It is known to provide agitation of processing solutions in photographic processing apparatus using jets. Jets are also known for urging material between sets of rollers. However, such jets are not known to impart drive to material being processed as it passes through the apparatus. Described herein is an arrangement in which material (M) is transported through a narrow elongate tank (20) by means of processing solution which is directed into the tank (20) by means of high speed jets (24, 25). The jets (24, 25) have two functions, namely to drive the material (M) through the tank (20) and to supply processing solution to the tank (20) simultaneously. Such an arrangement has the advantage of providing high speed processing apparatus which occupies minimum space and has few moving parts.

This invention relates to photographic processing apparatus and is more particularly concerned with processors in which a fluid drive is used to transport the material being processed. More particularly, the apparatus includes a low volume, thin-channelled processing tank provided with at least two jets at an angle which will cause discharged fluid to advance photographic paper through the channel.
It is known to use jets to provide agitation at the surface of a material being processed. U.S. Pat. No. 3,192,846 and U.S. Pat. No. 3,774,521 both disclose the use of such jets. However, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,192,846 the jets are used to supply fluid layers to the material being processed which act as liquid bearings to prevent damage occurring during processing. Agitation is also provided by the jets. In U.S. Pat. No. 3,774,521, the jets are only used to provide agitation.
Other systems are known which employ jets, for example, those systems disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,359,279, 3,688,677, 3,610,131, 3,344,729 and 3,516,345. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,359,279, the jets point in both directions and open out into an open tray. In U.S. Pat. No. 3,688,677 and U.S. Pat. No. 3,610,131, the jets are directed to operate in a direction which is opposite to the flow of material through the processor. In U.S. Pat. No. 3,516,345, the jets are directed to operate in a direction which is transverse to the direction of flow of the material through the processor, and in U.S. Pat. No. 3,344,729 the jets are directed at wall surfaces of the processing chamber and not at the material itself.
JP-A-2129635 discloses processing apparatus in which photosensitive material is fed from a supply reel into a slit-shaped spiral processing tank. Developing solution is pumped into the tank via two inlet nozzles or jets to transport the material being processed through the spiral tank.
It has also been known to use `slot` or `slit` nozzles to urge material between sets of rollers in small bench-top processing apparatus, but such nozzles have not been known to impart high speeds to the material on which they act.


Disclosed are systems and methods for manufacturing sleeves, a sleeve dispenser, and a method of manufacturing inexpensive, throwaway sleeves that may be used to protect temples from chemicals, germs, bacteria, and the like. Sleeves may be inexpensively manufactured using a single inexpensive raw material as well as an inexpensive manufacturing process in which no waste material is produced. Furthermore, sleeves may be produced as a compact roll of sleeves to accommodate unobtrusive placement in areas with limited space, thereby facilitating distribution in space-limited facilities such as hair salons, spas, optometrist or ophthalmologist offices, sunglass shops, and the like. In some embodiments, the sleeves include latitudinal and longitudinal perforations that facilitate removal of pairs of sleeves from the sleeve roll and removal of each of the pair of sleeves from each other. After separation, a sleeve aperture is passed over the temple until it is fully covered and protected.

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to aids for efficiently and effectively protecting the temples of glasses such as eyeglasses or sunglasses. More specifically, the present invention relates to sleeves, a sleeve dispenser, and a method of manufacturing inexpensive, throwaway sleeves that may be used to protect temples from chemicals, germs, bacteria, and the like.
Many systems and methods have been created to provide additional comfort to persons requiring eyeglasses. Many such systems and methods have been designed to be permanently attached to the temples of eyeglasses. In its most simplistic form, one such system includes a lamination of the temples. This laminate creates a soft barrier between the temples and the wearer's head. In one such system, a laminate such as vinyl acetal resin is employed. The laminate is compressed and contacted against each temple rendering it a permanently component of the temple. After the laminate is applied, the temples may be bent into the shape desired by the wearer and attached to the bow of the eyeglasses.
Another similar system was created to prevent bruising to the portion of the user's head located behind the ears while simultaneously preventing the eyeglasses from changing position while they are worn. In this system, the portion of the temples that engage the user's ear when the eyeglasses are worn is formed with the same curvature as the backside of the ear. A thin rubber cap is then placed over the curved portion of the temples such that the user's head is protected from bruising that many occur with continuous wear of the eyeglasses.
Other such systems are designed to be removably attached to the temples of eyeglasses. In one system, a temple cover is made of an elastic deformable material. This temple cover has an elongated tubular shape with an inner diameter throughout the majority of the cover such that it may be slid over the portion of the temple that engages the user's ear. The cover also contains a reduced or constricted end portion that allows the cover to be held in place on the temple. The cover may be removed from the temple by applying pressure in a direction opposite to the eyeglass lenses. In another such system, the cover is extended such that it covers the straight portion of the temple as well as the curved portion for additional protection to the wearer's head.
In another similar system, a temple cover is created from a transparent plastic material. This cover also has an elongated tubular shape with a constricting inner diameter throughout the majority of the cover. However, it additionally contains a slot throughout its length. This slot allows the cover to be snapped onto the end portion of temples having varying diameters and curvatures. The cover may be removed by applying pressure in a direction such that the temple is forced through the slot.
Many systems and methods have been created to provide protection for the temples of eyeglasses. In some instances, temples may need to be protected from the environment. For example, such protection may be required when a wearer undergoes a chemical treatment to the hair, head, or face. Alternatively, temples may require protection to prevent the passage of germs or disease between multiple wearers of a single pair of eyeglasses. Furthermore, many such systems and methods have been designed to be removably attached to the temples. In their most simplistic forms, such systems include disposable temples covers.
In one such system, a temple cover is formed from a soft resilient plastic material. The cover is tubular and consists of one open end, one closed end and a longitudinal center passage having a diameter equivalent to conventional temples. The open end of the cover further consists of a constrictive plastic ring with a short portion of the tubular member rolled about the ring. The open end of the cover is passed over the temple and the constrictive action of the ring holds the cover in place.
In another such system, a sheet of plastic is folded in half such that its folded length is equivalent to the length of conventional eyeglass temples. A short segment of one half of the plastic is then folded back to form a cuff. The sheet is then sealed across the width of the plastic multiple times at equidistant locations to form multiple individual temple covers and the covers are cut along the seals to separate the temple covers. When protection is required, a user then passes the cuffed end of an individual temple cover over the temple until the entire temple is covered. Additionally, the temple covers may include markers such as colored markers to indicate the open end of the temple cover to the user.
Another similar system includes a method of dispensing eyeglass temple covers. In this system, the temple covers are formed on sheets that are rolled to create a cylindrical roll of such sheets. The sheets are perforated such that they may be easily removed from the roll. Each sheet contains two individual temple covers formed from tubular pockets contained within the sheet and having one open end and one closed end. Each temple cover is also perforated at the edges for removal from the sheet. Upon removal from the sheet, the open end of the pocket is passed over the eyeglass temple when protection is required. The remainder of the sheet is then discarded.
Similarly, another system includes temporary temple covers designed to allow temples to be molded to the shape of the wearer's head. In this system, the temple covers act as sheaths that allow the shapes of the temples to be molded to the shape of the wearer's head by facilitating the application of heat in a manner that does not cause harm to the wearer. After the temples are heated, the temple covers are placed onto the temples. The eyeglasses are then placed onto the user's head and the temples are shaped to their desired position. After the temples have cooled, the eyeglass temple covers are removed from the eyeglass temples.


Memory cells having two electrodes and a layer arranged in between and including an active material which contains hexakisbenzylthiobenzene, dichlorodicyano-p-benzoquinone and optionally a polymer are provided. Furthermore, a process for the production of the cells according to the invention is provided, as well as the novel use of a composition which can be used as active material for the memory cells.

