A VLIW processor comprising: a plurality of functional units (1, 3); a distributed register file (4) comprising a plurality of segments (5, 7, 9), the distributed register file (4) being accessible by the functional units (1, 3); a communication unit (11) for communication with a memory; a communication network (13) for coupling the functional units (1, 3) and the distributed register file (4); characterized in that the VLIW processor further comprises a spilling device (15) for transferring data between the distributed register file (4) and the communication unit (11).

An embodiment of the VLIW processor of the kind set forth is disclosed in WO 00/33178.
A Very Long Instruction Word (VLIW) processor allows exploiting instruction-level parallelism in programs and thus executing more than one instruction at a time. A VLIW processor uses multiple, independent functional units to execute multiple operations in parallel. VLIW processors package multiple functional unit operations into one very long instruction.
Limitations of VLIW processing include limited hardware resources, limited parallelism and a large increase in code size. Limited hardware resources may be the functional units, the register file or the communication network. Anticipating these limitations by adding more resources has some serious drawbacks. For example, when increasing the number of functional units, the memory size and register file bandwidth will have to increase as well. Furthermore, a large number of read and write ports are necessary for accessing the register file, imposing a bandwidth that is difficult to support without a large cost in the size of the register file and degradation in clock speed.
For some applications to be run on the VLIW processor the limiting hardware resource may be the register file. A large register file could be used to prevent this. However, this has several drawbacks. First, a register file with many registers may create critical timing paths and therefore limit the cycle time of the processor. Second, as the number of directly addressable registers increases, the number of bits to specify the multiple registers within the instruction increases as well. Third, a register file with many registers occupies a large silicon area.


Techniques are described in which network devices, such as one or more data center access nodes, are configured to support durable block storage with inline erasure coding, i.e., erasure coding in real time as data is updated. A Durable Block Device (DBD) supports a block level API for one or more storage volumes that may be mapped to one or more applications executed by servers in communication with the data center access nodes. The disclosure describes the operation of the data plane of the DBD that is hosted on one or more access nodes, and its interactions with the management and control planes of the DBD that are hosted on one or more of the servers. The disclosure describes generation of a log structured volume in the DBD configured to gather multiple data blocks into larger chunks of data for inline erasure coding for storage across multiple storage devices.

In a typical cloud-based data center, a large collection of interconnected servers provides computing and/or storage capacity for execution of various applications. For example, a data center may comprise a facility that hosts applications and services for subscribers, i.e., customers of the data center. The data center may, for example, host all of the infrastructure equipment, such as compute nodes, networking and storage systems, power systems, and environmental control systems. In most data centers, clusters of storage systems and application servers are interconnected via a high-speed switch fabric provided by one or more tiers of physical network switches and routers. Data centers vary greatly in size, with some public data centers containing hundreds of thousands of servers, and are usually distributed across multiple geographies for redundancy.
As part of a hosted storage system, a data center or other computer network typically includes a plurality of solid state storage devices and/or rotating hard disk storage devices for storing and retrieving blocks of data for applications executing on the servers of the data center. A block of data is a sequence of bytes or bits having a fixed length (i.e., a block size). The servers of the data center may launch the applications as virtual machines or containers, or natively, and often virtualize the attached storage devices to allow sharing. The virtualized storage devices may be raw block devices that provide a level of abstraction for the hardware storage devices responsible for storing and retrieving blocks of data. A raw block device typically provides storage of a single copy of the data blocks maintained by the underlying storage device with no redundancy, but some inline treatment (e.g., encryption). Each raw storage block device, e.g., volume, may be treated as an independent disk drive and mapped to a virtual machine or container of one of the servers of the data center. In some examples, the servers may support durable block devices as a further level of abstraction that provide redundant storage of the data blocks that can tolerate one or more failures (e.g., storage media, network, etc.). However, durable block devices may benefit from data reduction techniques, such as compression, erasure coding, and/or deduplication, which are computationally intensive for the processors of the servers of the data center and difficult to scale.

Durable block storage in data center access nodes with inline erasure coding


A graphics system reduces fetching from memory of color-key pixels when video pixels from a video-overlay window are displayed. A frame buffer is divided into multi-line, multi-pixel blocks that are arranged in block-rows and block-columns. Each block-row has primary and secondary row indicator bits and each block-column has two column indicator bits. When the primary row indicator bit is cleared, all pixels in the block-row are fetched from a frame-buffer memory. When the primary row indicator is set, a secondary row indicator bit selects either first or second column indicator bits for reading. When the selected column indicator bit for a block-column is set, fetching of pixels from the frame buffer memory is skipped. Instead, dummy color-key pixels are generated and inserted into the pixel stream. These dummy pixels match the color key and cause video pixels to be sent to the display. Memory fetching is reduced.

Graphics data is typically generated by a computer such as a personal computer (PC). Sometimes display data from a different source is to be displayed. For example, a video clip may be played on a PC. While playing the video can occupy the whole display screen, oftentimes the video is played in a smaller window, with PC-generated graphics data such as icons, menus, and logos displayed around the video window.
When the computer refreshes, or sends a stream of pixels to the display, pixels for the PC-generated graphics data are fetched from a memory and sent to the display. Pixels within the video window area are sent instead of the graphics pixels when refresh reaches the video window.
FIG. 1 shows a prior art graphics system that fetches from a memory for both graphics pixels and for video-window pixels. Memory 102 may be one or more physical memories and stores frame buffer 104 and overlay buffer 106. Frame buffer 104 contains computer-generated graphics pixels, such as for displaying text, menus, icons, window borders, etc. Overlay buffer 106 contains video pixels that represent a video clip or other source that is typically originally captured with a camera or similar device.
Frame fetcher 110 reads graphics pixels from frame buffer 104 in a scan order, such as along display lines from left-to-right and then the lines from top to bottom. These graphics pixels from frame buffer 104 are sent through mux 116 to display 120.
Some of the graphics pixels are replaced by the computer with dummy pixels of a pre-determined color value. This pre-determined color value is not used for regular graphics pixels but is used as an indicator known as the color key. Graphics pixels fetched from frame buffer 104 by frame fetcher 110 are compared to the pre-determined color-key value by comparator 114. When the graphics pixel matches the color key, comparator 114 signals mux 116 to discard the graphics pixel and replace it with a video pixel that is sent to display 120 rather than the graphics pixel. Overlay fetcher 112 fetches video pixels from overlay buffer 106, making the video pixels available for mux 116.
The output from comparator 114, SEL_OV, can also be used to control overlay fetcher 112, which can prevent some unnecessary fetching of video pixels or control timing and pipelining.
While using a color key is useful, one problem is that memory 102 has to fetch two pixels for the video overlay region. The graphics pixel from frame buffer 104 is fetched for comparison by comparator 114, and the video pixel is fetched from overlay buffer 106 for display. Even though the graphics pixels matching the color key are discarded, they are still fetched from memory 102. Especially for larger video windows, many color-key pixels have to be fetched from memory 102 and then discarded. This double-fetching of pixels from memory 102 increased the bandwidth requirement for memory 102 and is undesirable.
The operating system (OS) or other software defines the screen area for the video-overlay window by filling in the area with pixels that have the color-key value. The software can ensure that other areas of the screen do not have pixels with the same value as the color key. While a simple rectangle could be defined as the video-overlay window, the use of menus, icons, and other graphical elements may cause the video-overlay window to have a more irregular shape.
FIG. 2 shows a video-overlay window that is partially obscured by drop-down menus and graphical icons. The frame buffer in the graphics memory contains graphics pixels for graphical elements such as a banner or application header 10, application footer 13, a graphical-user-interface (GUI) toolbar 11, which has links to generate one or more drop-down menus 22. Within application window 12, software may draw one or more icons 14, which the user may click on to launch other applications, or for other functions. In an actual system there may be many windows open, having different sizes, on various parts of the screen.
Color-key pixels are written by the OS or software to color-key region 16. The color key might be an unused color such as a certain shade of blue, but could be any color defined by the operating system, a program, or the user.
A video feed, such as from an external source or being played by a video or media player, writes video pixels to video-overlay buffer 18. The graphics controller reads lines of graphics pixels from the frame-buffer memory. Each pixel is compared to the color key value. For regions outside of color-key region 16, the graphics pixels have values that do not match the color-key value, so the graphics pixels are scanned to the display device and displayed on the screen.
When graphics pixels from within color-key region 16 are read from the frame buffer by the graphics controller, the pixels match the color key value. The graphics controller then discards the graphics pixels and replaces them with video pixels from video-overlay buffer 18. The final display screen has pixels from video-overlay buffer 18 replacing graphics pixels from color-key region 16.
Rather than use a color key, a rectangle might be defined for the video window. However, the operation of many operating systems can cause the video-overlay window to be non-rectangular. For example, when a user clicks on a menu name on GUI toolbar 11, the OS generates drop-down menu 22. Drop-down menu 22 is displayed on top of or over the video-overlay window, obscuring parts of the video-overlay window. The OS can over-write some of the color-key pixels in color-key region 16 with graphics pixels that display drop-down menu 22. These pixels no longer match the color-key value, so the final display screen has drop-down menu 22 obscuring parts of the video-overlay window. The graphics controller has to skip over some video pixels in video-overlay buffer 18 when drop-down menu 22 obscures part of color-key region 16.
What is desired is a graphics system that displays video-overlay windows. A graphics system that does not double-fetch both graphics and video pixels from a memory is desirable to reduce memory bandwidth requirements and power consumption.

