A method and system for eliminating redundant connections, including transmitting a request to merge two connections, terminating a first portion of a first connection, terminating a first portion of a second connection, and merging a second portion of each of the first and second connections, are described. A method and system for merging connections, including receiving a request to merge two connections, terminating a first portion of a first connection, terminating a first portion of a second connection, and merging a second portion of each of the first and second connections.

The development of networking technologies facilitates the communication of various devices and makes it possible for an application to involve multiple devices. These devices, usually designed for different purposes, have different computing capabilities, memory capacity and power consumption. As a result, there are different requirements for these devices when they are involved in an application, such as file sharing and file downloading.
FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary home networking environment in which a wireless access point is connected to the Internet (via a Network Address Translation (NAT) based router (network translation device)). There are also a network attached storage (NAS) device (destination storage device/storage device), a desktop computer and several wireless clients, e.g. laptop, personal digital assistant (PDA). As used herein "/" should be interpreted as denoting alternative names for a component. A file sharing application, in an exemplary environment as depicted in FIG. 1, involves four devices: the remote file (data) server (source data server/source device), the network attached storage (NAS), an access point and at least one mobile client (e.g. laptop or PDA). While the laptop and PDA are equipped with powerful CPUs and user friendly interfaces, they are not designed to be powered on all the time. On the other hand, the wireless access point and the NAS are usually small embedded systems with slower CPUs and less memory. They are powered on most of the time.
The communication protocol used by these devices is usually TCP. However, the end-to-end nature of TCP ties all participating devices together and requires them to be active for the duration of a session. Yet, not all devices are required all of the time. For example, a PDA may be used to initiate a file downloading. What is really desired is that the file is directly downloaded from the remote file (data) server (source device) to the NAS disk (storage device) such that the PDA can be suspended when the download begins. It may not be possible to instruct the NAS to do that directly for several reasons. First, the NAS might be a dumb device, which cannot be controlled to initiate connections. Second, the initial connection setup process might require complex authentication and thus human interaction, for example, filling in user name and password, interpreting a script (e.g. java script), or solving a graph puzzle.
Conventionally, multiple connections are set up and maintained in order for the application to work properly. However, there are several disadvantages with this approach. First, the requirement that all participants be active during a session limits the mobility of mobile devices. No device can be disconnected or suspended because the proper function of the application relies upon the active TCP end points/devices. However, it is not usually desirable to keep those devices powered on all the time. For example, it might be necessary or desirable to take the notebook computer to work or the PDA might have limited battery life. Second, redundant connections consume more resources. Power is consumed keeping those devices active; extra bandwidth is required to transmit data between devices; CPU cycles are required to perform checksum calculation; memory is required for buffering packets. Finally, the redundant connections usually do not increase the reliability and performance of the application but to the contrary, redundant connections introduce more points of failure, more bottle neck links and higher latency. For example, a wireless connection is often susceptible to packet loss and connection drop. The more wireless links an application involves, the less reliable the data communication actually is.
In prior art approaches, proxies were deployed on the network address translation device. A connection to the outside can be made and kept by the proxy. Multiple devices can first connect to the network address translation device and request the same connection. So a mobile device can set up a connection and instruct another device to use this connection. However, this approach only enables sharing of a connection among certain hosts; it does not decrease the number of connections. Moreover, some dumb devices (e.g. NAS) might not even be able to initiate a connection to the network address translation device. Furthermore, due to the extra number of connections on the network address translation device, the network translation device requires more resources, e.g. data copy and checksum calculation, packet buffering, etc. TCP splicing is a similar prior art approach, but its focus is on improving proxy performance for a connection between a client and a server. It only involves three devices: client, server and proxy. Msocks, another prior art approach, makes use of TCP splicing to solve the mobility problem of the same device, i.e. when a host moves, its connection is maintained at transport level. Msocks also requires changing the application on the mobile device to link with a special library.

Method for eliminating redundant connections


A display substrate includes a pixel, first, second and third gate lines, and a source line. The pixel includes first, second and third unit pixels, each generating a different color. The first, second and third gate lines are electrically connected to respective ones of the first, second and third unit pixels. The source line is electrically connected to each of the first, second and third unit pixels. Each of the first, second and third unit pixels includes a common electrode and a respective pixel electrode. The common electrode is formed on a substrate. The pixel electrodes are disposed over the common electrode such that the pixel electrode face the common electrode. Each of the pixel electrodes has a plurality of openings therethrough. This arrangement results in a wider display viewing angle and a reduction in the required number of source driver chips.

This disclosure relates to methods for making liquid crystal display (LCD) substrates and LCDs incorporating such substrates.
LCDs typically incorporate a display panel comprising pair of substrates having electrodes formed thereon, and a layer of a liquid crystal material interposed between the two substrates. It is desirable that such displays be visible to viewers who are situated at various angles in front of them, i.e., that they exhibit a wide viewing angle.
Various technologies have been developed for implementing wide viewing angles in LCDs. Recently, in-plane switching (IPS), fringe-field switching (FFS), and other operating modes have been developed in an effort to achieve LCDs with wider viewing angles. The basic principles of the FFS mode are similar to those of the IPS mode. However, unlike the IPS mode that uses electric fields oriented parallel to a base substrate, the FFS mode uses electric fields inclined with respect to a base substrate, which induces a twist and tilt of the molecules of the liquid crystal material, which has the property of birefringence. The FFS mode is currently under research in various fields.

Display substrate, method of manufacturing the same, and liquid crystal display apparatus having the same


A liferaft system comprises a container for storing a liferaft, and at least one sheet of material for fitting over an exterior surface of the liferaft container and configured to heat an interior volume of the liferaft container.

Various types of liferafts are known that are stored in a liferaft container. The container may provide protection for the liferaft and allow for ease of handling, and also facilitate deployment of the liferaft.
FIGS. 1A-D show a known rigid container for storing an inflatable liferaft. The container, indicated generally at 10, is of generally cylindrical form. The container 10 comprises an upper half shell 12 and a lower half shell 14, each of which is generally semi-cylindrical. The container 10 may be mounted to the deck 15 of a ship or other vessel by a cradle 16, and may be fixed in place with respect of the cradle 16 (and therefore also to the ship or vessel) by straps 18.
An inflatable liferaft 11 (indicated by dashed lines in FIGS. 1C and 1D) is stored in the container 10 in its deflated state. When deployment of the liferaft is required, the straps 18 are released by deployment apparatus, and the upper half shell 12 and the lower half shell 14 are moved apart, allowing the liferaft 11 to be fully inflated. The inflation of the liferaft 11 may push the upper half shell 12 and the lower half shell 14 apart.
The liferaft container 10 of FIGS. 1A-D is a rigid container. An alternative known type of container is shown generally at 20 in FIG. 2. The container 20 is formed of flexible material. Such a container is often referred to as a valise. Portions of the container 20 are moved apart from one another in order to allow full inflation of the liferaft 11. For the flexible container of FIG. 2, a zipper or breakable seal 22 allows the container 20 to be opened and for the liferaft to be deployed. The inflation of the liferaft 11 may itself push the portions apart.
Although such known containers do provide some protection from damage to liferafts by rain, sea water and wind, the temperature of the liferafts in the containers will generally be the same as the ambient temperature on the deck 15 of the vessel.
Inflatable liferafts are inflated with an inflation gas, such carbon dioxide from a gas cylinder (which may be stored in the container). As the carbon dioxide is vented from the gas cylinder into the liferaft, the gas expands and cools.
Vessels may operate in a variety of climates and it is important that the liferafts can be deployed at any ambient temperature that is likely to be encountered. For example, the liferafts stored on the decks of vessels operating in Antarctica may be subject to the ambient temperature of an average of −35° C.
The cooling effect of the inflation gas is a particular problem when a liferaft is inflated in a low temperature environment. The expansion and cooling of the carbon dioxide can result in the formation of carbon dioxide "snow", reducing the temperature even further and possibly clogging the gas outlet.
Inflating liferafts at very low temperatures can be problematic as the fabric forming the inflatable chambers may freeze which will delay or prevent correct inflation of the liferaft, and can have serious consequences in an emergency situation.
Liferaft containers on vessels operating in low temperature environments may also accumulate a layer of ice. The layer of ice, if sufficiently thick, can stop the container from opening.
Embodiments of the present invention seek to provide improved performance for liferafts used in cold conditions.


