An ink jet recording ink is provided containing water, a pigment that is self-dispersible in water, a water-soluble organic solvent, and a nonionic polymer of which the amount is preferably in a range of about 5% by mass to about 200% by mass relative to the total mass of the pigments. The nonionic polymer is preferably selected from a group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyacrylamide, poly N-vinyl acetamide, and the like. The absolute value of zeta potential of the ink is preferably in the range of about 5 mV to about 30 mV.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an ink jet recording ink, an ink jet recording ink set, and an ink jet recording method and apparatus using the ink and the ink set.
2. Description of the Related Art
The principle of ink jet recording systems is that liquid or melted solid ink is jetted out through nozzles, slits, porous films or the like onto recording media such as paper, cloth, film and the like to thereby record images and others on the media. These recording systems provide various advantages in that they are small in size, inexpensive in price, and quiet in operation, and they have come onto the market as a monochrome printer that forms black images and a color printer that provides full-color images. Among these, a so-called piezoelectric ink jet recording system using a piezoelectric element, or a so-called thermal ink jet recording system in which liquid droplets are formed by applying thermal energy for recording has many advantages such as high speed printing, high resolution printing and the like.
The ink used in the ink jet recording apparatuses must be able to achieve the following:    (1) provide images having high resolution, high density and uniformity, without bleeding or fogging on paper;    (2) cause no clogging at the tip of a nozzle due to dried ink, and exhibiting good ejecting response and good ejecting stability;    (3) provide excellent drying characteristics on paper.    (4) provide good fastness of images; and    (5) provide good long-term storage stability.Various proposals have been made to satisfy the above demands.
Conventionally, of those types of ink, aqueous ink that contains a water-soluble dye is the mainstream of ink jet recording ink. Since, however, such a dye is soluble in water, problems of water resistance and light fastness occur, and an aqueous ink does not necessarily provide satisfactory stability in the storage of images. On the other hand, inks using a pigment as a color material offer promising prospects insofar that both water resistance and light fastness can be improved. Various proposals have therefore been made with regard to inks containing a pigment, and several have been put into practical use.
However, while a pigment ink does produce an improvement in terms of fastness to water, it also has a drawback insofar that it tends to aggregate if it is stored for a long period of time, or at a high temperature, and storage stability of the pigment ink thus becomes a problem. Further, optical density and dispersion stability have a diametrically-opposed relationship, caused by the strength of the cohesive force of pigments. Although a high optical density can be obtained as a result of the aggregation of pigments on paper after printing, the strong cohesive force also results in a deterioration in dispersion stability.
Among attempts to achieve both dispersion stability and high optical density in an aqueous pigment ink for ink jet recording, a technique has been proposed that sets a range based on a relationship between an average particle size of a pigment and a blackness index (for example, see JP-A No. 11-80636). However, the range specified in that application makes it difficult to use effectively a pigment whose average particle size is relatively large. Also, for the same purpose, a method has been proposed of using two or more types of black ink at the same time (see JP-A No. 2000-7964). However, this method also has a drawback insofar that, although it does produce an improvement in optical density, the structure becomes complicated because two or more types of black ink are used at the same time.
Among methods adopted to obtain high optical density, have been: (i) increasing the density of a pigment in an ink; (ii) increasing the hydrophobic property of a dispersing agent; (iii) reducing an amount of dispersing agent added; (iv) increasing an amount of oil absorption in a pigment; and the like. However, in method (i), the storage stability of the ink deteriorates because of the aggregation of pigments, and clogging of the ink head has also tended to deteriorate. Further, all of methods (ii) to (iv) have drawbacks insofar that storage stability, particularly, storage stability at a high temperature, tends to deteriorate, and in some instances, this tendency is pronounced. For this reason, in order to secure dispersion stability, it has been necessary to adopt a method with conditions opposite to those required for increasing optical density, and up to the present, high optical density and dispersion stability have not been achieved simultaneously.
Accordingly, the present invention has been made to provide: a pigment-dispersion ink jet recording ink, which secures a high optical density while dispersion stability of the pigment is maintained, which does not cause clogging in either an ink flow channel or in a nozzle portion at the time of printing, and which also has excellent printing qualities such as fixing strength, water resistance, and light fastness; an ink set that includes such an ink; and an ink jet recording method and apparatus using the ink and the ink set.

Ink jet recording ink, ink jet recording ink set, and ink jet recording method and apparatus using the ink and the ink set


The present invention comprises a system for testing a manufacture. The testing system comprises at least two test means wherein each of the test means is capable of testing at least a performance parameter of the manufacture. The test means are distributed in a production line of the manufacture for performing the tests of the performance parameters on the manufacture.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to a testing system and method used for quality and performance test as part of an integrated manufacture and testing system. More particularly, this invention relates to an improved system architecture and method wherein the testing equipments are optimally distributed whereby the productivity of manufacture is increased because the tests are performed in parallel and the time required for maintenance and repair of the testing system is decreased.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The processing speed and the reliability of the on-line testing equipments are imposing ever more limitations on the productivity of a manufacturing line. This is caused by the facts that the number of tests to be performed for each single device are increased and meanwhile each of these tests are functionally more complicate while demanding more stringent accuracy in parameter measurements. Such trend is expected to continue and become even more intensified since the manufacture technology is moving toward a higher level of functional integration while aided by modern electronic technology, each function is now enabled to perform more complex processes. The bottle neck caused by the testing through-put must be resolved if high productivity with one-hundred percent quality assurance testing are to be achieved in a modern high-speed production line.
In response to technology's continuous movement to a high level of functional integration in manufacturing, a trend of `testing integration` also seems to appear in parallel. This trend of testing integration is aided in a great deal by the availability of testing computer which can automnate and schedule a plurality a tests in a single `testing station`. A typical testing station is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,807,161, entitled "Automatic Test Equipment" (issued on Feb. 21,1989 to Comfort et al.), wherein a test station is capable of performing a plurality of functional tests for the electrical printed circuit board (PCB) assemblies. The automatic test equipment (ATE) is constructed as the combination of a `programmable controller` configured as a micro-computer which has a plurality of selected interface modules. Each interface module includes hardware, i.e., different types of testing instruments, and software for automatically testing the PCB assemblies.
Comfort et al. assert, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,807,161, that the ATE, when configured as an integrated test station, has the advantage of allowing user more flexibility to perform a variety of tests by the use of multiple input and output. Nevertheless, such test configuration often becomes a productivity bottle-neck due to the fact that the multiple functional tests as performed by a single integrated test station is typically placed at the very end of a production line which often requires long test time. As a matter of fact, the more tests the ATE performs the longer testing time it requires and the higher is the probability that the products have to wait in line for the `final` testing.
In addition to the longer time required for performing the multiple tests by a single test station, the computer-based testing controllers, implemented with software and hardwire, are quite complex and also expensive. Due to its complexity, once there is any malfunction or performance abnormality, the diagnosis and repair of the integrated ATE can be a very time consuming process. The limitation of this prior art technology is further compounded by the fact that once the integrated ATE stops its normal operation the productivity of the entire production line may likely drop to zero unless there are a redundant or backup ATE available for immediate replacement.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,894,829, entitled `Comprehensive Design and Maintenance Environment for Test Program Sets" (issued on Jan. 16, 1990 to Monie et al.) wherein a similar ATE system is used. More software features are built in for the testing system to perform a variety of tests aided by database and graphic display for better user interface. The test software even has features for test scheduling whereby a series of tests can be conducted in sequence as scheduled. However, such system can be even more complex and more expensive. Furthermore, it suffers the same difficulties and limitations as encountered by the aforementioned invention disclosed by Comfort et al. Furthermore, the tasks of diagnosis and repair become more difficult once a system problem occurs since the testing system now is much more complicate as it includes electronic hardware and associated software. Most likely, these tasks can only be performed by specially trained field service engineers. The adverse impact to the productivity of a manufacture line may be even more significant if such specially trained engineers are not immediately available.
Therefore, for those skilled in the art, there is still a need for a new and improved test configuration and method. Specifically, this new system and method for performing the multiple parameter testing should allow easy maintenance and repair of the test equipments. Such system should also capable of being optimized such that the online tests and the manufacturing steps can be streamlined to increased the productivity of a production line.
FIG. 1A is a block diagram showing a typical conventional multiple input/output ATE system 100 used to perform a plurality of functional tests on a manufactured product generally referred to as an unit under test (UUT) 105. The UUT 105 as shown is a power supply unit and the ATE system as shown is a Chroma-6000 ATS system. FIG. 1B is a corresponding perspective view of the ATE system 100 shown in FIG. 1A. The ATE system 100 includes a micro-computer 110 which controls the testing processes through a system controller 112 and a connected data-bus interface 114. The micro-computer also has a user interface station 116 which generally includes keyboard, monitor, printer, or plotter thus enabling an ATE operator to monitor and control the test processes.
The UUT 115 are activated by the energy generated by the AC and DC power supply units 120 and 122 and provided to the UUT 105, under the control of the system controller 112, via an extended measurement unit 118 to the input pins of the UUT 124. A plurality of test signals are received, under the control of the system controller 112, by different switch analyzer 130 from the output testing pins 132 of the UUT 105. The output test signals from the UUT 105 are then received and analyzed by the switch analyzers 130 and the computer 110. The quality of the product, e.g., a power supply unit, is certified and finally released for further processing based on the result of these multiple tests.
The ATE system 100 therefore more clearly illustrates that the prior art technique is limited by the fact that all the tests are performed by a single and very complex system in a strictly serial manner. As a result of that limitation, the process of these tests are more time consuming because no multiple tests are performed in parallel. Additionally, the combined ATE system becomes very complex and difficult to repair and maintain once a system malfunction occurs.


