Disclosed is a phase retarder film made of a thermoplastic resin having an in-plane retardation of 50 to 300 nm and a ratio of the in-plane retardation to the retardation normal to the plane of not less than 0.5, but not more than 1.8, a process for the production thereof and a laminate phase retarder film using said phase retarder film above.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a phase retarder film.
2. Description of the Related Art
Phase retarder films have been used as optical compensators for STN liquid crystal display devices and in more recent years their various applications to optical compensators for other types of liquid crystal display device than the STN type have also been studied. For example, there have recently been cases that liquid crystal display devices of the STN and TN types are required to have specific viewing angle characteristics depending upon their application. For this reason there is a need for many kinds of phase retarder films having optical characteristics for respective applications. However, the currently developed phase retarder films are restricted to two types, i.e., one having characteristics close to those of the uniaxially orientated films used for the aforementioned STN liquid crystal display device and the other having characteristics close to those of the perfectly biaxially orientated films comprising a layered inorganic compound layer, in which the in-plane refractive index is different from the refractive index in the direction of thickness, as described in EP-A-0541308. There have not been developed such phase retarder film as having characteristics intermediate between these two types of phase retarder films so far.
Proceedings of Eurodisplay '93, p. 149 reports a simulation where a phase retarder film having refractive indices, n.sub.x =1.618, n.sub.y =1.606, and n.sub.z =1.493 and a thickness of 9.296 .mu.m is effective as optical compensator for the bend orientation type OCB mode liquid crystal display device (.pi. cell). Calculation based on the data for the phase retarder film indicates that the in-plane retardation is 112 nm and the ratio of the in-plane retardation to the retardation normal to the plane is 0.101.
However, the phase retarder films which have heretofore been used for the STN liquid crystal display device have a ratio of the in-plane retardation to the retardation normal to the plane of not less than 2.0 due to the uniaxially orientated structure of the films. On the other hand, the phase retarder films comprising a layered inorganic compound layer having an in-plane refractive index and a refractive index normal to the plane which are different from each other can not be produced unless the in-plane retardation is in the range of 0 to 50 nm as described in EP-A-0541308. Therefore, any phase retarder film having characteristics useful as, for example, optical compensator for the aforementioned .pi. cell can not be obtained from those films which have been developed for current mass-production of phase retarder films or even from their combination. For this reason, there is a need to develop phase retarder films having optical characteristics different from those of the conventional ones. Especially the development of phase retarder films made of light weight thermoplastic resins and a process for producing efficiently and advantageously in industry such phase retarder films.


A new fluorescent whitening agent (FWA) formulation containing 0.1%-99.9% fluorescent brightener #351 (FB #351) 4,4″-bis(2-sulfostyryl)biphenyl disodium salt (CAS #27344-41-8) and 0.1%-99.9% fluorescent brightener #71 (FB #71) 4,4′-bis[4-anilino-6-morpholino-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl]amino-2,2′-stilbene disodium salt (CAS #16090-02-1) is used on the wet-end papermaking process and coating papermaking process to increase the brightness of paper.

Optical brightening agents (OBA's) or fluorescent whitening agent (FWA's) have chemical properties that absorb light in the ultraviolet region (340-370 nm) and then re-emitting it back into the visible spectrum, usually in the color blue or indigo (420-470 nm). The absorption and re-emission happen at a rapid pace unlike the slow phosphorescence behaviour. The newly added blue light compensates the yellowness of paper products and produces a net whitening effect that is observable to the naked eye.

FWA formulation used for the papermaking process


One aspect of the present invention provides a laryngoscope comprising a blade; a doployable mirror, and an operating mechanism, the operating mechanism being arranged to deploy the mirror. The mirror is pivotable with respect to the blade and the arrangement is such that an initial operation of the operating mechanism causes the mirror to be deployed while further operation of the operating mechanism causes the mirror to be pivoted with respect to the blade. In the preferred embodiment, the blade has a pivotable tip which is also operable by the operating mechanism. The deployment of the mirror, the pivoting of the mirror 30 and the pivoting of the tip 18 can all be performed by operation of a single operating mechanism, preferably in the form of a simple lever. The laryngoscope may therefore readily be operated using only one hand and without the need for any dextrous finger movements.

Intubation is a common requirement for anaesthesia, and a laryngoscope is a commonly used instrument for visualizing the larynx to allow the introduction of an endotracheal (ET) tube. The view obtained at laryngoscopy is normally graded on a 1–4 scale, depending on to what extent the view is obscured. Grades 1 and 2 usually provide little difficulty with intubation. However a grade 3 larynx can present considerable difficulty, often requiring special techniques such as blind insertion of the ET tube. A grade 4 larynx is often impossible to intubate using a standard laryngoscope and normally requires the use of more specialized equipment such as fiberoptic equipment. There are four main anatomical factors that contribute to confound the view of the larynx, namely, forward displacement of the larynx, forward or prominent upper teeth, backward displacement of the tongue and poor mouth opening. Another major factor that contributes to confound the view is the inability to achieve what is commonly known as the Magill position of neck flexion and head extension due to either cervical spine instability or pathological disease such as rheumatoid conditions or ankylosing spondylitis.
In its basic form, a laryngoscope includes a handle with a slightly curved or straight plate, commonly known as a blade, extending substantially perpendicularly from the handle. The Macintosh laryngoscope, which normally has a slightly curved blade, is an example of such a laryngoscope, In use, the blade is inserted into the patient's mouth until its tip is located at the base of the patient's tongue, Normally the tip of the blade is positioned between the base of the person's tongue and the epiglottis such that, by lifting the laryngoscope anteriorly, the tongue and epiglottis are moved allowing a clearer view of the trachea. A user will generally look for the larynx (vocal cords) which gives, an exact indication of the position in which to place the breathing tube.
The use of a curved Macintosh blade laryngoscope in the context of a Grade 3 or 4 larynx may necessitate a forward and upward levering movement. In such situations the patient's teeth may inadvertently be used as a fulcrum and persistent attempts to elevate the epiglottis frequently results in damage to the upper teeth. In an attempt to overcome this problem, a levering laryngoscope, commonly known as the McCoy laryngoscope, was created. The McCoy laryngoscope has a pivotable tip at the end of the blade, the tip being operable by a lever on the handle of the laryngoscope. When the handle is depressed, the tip pivots to pull the epiglottis away from the mouth of the larynx. The McCoy laryngoscope helps to improve the view of the larynx and, because the fulcrum point is at the distal end of the blade, decreases the likelihood of the patient's teeth being damaged.
It is also known to provide the blade with a deployable mirror which, during use, allows the user to view the larynx more clearly. U.S. Pat. No. 6,135,948 (Lee) describes an example of such a laryngoscope. However, the Lee Laryngoscope is considered to be awkward to use.
Despite the devices described above, intubation remains difficult in many cases. It would be desirable, therefore, to provide an improved laryngoscope, particularly since prolonged attempts at laryngoscopy often result in injury, most commonly vocal cord haematoma and mucosal lacerations.


A sleeve insert is provided including a tubular body that is selectively inflatable. Further provided is a sleeve insert including a flexible planar plate which is configurable as a tube with varying diameters.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to hangers and more particularly pertains to a new anti-collapsing sleeve system for preventing the collapsing and wrinkling of a sleeve of an article of clothing.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The use of hangers is known in the prior art. More specifically, hangers heretofore devised and utilized are known to consist basically of familiar, expected and obvious structural configurations, notwithstanding the myriad of designs encompassed by the crowded prior art which have been developed for the fulfillment of countless objectives and requirements.
Known prior art hangers include U.S. Pat. No. 4,738,381; U.S. Pat. No. 4,184,616; U.S. Pat. No. 4,026,447; U.S. Pat. No. 5,388,734; and U.S. Pat. No. Des. 354,402.
In these respects, the anti-collapsing sleeve system according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of preventing the collapsing and wrinkling of a sleeve of an article of clothing.


A surfboard lock is described being of unitary construction and including a lock body including two engagement members; the engagement members are movable from a retracted position to an extended position and may be locked in the extended position; in the retracted position the engagement members may be at least partially introduced into the finbox opening of a surfboard; in the extended position the engagement members may engage with the internal walls of the finbox opening to resist removal of the lock therefrom; and attachment means affixed to the lock body for attaching the lock to a sturdy object.

Theft of surfboards is regrettably common. Thus, when a surfboard is left unattended in a public place, it would be desirable to use an anti-theft device such as a lock. However, surfboards are relatively large smooth items and are not readily secured by generic locking devices such as chains or padlocks. A specialised lock is required which will affix both to a surfboard and a sturdy object, such as a vehicle roof-rack, to prevent unauthorised removal of the surfboard.
Most Malibu surfboards have finboxes. These are produced in various standard sizes and are typically of elongate rectangular box like construction with a slot opening to the underside of the surfboard. The longer side walls of the finbox include longitudinally directed internal recesses designed to retain a surfboard fin. This provides an anchor to which one may affix a lock, albeit a rather inaccessible one.
To date, surfboard locks which affix to the finbox have been complex arrangements of separate components which must be carefully inserted and held before being retained in place by a padlock or other member. It is often difficult to hold several components together whilst engaging a padlock. Further, the separate components are prone to loss. This is particularly the case where the lock is being used on a beach where parts may fall and be lost in sand. There is a need for an arrangement which would ameliorate the above problem.