Systems and methods for distracted driving detection are described. A method includes receiving proximate vehicle data about a proximate vehicle proximate to the host vehicle. The method also includes estimating one or more baselines for a predetermined future time for the proximate vehicle from the proximate vehicle data. The method further includes comparing current kinematic data of the proximate vehicle data for the predetermined future time to the one or more baselines. The method includes generating distraction flags associated with the proximate vehicle based on the comparison. The method also includes controlling one or more vehicle systems of the host vehicle based on the generated distraction flags.

Safe driving requires drivers' continuous attention on the roadways. Any activities and/or distractions that compete for the driver's attention while driving have the potential to degrade driving performance and can lead to serious consequences for driving safety. The activities and/or distractions may include visual distractions (e.g., looking at a portable device or a vehicle occupant in the back seat), auditory distractions (e.g., participating in a conversation with other vehicle occupants), manual distractions (e.g., physically manipulating an object), cognitive distractions (e.g., thoughts that absorb the attention of a driver, or hybrid distractions (e.g., texting on a portable device may be a visual distraction, manual distraction, and a cognitive distraction). However, because other drivers cannot see whether another driver is a distracted, it is difficult for the other drivers to identify a distracted driver. The problem of distracted driving is further exacerbated if the drivers do not recognize a distracted driver or are distracted themselves.

The Regents of the University of Michigan


A recliner has a ratchet and a guide assembled together so as to be rotatable relative to each other, and a pawl supported by the guide in a circumferential direction. The pawl is adapted to inhibit rotational movement of the ratchet relative to the guide when moved to be pushed radially outwards. The pawl is supported by guide walls formed in the guide, and the guide walls are located at circumferentially opposite sides of the pawl. Each guide wall has a recessed part (weak portion) formed at a location spaced in the circumferential direction apart from a contact face of the guide wall which is in contact with the pawl. The recessed part is adapted to undergo local stress concentration and plastic deformation due to pressing force received from the pawl when a large load that causes the pawl to undergo forced deformation in the circumferential direction is applied.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a recliner. More specifically, the invention relates to a recliner that couples a seat back with a base on a floor, such that the backrest angle of the seat back can be adjusted.
2. Description of Related Art
A vehicle seat is known in which a seat back is coupled with a seat cushion via a recliner, such that the backrest angle can be adjusted (see Japanese Patent No. 4816644). The recliner has a ratchet and a guide which are assembled together to be rotatable relative to each other, and a lock mechanism that permits and inhibits relative rotation of the ratchet and the guide. In the recliner, pawls that constitute the lock mechanism are supported by the guide. When the pawls are pushed and moved radially outwards, to be brought into meshing engagement with an inner tooth flank of the ratchet, the ratchet and the guide are inhibited from rotating relative to each other, and the recliner is placed in a locked state in which the backrest angle of the seat back is fixed.


A purification process for cyclic formals, in which water is efficiently removed from a crude cyclic formal, namely, a mixture of a cyclic formal and water which is difficult to be separated from the mixture, thereby obtaining a cyclic formal of high purity which contains only a very small amount of water.. The purification process for cyclic formals is characterized by the steps of supplying a mixture of a cyclic formal and water into a distillation tower, effecting distillation while supplying a hydrophilic solvent (A) having a boiling point from 180.degree. to 250.degree. C. into the distillation tower at a position higher than the supply position of the mixture, and taking out a purified cyclic formal as a distillate.

1. Field of the Invention:
The present invention relates to a purification process for cyclic formals which are useful as solvents, intermediates of drugs, starting materials for resins, and the like. More particularly, it relates to an economically advantageous purification process for obtaining cyclic formals of high purity which contains only a very small amount of water, in which water is efficiently removed from a mixture of a cyclic formal and water which is difficult to be separated from the mixture because of the azeotropy between cyclic formal and water.
2. Description of Related Art:
Cyclic formals typified by 1,3-dioxolan, 1,4 -butanediol formal, diethylene glycol formal, 4-methyl-1,3-dioxolan, 1,3-dioxane, 1,3,6-trioxolane, etc. are known to be obtainable from cyclizing reactions between a corresponding glycol and an aldehyde, and between a corresponding alkylene oxide and an aldehyde. For example, concerning a method for preparing a typical cyclic formal, 1,3-dioxolan, German patent No. 1914209 discloses a process for preparing it by reacting glycol with formaldehyde in the presence of an acid catalyst, and Ind. Eng. Chem., 46,787 (1954) and U.S. Pat. No. 3,857,759 both disclose a process for preparing 1,3-dioxolan by reacting glycol and paraformaldehyde in the presence of an acid catalyst.
These processes for preparing cyclic formals which employ a glycol and an aldehyde as starting materials involve drawbacks in that the cyclic formal produced and a by-produced water or water which is present in a form of an aqueous aldehyde solution often co-boil (azeotropy), thereby rendering separation of water difficult by ordinary distillation steps.
Taking 1,3-dioxolan as an example, the above mentioned German patent No. 1914209 describes that as much as 7% of water is contained. In order to obtain 1,3-dioxolan of high purity by removing water from a mixture of 1,3-dioxolan and water, the above-mentioned Ind. Eng. Chem., 46,787 (1954) discloses a process in which a reaction distillate containing 1,3-dioxolan and water is added with sodium chloride for phase separation into two phases, and the organic phase is subjected to a purifying distillation for purification, while U.S. Pat. No. 3,857,759
discloses a process in which a reaction distillate is added with cyclohexane before purification. However, the former is not suitable as an industrial purification process, and the latter raises a problem in that water cannot be separated sufficiently for obtaining 1,3-dioxolan of high purity.
These phenomena do not specifically occur only in processes for preparing 1,3-dioxolan, but are common in processes for obtaining cyclic formals which form an azeotropic system with water. Accordingly, an economical purification process for obtaining cyclic formals of high purity in which water is efficiently removed from a mixture of a cyclic formal and water has still been desired.
Under the above circumstances, the present inventors have carried out extensive studies in order to solve the aforementioned problems. Having started from the use of extraction distillation, they have conducted researches focusing on solvents to be used, leading to completion of the present invention.


A low-construction trolley for a wire rope hoist is arranged to travel along a lower flange of a horizontal rail, on both longitudinal edges thereof. The trolley includes a trolley frame; bearing wheels that are attached to the trolley frame and arranged to travel on an upper surface of the lower flange of the rail; a hoisting mechanism including a rope drum for a hoisting rope, a hoisting member in cooperation with the hoisting rope for hoisting a load, a hoisting motor for driving the rope drum, and a gear to interconnect the hoisting motor and the rope drum; whereby the rope drum is supported to one side of the trolley frame and the hoisting member is arranged to travel under the rail in a vertical plane (A) passing substantially through the middle of the beam. For balancing the trolley without using a counterweight, the hoisting motor is placed under the rail and at least partly on a different side than the rope drum in relation to a vertical plane (B) passing through contact lines of the bearing wheels that touch the lower flange of the rail on the rope drum side.

