Improvements to direct feed methanol fuel cells include new protocols for component formation. Catalyst-water repellent material is applied in formation of electrodes and sintered before application of ionomer. A membrane used in formation of an electrode assembly is specially pre-treated to improve bonding between catalyst and membrane. The improved electrode and the pre-treated membrane are assembled into a membrane electrode assembly.

Fuel cells are electrochemical cells in which a free energy change resulting from a fuel oxidation reaction is converted into electrical energy. Fuel cells may be an alternative to the combustion of nonrenewable fossil fuels. Fuel cells produce by-products including carbon dioxide and water.
Previously some methanol fuel cells used a "reformer" to convert methanol to H.sub.2 gas for use by the fuel cells. Direct oxidation fuel cells do not use a reformer and may not require a fuel processing stage. Hence, direct feed fuel cells can offer weight and volume advantages over the indirect reformer fuel cells.
Some prior work in direct feed fuel cells used a strong acid electrolyte which can cause corrosion, degradation of catalyst and other problems that can compromise efficiency. Problems associated with such fuel cells have been well recognized in the art.
Jet Propulsion Laboratory "JPL" developed an improved liquid direct-feed fuel cell using a solid-state electrolyte, preferably a solid polymer cation exchange electrolyte membrane. The JPL fuel cell does not use liquid acidic and alkaline electrolyte and hence obviates many problems in the conventional liquid direct-feed fuel cells. The subject matter of this improvement is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,599,638, U.S. Pat. No. 5,773,162, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/827,319 (Patent Pending) filed Mar. 26, 1997, the disclosures of which are herewith incorporated by reference to the extent necessary for proper understanding.
Catalyst materials used in such fuel cells are often made from platinum. In order to reduce cost, the minimum amount of catalyst deposit is desirable.
A standard amount of catalyst utilization--loading level, is 4 mg/cm.sup.2 However, reducing the loading of catalyst on the anode from 4 mg/cm.sup.2 has lead to a significant performance decline of the membrane electrode assemblies ("MEA") in prior art. At low loading levels, e.g. 2 mg/cm.sup.2, performance is usually unstable and declines with use. This performance decline is probably due to delamination of the electrode catalyst from the membrane. Hence, a method to improve bonding of the catalyst to the membrane is desired.
At the cathode, the need for high loading appeared to result from coverage of some catalyst by water passing from the anode side through the membrane of the membrane electrode assembly. Water infiltration at the cathode rendered some cathode catalyst inactive because air can not reach the catalyst. Improved water repellency of the membrane is desired.
Methanol crossover includes the undesirable transport of methanol from the anode compartment to the cathode compartment. Methanol crossing the electrode barrier will reduce the efficiency of conversion. Crossover also contributes to the cathode high loading situation described in the previous paragraph.
Another factor that can contribute to high loading at the anode is the migration of catalyst from the anode surface into the catalyst support. This occurs when the electrode and membrane are hot-pressed together to form a membrane electrode assembly "MEA". This catalyst migration may produce negative effects: 1) Catalyst utilization efficiency declines; and 2) The porosity of the catalyst layer increases which can increase methanol crossover. Overall, catalyst migration at the anode can decrease efficiency of the catalyst and result in a general loss in MEA performance. A catalyst solution "ink" that can tolerate high temperatures while keeping the catalyst bound on the anode surface is desired to reduce catalyst migration.

Direct methanol feed fuel cell with reduced catalyst loading


A wireless automation device monitors a condition and wirelessly reports an event over an automation network in response to detecting a change in the condition. The condition is sampled at a variable periodic interval, and the event reported during intervals when a change in the condition is determined. The change may be determined according to detecting a value for the condition outside a variable range. The change may also be determined according to detecting differences in the value from values detected in prior intervals. The range and the periodic interval may vary according to an analysis of multiple samples of the condition.

The invention relates to remote monitoring of conditions and more particularly to wirelessly reporting a sensed condition over a wireless communication network.
Automation systems include one or more distributed components and/or grouping of components that together form an integrated system for automating a process control. The components include controllers, sensors, switches, alarms, actuators, chillers, fans, humidifiers, and/or air handling units configured to automate process control for heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), environmental air quality, safety and security, fire, hazard prevention, or other processes for a building or facility. The devices may communicate information over a wired network and/or by wirelessly broadcasting information between and among the components.
The components may detect events, sense conditions, respond to detected events or changes in conditions, and/or control operation of other devices. An event may be detected by a sensor, which communicates related information to a controller. The controller generates control signals, which are communicated to a device for an appropriate responsive action. For example, a temperature sensor wirelessly broadcasts a temperature reading to a controller. The controller reads the information from the sensor and determines whether a responsive control action may be taken. The controller communicates a control signal, as appropriate, to an actuator to control airflow in the room. The controller also may communicate a feedback or status signal to a remote computer.
Wireless networks are limited by the amount of available bandwidth over which the devices may communicate. The number of devices and amount of information communicated over a wireless system may be constrained by the available bandwidth. Systems having many wireless devices may create a noisy environment in which data can be lost, dropped or not communicated with the targeted recipient. The continuous monitoring of conditions and broadcast of information consumes larges amounts of power, which may shorten a limited-lifetime power source. The continuous stream of information from and to devices uses a great amount processing power for a controller, and may provide redundant information that may need to be filtered before being processed.
Accordingly, there is a need for a system for reducing an amount of communication over a wireless automated system using dynamic value reporting.

Dynamic value reporting for wireless automated systems


A waterborne one-component coating composition capable of self-crosslinking and exhibiting a gloss and hardness improvement when cured that is similar to a solventborne two-component composition. The composition includes a urethane phase including a polyurethane polymer with at least polyester diol monomer units, polycarbonate diol monomer units, and ketone-functionalized diol monomer units. The composition may include an optional acrylic phase including an acrylic polymer having monomer units selected from one of alkyl (meth)acrylate monomer units, vinyl acetate monomer units, styrene monomer units, ketone-functional vinyl monomer units, or combinations thereof. The composition includes a hydrazine-functionalized crosslinking agent configured to crosslink one of the ketone-functionalized diol monomer units, the ketone-functional vinyl monomer units, or both. The composition further includes one or more tertiary amine reaction moderators or neutralizing agents.

Solvent-based, two component polyurethane coatings typically exhibit high performance in many applications, such as exterior, metal, and/or industrial applications. These coatings often have a high ability to resist scratching, impacts, and/or abrasions and tend to provide good protection against environmental contaminates such as UV rays, rain, snow, and the like. In industrial settings, polyurethane coatings for metals, for example, can provide a high gloss finish and exceptional weathering performance even with only thin film applications. Overall, solvent-based, two component polyurethane coatings are well accepted in many applications to provide superior performance.
While these solvent-based, two component polyurethane coatings are well-accepted, they are often less desired for many reasons. For one, they include organic solvents and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are less preferred and becoming increasingly more regulated by various industries and environmental organizations. Two-component systems are more difficult to work with due to the multiple components and mixing needed for performance. As a result, the demand for water-based and one-component polyurethane products has increased.
While film performance of waterborne and one-component systems has improved over the years, it still cannot achieve the performance obtained from the traditional two-component and solvent-based polyurethane. Water-based systems normally do not attain the same degree of crosslinking as the prior two-component solvent systems and, thus, tend to have a lower crosslinking density and performance. Lower crosslink density affects the mechanical properties and the chemical resistance of the coatings. Waterborne coatings are also dependent on the evaporation of water to form a film, which is dependent upon ambient conditions and coating homogeneity. In the case of waterborne coatings, a uniform layer of coating generally needs to be maintained until the water and any organic co-solvents have evaporated to form the uniform film of insoluble organic polymer. Under ambient conditions, however, imperfections on the surface of the cured film can develop during film formation. Such imperfections are often damaging to the overall performance of the coating. These imperfections may be related, for example, to the variable and/or fast rate of crosslinking reactions taking place in the aqueous phase during film formation.

One component self-crosslinking coatings


Scar tissue is reduced or inhibited by application of a composition containing lipoic acid and/or a lipoic acid derivative such as dihydrolipoic acid, a lipoic or dihydrolipoic acid ester, a lipoic or dihydrolipoic acid amide, a lipoic or dihydrolipoic acid salt, and mixtures of any of these. Some compositions further comprise .alpha.-hydroxy acids or acid derivatives such as glycolic and/or lactic acid, fatty acid esters of ascorbic acid such as ascorbyl palmitate, and/or tocotrienol. In some embodiments, a silicone gel sheet with added lipoic acid and/or a lipoic acid derivative and optional other ingredients is topically applied to scar tissue to diminish them.