Complex-shaped video overlay using multi-bit row and column index registers


The method and extractor relate to dentistry and are intended for extraction of metal instruments fragments from a root canal of the tooth, as these instruments may be broken and may get stuck here, for example, during endodontic treatment. According to the invention, two insulated metal electrodes assembled as a cylinder are inserted into the root canal until electric contact with the fragment to be extracted. Then electric current impulse is ran through the circuit formed by the first electrode, metal fragment and second electrode; the intensity and duration of the electric impulse shall be sufficient for welding of the fragment to the electrodes by means of heating at the contact points; this time a heating of the surrounding tissues remains at the physiologically acceptable level; afterwards the electrodes are extracted from the root canal together with the fragment. Depending on a clinical situation, electrodes of various size and configuration are used. Electric impulse is generated by the unit comprising a capacitor chargeable by a battery and dischargeable in pulsed mode via controlled electronic switch. The unit also has an indicator of contact resistance between the fragment and the electrodes for a better alignment of their relative positions.

There are known several devices used for extraction of the tool fragments from the root canal of the tooth (U.S. Pat. No. 5,879,160 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,227,855) by means of the mechanical clamp introduced into the canal through the cylindrical tube and ensuring grasping of the fragment. When this technique is used, the clamp is removed from the canal together with the tube and the grasped fragment. A common feature being peculiar both to the present invention and to the aforesaid prior art devices is insertion of the tool into the root canal until it comes in contact with the fragment and extraction of the tool together with the grasped fragment.
However, application of said devices requires undesirable expansion of the root canal up to the stuck fragment, since the fragment should be grasped with the clamp. It is also difficult to control the contact and grasping of the fragment with the tool due to limited access into the narrow root canal (diameter of its opening is about 0.2-1 mm). Besides, since the root canal is often curved, it is rather difficult to transmit mechanical force to the clamp sufficient for reliable grasping of the fragment. Therefore, it is often not possible to reach necessary gripping cohesion between the tool and the fragment stuck in the root canal with certain friction and it can not be removed.
It is known device (US patent application No. 20030124485) similar in its operating principle and used for extraction of the tool fragments from the root canal of the tooth by means of the wire loop introduced into the canal via the cylindrical tube and ensuring grasping of the fragment. However, application of the said device also implies undesirable expansion of the root canal up to the struck fragment. Moreover, it is difficult to attain the necessary gripping between the wire loop and metal fragment of random shape, when the clamping is not controlled.
It is known another device for the extraction of the tool fragments from the root canal of the tooth (U.S. Pat. No. 4,746,292) by means of adhesive introduced into the canal via the cylindrical tube and ensuring adhesion of the fragment to the tube for subsequent extraction. Common feature being peculiar both to the present invention and to said device is introduction of the tool into the root canal until it comes in contact with the fragment and extraction of the tool together with the grasped fragment. However, application of said device requires undesirable expansion of the root canal up to the stuck fragment so that the cylindrical tube could envelop the fragment. Besides, self-hardening adhesive attains required strength rather slowly. Therefore, the patient has to stay in the dental chair experiencing further inconvenience. Moreover, due to the random shape of the fragment and its loose grasping by the cylindrical tube the adhesive may leak into the root canal leading to unacceptable adhesion of the cylindrical tube to the canal walls.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,337,038 is most closely related to the present invention in the entire combination of features and is chosen as the nearest analog. It describes the method and the device for extraction of the tool fragments from the root canal of the tooth by means of electrolytic dissolution of this metal fragment. According to this nearest analog, the first insulated metal electrode in form of cylindrical tube is introduced into the root canal of the tooth stopping short before the metal fragment. Additionally, the second insulated electrode shaped as a needle is also used. It comes through said cylindrical tube and is moved until electric contact with the metal fragment. Physiologically compatible electrolyte is fed into the gap between the fragment and the cylindrical tube. Electropositive potential is applied to the needle electrode and electric current of the physiologically acceptable rate is furnished to the aforementioned electrodes until the fragment is dissolved as a result of the electrolysis.
Common features of the nearest analog and present invention are as follows: at least two insulated metal electrodes are introduced into the root canal until electric contact between one electrode and metal fragment to be extracted, then electric current is applied to the electrodes. However, according to nearest prior art significant current shall be applied to the electrodes for a long period of time, so that to dissolve the metal fragment. As a result, the patient experiences inconveniences. Moreover, due to their high mobility in the solution the dissolved metal cations constituting the fragment and electrolytic anions will be diffused in the surrounding wet tooth tissues, which, as is known, have numerous pores. It may lead to undesirable toxic aftereffects.

Method and extractor for removing a tool fragment from a tooth root canal


Disclosed are a hinge assembly and a mobile device having the hinge assembly. In the mobile device, a rotation portion 14 slides and rotates on a base portion 10, so as to be inclined to the base portion 10. For this reason, the rotation portion 14 is connected to the base portion by means of the hinge assembly 20 so as to slide and rotate on the base portion 10. The rotation portion 14 slides on the base portion by a predetermined distance, and then rotates to be inclined at a desired angle with respect to the base portion 10. The rotation portion 14 easily rotates with respect to the base portion of the mobile device, so that the status of the mobile device can be easily converted. Further, when the status of the mobile device is converted, the front, rear, left and right of a display screen is not changed. As a result, the mobile device should not have a structure of changing a display direction of the display screen. Further, there is an advantage in that an electric connection between the base portion and the rotation portion by means of a connection link mechanism can be stably achieved.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a mobile device, and more particularly to a hinge assembly which allows a display unit to slide and swing on a body and a mobile device having the same.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In the present specification, a tablet computer will be described as an example of a mobile device. However, the present invention is not limited to the tablet computer, but can be applied to all kinds of mobile devices. For example, the present invention may be applied to a laptop computer, a portable communication terminal, PDA, etc.
Generally, a tablet computer includes a body having a keyboard on the upper surface thereof and a display unit connected to the body by means of hinge assemblies. The display unit has a liquid crystal display panel to display images. The display unit may be used while being folded on the upper surface of the body or being inclined at a desired angle against the body. Swivel hinge assemblies are used in order to operate the display unit with respect to the body.
However, the tablet computer according to the conventional art as described above has following problems.
The tablet computer is used in the state where a display unit is folded down or inclined at a desired angle against the body. The tablet computer has a relative difficulty in that the display unit rotates with respect to the body in the above-mentioned state. Specifically, it is inconvenient to rotate the display unit to an angle of 180 degrees with respect to the body and to fold the display unit so that the back surface of the display unit makes close contact with the upper surface of the body.
Furthermore, in a case where conventional swivel hinge assemblies are used, the front, the back, the left and the right positions of the display unit change between when the display unit is inclined and when the display unit is folded on the body portion. Specifically, according to the conventional art, when the mode of the display unit is converted, the front, the back, the left and the right positions of the display unit are reversed with respect to the body. Accordingly, when a user views the contents of information displayed on the display unit, the contents can be reversed in the front, the back, the left and the right of the display unit. Of course, the direction of images displayed on the display unit may be changed according to the mode of the display unit. Otherwise, there is inconvenience that the displaying direction of the display unit is changed using a separate sensor and software.

Hinge assembly and mobile device having the same


A space-efficient card reader for various electronic devices includes a plurality of adjacent, spaced-apart electrical connector pins extending outwardly from a portion of a printed circuit board (PCB) in an electronic device. A cover is configured to overlie the PCB portion, and includes a plurality of adjacent, spaced-apart apertures formed therein. Each aperture is configured to receive a respective one of the connector pins therethrough when the cover is in a secured position overlying the PCB portion. A receptacle is secured to an outer surface of the cover, and is configured to removably receive a card therein such that electrical contacts on the card make contact with the connector pins extending through the apertures in the cover.

Radiotelephones generally refer to communications terminals which provide a wireless communications link to one or more other communications terminals. Radiotelephones may be used in a variety of different applications, including cellular telephone, land-mobile (e.g., police and fire departments), and satellite communications systems. Radiotelephones may utilize SIM (subscriber identity module) cards, also referred to as "smart" cards, that store data for cellular telephone subscribers. Such data may include user identity, location and phone number, network authorization data, personal security keys, contact lists, stored text messages, etc. SIM cards may also provide various authentication and encryption features to protect data and prevent eavesdropping.
SIM cards are configured to be installed and removed from radiotelephones. A SIM card reader is typically incorporated into a radiotelephone and facilitates installation and removal of a SIM card. As such, SIM cards are portable and can be switched from one radiotelephone to another. The portability of data offers a number of benefits. For example, a user that buys a new radiotelephone can install the current SIM card to associate the new radiotelephone with the same number and user preferences as the old one, etc.
Electronic devices, such as radiotelephones, are undergoing miniaturization. Indeed, many contemporary radiotelephones are less than 11 centimeters in length. As a result, there is increasing interest in conserving valuable space in the ever decreasing size of radiotelephones and other electronic devices. Conventional SIM card readers, as well as other types of card readers, utilize valuable space within electronic devices, such as radiotelephones, that could be used for other components. Therefore, a need exists for card readers that utilize less space than conventional card readers.

Space efficient card readers and electronic devices incorporating same


A semiconductor device is provided which complies with restrictions on layout on a mounting substrate side. The semiconductor device includes a wiring substrate having a plurality of bonding leads at an upper surface having a rectangular shape, a semiconductor chip mounted over the upper surface of the wiring substrate, and having a plurality of electrode pads at a main surface having a rectangular shape similar to a square shape, and a plurality of metal wires for coupling the bonding leads of the wiring substrate to the electrode pads of the semiconductor chip. In a BGA, the metal wires are arranged at three sides of a main surface of the semiconductor chip, the bonding leads are provided in lines at the upper surface of the wiring substrate outside the respective opposed short sides of the main surface of the semiconductor chip, and the metal wires are coupled to the bonding leads.