A tubular torsion bar including an elongated inner tube of flexible material having a proximal end and a distal end, an elongated outer tube of flexible material having a proximal end and a distal end, a cylindrically shaped joiner bushing fixedly attached to and positioned partially between the distal end of the inner tube and the distal end of the outer tube with the inner tube and outer tube positioned in coaxial and substantially coextensive concentric nesting positions, external apparatus mounting the joiner bushing to maintain axial alignment of the distal and proximal ends of the inner tube and the outer tube and for limited rotational movement, and a mounting and output system fixedly attached to the proximal ends of the inner tube and the outer tube.

Many types of springs are available for energy storage. For example, coil springs store energy by compressing a helically wound wire. Other types of conventional springs include torsion springs and torsion bars. All spring systems can be characterized by how much energy can be stored per unit volume. Another property by which springs can be characterized is by how much energy can be stored per unit mass (or weight). The performance of devices which utilize springs for energy storage can be improved by increasing the amount of energy which can be stored per unit volume and per unit mass.
A somewhat different type of torsional spring is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,020,783, entitled "Torsional Spring", and issued Jun. 4, 1991. This patent discloses a torsional spring formed by providing an inner tube that is continuously turned back at a distal end to produce an outer coaxial tube. The tube is made of glass-fiber reinforced plastic. The free end of the inner portion of the tube is connected to one component of a device requiring some spring action and the free end of the outer portion of the tube is connected to a second component of the device. The two components of the device can then be rotated relative to each other and the tube provides some spring action. A major problem with this type of torsional spring is the difficulty in manufacturing it. A second drawback is the fact that the inner and outer portions of the tube must be a continuous formation of the same material. A further drawback is the fact that the relative rotation between the two components of the device is strictly limited to the amount of torsion or twisting that can be allowed between the inner and outer portions of the tube.
It would be highly advantageous, therefore, to remedy the foregoing and other deficiencies inherent in the prior art.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved tubular torsion bar.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved tubular torsion bar with improved energy storage potential per unit mass and volume.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved tubular torsion bar that is simpler to manufacture and use.


A method of controlling network nodes of a wireless communications network, a network node and a computer program product are disclosed. The method of controlling networks nodes of a wireless communications network to facilitate relocation of at least a first network node from connection with a second network node to connection with one of a plurality of neighboring network nodes, at least one of said network nodes being operable to switch, in accordance with an associated predetermined switching pattern, between an active mode of connection in which wireless communication is supported and a dormant mode of connection in which wireless communication is not supported, comprises the steps of: determining when said first network node is configured to support wireless communication with said second network node; and providing information to adjust said associated predetermined switching pattern to improve a likelihood of supporting wireless communication between said first network node and said one of a plurality of network nodes to thereby facilitate said relocation. By adjusting the switching patterns, it is more likely that the first network node will be able to detect the presences of one of the plurality of network nodes. Improving the likelihood of detecting the presence of these network nodes may in turn improve the probability of a successful relocation being facilitated.

Wireless communications networks are known. In a cellular system, radio coverage is provided to user equipment, for example mobile telephones, by geographical area. Those geographical areas of radio coverage are known as cells. A base station is located in each geographical area to provide the required radio coverage. A base station may support more than one cell providing coverage in the same geographical area. User equipment in the area served by a base station receives information and data from the base station and transmits information and data to the base station.
Information and data transmitted by the base station to the user equipment occurs on channels of radio carries known as downlink carriers. Information and data transmitted by user equipment to the base station occurs on uplink channels of radio carriers known as uplink carriers.
In known wireless telecommunications networks, user equipment can move between geographical base station coverage areas. Services provided to user equipment is typically overseen by a radio network controller (RNC). The radio network controller communicates with user equipment and base stations and determines which base station each user equipment is primarily connected to. Furthermore, the radio network controller acts to control and communicate with a base station and user equipment when the user equipment moves from the geographical area served by one base station to a geographical area served by another base station or between geographical areas served by the same base station.
The area served by a given base station typically comprises several sectors which together define a coverage area for that base station. Typically, a base station serves three sectors. Those sectors are typically served by separate antenna arrays provided on the base station. As well as controlling movement between base station coverage areas, the radio network controller also has visibility of, and communicates with, a base station and user equipment when the user equipment moves between sectors within a coverage area served by a single base station.
Movement between the sectors provided by a single base station and movement between base stations are known as a "mobility event" or a "relocation" and are overseen by the radio network controller. Typically, the extent of the involvement of the radio network controller in such mobility events or relocations will also depend upon the current state of the user equipment. For example, relocation of user equipment when in an active state (i.e. actively supporting the communication of data between the user equipment and a source base station) involves controlling the handover from the source base station to a target base station identified by a measurement report provided by the user equipment which identifies the measured characteristics of signals received from that target base station. However, relocation during an inactive state (such as an idle mode) may not require the involvement of the radio network controller to enable the user equipment to relocate to the target base station.
As the configuration and arrangement of network nodes such as base stations within the wireless communications network becomes increasingly complex, unexpected situations can occur which reduce the likelihood of a successful relocation occurring.
Accordingly, it is desired to provide an improved technique for facilitating relocation.

Network node control for facilitating relocation


A paw-supporting element, mountable to a hinged door at a suitable location, enables a dog easily to either pull or push the door open depending on which way the door is operable. A pivotable plate mounted above the paw-supporting element, linked to a liftable latch of the door if one is provided, enables the dog to also unlatch the door to open the same.

Dogs can be trained to live with humans in mutual comfort. Many dogs are trained to provide particular services, e.g., to sniff out drugs or cadavers, to track, to rescue people in distress, to guide the blind, etc. More often, dogs are owned as pets and provide both companionship and safety. In this latter role, they will typically share their owner's abode and know from an early age that doors can be opened to enable exit and entry. To get through a hinged door, dogs will typically try to push against the door with their snouts if the door is one that opens outward and away from them or will paw the door to try to pull it towards them if it is one that opens inward. This latter practice, which is the result of instinct rather than training, generally results in the door getting scratched and scarred over time. If the door in question is a screen door the damage may be serious enough to defeat the very purpose of the door, i.e., to keep out insects. It is also frustrating and fruitless for the dog—and may lead to undesirable barking.
There is clearly an unmet need for a safe, simple, affordable and easily installed apparatus and a method that will enable a reasonably intelligent dog, with a little training, to operate a hinged door that opens inward or outward—especially one that is spring-biased to be in a closed position and may even have a simple latch to hold it closed. The present invention addresses this need for the dog when it wants to get through the door for it's own purposes. Perhaps more importantly for a weak, injured or handicapped person, It also enables a trained dog to open the door at that person's command.

Apparatus for enabling a trained dog to open a door


Provided are a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) transmission method, user equipment and device, used to solve the technical problem that there is no clear method or device in existing technology which supports a PUCCH transmission scenario in a new wireless communication system. The PUCCH transmission method comprises: determining an uplink beam used during PUCCH transmission on the basis of a downlink beam used by a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) and/or a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH); and carrying out PUCCH transmission using the determined uplink beam.

With the development and change of the mobile communication service demand, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) and other organizations all begin to research a new wireless communication system, e.g., 5 Generation New RAT (5G NR).
A new working scenario is defined in the new wireless communication system, where two Transmission and Reception Points (TRPs) respectively transmit the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) and corresponding Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) to the same terminal. The PDCCH and PDSCH from different TRPs are transmitted by using different beams, and in this scenario, there is no explicit solution to how the corresponding terminal performs the Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) transmission using different beams for the different TRPs.

PUCCH transmission method, user equipment and device

DATANG MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT CO., LTD.


The present invention is directed to recombinant nucleic acid constructs comprising nucleic acid sequences encoding a Pichia pastoris PIR secretion signal peptide for secretion or an anchor domain peptide for surface display of a heterologous polypeptide. The present invention is further directed to methods for obtaining a heterologous polypeptide secreted into the culture medium or displayed on the cell surface. The present invention is also directed to transformed cells containing the recombinant nucleic acid constructs.