Scars result from wound healing, which occurs in three separate phases: inflammation, formation of granulation tissue, and matrix formation. (For a review, see Sahl, W. J., and Clever, H., Internat. J. Derm., 1994, 33: 681-691 (part I) and 763-769 (part II)). During the first phase, damage to endothelial cells, complement, and platelets at the wound site release chemotactic factors that result in the infusion of neutrophils, lymphocytes and macrophages, which aids in the removal of infection and foreign debris. As in all inflammatory processes, there is generation of free radicals, which damages cell membranes and results in formation of oxidized proteins and fats, and cross-linked new collagen, laying a scaffold for the next phase.
At the end of the inflammatory phase, the granulation phase begins with an influx of fibroblasts and endothelial cells to the wound. Other key cells in this phase are macrophages and platelets. Macrophages induce the beginning of granulation by releasing platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), tumor necrosis growth factor (TGF)-.alpha., and an epidermal growth factor-like substance. Activated platelets release epidermal growth factor (EGF), PDGF, TGF-.alpha., and TGF-.beta.. Together these play roles in the re-epithelialization process wherein keratinocytes cells migrate in sheaths over a provisional matrix consisting primarily of fibrin, fibronectin, type V collagen, and tenascin, and produce their own fibronectin receptors.
Once re-epithelilization has occurred, keratinocytes resume their normal differentiated form, and matrix formation begins. Matrix formation consists primarily of the construction of derma matrix, which is regulated by fibroblasts. Chemotaxis of fibroblasts results in the production of abundant quantities of hyaluronate, fibronectin, and types I and III collagen. These components comprise the bulk of the provisional extracellular matrix in the early part of this wound repair phase. Hyaluronic acid (HA) creates an open-weave pattern in the collagen/fibronectin scaffold, facilitating fibroblast movement. HA production falls after about the fifth day of wound healing, and levels of chronroitin sulfate in dermatan sulfate increase. Fibronectin deposits in the collagen, and wound contraction begins. Biochemically during the contraction stage, hyaluronidase and proteinase are present, type I collagen synthesis is stimulated, and increased levels of chronroitin sulfate, dermatin sulfate and proteoglycans are observed; together these restructure the matrix. At the end of the healing process, the final scar shows collagen fibers mostly parallel to the epidermis.
Hypertrophic and keloid-type scars result in extension of scar tissue so that a bulky lesion results. A keloid is an exuberant scar that proliferates beyond the original wound. It should be noted that keloids only occur in humans, often causing burning, stinging and itching sensations as well as cosmetic embarrassment. The etiology of unsightly keloid formation is not known. However, in keloids, fibronectin formation continues for years, while fibronectin formation in normal scars disappears within a few days after wound closure. Keloid scars exhibit a high rate of collage synthesis in comparison to normal scars, and a low proportion of cross-linked collagen.
Hypertrophic scars sometimes are difficult to distinguish from keloid scars histologically and biochemically, but unlike keloids, hypertropic scars remain confined to the injury site and often mature and flatten out over time. Both types secrete larger amounts of collagen than normal scars, but typically the hypertrophic type exhibits declining collagen synthesis after about six months. However, hypertrophic scars contain nearly twice as much glycosaminoglycan as normal scars, and this and enhanced synthetic and enzymatic activity result in significant alterations in the matrix which affects the mechanical properties of the scars, including decreased extensibility that makes them feel firm.
Atrophic scars are characterized by a thinning and diminished elasticity of the skin due to a loss of normal skin architecture. An example of an atrophic scar is striae distensae, also known as stretch marks. Striae commonly occur in postpartum women after childbirth and also during times of larger-than-average weight gain and also in association with steroids. Atrophic scars are sometimes also observed after trauma, infection and disease, and may show loss of surface markings and smoothness or dry, fine wrinkles over time.
Formation of scars, especially hypertrophoic and keloid scars, is dependent on systemic growth factors such as interleukins and other cytokines, and their influence on fibronectin and collagen biosynthesis. Cytokines are released and are present in the wound healing process and sometimes are released in the inflammatory stage. Growth factors and other cytokines vary in the inflammatory stage and are released based, among other complex interactions, upon the redox state of the cells. The presence of free radicals in the inflammatory stage plays an important factor in wound healing. Factors that increase the presence of free radicals, such as infection, radiation, and continued trauma, may instigate hypertrophic and keloid scar formation. It is important to note that cytokines have been suggested to regulate nitric oxide synthetase, which controls the formation of nitric oxide, which plays an important role in signal transduction in the cells. It has also been suggested that nitric oxide synthetase activity is aberrant in keloid scars when compared to normal scar tissue (Lim, T. C., et al., Plastic and Reconst. Surgery, 1996, 98:911-912). Hypertrophic and keloid scars also show inflammatory activity that is not seen in mature scars.
Many scar treatments have been suggested, but few are satisfactory. Treatment of keloid or hypertrophic scars have consisted of surgical excision followed in many cases by graft application. Pressure has also been used to cause scar thinning after injury or scarring. For example, pressure bandages placed over scars have resulted in some scar thinning, but a pressure of at least about 25 mm Hg must be maintained constantly for approximately six months in usual situations for any visually observable effect. Ionizing radiation therapy has also been employed. Other treatments include application of silicone pads to the scar tissue surface, sometimes under pressure provided by an elastomeric bandage, application of silicone gel sheets, with or without added vitamin E (Palmieri, B., et al., J. Derm., 1995, 34: 506-509), and topical or intralesional treatment with corticosteroids.
Scars are one of the strongest forces driving the cosmetic industry. It would be desirable to have alternative, preferably new and improved, treatments for scar reduction and remodeling.

Treatment of scar tissue using lipoic acid


In a heat exchanger, a core portion includes a plurality of plate fins each shaped like a flat plate and a plurality of tubes in which a fluid flows and each of which is inserted into each of the plate fins to be mechanically bonded thereto. Further, an end portion in a longitudinal direction of each of the tubes is bonded to a header plate which constructs a part of a header tank. The manufacturing method for this heat exchanger includes inserting the tube into the plate fins; expanding the tube to attach the plate fins; connect the tube into the header plate; and vibrate the tube with respect to the plate while applying a load to the tube in the direction of the header plate.

The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.
In a plate fin type heat exchanger proposed in JA-A-2002-340490, plate fins are mechanically connected to a tube by expanding the tube. In order to enhance performance, a flat tube having a flat cross section is used, and a radius of curvature on an inner wall side at an end in a direction of long diameter of the cross section is at least ½ of a size in a direction of short diameter on the inner wall side nearly at the center in the direction of long diameter. With this, when the tube is expanded, the whole outer periphery of the tube can be nearly uniformly expanded to prevent the tube from being cracked or broken to enhance durability.
However, an end portion in a longitudinal direction of tube is bonded to a header plate (core plate) by use of brazing (soldering) or an adhesive made of thermosetting resin material. For this reason, a furnace at high temperature is required and energy consumption is increased in a manufacture. In view of the fact that the reduction of CO2 is strongly required in recent years so as to prevent global warming, the inventors think that the reduction of energy consumption is extremely important.

Manufacturing method for a heat exchanger


A method for manufacturing a molded air bag cover that employs a notch forming member that is projected into the mold cavity following the injection of the cover forming material. After cooling the mold is opened and the molded air bag cover is removed.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a pad used with an air bag device. The air bag device may also be installed on a steering wheel, in front of a passenger's seat, or on doors or seats of automobiles. The pad has a thin breakable tear seam portion which is severed upon inflation of the air bag.
2. Description of Related Art and Background
Conventionally, pads of this type are made of synthetic resin formed by injection molding. They have a thin breakable portion (sometimes referred to as a tear line) which breaks or splits open when the air bag inflates so that the air bag protrudes from the pad at the time of inflation. The breakable portion has a thinner notch portion for smooth breaking even if the pad is made of soft and elastic material.
The aforementioned breakable portion provided with the aforementioned notch portion is formed in the following manner, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. Hei. 2-248238. The pad is formed by injection molding, but initially without the notch portion. After that, the breakable portion is partially melted by heat to form the notch portion therein.
In this case, it is necessary to provide a mold cavity to form the pad with a narrow portion where the gap of the cavity is extremely narrow in order to form the notch portion simultaneously with injection molding of the pad. However, molding failure easily occurs when the narrow portion is provided in the cavity, because molding material cannot flow smoothly at the narrow portion. Therefore, injection molding which can provide the notch portion is very difficult.
However, when forming a notch portion at the breakable portion of the pad using a conventional heat melting method, a welding machine such as a high-frequency welder must be operated while controlling the thickness of the breakable portion. This is a laborious operation, so that the complexity of the process and cost of manufacturing the pad are increased.

Manufacturing method of an air bag cover


The present invention relates to adhesion-improved, curable compositions comprising a cyclic ether, a cyclic thiocarbonate, an amine and a carboxylic acid. A method of making such compositions and their use in adhesives, sealants and coatings are also provided.