One of the substantial efforts in the further development of modern storage technologies is the increase of the integration density, so that the reduction in the structure sizes of the memory cells on which the memory devices are based is very important. Further efforts consist in developing novel memory cells which can be switched at relatively low voltages. A plurality of microelectronic elements and in particular memory cells which have a size of a few nanometers has been described in recent years. A concept for designing such memory cells is to arrange, between two electrodes, an active layer which can reversibly change certain properties, such as, for example, ferromagnetic properties or electrical resistance, depending on the voltage. Depending on the applied voltage, the cell can be switched between two states, so that one state can be assigned, for example, to the information state "0" and the other state can be assigned to the information state "1".
Various memory cells having an active layer have been described in the prior art.
Compared with the cells which have a ferroelectric material between two electrodes, the cell which has, between two electrodes, an active layer which can change the electrical resistance depending on the applied voltage has the advantage that it has a substantially higher signal ratio between the OFF and ON state and need not be rewritten after the read process, since the reading of the state is not destructive.
Bandyopdhyay et al.: Applied Physics Letters, Vol. 82, pages 1215–1217 entitled, "Large conductance switching memory effects in organic molecules for data-storage applications" describes an active layer arranged between two electrodes and consisting of rose Bengal (4,5,6,7-tetrachloro-2′, 4′,5′,7′-tetraiodofluorescein) with a polyallylamine hydrochloride polymer. The electrode consists of indium tin oxide on glass. The production of the active layer is, however, very inconvenient and requires treatment in an oven for several hours in vacuo. In addition, the active layer is limited to the indium tin oxide electrode.
A further memory cell comprising an active material which exhibits switchable behavior is described in Yang et al.: Applied Physics Letters, Vol. 80, 2002, pages 2997–2999 entitled, "Organic Electrical Bistable Devices and Rewritable Memory Cells". The active material consists of 2-amino-4,5-imidazoledicarbonitrile (AIDCN). The memory cell according to this prior art consists of a plurality of layers which have the following composition: an aluminium alloy deposited on glass, an AIDCN layer arranged thereon, a metal layer, a further AIDCN layer and a cathode. For switchability, this system requires the five layers described above, which makes the production very complex. A further disadvantage of the cells according to this prior art is that the cells can be switched only with aluminium electrodes and that the active layer can be applied only by means of vacuum vapour deposition.
According to C. P. Jarrett et al. in "Field effect measurements in doped conjugated polymer films: Assessment of charge carrier mobilities," in J. Appl. Phys. 77(12), 15 Jun. 1995, pages 6289–6294, the conductivity and the field effect mobility are measured using metal-insulator-semiconductor field effect transistors and acceptor density measurements are carried out using metal-insulator-semiconductor diodes. The measurements were carried out on thin polymer films of the organic semiconductor poly(beta′-dodecyloxy-alpha,alpha′,alpha′,alpha″-terthienyl), which were doped with different conductivities using 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone (DDQ) as an oxidizing agent. It was found that the field effect mobility and the conductivity of these films increased superlinearly on doping, whereas the transistor amplification, i.e. the ON/OFF ratio, decreased.

Resistive memory for low-voltage applications


A method for providing enhanced transaction detail for a financial transaction includes receiving transaction information for the financial transaction performed using a financial account held by an account holder, generating a transaction record for the financial transaction based on the transaction information, accessing a secondary account of the account holder, including identifying supplemental information for the financial transaction based on the transaction information, associating the supplemental information with the generated transaction record, and providing the transaction record, including the supplemental information, to the account holder.

The present disclosure relates generally to the processing of transaction information. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for providing enhanced transaction detail for financial statements.
Financial institutions provide financial statements to account holders, which may include a record of transactions that are performed by an account holder over a designated time period. For instance, the financial institution may receive information related to the transaction in order to process or otherwise facilitate the transaction for the account holder. The financial institution may then generate a record for the transaction based on the information received. Transaction records may be provided for transactions that are performed by the account holder through the use of payment cards (e.g., credit cards, debit cards, and prepaid cards), checks and money orders, and other payment methods.
The transaction record that is provided for a particular transaction may vary depending on the information that is received by the financial institution. The transaction record will typically include at least the amount of the transaction, a date associated with the transaction, and whether the transaction was a debit or a credit. The transaction record may also include an identifier for the other party to the transaction (e.g., the merchant). However, the account holder may be unable to identify the transaction based on the limited information that is provided. For instance, the transaction record may be posted to the account days after the account holder initiated the transaction, such that the account holder is unable to identify the transaction based on the date provided. Further, even if the transaction record includes an identifier for a merchant, the identifier may be a merchant code or generic description that is difficult for the account holder to decipher.

Systems and methods for enhanced transaction detail


Provided is a packed heat exchanger bed composed of thermomagnetic material particles having a mean particle diameter of 50 μm to 1 mm. The packed bed has porosity of 30-45%. A thermomagnetic material is a metal containing material such as (AyB1−y)2+δCwDxEz, La(FexAl1−x)13Hy or La(FxSi1−x)13Hy, La(FexAlyCoz)13 or La(FexSiyCoz)13, LaMnxFe2−xGe, Heusler alloys, Gd5(SixGe1−x)4, Fe2P-based compounds, manganites of the perovskite type, Tb5(Si4−xGex), XTiGe, Mn2−xZxSb, or Mn2ZxSb1−x, wherein A-E, P, and Z represent various metal atoms.

Thermomagnetic materials, also referred to as magnetocaloric materials, can be used for cooling, for example in refrigerators or air conditioning units, in heat pumps or for direct generation of power from heat without intermediate connection of a conversion to mechanical energy.
Such materials are known in principle and are described, for example, in WO 2004/068512. Magnetic cooling techniques are based on the magnetocaloric effect (MCE) and may constitute an alternative to the known vapor circulation cooling methods. In a material which exhibits a magnetocaloric effect, the alignment of randomly aligned magnetic moments by an external magnetic field leads to heating of the material. This heat can be removed from the MCE material to the surrounding atmosphere by a heat transfer. When the magnetic field is then switched off or removed, the magnetic moments revert back to a random arrangement, which leads to cooling of the material below ambient temperature. This effect can be exploited for cooling purposes; see also Nature, Vol. 415, Jan. 10, 2002, pages 150 to 152. Typically, a heat transfer medium such as water is used for heat removal from the magnetocaloric material.
The materials used in thermomagnetic generators are likewise based on the magnetocaloric effect. In a material which exhibits a magnetocaloric effect, the alignment of randomly aligned magnetic moments by an external magnetic field leads to heating of the material. This heat can be released by the MCE material into the surrounding atmosphere by a heat transfer. When the magnetic field is then switched off or removed, the magnetic moments revert back to a random alignment, which leads to cooling of the material below ambient temperature. This effect can be exploited firstly for cooling purposes, and secondly for conversion of heat to electrical energy.
The magnetocaloric generation of electrical energy is associated with magnetic heating and cooling. At the time of first conception, the process for energy generation was described as pyromagnetic energy generation. Compared to devices of the Peltier or Seebeck type, these magnetocaloric devices can have a significantly higher energy efficiency.
The research into this physical phenomenon began in the late 19th century, when two scientists, Tesla and Edison, filed a patent on pyromagnetic generators.
For the thermomagnetic or magnetocaloric applications, the material should permit efficient heat exchange in order to be able to achieve high efficiencies. Both in the course of cooling and in the course of power generation, the thermomagnetic material is used in a heat exchanger.

Heat exchanger beds composed of thermomagnetic material


Embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods and systems of storing data in storage volumes while ensuring matching data redundancy between the storage volumes. In one embodiment, a system for storing data comprises a first storage area to store data; a second storage area to store data; a first storage control unit configured to control the first storage area; and a second storage control unit configured to control the second storage area. In response to a first write request issued to write data in the first storage area, the first storage control unit is configured to write data associated with the first write request to the first storage area and to transfer the first write request to the second storage control unit, and the second storage control unit is configured to write the data associated with the first write request to the second storage area. In response to a second write request issued to write data in the second storage area, the second storage control unit is configured to transfer the second write request to the first storage control unit.

The present invention relates to a plurality of storage systems, in each of which a pair of storage volumes are formed, thereby multiplexing data. More particularly, the present invention relates to a technique for accepting access requests from both of a main host computer and a sub-host or backup computer while matching data redundancy is kept between those storage volumes.
In each of the storage systems developed in recent years, many of storage control units and/or storage volumes connected to such storage control units are mirrored so that such processings as online jobs, etc. that have been executed in those systems are restored quickly from errors and/or disasters that might occur in them. If such a mirrored configuration is taken for a part or the whole of a storage system, it will also be effective for maintenance works of the system.
One of the methods for forming each storage volume in such a dual configuration is to connect each of two storage control units connected to two host computers to a main volume or subvolume. When the main host computer writes data in the main volume, the storage control unit copies the data from the main volume to the subvolume. The state between the main volume and the subvolume after such a copy operation is referred to a mirrored state. The backup computer cannot access any subvolume in such a mirrored state. Such a method is disclosed in JP-A No.273242/2001
In the prior art, it has been impossible for a sub-host or backup computer to access to any mirrored storage volume until the mirrored state is reset. In other words, the sub-host or backup computer cannot access any storage volume while the storage volume is in a mirrored state.

Storage system with data redundancy between storage volumes


Provided are a driving method for a display panel, display driving device and electronic apparatus. The display panel includes a shift register. A drive signal of the shift register includes a trigger signal and a clock signal. The driving method includes: a current FPS in a current display mode is acquired; a current trigger signal and a current clock signal of the shift register is determined according to the current FPS; the shift register is provided with the current trigger signal and the current clock signal. A refresh frequency of the current trigger signal is the same as the current FPS. The current clock signal is the same as a reference clock signal in a reference display mode at least within an effective action duration of the current trigger signal. The current FPS is less than or equal to the reference FPS in the reference display mode.