The invention relates to a low-construction trolley for a wire rope hoist, arranged to travel along a lower flange of a horizontal beam or rail, whereby the trolley comprises a trolley frame; bearing wheels that are attached to the frame of the trolley and arranged to travel on an upper surface of the lower flange of the beam or rail, on both longitudinal edges thereof, and at least some of which are driven wheels to move the trolley; a hoisting mechanism comprising a rope drum for a hoisting rope, a hoisting member in cooperation with the hoisting rope for hoisting a load, a hoisting motor for driving the rope drum, and a gear to interconnect the hoisting motor and the rope drum, whereby the rope drum is supported to one side of the trolley frame and the hoisting member is arranged to travel under the beam or rail, in a vertical plane passing substantially through the middle of the beam or rail.
A low-construction trolley is a common overhead trolley type for lightweight bridge cranes with one main support. The basic idea behind it is to save hall height by occupying as little space as possible in the vertical direction.
In a-low construction trolley the hoisting device parts are distributed on both sides of one main support so that a lifting hook may be hoisted very close to the main support (yet still under the beam on a neutral axis) in order to make the crane assembly as low as possible. An essential part of this trolley type is its capability to adjust to beams of different widths because the device is used on different kinds of crane main supports. As distinct from this type are a trolley there is trolley of a standard structure, in which the hoisting mechanism parts are fixedly in relation to another as a package under the main support and fastened to adjustable wheel plates forming the trolley, or a monorail type trolley, which is meant to travel on an I profile rail and thus without the possibility to adjust the trolley wheel track. Publication WO 0232800 A2, for example, shows a standard construction trolley. Publications GB 1158109 A and US 145569, in turn, show monorail trolleys.
As a result of the external shape that occupies little space in the vertical direction, the heaviest parts of a low-construction trolley, i.e. the hoisting mechanism and the rope drum, are found on the same side of the main support. Due to this, there is an imbalance between the opposite sides of the main support, and thus a counterweight is typically used in an attempt to compensate for it. The imbalance is harmful because when the trolley is driven without a load, the friction force of the driving bearing wheels may remain too low and cause the wheels to slip. An alternative for a counterweight is to even out the imbalance of the trolley by a contact with the lower surface of the lower flange of the main support, i.e. the horizontal beam or rail mentioned at the beginning. Patents U.S. Pat. No. 7,234,400 B2 and EP 0620179 B1 disclosing low-construction trolleys represent examples of this solution. A feature they have in common is that the support to the lower surface of the lower flange of the rail is achieved by spring-tensioned wheels, particularly on the lower flange side facing away from the hoisting mechanism.
Disadvantages of prior art solutions for balancing the trolley are, in particular, that the trolley becomes heavier and its structure more complicated. Moreover, some of these solutions do not necessarily fully solve the problem of imbalance. Instead, as the structure becomes more complex, other disadvantages appear, for example increase in costs and in the need for maintenance of the trolley. Additional parts also restrict the positioning of the different trolley components, or make it difficult.

Low-construction trolley for wire rope hoist


A high-voltage line for motor-vehicle high voltage includes an interior tube surrounding an interior cavity of the high-voltage line, an electrically conducting interior conductor surrounding the interior tube, an intermediate insulation surrounding the interior conductor, an electrically conducting outer conductor surrounding the intermediate insulation, and an outer insulation surrounding the outer conductor. The outer insulation, the outer conductor, the intermediate insulation, the interior conductor, and the interior tube are disposed coaxial to one another.

The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.
The present disclosure is described herein primarily in regard to cables for vehicle electrical systems. However, the disclosure can be used for any application where electromagnetic fields of cables are to be compensated, and alternatively or additionally, when heat is to be transported away from the cables.

High-voltage line and high-voltage system


A surveying device includes: an angle-of-view value acquisition unit which acquires the angle of view of a telescope; and a manipulation amount correction unit which, on the basis of the angle of view acquired by the angle-of-view value acquisition unit, corrects the displacement amount of the telescope such that the displacement amount of the telescope with respect to the rotation amounts of a horizontal tangent screw and a vertical tangent screw when the angle of view of the telescope is a first angle of view is smaller than the displacement amount of the telescope with respect to the rotation amounts of the horizontal tangent screw and the vertical tangent screw when the angle of view of the telescope is a second angle of view wider than the first angle of view.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2008-76105A discloses a surveying device in which a telescope block including a digital camera unit and a collimating telescope is mounted on a leveling table that freely rotates central to a horizontal axis and a vertical axis.
As such a device, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2000-346647A discloses a surveying device in which a telescope unit is mounted on a base plate that freely rotates central to a horizontal axis and a vertical axis. The surveying device of Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2000-346647A includes a tangent screw for rotationally manipulating (manipulating the displacement of) the telescope unit central to the horizontal axis and a tangent screw for rotationally manipulating (manipulating the displacement of) the telescope unit central to the vertical axis.

Surveying control device, surveying device, control method for surveying device, and control program therefor


This document describes, among other things, a computer-implemented method. The method includes obtaining a structured data object that having a plurality of nodes that represent elements in the data object. One or more tables that define a table representation of the data object can be generated. The one or more tables can include a plurality of table entries that correspond to the plurality of nodes, respectively. For each of one or more first nodes from among the plurality of nodes, the method can include identifying information about one or more second nodes that are determined to be adjacent or otherwise related to the first node by performing window functions along two or more coordinate systems in the one or more tables. The window function can be centered on a particular table entry that corresponds to the first node of the data object.

Computer programs have been developed to perform various operations on structured data objects. Structured data objects include a collection of elements that are arranged with respect to each other in a defined manner. Some examples of structured data objects include images, videos, dense graphs, and crystal lattices. For example, a two-dimensional grayscale image may have many pixels that are arranged into a grid of rows and columns, which may be stored as a two-dimensional array of pixels in computer memory. Image processing techniques have been developed that operate on such a two-dimensional array of pixels when the image is loaded into memory. For example, color filters, smoothing, blurring, and sharpening filters have been developed to operate on an array of pixels in an image. With advances in the capabilities of cameras and other technological systems, the resolution of digital images and, more generally, the size (e.g., element count) of other data objects has continued to increase.


A control system has blocks or other components that facilitate validation of their own replacements, e.g., downloaded via e-commerce transactions. The system includes first and second process control components. The first component is coupled to a third process control component, with which it transfers information, e.g., as part of an active or ongoing control process. The second component can be, for example, an update or other potential replacement for the first component. The first and/or second components can effect substitution of the second component for the first. More particularly, they can effect coupling of the second component for information transfer with the third component and decoupling of the first component from such transfer with the third component. Preferably, such coupling and decoupling occur while the process control system remains active.