Amine curing epoxy formulations as curable compositions are widely applied in the formulation of adhesives, sealants, and coatings. The curing reaction, which comprises the addition of amines and epoxides, suffers from its volume shrinkage up to levels as high as 7% shrinkage. The volume shrinkage during the curing reaction causes the formation of voids and micro-cracks in the cured material, and thus results in lowering the mechanical strength of the material. Especially in the application of adhesives, shrinkage causes contact failure between the adhesive and the substrate, thus leading to adhesion failure. In addition, moisture can reach the surface of the substrate through voids and cracks, causing corrosion of the surface.
As a method to reduce shrinkage during the curing reaction between epoxides and amines, the addition of cyclic (di)thiocarbonate is effective. However, the shrinkage values are still not satisfactory for high precision adhesive applications and thus must be improved. Furthermore, due to the high reactivity between cyclic dithiocarbonates (DTC) and amines, DTC immediately reacts with amine in the formulation, even at ambient temperature to cause the disadvantages of a short pot life of the formulation and when the curing reaction is too rapid, an increase of viscosity of the formulation before the amine-hardener is completely homogenized into the formulation.
Formulations containing epoxides, dithiocarbonates, and amino compounds have recently been examined by Sanyo Kasei Co. Ltd. in the Japanese Laid-Open Patent Applications Nos. JP2003-41227, JP2002-317047, JP2002-302530, and JP2001-288242.
JP2003-41227 describes a contact adhesive. Two surfaces, the first one being coated with a mixture of epoxides and DTC, the second one being coated with amines, can be adhered upon their contact. By separating DTC and amine, the reaction does not start until the two surfaces are contacted. However, the adhesion performance is affected by ambient conditions, because the curing reaction depends on the diffusion of the components of the curing composition.
JP2002-317047 describes the utilization of ketimines, which release the corresponding amine upon hydrolysis by moisture. With this technology, it is possible to control the reaction rate of DTC with amine. However, curable epoxy formulations using ketimines have a disadvantage when being used for shrinkage-sensitive applications. The regeneration of the corresponding amine from the ketimine generates volatile ketones, which will be released from the formulation upon curing reaction to cause volume shrinkage. Even if non-volatile ketones are formed, they will remain in the cured resin to cause a decrease in the resin's mechanical and chemical properties. This patent application further describes, that if needed, unsaturated carboxylic acids can be added for trapping the thiol group which is generated by the reaction of DTC with amines. However, the definition of "unsaturated carboxylic acid" in the description of the invention clarifies that a compound obtained by esterification of aliphatic alcohol or phenol with (meth)acrylic acid is meant and not the carboxylic acid itself.
JP2002-302530 claims a curable formulation composed of cyclic thio compounds, cyclic ethers, and a molecule having more than one nucleophilic group. The preferred nucleophilic group is the amino group. Carboxylate groups are described as candidate nucleophilic groups in the description of the patent application, however, no combination with amino compounds is described.
JP-2001-288242 discloses a curable and foamable formulation composed of epoxides, cyclic dithiocarbonates, acid anhydrides, and an amine-type catalyst. It is claimed that the composition shows volume expansion upon curing reaction. However, volume expansion is due to the formation of gases such as CS2 and COS, caused by decomposition of dithiocarbonate. It is apparent that the formation of these harmful gases limits the application of the formulation. Furthermore, it also causes decrease in the mechanical strength of the cured material.
Therefore it was one major aim of the present invention to overcome the above drawback and to provide amine curing epoxy formulations with an improved adhesion performance compared to those known in the prior art. In particular formulations with low volume shrinkage upon curing, which are suitable in high precision applications, such as high precision adhesive bonding, should be provided. Such compositions should further show an enhanced pot life ensuring a high performance in processability. In addition they should lack foam formation during the curing reaction due to formation of harmful gases, thus providing rigid cured materials.

Curable compositions having improved adhesion performance


A covering component for protecting outer surfaces of buildings from atmospheric agents comprises a metal sheet (7), an insulating mass (8) arranged below said sheet (7), and heat exchanging means (7–9, 11, 12) comprising at least a passage channel (7B), the latter being an integral part of the component and being designed to be part of a solar energy heating system for a heat conveying fluid. The passage channel consists of a rib (7B) of the sheet (7) defining a cross section opening towards the insulating mass (8), and the outer surface of the passage channel thus formed is almost completely exposed to sunlight. In the preferred embodiment of the invention there is provided a cover made of transparent material (11), arranged above the sheet (7), which delimits together with the latter at least part of a hollow space (12) into which the rib (12) projects.

In order to cover lateral surfaces and tops of buildings, coating elements in the form of modular panels are largely used, which should have high features of seal with respect to infiltrations, of thermal insulation and of mechanical resistance. That is why the structure of said panels typically consists of a layer of insulating material, for instance glass wool or polyurethane resin, enclosed in a metal envelope. The panel structure should further enable a good modularity, i.e. possibility of coupling more panels one with the other so as to obtain a continuous covering surface.
In the past it has been suggested to integrated a solar energy heating system for a fluid into a system for coating or covering buildings as referred to above.
In said light, document DE-A-28 16 970 describes panels for the external covering of buildings, comprising a core made of insulating material placed between an upper metal sheet and a lower metal sheet.
The panels described in the document mentioned above are rectangular and secured one beside the other on their respective long sides, the connection line between the panels being parallel with respect to the width of the surface of the building to be covered.
The upper metal sheet is covered by a further outer metal sheet, the two sheets being joined by welding, brazing or gluing; at least one of the two sheets has a series of ribs, so that the connection of said sheets results in a plurality of channels for a heat conveying fluid.
To this purpose, in particular there are provided for:                a series of first channels extending parallel one to the other and with respect to the long sides of the panel, and therefore parallel with respect to the width of the building surface to be covered,        two manifold channels, parallel one to the other and with respect to the short sides of the panel, therefore extending perpendicularly with respect to the first channels.
The first channels communicate with the manifold channels, which are arranged each close to a respective short side of the panel. The end area of each manifold channel, on the upper surface of said channels, comprises holes for corresponding outer connections, connecting the manifold channels of a panel to the manifold channels of an adjacent panel, thus forming a system for the circulation of the heat conveying fluid.
The solution referred to in DE-A-28 16 970 is highly expensive as far as panel manufacturing is concerned, which envisages on one side the manufacturing of the upper portion of said panel through two metal sheets coupled one with the other, so as to form the various channels; in the embodiment described above, furthermore, a substantial part of the outer surface of the channels is not visible, i.e. it is not exposed directly to sun rays, which limits the possibility of heating the fluid by direct sun irradiation.
On the other side, also the installation of the covering system referred to in the prior document mentioned above is complex and expensive, since it envisages the use of a large number of panels and outer connections, the latter being also critical points as far as the hydraulic seal of the system is concerned; the same kind of fastening of the connections to the manifold channels, using screws and nuts, further complicates the mounting of the panels and their reciprocal hydraulic connections.
From document CH-A-619 770 it is also known a tile to be used for covering pitch roofs, having a single body made of metal, glass, cement conglomerate, terracotta or synthetic resin, having a flat portion and a curved portion placed side by side in longitudinal direction.
On top of the curved portion there is an outer groove, which can house and keep in position, through a respective pin, a length of dark-colored metal tube through which the fluid to be heated flows; the tile then has a glass cap covering, insulating and protecting said curved portion as well as the tube length supported by said portion. Thus, supposing that the groove is open upwards and the cap is transparent, the tube is exposed directly to sun rays.
The flat portion of the single body of the tile has hollow protuberances projecting upwards, having reflecting outer surfaces such that one of their areas is always placed in an optimal position with respect to sun rays, then reflecting the latter towards the tube whatever the position of the sun. Said protuberances are connected one to the other and to a cavity placed under the curved portion of the tile body, by means of ducts wherein air circulates, thus conveying heat absorbed in the area of the protuberances towards the cavity under the tube, so as to further heat the latter. The aforesaid ducts create in the upper portion of the tile reliefs preventing the longitudinal sliding of the glass cap.
For use, the tiles are nailed onto a heat insulating underground, which is secured in its turn onto a smooth plane resting on the roof load-bearing structure; it is thus possible to carry out a pitch roof, where the longitudinal tile rows house the aforesaid tubes, which extend therefore in a direction substantially perpendicular with respect to the width of the covered surface.
If the solution described in CH-A-619 770 on one side enables to obtain a roof with an aesthetical appearance substantially similar to the one of a common pitch tile roof, on the other it is complex and expensive as far as both tile manufacturing and tile installation are concerned, the latter envisaging also the installation of an underlying heat insulating system; the system described above, which is not suitable for covering vertical walls, further does not enable to obtain a roof structure with substantially monolithic panels, as is the case of DE-A-28 16 970, which is preferable in some applications (such as for instance the covering of industrial, commercial and similar buildings).