With increasing development of display technology, users have gradually increased demands for display effect of a display panel and a display device. The display panel may include pixels arranged in an array, each of the pixels is provided with a pixel driving circuit. The pixel driving circuit is used for controlling display brightness of the pixel and achieving a color display and a white display of the display panel based on the color of the light emitted.
In general, the pixel driving circuit may include a switching transistor and a storage capacitor. During a period in which a scan signal is enabled, that is, during a period in which the switching transistor is turned on, the storage capacitor is charged so that the pixel maintains a preset brightness during a period of a frame. When it is required to switch to a different scan frequency (which may be called as a frame refresh frequency, or called as a frame rate), data corresponding to the frame refresh frequency needs to be downloaded, causing a change on the display screen (for example, a flicker may occur on the display panel) and resulting in poor user experience.

Driving method of a display panel, display driving device and electronic apparatus

WUHAN TIANMA MICRO-ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.


A dry cleaning apparatus which causes cleaning agent to fly in a gas current to impact an object to be cleaned so as to remove extraneous substance attached to the object includes a cleaning tank defining an interior space for accommodating the cleaning agent and the object with the attached extraneous substance, an inflow unit configured to guide a gas current into the cleaning tank through an inlet, an aspiration unit configured to discharge gas from the cleaning tank through an aspiration opening, and a separation unit disposed between the interior space of the cleaning tank and both the inflow unit and the aspiration unit, the separation unit having openings that allow the gas and the extraneous substance to pass through but do not allow the cleaning agent to pass through, wherein the inlet, the aspiration opening, and the separation unit are configured such that relative motion is created between the separation unit and both the inlet and the aspiration opening.

Office equipment makers that manufacture copiers, facsimile apparatuses, printers, and the like are actively engaged in recycling activities in which used products or component units are collected from users and then disassembled, cleaned, and assembled again for recycling use as components or as raw materials in order to bring about a resource-recycling society. In order to recycle components used in these products or component units, there is a need for a process that removes fine toner particles attached to these units and components for the cleaning purpose. The important issue is to reduce the cost and environmental load associated with such cleaning.
In the case of a wet-type cleaning method that uses water or solvent, the consumption of energy and environmental load associated with the processing and disposal of waste fluid including toner and the need of a drying process after cleaning are significant, and require high costs.
In the case of a dry-type cleaning method by use of air blow, the cleaning power is not sufficient when toner has strong adhesion, and, also, subsequent process steps are necessary such as manual wiping. Because of this, cleaning is recognized as one of the bottleneck process steps that exist in the recycle and reuse of products.
In order to obviate this problem, the applicant of this invention has developed a cleaning method that utilizes a dry-type cleaning agent (see Patent Document 1). In this method, developer (carrier) used in electrophotographic processes is used as cleaning agent, and toner particles adhering to the object to be cleaned are removed by attaching the particles to the cleaning agent, thereby achieving dry cleaning. The performance of this method is not yet sufficient with respect to the objects to be cleaned for which high cleaning quality (high degree of cleanliness) is required.
Namely, in the case of a cleaning agent utilizing electrostatic absorption, as the cleaning agent becomes dirty (due to the attachment of toner), the power of toner absorption may decrease, and, also, toner may become more likely to be removed from the cleaning agent to be attached again to the object to be cleaned. There is a need to improve the degree of cleanliness of the cleaning agent in order to improve the cleaning quality. The centrifuge separation effect of circling air current (cyclone method) is not sufficient for this purpose in terms of separation power. Further, in order to improve cleaning quality, there is a need to replace the cleaning agent again and again after the cleaning agent absorbs toner, resulting in cleaning inefficiency and the need for a large amount of cleaning agent.
Patent Document 2, for example, discloses an apparatus that uses a discharging device and spherical contact member made of elastic material such as soft urethane formed material to remove dust attached to chargeable objects. In Patent Document 2, the contact member is repeatedly used to remove dust. Because of the repeated use of the contact member, there is the concern of the dropping of cleaning quality as the dust is attached to and accumulated on the contact member.
Further, since a large number of components to be cleaned are simultaneously accommodated in a case for stirring, these components to be cleaned may be scratched or damaged due to collision and contact with each other if the components to be cleaned are easily scratched or heavy and bulky.
Patent Document 3, for example, discloses a barreling apparatus that runs air through a plurality of barreling tanks to eject grinding particles. In Patent Document 3, the surface disposed to oppose the inlet of external air is provided with a dust ejecting unit of a net plate shape, and the suction power of a dust collector is used to eject dust thereby to prevent the grinded object to be covered with dirt. If the suction power of the dust collector is increased in order to improve separation between the grinding particles and the dry media, the dry media may clog the dust ejecting unit of net plate shape. It thus appears difficult to achieve sufficient separation performance.
Since the grinded objects and the dry media are put in the barrel pot for stirring, as in Patent Document 2, there is the concern of scratching and damaging depending on the nature of the grinded objects.
[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-122123
[Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent No. 3288462
[Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent No. 2643103
Accordingly, there is a need for a scheme that improves cleaning quality and cleaning efficiency by improving the motion speed and degree of cleanliness of dry cleaning agent.
There is a further need for a dry cleaning apparatus that does not damage components and does not leave unclean parts even if components of complex shapes are to be cleaned.

Dry cleaning apparatus and method capable of cleaning the cleaning agent


The invention relates to a switching device for a parking brake, especially a commercial-vehicle parking brake, with a handle that can be moved between a pulled position for engaging the parking brake and a pushed position for releasing the parking brake, and to such a parking brake. The handle is subjected to a preload force toward a central position when it is in the pulled or pushed position. Depending on the position of the handle, an evaluation device outputs different control signals for an actuating device of the parking brake.

The present invention relates to a switching device for a parking brake and to a parking brake equipped with such a switching device, especially for commercial vehicles.
Parking brakes are known in particular as spring brake actuators of SAAR- or SAHR-type (that is, "Spring Actuated Air Released" or "Spring Actuated Hydraulic Released" respectively) and are used to actuate a brake-application device.
In Europe parking brakes for commercial vehicles are generally engaged by pulling and released by pushing a handle implemented as a lever—usually a linearly adjustable lever—disposed in the driver's cab.
In the United States, the parking-brake function or locking function is generally achieved by pulling a handle with a button into a pulled position; subsequently the parking brake can be disengaged by pushing the button inward and the handle downward.
Typically, the button to be actuated by the driver adjusts a parking-brake valve. In general, the parking-brake valve is designed such that, if the supply pressure drops below an internal set value, the button automatically springs outward and the rear axle is braked. In emergencies, the parking-brake valve can be pulled manually at any time, in order to activate the parking brake. As an additional option, a parking-brake safety valve can be provided, in order to reduce the pressure due to spring loading. Thus, release of the parking brake can be prevented until all systems have enabled release of the parking brake.
In such a switching device, whether it is actuated by lever or by button, the pressure conduits are routed into the driver's cab and complex valves are provided. In order to ensure that the handle springs out automatically, a complex design is necessitated.
Accordingly, it is desired to provide an improved parking brake and switching device constructed and arranged to ensure, with relatively little complexity, both automatic and manual movement capability of the parking brake, while at the same time retaining the features of conventional systems, i.e., the brake function in the pulled position and the brake release function in the pushed position of the actuating lever or button.


A toilet brush having a handle portion and a scrubbing portion is provided. A flexible connection is provided between the handle portion and the scrubbing portion. A deflection limiter is located in proximity to the connection which limits deflection of the scrubbing portion in a first direction relative to the handle portion.

The present invention relates to a toilet bowl cleaning device, and more particularly, to a toilet bowl cleaning brush which allows for easier cleaning under the rim of a toilet bowl.
One of the most difficult places to clean in a toilet bowl is the area under the rim. While ordinary conventional toilet brushes can reach these areas, they generally do not have sufficient scrubbing power to remove deposits and do not generally provide for uniform surface contact for thorough cleaning.
Although it is highly desirable to scrub under the rim of a toilet bowl in order to impede the growth of lime deposits and microorganisms, it has been difficult to do so due to the configuration of the generally known toilet brushes. Additionally, to the extent that a brush is forced into the area under the rim, the possibility exists of scratching or damaging the porcelain if the base material which holds the brush bristles contacts the porcelain surface due to the additional pressure placed on the brush to scrub this area.
One solution which has been proposed to this problem is to provide a toilet brush with a first brush having bristles which extend perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the handle and a second brush affixed on an arm which extends outwardly from the handle and at an upward angle of approximately 45.degree. such that the second brush can be used to scrub under the rim. However, having two brushes can make the scrubber difficult to store since the side arm extends sideways from the brush and as the brush drains, liquid from the second brush must also be captured. Additionally, the non-used brush can get in the way while the other brush is being used.
Another proposed brush utilizes a wire frame portion which extends forwardly and upwardly. Steel wool or other harsh scrub pad material is secured to the forward portion of the wire frame which is used to scrub under the rim of the toilet bowl. However, utilizing steel wool and a wire frame could result in scratching or otherwise damaging the porcelain if the user applies too much pressure or contacts the surface at the wrong angle causing the wire to contact the porcelain bowl surface.
It would be desirable to provide a cleaning device for a toilet bowl which is properly designed to be both ergonomic and to help prevent the possibility of scratching the porcelain surface, especially in hard to reach areas, by providing a brush which is ergonomically configured for under the rim scrubbing activity while at the same time avoiding the possibility of scratching the porcelain bowl surface.