The present invention relates to semiconductor devices and manufacturing techniques thereof, and more specifically, to a technique effectively applied to a semiconductor device with a semiconductor chip mounted over a wiring substrate, and assembly of the semiconductor device.
Japanese Patent Publication No. 4942020 (Patent Document 1) discloses a stacked structure including a laminate of two semiconductor chips accommodated in one package. Specifically, the two semiconductor chips are stacked on each other over a module substrate, and respectively coupled to bonding leads on the module substrate via wires.
Further, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-294684 (Patent Document 2) discloses a structure including a semiconductor chip mounted at the center of a surface of a quadrilateral package base. A plurality of bonding leads is arranged in two lines at the periphery of the center on the same plane of the package base.

Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof


A method for reducing the amount of binder or resin used in glass fiber manufacturing while improving processing and product performance is disclosed. The method generally reduces the amount of binder or resin used in a manufacturing process by adjusting other factors in the manufacturing process. Specifically, ramp moisture and silane content are factors that are adjusted to achieve the results of the disclosed method. Additionally, glass fiber compositions resulting from the method are disclosed.

Fibrous glass insulation ("fiberglass" or "glass fiber" insulation) products generally comprise matted glass fibers bonded together by a binder that is often a cured thermoset polymeric material. Molten streams of glass are drawn into fibers of random lengths and blown into a forming chamber where they are randomly deposited as a mat onto a traveling conveyor. The fibers, while in transit in the forming chamber, and while often still hot from the drawing operation are sprayed with the binder. The coated fibrous mat is transferred to a curing oven where heated air, for example, is blown through the mat to cure the binder and rigidly bond the glass fibers together.
Fiberglass binders have a variety of uses ranging from stiffening applications where the binder is applied to woven or non-woven fiberglass sheet goods and cured, producing a stiffer product; thermo-forming applications wherein the binder resin is applied to sheet or lofty fibrous product following which it is dried and optionally B-staged to form an intermediate but yet curable product; and to fully cured systems such as building insulation.
Binders useful in fiberglass insulation products generally require a low viscosity in the uncured state, yet characteristics so as to form a rigid thermoset polymeric mat for the glass fibers when cured. A binder which forms a rigid matrix when cured is required so that a finished fiberglass thermal insulation product, when compressed for packaging and shipping, will recover to its specified vertical dimension when installed in a building.
From among the many thermosetting polymers, numerous candidates for suitable thermosetting fiber-glass binder resins exist. However, binder-coated fiberglass products are often of the commodity type, and thus cost becomes a driving factor, generally ruling out such resins as thermosetting polyurethanes, epoxies, and others. Due to their excellent cost/performance ratio, the resins of choice in the past have been phenol/formaldehyde resins. Phenol/formaldehyde resins can be economically produced, and can be extended with urea prior to use as a binder in many applications. Such urea-extended phenol/formaldehyde binders have been the mainstay of the fiberglass insulation industry for years.
Over the past several decades, however, minimization of volatile organic compound emissions (VOCs) both on the part of the industry desiring to provide a cleaner environment, as well as by Federal regulation, has led to extensive investigations into not only reducing emissions from the current formaldehyde-based binders, but also reducing the amount of binder used in production. Increasing stringent Federal regulations has lead to greater attention to alternative binder systems which are free from formaldehyde.
One particularly useful binder system which is substantially free of formaldehyde employs a binder comprising a polycarboxy polymer and a polyol. Resins free of formaldehyde are those which are not made with formaldehyde or formaldehyde-generating compounds. Resins, such as acrylic resins, do not emit appreciable levels of formaldehyde during the insulation manufacturing process and do not emit formaldehyde under normal service conditions. Use of this binder system in conjunction with a catalyst, such as an alkaline metal salt of a phosphorous-containing organic acid, results in glass fiber products that exhibit excellent recovery and rigidity properties.
Fiberglass products, such as fiberglass insulation, are exposed to a variety of environmental conditions that can adversely affect the performance of the product. Overall rigidity and recovery of the product are typical measures of performance.
Curing of the fiberglass products is essential to proper product performance. Factors that contribute to the curing process, and the ultimate performance of the fiberglass product, include many variables, and ultimate product performance is often unpredictable.
There is a need for reducing the quantity of acrylic resin used in binder systems during the manufacture of fiber glass insulation products without negatively impacting the curing process or the overall performance of the product. Even more so, there is a need for reducing the amount of acrylic resin used while improving the overall processing and performance of the product.
The foregoing examples of the related art and limitations related therewith are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive. Other limitations of the related art will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon a reading of the specification and a study of the drawings.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Method for producing fiberglass materials and compositions resulting from the same


A method of intercutting advertisement disclosed comprises: receiving a playing request message carrying user information and media information from a user terminal; determining whether advertisement needs to be intercut for the user based on the user information and the media information; when it is determined that advertisement needs to be intercut for the user, making a pause in playing a stream media corresponding to the playing request message, obtaining an advertisement stream corresponding to the user information and the media information, and delivering the advertisement stream to the user to play; when it is detected that play of the advertisement stream is finished, sending the playing request message to a stream media server, and forwarding to the user terminal the stream media obtained from the stream media server, corresponding to the playing request message.

In the Internet, the following three modes are usually adopted for intercutting advertisement. In the first mode, a stream media server is used to intercut advertisement, wherein the stream media server needs to embed an advertisement managing module and an advertisement intercutting module therein. The advertisement managing module takes charge of managing advertisement contents and advertisement intercutting strategies. As such, when a terminal user accesses a stream media service, the advertisement intercutting module of the stream media server intercuts a corresponding advertisement segment into an audio and video data stream of the stream media to be transmitted, and transmits them to the terminal user together, according to the advertisement intercutting strategies. In the second mode, a stream media player of a terminal and an advertisement-dedicated stream media server cooperate to intercut advertisement, wherein the stream media player of the terminal embeds an advertisement intercutting module therein, and the advertisement-dedicated stream media server embeds an advertisement strategy managing module and an advertisement content managing module therein. The advertisement-dedicated stream media server is responsible for management and maintenance of advertisement intercutting strategies and advertisement contents, and the advertisement intercutting module in the terminal player obtains the advertisement intercutting strategies from the advertisement-dedicated stream media server and, according to the strategies, interacts with the advertisement-dedicated stream media server to perform the advertisement intercutting during the process of playing the stream media. In the third mode, a stream media proxy is adopted to intercut advertisement. The stream media proxy embeds an advertisement intercutting module, an advertisement strategy managing module and an advertisement content managing module therein. The advertisement strategy managing module takes charge of managing advertisement intercutting strategies, the advertisement content managing module takes charges of managing advertisement contents, and the advertisement intercutting module takes charge of decoding an audio and video stream which is being transmitted in real time according to the advertisement intercutting strategies, and meanwhile according to the advertisement strategies, obtaining the contents to be intercut which, for example, may be a LOGO, a paragraph of text, a picture, or etc, encoding in real time the obtained advertisement contents into the audio and video stream which has already been decoded, and then transmitting them. However, if the first or the second mode described above is adopted to intercut the advertisement in the prior art, it can not be supervised or monitored on the operator side, which is not conductive to the agility and availability of control on the advertisement intercutting; if the third mode is adopted to intercut the advertisement in the prior art, the stream media proxy needs to decode and encode the audio and video stream in real time to intercut the advertisement, which consumes a plenty of CPU resources and has a higher requirement on the hardware of the stream media proxy.

Method, apparatus and system for intercutting advertisement


The invention relates to a liquid detecting apparatus that drives a liquid detecting unit that outputs two detection signals having phases opposite to each other in accordance with the amount of liquid. The liquid detecting apparatus according to an aspect of the invention includes: a driving unit that outputs a driving signal to the liquid detecting unit; a differential amplifying unit that performs differential amplification on said two detection signals that are output from the liquid detecting unit on the basis of the driving signal so as to output a differential amplification detection signal; and a signal detecting unit that makes a judgment as to whether the amount of liquid is not less than a predetermined amount or not by means of the differential amplification detection signal input from the differential amplifying unit.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a liquid detecting apparatus that drives a liquid detecting unit so as to detect the presence or absence of a certain amount of liquid. In addition, the present invention further relates to a liquid ejecting apparatus that is provided with such a liquid detecting apparatus.
2. Related Art
A technique for detecting the presence or absence of a certain amount of liquid that is contained in a liquid container, an example of which is ink contained in an ink cartridge, is known in the technical field of a liquid detecting apparatus to which the present invention pertains. In the above-described technique for detecting the presence/absence of a certain amount of liquid contained in a liquid container of the related art, a piezoelectric element is used as a liquid detection sensor. In the related-art liquid detection technique, either the presence or absence of a certain amount of liquid such as ink is detected by means of, or, in other words, on the basis of, the waveform of a counter-electromotive voltage (i.e., back electromotive voltage) that is obtained after the piezoelectric element has been driven. More specifically, the liquid detecting apparatus of the related art detects the presence or absence of a certain amount of ink as follows. In the configuration of the liquid detecting apparatus of the related art, an ink flow channel is formed in the proximity of a piezoelectric element. The piezoelectric element generates residual vibration after application of a voltage thereto, and outputs an output signal as a result of the residual vibration. The liquid detecting apparatus of the related art makes a judgment as to whether a frequency that is obtained on the basis of the waveform of the output signal that was output as a result of the residual vibration agrees with one resonance frequency that is obtained under the conditions that the ink flow channel that is formed in the proximity of the piezoelectric element is filled with ink or another resonance frequency that is obtained under the conditions that the ink flow channel that is formed in the proximity of the piezoelectric element is not filled with ink. Then, on the basis of the result of the above-described judgment, the liquid detecting apparatus of the related art makes a further judgment as to whether the amount of ink that is contained in an ink cartridge is larger than, or, at the smallest, equals to, a predetermined threshold amount or not. An example of the ink detection technique of the related art explained above is disclosed in JP-A-2001-146030.
In a case where a driving circuit that drives a piezoelectric element is provided as a discrete driver that is separated from the piezoelectric element in order to obtain the waveform of a counter-electromotive voltage, there arises a problem in that the electrodes of the piezoelectric element are highly vulnerable to exogenous noise because the output impedance of the piezoelectric element is high. As an approach to address such a problem, it is possible to modify and thus improve the structure of an ink cartridge so as to reduce, suppress, or completely cancel and reject any exogenous noise. However, such a solution will inevitably make the manufacturing of an ink cartridge more complex, thereby, for example, increasing the number of manufacturing steps. Or, as another non-limiting disadvantage of such a solution, it will increase the cost of production thereof.

