of paint are small, is to premeasure the liquid components and package them in separate compartments that are joined, but have an impenetrable barrier between them. The barrier must be removed just prior to use, and the components combined and mixed to provide a paint that is suitable for immediate use. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,405,051 and 5,431,303 to Miskell (1995) disclose a dispenser wherein the reactive components are held in two separate containers and are maintained separate from one another by a heat-fusible plug in the first case and by a pierceable membrane in the second case. Removing the barrier permits the reactants to combine and mix.
Another example of this approach is found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,988,017 to Schrader, et. al. (1991) which discloses an aerosol container system with two separated chambers, containing liquids to be mixed just prior to use.
The advantages of using such premeasured and prepackaged products include:
(a) Eliminating the need for bulk handling and pouring of potentially toxic chemicals. PA1 (b) The ability to purchase and store only small amounts of products with resulting economic and safety benefits. PA1 (c) The ability to dispose of the package after use, greatly facilitating cleanup, and significantly reducing the use of cleaning solvents, with resulting environmental benefits. PA1 (d) Light weight and small size, making a portable system practical. PA1 (a) Once the components are mixed, they must be used quickly, or they become useless. Similarly, any paint left over after job completion, being already mixed, is rendered useless. Since high-performance paints of the described type are expensive, this is seen to be a significant disadvantage. PA1 (b) Since all of the liquids are mixed at the same time, the curing time begins immediately, thus the last of the paint to enter the spray nozzle has been reacting for the entire time of painting. If the painting is interrupted, or cleaning of the spray apparatus delayed slightly, cleaning can become unreasonably difficult or even impractical. PA1 (c) Joined component packages preclude the ability to selectively combine components to achieve desirable characteristics, such as, for example, extra fast drying or hardening. PA1 (a) Big jobs can be handled more conveniently than with pre measured and prepackaged components. PA1 (b) Relative proportions of liquid components can be changed at will. PA1 (a) The expense of servo controlled metering, using controllers, transducers, etc. is very high for one work station. PA1 (b) Such systems, being relatively bulky, heavy, and delicate, are not easily portable, and for practical purposes require fixed location usage. PA1 (c) The amount of clean up required after use is significantly greater than that associated with prepackaged products. Correspondingly, the amount of cleaning solvent required is greater, with attendant cost and environmental penalties. PA1 (d) The sensitivity of servo system components, and the harsh environment of industrial painting operations necessitate regular maintenance and calibration by skilled technicians. PA1 (e) The use of electrically powered systems around solvent based painting operations requires extraordinary safety precautions. PA1 (a) To provide for the use of prepackaged liquid components as desired, with all attendant advantages, as presented above; while restricting combining to those component portions being instantaneously used. Thus the time allowable for job completion is many times greater than with previous prepackaged component systems. Additionally, any remaining liquids can be stored for future use. PA1 (b) To provide for the use of prepackaged liquid components, while supplying all downstream flow paths, as interior to a spray gun, for example, with an unreacted solvent-bearing mixture that continuously cleans rather than clogs. PA1 (c) To provide for the use of prepackaged liquid components, while preserving the ability to selectively combine components to achieve desired characteristics, and while maintaining the ability to change the relative proportions as required by the chosen components. PA1 (d) To provide for the use of prepackaged, selectively chosen cleaning solvents for in-place cleaning of fully assembled spray apparatus or applicators. PA1 (e) To provide an on-demand, fixed-proportion, continuous blending system at very low cost, relative to systems employing measuring, metering, and control components. PA1 (f) To provide a small, light-weight, and rugged liquid blending system that is easily portable and transportable. PA1 (g) To provide a fixed-proportion continuous blending system requiring substantially less cleanup effort and cleaning solvent than do servo controlled systems. PA1 (h) To provide a rugged and accurate blending system with disposable critical components, with no need for sophisticated maintenance and calibration. PA1 (i) To provide a non-electric, demand type, liquid blending system, suitable for use in flammable or explosive environments.
This art, while workable, has the following severe disadvantages:
A second approach described in prior art is to continuously combine two or more components into a continuous stream, while maintaining fixed relative proportions. U.S. Pat. No. 4,440,314 to Vetter et al. (1984) and U.S. Pat. No. 4,176,672 to Borberg (1979) teach this approach through the use of controllers, flow transducers, and servo controlled pumps. A similar approach is taught by U.S. Pat. No. 4,019,653 to Scherer, et. al. (1977) which teaches actuated valves instead of servo controlled pumps to regulate component flow. The advantages of the approach taught in these patents are:
The following significant disadvantages are associated with this prior art.

Method and apparatus for combining liquids


A set of living system units provides means for saving and utilizing space to users thereof. In an unstacked mode, the units function as seating and table articles for use in a user's living space. The units coordinate together in their unstacked mode to provide either a single bed or a double bed of standard sizes.