The invention pertains to control systems and, more particularly, to methods and apparatus for distributing, installing and/or validating components of such systems.
The terms xe2x80x9ccontrolxe2x80x9d and xe2x80x9ccontrol systemsxe2x80x9d refer to the control of a device or system by monitoring one or more of its characteristics. This is used to insure that output, processing, quality and/or efficiency remain within desired parameters over the course of time. In many control systems, digital data processing or other automated apparatus monitor the device or system in question and automatically adjust its operational parameters. In other control systems, such apparatus monitor the device or system and display alarms or other indicia of its characteristics, leaving responsibility for adjustment to the operator.
Control is used in a number of fields. Process control, for example, is typically employed in the manufacturing sector for process, repetitive and discrete manufactures, though, it also has wide application in electric and other service industries. Environmental control finds application in residential, commercial, institutional and industrial settings, where temperature and other environmental factors must be properly maintained. Control is also used in articles of manufacture, from toasters to aircraft, to monitor and control device operation.
Digital data processing is firmly entrenched in the control systems. System designers increasingly rely on software to add functionality and flexibility to their systems. The installation and validation of process control system components, for example, has generally been quite simplistic. When a new hardware component is to be installed, an operator or test engineer must take the system offline, install the new component, bring the system back online, and monitor the operation of the component. If satisfied, the engineer makes the installation permanent.
The I/A Series process control systems, manufactured by the assignee hereof, represent a major advance in this technology. They utilize a fault-tolerant architecture in which each control processor (CP), for example, has a redundant, shadow partner. Either of the partners can be replaced or updated while the system is still in operation. To this end, one of the CPs is placed in active mode, while its partner is being upgraded. The upgraded unit is then brought on-line, but only in shadow mode. Its operation is monitored by the engineer or operator, e.g., who compares its output with that of the active CP. If satisfied with the upgraded unit, the engineer can make it active, so that the remaining original CP can be upgraded. Redundant, fault-tolerant operation resumes once both CPs are similarly upgraded.
While the prior art techniques have proven effective to date, the ever increasing complexity of control systems render those techniques problematic. The physical replacement of hardware components, for example, can render maintenance unduly costly. This is exacerbated if the engineer must remain at a remote site until validation of the replacement is complete.
The replacement of software components is only somewhat less demanding. Apart from the aforementioned I/A Series systems, the prior art typically demands that an entire system be upgraded or, at least, taken off-line in order for an upgrade to be performed and tested. Moreover, the replacement of software components in prior art systems requires that the engineer be present at the replacement site, remaining there until the replacement is validated.
An object of this invention is to provide methods and apparatus that overcome these shortcomings. More particularly, an object is to provide improved methods and apparatus that facilitate the distribution, installation and validation of control systems and components.
A further object of the invention is to provide such methods and apparatus as facilitate the installation of components into active or on-line control systems.
A still further object of the invention is to provide such methods and apparatus as facilitate the distribution of control system components, e.g., from a manufacturer""s site, and their installation, e.g., at a remote site.
Yet a still further object of the invention is to provide such methods and apparatus as can be readily implemented on existing digital data processing apparatus or special purpose control apparatus.
Still yet further related objects of the invention are to provide such methods and apparatus as can be applied in process control systems, environmental control systems, and the like.
The foregoing are among the objects attained by the invention, which provides in one aspect a control system with blocks or other components that facilitate validation of their own replacements. Further aspects of the invention provide control systems in which the components to be validated are downloaded and installed from a remote site, e.g., via e-commerce transaction.
Thus, in one aspect, the invention provides a control system that includes first and second control components, e.g., flow control objects for a process control system. The first component is coupled to a third control component, with which it transfers information, e.g., as part of an active or ongoing control process. The third component can be, for example, a temperature control object with which the first component (e.g., a flow control object) is in a cascaded arrangement. The second component can be, for example, an update or other potential replacement for the first component. Thus, for example, if the first component is a flow control object, the second component can be a similar control object with new or improved functionality.
The first and/or second components of a control system according to this aspect of the invention can effect substitution of the second component for the first. More particularly, they can effect coupling of the second component for information transfer with the third component and decoupling of the first component from such transfer with the third component. Preferably, such coupling and decoupling occur while the control system remains active.
According to a related aspect of the invention, prior to its substitution for the first component, the second component is coupled to receive information from the third component and/or any sources from which the first component receives information. The second component, however, is at least temporarily prevented from outputting information to any sinks to which the first component sends information. Instead, the output of the second component can be routed, along with that of the first component, to one or more comparators. These can reside elsewhere in the control system, e.g., in a supervisor object, or within the first and/or second components themselves. Substitution of the second component for the first rests on the success of comparison of their outputs and, in most applications, on confirmation by the operator or test engineer.
By way of example, a comparator can check the output of a newly installed flow control object against the output of an old object it is intended to replace. The comparator can notify the operator of the results of the comparison and, if the operator approves, the new object can be substituted for the old.
Further aspects of the invention provide a control system as described above in which one or more stores, e.g., pointers, symbols, variables, matrices, arrays, tables, records, databases, files, or other information stores, identify relationships between components and, more particularly, their respective sources and sinks. A list maintained in the first component, for example, can identify its various parameters that are sinks for the third component and, likewise, parameters in the third (or other components) for which it (the first component) is the source. Substitution of the second component for the first may be effected, for example, by replacing all connections to/from the first component with connections to/from the second component.
Still further aspects of the invention provide a control system as described above in which the first and second components are resident on a control processor, a xe2x80x9csmartxe2x80x9d field device, or on another digital data processor-based control device. The configured second component can be downloaded to that device, e.g., from a control system work station, while the control system is active and while the first component is operational, e.g., exchanging information with the third component. By way of further example, downloading from a manufacturer""s site to the workstation can be effected as part of a contracted-for maintenance transaction, an upgrade transaction and/or as part of an e-commerce transaction, e.g., between the customer and the manufacturer. Such downloading, moreover, can be instigated by the customer or, automatically, by the first component or a software agent within the control system.
Yet still further aspects of the invention provide methods for control and methods for distributing and/or installing control components paralleling the operations described above.

Process control system and method with improved distribution, installation and validation of components


A spark plug includes a center electrode, a ground electrode opposing the center electrode in such a manner as to define a spark discharge gap between the center electrode and the ground electrode, and an igniter fixed to at least one of the center electrode and the ground electrode in such a manner as to face the spark discharge gap. The igniter is composed of a metallic material whose principal component is one of a platinum and an iridium. One type of the metallic material of the igniter contains an oxygen content of not more than 120 ppm. Another type of the metallic material of the igniter has a crystal grain of not less than 50 μm in mean diameter, and contains the oxygen content of not more than 300 ppm.

The present invention relates to a spark plug and a method of producing the spark plug.
Conventionally, the spark plug has an electrode having a chip at an end of the electrode. The chip is so welded as to form an igniter. It is Pt (platinum) that is used for a principal component of the chip of the electrode, to thereby improve spark durability. Recently, in order to further improve the spark durability, as the case maybe, Ir (iridium) replaces Pt for the main component of the chip of the electrode of the spark plug.
The spark plug having the above one of Pt and Ir as the material of the igniter is used for a gas engine. For example, the gas engine is the one referred to as a cogeneration gas engine which utilizes both emission heat and combustion heat. In this case, during a combustion process of a mixture in a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine, the igniter of the spark plug is likely to be subjected to a cooling-and-heating cycle. More specifically, the cooling-and-heating cycle causes a quick cooling during a mixture intake process, and a quick heating during a mixture combustion process. Such cooling-and-heating cycle is more likely to occur to a lean burn engine which is designed to reduce NOx and the like contained in emission gas.
The cooling-and-heating cycles (heavy duty) repeatedly applied to the igniter causes the igniter to have its metal surface peeled. The thus peeled metal piece is melted by a discharge, to thereby cause a sweat (a phenomenon in which the melted metal piece jumps, and then re-adheres). The peel and the sweat may cause the metal pieces to be accumulated across a spark discharge gap, to thereby cause a bridging. This is likely to cause an ignition failure attributable to a short gap. Especially, many of the spark plugs for the gas engine are likely to cause the bridging and the like since the gap of the gas engine is so small as to obtain a lower discharge voltage.

Spark plug and method of producing spark plug


Embodiments of the present disclosure include a systems and methods for concurrent wireless transmission. In one embodiment the present disclosure includes a wireless transmission method. A first wireless device may determine that a first wireless transmission using a first protocol between a plurality of wireless devices is not intended for processing by the first wireless device. The first wireless device may determine if a first power level of the first wireless transmission is below a threshold. The first wireless device may perform a second wireless transmission using a second protocol between the first wireless device and at least a second wireless device during the first wireless transmission when the first power level is below the threshold. A second power level of the second wireless transmission may be set to a first value determined based on the threshold. In other embodiments, techniques for sending packets concurrently are disclosed.

The present disclosure relates generally to wireless communications, and in particular, to systems and methods for concurrent transmission by multiple wireless devices.
Wireless access points are wireless communication devices that allow other wireless enabled devices (e.g., cell phones, laptop computers, or tablet computers) to connect to a wired communication network. Wireless access points are typically designed to support wireless communications using one or more particular protocols, such as one or more 802.11 protocols (e.g., 802.11b/g/a/n/ac). With the rapid growth of wireless networking, the prevalence and density of wireless access points continues to increase. When wireless access points are placed in close proximity to each other, transmissions from one device may interfere with transmissions from another device. Typically, when two devices in close proximity are performing transmissions, the devices may listen on a particular channel to make sure the channel is clear. If one wireless access point is transmitting on the channel, the other wireless access point may wait for the transmission to end before performing its own transmission.
One particular wireless communication protocol, 802.11ax, allows two wireless access points to transmit at the same time on the same channel under certain conditions. However, if one wireless access point is transmitting using the 802.11ax protocol and the other wireless access point is a legacy system that is unable to implement the 802.11ax protocol, concurrent transmission may not be performed.
More generally, techniques for performing and optimizing concurrent wireless transmissions would be advantageous to increase data throughput of a network, especially in networks operating in overlapping regions with mixed protocol wireless devices, for example.