Covering component for protecting outer surfaces of buildings from atmospheric agents, incorporating heat exchanger means, and system for the external covering of buildings using such a component


A hand-manipulated prop is picked-up via a single video camera, and the camera image is analyzed to isolate the part of the image pertaining to the object for mapping the position and orientation of the object into a three-dimensional space, wherein the three-dimensional description of the object is stored in memory and used for controlling action in a game program, such as rendering of a corresponding virtual object in a scene of a video display. Algorithms for deriving the three-dimensional descriptions for various props employ geometry processing, including area statistics, edge detection and/or color transition localization, to find the position and orientation of the prop from two-dimensional pixel data. Criteria are proposed for the selection of colors of stripes on the props which maximize separation in the two-dimensional chrominance color space, so that instead of detecting absolute colors, significant color transitions are detected. Thus, the need for calibration of the system dependent on lighting conditions which tend to affect apparent colors can be avoided.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to computer vision systems, and more particularly to a system in which an object is picked-up via an individual video camera, the camera image is analyzed to isolate the part of the image pertaining to the object, and the position and orientation of the object is mapped into a three-dimensional space. A three-dimensional description of the object is stored in memory and used for controlling action in a game program, such as rendering of a corresponding virtual object in a scene of a video display.
2. Background of the Invention
Tracking of moving objects using digital video cameras and processing the video images for producing various displays has been known in the art. One such application, for producing an animated video version of a sporting event, has been disclosed by Segen, U.S. Pat. No. 6,072,504, the disclosure of which is incorporated in the present specification by reference. According to this system, the position of a tennis ball during play is tracked using a plurality of video cameras, and a set of equations relating the three-dimensional points in the court to two-dimensional points (i.e. pixels) of digital images within the field of view of the cameras are employed. Pixel positions of the ball resolved in a given digital image can be related to a specific three-dimensional position of the ball in play and, using triangulation from respective video images, a series of image frames are analyzed by a least-squares method, to fit the positions of the ball to trajectory equations describing unimpeded segments of motion of the ball.
As described in some detail by Segen, once a three-dimensional description of position and motion of an object has been determined, various methods exist which are well known in the art for producing an animated representation thereof using a program which animates appropriate object movement in a video game environment.
Stated otherwise, Segen is concerned with determining the three-dimensional position of an object in motion from a plurality of two-dimensional video images captured at a point in time. Once the three-dimensional position of the "real" object is known, it is then possible to use this information to control a game program in any number of different ways which are generally known to game programmers.
However, the system of Segen relies on a plurality of video cameras for developing positional information about the object based on triangulation. Moreover, the detected object of Segen is a simple sphere which does not require information about the orientation (e.g. inclination) of the object in space. Thus, the system of Segen is not capable of reconstructing position and orientation of an object, whether moving or at rest, from a two-dimensional video image using a single video camera.
It is common for game programs to have virtual objects formed from a combination of three-dimensional geometric shapes, wherein during running of a game program, three-dimensional descriptions (positions and orientations) of the objects relative to each other are determined by control input parameters entered using an input device such as a joystick, game controller or other input device. The three-dimensional position and orientation of the virtual objects are then projected into a two-dimensional display (with background, lighting and shading, texture, and so forth) to create a three-dimensional perspective scene or rendition by means of the rendering processor functions of the game console.
As an example, there can be "virtual object" that forms a moving image in a game display corresponding to how one moves around the "real" object. To display the virtual object, the calculated three-dimensional information is used for fixing the position and orientation of the "virtual object" in a memory space of the game console, and then rendering of the image is performed by known projection processing to convert the three-dimensional information into a realistic perspective display.
However, in spite of the above knowledge and techniques, problems continue to hinder successful object tracking, and a particularly difficult problem is extracting precisely only those pixels of a video image which correspond unambiguously to an object of interest. For example, although movement of an object having one color against a solid background of another color, where the object and background colors vary distinctly from one another, can be accomplished with relative ease, tracking of objects, even if brightly colored, is not so easy in the case of multi-colored or non-static backgrounds. Changes in lighting also dramatically affect the apparent color of the object as seen by the video camera, and thus object tracking methods which rely on detecting a particular colored object are highly susceptible to error or require constant re-calibration as lighting conditions change. The typical home use environment for video game programs demands much greater flexibility and robustness than possible with conventional object tracking computer vision systems.


A data driving circuit for displaying an image with a desired brightness comprises: a current digital-analog converter for generating a gradation current corresponding to external data, and for receiving a first current corresponding to the gradation current from a pixel via a data line; a current control unit for receiving a pixel current from the pixel via the data line, and for selectively increasing and decreasing a level of the first current in accordance with the received pixel current; and a selection unit for selectively connecting the data line to either the current digital-analog converter or the current control unit. An organic light emitting diode and a method of driving same are similarly configured. With these configurations, an image is displayed with desired brightness.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a data driving circuit, an organic light emitting diode display using the same, and a method of driving the organic light emitting diode display, and more particularly, to a data driving circuit for displaying an image with desired brightness, an organic light emitting diode display using the same, and a method of driving the organic light emitting diode display.
2. Related Art
Various flat panel displays have recently been developed as alternatives to the relatively heavy and bulky cathode ray tube (CRT) display. Flat panel displays include a liquid crystal display (LCD), a field emission display (FED), a plasma display panel (PDP), an organic light emitting diode display (OLED), etc.
Among the flat panel displays, the organic light emitting diode display can emit light for itself by electron-hole recombination. Such an organic light emitting diode display has advantages in that response time is relatively fast and power consumption is relatively low. Generally, the organic light emitting diode display employs a transistor provided in each pixel for supplying current corresponding to a data signal to a light emitting device, thereby causing the light emitting device to emit light.
An organic light emitting diode display comprises a pixel portion including a plurality of pixels formed in a region defined by intersection of scan lines and data lines, a scan driver for driving the scan lines, a data driver for driving the data lines, and a timing controller for controlling the scan driver and the data driver.
The timing controller generates a data control signal and a scan control signal corresponding to an external synchronization signal. The data control signal and the scan control signal are supplied from the timing controller to the data driver and the scan driver, respectively. Furthermore, the timing controller supplies external data to the data driver.
The scan driver receives the scan control signal from the timing controller. The scan driver generates scan signals on the basis of the scan control signal and supplies the scan signals to the scan lines.
The data driver receives the data control signal from the timing controller. The data driver generates data signals on the basis of the data control signal and supplies the data signals to the data lines while synchronizing with the scan signals.
The display portion receives first power and second power from an external power source, and supplies them to the respective pixels. When the first power and the second power are applied to the pixels, each pixel controls a current corresponding to the data signal to flow from a first power line to a second power line via the light emitting device, thereby emitting light corresponding to the data signal.
That is, in the organic light emitting diode display, each pixel emits light with a predetermined brightness corresponding to the data signal, but cannot emit light with desired brightness because transistors provided in the respective pixels are different in threshold voltage from each other. Furthermore, in the organic light emitting diode display, there is no method of measuring and controlling a real current flowing in each pixel in correspondence to the data signal.

Data driving circuit, organic light emitting diode display using the same, and method of driving the organic light emitting diode display


A method and apparatus for restoration of unrestored links and nodal failures utilizes a combination of link and path restoration schemes and most existing message types. This invention begins by using a link restoration scheme, when a fault is detected, to designate a pair of custodial sender and chooser. The conventional link restoration scheme then seeks to find an alternate route to reroute the disrupted traffic. When no alternate route is found after a given time period, a special signal is sent out to notify the network that a path restoration is to take place. The communications path on which the failure occurred is identified. Thereafter, data that was stored in the nodes is retrieved to identify the two ends nodes of the communications path. A restoration process then takes place to find alternate paths to replace the failed communications path. Upon termination of the path restoration scheme after a predetermined time period, the most efficient alternate path is selected to restore the traffic by bypassing the location on the communications path where the failure occurred. Since fault isolation is not required, the present invention can be used to restore traffic due to a nodal failure.

In distributed restoration algorithms (DRA), and particularly the self healing network (SHN) restoration of a telecommunications network due to failures in the network, automated restoration of nodal failures could not be achieved. For example, in the SHN scheme as defined by W. D. Grover in U.S. Pat. No. 4,956,835, if a particular node fails, the nodes adjacent thereto would begin a sender/chooser arbitration. One of these adjacent nodes becomes a sender while the other becomes a chooser. However, the failed node could not respond as a chooser to the adjacent sender node. Alternatively, the failed node, if acting as a sender, would not send out any restoration signatures or messages to its adjacent chooser node. Accordingly, the SHN scheme would eventually time out without anything happening. In other words, restoration would not take place. To get a more thorough understanding of SHN, the reader should peruse the disclosure of the '835 patent, incorporated by reference herein.
A need therefore arises for a scheme of restoring traffic when there is a failure in a node so that traffic that would pass through that node could be restored.

Automated restoration of unrestored link and nodal failures


A method of processing an AM radio signal comprises the step of receiving an AM radio signal including an upper sideband portion and a lower sideband portion, demodulating the upper sideband portion and the lower sideband portion to produce a demodulated upper sideband signal and a demodulated lower sideband signal, weighting the demodulated upper sideband signal and the demodulated lower sideband signal in response to noise power to produce a weighted demodulated upper sideband signal and a weighted demodulated lower sideband signal, and combining the weighted demodulated upper sideband signal and the weighted demodulated lower sideband signal to produce an output signal. Demodulators which process AM radio signals in accordance with the method, and receivers incorporating the demodulators, are also included.