A grass shearing tool has an elongate extension arm connected to a base which in turn supports a grass shearing mechanism. A first lever is pivotally mounted on the base and connected to an upper pivotal blade of a shearing mechanism. A remote actuating lever is mounted pivotally on the extension arm and coupled to the first lever by a connecting rod to enable a user to operate the shearing mechanism while standing upright.

Various manually operated grass trimming shears have been proposed heretofore and are commercially available for trimming grass, weeds, and other plant life growing near the ground.
Typical of such grass shears is the type including a stationary blade coupled to a short handle. A movable blade is pivotally mounted on the stationary blade for selectively bringing associated cutting edges of the blades into moving point contact engagement with one another to effectuate shearing action of the blades. An actuating lever is mounted on a base of the handle and connected to the movable blade by a linkage such that when a user squeezes the lever toward the handle, the linkage transmits the pivoting motion of the lever to the movable blade causing the blade to pivot toward the stationary blade and cut any grass or weeds therebetween. Prior art shearing devices are also known in which the stationary blade is rotatable with respect to the support member and a releasable spring finger/detent latching mechanism provided for releasably locking the stationary blade in one of three cutting positions, namely a horizontal position, a vertical position, and an intermediate angled position.
All of such known prior art shearing devices, however, are difficult to use by individuals having back problems or those confined to a wheelchair since the short handle requires the user to bend in order to trim grass and weeds near the ground.


The present invention relates to an organic electro-luminescence display device and a method of driving the same that is adaptive for reducing power consumption by removing an unnecessary current as well as for improving a uniformity of a display screen. An organic electro-luminescence display device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a display panel in which a plurality of data lines and a plurality of scan lines cross each other and electro-luminescence elements are arranged at the crosses; a pre-charge driver, which detects a gray level of digital video data to be realized at a Nth when a data current corresponding to a gray level of digital video data to be realized at a (N−1)th and calculates a pre-charge current corresponding to the detected gray level of digital video data to supply the calculated pre-charge current to the electro-luminescence elements; a data driver for supplying data to the electro-luminescence elements charged with the pre-charge current; and a scan driver for supplying a san pulse, synchronized with the data, to the scan lines.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an organic electro-luminescence display device, and more particularly, to an organic electro-luminescence display device and a method of driving the same that is adaptive for reducing power consumption by removing an unnecessary current as well as for improving a uniformity of a display screen.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recently, there has been developed various flat panel displays with a reduced weight and bulk that are free from the disadvantage of a cathode ray tube CRT. Such flat panel displays include a liquid crystal display LCD, a field emission display FED, a plasma display panel PDP, and an electro-luminescence (hereinafter, referred to as an EL) display devices.
The structure and fabricating process of the PDP among these is relatively simple. Thus, the PDP is most advantageous to be made large-sized, but has disadvantages that the light emission efficiency and brightness thereof are low and its power consumption is high.
The LCD is used as a display device of a notebook computer, the demand for it is gradually increased. However, the LCD is difficult to be made large-sized because of using a semiconductor process, and the LCD requires a separate light source because it is not a self-luminous device. Accordingly, the LCD has a disadvantage that the power consumption is high due to the separate light source. Further, the LCD has a disadvantage that there is a high optical loss caused by optical devices such as a polarizing filter, a prism sheet and a diffusion panel, and its viewing angle is narrow.
The EL display device is generally classified into an inorganic EL display device and an organic EL display device. The EL display device has an advantage that its response speed is fast, its light-emission efficiency and brightness are high, and it has wide viewing angle. The organic EL display device can display a picture in a high brightness of several ten thousands [cd/m 2] with a voltage of about 10[V] and has been applied to most of EL display devices, which are commonly used.
In a unit element of an organic EL display device, as shown in FIG. 1, an anode 2 is formed of a transparent conductive material on a substrate 1; and a hole injection layer 3, a light-emitting layer 4 made of an organic material and a cathode 15 made of a metal having a low work function are disposed thereon. If an electric field is applied between the anode 2 and the cathode 5, then holes within the hole injection layer 3 and electrons within the metal are progressed into the light-emitting layer 4 to combine each other in the light-emitting layer 4. Then, a phosphorous material within the light-emitting layer 4 is excited and transited to thereby generate a visible light. In this case, the brightness is in proportion to a current between the anode 2 and the cathode 5.
Such an organic EL display device is classified into a passive type and an active type.
FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram showing equivalently a portion of the passive type organic EL display device, and FIG. 3 is a waveform diagram showing waveforms of a scan signal and a data signal in the passive type organic EL display device.
Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the passive type EL display device includes an organic EL elements OLED arranged at intersections between both a plurality data lines D1 to D3 and a plurality of scan lines S1 to S3, which cross each other, and both a plurality data lines D1 to D3 and a plurality of scan lines S1 to S3, which cross each other.
The data lines D1 to D3 are connected to an anode of the organic EL element OLED to supply a data current Id to the anode of the organic EL element OLED.
The scan lines S1 to S3 are connected to a cathode of the organic EL element OLED to supply scan pulses SP1 to SP3, synchronized with the data current Id, to the cathode of the organic EL element OLED.
The organic EL elements OLED emit light in proportion to a current flowing between the anode 2 and cathode 5 during a display period DT when the scan pulses SP1 to SP3 are applied thereto. The organic EL elements OLED are charged with current during a response time RT delayed by a resistance component of the data lines D1 to D3 and a capacitance existed in the organic EL elements OLED, so that there is a problem of a low response speed and a low brightness. In order to compensate a low response speed of the organic EL elements OLED, it is on a trend that a pre-charge period PCHA is provide in non-display periods DCHA and PCHA between the display period DT and the display period DT as shown in FIG. 4 and the organic EL devices OLED are pre-charged during the pre-charge period PCHA.
However, in the related art pre-charge drive method, a maximum data current is supplied during the pre-charge period PCHA irrespective of gray level value of data applied to the organic EL elements OLED via the data lines D1 to D3 during the display period DT, and then a data current correspondence to the data gray level value is supplied to the organic EL elements OLED during the display period DT. Accordingly, if a data current of low gray level is supplied via the data lines D1 to D3 to the organic EL elements OLED during the display period DT, then an overshoot is generated and a response time of the organic EL elements OLED is delayed. In addition, the organic EL elements OLED are over-charged due to an unnecessary current supplied to the organic EL elements OLED via the data lines D1 to D3 during the pre-charge period PCHA in the low gray level. Accordingly, there is a problem that power consumption is increased in the organic EL display device.

Organic electro-luminescence display device and method of driving the same


Method and apparatus for providing a universal addressing plan for a network of voice store-and-forward messaging system sites wherein a telephone numbering plan for a telephone network can be mirrored among the sites in the network, notwithstanding whether the sites utilize the public switched network or on a private network. An embodiment of the invention is apparatus for use in a network of sites in transmitting a message from a message sender at a message sender site to a message recipient at a message recipient site which is collocated or remote from the message sender site, which apparatus includes: (a) a site database to store whether a site is collocated or remote with respect to other sites in the network; (b) an address database to store groups of network addresses associated with the site; (c) a user database to store a network address and a local mailbox number for users; (d) an apparatus for determining the message sender's identification and for receiving a network address for the message recipient; and (e) a translation processor for accessing one or more databases using: (i) the message sender identification to retrieve a message sender site identifier and (ii) the message site identifier and the message recipient network address to retrieve a message recipient site identifier.