Rapid advances in recombinant DNA technology has led to the identification and isolation of many novel genes. Consequently, there is a need to express genes in a heterologous cell system to obtain material for structure-function studies, diagnostic reagents, testing, and therapy. Both eukaryotic and prokaryotic systems have been developed for the expression of heterologous genes. Perhaps the best known example of a prokaryotic expression system is Escherichia coli. Using prokaryotic systems to express eukaryotic genes, however, may create difficulties such as improper folding and improper post-translational modifications, which may affect a protein's function, activity, or stability. Moreover, the expressed product may be toxic to the prokaryotic cell or be produced in such large quantities that they interfere with cell growth. Thus, to overcome the drawbacks associated with expressing eukaryotic genes in prokaryotic cells, it may be necessary to express these genes in a eukaryotic cell. Expressing eukaryotic genes in eukaryotic cells provides for high levels of expression, proper post-translational modifications, and proper folding of the expression products. Eukaryotic expression systems may be, for example, mammalian, insect, and yeast cells.
Intrinsic difficulties limit intracellular expression. For example, intracellularly expression products must be purified from the host cell. Furthermore, expression products may sometimes be encapsulated be in inclusion bodies. Intracellular proteases may also degrade intracellularly expressed products. Some expressed products are produced in inactive forms possibly due to improper folding when produced intracellularly. The problems associated with intracellular expression may lead to decreased yield and make purification expensive and time consuming. Thus, it is desirable to use an expression system designed to transfer the heterologous protein from the intracellular environment.
Secretion of the heterologous protein provides an alternative to intracellular expression. Sambrook et al. Molecular Cloning 17.31 (1989) provide examples of expression vectors designed for the secretion of heterologous proteins in E. coli. Generally, secretion of the expressed product is accomplished by operably linking a nucleotide sequence encoding a secretion signal peptide to a nucleotide sequence encoding the heterologous polypeptide. The secretion signal peptide directs the expressed product through the secretory pathway and into the extracellular medium. Secretion of expression products may allow for proper folding and post-translational modification of the expressed product. Secretion of expression products is also advantageous in that purification of the protein of interest does not require harsh treatment to obtain the protein from within the cell. Thus expression systems providing for secretion of the expressed product into the extracellular medium may avoid problems associated with intracellular expression.
Expression of the heterologous protein on the surface of the host cell is also desirable in certain applications. Surface display is accomplished by operably linking a nucleic acid sequence encoding an anchor domain peptide to a nucleotide sequence encoding a heterologous polypeptide that is subsequently shuttled through the secretory pathway and "displayed" on the cell. The anchor domain peptide may be covalently or noncovalently attached to the cell wall. Surface display of heterologous proteins on the host cell allows for post-translational processing, efficient folding, and activity. Surface display is useful for obtaining specific antibodies, determining enzyme specificity, studying protein-protein interactions, fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), and expression cloning. Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems are available for expression on the cell. Using prokaryotic systems for surface display of eukaryotic genes, however, shares similar drawbacks to prokaryotic systems for intracellular and secretion expression of eukaryotic genes. For example, prokaryotic cells do not efficiently express functional eukaryotic proteins and lack the ability to introduce post-translational modifications.
Yeast host cell expression systems are useful for recombinant protein expression. As eukaryotes, yeast provide the advantages of proper folding, post-translational modification, and function, such that heterologous proteins are very similar to native proteins from other eukaryotic sources (e.g., mammals, avians, and plants).
S. cerevisiae was the first, and remains one of the most commonly employed yeast expression systems because its genome and physiology have been extensively characterized. P. pastoris is a methylotrophic yeast that has also been developed for heterologous protein expression. Heterologous protein expression using P. pastoris is advantageous relative to S. cerevisiae because it may be cultured at high densities (150 g/L dry cell weight; 500 OD 600 U/mL) where S. cerevisiae produces ethanol at toxic levels. P. pastoris also provides an advantageous heterologous protein production system for production of human pharmaceuticals because it is inexpensive and the cells readily grow in defined medium that is free of undefined ingredients that may be sources of toxins. Additionally, P. pastoris may be cultured in medium with a relatively low pH and methanol, and thus are less likely to become contaminated by other microorganisms.
Because the yeast secrete only a small amount of native protein into its growth medium, yeast expression systems provide a useful alternative to other expression systems. Constructions for secretion of the protein of interest may use the native secretion signal sequence of the protein of interest. In some cases, however, P. pastoris has not been able to efficiently utilize the native signal sequence of the protein of interest to direct secretion. See e.g., Tschopp et al. (5 Bio/Technology 1305-1308 (1987)). Researchers have successfully used the native secretion signal sequence of the heterologous protein, the S. cerevisiae α-factor pre-pro peptide, and the P. pastoris acid phosphatase (PHO1) signal for secretion of expressed heterologous proteins. However, results have been variable. See e.g., Ilgen et al. (Production of Recombinant Proteins: Novel Microbial and Eukaryotic Expression Systems 152-153 (Gerd Gellissen, ed., WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA)); Vedvic et al. (5 J. Ind. Microbiol. 197-201 (1991)); Clare et al. (105 Gene 205-212 (1991)).
Researchers have also successfully developed yeast expression systems for displaying heterologous peptides on the cell surface. Boder and Wittrup, (15 Nature Biotechnol. 533-557 (1997)) disclose a yeast expression system using S. cerevisiae. This method uses a S. cerevisiae-derived α-agglutinin adhesion receptor, which consists of the Aga1 and Aga2 subunits. Aga1 is anchored to the cell wall via a β-glucan covalent linkage and Aga2 is linked to Aga1 by disulfide bonds. Yeast express a heterologous polypeptide linked to Aga2, which is displayed on the cell surface. Wang et al. (56 Curr. Microbiol. 352-357 (2008); PIR1), Mergler et al. (63 Appl. Microbiol. Biotechnol. 418-421 (2004); GPI), and Tamino et al. (22 Biotechnol. Prog. 989-993 (2006); Flo1p) each disclose using a S. cerevisiae-derived anchor domain protein for surface display in P. pastoris cells.
With all the purported advantages, heterologous protein expression in yeast is far from optimal. Accordingly, a need still exists for yeast expression systems providing for expression of heterologous proteins wherein the heterologous protein is transferred from the intracellular environment of the host cell to either the growth media or the cell surface.

Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska


Tweezers have two arms mounted on a spacer with a barbed tip at the other end of the arms. The tweezers are sharpened to the barbed tip with a belt sanding apparatus, which includes a holding device for positioning the tweezers on the belt sanding apparatus. A magnifying lens may be mounted on the spacer and positioned over the barbed tip to assist in sighting the foreign object to be removed.

Tweezers are well known in the art. Tweezers are generally used for health or cosmetic purposes. The health reasons generally relate to removing a foreign object from the skin. The cosmetic reasons relate to personal appearance.
One of the standard uses for a pair of tweezers is to remove a splinter or other foreign object from the skin. A typical foreign object is a small piece of foreign material not naturally found in the body. A wood splinter is a common foreign object. But unless the splinter protrudes from the skin, it is difficult, if not impossible, to use prior art tweezers to remove the splinter. It is extremely useful if tweezers can be used to remove a splinter from the skin, when the splinter does not protrude from the skin.
It is also desirable to use tweezers to remove hair. Basically, tweezers used for removing hair lose their strength and require a straight on angle to grip the hair and pull it out, as desired. Such pulling and gripping is uncomfortable and inconvenient. If a suitable means with an appropriate tweezers can be used to grip the hair, a great advantage can result.
Standard tipped tweezers are generally flat and cannot be used for close gripping. It is desirable to provide more efficient gripping in order to achieve the desired removal. It is thus desired to modify the tip of the tweezers and achieve more efficient gripping.
The difficulty of removing a foreign object from the skin is well known. When a foreign object gets even slightly embedded under the skin, it is very difficult to remove the same. It is common to use needles or pins or similar devices, which penetrate the skin layers over the foreign object. However, the most effective device to use for such procedures is tweezers.
Standard tweezers do not permit gripping of a foreign object, which is at least partially under the skin. So it is, therefore, necessary to make access to the splinter or other foreign object under the skin with a pin or needle. If tweezers can be developed to cut through the skin without damaging the skin beneath the foreign object and grip the foreign object, great advantages are obtained.
It is difficult to grip and remove a foreign object from human flesh because of the usually embedded nature of the object. With the embedded foreign object, it is extremely difficult to reach and remove the object. Presently available tweezers cannot both cut through the skin and grip the object in a suitable fashion for removal.
Many different types of sharpened tweezers are known for attempting to remove embedded materials. However, these tweezers suffer from gross inefficiency in that the sharpening for enhanced gripping the detracts from the cutting capability. It is highly desirable to provide a sharpening device which will permit both cutting and gripping and cutting for removal of a foreign object from the skin. Such a sharpening device can be very complicated. No sharpening device is known to efficiently achieve these desired results. However, it is highly desired to achieve these desired results in as efficient a fashion as possible.
It is very difficult to provide this cutting and gripping tip on tweezers. There is no uniform way of making this desired tweezers with this tip and no simplified method of achieving the same.
Many different ways are known to attach the two arms of the tweezers at one end. It is extremely difficult to accomplish this in an efficient fashion while at the same time retaining the desired flexibility and function. If the ease of attachment can be provided while retaining the desired flexibility and function, our desired results can be achieved.
Another difficulty in removing foreign objects from the skin is the inability of a person to see the object. To remove the object, the object must be seen before it can be removed. The small size of some of these foreign particles that do get embedded in the skin render them difficult to both see and remove from the skin. Accordingly, improved sight to simplify removal of a foreign object is highly desired.