Reception of AM signals in the broadcast band is often degraded due to adjacent channel interference (ACI). Much of this interference is a result of the 10 kHz spacing of 20 kHz (±10 kHz) bandwidth analog signals, where nearly half the bandwidth of a first adjacent analog signal overlaps the signal of interest (SOI).
In-Band On-Channel (IBOC) Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) systems are being implemented to provide a smooth evolution from current analog Amplitude Modulation (AM) radio to a fully digital In-Band On-Channel system. IBOC DAB requires no new spectral allocations because each IBOC DAB signal is transmitted within the spectral mask of an existing AM channel allocation. IBOC DAB promotes economy of spectrum while enabling broadcasters to supply digital quality audio to the present base of listeners.
One AM IBOC DAB system, set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 5,588,022, presents a method for simultaneously broadcasting analog and digital signals in a standard AM broadcasting channel. Using this approach, an amplitude-modulated radio frequency signal having a first frequency spectrum is broadcast. The amplitude-modulated radio frequency signal includes a first carrier modulated by an analog program signal. Simultaneously, a plurality of digitally modulated carrier signals are broadcast within a bandwidth that encompasses the first frequency spectrum. Each digitally modulated carrier signal is modulated by a portion of a digital program signal. A first group of the digitally modulated carrier signals lies within the first frequency spectrum and is modulated in quadrature with the first carrier signal. Second and third groups of the digitally-modulated carrier signals lie in upper and lower sidebands outside of the first frequency spectrum and are modulated both in-phase and in-quadrature with the first carrier signal. Multiple carriers employ orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) to bear the communicated information.
In-Band On-Channel (IBOC) AM digital audio broadcasting can exacerbate the interference problem for conventional AM radio signals by the introduction of the digital sidebands of IBOC signals in the band of the signal of interest.
There is a need for a method and apparatus for demodulating AM radio signals that can improve AM radio receiver performance when receiving signals subject to interference.

Coherent AM demodulator using a weighted LSB/USB sum for interference mitigation


Unipolar, bipolar or sinusoidal transmitters may leave the transmitter in any of various states at the end of one pulse. Undesired acoustic energy may be generated to change states prior to beginning another transmit sequence or pulse. For example, phase inversion for tissue harmonic imaging is performed where two sequential pulses are transmitted with different phases. The first waveform starts at a low state and ends at the low state of a unipolar transmitter. The next waveform starts at the high state. Transmit apodization or spectrum control techniques may require a pattern of waveform starting states different than a current state. Acoustic disruption due to a change of state of the transmitter between transmissions for imaging is minimized. The acoustic disruption is minimized by focusing the acoustic energy generated by the switch of states away from a scan line or scan lines being used for imaging or by defocusing the energy within the scan region generated due to the switching of states of the transmitter between acquisition cycles.

The present invention relates to acoustic transmission in ultrasound imaging. In particular, systems and methods for minimizing acoustic disruption for ultrasound imaging are provided.
For ultrasound imaging, acoustic energy is transmitted from a transducer array. Using apodization and delay profiles, the acoustic energy is focused along one or more scan lines. Other acoustic energy is minimized to avoid interfering with the desired transmitted acoustic energies and associated echoes. For example, a backing block on a transducer prevents reflection of acoustic energy radiating away from a patient in order to avoid artifacts. As another example, the acoustic energy is generated in response to unipolar, bipolar or other waveforms generated electronically. Various filters or other electrical structures are provided to prevent undesired generation of acoustic energy due to noise within the electrical waveform.
Typically, transmit and receive processes are performed sequentially. A transmit and receive switch alternates between connection of the transducer array with the transmit and receive circuitry. The transmit circuitry is a transistor, transistor network, amplifier, digital-to-analog converter or other structure for generating a unipolar, bipolar or sinusoidal waveform. The transmit circuitry is positioned within an imaging system. Each new transmit waveform is generated independently of a previous transmit waveform. Any configuration of the transmit circuitry may occur while the transmit and receive switch is connected with the receive circuitry, avoiding generation of undesired acoustic energy in response to transmit circuit configuration.
A transmit and receive switch may be unavailable. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,806,623 (application Ser. No. 10/185,404), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses a transmit circuit connected with a transducer element where the transducer element is used to isolate the transmit circuitry from the receive circuitry. Instead of providing for high voltage transmit and receive switching, the transducer element isolates the transmit and receive channels. The transmitter may be left in any of the operable states, such as a high, low or zero voltage state of a bipolar pulser. For a sequential transmission, the transmitter begins from the last used state. However, some transmission techniques rely on the transmitter being operable to begin in a different state then in a last ended state.

Acoustic disruption minimizing systems and methods


The invention is a mounting system for a vibrational element. The vibrational element has a longitudinal axis, an outer surface and an axial displacement node. The mounting system includes an isolation member which has an isolation surface, an isolating body, and an engaging portion. The engaging portion is immovably secured to the isolation member and extends radially inward from the isolation body at a point radially opposite the isolation surface. The engaging portion is disposed so as to engage the outer surface of the vibrational element. Radial displacements of the vibration element are substantially decoupled from the isolation surface through the engaging portion.

In acoustic welding, such as ultrasonic welding, two parts to be joined (typically thermoplastic parts) are placed directly below a vibrational element, typically an ultrasonic horn. In plunge welding, the horn plunges (travels towards the parts) and transmits vibrations into the top part. Typically these vibrations are ultrasonic. The vibrations travel through the top part to the interface of the two parts. At that interface, the vibrational energy is converted to heat due to intermolecular friction that melts and fuses the two parts. When the vibrations stop, the two parts solidify under force, producing a weld at the joining surface.
Continuous ultrasonic welding is typically used for sealing fabrics, films, and other parts. In continuous welding, the ultrasonic horn is typically stationary and the part is moved beneath it. Scan welding is a type of continuous welding in which the part moves. The plastic part is scanned beneath one or more stationary horns. In transverse welding, the part is stationary while the horn moves over it.
The horn is an acoustical tool made of, for example, aluminum, titanium, or sintered steel that transfers the mechanical vibratory energy to the part. Horn displacement or amplitude is the peak-to-peak movement of the horn face. The ratio of horn output amplitude to the horn input amplitude is termed gain. Gain is a function of the ratio of the mass of the horn at the vibration input and output sections. Generally, in horns, the direction of amplitude at the welding surface of the horn is coincident with the direction of the applied mechanical vibrations.
A rotary acoustic horn, like all horns, imparts energy at a selected wavelength, frequency, and amplitude. The rotary horn includes a shaft with input and output ends, and a welding portion mounted on and coaxial with the output end. The diameter of the welding portion is typically greater than the diameter of the shaft. The welding portion has a cylindrical weld face having a diameter that expands and contracts with the application of vibration energy. Typically, a rotary horn is cylindrical and rotates about a longitudinal axis. The input vibration is in the axial direction and the output vibration is in the radial direction. The horn and anvil are close to each other, and the anvil can rotate in the opposite direction of the horn. The part to be bonded passes between these cylindrical surfaces at a linear velocity, which equals the tangential velocity of the cylindrical surfaces. Matching the tangential velocities of the horn and the anvil with the linear velocity of the material is intended to minimize the drag between the horn and the material. The excitation in the axial direction is similar to that in conventional plunge welding.
There are typically two methods of mounting an ultrasonic horn, nodal mounting and non-nodal mounting. A node is a position of the horn that is not moving in one or more directions. With a nodal mount the horn can be held or grasped rigidly. Non-nodal mounts require some flexible elements because the horn surface is moving (vibrating). The nodes on a horn typically extend circumferentially about the horn, and are spaced axially along the length of the horn.
Anti-nodes are areas of maximum displacement of the horn or booster, attaching mounting systems at these locations or at other non-nodal locations requires the mount to be designed to isolate the vibration from the horn.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,955,740 discloses a non-nodal rotary horn mount, which uses a solid metal diaphragm located in the junction between the booster and the horn. Static loads can be borne because the design uses a rotating tube to isolate this force from the bearings. Also, in this design the diaphragm is designed to resonate at the frequency of the horn. The diaphragm is an ultrasonic element. Another type of nodal mount utilizes a series of setscrews positioned radially around the node. To position the mount about the horn, the setscrews are threaded through the nodal mount and contact the surface of the horn. Typically they extend into a groove or notch in the surface of the horn to assure the mount maintains its position relative to the horn. While the setscrew type mount can isolate vibrations from the vibrating element, the static load, which can be imparted onto the mount, is limited to the ability of the setscrews to withstand the force.


According to one embodiment, an article recognition device includes an image interface, a distance information interface, and a processor. The image interface acquires a captured image of an article placed on an installation base. The distance information interface acquires distance information indicating a distance from the installation base and the article. The processor extracts image information for recognizing the article from the image, generates a list including the image information, deletes image information having the same height as the height of the installation base from the list based on the distance information, and recognizes the article based on the image information of the list.

In some article recognition devices, a feature point is extracted from an image obtained by capturing an article and an article is recognized based on the extracted feature point. Such an article recognition device sometimes extracts a feature point from a region other than the article by including a pattern of an installation base where the article is installed, an external light ray, or the like in the image. As a result, there is a problem in that the article recognition accuracy of the article recognition device may decrease.


A printing apparatus includes a carriage having a recording head movable in a first direction relative to a medium, a color ink nozzle row and a clear ink nozzle row that are provided in the recording head and that respectively eject photo-curable color ink and photo-curable clear ink, and a light irradiation section. A first period of time from when the color ink is deposited on the medium to when light is emitted by the light irradiation section is equal to or longer than a second period of time from when the clear ink is deposited on the medium to when the light is emitted by the light irradiation section.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a printing apparatus, such as an ink jet printer, and a printing method used for the printing apparatus.
2. Related Art
Some known printing apparatuses are ink jet printers that eject ink (liquid) onto recording media (target).
Some of such printing apparatuses include an ejection section that ejects ink (e.g., colored ink) onto a medium and an irradiation section that irradiates the ink on the medium with ultraviolet light so as to cure the ink. The ink which has been ejected from the ejection section and deposited on the medium is irradiated with ultraviolet light so as to be cured, and, as a result, an image is printed. JP-A-2003-191594 is an example of related art.
Various imaging effects are required to be provided by the above-mentioned printing apparatuses.
For example, in order to provide a glossy-surface image, which is required, colorless ink (clear ink) is ejected by the ejection section. The colorless ink is ejected onto colored ink that has been deposited on a medium (the colored ink has been cured by irradiation with ultraviolet light), and subsequently the ink is irradiated with ultraviolet light. Hence, a layer of the colorless ink (flat layer) is formed on the colored ink, so that an overall glossy image is printed.
However, although hitherto known ink jet printing apparatuses can apply the above-mentioned gloss to an image, it is difficult to form an image with an uneven surface and thus to give the image a three-dimensional appearance, a so-called textured image.