At present, a typical network of voice store-and-forward messaging system sites utilizes a network addressing plan to provide a network address for users. For example, a message sender uses the network address of a message recipient whenever the message sender sends a message to the message recipient. In addition, the network of voice store-and-forward messaging system sites typically provides the network address of the message sender to the message recipient, for example, by announcement, whenever the message recipient receives the message.
In practice, a network of voice store-and-forward messaging system sites is typically used as an adjunct to a telephone network. At present, in such an arrangement, it is not unusual to find that the network address of the message recipient in the network of voice store-and-forward messaging systems is different from the telephone number of the message recipient.
In a ROLM.TM. PhoneMail.TM. network of voice store-and-forward messaging systems manufactured by ROLM Systems of Santa Clara, Calif., two separate network addressing plans have been used, namely, a Location Prefix Plan and a Uniform Addressing Plan. In the Location Prefix Plan, each site in the network is required to define one or more "Location Prefixes," also known as "Location Codes," that uniquely identify a site. Further, in accordance with this plan, the prefixes for every site in the network must have the same length, typically 1-3 digits. In addition, one "Network Identifier," typically one digit, is selected for the whole network to signify a network address--a common choice is the digit "8", and subscriber mailbox addresses for sites in the network may not use this digit as their initial digit. Still further, local extensions and subscriber mailbox addresses for a site must have the same length, typically 3-5 digits, however, the length may vary from site to site over the network.
In the Uniform Addressing Plan, each site in the network is required to define one or more network address extension ranges of the form abcxxx where "a", "b", and "c" are predetermined digits and "x" are digits from 0 to 9. Further, all network address extension ranges in the network must have the same length. Still further, subscriber mailbox addresses for a site must have the same length, however, the length may vary from site to site over the network.
Although the above-described addressing plans work well in certain limited environments, more complex environments are not adequately served by either of them. In particular, a major drawback of the Location Prefix Plan is that all network addresses in the network must begin with the same digit and all location prefixes in the network must have the same length. Further, a major drawback of the Uniform Addressing Plan is that all network addresses in the network must have the same length. Still further, both plans share the following drawbacks: (a) all subscriber mailbox addresses at a site must have the same length and (b) no overlapping of addresses is allowed when specifying either extension ranges or location prefixes.
These drawbacks become apparent when one wishes to "mirror" the telephone numbers of users in a telephone network with the network addresses of users in a network of voice store-and-forward messaging system sites. The term "mirror" means that a message sender can utilize the telephone number of a message recipient as the network address of the message recipient in the network of voice store-and-forward messaging system sites. As one can readily appreciate such a mirroring of telephone numbers in the network addressing plan is advantageous because users would only have to remember one telephone number to place calls over the telephone network and to send messages over the network of voice store-and-forward messaging system sites.
The above-described drawbacks are readily apparent in the following environments: (a) networks of store-and-forward messaging system sites which use public as well as private telephone network facilities and (b) networks comprised of two or more of the following types of sites: (i) collocated sites, i.e., sites located in the same building; (ii) sites in the same area code; (iii) sites located in different area codes, and (iv) international sites.
Some of the above-described drawbacks can be understood in the context of a few simple examples. First, assume that a telephone network comprises public as well as private facilities. In such a telephone network, callers may dial 8-prf-xxxx to telephone called parties at other sites which are connected vi private tie-lines ("prf" refers to a three-digit prefix) whereas callers have to dial seven digits or ten digits--depending on whether the called party is in the same or a different area code, respectively--to utilize the public switched telephone network. This telephone network dialing plan cannot be mirrored in a network of voice store-and-forward messaging system sites by using the Location Prefix Plan or the Uniform Addressing Plan. Second, assume that a telephone network is comprised of only the public switched telephone network and that it comprises multiple sites in the same area codes, sites in different area codes, and even sites in different countries. When a caller places a telephone call, he or she may dial 7, 10, or more than 10 digits--for international calls--depending on the destinations of the calls. Again, this telephone dialing plan cannot be mirrored in a network of voice store-and-forward messaging system sites by using the Location Prefix Plan or the Uniform Addressing Plan.
Attempts in the art to overcome the above-described drawbacks have entailed the use of complicated numbering plans. This has resulted in a new drawback because it has required message system users to use complicated, hard-to-remember sequences of digits to transmit messages.
In light of the above, there is a need in the art for a method and apparatus for providing a universal addressing plan for use in a network of store-and-forward messaging system sites which provides a capability whereby any complex telephone numbering plan can be mirrored among the sites in the network, notwithstanding whether the sites utilize the public switched network or a private network. Further, this capability should include networks which are comprised of: collocated sites; sites located in the same area code; sites located in different area codes; and international sites. Still further, there is a need for method and apparatus for providing such a universal addressing plan wherein network address portability is provided so that a user can retain the same network address whenever he or she moves from one site to another site.

Message transmitting system wherein recipient site is determined using information concerning the relationship between the sender and recipient sites


A core-in-sheath type composite stretch yarn, having excellent stretchability and soft hand and capable of being dyed in dark colors, comprises a core portion constituted from a elastic yarn formed from at least one elastic fiber and having an ultimate elongation of 70% or more and a sheath portion formed from a non-elastic yarn comprising a plurality of non-elastic fibers having an ultimate elongation of 70% or more and surrounding around the core portion, and is useful for producing a woven or knitted stretch fabric having a high stretch percentage and capable of being dyed in dark colors.

As conventional elastic yarns, polyurethane elastic yarns and polyetherester elastic yarns are well known. These conventional elastic yarns have a problem that when a fabric is formed from a single type of elastic yarn, the resultant fabric exhibits an insufficient bulkiness and an unsatisfactory handling property. As means for solving the problem, it is known that the above-mentioned elastic yarn and a low elongation yarn having an ultimate elongation of 40% or less are used to provide a covering yarn in which the low elongation yarn is wound around the elastic yarn, a doubled and twisted yarn of the elastic yarn with the low elongation yarn, a mixed fiber yarn in which the elastic yarn is located in a core portion and the low elongation yarn is arranged in a sheath portion around the core portion, or a composite false-twisted yarn prepared by applying a false-twisting treatment to the mixed fiber yarn. For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 03-174,043 discloses a composite textured stretch yarn having a core portion formed from a block copolymerized polyetherpolyester elastic yarn constituted from hard segments comprising a polybutylene terephthalate polyester and soft segments comprising a polyoxybutyleneglycol polyether, and an outer layer portion (sheath portion) formed from a non-elastic, thermoplastic polymer multifilament yarn.
The above-mentioned conventional composite yarns have excellent stretchability. However, these conventional composite yarns are unsatisfactory in soft hand and color density-increasing (bathochromatic) effect, in practice. Thus, the enhancement of the above-mentioned properties and effect of the composite yarn is desired.

Stretchable core-sheath type composite yarn and stretchable woven-knit fabric


An image forming apparatus capable of accurately forming an image in a predetermined position on a sheet. An image forming unit forms a toner image on a drum. The toner image is transferred onto a belt. A motor drives the belt to convey the toner image to a transfer position where the toner image is transferred onto a sheet. An image position-detecting section detects that a patch image indicating the position of the toner image on the belt has reached a detection position upstream of the transfer position in an image conveying direction. A sheet position-detecting section detects that the leading edge of the sheet has reached a detection position upstream of the transfer position in a sheet conveying direction. An image speed-setting section controls the conveying speed of the belt based on timings of detection by the respective image position-detecting and sheet position-detecting sections.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus configured to transfer a toner image formed on an image bearing member onto a sheet.
2. Description of the Related Art
Conventionally, there has been known an image forming apparatus that transfers a toner image formed on an image bearing member, such as a photosensitive drum, through exposure and development, onto an intermediate transfer member, such as an intermediate transfer belt, and then transfers the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer member onto a sheet. In a full-color image forming apparatus, for example, toner images of respective color components formed on image bearing members, respectively, are transferred in a superimposed manner onto an intermediate transfer member at a first transfer position, and then the full-color toner image on the intermediate transfer member is transferred onto a sheet at a second transfer position.
In order that the image forming apparatus configured as above can form a high-quality image, it is required to transfer a toner image (image) onto a predetermined position on a sheet. For this reason, it is demanded that timing at which a conveyed sheet reaches a transfer position and timing at which a toner image on the intermediate transfer member reaches the second transfer position accurately coincide with each other.
However, variation in the accuracy of stacking of sheets and deformation or aging of mechanism components arranged in a conveying path along which sheets are conveyed can cause a difference between the above-mentioned timings. If an image cannot be accurately transferred onto a predetermined position on a sheet due to this difference between the timings, the quality of the image is degraded.
To solve this problem, there has been proposed an image forming apparatus which is capable of adjusting the timing at which a conveyed sheet reaches a transfer position (see Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2004-37916). In this image forming apparatus, the timing at which a toner image on an intermediate transfer belt reaches the transfer position is adjusted by controlling the conveying speed of the intermediate transfer belt.
However, the configuration disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2004-37916 can cause other kinds of problems concerning image quality (image expansion or contraction and color misregistration).
First, since the conveying speed of the intermediate transfer member, such as an intermediate transfer belt, is variable, a toner image transferred from an image bearing member onto the intermediate transfer member can be expanded or contracted.
Further, in an image forming apparatus which has a plurality of image bearing members associated with respective colors, such as Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black), when the conveying speed of the intermediate transfer member changes during transfer of toner images on the respective image bearing members onto the intermediate transfer member, displacement occurs between the respective positions of color-component toner images on the intermediate transfer member. Consequently, there is a fear that the color hue of an image formed on a sheet cannot be obtained as desired.