A receptacle for receiving an electrical plug is disclosed. The receptacle includes a plurality of channels which extend generally for the length of the receptacle. The channels include conductors where at least one of the conductors accommodates the smaller prong on a polarized plug. At least one of the conductors is in constant contact with a power source while at least one conductor is controlled by a switch. A receptacle of the invention is normally adapted to baseboards to allow a user to insert an electrical plug in either a constant “hot” connection or a switched controlled connection for generally the length of the baseboard.

Baseboard molding serves several architectural functions. One of the functions is to provide concealment of imperfections created at the floor and wall joint. Prior art also shows the use of the baseboards for concealing conduits.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,191,363 to Samuels teaches a conduit, concealing baseboard molding for concealing and organizing conduits such as electrical wiring and cables. The molding includes a back plate which has a several conduit stalls for receiving conduits.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,901,514 to Wolfe discloses a structural wall apparatus having building panels with inner and outer metal skin spaced by an insulating core of foamed polymer. Each panel has an interlocking edge with a metal line tongue to allow for interconnection of the panels. Further, the panels include a reinforcing member connected to the metal skin with a strengthening flange portion. Fasteners pass through the interconnecting grooves and flanges to facilitate connection. A "C" frame member is included with the apparatus for receiving a shroud for concealing electrical conduits or other conduits which may be necessary to install through a building near the floor or foundation. Specifically, the '514 patent is directed to a baseboard or foundational anchor shroud through which electrical or communication conduit may be passed.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,084,180 to DeBartolo teaches a multi-channel duct for enclosing conductors, cables wires, power lines, communication lines and the like. The duct includes an elongated base with an elongated divider separating the base into two channels. A pair of elongated covers overlay the channels and an inner layer overlays one of the channels. The divider and inner cover may be detached from the base by a frangible seam for converting the two channel ducts to a single channel duct.
U.S. Pat. No. to Gooding discloses an electrical raceway that includes a retaining clip and cover member that are formed with extrusions which provide wire receiving channels to contain different types of wires. An outlet is provided adjacent to the raceway and a cover fits over the outlet and adjacent portions of the raceway.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,561,031 to Murphy teaches an electrical connection device having a longitudinal wire conduit with one or more plug receptacles on the conduit system and electrically connected with wires within the conduit.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,190,196 to Semenyna discloses an electric molding structure providing electrical outlets a several locations along its length. The molding structure may include corner and angle members having electrical conductors which may be coupled together which continues the circuit without the need for tools or solder connections.
In view of the cited art, there is a need for a baseboard having a raceway that can receive an electrical plug at any point along a baseboard.


A solid-state image sensing device includes: a plurality of unit pixels 21 arranged in rows and columns each of which outputs a pixel signal according to incident light; and a plurality of floating diffusion portions 22 each of which receives the pixel signals. Each of the floating diffusion portions 22 is shared by two unit pixels 21 which are respectively arranged in adjacent rows and which are respectively adjacent columns.

In recent years, there is a growing demand for miniaturization of a MOS type solid-state image sensing device. At the same time, it is also necessary to realize high sensitivity. Therefore, it is required to increase the proportion of a photodiode (PD), which is a photoelectric conversion portion with respect to a pixel. For the above reason, the miniaturization of a floating diffusion (FD) portion, a reset transistor, a pixel amplifier transistor, and the like included in the pixel is advanced.
To further miniaturize a solid-state image sensing device, a configuration is proposed in which a plurality of PD portions share a FD portion and the like. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a solid-state image sensing device including a pixel which has two or four PD portions and transfer read-out transistors, a FD portion, and a pixel amplifier transistor and a method for driving the same.
[Patent Document 1] Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2005-167958

Solid-state image sensing device having shared floating diffusion portions


A secure device is used for securing a printed circuit board assembly. The secure device includes a fixed base and a plurality of removable securing member. The fixed base includes a base body, a plurality of locking structures and fixed structures. The fixed structure has a key-shape hole. Each of the removable securing members respectively includes a post, an interference portion and a lock portion. When the printed circuit board assembly is operated to be secured by the removable securing members, a first side of the printed circuit board assembly needs to be locked by the locking structure firstly; the interference portion of each removable securing member needs to be inserted into the key-shape hole, and interfered with the key-shape hole after the respective of the removable securing members is turned along a rotation direction, thereby to make the printed circuit board assembly secured by the removable securing members.

In the field of modern electronic engineering, it is common to fix and assemble the printed circuit board assembly by the way of screw-fixing in the process of assembling the printed circuit board assembly (PCA). The mechanism of screw fixing can fix the printed circuit board assembly effectively, however, in the assembling and disassembling processes, the user needs to use the assistant of accessory tools such as screw drivers and the processes are time consuming. In addition, there needs some additional through holes formed on the printed circuit board as the printed circuit board assembly is manufactured, which may cause a waste of the layout space on the printed circuit board.
In order to overcome the problem of screw-fixing, the conventional art adopts the locking members disposed on the base or the frame to fix the printed circuit board assembly. Such assembling method does not need to use the accessory tools, however, the electronic parts on the printed circuit board assembly might have a higher probability to be damaged. In addition, because the locking members are formed on the base or the frame, the installable printed circuit board assemblies are restricted thereby such that the printed circuit board assembly of different size might not be installable. In addition, if some area on the printed circuit board assembly is reserved for the locking members to make sure that the printed circuit board assembly is installable, the layout area on the printed circuit board might be correspondingly reduced.

INVENTEC (PUDONG) TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION


A vibration damping device including: first and second mounting members; a main rubber elastic body elastically connecting the two members; and a bracket member fit into the first mounting member. A projecting part projects outward from a circumference of the first mounting member, and includes a locking groove whose inner surface is covered by a rubber coating layer and has a locking part on its side wall inner surface. An engaging projection projecting from the bracket member is fit into the locking groove, and a projection tip surface of the engaging projection is abutted on a bottom wall inner surface of the locking groove. A side surface of the engaging projection is locked to the locking part so as to constitute a positioning member that positions the first mounting member and the bracket member to each other.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a vibration damping device used for an engine mount of an automobile or the like, and particularly relates to a vibration damping device for which a bracket member is fit and mounted in a tube shaped first mounting member.
2. Description of the Related Art
From the past, known are vibration damping devices interposed between members constituting the vibration transmission system as one type of vibration damping connecting body or vibration damping support body for vibration damping connecting those members to each other. The vibration damping device has a first mounting member attached to one member constituting the vibration transmission system, and a second mounting member attached to the other member constituting the vibration transmission system, and these are elastically connected by a main rubber elastic body. Also, as the vibration damping device, as shown in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. JP-A-2012-036971, proposed is a constitution for which the first mounting member has a tube shape, and a bracket member is fit and mounted in the inner hole of the first mounting member, and the first mounting member is made to be attached to the member constituting the vibration transmission system via the bracket member.
However, with the vibration damping device having this kind of constitution for which the bracket member is fit into and attached to a tube shaped first mounting member, it is easy to have the problem of the bracket member falling out from the first mounting member. In light of that, with JP-A-2012-036971, by a concave shaped or convex shaped engaging part being provided on a rubber coating layer that covers the inner circumference surface of the first mounting member, and also a convex shaped or concave shaped engaging part being provided on the outer circumference surface of the bracket member, it is easier to keep the connected state of the bracket member to the first mounting member.
However, when using the constitution noted in JP-A-2012-036971, while the first mounting member and bracket member positioning effect by the locking action can be expected, there is the problem that the positioning effect is decreased due to fitting of the bracket member to the first mounting member. Specifically, when the bracket member is fit into the first mounting member, by having the outer surface of the bracket member push against the inner surface of the first mounting member, a positioning effect by fitting is exhibited, and falling out of the bracket member from the first mounting member is prevented. However, one of the engaged part and the engaging part is made to be put into the other and locked, and with the part formed by the engaged part and the engaging part, as described above, since there is a decrease in the positioning effect by the fitting, there was the risk of not having a sufficient positioning effect to prevent the bracket member from falling out of the first mounting member.


Water-soluble derivatives and/or prodrugs of acacetin are described herein. The compounds can be used as cardioprotection agents against myocardial infarction induced by ischemia-reperfusion. In one embodiment the compounds are used to treat ischemic cardiac diseases. In the preferred embodiment, the compounds are used to treat and/or prevent myocardial infarction in humans.