Liquid detecting apparatus and liquid ejecting apparatus


A lap steel guitar having two hidden pickups at least halfway along the neck of the guitar underneath the fret board and electrically connected to a conventional fret board circuit so that, by a volume, control and a tone control, a new sound from the two hidden pickups may be mixed with sound from the conventional circuit when the strings of the guitar are strummed.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a steel guitar. More particularly, it relates to a lap steel guitar with a new sound.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A conventional steel guitar has only one or two basic sounds. It is desirable to have as many sounds as possible coming from a single guitar.


A collagen matrix, granulate blend, and process for making and using a collagen matrix or granulate blend including collagen and particles or granules of a biphasic calcium phosphate/hydroxyapatite (CAP/HAP) bone substitute material comprising a sintered CAP core and a closed epitactically grown layer of nanocrystalline HAP deposited on the external surface of the sintered CAP core, whereby the epitactically grown nanocrystals have the same size and morphology as human bone mineral, wherein the closed epitactically grown layer of nanocrystalline HAP deposited on the external surface of the sintered CAP core has a homogeneous coarse external surface comprising flat crystal platelets.

The invention relates to a new collagen matrix, in particular for use as a putty, a strip or a plug—e.g. an oral plug—material, which comprises particles of a biphasic bone substitute material with a bilayer structure based on calcium phosphate/hydroxyapatite (CAP/HAP) which has an homogeneous external surface, a process for preparing that collagen matrix, as well as a new granulate blend comprising particles of such a biphasic bone material.
In the medical field, in particular in the field of orthopedics, a putty is generally defined as a compound with a playdough-like consistency with suitable moldability and cohesiveness characteristics. A putty material can be readily manually shaped and retains its shape once the external force is removed.
A strip is generally defined as a flexible and form-stable material which can fit the anatomic curvature of the graft site. A strip can be compressed and folded but goes back to its original shape once the external force is removed.
A plug is generally defined as a cylindrical- or cone-shaped material with different dimensions. The material is flexible and can be compressed but goes back to its original shape once the external force is removed. An oral plug is a plug that can be used in the oral cavity. It can in particular be used to fill a hole or a cavity such as a socket after tooth extraction.
Defects in bone structure arise in a variety of circumstances, such as trauma, disease, and surgery and there is still a need for effective repair of bone defects in various surgical fields.
Numerous natural and synthetic materials and compositions have been used to stimulate healing at the site of a bone defect. A well-known natural, osteoconductive bone substitute material that promotes bone growth in periodontal and maxillofacial osseous defects is Geistlich Bio-Oss®: commercially available from Geistlich Pharma AG. That material is manufactured from natural bone by a process described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,167,961, which enables preservation of the trabecular architecture and nanocrystalline structure of the natural bone, resulting in an excellent osteoconductive matrix which is not or very slowly resorbed.
Tricalcium phosphate/hydroxyapatite (TCP/HAP) systems and their use as bone substitute materials are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,338,752 disclosing a process for preparing a biphasic cement of α-TCP/HAP by heating a powder mixture of ammonium phosphate and HAP at 1200-1500° C.
European Patent EP-285826 describes a process for the production of a layer of HAP on metallic and non-metallic bodies for implants by application of a layer of α-TCP and completely converting the α-TCP layer into HAP by reaction with water of pH 2 to 7 at 80-100° C. The product obtained is a metallic or non-metallic body covered with a layer of HAP.
WO 97/41273 describes a process for coating a substrate such as notably hydroxyapatite (HAP) or other calcium phosphates (CAP) with a coating of carbonated hydroxyapatite, i.e. hydroxyapatite wherein phosphate and/or hydroxyl ions are partially replaced by bicarbonate ions, by a process comprising (a) immersing the substrate in a solution of pH 6.8 to 8.0 containing calcium ions, phosphate ions and bicarbonate ions at a temperature lower than 50° C., (b) heating the portion of the solution in contact with the substrate to a temperature of 50 to 80° C. until having a pH greater than 8, (c) maintaining the substrate in contact with the alkali solution obtained in step (b) to form a carbonated hydroxyapatite coating, and (d) taking the substrate off the solution and subjecting the coating to drying. The bicarbonate ions are disclosed to act as inhibitors of hydroxyapatite crystal growth, resulting in non-stoichiometric crystals containing defects and having rather small dimensions, namely 10-40 nm in length and 3-10 nm in width (see page 7, lines 1-7).
The components of calcium phosphate/hydroxyapatite (CAP/HAP) systems, especially TCP/HAP systems differ in their thermodynamic stability. Due to this difference, when CAP/HAP systems are implanted into a mammal, in particular a human patient, the solubility of TCP and other calcium phosphates is higher in the body fluid than the solubility of HAP. The difference in solubility between calcium phosphates and HAP causes a breakdown of the unordered sinter structure of the CAP/HAP system because the better soluble compound CAP (e.g. TCP) is removed quicker than HAP. The sintered interconnection between CAP and HAP produced at high temperatures will also make a remarkable contribution to higher solubility of the device in the physiological environment. Two different types of reactions dominate accelerated in vivo degradation of such ceramics: chemical dissolution and biological resorption by cells. Both processes cause dissolution of the ceramic material which furthermore causes a local oversaturation of calcium ions, whereby there are more calcium ions released than calcium ions adsorbed. The natural equilibrium of calcium ions no longer exists, neither in the extracellular matrix nor in the tissue surrounding of the implant. The local disturbance of the natural calcium equilibrium in terms of oversaturation of calcium ions leads to an increased osteoclast activity and therefore to an accelerated ill-controlled resorption of the ceramic material and a risk of adverse inflammation reactions, especially when using a large amount of synthetic bone substitute material.
When bone substitute material Geistlich Bio-Oss® is implanted into a human patient, the natural calcium equilibrium is practically not affected, the concentration of calcium ions on the surface of the material and within the local environment thereof remaining almost constant. Biological resorption of the material hence does not take place or proceeds at a very slow rate without the risk of adverse inflammation reactions.
EP-B1-2445543 discloses a highly advantageous calcium phosphate/hydroxyapatite (CAP/HAP) bone substitute material which, like bone substitute material Geistlich Bio-Oss®, after being set in vivo enables the concentration of calcium ions on the surface of the material and within the local environment thereof to remain almost constant and thus does not lead to an increased osteoclast activity.
Indeed, the natural calcium equilibrium which is necessary for optimal bone regeneration is not disturbed or destroyed. Moreover, the natural calcium concentration equilibrium is lastingly supported by the bone substitute material until the regeneration process is completed. When those conditions are met there is no increase of osteoclast activity, hence no risk of adverse inflammation reactions.
The invention of EP-B1-2445543 relates to a biphasic calcium phosphate/hydroxyapatite (CAP/HAP) bone substitute material comprising a sintered CAP core and at least one uniform and closed epitactically grown layer of nanocrystalline HAP deposited on top of the sintered CAP core, whereby the epitactically grown nanocrystals have the same size and morphology as human bone mineral, i.e. a length of 30 to 46 nm and a width of 14 to 22 nm.
The sintered CAP core may comprise tricalcium phosphate (TCP), notably α-TCP (α-Ca3(PO4)2) or β-TCP (β-Ca3(PO4)2), and/or tetracalcium phosphate (TTCP) Ca4(PO4)2O.
According to a frequently used embodiment the sintered CAP core essentially consists of TCP, α-TCP being preferred. As used herein, the phrase "essentially consists of" means that the material includes TCP and materials that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed invention.
The epitactically grown layer of nanocrystalline HAP is structurally and chemically nearly identical to the natural human bone mineral.
The epitactically grown layer of nanocrystalline HAP generally has a thickness of at least from 15 to 50 nm, preferably at least from 20 to 40 nm, more preferably at least from 25 to 35 nm. That minimum thickness corresponds to one layer of HAP nanocrystals in epitaxial orientation.
The epitactically grown layer of nanocrystalline HAP may comprise a single or multiple layers of HAP nanocrystals in epitaxial orientation. The thickness of the epitactically grown layer of nanocrystalline HAP, which is related to the number of such layers of HAP nanocrystals in epitaxial orientation, will be selected according to the intended application of the bone substitute material as implant or prosthesis in differently loaded parts of the body. The bone substitute material of that invention is indeed designed to function in vivo as a living-like system progressively transforming the sintered CAP core into hydroxyapatite similar in size and morphology to human bone mineral, the rate of that transformation being dependent on the rate of calcium release by the sintered CAP core, which is to a large extent controlled by the thickness of the epitactically grown layer of nanocrystalline HAP.
The properties of the CAP/HAP bone substitute material are to a large extent controlled by the thickness of the epitactically grown layer of crystalline HAP. The term "properties" includes the ability of the CAP/HAP bone substitute to release a constant concentration of calcium ions to the local environment in vitro and in vivo.
The thickness of the epitactically grown layer of nanocrystalline HAP is related to the ratio of the sintered CAP core material to HAP, said ratio being generally between 5:95 and 95:5, preferably from 10:90 to 90:10.
The CAP/HAP bone substitute material may be a particulate or a granulate, the particles or granules having a desired size and shape. Generally, the particles or granules are approximately spherical and have a diameter of 250 to 5000 μm.
The CAP/HAP bone substitute material may also be a shaped body, e.g. a screw, a nail, a pin or a structure having the profile of an osseous body part such as notably a hip, a clavicle, a rib, a mandible or a skull part. Such a screw, a nail or a pin may be used in reconstructive orthopedic surgery for fixing a ligament to a bone, for example in the knee or the elbow. Such a structure having the profile of an osseous body part may be used in orthopedic surgery as prosthesis for replacing a missing or defective bone or bone part.
That CAP/HAP bone substitute material of EP-B1-2445543 is taught to be obtained by a process comprising the steps of                a) preparing a sintered CAP core material,        b) immersing the sintered CAP core material in an aqueous solution at a temperature between 10° C. and 50° C. to start the transformation process of CAP to HAP, whereby a uniform and closed epitactically grown layer of nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite is formed on the sintered CAP core material surface, the epitactically grown nanocrystals having the same size and morphology as human bone mineral,        c) stopping the transformation by separating the solid material from the aqueous solution at a time when a uniform and closed coating of at least one nanocrystalline layer of HAP is present but before the transformation process is finished completely,        d) optionally sterilizing the separated material coming from step c).
The preparation of the sintered CAP core material may be performed by methods known in the art comprising first mixing powders of calcium hydrogen phosphate (CaHPO4), calcium carbonate and/or calcium hydroxide, then calcining and sintering the mixture within an appropriate temperature range, thereby giving a bulk sintered CAP core material (see e.g. Mathew M. et al., 1977, Acta. Cryst. B33: 1325; Dickens B. et al., 1974, J. Solid State Chemistry 10, 232; and Durucan C. et al., 2002, J. Mat. Sci., 37:963).
A bulk sintered TCP core material may thus be obtained by mixing powders of calcium hydrogen phosphate (CaHPO4), calcium carbonate and/or calcium hydroxide in stoichiometric ratio, calcining and sintering the mixture at a temperature in the range of 1200-1450° C., preferably about 1400° C.
A bulk sintered TTCP core material may also be obtained by the above described process.