Image forming apparatus that transfers toner image onto sheet


An electromagnetic suspension device for use between a vehicle body and a road wheel is disclosed, which comprises a body-connected structure connected to the vehicle body to move therewith and a wheel-connected structure connected to the road wheel to move therewith. The body-connected and wheel-connected structures are arranged to carry out a relative movement therebetween. An electromagnetic actuator is associated with the body-connected and wheel-connected structures in order to electromagnetically control the relative movement in accordance with electric power applied thereto. A hydraulic damper is arranged in parallel with the electromagnetic actuator between the body-connected structure and the wheel-connected structure to produce a damping force in accordance with the relative movement.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates in general to suspension devices, and more particularly to suspension devices of electromagnetically controlled type.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In order to clarify the task of the present invention, one conventional suspension device of the above-mentioned type (which will be referred to as "electromagnetic suspension device" hereinafter) will be briefly described, which is disclosed in Japanese Patent First Provisional Publication 2-37016 as a suspension unit for a motor vehicle.
The electromagnetic suspension device shown in the publication comprises generally an outer tube which is connected to a vehicle body and a rod which is connected to a road wheel. The rod has at its upper end a piston which is axially movably disposed in the outer tube. A coiled spring is disposed between the vehicle body and the road wheel, concentrically surrounding the rod. A permanent magnet is mounted to the upper portion of the rod and a coil is disposed on an inner surface of the outer tube in a manner to spacedly surround the permanent magnet. By applying current to the coil, there is produced a driving force in the direction of the axis of the coil. Thus, by controlling the flowing direction and intensity of the current, it becomes possible to maintain the height of the vehicle.
However, due to its inherent construction, the electromagnetic suspension device of this type has a limit in absorbing shocks applied thereto. In fact, the control of the shock absorbing is effected by only the driving force produced by the coil. Thus, if an abnormally big impact force is supplied to the suspension device during running of the vehicle, it tends to occur that the device is broken. Furthermore, since the needed driving force is produced by the current applied to the coil, electric power consumption is excessive thereby deteriorating the fuel consumption of the vehicle.


Time for which an ejection port surface of a print head has been exposed to the exterior since the end of the last cleaning operation is predicted and accumulated as an accumulated exposure time. A cleaning timing is set to be a timing when the accumulated exposure time coincides with a set time set according to the ambient temperature and humidity of an area in which a label printer is installed. In principle, a cleaning operation is performed at the cleaning timing. However, when the cleaning timing comes during the current consecutive printing operation, the cleaning operation is not performed during the current consecutive printing operation but at a time before the start of the current consecutive printing operation or a time after the end of the current consecutive printing operation.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an ink jet printing method and an ink jet printing apparatus which print an image on a print medium while performing a cleaning operation for removing a substance (thickened ink or dirt) hindering ejection of ink, at a preset timing.
2. Description of the Related Art
Printing apparatuses (ink jet printing apparatuses) are widely used which print images by ejecting ink to print media such as print sheets. To eject ink, the ink jet printing apparatus uses a print head having a plurality of nozzles and ink ejection ports (outlets of the nozzles) formed therein. The plurality of ink ejection ports (hereinafter referred to as "ejection ports") are formed on an almost flat ejection port forming surface (hereinafter referred to as an "ejection port surface") of the print head. Two types of print heads are available; one of these types of print head ejects ink while moving in a main scanning direction together with a carriage, and the other type of print head (line head type) ejects ink while fixed and stopped. The former type of print head is used for ink jet printing apparatus based on what is called a serial scan scheme. The other type of print head is used for what is called full line type ink jet printing apparatuses.
With these printing apparatus, if thickened ink or dirt (the substance hindering ink ejection) is collected around the nozzles or ejection ports in the print head during an image printing operation or standby (non-printing operation), the ink may be inappropriately ejected or printed images may be degraded. As a technique for solving this problem, a cleaning technique is known such as pressurization recovery, wiping, or preliminary ejection (idle ejection). The pressurization recovery is a process of pressurizing the interior of the print head to push the thickened ink, bubbles, dirt, or the like out of the nozzles. The wiping is a process of wiping the ejection port surface using a cleaning blade (cleaning member) made up of an elastic body. The preliminary ejection (idle ejection) is a process of ejecting ink from the print head in order to remove the thickened ink or dirt instead of printing images.
For the cleaning operation, the image printing operation must be temporarily suspended. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-349841 describes a technique of performing a cleaning operation during the non-printing operation to reduce delay resulting from the cleaning operation. Furthermore, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-358791 describes a technique of periodically performing the cleaning operation on the basis of instructions from a host computer to reduce the time for which the printing operation is suspended owing to the cleaning operation.
However, with a large printing volume (the amount of printing during a consecutive printing operation of consecutively printing images), even though the cleaning operation is performed before the consecutive printing operation, the cleaning operation may need to be performed again during the consecutive printing operation. In this case, the above-described conventional techniques cannot reduce the suspension time for the printing operation. That is, the cleaning operation is performed during the consecutive printing operation. The cleaning operation is started at the timing (cleaning timing) when a predetermined condition is met. The condition is often set on the basis of the total amount of ink ejected from the print head, a change in the condition of the print head, or the like. Therefore, the printing apparatus automatically starts the cleaning operation when the condition is met. Thus, the printing operation is suspended at a user's unintended timing, and the cleaning operation is started.
An ink jet printing apparatus (commonly called a label printer) is known which consecutively prints images on a plurality of labels temporarily attached to a band-like card board so as to be arranged in a longitudinal direction. The label printer may be used to print images on the labels in synchronism with an external instrument. A label attaching operation may be performed during a post-process after the printing operation of the label printer has been completed. Thus, if the printing operation is suspended at the user's unintended timing as described above, the label printer may fail to synchronize with the external instrument or the post-process operation may be complicated.
Furthermore, one type of label printer has a function of allowing the user to pre-instruct the printer on a unit for batch printing (the unit for consecutive printing of images on a plurality of labels) (see, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 62-182029 (1987)). This type of label printer is effective in printing images of the same content on a plurality of labels. If the labels have different print contents, when the printing operation is suspended at the user's unintended timing as described above and instead the cleaning operation is performed, the above-described problems, that is, the failure to synchronize with the external instrument and the complicated post-process operation, become more serious.
Furthermore, a full line type ink jet printing apparatus having a plurality of the line head type print heads arranged in a print medium conveying direction has a long distance between a print head located on the most upstream side of the print medium conveying direction and a print head located on the most downstream side of the print medium conveying direction. Thus, for example, a print medium positioned below the print head on the conveying direction most upstream side may be different from a print medium positioned below the print head on the conveying direction most downstream side (the succeeding print medium and the preceding print medium). To suspend the printing operation for the cleaning operation, it is necessary to complete printing the print medium on which the image is being printed (preceding print medium), then discharge the preceding print medium, and move the succeeding print medium to a downstream position in the conveying direction where the succeeding print medium does not hinder the cleaning operation, before performing the cleaning operation. Consequently, when the printing operation is restarted after the cleaning operation has been completed, the print medium on which the corresponding image has not been completely printed yet is moved to the position where image printing is possible. This requires a process of conveying the succeeding print medium in a direction opposite to the conveying direction (back feed). This may in turn further degrade productivity, prevent the printing apparatus from synchronizing with the external instrument, or complicate the post-process operation.

Ink jet printing method and ink jet printing apparatus


Techniques are provided for storing immutable snapshot copes in write once read many (WORM) storage. A snapshot of a volume may be stored into one or more objects formatted according to an object format. An expiry time may be assigned to the snapshot and the one or more objects based upon a creation time of the snapshot and a retention time. The one or more objects may be stored within a remote object store. The one or more objects are retained in an immutable state and cannot be deleted until expiration of the expiry time. In response to identifying an existing object within the remote object store comprising shared snapshot data referenced by the snapshot, an assigned expiry time of the existing object may be modified based upon the expiry time of the snapshot to create a modified expiry time for the existing object.

Many industries, such as financial, automotive, and healthcare industries, may have requirements where data and backup data is to be stored within immutable storage for a particular amount of time for compliance purposes. This data may be stored in an immutable state where the data cannot be deleted or modified for a retention time, such as 1 month. For example, the data may be locked down into a protected state for data retention and compliance purposes, such as by being stored in the immutable storage with write once read many (WORM) access. While in the protected/immutable state, the data cannot be modified or deleted. Once the retention time has expired, the data may be modified or deleted.

Immutable snapshot copies stored in write once read many (WORM) storage


A portable fuel system for a motorcycle or similar vehicle includes an inner bag with opening for receiving and dispensing fuel, a first outer bag formed of fire retardant material and a second outer bag having connectors for securing the portable fuel system to the motorcycle or other vehicle.

The present invention is directed to a portable fuel system and more specifically to a fuel system which may be utilized on a motorcycle, snowmobile or similar vehicle to extend its mileage range over the range that is available from a standard built-in fuel tank with which motorcycles, snowmobiles or the like are equipped. The portable fuel system of the present invention may be mounted on or in close proximity to the standard built-in fuel tank of such vehicles.
The prior art discloses various types of auxiliary tanks and reserve fuel tank systems for use with motorcycles and other motor vehicles. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,385,676 discloses a motorcycle with a main fuel tank Tm and an auxiliary fuel tank Ts for storing an auxiliary fuel. A seat separates the main fuel tank and the auxiliary fuel tank. A switch cock V is positioned such that the rider of the motorcycle can easily reach it to change from one tank to the other for delivery of fuel to the engine.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,577,719 discloses a motorcycle fuel system with flow from a main tank through a lower auxiliary tank to its engine.
The auxiliary fuel tanks in the above-identified patents are rigid containers which are permanently mounted on the motorcycles. In contrast, the system of the present invention utilizes a bag and other components which are flexible and can be collapsed and readily changed from use on one vehicle to use on another vehicle. Additionally, it can be readily secured to and removed from one vehicle and placed on another vehicle. For example, a purchaser could easily remove it from his motorcycle and fasten it for use with his snowmobile.