Systems and methods for intercepting computing device system calls for a computing device including a kernel having a system call table. A hypervisor is executed on the computing device, the hypervisor configured to control at least one of the computing device processor registers. At least one modified kernel structure is created, the modified kernel structure including a modified system call table. A memory address of an original system call handler is determined, the original system call handler configured to receive kernel operation commands. A size of a loaded image of the original system call handler is determined. A copy of the original system call handler as a second system call handler is created, and the second system call handler intercepts a computing device system call.

Traditionally, antivirus systems utilize the interception of systems calls in order to detect malicious programs. Detection can occur as early as the execution stage. For example, systems calls that are performing suspicious activities, such as the writing of an executable file to the Windows folder, can be intercepted. The originating executable can be identified as potentially (or likely) malicious. As a result, it is possible to block even unknown malicious programs, which is an advantage of current antivirus systems.
However, the ability to intercept system service calls in particular versions of the Windows operating system (OS) is limited by the Microsoft-implemented protections. Kernel Patch Protection (KPP), informally known as PatchGuard, is a feature of 64-bit (x64) editions of Microsoft Windows that prevents patching the kernel. PatchGuard prevents the use of the aforementioned traditional interception methods. PatchGuard tracks changes in a number of important objects of the kernel of the OS (for example, malicious changes caused by the operation of rootkits, or modifications by outside software, such as antiviruses) and take appropriate action if changes are detected. For example, PatchGuard can cause a system crash when detecting changes in the system calls table or the Interrupt Descriptor Table (IDT).
Existing solutions offer the ability to bypass the protections of PatchGuard and other similar solutions. For example, a hypervisor can be utilized to bypass PatchGuard to create interceptors of the kernel objects, without a system crash. Bypassing PatchGuard is therefore possible with the help of hardware virtualization. However, the creation of interceptors for kernel objects (for example, SSDT monitoring) requires knowledge of the internal structure of those kernel objects. The kernel object structure can vary depending on OS version. As a result, multiple versions of the interceptor are required to support multiple versions of an OS and its particular kernel object structure(s).
Therefore, there is a need for systems and methods for handling system calls that are effective, efficient, and implementable in multiple versions of operating systems having varying kernel object structures.

Systems and methods for active operating system kernel protection


A reverse scissor tool can be used for cleaning and filling resealable plastic bags. The reverse scissor tool comprises a first handle mechanically coupled to a first body. The first handle is mechanically coupled to a second handle by a hinge. The second handle is further mechanically coupled to a second body. The first body is mechanically coupled to a first wing. The second body is mechanically coupled to a second wing. The reverse scissor tool can be inserted into a bag that has been turned inside out, and then gently expand the bag to expose all inside edges, corners, and seams for a thorough and complete cleaning.

Prior to the disclosed invention, tools could be used to clean or fill resalable plastic bags but could not accomplish both functions. The prior art includes: U.S. Pat. No. 5,353,805 issued to Mojena and U.S. Pat. No. 5,080,237 issued to Hefner.
Mojena provides on line of teaching, a bag opening and filling device that offers no theory on how to reverse and clean the bag. Conversely, Hefner teaches a holder for washing and drying bags that offers no teaching on how to fill the bag.
The current invention utilizes an entirely novel approach to accomplish these functions.

Reverse scissor tool for cleaning and filling resealable plastic bags


A method for controlling an aerial vehicle including a compliant arm mechanism is disclosed. A propulsion system of the aerial vehicle is controlled to fly the aerial vehicle to an area proximate to a surface. One or more of the propulsion system and the compliant arm mechanism are controlled such that the compliant arm mechanism contacts the surface. The compliant arm mechanism is configured to extend laterally beyond a perimeter of the propulsion system. One or more sensor signals indicating contact of the compliant arm mechanism against the surface are received via a sensor. A force at which the aerial vehicle presses against the surface is determined based on the one or more sensor signals.

Robotic arms may be employed in different applications, such as to pick up and place objects. Some robotic arms include an actuation system including a motor coupled to a high gear-ratio transmission. Such an actuation system has high torque density that allows for the robotic arm to efficiently lift and move objects. However, such an actuation system has high intrinsic friction and inertia that reduces an ability of a robotic arm to respond to mechanical contact. For example, when an endpoint of such a robotic arm contacts a hard surface, the contact dynamics (i.e., dynamic forces transferred as a result of the contact) are nearly instantaneous, and the actuation system does not allow for significant compliance of the robotic arm relative to the surface.

AURORA FLIGHT SCIENCES CORPORATION, A SUBSIDIARY OF THE BOEING COMPANY


An in situ method for repairing a base flange of a wellhead. At least one layer of a polymerizable composite material is applied to a damaged surface, an elastic seal is placed on the layer of composite material, and a reinforcing collar is pressed against the seal on the surface of the flange covered with the composite material. An arrangement of an in situ repair of a base flange of a wellhead includes at least one layer of a polymerized composite material on a damaged surface, an elastic seal on the composite material, and a reinforcing collar pressing the seal against the damaged surface.

The base flange of a wellhead is the element that makes it possible to provide the junction and ensure sealing between a tubing that comes from the bottom of the well and a surface facility from which connecting pipes convey what is produced by the well, for example oil, gas or water, to a distribution grid.
The base flange, which is installed during construction of the well, may undergo deteriorations over time, in particular due to corrosion, resulting from leaks. When the base flange must be restored, it is necessary to stop the well, purge it, and disassemble the wellhead to be able to restore the base flange and adjacent elements, in particular the tube on which the wellhead is mounted, or, if applicable, install new pieces.
Stopping a well being expensive, it is only possible in exceptional cases. Thus, the repair of a base flange of a wellhead is considered impossible.

Method of in situ repair of a wellhead base flange


A magnetic tunneling junction (MTJ) structure comprises a pinned layer on a bottom electrode. a barrier layer on the pinned layer, wherein a second metal re-deposition layer is on sidewalls of the barrier layer and the pinned layer, a free layer on the barrier layer wherein the free layer has a first width smaller than a second width of the pinned layer, a top electrode on the free layer having a same first width as the free layer wherein a first metal re-deposition layer is on sidewalls of the free layer and top electrode, and dielectric spacers on sidewalls of the free layer and top electrode covering the first metal re-deposition layer wherein the free layer and the top electrode together with the dielectric spacers have a same the second width as the pinned layer wherein the dielectric spacers prevent shorting between the first and second metal re-deposition layers.

Fabrication of magnetoresistive random-access memory (MRAM) devices normally involves a sequence of processing steps during which many layers of metals and dielectrics are deposited and then patterned to form a magnetoresistive stack as well as electrodes for electrical connections. To define the magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJ) in each MRAM device, precise patterning steps including photolithography and reactive ion etching (RIE), ion beam etching (IBE) or their combination are usually involved. During RIE, high energy ions remove materials vertically in those areas not masked by photoresist, separating one MTJ cell from another. However, the high energy ions can also react with the non-removed materials, oxygen, moisture and other chemicals laterally, causing sidewall damage and lowering device performance. To solve this issue, pure physical etching techniques such as pure Ar RIE or ion beam etching (IBE) have been applied to etch the MTJ stack. However, due to the non-volatile nature, pure physically etched conductive materials in the MTJ and bottom electrode can form a continuous path across the tunnel barrier, resulting in shorted devices. A new approach to remove these two kinds of sidewall damage is thus needed for the future sub 60 nm MRAM products.
Several patents teach two-step methods of etching MTJ stacks, including U.S. Pat. No. 9,087,981 (Hsu et al), U.S. Pat. No. 9,406,876 (Pinarasi), and U.S. Pat. No. 9,728,718 (Machkaoutsan et al), but these methods are different from the present disclosure.

Highly physical ion resistive spacer to define chemical damage free sub 60 nm MRAM devices

TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.


A method and apparatus for swapping functionality of a lead unit and an end-of-train remote unit on a distributed power railroad train. The communications system comprises a swap function that executes through a plurality of process steps to swap the functionality of the lead unit and the end-of-train remote unit. The train operating conditions must first be determined to ensure that the swap function can be executed. The communications system is placed in an idle mode and brakes and safety locks applied to ensure against train movement. Each remote locomotive in the train is commanded to a transition stage and reconfigured to receive commands and messages from the new lead unit. Once the train operator has relocated from the old lead unit to the new lead unit, the old lead unit transitions to remote status and the new lead unit commands an end to the transition period. The train brakes are released and the communications system placed in a normal operational mode, at which time motive power can be supplied for train movement.