The present invention concerns a transformable living system that allows users thereof to sleep, work and live in the same space using a set of basic living system units. In an urban living setting, the availability of usable, personal space is severely limited. For example, in New York City, without access to substantial resources, one's living space will be excessively crammed if a bed, sofa, chair and an end table, each having only its traditional and ordinary functions, are used in the arrangement of the living space.
There are various prior art articles that are designed to save space for users thereof. For example, there is the sleeping sofa, which functions ordinarily as a sofa, but which can function as a bed when it is unfolded. There is also a chair that can be used as a narrow mattress when unfolded. However, each of these prior art articles functions independently of other household items to provide space savings.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a set of basic living system units that can be coordinated together to function as a household item and save living space for users thereof. A set of basic living system units would include a couch, chair, table and an end table. These four units in their ordinary functions provide substantially a living room set for their users. However, when the love seat and the chair are unstacked and rearranged, they are of equal height, and together provide a standard-size single bed. When the love seat, the chair, the table and the end table are unstacked and rearranged, all four are of equal height, and together provide a standard size double bed.


An animal feeder is actuable by an animal to provide and dispense an individual portion of feed thereto. The feeder includes a feed transport that is contained between an upper drop hole in the bottom portion of a hopper and a lower drop hole so that when the feed transport is actuated by the animal, feed is transported from the upper drop hole to the lower drop hole to fall into an animal feed station.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates in general to livestock feeders and more specifically to feeders designed to allow the animals to dispense feed themselves in individual portions.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Livestock self-feeders are well-known in the art and numerous designs have been developed in an attempt to provide efficient and effective ways to dispense feed through minimal effort by the farmer.
A typical livestock self-feeder is disclosed in Thibault, U.S. Pat. No. 4,353,329 and includes a base member having a feed trough, a hopper positioned thereabove, and a feed wheel having a plurality of uniquely designed spokes rotatably located in the circular trough. An aperture is located in the bottom of the hopper and permits feed to flow into the trough. The feed wheel includes an agitation rod that extends upwards through the aperture and into the hopper.
When the animal turns the wheel, the spokes spread the feed out in the trough. As the trough fills with feed, turning of the spokes by an animal becomes increasingly difficult and the specially designed spokes return some of the feed back towards the center of the trough. However, as the feed is consumed, the feed wheel offers less resistance to movement and additional quantities of feed are dispensed through the aperture and dispersed throughout the trough.
An inherent problem with the feeder disclosed in the '329 is the fact that the only restriction on the flow of feed through the aperture is when a sufficient amount of feed has been dispensed and retained in the trough thereby blocking the aperture. Another problem is that the feed wheel is positioned in the trough.

Animal feeder having animal actuated feed transport device between hopper and trough