The bulk sintered CAP material prepared by such methods may be porous with a porosity of 2 to 80 vol % and a wide distribution of pores. The porosity parameters will be selected according to the intended application of the CAP/HAP bone substitute material.
The sintered CAP core material used in step b) may be                the bulk sintered CAP core material prepared as described above,        a particulate or granulate of sintered CAP core material obtained from the bulk sintered CAP core material prepared as described above, by using conventional methods such as crushing, grinding and/or milling, and sieving, or        a preform of sintered CAP core material having a desired shape and size, e.g. a screw, a nail, a pin or a structure having the profile of an osseous body part.
Such a preform of any desired shape and size may be obtained from the bulk sintered core material prepared as described above, by using well known prototyping techniques such as CNC milling or 3D printing (see for example Bartolo P. et al., 2008, Bio-Materials and Prototyping Applications in Medicine, Springer Science New York, ISBN 978-0-387-47682-7; Landers R. et al., 2002, Biomaterials 23(23), 4437; Yeong W.-Y. et al., 2004, Trends in Biotechnology, 22 (12), 643; and Seitz H. et al., 2005, Biomed. Mater. Res. 74B (2), 782).
The aqueous solution of step b) is taught to be pure water, a simulated body fluid or a buffer. Important is that the pH value of the immersing solution of step b) is nearly neutral and remains stable throughout the transformation process, preferably within a pH range from 5.5 to 9.0.
The term "simulated body fluid" refers to any solution that mimics a body fluid. Preferably, the simulated body fluid has an ion concentration similar to that of blood plasma.
The buffer may be any buffer in the above pH range but is preferably a phosphate buffer with or without calcium, magnesium and/or sodium.
The buffer used in the Examples (see Examples 4 and 5) is an aqueous phosphate buffer.
The temperature range in step b) is generally between 10° C. and 50° C., preferably between 25 and 45° C., more preferably between 35° C. and 40° C.
The immersing step b) induces in a first phase a first-order phase transition of the CAP core material and therefore the nucleation of HAP nanocrystal precursors. During the second phase the resulting HAP precursors from the first phase will grow and establish a closed (i.e. completely coating) epitactic nanocrystalline composite layer. The first HAP nanocrystal layer must be uniform and closed and epitaxially connected to the sintered CAP core material.
During a third phase the first-order phase transition may proceed within the newly formed bilayer composite to further transform the sintered CAP core material (TCP or TTCP) into nanocrystalline HAP. During this third step of phase transition calcium ions will be released for a controllable time by a slow diffusion controlled process until a part of the sintered CAP core material has been transformed into nanocrystalline HAP. The thickness of the HAP layer and therefore the rate of calcium release can be controlled by variation of the transformation time.
The epitactically grown nanocrystalline HAP layer of appropriate thickness will be prepared in vitro, the transformation of CAP into HAP being stopped before it is completed.
As soon as the CAP/HAP bone substitute material is set in vivo, the transformation process of CAP into HAP will be reactivated by contact with the body fluids and the bone substitute material will function as a living-like system forming new hydroxyapatite similar in size and morphology to human bone mineral. During the in vivo phase transformation process the transported calcium ions will be released into the local environment supporting the local calcium equilibrium which is important and beneficial for bone regeneration processes.
Due to different regeneration times of bone defects in differently loaded regions of the body it is important that the rate of calcium release can be controlled. This can be achieved by variation of the thickness of the epitactically grown layer of hydroxyapatite.
Step c) is therefore a very critical step. The exposure time in the aqueous solution of step b) is based upon the thickness of the HAP layer desired. At least one layer of nanocrystalline HAP in epitaxial orientation is necessary. It is essential that the transformation of CAP into HAP is not finished.
The proper exposure time according to the thickness desired can be calculated by using several thermodynamic differential equations well known to the skilled person in the art of calcium phosphates, cement and concrete chemistry.
See for example: Pommersheim, J. C.; Clifton, J. R. (1979) Cem. Conc. Res.; 9:765; Pommersheim, J. C.; Clifton, J. R. (1982) Cem. Conc. Res.; 12:765; and Schliissler, K. H. Mcedlov-Petrosjan, O. P.; (1990): Der Baustoff Beton, VEB Verlag Bauwesen, Berlin.
Transferring the solution of the above mentioned differential equations to the CAP/HAP system enables the prediction of the phase transition of CAP into HAP and the thickness of the layer such that the epitactic layer of HAP can be prepared in a stable and reproducible manner.
Separating the solid material from the aqueous solution at the end of step c) is usually performed by filtration, washing and drying, using techniques well known in the art.
In the Examples of EP-B1-2445543 (namely Example 4 [0057] and Example 5 [0058]), washing is performed by washing the separated granules of the bone substitute 3 times with purified water to remove residuals from the buffered solution.
The optional sterilizing step d) may be performed by techniques well known in the art such as gamma-irradiation or X-ray radiation.
Using as taught in Examples 4 and 5 of EP-B1-2445543 an aqueous phosphate buffer for the aqueous solution of step b) and purified water to wash 3 times the separated granules at the end of step c), one obtains a biphasic calcium phosphate/hydroxyapatite (CAP/HAP) bone substitute material comprising a sintered CAP core and a closed epitactically grown layer of nanocrystalline HAP deposited on the external surface of the sintered CAP core, whereby the epitactically grown nanocrystals have the same size and morphology as human bone mineral, wherein the closed epitactically grown layer of nanocrystalline HAP deposited on the external surface of the sintered CAP core has a non-homogeneous external surface comprising individual (separated) clusters of flat crystal platelets consisting of epitactically grown HAP nanocrystals and smooth areas between the individual clusters of flat crystal platelets, the % of the external surface occupied by the smooth areas between the individual clusters of flat crystal platelets depending on the transformation time in given transformation conditions.
See FIG. 1A, which represents a SEM (scanning electron microscopy) picture of prototype 1 (1-2 mm granule) having a transformation time of 30 min wherein the smooth areas represent about 70% of the total external surface as measured by SEM and FIG. 1B, which represents an SEM picture of prototype 2 (1-2 mm granule) having a transformation time of 40 min wherein the smooth areas represent about 50% of the total external surface as measured by SEM.
WO 2015/009154 discloses a method for producing an osteoconductive material with improved osteoinductive capacity, which comprises subjecting a sintered biphasic calcium phosphate/hydroxyapatite (CAP/HAP) material having a surface topography consisting of grains to a hydrothermal treatment under a pressure of 2-4 bars at a temperature equal to or higher than 125° C. without controlling the pH for a duration sufficient to change calcium phosphate grains on the surface of the starting material into calcium phosphate needles of a diameter 10-1500 nm. A temperature of at least 125° C. and a pressure of at least 2 bars is far from the (close to the human body physiological) conditions used in EP-B1-2445543 (temperature 35-40° C., pH 5.5-9.0, ambient pressure) which enable epitactic growth of HAP nanocrystals. Those needles are not epitactically grown but attached to or deposited on the core material and only partially (usually 40-90%) coat the latter, thereby increasing its specific surface and capacity of harboring proteins, thus enhancing its osteoinductive potential.
The inventors of international PCT patent application WO-2019/115704 found that by adding 10 to 90%, preferably 20 to 60%, of a short-chain aliphatic alcohol including but not limited to methanol, ethanol, propanol or butanol to the aqueous phosphate buffer of step b) in preparation of the biphasic calcium phosphate/hydroxyapatite (CAP/HAP) bone substitute material according to EP-B1-2445543, the non-homogeneous external surface of the closed epitactically grown layer of nanocrystalline HAP deposited on the external surface of the sintered CAP core biphasic calcium phosphate/hydroxyapatite (CAP/HAP) bone substitute material, which comprises individual clusters of flat crystal platelets and smooth areas in between, is replaced by a homogeneous coarse external surface comprising flat crystal platelets without any individual crystal clusters of flat crystal platelets. That homogeneous coarse external surface generally comprises epitactically grown nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite platelets forming an interlocked network of platelets with individual platelet sizes of 0.2 to 20 μm, preferably 0.5 to 5 μm, as determined by SEM, depending on the amount of aliphatic alcohol used.
As shown by in vitro tests of osteogenic differentiation of fetal human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs), the in vivo osteogenic response is likely to be stronger for the biphasic calcium phosphate/hydroxyapatite (CAP/HAP) bone substitute material having that homogeneous coarse external surface comprising flat crystal platelets than for the biphasic calcium phosphate/hydroxyapatite (CAP/HAP) bone substitute material taught by EP-B1-2445543 which has a non-homogeneous external surface comprising individual clusters of flat crystal platelets and smooth areas in between.
The invention of international PCT patent application WO-2019/115704 thus concerns a biphasic calcium phosphate/hydroxyapatite (CAP/HAP) bone substitute material comprising a sintered CAP core and a closed epitactically grown layer of nanocrystalline HAP deposited on the external surface of the sintered CAP core, whereby the epitactically grown nanocrystals have the same size and morphology as human bone mineral, wherein the closed epitactically grown layer of nanocrystalline HAP deposited on the external surface of the sintered CAP core has a homogeneous coarse external surface comprising flat crystal platelets.
That biphasic calcium phosphate/hydroxyapatite (CAP/HAP) bone substitute material shows an increased osteogenic differentiation of fetal human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs), which is a strong indication of an enhanced in vivo osteogenic response.
The term "closed epitactically grown layer of nanocrystalline HAP deposited on the external surface of the sintered CAP core" means that the epitactically grown layer of nanocrystalline HAP completely covers the entire external surface of the sintered CAP core.
The term "homogeneous coarse external surface comprising flat crystal platelets" means that macroscopically the coarseness of the external surface caused by the flat crystal platelets is statistically evenly distributed on the surface of the CAP core without individual crystal clusters of flat crystal platelets. See FIGS. 2A-2E which represent SEM pictures of prototypes 3 to 7 of the biphasic calcium phosphate/hydroxyapatite (CAP/HAP) bone substitute material of the invention with a homogeneous coarse external surface with a varying degree of coarseness.
The term "flat crystal platelets" means crystal assemblies where the height (thickness) is considerably smaller than the width and length with respect to the three perpendicular directions. Such flat crystal platelets are clearly visible in FIG. 3B.
Generally, the homogeneous coarse external surface comprises epitactically grown nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite platelets forming an interlocked network of platelets with sizes (width and length) of 0.2 to 20 μm as determined by SEM. The larger the sizes of the platelets, the higher the coarseness of the external surface.
Preferably, the homogeneous coarse external surface comprises epitactically grown nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite platelets forming an interlocked network of platelets with sizes of 0.5 to 5 μm as determined by SEM
Usually, that homogeneous coarse external surface comprises epitactically grown hydroxyapatite platelets forming an interlocked network containing pores between 0.03 and 2 μm as determined by Mercury Intrusion Porosimetry (MIP). The higher the pore volume between 0.03 and 2 μm is, the higher is the coarseness of the external surface.
Generally, that homogeneous coarse external surface may be characterized by AFM (Atomic Force Microscopy) with an AFM-derived root mean square roughness (Rq) in a range of 50 to 400 nm and an average maximum height of the profile (Rz) in a range of 500 to 2000 nm.
Preferably, the homogeneous coarse external surface may be characterized by an AFM-derived root mean square roughness (Rq) in a range of 110 to 150 nm and an average maximum height of the profile (Rz) in a range of 550 to 750 nm.