Magnesium hydroxide is added to aqueous sprays used in the cooling of steel produced by continuous casting to reduce the corrosion of ferrous metals in contact with these sprays. The magnesium hydroxide when added to aqueous sprays used in the cooling of steel produced by continuous casting further reduces the potential for calcium fluoride scale formation by reducing the fluoride content of the system water.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to the prevention of corrosion of ferrous metals in contact with spray water used to cool steel produced by continuous casting processes.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Continuous casting is the process of continuously pouring molten metal from a ladle into complex casting equipment which distributes the liquid, shapes it, cools it and cuts it to the desired length. The casting is continuous as long as the ladle has available metal.
In continuous casting, steel leaving a ladle at about 2800.degree. F. is poured into a trough called a tundish. The bottom of the tundish has one or more openings through which the molten steel is distributed to form slabs or billets in the forming area called the mold. The mold is a water-cooled copper jacket providing for high heat exchange rates. At the start of a cast, a dummy bar is moved close to the top of the mold to completely seal the interior. Mold lubricants high in fluoride salts are added to the molten steel in the tundish to prevent oxidation as well as providing molten lubricity. As the cast starts, this bar is slowly lowered through the mold. The molten metal in contact with the cool mold surface begins to solidify and form a skin. As the newly formed steel shape exits the mold area a series of direct contact water sprays continue the cooling/solidification process. The continuously moving billet or slab then moves through roller guides to the straightening section and then to the runout table for cutting to a specified length.
Spray water that contacts the billet or slab becomes contaminated with iron oxide particles. Contaminated water is processed for reuse by putting it through a scale pit to remove dense, settleable contaminants, and then through filters and heat exchange equipment before returning to the sprays. Failure to remove solids in the water could result in spray plugging which would adversely affect product quality and could even shut down the casting process.
Severe corrosion can occur in continuous casters in the zone immediately below the mold (zero zone). Corrosion results from the formation of hydrofluoric acid from the dissolution of mold powders into the spray water. Calcium fluoride deposition can also occur if the concentration of fluoride reaches the saturation point.
When fluoride salts from the mold powders dissolve in the spray water in the zero zone, hydrofluoric acid forms causing the pH to drop to 2.5 to 3.0. This is a considerably lower pH than is seen in the bulk spray water, which typically ranges from 6.5 to 7.5. To render the spray water less corrosive it has been the practice of some mills to raise the pH of the bulk water with concentrated solutions of sodium hydroxide. While sodium hydroxide has allowed the pH to be elevated control is difficult and, in some instances, pH swings have occurred which allow the pH to reach 10-14. At these elevated pHs the water becomes highly scale forming. Significant deposits of calcium salts can occur causing spray nozzle plugging.
If it were possible to raise the alkalinity in these systems and yet at the same time minimize scale formation, and in particular calcium fluoride scales, an advance in the art would be achieved.

Magnesium hydroxide to prevent corrosion caused by water spray in continuous casting


A measurement circuit having high dynamic range includes high-gain and low-gain amplifiers connected in parallel. A shunt feedback circuit is activated to prevent the high-gain amplifier from saturating when the magnitude of an input signal exceeds its dynamic range. The output of the high-gain amplifier is utilized to measure small input signals and the output of the low-gain amplifier is utilized to measure large input signals.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to measurement systems and more particularly to a measurement system having a large dynamic range.
2. Description of the Relevant Art
One of the objectives in the design of electronic equipment is to provide a large dynamic range. The dynamic range of electronic equipment may be defined in terms of the largest and smallest level of the input signal that can be processed by the equipment. For the purpose of this disclosure the definition of the dynamic range is the ratio of the difference between the magnitude of the largest signal minus the magnitude of the smallest signal divided by the magnitude of the smallest signal.
In the design of infrared radiometers, a large dynamic range means that one instrument can be used to measure a large range in target temperatures. A large dynamic range is useful in reducing the cost of producing an instrument as well as the cost to customers whose processes require a large range. In infrared thermometry the dynamic range required of an instrument can be very large because the electrical signal produced by an infrared detector increases exponentially as the temperature of the target is increased. It may require several models to cover a given range of target temperatures.
At present there are several ways to increase the dynamic range of electronic equipment. These include the use of a logarithmic amplifier, integrating amplifier, or changing in real time the gain of an amplifier.
However, each of the above-described ways have disadvantages of having a slow response time or requiring a multitude of electronic components for realization.

Measurement System with large dynamic range


Devices, systems, and methods for visually depicting a vessel and evaluating risk associated with a condition of the vessel are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of evaluating a vessel of a patient includes obtaining physiology measurements from a first instrument and a second instrument positioned within the vessel of the patient while the second instrument is moved longitudinally through the vessel from a first position to a second position and the first instrument remains stationary within the vessel; outputting the physiology measurements and an image of the vessel on a display, the output image including visualizations based on the obtained physiology measurements; and evaluating whether to perform to surgical procedure based on the physiology measurements and the image of the vessel.

A currently accepted technique for assessing the severity of a stenosis in a blood vessel, including ischemia causing lesions, is fractional flow reserve (FFR). FFR is a calculation of the ratio of a distal pressure measurement (taken on the distal side of the stenosis) relative to a proximal pressure measurement (taken on the proximal side of the stenosis). FFR provides an index of stenosis severity that allows determination as to whether the blockage limits blood flow within the vessel to an extent that treatment is required. The normal value of FFR in a healthy vessel is 1.00, while values less than about 0.80 are generally deemed significant and require treatment. Common treatment options include percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI or angioplasty), stenting, or coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. As with all medical procedures, certain risks are associated with PCI, stenting, and CABG procedures. In order for a surgeon to make a better-informed decision regarding treatment options, additional information about the risk and likelihood of success associated with the treatment options is needed.
A patient's vasculature can be visualized using angiography. However, the locations of stenoses in a vessel can be difficult to visualize in a black and white angiographic image. Moreover, the severity of stenosis can also be better understood when efficiently visualized in relation to an angiographic image. Further, a more complete diagnosis of the patient can be made when the effects of both focal and diffuse stenoses are evaluated.
Accordingly, there remains a need for improved devices, systems, and methods for assessing the severity of a blockage in a vessel and, in particular, a stenosis in a blood vessel. In that regard, there remains a need for improved devices, systems, and methods for providing visual depictions of vessel that allow assessment of the vessel and, in particular, any stenosis or lesion of the vessel. Further, there remains a need for improved devices, systems, and methods of objectively evaluating risk associated with and likelihood of success for one or more available treatment options for the vessel.

Devices, systems, and methods for vessel assessment

PHILIPS IMAGE GUIDED THERAPY CORPORATION


A mounting for warning devices includes a body having one or more outwardly extending finger portions. Mounting staffs aligned with the finger portion are secured thereto with a sliding collar which surrounds both the mounting staff and finger portions. The mounting staffs may be pivotally joined to the body, adjacent each finger portion. The body portion may be mounted from an upright support member, secured to a stationary or mobile support.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention pertains to mounting arrangements for warning devices such as warning flags and warning lights.
2. Description of the Related Art
Warning flags are often used by work crews to attract attention to a warning sign or to direct the attention of bystanders to an unusual traffic or other work site condition. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,309,862; 5,318,258; 5,197,408; 4,980,984; 4,865,287; 4,619,220; 4,288,053 and 1,203,937 show various arrangements for displaying warning flags in close proximity to warning signs of the type used adjacent a highway or roadway. Largely as a result of a use of motor vehicles by construction crews and emergency personnel, it has been found desirable to provide warning signs with a roll-up capability for a reduced size during transport. While there are a number of arrangements, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,309,862; 5,318,258; 5,152,091; 4,980,984; 4,619,220 and 3,200,786 which have incorporated flag holders with warning signs which can be rolled up into a more compact package for storage, usually in a motor vehicle as part of the standard equipment provided to the work crew or emergency personnel with the vehicle. U.S. Pat. No. 1,203,937 shows a flag holder for automobiles and it has been found desirable to attract attention to a moving vehicle using warning flags. Despite improvements over the years, further reductions in weight, bulk and production costs have been sought.


A printer including an impact dot print head for driving a plurality of print wires mounted on the cantilevered end of print levers is provided. The print head includes a stopper positioned to be impacted by a print lever returning from a print position to an at rest position before a plunger on the lever impacts the magnetic core. A spring mounted on the lever biases it towards the print position. Magnetic flux of a permanent magnet attracts the plunger to the non-print position. An electromagnetic coil is energized to cancel the magnetic attraction of the plunger to the core to drive the wire towards the print position.