An image forming apparatus using the electrophotographic method in which a toner image formed on an image carrier is transferred to a transfer medium, the image forming apparatus being equipped with a fixed-voltage transfer controller that controls the transfer voltage such that it will be maintained at a prescribed voltage, a current detector that detects the transfer current, a voltage detector that detects the transfer voltage, and a switching controller that, when the transfer current detected by means of the current detector falls outside a prescribed range, switches from fixed-voltage transfer control performed by the fixed-voltage transfer controller to fixed-current transfer control in which the transfer current is controlled such that the transfer current will be maintained at a prescribed control current, the image forming apparatus performing optimal image transfer at all times by, after the switching, setting as a new voltage level the voltage level detected by means of the voltage detector while the fixed-current transfer control is active, and then returning once again to fixed-voltage transfer control by means of the fixed-voltage transfer controller.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention pertains to an image forming apparatus using the electrophotographic method, and more particularly, to an image forming apparatus in which a transfer control method has a unique feature.
2. Description of the Related Art
In an image forming apparatus using the electrophotographic method, for the transfer control used when a toner image that is obtained by developing a latent image formed on the photoreceptor by means of toner is transferred to a transfer medium, a fixed-voltage transfer control method or a fixed-current transfer control method is used. The fixed-voltage transfer control method is a method that performs control such that the detected transfer voltage level is maintained at a prescribed voltage level. The fixed-current transfer control method is a method that performs control such that the detected transfer current level is maintained at a prescribed current level.
In Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application Hei 4-258980, an image forming apparatus is disclosed which performs transfer control by detecting the output current level to perform calculation and by obtaining the target output voltage level based on the result of calculation and the output voltage level.
The image forming apparatus disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application Hei 5-289463 determines the transfer current immediately before the print sequence from the charge level of the toner developing area, and detects the resistance of the transfer medium before it reaches the transfer area. The transfer charge level is then estimated from the product of this resistance and the transfer current. In other words, it discloses a system in which image forming parameters such as discharge, charge, exposure, development, etc., are changed such that the sum of the charge level of the toner developing area and the transfer charge falls within an allowable range.
In an image forming apparatus using the electrophotographic method, it is known that due to differences between systems and in the gradation method used, as well as due to differences in environmental conditions, durability, darkness level set by the user, etc., the amount of toner adhering to the photoreceptor per unit area (hereinafter termed simply `adhering toner amount`) is around 0.7 mg/cm.sup.2, and can vary within a range of approximately 0.4 mg/cm.sup.2 to 1.0 mg/cm.sup.2.
FIG. 2 shows the I-V characteristic when a solid toner image is transferred to a regular sheet of A4 size paper by means of the contact transfer method employing a transfer roller. B1, B2 and B3 represent the characteristic when the amount of toner adhering to the photoreceptor is 0.4 mg/cm.sup.2, 0.7 mg/cm.sup.2 and 1.0 mg/cm.sup.2, in that order. The level of toner charge is more or less fixed. The darkened part of each characteristic curve indicates the best transfer efficiency range (hereinafter termed the `proper range`) obtained regarding the adhering toner amount represented by each curve.
Below the proper range, the transfer output becomes too low and transfer problems such as the image becoming blurred occur. Above the proper range, the transfer output becomes too high and transfer problems such as discharge noise occur. This proper range varies depending on the adhering toner amount, as shown in the drawing. FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the characteristic for regular A4 paper immediately after it was taken out of its package, and the characteristic for other types of transfer medium would differ from that shown in the drawing. For example, where the paper has absorbed moisture, even when it is regular paper, the required transfer voltage level is smaller. Where the transfer medium comprises thick paper or an OHP transparency, the resistance level is larger than that for regular paper, and therefore, the necessary transfer voltage level rises.
In the conventional fixed-voltage transfer control method, the transfer voltage is controlled such that it will comprise a control voltage level V2 falling within the proper range when the adhering toner amount is 0.7 mg/cm.sup.2. As a result, if the overall adhering toner amount deviates from 0.7 mg/cm.sup.2 and the resistance of the transfer medium varies, the paper assumes a characteristic different from the B2 characteristic shown in FIG. 2. Consequently, the transfer voltage level controlled to be voltage V2 falls outside the proper range for this different characteristic, and as a result, good transfer efficiency can no longer be obtained. In other words, while the conventional fixed-voltage transfer control method has little susceptibility to localized non-uniformity with regard to the image pattern and B/W ratio (black/white ratio), it is easily affected by the overall change in resistance of the transfer medium which varies depending on the type of the transfer medium or in response to the environment.
The conventional fixed-current control method is capable of performing control even when the adhering toner amount generally deviates from 0.7 mg/cm.sup.2 or when the overall resistance of the transfer medium changes. However, in the case of FIG. 3(b), where a blank area and a patterned area coexist within the range of the transfer nip, i.e., when localized non-uniformity exists, more charge flows to the blank area as shown in the drawing, and consequently, the charge that should flow to the patterned area falls short, which easily leads to transfer failure. If the control current level is set high in order to prevent this problem, excessive charge flows when the solid area is transferred, which leads to the occurrence of pre-transfer discharge and therefore, discharge noise in the image. In other words, while the conventional fixed-current transfer control method has little susceptibility to an overall change in resistance, it is easily affected by a localized change in resistance caused by the image pattern or the B/W ratio, which easily leads to poor transfer efficiency. Such a problem is particularly marked during color image formation where the toner layer becomes thick. FIG. 3(a) is showing the flow of charge in a solid image area.


A system evaluates the data derived from scanning a circular bar code element. The elements in the circular bar code extend radially outwardly from a center of the label, and their width varies along the radial direction. For that reason, should a circular bar code reader be offset relative to the center of the label, it is possible that the circular bar code reader would develop analog signals of the width of elements that vary within a single scan. At one location on the label, an offset reader may read one analog signal for a wide element, and at another location may read a wholly different signal for a wide element with an identical width. To address this problem, an element under evaluation is compared to adjacent elements, and a determination is made of whether the particular element is wide or narrow. Any offset will cause minimal variation in adjacent elements. Several methods for using this basic concept are disclosed. The invention also provides an improved method of switching between digital signals indicating dark or light elements. The analog signal is separated into two branches with a first branch being directed into a delay. The second branch identifies a peak value for the particular element, and then develops a signal proportional to that peak value. The delayed signal is then compared to that proportional signal, and when the delayed signal crosses that proportional signal, the digital signal is switched between the dark and light readings.