Systems and methods for concurrent transmission by multiple wireless devices


An image processing apparatus for editing moving image data of successive frames to which a time code of a same value is made to correspond every first predetermined number of frames, the moving image data being coded on a unit basis of a coding unit which includes a second predetermined number of frames, obtains information regarding the coding unit from management information of the moving image data, determines a candidate of an editing point of the moving image data based on the obtained information and the time code made to correspond to the frames of the moving image data, sets the editing point of the moving image data based on a designated editing point and the determined candidate, and edits the moving image data according to the set editing point.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and, more particularly, to an image processing apparatus for editing moving image data, an image processing method, and a program.
2. Description of the Related Art
In the related art, such a technique that an editing point (In-point, Out-point) of a moving image is determined by using time code information added to moving image data and then an editing is performed is known (for example, refer to the Official Gazette of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-252940). A time code indicates an hour, a minute, a second, and a frame. The number of frames in the time code is set by a broadcasting method. For example, in the case of NTSC, 0 to 29 are added as frames, and in the case of PAL, 0 to 24 are added.
In the related art, such a technique that a moving image is coded by an MPEG method or the like also is known. In MPEG, each frame of the moving image is coded by one of an intra-frame coding, a forward-prediction motion compensation inter-frame coding, and a bidirectional-prediction motion compensation inter-frame coding. In MPEG, the coding is performed on a unit basis called a GOP (Group of Picture) constructed by intra-frame coding frames (I frames), forward-prediction inter-frame coding frames (P frames), and bidirectional-prediction inter-frame coding frames (B frames) of a predetermined number.
Therefore, in the case of editing the moving image data coded by the MPEG method, a dividing or combining process is executed on a GOP unit basis.
In recent years, a moving image of a high frame rate (the number of frames per unit time) is handled. For example, among consumer-use video cameras, a video camera which can photograph a moving image of 60 frames/second (fps) has been proposed. In the case where a time code is added to the moving image of such a high frame rate, the time code of the same value is added to a plurality of frames.
In the case where the time code of the same value is added to a plurality of frames in an overlap manner as mentioned above, if an editing is performed by using the time code in a manner similar to that in the related art, there is such a problem that the moving image subjected to the editing is missing a frame or the moving image data is not combined at a desired position of the user.

Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and program


An electrical connector includes a dielectric housing having a tongue including an upper surface, a lower surface, and opposite side surfaces. A plurality of signal contacts are held by the housing and are exposed along the upper surface. At least one power contact is held by the housing and is exposed along one of the opposite side surfaces. Optionally, the tongue and signal contacts define an eSATA mating interface configured for mating with a plug of a serial cable defining an eSATA plug interface.

The subject matter herein relates generally to an electrical connector having signal and power contacts, and more particularly to an electrical connector having a tongue and an array of contacts on a periphery of the tongue.
Electrical connectors that comply with the Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) standard are known. These connectors provide input/output connections for data storage devices in computer assemblies. There is a special connector (eSATA) specified for external data storage devices, and eSATA connectors are also known. These eSATA connectors include a housing having a tongue and contacts arrayed along one surface of the tongue. The contacts include signal contacts and ground contacts.
Computers and external data storage devices using known eSATA connectors are not without disadvantages. For instance, the external data storage devices typically require power to the device. Separate power connections are provided to the external data storage device in addition to the data connection provided by the eSATA connectors. The power is usually provided by an external power connector or a USB connector. Provision of multiple connectors to the external storage device complicates the interconnection and usability of such devices.
There is a need for a data and power connector for external data storage devices that can be accomplished in a simplified manner. There is a need to add power contacts to an eSATA connector without changing the physical dimensions of the connector.

Electrical connector having signal and power contacts


An improved pressure sensor element and pressure sensor array is formed by a cathode layer, a cathode tip attached to the cathode layer, and an anode layer opposing the cathode layer. The magnitude of the electron current flowing between the cathode tip and the anode layer is dependant on the field strength at the cathode tip, which is dependant on the separation between the cathode tip and the anode layer. As a deflectable anode layer is deflected towards the cathode tip, the field strength increases, causing a corresponding change in the magnitude of the flow of electrons. The cathode tip is separated from the anode layer such that electron current is produced at relatively low voltages by tunneling or field emission. The exact method of current production is selected by controlling the initial separation between the anode layer and the cathode tip. Pressure sensor elements are produced using a series of fabrication processes including forming a hole in an insulating layer deposited on the cathode layer, depositing a cathode having a cathode tip into the hole thus formed, and bonding the anode layer onto the insulating layer, thereby forming a pressure sensor element. A plurality of pressure sensor elements are fabricated into pressure sensor arrays by this method. Pressure sensor elements or pressure sensor arrays are thus produced at low cost.

There are many applications where accurate measurement of pressure requires the use of miniaturized pressure sensors, including monitoring of physiological parameters, process monitoring of industrial facilities and automobile performance monitoring. In medical applications, miniaturized sensors are used for both invasive and non-invasive measurement of blood pressure as well as measurement of other body pressures for diagnostic purposes. In many instances, improved monitoring of the parameters of interest requires the use of closely spaced sensing devices. Blood pressure measurement by tonometry, for example, requires pressure sensors narrower than the underlying artery and is facilitated by sensor element spacing smaller than the artery width.
Many of the pressure sensors employed for medical monitoring are based on strain gage or capacitance measurement techniques. U.S. Pat. No. 4,881,410, for example, discloses a silicon pressure sensor based on capacitance measurement which requires fabricating a sophisticated structure of metal and silicon on the surface of a chip. The pressure sensitivity of the device is controlled by scaling the dimensions of the sensor. U.S. Pat. No. 4,771,638 discloses a pressure sensor operating on the strain gage principle. Sensors such as those described above are generally built in layers parallel to the underlying substrate of the micro chip. The large surface areas needed by these conventional sensors to produce signals large enough for accurate measurement limits the density of pressure sensing devices on the chip surface.
Although field emitter arrays have been used in semiconductor devices, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,721,885 and 4,835,438, and have also been used as electron sources in semiconductor and cathode ray tube (CRT) displays, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,766,340, heretofore pressure sensors have not been produced using such a technique or incorporating such a device.

Miniature pressure sensor and pressure sensor arrays


Genetically engineered hematopoietic cells such as hematopoietic stem cells having one or more genetically edited genes of lineage-specific cell-surface proteins and therapeutic uses thereof, either alone or in combination with immune therapy that targets the lineage-specific cell-surface proteins.

A major challenge in designing targeted therapies is the successful identification of proteins that are uniquely expressed on cells that would be therapeutically relevant to eliminate (e.g., abnormal, malignant, or other target cells) but not present on cells that one does not wish to eliminate (e.g., normal, healthy, or other non-target cells). For example, many cancer therapeutics struggle to effectively target cancer cells while leaving normal cells unharmed.
An alternative strategy that has emerged involves targeting an entire cell lineage, which includes targeting normal cells, cancer cells, and pre-cancerous cells. For example, CD19-targeted chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR T cells) and anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies (e.g. Rituximab) each target B cell lineage proteins (CD19 and CD20, respectively). While potentially effective in treating B cell malignancies, use of such therapies is limited as elimination of B cells is detrimental. Similarly, targeting lineage-specific proteins of other cell populations, for example, myeloid lineage cells (e.g., cancers arising from myeloid blasts, monocytes, megakaryocytes, etc) is not feasible, as these cell populations are necessary for survival.
Thus, there remains an unmet need to effectively target cells of interest, e.g., cancer cells, without targeting or harming normal cell populations.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Genetically engineered hematopoietic stem cells and uses thereof


An apparatus including a radio receiver mounted interiorly of a welding helmet adjacent an upper edge thereof, with a plurality of speakers selectively securable adjacent an interior surface of the helmet. A modification of the invention includes a flexible semi-circular speaker cup mounting each audio head phone therewithin to enhance audio transmission, as well as hook members to secure excessive speaker wire relative to each head phone. The head phone wires are mounted utilizing cooperative hook and loop fastener strips to secure the head phone wires within the helmet, as required.