Generally, the percentage of HAP in the biphasic calcium phosphate/hydroxyapatite (CAP/HAP) bone substitute material is from 1 to 90%, as measured by XRD.
Preferably, that percentage is from 1.5 to 30%, more preferably from 2 to 15%, as measured by XRD.
The sintered CAP core comprises tricalcium phosphate (TCP), notably α-TCP (α-Ca3(PO4)2) or β-TCP (β-Ca3(PO4)2), and/or tetracalcium phosphate (TTCP) Ca4(PO4)2O.
According to a frequently used embodiment the sintered CAP core essentially consists of TCP, α-TCP being preferred.
The epitactically grown layer of nanocrystalline HAP is structurally nearly identical to the natural human bone mineral.
The CAP/HAP bone substitute material may be a particulate or a granulate, the particles or granules having a desired size and shape. Generally, the particles or granules have a size of 250 to 5000 μm, preferably 1000 to 2000 μm.
The CAP/HAP bone substitute material may also be a shaped body, e.g. a screw, a nail, a pin or a structure having the profile of an osseous body part such as notably a hip, a clavicle, a rib, a mandible or a skull part. Such a screw, a nail or a pin may be used in reconstructive orthopedic surgery for fixing a ligament to a bone, for example in the knee or the elbow. Such a structure having the profile of an osseous body part may be used in orthopedic surgery as prosthesis for replacing a missing or defective bone or bone part.
The invention of international PCT patent application WO-2019/115704 also relates to a putty comprising particles or granules of the above defined CAP/HAP bone substitute in a suitable matrix, generally comprising natural or synthetic polymers. Generally, the particles or granules have a size of 250 to 5000 μm, preferably 1000 to 2000 μm.
The invention of international PCT patent application WO-2019/115704 further relates to a process of preparing the above defined
CAP/HAP bone substitute material comprising the steps of                a) preparing a sintered CAP core material,        b) immersing the sintered CAP core material in a buffer solution containing 10 to 90% of a short-chain aliphatic alcohol at a temperature between 10° C. and 50° C. to start the transformation process of CAP to HAP whereby a closed epitactic grown layer of nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite will be formed on the sintered CAP core material surface, whereby the epitactically grown nanocrystals have the same size and morphology as human bone mineral, wherein the closed epitactically grown layer of nanocrystalline HAP formed on the sintered CAP core material surface has a homogeneous external surface comprising flat crystal platelets,        c) stopping the transformation by separating solid material from the aqueous solution at a time when a closed coating of at least one nanocrystalline layer of HAP is present but before the transformation process is finished completely, and        d) optionally sterilizing the separated material coming from step c).
A suitable short-chain aliphatic alcohol may be selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol, propanol and butanol.
Preferably the short-chain aliphatic alcohol is ethanol.
Preferably, the buffer solution of step b) contains 20 to 60%, more preferably 30 to 50%, of a short-chain aliphatic alcohol.
The coarseness parameters of the homogeneous coarse external surface of the closed epitactically grown layer of nanocrystalline HAP deposited on the external surface of the sintered CAP core, notably                the AFM parameters: the AFM-derived root mean square roughness (Rq) and the average maximum height of the profile (Rz),        the sizes of the epitactically grown nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite platelets as determined by SEM and        the volume of pores between 0.03 and 2 μm as determined by MIPcan conveniently be adjusted by changing the percentage of the short-chain aliphatic alcohol in the buffer solution of the transformation solution.
The higher that percentage is, the lower are the AFM-derived root mean square roughness (Rq) and the average maximum height of the profile (Rz), the smaller are the sizes of the epitactically grown nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite platelets as determined by SEM and the smaller is the volume of pores between 0.03 and 2 μm as determined by MIP.
The buffer solution of step b) containing 10 to 90% of a short-chain aliphatic alcohol is obtained by mixing an aqueous buffer solution with varying amounts of a short-chain aliphatic alcohol. The aqueous buffer solution is chosen such that the pH value of the immersing solution of step b) which further contains 10 to 90% of a short-chain aliphatic alcohol is nearly neutral and remains stable throughout the transformation process, preferably within a pH range from 5.5 to 9.0, more preferably from 7.0 to 8.0.
The buffer may be any buffer in the above pH range but is preferably a phosphate buffer with or without calcium, magnesium and/or sodium.
A suitable buffer solution is e.g. a 0.05-0.3 M aqueous solution of sodium dihydrogen phosphate (NaH2PO4) with a pH value of 7.3 to 7.6.
The temperature range in step b) is generally between 10° C. and 50° C., preferably between 25 and 45° C., more preferably between 35° C. and 40° C.
Preferably step b) is carried out at a temperature of 35 to 40° C. in a phosphate buffer solution of pH from 7.0 to 8.0 containing 20 to 60% of a short-chain aliphatic alcohol.
The preparation of the sintered CAP core material may be performed by methods known in the art comprising first mixing powders of calcium hydrogen phosphate (CaHPO4), calcium carbonate and/or calcium hydroxide, then calcining and sintering the mixture within an appropriate temperature range, thereby giving a bulk sintered CAP core material (see e.g. Mathew M. et al., 1977, Acta. Cryst. B33: 1325; Dickens B. et al., 1974, J. Solid State Chemistry 10, 232; and Durucan C. et al., 2002, J. Mat. Sci., 37:963).
A bulk sintered TCP core material may thus be obtained by mixing powders of calcium hydrogen phosphate (CaHPO4), calcium carbonate and/or calcium hydroxide in stoichiometric ratio, calcining and sintering the mixture at a temperature in the range of 1200-1450° C., preferably about 1400° C.
A bulk sintered TTCP core material may also be obtained by the above described process.
The bulk sintered CAP material prepared by such methods may be porous with a porosity of 2 to 80 vol % and a wide distribution of pores. The porosity parameters will be selected according to the intended application of the CAP/HAP bone substitute material.
The sintered CAP core material used in step b) may be                the bulk sintered CAP core material prepared as described above,        a particulate or granulate of sintered CAP core material obtained from the bulk sintered CAP core material prepared as described above, by using conventional methods such as crushing, grinding and/or milling, and sieving, or        a preform of sintered CAP core material having a desired shape and size, e.g. a screw, a nail, a pin or a structure having the profile of an osseous body part.
Such a preform of any desired shape and size may be obtained from the bulk sintered core material prepared as described above, by using well known prototyping techniques such as CNC milling or 3D printing (see for example Bartolo P. et al., 2008, Bio-Materials and Prototyping Applications in Medicine, Springer Science New York, ISBN 978-0-387-47682-7; Landers R. et al., 2002, Biomaterials 23(23), 4437; Yeong W.-Y. et al., 2004, Trends in Biotechnology, 22 (12), 643; and Seitz H. et al., 2005, Biomed. Mater. Res. 74B (2), 782).
The immersing step b) induces in a first phase a first-order phase transition of the CAP core material and therefore the nucleation of HAP nanocrystal precursors. During the second phase the resulting HAP precursors from the first phase will grow and establish a closed (i.e. completely coating) epitactic nanocrystalline composite layer. The first HAP nanocrystal layer must be uniform and closed and epitactically connected to the sintered CAP core material.
During a third phase the first-order phase transition may proceed within the newly formed bilayer composite to further transform the sintered CAP core material (TCP or TTCP) into nanocrystalline HAP. During this third step of phase transition calcium ions will be released for a controllable time by a slow diffusion controlled process until a part of the sintered CAP core material has been transformed into nanocrystalline HAP. The thickness of the HAP layer and therefore the rate of calcium release can be controlled by variation of the transformation time.
The epitactically grown nanocrystalline HAP layer of appropriate thickness will be prepared in vitro, the transformation of CAP into HAP being stopped before it is completed.
As soon as the CAP/HAP bone substitute material is set in vivo the transformation process of CAP into HAP will be reactivated by contact with the body fluids and the bone substitute material will function as a living-like system forming new hydroxyapatite similar in size and morphology to human bone mineral. During the in vivo phase transformation process the transported calcium ions will be released into the local environment supporting the local calcium equilibrium which is important and beneficial for bone regeneration processes.
Due to different regeneration times of bone defects in differently loaded regions of the body it is important that the rate of calcium release can be controlled. This can be achieved by variation of the thickness of the epitactically grown layer of hydroxyapatite.
Step c) is therefore a very critical step. The exposure time in the aqueous solution of step b) is based upon the thickness of the HAP layer desired. At least one layer of nanocrystalline HAP in epitaxial orientation is necessary. It is essential that the transformation of CAP into HAP is not finished.
The proper exposure time according to the thickness desired can be calculated by using several thermodynamic differential equations well known to the skilled person in the art of calcium phosphates and cement and concrete chemistry.
See for example: Pommersheim, J. C.; Clifton, J. R. (1979) Cem. Conc. Res.; 9:765; Pommersheim, J. C.; Clifton, J. R. (1982) Cem. Conc. Res.; 12:765; and Schliissler, K. H. Mcedlov-Petrosjan, O. P.; (1990): Der Baustoff Beton, VEB Verlag Bauwesen, Berlin.
Transferring the solution of the above mentioned differential equations to the CAP/HAP system enables the prediction of the phase transition of CAP into HAP and the thickness of the layer such that the epitactic layer of HAP can be prepared in a stable and reproducible manner.
Separating the solid material from the aqueous solution is usually performed by filtration and drying, using techniques well known in the art.
The optional sterilizing step d) may be performed by techniques well known in the art such as gamma-irradiation or X-ray radiation.
Advantages of the CAP/HAP Bone Substitute Material of the Invention of International PCT Patent Application WO-2019/115704 and the Process of Preparation Thereof.
That biphasic calcium phosphate/hydroxyapatite (CAP/HAP) bone substitute material of the invention with a homogeneous coarse external surface comprising flat crystal platelets shows an increased osteogenic differentiation of fetal human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs), in particular a higher expression of differentiation markers osteopontin (OPN) and osteocalcin (OCN), compared with the biphasic calcium phosphate/hydroxyapatite (CAP/HAP) bone substitute material taught by EP-B1-2445543 which has a non-homogeneous external surface comprising individual clusters of flat crystal platelets and smooth areas in between. This is a strong indication of an enhanced in vivo osteogenic response.
This is in line with the results published by R. A. Gittens et al. in Biomaterials 2011 May, 32(13): 3395-3403, which show that the introduction of nanoscale structures in combination with micro-submicro-scale roughness improves osteoblast differentiation and local factor production, which in turn indicates the potential for improved implant osseointegration in vivo.
The process of preparation of the biphasic calcium phosphate/hydroxyapatite (CAP/HAP) bone substitute material of the invention allows to conveniently adjust the coarseness parameters of the homogeneous coarse external surface of the closed epitactically grown layer of nanocrystalline HAP deposited on the external surface of the sintered CAP core, notably                the AFM parameters: AFM-derived root mean square roughness (Rq) and average maximum height of the profile (Rz),        the sizes of the epitactically grown nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite platelets as determined by SEM and        the volume of pores between 0.03 and 2 μm as determined by MIP,by adjusting the percentage of the short-chain aliphatic alcohol in the buffer solution of the transformation solution.
The higher that percentage is, the lower are the AFM-derived root mean square roughness (Rq) and the average maximum height of the profile (Rz), the smaller are the sizes of the epitactically grown nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite platelets as determined by SEM and the smaller is the volume of pores between 0.03 and 2 μm as determined by MIP.

