An execution control apparatus of a data driven information processor includes: an instruction decoder that outputs the a number of inputs of an instruction; a waiting data storage region that stores N (N≧2) waiting data and respective data valid flags in one address; a constant storage that stores constants and a constant valid flag; a constant readout unit that reads out a constant and a constant valid flag from the constant storage with the node number of an input packet as the address; a unit that calculates a hash address and selects a process for data waiting depending upon a combination of a data valid flag, a constant valid flag, and the number of instuction inputs; and a unit that performs a waiting process in response to a select signal.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an execution control apparatus of a data driven information processor. Particularly, it relates to an execution control apparatus of a data driven information processor that can easily increase the performance and efficiency, improve operation flexibility and cost effectiveness by devising the packet waiting process mechanism and packet structure in the operation of image processing and motion picture processing.
2. Description of the Background Art
The data driven principle is considered to be an inherently natural information processing scheme. A data driven information processor is structured upon the basis of the data driven principle. The data driven processor is generally refers to a set of information processors developed from the research project for an effective mechanism that executes a target program directly converted from an executable description of high level specification.
The data driven principle will be discussed below. A program includes a plurality of instructions. Each instruction will be ready to execute when all the argument data required for its execution are present in a token (data packet) format. The instruction ready to execute is sent to the operation processing mechanism together with the argument data and the destination of the executed result.
The device that determines whether an instruction has become ready to execute and transmits the executable instruction, if any, together with the argument data and the address of the executed result to the operation processing mechanism is called a "firing control mechanism".
At the operation processing mechanism, the instruction is executed. The executed result is transferred to the destination in the form of a token as the argument data of the next instruction to be executed.
FIG. 1 shows a structure of a system employing a general data driven information processor in image processing. Referring to FIG. 1, this system includes a data driven processor 1 having input ports IA and IB connected to data transfer paths 4 and 5, respectively, output ports OA and OB connected to data transfer paths 6 and 7, respectively, and an output port OV and an input port IV connected to data transfer paths 8 and 9, respectively, a memory interface 2 connected to data driven processor 1 through data transfer paths 8 and 9, and an image memory 3 interconnected with memory interface 2 through a memory access control line 1A.
Data driven processor 1 receives in time series through data transfer path 4 or 5 an input data packet having an identifier referred to as "generation number" assigned according to the input time sequence. Preset processing contents are stored in data driven processor 1. In response to the input of an input data packet, data driven processor 1 implements a process according to the processing contents stored therein. When access to image memory 3 is to be effected during processing, data driven processor 1 sends out on data transfer path 8 via output port OV an access request (reference/update and the like of the contents in image memory 3). Upon receiving this access request, memory interface 2 accesses image memory 3 via memory access control line 1A. The result is returned to data driven processor 1 via data transfer path 9 and input port IV.
Upon completion of the process by data driven processor 1 with respect to the input data packet, data driven processor 1 sends out via output port OA or OB an output data packet to data transfer path 6 or 7.
FIG. 2 shows the basic structure of a data driven information processor. FIG. 3 shows the basic structure of the input/output packet of a data driven information processor.
Referring to FIG. 2, data driven processor 1 includes a merging unit 10 that combines an externally applied input data packet and a data packet flowing in data driven processor 1. Data driven processor 1 further includes a firing control unit 11 that receives a data packet from merging unit 10, determines whether all the data required for instruction execution are available or not, and outputs a data packet including all the data. Data driven processor 1 further includes a functional unit 12 that performs an operation determined by the operation code on the data in the data packet from firing control unit 11, reassembles and outputs the result as a data packet including the node number of the next instruction. Data driven processor 1 additionally includes a program storage unit 13 where instructions are prestored, for receiving a data packet from functional unit 12, reading out the code of the instruction to be executed next and the next node number, assembling a data packet with the node number included in the relevant data packet as the destination, and output the data packet. Finally, data driven processor 1 includes a branch unit 14 for receiving a data packet from program storage unit 13 and sending the data packet outside or towards merging unit 10 according to the destination.
The data packet shown in FIG. 3 is applied to merging unit 10. This data packet is further sent to firing control unit 11. As shown in FIG. 2, firing control unit 11 includes a waiting storage region and a constant storage region, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,640,525. The data packet applied to firing control unit 11 is stored in a waiting storage region 11a of firing control unit 11 until the counterpart data packet to form a pair to be processed arrives. When the data packet pair is available, a data packet including the operation code and the companion data is reassembled and is sent to functional unit 12. When the counterpart to be processed is not a data packet but constant data, the waiting at firing control unit 11 is not effected. In such a case, a data packet is reassembled by obtaining constant data from constant storage region 11b.
Functional unit 12 processes the data in the received packet in accordance with the operation code in the packet. The resultant data packet is reassembled and is output.
Program storage unit 13 receives the data packet from functional unit 12, accesses its program memory at an address determined by the node number included in the received data packet, retrieves the operation code to be executed next as well as the next node number, reassembles a data packet, and output it. The data packet output from program storage unit 13 is selectively sent outside data driven processor 1 or to merging unit 10 by branch unit 14 according to the included node number.
Referring to FIG. 3, the data packet applied to data driven processor 1 includes a PE number 15 (PE stands for "processing element".), a node number 16, a generation number 17, and data 18.
PE number 15 is an identifier that distinguishes data driven information processors structured as shown in FIG. 12 from each other in a system where a plurality of the data driven information processors are interconnected via a plurality of input/output control units (merging unit 10 and branch unit 14).
Node number 16 is used as an address to retrieve an operation code stored in program storage unit 13 of FIG. 2.
Generation number 17 is an identifier of a data packet input in a time series, and is also used as the address of image memory 3. Generation number 17, as an address in image memory 3, includes a field number FD, a line number LN, and a pixel number PX, as shown in FIG. 3. The relationship among the image, field number FD, line number LN and pixel number PX is as shown in FIG. 4.
The structure of the data packet applied to firing control unit 11 of FIG. 2 is shown in FIG. 5.
Referring to FIG. 5, this data packet has a structure similar to that of the data packet (FIG. 3) input to merging unit 10, and includes an operation code 19, a node number 20, a generation number 21, and data 22. It is to be noted that an operation code 19 is provided instead of PE number 15 of FIG. 3.
FIG. 6 shows the format of data stored in constant storage region 11b of firing control unit 11. Constant storage region 11b stores constant data to be used when the data companion to a data packet is a constant. Referring to FIG. 6, each record includes a VCD 23 (VCD is a flag indicating whether the constant data is valid (1) or invalid (0)), and constant data 24.
Referring to FIG. 7, waiting storage region 11a includes a hash overflow address 25 that stores the portion of the waiting data packet not used in calculating the hash address, a PRE 26 which is a flag indicating the presence of waiting data, i.e. indicating that a data packet is waiting ("1" when valid and "0" when invalid), and waiting data 27. Hash overflow address 25 stores the portion of node number 16 and a part of generation number 17 that is not used in calculating the hash address of the waiting data packet.
The format of the data packet output from program storage unit 13 is as shown in FIG. 5. When this data packet circulates through branch unit 14 and merging unit 10 to enter firing control unit 11, the constant data and VCD are obtained from constant storage region 11b of FIG. 6. Then, determination is made as to which of storing/firing/passing is to be selected as the operation for waiting storage region 11a of FIG. 7. This determination is based on the combination of operation code 16, the VCD obtained from constant storage region 11b and PRE 26 in waiting storage region 11a.
First, the operation code in the data packet is decoded to determine whether the instruction to be executed by functional unit 12 is a 1-input instruction or a 2-input instruction. In the case of a 1-input instruction, that data packet will be "passed". If the instruction is a 2-input instruction and VCD=1, the data packet is likewise "passed" since a counterpart data packet is not required as the data pair.
In other cases, i.e., in the case of a 2-input instruction and VCD=0, waiting for a paired data packet is required. Therefore, access to waiting storage region 11a is effected. Here, the hash address is calculated. If the PRE of the relevant address is "0", the paired data packet has not yet arrived. Therefore, the process with respect to this data packet is "storing". The data and the hash overflow address are stored in the relevant region, and PRE is updated to 1. PRE=1 of the relevant address implies that the paired data packet is present in waiting storage region 11a. Therefore, the data required for operation together with the input data packet are now available. Thus, the process is "fired". The waiting data is output from waiting storage region 11a. The packet is reconfigured, and PRE is updated to 0. The reconfigured data packet has the structure shown in FIG. 8.
Referring to FIG. 8, this data packet includes a VCD 28, an operation code 29, a node number 30, a generation number 31, left data 32, and right data 33. Left and right data 32 and 33 are the data required for the operation of a 2-input instruction, and are obtained from the waiting data packet and the input data packet. This data packet is sent to functional unit 12.
By repeating the above-described process sequentially, data is processed while a data packet circulates through the data driven information processor.
In order to maintain throughput of the access to waiting storage region 11a, firing control unit 11 may be interleaved as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,640,525. More specifically, waiting storage region 11a includes a block 34 and two regions (memory 35 and memory 36 ), as shown in FIG. 9. Access is selectively distributed to either memory by the sorting of the data packet through block 34. Specification of which region is to be accessed is set by a bit called "interleave bit (IB)" in a register provided in block 34. IB is set by loading a parameter called "FIS parameter" (3 bits) to the aforementioned register in block 34.
The relationship between FIS and IB is summarized in the following Table 1. The FIS parameter also serves to specify the type of the hash function in calculating the hash address.
TABLE 1FIS000001010011100101110111IBG1G2G3G4N0N1N2N3Gn: n-th bit of the Generation NumberNn: n-th bit of the Node Number
It is to be noted that the generation number includes 5 bits, i.e., G0–G4. Therefore, G1, for example, represents the second least significant bit of the generation number.
As mentioned before, the waiting storage is realized by an interleave structure in the conventional art shown in FIG. 9. Margin in capacitance must be provided for each memory. As a result, the memory cost is increased. Furthermore, there is a possibility of the access being concentrated to one of memories 35 and 36 depending upon the sequence of the data packets arriving in a stream. The intended throughput cannot be maintained sufficiently in such cases.
For example, it is assumed that FIS='000' in Table 1. Here, IB is determined by the first bit of generation number 31. Assuming that data packets whose generation numbers are 0(0b0 . . . 000000), 4(0b0 . . . 000100), 8(0b0 . . . 001000), 12(0b0 . . . 001100), . . . sequentially arrive at firing control unit 11, IB=0 is constantly established. As a result, access is concentrated to memory 35, so that sufficient throughput cannot be achieved.
Furthermore, the data packet in the data driven information processor is transferred in a pipelined manner by transfer between latches that are sequentially coupled by means of a self-timed transfer control circuit (C element). Reading the PRE takes one clock cycle necessary for the transfer between C elements. Another clock cycle is required for update value detection and update. An execution control apparatus of a data driven information processor that can avoid such throughput degradation depending upon the arriving order of data packets is desired.
The demands placed on the processing performance in image processing and video processing are ever increasing. The data driven information processor has architecture suitable for such image processing and video processing. Therefore, an execution control apparatus of a data driven information processor is desired that can process data more speedily than other architecture and with higher throughput, and that allows flexible programming.
Since the demanded operations are becoming more complicated, highly complex instructions will be necessary. However, only a 2-input instruction at most is implemented in prior art. There is a case where one wishes to obtain the resultant output from three or more equal inputs. Since one node can perform only a 2-input process as shown in FIG. 10(A) in the conventional data driven information processor, the only possible approach to realize a 3-input instruction is to combine nodes 38 and 39 as shown in FIG. 10(B) through programming. The response time is additionally required in comparison to the case where one node can perform a 3-input process. Accordingly, execution becomes inefficient.
Particularly in the structure shown in FIG. 10(B), it is to be noted that the operation between inputs A and B is carried out at node 38, and then the operation of node 39 is carried out between the resultant output X and an input C. This means that input C must be in waiting storage region 11a until the process of node 38 is completed and X arrives at firing control unit 11. As a result, waiting storage region 11a will be used inefficiently. It is desired to effectively utilize the waiting storage region and improve the processing efficiency by carrying out the process of three or more inputs with one node.
As the instructions become more complex, not only scalar data but also vector data will be more frequently processed. Correspondingly, the need will arise to handle the constants stored in constant storage region 11b as vector data. In this case, in order to allow a complex instruction to be handled more flexibly, it is preferable to selectively use the constants, not fixed to one type of either scalar or vector, but switched therebetween for the same instruction.