Myocardial infarction is a major risk for cardiac death in patients suffering from myocardial ischemia followed by reperfusion injury. During cardiac ischemia, the balance of metabolic supply and demand is broken and myocardial tissue undergoes hypoxia stress, the blood reflow (reperfusion) of the ischemic myocardium induces re-oxygenation, which results in further tissue injury and a series of intracellular responses. These responses trigger life threatening ventricular fibrillation and are accompanied by acute inflammatory responses, metabolic disorder, apoptosis, and necrosis. These may also result from cardiac dysfunction and remodelling.
Studies on anti-ischemia-reperfusion injury have long focused on preconditioning and post-conditioning cardioprotection against myocardial injury caused ischemia-reperfusion. Such studies have provided insight into the intracellular molecular signals involved in the ischemia-reperfusion injury (e.g. ROS, TNFα, polymorphonuclear leukocytes infiltration, apoptosis signals, etc.) and preconditioning and postconditioning cardioprotection (e.g. adenosine, bradykinin, and opioid peptides, SOD, etc.).
These ischemia-reperfusion-related molecular signals are potential pharmacological targets. A number of pharmacological agents including β-adrenoreceptor blockers, adenosine, cyclosporine, and nitric oxide have been studied clinical patients. However, there are no approved drugs to prevent the sudden death caused by acute myocardial infarction (heart attack).
Acacetin, obtained from the Chinese medicinal herb Tianshanxuelian, inhibits atrial IKur, IKACh, and Ito and prevents the induction of experimental atrial fibrillation in anesthetized canines after duodenal administration. Chinese Patent Application 102697769A describes the use of acacetin in an anti-ischemia/reperfusion-injury model. Chinese Patent Application No. 103058975A describes the use of acacetin in an ex vivo brain model for stroke. Clinically, an intravenous preparation is required to rescue acute atrial fibrillation or myocardial infarction. However, acacetin is water-insoluble and therefore cannot be administered intravenously in a straight forward manner.
There exists a need for water-soluble derivatives and/or water-soluble prodrugs of acacetin that can be rapidly administered intravenously to prevent sudden death from myocardial infarction.
Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide water-soluble derivatives and/or water-soluble prodrugs of acacetin that can be rapidly administered intravenously to prevent sudden death from myocardial infarction, and methods of making and using thereof.

Water-soluble derivatives and prodrugs of acacetin and methods of making and using thereof


The present eyewear includes a pair of lenses, a pair of releasable connectors connected to respective inner ends of the lenses, a pair of temples pivotally connected to respective outer ends of the lenses and a rigid strap connected between rear ends of the temples. The strap is generally U-shaped having substantially parallel legs connected to an arc-shaped base, the substantially parallel legs being connected to rear ends of the temples and when worn, the arc-shaped base extends along the back of a user's head. A tab is permanently secured to one of the inner ends of the lenses or frames and upon joining the releasable connectors, extends to the other of the inner ends of the lenses or frames in order to stabilize the releasable connectors.

Applicant is the owner of U.S. Pat. No. 6,253,388. The invention disclosed and claimed in the '388 patent involved eyewear comprised of a pair of lenses generally secured within frames, releasable connectors connected to the respective inner ends of the lenses or frames, a pair of temples pivotable to the respective outer ends of the lenses or frames and a rigid strap attached between the rear ends of the temples. The strap was taught to be positioned below the lenses so as not to interfere with a hairdo or helmet. The inner ends of the lenses or frames were taught to be releasably secured together by the connectors, preferably, magnets. To position the eyewear, the lenses or frames are first separated from each other and pivoted outwardly. The strap is then wrapped around the back of a user's head and the lenses pivoted towards each other and secured together in the front of a user's eyes. The lenses or frames were taught to be instantly separable for easily putting on and taking off the eyewear, but are instantly connectable for a secure and accurate fit.
FIG. 1 depicts the eyewear generally disclosed and claimed in applicant's '388 patent. Specifically, lenses 10 were shown to be preferably mounted in respective frames 14 which are pivoted to temples 12. Connectors 11 are attached to respective inner ends of frames 14. Temples 12 are preferably telescoping for fitting different wearers. As noted, temples 12 were taught to be pivoted to the respective outer ends of frames connected to one another by strap 13, taught to be positioned below lenses 10 so as to avoid interfering with a hairdo or helmet and preferably springy enough to retain its shape when released, but also flexible enough to be bendable to some extent without breaking. Alternatively, strap 13 was taught to be at the same level as temples 12, but at a loss of some advantages. The disclosure of U.S. Pat. No. 6,253,388 is incorporated herein by reference.
In further reference to FIG. 1, it is noted that connectors, such as magnets 11, can be separated by torquing lenses 10 or their frames 14 in the direction of arrows 9. It has been found, however, that in certain instances such as those involving a larger than average head size or when frame 14 is constructed of a dense material, such as a precious metal, connectors, such as magnets 11, can inadvertently detach from one another requiring the user to push lenses 10 or frame 14 toward one another until magnets 11 reengage. As this can occur repeatedly, eventually, a user will tire of the process and discard the eyewear of FIG. 1 in favor of a more traditional fixed pair of glasses.
It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a latch system which substantially reduces inadvertent separation of lense or frame halves and yet provides for detachment of connectors when sought by a user.
These and further objects will be more readily apparent when considering the following disclosure and appended claims.


A simplified wheel-lift mechanism is disclosed. The components of the wheel-lift mechanism are all formed of a plastic material that is corrosion resistant. Further, the wheel-lift mechanism includes a one-piece flexible coupling which reduces the complexity of the system over prior art systems. The one-piece flexible coupling includes a plurality of integrally molded discs connected by a plurality of circumferentially-spaced integrally molded posts. This results in a strong coupling which allows relative angular motion between the ends of the coupling. In a further feature of this invention, a locking key is operable to lock the wheel hub at a particular location. The locking key is selectively released to allow the wheel to be lowered. A unique drive mechanism is also included.

This application relates to a simplified mechanism for raising and lowering a wheel hub relative to a vehicle body.
Several types of lift mechanisms are known for raising and lowering a spare wheel to and from a storage position beneath a vehicle body. These systems may be powered manually by inserting an elongate tool into a shaft and turning the shaft. In the past, these systems have typically utilized several metallic members, and have been subject to corrosion. The underside of the vehicle where the wheel-lift mechanism has typically been located is subject to adverse environmental conditions, and thus also subject to corrosion.
Further, the known prior art systems have been relatively complex. The prior art systems typically include a large number of moving parts that are both expensive and complex to manufacture and assemble.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to disclose a simplified tire-lift system which is more resistant to corrosion.


A self-righting inflatable life raft having a raft body formed by inflatable sidewalls, a floor above a bottom of the sidewalls, a line of rotation of the raft defined by the outer perimeter of the raft body about which the raft body rotates on the surface of the water when moved from an inverted position to an upright position. The center of gravity of the raft body is spaced a first predetermined distance from the line of rotation and displaced horizontally from the line of rotation when the raft is inverted. At least three inflatable spaced apart tube members extending upwardly and outwardly from the perimeter of the raft body at an angle from the perpendicular to the raft body to a sufficient degree and having a buoyancy sufficient such that the moment exerted on the raft about the line of rotation by the weight of the raft acting through its center of gravity causes the raft body to topple by gravity to an upright position. A tie fixed to and extending between two points on the raft limits separation of the two points to the length of the tie during and after inflation of the tube members, which two points are chosen to inhibit distortion or collapse of the tube members from their desired positions when inflated.

In U.S. Pat. No. 4,998,900, and the corresponding international patent no PCT/CA91/00218 (publication no WO-91/19642), there is described and illustrated a self-righting inflatable life raft having upwardly and outwardly extending inflatable tubes. These tubes are arranged to cause the life raft to be unstable if inverted. In particular, the center of gravity of the life raft if inverted will be outside of the bottom of the life raft so that it will by gravity topple back to the upright position. The complete disclosures of the US and international patent specifications are incorporated herein by reference so that the disclosures thereof are to be read as part of this specification and the present invention is to be understood and construed in the context of those disclosures of prior art.
If the inflatable tubes in these prior constructions do not inflate or, after inflation, are subsequently collapsed or distorted, they may not adopt their desired positions extending upwardly and outwardly from the side walls of the main body, sufficient to make the life raft topple to the upright position.


The present invention provides processes for producing food products, particularly juice beverages, with reduced sugar content enriched with dietary fibers and the food products produced. The processed food products are low in calories while preserving the palatable test of the starting material, and contain beneficial amount of dietary fibers. The processed food product further contains sorbitol and gluconic acid.