Collagen matrix or granulate blend of bone substitute material


The invention relates to an air outlet device (1) that includes a first blade (4), extending longitudinally and being rotatable around a longitudinal axis (A), and at least one second blade (6), extending transversely and being rotatable around a transverse axis (B), the device comprising an actuator (8) connected to the first (4) and to the second blade (6) and being rotatably secured to the first blade (4) and being translatably mobile on said first blade (4). The first blade (4) includes at least one projection (38) extending transversely from a longitudinal surface (22) of the first blade (4), the actuator (8) comprising an opposite projection (40) that extends transversely opposite said longitudinal surface (22) such that the projection (38) pushes the opposite projection (40) when the actuator (8) is translatably moved.

The aeration system of the passenger cabin of a motor vehicle generally emerges in at least one opening provided in the dashboard of the vehicle. An air outlet device closes said opening and makes it possible to control the direction of the flow of air leaving the aeration system.
Such an air outlet device for example comprises a first set of substantially horizontal blades and a second set of substantially vertical blades, the sets being rotatably mounted and extending in front of one another through the air outlet opening. Rotating the horizontal blades makes it possible to orient the flow of air upward or downward, and rotating the vertical blades makes it possible to rotate the flow of air to the right or to the left. In order to rotate the blades, an actuator is provided, for example in the form of a tongue, connected to the first and second sets of blades and rotatably secured to a horizontal blade and translatable thereon. In this way, rotating the actuator causes the rotation of the horizontal blades, while translating the actuator on the horizontal blade causes the rotation of the vertical blades.
In these devices, it is preferable for the user to feel a click when the actuator reaches an extreme position or an intermediate position when it is translated on the vertical blade. In fact, since the vertical blades are hidden by the horizontal blades, it is difficult for the user to know what position they are in. Thus, the click position allows the user to have an idea of the position of the vertical blades. To produce that click, it is for example proposed to provide a spring leaf extending from one edge of the first blade or the tongue, in the same plane as the latter parts, and a recess provided in the tongue or in the first blade, the recess also extending in the same plane as those parts. In this way, when the tongue is translated along the blade and the spring leaf is located across from the recess, the spring leaf relaxes in the recess, causing the click. Such a device is for example described in documents DE-20 2004 006 461 or DE-20 2006 009 352.
For tongues having a long translational travel on the blade, a friction element is generally provided applying a certain friction on the blade to oppose a certain resistance to translation. This element extends inside the body of the tongue between that body and the blade in the same plane as the blade and the tongue so as to be invisible from the outside of the device.
However, adding this device can be impossible due to the presence of the spring leaf extending in the same plane as the tongue and the blade. Furthermore, if one nevertheless manages to install the friction element and the spring leaf, the forces exerted in the plane of the blade are too significant for the fastening means for fastening the tongue on the blade (fastening done by clips made from plastic, for example). The presence of the spring leaf also adds an additional part to the air outlet device, which involves more complicated manufacturing and additional production costs.

Air outlet for a motor vehicle dashboard


8-Substituted-2,6-methano-3-benzazocines of general structure

Opiates have been the subject of intense research since the isolation of morphine in 1805, and thousands of compounds having opiate or opiate-like activity have been identified. Many opioid receptor-interactive compounds including those used for producing analgesia (e.g., morphine) and those used for treating drug addiction (e.g., naltrexone and cyclazocine) in humans have limited utility due to poor oral bioavailability and a very rapid clearance rate from the body. This has been shown in many instances to be due to the presence of the 8-hydroxyl group (OH) of 2,6-methano-3-benzazocines, also known as benzomorphans [(e.g., cyclazocine and EKC (ethylketocyclazocine)] and the corresponding 3-OH group in morphinanes (e.g., morphine).

The high polarity of these hydroxyl groups retards oral absorption of the parent molecules. Furthermore, the 8-(or 3-)OH group is prone to sulfonation and glucuronidation (Phase II metabolism), both of which facilitate rapid excretion of the active compounds, leading to disadvantageously short half-lives for the active compounds. Until the publications of Wentland in 2001, the uniform experience in the art of the past seventy years had been that removal or replacement of the 8-(or 3-) OH group had led to pharmacologically inactive compounds.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,784,187 (to Wentland) disclosed that the phenolic OH of opioids could be replaced by CONH2. In the cyclazocine series of opioids, it was shown that 8-carboxamidocyclazocine (8-CAC) had high affinity for μ and κ opioid receptors. In studies in vivo, 8-CAC showed high antinociception activity and a much longer duration of action than cyclazocine (15 h vs. 2 h) when both were dosed at 1 mg/kg ip in mice. Preliminary structure-activity relationship studies for 8-CAC revealed that mono-substitution of the carboxamide nitrogen with methyl or phenyl reduced binding affinity for guinea pig μ receptors 75- and 2313-fold, respectively whereas dimethylation of the carboxamide group reduced binding affinity 9375-fold. The finding that substitution of the carboxamide nitrogen had such a detrimental effect suggested that the NH2 of the amide was critical to opioid binding.