Execution control apparatus of data driven information processor for instruction inputs


An automotive seat assembly including a seat bottom and a seat back pivotally attached to the seat bottom. The seat back includes a rigid seat back frame supporting a contoured foam cushion encapsulated in a trim cover material. A semi-rigid back panel, having a main body portion and a pair of side portions, is mounted to the rear of the seat back to conceal the rear surface of the seat back frame. A pair of guide members are mounted to the seat back frame and a pair of positioners are mounted to the back panel for alignment and engagement with the guide members. The positioners have an opening for sliding around the guide members as the back panel is positioned onto the seat back frame. A fastening member is also secured to the seat back frame. The back panel also includes a receiving portion mounted adjacent the bottom of the back panel for encapsulating the fastening member which closes any gaps formed between the bottom of the back panel and the seat back frame. A trim retention device is attachcd to a portion of the trim cover material. A receiving bracket is also mounted to the back panel for engaging the trim retention device to secure the trim cover to the panel. The engagement of the receiving bracket and the trim retention device prevents separation of the trim cover material and the foam cushion from the seat frame.

Automotive seat assemblies typically include a seat bottom and a seat back pivotally attached to the seat bottom. The seat back comprises a rigid seat back frame supporting a contoured foam cushion encapsulated in a trim cover material. Semi-rigid back panels are mounted to a rear surface of the seat back in certain applications. The back panel conceals a rear surface of the seat back frame, the rear of the foam cushion, a portion of the trim cover material, and any other interior components of the seat back. In these type of seating configurations, the trim cover is stretched over a front surface of the seat back and then secured to the rear surface of the seat back frame by a number of trim attachment strips. The back panel is typically secured to the rear surface of the seat back frame by a number of christmas tree type locking clips or screws. Once attached to the seat back frame, the back panels cannot be easily removed.
A current trend in the automotive industry is to move the entire seat belt structure onto the seat back to form an integral seat belt restraint assembly. These seat belt structures commonly include a telescoping tower which is vertically moveable between a lower position and an upper or raised position to provide selective adjustment or alignment with a seat occupant. Seats having these telescoping towers create a host of problems for manufactures. Some of the problems relate to the assembly, safety, reliability, added weight, and aesthetics of the seats. One of the assembly problems is effectively securing the semi-rigid back panel around the tower. A typical aesthetic problem is maintaining the desired spacing between the back panel and the seat back frame. Another aesthetic problem is protecting and concealing from view the number of internal components needed to operate the tower assembly. Still yet another problem is that the trim cover material cannot be stretched around certain parts of the tower assembly. Hence, certain portions of the trim cover material cannot be securely attached to the rear surface of the seat back frame.


A system and methods for simultaneous editing of a document by two or more users are disclosed. The document is divided into a number of sections. Each section is stored in a separate data container, which is part of a document tree. A master copy of the document tree is accessible to a server which transmits all or part of the document tree to two or more clients, each of which is operated by a user. The clients can independently lock different sections, allowing the users to simultaneously edit different sections. When a user completes editing a section, the modified section is stored on the master server and broadcast to other users. The document tree is headed by an independently lockable and editable parent container which is used to store summary information and other information, such as default formatting and other document wide information.

People often work together in groups to achieve common goals. Members of a workgroup should have convenient access to all of the documents relating to a topic or project. In contemporary workplaces, shared documents are usually stored on a file server connected to a network and accessible through networked computers. However, this arrangement proves restrictive when team members are situated in widely disparate locations.
Most software applications are single-user systems. For example, with an image editing application such as Adobe Photoshop™, a user opens an image file and edits it. While one user works on an image file, other users may not simultaneously open and edit the same file. Similarly, most word processors are single-user systems. While one user has a file open and in use, other users may not simultaneously open and edit the file.
When workers collaborate on a project, situations may arise in which two or more workers attempt to simultaneously access a shared document. Most collaborative groupware or computing environments offer limited or no support for such activity.
A common approach to collaboration is to circulate documents, often as email attachments, among members of a team. In this arrangement, all team members agree to let one member ("ball carrier") have exclusive control of a document until he or she finishes editing it and emails it to another team member. There can be only one ball carrier at a time, and only the ball carrier may edit the document. If other workgroup members edit separate copies of the document while the ball carrier has control of it, the multiple versions of the document must later be merged and conflicting co-edited sections resolved.
Document type incompatibilities may arise when circulating a document in this manner. For example, a text document may become unreadable if different team members edit it using different word processors or even using different versions of the same word processor. Additionally, technical problems may arise with the transmission of email attachments. Some email servers arbitrarily restrict the size of attachments. Those that exceed a certain threshold size are not accepted. A large document, such as a large slide presentation document, may not be circulable to all workgroup members.
Some applications achieve limited collaboration. For example, Microsoft NetMeeting™ provides application sharing. During a NetMeeting session, a user may share an application running on his or her machine with others. The various session participants take turns controlling the application. While one participant has control of the application, the others can watch his or her activity, such as editing or scrolling through a document, on their screens. However, as with document circulation, only one user may edit a document at any given time.
Lotus Notes™, another widely used groupware system, uses a special database to store shared information. Replicas of the database are distributed to several network servers or client machines. A workgroup member with appropriate access privileges may make modifications to information stored in his or her local copy of a replicated database. All active replicas are periodically reconciled. However, if conflicts arise as replicas are compared and merged, Notes is limited in its ability to automatically resolve the conflicts.
Several online services provide subscribers with a "virtual hard drive" for their documents. Subscribers may upload shared documents through a Web-based interface to a remote storage server accessible by all workgroup members. Documents may later be downloaded to any computer with Web access. This arrangement is a modest improvement over circulating documents via email attachments. However, while one team member has a document signed out of the service, others may not work on it.
Thus, there is a need in the art for a system that facilitates simultaneous multi-user editing of shared documents. The system is preferably platform independent to allow users with different computing platform to utilize it.