The invention relates generally to an impact printer, and in particular, to an impact dot print head in which printing is effected by striking the tips of printing wires against an ink ribbon.
Impact dot print heads are well known in the art. Generally, in the non-printing state a plunger is held in direct contact with a magnetic core or in contact with a spacer disposed between the plunger and the magnetic core. The plunger is attracted to the core by the magnetic flux of a permanent magnet.
In these impact dot print heads, when the plunger returns to the non-printing (standby) position following a printing operation, the plunger forcibly collides with the core or collides with the spacer which collides with the core. Thus, the plunger and the core are subjected to harsh abrasion and must be replaced frequently. Generally, the materials with good mechanical strength do not have good magnetic qualities. Thus, an impact dot print head including a plunger and a core formed of a high strength material and which resists abrasion would lack good magnetic properties and reduce the efficiency of the magnetic circuit. If the spacer is thickened to absorb the force of the collision, the efficiency of the magnetic circuit also declines Accordingly, the thickness of the spacer is limited and increasing the space between the core and the plunger is not adequate.
Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an impact dot printer including an impact dot print head in which abrasion of the plunger and core is reduced without sacrificing the efficiency of the magnetic circuit and avoids the disadvantages of the prior art devices described above.

Impact dot print head and printer including same


Multivesicular liposomes are prepared at commercial scales by combining a first w/o emulsion with a second aqueous solution to form a w/o/w emulsion using a static mixer. Solvent is removed from the resulting emulsion to form multivesicular liposome-containing compositions. Further optional process steps include primary filtration and secondary cross-flow filtration. The products produced according to the processes of the invention can be produced through a series of aseptic steps.

This invention relates generally to the field of methods of encapsulation of physiologically active substances. More specifically, the invention relates to emulsification processes for preparing multivesicular liposome formulations, with sustained release characteristics and the formulations produced by those processes.
When phospholipids and many other amphipathic lipids are dispersed gently in an aqueous medium they swell, hydrate, and spontaneously form multilamellar concentric bilayer vesicles with layers of aqueous media separating the lipid bilayers. These systems are commonly referred to as multilamellar liposomes or multilamellar vesicles (MLV), and usually have diameters of from 0.2 to 5 μm. Sonication of MLV results in the formation of small unilamellar vesicles (SUV) containing an aqueous solution, bounded by a single lipid bilayer with diameters usually in the range of from 20 to 100 nm. Multivesicular liposomes (MVL) differ from MLV and SUV in the way they are manufactured, in the random, non-concentric arrangement of aqueous-containing chambers within the liposome, and in the inclusion of neutral lipids necessary to form the MVL.
Various types of lipids differing in chain length, saturation, and head group have been used for years in liposomal drug formulations, including the unilamellar, multilamellar, and multivesicular liposomes mentioned above. The neutral lipids used in the manufacture of multivesicular liposomes to date have been primarily limited to triglycerides.
Liposomes in various forms have been prepared by a variety of different processes. However, most such processes are suitable only for laboratory-scale preparation, and are not readily scaled up to batch sizes suitable for commercial production. Thus, a need exists for liposome preparation processes that are suitable for large-scale manufacturing. Among the challenges for the design of an efficient and effective large-scale manufacturing process for (multivesicular) liposomes is the need to bring together unit operations in an efficient manner. Such unit operations include: 1) first emulsification, 2) second emulsification, 3) solvent removal, 4) primary filtration and other ancillary operations necessary for the large-scale production of MVL. The process can also be carried out in an aseptic manner, and such processes are considered desirable.
The rheology of water-in-oil (w/o) emulsions, and specifically the effects of volume fraction and size on viscosity, have been well studied in literature. Multiple emulsion processes are currently used in the pharmaceutical industry to obtain sustained-release drug products. These processes in general begin with the formation of a emulsion with a high volume fraction of dispersed phase (0.6-0.85). High-shear mixing is generally used to obtain a emulsion of high viscosity (from 5-100 times that of the continuous phase) that is stable enough to be further processed.
It is known that the shearing of emulsions in a batch reactor will result in a decrease in the size of droplets in the emulsion. When the shear forces of the mixer exceed the surface tension on discontinuous phase droplets, these forces act to break up the droplets and reduce the mean droplet size. This reduction of droplet size has significant effects on the rheology of the emulsion, with emulsions of smaller droplet size having a higher viscosity. The increase in viscosity with increased mixing time and speed is due to two principle factors. First, smaller droplets have a higher surface tension and are more rigid, resulting in an emulsion with higher viscosity. Second, a decrease in droplet size decreases the mean separation distance between the droplets, resulting in increased hydrodynamic interactions between droplets. The effect of droplet size on emulsion viscosity is magnified as droplet size decreases.
After the w/o emulsion has been formed and it is no longer undergoing any shear forces, many interactions are still occurring within the emulsion. In concentrated dispersions, Brownian motion comes into play, especially if droplet size is small. As Brownian motion causes the droplets to become randomized, collisions between droplets increase and aggregates are formed. In addition, if a w/o emulsion consists of lipids with monolayer membranes of the droplets having their hydrophobic chains facing away from the droplets, attractive hydrophobic interactions occur between droplets, that promote formation of aggregates. When the viscosity of an emulsion containing aggregates is measured at low shear rates, the viscosity is high, while at higher shear rates the aggregates are broken, and the viscosity decreases. Thus, w/o emulsions are shear thinning.
Water in oil in water (w/o/w) emulsions have been prepared by dispersing w/o emulsions into a second aqueous phase. Removal of the solvent of the oil phase by various techniques results in encapsulated materials, present in a second aqueous phase. These materials have found applications in foods, cosmetics, treatment of waste water, and pharmaceuticals.
The removal of solvent from the oil phase to produce such encapsulated materials has been carried out by passing inert gas through the w/o/w emulsion. It has been observed that conventional techniques can result in damage to the encapsulated materials, leading to rupture and loss of material into the second aqueous phase. After the solvent removal step, the encapsulated materials need to be subjected to a primary filtration step.
The primary filtration step has several objectives: exchange the second aqueous solution by a physiologically acceptable solution, concentration adjustment of the multivesicular lipid based particles, and removal of unencapsulated drug. The primary strategy of the prior art for maximizing diafiltration productivity in the manufacture of lipid based particles is to reduce fouling and gel polarization of the membrane. Basic process parameters such as wall shear rate, permeate flux, and transmembrane pressure can be optimized in order to achieve this goal. However, the success of these optimization efforts is limited since the permeate flux drops significantly during the primary filtration process.
In the manufacture of multivesicular liposomes encapsulating various drugs and other active agents, the diafiltration process consumes approximately 60% of the actual process time. Therefore, it is an economical consideration to reduce the time of the diafiltration process to reduce operating cost without compromising the product quality. The approach used in conventional cross-flow systems for reducing the processing time by increasing the wall shear rate or the membrane surface area is counterproductive because multivesicular liposomes are shear sensitive. Increasing the shear rate and membrane surface area, which in turn requires use of a larger pump, results in damaging the particles and reducing the encapsulating yield.
Another concentration adjustment step is often necessary after primary filtration, since the holdup of primary filtration is too great to allow adjustment in one step. Historically, decanting the primary filtration product has been used, although a number of difficulties arise with this approach. Sterility breach is a problem, as well as the necessity of allowing a long resettling time after such a procedure. Concentration adjustment by this method is time-consuming and not particularly accurate.
The products must be sterile for use in human and in many other organisms. Conventional terminal sterilization techniques such as autoclaving and gamma irradiation can damage delicate products, including MVL.
Therefore, due to these problems, new and better methods are required for reducing the process time and shear stress on lipid particles, such as multivesicular particles, during diafiltration. Methods are also required which can reliably produce sterile product without undue product damage.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


A workpiece structure having a hole therein is repaired by preparing a stack having a first confinement sheet, a first donor sheet, a workpiece structure having a hole therein, a plug of a plug material in the hole, optionally a second donor sheet, and a second confinement sheet. The first confinement sheet, the first donor sheet, the second donor sheet, and the second confinement sheet each overlie the hole. The first confinement sheet and the second confinement sheet each melt at a temperature greater than do the first donor sheet, the plug, and the second donor sheet. The stack is locally heated at the hole using an electrical current source to a temperature sufficiently high to locally melt the first donor sheet, the plug, the second donor sheet, and the workpiece structure. The stack is thereafter cooled to solidify all melted material and form a weldment.

An undesired hole may be formed in a metallic article during fabrication or service. Such an undesired hole is most common in relatively thin sheets of the metallic material. For example, during fabrication a hole may be unintentionally punched in a sheet structure or produced by a joining process. During service, holes may result from environmental causes such as burning or impacts of rocks or the like. Holes may also result from hostile penetrations from sources such as a bullet or other projectile. Existing holes also may become oversized or otherwise damaged due to wear, corrosion, or other in-service conditions.
In many cases, the extent of damage associated with the hole is not too great, and the hole may be repaired. In one common approach, the hole is patched with a sheet of a material attached, as by welding, overlying the hole. This patch thickens the sheet and alters its aerodynamic properties, and also results in reduced strength in the neighborhood of the hole and leaves a stress concentration having an increased propensity for premature failure.
In another approach, the hole is welded shut, as for example by gas tungsten arc welding of a hole in an aluminum alloy. Weld repair can lead to significant distortion of the shape and dimensions of the article, particularly for thin sheets. Various types of support fixtures and chill blocks are used to reduce the distortion, but such tooling significantly increases the cost of the repair. Additionally, the quality of the weldments in thin workpieces is suspect, so that the strength of the welded structure is compromised. Most materials shrink when they solidify, leaving porosity in the weldment. Gas bubbles in the weldment also produce porosity. The porosity reduces the mechanical properties of the weldment and thence of the welded structure. Another important disadvantage is that the quality of conventional weldments is highly dependent upon the skill of the welder or the setup of an automatic welding machine, so that there may be inconsistency from weld to weld.
There is a need for an improved approach to the repair of holes in metallic articles, particularly thin sheet articles. The present invention fulfills this need, and further provides related advantages.