Distributed power railroad train operation supplies motive power and braking action from a lead locomotive (or lead unit) and one or more remote locomotives (or remote units) spaced apart from the lead unit in a train. In one configuration, a distributed power train comprises a lead locomotive at a head end of the train, a remote locomotive at an end of train (EOT) position and one or more mid-train locomotives disposed between the head end and the end of train. Distributed train operation may be preferable for long train consists to improve train handling and performance.
In a distributed power train, each lead and remote locomotive supplies motive power and braking action for the train. Motive and braking command messages are issued by an operator in the lead locomotive and supplied to the remote locomotives over a radio frequency communications system, (such as the prior art LOCOTROL® distributed power communications system, available from the General Electric Company of Schenectady, N.Y.) comprising a radio frequency link and receiving and transmitting equipment at the lead and the remote units. The receiving remote locomotives respond to these commands to apply tractive effort or braking effort to the train, and advise the lead unit of the receipt and execution of the received command. The lead unit also sends other messages to the remote units, including status request messages. The remote units respond by sending a status reply message back to the lead unit.
In a train where two or more locomotives are coupled together and thus function in unison via signals transmitted over their connected MU (multiple unit) lines, one of the locomotives is designated as a controlling remote unit with respect to the distributed power communications system. Only the controlling remote unit is configured to receive commands transmitted by the lead unit and respond to the lead unit with appropriate reply messages.
One of the most critical aspects of train operation is the predictable and successful operation of the air brake system. The air brake system comprises locomotive brakes in each locomotive (including the lead locomotive and all the remote locomotives) and car brakes at each railcar. The lead unit locomotive brakes are controlled by the locomotive operator in response to a position of a locomotive brake handle, and the rail car brakes are controlled in response to a position of an automatic brake handle. The locomotive brakes can also be controlled by the automatic brake handle.
The automatic brake controller controls a pressure in a fluid carrying brake pipe that extends the length of the train and is in fluid communication with a car brake system for applying or releasing car brakes at each railcar in response to a pressure change in the brake pipe. Specifically, a control valve (typically comprising a plurality of valves and interconnecting piping) at each railcar responds to changes in the brake pipe fluid pressure by applying the brakes (in response to a decrease in the brake pipe fluid pressure) or by releasing the brakes (in response to an increase in the brake pipe fluid pressure). The fluid within the brake pipe conventionally comprises pressurized air. In a conventional train having only a consist of locomotives at the head end, operator control of the automatic brake handle in the lead locomotive initiates a pressure drop that propagates along the brake pipe toward the end of the train. The control valve at each railcar senses the pressure drop and in response thereto supplies pressurized air from a local railcar reservoir to wheel brake cylinders that in turn draw brake shoes against railcar wheels. The railcar reservoir is recharged by air withdrawn from the brake pipe during non-braking operational intervals. A brake release is also commanded by the lead operator by controlling the automatic brake handle to effect a pressure increase in the brake pipe. The pressure increase is sensed at the railcars, and in response, the brake shoes are released from the railcar wheels. With some limitations as required to maintain train control, in a distributed power train, a brake command or brake release can be commanded by the lead or the remote locomotives.
The railcar brakes can be applied in two modes, i.e., a service brake application or an emergency brake application. In a service brake application, braking forces are applied to the railcar to slow or bring the train to a stop at a forward location along the track. During service brake applications the brake pipe pressure is slowly reduced and the brakes are applied gradually in response thereto. The operator controls the rate at which the pressure is reduced by operation of the automatic brake control handle. A penalty brake application is a service brake application in which the brake pipe is reduced to zero pressure, but the evacuation occurs at a predetermined rate, unlike an emergency brake application as described below and the railcars do not vent the brake pipe.
An emergency brake application commands an immediate application of the railcar brakes through an immediate evacuation or venting of the brake pipe. When a railcar senses a predetermined pressure reduction rate, indicative of an emergency brake application, the railcar also vents the brake pipe to accelerate propagation of the brake pipe evacuation along the train. Unfortunately, because the brake pipe runs for several thousand yards through the train, the emergency brake application does not occur instantaneously along the entire length of the brake pipe. Thus the braking forces are not uniformly applied at each railcar to stop the train.
On distributed power trains, braking is accomplished by venting the brake pipe at both the lead and remote locomotives, thus accelerating the brake pipe venting and application of the brakes at each railcar, especially for those railcars near the end of the train. As can be appreciated, brake pipe venting at only the lead unit in a conventional train requires propagation of the brake pipe pressure reduction along the length of the train, thus slowing brake applications at railcars distant from the lead unit. For a distributed power train with an operative communications link between the lead and remote units, when the train operator commands a brake application (e.g., a service or an emergency brake application) by operation of the automatic brake control handle at the lead unit, the brake pipe is vented and a brake application command is transmitted to each remote unit over the radio frequency communications link. In response, each remote unit also vents the brake pipe. Thus braking action at the remote locomotives follows the braking action of the lead unit in response to signals transmitted by the communications system.
A brake release initiated at the lead unit is also communicated over the radio frequency link to the remote units so that the brake pipe is recharged from all locomotives, reducing the brake pipe recharge time.
If an emergency brake application is initiated at the lead locomotive by the train operator or due to a detected failure condition, the radio frequency communication system sends an emergency brake signal to each of the remote locomotives over the radio frequency link. In response, the remote locomotives evacuate the brake pipe. This permits faster execution of the emergency brake application since the brake pipe is being evacuated from all of the locomotives, rather than from only the lead locomotive as in a conventional train.
During certain railroad operations, it is desirable to swap or reverse the operational status of the remote and lead units such that the lead unit at the head of the train is reconfigured as a remote unit at the end of the train, and the remote unit at the end of the train is reconfigured as the lead unit. For example, when unloading a coal train at an electrical generating plant track spur, the train passes through the dumping area in one direction until each railcar has dumped a coal load. The train is then reversed to exit the spur in a reverse direction, i.e., the lead locomotive pushes the train in reverse to exit the spur. If the train comprises a distributed power train, it would be desirable to swap the lead and the end-of-train remote unit's functionality to avoid operating both these units in reverse. The train could then be driven from the spur track with the head end unit operating in a forward direction such that the train is pulled along the track, rather than pushing the train from the end-of-train. A similar situation arises when a distributed power train enters a mine spur where the railcars are loaded with material extracted from the mine. The LOCOTROL® communication system includes a feature that permits each locomotive in the train to operate as a lead unit or as a remote unit, although the unit must be reconfigured or reprogrammed to change its operational status.
As can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, there are other operating scenarios to which the teachings of the present invention can be applied. For example, it is desired to switch a distributed power train traveling west on an east-west track to travel north on a north-south intersecting track. Assuming the north-south track has only a south bound entry from the east-west track, the train switches to the south bound leg of the north-south track such that the lead locomotive enters the south bound leg first and an end-of-train locomotive enters the south bound leg last. After the entire train has entered the southbound leg, the track switch is operated to align the southbound leg with the northbound leg. To proceed north, the lead unit, now at the end of the train, is operated in reverse. The end of train unit also operates in reverse and leads the train out of the southbound leg onto the northbound leg. Here too it would be preferable to swap the lead and the remote locomotive functionalities so that both are operating in a forward direction and the locomotive at the head of the train is the lead locomotive with respect to the distributed power communications system.
It is not a trivial matter to reverse a distributed power train that employs a communication system for transmitting signals between the lead unit and the remote units. Each remote unit requires lead unit identification information to process and respond to received messages, and each remote unit is configured to respond to commands and messages from only that lead unit. Thus when the lead unit is changed, each of the remote units must be reconfigured to accept commands and messages from the new lead unit, i.e., identification information for the new lead unit must be supplied to each of the remote locomotives. Also, the former lead unit must be reconfigured to remote unit functionality. The operating direction (also referred to as train line orientation) of certain of the locomotives must also be reversed.
In a distributed power train having a locomotive at the rear end of the train, it is common practice for the train crew to perform the following steps to "reverse" the train, thereby permitting operation from a new lead unit that was formerly the end-of-train remote unit.
The lead unit is unlinked from all of the remote units, i.e., the lead unit is reconfigured such that it cannot transmit signals to the remote units, and the remote units are reconfigured such that they cannot receive signals from the lead unit. For safety reasons, when these communication links are terminated, an emergency or a penalty brake application is automatically effectuated to prevent train movement. Both an emergency and a penalty brake application deplete nearly all the air in the brake pipe and a significant volume of air from the railcar reservoirs.
After unlinking the train, the former lead unit is reconfigured to operate as an additional remote unit for receiving commands and messages from a new lead unit. The reconfiguration process includes advising the new remote unit of a unique identifier associated with the new lead unit, e.g., a locomotive road number. All remote units use the lead identification information to confirm that received messages or commands were transmitted from the lead locomotive. Without this confirmation feature, a remote locomotive could respond to a command or message transmitted from a lead unit of another train in the area. The reconfiguration process also includes reversing the operational direction of the former lead unit. That is, if the locomotive was operating in the forward direction, it is configured to operate in the reverse direction. However, during operation the remote unit can be commanded to operate in the forward direction whenever desired, but the unit must be properly configured relative to the operating direction of the lead unit so that commands issued by the lead unit are properly interpreted at the remote unit.