Simultaneous multi-user document editing system


Embodiments of the invention provide a push valve assembly. The push valve assembly includes a valve piston that is movable within a valve body between a fully opened position and a fully closed position, passing through an intermediate rinsing position, to selectively provide pressurized fluid through flow paths defined by the position of the valve piston.

Various precautions are taken to ensure that chemical containers are properly washed after the contents have been removed from the container. A hose or nozzle can be used to deliver pressurized water into the otherwise empty container, which contacts the interior surfaces of the container to remove residual chemical material present within the container. In some examples, the container is inverted relative to the water source so that pressurized rinse water can enter upward into the container cavity, contact the interior surfaces of the cavity to remove residual chemicals, and naturally drain out of the container through its opening. The container washing process can continue until all surfaces of the cavity have been properly rinsed of chemical contaminants.


Methods and devices are provided for forming holes in bone to stimulate bone growth. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical instrument set can include a driver having a first mating element, and a bone pick have a second mating element configured to releasably mate with the first mating element at any of a plurality of angular orientations. When releasably mated together, the driver and the bone pick can be configured to be adjustably positioned relative to one another with three degrees of freedom, e.g., pitch, yaw, and roll. The bone pick can include a piercing tip configured to form a hole in a bone, such as in microfracture. When the driver and the bone pick are releasably mated together, the driver can be configured to be struck, impacted, or otherwise manipulated to drive the piercing tip into the bone.

Cartilage on articular surfaces of bones at joints within a body provide important protection for the underlying bone. Portions of the bone supporting the articular cartilage are typically referred to as sub-chondral bone. Both acute and chronic injury of articular cartilage causes chondral defects, which can lead to progressive joint pain and impaired mobility.
Various remedies exist to address chondral defects, such as a surgical procedure including microfracture. Microfracture involves selective perforation of sub-chondral bone. Numerous studies show that microfracture beneath a chondral defect can result in a blood clot filling the chondral defect with pluripotent marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells that produce beneficial fibrocartilage repair tissue.
In a microfracture procedure, a surgeon typically debrides unstable cartilage down to the sub-chondral bone layer to support subsequent basilar integration of the new repair tissue. Microfracture can be accomplished thereafter using one or more rigid, curved awls that are manually manipulated through arthroscopic access sheaths or cannulas, and sometimes struck with a mallet, to create a series of microfracture holes in sub-chondral bone. Working space at chondral defects is usually limited, and it is difficult to manipulate the awls effectively, especially within hip joints. A surgeon may need to exchange awls of different curvatures at different stages of the procedure, which can lengthen a time of the surgical procedure. Additionally, the cutting tips of the awls are exposed during insertion and withdrawal from the body as well as during use on bone, which can result in cuts and/or other damage to tissue and/or other material by which the awl passes during insertion and withdrawal. Skiving of the awl's tip across bone, for example, can cause longitudinal disruptions and potential weakening of sub-chondral bone.
Accordingly, there remains a need for improved methods and devices for forming holes in bone to stimulate bone growth.

Methods and devices for forming holes in bone to stimulate bone growth


A plasmid, viral or linear DNA molecule containing a nucleic acid sequence derived from the promoter region of the hCol1α2 gene, which is selectively transported into the nuclei of cells in the osteoblast lineage. The sequence can be used independently as a nuclear entry sequence only, and/or as a nuclear entry sequence without regard to position, in a vector or linear DNA that directs gene expression and nuclear entry. The disclosure further includes a chimeric DNA sequence derived by the addition of osteoblast-specific enhancer sequences to the nuclear entry sequence/promoter sequence, to increase osteoblast-specific expression while retaining osteoblast-specific nuclear import. An enhancer sequence is derived from the promoter region of the human Core Binding Factor alpha 1 (Cbfa1/Runx2) gene. The Cbfa1/Runx2 promoter can be added to the sequence derived from, or alternatively, comprising the promoter region of the hCol1α2 gene. Also provided are methods of use of the novel sequences.

The promise and potential of gene therapy to cure or alleviate symptoms in a variety of disorders and diseases has stimulated intensive research into new methods for transferring genes into cells. Gene therapy delivered by non-viral plasmid vectors or as linear DNA molecules has been only partially effective in animals and in a clinical setting because of technical difficulties. These difficulties arise from (1) cellular barriers to entry of DNA across the plasma membrane into the cytoplasm, (2) barriers to traversing the cytoplasm intact, and (3) barriers to nuclear entry.
In many targets of gene therapy, it is desirable to transfer and express therapeutic genes only in one cell type within a tissue. Three different approaches have been described for such cell-specific gene expression. First, the delivery of genes to certain cell types is based on the site and physical method of delivery. In other words, by injecting DNA into the big toe, gene transfer will occur mainly in the big toe, not the eye.
The second approach, which has been more widely utilized is to employ cell-specific gene promoters and enhancers to drive gene expression only in desired cell types. In this case, DNA is delivered to all cells within the tissue (or to as many cells as the delivery method allows), and gene expression is limited to those cells in which the promoter is active.
A third way to limit gene expression to certain cell types is to limit nuclear import of the plasmid DNA to certain cell types. Without nuclear import, there is no gene expression and the plasmid or linear gene delivery vehicle is degraded in the cytoplasm. It has been established that the nuclear envelope is one of the major barriers to gene transfer. In non-dividing cells, the nucleus is surrounded by a double membrane envelope that is impermeable to large nucleic acid molecules such as plasmid vectors or linear DNA molecules, which, unlike many proteins, lack discrete signals for nuclear import. Entry of large DNA molecules into the nucleus is very inefficient until the cell enters mitosis and the nuclear membrane temporarily breaks apart.
Specific polynucleotide sequences that facilitate nuclear entry have been identified, however, these sequences have only been successful at targeting entry into the nucleic of certain types of non-dividing cells. For example, a 72 base pair SV40 viral DNA sequence has been shown to facilitate entry of plasmids into the nuclei of a variety of cell types (Dean, Exp Cell Res 253:713, 1999; U.S. Pat. No. 5,827,705).
A sequence present in the smooth muscle gamma actin promoter is a mammalian gene sequence that was recently discovered to possess intrinsic nuclear entry activity. Because the smooth muscle gamma actin promoter DNA binds to a collection of transcription factors only expressed in smooth muscle cells, the DNA sequence mediates nuclear import selectively in smooth muscle cells. In transfection studies, incorporation of this sequence into a plasmid expression vector increases smooth muscle-specific gene transfer and expression; no expression is seen in non-smooth muscle cells. This sequence functions both in cultured cells and for smooth muscle cell selective gene delivery in animals (Vacik et al., Gene Therapy 6:1006, 1999; Dean, U.S. Pat. No. 6,130,207).
The common feature to these nuclear entry or import sequences is that they contain binding sites for transcription factors that in turn harbor protein signals known as nuclear localization signals (NLS) that interact with the cell's machinery for nuclear protein import.
However, to date no such nuclear targeting sequences have been identified that are capable of directing entry into the nuclei of osteoblast lineage cells involved in bone growth and regeneration.

Cell-specific molecule and method for importing DNA into osteoblast nuclei

The United States Government as represented by the Department of Veterans Affairs


A damper structure for a speaker is provided to preventing irregular vibrations, and the improvements comprises the damper having one or more elastic reinforcing pieces attached with a corrugated surface of the damper. The reinforcing pieces may be of smaller annular strips, larger annular strips, or straight strips corresponding to and attached to the corrugated surface of the damper in its inner region, outer region, and in its radial direction and preferably in equiangular distribution, respectively, to strengthen its structural strength and uniformity.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a suspension element of a speaker.
2. The Prior Arts
Referring to FIG. 9, a typical dynamic speaker includes a power system, a cone paper (E) and a suspension system, wherein the power system has a magnet (A), an iron bar (B), a gap (C) and a voice coil (D); the cone paper (E) is a diaphragm, which generally forms a conical or semi-spherical voice cavity for vibrating or moving air; and the suspension system is composed of a damper (F) and a suspension ring (G) for limiting movement of the cone paper (E) in a specific direction.
As for the principle of speaker, when the voice coil (D) is loaded by AC current, the current-carrying voice coil (D) in a magnetic field of the magnet (A) experiences a magnetic force and moves up and down in the gap (C), so that the cone paper (E) attached to the voice coil (D) moves air to produce sound.
Other kinds of speakers may have different structures, however, their principles are the same and at least they include a damper.
In view the damper is used for suspending the voice coil and the cone paper, it is generally designed to have a plurality of concentric circular peaks and valleys. That means it has a corrugated structure, which makes the damper have an elastic function like a spring and can support the voice coil and the cone paper. Therefore, the elasticity and strength of the damper will directly affect the strength and amplitude of the cone paper and further affect its sound effect.
A damper is generally made of cloth, which is dipped in resin, dried and formed by a mold. In view the cloth is woven with threads, the damper may have a non-uniform structural strength due to its non-uniform thread density, thereby causing an irregular vibration and affecting its sound quality.
Thus, it is desired to provide an improved damper to solve the above-mentioned problems.