1. Field of the Invention
The field of invention relates to welding helmets, and more particularly pertains to a new and improved audio helmet apparatus wherein the welding helmet contains a radio receiver and associated speaker arrangement mounted therewithin.
2. Description of the Prior Art
To assist in entertainment of individuals during a welding procedure, a self-contained radio receiver is provided by the instant invention to overcome boredom and monotony during repetitive or uneventful periods in a welding procedure. The instant invention attempts to overcome deficiencies of the prior art by providing such an organization with a relatively low volume output speaker arrangement to avoid distraction of an individual during a welding procedure and avoid various environmental noises to permit an individual to remain alert to various surrounding hazards. Prior art welding helmet organizations have been set forth in the prior are and have heretofore failed to provide such a self-contained unit, wherein U.S. Pat. No. 3,549,831 to Forney sets forth a welding helmet arrangement utilizing a broadcasting speaker arrangement arranged to direct a communication by an individual from interiorly of a helmet structure.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,258,534 to Goldesworthy sets forth a loud speaker arrangement in association with a safety helmet in a similar manner as the Forney organization, as noted above.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,729,132 to Fierro sets forth a sports helmet utilizing an air-activated heat generating element within the helmet structure.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,347,229 to Heitman sets forth a latch operated microphone switch for use with a breathing mask organization.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,422,224 to Curran sets forth a hat structure utilizing a microphone and an associated voice application organization.
As such, it may be appreciated that there continues to be a need for a new and improved audio helmet apparatus wherein the same addresses both the problems of ease of use as well as effectiveness in construction in providing selective entertainment to an individual to minimize boredom and mental fatigue in a welding organization, and particularly during welding for extended periods of time.


Improved magnetic devices have been fabricated by replacing the conventional seed layer (typically Ta) with a bilayer of Ru on Ta. Although both Ru and Ta layers are ultra thin (between 5 and 20 Angstroms), good exchange bias between the seed and the AFM layer (IrMn about 70 Angstroms thick) is retained. This arrangement facilitates minimum shield-to-shield spacing and gives excellent performance in CPP, CCP-CPP, or TMR configurations.

The principle governing the operation of most magnetic read heads is the change of resistivity of certain materials in the presence of a magnetic field (magneto-resistance or MR). Magneto-resistance can be significantly increased by means of a structure known as a spin valve where the resistance increase (known as Giant Magneto-Resistance or GMR) derives from the fact that electrons in a magnetized solid are subject to significantly less scattering by the lattice when their own magnetization vectors (due to spin) are parallel (as opposed to anti-parallel) to the direction of magnetization of their environment.
The key elements of a spin valve are illustrated in FIG. 1. They are lower magnetic shield 10 on which is seed layer 11. Antiferromagnetic (AFM) layer 12 is on seed layer 11. Its purpose is to act as a pinning agent for a magnetically pinned layer. The latter is typically a synthetic antiferromagnet formed by sandwiching antiferromagnetic coupling layer 14 between two antiparallel ferromagnetic layers 13 (AP2) and 15 (AP1).
Next is a copper spacer layer 16 on which is low coercivity (free) ferromagnetic layer 17. Capping layer 18 lies atop free layer 17. When free layer 17 is exposed to an external magnetic field, the direction of its magnetization is free to rotate according to the direction of the external field. After the external field is removed, the magnetization of the free layer will stay at a direction, which is dictated by the minimum energy state, determined by the crystalline and shape anisotropy, current field, coupling field and demagnetization field.
If the direction of the pinned field is parallel to the free layer, electrons passing between the free and pinned layers suffer less scattering. Thus, the resistance in this state is lower. If, however, the magnetization of the pinned layer is anti-parallel to that of the free layer, electrons moving from one layer into the other will suffer more scattering so the resistance of the structure will increase. The change in resistance of a spin valve is typically 10-20%.
Earlier GMR devices were designed to measure the resistance of the free layer for current flowing parallel to its two surfaces. However, as the quest for ever greater densities has progressed, devices that measure current flowing perpendicular to the plane (CPP) have also emerged.
Another consideration is the R.A product. This is the resistance of the CPP device times its cross-sectional area. Normally, the transverse resistance of a layer increases as its cross-sectional area decreases so the R.A product tends to be a constant. However, by arranging for the current path to be confined to only certain parts of the free layer, a larger value for R.A can be achieved. Devices of this type are referred to as CCP (confined current path) devices.
If copper spacer layer 16 in FIG. 1 is replaced by a very thin layer of insulating material, a magnetic tunneling junction (MTJ) device that depends on the TMR (tunneling magneto resistance) effect is formed. In this device, the tunneling current that passes through layer 16 (when it is an insulator) from layer 15 to layer 17, is measurably larger when the directions of magnetization of layers 15 and 17 are parallel (as opposed to antiparallel).
Typically, in both TMR and CPP-GMR head structures, a bottom synthetic spin valve type film stack has been employed for biasing reasons, together with a Ta—NiCr based seed layer for the AFM and a CoFe/NiFe composite free layer.
In a typical TMR or CPP spin valve structure of any case shown above, the conventional seed layer thickness of Ta/NiCr is about 70 Å, and the AP1 or AP2 thickness is in the range of 20-50 Å, and the free layer thickness is in the range of 30-60 Å. For ultra-high density read head applications, a thinner total film stack thickness is preferred in order to achieve higher resolution. Since reducing the magnetic layer thickness also reduces the MR ratio of TMR or CPP, it would be preferable to reduce the thickness of the nonmagnetic layers. The present invention provides a solution to this problem.
A routine search of the prior art was performed with the following references of interest being found:
U.S. Patent Application 2004/0179311 (Lin et al) Headway states that Ta and NiCr form a typical seed layer. U.S. Pat. No. 6,936,903 (Anthony et al) and U.S. Pat. No. 6,919,594 (Sharma et al) both make reference to seed layers of Ta/Ru. but neither invention gives details concerning their thicknesses. Nor do they specify that these may be used with a pinning layer of IrMn of the thickness taught by the present invention.
U.S. Patent Application 2005/0164414 (Desk) teaches that the seed layer may be NiFe, Cu, or other materials and have a thickness of 5 to 50 Angstroms. U.S. Patent Application 2005/0174702 (Gill) describes a seed layer comprising 30 Angstroms of Ta and 20 Angstroms of NiFeCr. U.S. Pat. No. 6,903,904 (Li et al) Headway discloses a seed layer of Ta/NiFe of 30-70 Angstroms.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,806,804 (Saito et al) teaches a 30 Angstrom NiFe seed layer over a Ta underlayer. U.S. Pat. No. 6,862,159 (Hasegawa) shows a Ta/Cr or Ta/NiFe seed layer where the Cr or NiFe layer is 30 Angstroms thick. Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 6,862,158 (Hasegawa et al) teaches a Ta/Cr seed layer formed using Ar gas wherein the Cr layer is 15-50 Angstroms. It is stated that under 15 Angstroms, the Cr layer is not uniform.