One embodiment includes a communication apparatus, including multiple interfaces including at least one egress interface to transmit packets belonging to multiple flows to a network, and control circuitry to queue packets belonging to the flows in respective flow-specific queues for transmission via a given egress interface, and to arbitrate among the flow-specific queues so as to select packets for transmission responsively to dynamically changing priorities that are assigned such that all packets in a first flow-specific queue, which is assigned a highest priority among the queues, are transmitted through the given egress interface until the first flow-specific queue is empty, after which the control circuitry assigns the highest priority to a second flow-specific queue, such that all packets in the second flow-specific queue are transmitted through the given egress interface until the second flow-specific queue is empty, after which the control circuitry assigns the highest priority to another flow-specific queue.

Network devices, such as switches, bridges and routers, in modern packet communication networks commonly give priority to certain flows over others based on considerations such as differentiated quality of service (QoS) and congestion avoidance. In some networks, network devices apply adaptive flow prioritization techniques, based on considerations such as the current queue lengths of different flows.
Techniques of this sort are described, for example, by Hoeiland-Joergensen et al., in "The FlowQueue-CoDel Packet Scheduler and Active Queue Management Algorithm," published by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) as draft-ietf-aqm-fq-codel-06 (Mar. 18, 2016). According to the authors, the algorithm that they describe (referred to as "FQ-CoDel") is useful in fighting "bufferbloat" and reducing latency. FQ-CoDel mixes packets from multiple flows and reduces the impact of head of line blocking from bursty traffic, as well as providing isolation for low-rate traffic such as DNS, Web, and videoconferencing traffic. The algorithm is said to improve utilization across the networking fabric, especially for bidirectional traffic, by keeping queue lengths short.
Another flow prioritization technique is described in an Advantage Series White Paper entitled "Smart Buffering," published by Cisco Systems, Inc. (San Jose, Calif., 2016). According to this White Paper, Cisco Nexus® switches use packet prioritization to provide latency benefits for small flows under load by automatically giving priority to the first few packets from each flow. A threshold is used to determine the number of packets that have been seen from a flow. If the number of packets received from the flow is less than the prioritization threshold, the packets are prioritized; otherwise, they are not. This mechanism allows short flows to have priority in both the switch and the network to reduce the number of drops, which have significantly greater impact on short flows than on long-lived flows.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,773,621 to Jensen, describes an apparatus for selecting one of N transaction queues from which to transmit a transaction out a switch port. P round-robin vectors of P queue priorities each have N bits that are a 1-bit left-rotated and subsequently sign-extended version of an N-bit input vector with a single bit true corresponding to the last queue selected at the priority. N P-input muxes each receive a corresponding bit of each round-robin vector and select one of the inputs specified by its queue priority. Selection logic receives a transaction from each queue and selects one transaction corresponding to the queue having a transmit value greater than or equal to the queues left thereof in the input vectors. Each queue's transmit value comprises a least-significant bit equal to the corresponding mux output, a most-significant bit that is true if its transaction is transmittable, and middle bits comprising the queue priority.
US 2017/0373989 of Gafni, et al., describes a method for communication includes receiving and forwarding packets in multiple flows to respective egress interfaces of a switching element for transmission to a network. For each of one or more of the egress interfaces, in each of a succession of arbitration cycles, a respective number of the packets in each of the plurality of the flows that are queued for transmission through the egress interface is assessed, and the flows for which the respective number is zero are assigned to a first group, while the flows for which the respective number is non-zero are assigned to a second group. The received packets that have been forwarded to the egress interface and belong to the flows in the first group are transmitted with a higher priority than the flows in the second group.


Methods and systems are provided herein for presenting supplemental content in media assets, which may be presented only to particular users, irrespective of whether or not other users are viewing the same media asset on the same device.

While the amount and variety of media assets available to users has increased exponentially over the last decade, personalizing any particular media asset based on a particular user is still a key concern of both advertisers and content providers. For example, by targeting advertisements to particular users or supplying additional content with media assets based on whether or not a user typically enjoys media content of that type, an advertiser and/or content provider increases the likelihood that the advertisement or additional content will be well received by the users. Furthermore, whether by adding subtitles, widgets, or other features, the ability to customize media assets also enhances the media experience of the users. The drawback to targeting and adding additional content based on a particular user is that users often watch media assets together in which case some users may not want advertisements and/or additional content or may want different advertisements and/or additional content.

Methods and systems for presenting supplemental content in media assets


In a method of operating a piston-type internal combustion engine including cylinders with gas exchange valves of which at least some are closed when the engine is operated in an engine-driven state above a predetermined engine speed and the engine includes an electrically operated coolant circulating pump wherein the coolant circulating pump speed is controlled depending on the number of cylinders shut down during operation in the engine driven state.

The invention relates to a method of operating a piston-type internal combustion engine with electromagnetically operated intake and exhaust valves, which, in an engine driven phase above a predetermined engine speed, are all closed at least for one cylinder in order to generate a reduced braking torque.
Environmental factors, noxious emissions and the depletion of fossil fuel resources make it necessary for new power generation concepts to save fuel by increasing the efficiency of the combustion processes of piston internal combustion engines in order to avoid unnecessary energy losses. It is, for example, possible to operate the power plant of a motor vehicle that is, generally, its piston-type internal combustion engine in an intermittent manner by disconnecting the engine from the drive line when the vehicle is in an engine-driven phase and shutting the engine down in such a phase. However, since the engine generally does not only drive the vehicle, but also numerous auxiliary components depend on engine operation such as the cooling and the lubrication system, the electric power supply, the power steering and the power brakes, the intermittent engine operation detrimentally affects these functions. Measures must therefore be taken which compensate for such effects. These measures are generally very expensive under economical and ecological considerations so that, mathematically, a positive result is obtained only after a long period of operation.
It is the object of the present invention to reduce the distance or the amount of time required for an internal combustion engine of vehicles to make economical or ecological measures worthwhile their costs.

Method of operating a piston-type internal combustion engine


An apparatus and method facilitates information security policy control for an information security engine by utilizing security policy association data on a per security engine user basis. Security policy association data may include, for example, data representing identification information of the user of the security engine along with corresponding policy identification data. Policy user identification data may be a hash value of the disk image of an executable software application which uses the security engine, along with policy object identification data which indicates which policy (or policies) that particular application is required to use. A security engine obtains access to this information and also obtains comparison information such as generating a realtime hash value of a calling application that is requesting use of the security engine and compares the newly generated hash value to a stored hash value included as the policy association data. If the hash values match, indicating that the calling application has been previously approved by the trusted policy authority, the policy rules referenced by the policy association data are then employed by the security engine.