Damper structure of preventing irregular vibration for speaker


This disclosure describes a stable, high-speed utility vehicle. In an implementation, an example utility vehicle provides stable, fast transport over snow and ice. A chassis places the center of gravity of the entire vehicle low for stability during quick turns at high speed. The hull of the vehicle can float over snow or loose debris. The hull includes angular side panels that grip and grab snow when the vehicle tilts substantially to one side. The sides constitute a rail or riding surface for the vehicle to support the vehicle during sideways traverse on a steep slope. Multiple simultaneous steering mechanisms enable the vehicle to turn stably, in a tight radius, even at relatively high speeds. In an implementation, the vehicle features a 200-500 HP engine with speeds of 60 mph to transport work crews to remote utility sites.

Conventional all-terrain vehicles that are suitable for travel on ice and snow are generally prone to tipping-over at high speeds or sharp turns. These vehicles are generally meant for slow or moderate speeds, and gradual turns with any significant speed. Conventional vehicles that are suitable for snow or other non-hard and uneven surfaces require certain features to keep the vehicle above the snow or other non-hard surface, while at the same time providing adequate traction and control over terrain and surfaces that may frequently and dramatically vary. Thus, conventional vehicles for snow, ice, slush, mud, sand, etc., are generally built to maximize clearance between uneven ground and the bottom of the vehicle, making them somewhat top-heavy, and usually have a single turning mechanism. For example, a snowmobile, or snow machine, has a ski or set of skis that are turned by a steering mechanism, such as a steering wheel or handlebars. Some snow machines are track-driven and steer by moving tracks on each side of the cabin in different directions or at different speeds. However, no all-terrain vehicle currently exists that is suitable for tight maneuvering and safe handling at high speeds on ice and snow.


A system for management of bandwidth, cost control, and operational efficiency in a fiber optic, ethernet-based, TDMA communications system. The invention features an aggregating optical node between a central office and end users. The optical spectrum is divided according to end user, direction (i.e., upstream or downstream), and/or according to function (e.g., video or non-video). In an embodiment of the invention, a wavelength coupler can be used to couple multiple upstream wavelengths from respective end-user devices, for forwarding to a central office. Moreover, adaptive equalization can be used for noise cancellation purposes.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention described herein relates to data networks, and more particularly, to the use of ethernet over a fiber optic network.
2. Related Art
One of the current trends in data networking is the use of fiber optic media. Moreover, use of ethernet technology is a practical choice for such networks, given that ethernet is well understood and can be supported by available components. The application of ethernet fiber technology to relatively long distance access networks creates problems, however. Among the unresolved problems is how to share bandwidth efficiently and cost-effectively among multiple users in such an environment. A reasonable quality of service for all users is also desirable. Hence there is a need for a system, method, and computer program product by which bandwidth can be managed in an ethernet-based fiber access network, and service can be kept affordable and user-friendly to end users.

System for spectrum allocation in ethernet-based fiber optic TDMA networks


A rear projection type display system with a transmissive screen. A transparent reinforcing plate is coupled to a lenticular sheet of the screen on the light output side by a connective member to broaden the horizontal diverging angle by 60 degrees or more to the right and left sides. The duty factor of a black stripe formed on the lenticular sheet is set to 60% or more so improve the contrast of an image. The diverging angle at each point of a vertically-diffusing lens for diverging light in the vertical direction is modulated in accordance with the height of each point to offer a proper visual angle range in the vertical direction.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a high precision rear projection type display system having an improved contrast and horizontal directivity and a broadened vertical field of view.
2. Description of the Related Art
FIG. 1 shows the structure of a conventional rear projection type display with a single projection lens. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 represents a color CRT as an original image forming means, reference numeral 2 represents a projection lens means, and reference numeral 3 represents a transmissive screen means.
FIG. 2 shows the structure of a conventional transmissive screen. For the details of its operation principle, refer to JP-A-58-59436, U.S. Pat. No. 4,725,134, U.S. Pat. No. Re. 33,795 and JP-A-60-263932. All disclosures of each of the above publications is incorporated herein by reference. Reference numeral 4 represents a Fresnel sheet for transforming divergent incident light beams to parallel beams, and reference numeral 5 represents a lenticular sheet for diverging light beams in the horizontal direction.
FIG. 3A is an enlarged partial plan view in cross section of the lenticular sheet 5. Reference numeral 6 represents the lenticular lens surface formed on the light input side, reference numeral 7 represents an ambient light absorbing stripe, reference numeral 8 represents a light transmissive part, and reference numeral 4' (refer to FIG. 2) represents a lenticular lens surface for diverging light beams in the vertical direction. Reference numeral 9 represents light beams diverged in the range of about 40 degrees to the right and left sides, reference numeral 10 and 10' represent light beams which are to be diverged in the range of about 50 degrees or more to the right and left sides.
The above-described conventional technique has at least the following three problems.
(1) As illustrated in FIG. 3A, in order to improve an image contrast, the width T of the light transmissive part 8 is required to be as narrow as possible, about 40% or less of the array pitch W of the lenticular lens 6 (a T/W ratio is called a duty factor of light transmission). However, with this settings, the light beams 10, 10' which are to be diverged in the range of about 50 degrees or more to the right and left sides are intercepted by the black stripes 7 as shown in FIG. 3A. The conventional technique is therefore associated with a problem that an image cannot be observed in the range of 50 degrees or more to the right and left sides if a contrast is to be improved.
(2) The lenticular sheet 5 is generally made of transparent methacrylic resin by extrusion roller molding. In order to display a high precision image on a screen having a diagonal length of about 50 inches (1 m width, and 0.75 m height), the array pitch W of the lenticular lens 6 is required to be about 0.4 mm or less, and the thickness of the lenticular sheet 5 is required to be about 0.6 mm or less. Problems to be caused by a precision limit of extrusion roller molding will be explained with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B. Reference numerals 5, 6, 7, and 8 in FIGS. 4A and 4B represent similar elements to those shown in FIG. 3A. In the examples shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the edge of the light transmissive part 8 at its light output surface is made round because of an insufficient molding precision. The thickness of the lenticular sheet 5 shown in FIG. 4A is too smaller than a designed value, whereas the thickness of the lenticular sheet 5 shown in FIG. 4B is too larger than the designed value. Light beams 14, 14' have insufficient diverging angles to the right and left sides because of the round edges, and light beams 15, 15' indicate a total reflection at the light output surface. It is therefore difficult for the conventional technique to manufacture a screen of high quality and high precision.
(3) The inventor has found another problem that a lenticular sheet having a thickness of about 0.6 mm or less tends to buckle down by its weight. This case is illustrated in the vertical cross sectional view of FIG. 3B. Reference numerals 60 and 60' represent a screen frame for supporting the screen with torque, and reference numeral 5 represents a buckled lenticular sheet.
Analysis results of an Euler's bucking formula are given below. ##EQU1## t: thickness E.apprxeq.200 kg/mm.sup.2 (Young's modulus)
l.apprxeq.0.75 m (screen height) EQU F.sub.2 .apprxeq.0.5 m.sub.3 (pressure at screen half height)(2) PA1 m.sub.3 .apprxeq.1.2 g/cm.sup.3 (density) PA1 .thrfore.F.sub.2 .apprxeq.0.45 g/mm.sup.2 PA1 .thrfore.t/l>0.00083 ##EQU2##
The formula (1) is a general Euler's bucking prevention formula, and the formula (2) is a self-weight pressure.
As seen from the above formulas, an occurrence of the self-weight bucking phenomenon is theoretically proved for a 50-inch screen having a lenticular sheet of 0.62 mm thick or less.
Another problem of the conventional technique is a limited contrast of about 160:1 or less because of flares at the connective portion between the projection lens means 2 and the original image forming means 1 even when room illuminating ambient light is completely shut (even when a room light is turned off). A contrast visually and psychologically detectable by human eyes is about 300:1. It has been therefore desired to further improve a contrast.
Still another problem of the conventional technique is that an image contrast is lowered by reflection of a room illuminating ambient light on the screen if the light is very bright.
Another example of the structure of a conventional rear projection type display is shown in FIG. 5. In FIG. 5, reference numeral 101 represents a screen, reference numeral 102 represents a projection lens, reference numeral 103 represents an original image forming surface, reference numeral 104 represents an original image forming means, reference numeral 105 represents an output amplifier, reference numeral 106 represents a pre-amplifier, and reference numeral 107 represents an image signal input terminal. If the display is a CRT, the original image forming surface 103 is a face plate of CRT, and if the display is a liquid crystal display, it is a liquid crystal panel.
An example of the structure of a conventional transmission type screen is shown in FIG. 6. In FIG. 6, reference numeral 108 represents a Fresnel sheet, reference numeral 109 represents a vertically light-diverging lenticular sheet, reference numeral 110 represents a horizontally light-diverging lenticular sheet, reference numeral 112 represents a vertically micro-light-diverging lenticular lens surface having a pitch of about 80 .mu.m, reference numeral 111 represents a macro-light-converging Fresnel lens surface having a pitch of about 100 .mu.m, reference numeral 113 represents a horizontally micro-light-diverging lenticular lens surface having a pitch of about 500 .mu.m, and reference numeral 114 represents a black stripe surface. FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross sectional view of one pitch of the sheet 10. The light propagation direction is indicated by a solid line with arrows. Reference numeral 114' represents a light transmissive part, and reference numeral 114" represents a black strip part. A light diverging particle layer is generally provided to one of the sheets 8, 9, and 10. For the detailed explanation of FIGS. 6 and 7, refer to the above-cited U.S. Pat. No. 4,725,134 proposed by the present inventor.
FIGS. 8 and 9 are graphs showing the horizontal and vertical directivities of the screen shown in FIG. 7. A proper visual range is generally defined to be the angular range with a relative brightness of 1/3 or higher. This angular range is called a diverging angle in this embodiment. With the conventional technique, as seen from FIGS. 8 and 9, the horizontal diverging angle is about in excess of 90 degrees and the vertical diverging angle is about 20 degrees, which angles are constant over the whole screen. The gain of this screen is about 6.
These screen characteristics are sufficient for a current television system using about 250 scan lines per one field, but insufficient for a computer display having 1000 or more scan lines. The reason for this will be clarified in the following.
FIG. 10 shows a vertical directivity and a proper visual range of a conventional screen. Reference numeral 115 represents an output side conjugate point of a conventional screen.
A center beam of light beams outputted from each point on the screen propagates toward this conjugate point 115. H is an effective height of the screen. A solid line with an arrow indicates the light propagating direction, the range at the inside of oblique lines is a proper visual range.
In the case of a screen of a general television system, it is known that the distance from the screen to each viewer, i.e., a proper visual range, is 3H to 8H. The proper visual range shown in FIG. 10 contains this range from 3H to 8H. Therefore, this range is suitable for a screen of a general television system.
In the case of a screen of a computer display having 1000 or more scan lines, however, a user monitors the screen at the position nearer to the screen than a general television. FIG. 11 illustrates this case. Reference numeral 116 indicates the distribution of eye positions. It is desired that a shortest distance is about 1H. To meet this requirement, the conventional technique has intensified the vertically light-diverging lenticular lens 112 shown in FIG. 6 uniformly to broaden the vertical diverging angle shown in FIG. 9 about twice (about 40 degrees). However, this approach lowers the screen gain by about one half and the brightness at each point on the whole screen by about one half, posing a problem of difficulty in viewing an image on the screen due to the lowered brightness. If a light source power is doubled in order to compensate for the degraded brightness, a power consumption becomes great and it takes an additional cost for heat dissipation.