Increased dietary energy intake from beverages is a major factor contributing to the obesity epidemic observed in North America during the last decades. Today, Americans consume 150-300 more calories per day than they did 30 years ago, and caloric beverages account for 50% of this increase. Energy intake from beverages currently represents 21% of total daily energy intake in the general American population. Evidence from short-term human studies suggests that calories consumed in liquid form have weak satiety properties and elicit poor energy compensation compared with calories from solid foods. These findings suggest that an increase in consumption of liquid calories may result in weight gain, and, conversely, that a reduction in liquid calorie intake may lead to weight loss. Even with no sugar added, fruit juice contains about the same amount of sugar as in soft drinks. The main contributors to the calorie content of fruit juices are the monosaccharide glucose and fructose. In beverages defined as containing "100 percent fruit juice", the sugar originates mainly from fructose. The ingestion of glucose is known to stimulate the release of body chemicals (e.g. insulin) that regulate food intake. Fructose, on the other hand, does little to suppress appetite and it seems to be preferentially associated with the formation of new fat cells.
Microorganisms are able to reduce the calorie content of juice by two major processes: biomineralization and bioconversion.
Full conversion of the mono- and disaccharides (glucose, fructose and sucrose) to carbon dioxide and water (biomineralization by aerobic respiration) can be achieved under aerobic conditions by many organisms. Metabolism of these sugars is most efficiently achieved by yeast species. Yeasts can be categorized into several groups according to their modes of energy production, utilizing respiration or fermentation. The most known yeast species, baker's and wine yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, easily adapt to varying growth conditions. For example, glucose can be utilized in several different pathways by S. cerevisiae, depending on the presence of oxygen and other carbon sources. On the other hand, yeast from the genera Kluyveromyces, Rhodotorula and Cryptococcus are obligate respires (do not ferment or grow in limited oxygen environments).
The yeast Kluyveromyces is not sensitive to glucose concentrations, unlike S. cerevisiae. At high concentrations of glucose, Saccharomyces utilizes sugar to ethanol even under aerobic conditions (Crabtree effect). Kluyveromyces is Crabtree negative and, therefore, even at high concentrations of glucose/fructose it produces biomass, CO2 and water under aerobic conditions, and not ethanol. Besides E. coli and Aspergillus niger var awamori, K. lactis is one of the main organisms grown in industry in fermenters to produce chymosin on a large scale. Chymosin is used for cheese production.
Plants, fungi and some bacteria are capable of converting monosaccharide to polysaccharides. Polysaccharides like cellulose, hemicellulose, pectins, gums, mucilages, and lignin are dietary fibers. Although these fibers are unrelated chemically, they all are resistant to breakdown by the human digestive system.
The glucose polymer cellulose is produced by all plants as the main component of the cell wall. Cellulose is the structural component of the primary cell wall of green plants, many forms of algae and the oomycetes (a superfamily of fungi). Some species of bacteria are capable of synthesizing cellulose and then secrete it to form biofilms. Cellulose is a polysaccharide consisting of a linear chain of several hundred to over ten thousand β(1→4) linked D-glucose units and is the most common organic compound on Earth. Cellulose has no taste and is odorless. In vascular plants cellulose is synthesized at the plasma membrane by rosette terminal complexes (RTCs). RTCs are hexameric protein structures, approximately 25 nm in diameter, that contain the cellulose synthase enzymes which synthesize the individual cellulose chains. RTCs contain at least three different cellulose synthases. Cellulose synthesis requires chain initiation followed by chain elongation, two distinctly separate processes. The synthase protein isoform (CesA) glucosyltransferase enzyme initiates cellulose polymerization using a steroid primer, sitosterol-β-glucoside, and Uridine diphosphate (UDP)-glucose. Cellulose synthase utilizes UDP-D-glucose precursors to elongate the growing cellulose chain.
Bacteria from the genera Aerobacter, Acetobacter, Achromobacter, Agrobacterium, Alacaligenes, Azotobacter, Pseudomonas, Rhizobium and Sarcina synthesize cellulose. The most extensively studied member of the Acetobacter species is A. xylinum, a species that extrudes glucan chains from pores into the growth medium. These chains aggregate into microfibrils, which bundle to form microbial cellulose ribbons. Various kinds of sugars are used as substrate. Production occurs mostly at the interface of liquid and air. Acetobacter xylinum is nature's most prolific cellulose-producing bacterium. A typical single cell can convert up to 108 glucose molecules into cellulose in one hour. The rate of cellulose production is immense considering that as many as a million cells can be packed into one liquid droplet and each of these "factories" can convert up to 108 glucose molecules per hour into cellulose.
Fructans are fructose polymers produced by plants, yeasts, fungi and bacteria. Fructans with a short chain length are known as fructooligosaccharides (FOS), whereas longer chain fructans are termed inulins or levans. FOS can be prepared by the transfructosylation action of the enzyme β-fructosidase on sucrose. The resulting mixture contains oligosaccharide having the general formula of Glucose-Fructose. (GFn), with n ranging from 1 to 5. FOSs are naturally produced by a large variety of microorganisms including: Aureobasidium pullulans, Aureobasidium sp., Arthrobacter sp. Aspergillus japonicus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus oryzae, Aspergillus phoenicis, Aspergillus sydowii, Claviceps purpurea, Fusarium oxysporum, Penicillium frequentans, Penicillium spinulosum Phytophthom parasitica, Scopulariopsis brevicaulis, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
Longer fructans are composed of inulins, which comprise predominantly of β(2→1) glycosidic bonds, and levans, which comprise predominantly of β(2→6) glycosidic bonds between adjacent fructose units. Of the FOS, levan is naturally produced by microorganisms including a number of Gram-negative species, such as Pantoea agglomerans, Erwinia amylovoam, Acetobacter suboxydans, Gluconobacter oxydans, and Aerobacter levanicum as well as some Gram-positive bacteria such as Bacillus subtilis, Paenibacillus polymyxa, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Streptococcus mutans, Actinomyces viscosus and a few members of the Corynobacteria.
Levans form non-structural carbohydrates, which can be linked together to form super-molecules comprised of hundreds of thousands of units. Zymomonas mobilis and members of the Acetobacter are the most investigated bacteria regarding levan production. Fructans, including levans, are soluble dietary fibers that act by changing the nature of the microflora content of the gastrointestinal tract and by changing the absorbance of other nutrients and chemicals. The soluble fibers absorb water to become a gelatinous, viscous substance which is fermented by bacteria in the digestive tract. The presence of fructans fills the stomach and provides for satiety feeling, which helps control weight. It has been suggested that due to their viscosity, the soluble fibers alter the composition of the bile acid pool which result in lower cholesterol level and decrease in dietary fat absorption (Queenan K M et al. 2007. Nutr. 6:6-14). It was also suggested that they delay the absorption of glucose into the blood stream preventing significant swings in blood sugar level. Soluble dietary fibers can have the additional beneficial effect of reduced constipation and improved regularity.
Various approaches have been taken to reduce the sugar content in fruit juice, aiming at different goals. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,579,739 discloses process for the manufacture of a naturally carbonated beverage, comprising fermenting a must with a combination of at least one yeast and at least one lactobacillus, the former being selected from the group of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Kluyveromyces lactis and the latter being selected from the group of Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus hilgardii selected for their symbiotic ability and capability to produce a synergistic organoleptic effect which eliminates all after-taste of yeast. The must is inoculated such that the respective numbers of yeast germs and lactobacilli germs per ml have a ratio of from 1:10 to 1:500. The must is an aqueous solution of fermentable sugar which also contains natural elements, in particular assimilable nitrogen, which are necessary for the growth and activity of the yeasts. The must may therefore be a fruit juice, a vegetable juice, an extract from the seeds, toots or leaves of plants.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,971,813 discloses a process for separating and recovering aroma and flavor volatiles from fruit or vegetable juices and for lowering the amount of sugar in juices. The process involves removing the aroma/flavor volatiles from juice by forming a microaerosol by spraying the juice at a certain temperature range and into a vacuum chamber at lower temperatures of and then treating the recovered juice fraction with yeast. The alcohol formed during this fermentation reaction is removed by distillation, preferably by the same aerosolization process as the volatiles are removed. The aroma and flavor volatiles are returned to the juice to provide a good tasting low calorie fruit juice.
Japanese Patent Application No. JP1983198117 discloses a process for obtaining a fermented drink with a low alcoholic content having improved flavor for drinking. The process comprises adding preliminarily cultivated yeast of the species Kluyveromyces lactis or Kluyveromyces fragilis to a pressed juice of fruit or vegetable, such that an alcoholic fermentation is carried out. Microbial cells are then separated to give fermentation liquor, which may be concentrated and/or dried and adjusted to give the aimed alcohol concentration, preferably of less than 1% (w/v) of ethanol.
European Patent No. EP0440975 discloses a fermentation product with reduced ethanol content produced from sugar-containing fruit juices or other sugar-containing substrates. The product is obtained by adding 0.01 to 5% by weight of yeast (calculated as dry matter) and, if required, assimilable nitrogen compounds and/or phosphorus compounds to a first portion of the substrate having a content of fermentable sugars of 5 to 30% by weight to induce fermentation and by treating the mixture with 0.1 to 2 parts by volume of air or the amount of oxygen equivalent to air per part by volume of substrate and minute, until an ethanol content of 1 to 10% by volume, in particular up to 7.5% by volume, results in the substrate; at this point a second portion of the substrate is added with continued aeration with air or with oxygen.
European Patent No. EP0554488 discloses a process for selectively reducing the sugar content of sugar-containing food products while preserving their original sensory characteristics, except for "sweetness". The original foodstuff is subjected to a controlled fermentation with a species of microorganism, the species most suitable for the particular foodstuff being selected on the basis of sensory analysis according to ISO Guideline 8587 from various species of microorganism suitable for sugar degradation. The foodstuffs obtained have reduced sugar content while equivalent characteristic in comparison to the original starting product.
U.S. Application Publication No. 2004/0234658 discloses a process for controlled reduction of the sugar content of fruit juice, in particular grape juice, comprising subjecting the original fruit juice, if desired pre-clarified, to a selective ultra-filtration substantially permeable to sugars, followed by a selective nano-filtration substantially impermeable to sugars. The resulted twice-filtered residue is then mixed with the rest of the permeate or concentrate of the ultra-filtration and, if desired, with the portion of untreated original fruit juice, wherein the ultra-filtration permeate being subjected to a treatment to eliminate or limit the phenomena of crystallization or of formation of troublesome substances in the retentate or concentrate of nano-filtration.
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0044531 discloses a method for treating a sugar-containing (e.g., sucrose, fructose, glucose) beverage (e.g., fruit juice, vegetable juice), comprising passing a stream of a beverage into contact with a packed bed of ionic adsorbent material capable of selectively removing sugar from the beverage and separating a sugar-diminished beverage from the packed bed. A high intensity natural and/or artificial sweetener can be added to the sugar-diminished beverage to produce a beverage product having similar flavor and nutritional content as the original beverage, but containing a lower amount of calories. The sugar-reduced beverage also can be used as a flavoring for the beverage and food industry; or as an ingredient component for reduced and full calorie foods (e.g., jellies, candies, etc.). The sugar-reduced beverage can be concentrated to a higher level using less energy as compared to standard juices. The resulting concentrate also realizes significant frozen storage and shipping costs compared to standard juice concentrates.
U.S. Pat. No. 9,375,027 discloses fruit juices, purees, and other food products in which a part of the available sugars in the fruit products is converted to non-digestible polymers, thereby lowering the energetic content and simultaneously increasing the nutritional value by forming prebiotic components in the product stables in juices. Further disclosed is a method of manufacturing juices and purees, enabling to preserve all components but sugars naturally occurring in the fruit.
U.S. Application Publication No. 2013/0216652 discloses a method of reducing the intrinsic sugar content in a food product such as a juice or a ready to drink sugar based product, by contacting the food product with sufficient amounts of at least one transglycosidase under conditions sufficient to enzymatically convert intrinsic sugars in the food product to non-digestible carbohydrates and non-digestible oligosaccharides, such as fructo-oligosaccharides, and gluco-oligosaccharides to thus form a more nutritional product. The invention also relates to nutritional food products produced by the methods of the invention.
However, there is a recognized need for, and it would be highly advantageous to have a low cost process for reducing the sugar content of fruit or vegetable juice beverages while enriching the juice with dietary fibers and juice beverages so obtained.