The invention relates generally to information security systems and methods and more particularly to information security systems and methods having enforceable security policy provisions.
Information security systems such as those employing public key cryptography techniques to encrypt and decrypt data, typically use a certification authority, such as a trusted network server, to generate certificates that are used by network nodes to verify, among other things, that other communications sent by users are valid. Information security systems are known which allow network nodes to have several software applications that use the same security enforcement rules by having a cryptographic engine which is accessible by each of the applications. For example, an E-mail application may access the cryptographic engine to encrypt E-mail messages. Likewise a financial document generation application may also allow access to the cryptographic engine to encrypt financial documents that may be transferred over communication links.
Conventional systems typically hard code security policy rules in the subscribers, such as network nodes so that a node requires upgraded software each time a security officer changes a policy rule. Some global policies include for example a lifetime of a password, whether or not passwords can be reused, password length, the type of cryptographic keys allowable for a particular node and other policies. Hard-coded policy rules become cumbersome and can be costly to change in large systems. Moreover, such systems do not typically allow differing policies to be set for differing nodes or for differing environments or for differing applications or for differing users, such as corporate email systems run on several servers and nodes in various organizations.
Some systems allow non-hard coded policy provisions to be used, but such systems do not typically allow the policy provisions to be definable through a centralized authority. It is desirable to have central control to institute policies to facilitate a more controlled environment particularly where a compromised communication can cause great damage to members of the network.
It is also desirable to provide policy flexibility in instances where policy rules need to be changed on a per application and/or per node basis. For example, where a node is used by a temporary employee or where the node is used by a user requiring a very high level security or high-security application, differing lengths of passwords or password life times may be necessary for each of the independent network nodes or applications.
Some systems employ attribute certificates to allow specification of information (attributes) other than public keys (but related to a certificate issuing authority, entity or public key), so that it is conveyed in a trusted manner to a relying party. Attribute certificates are conventionally associated with a specific signature public key by binding the attribute information to the key by the method by which the key is identified. For example the binding may be by using the serial number of a corresponding public key certificate, or to a hash-value of the public key or certificate.
Typically, attributes may be signed by an attributed certificate authority, created in conjunction with an attribute registration authority, and distributed in conjunction with an attribute directory service. More generally, any party with a signature key and appropriate recognizable authority may create an attribute certificate. Typically, such attribute certificates are associated with a signature public key and forwarded by a party with a signed message to a relying party that verifies the signature on the received message and uses the attribute certificate to verify proper authority associated with the signature key. One known application is to certify authorization or privilege information related to a public key. More specifically, this may be used, for example, to limit liability resulting from a digital signature, or to constrain the use of a public key (e.g., to transactions of limited values, certain types, or during certain hours). However, such methods can unnecessarily increase system overhead and complexity since the attribute certificates are generally associated with a public key and must be verified by a relying party before a privilege is honored.
Also, conventionally, where a user of a cryptographic engine is a software application, each application typically defines and controls its own security policy. For example, a certificate policy object identifier (OID) may be included as a static component of executable code of each application. Since typically different corporations or environments want different policies, this creates the problem that application software must be modified for each corporation and application developers need to be security policy experts.
Alternatively, conventional systems may have the same application software used by each corporation but the underlying security engine or cryptographic engine provides security services that are configured to a fixed security policy. Thus the application runs under a security policy set by the security engine. A problem arises since policy specific alterations of the underlying security engines are made and two different applications running in the same environment cannot operate on different policies. But no single security policy fits all software applications or users of the security engine, different applications or users typically require different policies. For example, an e-mail application may require a less stringent information encryption key length or algorithm than a banking application used for electronic commerce. A problem arises in determining how to associate and enforce different policies for different applications.
Consequently there exists a need for a computer network security system and method having enforceable security policy provisions that allows flexibility from a centralized authority to ensure more consistent control and implementation of the policies while offering flexibility to change policies when needed on a per application basis. Such a system should also allow enforcement of the policies to occur at the network nodes to help reduce overhead requirements of a central authority.

Method and apparatus for facilitating information security policy control on a per security engine user basis


The invention, in at least one embodiment, relates to a reverse platinum group metal zoned lean NOx trap system included in a vehicle and its method of use. One embodiment of the trap system is in a vehicle exhaust system operable during lean and rich periods. The trap system may include a first trap having a first substrate supporting a quantity of platinum and a second trap, positioned downstream of the first trap, and having a second substrate supporting a quantity of platinum and a quantity of rhodium. The total loading of platinum plus rhodium on the second trap is greater than or equal to the platinum on the first trap. In at least one embodiment, the second trap has a higher overall NOx conversion at a low temperature and the first trap has a higher overall NOx conversion at a high temperature.

1. Technical Field
One or more embodiments of this invention relate to a reverse platinum group metal zoned lean NOx trap system in a vehicle and its method of use.
2. Background
Environmental regulations pertaining to the reduction of emissions from vehicular engines have been enacted in many countries. The oxides of nitrogen are of concern regarding emissions and include several compounds such as nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide. These compounds are frequently referred to as NOx as defined by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
NOx emissions from a lean burn gasoline engine or a diesel engine can be treated using a lean NOx trap at temperatures between 200° C. and 600° C. In the treatment method using the lean NOx trap, there is an interplay between the platinum group metals ("PGMs"), the emission temperature, NOx storage components, and/or oxygen storage components. As an example of this interplay, the lean NOx trap typically may use platinum and rhodium as a remediation catalyst. Platinum may oxidize nitric oxide in the exhaust to nitrogen dioxide under lean exhaust conditions at relatively high temperature. Nitrogen dioxide may react with a NOx storage material to form an adsorbed NOx species, such as a nitrate. The NOx storage material may become saturated or nearly saturated with adsorbed NOx species. To purge the NOx species, the engine may be changed from a lean air-to-fuel ratio to a rich air-to-fuel ratio. During the rich condition purges, both platinum and rhodium may contribute to the reduction of the stored NOx to nitrogen gas. Rhodium typically functions with a superior reactivity in reducing NOx relative to platinum at relatively low exhaust temperatures.
However, lean NOx traps may be costly due to relatively high concentrations of platinum group metals in the formulations. Reverse platinum group metal zoned lean NOx trap systems may reduce some of the costs of the lean NOx trap system. An example of a reverse platinum group metal zoned lean NOx trap is disclosed in U.S. Application Publication No. 2006/0100098 assigned to a common owner with this application and having some inventors in common.


Disclosed is a method for reducing metal acid or salt evolved from electrolytic baths housed in electrolytic tanks during electrolytic operations. This method involves covering all of the surface of the electrolytic bath with a layer of shredded foam (e.g., polymeric foam, metal foam, glass foam, or vitreous material foam). The shredded foam is irregular in shape, lacking in uniform particle size, is inert to the electrolytic operation, and floats at the surface of the electrolytic bath. Desirably, the layer of shredded foam is about 3 to 4 inches (76-102 mm) in thickness. Examples of specific processes benefiting from the present invention are anodizing, electroplating, electrowinning, and electrophoresis operations.