Described are various embodiments of surgical procedures, systems, implants, devices, tools, and methods, useful for treating pelvic conditions in a male or female, the pelvic conditions including incontinence (various forms such as fecal incontinence, stress urinary incontinence, urge incontinence, mixed incontinence, etc.), vaginal prolapse (including various forms such as enterocele, cystocele, rectocele, apical or vault prolapse, uterine descent, etc.), and other conditions caused by muscle and ligament weakness, the devices and tools including devices and tools for anchoring an implant to supportive tissue and adjusting the implant.

Pelvic health for men and women is a medical area of increasing importance, at least in part due to an aging population. Examples of common pelvic ailments include incontinence (e.g., fecal and urinary), pelvic tissue prolapse (e.g., female vaginal prolapse), and conditions of the pelvic floor.
Urinary incontinence can further be classified as including different types, such as stress urinary incontinence (SUI), urge urinary incontinence, mixed urinary incontinence, among others. Other pelvic floor disorders include cystocele, rectocele, enterocele, and prolapse such as anal, uterine and vaginal vault prolapse. A cystocele is a hernia of the bladder, usually into the vagina and introitus. Pelvic disorders such as these can result from weakness or damage to normal pelvic support systems.
Urinary incontinence can be characterized by the loss or diminution in the ability to maintain the urethral sphincter closed as the bladder fills with urine. Male or female stress urinary incontinence (SUI) generally occurs when the patient is physically stressed.
In its severest forms, vaginal vault prolapse can result in the distension of the vaginal apex outside of the vagina. An enterocele is a vaginal hernia in which the peritoneal sac containing a portion of the small bowel extends into the rectovaginal space. Vaginal vault prolapse and enterocele represent challenging forms of pelvic disorders for surgeons. These procedures often involve lengthy surgical procedure times.
Tension of an implant is typically adjusted during an implantation procedure sufficiently to take up any slack in the sling and impart at least a degree of increased and efficacious tension or desired positioning of supported tissue. Typically, implants such as urethral tapes or slings are fabricated of a loose weave sling fabric or mesh that engages tissue and encourages tissue ingrowth along the pathway through mesh pores to achieve chronic stabilization or "self-fixation." Tissue ingrowth can take about 2-3 weeks in a typical patient in the absence of any significant intentional or unintentional movement of the mesh. During this post-operative time, the patient monitors the degree of success achieved in ameliorating symptoms of incontinence (e.g., urinary leakage) and any discomfort that might occur if the applied tension is so high as to unduly slow voluntary urination (for treating urinary incontinence). If any such problems occur it may be necessary to reopen the original surgical incisions to access and pull on the implant ends to tighten the central portion around the urethra (or other tissue being supported) or to on the implant central support portion to loosen the central support portion around the urethra. Several approaches have been taken to simplify or reduce the need for such post-operative adjustments.
Although effective in alleviating incontinence (e.g., anal, SUI), improvements in urethral and anal slings and other pelvic floor implants to post-operatively adjust tension applied to the urethra, anus, or other pelvic floor tissue, are desirable.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Implants, tools, and methods for treatment of pelvic conditions


Implementation schemes for transmitting High-Bandwidth Digital Content (HDCP) control-related data in HDCP systems over a single communication channel.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates in general to high definition television (HDTV) digital video content protected systems, and more particularly to the transmission of High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) control data over a single communication channel.
2. Background of the Invention
With an advent of high-definition digital video data there is a need to prevent copying and redistribution of the digital content. HDCP specification was developed to protect digital entertainment content across the Digital Video Interface (DVI)/High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) high-definition digital video delivery systems. The HDCP specification provides a robust, cost-effective and transparent method for transmitting and receiving digital entertainment content to DVI/HDMI-compliant digital displays.
Referring now to FIG. 1, a conventional HDCP-protected system for transmitting high definition audio and video data is shown. System 100 includes an HDCP transmitter 110 and HDCP receiver 120. The HDCP transmitter 110 is, for example, a High-Definition (HD) capable DVD player, a set-top box, or any other device capable of transmitting HDCP enabled digital content. HDCP receiver 120 is, for example, a HD-capable and HDCP enabled digital display unit, such as a monitor, projector, etc. HDCP transmitter 110 and HDCP receiver 120 are connected via a high speed DVI or HDMI link 170. Link 170 has multiple high-speed differential pairs of transmission lines, such as signal lines 150a, 150b, and 150c that carry high-speed digital video data. Signal lines 150a, 150b, and 150c are Transition Minimized Differential Signaling (TMDS) lines, which carry 24 bits of digital video data. For example, 150a transmits 8 bits that are used for a red channel, 150b transmits 8 bits that are used for a green channel, and 150c transmits 8 bits that are used for a blue channel. Signal line 150d transmits a TMDS clock signal.
Link 170 also has two low-speed signal lines 130 and 140 that are used by the HDCP transmitter 110 and HDCP receiver 120 to exchange HDCP control information. As per the HDCP V1.1 specification developed by Digital Content Protection LLC, all HDCP control data flowing between the HDCP transmitter 110 and HDCP receiver 120 are communicated over the I2C bus serial interface (I2C_V2.1) of the HDCP-protected interface. I2C bus is a two-wire serial bus. The two I2C signals are serial data (SDA) and serial clock (SCL) signals. Signal line 130 is a signal line for transmitting serial clock signal (SCL). Signal line 140 is an SDA bi-directional signal line for transmitting data, such as HDCP related control data and addresses of the HDCP receiving device, between HDCP transmitter 110 and HDCP receiver 120.
All HDCP authorized devices, such as HDCP transmitter 110 and HDCP receiver 120 are given a set of unique secret device keys from the Digital Content Protection LLC. The secret keys consist of an array of forty 56-bit secret device keys and a corresponding 40-bit binary Key Selection Vector (KSV). HDCP transmitter 110 initiates authentication by sending an initiation message that includes its Key Selection Vector, AKSV, and a 64-bit value An. HDCP receiver 120 responds by sending a message containing its Key Selection Vector, BKSV. HDCP transmitter 110 confirms that the received KSV has not been revoked. At this point, both HDCP transmitter 110 and HDCP receiver 120 calculate a shared value, which will be equal, if both devices 110 and 120 have a set of valid keys. Authentication has now been established.
During initialization and periodically after initialization (approximately every 2 seconds) of the HDCP operation, HDCP transmitter 110 uses the SCL signal line 130 and SDA signal line 140 to exchange HDCP control information with HDCP receiver 120. The HDCP control data includes HDCP receiver 120 capability (Bcaps), the key selection vectors (Aksv and BKsv), 64-bit values An and Bn, and response values R0 and R0′. The HDCP control data enables both HDCP transmitter 110 and HDCP receiver 120 to check each other's authentication status and properly encrypt and decrypt the high-definition digital video and audio data.
When HDCP transmitter 110 initiates an HDCP data read/write operation, it drives SCL signal line 130 as a clock to synchronize the operation between HDCP transmitter 110 and HDCP receiver 120. During each SCL clock period, SDA 140 signal line carries one bit of control data either from HDCP transmitter 110 or from HDCP receiver 120.
With the introduction and advancement of wireless or fiber based digital video delivery systems, it is desirable to carry HDCP control data using a wireless channel or other single communication channel. However, the existing schemes for transferring HDCP control data cannot be used to transmit control data over a single communication channel. First, the existing schemes use two signal lines for transmitting HDCP control data. One signal line carries an SCL clock signal (such as signal line 130 in FIG. 1). The other signal line carries HDCP control data (for example, signal line 140 in FIG. 1). However, in a wireless network or single communication channel network, a single communication channel is not capable of carrying the two signals at the same time.
In addition, in the wired communication media, the wires are bidirectional, and direction of data transfer can be switched during each clock period. However, in a wireless or fiber based network, direction of data could not be switched from one clock period to another. Hence, it is not feasible to carry the HDCP control related data over a wireless communication channel using known techniques.
It is, therefore, desirable to develop a new implementation scheme to handle transmission of HDCP control data over a single communication channel.