After completing the reconfiguring process to operate the former lead unit as a remote unit, the crew relocates to the new lead unit of the train.
If the distributed power train includes mid-train remote units, these must also be manually reconfigured to permit linking to the new lead unit. Typically, this is accomplished by the crew as they walk from the former lead unit to the new lead unit. Mid-train remote reconfiguration includes supplying each mid-train remote unit with identification information for the new lead unit. For example, a road number for the new lead unit can be used as the identification information. Additionally, the reconfiguration process requires reversing the operational direction of each mid-train remote unit. That is, if a remote unit were previously configured to operate in a forward mode when the former lead unit was operating in the forward direction, the remote unit is reconfigured to operate in a reverse mode when the new lead unit operates in forward. Simply stated, each mid-train remote unit must be configured to operate in either the forward mode or the reverse mode when the lead unit operates in the forward direction, so that forward and reverse commands issued by the lead unit are properly interpreted at the mid-train remote units.
When the crew arrives at the new lead unit, they reconfigure the former remote unit to operate as the new lead unit. This process includes changing the operating direction of the new lead unit and executing a train linking operation to link the lead and remote locomotives to the communications system.
The linking process configures the communications system over which the lead and remote units (including the new remote unit that previously operated as the lead unit) communicate commands and messages. The linking process begins by advising the lead unit of the remote unit road numbers, and creating and sending a link message, in accordance with a predetermined format, from the new lead unit successively to each remote unit. Upon receipt of the message, each remote unit determines whether certain unique address/identification fields in the message match address/identification information of the receiving remote unit and address/identification fields of the sending lead unit. This address/identification comparison process ensures that the received message was intended for the receiving remote unit and was transmitted by the lead unit of the train. If the address/identification information is not in agreement, the remote unit remains in an unlinked condition, i.e., no messages or commands can be exchanged between the lead unit and the unlinked remote unit during train operation.
If the compared address/identification fields agree, the remote unit starts a link timer, and creates and transmits a link reply message having a predetermined format and including address/identification information of the transmitting remote unit. The lead unit receives the link reply message and compares the address/identification fields in the message with stored values to confirm that the message was intended for the receiving lead unit and was transmitted from the appropriate remote unit. If the comparison process does not result in matching address/identification information, the lead unit and the remote unit are not linked.
If the address/identification fields in the link reply message agree, the lead unit transmits a command message to the remote unit that sent the link reply message. At the receiving remote unit, the command completes the link-up sequence and places the remote unit in the linked state. Thereafter messages can be sent and received between the lead unit and the linked remote unit. The process continues until all of the remote units in the train are linked to the lead unit. Once the locomotives are linked, all remote units can recognize commands and messages received from the lead unit to which they are linked, and the lead unit can recognize messages received from remote units to which it is linked.
After the train is linked the emergency or penalty brake application that was commanded at the beginning of the swapping process is released by charging the brake pipe to its nominal pressure value (i.e., about 90 psi in one embodiment). After executing a brake pipe test, to be described below, the communication system is placed in a run mode and the crew in the new lead unit can apply motive power to move the train.
Typically, this prior art process of swapping the lead and remote units incurs a 20 to 60-minute delay penalty before the train can depart. The extent of actual delays varies depending upon train length (which affects brake pipe recharge time), leakage along the brake pipe (requiring a longer period for the brake pipe to fill from the evacuated state due to emergency or penalty brake application), ambient temperature and the number of remote units in the train.
FIGS. 1 and 2 schematically illustrate a distributed power communications system 10 for controlling one or more remote units 12A-12C from either a lead unit 14 (FIG. 1) or a control tower 16 (FIG. 2) in a distributed power train. The teachings of the present invention can be applied to the distributed power communications system 10. In one embodiment, a communications channel of the communications system 10 comprises a single half-duplex communications channel having a three kHz bandwidth, where the messages and commands comprise a serial binary data stream encoded using frequency shift keying modulation. The various bit positions convey information regarding the type of transmission (e.g., message, command, alarm), the substantive message, command or alarm, the address of the receiving unit, the address of the sending unit, conventional start and stop bits and error detection/correction bits. The details of the messages and commands provided by the system and the transmission format of individual messages and commands are discussed in detail in commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 4,582,280, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
It should be understood that the only difference between the systems of FIGS. 1 and 2 is that the issuance of commands and messages from the lead unit 14 of FIG. 1 is replaced by the control tower 16 of FIG. 2 and certain interlocks of the system of FIG. 1 are eliminated. Typically, the control tower 16 communicates with the lead unit 14, which in turn is linked to the remote units 12A-12C.
A train 18 of FIGS. 1 and 2, further comprises a plurality of railcars 20 interposed between the remote units 12A and 12B and between the remote units 12B and 12C (of FIG. 1). The arrangement of locomotives and cars illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 is merely exemplary, as the present invention can be applied to other locomotive/railcar arrangements. The cars 20 are provided with an air brake system (not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) that applies the railcar air brakes in response to a pressure drop in a brake pipe 22, and releases the air brakes upon a pressure rise in the brake pipe 22. The brake pipe 22 runs the length of the train for conveying the air pressure changes specified by the individual air brake controls 24 in the lead unit 14 and the remote units 12A, 12B and 12C.
An off board repeater 26 may be disposed within radio communication distance of the train 18 for relaying communications signals between the lead unit 14 and one of the remote units 12A, 12B and 12C. The off board repeater 26 is typically installed in a location where direct communications between the lead unit 14 and the remote units 12A-12C is hampered, such as while the train 18 is passing through a tunnel.
The lead unit 14, the remote units 12A, 12B and 12C, the off board repeater 26 and the control tower 16 are provided with a transceiver 28 operative with an antenna 29 for receiving and transmitting communications signals over the communications channel.
The lead unit transceiver 28 is associated with a lead station 30 for generating and issuing commands and messages from the lead unit 14 to the remote units 12A-12C. Commands are generated in lead station 30 in response to operator control of the motive power and braking controls within the lead unit 14, as described above. Each remote unit 12A-12C and the off board repeater 26 comprises a remote station 32 for processing and responding to transmissions from the lead unit 14 and for issuing reply messages and commands.
The four primary types of radio transmissions carried by the communications system include: (1) link messages from the lead unit 14 to each of the remote units 12A-12C that establish the communications system between the lead unit 14 and the remote units 12A-12C, (2) link reply messages that indicate reception and execution of the link message, (3) commands from the lead unit 14 that control one or more functions (e.g., application of motive power or braking) of one or more remote units 12A-12C and (4) status and alarm messages transmitted by the one or more remote units 12A-12C that update or provide the lead unit 14 with necessary operating information concerning the one or more remote units 12A-12C.
Each message and command sent from the lead unit 14 is broadcast to all of the remote units 12A-12C and includes the lead unit identifier. Messages and alarms sent from one of the remote units 12A-12C include the sending unit's address. As a result of the previously completed link-up process, the receiving unit, i.e., the lead or a remote locomotive, can determine whether it was an intended recipient of the received transmission, based upon the sending unit identification included within the message, and can respond accordingly. These four message types, including the address information included in each, ensure a secure transmission link that has a low probability of disruption from interfering signals within radio transmission distance of the train 18, provides control of the remote units 12A-12C from the lead unit 14 and provides remote unit operating information to the lead unit 14.
Although most commands are issued by the lead unit and transmitted to the remote units for execution as described above, there is one situation where a remote issues commands to the other remote units and the lead unit. If a remote unit detects a condition that warrants an emergency brake application, the remote transmits an emergency brake command to all other units of the train. The command includes identification of the lead locomotive of the train and will therefore be executed at each remote unit, as if the command had been issued by the lead unit.
The distributed power communications systems operates in one of two modes, synchronous control and independent control. In synchronous control, the remote units follow the throttle position of the lead unit. If the operator moves the throttle handle from a notch five position to a notch seven position, the communications system commands each of the enabled remote units to operate at a notch seven throttle. If the operator moves the throttle handle to a dynamic brake position (i.e., where the traction motors are operated to provide a braking force to the train), the communications system commands each remote unit to the same dynamic brake application.
The distributed power communications system also permits operation in an independent throttle control mode, where the operator segregates the train into a front group and a back group, and assigns remote units to each of the two groups. The assignments are dynamically controllable by the operator so that locomotives can be reassigned from the front group to the back group, and vice versa, while the train is operating.
The throttles of the remote units assigned to the front group follow the throttle positions of the lead locomotive. The throttles of the back group remote units are controlled independently of the throttles of the front group. This operational mode can be sued, for example, when the train is descending a mountain. As the train climbs the mountain, all remote units and the lead unit are providing maximum motive power (in a notch 8 throttle position). When the lead unit tops the crest, the lead locomotive throttle is moved to a dynamic brake position, while it is desired for the remote units to continue applying motive power to push the train over the mountain. As a mid-train remote tops the crest, it is reassigned to the front group so that dynamic brakes are applied at that remote unit. The process of reassigning the remote units from the back group to the front group continues until the last remote unit has been reassigned. In independent mode, the command message transmitted by the lead unit comprises a field for each remote unit of the train. Upon receipt at the remote unit, the pertinent field is checked and the remote unit is controlled according to the front or the back group.