This application relates to a method for evaluating data received from scanning a circular bar code label.
Bar code labels are utilized in a variety of applications to provide numerical identification, typically about an item carrying the label. A bar code consists of a series of alternate spaces, or light elements, and bars, or dark elements, with the light and dark elements being comprised of a series of wide and narrow elements. In the past, these elements have been positioned extending along a linear direction. A start code pattern is embedded at one end of the bar code label comprised of a known series of elements, and a stop code pattern is formed at the other end. Further, a wide "quiet zone" is formed at each end of the bar code label. The quiet zones and the start/stop patterns allow the scanner system to determine the starting and ending points of the label, and determine when to begin to evaluate the information read from the label and when to stop.
While bar code labels enjoy great success and wide application, certain deficiencies exist in their use. First, the analog readings from a bar code scanner are not constant, even during a single scanning of a single bar code label. Many variables affect the analog signal from the bar code scanner. Thus the analog signal for several dark elements, as an example, within a single scan of a bar code may have widely varying peak values. The signal level can vary from element to element as the contrast on the label changes, or as the angle of the back scattering from the label varies.
The above variation presents a problem when converting the analog information into digital information. This conversion requires a precise determination of the width of the code elements which are made up of bars and spaces. To make this determination, the system must identify the transitions between the dark and light elements, and switch the digital signal when a transition occurs. Typically, a reference voltage is set to identify a transition. Because of the above described variation, however, a fixed threshold or an averaging variable threshold circuit has not been found to be reliable to identify the transitions. Neither type circuit can track nor predict the amplitude of the next transition to be switched between the dark and light elements, or vice versa.
Further, while linear bar code labels provide a very efficient method of reporting data relative to a member which carries the label, they have certain limitations in that they require a relatively large amount of space. Certain applications do not have sufficient space, and thus have not been able to successfully use bar code technology. As an example, small circular elements such as medical test tubes, and sample vials have not been readily adapted to the use of linear bar code labels. Moreover, when a linear bar code label is placed on a curved structure, such as a test tube, other problems are presented in that the starting point for the label, and its relative position to a reader, must be carefully controlled to provide accurate results from the scanning of that label. The label must be positioned such that the beam passes through each element on the label, and this has been difficult to achieve with a linear label on a curved surface.


A method, system, and computer-usable medium for implementing a file directory in a server. An application including a buffer for retrieving and storing at least one entry is interfaced with the file directory. Utilizing a determined average filename length, an estimate of a number of entries among the collection of entries that can be stored by the buffer is determined. In response to determining at least one attribute data field has been requested, the number of entries that can be stored by the buffer is recalculated. Recalculating the number of entries includes determining an amount of data required for storing the collection of filenames, a collection of fixed-length attribute data fields, and a collection of variable-length attribute data fields. The recalculated number of entries is then requested from the file directory, and the buffer is loaded, with the recalculated number of entries.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates in general to the field of data processing systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to retrieving data from a directory stored in a data processing system. Still more particularly, the present invention relates to a system and method for implementing adaptive buffer management on network fetches of directory contents and object attributes.
2. Description of the Related Art
Remote file systems, such as Network File System (NFS) Version 4, provide methods for a client to request file directory information from a server. Along with the file names, various attributes of each entry may be requested. The processing required by the server to provide the various attributes of each entry is costly as the processing involves lookups and other file system operations. Additionally, the amount of data that is transmitted to the client could become massive if attributes are requested for a large number of files. The problems associated with the amount of data to be transmitted become more problematic when the size of the attribute data is not fixed.
Often, it is desired for a client to request a full set of attributes for each directory entry so that a cache table may be configured to bypass further requests to the server. The client must supply a limit on the amount of total data retrieved. If the threshold is set too high, excessive memory allocation can occur. If the threshold is set too low, the number of directory entries returned from the server is limited.
Therefore, there is a need for a system and method to address the above-mentioned limitations of the prior art.

Implementing adaptive buffer management on network fetches of directory contents and object attributes

International Business Machines Corporation


A method of accessing a data storage device, the method including: transforming a first key to obtain a second key; assigning the second key to a logical unit of data of the data storage device; and using the second key to read data from the data storage device or to write data to the data storage device.

Managing security keys used to encrypt and decrypt data is a challenging task. This is due to the difficulty in keeping track of different keys used to encrypt and decrypt data, wherein data associated with a respective security key has to be tracked as well.
Adhering to industry recommendations, such as from the Storage Networking Industry Association (SNIA), that security keys used to encrypt data should be changed at least once every 12 months adds to the difficulty of managing security keys. When re-keying cryptographic keys (i.e. changing cryptographic keys), cipher data first needs to be decrypted using their existing cryptographic key. Subsequently, the unencrypted data is re-encrypted using the new cryptographic key to obtain cipher data. These new cryptographic keys have to be tracked. In addition, the decryption and re-encryption utilises processing power in an enterprise storage system.
Storage systems using full disk encryption (FDE) provides a solution to security key distribution and revocation problems. In FDE, data blocks are encrypted at the disk level instead of switch and appliance level. FDE provides a lock key that is used to turn on a FDE data storage device. When re-keying is performed, the lock key can be changed without having to change the encryption key. However, FDE storage systems are not backward compatible with existing conventional data storage devices, such as legacy tape/disk.
Given that existing enterprise storage systems still use conventional data storage devices, there is a need to address the backward compatibility issue. Further, it would be advantageous to have a data storage system not needing to decrypt and re-encrypt data whenever re-keying is performed.

Method of accessing a data storage device

Agency for Science, Technology and Research


In a front suspension device for an automotive vehicle, in which wheel support members of right and left front wheels are coupled with each other via a steering unit, outer ends of two lower arms are pivotally attached to the wheel support members, and inner ends of two lower arms are pivotally attached to a vehicle body via a resilient member, there are provided a damping device equipped with a coil spring and attached to one of the two lower arms at its lower end and to the vehicle body at its upper end respectively, and a suppression (rotational torque absorption) device for suppressing a toe-change of the front wheels caused by a rotational torque applied according to extension and contraction of the coil spring of the damping device.