Method for repairing a hole in a metallic workpiece


A trailer for transporting a cargo vehicle such as a motorcycle in tow behind a towing vehicle includes a perimeter frame with a frame perimeter structure having a towing vehicle connection mechanism, and including trailer supporting wheels, the plane of the frame perimeter structure being oriented substantially parallel with the ground when the vehicle connection mechanism is connected to the towing vehicle; a cargo vehicle support bed positioned substantially within the perimeter frame; and a line and pulley elevation mechanism for lowering the bed substantially perpendicular to the ground to load and unload the cargo vehicle and for elevating the bed substantially perpendicular to the ground for cargo vehicle transport, so that the plane of the bed always remains substantially parallel with the plane of the perimeter frame. The line and pulley elevation mechanism includes lines connected to the bed at points substantially lateral to the center of gravity of the bed when loaded with a cargo vehicle for bed balance during bed lowering and elevation. The frame perimeter structure includes a forward cross structure and two parallel and spaced apart side rail structures integrally joined to and extending rearwardly from the forward cross structure.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to the field of trailers drawn by motor vehicles. More specifically the present invention relates to a trailer for transporting a vehicle such as a motorcycle, the trailer including a perimeter frame supported by trailer wheels and a motorcycle support bed mounted within the perimeter frame on a line and pulley elevation mechanism. The line and pulley elevation mechanism lowers the bed to load and unload the motorcycle and elevates the bed for motorcycle transport, such that the plane of the bed always remains substantially parallel with the perimeter frame and the ground. Lines from the line and pulley elevation mechanism preferably connect to the bed at points directly lateral to the center of gravity of the bed when loaded with a conventional motorcycle for balance during bed lowering and elevation.
2. Description of the Prior Art
There has long been a need to transport motorcycles by means other than driving them. As a result it has become a relatively common and hazardous practice to attempt to load motorcycles onto a conventional truck bed or equipment trailer. This is accomplished by pushing or riding the motorcycle up a ramp of some sort propped against the bed or trailer. Pushing a relatively large motorcycle up a ramp can be difficult or impossible for one person, and riding it up the ramp can be very dangerous. Should the motorcycle stall part way up the ramp, for example, there may not be adequate footholds to brace it against falling off the ramp and onto the rider.
Various trailers have been designed for carrying motorcycles and other vehicles. One such prior trailer is that of Zenna, U.S. Pat. No. 4,752,177, issued on Jun. 21, 1983 for a motorcycle trailer apparatus. Zenna includes a U-shaped outer frame with two parallel and spaced apart side portions and a forward cross-member interconnecting the side portions. Each side portion is fitted with a trailer wheel and tire and an upright hydraulic cylinder assembly. A motorcycle wheel receiving channel extends longitudinally midway between the frame side portions, and channel arms extend and join to a corresponding hydraulic cylinder assembly. The cylinder assemblies lower the wheel receiving channel within the outer frame to ground level to receive a motorcycle, and then raise the channel for trailer towing. A problem with Zenna is that the hydraulic cylinder assemblies make the trailer prohibitively expensive.
Behr, U.S. Pat. No. 5,536,131, issued on Jul. 16, 1996, teaches a utility trailer with level cargo support when lowered to and elevated from the ground. Behr includes a U-shaped outer frame and a generally planar bed within the outer frame, and a trailer hitch shaft extending forwardly from the outer frame. The outer frame and bed are interconnected on each side of the bed by forward and rearward pivot links. One end of each pivot link is rotatably fastened to a side of the bed and the other end is rotatably fastened to the outer frame through a torsion creating mechanism. A pulley and cable assembly is mounted to the forward end of the outer frame and the cable is connected to the forward end of the bed for raising and lowering the bed. A problem with Behr is that the bed loaded with cargo initially must be dragged over the ground before the bed rises. Another problem is that the bed and cargo must not only be lifted the distance required to clear the ground, but also moved substantially forward because of the upright orientation of the pivoting linkages, so that additional energy is required to generate bed and cargo momentum in a forward direction.
Shiels, U.S. Pat. No. 4,673,328, issued on Jun. 16, 1987, discloses a lift/tilt-bed trailer. Shiels includes a structure similar to that of Behr except that the pivot links are channel-shaped tracks and the bed has channel wheels which ride within the link tracks. A pulley is connected to a forwardly extending trailer hitch shaft and the cable extends generally horizontally back to the forward edge of the bed to raise the bed by rolling the bed wheels within the pivot link tracks. As a result of this construction, the bed can be raised and lowered in a level orientation, or the front only can be raised to tilt the bed into a ramp orientation. A problem with Shiels is that the bed, made heavy by loading with the cargo, must be initially dragged over the ground before it can rise. Another problem is that the bed and cargo must not only be lifted the distance required to clear the ground, but also moved substantially forward with the pivoting linkages, so that additional energy is required to generate forward bed and cargo momentum.
Fowler, U.S. Pat. No. 4,154,352, issued on May 15, 1979, reveals another motorcycle trailer. Fowler includes a trailer frame equipped to receive a motorcycle and having trailer supporting wheel assemblies. The wheel assemblies each including a fulcrum and linkage structure to pivot the wheels downwardly so that the trailer can roll on them and upwardly to lower the trailer frame to ground level for motorcycle loading and unloading. Wheel pivoting is accomplished by inserting a lever arm into a socket in each wheel assembly and applying lateral pressure to the arm. A problem with Fowler is that the user must lift not only the motorcycle but also the entire trailer frame during trailer loading and unloading.
Clark, U.S. Pat. No. 4,077,642, issued on Mar. 7, 1978, discloses a movable bed trailer. Clark includes a U-shaped frame mounted on a pair of oppositely disposed wheels and a bed mounted on double linkages within the frame. The bed is raised and lowered with a drive mechanism secured between the forward ends of the frame and bed. The bed remains in a substantially horizontal position during raising and lowering. A problem with Clark is that the bed loaded with cargo initially must be dragged over the ground before it can rise. Another problem is that the bed and cargo must not only be lifted the distance required to clear the ground, but also moved substantially forward with the pivoting linkages, so that additional energy is required to generate forward bed and cargo momentum.
Other related art includes Verschage, U.S. Pat. No. 4,372,572, issued on Feb. 8, 1983, for a tandem axle trailer with a hydraulic lift bed. The inclusion of a hydraulic system makes the trailer relatively expensive. The art also includes Harris, U.S. Pat. No. 5,288,197, issued on Feb. 22, 1994, for an equipment trailer; and Page, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,035,462, issued Jul. 30, 1991, for a utility vehicle chassis having a vertically adjustable bed. Harris and Page, et al., both teach truck beds within a truck body which are lowered between the rear wheels of the truck. A problem is that no provision is made for cargo vehicle transport with an already owned truck or car.
It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a trailer for transporting a cargo vehicle such as a motorcycle in tow behind a towing vehicle.
It is another object of the present invention to provide such a trailer having a bed within a perimeter frame which is lowered in a level orientation with a cable and pulley mechanism to ground level for loading and unloading the cargo vehicle and which is raised in a level orientation with the mechanism for towing.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide such a trailer in which the bed is raised without significant sliding of the bed over the ground.
It is finally an object of the present invention to provide such a trailer which requires no hydraulic bed elevation mechanisms and is otherwise highly economical to manufacture.