Low sugar food products with high fiber content

YISSUM RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT COMPANY OF THE HEBREW UNIVERSITY OF JERUSALEM LTD.


The present disclosure discloses a method and a system for determining whether to use a local authentication server. Specifically, a first network device executing a first authentication server receives a request for authentication from a client device. The first network device determines whether the client device was previously successfully authenticated by a second authentication server executing on a second network device within a particular period of time. If so, the first network device attempts to authenticate the client device using the first authentication server. Otherwise, the first network device declines the request for authentication from the client device.

In a large enterprise wireless local area network (WLAN) deployment with branch offices, the authentication servers often are located at a central location (e.g., the headquarter) that is remote to the branch offices. However, if the network connection between network devices at the branch office and those at the headquarter office (or data center) is down, then existing client devices at the branch offices will not be able to be authenticated due to the inaccessibility of the authentication server. Thus, even if a client device requires only local or Internet access, the network still will be unavailable for the client device during the down time of the network connection between the branch office and the headquarter office.
Moreover, with the technique of Transport Layer Security (TLS), a network administrator can revoke a particular user's network access by adding a Certificate Revocation List (CRL) entry for the particular user to the existing certificate. Nevertheless, continuous addition of CRL can significantly increase the size of existing certificate, and therefore revoking a single user's network access may become unsustainable for an embedded system.

Determining whether to use a local authentication server


An apparatus and a system, as well as a method and article, may operate to map, by an operating system, a range of virtual addresses to a range of physical addresses, wherein a subset of the range of virtual addresses is identity-mapped to a subset of the range of physical addresses. This range of addresses can then be used by heavy data transfer applications in conjunction with a DMA engine to transfer data between memories, or between memory and input/output devices.

Direct memory access (DMA) operations can be used to rapidly transfer large amounts of data to/from memory and peripherals. The DMA engine is an agent residing (at least functionally, if not physically) between the processor core and physical memory/peripheral input-output devices. During conventional DMA activity, the DMA engine operates to transfer data, leaving the central processing unit (CPU) free to perform other tasks.
The memory management unit (MMU) typically translates virtual memory addresses to physical memory addresses. An operating system (OS) environment typically requires the MMU to operate in virtual mode. However, some architectures lack the ability for the DMA engine to communicate directly with the MMU for address translation purposes (e.g., system-on-chip (SoC) ARM® architectures implementing a gather/scatter operation), such that DMA activity is limited to physical addresses. In these cases, data is typically copied from application buffers to driver buffers having known physical addresses prior to initiating a DMA operation. However, if the DMA buffers are relatively large, a significant amount of time may be required to copy the data, precluding the execution of other tasks. Improved apparatus, systems, and methods for conducting DMA operations in these instances are needed.

Memory mapping apparatus, systems, and methods


An electronic module includes an ambient light sensor and a proximity sensor. The ambient light sensor includes an ambient light photodetector. The proximity sensor includes an infrared photoemitter, a reference infrared photodetector and another infrared photodetector. The ambient light sensor is arranged in a stack over the proximity sensor with a position that allows infrared photons transmitted by the infrared photoemitter to be received by the reference infrared photodetector.

Some apparatuses (for example, mobile phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, desktop computers, video game consoles, smart card readers, video cameras, televisions, vehicles, etc.) are equipped with ambient light sensors and proximity sensors to assist the operation of a camera. Ambient light sensors may, for example, be used to trigger a flash of the camera or adjust the brightness of the camera. Proximity sensors may be used to detect the presence of an object, measure the distance to the object, and adjust the position of a lens of the camera to capture the object in focus.
Ambient light sensors and proximity sensors are often part of separate electronic modules which increase the complexity, cost and size of apparatuses.

Electronic module including an ambient light sensor stacked over a proximity sensor

STMicroelectronics (Research & Development) Limited


The accessory gearbox (AGB) has at least one coolant passage between the AGB and the accessory for externally cooling the accessory without coolant flow inside the accessory.

Typically, gas turbine engines are equipped with various mechanically-driven accessories which are connected to a casing referred to an accessory gearbox (AGB).
Some accessories are generating intense heat during their operation and for this reason, they require cooling. Typically, oil in the AGB is used for cooling the accessories, particularly the starter/generator unit. Oil passages are provided inside the starter/generator unit and heat is exchanged between the oil and the internal parts of the starter/generator unit. This arrangement has been used in the past in an extensive number of designs. However, it requires oil connectors between the AGB and the electrical device, and also internal oil passages in the electrical device.

Cooling arrangement for an accessory gearbox and method of cooling


The invention provides related apparatus and methods of making an integrated electrospray tip by depositing ionic and/or electronic conductor materials onto a planar substrate. The invention also features methods of forming an electrospray apparatus comprising coupling a first planar substrate to the surface of a second planar substrate, wherein a surface on at least one of the substrates includes one or more microfluidic channels and/or reservoirs which are at least partially or totally enclosed therebetween. The conductive regions of the apparatus do not intersect the microfluidic channels within other portions of the apparatus provided preferably. The invention further provides related apparatus and methods for manufacturing and using microfluidic devices with integrated electrodes for electrospray ionization. The electrospray apparatus in some embodiments may include an electronic conductor electrode or an ionic conductor electrode formed from a microfluidic channel containing a conductive material selected from a variety of solutions and gels.

Interest in analyzing small samples of biomolecules has increased the demand for microfluidic systems providing sensitive through-put analysis. Electrospray tips have proven to be a useful component in certain microfluidic analytical systems. For example, see Bousse et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,803,568 (application Ser. No. 10/649,350), "Multi-channel Microfluidic Chip for Electrospray Ionization," providing a high performance electrospray ionization device for mass spectrometry applications, and Stults et al., application Ser. No. 10/681,742, "Methods and Apparatus for Self-Optimization of Electrospray Ionization Devices," which are incorporated herein by reference.
In light of the burgeoning fields of proteomics, genomics and pharmacogenetics, and their diagnostic applications, there is a need for microfluidic analysis systems with durable, low-cost, easily-manufacturable, and readily-reproducible components, including electrospray tips. Thus, there remains a need for even more improved electrospray tips, along with improved methods of making them.