The present invention relates to a front suspension device for an automotive vehicle, and particularly to a front suspension device for an automotive vehicle, in which wheel support members of right and left front wheels are coupled with each other via a steering unit, an outer end of each of two lower arms is pivotally attached to the wheel support members respectively, and an inner end of each of two lower arms is pivotally attached to a vehicle body via a resilient member.
In general, in a double wishbone type of front suspension device, an upper arm and a lower arm support a wheel via a wheel support member.
The lower arm of the double wishbone type of front suspension device is generally comprised of an A-shaped arm comprised of two arms formed integrally with each other, and the A-shaped arm is connected to the wheel support member via a single ball joint at an (outer) end thereof. This type of front suspension device is superior in the function of tire's contact with ground and the straight driving stability, but it has a disadvantage that it is difficult to set a kingpin axis at an ideal one.
Further, a double pivot type of front suspension device, a different type in the double wishbone type of front suspension device, is known which comprises a lower arm comprised of two independent I-shaped arms which are connected to the wheel support member via ball joints, respectively (for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,863,188 and 5,348,337). This double pivot type of front suspension device can constitute a fictitious kingpin axis passing through an intersection of extended axes of the two I-shaped arms and therefore provide a positive offset of the kingpin properly, thereby improving a vehicle driving stability under a braking condition by controlling wheels so as to change in a displacement in toe-in direction.
In the two types of front suspension device described above, a damping device, which is comprised of a coil spring, a shock absorber and so on, is normally attached to the lower arm (see U.S. Pat. No. 4,863,188).
Meanwhile, the inventors of the present invention have researched eagerly the above-described double pivot type of front suspension device and found out possibilities of preventing the straight driving stability of vehicle from deteriorating and improving the maneuverability and stability by solving a problem caused by the coil spring of the damping device attached which is to the lower arm.
Namely, the coil spring has a characteristic that when it is contracted or extended from its free state, both ends of the coil are apt to rotate about a coil axis in an opposite direction to each other. The inventors, paying their attentions to this characteristic, have figured out the following. Namely, the coil spring of the damping device under a normal driving condition is kept in a contracted state by receiving a vehicle weight. At this time, there occurs a rotational torque at the coil spring because of a winding of the coil spring, and the rotational torque is conveyed to the lower arm. Accordingly, a bush (resilient member), which is provided at an attaching portion of the lower arm to a vehicle body, is deformed by the conveyed rotational torque. As a result, the lower arm changes in a displacement and then a toe angle of the wheel also changes, resulting in deterioration of the straight driving stability of vehicle. Also, a caster trail of the wheel changes, resulting in deterioration of the straight driving stability of vehicle as well.
Herein, the above-described characteristics of the coil spring will be explained more referring to FIG. 12. FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a force acting on the coil spring and a force occurring at the same.
As shown in FIG. 12, when a compressing force P is added to a coil spring 100 with a counterclockwise-winding direction, when viewed from above, in a coil axis direction, there occurs a rotational torque E which is apt to rotate an upper end and an lower end of the coil spring 100 in an opposite direction to each other in such manner that the upper end rotates counterclockwise about the coil axis and the lower end rotates clockwise about the coil axis. As a result, if both of the upper and lower ends of the coil spring are fixed, the rotational torque occurs which are apt to rotate the upper end counterclockwise and the lower end clockwise.
The inventors of the present invention also have found out how the lower arm may change in a displacement according to this characteristic of the coil spring and how the displacement change of the lower arm may influence changes of toe angle and caster trail of the wheel (front wheel), which will be explained referring to FIGS. 13 to 15.
FIG. 13 is a diagram for showing schematically a positional relationship between the lower arm and the front wheel under "a full rebound condition" where a right front wheel of a front suspension device does not contact on the ground and a vehicle weight does not act on a damping device; an elevation view FIG. 13(a) and a plan view FIG. 13(b). Meanwhile, FIG. 14 is a diagram for schematically showing a positional relationship between the lower arm and the front wheel under a vehicle stop condition or a straight driving condition with a constant speed (hereinafter, referred to as "1 G vehicle height condition") where the right front wheel of the front suspension device contacts on the ground and the vehicle weight acts on the damping device; an elevation view FIG. 14(a) and a plan view FIG. 14(b). Further, FIG. 15 is a plan view for schematically showing a positional relationship between the lower arm and the left front wheel under the 1 G vehicle height condition.
In the front suspension device shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, a winding direction of the coil spring 104 of the damping device 102 is a counterclockwise one for both of the right and left front wheels.
Although the coil spring 104 is extended to a certain degree receiving (supporting) weights of the wheel and the like under the full rebound condition shown in FIG. 13, the lower arms 106, 108 and the right front wheel 110a are located at their substantially regular positions.
Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 14, the coil spring 104 is contracted under the 1 G vehicle height condition (vehicle stop condition or straight driving condition with constant speed). At this moment, since the coil spring 104 has the counterclockwise-winding direction, there occurs a rotational torque F with clockwise direction at the lower end of the coil spring 104. The lower arm 106 receives this rotational torque, and then bushes 112, 114 provided at attaching portions of the lower arms 106, 108 to the vehicle body are deformed. As a result, the lower arms 106, 108 and the right front wheel 110a change in displacement such that a forward end of the right front wheel moves toward inside and eventually the wheel changes in a toe angle, as shown in FIG. 14.
In general, the coil springs of the damping devices of both of the right and left wheels have the same winding direction (in this case, the counterclockwise direction) for the purpose of a commonality of parts. Accordingly, the direction of the rotational torque conveyed to each lower arm is asymmetric with respect to the right and left (in this case, the same clockwise direction), and the left front wheel changes in a displacement such that a forward end of the left front wheel 110b moves toward outside, as shown in FIG. 15. As a result, both of the right and left front wheels change in their toe angles so as to point in the same direction, resulting in deterioration of the straight driving stability of vehicle.
Further, the displacement of the lower arm also changes a caster trail of the wheel. If the displacement of the lower arm is asymmetric with respect to the right and left wheels as shown in FIGS. 14, 15, there occurs a difference of caster trail between the right and left wheels. The difference of the caster trail may bring about a difference of self aligning torque between the right and left wheels, thereby deteriorating the straight driving stability of vehicle. Particularly, when being influenced by an irregular load surface such as a rut and a cant under a straight driving condition, the difference of self aligning torque may influence inappropriately the straight driving stability of vehicle.
Herein, although there occurs a similar displacement of the lower arm in the above-described front suspension device with A-shaped arm because of deformation of bush, the arm of this type is comprised of two arms formed integrally with each other. Accordingly, it was also figured out by the inventors that there hardly occurs any displacement of the lower arm to cause such toe-angle change of the wheel and influence inappropriately the straight driving stability in this type of the front suspension device.