HDCP data transmission over a single communication channel


An arrowhead assembly includes a blade tube that may rotate in flight at a rate during flight that is independent from the arrow shaft rotation. The assembly, upon and after impact with the target, continues rotational motion of the blade tube to penetrate a substantial distance into the target. Such characteristics are facilitated by the spiral-shaped, or twisting, nature of the blades as well as the rotational motion that is imparted by a spring arrangement of the assembly after compression and expansion of the spring arrangement upon impact.

A bow and arrow arrangement is a popular form of hunting game. The arrangement allows for improved accuracy and a quieter presence in the field as opposed to hunting with a rifle or a shotgun. An arrow typically comprises an arrowhead assembly with a pointed or tapered end and a shaft, an end of which shaft engages with a tension wire arrangement on the bow. A user may draw the shaft against the tension wire arrangement, and thereafter release the shaft, which propels the arrow away from the bow and the user after the tension wire arrangement returns to its rest position.
Arrowhead assemblies (also referred to herein as "broadheads") of arrows known in the art usually have straight blades that are in-line with regard to the shaft of the arrow. In this configuration, the arrow may rotate in flight after it is propelled away from the bow. However, the rotational motion will cease upon or shortly after impact on a target. Accordingly, upon striking a target, only the arrow's linear momentum will carry the arrow into the target. In such a case, the arrow may exit the mass of the target after entry. In the case where wild game is the target, the exiting of the arrow will decrease the probability that the game will be felled or killed by the arrow, and that the game will only be injured by the arrow. However, the game most likely will eventually bleed to death, which delay is an inhumane end to the game's life.
Attempts have been made to improve the rotational motion of an arrow and arrowhead assembly after the user has released the arrow from the bow, however, these attempts do not solve the problem of the cessation of rotational motion after impact of the arrowhead assembly.
Accordingly, there exists a need for an arrowhead assembly, and more specifically, an arrowhead assembly for use with a bow and arrow, that allows for still accuracy and consistency in flight before imparting rotational motion of the arrowhead assembly after the arrow's impact on a target. Further, the arrowhead assembly should be capable of manufacture in a lightweight, easy-to-use, and cost-effective manner.


(9.alpha., 13.alpha.,14.alpha.)-1-(3-Methoxymorphinan-17-yl)alkanones of the formula ##STR1## wherein R signifies lower alkanoyl, are valuable intermediates for the manufacture of dextromethorphan of the formula ##STR2## They can be produced in an advantageous manner by cyclization of a (R)- or (S)-1-1-(4-methoxybenzyl)-1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-octahydro-isoquinolin-2-yl!alka none of the formula ##STR3## with an alkylsulfonic acid or a mixture of alkylsulfonic acids at a temperature between about 5.degree. and 50.degree. C., but above the melting point of the alkylsulfonic acid used or of the alkylsulfonic acid mixture used, and can be converted into dextromethorphan in a manner known per se by cleavage or the residue R and N-methylation.

Various processes for the manufacture of dextromethorphan are already known. One such process is described, for example, in Helv. Chim. Acta 33, 1437 (1950). According to this known process (R)- or (S)-1-1-(4-methoxybenzyl)-2-methyl-1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-octahydro-isoquinoline is cyclized with phosphoric acid in 66% yield. The low yield in the final step is a disadvantage of this process.
Another starting material, (R)- or (S)-1-1-(4-methoxybenzyl)-2-formyl-1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-octahydro-isoquinoline , as well as its conversion into dextromethorphan is known from Tetrahedron Letters (1987), 28, 4829 and, respectively, Japanese Patent Publication 01034964, although no details with respect to yield are present. This is not important, since this conversion is not particularly attractive. In particular, (R)- or (S)-1-1-(4-methoxybenzyl)-2-formyl-1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-octahydro-isoquinoline has to be produced either by racemate resolution (yield.ltoreq.50%) from rac. 1-1-(4-methoxybenzyl)-1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-octahydro-isoquinoline and subsequent N-formylation or according to the two references given above by asymmetric hydrogenation from (Z)-1-1-(4-methoxybenzylidene)-1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-octahydro-isoquinolin-2-yl !methanone which is accessible only in a complicated manner. The development of an enantioselective hydrogenation of (Z)-1-1-(4-methoxybenzylidene)-1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-octahydro-isoquinolin-2-yl !alkanones later opened up a simpler route for the production of (R)- or (S)-1-1-(4-methoxybenzyl)-1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-octahydro-isoquinolin-2-yl!alka nones without racemate resolution, see e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 4,857,648.

Process for preparing (9.alpha.,13.alpha.,14.alpha.)-1-(3-methoxy-morphinan-17-yl)alkanones


Automatic drive mode lighting systems and methods are disclosed herein. An example method can include determining when a drive mode of a vehicle is an off-road mode, determining when a speed of the vehicle is below a speed threshold, determining when a location of the vehicle corresponds to an off-road location, and automatically activating off-road lighting for the vehicle when the drive mode is in an off-road mode, the speed is below the speed threshold, and the location corresponds to an off-road location.

Many vehicles are increasingly being sold with some form of selectable drive mode. Many of these modes include off road modes, which may encourage the user to drive the vehicle in many situations other than on a regular road or highway.
For off-road vehicles, one of the lures of owning that vehicle is being able to drive the vehicle on trails at night. Some off-road vehicle owners seek trail use at night. Some drivers may underestimate how long it takes to progress through a tough trail and find themselves on the trail in low-light situations. Being unable to see in this situation can lead to the driver getting stuck or striking large objects on the trail (to the side of the vehicle). Furthermore, in tough driving situations, the driver may feel uncomfortable removing their hands to manually turn the lights on.
For towing vehicles, launching or docking a boat in the dark may be difficult and cause anxiety. The inability to see the water line while backing up can lead to submersion of the rear of the vehicle. For vehicles with 360-degree view cameras, camera usefulness may be diminished when driving at night (even though the cameras can be used while driving in certain drive modes).


This invention relates to packaged photographic film that is capable of being alternately processed, according to individual consumer choice, by either (1) a traditional wet-chemistry process with a developer solution followed by desilvering in one or more subsequent solutions to obtain a color negative film, or (2) a dry thermal process without the use of aqueous solutions in which a blocked developing agent located within the photographic element is thermally activated or unblocked, optionally followed by electronic scanning of the developed film without desilvering. This invention enables a single film stock to be developed in both a conventional deep tank process and in a dry thermal process.