Electrolytic operations can include, for example, anodizing, electroplating, electrowinning, electrophoresis, and the like. Basically, an electrolytic bath is housed within an electrolytic cell in which an anode and a cathode are placed. Upon the application of electricity through such electrodes, current is carried by electrolytes in the water (without electrolytes, the water will be subjected to electrolysis). Two oft commercially practiced electrolytic operations will be used to illustrate the precepts of the present invention: electroplating and electrowinning. It will be appreciated that such description is by way of illustration and is not a limitation on the present invention.
Presently, many metals are electroplated on a commercial scale, e.g., aluminum, antimony, bismuth, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, brass, bronze, iron, lead, copper, gold, platinum, rhodium, ruthenium, silver, tin, and zinc. Chromium electroplating, for example, is a widely-used process for depositing chromium metal onto a substrate, typicalily steel for hard chromium electroplating. Chromium offers combined properties not found in any other metal: hardness, high reflectance, high corrosion resistance, low coefficient of friction, high heat conductivity, and excellent wear resistance. Electroplating companies fall into two general categories: captives and job shops. Captive electroplating operations plate in-house manufactured parts and can be found throughout the United States in industries including major airlines, aerospace firms, computer and electronics manufacture, hardware manufacture, automotive companies, and the military. See Freeman (1995), Industrial Pollution Prevention Handbook, McGraw-Hill, New York, N.Y. Freeman also reports that there are about 3,000 job shop electroplating companies in the U.S.
In the chromium electroplating process, a direct current is applied between the anode and the cathode (the part) while suspended in a hexavalent chromium-plating solution. The bath temperature is usually kept at between 116.degree. and 138.degree. F. (46.degree. and 59.degree. C. The bath contains chromic anhydride, which creates an aqueous solution of chromic acid. Sulfuric acid also is present to act as a bath catalyst. At high concentrations (e.g., 225 to 375 g./L of chromic anhydride), the chromic acid forms dichromic acid, which then ionizes to dichromate and hydrogen ions.
Three chemical reactions take place at the cathode (part to be electroplated): (1) the deposition of chromium on the part surface, (2) the evolution of hydrogen gas, and (3) the reduction of hexavalent chromium to trivalent chromium. Three chemical reactions also take place at the anode: (1) the oxidation of the anode, (2) the evolution of oxygen gas, and (3) the oxidation of trivalent chromium to hexavalent chromium.
Chromium electroplating is a very inefficient process in that over 80% of the applied energy goes into the evolution of by-product gases: hydrogen and oxygen. The emission of chromic acid mist from the surface of hard-chrome plating tanks is largely a mechanical process. Hydrogen gas, evolved as a by-product of the redox reaction occurring when plating metallic parts with chromium, bubbles violently out of the solution and causes a boiling action at the surface of the tank. As hydrogen bubbles reach the surface of the tank and burst, a mist composed largely of chromic acid is formed. Additionally, air, often bubbled through the electroplating bath to aid in the mixing of the solution in order to avoid temperature stratification within the bath, also carries chromic acid mist with it as it is evolved from the surface of the tank.
Decorative hexavalent chromium electroplating is similar to hard chromium electroplating, except in: (1) the current applied, (2) the duration of plating, (3) the substrate plated, and, (4) the addition of brighteners and other substances to the bath. A thin layer of chromium is applied to the base material to provide a bright wear and tarnish-resistant surface. Because decorative parts generally are plated at lower currents and for less time then hard chromium electroplated parts, emission generation per surface plated usually also is less. Nevertheless, it is a very significant problem subject to extensive government regulation.
Chromium anodizing is the process of electrolytically oxidizing the surface of a substrate, typically aluminum. An oxidized layer on the surface of the part provides corrosion resistance, low conductivity, and accepting surface for coloring. Although there are different types of anodizing processes, chromium anodizing is preferred because chromic acid acts as a corrosion inhibitor and remains in the pores and crevices of the part after the process is complete. While less of a concern because of short plating cycles, emissions are still a major problem.
The carcinogenicity of hexavalent chromium compounds is well known. Workers involved in chromium electroplating comprise a population at high risk of overexposure to Cr(VI) in the form of chromic acid mist. Chromium and its compounds have been the topic of more epidemiological investigations than any other chemical exposure agent, with the possible exceptions of asbestos and benzene. Lees (1991), "Chromium bands disease: review of epidemiologic studies with particular reference to etiologic information provided by measures of exposure", Environmental Health Perspectives, 92, 93-104. Hexavalent chromium has been shown to cause cancer in humans and in experimental animals, as well as exert genetic toxicity in prokaryotes and mammalian cells in vitro. Norseth (1981), "The carcinogenicity of chromium", Environmental Health Perspectives, 40, 121-130. Under the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has designated chromium compounds as hazardous air pollutants suspected of causing lung cancer in humans. The USEPA has promulgated a National Emission Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) that regulates the chromium air emissions generated from chromium electroplating and anodizing operations (60 FR 4948). Additionally, individual states may have different (or additional) regulations. Moreover, most state regulations are more stringent than the national standard and may be based on ground level concentrations or risk-based assessments.
End-of-pipe control technologies have been an accepted method of treating fugitive emissions from the hard chromium electroplating industry. The term "end-of-pipe" denotes the treatment of a contaminated air stream that has been drawn off a plating tank by a blower. Suppressing chromium emissions at the tank level should reduce the amount of chromium at the inlet to end-of-pipe control devices or even eliminate the need for such control devices. Techniques aimed at suppressing chromium emissions from electroplating tanks include chemical foaming agents, small plastic balls, or both used in concert. A study performed by the California Air Resources Board presents data showing that process modifications (specifically, plastic balls, chemical fume suppressants, and elimination of air agitation) will reduce chromium emissions by 50% to 60%. Weintraub, et al., "A systems approach to controlling chrome electroplating emissions", Proceedings of the 34th Annual Meeting & Exhibition, Air & Waste Management Association (AWMA), Jun. 1991, pp 91-103.
Chemical foam blankets provide multiple barrier surfaces with which to collect the mist before being released into the air. Foam blankets have the disadvantage that they can (and often do) trap by-product hydrogen and oxygen gases, thereby forming an explosive mixture. Jordan, Chromium emissions from chromium electroplating and chromic acid anodizing, operations--Background information for promulgated standards, (EPA Publication No. EPA-453/R-94-082b)., Research Triangle Park, N.C.: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (NTIS Publication No. PB95166302); and Sheehy, et al. (1984), NIOSH technical report: Control technology assessment: Metal plating and cleaning operations, (DHHS [NIOSH] Publication No. 85-102, Cincinnati, Ohio: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, (NTIS Publication No. PB85-234391). Plastic balls (usually polypropylene) of about 30 mm diameter can be floated on the chromium solution to reduce the exposed surface are of the bath and to provide a surface for the mist to deposit on and drain back into the plating solution. However, there is a tendency for the balls to be pushed away from the electrodes by the surface disturbances causes by rising bubbles. Unfortunately, this is the location at which the balls are needed the most to reduce emissions.
Other proposals include, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,755,095 which proposes the use of 0.002 to 100 micron size polyethylene powder to reduce chromic acid emissions from the electroplating tank; U.S. Pat. No. 3,657,080 which proposes 0.002 to 100 micron hydrophobic particles (e.g., silica) to reduce chromic acid emissions from the electroplating tank; Russian Pat. No. 1,723,208 which proposes the use of a lower polyethylene granule layer and an upper plastic foam layer; Russian Pat. No. 872,602 which proposes the use of two layers of polymer particles with the top layer pretreated with paraffin wax; and Russian Pat. No. 161,199 which also proposes the use of a combination of 4 mm or smaller polyethylene balls and a chemical foam. David (1946), "Method of reducing chromic acid spray in plating tanks", Safety Review, 3, 13-15, reports a study in which plastic chips were evaluated as a means of reducing chromic acid mist emission from plating tanks, including crushed Lucite crystals measuring approximately 1/4 inch by 1/4 inch, squares of scrap methacrylate, and polystyrene rods measuring approximately 1/4 inch in diameter by 2 inches in length. Davis also reports that in 1926 a German scientist discussed using cork particles or glass wool coated with paraffin to reduce emissions from chrome plating tanks.
Further background information can be found in Hey, "Abatement of Hazardous Air Pollutant Emissions From Army Chromium Electroplating And Anodizing Operations", U.S. Army Construction Engineering Research Laboratories (USACERL), January 1996, (NTIS Publication No. ADA304841) and Fowler (December 1996), An evaluation of the efficacy of styrofoam as a control agent for reducing chromic acid mist emissions from plating tanks in hard-chrome plating operations, Master's thesis, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Ariz. The disclosures of all of the foregoing references are expressly incorporated herein by reference.
Another electrolytic cell process that produces acid vapors and can result in air-borne acid (or salt thereof) and metal above the cell is known as "electrowinning". Electrowinning techniques have been applied to many metals, including copper, gold, lead, and zinc on a commercial scale. By way of example with reference to the electrowinning of copper, basically, electrowinning is a minor ore dressing technique whereby copper ions in an aqueous bath are "plated" out on starter cathodes. One such process practiced commercially leaches copper values from low grade copper ore stockpiles with slightly acidic water to form a "pregnant leach solution" that is extracted with a kerosene-based solvent. The lower raffinate layer is recycled to the ore stockpiles while the Lapper "loaded organic" phase is sent to a stripping tank to be stripped with an electrolyte. After settling, the upper organic phase depleted of copper values is recycled for reuse and the lower "rich electrolyte" is sent to an electrowinning tank house in which tanks are fitted with alternating lead anodes and starter sheet copper cathodes (typically about 38".times.38" (96.5.times.96.5 cm) in size). The bath temperature usually is maintained at about 120.degree.-135.degree. F. (48.9.degree.-57.2.degree. C.). Electrowinning is conducted at rather low currents relative to other plating processes, e.g., 2 v and a current density of 30 amps/ft.sup.2 (1,462 amps/m.sup.2). After several days in the tank house, approximately 250 pound (112.5 kg) copper cathodes are withdrawn and new copper starter sheets are inserted into the baths. The withdrawn copper cathodes are ready for sale or for further processing. Acid vapors are released from the cells and can carry copper metal along with it. Sulfates (including copper) coming off the tanks generally are in the order of 2-10 mg/m.sup.3. OSHA limits are 1 mg/m.sup.3 presently and may be reduced in the near future.
While electrowinning is not a "plating" operation in the traditional sense, it is an electrolytic process that results in a metal being plated from an aqueous acidic bath in an electrolytic cell. Again, like chrome electroplating, electrowinning is another example of an electrolytic cell process that could benefit from having its contents' propensity to be released (aerosolization) from the bath suppressed.

Control agent for reducing metal acid mist emissions from electrolytic cell operations


The present invention discloses a system and method of testing semiconductor memory devices formed as integrated circuits on semiconductor substrates. The present invention allows parallel testing of arrays using only one input/output (I/O or DQ) to write to the arrays and only two DQs to read from the arrays. The broad search should be directed to methods of compressing the time and number of I/O's required for testing wide, high pin count, or highly partitioned memory arrays. The specific method of this invention comprises simultaneously writing the same test bit to each array, simultaneously reading a common address from each array and comparing the output of each array to report a fail if all outputs are not the same.

Semiconductor memory parts must be tested after fabrication to eliminate unrepairable parts and identify parts that can be repaired by use of redundancy circuits. This procedure occurs in a normal process of manufacturing. This testing is time consuming and the test fixtures and equipment used for testing are expensive. In memory parts capable of storing millions of bits, the time and equipment expenses become large portions of the cost of manufacturing. In such parts, every addressable location in the memory array must have a bit written to it and read from it numerous times with many different data patterns to ascertain that the part operates correctly.
Semiconductor memory parts generally and dynamic random access memories (DRAMs), in particular, often contain a large array of memory cells subdivided into several separate, equally sized and internally addressable subarrays of equal size. Dividing the array into subarrays facilitates manufacturing the parts. These subarrays of memory cells all have the same or like internal address leads connected to them so that each subarray is accessed in a like manner. The subarrays thus are bitmapped alike.
In order to test Random Access Memory (RAM), it is necessary to apply many different patterns to the internal memory to find any and all defects. These defects are seen when the memory pattern inside the chip is such that the defect causes a memory cell to fail, or one memory cell or cells to interfere with another memory cell or cells. A problem in testing DRAMS requires writing patterns to each array, writing out data and comparing the output to the input to determine if there was an array fail. In chips organized such that each array has its own Input/Output (I/O or DQ) a pattern must be sent to each DQ. In wide DRAMs with many DQs many connections must be made as well as many tests performed.

International Business Machines Corporation


Systems and methods are provided for determining an orientation of one or more client devices relative to a computing device. In various embodiments a method and system is provided for receiving, via a client device, data being displayed on a computing device. The data is used to determine an orientation of the client device relative to a computing device. The determined orientation of the client device is used to orient a user interface of a computing device.

Computing devices may communicate with other devices for multiple reasons. The communication may occur via Local Area Networks (LANs) using various protocols, for example Wi-Fi. Data may be exchanged on these networks for various reasons and in some examples may enable multiple devices to participate in an event, for example a game.

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.