Ultra thin seed layer for CPP or TMR structure


The present invention provides a method and system for presenting three-dimensional computer graphics images using multiple graphics processing units. The dimensions of the scene to be rendered are bounded by a rectangular volume decomposed into rectangular subvolumes. Vertices of graphics primitives are compared with subvolume boundaries to determine to which subvolume a graphics primitive should be assigned. A GPU is assigned to each subvolume to render the graphics data that lies within it. A viewing position point is determined and communicated to each GPU. Rendered graphics data from each GPU are ordered based upon the viewing position Outputs of the individual GPUs are combined by blending within an image combiners. Outputs of image combiners can be presented for viewing or further combined in a subsequent stage image combiner.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to computer graphics technology.
2. Related Art
As with any type of information processing, computer graphics rendering as used for viewing a static data base has long been the subject of attempts to improve performance. Since the commoditization of computer graphic processing chips for personal computers, one method that has become particularly attractive is to use multiple numbers of these powerful (yet inexpensive) graphic processing units (GPUs) to render a single scene. Although in the archetypical rendering application, the graphic data move from frame to frame under the user's interactive control, a significant number of graphic applications can be characterized as "viewers".
In these applications, the data have been pregenerated such that their three-dimensional positions in space are not under the interactive control of the user. However, in a viewer application the user does have interactive control of the viewer's position, the direction of view, and the scale of the graphic data. The user also may have control of the selection of a subset of the data and the method by which it is rendered. This includes the effects of lighting, coloration, and other visual characteristics of the underlying data.
There are two predominant methods for rendering graphic data with multiple GPUs. These include time domain composition, in which each GPU renders the next successive frame, and screen space composition, in which each GPU renders a subset of the pixels of each frame.
Time domain composition has the disadvantage of having each GPU render an entire frame. Thus, the speed at which each frame is rendered is limited to the rendering rate of a single GPU. While multiple GPUs enable a higher frame rate, a delay can be imparted in the response time of the system to a user's input. This occurs because, while at any given time only one GPU is engaged in displaying a rendered frame, each of the GPUs is in the process of rendering one of a series of frames in a sequence. To maintain the high frame rate, the system delays acting on the user's input until the specific GPU that first received the signal cycles through the sequence and is again engaged in displaying its rendered frame. In practical applications, this condition serves to limit the number of GPUs that are used in a system. With large data sets another problem is that each GPU must be able to access all of the data. This requires either maintaining multiple copies of large data sets or possible conflicts in accessing the single copy.
Screen space composition has a similar problem with large data sets since each GPU must examine the entire data base to determine which graphic elements fall within its part of the screen.
These problems can become intractable as commercial graphics chips become limited by their ability to access data rather than by their ability to render graphic elements.
One method which allows each GPU to access only a part of the data base is depth composition. Using this method each GPU renders the entire screen and produces both a Z (or depth) buffer and a color buffer. Graphic elements are distributed to GPUs by some hueristic, which is designed to acheive good load balancing. At each pixel the depth values from each of the GPUs are compared and the value indicating the frontmost position is selected. Use of this method is inhibited by the fact that the commodity graphic parts do not output the depth values, which are internally generated. It also requires that the depth buffer be double buffered so that the next frame can be calculated while the current one is displayed. Otherwise performance is effected. This method also prevents the application of some features, such as antialiasing or transparency, which require more information per pixel than just color and depth. Furthermore, volumetric data stored as three-dimensional textures or as geometricly specific textures (such as phototerrain) must be duplicated at each GPU.
What is needed is a method whereby multiple GPUs can, without a latency penalty, render a subset of graphic data from a data base to combine their outputs to form a correct image. This method should permit three-dimensional and other geometrically attached textures to be stored at a single place. Furthermore, such a method should be scalable, so that systems of arbitrary power can be created, and flexible, so that a system can be configured to support a single user at maximum power or multiple users with the total power distributed amongst them.

Method and system for presenting three-dimensional computer graphics images using multiple graphics processing units


This invention provides an ornamental object having therein, but not limited to, a reflective surface (1), a transparent substrate (2), an affixed image (3), and a synthetic resin (4). The process of manufacturing is also included. Specifically, as it relates to such methods used to create ornaments, jewelry, clothing adornment, fine art, home decorations, and imitation gemstones.

Making jewelry from photographs has always seemed like a way to make jewelry more personal; however, a piece of glass tile placed over a photograph lacks creativity, depth, stereoscopy, dynamics, and vibrancy. Also the piece is usually comprised of a photograph of an individual which holds value to a very small amount of people making mass production not commercially viable. An improvement on the idea of including an image in a less personal but more engaging and 3-dimensional way is thru lenticular printing. Lenticular printing, U.S. Pat. No. 5,424,553, creates the illusion of motion in the images. However, the final product does not have a dynamic reaction to various light sources, the pictures range of reactivity is defined regardless of the environment.
A more light sensitive option is Dichroic glass, patented by Ravenscroft in 1674, has been around since the 4th century. The main appeal is that the glass transmits one color and reflects back several others producing a range of colors. The process of creating dichroic glass is not easy and few manufactures create the glass for use in jewelry. And artists who use dichroic glass require a number of specialty tools and proper ventilation. Also the images created are not photographic replicas even to attempt such precision with dichroic glass requires the use of a laser.
Painting with acrylic, oils, or a combination of both on a highly buffed metal surface is the latest in offering detailed images in a more texturally appealing and engaging way; however, the images lack stereoscopic dimensionality.
Capturing objects in resin has long been used to create jewelry. The resin increases dimensionality, as well as seals and protects the enclosed object. Lacking a mirrored component this type of jewelry is not responsive to environmental stimulus. When resin is used as a high gloss sealer it can enhance vibrant colors but again it lacks reactivity with ambient light. The same claims hold true for objects placed in plastic as well.
It will be immediately apparent that the present invention thus defined provides various distinct advantages over various prior art. Using the process of resin over a photographic image affixed to a transparent substrate adhered to a mirrored component offers high quality images that are durable and can be personal yet commercially viable. These composite ornamental objects are versatile, dynamic, stereoscopically dimensional, reflective and vibrant. A product superior to other alternatives available today. The process is easily replicable and does not require the use of highly toxic materials or specially modified tools.
The use of laser printing U.S. Pat. No. 6,795,105 on metal or mirrors is also an option; however, here again we run into practicality issues for the individual consumer. These printers are limited in their ability to print small, very large or irregular shaped objects. Also the laser printer cannot print multiple layers to create photographically realistic images. Printing portraits on a laser printer results in ghostly replications. As my process accounts for small or large sizes, irregular sizes, multiple layers, and even the addition of other mediums there is an obvious advantage over laser printing.
Imitation gems U.S. Pat. No. 5,273,795 made from acrylic glass (PMMA) so called plexiglass are used primarily in the clothing industry because of their low manufacturing cost and light weight. Although they have an aluminum component which is reflective these gems do not offer the photographic element that my product does. The advantages over acrylic gems that my product also offer are multiple colors, patterns, images, and customizable designs in each stone. Acrylic gems are fabricated using molds which limits their size and shape. Each of my ornamental objects can be created in many sizes and shapes. Another advantage over acrylic gems is that my process allows the inclusion of other objects and materials. Stones, gems, beads, etc., can be included creating textural and visual diversity.

Composite ornamental object and method of fabrication


A road surface mix includes a solid inert material and a transparent binder able to bind the solid inert material and make it visible so that, in view of the transparency of the binder, the resulting compact mass takes the color of the solid inert material and is therefore integrated easily in special valuable settings. The transparent binder includes an ethylene copolypmer and an ethylene polymer and/or oils mixed in such manner that the transparent binder has a viscosity of 800-16000 cps at a temperature of 130-180° C.