This invention relates to a packaged film and a method of processing the film such that, after imagewise exposure, the film is capable of being color developed either (1) by sequential immersion of the film in a wet-chemical multi-tank process at a temperature of 60xc2x0 C. or less by immersion in a phenylenediamine-containing developer solution or its equivalent, followed by desilvering in one or more subsequent solutions, to obtain a color negative film with the silver and silver halide removed from the film, or alternatively, (2) by thermal treatment of the film, by heating the film at a temperature greater than 80xc2x0 C., preferably greater than 100xc2x0 C., more preferably greater than 120xc2x0 C., without liquid saturation of the film, preferably in an essentially dry process without the addition of any aqueous solutions. When dry developed, the imaged film may be electronically scanned without removing the silver and/or silver-halide.
With the remarkable advances in the fields of solid-state imaging devices and various hard-copy printing technologies made in recent years, the comparison between electronic imaging systems and the silver-halide photographic system has become a frequent subject of discussion. Nevertheless, the superiority of the silver halide photographic system with respect to high sensitivity and high image quality, particularly with respect to affordable consumer products, will not be threatened for some time in the future. One particular shortcoming of the silver-halide system, however, in comparison to electronic imaging systems is that the photographic element requires a so-called wet-development process that typically requires substantial volumes of solutions such as developing, fixing, and bleaching solutions. For the people engaged in the development of silver-halide photographic techniques, the development of a xe2x80x9cdryxe2x80x9d development process for the silver-halide color photographic system has been a goal for many years.
A dry development process can be accomplished by the use of photothermographic elements described in Research Disclosure 17029 (Research Disclosure I). Generally, in these kinds of systems, development occurs by reduction of silver ions in the photosensitive silver halide to metallic silver as in conventional non-thermal systems, but the developing agent is contained within the element, so that it is unnecessary to immerse the photographic element in an aqueous solution containing a developing agent. Various types of photothermographic elements have been proposed and patented. Research Disclosure I discloses a type A and a B photothermographic system. Type B elements, the subject of this invention, contain in reactive association a binder, a photosensitive silver halide (prepared in situ or ex situ) and an oxidation-reduction image forming combination comprising (1) a metallic salt or complex of an organic compound as an oxidizing agent, and (2) an organic reducing agent or developing agent. A problem has been to achieve a commercially viable system that produces a quality of image comparable, in the eyes of the average film consumer, to traditional silver-halide film.
A practical color photothermographic system for general use with respect to consumer cameras would have significant advantages. Such film might be amenable to development at kiosks, with the use of dry equipment. Thus, it is envisioned that a consumer could bring an imagewise exposed photothermographic film, for development and printing, to a kiosk located at any one of a number of diverse locations, optionally independent from a wet-development lab, where the film could be developed and printed without any manipulation by third-party technicians. It is also envisioned that a consumer might be more prone to owning and operating such film development equipment in a home, particularly if it was dry and did not involve the use of complex chemicals. Thus, the development of a successful photothermographic system could open up new opportunities for greater convenience and speed of development, even immediate development in the home for a wider cross-section of consumers.
In order to maintain the dry aspect of a photothermographic system, various possibilities exist. One, for example, is to fix/bleach (remove the silver and silver halide) in effect by a diffusion transfer. See, for example EP 0762 201 to Matsumoto et al assigned to Fuji Photo Film Co. The patent is primarily addressed to dye-diffusion processes requiring some amount of water, albeit relatively small amounts of aqueous solutions not containing complex chemicals. Although disclosing an example of a dry system, it may not provide acceptable image quality or may not be sufficiently enabled for practical or wide-spread use, since commercialization of a dry system has not taken place. On the other hand, in view of the advance of scanning technologies, it has now become natural and practical for photothermographic color film such as disclosed in EP 0762 201 to be scanned, which can be accomplished without the necessity of removing the silver or silver-halide from the negative, although special arrangements for such scanning can be made to improve its quality. See, for example, Simons U.S. Pat. No. 5,391,443.
Dry photothermographic film elements would offer significant advantages in processing ease and convenience, since they could be developed only by the application of heat and require no wet processing solutions. However, this advantage comes at a price, since the films must be developed in a thermal processor that may not be (at least initially) as available as conventional C-41 processors, which are widely available as an mature industry standard. The unavailability of thermal processors and associated equipment can hinder the adoption of dry photothermographic films by the consumer. For example, accessibility of thermal processors or processing may vary with the geographical location of the consumer. Photothermographic films that can also be processed by C-41 chemistry or the like overcome this disadvantage or problem. Photothermographic films that are backwards compatible permit the consumer to enjoy the benefits unique to thermal processing (kiosk processing, low environmental impact, and the like) when thermal processing is accessible, but also allow the consumer to take advantage of the current ubiquity of C-41 processing when thermal processing may not be accessible.
It would be desirable if a dry photothermographic system could be made that was backwards compatible for use with a conventional wet-development process. Applicants have encountered serious obstacles to obtaining a dry photothermographic system that is backwards compatible. Such photothermographic systems, in which an organic silver salt plays the role of a silver ion source but does not function as the photosensor and memory, was not found not to be readily backwards compatible because of the antifoggants typically contained and thought necessary in such film. In other words, because such photothermographic films contain blocked developers, and in the absence of processing solutions, require high temperatures for development, agents for preventing fog or increased Dmin during thermal processing are believed necessary, which agents would block development in conventional processing, for example, C-41 processing.
Japanese kokai patent publication 10-78638 (Mar. 24, 1998) claims the use of a color photographic element that is backwards compatible by means of using a special combination of two yellow dye couplers with an unblocked ballasted sulfonamidophenol or sulfonyl hydrazide type developing agent. The pair of yellow dye couplers consist of one having a detachable cationic group and one having a detachable anionic group, the latter coupler preferably also containing a dye suppressant. It was found that, in the absence of one of the couplers, the color sensitivity during conventional wet-development was relatively poor, and that in the absence of the other of the two couplers, the granularity during conventional wet-development was relatively poor. As mentioned above, the photothermographic developing agent in Japanese kokai patent publication 10-78638 to Matsumoto et al was unblocked, and this fact may have adversely affected wet-development processing with conventional combinations of couplers and developing agents. Another disadvantage of the ballasted sulfonamidophenol developing agents or ballasted sulfonylhydrazide developing agents in kokai 10-78638 is that they generally react with couplers to form dyes of low extinction or to form dyes which differ in hue from those formed with phenylenediamine color developing agents, resulting in unwanted color variations. This fact also limits the ability of the developed color negative image, after scanning, to provide visually editable and previewable images.
In order to be acceptable for commercial application, it is necessary that a photothermographic system be stable before exposure, while avoiding desensitizing of the silver halide during storage, resulting in increased fog and/or decreased Dmax after development. At the same time, the system must capable of sufficiently fast kinetics (including unblocking of the developing agent) when the exposed film is being developed by thermal activation. In the case of the same photothermographic film designed for alternatively (at the discretion of the consumer) traditional wet-processing or dry thermal processing, it is surmised that another requirement might be that the components in the photothermographic film, designed exclusively for the dry photothermographic development (for example the blocked developing agent and antifogging agents) do not adversely affect or interfere with obtaining the results otherwise achieved by traditional wet-processing. In the case of sequential development, in which an initial dry photothermographic film is followed by a conventional wet process, the requirements are somewhat different. The photothermographically developed film image must not be affected by the development step in the traditional wet-processing, but must be effectively subjected with subsequent post-development steps such as fixing and bleaching.
A photothermographic color film, in which a silver-halide-containing color photographic element after imagewise exposure can be developed merely by the external application of heat by thermal treatment of the film, by heating the film at a temperature greater than 80xc2x0 C., without liquid saturation of the film, preferably in an essentially dry process without the addition of any aqueous solutions, but which same film is also amenable to development in an automated kiosk, preferably not requiring third-party manipulation, would have significant advantages. Assuming the availability and accessibility of such kiosks, such photothermographic films could potentially be developed at any time of day, xe2x80x9con demand,xe2x80x9d in a matter minutes, without requiring the participation of third-party processors, multiple-tank equipment and the like. Such photothermographic processing could potentially be done on an xe2x80x9cas neededxe2x80x9d basis, even one roll at a time, without necessitating the high-volume processing that would justify, in a commercial setting, equipment capable of high-throughput. The kiosks thus envisioned would be capable of heating the film to develop a negative color image and then subsequently scanning the film on an individual consumer basis, with the option of generating a display element corresponding to the developed color image.
The invention relates to a color photographic film element comprising a support bearing at least two (preferably three) light-sensitive silver-halide emulsion units each having in reactive association at least one dye-forming coupler, a blocked color developing agent, a photosensitive silver halide and an oxidation-reduction image forming combination comprising (a) at least one metallic salt or complex of an organic compound as an oxidizing agent, and (b) an organic reducing agent or developing agent. The application of heat converts the latent color-developing agent to reactive form. In one embodiment, the photothermographic element is a multilayer, multicolor element having red, green and blue color recording units each formed from like light sensitive layers respectively having cyan dye-forming, magenta dye-forming and yellow dye-forming couplers. In all cases, the latent color developing agent can be in the same layer as a light-sensitive emulsion or it can be in a light insensitive layer. This photographic film is designed to enable a single film stock to be developed in either (1) a conventional wet-chemical process, for example a C-41 deep-tank process, or (2) a dry process. For example, an individual consumer, at his or her discretion, could potentially take the film to a kiosk to be thermally developed, or alternatively, submit the film to a wet-processing lab. Thus, depending on various factors, including the availability of thermal processing facilities in a given geography over a give period of time, it can be expected that, a portion of such film will, in fact, be developed by a conventional wet-chemical process, and a portion of such film will be developed by a dry thermal process.
The feature of the present photothermographic films that make them backwards compatible is the complexing of the fog inhibitor as its silver ligand. This silver complex has little inhibitory effect on the chemical development that occurs in conventional C-41 processing.
In one embodiment of the present invention, a packaged photographic film element has at least two (preferably three) light-sensitive layers which have their individual sensitivities in different wavelength regions, each of the layers comprising a light-sensitive silver-halide emulsion, a binder, a dye-providing coupler, and a blocked developing agent. The package (inclusive of its package insert) includes indicia indicating that the consumer may direct the film to be alternatively processed and developed in either of two routes. These two routes correspond (at least in fact by means of consumer processing selection, if not explicitly stated) to, respectively (1) a conventional wet-chemical processing, for example, a C-41 process, and (2) a dry thermal process utilizing essentially no aqueous solutions or externally applied developing agent.

Packaged color photographic film capable of alternatively dry or wet-chemical processing


An electronic component includes insulator layers having first and second sides respectively extending in first and second directions from a first point, and outer conductor layers extends in the first and second direction from the first point. Each of the outer conductor layers has second and third points. One of the outer conductor layers has a fixing portion inside a region having a third side connecting the second and third points, and fourth and fifth sides respectively extending from the second point in the reverse first direction and from the third point in the reverse second direction.