Arch trailer for motorcycle transport and camping


A first inverter includes a first load element and a first transistor, which are connected between first and second terminals in series, a first input terminal and a first output terminal. A second inverter includes a second load element and a second transistor, which are connected between third and fourth terminals in series, a second input terminal and a second output terminal. A first transfer transistor selectively and electrically connects the first output terminal and a first bit line. A second transfer transistor selectively and electrically connects the second output terminal and a second bit line. When data are read from the memory cell which comprises the first and second inverters and the first and second transfer transistors, a first potential is applied to the second terminal and a second potential different from the first potential is applied to the fourth terminal.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a static random access memory (SRAM), and for example, a static noise margin (SNM) of a memory cell.
2. Description of the Related Art
The memory cells of an SRAM typically have first and second inverters whose inputs and outputs are connected to each other, and first and second transfer transistors that connect the output ends of the first and second inverters to a bit line pair. The first and second inverters include a load transistor and a driver transistor. Gates of the first and second transfer transistors are connected to a word line WL.
Conventionally, in order to measure SNM, measurement memory cells which are provided separately from normal memory cells are used. The measurement memory cells have a pad connected to respective nodes in addition to the constitution of the memory cells. At the time of measurement, a bit line and a word line are fixed at a potential VDD. In a state that terminals of the first and second inverters are biased to a predetermined potential, a relationship (transfer curve) between nodes NB and NA corresponding to an input terminal and an output terminal of the first inverter is obtained. That is to say, a potential supply end to the second inverter is opened and a potential supply ends to the first inverter are biased to potentials VDD and VSS. In this state, the potential of the node NB changes from VSS to VDD. When the potential of the terminal NB is plotted along the abscissa and the potential of the terminal NA is plotted along the ordinate, the transfer curve of the first inverter is obtained.
Similarly, in a state that the potential supply end to the first inverter is opened and the potential supply ends to the second inverter are biased to potential VDD and potential VSS, the potential of the node NA changes from VSS to VDD, so that a transfer curve of the second inverter is obtained. The two transfer curves are overlapped. As a result, the stability characteristics of a cell (butterfly curve) can be obtained as shown in FIG. 1 in the article "The Impact of Intrinsic Device Fluctuations on CMOS SRAM Cell stability" by Azzez j. Bhavnagarwala et al., in IEEE journal Of Solid-state Circuits", April, 2001, Vol. 36, No. 4, p. 659. The length of one side of a square inscribed in two areas surrounded by the two transfer curves corresponds to SNM. In general, the larger the SNM, the harder it is for data destruction to occur because of power-source voltage noise in a chip. For this reason, it is important when designing memory cells to set SNM to a large value, and an SNM check is important for the development of cells.
The above method, however, enables only the measurement of SNM in the measurement memory cells, but cannot measure SNM in memory cells on chips as products. Further, since an actual measurement is made in a state that pins are attached to respective pads in each measurement cell, a very long measurement time is required, and the amount of data obtained is limited.

Static random access memory and pseudo-static noise margin measuring method


Disclosed herein are system, method, and apparatus for generating labels for k-means clusters. The method includes accessing a plurality of data records from a database repository, and storing the plurality of data records into at least one of primary or secondary memory associated with at least one computer processor performing the method, along with a cluster number for each data record. All data records having a same cluster number form a cluster, and each record has been categorized or designated a cluster number out of a total K number of clusters. The method includes for each of a plurality of classification features, performing cluster-based analysis for a first cluster with respect to a single feature to generate a single feature overlap score. The method includes sorting, grouping, and generating a naming label for the first cluster based on the predetermined number of features having the lowest overlap scores.

One of the known unsupervised machine-learning techniques is K-means clustering, in which similar data points are grouped into a fixed number, for example, k number of clusters. Data points in a cluster have similarities with the other data points in the same cluster. In the K-means clustering process, the first group of centroids is randomly selected, and then each data point is categorized to its closest mean, and the mean's coordinates are updated. This process of calculating its closest means and updating the mean's coordinates are repeated for a predetermined number of iterations. At the end of the iterative process, the clusters and their member data points are identified. However, due to the "black box" nature of the unsupervised machine-learning technique, it is not known why various data points are clustered together. In other words, it is not known what attribute of the data point brought the data point into the cluster, or what the similarity is between various data points in a cluster.
In the drawings, like reference numbers generally indicate identical or similar elements. Additionally, generally, the leftmost digit(s) of a reference number identifies the drawing in which the reference number first appears.

System to label K-means clusters with human understandable labels


A method for in-place, lightweight Ack packet promotion in a wireless network environment is provided. The method includes receiving a new Ack packet via a wireless network; searching through a transmit queue for an old Ack packet that corresponds to the new Ack packet; and replacing the data in a number field, a checksum field, a window size field, and a timestamp options field of the old Ack packet with data in a number field, a checksum field, a window size field, and a timestamp options field of the new Ack packet.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is related to improving the performance of Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) based applications on Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS) channels.
2. Related Art
The importance to the modern economy of rapid data access and exchange cannot be overstated. This explains the exponentially increasing popularity of the data access and exchange via cable networks (including coaxial cable or Hybrid fiber coaxial cable), the Internet, intranets, wireless networks, satellites and so forth (i.e., communication mediums). Rapid data access and exchange is partly dependent upon how efficiently bandwidth is allocated to a data provider in order for the data provider to transfer the
One very desirable solution for rapid data access and exchange is via cable networks and cable modems. Cable modems provide communications on cable networks. In general, a user connects a cable modem to the TV outlet for his or her cable TV, and the cable TV operator connects a cable modem termination system (CMTS) in the operator headend. The CMTS is a central device for connecting the cable network to a data network like the Internet. The CMTS is a central distribution point for a cable system. Data flows downstream from the CMTS to the cable modem (i.e., downstream communication). Alternatively, data flows upstream from the cable modem to the CMTS (i.e., upstream communication).
A common cable modem standard today is the CableLabs® Certified™ Cable Modem project, also known as DOCSIS® (Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification), which defines interface requirements for cable modems involved in high-speed data distribution over cable television system networks. The DOCSIS specifications define technical requirements for both cable modems and CMTS.
The performance of Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) based applications (such as File Transfer Protocol (FTP) and HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP)) is severely limited on DOCSIS channels due to the extreme asymmetry between the speed of the upstream and downstream paths, as well as due to the high latency of the upstream path relative to the lower latency of the downstream path. These issues also apply to numerous other physical link types (satellite, DSL, etc). One of the approaches to alleviating the bottlenecks is called Ack Filtering, where the customer premises equipment ("CPE") device (such as, a cable modem or router) looks for TCP Ack packets being queued to be transmitted upstream, and removes "older" Ack packets in favor of sending the newer Ack packet. The older Ack packet is removed only if the packet contains no data. If there is data in the older Ack packet, then it cannot be removed without discarding the data. However, the newer Ack number can be promoted to the older packet. A TCP Ack is any TCP packet that has the Ack bit set in the flags portion of the TCP header, and the Acknowledgement Number value indicates the Sequence Number being acknowledged.
There are several issues related to Ack Filtering that can make the implementation difficult and inefficient, especially when taking into account DOCSIS features like piggyback requests and concatenation.

Method for in-place, lightweight Ack promotion in a wireless network environment


In order to automatically renew data using a modem which can simultaneously transmit/receive audio and data signal, there is disclosed an apparatus having a modem which can simultaneously transmit/receive audio and data signal (4 in FIG. 2), a discrimination circuit (flow chart in FIG. 5B) for discriminating if a communication partner is a specific partner, and a control CPU (flow charts in FIGS. 4A and 4B) for controlling the modem to perform a predetermined data communication together with an audio call on the basis of the discrimination result of the discrimination circuit.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a communication method and apparatus for performing communications using data transmission means which can simultaneously transmit an audio signal and data.
2. Related Background Art
In recent years, owing to the downsizing of computers such as notebook type personal computers and with the advent of electronic stock control and slip process systems using, e.g., POS systems, information in an office can be accessed using a notebook type personal computer or a special-purpose handy terminal via a communication line during sales activity (out) time away from the office. As a result, information acquisition and stock confirmation at a customer site can be easily realized, and a quick response to a customer's need can be attained.
An actual sales person connects a notebook type personal computer or handy terminal to a modem (a PCMCIA card or unit) and a portable telephone, and makes a telephone call to a host computer or a personal computer in his or her office so as to exchange data. Furthermore, recently, electronic devices such as pen computers incorporating a portable telephone function are commercially available.
These electronic devices can be used for managing personal schedules and address books in addition to original jobs such as sales activities. Since information is electrically processed, when personal information such as a schedule of a particular sales person directly heard from him or her is stored in a notebook type personal computer or a portable electronic device, a third party can access this information to confirm his or her schedule and/or to make an appointment on behalf of this sales person. Furthermore, facsimile (FAX) data which has been conventionally output onto a paper sheet can be read on a display screen or can be easily transmitted using a FAX server or a FAX system using a personal computer. For this reason, in addition to a one-way access in which a sales person at a remote location performs confirmation of a received order or a stock, it is often required to send data from an office to the location of the person so as to renew his or hew personal schedule or to send FAX data to this person.
As a background for such requirements, an environment for personal use of electronic devices has been established since high-performance, compact, and low-cost devices have become commercially available, and the area of spread of information has increased due to a widened service area and lower cost of wireless telephones.
A conventional modem (a data or FAX modem) modulates data to transmit digital data onto an analog telephone line for transmitting an audio signal. For this reason, when data is transmitted, a normal speech communication is disabled. However, a modem which can simultaneously transmit audio and data signals (data and FAX) by a time-division or double-carrier method when two stations use identical modems has been recently developed.
However, not to mention a case wherein a modem which can send only data is used, even when a modem which can simultaneously transmit data and audio signals is used, a user cannot know the state of data transmission while performing a speech communication. Therefore, operability is poor. When a speech communication and a data communication are simultaneously performed for different purposes, the progresses of the two communications often contradict with each other.
In addition, not to mention a case wherein a modem which can send only data is used, even when a modem which can simultaneously transmit data and audio signals is used, as described above, a user must perform an operation for sending data while making a speech communication, resulting in poor operability. Furthermore, even when data is renewed in a portable device or a host computer in an office, data is not renewed unless a user makes a telephone call to renew the data.

Mobile apparatus for performing data communication and presenting a display in accordance with the status of the data communication