Large substituent, non-phenolic opioids and methods of use thereof

Abstract: are useful as analgesics, anti-diarrheal agents, anticonvulsants, antitussives and anti-addiction medications.


An exercise resistance cable apparatus for engagement with an activity bay of a support structure. The exercise resistance cable apparatus includes a plurality of serially connected cable/anchor modules. A first of the cable/anchor modules includes a first elastic exercise resistance cable; and, a first cable expansion anchor securely connected to a first end of the elastic exercise resistance cable. Subsequent cable/anchor modules include associated exercise resistance cables and cable expansion anchors. A hand grip is connected to a second end of the first elastic exercise resistance cable. The exercise resistance cable apparatus is particularly adapted to be used with an exercise chair having a frame with a plurality of activity bays positioned at desired locations thereon. The activity bays have slots formed therein that are disposed at the desired orientations for engagement with a cable expansion anchor of an exercise resistance cable apparatus.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to exercise devices and systems and more particularly to an exercise system that utilizes removable exercise resistance cables that connect to activity bays of a support structure.
2. Description of the Related Art
The use of resistance cables for exercising is well known in the prior art. There are a multitude of different exercise systems and devices that have been previously disclosed or are currently in the market to supply the increasing demand for physical fitness. Many of these utilize resistance cables. For example, as far back as 1902, U.S. Pat. No. 704,840, issued to J. C. Korth et disclosed the use of an exercising machine employing elastic cords. U.S. Pat. No. 3,606,321, issued to N. D. Macoulis, discloses the use of elastic cords and a pole. U.S. Pat. No. 3,843,119, issued to R. P. Davis, discloses the use of a machine for exercising the arm muscles while the user stands upon a base.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,019,734, issued to W. Lee et al discloses an elastic resistance type exercising device having a single length of latex rubber surgical tubing whose two ends are formed into size handle loops by the use of leather fasteners. The handle loops are sleeved with vinyl tubing, and plugs are inserted in each of the open ends of tubing, that have twice passed through the fasteners to form the loops, to prevent the tubing from being pulled out of the fasteners. A user grasps the handle loops or secures them about his ankles and pulls against the elastic resistance. Two additional flexible sleeves are slidably mounted over the portion of the elastic tubing between the fasteners.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,677,543, issued to J. H. Richardson, discloses a pull type exercising device including a single piece of elastic tubing with loops formed at the respective ends of the tubing by s-shaped hooks that receive folded ends of the tubing. On each looped portion there is a sleeve. A slideable ring with an anchoring attachment is mounted on a tubular member. A user inserts an arm or leg in the loops and pulls his arm or leg and pulls on the anchored tubular member.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,508,749, issued to R. L. Broadwater, discloses a portable exercise device that includes an elastic cord with two ends. Each of the ends of the cord is received into opposite sides of a coupling. A clamp element is provided around a portion of the coupling. The clamp element compresses the coupling around the elastic cord to hold the cord in place inside the coupling. A handle may be provided around the coupling. The handle may be made from a resilient material so that the hand of the user may squeeze it. Additionally, end plugs may be provided for the handle to prevent the handle from slipping off the coupling.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,251,071, issued to Craig D. Norton, discloses an exercising device that comprises an elongated elastic cord with a foot-receiving loop formed at each end and a hollow hand grip with an axial bore extending from end to end with a longitudinally extending split permitting one or two lengths of the elastic rope to be inserted into the bore. The hand grip may be squeezed by the hand for causing the wall of the bore to frictionally grip the rope. The hand muscles are exercised by this squeezing action on the hand grip and the arm and shoulder muscles are exercised when the hand grip pulls on the rope to elongate it.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,852,874, issued to C. G. Sleichter, III et al, disclose an exercise device that includes an elastic loop having free ends spliced together, generally tubular handles disposed in diametrically opposed relation to one another on the loop and an elastic retainer sleeve surrounding intermediate portions of the loop between the handles. The device is conformable for use in performing a wide variety of exercises and for performing a selected number of repetitions of each exercise by grasping the handles and stretching against the resistance load of the loop and the retainer means. The handles can be grasped either by the hands or by a combination of hands and feet to perform various exercises or may be grasped between the feet or ankle portions to perform other exercises. In modified forms of the invention, one of the handles is made rigid so as to simulate a racquet or golf club handle to be used in practicing forehand and backhand strokes or to simulate the golf swing. The exercises may be performed effectively in either the standing, sitting or fully prone position. Other modified forms of invention include an anchor strap to facilitate practicing of the golf swing and a splice for joining together free ends of the loop into a unitary member.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,733,862, issued to J. V. Miller discloses an elastic resistance exerciser comprising an elongated elastic member having a loop formed at each end, a tubular handle slidably fit onto each loop of the elastic member, and a self-locking slider having three holes; with the elastic member slidably threaded through two of the holes and terminating the end of each loop in the third hole of each slider; the slider being adjustable along the elastic member, whereby the size of the loop may be varied by moving the slider with no tension on the loop, but self-locking by the application of tension to the loop. A preferred embodiment provides a band of flexible material attached approximately to the center of the length of an elastic member having more than one elastic element.
The above-mentioned patents each use elastic cable which functions as a resistance tool for exercising the body. In some cases the elastic/rubber cable is the only thing necessary to achieve the complete workout. In other cases a secondary product, such as a door, a handle or some sort of stationary device is required in order to use the product as designed.
There are a variety of patents that disclose exercise systems related to chairs. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,470,298, issued to J. L. Curtis; U.S. Pat. No. 5,417,643, issued to M. D. Taylor; U.S. Pat. No. 5,387,171, issued to M. E. Casey; U.S. Pat. No. 5,080,353, issued to L. Teach; U.S. Pat. No. 5,044,633, issued to B. A. Rice; U.S. Pat. No. 4,921,247, issued to J. F. Sterling; U.S. Pat. No. 4,838,547, issued to J. F. Sterling; U.S. Pat. No. 4,720,099, issued to R. B. Carlson; U.S. Pat. No. 1,279,120, issued to J. H. Kellogg; U.S. Publicn No. 2002/0173412 to K. W. Stearns; and, U.S. Publicn No. 2002/0077228 to R. W. McBride each disclose chair-related related exercise devices which have generally complicated designs.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,913,423, issued to M. R. Farran, discloses a furniture article, such as a seating article, for residential and office use that includes a frame housing, one or more exercise apparatus that are located in the armrest, the back and the seating base. The frame is selectively covered to provide the seating article with the appearance of a conventional furniture article used in the home or office. Each exercise apparatus employs a cable extending through the covering to communicate a source of resistive force from within the frame to a user outside of the frame. On the end of the cable outside of the covering is a handle or a foot stirrup by which the user pulls the cable out of the seating article. A cover conceals the handle or foot stirrup as well as the end of the cable while the exercise aspects of the furniture article are not being utilized. As in the other patents, discussed above, the Farran system is somewhat complicated. Furthermore, it is non-mobile and is limited in the amount of workout routines allotted.
With the increasing population of elderly persons and their desire for increased exercise there is a concomitant growing need for exercise equipment that the elderly can easily and efficiently use. As will be disclosed below, the present invention satisfies these needs.

Exercise system using exercise resistance cables


An example method includes detecting an event in an electronic system. The electronic system includes an electronic component and a switched mode power supply. The electronic component draws an amount of power from the switched mode power supply during operation. In response to detecting the event, the electronic component is operated to cause the electronic component to change the amount of power that the electronic component draws from the switched mode power supply. The change in the amount of power that the electronic component draws causes the switched mode power supply to output a signal that is evidence of the event.

An electronic system may include a switched mode power supply. An example switched mode power supply includes circuitry configured to receive input power and to convert the input power to a desired output power. For example, a switched mode power supply may convert alternating current (AC) power to direct current (DC) power, DC power to AC power, AC power to AC power, or DC power to DC power. In an example architecture, a switching element activates and deactivates a current supply to a capacitor. The resulting switched current at the capacitor generates a desired voltage output to a load.

Communicating an event to a remote entity


A method for automatic execution of at least one program associated with a mounted medium, wherein the mounted medium is ejected from a device is provided. The method may include determining if an automatic program initiation on eject is required, wherein the determining is based on a detection of the mounted medium being mounted in the device. The method may also include registering the required automatic program initiation on eject, wherein the registering is based on the determination of the automatic program initiation on eject being required. The method may include storing an executable program content associated with the registered automatic program initiation on eject. Additionally, the method may include executing the stored executable program content, wherein the execution is based on a detection of the mounted medium being ejected from the device. The method may include deregistering the required automatic program initiation on eject.

An automatic program initiation feature (e.g., AutoRun and AutoPlay), may be a component of an operating system, such as Microsoft Windows. As such, AutoRun and AutoPlay may dictate what actions the system may take when a mountable hardware device or media, such as a USB drive, CD, or DVD is inserted into the device running the operating system. AutoPlay is based on a set of handler applications registered with the AutoPlay system. Each media type (e.g., pictures, music, and video) may have a set of registered handlers which either play or display that type of media. Additionally, each hardware device may have a default action which may occur on discovery of a particular media type, or the automatic program initiation dialog may prompt the user as to what action to take.

International Business Machines Corporation