Method and apparatus for swapping lead and remote locomotives in a distributed power railroad train


A spade or stake for hardware free mounting to a telecommunications data distribution terminal pedestal is disclosed. The spade may include one or more connectors of various types for engaging the pedestal to thereby couple the spade to the pedestal without hardware, and thus without tools. The pedestal may also include one or more connectors for mating with corresponding connectors on the stake.

The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.
A primary concern among data communication service providers today is the amount of time and resources required to install and use outside plant data communication equipment such as distribution terminal pedestals. Distribution terminal pedestals are utilized to provide a housed connection point for passive, i.e., non-powered, type connections. For example, distribution terminal pedestals can be utilized to house the connection points of one or more telecommunication central transmission lines to one or more customer service transmission lines. The pedestals generally protect the connection points from various environmental factors, tampering, etc., but can also be opened to allow access by a service person.
At least some known distribution terminal pedestals include a one-piece dome attached to a two-piece base, in which various passive connections can be made. The two-piece base is typically coupled together using hardware, such as nuts and bolts, retaining clips and screws, etc. Additionally, often a spade or stake can be attached to the base to add additional stability to the pedestal when placed in the ground. In such cases, the spade or stake is either integrally formed with one-half of the base or attached to the base using hardware.
Furthermore, initial installation of such pedestals, and subsequent access to the passive connections housed within, typically require the use of tools to fasten and unfasten the hardware coupling the components together. Thus, the requirement of hardware to couple the components together adds considerable parts and labor costs to the installation and servicing of such known pedestals.

Distribution terminal pedestal spade for hardware free assembly

Emerson Network Power, Energy Systems, North America, Inc.


A data processing system having flexibility coping with parallelism of a program comprises a plurality of processor elements for executing instructions, a main memory shared by the plurality of processor elements, and a plurality of parallel operation control facilities for enabling the plurality of processor elements to operate in synchronism. The plurality of parallel operation control facilities are provided in correspondence to the plurality of processor elements, respectively. The data processing system further comprises a multiprocessor operation control facility for enabling the plurality of processor elements to operate independently, and a flag for holding a value indicating which of the parallel operation mode or the multiprocessor mode is to be activated. The shared cache memory is implemented in a blank instruction and controlled by a cache controller so that inconsistency of the data stored in the cache memory is eliminated.

The present invention relates generally to high-speed data processing by a computer equipped with a cache memory. More particularly, the invention is concerned with a data processing method and a data processing system of an internally reconstitutible or changeable structure type in which program executing methods or modes can be changed in correspondence to parallelistic feature (referred to as the parallelism) inherent to programs to be executed.
In general, there are known two types of implementation or structurization methods in conjunction with a data processing system which includes a plurality of processor elements, wherein the individual processor elements executes instructions in parallel with one another. A system to which the first structurization method is applied is a multiprocessor type computer system, while a system to which the second structurization method is applied is a super-scalar type computer system.
In the case of the multiprocessor type computer (or data processing) system, a plurality of processor elements operates by sharing memory equipment (a main memory) or a cache memory. In this connection, typical cache memory structuring schemes in the multiprocessor computer system are disclosed in JP-A-56-127261 and James R. Goodman: USING CACHE MEMORY TO REDUCE PROCESSOR-MEMORY. TRAFFIC: The 10th Annual International Symposium on COMPUTER ARCHITECTURE. Vol. 11, No. 3, Jun. 13-17, 1983. In this system, the individual processor elements execute distinct programs independent of one another.
The multiprocessor computer system is certainly suited for execution of parallel processing on a task basis. However, no consideration is paid to the parallel processing for a plurality of instructions contained in a program. Consequently, there arises a problem concerning inter-data consistency between or among a plurality of caches when the amount of data shared by the processors increases. By way of example, invalidation of data writing to the cache memory frequently occurs disadvantageously, lowering the cache hit ratio.
In contrast, in the case of the super-scalar computer system, a plurality of (or n, n being an integer) processor elements executes a plurality of instructions existing in a program in parallel and in synchronism, whereby parallel execution can be processed in great detail. As one type of the super-scalar computer system, there is known a VLIW (Very Long Instruction Word) computer system. Typical examples of the multiprocessor system, the super-scalar system and the VLIW computer system are, respectively, disclosed in the literatures mentioned below:
S. Thakkar et. al.: "The Balance Multiprocessor System", IEEE MICRO, 1988. 2, pp. 57-69;
K. Murakami et. al.: "SIMP (Single Instruction stream/Multiple instruction Pipelining): A Novel High-Speed Single-Processor Architecture", Proc. 16th International Symposium on Computer Architecture, 1989, pp. 78-85; and
H. Hagiwara et. al.: "A Dynamically Micro-programmable computer with Low-Level Parallelism", IEEE Trans. C-29, No. 7, 1980, pp. 577-595.
In conjunction with the super-scalar computer system, it is noted that even when hardware is implemented by using n (n beind an integer) processor elements for executing instructions in parallel, there may occur such situation that only a limited number of processor elements implemented in hardware can be operated unless parallelism is found in a program to be executed. In an extreme case, when a program exhibiting no parallelism at all among the successive instructions is to be executed, only one of the n processor elements that operates in reality. The remaining (n-1) processor elements are thereby rendered useless. Assuming that this sort of program exists in a number of n and that the time taken for executing each of these programs is given by Si (1.ltoreq.i.ltoreq.n), then the time required for execution of all the programs amounts to .SIGMA. Si (where .SIGMA. represents total sum).
In contrast, when the programs of the above-mentioned type are executed by using the multiprocessor computer system, execution may often be realized very effectively. More specifically, so long as no problem arises even when the order or sequence of execution of the individual programs is changed (such as in the case of execution of n different user programs, as encountered frequently in routine works), it is possible to execute the programs with n processor elements independent of one another. In that case, the execution of all the programs should ideally be completed within a maximum one of the times required for execution of the individual programs, respectively. In practice, however, the time taken for completing execution of all the programs will go beyond the aforementioned maximum time because of possible occurrence of conflict or competition for a cache memory and/or a main memory among the processor elements. Nevertheless, the multiprocessor computer system is more advantageous than the super-scalar computer system.
It should, however, be noted that the multi-processor computer system may encounter an unfavorable situation. By way of example, there may be mentioned such environmental conditions under which a plurality of programs are not allowed to be executed simultaneously and applications where the number of processor elements is greater than that of programs to be executed. More specifically, in the case of the multiprocessor computer system, only the parallelisms that correspond to the number of programs to be executed can be realized. Accordingly, when the number of the programs is represented by p with the number of the processor elements being represented by n (n being an integer), (n-p) processor elements may remain useless in case the number n of the processor elements is greater than that of the programs. To the contrary, in the super-scalar computer system, the processor elements can effectively be protected against being rendered useless, when the number of programs is smaller than the processor elements, because the parallelism may even be found in a single program.
As will be understood from the foregoing, optimum computer structure or architecture may frequently become different in dependence on the program(s) to be executed.

Method and apparatus for processing data in multiple modes in accordance with parallelism of program by using cache memory