Front suspension device for automotive vehicle


Systems and methods may be provided for supporting drug or product recalls. The systems and methods may include receiving a healthcare transaction request from a pharmacy computer associated with a pharmacy, wherein the healthcare transaction request includes an identification of a prescribed drug or product; determining, based upon the identification of the prescribed drug or product, that the prescribed drug or product is associated with a recall; providing, in response to the determination that the prescribed drug or product is associated with the recall, a response that includes information for accessing a web portal interface; receiving, over the web portal interface, lot numbers associated with pharmacy inventory of the prescribed drug or product; determining that one or more of the received lot numbers are affected by the recall; and generating a notification identifying the received lot numbers that are associated with the pharmacy inventory.

Once a drug or product is in widespread use, unforeseen problems can sometimes lead to a recall. When a prescription drug or product is either defective or potentially harmful, recalling that product—removing it from the market or correcting the problem—is the most effective means for protecting the public. Accordingly, there is a need in the industry for systems and methods for supporting drug or product recalls.

Systems and methods for supporting drug or product recalls


A lead for an implanted medical device, particularly for a cardiac pacemaker, which has at its extremity distal a hollow cylindrical body (10) presenting at its distal side an opening (22) receiving a stimulation electrode (16) which is mounted axially in this opening, the body and electrode being mechanically fixed and set together by gluing the wall of the body to the wall of the electrode. The internal wall of the body is conformed in a manner to provide between the electrode and body, when the electrode is mounted in the body, a peripheral space defining a chamber (30, 34) between the opposing walls (50, 52) of the body and the electrode. This chamber is a glue expansion chamber essentially closed as compared to the exterior except for an injection canal (32) and an escape canal (36). The injection and escape canals are oriented radially and open in the chamber at two distinct extremities of the chamber such that the chamber could be gradually filled by penetration of glue under pressure by the injection canal and the excess glue escapes by the escape canal once the chamber is filled with glue.