Existing examples of disclosures related to electronic components include the inductor described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2014-39036. FIG. 11 is an external perspective view of an inductor 500 described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2014-39036. Hereafter, the stacking direction of layers forming the inductor 500 is defined as the front-back direction. With the inductor 500 viewed from the front, the direction in which the long side of the inductor 500 extends is defined as the left-right direction, and the direction in which the short side of the inductor 500 extends is defined as the up-down direction.
The inductor 500 includes outer electrode portions 502 and 504, a base substrate 510, pattern layers 512a to 512c, and a coil pattern portion (not illustrated). The pattern layers 512a to 512c are stacked over the base substrate 510 in this order from the back side toward the front. The outer electrode portion 502 extends through substantially the left half of the lower long side of each of the pattern layers 512a to 512c in the front-back direction. When viewed from the front, the outer electrode portion 502 is substantially in the form of a strip extending in the left-right direction. The outer electrode portion 504 extends through substantially the right half of the lower long side of each of the pattern layers 512a to 512c in the front-back direction. When viewed from the front, the outer electrode portion 504 is substantially in the form of a strip extending in the left-right direction. It is to be noted, however, that a space is provided between the outer electrode portion 502 and the outer electrode portion 504 to avoid contact between the outer electrode portion 502 and the outer electrode portion 504. The coil pattern portion (not illustrated) is disposed on each of the pattern layers 512a and 512b, and connected to each of the outer electrode portions 502 and 504. When the inductor 500 configured as described above is mounted onto a circuit board, the lower face of the inductor 500 becomes the mounting face that faces the circuit board. The outer electrode portions 502 and 504 and the coil pattern portion of the inductor 500 can be formed simultaneously, rather than being formed separately, thus improving manufacturing efficiency. Further, the outer electrode portions 502 and 504 are formed mainly at the lower face of the inductor 500, thus allowing for reduced mounting area.


A distributed testing platform tests network traffic filtering rules. A control point receives a network traffic filtering rule and test parameters describing how to test the rule. The control point distributes the rule and parameters to a plurality of testing nodes. The testing nodes are located on a network at locations where they receive a variety of different network traffic. The testing nodes test the rule against traffic received by the nodes according to the test parameters. The traffic can include real-time traffic and corpora of traffic designed to test different types of rules. The testing nodes return test results describing the testing to the control point. The control point analyzes the test results to determine the accuracy and performance of the rule.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention pertains in general to computer network security and in particular for testing filtering rules for firewalls and other network security devices.
2. Description of the Related Art
Enterprises, such as companies, government offices, and educational institutions, often filter network traffic for security reasons. Incoming network traffic from the Internet or other external networks is filtered to block email spam, viruses, intrusion attempts, etc. (collectively referred to as "malicious traffic"). Outgoing network traffic is often also filtered for malicious traffic. The filtering is performed by a firewall or other traffic filtering device.
The filtering device blocks traffic according to a set of rules. The rules describe types of traffic that can be encountered by the filtering device and specify whether the traffic is permitted and/or blocked. For example, a simple firewall rule can specify a network port that is closed, thereby blocking all traffic that attempts to use that port. A more complex rule can describe a sequence of values that represent a computer virus or other malicious software, and cause the filtering device to block the traffic that contains the sequence. More sophisticated rules can use heuristics or other techniques to analyze the contents of email message to characterize the messages as legitimate or spam.
The rules often execute autonomously on large volumes of network traffic. Therefore, there is a desire to make the rules as accurate as possible in order to minimize overhead and disruptions. "Accurate" in this context generally means to minimize false positive detections of malicious traffic (i.e., blocking of legitimate traffic), and also minimizing false negative detections (i.e., allowing malicious traffic to pass through the filter). One way to ensure the accuracy of a rule is to test it against a wide variety of real-world traffic. The more traffic a rule is tested against, the more confidence one can have that the rule is accurate.
Enterprises in the business of designing and providing filtering rules, such as security software vendors and the like, may have a hosted infrastructure—or may attempt to work with internet service providers (ISPs)—to receive large samples of real-world network traffic. The enterprises would then test the rules against the real-world traffic before releasing the rules for general use. Even the traffic from an ISP, however, might not be representative of the sort of traffic the rules will encounter when in wide release, meaning that many rules could be improved if tested against a wider variety of traffic. Additionally, smaller enterprises often lack the wherewithal to work with ISPs and test against large volumes of traffic. Thus, a person designing rules for a small enterprise might be forced to test the rules on only that enterprise's traffic, resulting in less confidence that the rules are accurate.
Furthermore, the rules sometimes must be designed and tested very quickly. For example, the security software vendor may need to design and test filtering rules designed to stop a fast-spreading virus before the infection gets out-of-hand. Due to the urgent need to distribute the filtering rules, the software vendor might not be able to test the rules against as much network traffic as it would prefer.
Therefore, there is a need in the art for a way to expand opportunities for testing filtering rules against network traffic.

Distributed platform for testing filtering rules


The present invention is directed to a system and method for providing an interoperable communications system including a plurality of otherwise disjunct communication systems each including at least one communications device. The system includes a plurality of system interface controllers each coupled to one of the communication systems and a common network for connecting the communication system and associated communications devices to the common network. A controller is coupled to each of the system interface controllers. The system interface controller being operable in response to commands from an authorized controller wherein the connection between each of the communication systems and the common network is controlled by a controller associated with, and authorized to control each communication system. The system provides an interoperable communications system between the otherwise disjunct systems wherein the communications devices for each system coupled to the common network are in communication therebetween.

Private wireless communication networks, such as those used by public safety or commercial users, are typically isolated from one another and often utilize different and incompatible technologies. While interoperability products are available to interconnect such diverse systems, cooperation among the entities involved is often a barrier to full implementation. Thus, prior art first responder communication systems exist wherein control of the resources of each organization coupled to the system is controlled by a central commander or controller. Each organization providing resources to the system must relinquish control of its resources to the central commander. The organization responsible for the operation of its radio system(s) may be unable or unwilling to grant control of its resources either to peer organizations or to a higher-level organization.
Additionally, primitive "party-line" interconnect systems have been implemented, but users have control of only resources physically at their location, and have no visibility to what resources other users may have interconnected.
Based on the foregoing, it is the general object of the present invention to provide an interoperable communications system that improves upon, or overcomes the problems and drawbacks associated with prior art communication systems.

Interoperable communications system and method of use


An expander for radially expanding a tubular element by axial movement of the expander through the tubular element is provided. The expander comprising an expander member having a front part of a first cross-sectional size; a rear part of a second cross-sectional size larger than the first cross-sectional size; and an intermediate part arranged between said front part; and, rear part and having a cross-sectional size varying between said first and second cross-sectional sizes. The expander member is provided with fluid supply means for supplying pressurized fluid to the inner surface of the tubular element at a location opposite the intermediate part when the expander member is arranged in the tubular element.

Radial expansion of tubular elements has been applied, for example, in wellbores whereby a tubular casing is lowered into the wellbore in unexpanded state through one or more previously installed casings. After the casing is set at the required depth, an expander is moved through the casing to radially expand the casing to an inner diameter which is about equal to the inner diameter of the previously installed casing(s). In this manner it is achieved that the inner diameters of subsequent casings are about equal as opposed to conventional casing schemes which have stepwise decreasing casing diameters in downward direction.
A problem of expanding such tubular elements is the large force required to move the expander through the tubular element. Furthermore, in case the expander is moved through the tubular by applying fluid pressure at the side of the large diameter part of the expander there is a danger of burst of the tubular element when the high fluid pressure exceeds the burst pressure of the tubular element.

Expander for expanding a tubular element


A switch-mode power supply circuit includes a low-side switching transistor, a high-side switching transistor, a low-side current sensing circuit, and a gate driver circuit. The low-side current sensing circuit is coupled to the low-side switching transistor and is configured to sense a current flowing through the low-side switching transistor. The gate driver circuit is coupled to the low-side current sensing circuit and the high-side switching transistor. The gate driver circuit is configured to generate a signal having a first drive strength to switch the high-side switching transistor based on current flowing through the low-side switching transistor being less than a threshold current, and to generate a signal having a second drive strength to switch the high-side switching transistor based on current flowing through the low-side switching transistor being greater than the threshold current. The first drive strength is greater than the second drive strength.

A switch-mode power supply is an electronic circuit that converts an input direct current (DC) supply voltage into one or more DC output voltages that are higher or lower in magnitude than the input DC supply voltage. A switch-mode power supply that generates an output voltage lower than the input voltage is termed a buck or step-down converter. A switch-mode power supply that generates an output voltage higher than the input voltage is termed a boost or step-up converter.

Switch-mode power supply with load current based throttling


Methods, systems, and media for presenting suggestions of related media content are provided. In some embodiments, the method comprises: generating, using a hardware processor, a transcript of a first media content item; receiving one or more social network posts associated with one or more other media content items; computing one or more correlations between text in the one or more social network posts and the transcript; ranking the social network posts based at least in part on the correlations; and causing one or more suggestions to view the one or more other media content items associated with the one or more social network posts based at least in part on the rankings to be presented.

Many users enjoy viewing media content from sites which contain a variety of types and genres of content. In such instances, users often want to be presented with suggestions of related media content that they might enjoy. However, it can be difficult to determine what content would be most relevant and/or interesting to a user based only on information (such as titles, creators, genres, and/or any other information) related to media content items a user has already watched.
Accordingly, it is desirable to provide new methods, systems, and media for presenting suggestions of related media content.