A magnetic head includes two substrates which are provided with magnetic cores of magnetic film on their surface and are bonded on a plane so that a magnetic gap is defined between the magnetic cores, an edge part of the magnetic cores with the magnetic gap facing to a track of a recording medium being thinned from opposite sides thereof, and the magnetic cores in any other part being thicker than the edge part. In a gap facing plane where a pair of the magnetic cores join together, the magnetic cores are registered with each other so that they can be opposed to each other in a larger width in the back gap than in the front gap. As a result, even if a tolerance of a process in manufacturing is considerably loosened, a magnetic head with high core efficiency can be obtained with a high yield.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a magnetic head and a method of manufacturing the same, and more specifically, it relates to a rotary type magnetic head mounted in systems, such as VCR, R-DAT and digital VCR and the like, and a method of manufacturing the same.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, as magnetic recording technology advances in developing further high-density and wide-band recording, a high coercive force medium such as metal-particulate tape and the like has come to be a recording medium. Accordingly, for a core material of a magnetic head, thin film of soft magnetic alloy having a high saturation magnetic flux density is employed. With reference to the drawings, for example, a magnetic head 21 having a configuration where a soft magnetic alloy thin film 22 is sandwiched by nonmagnetic material 23 as shown in FIG. 15 is proposed, and another example having a configuration where a thickness of a core of a magnetic head in a front gap is made the same as required for a track width while thicknesses in any other parts are made larger in order to enhance a core efficiency.
The inventor of the present invention and his coworkers proposed a magnetic head disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication Heisei No. 1-33709 and also proposed a method of manufacturing such a magnetic head. That is, a magnetic core is made thinner only in a region of which track width in the magnetic head is determined by directional particles as in ion milling.
FIG. 16 shows a magnetic head 24 disclosed in the same Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication Heisei No. 1-33709. Referring to FIG. 16, a thin film 26 consisting of soft magnetic thin films or a combination of soft magnetic thin films and insulating thin films has a thickness corresponding to a track width in a gap region 25 while it is thicker in any other part. The magnetic core 26 having such a configuration is made large in sectional area of a magnetic core so as to enhance a core efficiency by reducing magnetic reluctance of the core.
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of two halved bodies of the magnetic head 24 where it is divided into two between its gap facing planes so that resultant gap facing planes can be observed. Assuming that an ideal process accuracy can be attained, and even if thereby only a magnetic core 26 in a part (front gap) 29 on which a recording medium is to slide in the eventual magnetic head 24 is made thin in the method also disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication Heisei No. 1-33709 as noted above, a pair of halves 31 of the magnetic head 24 have their respective magnetic cores 26 opposed to each other in merely a width C which is equivalent to the thickness of the core in the front gap 29 shown in FIG. 17 in the gap facing plane where the pair of halves of the magnetic head 24 are bonded together. In other words, although the magnetic core in a back gap 30 is thickened to and a magnetic reluctance is accordingly reduced to enhance a core efficiency of the magnetic head 24, an area of a cross-section of the magnetic core in the back gap 30 is made smaller causing larger magnetic reluctance, and consequently, there arises the problem that an effect of sufficient enhancement of a core efficiency cannot be obtained.

Method of manufacturing a magnetic tape head


Provided are surface-treated fine particles which, when added to coatings for the production of films, exhibit excellent reactivity with respect to organosilicon compounds and resins that are matrix components of the coating films, and thereby allow the films to exhibit excellent performance. Oligomer-modified fine particles include inorganic oxide fine particles having a surface modified with an oligomer, the oligomer being derived from a metal alkoxide represented by Formula (1): RnM1(OR′)z-n (1) wherein M1: one or more elements selected from Si, Ti, Zr and Al; R and R′: one or more groups selected from alkyl groups of 1 to 8 carbon atoms, aryl groups and vinyl groups; n: an integer of from 0 to (z−2); and z: the valence of M1. The oligomer has a polymerization degree of 3 or more. The oligomer has a weight average molecular weight in the range of 1000 to 10000.

High abrasion resistance is among the performances of films desired in the field of coating films containing organosilicon compounds and resins as matrixes.
In particular, films are required to perform well in both abrasion resistance and other properties such as refractive index and transparency in the field of hardcoat films and primer films that protect the surface of optical substrates such as spectacle lenses.
A known approach to improving the refractive index and the abrasion resistance of such films is to add metal oxide particles to film-forming coatings.
For example, JP-A-H05-002102 describes hardcoat films that are composed of a matrix and composite oxide particles including an iron oxide component and a titanium oxide component. According to the disclosure, such films exhibit high refractive index, transparency and abrasion resistance.
However, composite oxide particles show low reactivity with respect to a matrix component. This problem is addressed by treating the surface of the particles with a silane-coupling agent to enhance the reactivity with respect to matrixes.
For example, JP-A-H07-076671 describes a coating composition for optical plastic shaped articles containing titanium oxide composite fine particles whose surface has been modified with a silane-coupling agent.
However, there has been a demand for a further improvement of these surface modification treatment methods in order to enhance film performance.
Patent Literature 1: JP-A-H05-002102
Patent Literature 2: JP-A-H07-076671
The present invention aims to solve the conventional problems mentioned above. It is therefore an object of the invention to provide surface-treated fine particles which have excellent reactivity with respect to a matrix component and allow films to exhibit excellent coating performance.

Oligomer-modified fine particles, method for producing the same, and coating containing the particles


Methods, systems, and apparatus for processing image content items. In one aspect, a method includes generating an image display environment for a first image content item on an image content item page resource between a first row and a second row of image content items. The user device expands a thumbnail of the image content item from first dimensions to second dimensions, and displays the expanded thumbnail in the image display environment. Concurrently with the thumbnail processing, the user device requests a first image resource referenced by the first image content item, and, upon receipt of the first image resource, generates an adjusted version of the first image resource that meets the second dimensions. The user device then displays the adjusted version of the first image resource in the image display environment in place of the expanded version of the first image content item.

This specification relates to information presentation.
The Internet provides access to a wide variety of resources. For example, digital image files, video and/or audio files, as well as web pages for particular subjects or particular news articles, are accessible over the Internet. These digital files can be managed in a variety of ways. For example, users may create curated sets of images content items. Each image content item is a representative image, such as a thumbnail, of an image resource, and links to an image resource. Selection of the image content item causes a user device to request the image resource.
Another example is the processing of image search results. A variety of search engines are available for identifying particular resources accessible over the Internet. For example, digital images that satisfy a user's informational need can be identified by an image search process in which keywords or other data are processed to identify collections of digital images. Each image is identified to the user by an image search result. An image search result references a corresponding image resource that a search engine determines to be responsive to a search query, and typically includes a representative image of the image resource, such as a thumbnail. The image search result also references a page resource that includes the image resource.


The present invention is a method for reducing the ionic chloride content of hydroxyl-terminated siloxanes. The method involves contacting the hydroxyl-terminated siloxanes with a molecular sieve effective in removing residual water from the siloxanes. Since ionic chloride strongly partitions into the water phase, ionic chloride is removed along with the water phase. In a preferred embodiment of the present method as aprotic solvent is employed to facilitate water removal from the hydroxyl-terminated siloxanes.

The present invention is a method for reducing the ionic chloride content of hydroxyl-terminated siloxanes with a molecular sieve effective in removing residual water from the siloxanes. Since ionic chloride strongly partitions into the water phase, ionic chloride is removed along with the water phase. In a preferred embodiment of the present method an aprotic solvent is employed to facilitate water removal from the hydroxyl-terminated siloxanes.
Hydroxyl-terminated siloxanes, for example, hydroxyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxanes and hydroxyl-terminated polymethylphenylsiloxanes are useful as crosslinkers, plasticizers, and intermediates in the silicone industry. These siloxanes are typically prepared by the hydrolysis of dimethyldichlorosilane or methylphenyldichlorosilane respectively. The resultant product is separated from water providing a hydrolyzate mixture comprising cyclic siloxanes. hydroxyl-terminated short-chain siloxanes, and residual water containing ionic chloride. The ionic chloride present in the residual water can facilitate further reaction of the hydroxyl-terminated short-chain siloxanes to higher molecular weight siloxanes, thus reducing the amount of silanol in the hydrolyzate mixture.
From a commercial perspective, it is desirable to provide a hydroxyl-terminated siloxane hydrolyzate with a level of silanol that will remain constant over an extended period of time to provide for shipping and warehousing of the hydrolyzate. Therefore, it is an objective of the present method to reduce the ionic chloride content of a hydroxyl-terminated siloxane hydrolyzate to provide a more stable hydrolyzate. It is a further objective to decrease the ionic chloride content of a hydroxyl-terminated siloxane hydrolyzate without significantly reducing the silanol content or altering the molecular weight distribution of the siloxanes. The inventors have discovered that molecular sieves provide a surprisingly effective means for reducing the ionic chloride of hydroxyl-terminated siloxane hydrolyzates by removing residual water and the ionic chloride entrained therein. The removal of the ionic chloride is effected without altering the silanol content of the siloxanes or the molecular weight distribution.
Molecular sieve zeolites are known to have a high affinity for water and other polar molecules and have been used for drying gases and liquids, Kirk-Othmer, Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, Vol. 15, Third Edition, p. 649, John Wiley and Sons, N.Y.
McEntee, U.S. Pat. No. B1, 127, 598, Certificate Issued Sep. 10, 1985, teaches a process for removing impurities such as biphenyls from impure silanes and siloxanes. The process comprises contacting the impure silane or siloxane with an adsorbent bed selected from the class consisting of a molecular sieve bed and a charcoal bed such that the impurities are adsorbed on the bed.
Huntress et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,962,221, issued Oct. 9, 1990, describe a process for reducing residual chloride content of polysiloxane fluids. The process comprises contacting the polysiloxane fluid, containing residual chloride, with selected weakly-basic alkaline metal compounds at a temperature less than 100.degree. C. After an appropriate contact time, the polysiloxane fluid is separated from the solid alkaline metal compounds. In a preferred embodiment of the described process, water is added to the process to facilitate removal of residual chloride.
The described art does not recognize that the ionic chloride content of hydroxyl-terminated siloxanes can be effectively reduced by use of molecular sieves to remove residual water contained in the siloxanes. The high affinity of ionic chloride for the water allows the ionic chloride to be removed from the siloxanes along with the residual water.

Method for removal for ionic chloride from hydroxyl-terminated siloxanes