Electrospray apparatus with an integrated electrode


A magnetic density separator includes a process channel, a magnetization device, a laminator, and a feed including an entraining device. The process channel may permit magnetic process liquid and particles to be separated to flow through in a flow direction. The magnetization device may be arranged to extend in flow direction along at least one of the walls of the channel and to apply a magnetic field to the process liquid in a separation zone of the channel to establish a cut density of the magnetic process liquid to separate the particles in the process liquid based on their density. The laminator may be configured to introduce magnetic process liquid into the channel to flow laminarized in flow direction along the separation zone. The feed may introduce a mixture of process liquid and particles to be separated into the process channel to join the laminarized process liquid.

The known magnetic separation processes are e.g. used to separate particles of different types of plastics that are present in a mixture of recycled, shredded plastic bottles. Known magnetic density separators comprise a process channel through which in use magnetic process liquid and particles to be separated flow in a flow direction. A magnetization device is arranged to extend in flow direction along at least one of the walls of the channel so as to in use apply a magnetic field to the process liquid in a separation zone of the channel to establish a cut density of the magnetic process liquid. The cut density causes separation of the particles in the process liquid based on their density. Known magnetic density separators include a laminator through which the magnetic process liquid is introduced into the channel to flow laminarized in flow direction along the separation zone. By lammerizing the flow of process liquid, swirls in the flow are lessened which may otherwise counteract the density separation. Note that the laminarized flow is herein meant to express that the flow is made substantially laminar, and not necessary the flow is made fully or completely laminar. The separators also include a feed through which a mixture of process liquid and particles to be separated is introduced into the process channel to join the laminarized process liquid.
Such a magnetic density separator is described in WO2009/108047, and a magnetization device with a suited magnetic field is described in EP 1 800 753. In the separator of WO'047, the mixture of process liquid and particles is fed to the laminarized process liquid via jetting channels that extend in flow direction through the laminator. These jetting channels require a relatively high flow speed, as particles to be separated otherwise tend to block the channels. In addition, the particles to be separated are of limited maximum diameter, e.g. 10-15 mm.
Although the known separator is quite successful, a disadvantage of the known separator is that the joining of the mixture of magnetic process liquid with particles to be separated with the laminarized flow of the magnetic process liquid causes swirls in the process liquid. In addition, relatively heavy particles particles that are present as contaminants, e.g. glass or metal, may still cause partial blocking of the jetting channels, and may lead to disturbing swirls in the laminarized process liquid. This reduces the efficiency of separation, and in practice leads to a lower throughput, a relatively long process channel and/or a relatively expensive magnetization device.

Magnetic density separation device and method


An aerator for aerating a liquid as the liquid is being poured from a container includes an aerator body configured to be at least partially inserted into the container. The body includes an inlet, an outlet, and a flow control chamber disposed between the inlet and the outlet. A flow control element is movably disposed in the flow control chamber between a first position where the flow control element is spaced away from a stop and a second position where the flow control element engages the stop. The flow control chamber communicates with the outlet when the flow control element is in the second position allowing liquid to be poured from the container and allowing air to be introduced into the flow control chamber for mixing with the liquid being poured from the container to aerate the liquid being poured from the container.

The benefits of wine aeration are well known. Within the wine community, proper aeration of wine, and in particular red wine, prior to consumption, is thought to be essential to capturing the full wine tasting experience. It is desirable to aerate wine, and in particular red wine, to enhance the aroma, bring out the full flavor of the wine, and enhance the "mouth feel" of the wine by providing the wine with a softer feel and a lighter texture. Wine aerators may use the Venturi principle to draw air into the aerator for mixing with wine as the wine is poured through the aerator. There are various types of wine aerators but they generally fall into one of three categories: handheld or stand-alone aerators, in-glass/decanter aerators, and in-bottle aerators. Handheld/stand-alone aerators are positioned above a glass and wine is poured from the bottle into the aerator where the wine is aerated prior to entering the glass. Handheld/stand-alone aerators can generally maximize aeration of the wine but are often cumbersome and bulky. In-glass/decanter aerators operate similarly to handheld/stand-alone aerators. However, in-glass/decanter aerators sit in the mouth of the glass/decanter so wine can be poured through the aerator and into the glass/decanter. In-bottle aerators are the most convenient in that they fit, at least partially, inside the bottle so that the aerator is directly coupled to the bottle. In-bottle aerators, however, are not capable of providing the same level of aeration that is accomplished with handheld/stand-alone and in-glass/decanter aerators.


A system is provided for transmitting torque with speed modulation between a motor generator and an engine. The system includes a first shaft, a second shaft, a first reduction gearset, and a second reduction gearset. The first shaft is configured to rotatably connect with the motor generator. The second shaft is configured to rotatably connect with the engine. The first reduction gearset is rotatably supported at least in part on the first shaft. The first reduction gearset is disposed in selective engagement with the first shaft via a first overrunning clutch disposed therebetween. The second reduction gearset is rotatably supported at least in part on the first shaft and at least in part on the second shaft. The second reduction gearset is disposed in selective engagement with the first shaft via a second overrunning clutch disposed therebetween.

Conventional systems employed for starting of an engine by a motor generator may include, for example, a Bendix drive or some planetary gear drives disposed therebetween. These systems may modulate torque and/or speed during transmission of power between the engine and the motor generator.
A large torque may typically be required to crank the engine and accomplish starting thereof. Once the engine is up and running, the motor generator may be configured to generate power. During this power generation phase, it may be helpful to keep the speed of the motor generator at an optimum level, and some previously known systems may be configured to modulate torque and/or speed depending on the operating modes. These previously known systems may be characterized by a variety of limitations and disadvantages. For example, many starter generator systems may be unable provide adequate electricity production/torque capabilities. In addition, many known systems may include costly and complex components which may be unreliable and susceptible to failure. Furthermore, many known starter generator systems and the components associated therewith may lack compactness and versatility in terms of mountings and connections to other components.
GB430044A discloses a power-transmission mechanism applicable for a turning-gear of an engine. The power transmission mechanism includes two linearly aligned shafts. One of the linearly aligned shafts may be that of a dynamo-electric machine and the other may be coupled to an engine shaft directly or through the camshaft or timing gear. The shafts are automatically coupled either directly or through reduction gearing according as one or other shaft is the driving shaft via a floating clutch ring slidably splined on the engine shaft has oppositely facing radial ratchet teeth on its lateral surfaces, for engagement respectively with corresponding teeth on a disc integral with a pinion mounted directly on the dynamo-electric machine shaft, and on a gear wheel connected to the dynamo-electric machine shaft through gearing. The dynamoelectric machine can be used as a motor to drive the engine through the reduction gearing for starting purposes and is then driven directly at engine speed as a generator wherein when the dynamo-electric machine shaft is the driver, the ring is forced by the inclined faces of the ratchet teeth into engagement with the clutch teeth of the gear, and when the engine starts and the engine shaft drives, the ring is forced into engagement with the teeth on the pinion. The present disclosure is directed to mitigating or eliminating one or more of the drawbacks discussed above.

System for transmitting torque with speed modulation


The present disclosure utilizes Non-linear Proportional and Derivative (NLPD) control on a duty cycle of an applying clutch for stationary and rolling vehicle garage shifts. The applying clutch can be engaged by as electrically activated solenoid valve, and the present disclosure utilizes NLPD control to adjust the duty cycle of the solenoid to provide a smooth vehicle garage shift engagement. The present disclosure utilizes a control algorithm based on turbine speed, turbine acceleration, and output speed. The present disclosure can utilize an existing vehicle control unit, such as an engine control unit (ECU), transmission control unit (TCU), or the like, to receive turbine speed measurements, to calculate the solenoid duty cycle using NLPD control on the turbine speed acceleration error, and to adjust the solenoid driver on the solenoid valve.

Vehicle garage shifts include stationary garage shifts, such as shifts from Neutral/Park-to-Drive (N-D) and Neutral/Park-to-Reverse (N-R), and rolling garage shifts, such as shifts from Drive-to-Reverse (D-R) and Reverse-to-Drive (R-D). Vehicle transmissions include a plurality of clutches, which are mechanisms for transmitting rotational energy from the engine to the wheels. The plurality of clutches are selectively engaged and disengaged to shift the vehicle's transmission into the desired gear ratio, such as when performing a stationary or rolling garage shift. A single applying clutch can be applied to either engage reverse or first gear to perform N-R or N-D garage shifts, respectively. The N-R and N-D garage shifts are controlled shifts. During these shifts, when hydraulic fluid fills the applying clutch, the clutch connects the engine to the drive shaft, and, as a result, reaction torque causes the powertrain case to wind in an opposite direction from the engine output shaft rotation. Eventually, the powertrain case is balanced by the mount system. Since this process happens in a fraction of a second, it generates a garage shift bump felt by vehicle occupants. Additionally, the rolling D-R and R-D shifts will generate a shudder or even bigger garage shift bump because of the vehicle direction change.

Systems and methods for non-linear proportional and derivative control during vehicle garage shifts