Typically, leads for implanted medical devices, such as, but is not limited to, cardiac stimulation devices, comprise an insulated sheath made of a flexible material having at least one internal electrical conductor (two conductors in the case of a bipolar lead), terminated at its distal extremity by an electrode disposed to contact tissue, for example, the wall of the myocardium in the case of a cardiac stimulation device.
The construction of the distal extremity of the lead is primarily an assembly of three elements, namely the cylindrical body (also known as "heart-side"), the stimulating electrode, and the internal conductor. The stimulation electrode is generally a porous carbon material that has the general form of a nail, with a head (stimulation surface in contact with the tissue) and an axial stem that is designed to allow connection to the internal conductor in the cylindrical body. The axial stem is typically cylindrical, although it also may be tapered. The head may be flat, convex or concave.
The internal conductor is a metallic element that is typically spiral wound inside the lead sheath. The mechanical and electrical connection between the electrode and the conductor is obtained by introducing, with force, the stem of the electrode into the spiral of the conductor, and alternately, according to a technique described in FR-A-2,616,072 and its corresponding U.S. Pat. No. 4,917,106, commonly assigned to the assignee hereof, ELA Medical, which U.S. Pat. No. 4,917,106 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
The electrode and conductor are so fixed together, and the mechanical connection of the electrode to the cylindrical body is set by gluing, that is, by depositing a certain quantity of glue in an opening of the cylindrical body and by introducing into this cylindrical body opening the stem of the electrode, until the glue comes to overflow slightly in the periphery of the opening.
The technique of setting by gluing necessitates, however, a certain skill to master well the quantity of glue introduced, and to avoid particularly an overflow, especially on the active surface of the porous carbon electrode, which active surface has to be defined with precision because it is the surface electrode that fixes the polarization for the stimulation of the myocardium in the example described.
Although it is possible, in case of overflow, to wipe off the surplus of glue, the overflow can have already altered the active surface of the porous carbon electrode. Indeed, if the surplus of glue is not correctly cleaned, it is necessary, once the glue is hardened, to scratch (scrape) the surface of the electrode at this location in order to remove the glue and expose the material of the electrode. This can alter the qualities of this functional surface. During the injection of the glue, skill also is required because one also should also avoid the formation of bubbles in the glue, which bubbles could result in a bad fixation and/or a poor tightness of the connection between the electrode and the cylindrical body.
These difficulties are further complicated in the particular case of leads comprising, between the electrode and cylindrical body, a intermediary ring formed of a porous material containing an active material such as a steroid or other drug destined to be gradually distributed (or diffused) in the region of contact between the electrode and the myocardium. Here again, an overflow of glue on the functional surface of the diffusion ring creates a risk of reducing the surface available for releasing the active material, and therefore to modify the functional properties of the ring.

Lead for an implantable medical device using glue expansion chamber and canals


A door for an automobile having opposed molded plastic sides includes a steel door frame hingedly connected to the body. An outer panel is attached to the door frame, and a unitary injection-molded inner panel is also attached to the door frame to hide from view components such as latching mechanisms and window operators that are disposed between the panels. The inner panel is formed with a depression, and an elastic net covers the depression, to establish a storage compartment.

As is well known, consumers demand a choice between many different models of automobiles. Depending on the circumstances, some consumers might desire a simple yet effective automobile, with the principal and indeed overriding consideration being cost. With this in mind, the present invention recognizes that it is possible to provide an effective and useful automobile, the cost of which can be minimized by minimizing the weight of the automobile and by using the novel structure disclosed herein.
More specifically, the present invention recognizes that the cost of a lightweight automobile is relatively low because, among other things, a lightweight automobile can be propelled by a relatively small, fuel-efficient motor. Additionally, certain lightweight materials happen to be inexpensive, and easy to manufacture.
As further recognized by the present invention, it is advantageous to further reduce the weight and further simplify the construction of such an automobile by providing an interior, single-piece, lightweight door panel. As recognized herein, making a single piece door panel would advantageously cover the interior structure of the door of the automobile, while reducing the number of parts required to make the automobile and simplifying assembly of the automobile.
Additionally, the present invention recognizes that such an interior door panel ideally should afford features other than simply covering the interior components of the door. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a single-piece lightweight injection-molded plastic interior door panel for an automobile. Another object of the present invention is to provide a lightweight door panel which is strong and which is adequately supported. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a lightweight door panel that is easy to use and assemble, and that is cost-effective to manufacture.
A door for an automobile having a passenger compartment and a plastic body includes a rigid support frame that defines a periphery. The periphery establishes an opening, with the periphery being preferably continuous and closed. A hinge is connected to the frame and the automobile for hingedly connecting the frame to the automobile. Additionally, a unitary molded plastic trim panel is configured for mating with at least part of the periphery of the support frame to cover the opening. As intended by the present invention, the trim panel defines an interior surface facing the passenger compartment, with the interior surface being formed with at least one accessory member.
Preferably, the door includes a unitary molded plastic outer door cover which is configured for mating with at least part of the periphery of the support frame. Accordingly, the frame, trim panel, and outer door cover establish substantially all of the door of the automobile.
In a preferred embodiment, the accessory member is a depression formed in the trim panel. In this embodiment, the door further includes a net positioned over the depression and attached to the trim panel for establishing a storage pocket between the net and the trim panel. Moreover, the door includes a window and an operator attached to the window, and the accessory member is a slot for slidably engaging the operator. Furthermore, a door handle is preferably included, in which case the accessory member is an opening for receiving the door handle therethrough.
In another aspect of the present invention, an automobile includes a plastic body defining a passenger compartment, and a rigid support frame defining a periphery which establishes an opening. A hinge is connected to the frame and the body for connecting the frame to the body. Also, a unitary molded plastic trim panel is configured for mating with at least part of the periphery of the support frame to cover the opening. Per the present invention, the trim panel defines an interior surface facing the passenger compartment, and the interior surface is formed with at least one accessory member. A unitary molded plastic outer door cover is configured for mating with at least part of the periphery of the support frame. In accordance with the present invention, the frame, trim panel, and outer door cover establish substantially all of a door of the automobile.
In yet another aspect of the present invention, a method for covering a door opening in a plastic automobile body includes the steps of providing a steel door frame configured for mating engagement with the door opening. The method further includes molding a unitary plastic interior door panel having a depression formed therein, and then covering the depression with a net. The door panel is next attached to the door frame to cover the opening.
The details of the present invention, both as to its structure and operation, can best be understood in reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts, and in which:

Interior trim panel for door of lightweight automobile


A data decommutator architecture for decommutating an input data stream has a sync correlator section for synchronizing the input data stream including a sync code correlator formed of a first field programmable gate array allowing the sync code correlator to be programmed for synchronizing different data formats. A data storage buffer, having two storage banks is coupled to the sync code correlator for receiving sync data, correlator address and correlator write signals. A data decommutator section is provided for decommutating the data received from the data storage buffer. The data decommutator section includes a serial to parallel conversion circuit formed of a second field programmable gate array and a primary decommutating transputer. The second field programmable gate array is programmable to allow decommutation of different data formats. A post processing section receives decommutated data from the primary decommutating transputer via transputer links and provides a post processed decommutated data output. The post processing section includes at least one post processing transputer for processing the decommutated data into post processed decommutated data. The post processing section provides a secondary data output for cascading the data decommutator architecture with another data decommutator architecture to provide further levels of decommutation.

Data decommutators are known for processing data streams such as from satellite downlinks, e.g. weather or telemetry data, tape units, avionic devices, etc. Generally, the known data decommutation equipment is large and inflexible. The functions performed by the data decommutation equipment are typically hardwired into the circuitry such that any modifications require redesign and replacement of the hardware. Any additional functionality in these devices requires further additional circuitry. Therefore, the number of functions which can be performed by a known data decommutator are greatly limited and the maintenance and updating of the equipment is difficult and cost-intensive.
Other known data decommutators allow the downloading of software applications to allow greater functionality. However, these downloadable decommutators provide little post processing capability and do not have the cascadability necessary to perform several levels of data decommutation.
There is therefore needed a decommutator which is both downloadable and cascadable. Such a downloadable decommutator should also provide substantial post processing capabilities.

Special sensor applied meteorological image process


Method and apparatus for monitoring the fluid spray pattern of fluid sprayed by a nozzle onto a semiconductor wafer during processing of the wafer. A light source is positioned to illuminate the fluid sprayed in a pattern P from the nozzle, and one or more photodetectors are positioned to receive light scattered by the fluid spray. Each photodetector develops an electrical signal in response to receipt of the scattered light, and these electrical signals are received and analyzed by a comparison means. One or more reference signals representing a desired fluid spray pattern P.sub.0 is stored in the comparison means, and each electrical signal for the pattern P is compared with the corresponding reference signal for the pattern P.sub.0 by the comparison means. If one or more signal for the pattern P differs substantially from the corresponding reference signal for the desired pattern P.sub.0, an alarm may be generated and/or delivery of fluid by the nozzle may be terminated.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to fabrication of integrated circuits on a semiconductor wafer, and more particularly to controlled application of fluids, such as photoresist developer fluids, to a semiconductor wafer surface.
2. Description of the Related Art
In semiconductor fabrication of integrated circuits (ICs), a workpiece, such as a semiconductor wafer, is often treated or sprayed with a fluid as a part of the fabrication process. For example, a surface of a semiconductor wafer can be coated with a photoresist material and cured, after which time the material can be selectively exposed to light or to a charged particle beam. The cured material can be immersed in a photoresist developer to develop and thus selectively expose portions of the wafer surface to produce a desired pattern. The selectively exposed portions can be subjected to chemical vapor deposition, chemical etching, ion implantation or some other semiconductor fabrication process. This process can produce a layer of a circuit or a resistive or conductive component for the IC.
In a similar manner, a liquid dielectric can be sprayed on a selected region of a semiconductor wafer to provide electrical insulation for subsequently deposited IC layers. A liquid or gaseous coating can be sprayed on a selected surface of a metal or plastic substrate for protective purposes. A photographic developer or fixer liquid can be sprayed on a light-sensitive surface of a substrate to develop or fix a previously exposed optical image. In any of these fabrication steps, it is important to apply the fluid as uniformly as possible to the surface or workpiece to help insure that chemical reaction or bonding of the fluid with the exposed surface is not affected by locally non-uniform concentrations of such fluid.
What is needed is an approach that allows monitoring of the spray pattern of a fluid being applied to a surface of a workpiece, to determine whether the fluid is being applied uniformly, or being applied in a selected non-uniform pattern. Preferably, this approach should provide information on the fluid spray pattern that aids in determining how, if at all, the spray pattern should be altered to provide more uniform (or selected non-uniform) application of the fluid to the chosen surface.

Electro-optic monitor for fluid spray pattern