1. Field of the Invention
The present patent application for industrial invention relates to a mix used for road surfaces or external pavements. More specifically, the present invention relates to a mix of chemical products with high viscosity that are hot-mixed with crushed stone or other solid inert materials (fillers). Once it cools down, the solid materials are bound and form a compact mass (mix) provided with suitable structural characteristics to withstand vehicular traffic.
2. Description of Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 37 CFR 1.98.
Road surface mixes are known on the market, in which the base of the binder is bitumen or bitumen modified with different materials. The common characteristic of these binders is the black color. The black color is taken by the mass of the bituminous mix. Consequently, the natural color of the crushed stone used in the mix is not visible.
Bituminous mixes have a very bad aesthetic impact, especially in town centers and areas of historical and environmental interest.
CN101016436 discloses a road mark paint that comprises EVA and polyethylene wax, with inert materials, such as calcium carbonate.


The present invention relates generally to power switches for aircraft. According to a first aspect, the present invention provides an integrated solid state power switch for fault protection in an aircraft power distribution system. The integrated solid state power switch is formed of semiconductor material that provides a field effect transistor (FET) channel that is operable during normal device operation to provide an operating current flow path and a bipolar transistor channel that is operable during device overload conditions to provide an overload current flow path. A method for manufacturing such an integrated solid state power switch is also described. Various embodiments of the invention provide automatic overload current protection for aircraft systems without the need to use bulky switches or heavy cooling equipment.

Aircraft power distribution systems are safety critical. Hence they need to be protected from over-current conditions that may be caused, for example, by lightning strikes, short circuits, etc., that might otherwise produce high currents that permanently damage or break wiring or other electrical components.
Over-current protection is often provided by using various devices and systems that trip and break a circuit if a detected current (Ifault) is larger than a maximum operating or rated current (Inormal) in, for example, an aircraft wiring harness.
Low power electrical power distribution (<4 kW) in aircraft is currently performed by SSPCs (Solid State Power Controllers). SSPCs provide a semiconductor switch, which has good performance and characteristics, including: very fast response, limiting of the fault current to within safe limits; a long multi-operation life span; a flexible construction and control scheme, that is fully controllable for both functions of current limiting and interruption; and low-cost with a minimal maintenance requirement.
However to increase the power switching capability of SSPCs a much larger and heavier solution is required (for reasons discussed briefly below), which is why to date the alternative technology of choice for high power aircraft electrical distribution has been the electro-mechanical contactor.
Conventional technology for SSPCs has been based on metal-oxide-silicon field effect transistors (MOSFETs) because of their low on-state resistance which provides low power dissipation (as heat) during normal operation. However, in aircraft systems these devices must be able to survive in harsh transient conditions, which requires the use of high speed control electronics to allow survivable operation.
Additionally, whilst such MOSFET-based systems have various advantages, they also operate at a relatively high temperature (e.g. the MOSFET junction temperature may typically be ˜100° C.). Because of this, there is only a relatively small temperature range (i.e. a window of about 50-60° C.) in which the MOSFET devices need to be turned off in the event of a fault in order to prevent them heating into a temperature range above which silicon stops behaving as a semiconductor (i.e. above about 165° C.).
This narrow temperature switch off range places design limitations on the MOSFET-based system. For example, where Ifault≈10.Inormal, a power surge can increase the heat generated in the MOSFET devices by a factor of about 100 since heat generated is proportional to Pfault (the power to be dissipated Pfault=I2fault.R, where R is the resistance of the MOSFET devices). This heat needs to be effectively dissipated if the MOSFET devices are to remain at a temperature of below about 165° C. so as to be able to function as required.
Therefore conventional systems using MOSFETs are often provided with passive and/or active cooling. For example, forced fluid cooling may be used, as may the provision of one or more heatsink devices. The system may also be formed using many individual MOSFET devices provided in parallel, and/or by using very bulky power devices, in order to provide a large physical amount of semiconductor material that can dissipate any heat generated under fault conditions without provoking a substantial temperature rise in the MOSFETs (essentially by reducing the value of R).
Hence in order to be able to cope with possible over-current conditions, particularly at high power, conventional MOSFET-based power protection systems are generally fairly bulky and heavy. Clearly, this is disadvantageous, particularly in aircraft.


An ultra-high strength stainless steel alloy with enhanced toughness includes in % by weight: 0 to 0.06% carbon (C); 12.0 to 18% chromium (Cr); 16.5 to 31.0% cobalt (Co); 0 to 8% molybdenum (Mo); 0.5 to 5.0% nickel (Ni); 0 to 0.5% titanium (Ti); 0 to 1.0% niobium (Nb); 0 to 0.5% vanadium (V); 0 to 16% tungsten (W); balance iron (Fe) and incidental deoxidizers and impurities. The heat treating method includes the steps of austenitizing at least once followed by quenching, tempering and sub-zero cooling to obtain no more than about 6-8% retained austenite in the finished alloy.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates generally to the field of metallurgy and, more particularly, to ultra-high strength stainless steel with enhanced toughness which is suitable for applications such as aircraft landing gear, high strength bolts, airframe parts and the like.
2. Description of Related Art
For many years, low alloy steels such as 300M plated with cadmium have been used in the manufacture of aircraft landing gear. Cadmium is used to improve corrosion resistance of the underlying high strength steel but comes at a cost of environmental problems associated with cadmium. There is, thus, a strong motivation to develop an alloy which has the needed strength and toughness for landing gear applications but which is more environmentally friendly. It is known that 300M has a very good combination of strength (280 to 305 ksi), toughness, fatigue strength and good ductility but, as noted, is not resistant to corrosion. Accordingly, there is a need for an ultra-high strength stainless steel with good toughness. Stainless steels of this type have received little attention since the work of Asayama in the early 1970s, see Asayama articles "Notch Toughness Characteristics of High Strength Maraging Stainless Steel", Jpn. Inst. Of Metals Journal, 1976, 40, No. 5, p. 533; "The Effect of Aging on the Notch Toughness of High Strength Maraging Stainless Steels", Jpn. Inst. Of Metals Journal, 1977, 41, No. 10, p. 973; and "Study on Aging Embrittlement of High Strength Maraging Stainless Steels", Nippon Kinzokee Gakkaishi, 1978, 42, No. 7, p. 649.

Method of making ultra-high strength stainless steels


Headrest-mounting-tubes are attached into the seatframe of an automotive seat. Headrest-posts engage the mounting-tubes, and support the headrest. The headrest-posts need to be orientated correctly, and so have a key that engages a keyway in the mounting-tube. The keyway is formed as a keyway-pocket, being punched from the open end of the tube. Preferably, the keyway-pocket is punched after the mounting-tube has been attached into the seatframe.

This invention relates to headrest-mounting-tubes, for use in connection with automotive seats. Such tubes are shown, for example, in patent publication U.S. Pat. No. 6,035,516 (Petersen, March 2000).
Headrests for vehicle seats have two posts protruding downwards, and these posts engage in headrest-mounting-tubes that are attached to the top-rail of the seatframe. In the past, it has been the common practice to attach the headrest-mounting-tubes to the top-rail by welding.
However, the recent trend is to attach the tubes to the top-rail by a cold-forming method. The top-rail of the seatframe is mounted in a die, and the headrest-mounting-tube is subjected to a punching force exerted in the axial sense relative to the tube, whereby the metal of the tube engages with the top-rail, and crumples and folds, in such manner as to leave the tube firmly secured to the top-rail, as shown in the said U.S. Pat. No. 6,035,516, this manner of securement being termed lock-beading. As will be explained, the present invention is particularly applicable to forming the keyway-pockets in the headrest-mounting-tubes when the headrest-mounting-tubes are secured into the seatframe by lock-beading.
A typical automotive headrest is adjustable, and often the manner of adjustment is such that an adjustment operator is located on the headrest post. In order to make an adjustment, the driver reaches behind his head and operates the adjuster by feel. The designer must make sure that the adjustment operator is presented to the driver always in the same orientation. For this and other reasons, it is a common requirement that the headrest-mounting-tube should have a slot or keyway formed therein, which can be engaged by the adjustment operator associated with the headrest post, to ensure the correct orientation thereof.
The invention concerns the slot or keyway in the headrest-mounting-tube, and the manner in which the same can be formed.

Press-formed keyway for headrest mounting tube